At the April 2 meeting of the county board the annual nursing consultation services agreement with Fillmore County Developmental Achievement Center (DAC) was approved. Jessica Erickson, public health director, explained the agreement allows the county nursing consultant who is also an employee of Fillmore County Public Health to be available to consult on anything as needed … [Read more...]

The city council approved dates for the citywide cleanup at their March 25 meeting. Councilors Paul Novotny and Josh Broadwater were absent. The citywide cleanup will begin on May 6. Appliances, televisions, large electronics, mattresses and box springs can be picked up beginning on May 9. A resolution was adopted authorizing the transfer of funds in the amount of … [Read more...]

Yoder’s Masonry Restoration had started tuckpointing work on the library/city hall building in early March. At the March 18 meeting the city council approved payment in the amount of $2,860 for work on additional areas found to be in need of tuckpointing. This amount will add to previously approved quotes. It will allow Yoder’s Masonry to complete the tuckpointing process on … [Read more...]

Jason Boynton, Smith Schafer, reviewed the 2023 financial summary at the city council’s March 11 meeting. The city received an unmodified “clean” opinion, a reasonable assurance that the financials are free of misstatement. There were no exceptions to Minnesota statute compliance. Taxable tax capacity had increased from 2022. Local Government Aid (LGA) represented 15.8% of … [Read more...]

At the March 12 meeting of the board, County Engineer Ron Gregg reviewed projects to be constructed in 2024. This information was provided for the commissioners prior to the annual meeting of the townships later this day. Gregg detailed 11 projects: 1) concrete overlay of CSAH 1 from CSAH 39 to the west city limits of Spring Valley, 2) full depth reclamation and bituminous … [Read more...]

At the March 5 meeting of the county board, social services manager Wanda Berg explained the request for a shortfall payment submitted by Nexis Family Healing.   The Southeast Regional Crisis Center (SERCC) has been operated by Nexis Family Healing for the last three years. It is located in Rochester and is available 24/7 for mental health crisis intervention. Nexis … [Read more...]

The Preston City Council appointed a new Tourism/Chamber director at the March 5 meeting.   City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton reported there had been 10 applicants. Three were interviewed and the position was offered to Kristina LiBretto. She is a relatively recent resident of the city, having moved from New York. LiBretto will begin at her new job on March … [Read more...]

Sheriff John DeGeorge, Emergency Management director Don Kullot, and Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) manager Jon Whitney addressed the county board at their February 27 meeting. They requested approval to purchase the Vesta Next Generation 911 phone system to make the county Next Generation 911 compliant. The one-time cost for system setup in the amount of $40,283.61 … [Read more...]

At the February 26 meeting of the Chatfield city council, Steve Schlichter, WWTF superintendent, explained the current UV disinfection system is 18 years old and parts are no longer available and/or difficult to find. Councilor Mike Urban was absent. Schlichter recommended the lower of two quotes submitted by Great Northern Environmental in the amount of $145,000 for … [Read more...]

The Preston City Council, at their February 20 meeting, continued the discussion that began during the Planning Commission meeting, regarding a conditional use permit (CUP) application submitted by Pauline Orban to use her single-family home for boarding and lodging. The Planning Commission held a public hearing prior to the council meeting and recommended approval of the … [Read more...]

Steve Schlichter, wastewater treatment facility superintendent, and Rocky Burnett, ambulance director, each took a look back at 2023 during the city council’s February 12 meeting. Schlichter gave detailed data on the operation of the facility. Minnesota Pollution Control Agency requirements have been met demonstrating that the facility has been operating very well. In 2023 … [Read more...]

At the February 13 meeting of the Fillmore County Board, Joel Thoreson, county surveyor, and Jarad Carolan, county assistant surveyor, explained the application process for a Public Land Survey System (PLSS) Preservation Program grant. In 2023, the legislature passed the Public Land Survey System Preservation Grant Program that provides $9.7 million to help counties find the … [Read more...]

At the February 5 meeting of the city council, City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton reported the city received $58,157 in December to be used for community engagement, mental health, training personnel and equipment needs. The funds are Preston’s portion of the $300 million in Public Safety Funding passed by the 2023 Minnesota legislature. The funds will be used primarily … [Read more...]

The Fillmore County Board considered access agreements for a bike trail and bridge bonding agreements at their February 6 meeting. Highway Engineer Ron Gregg explained the bike trail agreements are with the Department of Natural Resources for access to the road right of way of CSAH 44 and 30 to extend the Harmony/Preston Valley State Trail to the Iowa state line and also … [Read more...]

The Fillmore County Planning Commission held its first meeting of 2024 on January 18. Land use director Blake Lea called the meeting to order and asked for nominations for a chairman. Trinity Johnson was elected chair and Steve Duxbury was elected vice chair for 2024. Meetings will continue to be held on the third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. A public hearing was held … [Read more...]