The new Chatfield swimming pool opened on June 7. On an unusually cool June 13 evening, Mayor Russ Smith stood before the new pool for a special dedication to celebrate the culmination of months and months of planning. He credited the Pool Committee (Julie Henry, Alesha Worden, Kari Fredricks, Greg LaPlante, Ed Harris, Kari Njos, Shari Harmann, Michelle Thompson, and Melissa … [Read more...]
Board hears numerous property valuation appeals
At the June 18 meeting of the Fillmore County Board of Appeal and Equalization, 12 valuation appeals were heard. At the beginning of the meeting commissioners were sworn in, accepting their duties to serve on this board. Brian Hoff, Land Records Director, and Cindy Blagsvedt, County Assessor, were present to answer questions. Hoff reviewed the role of the board and the … [Read more...]
Housing Committee provides update
Members of the EDA Housing Subcommittee provided the Preston City Council with an update at the June 17 meeting. Councilman Charles Sparks was absent. EDA Director Cathy Enerson explained they are working with a goal of adding 167 housing units by 2030 with the expectation that the city’s population will grow to 1,450 by that time. Growth drivers cited include the State … [Read more...]
County budgeting process begins
County Coordinator Bobbie Vickerman presented a timeline for the 2020 budget discussion at the board’s June 18 meeting. Departments will begin to prepare their budgets and submit them to Vickerman by July 29. During August and early September the board will consider preliminary departmental budgets. Vickerman said she hopes all budgets will be before the board by the end of … [Read more...]
MPCA commissioner visits POET
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Commissioner Laura Bishop supports recycling and reusing waste materials to the greatest extent possible. POET General Manager Chris Hanson says there is 0% waste in the ethanol production process and water is recycled. Bishop was appointed MPCA commissioner by Governor Tim Walz in January 2019. As MPCA commissioner she will manage the day … [Read more...]
Chatfield Fire Department to enroll in PERA
At the June 10 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, Luke Thieke, Chatfield Fire Department, reported on a proposal recommended for approval by city staff and members of the fire department to enroll in the state Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA). Thieke noted that a cost analysis has been completed. One-hundred and forty-two fire departments in Minnesota rely … [Read more...]
Becky Brandt sworn in as Fillmore County Court Administrator
New Court Administrator Becky Brandt took the oath of office administrated by Judge Matt Opat on June 4. She will replace retired Court Administrator Jim Attwood who served in the position for 31 years. Brandt is no stranger to district court operations. She served the Olmsted County District Court for 21 years. She began working in the Juvenile Division in 1998, then moved … [Read more...]
Veterans Treatment Court
Judge Ross Leuning, Freeborn County, informed the county board at their June 4 meeting about the establishment of a Third Judicial District Veterans Treatment Court. Leuning explained that the Treatment Court is an intensive probationary program. It is a specialty court that provides for treatment rather than incarceration to prevent future illegal activity. A successful … [Read more...]
Police Chief Schultz to retire
The Preston City Council accepted the retirement letter submitted by Police Chief Matt Schultz at the council’s June 3 meeting. Schultz has been with the city for 19 years. His retirement will be effective August 5. Schultz plans to work up to the date of his retirement, during the next two months, to make the transition process as smooth as possible. Mayor Kurt Reicks … [Read more...]
Permit for recycling center considered
At the May 23 meeting of the Planning Commission, K. Rodney Beer presented his plans for a concrete recycling center to be located in Section 21, York Township. Zoning Administrator Cristal Adkins explained the conditional use permit will be issued under regulations for a quarry. Beer plans to crush concrete on the site, but will not be doing any blasting. Duane Bakke … [Read more...]