The annual County Board of Appeal and Equalization held on June 12 began with commissioners reciting an oath administered by County Coordinator Bobbie Vickerman. County Assessor Cindy Blagsvedt reviewed the duties and rules and gave the assessment summary. Property is valued and classified as of January 2, 2018. Sales in all areas increased over the prior year. There were 298 … [Read more...]
Chatfield changes health insurance carrier
At the May 29 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, City Clerk Joel Young reported on the savings the city and its employees could secure through a change in health insurance providers. Councilors Mike Urban and Paul Novotny were absent. The city renews its insurance each year. Young noted the city has been with Health Partners for some time. But, due to the significant … [Read more...]
Illegal dumping in county
Solid Waste Administrator Andrew Hatzenbihler reported to the county board at their June 5 meeting that some residents continue to dump materials illegally at county recycling sites. Commissioner Gary Peterson was absent. Hatzenbihler said the dumping is getting to be a large problem. Current policy allows for a $500 fine with a misdemeanor charge. Hatzenbihler suggested a … [Read more...]
Preston street projects delayed until 2020
At the June 4 city council meeting, a number of issues pertaining to the city’s future were on the table including housing, street improvements, and the proposed veterans home. City Administrator Joe Hoffman, Public Works Director Jim Bakken, and City Engineer Brett Grabau led a discussion on potential street projects for 2019 or 2020. The Pleasant St. area project was divided … [Read more...]
A step closer to the dream
Veterans, local officials, and community members gathered at the entrance of a soybean field on a sunny May 31 morning to celebrate the inclusion of veterans home funding in the 2018 Minnesota bonding bill. Preston Mayor Kurt Reicks welcomed everyone to the future site of the veterans home, calling it a great day for veterans in southeast Minnesota. Since 2013 there has been … [Read more...]
Medical examiner reviews 2017 cases
R. Ross Reichard, M.D., Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner, reviewed 2017 Fillmore County death statistics at the board’s May 22 meeting. This medical examiner’s office investigates “sudden, violent, unexpected, and suspicious deaths” in an eight county area in southeastern Minnesota. The office certifies deaths after investigation and postmortem examination and … [Read more...]
Solar energy project in Fillmore County
The county’s planning commission learned more about large solar energy projects at their May 17 meeting. The commission has been working on language for a Renewable Energy Ordinance that would regulate both solar and wind energy systems. Travis Narum, development director for “tradewindenergy,” gave a power point presentation on the Kansas based company’s solar development … [Read more...]
Preston awaits governor’s decision
At the May 21 Preston City Council meeting, City Administrator Joe Hoffman reported the state legislature passed the 2018 public works construction/bonding bill which includes $10.2 million for a veterans home in Preston. The $825 million bonding bill passed the Senate with a 42 to 25 vote and the House with a 113 to 13 vote in the last half hour of the 2018 session Sunday … [Read more...]
Dollar General for Chatfield
The Chatfield City Council, at their May 14 meeting, approved a purchase agreement for the sale of EDA owned real estate to Golden Warriors, LLC for the future redevelopment of the property for a Dollar General store. Chris Giesen, EDA coordinator, explained the sale is contingent on the production of a development agreement within 180 days of the purchase agreement. The EDA … [Read more...]
County approves leasing program for squad cars
Discussion continued from the previous board meeting regarding a proposed leasing program, Enterprise Fleet Management, for squad cars at the county board’s May 8 meeting. Sheriff Tom Kaase said he believed we will see greater savings in repairs with the management program. Vehicles will be run for fewer miles, which will result in a higher resale value. During the presentation … [Read more...]