Mike Tenney, DNR, and Robert McGillvray, The Trust for Public Land, faced commissioners at their January 23 meeting to ask them for a third time to consider a land acquisition of 337 acres from the Larson Family Trust. The land is to be added to the Choice Wildlife Management Area. It straddles Norway and Preble Townships. Tenney said we now propose to single out about 42 … [Read more...]
Chatfield purchases capital financial planning service
Mike Bubany, David Drown and Associates (DDA), presented information about their capital financial planning service at the January 22 meeting of the Chatfield City Council. He explained that he has been discussing the benefits of the service with city staff for a couple of months. Information can easily be plugged in to show on a spread sheet the effect a particular project … [Read more...]
Preston seeks more details about proposed veterans home site
An option to purchase about 15 acres from Robert Doherty, the proposed site for a veterans home, was discussed at length at the January 16 Preston City Council meeting. The city has an option to purchase the property until later in February. Mayor Kurt Reicks reported that during a recent phone call with Doherty he learned that Doherty was not interested in extending the … [Read more...]
Semcac reports to commissioners
Wayne Stenberg, Semcac executive director, and Cindy Vitse, housing coordinator, updated the county board on Semcac programs at the January 9 meeting. Commissioner Gary Peterson was absent. Semcac has been in existence for 51 years and serves a 12 county area. Stenberg said their mission statement has changed to “Empower and advocate for people to enhance their … [Read more...]
Mayor reports Chatfield is in good shape
Chatfield’s first city council meeting of 2018 was held on January 8. Mayor Russ Smith said he was happy with the 2018 budget, which is less than originally anticipated. The city as a whole is in “good shape.” Smith praised and thanked the city staff; they always do a good job. The Industrial Drive project will be finished this year. The mayor hopes to see development start … [Read more...]
Preston requests more information concerning possible takeover of Crown Hill Cemetery
Kevin Ostern, representing the Crown Hill Cemetery board, renewed the board’s plea at the city council’s January 2 meeting that the city take over the cemetery. Ostern maintained we can’t afford to keep operating and haven’t been able to do any improvements. Ostern said they have $7,500 in checking, but it takes more than that to keep the cemetery mowed for one season. Last … [Read more...]
County’s annual housekeeping
Commissioners worked through a list of annual resolutions at their first meeting in 2018. County Coordinator Bobbie Vickerman opened the January 2 meeting. Mitch Lentz was elected chairman and Duane Bakke was elected vice-chairman. Vickerman had been sworn in earlier this day by Judge Matthew Opat as the acting auditor/treasurer for 2018. An auditor/treasurer will be elected … [Read more...]
Preston grants kennel license for dog groomer
Kristy Richards, Lanesboro, plans to open a dog grooming business at 104 Main St. SW (Mercantile on Main) in Preston. The kennel license necessary to have four or more dogs on the premises was granted at the December 18 meeting of the city council. Richards hopes to purchase the property soon and open the business early in 2018. She has groomed dogs since she was 18, working … [Read more...]
County approves 4.76% levy increase
At the December 19 County Board meeting, last of 2017, the 2018 Fillmore County budget and levy were certified. Due to insurance savings of $40,275, the preliminary levy increase of 5.16% approved in September was reduced to a 4.76% increase. The insurance savings were realized when employees were given the option for plans that didn’t include Mayo Clinic. County Program Aid … [Read more...]
Additional haul routes requested for Rein Sand Pit
Larry Thompson and his son Lance, operators of the Rein Sand Pit (now Highland Sand), have requested approval for additional industrial sand haul routes. The public hearing attracted a crowd of concerned citizens to the December 7 Fillmore County Planning Commission. Thompson wants the additional hauling routes approved to allow sand to be hauled to potential buyers. A … [Read more...]