At the July 17 meeting of the Preston City Council, Gary Feine and Kevin Ostern discussed the possibility of the city becoming involved in the operation and maintenance of the Crown Hill Cemetery. Mayor Kurt Reicks was absent. Feine briefly reviewed a history of the cemetery. The first registered burial was in 1865. He stated that after hours of research he was not able to … [Read more...]
Letter about Senator John McCain…
To the Editor, Learning of Senator John McCain’s diagnosis of aggressive brain cancer reminded me that there are elected officials that really do work for what is best for the country. He is an honorable man that has earned our respect. We need more men and women with his character in public service regardless of party affiliation. McCain has been able to work with the other … [Read more...]
Chatfield approves Wellhead Protection Plan amendment
Scott Hanson, groundwater specialist with Minnesota Rural Water Association, provided technical assistance to create the amended Wellhead Protection Plan (WHP). He briefly reviewed the amendment at the July 10 city council meeting. The Chatfield WHP plan was originally approved by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) in 2007 and has been in effect through June 2017. The … [Read more...]
County to consider Wheelage Tax
Well over half of all Minnesota counties already have a Wheelage Tax; Fillmore County does not. Highway Engineer Ron Gregg provided information about this possible source of road and bridge funding at the July 11 county board meeting. Commissioner Duane Bakke was absent. During the last legislative session the possible amount for a Wheelage Tax was raised from $10 to $20 per … [Read more...]
Preston City Hall renovation nears completion
At the July 5 meeting of the Preston City Council, the last two portions of the city hall project were discussed. City Administrator Joe Hoffman suggested a committee be formed to consider a number of options for the sign in front of city hall. Hoffman suggested that the committee include Mayor Kurt Reicks, himself, Gabby Kinneberg, and another council member. Charles Sparks … [Read more...]
County establishes broadband development fund
Out going EDA director Sam Smith introduced the new EDA director, Stephanie Hatzenbihler, at the June 27 meeting of the county board. Smith will continue with CEDA in the Mankato area. This was his last day with Fillmore County. During his time with the Fillmore County EDA, Smith worked to expand broadband to rural areas in the county. Rural Lanesboro was one of two … [Read more...]
Chatfield swimming pool committee reports to city council
Many members of the nine member swimming pool committee spoke to the city council during the June 26 Chatfield City Council meeting. Co-chair Julie Henry said the committee has been meeting monthly. The pool is over 50 years old and has many issues, the most recent a significant leak in the main pool which has been fixed temporarily with caulk. The pool opened in 1965. The … [Read more...]
What lies ahead for the Fillmore County Jail
Fillmore County’s jail is nearly a half century old, built in 1970. The jail was remodeled in 1995, at which time it was rated as a 24 bed facility. At that time a new garage, juvenile holding area, and multi-purpose room was added. The aging jail is plagued with mounting maintenance needs. Systems are dated and/or deteriorating. A water softener has never been in use; minerals … [Read more...]
Chatfield increases recycling pick-up frequency
At the June 12 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, refuse was again on the agenda. In early May the council raised the cost of a 40 gallon garbage bag 30 cents to $1.95, the first increase since 2004. This day the recycling pick-up frequency was increased to weekly from every other week. This will result in a base fee increase of $1.93 per month. The increase of recycling … [Read more...]
County reduces EMV for appellant
County Assessor Cindy Blagsvedt presented the Fillmore County 2017 assessment summary at the Fillmore County board of Appeal and Equalization meeting held on June 13. The total value of all property within the county increased 9.9% over the prior year. The increase was driven by 11% plus increased value of Ag/rural land and Seasonal Recreation land. There were 23 bareland … [Read more...]