On January 11, Lt. Governor Tina Smith announced Border to Border Broadband Development grants which will help fund the expansion of broadband in rural Minnesota. One of AcenTek’s two grant applications was awarded. A grant of about $1.78 million will help AcenTek build the infrastructure (last mile) to connect 431 unserved households, 42 unserved businesses, and one community … [Read more...]
Semcac helping people in Fillmore County
At the January 10 Fillmore County board meeting, Wayne Stenberg, Semcac executive director, reported on the non-profit organization’s efforts to help people “achieve their goals of self-reliance and independence.” Semcac offers over 25 programs from transportation, to Head Start, to Senior Dining, to energy assistance and weatherization, to family planning to name just a … [Read more...]
County Commissioners annual meeting
The first orders of business at the county board’s January 3 meeting were the election of officers and the oath of office for commissioners elected last November. County Coordinator Bobbie Vickerman called the meeting to order. Randy Dahl was elected chairman and Mitch Lentz was elected vice-chairman. Newly elected Gary Peterson (third district) and reelected Mitch Lentz … [Read more...]
Preston discusses curbside snow removal
The Preston City Council met for the first time in 2017 on January 3. Newly elected council member Holly Zuck and reelected Mayor Kurt Reicks and councilman David Collett recited their oath of office before addressing the evening’s agenda. Public Works Director Jim Bakken lead a discussion on options for curbside snow removal. He noted that every year there are some … [Read more...]
CUPs for winery/event center
Dean and Lisa Erickson discussed their applications for two conditional use permits (CUP) at the December 15 meeting of the Fillmore County planning commission. During the public hearings, their detailed expansion and construction plans at the Windy Willow Vineyard located in Section 9, Preston Township were described. Both CUPs, for a Farm Winery and for an Ag Tourism … [Read more...]
County year-end business
At the December 20 board meeting, the last of 2016, the board approved a five year contract with Harter’s Quick Clean Up for solid waste hauling and recycling. Terry Schultz, Building Maintenance Supervisor/Solid Waste Administrator reviewed two proposals which had been submitted. Harter’s services will cost $504,746.15, which is about $145 higher than the proposal submitted … [Read more...]
Special deer hunt within Preston city limits
The possibility of allowing archery hunting within the Preston city limits during the special hunt being held by the DNR was debated at the city council’s December 19 meeting. Mayor Kurt Reicks was absent. City Administrator Joe Hoffman noted a few deer harvested north of Preston tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Therefore, the DNR has authorized a special … [Read more...]
Legislators listen to county’s wish list
Rep. Greg Davids and Senator Jeremy Miller visited the county board at the December 13 meeting to hear the county’s legislative priorities for 2017. County coordinator Bobbie Vickerman explained that each year the county and the Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC) draft a list of legislative priorities. The top priority for the county and the AMC is once again County … [Read more...]
Fairness and integrity are essential in the election process
As I take a look back at the 2016 election, two issues should be examined to assure future free and fair elections. First, we should have a constructive and bipartisan discussion about the benefits of the Electoral College. We are in a time of instant information and communication. When our forefathers drafted the Constitution, it was a time of very limited communication. … [Read more...]
County Truth in Taxation hearing
The annual Truth in Taxation public hearing was held on December 13. County coordinator Bobbie Vickerman presented an overview of 2016 and took a look into 2017. During 2016, the county has been active in efforts to get the formula for County Program Aid revised by state. County aid was increased in 2016, but like many rural counties, Fillmore County has seen reductions in CPA … [Read more...]