At the November 8 meeting of the County Board, possible structural adjustments for a couple of key employees were discussed. Jessica Erickson, Director of Nursing, had submitted her resignation, which was accepted at the October 25 meeting. She resigned to maintain family life balance. County Coordinator Bobbie Vickerman said Erickson was willing to do the work of the … [Read more...]
President-elect Trump
Pollsters got it wrong, political professionals got it wrong. What a shock. The people have spoken. They made clear their disgust with Washington and the status quo and voted instead for uncertainty. Social media has changed the campaign landscape. Trump, the salesman, used digital communication to his benefit. Donald Trump will be the first American president with no … [Read more...]
Maintenance Supervisor Schultz to head solid waste department
Restructuring of the Solid Waste Department following the retirement of solid waste administrator Jon Martin took a step forward at the county board’s November 1 meeting. County Engineer Ron Gregg had considered taking over as department head of Solid Waste, but declined to take on the additional responsibility for the pay offered. Building maintenance supervisor Terry … [Read more...]
Water quality vs Amish faith
The observance of strict religious tenets and beliefs versus the protection of quality drinking water has been the focal point of Fillmore County versus Ammon Swartzentruber and Sarah Swartzentruber. The Swartzentrubers, Harmony Township, were issued a “cease and desist” order to stop all construction on a new house in June 2014. The young Amish man, Ammon Swartzentruber did … [Read more...]
County to contract with Waste Management
By Karen Reisner Solid Waste Administrator Jon Martin reported at the county board’s October 25 meeting that the county has received two proposals for waste and recycling services. Waste Management and Harter’s Quick Clean-up offered their rates for landfill and recycling services. While there would be significant savings with Harter’s for landfill services, WM had … [Read more...]
Chatfield estimates flood damages
By Karen Reisner At the October 24 meeting of the Chatfield City Council Brian Burkholder reported that there was a recent meeting with FEMA concerning damages to public property in Fillmore County due to the heavy late September rains and flooding. Fillmore County declared a State of Emergency on October 4. Damages in Chatfield included washed areas on gravel roads and … [Read more...]
Health care accessibility up, affordability down
MNsure is “Minnesota’s one-stop health insurance market place.” Five percent of Minnesotans who are self-employed and other individuals not getting health insurance through their employer can get their health insurance through brokers, insurers, or MNsure. About 270,000 people statewide get their coverage through the individual market. Governor Mark Dayton, who has been an … [Read more...]
Preston clarifies position on Dairy and Farm property
At the October 17 city council meeting, a long discussion took place concerning the eventual purchase of the property at the former Dairy and Farm location. Councilman David Harrison was absent. Concerning the possible reuse of the Dairy and Farm property, the city has been waiting for more information about possible pollutants on the property. City administrator Joe Hoffman … [Read more...]
Chatfield Charter Commission update
Curt Sorenson, Charter Commission chair, updated the Chatfield City Council on the commission’s progress to date at the city council’s October 10 meeting. Councilor Paul Novotny was absent. Sorenson said that the commission has met four times. They started at the top of the charter and are working their way down. City Cerk Joel Young pointed out to the commission some … [Read more...]
Wedding/event venues approved
At the October 11 county board meeting, Zoning Administrator Cristal Adkins asked the commissioners to consider approval of two conditional use permits (CUP) for agricultural tourism businesses. After public hearings on each of the permit applications at a September 22 planning and zoning meeting, members unanimously forwarded each permit application to the county … [Read more...]