By Paula Barness Prior to their regular meeting on December 15, 2025, the Kingsland School Board held their annual Truth and Taxation hearing. Kingsland business manager Julie Schreiber told the board currently, the allowance per pupil is at $7,481, but if the general education formula allowance actually kept up with inflation it would be at $8,951. “When the general … [Read more...]
Spring Valley Council Approves Levy and Budget
The Truth and Taxation hearing was held prior to the Spring Valley City Council meeting on Monday, December 8. The council reviewed their proposed property tax levy, which will be collectible in 2026. The general operating budget is at $790,672, parks at $191,387, Economic Development Authority (EDA) at $83,237, the library at $177,000. The total debt levies are $768,450 and … [Read more...]
Kingsland Board Hears Audit, Awards 2026 Project Bids
On Monday, November 17, Luke Greden, of CLA Rochester, presented the 2025 fiscal year audit to the Kingsland School Board. The general fund revenue totaled $8,550,597 with 71.7% coming from state aid, 15.5 from property tax, 3.2% from federal aid and 1.4% from earnings on investments. “Overall, a very healthy year for the general fund,” Greden expressed. The general … [Read more...]
As 2025 Draws to a Close, SV Council Prepares for 2026 Projects
As the 2025 Street Improvement projects wrap up for the season, the Spring Valley City Council met on November 10 to review the feasibility study for next year’s project. The project will cover North Broadway Street to West Jefferson Street to West Park Street and East Main Street (County State Aid Highway 1) to North Section Avenue (Trunk Highway 63) to Willow Park … [Read more...]
Kingsland Board Questions if Standardized Tests are Keeping Up With the Times
During their October 20 meeting, the Kingsland School Board reviewed the 2024-2025 Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Report, which details various goals set by the district based on standardized test assessments. The first goal was to have all 4-year-old preschool students achieve 80% kindergarten readiness on 60 skills sets. The school surpassed this with 100% … [Read more...]
Spring Valley Council Hears Update on Rolling Hills Transit
On Monday, October 13, the Spring Valley City Council heard from Bill Spitzer, Director of Transportation for Semcac, who gave the council an update on Rolling Hills Transit, which is the public transportation system within Spring Valley. Rolling Hills works within a five county area serving 17 communities with 12 buses. According to Spitzer, the year-to-date ridership for … [Read more...]
Kingsland School Board Talks Construction and Numbers
Just weeks into the new school year, the Kingsland School Board met on September 15 to hear updates on projects and review the preliminary levy. “This summer we are almost done,” Superintendent Scott Klavetter said of the ongoing construction. “The actual roofing piece has been done for a couple of weeks already, as far as opening up and replacing roofs. What they have been … [Read more...]
SV Council Approves Preliminary Levy
On September 8, the Spring Valley City Council approved the preliminary property tax levy, which will be collectable in 2026 with the numbers set as such: the general operating budget at $790,672, the economic development authority (EDA) set at $83,237, parks at $191,387 and library at $177,000. The total preliminary levy is $2,010,746. It was noted while the levy can be … [Read more...]
Kingsland School Board Gathers for Project Update
As the school year draws near, the Kingsland School Board gathered for their August 18 meeting to hear updates on Mother Nature’s affect on the district’s construction projects. “We are working on the location of the solar panels, yet again. Essentially what happened was the engineers came out and took a look at the original site plan and said they thought some of the … [Read more...]
Celebrating 10 Years of Bringing Joy to the Community Through Preston Floral and Gifts
For over 40 years, Preston Floral and Gift has been a staple for those looking to celebrate or remember loved ones, find just the right gift or for those in search of a sweet treat. Ten years ago, Preston native Ashley LaFleur bought the shop in hopes of continuing her family’s legacy. “My grandma (Rita Simonson) owned the shop for 30-plus years. I helped her on the … [Read more...]