The Kingsland School Board held a “work session” meeting on July 6, via remote technology means, due to current social distancing guidelines. All board members were in attendance (Jackie Horsman, Tiffany Mundfrom, Noella Lund, Natasha Howard, Maranda Emig, and Kyle Rader), as well as Superintendent Jim Hecimovich and Principal Scott Klavetter. During these “work sessions,” … [Read more...]
Rich Wicks
Reporter
rich@fillmorecountyjournal.com
What's an Iowegian doing writing for the Journal? That's a mystery. All
we really know is that Rich lives in Cresco (Iowa), and when he's not
working, he can often be spotted chasing his wife and kids around the
neighborhood, hollering, "Uff da, slow down!"
Spring Valley plans for water plant upgrades
The Spring Valley City Council held a public hearing and a regular council meeting on June 22. Members present included Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, Mayor Tony Archer, John Dols, as well as City Administrator Deb Zimmer. Mike Hadland was absent. Immediately prior to the regular council meeting, a public hearing was held regarding the proposed improvements to be done at the … [Read more...]
Kingsland Board censures member Lund
During the regular Kingsland School Board meeting on June 15, the board voted to formally censure board member Noella Lund. Board chair Jackie Horsman stated that a special closed meeting of the board was held on June 8, and explained, “It was in regards to complaints that had been filed by community members and students/parents against board member Noella Lund.” Horsman read … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton graduates set scholarship fund
Mabel-Canton’s School Board held a regular meeting on June 16, via remote technology, due to coronavirus prevention guidelines. One of the agenda items that generated significant discussion was how to use the “student activity fund” balance for the recently graduated seniors. Board Chair Cristal Adkins stated that after certain fees were paid, the graduating class’s … [Read more...]
Wykoff approves softball for kids
On June 8, the Wykoff City Council met in regular session. All council members were in attendance (Lyle Morey, Richard Gleason, Mayor Al Williams, Mary Tjepkes and Mary Sackett. City Clerk Becky Schmidt and Deputy Clerk Luann Hare were also in attendance. The council discussed whether or not to open up youth softball for the summer. Rich Gleason stated his opinion, saying, “My … [Read more...]
Mabel OK’s summer rec and clean-up day
During the regular council meeting on June 10, the Mabel City Council voted to allow the city’s summer recreation program to open, with some stipulations to lessen the risks of infection. Council member Kirsten Wyffels stated, “I think we need to offer kids something. So whether it’s kickball, teeball, some sort of activity.” The council agreed to not offer the “swim bus” … [Read more...]
Spring Valley approves TIF housing plan
The Spring Valley City Council held several types of meetings on June 8. First, beginning at 5:35 p.m., the council held a work session regarding the city’s capital planning. The work session was immediately followed by a public hearing about the proposed Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) District No. 1-16. Then, starting at 6:20 p.m., the council held a regular council meeting. … [Read more...]
Princess Kay, in a whole new way
As in each of the past 67 years, a group of young ladies is vying to become Minnesota’s dairy princess. The winner is crowned each summer as “Princess Kay of the Milky Way.” The winner then spends a year as the goodwill ambassador of Minnesota’s dairy industry. Because of the pandemic, this year’s Princess Kay finalists were selected via a process through “Zoom” technology … [Read more...]
Dairy Night on the Farm, 2020 style
The Fillmore County chapter of the American Dairy Association invites everyone to their annual Dairy Night on the Farm event. This year’s event will be held June 20, from 4-7 p.m. at Mulhern Dairy. Cory Mulhern, of Mulhern Dairy, located at 25901 County Road 7 (between Fountain and Wykoff), stated that because of the pandemic, “We’re going to do a drive-through Dairy Night on … [Read more...]
Ostrander discusses infrastructure project
The Ostrander City Council met on June 2, with all members present (Stephanie Start, Dan Hellerud, DJ Start, Vernon Thompson, Mayor Pam Kunert, and City Clerk Wendy Brincks). Brian Malm, of the engineering firm Bolton & Menk, spoke to the council about the ongoing infrastructure project. Malm stated that the sewer and water portion of the project is being divided into … [Read more...]
Tjepkes brings experience to Fountain
The City of Fountain recently saw the retirement of Rhonda Flattum, who had served as the city’s clerk/administrator for eight years. But Fountain was fortunate to have time for Flattum to train her replacement, and for that replacement to bring a wealth of experience to the role. Mary Tjepkes was hired as Fountain’s new clerk, and she stated, “It came about by my sister … [Read more...]
Spring Valley Summer Rec canceled
The Spring Valley City Council met in regular session on May 27. Due to social distancing guidelines, the meeting was held at the community center, with all attendees seated with at least six feet of space. Members present included Mayor Tony Archer, Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, John Dols, Mike Hadland and City Administrator Deb Zimmer. Park & Rec Director John … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton sets contingent dates for graduation
Mabel-Canton’s School Board held a regular meeting on May 19, via remote technology, due to coronavirus prevention guidelines. Board members participating included Chris Miller, Mark Wiedemann, Cristal Adkins, Jason Marquardt, Traci Livingood, Diane Wilder, Dustin Tollefsrud, and student representatives Colton Heintz-Kuderer and Sarina Stortz. Also in attendance were … [Read more...]
Kingsland meal delivery to end after May 28
The Kingsland School Board met in regular session on May 18, with some members attending via remote technology. All board members were in attendance (board chair Jackie Horsman, Tiffany Mundfrom, Noella Lund, Natasha Howard, Maranda Emig, and Kyle Rader), as well as Superintendent Jim Hecimovich, Principal Scott Klavetter, and Building and Grounds Director Jason … [Read more...]
Mabel Summer Rec tabled, for now
A public hearing was held immediately prior to the May 13 Mabel City Council meeting. The hearing was in regards to a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) request from Clayton Provost, regarding 118 South Main Street. Provost’s CUP application noted that the property is currently zoned C1. Mayor Westby pointed out that, “Under the city ordinance, it’s a 60/40 split. The 60% in the … [Read more...]