On May 11, the Wykoff City Council held a public hearing regarding the proposed assessments related to the ongoing County Highway 5 project, which includes street and infrastructure upgrades in Wykoff. The public hearing ran from 6:30-6:45 p.m. Following the public hearing, the council held a regular meeting at 7 p.m. Council members in attendance included Lyle Morey, … [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!"
Ostrander responds to citizen complaints
During the Ostrander City Council meeting on May 5, the council responded to a number of issues related to complaints voiced by Ostrander citizens. Council members in attendance included Stephanie Start, Dan Hellerud, DJ Start, Vernon Thompson, Mayor Pam Kunert, and City Clerk Wendy Brincks. Council members and other attendees were asked to sit at least six feet from each … [Read more...]
Kingsland shortens school year
The Kingsland School Board met on May 4 for a work session meeting. 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 & Grounds Director Jason Thompson. In light of the distance learning program … [Read more...]
Melartin proposes July event in Spring Valley
The Spring Valley City Council met in regular session on April 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. Greg Melartin addressed the … [Read more...]
Kingsland handling uncertainties during pandemic
On April 20, the Kingsland School Board held a regular meeting, with Superintendent Jim Hecimovich and board chair Jackie Horsman in the Elementary Conference Room. Other members and staff attended remotely, via electronic means (Tiffany Mundfrom, Noella Lund, Natasha Howard, Maranda Emig, and Kyle Rader, as well as Principal Scott Klavetter, and Building and Grounds Director … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton reviews distance learning
By Rich Wicks Mabel-Canton’s School Board held a regular meeting on April 21, although there wasn’t much “regular” about it, as most members participated via remote technology, due to coronavirus prevention guidelines. Superintendent Gary Kuphal explained that, until further notice, this is how the school’s board meetings will be held. Board members participating included … [Read more...]
Spring Valley pool and summer rec on hold
The Spring Valley City Council met in regular session on April 13. 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, and City Administrator Deb Zimmer. Also in attendance was Park & Rec Director … [Read more...]
Non-profits facing lean times during stay-at-home
Fillmore County is home to a number of non-profit organizations which, like everyone else, are feeling the impact of the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus mitigation practices currently in place. The Journal reached out to several of these organizations recently to get a glimpse into how they are “weathering the storm.” When asked about the immediate impact on his … [Read more...]
Mabel waives utility late fees
The Mabel City Council had previously voted to waive utility late fees throughout the month of March, since the council recognizes that many citizens are facing tough financial times due to the various restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic. At the council’s meeting on April 8, the council voted to also waive such late fees in April. This and other … [Read more...]
Cat and dog limits vary throughout county
At the March meeting of the Mabel City Council, the council discussed the city’s ordinance outlining the allowed number of dogs and cats. Council members noted that Mabel allows a total of no more than two such pets total, and the city is looking to increase enforcement of the ordinance. Most other cities in Fillmore County have similar ordinances, but there are differences … [Read more...]
Munroe home: Attention to detail
Mike and Susie Munroe have finally moved into their new home, located on a gravel road a couple of miles northeast of Canton. And although there are still a few items to be finished at their new home (mostly landscaping and other outside work), Mike and Susie said they definitely feel good about how the project has gone, and they are very pleased with their decision to do … [Read more...]
Kingsland discusses SACC changes
On March 16, the Kingsland School Board met in regular session at 6:30 p.m., after a short emergency session to discuss changes due to the coronavirus. Members present included Board Chair Jackie Horsman, Maranda Emig, Natasha Howard, Noella Lund, and Kyle Rader. Superintendent James Hecimovich and Principal Scott Klavetter were also in attendance. Tiffany Mundfrom was … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton Facility Survey to determine bond support
Mabel-Canton’s School Board held a special meeting on March 5 to discuss needed facility upgrades, and a possible bond referendum that would be voted upon later this year. Members present included Chris Miller, Cristal Adkins, Traci Livingood, Diane Wilder, Dustin Tollefsrud and Superintendent Gary Kuphal. Jason Marquardt participated from a remote location via an … [Read more...]
Mabel to enforce two pet limit
The Mabel City Council met in regular session on March 11. Members present included Mayor Jim Westby, City Clerk/Treasurer Karen Larson, Gary Morken, Terry Torkelson, and Kirsten Wyffels. Adam Wilder was absent. No citizens attended to address the council on any issues. At recent meetings, the council has discussed required licensing of pets, and at this meeting there was … [Read more...]
Wykoff sets assessment and hearing on County 5 project
The Wykoff City Council held a regular meeting on March 9. All council members were in attendance (Lyle Morey, Richard Gleason, Mayor Al Williams, City Clerk Becky Schmidt, Mary Sackett and Mary Tjepkes). Daren Sikkink, from the engineering and planning firm of WHKS, addressed the council regarding two proposed resolutions regarding the County State-Aid Highway 5 … [Read more...]