The Spring Valley City Council met in regular session on March 9, with all members present (Mayor Tony Archer, Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, John Dols, Mike Hadland and City Administrator Deb Zimmer). The council considered two requests for conditional use permits (CUPs) within the city. The first request was from Holly Hutchens, to be allowed to run a ballet studio at 112 … [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 hears clean audit report
During the Ostrander City Council meeting on March 10, the council heard an annual audit report given by Andrew Forliti, representing Smith Schafer & Associates, Ltd. Council members in attendance included Stephanie Start, DJ Start, Vernon Thompson, Mayor Pam Kunert, and city clerk Wendy Brincks. Dan Hellerud was absent. Forliti summarized that the audit resulted in an … [Read more...]
Kingsland Board takes “Funding 101”
On March 2, the Kingsland School Board met for their monthly “work session.” Members present included Board Chair Jackie Horsman, Maranda Emig, Natasha Howard, Noella Lund, and Kyle Rader. Superintendent James Hecimovich, Business Manager Amber uhlenhake and Principal Scott Klavetter were also in attendance. Tiffany Mundfrom was absent. The board heard a presentation … [Read more...]
Chatfield School Board hears coronavirus recommendations
The Chatfield School Board met in regular session on March 4. Board members present included Scott Backer, Amy Jeffers, Katie Priebe, and Rick Lowrey. Matt McMahon and Lanny Isensee were absent. Also attending were Superintendent Ed Harris, Lorri Lowrey (administrative assistant), Krista O’Connor (business manager), and Luann Klevan (Community Education … [Read more...]
Kingsland sets calendar for 2020-2021 school year
On February 20, all Kingsland School Board members (Board chair Jackie Horsman, Maranda Emig, Natasha Howard, Tiffany Mundfrom, Noella Lund, and Kyle Rader) and Superintendent James Hecimovich were present for a regular meeting of the board. Superintendent Hecimovich presented the proposed 2020-2021 acedemic calendar, and the board unanimously approved it. In explaining a … [Read more...]
Job fair in Preston March 3
Local high school students, their parents, and the general public are invited to attend a job fair, to be held on Tuesday, March 3 in the Fillmore Central Elementary School gym in Preston. Jen Strand, Recruitment Marketing Consultant/Event Coordinator at Jobs HQ, stated, “It’s a first time event. For the public, it’s running from 7:30-9:30 a.m., so it’s an early event.” … [Read more...]
M-C School to conduct bond support survey
The February 18 meeting of the Mabel-Canton School Board included a discussion led by Superintendent Gary Kuphal regarding the option of contracting with a firm to conduct a community survey to help Mabel-Canton make decisions about a possible building bond referendum. Kuphal’s written statement to the board said, in part, “I feel we need the information from the survey in … [Read more...]
Judge denies Hummel dismissal motion
On February 7, District Court Judge Matthew Opat issued a ruling on a motion by Luis Miguel Hummel. Hummel, owner and operator of 5th Sun Gardens, of rural Lanesboro, is facing misdemeanor and felony charges related to hemp products that tested too high in delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content. Judge Opat ruled that “Defendant’s motion to dismiss the complaint for lack … [Read more...]
Wykoff citizen asks to raise chickens in city
The Wykoff City Council held a regular meeting on February 10. All council members were in attendance (Lyle Morey, Richard Gleason, Mayor Al Williams, City Clerk Becky Schmidt, Mary Sackett and Mary Tjepkes). Jason Moore addressed the council, asking to be allowed to keep chicken on his property. He stated, “In the spirit of wanting to be a good neighbor and decent … [Read more...]
Mabel to enforce pet licensing rule
The Mabel City Council held a regular council meeting on February 12. Members present included Adam Wilder, Mayor Jim Westby, City Clerk/Treasurer Karen Larson, Terry Torkelson, and Kirsten Wyffels. No citizens attended to address the council on any issues. The council discussed the city’s ordinance on licensing of dogs and cats. Mayor Westby stated it is “the same … [Read more...]
Nursing home expansion worries Spring Valley citizens
The Spring Valley City Council heard a concern from a citizen during the regular council meeting on February 10. Members present included Mayor Tony Archer, Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, John Dols, and City Administrator Deb Zimmer. Mike Hadland was absent. Bruce Kraut addressed the council, and said he was speaking on behalf of his “Jones Street neighborhood” with … [Read more...]
Ostrander well issues to be repaired
During the Ostrander City Council meeting on February 4, the council heard details on issues related to the city’s wells. Brian Malm, Chief Engineer at Bolton & Menk, informed the council that, “We had a couple issues on the well and well house project… During operation, we’re having some issues with fluoride… In the investigation, we discovered there was sand building up … [Read more...]
Kingsland to host Sexual Abuse Prevention Program
On January 22, all Kingsland School Board members (Board Chair Jackie Horsman, Maranda Emig, Natasha Howard, Tiffany Mundfrom, Noella Lund, and Kyle Rader) were present for a regular meeting of the board. Superintendent James Hecimovich was absent. No citizens attended to address the board. Also, due to school being canceled for the day, student representatives were not in … [Read more...]
Marzolf Implement: 65 years of service and relationships
Corey Marzolf, owner of Marzolf Implement in Spring Valley, says that throughout 2019, his business is celebrating 65 years in business, and he attributes that longevity to two guiding principles. Marzolf Implement has always stressed good service after the sale, and maintaining strong relationships with their customers. Regarding the origins of Marzolf Implement, Corey … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton decides on graduation standard
On December 17, immediately prior to the regular Mabel-Canton School Board meeting, the board met in a special closed session to consider appropriate action to take regarding a student who allegedly acted in violation of Mabel-Canton guidelines. When the board opened the regular (public) meeting at 7 p.m., Superintendent Kuphal stated that it is up to the board to decide how … [Read more...]