The Ostrander City Council held a regular meeting on September 3. Immediately prior to the council meeting, a public hearing was held regarding the proposed Floodplain ordinance. Council members in attendance included Stephanie Start, Dan Hellerud, Vernon Thompson, and City Clerk Wendy Brincks. DJ Start joined the meeting already in progress. Mayor Pam Kunert was absent, so … [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!"
Kingsland referendum info blitz to begin
At the Kingsland School Board “work session” meeting on September 4, one of the main topics was the upcoming information blitz to assure that voters in the school district are aware of the reasons for the Operating Referendum Levy, which will be put to voters on November 5. All board members were present (Board Chair Jackie Horsman, Maranda Emig, Natasha Howard, Tiffany … [Read more...]
Spring Valley declines drone purchase
At the Spring Valley City Council meeting on August 26, the council heard a request from the fire department, asking for approval to buy a drone. All members were in attendance (Mayor Tony Archer, Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, John Dols, Mike Hadland and City Administrator Deb Zimmer). Brian Danielson explained that the department is interested in buying a drone, which … [Read more...]
Well done at Canton BBQ contest
The annual Canton Day Off celebration was held August 16-18, and one of the featured events was the annual Boomer Backyard BBQ contest. Brady Bergey, a Canton native now living in Stewartville, said, “My brothers and I, we have a barbecue team, and we travel all around on weekends and compete.” He added that after competing in Canton’s Boomer BBQ contest for several years, … [Read more...]
Thompson is new Kingsland Building & Grounds director
At the Kingsland School Board meeting on August 19, Jason Thompson was unanimously approved as the new Building and Grounds director. All board members were present (Board Chair Jackie Horsman, Maranda Emig, Natasha Howard, Tiffany Mundfrom, Leah Stier, Kyle Rader and Superintendent James Hecimovich). Also attending were Principal Scott Klavetter, Jason Thompson and Business … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton sets fundraiser list for year
The Mabel-Canton School Board met in regular session on August 20. Members present were Mark Wiedemann, Jason Marquardt, Business Manager Aimee Lake, Traci Livingood, Chris Miller, Principal Michelle Weidemann, high school Secretary Lynette Donald, and Superintendent Gary Kuphal. Diane Wilder, Board Chair Cristal Adkins and Chris Loppnow were absent. Fundraisers were a … [Read more...]
Wykoff street project delayed until spring
The Wykoff City Council held a regular meeting on August 13. Council members in attendance included Lyle Morey, Mayor Al Williams, City Clerk Becky Schmidt, Mary Sackett and Mary Tjepkes. Richard Gleason was absent. Daren Sikkink, representing WHKS, and Ron Gregg, County Engineer, spoke to the council about the bids received on the planned “County 5” street project. … [Read more...]
Spring Valley sets public hearings for September 9
During the Spring Valley City Council meeting on August 12, the council set three public hearings for September 9, beginning at 6 p.m. (immediately prior to the regular council meeting). All members were in attendance (Mayor Tony Archer, Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, John Dols, Mike Hadland and City Administrator Deb Zimmer). Included in the public hearings on September … [Read more...]
Mabel to buy new loader
On August 14, the Mabel City Council held a regular city council meeting. Members in attendance included Adam Wilder, Mayor Jim Westby, City Clerk Karen Larson, Gary Morken and Terry Torkelson. Kirsten Wyffels was absent. No visitors were on hand to address the council. There was discussion about replacing the city’s 2013 Case loader. According to Jeff Rein, it is in need … [Read more...]
Ostrander water concerns aired
August 7, the Ostrander City Council held a regular meeting, with all members in attendance (Stephanie Start, Dan Hellerud, DJ Start, Vernon Thompson, Mayor Pam Kunert, and City Clerk Wendy Brincks). The main topic discussed was citizens’ concerns about tap water that is rusty and/or foul-smelling. Brian Malm, of Bolton & Menk Inc., shared basic information about how … [Read more...]
Hummel contested hearing set for October 7
An Omnibus Rule 8 hearing was held on July 29 at 9 a.m. in Preston regarding charges against Fifth Sun Gardens, which is owned and operated by Luis Hummel of rural Lanesboro. Fifth Sun Gardens has operated as an industrial hemp farm, under a pilot program through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. The charges, which include a misdemeanor and two felonies, resulted … [Read more...]
Spring Valley to upgrade radios, not squad car
The Spring Valley City Council met in regular session on July 22. All members were in attendance (Mayor Tony Archer, Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, John Dols, Mike Hadland and City Administrator Deb Zimmer). Deb Zimmer informed the council that two quotes were received for the proposed replacement of Emergency Management radios. The lower bid was from Ancom Communications, … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton water damage reviewed
Recent damages at Mabel-Canton school were shown and discussed during the school board’s regular meeting on July 23. Members present were Traci Livingood, Chris Miller, Principal Michelle Weidemann, Board chair Cristal Adkins, High school secretary Lynette Donald, Diane Wilder, Chris Loppnow, and Superintendent Gary Kuphal. Kuphal explained that the water damage was not … [Read more...]
Kingsland maintenance project nearing end
During the Kingsland School board board meeting on July 15, the board was updated on the progress of the ongoing Longterm Facility Maintenance Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) project, which started shortly after the end of the last school year. Members present included board chair Jackie Horsman, Maranda Emig, Natasha Howard, Tiffany Mundfrom, Leah Stier, and Superintendent James … [Read more...]
Harmening to fill Mabel Deputy Clerk vacancy
On July 10, the Mabel City Council held a regular city council meeting. Members in attendance included Adam Wilder Mayor Jim Westby, City Clerk Karen Larson, Kirsten Wyffels. Gary Morken and Terry Torkelson were absent. No visitors were on hand to address the council. Interviews were recently held for the vacant deputy clerk position for the city of Mabel. Councilor … [Read more...]