Mabel’s city council met on August 10. All council members were in attendance (Adam Wilder, Mayor James Westby, Kirsten Wyffels, Terry Torkelson and Cory Wilson). Also participating were City Clerk Karen Larson and Jeff Rein. Mayor Westby informed the council that an anonymous donor has offered to purchase a digital electronic sign for the city, to note upcoming events and … [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 hears new COVID guidelines
During the Kingsland School Board meeting on August 15, Superintendent Scott Klavetter updated the board on the latest guidance from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) regarding persons who have tested positive for COVID. He summarized that the change is “good news for us” as far as how Kingsland will need to track and manage absences. Regarding the previous CDC guidance, … [Read more...]
The sky’s the limit for Kolling
Most teenagers are eager to be on the move, traveling fast, with the sound of an engine filling their ears. That’s true of Mason Kolling, too. But his mode of transportation is different than that of most people his age. Mason likes to take to the open skies in his own airplane. In many ways, Mason is a typical high school student. At 17, he’s about to begin his senior … [Read more...]
Spring Valley discusses 2023 Farmer Street project
The Spring Valley City Council held a regular meeting on August 8, with all council members present (Mayor Tony Archer, John Dols, Chris Danielson, Luan Ruesink, and Greg Brooks). City Administrator/Clerk Deb Zimmer participated as well. No visitors had signed up to address the council. The council approved Resolution 2022-26, for the Farmer Street/County 8 Improvement … [Read more...]
Wykoff addresses speed concerns
A regular meeting of the Wykoff City Council was held on August 8, with all council members in attendance (Lyle Morey, Mary Sackett, Barb Fate, Mayor Ryan Breckenridge, and Kaleb Himli). City Clerk Becky Schmidt and Deputy Clerk Luann Hare also attended. The meeting was held at the council’s new location, 106 N. Gold Street. One of the main topics was traffic speed in and … [Read more...]
Lightning causes glitches at Mabel-Canton
The Mabel-Canton School Board held a regular monthly meeting on July 19. Due to ongoing construction throughout the summer break, the meeting was held in Mrs. Peters’ Science Room. Members present included Jason Marquardt, Chris Miller, Diane Wilder, Traci Livingood (via Zoom), Cristal Adkins, and Mark Wiedeman. Superintendent Gary Kuphal, Principal Michelle Wiedemann and … [Read more...]
Mabel Fire Department wins grain rescue equipment
Mabel’s city council met on May 11. Council members in attendance included Adam Wilder, Mayor James Westby, Kirsten Wyffels, and Cory Wilson. Also participating were City Clerk Karen Larson and Jeff Rein. Cory Wilson informed the council that the Mabel Fire Department was recently awarded a rescue tube and related training, after a grant application was submitted. Wilson … [Read more...]
Wykoff hears concerns about rules of order
During the regular meeting of the Wykoff City Council on July 11, the council heard concerns from two citizens about how the council work is handled. All council members were in attendance (Lyle Morey, Mary Sackett, Barb Fate, Mayor Ryan Breckenridge, and Kaleb Himli). City Clerk Becky Schmidt also attended. Citizens Rachel and James Thissen each addressed the council. … [Read more...]
Spring Valley approves dump truck purchase
The Spring Valley City Council held a regular meeting on July 11. All council members were present (Mayor Tony Archer, John Dols, Chris Danielson, Luan Ruesink, and Greg Brooks), and City Administrator/Clerk Deb Zimmer participated as well. A proposed purchase of a new dump truck for the city was discussed. A 2006 Mac dump truck was shown in a photo, available for $85,000. … [Read more...]
Wednesdays are fun in Spring Valley
On the third Wednesday of each month, June through September, the downtown area of Spring Valley is transformed into a family-friendly farmers’ market/community center. The event is coordinated by the Spring Valley Economic Development Authority (EDA), and Justin Mlinar recently answered a few questions about the “Wednesdays on Broadway” events. Mlinar explained that, “How … [Read more...]
Kingsland discusses gym roof replacement
Due to the Independence Day holiday, the Kingsland School Board met on July 6 for their monthly “work session.” Superintendent Scott Klavetter highlighted the list of staffing updates, which includes new hires Abagail Palkowski (elementary sped teacher), Nathan Carolan (building and grounds director), Collin Boekhoff (elementary teacher), and John Pereda (high school guidance … [Read more...]
Ostrander discusses garbage collection costs, options
During the Ostrander City Council meeting on July 5, one of the main topics was the city’s agreement with LRS (formerly Sunshine Sanitation) for garbage and recycling services to the residents of Ostrander. A representative (David) from LRS addressed the council, acknowledging some of the concerns that citizens voiced early on after the company began serving Ostrander, saying, … [Read more...]
Spring Valley addresses grass and other cleanup
The Spring Valley city council held a regular meeting on June 27. All council members were present (Mayor Tony Archer, John Dols, Chris Danielson, Luan Ruesink, and Greg Brooks). City Administrator/Clerk Deb Zimmer participated as well. Zimmer shared with the council regarding the city’s enforcement of excessively tall grass and other violations of city ordinances aimed at … [Read more...]
Kingsland 8th graders’ imagery poems
Mrs. Derby’s Kingsland 8th graders studied poetry. Included in the unit was developing an understanding of the different meanings that words can have based on the context in which they are used. After reading a few poems, analyzing them, and studying rhythm and rhyme, the students wrote poems based on one of their favorite places. The poems were to describe the place, however … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton sets additional facility upgrades
The Mabel-Canton School Board held a regular monthly meeting on June 21. Members present included Jason Marquardt, Diane Wilder, Traci Livingood, Cristl Adkins, and Mark Wiedeman. Superintendent Gary Kuphal, Principal Michelle Wiedemann, Business Manager Aimee Lake and Lisa Halverson also participated. Chris Miller was absent, and no student representative was present. … [Read more...]