There’s an old saying that, “You end up where you’re supposed to be,” and Doug Grout agrees with that sentiment. As the new Executive Director at Semcac, at the Rushford administrative location, Doug only started at the beginning of July. But he already seems to be settling in well. Another reason Doug is happy to be here, he said, is, “Semcac is very near and dear to a … [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!"
Wykoff street projects progressing
The Wykoff city council held a regular meeting on July 8. Council members in attendance included Lyle Morey, Mayor Al Williams, City Clerk Becky Schmidt, Mary Sackett and Richard Gleason. Mary Tjepkes was absent. The council discussed final steps regarding the Main Street project, as well as next steps on the upcoming County 5 project. Regarding the Main Street project, … [Read more...]
Spring Valley accepts bid on Industrial Park
The Spring Valley City Council met in regular session on July 8. Members in attendance included Mayor Tony Archer, Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, John Dols, and City Administrator Deb Zimmer. Mike Hadland was absent. Seven bids had been received for the upcoming 2019 Industrial Park Expansion project, and those bids were reviewed by the engineering firm of Bolton & … [Read more...]
Harmony Sings (and quite well!)
As a part of Harmony’s weeklong 4th of July celebration, the third annual Harmony Sings event was held on Sunday, June 30 at the Old Legion Hall in Harmony, with approximately 70 people on hand. The event is organized by the Harmony Chamber of Commerce, and is affiliated with a statewide competition known as Minnesota Sings. One of those on hand was Chuck Spavin, representing … [Read more...]
Kingsland mulls water leak
The Kingsland School Board held a “work session” board meeting on July 1. All members were present (Board Chair Jackie Horsman, Kyle Rader, Maranda Emig, Natasha Howard, Tiffany Mundfrom, Leah Stier, and Superintendent James Hecimovic). Also attending was Principal Scott Klavetter. The board discussed the ongoing longterm facility maintenance (indoor air quality) project. … [Read more...]
Spring Valley recovers from flood
The Spring Valley City Council met in regular session on June 24. Members in attendance included Mayor Tony Archer, Luan Ruesink, John Dols, Mike Hadland and City Administrator Deb Zimmer. Chris Danielson was absent. No visitors had signed up to address the council. Library Director Jenny Simon informed the council that, “It’s been a long month. We’re dry now at the … [Read more...]
Kingsland acknowledges generous gifts
The Kingsland School Board held a regular board meeting on June 17. Members present included board chair Jackie Horsman, Kyle Rader, Maranda Emig, Natasha Howard, Leah Stier, and Superintendent James Hecimovich. Tiffany Mundfrom was absent. Also attending was Principal Scott Klavetter. No members of the general public addressed the board. The board approved the consent … [Read more...]
Pauly’s Canton Pub will treat you right
Paul and Patti Stevenson know a thing or two about the restaurant business. Patti stated, “He’s been cooking for 31 years, and I was pretty much raised with it.” So when they opened Pauly’s Canton Pub in May of this year, they knew what they were getting into. And so far, it seems to be going well. Paul had worked as the head cook at Susie’s Roadhouse in Ostrander for … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton to negotiate on entry project
The Mabel-Canton School Board met in regular session on June 18. Members present were Mark Weidemann, Jason Marquardt, Chris Miller, Principal Michelle Weidemann, Board Chair Cristal Adkins, high school secretary Lynette Donald, Diane Wilder, Traci Livingood, Superintendent Gary Kuphal, and Business Manager Aimee Lake. No student representative was in attendance. The … [Read more...]
500 tractors roll through Fillmore County
Anyone who lives or works in the southeastern part of Fillmore County probably noticed something unusual on Monday, June 10. Tractors (lots of them!) came putt-putt-putting through, as part of the WMT Annual Great Eastern Iowa Tractorcade. No, they hadn’t taken any wrong turns. In explaining why an Iowa tractorcade was in Minnesota, WMT and WHO Farm Broadcaster Andy … [Read more...]
Wykoff holds hearing on Line Street change
The Wykoff City Council held a regular meeting on June 10. All council members were in attendance (Lyle Morey, Mary Tjepkes, Mayor Al Williams, City Clerk Becky Schmidt, Mary Sackett and Richard Gleason). Immediately prior to the regular council meeting, a public hearing was held at 7 p.m. regarding the County 5 Improvement project. The hearing was required due to a … [Read more...]
Mabel to fill deputy clerk vacancy
On June 12, the Mabel City Council held two public hearings, followed by a regular city council meeting. Members in attendance included Gary Morken, Mayor Jim Westby, City Clerk Karen Larson, Kirsten Wyffels, and Terry Torkelson. Adam Wilder was absent. The first public hearing was regarding a variance request at 109 Prairie Street. Public Works Director Jeff Rein said, … [Read more...]
Spring Valley easement proposal declined
The Spring Valley City Council met in regular session on June 10, with all members in attendance (Mayor Tony Archer, Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, John Dols, Mike Hadland and city administrator Deb Zimmer. No visitors had signed up to address the council. The council heard from Bryan Owens regarding the city’s proposed “trade” of decreasing his assessment to 66 feet, in … [Read more...]
Kingsland funding still tight
The Kingsland School Board held a “work session” board meeting on June 3. Members present included Board Chair Jackie Horsman, Kyle Rader, Maranda Emig, Natasha Howard, Tiffany Mundfrom, Leah Stier, and Superintendent James Hecimovich. Also attending were Principal Scott Klavetter, Building & Grounds Director/Athletics & Activity Director John Dols, and Business … [Read more...]
Laura Christensen steps in at SWCD
If you’ve stopped in to the Fillmore County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) office lately, you may have noticed a new face. That’s Laura Christensen, who was recently hired as district administrator. Laura explained, “I am replacing Donna Rasmussen. She’s been here a long time and has been a really big part of this district, so I have big shoes to fill… Donna … [Read more...]