The Spring Valley City Council met in regular session on May 29. Members in attendance included Mayor Tony Archer, Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, John Dols, and City Administrator Deb Zimmer. Mike Hadland was absent. No visitors had signed up to address the council. The council discussed an issue that’s been brought up before regarding whether or not the city should have 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!"
Tesmer Safety Day a success again
Due to cold and wet weather on May 21, the annual Tesmer Safety Day was postponed to May 22. As always, the event was held on the Steam Engine Grounds in Mabel, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. But the soggy ground and windy conditions did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of those who attended. Michael Cruse, local Extension office educator, estimated that around 430 fourth grade … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton mulls solar panels
The Mabel-Canton School Board met in regular session on May 21. 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...]
Kingsland facility project underway
The Kingsland School Board held a regular board meeting on May 20. Members present included Board Chair Jackie Horsman, Kyle Rader, Maranda Emig, Tiffany Mundfrom, Leah Stier, Superintendent James Hecimovich, and student representative Zachary Queensland. Natasha Howard was absent. The Kingsland campus has a much different look, as the summer facility upgrade project has … [Read more...]
Boys of ’61 camp in Spring Valley
As part of Spring Valley’s annual Loyalty Days observance, the Civil War reenactment group known as the “Boys of ‘61” camped in Spring Valley’s Spring Creek Park, and gave demonstrations of practices used by the soldiers during the Civil War. One especially popular part of their demonstrations was the cannon firing. Corporal Jason Grimm explained that he is a member of … [Read more...]
Spring Valley adopts floodplain ordinance
The Spring Valley City Council met in regular session on May 13. All members were in attendance (Mayor Tony Archer, Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, Mike Hadland, John Dols, and City Administrator Deb Zimmer. Immediately prior to the regular council meeting, a brief public hearing was held on the proposed Floodplain Ordinance. Zimmer explained that, “We do flood insurance … [Read more...]
Wykoff street project discussed
The Wykoff City Council held a regular meeting on May 13. All council members were in attendance (Lyle Morey, Mary Tjepkes, Mayor Al Williams, City Clerk Becky Schmidt, Mary Sackett and Richard Gleason). Darin Sikkink, representing WHKS, updated the council on the street project. He said, “We’re working on the County 5, Gold, Fillmore, and Line Streets project.” He said … [Read more...]
Mabel council hears parking compliant
On May 8, the Mabel City Council held a regular city council meeting. Members in attendance included Adam Wilder, Gary Morken, City Clerk Karen Larson, Kirsten Wyffels, and Terry Torkelson. Mayor Jim Westby was absent, so Torkelson led the meeting. A citizen, Don Kleiboer addressed the council about a concern with a neighbor. Kleiboer said his neighbor appears to be … [Read more...]
Kingsland to expand Life Skills
The Kingsland School Board held a “work session” on May 6, with all members present (Board Chair Jackie Horsman, Kyle Rader, Maranda Emig, Natasha Howard, Tiffany Mundfrom, Leah Stier, Superintendent James Hecimovich, and Student Representative Zachary Queensland.) Work sessions generally include discussion, but no formal actions. Jackie Horsman brought up a request she’d … [Read more...]
Ostrander reaches agreement on feedlot
May 5, 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) as well as city attorney Jennifer Gumbel. The council heard from Gumbel regarding the Farm Animal Ordinance and related concerns. She stated that the Zoning Committee met and … [Read more...]
Southland Auto & Diesel does it all
If you drive a vehicle, you should know about Southland Auto & Diesel. Located in Spring Valley, just west of Ace Hardware, Southland is a hidden gem of automotive expertise. Owner Isaac Hurst explained that, “We’ve been here since 2010. I actually started out selling used cars,” but he adds, “I would work on my own cars that I bought and then sell those, and so then I … [Read more...]
Spring Valley offers text alert system
The Spring Valley City Council met in regular session on April 22. Members in attendance included Mayor Tony Archer, Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, John Dols, and City Administrator Deb Zimmer. Mike Hadland was absent. Deb Zimmer said everyone is welcomed to sign up to receive text messages related to various Spring Valley city information. Those interested in Park … [Read more...]
Two coaches into Hall of Fame
Two coaches were inducted into the Hall of Fame during the Kingsland Athletic Booster Club (KABC) banquet on April 6, at the Five Wynds Event Centre in Spring Valley. Live and silent auctions, and a raffle, were also held to help raise funds for the booster club’s various donations to the school and community. Brent Kohn was inducted into the Hall of Fame for his many years … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton School Board vacancy to be filled
The Mabel-Canton School Board met in regular session on April 11. 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 Student representative Payton Danielson. Business Manager Aimee Lake was absent. … [Read more...]
Spring Valley opts for EDA change
The Spring Valley City Council met on April 8, 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 Spring Valley EDA (Economic Development Authority) director Cathy Enerson, who shared information regarding the … [Read more...]