All members of the Ostrander City Council were in attendance on June 5 for a regular meeting (Vernon Thompson, Pam Kunert, Mayor Pat Nesler, City Clerk Wendy Brincks, Heidi Jones and DJ Start). The main topic was the ongoing infrastructure (street) project, and how it is impacting citizens getting to and from their homes and businesses. Rosie Hilland addressed the council, … [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 bus garage to be sold
On June 4, Kingsland School Board held a monthly work session meeting in the elementary conference room. Board members present included Doug Plaehn, Leah Stier, Jackie Horsman, Tiffany Mundfrom, Heather Betts, and Superintendent James Hecimovich). Ann Oeltjen was absent. The board discussed planning to sell the former school bus garage in Wykoff. There is concern that the … [Read more...]
Drag racing stalls in Spring Valley
Greg Melartin addressed the Spring Valley City Council during the regular meeting on May 30 regarding his request for drag racing within city limits during the upcoming Fins and Films event on July 7. He described the various safety measures that would be in place (fencing, barriers, etc) and the agencies and businesses he has already talked to regarding the proposed event. … [Read more...]
Kingsland thanks many for their service
On May 21, the Kingsland school board voted to leave meal prices for the 2018-2019 school year at the same prices as in 2017-2018. Superintendent Hecimovich said that although prices will likely have to increase most years, it’s nice to give families a break by avoiding a price hike at this time. All board members were present at the meeting (Doug Plaehn, Ann Oeltjen, Leah … [Read more...]
Safety Day draws a crowd
The annual Tesmer Farm Safety Day Camp event was held at the Mabel Steam Engine Grounds on May 15. Every year, fourth grade students from throughout Fillmore and Houston counties gather to learn about a wide variety of safety issues, and this year’s attendees enjoyed perfect weather for the outing. Local extension educator Michael Cruse said that although the event has a … [Read more...]
Spring Valley tourist center to be removed
At the regular meeting of the Spring Valley City Council on May 14, the council considered bids that had been submitted regarding the removal of the Tourist Information Center (TIC). The bids varied in their price and details about what would be done, but the council chose to accept the bid from Mike and Julane Gehrking. The council also discussed whether to install a new … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton prioritizes for next year
A regular meeting of the Mabel-Canton School Board was held on May 15. Members present included Mark Weidemann, Jason Marquardt, Chris Miller, Principal Michelle Weidemann, Board chair Cristal Adkins, Superintendent Gary Kuphal, high school secretary Lynette Donald, Chris Loppnow, Diane Wilder and Liz Hershberger. Much of the agenda covered needs for the summer and/or the … [Read more...]
Wykoff audit report: Clean
A regular meeting of the Wykoff City Council was held on May 14. All council members were in attendance (Rocky Vreeman, Mary Tjepkes, Mayor Al Williams, City Clerk Becky Schmidt, Mary Sackett and Richard Gleason). Tom Wente, representing the accounting firm of Smith & Shafer, gave the council a summary report on the recent annual financial audit of Wykoff. He said … [Read more...]
Kingsland lunch prices discussed
On May 7, Kingsland School Board held a monthly work session meeting in the elementary conference room. All board members were present (Doug Plaehn, Ann Oeltjen, Leah Stier, Jackie Horsman, Tiffany Mundfrom, Heather Betts, and Superintendent James Hecimovich). One item discussed at length was whether or not to raise school lunch prices. It was noted that there currently … [Read more...]
Mabel looks to clean up
Mabel residents will be encouraged to make use of the citywide cleanup day on May 12. This was discussed during the May 9 City Council meeting, with all members in attendance (Liz Folstad, Gary Morken, Mayor James Westby, City Clerk Karen Larson, Terry Torkelson, and Kirsten Wyffels). Mayor Westby said, “I did an observation around town, took a few pictures, and we’re going … [Read more...]