During the Spring Valley City Council’s regular meeting on January 10, the council heard from Ambulance Director Sue Puffer. Puffer stated, “Last year, we had a total of 482 calls, down a bit from the year before.” In explaining the reason for the decrease, she added, “I think it had a lot to do with the new four-way stop at the Kwik Trip intersection, because we had a number … [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 adds Sackett to city council
A regular meeting of the Wykoff City Council was held January 10. Council members in attendance included Lyle Morey, Mayor Ryan Breckenridge, Barb Fate, and Kaleb Himli. City Clerk Becky Schmidt and Deputy Clerk Luann Hare also attended. Because of the recent death of Mayor Al Williams, Ryan Breckenridge has taken over the role of mayor. In order to fill the vacancy on … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton scales back facility project
The Mabel-Canton School Board held a special meeting on January 11, to deal with bids on Phase Two of the facilities project. All voting members participated (Dustin Tollefsrud participated via remote technology). Also in attendance was Chad Pike, representing the engineering firm of Kraus Anderson. Superintendent Gary Kuphal explained the situation, saying that in … [Read more...]
Hecimovich to retire from Kingsland
Kingsland School Board held a work session meeting on January 3. New board member Cindy Seabright was welcomed onto the board, and took the ceremonial oath of office. Superintendent (and grades 7-12 principal) Jim Hecimovich has submitted his letter of retirement. His leter stated, in part, “I am announcing my forthcoming retirement from Kingsland Public Schools after … [Read more...]
Ostrander looks to clean up the city
All members of the Ostrander City Council were in attendance on January 4 for the regular council meeting. The council heard from two citizens who recently received letters from the city due to their violations of the city’s “nuisance” ordinances. Andrew Vreeman asked, “I guess I’ll starting by just asking for specifics on what I’m in violation of?” City Clerk Wendy Brincks … [Read more...]
Kingsland sets levy, increases sub wages
Kingsland School Board held a regular meeting on December 20. Immediately prior to the regular meeting, the board held their annual Truth in Taxation hearing. Business Manager Amber Herbrand stated that revenue formulas for schools are set by the State Legislature, except for voter approved referendums. She also gave a summary of the school’s proposed final levy, and a … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton rejects bid on mechanical project
The Mabel-Canton School Board met in regular session on December 21. All members except Traci Livingood were present. Superintendent Gary Kuphal explained the situation regarding bids on the mechanical portion of the school’s ongoing facilities project. Kuphal stated, “We as a Facilities Committee met… the bids were opened. All of the other bids were in line… right where … [Read more...]
Spring Valley property valuations discussed
The Spring Valley City Council held a regular council meeting on December 13. All members were present (Mayor Tony Archer, Chris Danielson, John Dols, Luan Ruesink and Greg Brooks). City Administrator/Clerk Deb Zimmer also participated. Immediately prior to the regular meeting, the city’s annual “Truth in Taxation” public hearing was held. Jason McCaslin gave a summary of … [Read more...]
Ostrander hears request to allow poultry
During the December 14 Ostrander City Council meeting, the council heard a request from Lyn Mills, along with Michelle and Mark Rathbun. They asked the council to consider allowing them to raise poultry within city limits. Mills said if they are given permission, they would raise no more than four birds, and no roosters. She added that their cleaning practices would control … [Read more...]
Wykoff mulls eliminating zoning commitee
A regular meeting of the Wykoff City Council was held December 13. Council members in attendance included Lyle Morey, Ryan Breckenridge, and Kaleb Himli. City Clerk Becky Schmidt and Deputy Clerk Luan Hare also attended. Due to the absence of Mayor Al Williams, Ryan Brechenridge (Mayor pro tem) led the meeting. As mentioned in the city’s December newsletter, Wykoff has … [Read more...]
Mabel sets budget and levy for 2022
Mabel’s City Council met on December 8. The agenda included the city’s annual Truth in Taxation public hearing, but no citizens attended. The council discussed the proposed final levy, collectible in 2022. The proposed total includes $403,973 for the General Fund, $6,600 for the Ambulance Reserve, and $15,000 for Debt Service. This represents a 2.74% increase from the … [Read more...]
There’s no stopping Duxbury
What matters is not how many times you’ve been knocked down. What matters is how many times you’ve gotten back up after being knocked down by life. That seems to be the story line of Carter Duxbury’s football career. Growing up in Chatfield, Carter played football, basketball, and baseball. He said one of his favorite memories was as a sophomore in 2013, when the football … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton sees COVID numbers level off
The Mabel-Canton School Board met in regular session on November 16. All members except Mark Wiedemann were present. The board welcomed new Student Representative Emily Carolan, a senior student at the school. Superintendent Kuphal explained that student representatives are not voting members of the school board, but are welcomed to share their thoughts or suggestions on any … [Read more...]
Ostrander switching to Sunshine Sanitation
During the November 4 Ostrander City Council meeting, the council considered the bids from Sunshine Sanitation and Waste Management to provide solid waste and recycling services for the city. The current contract with Waste Management runs through April 2022. In comparing the bids and prices from Sunshine Sanitation and Waste Management, Wendy Brincks said, “They run neck and … [Read more...]
Mabel parking and compost rules have changed
Mabel’s city council met on November 10, with all members present (Mayor James Westby, Terry Torkelson, Adam Wilder, Kirsten Wyffels and Cory Wilson). Also participating were City Clerk Karen Larson, and Jeff Rein. Citizens were reminded of two recent changes. Regarding the city’s “winter parking rules,” Mayor Westby stated, “A reminder on alternate side parking begins … [Read more...]