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...]
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!"
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...]
Spring Valley to investigate “chop shop”
The Spring Valley City Council held a regular council meeting on November 8. 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, a brief public hearing was held regarding the assessments on the 2022 Fremont Street Improvements … [Read more...]
New teachers at Fillmore Central
According to Principal Jim Peters, Fillmore Central Elementary School has four new teachers this school year. Some are new to the district, while others have worked in other roles at Fillmore Central prior to this year. Recently, the four gave some information about the path that led them to their current position. Sara Greenwood described the start of her teaching … [Read more...]
Kingsland mulls communication options
Kingsland School Board held a work session meeting on November 1. All members were present (Jackie Horsman, Maranda Emig, Kyle Rader, Pamela Freet, Gwen Howard, and Natasha Howard), along with Principal Scott Klavetter and Superintendent Jim Hecimovich. Participating via remote technology were Business Manager Amber Herbrand and Activities Director Laurie Hendrickson. Three … [Read more...]
Spring Valley Council hears traffic concern
The Spring Valley City Council held a regular council meeting on October 25. Members present included Mayor Tony Archer, Chris Danielson, and Greg Brooks. City Administrator/Clerk Deb Zimmer also participated. John Dols and Luan Ruesink were absent. The council heard a concern from citizen Lois Suckow, who stated, “Oh man, watching the big semis come barreling down Highway … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton votes to extend 2022 summer break
The Mabel-Canton School Board met in regular session on October 19. One topic that generated significant discussion was the proposal to lengthen the 2022 summer break. Superintendent Kuphal explained the reason for doing this would be to allow more time for the ”Phase 2” facility construction project over the summer. This additional time had been requested by the Kraus … [Read more...]