Four new teachers have joined the staff at Grand Meadow Public Schools this year. The Fillmore County Journal posed a set of questions to each of them to introduce them to the community. Dylan Gowlland is the new fifth grade math and science teacher at GM Schools. He … [Read more...]
CUP Granted to Bruce Mann in Black Hammer Township
The Houston County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, October 1, and approved a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for Bruce Mann to build a home on a 3.77 acre parcel off Braaten Drive in Black Hammer Township. The only conditions were the usual two regarding compliance with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations, and that the county may enter … [Read more...]
Ostrander Phase 2 Infrastructure Improvements Now Complete
By Zech Sindt This month’s Ostrander City Council meeting took place on October 1 with all councilmembers present, including Lyn Massey-Mills, Dan Hellerud, DJ Start, Vernon Thompson, Mayor Pam Kunert and City Clerk Wendy Brincks. The meeting was short and to the point. Nothing major happened over the last month. One local resident had her basement flood due to a … [Read more...]
Brownsville City Council Discusses Infrastructure Needs
During the Brownsville City Council meeting on October 2, representatives from Bollig Engineering, Vice President of Client Development Kris Ambuehl and Regional Project Manager Bryan Caffin, presented findings from a recent needs assessment survey conducted by Bollig. The survey focused on the city’s infrastructure. Their presentation addressed key areas such as health and … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Emergency Management Director Honored with Award
Sheriff John DeGeorge read the nomination letter at the county board’s October 1 meeting which nominated Don Kullot, Deputy/Emergency Manager, for the Association of Emergency Managers Outstanding Performance in Emergency Management Award. Amy Bramwell, Mower County Emergency Manager, had addressed the letter to the nomination committee. She wrote, “Region 1 has been … [Read more...]
Houston County’s Truth and Taxation Meeting Scheduled for December 10
Next year’s proposed operating budget for Houston County was unanimously approved at the commission meeting on Tuesday, September 24. The county’s Truth and Taxation meeting is scheduled for December 10 at 6 p.m. Interim Administrator/Finance Director Carol Lapham provided the board with a spreadsheet comparing the levies. The levy was approved at the September 17 commission … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central Tackle Cancer Fundraiser a Success
At the September 24 Fillmore Central School Board meeting, Heath Olstad updated the board on the Tackle Cancer efforts by staff and families. The total raised was around $10,000. He thanked everyone who worked, provided, participated and donated to the event. This week is homecoming week, which Olstad noted always includes an extra level of energy from the students. The … [Read more...]
Greater Minnesota Updates for Rushford
At the September 23 meeting of the Rushford City Countil, Elizabeth Wefel, attorney and lobbyist with Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities (CGMC), provided the council with a summary of the coalition’s work in the last legislative session. Rushford is a longtime member of the coalition, made up of more than 100 cities across the state. The group works on various issues … [Read more...]
We’re Not a Box Company
Many people don’t even realize that Preston Specialties is actually located in Lanesboro; in addition, even if they know it’s there, many people don’t know what the company does or makes. A lot of people think it’s a box company, but it is not! Preston Specialties makes packaging. One of the current owners, Tiffany Ask explained, “We’re not a box company - we make packaging … [Read more...]
Caledonia Approves 2025 Proposed Levy
Discussions regarding the 2025 proposed budget continued from the last Caledonia City Council meeting, with Finance Officer Stephanie Mann explaining the changes at the September 23 city council meeting. The board unanimously approved the proposed 12% increase which equals a total levy of $1,397,896. It was emphasized that the levy cannot be increased but it can be … [Read more...]
Chatfield Endeavors to Address EMT Scheduling Issues
Ambulance Director Rocky Burnett asked the city council to consider two recommendations to help with EMT scheduling for overnight/evening and weekends at the city council’s September 24 meeting. Councilors Mike Urban and Paul Novotny were absent. Burnett explained filling the schedule for overnight and weekends has been an ongoing issue and has been discussed at length in … [Read more...]
Spring Grove Approves Proposed Tax Levy
The Spring Grove School Board at its September 16 meeting, approved the proposed 2024 property tax levy at the maximum level around 2%, as recommended by Superintendent Rachel Udstuen. The tax is payable in 2025. According to the extended agenda, “This level allows for any changes between now and when the proposed levy is provided to the county auditor at the end of the month, … [Read more...]
R-P’s New Nature Walking Trail
The Rushford-Peterson School Board heard details from Superintendent Dr. Ben Bernard about the new nature walking trail located behind the school. Dr. Bernard thanked several people and groups for its creation. The school’s wellness committee planned and organized for the trail. A grant from Southeast Service Co-op funded the project. Jeff Michel completed the initial brush … [Read more...]
2025 Operating Budget Dominates Discussion at Houston County Board Meeting
After a lengthy discussion about the 2025 budget, the Houston County board of commissioners decided to postpone adopting the proposed operating budget at the September 17 commission meeting. This delay allows for a more detailed review of the line items. A decision on the proposed 2025 budget will be made at the next commission meeting. The board did adopt the proposed 7.5% … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Welcomes New Teachers
Lanesboro School welcomed three new elementary teachers this year, Alysha Mohs, third grade; Savanna Frie also teaching third grade; and Gracie Kupietz will be teaching second grade. Alysha Mohs Alysha Mohs came to Lanesboro as a veteran teacher; until recently she taught third grade at PEM and had worked a year at a Title I paraprofessional at St. Charles. Alysha … [Read more...]