At their April 28 meeting, the Rushford-Peterson School Board unanimously voted to proceed with exploring the possibility of a future building project. The staff has already had input on future needs at the school; now it’s time for the public to share their input. Superintendent Dr. Ben Bernard has already reached out on Facebook asking for people willing and interested to … [Read more...]
Gateway Cafe Fire in Wykoff
At approximately 11 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29, the Wykoff Fire Department was alerted to a structure fire at the Gateway Cafe in downtown Wykoff, Minn. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and the restaurant will be closed for the foreseeable future. Spring Valley Fire Department provided mutual aid with Spring Valley EMR and the Fillmore County Sheriff’s … [Read more...]
Kingsland is Going Solar
On Monday, April 21, Brock Johnson, of Solar Connections, spoke to the Kingsland School Board about the proposed solar installation contract. “It is a 203.4 kilowatts DC ground mount solar array. Total project is $392,562, the important thing is the payback period, which is between four and five years. It’s really good in the solar world if you can get payback within five … [Read more...]
Spring Grove School Moves Forward with New Leadership
On Monday, April 21, the Spring Grove School Board unanimously approved a 0.5 full-time equivalent (FTE) contract with Gina Morken, the school’s new superintendent. The board unanimously approved hiring Morken at a special board meeting on April 14. The board also unanimously approved a 0.1 FTE contract with former superintendent Rachel Udstuen. Udstuen will be responsible … [Read more...]
Rep. Davids Announces Historical Society Grants for Preston and Hokah
ST. PAUL – State Representative Greg Davids (R-Preston) announces that two local projects have received history grants from Minnesota Legacy appropriations from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. “I’d like to congratulate the local leaders who worked closely with state officials to secure this funding,” Davids said. Davids said the Preston Historical Society will … [Read more...]
FCJ Tours County Jail
The Fillmore County Journal (Publisher Jason Sethre, Assistant Editor Ellen Whalen, and this reporter) toured the jail in part on April 3, which was interrupted by an emergency (car chase), and later on April 16. Sheriff John DeGeorge led us through the office portion of the old building and through the new jail which will eventually house the county’s inmates. Jail … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Fund Balances Approved
At the April 22 meeting of the county board County Administrator Bobbie Hillery reviewed the various fund balances for fiscal year 2024. Committed Funds include funds that were set aside for building maintenance, law enforcement remodel, grant projects, new county projects, interoperable communications, highway equipment, and solid waste building remodel/replacement. These … [Read more...]
Preston Replaces Squad Vehicle
At the April 21 meeting of the city council, Police Chief Blaise Sass presented a quote for a 2025 Chevrolet 1500 PPV on state bid from North Country GM. The new squad will replace a 2018 Dodge Ram. The replacement of the squad had been scheduled for 2024. The planned purchase for the squad with equipment and graphics will cost a total of $67,216.93 ($50,931.60 for the … [Read more...]
Caledonia Public Schools Help the Environment
Caledonia Area Public School board members met Monday, April 21 at Caledonia Elementary School in room #162. Board member Mike Peterson called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. then led with the Pledge of Allegiance. All board members, Superintendent Ihrke, Middle/High School Principal Nathan Boler, Elementary Principal John Wahlstrom, and Community Education Director Gretchen … [Read more...]
Houston County Board Postpones Decision on MCIT Snowplow Settlement
At its April 22 meeting, the Houston County Board of Commissioners deferred action on a $215,171 settlement offer from the Minnesota Counties Intergovernmental Trust (MCIT) related to a county owned snowplow that was totaled this past winter. The board is also considering the purchase of a 2026 tandem axle truck and plow box as a replacement but opted to wait for additional … [Read more...]