At the August 27 Fillmore Central school board meeting, Superintendent Heath Olstad reported that a good number of students are participating in the fall sports season which is already underway. Nineteen students are signed up for cross country, 11 for cheerleading, 61 for football, and 38 for volleyball. The football field has been freshly painted and is ready for the first … [Read more...]
Fillmore County 2023 Financial Audit Reviewed
At the August 27 meeting of the county board, Miranda Wendlandt, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, reviewed the audit process and financial results for 2023. The county was granted an unmodified, “clean” opinion, which is the highest level. Total federal awards were $5,093,555 (airport improvement program and COVID state and local fiscal recovery funds were tested). Wendlandt said the … [Read more...]
Houston County Completes Airport Project
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Houston County Commission was called to order at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, August 27, in county board room 222 in the historic courthouse. Chairman Eric Johnson led his colleagues and the audience in the pledge of allegiance. All members were present – Dewey Severson, Eric Johnson, Robert (Bob) Burns, Bob Schuldt and Greg … [Read more...]
Caledonia Opens Pickleball Court, Discusses Rescue Truck Purchase
Mayor DeWayne (Tank) Schroeder called the regularly scheduled meeting of the Caledonia City Council to order at 6 p.m. on Monday, August 26. Council meetings are held in the city hall council chambers. Mayor Schroeder led his colleagues and the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Members present included Bob Klug, Amanda Ninneman, Mayor Schroeder, David Fitzpatrick and … [Read more...]
CRV Considers Need for Liquor Licensing
At their August 20 council meeting, the city counselors of the City of Rushford Village were asked to give their consent to a one-day temporary liquor license to be issued to Two Fathoms Brewing of Winona for an event at Featherstone Farms that was issued by Fillmore County. The county has made it clear that it will not issue another such license. The city is responsible for … [Read more...]
Rushford-Peterson Fully Staffed
The Rushford-Peterson School Board heard at its August 19 meeting that the school was fully staffed with licensed teachers for the 2024-2025 school year. As part of the consent agenda, the following employees were hired as well: Nikki Bunke, cheerleading coach; Nathan Whitacre, assistant football coach; Lacey Drinkall, JH volleyball coach; Jacquelyn Guyette, head dance coach; … [Read more...]
Spring Grove School Board Approves Contracts for Executive Team
At the August 19 Spring Grove Public School Board meeting, the board unanimously approved a 3% annual increase for Principal Luke Kjelland’s salary over the next two years and reduced Assistant Superintendent Morken’s contract from 1.0 FTE to 0.4 FTE. Morken’s title in the spring will be Interim Superintendent. The board unanimously approved Udstuen’s contract with an increase … [Read more...]
Spring Grove Council Listens to a Number of Speakers
Spring Grove City Council met Tuesday, August 20 at 168 West Main Street in room #100. Mayor Saundra Solum called the meeting to order at 6 p.m., then led with the Pledge of Allegiance. All council members were present in addition to City Clerk/Administrator Jana Elton. The council unanimously approved both the Agenda and Consent Agenda. No participants spoke during Open … [Read more...]
Caledonia Public Schools Begin 2024-2025 School Year
Caledonia Area Public School board members met Monday, August 19 at Caledonia Elementary School in room #162. Board member Mike Peterson called the meeting to order at 6 p.m., led with the Pledge of Allegiance, then conducted roll call. Board members present included Derek Adamson, Tim Gunn, Leigh King, Daniel Small and Spencer Yohe. Board member Melissa Marschall was absent. … [Read more...]
Preston Approves Ambulance Purchase
Ambulance director Deb Ristau asked the city council to consider the purchase of a new Ram AEV (American Emergency Vehicles) ambulance at the council’s August 19 meeting. Mayor Kurt Reicks was absent. Ristau said the lead time is three years, so delivery of the new ambulance is expected in 2027. The state bid price for the ambulance is $342,271. With the trade of the 2014 … [Read more...]
M-C Continues Discussion on Potential Bond Referendum
At the August 20 school board meeting, the Mabel-Canton School Board continued its discussion on a potential school bond referendum aimed at securing funding for facility upgrades. Chairman Cristal Adkins called the meeting of the Mabel-Canton School board to order at 6 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The board unanimously approved the meeting agenda with one … [Read more...]
Houston County Commissioners Work Through Lengthy Agenda
Chairman Eric Johnson, called the regularly scheduled meeting of the Houston County Board of Commission to order at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, August 20, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. All board members were present, Dewey Severson, Chairman Eric Johnson, Robert Burns, Bob Schuldt and Grey Myhre. The meeting agenda was approved with one item pulled from the list of action … [Read more...]
Street Project, Grant Opportunities Top Spring Valley Council Agenda
The Spring Valley City Council kept their eyes on the future during their August 12 meeting. After holding a hearing to solicit public testimony relating to the 2025 street improvements, which will include Tracy Road from Trunk Highway 16 and 63 to North Section Avenue, as well as parts of Warren Avenue. The project includes reconstruction of streets, sidewalks, the sanitary … [Read more...]
Harmony Council Discusses Nuisance Property
At the August 14 Harmony City Council meeting, a public hearing was held to discuss a nuisance property in Harmony. City Clerk Samantha Grabau shared new photos with the council and it was noted that, while the weeds have been sprayed with Roundup, there has been no change to the building yet and there has been very little communication from the property owner. Corinne Haugen … [Read more...]
The Importance of Completing the Educational Benefits Application
During the 2023-2024 school year, students in grades K-12 got to enjoy one free breakfast and one free lunch at school as part of the Free School Meals for Kids Program. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed the Free School Meals bill into law on March 17, 2023, which took effect July 1, 2023 . With the Free School Meals bill, a concern for school districts had been whether or … [Read more...]