At the December 17 meeting, the Rushford Village Council unanimously approved setting the final 2025 budget and levy. The preliminary was set at a 9% increase in September and the council discussion considered everything from 5% to 9%. The council ultimately reduced the final to just a 7%, or $572,450, increase over the levy of $535,000 in 2024. Reviewing the differences … [Read more...]
Mayor Schroeder’s Last Council Meeting, Final Levy Approved
On December 9, 2024, Mayor DeWayne (Tank) Schroeder presided over his last city council meeting after serving as Mayor of Caledonia for 12 years. The council held its annual Truth in Taxation public hearing, during which Mann shared the final 2025 budget with the council. She reviewed the department budgets, capital equipment and improvements spreadsheet, and special revenue … [Read more...]
Harmony City Council Hears Assessment Appeal
At the December 10 Harmony City Council meeting, Harmony resident David Kiehne requested a reduction in his 66-foot assessment, stating that his footage measured 40 feet. He was aware that the minimum footage assessed per city policy is 60 feet so wasn’t sure why his property was assessed at 66 feet. He also noted that the assessment policy had last been reviewed in 2014, and … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotions – This is What Christmas is All About, Charlie Brown
By Pastor Mark Woodward Maple Leaf Parish Churches: Spring Valley: Faith, Cherry Grove, Fountain, Preston (and Lenora) It is good to greet you in this Advent and Christmas season. I have long admired Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang. Recently, a good friend sent me a book entitled “The Gospel According to Peanuts” by Dr. Robert L. Short. (published in 1965) It is … [Read more...]
New Signage Considered for Houston School
Timothy VanEijl, of Graphic House National Sign Firm, visited the Houston School Board meeting December 5 to share possible designs to replace the current wall sign at the school. VanEijl told the board that the 48-year-old, woman-owned company approaches design from the budget in order to create a customized sign within the budget. The company manufactures, installs and … [Read more...]
Ostrander Council Plans for 2025, and Santa is Coming to Town!
By Zech Sindt The Ostrander City Council held its final meeting of 2024. Despite council member Lyn Massey-Mills’ absence, the meeting, held on December 5 at 6:30 p.m., saw a full agenda quickly tackled by the members present: Dan Hellerud, DJ Start, Vernon Thompson, Mayor Pam Kunert, and City Clerk Wendy Brincks. People’s Services, City Maintenance, and the Fillmore County … [Read more...]
Eitzen Certifies 2025 Tax Levy
Mayor Jeff Adamson called the regularly scheduled Eitzen City Council meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. on December 10 and unanimously approved holding the 2025 tax levy at the existing rate of $126,000, which is the same as last year. City Clerk Steve Schuldt had explained that he budgeted a $26,689 surplus. The surplus would cover up to $25,000 in repairs at the community center … [Read more...]
Christmas Came Early for Mabel Emergency Services
On December 11, 2024, the Mabel City Council unanimously accepted a $50,000 donation from the Robert H. Rewoldt Revocable Trust to benefit Mabel’s emergency services. Mayor Adam Wilder expressed that the donation was “very much appreciated.” In addition to Mayor Adam Wilder, councilmembers Cory Wilson, Valerie Arnold, Tina Bakke and Kirsten Wyffels were present. Also present … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Schools Focus on Finances
The December 11 Lanesboro School Board brought both its Truth in Taxation meeting and the presentation of the 2023-2024 audit by Kali Lentz of Smith Schafer. Superintendent Matt Schultz began the TNT meeting with a required informational slideshow about how taxes are calculated based on a state formula and the assessed value of properties. Last year, Lanesboro School had total … [Read more...]
Wykoff Council Discusses Alleyway Policy, Cannabis Ordinances, and Infrastructure Projects
By Zech Sindt The Wykoff City Council convened for their monthly meeting on December 9th at 7 p.m., with a full attendance of council members and city officials, including Mayor Ryan Breckenridge, City Administrator Becky Schmidt, Administrative Assistant Luann Hare, and council members Kaleb Himli, Lyle Morey, Barbara Fate and Jeffrey Hare. The meeting commenced with … [Read more...]