At the November 25 Chatfield City Council meeting, approval was granted for use of some of the one-time public safety funding. The one-time allocation was divided among several departments by the Personnel/Budget Committee: $33,242 for the Fire Department, $40,000 for Ambulance Department, $36,810 for Police Department, and $21,667 for Public Works. Police Chief Shane Fox … [Read more...]
Peterson Resignation Turns Into Changed Role
A special meeting of the Peterson Council was held November 25 to discuss the resignation of Public Works Director Tim Hallum and formal hiring timeline for the position. Hallum had tendered his resignation with City Clerk Chris Grindland effective December 15, agreeing to stay on part time and train a new employee. However, the council had not yet approved any resignation … [Read more...]
Money Talks as Kingsland Board Hears Audit Report
Jason Boynton of Smith Schafer presented the audit report for the district at the Kingsland School Board meeting on November 18. “Overall we have a clean opinion on the audit and there is nothing of concern to bring to the board’s attention,” Boynton said. “At the end of the fiscal year we averaged 542 students, which is down four. If you look back to 2016 there were 601 … [Read more...]
Houston County to Host Public Hearing on Proposed Cannabis Ordinance
At the Houston County Commission meeting on November 25, the board confirmed that a public hearing on the proposed cannabis ordinance will be held on Wednesday, December 11 at 3 p.m. in board room 222 in the historic courthouse, Caledonia. Commissioners asked county staff to post the proposed ordinance on the county’s website www.co.houston.mn.us. Chairman Eric Johnson … [Read more...]
Caledonia Council Approves e-Navigator Position
Caledonia council members were reminded at the regularly scheduled council meeting on November 25, that the city’s Truth in Taxation meeting will be held on December 9 at 6 p.m. in the council chambers. The council will finalize the 2025 property tax levy. Finance Officer Stephanie Mann presented the financial reports, including the proposed 2025 city budget to the council. … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Commissioner to be Honored by AMC
At the county board’s November 26 meeting, County Administrator Bobbie Hillery reviewed the many contributions and accomplishments of Duane Bakke, both in service to the county and the Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC). Bakke is to be honored with the Distinguished Service Award during a luncheon at the AMC conference on December 10. He will be one of four receiving an … [Read more...]
HAM – Houston Area Museum
In May 2023, a ribbon cutting heralded a new museum in Houston, Minn. Called HAM, at first a person might think it was a cousin to the Spam Museum in Austin, but that’s not the case! HAM is an acronym for Houston Area Museum. The museum is located at 109 West Maple Street in the former community center. For many years, Shelley Jerviss thought Houston needed a museum. At the … [Read more...]
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation Awards $300,000 in Taylor Grants Pilot Grant Program Supports Rural Improvements and Child Care Needs
OWATONNA, MN, November 11, 2024 – Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) recently approved 17 grants totaling $300,000 to support rural improvements and child care needs in small towns of 10,000 or less in SMIF’s 20-county region. The Taylor Grants are supported by a generous donation from Glen A. Taylor through the Taylor Family Farms Foundation. The Taylor Grants … [Read more...]
Spring Grove School Reviews Construction Timeline
Spring Grove Superintendent Rachel Udstuen reminded school board members and the public of the construction timeline at the board’s November 18 regularly scheduled meeting. Chairman Aaron Solum called the November 18 meeting of the Spring Grove School board to order at 7 p.m. Board members present included Aaron Solum, Stephanie Jaster, Kelly Rohland, Rhan Flatin, Angie … [Read more...]
Houston County to House Hennepin County Inmates
At the Houston County commission meeting on November 19, the board approved Sheriff Brian Swedberg’s request to house Hennepin County inmates in the county’s detention center. Chairman Eric Johnson promptly called the meeting to order at 9 a.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioners Dewey Severson, Eric Johnson, Robert (Bob) Burns, Bob Schuldt, and Greg … [Read more...]