Rep. Greg Davids and Sen. Jeremy Miller listened to the county’s legislative priorities for the upcoming legislative session at the December 17 county board meeting. The top priorities for District 9 were a bonding bill, tax relief, modernization of Human Services system, and Mental Health (public safety), Mental Health (public health and human services). Department heads … [Read more...]
Spring Grove Holds Truth in Taxation Hearing
Spring Grove City Council members met Tuesday, December 17 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. Council members present included Heather Edgington, Karen Folstad, Trent Turner, Mike Hagen, and Solum. City employees present were Erin Konkel, the city’s treasurer deputy clerk. City … [Read more...]
Chatfield Board Approves Five-day School Week for School Year 2025-26
At a special board meeting held on Monday, December 16, 2024, at 6 p.m with all board members and Superintendent Harris present, the board voted to approve a five-day week for the 2025-26 school year that is very similar to the 2024-2025 calendar. Harris thanked all the patrons who attended the meetings to discuss the four-day week (4DW) and for the large response to the … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Planning Commission Discusses DNR Recommendations
At the December 17 Planning Commission, recommendations from the DNR to change classifications in the county’s shoreland ordinance were discussed. The DNR is proposing the shoreland ordinance be changed. The shoreland classification of trout streams are to be changed from “Natural Environment” to “Forested” to be consistent with the DNR classification system. The DNR has … [Read more...]
Spring Grove School Board Members Thanked for Service to the District
The December 16 meeting of the Spring Grove School Board marked the final meeting for outgoing board members Aaron Solum and Aric Elton. Superintendent Rachel Udstuen graciously thanked both men for their service to the district. Solum served on the board for 20 years, holding the position of chairman for 18 years, while Elton served on the board for four years. Udstuen noted … [Read more...]
PHS Update on Depot Museum & Riverfront Center
Sheila Craig, Preston Historical Society, updated the Preston City Council at their December 16 meeting, the last meeting of 2024. Craig explained she was asked to give a fundraising update to the council every three months. This is her second report; she announced that they have raised $289,965; with the inclusion of active pledges the fund will have exceeded $300,000. The … [Read more...]
Village Budgets for Future
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...]