Two enthusiastic teachers have joined the team at LeRoy-Ostrander Schools this year. Katie Bakke is the new second-grade teacher, and Ian Thomason is the district’s middle and high school special education teacher. Both teachers, who are commuting from Stewartville, bring unique backgrounds and teaching philosophies to their classrooms. Katie Bakke Katie Bakke’s journey to … [Read more...]
Chatfield to Advertise for an EDA Director and Zoning Administrator
At the September 9 city council meeting, approval was given to advertise for both an EDA director and a zoning administrator. Councilor Josh Broadwater was absent. Both positions are for 30 hours per week. Both will report to the city administrator. The EDA director will primarily oversee economic development and related activities and projects. The zoning administrator will … [Read more...]
Taher Reports to Lanesboro School Board
At their regular September 11 meeting, the Lanesboro School Board heard a report from Taher Food Services, the new vendor for the school’s lunch program. Taher’s district manager Brett Bauer and local food service director Emily Kiehne not only presented a report on the first few weeks of food service, but also set an attractive table and offered everyone treats of pumpkin … [Read more...]
Custodial Staff Named Hurricane Heroes in Houston
At the September 5 Houston School Board meeting, Superintendent Mary Morem declared the custodial staff the Hurricane Heroes for September. With lots of extra summer projects, the entire custodial staff put in extra duty and time; all of the projects were completed in-house with no outside hires. Morem shared that she and all the custodians met weekly about the projects’ … [Read more...]
Chatfield Board Looks at Five-year Plan
Special Meeting A special board meeting was held at 6 p.m., before the regular meeting of the Chatfield School Board on September 11. All board members were present with the exception of Tom Keefe. Other interested patrons were also present. The purpose of the special meeting was for Superintendent Harris to present information on two issues. One issue was the budget … [Read more...]
Peterson Starts Ordinance Reviews
At the September 11 meeting, the Peterson council began its review of city ordinances. Up first were those covering nuisance vehicles and junk/clutter. The council first adopted its ordinance regulating public vehicle nuisances in November 2018 after property owners struggled with city requests regarding safety concerns and some refused any communication with the city. In … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Commissioners Discuss 2025 Budget
County Administrator Bobbie Hillery presented the current draft of the 2025 budget at the September 10 board meeting. She detailed added cuts that have been agreed to by department heads. Hillery said, “Department heads did a great job.” The latest numbers show an increase in the levy of $4.48%, or $588,238, over 2024. Sheriff John DeGeorge and Chief Deputy Lance Boyum were … [Read more...]
Mabel Approves 2025 Tax Levy and Purchase of Two Generators
Mabel Public Works Director Robert (Bob) Mierau presented two quotes at the September 11 city council meeting for approval: one for a permanent standby generator for the community center and one for a mobile diesel generator for the lift stations. Mierau mentioned that he has been advocating for years for the city to purchase these generators in case of an emergency, noting, … [Read more...]
Whalan City Council to Hold Public Hearing
During the September 9 regularly scheduled Whalan City Council meeting a date was set for a public hearing for the Short-term Rental Ordinance as well as a discussion of an upcoming ballot item. Present at the meeting were Mayor David Hallum along with council members Owen Lewis, Thore E. Johnson, Sheila Higbe and Kim Berekvam. City Clerk/Treasurer Teresa Grossell was also … [Read more...]
Eitzen Habitat House Scheduled for Completion By End of October
Executive Director Kahya Fox, Habitat for Humanity of the Greater La Crosse Region, answered at the September 10 Eitzen City Council meeting that the Eitzen Habitat house is expected to be completed by the end of October. Mayor Jeff Adamson called the regularly scheduled meeting of the Eitzen City Council to order at 6:03 p.m. Councilors, including Mayor Adamson, Emily … [Read more...]