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...]
September 5 Garbage/Recycling Pickup Day in Mabel
Mayor Adam Wilder called the regularly scheduled meeting of the Mabel City Council to order on August 14 at 6 p.m. He announced that garbage and recycling will be picked up on Thursday, September 5, not Wednesday, September 4 due to Labor Day. In addition to Mayor Wilder, council members Kirsten Wyffels, Cory Wilson and Tina Bakke were present. Valerie Arnold called in. … [Read more...]
Whalan Approves Short-Term Rental Ordinance
After many months of hard work by the Planning and Zoning Committee, the Whalan City Council approved a short-term rental ordinance during it’s August 12 meeting. Present at the regularly scheduled council meeting was Mayor David Hallum, along with council members Owen Lewis, Thore E. Johnson, Sheila Higbe and Kim Berekvam. City Clerk/Treasurer Teresa Grossell was also in … [Read more...]
Caledonia Finishes Court Project, Requests Survey Completion
At 6 p.m. on Monday, August 12, Mayor DeWayne (Tank) Schroeder convened the Caledonia City Council’s regular meeting in the city hall council chambers, beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Schroeder announced that all council members were present: Bob Klug, Amanda Ninneman, Mayor Schroeder, David Fitzpatrick and Ryan Stenzel. Others in attendance included Bob and … [Read more...]
Chatfield Approves Parking Restriction and Special Vehicle Ordinances
At the August 12 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, Ordinance 476 was reviewed for the first time. It outlines offenses that may be charged as administrative offenses and the penalties for those offenses. The fine for an animal violation would be $50, for various described nuisances would be $100, and for various street, sidewalk, and vehicle violations the fine would be … [Read more...]
Preston Reviews Capital Improvement Plan
At the August 12 meeting of the city council, the city financial advisor Mike Bubany provided an interactive spreadsheet to help the city council compare financial options in the creation of the city’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for the next five years. The city of Preston CIP projects included in the plan include a seal coat project in 2028, city hall repairs, a new plow … [Read more...]
Arrival of September Heralds More Budget Decisions for Ostrander
By Annika Doberenz The month of July was a slow one for the city of Ostrander, with no calls being made to the fire department and no major issues popping up for the people services department, either. The only topics discussed at any significant length at their latest meeting on August 8 were those of the recent citywide garage sales, the new cannabinoids ordinance that was … [Read more...]
Six to Run for Lanesboro School Board
The Lanesboro community will see a total of six people running for the three positions on the school board this fall. At the regular August board meeting, board member Steve Snyder responded to the news with a chuckle, “I like competition!” He was just joking – his position is not even up for election. The board members up for election include Christine Troendle, Sarah … [Read more...]
Rushford to Host Latina Festival
At the August 12 meeting, the Rushford Council learned that local business El Barco Mexican Restaurant would hold a Latina festival over Labor Day weekend. Celebrating culture, music, and food, the two-day festival will be held outside the restaurant on August 31 and September 1. The city has approved the closure of Elm Street near the restaurant, which sits at the … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Aims to Reduce Preliminary Budget Numbers
Departmental budgets for 2025 again dominated discussion at the county board’s August 13 meeting. At the last meeting, County Administrator Bobbie Hillery reported that preliminary 2025 budget numbers may result in a 9.3% levy increase. Commissioner Randy Dahl suggested departments have been presenting very accurate budgets. He added there are likely just two ways to reduce … [Read more...]