The first of the county’s department heads reviewed their proposed 2025 budget at the July 2 meeting of the county board. County Administrator Bobbie Hillery noted that insurance for employees is projected to go up 30%, which will be the majority of the increase in the 2025 budget. The general wage increase is set at 3% for budgeting purposes. Finance Director Christy … [Read more...]

After the regularly scheduled Houston County Commission meeting on July 2, Human Resources Director Tess Kruger shared a copy of a letter she gave to the commissioners on Monday, July 1, announcing her retirement effective September 6. In her official letter, Kruger proudly stated, “I have spent 36 years in public service, and it has been a pleasure to have served the … [Read more...]

At the July 2 Rushford Village meeting, the council learned the extent of the flooding from three days of flooding that began June 21. “There’s definitely been plenty of excitement there,” said Public Works Supervisor Trenten Chiglo. Issues began with the lift station where one float was non-functioning and the station saw high water over the weekend. As of the meeting, … [Read more...]

At the July  1 meeting, Lanesboro resident Bonita Underbakke addressed the council to consider a proposed expansion of the minimum lot size. Underbakke felt that it would make building in Lanesboro less affordable. The consent agenda was approved and included the accounts payable, a donation to the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, a city office closure on July 5, a … [Read more...]

Following a public hearing on June 12, the Rushford City Council approved rezoning the former Windswept Inn at their regular June 24 council meeting. The new owners, PPS Properties, LLC., intend to create apartments rather than operate a motel. The zoning has been changed from Arterial Commercial to Multi-Family Housing. The plan is to create eight efficiency apartments from … [Read more...]

At its June 25 commission meeting, Houston County Commissioners authorized a temporary 30-day emergency no wake zone on the Mississippi River within the county. Sheriff Brian Swedberg explained that he spoke with County Attorney Samuel Jandt, and they proposed extending the no wake zone to cover the entire Mississippi within Houston County during flood conditions. It will be … [Read more...]

At the June 20 meeting of the Fillmore County Planning Commission, public hearings were held on a rezoning request and a conditional use permit application. Peter Swartzentruber, section 5 of Preston Township, applied to rezone his property from Ag to General Commercial (B-1). The property is on the edge of the east city limits of Preston. Swartzentruber, who was not present … [Read more...]