At the April 4 Houston School Board meeting, Board Chair Mimi Carlson and Superintendent Mary Morem explained recent superintendent contract negotiations. Morem had asked for a six-year contract. Carlson presented an offer of two three-year contracts. The first contract would extend the current contract for three years with … [Read more...]
Lanesboro School Board Ponders Background Checks Policy
The Lanesboro School Board saw an even fuller house at their second school board meeting in five days, on April 11. The regular board meeting included in the agenda a discussion and possible approval of policy 404 Employment Background Checks. This time more citizens signed up to address the board during the public input section of the meeting. Olivia Holtegaard introduced … [Read more...]
Spring Valley Parks and Rec in Need of Lifeguards and Coaches
At their April 8 meeting, the Spring Valley City Council learned the city’s Parks and Rec program, like so many around the country, is struggling to find interested applicants for the lifeguard and summer rec coaching departments. “We do have a WSI (water safety instructor) hired so we are set for swimming lessons for sure. I’m not sure if the pool is going to open yet … [Read more...]
Canton City Council Discusses New MPCA Rules
The Canton City Council held its monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 10. The council continued its recent trend of efficiency, with only a few items on the agenda. Clerk Anne Koliha gave an update on the city’s plan for tree removal, specifically focusing on dead/dying ash trees. Public works gave an update on new pollutant limits being developed by the MPCA for nitrate, … [Read more...]
Whalan Council Receives Expungement Request
The Whalan City Council received an expungement request from a former city employee who pleaded guilty to embezzlement of public funds and theft by swindle in 2022. Present at the regularly scheduled council meeting was Mayor David Hallum, along with council members Owen Lewis, Kim Berekvam, Thore E. Johnson and Sheila Higbe. City Clerk/Treasurer Theresa Grossell attended … [Read more...]
Fillmore County to Send Application for Land Survey Grant
At the March 26 meeting of the county board, County Engineer Ron Gregg asked commissioners to adopt a resolution to include with the application for a Public Land Survey System (PLSS) Preservation Program Grant. The state funding approved by the legislature in 2023 will help counties find the perpetuation of monuments that mark public survey corners. The resolution … [Read more...]
$750,000 To Be Awarded to Southern Minnesota Nonprofits Through Partnership With Otto Bremer Trust
OWATONNA, MN, March 21, 2024 – Through a partnership with the Otto Bremer Trust (OBT) and its Community Responsive Fund, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) will award $750,000 in grants to organizations that directly respond to immediate challenges and opportunities in southern Minnesota. Grants of $10,000 to $50,000 will be awarded to organizations doing work … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Council Addresses Short-term Rentals
At the April 1 Lanesboro City Council meeting, Anna Loney spoke on behalf of the Lanesboro Library. She reviewed some of the recent programs presented free of charge to the public as well as a number of upcoming ones. “There are lots of opportunities right here at our Lanesboro Library,” she said. “There is a profound return on investment, so we thank you for your aid in all of … [Read more...]
Preston Discusses Special Use Vehicle Ordinance
Preston city attorney, Dwight Luhmann led a discussion on a draft of the proposed Special Use Vehicle Ordinance at the city council’s April 1 meeting. The ordinance will be designed to regulate the use of UTVs (utility terrain vehicles), ATVs (all-terrain vehicles), golf carts, and mini trucks on city streets (not federal highways). A permit will be needed and will be … [Read more...]
The Brownsville Question Remains: City Street or Not?
The Brownsville City Council postponed a decision during its April 3 meeting regarding the gravel washing down onto 2nd Street until it can ascertain who the responsible parties are. Brownsville Treasurer Jenna Knight stressed the importance of conducting further research before reaching a decision. The unresolved issue revolves around whether the area in question is a city … [Read more...]