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...]
SEMAC Announces Recent Individual Artist Grant Awards
On March 19, 2024, the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council (SEMAC) Board of Directors awarded 21 arts programming grants for a total of $89,000 in funding to individual artists throughout southeastern Minnesota. This included 13 Advancing Artist Grants and eight Emerging Artist grants. SEMAC, a non-profit arts agency, is designated by the State of Minnesota Arts Board as … [Read more...]
Fountain Preps for Tower Work
For two years, the city of Fountain has known issues exist with its water tower. However, until this year, there weren’t funds available for the work. At the April 3 meeting, the Fountain Council unanimously approved two bids for the planned reconditioning. Mayor Pro Tem David Gudmundson filled in for Mayor Tammy Danielson, who was absent from the meeting. The city … [Read more...]
Village to Amend Animal Ordinance
At the April 2 meeting, the Rushford Village Council heard an impassioned plea for help from a family seeking assistance with an animal control issue. Jared and Steffanie Iverson and Joyce Iverson, who served on several community organizations, including the zoning board, spoke regarding their concerns. According to the family, dogs in the North Money Creek Road area have … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Approves Annual Agreement with DAC
At the April 2 meeting of the county board the annual nursing consultation services agreement with Fillmore County Developmental Achievement Center (DAC) was approved. Jessica Erickson, public health director, explained the agreement allows the county nursing consultant who is also an employee of Fillmore County Public Health to be available to consult on anything as needed … [Read more...]
Chatfield Schedules Beginning of 2024 Citywide Cleanup
The city council approved dates for the citywide cleanup at their March 25 meeting. Councilors Paul Novotny and Josh Broadwater were absent. The citywide cleanup will begin on May 6. Appliances, televisions, large electronics, mattresses and box springs can be picked up beginning on May 9. A resolution was adopted authorizing the transfer of funds in the amount of … [Read more...]
Proof the Zoning Process Works in Caledonia
The Caledonia City Council, at its regular city council meeting on Monday, March 25, denied a request by Donald J. Jr. and Sharon Burroughs for a zoning permit at 107 West Adams Street, Caledonia, Minn. The Burroughs requested a 5-foot variance on the west side of their property and a 5-foot setback from the west side property line. According to the staff report, the … [Read more...]









