The Rushford-Peterson Valley Chamber of Commerce emphasized the future as they held their annual meeting February 21. New Chamber Director Stephanie Eggert expressed her thanks to former Director Jen Hengel for her help in the transition. Eggert detailed plans for the upcoming year including an Autumn Trails Event, a business Open Doors Tour and a Career Exploration Day for … [Read more...]
Will Houston County Pass a No Wake Zone the Second Time Around?
The Houston County Commission conducted a public hearing at the board’s February 26 regularly scheduled meeting. The public hearing allowed Houston County residents an opportunity to voice their opinion regarding the proposed no wake zone ordinance. Mayor Mike Poellinger, representing the City of La Crescent, noted that the city does not have any authority. He added that the … [Read more...]
Rushford-Peterson Approves Post Secondary Enrollment Options Policy
Rushford-Peterson MiddleSchool/High School Principal Jake Timm and MSHS Counselor Jenny Helgemoe presented the R-P PSEO Policy and PSEO Helpful Hints documents to the R-P School Board for approval at their February 26 meeting. The intent of the policy is to get students to understand how PSEO (Post Secondary Enrollment Options) works. Timm pointed out that a couple … [Read more...]
Rushford Getting New Public Transit Bus
At the February 26 meeting, the Rushford Council welcomed Rolling Hills Transit Director of Transportation Manager Bill Spitzer. He attended the meeting to discuss the program, Rushford bus details, area community details on ridership, services provided, funding needs, and plans. Spitzer hit on reasons why public transit is critical, including accessibility, affordability, … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office Upgrades 911 Phone System
Sheriff John DeGeorge, Emergency Management director Don Kullot, and Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) manager Jon Whitney addressed the county board at their February 27 meeting. They requested approval to purchase the Vesta Next Generation 911 phone system to make the county Next Generation 911 compliant. The one-time cost for system setup in the amount of $40,283.61 … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central Kids Celebrate “I Love to Read Month”
At the February 27 Fillmore Central school board meeting, Superintendent Heath Olstad reported that I Love to Read Month is wrapping up. The students experienced fun events and programs, dress up days and more to celebrate over the month of February. Thanks were extended to the Preston Fire Department for their donation that will allow each student to receive a free book at the … [Read more...]
Caledonia Council Meeting Short on Attendance
In an unusual turn of events, neither Caledonia Mayor DeWayne (Tank) Schroeder nor former Mayor Robert (Bob) Burns could recall a time when the Caledonia City Council lacked a quorum for a council meeting. However, on Monday evening, February 26, 2024, it happened. With only the mayor and Councilmember David Fitzpatrick present, the council found itself without the required … [Read more...]
Chatfield Approves Updates for Wastewater Treatment Facility
At the February 26 meeting of the Chatfield city council, Steve Schlichter, WWTF superintendent, explained the current UV disinfection system is 18 years old and parts are no longer available and/or difficult to find. Councilor Mike Urban was absent. Schlichter recommended the lower of two quotes submitted by Great Northern Environmental in the amount of $145,000 for … [Read more...]
Journal Wins 17 Awards at MNA Convention
At the 157th annual convention held in Brooklyn Center, Minn., in early February, the Journal staff raked in 17 awards in the categories of news reporting, advertising excellence, and online presence. Judges evaluated each newspaper compared to others of the same size circulation in the State of Minnesota, awarding first, second and third place winners in each … [Read more...]
Caucus Night for DFL and GOP
On the eve of Tuesday, February 27, 2024, politically interested individuals gathered at caucus precincts throughout the State of Minnesota. In total, caucuses were held in 4,002 precincts across the state. This grassroots process presents an opportunity for residents to share their thoughts with hopes of influencing which candidates and issues gain support for their … [Read more...]