Houston County Economic Development Authority (EDA) Director Allison Wagner presented the 2023 EDA annual report at the March 5 Houston County Commission meeting. She said, “2023 was a year of positive growth for the Houston County EDA and its partners.” Throughout her presentation, Wagner shared a range of numbers illustrating EDA’s successful year. EDA managed three … [Read more...]
Brownsville Allocates $24,000 in Public Safety Aid Funds to the Fire Department
The Brownsville City Council voted to allocate $24,000 in 2023 Minnesota public safety aid funds to the town’s volunteer fire department at the March 6 city council meeting. Before volunteers from the town’s volunteer fire department spoke regarding the 2023 Public Safety Aid funds received by the city from the state in December, Councilmember Barb Hurley asked to … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Discusses Mental Health Program
At the March 5 meeting of the county board, social services manager Wanda Berg explained the request for a shortfall payment submitted by Nexis Family Healing. The Southeast Regional Crisis Center (SERCC) has been operated by Nexis Family Healing for the last three years. It is located in Rochester and is available 24/7 for mental health crisis intervention. Nexis … [Read more...]
Preston Appoints Tourism/Chamber Director
The Preston City Council appointed a new Tourism/Chamber director at the March 5 meeting. City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton reported there had been 10 applicants. Three were interviewed and the position was offered to Kristina LiBretto. She is a relatively recent resident of the city, having moved from New York. LiBretto will begin at her new job on March … [Read more...]
R-P Valley Chamber of Commerce Looks Forward in 2024
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...]