Crown Hill Cemetery Association members updated the Preston City Council on cemetery financial issues at the council’s March 2 meeting. Kevin Ostern recalled that they had first approached the city council in July of 2017 about the dwindling financial resources and the possibility of the city taking over ownership and maintenance of the cemetery. City Administrator Joe … [Read more...]
SMMPA plans to be 80% carbon-free in 2030 Agency will reduce CO2 emissions by 90% over 2005 levels
Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (SMMPA) today announced its plan to reshape its generation portfolio through the retirement of the Sherco 3 coal-fired power plant and replace it primarily with wind and solar generation. The plan would result in a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions from 2005 levels and 80% carbon-free energy on an annual basis in 2030. “We have a unique … [Read more...]
Economic development discussed with Rep. Davids
Technology consultant Steve Vetter and Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA) Vice President of Government Relations Chris Giesen are pictured with State Representative Greg Davids (R-Preston) at his State Capitol office in St. Paul. The men visited about economic development opportunities in Fillmore and Houston counties. … [Read more...]
Ferndale Country Club under new ownership
“It’s a very nice place out here,” states Dennie Darr, new owner of the Ferndale Country Club of Rushford, Minn. Darr had been helping the Ferndale Country Club board try to find a buyer for quite some time, with no luck. “I’ve been trying to help out here for a few years and they needed to get it in private hands,” commented Darr, as it had become complicated having … [Read more...]
Preston’s new fire chief takes oath
At the February 18 Preston City Council meeting, Mayor Kurt Reicks administered the Fire Chief oath of office to Ramon Hernandez. Councilman David Collett was absent. The council approved appointed officers to the fire department: Chief Ramon Hernandez, Assistant Chief Leigh Larson, Treasurer Dustin Arndt, Secretary Stuart Quanrud, and Training Officer Steven … [Read more...]
Job fair in Preston March 3
Local high school students, their parents, and the general public are invited to attend a job fair, to be held on Tuesday, March 3 in the Fillmore Central Elementary School gym in Preston. Jen Strand, Recruitment Marketing Consultant/Event Coordinator at Jobs HQ, stated, “It’s a first time event. For the public, it’s running from 7:30-9:30 a.m., so it’s an early event.” … [Read more...]
Did you know?
Many people plan to retire by a certain age, but few may actually still be working at their targeted retirement age. In the United States, the age at which working Americans expect to retire has risen to 66. But a Gallup poll showed that most don’t stay on the job that long, instead retiring when they’re about 60 or 61. In addition, according to a 2018 Employee Benefit Research … [Read more...]
Tech careers continue to boom
Technology has changed the world in numerous ways, including creating entirely new industries and a vast array of career options that didn’t exist as recently as two decades ago. In its CyberstatesTM report, CompTIA, which publishes a steady stream of new research on IT topics, recently shared some key findings that’s news for those who work in tech. • Around 11.8 million … [Read more...]
Morem Electric celebrates major milestone
“Honest day’s work for an honest day’s dollar.” Harmony businessman Arnold Morem was known to say this. The principle remains a fundamental part of the business Morem began back in 1945. When the Rural Electrification Act came through in 1936, it paved the way for electricity to reach the rural areas of the country. Arnold found himself installing electrical service to farms … [Read more...]
Nursing home expansion worries Spring Valley citizens
The Spring Valley City Council heard a concern from a citizen during the regular council meeting on February 10. Members present included Mayor Tony Archer, Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, John Dols, and City Administrator Deb Zimmer. Mike Hadland was absent. Bruce Kraut addressed the council, and said he was speaking on behalf of his “Jones Street neighborhood” with … [Read more...]