In the mid 1990s, a group of local farmers decided that Southeastern Minnesota should have a biorefinery to create ethanol from corn, which would provide them with a new avenue of selling their corn. With that in mind, they created Southeast Minnesota Ethanol, LLC, also known as SME, and purchased some land just outside of Preston. The next step was to find someone willing to … [Read more...]
County Attorney retires from Army Reserve after 30 years
Not only has Brett Corson, Fillmore County Attorney, fulfilled his duties to our county for 16 years but he has served our country for 30 years in the Army Reserve. Brett’s career in the Army started after his graduation from Luther College. He did his basic training at Fort Knox and then was a reservist as a combat engineer at Fort Snelling. During this time he attended … [Read more...]
Rushford considers tobacco ordinance changes
In an age of ever-changing products and concerns, the City of Rushford is considering revamping its 1997 tobacco ordinance to include Electronic Nicotine Systems (ENS), or e-devices. The changes would clarify definitions and regulations pertaining to use and sale. A public hearing on the issue was held at the Monday, January 28 meeting, with Rushford-Peterson Middle/High School … [Read more...]
Variances granted for MiEnergy telecommunication towers
The Fillmore County Board of Adjustment met for the first time in 2019 on January 24. Steve Duxbury was elected chairman and Andy Bisek was elected vice-chairman. Meetings will continue to be scheduled for the third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. A public hearing was held on each of MiEnergy variance requests. Chad Chaffee, MiEnergy vice president of system operations-MN, … [Read more...]
Preston authorizes donation for veterans home
At the January 22 meeting of the Preston City Council, a resolution was unanimously adopted authorizing a donation of $335,000 in cash ($125,000) and land ($210,000) to the state of Minnesota for the construction of the Preston Veterans Home. Councilwoman Holly Zuck was not present, but participated via phone. Details were provided as to how the allocation is being funded: … [Read more...]
Kingsland opts for 15-year bonds
The Kingsland School Board met in regular session on January 23. All members were present (Board chair Jackie Horsman, Kyle Rader, Maranda Emig, Natasha Howard, Tiffany Mundfrom, Leah Stier, student board member Zachary Queensland, and Superintendent James Hecimovich) as well as about 15 citizens on hand to listen. A large portion of the meeting involved a presentation … [Read more...]
Rushford-Peterson narrows superintendent field; goes for grants
At a special meeting of the R-P School Board, held Tuesday, January 22, the list of candidates for new superintendent were narrowed to five, plus two alternates. A significant number of applications were received for the position that’s been held by Chuck Ehler since July 2007. The board has reviewed the applications and background information of the candidates and board … [Read more...]
Rindels retiring from Preston Dairy & Farm
Terry Rindels and Tom Greiner recently sat down to discuss the changeover of leadership occurring at the Preston Dairy & Farm Association. Although there will be a new manager, they assure their customers that very little else is expected to change. Regarding his tenure at Preston D & F, Rindels stated, “I’ve done it as manager for 13 ½ years, and been here for 26. … [Read more...]
HBC Cable TV service coming to Chatfield
The Chatfield City Council met on January 14, their first meeting in the new year. Councilor Josh Broadwater was absent. A public hearing was held on the application submitted by Daniel Pecarina, president and CEO of Hiawatha Broadband Communications, Inc. (HBC). HBC wants to provide cable television service to the city. The same terms and conditions of a current franchise … [Read more...]
Spring Valley Ambulance crew honored
Spring Valley City Council’s initial regular meeting of the year was held January 14. Council members present included Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, Mayor Tony Archer, Mike Hadland, and City Administrator Deb Zimmer. No citizens had signed up to address the council. The council gave certificates to the ambulance crew members who exceeded 1,300 hours of service in 2018. … [Read more...]