As many families in Fillmore County depend on school-age children receiving a nutritious breakfast and lunch at school each day, a question was raised of how to help those children in families who could use some extra help to provide meals on weekends as well. Kristy Tweeten, who is a dairy farmer, had experience with a backpack program in Winona County where food is sent … [Read more...]
Amendment to SSTS Ordinance to be considered by the County Board
At the December 20 meeting of the Planning Commission, the public had an opportunity to comment on the proposed amendment to the Fillmore County subsurface sewage treatment system (SSTS) ordinance. The proposed amended language in Sale or Transfer of Real Estate, Section 803, will make it less likely that any transfers of real estate will fall through the cracks without a SSTS … [Read more...]
Longtime Preston restaurant announces it’s closing its doors
“I hope that sparks someone to purchase it,” Branding Iron owner Steve Bahl said about his recent decision to announce a closing date for his restaurant. Bahl has owned the Branding Iron since 1989, and while he has enjoyed his time at the restaurant, he and his wife Allyson are ready for a change. The Branding Iron was built in 1970 by a group of businessmen who made up the … [Read more...]
DNR schedules special late season deer hunts
In an effort to control the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in the core area, the DNR has scheduled special late season hunts for December 21-23 and December 28-30. These hunts will be in permit areas 603, 347, and 348 plus portions of deer permit areas 343 and 345 that are south of Interstate 90. The focus will be on the primary core area between Preston and Lanesboro, … [Read more...]
Heather Ptacek first female Preston VFW commander
Heather Ptacek recently made history when she was elected commander of the Preston VFW in Preston, Minn. “I don’t think it’s really sunk in yet,” says Ptacek, but she is certainly up for the challenge as she has faced much more intimidating circumstances while serving in the military. Ptacek grew up in Preston and graduated from Fillmore Central School. She joined the … [Read more...]
County reviews list of legislative priorities
At the December 11 County Board meeting, commissioners reviewed a list of 2019 legislative priorities. At their upcoming December 18 meeting, Rep. Greg Davids and Senator Jeremy Miller will be present to hear the county’s legislative preferences. Commissioner Duane Bakke noted the priority list document grows year to year. He suggested that next year there be more discussion … [Read more...]
Whalan’s Stand Still Parade to have additional events in 2019
Jane Lewis and Tanya Cook, with the Stand Still Parade Committee, attended the December 10, 2018, Whalan Council meeting in Whalan, Minn., to ask for council approval to add some very exciting new events to next year’s Stand Still Parade, which will take place on Saturday, May 18, 2019. As 2019 marks the 25th Anniversary of the Stand Still Parade, the committee would like to … [Read more...]
Worrisome situation growing as drivers continue to pass stopped school buses
School buses; the bright yellow, metal behemoths are designed to stand out. We expect that there are children aboard and hope drivers anticipate stops. A frightening rise in the number of reported violations, close calls, and even deaths, however, has law enforcement, transportation directors, and bus companies on high alert. On October 30, three young siblings were struck … [Read more...]
Lanesboro council approves property tax levy
During the December 3 Lanesboro City Council meeting, the council paused the meeting at 6 p.m. to hold a Truth in Taxation Hearing. After the property tax levy and budget were discussed, the public was invited to speak and to ask questions of the council. There were no questions asked by any residents in attendance. What this means for residents is a property tax increase … [Read more...]
Marin to join Ostrander Council
On December 3, the Ostrander City Council held a regular meeting. Members in attendance included Vernon Thompson, Pam Kunert, Mayor Pat Nesler, and DJ Start. Heidi Jones and City Clerk Wendy Brincks were absent. Because of the resignation of Council member Heidi Jones, the Ostrander Council had a vacancy to fill. The resignation letter from Jones to the city stated, in … [Read more...]