Fillmore County Commissioners listened to six department heads review their proposed 2021 budgets at the July 28 board meeting. COVID-19 shared the spotlight. The county’s emergency declaration was extended to September 1. COVID related issues came up during citizens input, the upcoming election discussion, letter of support for swine farmers, and drop off issues at the … [Read more...]
Ag Days and COVID concerns discussed
The Spring Valley City Council held a regular council meeting on July 27, with all members attending (Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, Mike Hadland, John Dols, and Mayor Tony Archer). Also attending was City Administrator Deb Zimmer. Approximately 20 people were on hand to listen and/or address the council. The topic garnering the most discussion was Ag Days. The council … [Read more...]
Chatfield moves ahead on Whalen Valley Improvement Project
Skip Langer and Angela White, Olmsted County SWCD, reviewed plans for the Whalen Valley Drainage Improvement Project at the city council’s July 27 meeting. Councilor John McBroom was absent. White explained they are proposing two projects on the 247 acre watershed. Two fully grassed storage basins (earthen retention ponds) will be built; the north one on 14 acres and the south … [Read more...]
Rushford receives update on legislative action
Amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the inability of the Minnesota legislature to pass a bonding bill for 2020, determining the assistance for non-metro areas of the state is challenging. That was the sentiment shared by Elizabeth Wefel, attorney and lobbyist for the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities, at the July 27 Rushford Council meeting. Wefel summarized a … [Read more...]
Two CUPs to Fillmore County Board
The Fillmore County Planning Commission faced an unusually busy agenda at their July 23 meeting. Public hearings were held on two applications for conditional use permits: a Rock Quarry by Skyline Materials, Ltd. and a Meteorological Tower by Timberwolf Wind, LLC. Skyline Materials, Ltd. The application for the Eickhoff Rock Quarry was submitted by Greg Bruening, Skyline … [Read more...]
What will the first day of school look like in Spring Grove?
The Spring Grove Public Schools Board, including administration and the business manager, met in person on Monday, July 20, 2020, at 7 p.m. in the media center while adhering to the governor’s guidelines for capacity (10 people total). The public and media attended remotely through Google Meet. Board members Aaron Solum, Stephanie Jaster, Rhan Flatin, Kelly Rohland, and … [Read more...]
Fountain works through restrictions with concert events
The fate of concert events in the City of Fountain appears to have gained some forward momentum. A local establishment, on the recommendation of several entities, will be working to develop their plans for events to be held through the remainder of the year. Beaver Bottoms Saloon co-owner Jody Wiza has been undertaking creative events for the last year in effort to bring … [Read more...]
R-P Schools goal: In-person school, done safely
By Wanda Hanson When the Rushford-Peterson School Board met Monday, July 20, two community members addressed the board during the public comments portion of the meeting. Leandra Duneman politely requested, “I ask you to find the safest way possible to educate our students in person. I don’t want anyone to babysit my kids — they need an education.” Concerned about older … [Read more...]
Chatfield reluctantly cancels Western Days 2020
At a special meeting of the Chatfield City Council on July 21, councilors denied the request from Western Days, Inc. to hold Western Days activities in City Park, to hold activities that require streets to be closed, and to use city services for related activities. The vote was 3-1, with John McBroom voting no and Pam Bluhm abstaining. Events like some Saddle Club events and … [Read more...]
Still lots of questions for Houston School Board
By Wanda Hanson The Houston School Board started off its July 16, 2020, meeting with this simple observation by Superintendent Kim Abraham as she updated the board on the COVID-19 situation. Abraham had attended a news conference that day, but many questions will be waiting to be answered until after Governor Walz’s presentation scheduled for July 27. In their in person … [Read more...]