The county has been in contract negotiations with Law Enforcement Labor Services (LELS) for a few months. At the July 1 meeting of the county board a three-year union contract was approved pending the union’s approval. Bobbie Hillery, county administrator, and Lindsi Engle, human resource officer, met with the LELS team with input from David Drown & Associates to … [Read more...]
Village Audited; Wades Through Public Works Items
At the July 1 meeting, the Rushford Village Council welcomed Bill Sherry from Engleson & Associates. Sherry presented the summary findings of the 2024 audit. The village was issued a clean audit. Limited segregation of duties was noted as a risk, as is noted annually. “There’s not a whole lot going on,” said Sherry. Total cash and investments increased $100,000 last … [Read more...]
Emergency Resolution Approved After June 25 Storms Caused Over $120K in Damage
Chairman Eric Johnson called the July 1 regular meeting of the Houston County Commission to order at 9 a.m. All commissioners present at the July 1 meeting: District 1 - Cindy Wright, District 2 - Eric Johnson, District 3 - Kurt Zehnder, District 4 - Bob Schuldt, and District 5 - Greg Myhre. During the meeting, Houston County Emergency Management Director Mark Olson … [Read more...]
Houston County Residents Weigh in On Cannabis Fees and Special Use Vehicle Ordinance
The June 24 meeting of the Houston County Commission was called to order at 9 a.m. by Chairman Eric Johnson, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. In attendance were Commissioners Kurt Zehnder, Bob Schuldt and Greg Myhre. Commissioner Cindy Wright participated via Zoom. The board unanimously approve the agenda and the minutes from the June 17 regular meeting by roll call … [Read more...]
R-P School Waiting for Clarification on Building Financing
The June 23 Rushford-Peterson School Board meeting had a certification of the proposed building referendum on the agenda. This certification needed to be sent to the state for review and approval. Last week a question concerning whether a daycare addition would qualify for the disaster relief funding from MDE came up. R-P has an email from an MDE official stating that it would … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Public Health Office Upgrades
At the June 24 meeting of the county board, Jessica Erickson, director of nursing, asked the board to consider new office structures to improve operational needs in her department. Erickson said additional revenues from state and other sources could offset costs of the upgrade so there would be little or no effect on the department’s budget or levy. Three quotes were … [Read more...]
Chatfield Approves Five-Year Street Plan and Issuance of Reconstruction Bonds
Two public hearings were held during the June 23 city council meeting. Councilor Mike Urban was absent. Mike Bubany, David Drown Associates, Inc., spoke during the combined public hearing regarding tax abatement and the 2025-2029 street reconstruction plan. The purpose of the hearings was to secure statutory authority for issuing debt. The tax abatement portion identifies … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central Strength and Agility Well Attended
At the June 24 Fillmore Central School Board meeting, Superintendent Heath Olstad issued sincere thanks to the Preston, Fountain and Harmony banks for continuing to support the school through mini grants; $10,500 has been awarded this year. The spring sports season has finished. The Summer Strength and Agility program is going well with over 100 students registered. Summer … [Read more...]
Caledonia Considers Land Purchases, Hears Downtown Parking Concerns
The Caledonia City Council went into closed session during its regular meeting on June 23 to discuss offers related to the purchase of property, in accordance with MN §13D.05. Following the closed session, City Clerk/Administration Jake Dickson announced that the council had discussed strategies for acquiring land from the school district for the North Warrior Avenue … [Read more...]
Rushford Council’s Successful Work Session
At the June 23 meeting of the Rushford City Council, the council quickly dealt with the regular business of the city including approval of verified claims/fund summary for the period ending June 6 and the renewal of a cooperative agreement with the state DNR for a bike trail segment. The council then moved on to the main business of the night, a work session. The first item … [Read more...]
Village Comp Plan Nears Completion
After several years, the Rushford Village Comprehensive Plan update is nearing completion. At the June 17 meeting, Community Economic Development Associates’ Community and Business Development Specialist Rebecca Charles presented the first draft of the plan. Comprehensive plans are meant to guide the city in long-term decision making. Charles completed the plan for the city as … [Read more...]
Caledonia Public Schools Discusses iReady
Caledonia Area Public School Board members met Monday, June 16 at Caledonia Elementary School in room #162. Board member Mike Peterson called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m., then led with the Pledge of Allegiance. Board members present included Derek Adamson, Leigh King, Melissa Marschall, Spencer Yohe and Peterson himself. Board members Julie Augedahl and Chad Harms were … [Read more...]
Kingsland Board Accepts Generous Donations From Booster Club
At the their June 16 meeting, the Kingsland School Board thanked the Kingsland Athletic Booster Club (KABC) for their generous donations of $20,000 for the athletic fields maintenance and $130,000 to build a new football field crow’s nest. “That is for the football field, the softball field (located on the school’s property) and baseball field. The football field needs to be … [Read more...]
Philanthropy Director Talks to Spring Grove Council About SMIF
Spring Grove City Council members met Tuesday, June 17 at 168 West Main Street in room 100. Mayor Bryan Wilhelmson called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. and led with the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members present included Mike Hagen, Eric Ostern, Trent Turner and Wilhelmson. Councilor Morgan Buckland was absent. City Clerk/Administrator Jana Elton was also … [Read more...]
Preston Sets Deadline for Diseased Tree Removal
At the June 16 meeting of the city counci, the issue of diseased trees (emerald ash borer) remaining on private property was again discussed. In July 2024, letters were sent out to property owners with dead and diseased trees asking property owners to look at their options for the removal of those trees. At this point, about 65% of diseased trees have been removed by property … [Read more...]