City resident Brad Musel spoke to the city council at their meeting on Monday, January 9, regarding the enforcement of a noise ordinance the city has on the books. “I’d like to know what the penalty is (for violating the ordinance),” he said. “It doesn’t seem to quit happening, and it is all hours of the day (the noise)… This keeps on going on and going on.” Mayor Tony … [Read more...]
Collaboration is common discussion theme during Preston Chamber annual meeting
“Collaboration” was the theme of the night on Wednesday evening, January 18, during the Preston Area Chamber of Commerce annual meeting. Guest panelists agreed with Chamber Board directors and staff that collaborating on individual, community and regional levels not only benefits private businesses, but can strengthen the entire region by creating a travel destination. The … [Read more...]
Spring Grove City Council tackles lengthy agenda
The Spring Grove City Council had an exceptionally full agenda for their first meeting of the new year. The January 17 meeting began with a short public hearing, during which the council moved to approve the subdivision of a property held by the Richard and Julie Amundson Trust, and to formally repeal (effective July 1) the ordinance which had established the municipal liquor … [Read more...]
Caledonia School Board welcomes three new board members
By Kaitlin Longhauser Caledonia School Board members met in Caledonia Elementary School’s music room #162 on Tuesday, January 17, from 6-8:19 p.m. Board members present include Mike Peterson, Leigh King, Spencer Yohe, Melissa Marschall, Derek Adamson, Tim Gunn, and Daniel Small. In addition, Superintendent Craig Ihrke, Elementary Principal Sue Link, Gretchen Juan, Community … [Read more...]
Harmony Chamber of Commerce begins rebranding the city
When the Harmony Chamber of Commerce met for its annual meeting January 17, a big focus was the work of rebranding the city. After the 20 or so attendees enjoyed a social hour and soups and salads, Allison Whalen, who became the Chamber director in October, reviewed the process so far. Whalen shared the city’s mission statement, “To support, promote, and foster connections … [Read more...]
M-C school board organizes for 2023
Re-elected school board members Diane Wilder, Dustin Tollefsrud, and Traci McKenzie-Livingood recited the oath of office at the January 17 meeting of the Mabel-Canton School Board. The three members will each serve another four-year term. Chairperson Cristal Adkins led the board and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. The board approved the January 17 meeting agenda and the … [Read more...]
Wykoff City Council discusses employee PTO and city clerk job description
On January 9, the Wykoff City Council discussed the possibility of adding additional paid time off (PTO) to employees rather than raises. The formula approved by the council is based off of standard PTO rates; 1-5 years of employment: 10 days, 5-10 years of employment: 15 days, and 10-15 years of employment: 20 days. It’s also prorated for number of hours worked. There was … [Read more...]
Rushford Village annual meeting brings up financial discussions
On January 17, the Rushford Village council held its annual meeting to review appointments, designations, contracts, and fees. Much of these remain the same as in 2022. Councilor Mike Ebner will continue to serve as acting mayor during any absence of Mayor Dennis Overland. Committee appointments include new Councilor Travis Link serving on the Equipment Committee and as Weed … [Read more...]
Preston reviews 2022
At the January 17 meeting of the Preston City Council, annual reviews of four departments were presented. Jim Bakken, utility general manager, reported on Preston Public Utilities (PPU). PPU operates a three-megawatt power plant serving 800 customers. It is in the process of burying major feeders and recently replaced electric cable on the south hill. PPU also operates water … [Read more...]
Fillmore County approves cell phones for Community Services
At the January 10 meeting of the county board, a two-year contract was approved with First Net. The contract includes 20 phones at a cost of $44.99 per month per phone plus $3 per month for each device license. The estimated total monthly charge with fees is $1,094.27. Jessica Erickson, director of nursing, will get 13 phones for her department. She requested a two-year pilot … [Read more...]