The first order of business at the January 2, 2024, Houston County Commission meeting was the election of the 2024 board chairman and vice chair. Commissioner Eric Johnson will take the lead as chairman and Commissioner Bob Schuldt will step into the role as vice-chairman. Board Clerk Allison Wagner promptly called the meeting to order at 9 a.m. and led the board and the … [Read more...]
Ostrander Council Adopts New Law Enforcement Contract
The Ostrander City Council held a brief January 2 meeting, covering topics including its law enforcement service contract, city attorney services, and investment of city funds. The council made its final approval of the 2024 Law Enforcement Services Agreement with Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office. The contract, which has been a major topic of discussion for the council over … [Read more...]
Brownsville to Continue Flying Current Minnesota State Flag
The Brownsville City Council unanimously approved to continue flying the current Minnesota State flag at the January 3, 2024, council meeting until further notified. Councilmember William (Bill) Fitzpatrick stated regarding the state’s decision to redesign the flag and the logo, “What a waste of time and money!” Mayor Jean Meyer summarized the proclamation included in the … [Read more...]
Rushford Sets Hearing for Funding Request
At the December 26 meeting, the Rushford Council heard details of an Economic Development Authority (EDA) request from Brilliance Web Design, DBA Brilliance Business Solutions for the purchase of the Johnson & James Properties, Norsland Lefse & Norsland Bakery & Cafe. According to the provided documentation, the EDA reviewed the request at their December 20 meeting. The … [Read more...]
Houston County Employees Recognized for Service
Twelve Houston County employees were recognized for their years of service to the county at the county’s December 26 commission meeting. Thirty-five-year awards to David J. Bauer and Mary A. Zaffke; 30-year award to Julie A. Renk; 25-year award to Holly S. Felten; 20-year awards to Christopher C. Tuveson and Julie K. Von Arx-Abnet; 15-year awards to Anthony T. Dockter, William … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendments
At the December 21 meeting of the Planning Commission, public hearings were held on proposed language changes to Rural Home Based Business, Section 734 and to Subsurface Sewage Treatment System (SSTS) Ordinance, Section 802. The proposed language change to Section 734 will remove the Crop Equivalency Rating (CER). The CER soil requirement had previously been removed for new … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central Approves 2024 Levy
Superintendent Heath Olstad reviewed the current budget and proposed property tax levy for 2024 with the board, as part of the Truth in Taxation hearing at the December 19 Fillmore Central School Board meeting. The board approved the total proposed school tax levy in the amount of $1,743,308.68. Superintendent Olstad said that the Christmas concerts at both the elementary and … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton School Certifies Levy
The Mabel-Canton (M-C) school held its annual Truth in Taxation hearing on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at the beginning of the regularly scheduled school board meeting. Time was allotted for public comment and discussion as required by state law. Business Manager Aimee Lake reviewed the process and the 2023-2024 school budget as it pertained to the certification of the … [Read more...]
Spring Grove Schools Approves Property Tax Levy
The Spring Grove Public Schools held its annual Truth in Taxation public hearing before the regular school board meeting on Monday, December 18. The board unanimously approved an increase in the property tax levy of $1,042.979.00 or 156.7%. Superintendent Rachel Udstuen thanked everyone for attending and explained that there would be time for questions at the end of the … [Read more...]
Preston Approves Rezoning Request
A rezoning request submitted by C & G Properties was considered at the December 18 meeting of the city council. The property at 413 Farmers St. NW has previously served as an office building. The request to rezone the .6-acre property from I-1(Industrial) to R-3 (Multi-family Residential) will allow for the repurposing of the building as an apartment building. The … [Read more...]