The 2024 preliminary budget and tax levy was adopted in the amount of $2,588,325 at the Chatfield, Minn., city council’s September 25 meeting. Councilors David Frank and Paul Novotny were absent. The preliminary levy for 2024 represents a 5.873% increase over 2023. The final levy to be adopted in December can be lower but not higher than preliminary numbers. The Truth in … [Read more...]
Houston County Adopts 7% Levy
The Houston, Minn., County Board of Commissioners thoroughly discussed the proposed tax levy for the county at their September 26 meeting. Originally a proposed levy of 8.7% was suggested once the proposed budget for the year had been presented. Bob Burns, District 3 Commissioner, presented a list of possible changes to the board which would have resulted in a net levy of … [Read more...]
Welcome Mr. Storlie and Mrs. Farnen!
Students, staff, teachers and school board members at Mabel-Canton welcome two new teachers, Mr. Blaine Storlie and Mrs. Katie Farnen to the Cougar family. Both teachers are passionate about teaching at Mabel-Canton. Mrs. Katie Farnen - Many of the students are already familiar with Mrs. Farnen because her husband, Samuel Farnen, is the school’s band teacher. Mrs. Farnen … [Read more...]
Brownsville Fire District – What’s Fair?
The City of Brownsville, Minn., held a special public meeting September 26 to share information about the history of the fire service for Brownsville and parts of Brownsville and Crooked Creek Townships. Brandon Frank, training officer for the Brownsville Fire Department started off the meeting with a brief history of the fire service since 2014. The city recorded the meeting … [Read more...]
SMIF Thanks Spring Valley Council for Support, Preliminary Tax Levy Set
Andi Arnold, of the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), addressed the Spring Valley City Council at their September 25 meeting. “We wanted to thank you guys for your continued support. Spring Valley is a huge supporter and we are grateful to you guys,” Arnold expressed. “You are just a great community.” SMIF serves a 20-county region within Southern Minnesota … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Hires Land Use Director
At the September 26 meeting of the county board, Blake Lea was hired to fill the newly created position of Land Use Director, effective September 29. In August the board voted to restructure the Zoning Department, which was supported by the current Zoning Administrator Cristal Adkins. This day, the new job classification for Assistant Land Use Director was approved. Approval … [Read more...]
Drought Reaches Restrictive Phase
At the September 19 council meeting, Rushford Village Clerk Mary Miner said a notice will go out to all properties in the newsletter and on billing statements, in addition to being posted on the village website. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has implemented a drought-restrictive response phase. Of six drought levels listed by the National Drought Mitigation Center, … [Read more...]
Preston Approves Paving Projects
At the September 18 meeting, the Preston, Minn., City Council approved two small paving projects that can be completed along with a third utility project. Mayor Kurt Reicks was absent. City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton said there could be savings by doing the projects together. The trail extension to the veterans home will be a city-only cost totaling $9,736.33. Griffin … [Read more...]
Trollskogen Log Cabin and Cabins Warrant Attention in Spring Grove
Mayor Saundra Solum called the Spring Grove City Council meeting to order Tuesday, September 19 at 6 p.m. and led with the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members met at 168 West Main Street in Room 100. Council members present were Mayor Solum, Karen Folstad, Heather Edgington and Trent Turner. Also in attendance was City Clerk/Administrator Elton. Council member Chad Rohland … [Read more...]
Houston Adopts Levy
At their regular September 11 council meeting, the Houston Minn. City Council adopted their preliminary levy totaling $582,300. This levy calls for a 3% increase. According to City Administrator Michelle Quinn, the levy will meet the city debt obligations and will allow the city to put away some money to replace vehicles as well as grow an infrastructure fund for future needs. … [Read more...]