Department heads advocated for their 2023 legislative priorities at the board’s January 24 meeting. Rep. Greg Davids and Senator Jeremy Miller attended the meeting virtually. Davids commented that it will be an interesting session with the huge $17.4 billion surplus. The 2023 legislature is dominated by one side. Davids suggested it is not good to have the legislature one … [Read more...]
Chatfield city administrator and city clerk begin duties
City Administer Joel Young administered the oath of office to Beth Carlson for the position of city clerk at the January 23 meeting of the city council. Councilors Mike Urban and Paul Novotny were absent. At an October 10 city council meeting, amendments to the City Charter were unanimously approved, which were to take effect 90 days after publication. The amendments included … [Read more...]
Houston County signs long-standing mental health services agreements
The Houston County Commission signed two long-standing mental health service agreements at its January 24 meeting. Human Services Director John Pugleasa explained that the first contract is the two-year agreement Crest Adult Mental Health Initiative (CREST). This is a program that has been utilized by the county since 1995. Pugleasa explained that CREST is a regional … [Read more...]
Sand, Fill Pit permit approval recommended
At the January 19 meeting of the Fillmore County Planning Commission, a public hearing was held on a conditional use permit application for a Sand, Fill Pit submitted by K. Rodney and Holly Beer. As this was the first meeting of the new year; election of officers was first on the agenda. Trinity Johnson was elected board chairman and Gary Ruskell was elected vice chair. … [Read more...]
Collaborative trail to R-P school
Derek Olinger, Rushford city engineer from Bolton & Menk, presented a trail proposal to the Rushford-Peterson School Board at their first meeting of the year on January 23. The proposed 10-foot wide trail would run 1,660 feet from the north end of Prairie Street to the school parking lot. It would go between the ball fields and the backyards of some houses on Eiken … [Read more...]
Spring Valley Council hears noise ordinance concerns, votes against street proposal
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...]