SEPTEMBER 26, 2022, ST. PAUL, MINN. – Preston Veterans Home advocates attended a virtual meeting with officials from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) on September 21 to receive an update on the future Minnesota Veterans Home in Preston. Construction continues on schedule for the facility that is located at 1112 Overlook Drive on a 15-acre bluff-top site … [Read more...]
SMIF announces second Prosperity Initiative cohort of 2022
OWATONNA, MN, SEPTEMBER 28, 2022 – Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is pleased to announce the members of the second Prosperity Initiative cohort of 2022, a program which provides free coaching and training to minority entrepreneurs. Four entrepreneurs have joined the program. Prosperity Initiative clients commit to a six-month period of working directly with an … [Read more...]
Fillmore County approves preliminary 2023 budget/levy
Fillmore County Commissioners at their September 27 board meeting unanimously approved the preliminary budget and levy for 2023. The budget in the amount of $12,399,295 requires a 3.95% levy increase, or $471,533 more than in 2022. County Program Aid for 2023 will be $940,355, or $125,351 more than in 2022. County Administrator Bobbie Hillery noted recent adjustments that had … [Read more...]
Caledonia School District is off to a good start
By Kaitlin Longhauser Caledonia School Board members met in Caledonia Elementary School’s music room #162 on Monday, September 26, from 6-8 p.m. Board members present included Matt Blocker, Erin Hammell, Leigh King, Melissa Marschall, Daniel Small, Wendy Woyczik, and Spencer Yohe. The board approved the consent agenda and the minutes from the August 15 regular board meeting … [Read more...]
Rushford seeks airport engineering qualifications
The September 26 Rushford Council meeting held only one item of general business, which was unanimously approved. It provided authority to advertise a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for airport engineering and planning services. The process is required prior to the city entering into a master service agreement every five years. The current agreement with Mead & Hunt … [Read more...]
Houston County 6th graders explore their environment
The Root River Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) sponsored the 6th Grade Environmental Day on Tuesday, September 20 at Winnebago Springs. The popular event founded by Spring Grove teacher Terry Nelson in 1997 has been held annually except in 2020 due to the pandemic. District Manager David Walter proudly shared, “This is the 25th anniversary.” The event has … [Read more...]
Kingsland gym roof to be replaced in 2023
During the Kingsland School Board meeting on September 19, the board considered options for repairing the damaged roof over the gym. It was pointed out that a leak had occurred, but did not result in water reaching the gym floor. The leak was caused by a faulty patch, so that will be fixed by the company that installed the patch. The board voted to have a temporary “fix” … [Read more...]
Preston certifies preliminary 2023 levy
A resolution was adopted at the Preston City Council’s September 19 meeting setting the 2023 preliminary levy at $1,136,218. This is an increase of $55,522, or 5.14% over 2022’s levy. Mayor Kurt Reicks noted final figures will be available, for example insurance costs, before the final levy is set in December, which could result in a downward adjustment. The final levy can be … [Read more...]
Rushford Village to hold extra budgetary meeting
The Rushford Village council opted to continue its September 20 meeting to September 26 for the purpose of discussing the 2023 budget further. Mayor Dennis Overland and Councilor Roger Knutson were absent for the regularly scheduled meeting, so Mayor Pro Tem Mike Ebner headed up the agenda. Councilor Bob Hart previously asked for additional information regarding funds, … [Read more...]
Positive start to the year at R-P
The theme at the R-P School Board meeting September 19 was “positivity.” Superintendent Ben Bernard commented, “It feels nice to be back to a ‘normal’ school year!” He shared that the new menus in the lunchroom have been a hit with students, deemed “one of the best parts of the new school year” by many. Bernard has helped in the lunchroom taking student lunch numbers while a … [Read more...]