ST. PAUL, MN: Holiday greenery and Christmas trees bring joy throughout the season, but they can also hide dangerous pests. Diseases and invasive species can make their way into our landscapes on trees and boughs brought into Minnesota from other states. To protect our environment, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture is asking residents to take these steps to properly … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Wraps Up 2025 Business
End of the year business dominated the agenda at the county board’s December 23 meeting. The 2026 final levy was approved in the amount of $14,551,646 which represents a 5.99% increase over the 2025 levy. This is unchanged from the preliminary levy approved in September. A resolution was adopted approving the 2026 total budget in the amount of $44,949,276, which … [Read more...]
Village Nails Down Contract Decision
For months now, the Rushford Village Council has poured over the budget and levy, including what to do with a proposed contract renewal from Community Economic Development Associates (CEDA). At the December 16 meeting, the council welcomed CEDA Community and Business Development Specialist Jayme Longmire and Regional Manager, Community Support Program, Laura Qualey. Longmire … [Read more...]
Spring Grove School Receives “Clean” Audit and Approves 6.7% Levy
The Spring Grove School received a clean audit from CLA and approved a 6.7% tax levy during its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, December 15. The regular school meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. in the school library. The board held its annual Truth in Taxation hearing prior to the regular school board meeting. During the required presentation led by Senior … [Read more...]
R-P Building Bond Information Shared
At the regular December 15 Rushford-School Board meeting, the board heard updates about the upcoming building bond referendum. The board officially reviewed the Review and Comment document from the state; R-P received a positive review from the state. Informational meetings were set for December 17, January 7, 2026, and January 21, 2026. All of the meetings will be held at … [Read more...]
Preston Adopts Comprehensive Plan
At the December 15 meeting of the Preston City Council, a resolution was adopted approving the new comprehensive plan. Emily Herold, assistant planner at MSA Professional Services, gave a brief overview of the plan. On November 17 a public hearing was held during a Planning & Zoning Commission meeting. The commission recommended final adoption of the 2045 Comprehensive … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central Approves 2026 Levy
The December 16 Fillmore Central School Board meeting began with the annual Truth in Taxation presentation given by Superintendent Heath Olstad. The presentation included charts that detailed where the funding for the school comes from and how it is used as well as information on how tax levies work. The board approved the 2026 levy at a total of $2,304,078.75. $1,614,055.37 of … [Read more...]
Houston County Commission Tables Spring Grove Law Enforcement Contract
The Houston County Board of Commissioners spent considerable time discussing the proposed law enforcement contract with the city of Spring Grove during its regular 9 a.m. meeting on December 16. The board ultimately tabled the item to allow time to hear back from Spring Grove officials and to gather answers to the commissioners’ questions regarding the impact of the agreement … [Read more...]
Construction Update for Mabel-Canton School
Much of the December 16 Mabel-Canton School Board meeting was tied to the upcoming building project at the school. Superintendent Gary Kuphal explained a request to approve a bid from Wells Concrete of $630,325 for precast walls. These walls will be used in the CTE addition and are like the walls used recently at the elementary. Wells Concrete is the only company in the area … [Read more...]
Spring Grove Council Holds Truth in Taxation Meeting
Spring Grove City Council members met Tuesday, December 16 at 168 West Main Street. Mayor Bryan Wilhelmson called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. then led with the Pledge of Allegiance. Councilors Mike Hagen, Trent Turner, Eric Ostern, and Morgan Buckland were also present. City Clerk/Administrator Jana Elton was absent, however Lyn Solberg, Utility Billing, filled in for … [Read more...]