Last Christmas, Houston City Council decided not to have their long-used, well-worn wreaths hung on the city light posts. Many citizens commented on the lack of decorations; as a result, the Hometown Pride group took a look at the tired wreaths to see if they could be restored. Marlene Schultz attended the city council meeting on May 9 and shared the possibility of replacing … [Read more...]
Mabel names Geving as new fire chief
Mabel’s City Council met on May 11. Council members in attendance included Adam Wilder, Mayor James Westby, Kirsten Wyffels, and Cory Wilson. Also participating were City Clerk Karen Larson and Jeff Rein. The city’s new ambulance was on display outside the community center, and Larson pointed out that Janet Sanden (JWS Graphix) had designed the graphics shown on the … [Read more...]
Rushford public hearing draws no citizens
The Rushford City Council held a public hearing May 9 for the purpose of receiving information regarding assessments to property owners affected by the Highway 30 Street & Utility Improvement Project prior to the council adopting the assessment roll. Engineer Derek Olinger, of Bolton & Menk, was present to discuss details and noted it was unique to have the public not … [Read more...]
New phones for Houston schools
At their May 5, regular meeting, the Houston School Board approved a new phone system update for the school with a monthly cost of $2,400. This is a bit over $100 in additional cost. Internet-based phones will be installed throughout the school’s buildings. Josh Norlien expressed concern about phone service during power outages, but the school has battery backups for some … [Read more...]
Peterson hears public comment on park plans
The City of Peterson is steadily making its way through looking at various options for phased projects rejuvenating its city park, which includes substantial green space from the former athletic field for Rushford-Peterson Middle School. All plans discussed in recent months have been preliminary and are leading up to a public informational meeting to gather additional ideas and … [Read more...]
Food truck hearing at Lanesboro City Council
The Lanesboro City Council began their regular monthly meeting with a hearing on permitting food trucks in the city. Many local restaurant owners filled the room and spoke of their concerns to the council. Hal Cropp of the Commonweal Theatre expressed his concern that the requirements of a 50-foot distance from a brick and mortar restaurant and the limitation of only two … [Read more...]
Ostrander talks trash, chickens, and dogs
During the Ostrander City Council meeting on May 3, the council discussed the city’s garbage and recycling contract with Lakeshore Recycling Systems (LRS). City Clerk Wendy Brincks explained that, after years of contracting with Waste Management for the city’s services, the city recently entered into a contract with Sunshine Sanitation, but Sunshine was then bought out by … [Read more...]
Houston County comprehensive land use plan moving forward
Houston County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, May 3, from 9-10:11 a.m. at the historic county courthouse in downtown Caledonia. Commissioners in attendance included Chairman Greg Myhre, Teresa Walter, Robert (Bob) Burns, Eric Johnson, and Dewey Severson. Chairman Myhre called the meeting to order and led the commissioners and the public in the Pledge of … [Read more...]
Red Cross and Chatfield Fire Department to install free smoke alarms May 14
On Saturday, May 14, American Red Cross serving Southeast Minnesota, Chatfield Alliance, and Chatfield Fire Department will join together to install free smoke alarms for local families vulnerable to home fires during a Sound the Alarm event. This effort is part of a national Red Cross Sound the Alarm initiative to install 50,000 free smoke alarms in more than 50 at-risk … [Read more...]
Rushford Village details public works changes
At the May 3 meeting, the Rushford Village Council revisited details from the April 19 closed meeting where the council had discussed labor negotiations following the submission of a letter of resignation from Public Works/Maintenance Supervisor Trenten Chiglo. According to the minutes, the council noted satisfaction with Chiglo’s work and emphasized the flexibility of the … [Read more...]