At the April 22 meeting of the county board County Administrator Bobbie Hillery reviewed the various fund balances for fiscal year 2024. Committed Funds include funds that were set aside for building maintenance, law enforcement remodel, grant projects, new county projects, interoperable communications, highway equipment, and solid waste building remodel/replacement. These … [Read more...]
Preston Replaces Squad Vehicle
At the April 21 meeting of the city council, Police Chief Blaise Sass presented a quote for a 2025 Chevrolet 1500 PPV on state bid from North Country GM. The new squad will replace a 2018 Dodge Ram. The replacement of the squad had been scheduled for 2024. The planned purchase for the squad with equipment and graphics will cost a total of $67,216.93 ($50,931.60 for the … [Read more...]
Caledonia Public Schools Help the Environment
Caledonia Area Public School board members met Monday, April 21 at Caledonia Elementary School in room #162. Board member Mike Peterson called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. then led with the Pledge of Allegiance. All board members, Superintendent Ihrke, Middle/High School Principal Nathan Boler, Elementary Principal John Wahlstrom, and Community Education Director Gretchen … [Read more...]
Houston County Board Postpones Decision on MCIT Snowplow Settlement
At its April 22 meeting, the Houston County Board of Commissioners deferred action on a $215,171 settlement offer from the Minnesota Counties Intergovernmental Trust (MCIT) related to a county owned snowplow that was totaled this past winter. The board is also considering the purchase of a 2026 tandem axle truck and plow box as a replacement but opted to wait for additional … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central Holds High School Job Fair
At the April 22 Fillmore Central School Board meeting, Superintendent Heath Olstad reported that 28 businesses were represented at the recent job fair at the high school. He thanked everyone who was involved in the fair, noting that it was a successful event. There are quite a few concerts coming up at the elementary and high school in May. The dates for those are available on … [Read more...]
Whalan Council Learns About the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail
The Whalan City Council was educated on the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail that is being planned and how Whalan could be included in the trail. Present at the regularly scheduled council meeting on April 14, 2025, were Mayor Hallum, along with councilmembers Owen Lewis, Thore E. Johnson, Sheila Higbe and Kim Berekvam. City Clerk/Treasurer Teresa Grossell was also … [Read more...]
MnDOT US 52 Presentation at Chatfield
Paul Zager, MnDOT project manager, presented current plans for the 2027 US 52 project (Chatfield through Fountain) at the Chatfield City Council’s April 14 meeting. Last year open houses were held in Chatfield and Fountain to get input from the public. Zager said MnDOT will be back again next year with more detailed plans. The first year of the project will involve bridge … [Read more...]
Houston Owl Sculpture Set for Repairs
At the regular Houston City Council meeting April 14, the council learned that the owl sculpture currently on display in the city park in Houston, Minn., is in need of repair. The chainsaw sculpture was originally completed on a tree stump in the park. Time has been the enemy of the sculpture; the bottom of the sculpture has been compromised by weather and aging. Karla … [Read more...]
Spring Grove Discusses Childcare Options
Spring Grove City Council members met Tuesday, April 15 at 168 West Main Street in room #100. Mayor Wilhelmson called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. and led with the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members present included Michael Hagen, Morgan Buckland, and the newest council member – Eric Ostern. Councilor Trent Turner was absent. City Clerk/Administrator Jana Elton was also … [Read more...]
Caledonia School Board Discusses Financial Status of District
Caledonia Area Public School board members met Monday, April 14 at Caledonia Elementary School in room #162 to discuss the financial status of the district. All board members were present. After welcoming attendees, Superintendent Craig Ihrke explained the purpose of the meeting was to understand the district’s financial situation and to plan for the future. Ihrke … [Read more...]
Wykoff Council Accepts Resignation, Addresses Utility Project, and Approves Improvements
The Wykoff City Council held its regular monthly meeting on April 14 at 7 p.m., with all council members and city officials present. Mayor Ryan Breckenridge presided over the meeting, joined by City Administrator Becky Schmidt, Administrative Assistant Luann Hare, and council members Barbara Fate, Jeffrey Hare and Jane Baker. In the first order of business, the council was … [Read more...]
A New Chapter Begins: Houston County Libraries Showcase Improvements, Praise Support
The executive director from Southeastern Libraries Cooperating (SELCO), along with the five Houston County librarians, presented the libraries’ 2024 annual report during the Houston County Commissioners meeting on April 15. Commissioners were sincerely thanked by the librarians for their annual financial support and the ARPA funds. The Caledonia library used the ARPA funds … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton School $8.9 Million Referendum Passes
Mabel-Canton Superintendent Gary Kuphal proudly announced at the April 15 school board meeting that the school’s bond referendum passed by a resounding 2-to-1 margin. Board members present at the meeting included Dustin Tollefsrud, Diane Wilder, Mark Weidemann, Amber Tripp, and Jason Marquardt (via phone) and Livingood (via phone). Chairman Miller called the meeting to … [Read more...]
Village May See Development
At the May 15 council meeting, Rushford Village Zoning Administrator Jon Pettit indicated the Planning and Zoning Board had met with village landowner Vern Bunke regarding his plans for development of land south of Highway 16 near Oakwood Sherwood Cemetery. “Most of you are aware of the development that he’s been bringing around for quite some time,” said Pettit. “Tonight, … [Read more...]
Spring Valley Projects Top Council Agenda
Drew Weber, of Bolton and Menk gave updates on the Spring Valley’s street projects at the city council’s April 14 meeting. The final pay estimate for the 2022 Fremont Street Improvement Project with a total of $54,972.23 was approved. “Good news is it came in at a little over $100,000 below what you budgeted. It doesn’t always happen that way, but we’ll take that as a … [Read more...]