By Paula Barness Prior to their regular meeting on December 15, 2025, the Kingsland School Board held their annual Truth and Taxation hearing. Kingsland business manager Julie Schreiber told the board currently, the allowance per pupil is at $7,481, but if the general education formula allowance actually kept up with inflation it would be at $8,951. “When the general … [Read more...]
Caledonia School Board Says Goodbye to Spencer Yohe
Caledonia Public School Board members met Monday, December 15 at Caledonia Elementary School. Boardmember Mike Peterson called the meeting to order at 5:34 p.m., led with the Pledge of Allegiance, then conducted roll call. All board members, principals, Superintendent Craig Ihrke, and Community Education Director Gretchen Juan were present. Caledonia Middle/High School … [Read more...]
Whalan Council Focuses on Year-End Business
As 2025 draws to an end, the Whalan City Council wrapped up several items needing to be accomplished prior to the end of the year. Present at the December 8, 2025, council meeting were Mayor David Hallum along with council members Thore E. Johnson, Kim Berekvam and Sheila Higbe, with Owen Lewis attending via Zoom. City Clerk/Treasurer Teresa Grossell was also in … [Read more...]
Chatfield Certifies 2026 Levy
At the December 8 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, the 2026 levy was certified in the amount of $2,885,640. This represents an increase of $147,277, or 5.378% over 2025. Councilor Mike Urban was absent from the meeting. City Administrator Michele Peterson presented goals and guidelines for 2026 during the Truth in Taxation hearing. Goals included the maintenance of a … [Read more...]
Caledonia Council Ends Year with Library Update and 2026 Levy Approval
The Caledonia City Council completed all its business for the year and unanimously voted to cancel the regularly scheduled council meeting on December 22, 2025. The next council meeting will be held on January 12, 2026. Mayor Jeremy Leis called the December 8 meeting to order at 6 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Present were Bob Klug, Amanda Ninneman, David Fitzpatrick, … [Read more...]
Chatfield School Board Approves Final Levy
At the December 10, 2025, school board meeting, board members David Sovinski, Katie Priebe, Tom Keefe, Josh Thompson, Jill Harstad and Mark Johnsrud were present. Also present were Superintendent Ed Harris, elementary principal, Shane McBroom and high school principal, Eric Nelson. Student senate representatives Allia Whalen and Ella Whalen were also present. Consent … [Read more...]
Rushford Tackles Moving On
The December 8 Rushford Council saw a full house with every Rushford department head, incoming council member, and others in attendance. Department heads were called to attend by Mayor Terri Benson with the purpose was to get all on board with the process of information and department needs following the passing of longtime City Clerk Kathy Zacher on November 30. Zacher … [Read more...]
Mabel Sets 3.01% Levy
On December 10, the Mabel City Council held its annual Truth in Taxation hearing during the regularly scheduled city council meeting. The council meeting was called to order at 6 p.m. by Mayor Adam Wilder. After the Truth in Taxation hearing, the council adopted the city’s 2026 budget and set the levy at 3.01%. City Clerk Karen Larson had hoped she could get it below 3%, but … [Read more...]
Spring Valley Council Approves Levy and Budget
The Truth and Taxation hearing was held prior to the Spring Valley City Council meeting on Monday, December 8. The council reviewed their proposed property tax levy, which will be collectible in 2026. The general operating budget is at $790,672, parks at $191,387, Economic Development Authority (EDA) at $83,237, the library at $177,000. The total debt levies are $768,450 and … [Read more...]
New Public Works Director for Houston
At their regular city council meeting December 8, the Houston City Council appointed Josh Hongerholt to replace Randy Thesing as the Public Works City Maintenance Superintendent. Thesing served in the position for nearly 24 years and will be retiring January 2, 2026. Hongerholt will receive 5% over the next wage band within the department. After a six month probationary … [Read more...]