During the regular Ostrander City Council meeting on March 2, the council heard concerns from Fire Chief Jason Rice. Council members present included Stephanie Start, Vernon Thompson, and Mayor Pam Kunert. City Clerk Wendy Brincks also attended. Rice reported that there had been one situation earlier in the day, in which firefighters were paged to respond. He said the … [Read more...]
Historic surveying equipment to be displayed at the Houston County Highway Shop
The Houston County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, March 1, from 9-9:57 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 … [Read more...]
Preston Area Community Foundation dinner and auction will be held Monday, March 28
The 14th annual Preston Area Community Foundation dinner and auction will be held on Monday, March 28, 2022, at the Branding Iron, starting with a social hour at 5:30 p.m. and a dinner at 6:30 p.m. This annual event is a great opportunity for PACF donors in the greater Preston and Fountain areas to hear about the impact their contributions are making to improve the quality of … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Telecommuting Policy
A discussion continued at the Fillmore County Board’s March 1 meeting on a Work Remote Policy. The county already has a Telecommuting Policy. Last week the discussion began with the original rough draft of the policy for working remote; it has since been trimmed down and made more concise. Today the question was whether another policy was even needed; the policy for … [Read more...]
2021-22 School year enrollment data released Public school enrollment continues to see pandemic impacts; highlights need to stabilize education funding and support highest-need students
ROSEVILLE, MN – The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) today released 2021-22 school year enrollment data for Minnesota’s schools. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, enrollment in Minnesota public school districts, charter schools and nonpublic schools has shifted. In the 2021-22 school year, public schools overall have seen a roughly 0.3% decrease — or about 2,146 students … [Read more...]
Rushford Village still baffled by new insurance valuations
In January, Rushford Village received an initial report from the League of Minnesota Cities’ appraisal of all city property. There were wide discrepancies and the city’s insurance agent, Butch Johnson Insurance, offered to check into whether or not errors were made on the figures as the appraised amount will greatly affect the insurance premiums for the year. At the March 1 … [Read more...]
Rushford-Peterson prepares to interview superintendent applicants
The R-P School Board has begun the process of finding a new superintendent after learning last month that Jon Thompson plans to retire at the end of the current school year. Two sets of interview questions, an initial and a second round, have been created and were accepted by the board after slight wording changes. A staff input form has also been prepared for staff attending … [Read more...]
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation awards $220,818 in Early Care and Education Wrap Around Grants 3,562 young children supported
OWATONNA, MN, February 28, 2022 – Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), recently approved 17 grants through its Early Care and Education Wrap Around Grant program totaling $220,818, impacting 3,562 young children. This special grant program helps fund early care and education wrap around services for … [Read more...]
Chatfield City Charter amendment recommendations
At the February 28 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, two public hearings were held to gain public input on two amendments recommended by the Charter Commission. Curt Sorenson, chair of the Charter Commission, said both recommendations had been unanimously approved by the Charter Commission. The first recommendation was the elimination of the position of Health Officer. … [Read more...]
$300,854 ARPA Funds allocated for Caledonia sewer and street projects
The Caledonia City Council met in regular session, Monday, February 28, from 6–7:09 p.m. at city hall. Mayor DeWayne “Tank” Schroeder led the council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. In addition to the mayor, council members in attendance included Amanda Ninneman, David Fitzpatrick, and Brad Rykhus. Council members Robert “Bob” Klug was absent. Also present were … [Read more...]