During the Spring Valley City Council’s regular meeting on January 10, the council heard from Ambulance Director Sue Puffer. Puffer stated, “Last year, we had a total of 482 calls, down a bit from the year before.” In explaining the reason for the decrease, she added, “I think it had a lot to do with the new four-way stop at the Kwik Trip intersection, because we had a number … [Read more...]
Houston County Commissioners tables proposed Testing and Mask policy
The Houston County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, from 9-10:43 a.m. Commissioners in attendance include Chairman Greg Myhre, Bob Burns, Dewey Severson, Eric Johnson, and Teresa Walter. Chairman Myhre called the meeting to order and led the commissioners and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioners approved the January 11 meeting … [Read more...]
Wykoff adds Sackett to city council
A regular meeting of the Wykoff City Council was held January 10. Council members in attendance included Lyle Morey, Mayor Ryan Breckenridge, Barb Fate, and Kaleb Himli. City Clerk Becky Schmidt and Deputy Clerk Luann Hare also attended. Because of the recent death of Mayor Al Williams, Ryan Breckenridge has taken over the role of mayor. In order to fill the vacancy on … [Read more...]
Yenters to donate bench to Peterson
Carole and Gene Yenter visited the Peterson City Council meeting January 12, 2022, to discuss donating a bench to the city in memory of their son Larry. The Yenters had done their research and brought a picture of their choice of benches. Council member Gail Boyum told the couple that they had chosen the exact style from the same company as the city had gotten previously. She … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton scales back facility project
The Mabel-Canton School Board held a special meeting on January 11, to deal with bids on Phase Two of the facilities project. All voting members participated (Dustin Tollefsrud participated via remote technology). Also in attendance was Chad Pike, representing the engineering firm of Kraus Anderson. Superintendent Gary Kuphal explained the situation, saying that in … [Read more...]
Chatfield School Board to let bonds for parking lot improvements
At the January 12, 2022, school board meeting, Katie Priebe, Matt McMahon, Tom Keefe, and Lanny Isensee were present as well as principals Shane McBroom, Eric Nelson, Superintendent Ed Harris, and Trista O’Connor, business manager and Lorri Lowery, administrative assistant. Josh Thompson joined remotely through Zoom and Jill Harstad was absent. Jeff Seeley, of Ehlers, a public … [Read more...]
Your fair share of property taxes; no more no less
The local services we depend on every day are paid for in large part by property taxes. How is your share determined? The county assessor estimates the market value or what the property may sell for in today’s market for each taxable property. Then it is assigned a class according to its use. Minnesota has the distinction of having over 60 classes of property, by far the most … [Read more...]
Fillmore County discusses OSHA requirement
At the January 11 meeting of the Fillmore County Board, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Emergency Temporary Standard was discussed. The emergency standard applies to employers with over 100 employees. The U.S. Supreme Court has yet to make a decision whether to uphold or strike down the emergency standard which requires COVID vaccination or weekly … [Read more...]
Hecimovich to retire from Kingsland
Kingsland School Board held a work session meeting on January 3. New board member Cindy Seabright was welcomed onto the board, and took the ceremonial oath of office. Superintendent (and grades 7-12 principal) Jim Hecimovich has submitted his letter of retirement. His leter stated, in part, “I am announcing my forthcoming retirement from Kingsland Public Schools after … [Read more...]
Ostrander looks to clean up the city
All members of the Ostrander City Council were in attendance on January 4 for the regular council meeting. The council heard from two citizens who recently received letters from the city due to their violations of the city’s “nuisance” ordinances. Andrew Vreeman asked, “I guess I’ll starting by just asking for specifics on what I’m in violation of?” City Clerk Wendy Brincks … [Read more...]