The regular meeting of the Houston County Commission was held from 9-11:08 a.m. on October 26. Commissioners Eric Johnson, Bob Burns, Teresa Walter, and Greg Myhre attended in person, and Commissioner Dewey Severson participated in the meeting remotely. Commissioners removed action item number 11 regarding the Environmental Services Director position from the October 26 agenda … [Read more...]
Rushford approves new mill rate for fire protection
Rushford Fire Chief Chad Rasmussen presented the proposed contract and mill rate for 2022-2023 to the city council at its October 25 meeting. The volunteer department is the only known to conduct a bi-annual mill rate meeting for the 10 townships it provides fire protection to. Those townships include Arendahl, Norway, Preble, and the cities of Peterson and Rushford Village in … [Read more...]
A new bus for Houston Schools
The Houston School Board decided to proceed with the order of a new school bus (at a cost of $92, 943) at their regular meeting October 21. Superintendent Mary Morem informed the board that bus #7 had been in the shop three times since she joined Houston Schools this year and had racked up $11,000 in repair charges. Since the bus was so old, it qualified for a $20,000 grant … [Read more...]
Chatfield authorizes preparation for 2022 water improvement project
At the October 25 meeting of the Chatfield City Council City Engineer Craig Britton reviewed the proposal for 2022 water projects. Councilor Paul Novotny was absent. Britton said the proposal is for the provision of design and construction administration for the proposed Capital Improvement Project. Services include design, advertising/bidding assistance, construction … [Read more...]
Jordan Township sawmill application discussed
At the October 21 meeting of the Fillmore County Planning Commission, Jeremiah Daggett’s application for a conditional use permit for a portable sawmill was discussed during a public hearing. The sawmill will be on his property located in Section 1, Jordan Township. Daggett explained the portable sawmill will have a 36-foot cut capacity with a 17-foot bed which will limit the … [Read more...]
Step into the new mural at Caledonia’s downtown pocket park
The beautification of downtown Caledonia continues. Volunteers, organizations, committees, and the city are working together to develop a strong sense of place that is unique and different from other communities in the area. The new pocket park in downtown Caledonia features the area’s first 3-D mural. The pocket park is located on South Kingston Street, one block from the only … [Read more...]
Tourism funding requests
At the October 26 meeting of the Fillmore County board, Gabby Kinneberg, Fillmore County representative for the Southern Minnesota Tourism Association, and Jen Hengel, representing Root River Trail Towns, reported on their activities in 2021 and requested 2022 appropriations. Kinneberg said Southern Minnesota Tourism represents 36 counties across southern Minnesota. Much of … [Read more...]
Spring Valley Council hears traffic concern
The Spring Valley City Council held a regular council meeting on October 25. Members present included Mayor Tony Archer, Chris Danielson, and Greg Brooks. City Administrator/Clerk Deb Zimmer also participated. John Dols and Luan Ruesink were absent. The council heard a concern from citizen Lois Suckow, who stated, “Oh man, watching the big semis come barreling down Highway … [Read more...]
Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approves repowering of the Grand Meadow wind farm in Mower County
ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Commission) approved Xcel Energy’s proposal to repower the existing 100.5 megawatt Grand Meadow Wind Farm in Mower County. This investment will ensure Xcel’s customers will have reliable power from carbon free resources into the future. “With each of these renewable energy projects the Commission approves, it provides … [Read more...]
Spring Grove School receives Bush Foundation grant
The Spring Grove Public School board met Monday, October 18 in the Learning Resource Center, from 7-8:10 p.m. Board members in attendance included Stephanie Jaster, Rhan Flatin, Aric Elton, and Kelly Rohland. Aaron Solum and Jenny Stender were absent. Vice-chairman Jaster called the meeting to order. The board unanimously approved the consent agenda, including the … [Read more...]