At the February 7 Lanesboro City Council meeting, Fire Chief Rob Wagner addressed the community’s concerns over siren failures during the December 15 severe weather event. The failure originated with Fillmore County who had the only control over the siren. Wagner spoke to the sheriff and the county’s emergency director and came up with the solution of installing a switch in … [Read more...]
Fillmore County to interview firms for jail
Fillmore County Administrator Bobbie Hillery reported at the county board’s February 8 meeting that five firms had submitted proposals for the jail. A committee consisting of board chairman Mitch Lentz, vice-chair Larry Hindt, Hillery, Sheriff John DeGeorge, and Jail Administrator Jamie Fenske chose three firms from the five submissions to be interviewed. County Attorney Brett … [Read more...]
Parents express concern over Lanesboro school policies
At the February 9 Lanesboro School Board meeting, several parents were present to express their concerns over the policies in the student handbook regarding tardiness and sick days. Anna Loney explained how her son has a medical condition causing severe fatigue that can make it difficult for him to arrive to school on time. Because of that he is being assigned Saturday school … [Read more...]
Counties awarded funds
The Minnesota State Set-Aside Committee for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) has recommended funds be awarded to Dodge, Fillmore, Houston, and Steele counties for Phase 39 and Phase ARPA-R (American Rescue Plan Act). These federal funds are awarded through the Department of Homeless Security-FEMA and used for people with emergency needs. The local board … [Read more...]
Mabel mulls munitions memorabilia
Mabel’s city council met on February 9. The bulk of the meeting time was spent on two issues the council has previously discussed. First, the council discussed the annual Trees Program. The owners of Plant Lady Landscapes (Jessi and Joe) addressed the council with their proposal to provide trees for the program. Jessi stated, “The trees that we are going to be sourcing are … [Read more...]
Houston County Commissioners allocate $687,500 of ARPA funds
The Houston County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, February 8, from 9-10:25 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 accepts city administrator’s resignation
At the February 7 meeting of the Preston City Council, Mayor Kurt Reicks announced that City Administrator Joe Hoffman had submitted his resignation, effective February 25. His resignation was accepted. Hoffman has served the city for about 17 years. He has not only been the city administrator, but also general manager for Preston Public Utilities. The Public Utility … [Read more...]
Canton’s new branding
At their regular meeting on February 9, the Canton City Council approved the new branding of Canton. Touting Canton as the first incorporated stop on highway 52 in Southeast Minnesota, the branding features a curved highway bordered by grass and trees with the Highway 52 sign prominently featured in a green/blue color scheme. The logo is intended for use on city stationery, … [Read more...]
Chatfield School Board looks at new high school schedule
At the February 9, school board meeting, Katie Priebe, Matt McMahon, Tom Keefe, Jill Harstad, Josh Thompson and Lanny Isensee were present as well as principals Shane McBroom and Eric Nelson, Superintendent Ed Harris, Trista O’Connor, business manager; and Lorri Lowery, administrative assistant. Student Senate members Lauren Cole and Hunter Bernau were also present. Eric … [Read more...]
School Board ponders Kingsland food service spend down
Kingsland School Board held a work session meeting on February 7. Judy Tart’s Food Service report included that, “MDE (Minnesota Department of Education) sent notice that Kingsland Foodservice has an excess fund balance again and needs to spend down $92,633.49.” Board members discussed various equipment that Kingsland may wish to purchase to appropriately use these funds. … [Read more...]