Right now, Minnesotans are talking about a huge pile of money – a projected $7.7 billion general fund budget surplus. That’s equivalent to $1,350.88 for each man, woman, and child in Minnesota, based on the U.S. Census Bureau’s estimated population of a little over 5.7 million. The money in Minnesota’s state government accounts gives the State Legislature plenty of dough to … [Read more...]
Harmony Council awards refuse and recycling contract
Representatives from Harter’s, Richard’s Sanitation, and Hanson Waste Removal were present at the January 11 Harmony City Council meeting to discuss contract options with the council. At the December meeting, the council had awarded the contract to Harter’s but approved a motion to reconsider. Both Harter’s and Richard’s Sanitation would switch residents over to using garbage … [Read more...]
Mabel to offer tree program again in 2022
Mabel’s City Council met on January 12, with all members participating (Adam Wilder, Corey Wilson, Kirsten Wyffels, Terry Torkelson, and City Clerk Karen Larson). Mayor Jim Westby participated via phone, so Wilder led the meeting. Also in attendance were Deputy Clerk Kendra Spalla and Jeff Rein. Spalla addressed the council, saying, “I just want to say thank you to the council … [Read more...]
Caledonia City Council chambers gets a facelift
Caledonia Council members returned after the holidays on January 10 to an incredible makeover in the council chambers. Accolades to the staff for all their work; walls, doors, and windowsills painted, carpet replaced, the Chamber desk repaired and painted, new desks purchased, and paperwork organized and filed. Council members in attendance included Mayor DeWayne “Tank” … [Read more...]
Whalan council sets Slate of Office for 2022
As the new year begins, the Whalan City Council performed it’s due diligence and set the Slate of Office for the City of Whalan for 2022, at their January 10 meeting. Present at the regularly scheduled city council meeting were Mayor Marlys Tuftin, council members Kim Berekvam, Thore E. Johnson, Sheila Higbe (via Zoom), Owen Lewis (via Zoom) and City Clerk/Treasurer Michele … [Read more...]
Four-way stop improves safety in Spring Valley
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...]