Want to watch a Houston Schools’ home basketball game? How about a concert? This year you can once again easily watch the events free from the comfort of your own home. Mikayla Simmons, activities and communications director for Houston Schools, informed the school board at their regular November 4 meeting that multiple links have been added to the school’s website so the … [Read more...]
Peterson talks long-term plans
As the year begins to wrap up, the Peterson City Council is not only taking care of year-end details, but is also looking to the future of city needs and ways to improve the community. Several ideas were discussed, including city signage, cleanup, and park/campground plans. Following installation of a new, attractive city sign on the Root River State Trail, which goes through … [Read more...]
Lonestone Park playground equipment purchase approved
Approval was given for the purchase of playground equipment for Lonestone Park at the Chatfield City Council’s November 8 meeting. Councilor Paul Novotny was absent. Brian Burkholder explained that the city has applied twice for a Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Grant. This grant program provides matching grants to local units of government for 50% of the cost for redevelopment … [Read more...]
Regular business conducted at Houston County Commission meeting
The Houston County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, from 9-10:33 a.m. in the historic county courthouse in downtown Caledonia. Commissioners in attendance include Dewey Severson, Eric Johnson, Chairman Bob Burns, Teresa Walter, and Greg Myhre. Others in attendance included Auditor/Treasurer Donna Trehus, Finance Director Carol Lapham, Human … [Read more...]
Mabel parking and compost rules have changed
Mabel’s city council met on November 10, with all members present (Mayor James Westby, Terry Torkelson, Adam Wilder, Kirsten Wyffels and Cory Wilson). Also participating were City Clerk Karen Larson, and Jeff Rein. Citizens were reminded of two recent changes. Regarding the city’s “winter parking rules,” Mayor Westby stated, “A reminder on alternate side parking begins … [Read more...]
Spring Valley to investigate “chop shop”
The Spring Valley City Council held a regular council meeting on November 8. All members were present: Mayor Tony Archer, Chris Danielson, John Dols, Luan Ruesink and Greg Brooks. City Administrator/Clerk Deb Zimmer also participated. Immediately prior to the regular meeting, a brief public hearing was held regarding the assessments on the 2022 Fremont Street Improvements … [Read more...]
Preston zoning issues
The Preston City Council sent developer Andy Bunge back to the drawing board at their November 1 meeting. Bunge had applied for four variances in order to go ahead with his development plans for the construction of two duplexes on the property he owns at 309 North St. NE. Planning and Zoning had held a public hearing on October 27. The commission’s final vote of 2-1-1 to … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Housing Solution Group finishes program
At the November 1 Lanesboro City Council meeting, Phil Dybing gave an update on the Lanesboro Housing Solution Group which recently held a virtual summit to conclude its 18 month long program. The program addressed housing shortages in Lanesboro. In 2019, the Lanesboro EDA applied for and was accepted to participate in the Minnesota Housing Institute program to help identify … [Read more...]
Fountain revisits idea of chicken ordinance
The keeping of chickens, particularly laying hens only, within the city of Fountain is back at the forefront again after Councilor Colleen Fohrenbacher respectfully asked her fellow council members to consider it at the November 3 meeting. “I am not asking for a vote. I would just like to talk about it,” she noted. The suggestion first came up in May 2018 when resident Emily … [Read more...]
Howard County jail tour
Fillmore County commissioners, County Administrator Bobbie Hillery, Sheriff John DeGeorge, and Jail Administrator Jamie Fenske toured the Howard County jail on November 2. This new jail is considered to be similar to that which Fillmore County will build, if that is the option the county board chooses. The building inside and out is utilitarian, designed to be basic and … [Read more...]