The Fillmore Central school board met on September 28. Board members Deb Ristau, Shelly Topness, and Jim Love were absent. Fillmore Central parent and Harmony resident Michael Himlie addressed the board with his concerns regarding the district’s lack of a mask mandate. He asked what the procedures are if someone at the school were to test positive for COVID and how contact … [Read more...]
Houston County approves 3% levy increase
Commissioners Dewey Severson, Eric Johnson, Robert Burns, Teresa Walter, and Greg Myhre were all in attendance at the September 28, 2021, meeting of the Houston County Commission. Chairman Burns called the meeting to order at 9 a.m. and led commission members and attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioners approved the meeting agenda with two additions, scheduled the … [Read more...]
Rushford approves new policy
At the September 27 council meeting, financial consultant Mike Bubany, of David Drown & Associates, brought forth details of a request by Winona Health to utilize conduit revenue bonds for Health Care Facilities Revenue Refunding Notes. At the time, he explained how cities have the opportunity to assist private-sector entities if the project is deemed to be in the public … [Read more...]
Variance for holding tank approved
The Fillmore County Board of Adjustment, at their September 23 meeting, held a public hearing to consider a variance request for the installation of a holding tank. The variance requested will allow the tank to be installed closer to the right of way than specified in the ordinance. The applicant’s property is located in the city of Whalan. Whalan does not have a city … [Read more...]
Chatfield sets preliminary levy
The city council set the preliminary levy for 2022 at $2,337,277 or a 3.98% increase (just under $90,000) over the 2021 levy. Councilor Dave Frank was absent from the September meeting. City Clerk Joel Young presented three proposals for the council to consider for the levy. The first proposal would have had a levy increase of 7.3%. A reduction of $75,000 to wastewater … [Read more...]
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation announces new Prosperity Initiative cohort; seeks additional members
OWATONNA, MN – August 30, 2021 – Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is pleased to announce the members of the 2021 Prosperity Initiative cohort, a program which provides free coaching and training to entrepreneurs who identify as Black, Indigenous or people of color (BIPOC). Seven business owners from four different communities have joined this year’s cohort. SMIF … [Read more...]
Spring Grove School holds Youth Mental Health First Aid training for staff
The Spring Grove Public School board met Monday, September 20 in the school’s Learning Resource Center, from 7-7:45 p.m. Board members in attendance were Vice-Chairman Stephanie Jaster and Directors Kelly Rohland, Rhan Flatin, Jenny Stender, and Aric Elton. Absent was Chairman Aaron Solum. Vice-Chairman Jaster called the meeting to order. The board unanimously approved the … [Read more...]
Lanesboro proclaims third week of September as “Welcoming Week”
During the city council meeting on September 7, 2021, the Lanesboro Council approved a proclamation designating the third week of September as “Welcoming Week.” “Welcoming Week 2021,” a nationwide initiative of Welcoming America, helps communities celebrate unity and togetherness. Lanesboro joined the fun this year with special events held on Wednesday, September 15, … [Read more...]
Houston School Board: Parents bring quarantine questions
Concerned parents filled the audience at the regular Houston School Board meeting on September 16. Only a few weeks into the school year, quite a few students have been quarantined due to close contact with a positive case of COVID. The parents had expected to be added to the evening’s agenda. Chairman Tom Stilin suggested that they ask the questions they want answered. The … [Read more...]
Lanesboro school staff adapt to record number of students
The Lanesboro School Board met on September 16. Board members Sarah Peterson and Steve Snyder were not present. Superintendent Matt Schultz reported that the 2021-22 school year was off to a good start. “It’s nice to be in a finished building,” he commented. Transportation is also going well with buses running at full capacity. The school is still in need of bus drivers though. … [Read more...]