The Houston School Board decided to remain in the distance + learning model through January 8, 2021, after careful consideration at the regular board meeting December 3. Superintendent Krin Abraham, in her COVID report, shared that the Houston County numbers for the most recent week were at 133.42 with numbers for December 10 at 112.52 (which will increase) and December 17 at … [Read more...]
Lanesboro tax levy lower than last year’s
A Truth in Taxation hearing was held at 6 p.m. preceding the December 7 Lanesboro City Council meeting, which took place via Zoom. The property tax levy was set at -0.6% less than the previous year, essentially keeping it flat. Mayor Jason Resseman noted that he appreciated the efforts put forth by the various committees to keep the levy so low. Lanesboro resident Ceil Allen … [Read more...]
Canton approves 2021 final operating budget with 0% levy increase
At the December 9, 2020, Canton City Council meeting, the proposed 2021 final operating budget and tax levy was reviewed. General Fund expenditures of $257,945 (increase of $4,745 from proposed) and revenues of $260,180 (decrease of $8,116 from proposed) are due to the proposed reduction to the certified proposed 4% tax levy submitted to Fillmore County at the September 9 … [Read more...]
Fillmore County updated on proposed wind project
At the December 8 Fillmore County Board meeting, Mark Lennox, NextEra Energy Resources: Timberwolf Wind, updated the board on future plans for a large renewable energy project in south central Fillmore County. NextEra Energy is the world’s number one generator of wind and solar energy. The company has been making investments in Minnesota since 2000. The planned project area … [Read more...]
$87,000 raised for Harmony splashpad
Sandy Strozyk attended the December 8 Harmony City Council meeting to present a giant check in the amount of $87,000 to the council for the splashpad project. $31,723 was raised earlier this year and another $19,128 was raised on Give to the Max Day. Funding was also received from various organizations including the Lions Club, SMIF, Harmony Area Community Foundation, Fire … [Read more...]
Peterson Museum project pushes forward
Despite the challenging year, the Peterson Museum expansion project is continuing a steady push forward. The project entails a 720-square-foot addition to an annex on the 1877 former railroad station, now a museum and visitor’s center. The main purpose of the addition is to house recently acquired items from the former Peterson School District. The entire project is expected … [Read more...]
Chatfield School Board sets levy
At the December 9, 2020, board meeting, board members present were: Lanny Isensee, Matt McMahon, Rick Lowrey, Katie Priebe, and Josh Thompson, as well as principals Shane McBroom and Randy Paulson. Board member Amy Jeffers was not present. Also present were Superintendent Ed Harris, Lorri Lowrey, administrative assistant; and Trista O’Connor, business manager. Jason Boynton … [Read more...]
Ostrander infrastructure final payment discussed
The Ostrander City Council met December 1, with all members present (Stephanie Start, Dan Hellerud, DJ Start, Vernon Thompson, Mayor Pam Kunert, and City Clerk Wendy Brincks). Brian Malm, from the engineering firm of Bolton & Menk, addressed the council regarding the status of the city’s final payment offer to A1 Excavating for the infrastructure project that company did … [Read more...]
Rushford Village prepping for new year
City councils are wrapping up their year, tying up loose ends on old items and getting a jump on 2021. The Rushford Village council took their December 1 meeting to work towards finalizing a few items, but most will warrant future discussion. While the search for a new Public Works supervisor was listed on the agenda, there was no discussion during the public portion of the … [Read more...]
Fillmore County approves final CARES expenditures
Fillmore County’s distribution under the CARES Act was over $2.5 million. The deadline for purchases was this day, December 1. Several last minute purchases were approved. The ninth extension of the Declaration of Emergency for continuing operations from the COVID-19 was approved, extending it to January 5, 2021. County CARES funds were distributed through grants to businesses … [Read more...]