The Mabel-Canton School Board met in regular session on December 15. Most members were present in person, although Business Manager Aimee Lake participated via remote technology. Superintendent Gary Kuphal spoke to the board regarding the COVID-19 trends in the local area, and throughout the county. He stated that although numbers have been increasing in Fillmore County, … [Read more...]
Rushford ties up year-end items
The Rushford City Council met December 14, via online platform, to finalize the property tax levy payable in 2021. While the deadline to approve was not until the next meeting, concern over possible weather issues and pandemic restrictions saw Councilor Sally Ryman motion to approve it at this time. The preliminary levy was set in September at $1,017,000, which represented a … [Read more...]
Sharp rise in Preston’s residential property taxes
Preston’s December 7 city council meeting centered on the presentation of the annual city budget and proposed tax levy; this hearing is required by the state and allows for public comment. However, the actual proposed levy ended up being of less concern than the significant residential valuation increases. Residential property taxes will be up significantly next year (a 15 to … [Read more...]
Kingsland Distance Learning “Plus”
On December 7, the Kingsland School Board held their monthly “work session” meeting. Members in attendance included Jackie Horsman, Noella Lund, Tiffany Mundfrom, Maranda Emig, and Kyle Rader. Natasha Howard was absent. Also in attendance were Superintendent Jim Hecimovich, Principal Scott Klavetter, Athletic Director Mark Fitzpatrick, Building & Grounds Director Jason … [Read more...]
Houston Schools – distance learning through January 8
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...]