The Preston City Council approved more ambulance equipment to be purchased with CARES Act funding at their September 9 meeting. The city’s CARES Act distribution totals $100,127. Ambulance Director Ryan Throckmorton noted that the purchase of a Powerload System for the A-rig was approved at the last meeting at a cost of $22,526.55. He requested approval to make additional … [Read more...]
Lanesboro dam project nearly complete
Project Engineer Chris Goodwin updated the Lanesboro City Council on the dam project. There is approximately $600,000 worth of work left to do. “The lion’s share of the physical work on the dam and the surrounding area has been completed,” he explained. Mayor Jason Resseman noted that he was thankful that the weather had cooperated during the work this summer. “I’m glad we can … [Read more...]
Rushford Village to push on continuing maintenance
As the time for 2021 budgeting and setting of public tax levies draws near, cities are buckling down on goals and priorities for the year. At the August 18 Rushford Village Council meeting, getting a grasp on the budget to determine those plans was key. “At some point and time we need to try to get together to talk about what we want and need to find a better understanding. … [Read more...]
Fillmore County trims 2021 preliminary budget numbers
At their last meeting, the Fillmore County Board directed County Administrator Bobbie Hillery to trim early numbers for the proposed 2021 budget from an increase of 6.53% to an increase of around 3%. The budget proposed this day, September 1, with additional suggested cuts shows a levy increase of 2.94%. Commissioner Mitch Lentz participated via WebEx. The reductions total … [Read more...]
Fountain seeks reimbursement from DNR; hits roadblock
Mayor Jim Schott remembers when the city first entered into an agreement with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for cost-sharing related to the trailhead facilities, in particular the restroom. The city’s been vocal about having not received any supplies or funding for them and just recently the council suggested the seeking of reimbursement for some of the costs. At … [Read more...]
Ostrander considers social media presence
The Ostrander City Council met on September 1, with all members present (Stephanie Start, Dan Hellerud, DJ Start, Vernon Thompson, Mayor Pam Kunert, and City Clerk Wendy Brincks). There was discussion that some citizens have suggested the city have a presence on social media, such as Facebook, as a way for citizens to stay informed of city news and events. Stephanie Start … [Read more...]
Ordinance amendments and meteorological and communication towers
The Fillmore County Planning Commission held four public hearings at its July 23 meeting. Timberwolf Wind, LLC has applied for a conditional use permit to construct a meteorological tower on property owned by John and Jacqueline Ryan, section 30, Harmony Township. This application is for a tower exactly like the one recently approved to be located in Bristol Township. The … [Read more...]
Final touches for the Houston Schools’ back to school plan
By Wanda Hanson With just a few weeks remaining before the September 8 start of the 2020-2021 school year, the Houston School Board met August 20, 2020, with a focus on a smooth start to the year. Superintendent Krin Abraham shared updates on the COVID-19 detail: for teachers who request to work from home, the board is “to the extent possible” make accommodations. SPED … [Read more...]
Pay increase and hirings for Spring Valley Fire Department
At their August 24 meeting, the Spring Valley City Council approved a pay increase for members of the fire department, beginning September 1, and effective when they are paged out for calls. Council member Mike Hadland made the motion, stating that after the city’s recent increase in EMT pay, “I would like to see the hourly wage raised for the fire department.” He suggested … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central makes plans to move ahead with in-person learning
“Here we go,” said Superintendent Heath Olstad said at the August 25 Fillmore Central School Board meeting. With the school year starting after Labor Day like usual, the district is working hard to ensure that the needs of its families are met. Most will be going back to school in-person, but some have chosen distance learning. Not all of the parent surveys have been turned … [Read more...]