ell us about yourself. My name is Karen Folstad. I’m married to Mike and have two sons, Zach and Sam. I co-own E. F. Library Services, a business I’ve run for the past 14 years. Spring Grove is where I was born and raised, and I’ve lived here all of my life. Why are you running for office? Spring Grove is my hometown and I want to see it continue to be a great place to … [Read more...]
Meet the Candidates: Travis Torgerson Candidate for Spring Grove City Council
I am a native of Southeast Minnesota, growing up in Harmony. I have lived in the area my whole life, attending college in La Crosse at UWL. I graduated with a Major in Sociology and Minors in Criminal Justice and Public Administration. My family and I have lived in Spring Grove for 11 years. I work from my home as a web developer and Java programmer. I have two children … [Read more...]
Meet the Candidates: Trent Turner Candidate for Spring Grove City Council
Tell us about yourself. I grew up in the Postville, Iowa, area and found my way to Minnesota when I became employed with Hendel Farms in 1999. In 2005, my wife Hope and I bought our first home in Spring Grove, where we are raising our two children, Addison and Tyler. I have been a member of the Spring Grove Fire Department since 2007, and have held the fire chief position … [Read more...]
Meet the Candidates: DeWayne (Tank) Schroeder for Caledonia Mayor
Caledonia Mayor Tell us about yourself. My wife Karen and I have been married for 56 years. We have two daughters, four grandchildren, one great-grand child and ine on the way. I am a lifelong resident of Caledonia. I was a member of the Caledonia Fire Department for 25 years and chief for seven years. Why are you running for office? I am running for mayor because I have … [Read more...]
Meet the Candidates: Donivee Johnson Candidate for City of Canton Mayor
City of Canton Mayor Tell us about yourself. I have lifelong ties to Canton having been born and raised here. I graduated from Canton High School in the last class before the school consolidated with Mabel. My work history includes Northwest Airlines, Mabel Co-op Telephone Co., Cenex Harvest States and the U.S. Postal Service. I have been retired for 10 years. I was … [Read more...]
Chatfield certifies preliminary budget/levy for 2021
City Clerk Joel Young presented his message on the budget at the Chatfield City Council’s September 28 meeting. Councilors unanimously approved a resolution certifying the preliminary 2021 levy at $2,247,789, which is a 3.98% increase over the 2020 levy, or an increase of $86,101. The resolution sets a public hearing on the proposed budget/levy to be held on December 14, 2020. … [Read more...]
Rushford approves first round of Cares Act Grants
In August, the Rushford City Council approved the acceptance of roughly $133,000 in funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act with the intention of helping Rushford businesses and nonprofits. At the time it was noted the distribution of the funds needed to satisfy three criteria: they must be necessary expenditures due to the public health emergency, … [Read more...]
Minnesota’s unemployment rate falls to 7.4% in August Job growth continues with 40,500 payroll jobs added
Minnesota’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate continues to move lower, falling to 7.4% in August, according to numbers released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). Minnesota added a seasonally adjusted 40,500 payroll jobs in August, up 1.5% from July. The U.S. gained 1.371 million payroll jobs in August, up 1.0% from July. The … [Read more...]
Spring Valley squad car needs discussed
The Spring Valley City Council met September 28 with all members present (Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, Mike Hadland, John Dols, and Mayor Tony Archer). Also attending was City Clerk/Administrator Deb Zimmer. The council heard from Sheriff John DeGeorge, who addressed the council, saying, “Deb had mentioned that the city was interested in exploring the idea of the county … [Read more...]
Two CUPs go to Fillmore County Board for their consideration
The Fillmore County Planning Commission held two public hearings to consider conditional use permit applications at their September 24 meeting. Jonathan and Kathryn Schroeder, section 18 Pilot Mound Township, applied for a CUP to build a non-agricultural recreational pond on their property. A CUP is required per ordinance, section 604.03 (18) for non-agricultural ponds. Mark … [Read more...]