After determinations for procedures and guidelines by the state, districts are beginning to roll out plans for the return to school for the 2020-2021 school year. Rushford-Peterson School District has been discussing the options for months and clear, concise state recommendations were expected, but are leaving the outlook, as Superintendent Jon Thompson noted, “Clear as … [Read more...]
Preston prioritizes use of CARES Act Funding
At the August 17 meeting of the Preston City Council, a list of possible uses were discussed for the city’s $100,127 distribution of CARES Act funds. The funds must be expended by November 15. The total amount of possible uses for COVID related expenses exceeded the amount of available funding. City staff compiled a list of possible uses. Ambulance equipment upgrades, … [Read more...]
Spring Valley ups EMT call pay
The Spring Valley City Council held a regular council meeting on August 10, with all members attending (Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, Mike Hadland, John Dols, and Mayor Tony Archer). Also attending was City Administrator Deb Zimmer. One of the main topics discussed was the suggestion to increase the EMT call rate. Deb Zimmer explained that two of the ambulance crew … [Read more...]
Wykoff looks to fill zoning and firefighter vacancies
On August 10, the Wykoff City Council met in regular session. All council members were in attendance (Lyle Morey, Richard Gleason, Mayor Al Williams, Mary Tjepkes and Mary Sackett) as well as City Clerk Becky Schmidt and Deputy Clerk Luann Hare. No visitors had signed up to address the council on non-agenda issues. Wade Baker gave a report on the fire department. He … [Read more...]
Houston School Board’s goal is consistency
By Wanda Hanson In an effort for consistency, the Houston School Board approved the school opening plan presented by Superintendent Abraham at their August 6, 2020, meeting. Board member Michaeleen Bonner voted against the approval. Students will have a hybrid model in which all students will attend school Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. The 50% room capacity … [Read more...]
Chatfield School Board approves 2020-21 learning plan
In a special meeting of the Chatfield School Board on August 12, 2020, the following board members were present: Amy Jeffers, Lanny Isensee, Katie Priebe, Matt McMahon and Rick Lowrey. Scott Backer was not present as he has resigned. Also present were Superintendent Harris, Principals Shane McBroom and Randy Paulson, and Administrative Assistant Lorri Lowrey. The first of … [Read more...]
Peterson to implement fines for ordinance violations
The City of Peterson has spent the past three years building up its zoning ordinances, particularly when it comes to non-compliant properties and nuisance vehicles. In that time, the council has set fines which can be applied to property owners. With long-standing issues continuing and several properties either not communicating with the city or not bringing their properties … [Read more...]
Chatfield appoints city engineer and planner
Six firms participated in Chatfield’s search process for a city engineer and city planner/zoning administrator. At their August 10 meeting, the Chatfield City Council appointed personnel from the design and consulting firm WiDSETH to fill these positions. Councilor Mike Urban said the firms they considered were all well qualified. The Personnel/Budget Committee recommended … [Read more...]
Fillmore County approves preliminary document for CARES Act funding
By Karen Reisner At its August 11 meeting, the Fillmore County Board approved a document that details categories and amounts of COVID related expenses. Commissioner Mitch Lentz was not present in-person, but participated via phone. Fillmore County received a distribution of over $2.5 million of CARES Act funding to be used on COVID related expenses. The document was … [Read more...]
Rushford preps for CARES Act funds
Like every municipality in the state, the City of Rushford is in the midst of determining needs for Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act funds and how best to apply them. “It’s less solid and factual, but more of a moving target about where and when it can be used,” explained Mayor Terri Benson at the August 10 council meeting. The city received more than … [Read more...]