By Wanda Hanson Addressing the Rushford Village Council at their regular meeting on August 4, Rachel Ukkestad, Beth LaFleur, and Carl Ukkestad asked for approval of a replotting of gravesite block sizes at the Oakwood (Sherwood) Cemetery. Carl Ukkestad came prepared with the maps of both the original plotting from two years ago as well as the new replotting map. He explained … [Read more...]
About 20,000 SNAP and cash assistance recipients must renew applications in August to receive benefits
July 23, 2020 — More than 20,000 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Minnesota Family Investment Program recipients must renew their applications in August to ensure they receive their benefits for September onward, unless the federal government allows Minnesota continued flexibility in how the benefits are administered. The Minnesota Department of Human Services … [Read more...]
COVID related matters and 2021 budgets
Fillmore County Commissioners listened to six department heads review their proposed 2021 budgets at the July 28 board meeting. COVID-19 shared the spotlight. The county’s emergency declaration was extended to September 1. COVID related issues came up during citizens input, the upcoming election discussion, letter of support for swine farmers, and drop off issues at the … [Read more...]
Ag Days and COVID concerns discussed
The Spring Valley City Council held a regular council meeting on July 27, with all members attending (Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, Mike Hadland, John Dols, and Mayor Tony Archer). Also attending was City Administrator Deb Zimmer. Approximately 20 people were on hand to listen and/or address the council. The topic garnering the most discussion was Ag Days. The council … [Read more...]
Chatfield moves ahead on Whalen Valley Improvement Project
Skip Langer and Angela White, Olmsted County SWCD, reviewed plans for the Whalen Valley Drainage Improvement Project at the city council’s July 27 meeting. Councilor John McBroom was absent. White explained they are proposing two projects on the 247 acre watershed. Two fully grassed storage basins (earthen retention ponds) will be built; the north one on 14 acres and the south … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central adds mask statement to student handbooks
At the July 28 Fillmore Central School Board meeting, the board reviewed and approved the K-6, 7-12, Faculty, Paraprofessionals, and Coaches handbooks. With the mask order from Governor Walz in effect, Superintendent Heath Olstad recommended adding a statement to the student handbooks requiring that students wear appropriate face coverings at school. Other additions included a … [Read more...]
Rushford receives update on legislative action
Amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the inability of the Minnesota legislature to pass a bonding bill for 2020, determining the assistance for non-metro areas of the state is challenging. That was the sentiment shared by Elizabeth Wefel, attorney and lobbyist for the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities, at the July 27 Rushford Council meeting. Wefel summarized a … [Read more...]
Two CUPs to Fillmore County Board
The Fillmore County Planning Commission faced an unusually busy agenda at their July 23 meeting. Public hearings were held on two applications for conditional use permits: a Rock Quarry by Skyline Materials, Ltd. and a Meteorological Tower by Timberwolf Wind, LLC. Skyline Materials, Ltd. The application for the Eickhoff Rock Quarry was submitted by Greg Bruening, Skyline … [Read more...]
What will the first day of school look like in Spring Grove?
The Spring Grove Public Schools Board, including administration and the business manager, met in person on Monday, July 20, 2020, at 7 p.m. in the media center while adhering to the governor’s guidelines for capacity (10 people total). The public and media attended remotely through Google Meet. Board members Aaron Solum, Stephanie Jaster, Rhan Flatin, Kelly Rohland, and … [Read more...]
Fountain works through restrictions with concert events
The fate of concert events in the City of Fountain appears to have gained some forward momentum. A local establishment, on the recommendation of several entities, will be working to develop their plans for events to be held through the remainder of the year. Beaver Bottoms Saloon co-owner Jody Wiza has been undertaking creative events for the last year in effort to bring … [Read more...]