The July 8 Peterson City Council meeting included positive news on long-running ordinance violations. At least five property owners who’d received letters from the city have contacted city hall, made some sort of viable plan to address the issues, and made efforts to comply. Some even received multiple mentions of praise from the council. However, the remaining 14 cited have … [Read more...]
Fountain mulls over lingering issues
The Fountain City Council bounded through their brief July 1 meeting with a number of issues that have seen previous discussion. Amid these were zoning items and public works personnel. The Zoning Board met June 29 to discuss an application by Jody Wiza, co-owner of Beaver Bottoms Saloon, for a Conditional Use Permit. Wiza has done a number of improvements at the site and last … [Read more...]
Chatfield coach wrestles with school board
At 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23, 2020, the Chatfield School Board conducted a special meeting to address concerns presented by Chatfield’s head wrestling coach Travis Bartels. On June 3, 2020, the school board voted to pull Bartels’ coaching contract, concluding his 19 years with the Chatfield wrestling program. Bartels, along with his supporters, wanted answers. With … [Read more...]
Spring Valley plans for water plant upgrades
The Spring Valley City Council held a public hearing and a regular council meeting on June 22. Members present included Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, Mayor Tony Archer, John Dols, as well as City Administrator Deb Zimmer. Mike Hadland was absent. Immediately prior to the regular council meeting, a public hearing was held regarding the proposed improvements to be done at the … [Read more...]
2020 voting options discussed
During the April 23 Fillmore County Board meeting, Auditor/Treasurer Heidi Jones explained there have been many questions from citizens concerning voting in the upcoming 2020 primary and general elections. Jones said she has received over 300 applications for absentee ballots. Application for an absentee ballot can be accepted online. Also, everything will be in place for … [Read more...]
Rushford finds saving in refinance
Under the tutelage of financial consultant Mike Bubany, of David Drown Associates, the Rushford City Council approved a refinance that should net them $58,090. The note review is a $594,000 2012 General Obligation Tax Abatement. The note is now callable and the first opportunity for the city to refinance through the Minnesota Rural Water Association’s Midi-Loan Program. The new … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central Board discusses options for upcoming school year
At the June 23 Fillmore Central School Board meeting, which was held via teleconference, Principal Heath Olstad updated the board members on the plans for the 2020-21 school year. “We’re looking at multiple scenarios for the upcoming year,” he said, adding, “that a committee will be formed to help make decisions.” The state department has given schools three possibilities to … [Read more...]
Board of Appeal and Equalization
Fillmore County’s five commissioners and Auditor/Treasurer Heidi Jones were sworn in as the County Board of Appeal and Equalization convened on June 23. County Assessor Jason McCaslin explained the purpose of this board is to provide a fair and objective forum to ensure equalization of assessment. Market values may be increased or decreased or property may be reclassified. … [Read more...]
Kingsland Board censures member Lund
During the regular Kingsland School Board meeting on June 15, the board voted to formally censure board member Noella Lund. Board chair Jackie Horsman stated that a special closed meeting of the board was held on June 8, and explained, “It was in regards to complaints that had been filed by community members and students/parents against board member Noella Lund.” Horsman read … [Read more...]
State Representative Greg Davids files for re-election
State Representative Greg Davids (R-Preston) has officially filed to seek re-election this fall to the Minnesota House of Representatives. “It continues to be an honor to serve Fillmore and Houston county residents, and I am hopeful I can continue serving their needs in the future,” Davids said. Davids said he will continue to fight for issues important to rural … [Read more...]