On the first day of the 2020 special session, the Minnesota Senate passed legislation to appropriate over $60 million for small businesses who are in crisis due to the stay at home orders and the coronavirus pandemic. The bill takes $60 million from the federal Coronavirus Relief Fund and $2.5 million from the Small Business Guarantee Loan program to provide relief grants to … [Read more...]
Spring Grove City Council approves RED’s IGA request to open a brewpub
Due to COVID-19, the regular meeting, June 16, 2020, of the Spring Grove City Council was held remotely via Zoom to comply with social distancing policies and practices. All members of the Spring Grove City Council were in attendance: Sarah Schroeder, Karen Folstad, Travis Torgerson, Scott Solberg, and Chad Roland. The council unanimously approved the consent agenda: May 19, … [Read more...]
Village hires new public works supervisor
After months of discussion, the City of Rushford Village has officially hired Kyle Chiglo as the new Public Works/Maintenance Supervisor. Following an interview with the Personnel Committee, comprised of Councilors Robert Hart and Roger Knutson, Clerk Mary Miner, and Scheck, it was recommended that the hire be approved by the council. Chiglo was an applicant five years ago when … [Read more...]
Wykoff approves softball for kids
On June 8, 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. City Clerk Becky Schmidt and Deputy Clerk Luann Hare were also in attendance. The council discussed whether or not to open up youth softball for the summer. Rich Gleason stated his opinion, saying, “My … [Read more...]
Not all Fourth of July activities canceled in Harmony
At the June 9 Harmony City Council meeting, Jimmy Strozyk from Harmony Spirits informed the council that they are still planning to hold the car show on the Fourth of July and asked permission to use the city parking lot as overflow. He noted that social distancing and safety protocols will be in place during the event. The council agreed to his request. The city is still … [Read more...]
Mabel OK’s summer rec and clean-up day
During the regular council meeting on June 10, the Mabel City Council voted to allow the city’s summer recreation program to open, with some stipulations to lessen the risks of infection. Council member Kirsten Wyffels stated, “I think we need to offer kids something. So whether it’s kickball, teeball, some sort of activity.” The council agreed to not offer the “swim bus” … [Read more...]
Preston EDA revises Local Emergeny Revolving Loan Program
On April 7, 2020, the Preston Economic Development Authority (EDA) announced their COVID-19 Emergency Economic Development Loan Program. According to Cathy Enerson, the EDA Director, “The loans will be used to provide assistance to small local businesses directly during the COVID-19 pandemic event. The loan is intended to be interim financial aid to help keep businesses … [Read more...]
Rushford pool to open with restrictions
It’s been a months-long unknown, but the Rushford council decided, in a 4:1 vote June 8, to open the pool later this summer. Until now, COVID-19 restrictions put in place under Governor Tim Walz’s orders had prevented it. The big questions now are when will opening day be and how will the city manage the new Stay Safe MN restrictions put in place by the governor. As of June … [Read more...]
2018 Audit Presentation
The Fillmore County Board met in person with the availability of electronic participation for their June 9 meeting. The 2018 audit prepared by CliftonLarsonAllen, LLC was presented by Craig Popenhagen, Laura Buechner, and Miranda Wendlandt. The county received an unmodified, clean, opinion on its financial statements. The 2018 audit was delayed, normally it should be filed … [Read more...]
Minnesota Court of Appeals septic system decision
On June 8, 2020, the Minnesota Court of Appeals confirmed that the Amish community in Fillmore County is not exempt from installing septic systems which comply with Minnesota requirements. The Court of Appeals concluded that graywater contains viruses, organic materials, chemicals, and many other contaminants which threaten groundwater and the environment. The Court of Appeals … [Read more...]