The Preston EDA has recommended the purchase of option agreements for land east of Park Lane for a possible future multi-family and/or single family housing development subdivision. The city council unanimously approved the agreements and a Stantec feasibility study for necessary infrastructure improvements at the council’s August 3 meeting. Cathy Enerson, EDA, explained the … [Read more...]
Lanesboro council approves hazard pay for firefighters
At the August 13 Lanesboro City Council meeting, the council approved hazard pay in the amount of $10 per call that firefighters responded to during the month of March. Jeff Norby was appointed to the Lanesboro Fire Department per the recommendation of the fire chief. The consent agenda was approved and included the accounts payable, a lodging license application, Resolution … [Read more...]
Fountain Council hears new complaints on old issues
The August 5 Fountain Council meeting was well attended, as several residents voiced their concerns over continued and increasing speeding on Cedar Street. The roughly quarter mile road has become a cut-through, particularly during commuting hours, for drivers between County Road 8 and Highway 52. Cedar Street resident Dan Byer presented the council with a petition of … [Read more...]
Rushford Village council approves cemetery replotting, discusses election
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...]