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...]
R-P Schools goal: In-person school, done safely
By Wanda Hanson When the Rushford-Peterson School Board met Monday, July 20, two community members addressed the board during the public comments portion of the meeting. Leandra Duneman politely requested, “I ask you to find the safest way possible to educate our students in person. I don’t want anyone to babysit my kids — they need an education.” Concerned about older … [Read more...]
Chatfield reluctantly cancels Western Days 2020
At a special meeting of the Chatfield City Council on July 21, councilors denied the request from Western Days, Inc. to hold Western Days activities in City Park, to hold activities that require streets to be closed, and to use city services for related activities. The vote was 3-1, with John McBroom voting no and Pam Bluhm abstaining. Events like some Saddle Club events and … [Read more...]
Still lots of questions for Houston School Board
By Wanda Hanson The Houston School Board started off its July 16, 2020, meeting with this simple observation by Superintendent Kim Abraham as she updated the board on the COVID-19 situation. Abraham had attended a news conference that day, but many questions will be waiting to be answered until after Governor Walz’s presentation scheduled for July 27. In their in person … [Read more...]
Preston 2021 street and utility project to proceed
At the July 20 Preston City Council meeting, the council voted for a second time to adopt the resolution Ordering Improvement and Preparation of Plans for 2021 Street and Utility Improvements. The first vote failed. This time, the project estimated to cost a little less than $4 million was ordered to proceed with a unanimous vote. A public hearing on the proposed project was … [Read more...]
Rushford Village mulls old issues
The July 21 Rushford Village Council meeting was largely follow-up on previous issues, but the council did act on several related items. Zoning Superintendent Jon Pettit presented information at the July 7 meeting regarding two potential zoning violations at the Lind property, located at 29705 Highway 43 South. According to Pettit at the time, it was his belief that property … [Read more...]
Preston EDA, Housing Committee and Minnesota Housing Partnership working together
The Minnesota Housing Partnership (MHP) Housing Institute Round 7 will officially commence on July 28, 2020, with a synchronous online meeting starting at 2 p.m. central time. COVID-19 has created new circumstances, but local housing needs remain and in fact have been amplified in many rural MN communities. MHP is committed, more than ever, to provide the necessary support to … [Read more...]
Spring Grove Council allocates COVID-19 Relief Funds to Spring Grove Public Schools for needed technology
The regular meeting of the Spring Grove City Council, July 21, 2020, held at the Fest building. Due to COVID-19, the public was able to dial in. 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, including minutes from the … [Read more...]