At the July 7 Fillmore County Board meeting, Administrator Bobbie Hillery reported that Fillmore County received over $2.5 million in Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF). The federal funds totaling $841 million have been distributed by the state to counties, cities, and townships to cover expenses incurred due to the pandemic. This is a portion of the state’s allocation which was … [Read more...]
Ostrander opts for Coronavirus Relief Funds
The Ostrander City Council met on July 7, with all members present (Stephanie Start, Dan Hellerud, DJ Start, Vernon Thompson, Mayor Pam Kunert, and City Clerk Wendy Brincks). Brincks introduced Chris Hahn, from the Fillmore County EDA, and explained, “We have Coronavirus Relief Funds that the city is able to receive. It’s $18,835. It can only be used for coronavirus relief … [Read more...]
Preston’s 2021 Street and Utility Improvement Project unresolved
The Preston City Council met July 6 in person in the apparatus bay of the fire hall to accommodate social distancing guidelines. About 20 residents attended to participate in a public hearing concerning the 2021 Street and Utility Project. Owners of over 100 properties could be affected by the proposed improvements. The public hearing portion of the meeting was streamed over … [Read more...]
Peterson continues to hammer out nuisance ordinance issues
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...]