By Wanda Hanson The Houston School Board dealt with an influx of students in MNVA when they met on September 3, 2020. Last year’s enrollment in MNVA was 1,303 students; this year’s enrollment is 2,444 at this time, an increase of 1,141. As a result, MNVA will need 25 more teachers. Since 405 of those students have IEPs, more special education teachers will be included in the … [Read more...]
2020 Fillmore County jail inspection
Sheriff John DeGeorge and jail Administrator Jamie Fenske reviewed the 2020 Minnesota Department of Corrections jail inspection report at the Fillmore County Board’s September 8 meeting. The county’s jail facility was reduced to a 90-day facility in 2017. Since then several improvements and upgrades have been made to come into compliance with state requirements. Fenske said … [Read more...]
Kingsland opens with COVID steps in place
The Kingsland School Board held a “work session” meeting on September 9, with some members participating via remote technology means, due to current social distancing guidelines. All board members were in attendance (Jackie Horsman, Tiffany Mundfrom, Noella Lund, Natasha Howard, Maranda Emig, and Kyle Rader), as well as Superintendent Jim Hecimovich, Principal Scott Klavetter, … [Read more...]
Ostrander skid loader options mulled
The Ostrander City Council held a brief special meeting on September 8, with all members present (Stephanie Start, Dan Hellerud, DJ Start, Vernon Thompson, Mayor Pam Kunert, and City Clerk Wendy Brincks). The first portion of the meeting was a “work session” during which the council discussed uses for some of the city’s CARES Act funding. Public Works Director Jeremy Runkle … [Read more...]
Sheriff’s deputy requests review of Harmony’s ordinance for side-by-sides, golf carts and ATVs
Fillmore County Deputy Jason Harmening attended last September 8 Harmony City Council meeting to ask council members to review the existing ordinance for use of side-by-sides, ATVs and golf carts within city limits. Harmening explained that he’s been reviewing the ordinance with City Attorney Greg Schieber and they believe there is a need to make a stronger, more detailed … [Read more...]
Canton City Council establishes preliminary budget/tax levy; sets utility rate public hearing date
In an effort to establish the 2021 Canton City budget and tax levy, Clerk Brock Bergey presented four alternatives to the city mayor and councilpersons for discussion and review at the September 9, 2020, meeting. The differences in the proposals included street repairs, meeting clerk staffing needs, and wage budgeting. Common to all proposals were exterior repairs to the bus … [Read more...]
Rushford closer to South Rushford drainage projects
The September 1 Rushford Village meeting saw the council unanimously approve proceeding with securing of quotes for the first step in easing water woes in South Rushford. The area has historically seen issues, largely due to its placement at the base of the bluffs and poor culvert and ditch water flows. The area’s streets are “rural” with no, or very little curb, and no storm … [Read more...]
Preston approves EMS purchases
The Preston City Council approved more ambulance equipment to be purchased with CARES Act funding at their September 9 meeting. The city’s CARES Act distribution totals $100,127. Ambulance Director Ryan Throckmorton noted that the purchase of a Powerload System for the A-rig was approved at the last meeting at a cost of $22,526.55. He requested approval to make additional … [Read more...]
Lanesboro dam project nearly complete
Project Engineer Chris Goodwin updated the Lanesboro City Council on the dam project. There is approximately $600,000 worth of work left to do. “The lion’s share of the physical work on the dam and the surrounding area has been completed,” he explained. Mayor Jason Resseman noted that he was thankful that the weather had cooperated during the work this summer. “I’m glad we can … [Read more...]
Rushford Village to push on continuing maintenance
As the time for 2021 budgeting and setting of public tax levies draws near, cities are buckling down on goals and priorities for the year. At the August 18 Rushford Village Council meeting, getting a grasp on the budget to determine those plans was key. “At some point and time we need to try to get together to talk about what we want and need to find a better understanding. … [Read more...]