At their last meeting, the Fillmore County Board directed County Administrator Bobbie Hillery to trim early numbers for the proposed 2021 budget from an increase of 6.53% to an increase of around 3%. The budget proposed this day, September 1, with additional suggested cuts shows a levy increase of 2.94%. Commissioner Mitch Lentz participated via WebEx. The reductions total … [Read more...]
Fountain seeks reimbursement from DNR; hits roadblock
Mayor Jim Schott remembers when the city first entered into an agreement with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for cost-sharing related to the trailhead facilities, in particular the restroom. The city’s been vocal about having not received any supplies or funding for them and just recently the council suggested the seeking of reimbursement for some of the costs. At … [Read more...]
Ostrander considers social media presence
The Ostrander City Council met on September 1, with all members present (Stephanie Start, Dan Hellerud, DJ Start, Vernon Thompson, Mayor Pam Kunert, and City Clerk Wendy Brincks). There was discussion that some citizens have suggested the city have a presence on social media, such as Facebook, as a way for citizens to stay informed of city news and events. Stephanie Start … [Read more...]
Ordinance amendments and meteorological and communication towers
The Fillmore County Planning Commission held four public hearings at its July 23 meeting. Timberwolf Wind, LLC has applied for a conditional use permit to construct a meteorological tower on property owned by John and Jacqueline Ryan, section 30, Harmony Township. This application is for a tower exactly like the one recently approved to be located in Bristol Township. The … [Read more...]
Final touches for the Houston Schools’ back to school plan
By Wanda Hanson With just a few weeks remaining before the September 8 start of the 2020-2021 school year, the Houston School Board met August 20, 2020, with a focus on a smooth start to the year. Superintendent Krin Abraham shared updates on the COVID-19 detail: for teachers who request to work from home, the board is “to the extent possible” make accommodations. SPED … [Read more...]
Pay increase and hirings for Spring Valley Fire Department
At their August 24 meeting, the Spring Valley City Council approved a pay increase for members of the fire department, beginning September 1, and effective when they are paged out for calls. Council member Mike Hadland made the motion, stating that after the city’s recent increase in EMT pay, “I would like to see the hourly wage raised for the fire department.” He suggested … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central makes plans to move ahead with in-person learning
“Here we go,” said Superintendent Heath Olstad said at the August 25 Fillmore Central School Board meeting. With the school year starting after Labor Day like usual, the district is working hard to ensure that the needs of its families are met. Most will be going back to school in-person, but some have chosen distance learning. Not all of the parent surveys have been turned … [Read more...]
Rushford runs into parcel snag with Highway 30 project
Rushford’s reconstruction project of Highway 30 isn’t slated to begin until 2022, but preliminary plans for the project are underway. The Minnesota Department of Transportation-led project is in its initial layout phase and includes West Jessie Street and West Stevens Avenue portions of Highway 30. Once layout alternatives are reviewed, preliminary design will commence. City … [Read more...]
Lanesboro school gears up for start of school
At the regular Lanesboro School Board meeting on August 20, Superintendent Matt Schultz updated the board members on the ongoing facilities project. The classroom furniture and scoreboard will be delivered next week. There have been some delays in finishing the chemistry lab due to duct work issues and the kitchen has also been delayed as Superintendent Schultz works to make … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central Schools – mini grant program
A “mini grant” program has been continued for the 22nd straight year by F & M Community Bank in Preston, First State Bank of Fountain and First Southeast Bank in Harmony for the Fillmore Central School District. Grants of up to $500 each have been made available to classroom teachers for the 2020/2021 school year so they can implement a variety of innovative ideas and … [Read more...]