By Wanda Hanson In an effort for consistency, the Houston School Board approved the school opening plan presented by Superintendent Abraham at their August 6, 2020, meeting. Board member Michaeleen Bonner voted against the approval. Students will have a hybrid model in which all students will attend school Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. The 50% room capacity … [Read more...]
Chatfield School Board approves 2020-21 learning plan
In a special meeting of the Chatfield School Board on August 12, 2020, the following board members were present: Amy Jeffers, Lanny Isensee, Katie Priebe, Matt McMahon and Rick Lowrey. Scott Backer was not present as he has resigned. Also present were Superintendent Harris, Principals Shane McBroom and Randy Paulson, and Administrative Assistant Lorri Lowrey. The first of … [Read more...]
Peterson to implement fines for ordinance violations
The City of Peterson has spent the past three years building up its zoning ordinances, particularly when it comes to non-compliant properties and nuisance vehicles. In that time, the council has set fines which can be applied to property owners. With long-standing issues continuing and several properties either not communicating with the city or not bringing their properties … [Read more...]
Chatfield appoints city engineer and planner
Six firms participated in Chatfield’s search process for a city engineer and city planner/zoning administrator. At their August 10 meeting, the Chatfield City Council appointed personnel from the design and consulting firm WiDSETH to fill these positions. Councilor Mike Urban said the firms they considered were all well qualified. The Personnel/Budget Committee recommended … [Read more...]
Fillmore County approves preliminary document for CARES Act funding
By Karen Reisner At its August 11 meeting, the Fillmore County Board approved a document that details categories and amounts of COVID related expenses. Commissioner Mitch Lentz was not present in-person, but participated via phone. Fillmore County received a distribution of over $2.5 million of CARES Act funding to be used on COVID related expenses. The document was … [Read more...]
Rushford preps for CARES Act funds
Like every municipality in the state, the City of Rushford is in the midst of determining needs for Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act funds and how best to apply them. “It’s less solid and factual, but more of a moving target about where and when it can be used,” explained Mayor Terri Benson at the August 10 council meeting. The city received more than … [Read more...]
Seeds, COVID requests, community center, and HNC
By Wanda Hanson The Houston City Council dealt with an unusual request as they kicked off their August 10, 2020, regular meeting. Dan Smith proposed that he would like to be able to harvest native plant seeds at Trail Head Park. In return, he would take care of maintenance of the area. City Administrator Michelle Quinn noted that it took special knowledge to collect the … [Read more...]
City of Canton continues utility rate increase discussion
The regular August 12, 2020, Canton City Council meeting required dealing with several unfinished business items, including utility service rate increases. Multiple options were presented by Mayor Johnson for potential water rate increases and the resulting effect on city reserve funds. Current sewer and garbage rates are meeting budget needs, although Richard’s … [Read more...]
Harmony to begin Small Cities Grant process in 2021
As part of the economic development authority’s monthly report at the Harmony City Council, on Tuesday, August 11, council members and staff learned that the city would be starting another Small Cities Grant cycle for rehab of residential and rental housing and commercial properties. Mayor Steve Donney and Councilman Steve Sagen, both of whom also serve on the EDA, reported … [Read more...]
Whalan City Council receives noise complaints
The Whalan City Council discussed noise complaints and minors driving recreational vehicles unsafely on city streets recently. It is believed that these individuals were staying at a nearby short-term rental. The regularly scheduled Whalan City Council meeting took place on August 10, 2020, at 5 p.m. at the Whalan City Hall. The meeting was also available via Zoom. … [Read more...]