On Tuesday, August 11, 2020, ballots were cast in Fillmore County and Houston County, both with commissioner seats up for grabs. In Houston County, the seat for County Commissioner for District 1 was on the ballot, and there were a total of 688 registered voters exercising their right to vote. With 27 precincts reporting, Dewey Severson took more than half of the votes … [Read more...]
Grants available for Mabel businesses
All members were present during Mabel’s regular City Council meeting on August 12. The council discussed CARES Act funding available to the city. According to City Clerk Karen Larson, Mabel has just over $58,000 available, which comes as a part of the Coronavirus Relief Fund. Larson explained, “So this is going to cover some of those unexpected expenses that cities have … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Auditor/Treasurer resigns
Heidi Jones read her resignation letter addressed to “Citizens” during the Citizens Input portion of the county board’s August 4 meeting. The following is a portion of her letter: “It has been my great honor to serve on behalf of the people of Fillmore County... However, unforeseen events have impacted my ability to perform the duties with the focus and dedication they … [Read more...]
Future housing development in Preston
The Preston EDA has recommended the purchase of option agreements for land east of Park Lane for a possible future multi-family and/or single family housing development subdivision. The city council unanimously approved the agreements and a Stantec feasibility study for necessary infrastructure improvements at the council’s August 3 meeting. Cathy Enerson, EDA, explained the … [Read more...]
Lanesboro council approves hazard pay for firefighters
At the August 13 Lanesboro City Council meeting, the council approved hazard pay in the amount of $10 per call that firefighters responded to during the month of March. Jeff Norby was appointed to the Lanesboro Fire Department per the recommendation of the fire chief. The consent agenda was approved and included the accounts payable, a lodging license application, Resolution … [Read more...]
Fountain Council hears new complaints on old issues
The August 5 Fountain Council meeting was well attended, as several residents voiced their concerns over continued and increasing speeding on Cedar Street. The roughly quarter mile road has become a cut-through, particularly during commuting hours, for drivers between County Road 8 and Highway 52. Cedar Street resident Dan Byer presented the council with a petition of … [Read more...]
Rushford Village council approves cemetery replotting, discusses election
By Wanda Hanson Addressing the Rushford Village Council at their regular meeting on August 4, Rachel Ukkestad, Beth LaFleur, and Carl Ukkestad asked for approval of a replotting of gravesite block sizes at the Oakwood (Sherwood) Cemetery. Carl Ukkestad came prepared with the maps of both the original plotting from two years ago as well as the new replotting map. He explained … [Read more...]
About 20,000 SNAP and cash assistance recipients must renew applications in August to receive benefits
July 23, 2020 — More than 20,000 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Minnesota Family Investment Program recipients must renew their applications in August to ensure they receive their benefits for September onward, unless the federal government allows Minnesota continued flexibility in how the benefits are administered. The Minnesota Department of Human Services … [Read more...]
COVID related matters and 2021 budgets
Fillmore County Commissioners listened to six department heads review their proposed 2021 budgets at the July 28 board meeting. COVID-19 shared the spotlight. The county’s emergency declaration was extended to September 1. COVID related issues came up during citizens input, the upcoming election discussion, letter of support for swine farmers, and drop off issues at the … [Read more...]
Ag Days and COVID concerns discussed
The Spring Valley City Council held a regular council meeting on July 27, with all members attending (Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, Mike Hadland, John Dols, and Mayor Tony Archer). Also attending was City Administrator Deb Zimmer. Approximately 20 people were on hand to listen and/or address the council. The topic garnering the most discussion was Ag Days. The council … [Read more...]