The Rushford-Peterson School Board decided unanimously to return the Solar for Schools Grant to the state during their September 15 regular meeting. In the second round of exploring the possibility of the addition of solar panels to the school roof, R-P had already been awarded the grant. The problem with installing solar panels was that the option of placing the panels on the … [Read more...]
SV Council Approves Preliminary Levy
On September 8, the Spring Valley City Council approved the preliminary property tax levy, which will be collectable in 2026 with the numbers set as such: the general operating budget at $790,672, the economic development authority (EDA) set at $83,237, parks at $191,387 and library at $177,000. The total preliminary levy is $2,010,746. It was noted while the levy can be … [Read more...]
Investigators Say Harmony Woman Drained Father’s Account of $39,000
A Harmony woman is accused of draining her elderly father’s bank account of more than $39,000 while serving as his power of attorney. Debra Ann Hebrink, 68, faces five felony counts of financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult and one felony count of theft by swindle in Fillmore County District Court. Her first appearance is scheduled for October 14. The Fillmore … [Read more...]
Spring Grove School Board Approves Maximum Levy
The Spring Grove School Board approved setting the 2024 Payable 2025 Property Tax Levy Certification at the maximum level, on a motion by Board Member Rohland and seconded by Boardmember Olson at its board meeting on September 15. The Truth and Taxation hearing traditionally takes place in December prior to the regular school board meeting. Approving the maximum level … [Read more...]
Spring Grove Discusses Safety
Spring Grove City Council members met Tuesday, September 16 at 168 West Main Street in room #100. Mayor Bryan Wilhelmson called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. and led with the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members present included Wilhelmson, Trent Turner, Eric Ostern, Mike Hagen and Morgan Buckland. City Clerk/Administrator Jana Elton was also present. Both the Agenda and … [Read more...]
Caledonia Middle/High School to Hold Career Fair
Caledonia Public School District’s board members met Monday, September 15 at Caledonia Elementary School in room #162. Boardmember Mike Peterson called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m., led with the Pledge of Allegiance, then conducted roll call. All board members were present except for Chad Harms. District employees present included Superintendent Craig Ihrke, Principals … [Read more...]
Body Found on Upper Iowa River
On September 12, 2025, the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Upper Iowa River near Bluffton around 10 a.m. for a report of a body that was found in the river. The body was recovered and identified. Out of respect for the family, no additional details are being released at this time while they work through this difficult situation. There is no suspicion of foul … [Read more...]
Work Continues on Houston County’s 2026 Budget
Work on the Houston County 2026 budget continued during the September 16 commission meeting. Information Systems Director Andy Milde and Sheriff Brian Swedberg met with the commissioners to present their proposed budgets. Milde emphasized the importance of data security, noting that government organizations are frequent targets for cyber threats. Meanwhile, a key issue for … [Read more...]
The First Renovation Designs Unveiled at M-C Board Meeting
The Mabel-Canton School Board met on Tuesday, September 16, and were treated to several architectural drawings for the first time. These included the renderings for a new school entrance, CTE (Career and Technical Education) area, and locker rooms. Superintendent Gary Kuphal said that he and Michelle Weidemann meet every other week with ISG and Kraus-Anderson. Chair … [Read more...]
Preston Adopts 2026 Preliminary Levy
At the September 11 meeting of the city council, a resolution was adopted setting the 2026 preliminary levy at $1,345,263. This represents a 5.53% increase, or an increase of $70,474. The Truth-in-Taxation public hearing is scheduled for December 1, 2025. The final levy will be adopted in December, which could be decreased but not increased. Mayor Kurt Reicks noted the … [Read more...]