On February 7, District Court Judge Matthew Opat issued a ruling on a motion by Luis Miguel Hummel. Hummel, owner and operator of 5th Sun Gardens, of rural Lanesboro, is facing misdemeanor and felony charges related to hemp products that tested too high in delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content. Judge Opat ruled that “Defendant’s motion to dismiss the complaint for lack … [Read more...]
Wykoff citizen asks to raise chickens in city
The Wykoff City Council held a regular meeting on February 10. All council members were in attendance (Lyle Morey, Richard Gleason, Mayor Al Williams, City Clerk Becky Schmidt, Mary Sackett and Mary Tjepkes). Jason Moore addressed the council, asking to be allowed to keep chicken on his property. He stated, “In the spirit of wanting to be a good neighbor and decent … [Read more...]
Mabel to enforce pet licensing rule
The Mabel City Council held a regular council meeting on February 12. Members present included Adam Wilder, Mayor Jim Westby, City Clerk/Treasurer Karen Larson, Terry Torkelson, and Kirsten Wyffels. No citizens attended to address the council on any issues. The council discussed the city’s ordinance on licensing of dogs and cats. Mayor Westby stated it is “the same … [Read more...]
Dairyland Cooperative project going ahead despite delays
Financial consultant Mike Bubany and EDA coordinator Chris Giesen updated the Harmony City Council about the Dairyland project at the February 11 council meeting. The council had been planning to approve the agreement approvals necessary to move forward with establishing a TIF district along with the business subsidy agreement, but Dairyland Cooperative asked the city to table … [Read more...]
Peterson plans walkabout
At the Wednesday, February 12 meeting, the Peterson Council discussed plans for a spring walking tour to review property compliance. The issue has been one plaguing several properties in the city for some time. As currently planned, the council will hold their regular 6 p.m. March meeting, proceeding to take the tour first, by foot or side by side vehicle. The council will … [Read more...]
County employee recognition
After the February 11 County Board meeting, employees were recognized for their years of service. Each year employees receive a certificate for serving the county for five, 10, 15, 20, 25, or more years of service. This year one employee was recognized for 45 years of service. Deborah Jeffers, county attorney’s office, was originally hired in 1975. Julianne Loven, nursing … [Read more...]
Nursing home expansion worries Spring Valley citizens
The Spring Valley City Council heard a concern from a citizen during the regular council meeting on February 10. Members present included Mayor Tony Archer, Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, John Dols, and City Administrator Deb Zimmer. Mike Hadland was absent. Bruce Kraut addressed the council, and said he was speaking on behalf of his “Jones Street neighborhood” with … [Read more...]
Rushford reviews permitting procedures
A lengthy Rushford Council meeting February 10 gave the council much to think about. First up was an informational discussion with City Attorney Mike Flaherty regarding conditional use permitting, specifically the procedure by which they’re granted and the legal standards applicable to them. Flaherty is working with the city to review the city’s code as it relates to … [Read more...]
Chatfield technology upgrades
Technology upgrades were approved at the February 10 Chatfield City Council meeting. Councilors Mike Urban and John McBroom were absent. City Clerk Joel Young reported that the total cost of the technology upgrades will be under $16,000. A switch is to be upgraded in the computer server room, along with the wireless capability in the Thurber Building. The firewall and … [Read more...]
Emergency! Shrinking number of EMS volunteers
Emergency Medical Services — those professionals responding to crisis calls and both treating and transporting patients — are a vital part of our communities. So integral, we assume they’re just always there, willing and waiting in the wings when we need them. What happens though when there aren’t enough workers to do the job? In Fillmore County, these are volunteer-staffed … [Read more...]