Spring Valley City Council held a regular meeting on November 25. Members present included Mayor Tony Archer, Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, John Dols, and City Administrator Deb Zimmer. Mike Hadland was in his sheriff’s department uniform, so although he was in the room, he was not performing in his role on the council. No citizens asked to address the council. Library … [Read more...]
Affordable housing leads to economic vitality
SE MN Together and the Greater Minnesota Housing Fund hosted two informational meetings concerning housing and a growing workforce (November 6 in Northfield and November 14 in Spring Valley). Several speakers and panels provided information pertaining to the relationship between adequate affordable housing and the attraction and maintenance of an adequate workforce. Many … [Read more...]
Kingsland audit yields clean report
During the regular board meeting on November 20, the Kingsland School Board heard a summary of the recent financial audit. All board members were in attendance (board chair Jackie Horsman, Maranda Emig, Natasha Howard, Tiffany Mundfrom, Leah Stier, and Kyle Rader) as well as Superintendent James Hecimovich, Business Manager Amber Uhlenhake, Principal Scott Klavetter, and … [Read more...]
Melander embezzlement omnibus hearing set for January
Lolitta Melander, 52, of Lanesboro, is facing charges including embezzlement of public funds and other felonies, related to allegations that she misappropriated funds during her time as city clerk/treasurer for the City of Canton. In March 2019, Melander resigned her position for the City of Canton, and was replaced by Brock Bergey. The City of Canton issued a news … [Read more...]
Rushford Village council vacancy again
The Rushford Village Council has once again found itself accepting a council resignation and declaring a vacancy for the seat. Councilor Chad Rasmussen submitted written resignation prior to the November 19 meeting, effective immediately. There is one year remaining on his term. Mayor Gordon Johnson suggested the council bypass a public request for interested persons and … [Read more...]
Preston concern with Highway 52 speed limit
At the November 18 meeting of the Preston City Council, the recent increase of the speed limit to 60 mph north and south of Preston was discussed. Councilman Charles Sparks was absent. City Administrator Joe Hoffman noted MnDOT had conducted a speed study in 2010. MnDOT sets speed limits according to what drivers are actually driving. It is the free flow speed that drivers … [Read more...]
Legislative Advisory Commission approves federal grant funding for new veterans home in Preston
On Tuesday, November 19, members of the Minnesota Legislative Advisory Commission sent a letter to Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) Commissioner Myron Frans approving the agency’s plans to spend pending federal grant funds for the construction of veterans homes in Preston, Bemidji, and Montevideo. Per state law, the Legislative Advisory Commission is authorized to review … [Read more...]
Peterson approves partial forgiveness on vehicle fines for 2019
It’s been a year-long learning curve for Peterson and its nuisance vehicle ordinance. Initially passed in November 2018, the ordinance went into effect in January in an effort to give residents time to comply with standards. At the October meeting, the council voted in favor of 50% fine forgiveness for previous cited properties, following complaints, but that forgiveness … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Housing Study
EDA Director Marty Walsh summarized the recently completed Fillmore County Housing Study at the county board’s November 12 meeting. Maxfield Research and Consulting, LLC prepared the housing study analysis. It concludes with recommendations on the types of housing needed in the county, both now and in the future. The summary begins with an analysis of the county’s … [Read more...]
Whalan Council imposes unpaid administrative leave
The City of Whalan held a special city council meeting on November 12, in which the first part of the meeting was closed to the public. According to Terry Chiglo, City Attorney for Whalan, the reason the initial part of the meeting was closed to the public was “for the preliminary consideration of allegations and/or charges pending against a person subject to the City of … [Read more...]