SLAM (Students Learning Advanced Manufacturing) held an open house in the STEM shop at Chatfield High School on December 18, 2019. According to Calvin Clemons, MSCS (Minnesota State College Southeast) Director of Trade and Technology, this Open Hour is “an opportunity to meet the inspired teachers, administrators and manufacturers who are creating a vibrant partnership to bring … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central board approves levy
A Truth in Taxation hearing was held at the December 19 Fillmore Central school board meeting. The board reviewed the 2019 payable 2020 levy request and the current budget. The proposed levy came to a total of $1,453,179.43 which is a -12.90% difference from last year’s. The levy was approved. Dean of Students Chris Mensink reported that the matinee and evening K-6 holiday … [Read more...]
Rushford approves final levy; sees mayor off after ten years
At the brief Monday, December 23 meeting, the Rushford City Council voted unanimously to approve the $973,000 property tax levy for 2020. The amount represents a 3.95% increase over 2019. No comments were lodged at the Truth In Taxation meeting held December 9. “The overall tax rate went down and we’re staying within our goal,” noted Mayor-elect Terri Benson. The largest … [Read more...]
Lanesboro receives clean audit; preps for project work
The Lanesboro School Board receivaed favorable news from auditor Jason Boyton, Smith, Shafer & Associates, at the Thursday, December 19 meeting. The district has continued several positive financial strides forward, despite its small size and an in-progress building project. Only one area of concern was noted in the audit. The district has also seen a positive increase … [Read more...]
R-P approves early retirement incentive
The Rushford-Peterson School District has considered making their early retirement incentive program a policy item. However, following discussion at the Monday, December 16 school board meeting, it was determined to be more effective practice to keep the program a limited offering. Designed as a cost-savings measure for the district, the program currently allows teachers … [Read more...]
Many topics covered at Canton council meeting
At the December 11 Canton City Council meeting, one of the main topics of discussion was the final 2020 budget/tax levy and then there were discussions on many topics. Discussion surrounding Joel Torgerson’s property began the meeting. Recently in court, Torgerson said his property was cleaned up to comply with the city’s ordinance. Two council members took a walk around … [Read more...]
No tobacco under 21; Rushford approves Tobacco Ordinance
Leading the pack of communities looking to update long-standing tobacco ordinances amid the wave of electronic nicotine delivery services (ENDS) and increases in youth tobacco usage, Rushford Council passed modifications to its ordinance unanimously at a special meeting December 16. The council has been discussing the matter with Fillmore County Public Health for over a year … [Read more...]
County approves final 2020 budget and levy
At the December 17 meeting of the Fillmore County Board, the final 2020 budget and levy was approved with no real changes from the preliminary numbers. County Administrator Bobbie Vickerman reported the numbers: the total 2020 budget is $32,872,530, which includes the tax levy, other sources of revenue, and state and federal funding. The final levy payable in 2020 totals … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton decides on graduation standard
On December 17, immediately prior to the regular Mabel-Canton School Board meeting, the board met in a special closed session to consider appropriate action to take regarding a student who allegedly acted in violation of Mabel-Canton guidelines. When the board opened the regular (public) meeting at 7 p.m., Superintendent Kuphal stated that it is up to the board to decide how … [Read more...]
Community banker re-elected to the 2019 ICBA Federal Delegate Board Local leader helps deliver community banking message to nation’s capital
WASHINGTON, D.C., December 2, 2019 — The Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) announced that local community banker Dan Christianson, CEO of F&M Community Bank, Preston, Minn., was re-elected to the ICBA Federal Delegate Board. ICBA is the nation’s voice for community banks. “I am honored to be re-elected to represent our industry and help share the positive … [Read more...]