After several months of debate, the City of Rushford Village has reached an agreement with OneEnergy Renewables, in partnership with MiEnergy, for a $3.3 million, one-megawatt solar array. Permitting was approved January 27, but the council halted a decision on a request for a 26-year land lease from the Village. Of particular concern to the council were the length of the land … [Read more...]
Preston’s new fire chief takes oath
At the February 18 Preston City Council meeting, Mayor Kurt Reicks administered the Fire Chief oath of office to Ramon Hernandez. Councilman David Collett was absent. The council approved appointed officers to the fire department: Chief Ramon Hernandez, Assistant Chief Leigh Larson, Treasurer Dustin Arndt, Secretary Stuart Quanrud, and Training Officer Steven … [Read more...]
Fillmore County dairy farmer visits Washington, DC for signing of USMCA
“It was a tremendous honor to be selected. I think it’s once in a lifetime,” David Scheevel said. On January 29, Scheevel had the opportunity to be a part of the signing of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA in Washington, DC. He is optimistic about the agreement and what it means for the farming industry. “I see benefits for not just dairy farmers, but all … [Read more...]
Changes on the way for the City of Canton
At the February 12 Canton City Council meeting, many topics were discussed: reports from the city clerk, Public Works, and Fire; and New Business including Water/Sewage fund, external payroll services, streetlight holiday displays, and the “Little Library” student project. There were no visitors for Public Comments. After the approval of minutes and the consent agenda, City … [Read more...]
Whalan searches for city clerk, once again
After a short period of time, the City of Whalan is in the process of interviewing for a new city clerk again after Karla Merchlewitz recently resigned from the position. Merchlewitz began working with the city in November 2019 after former city clerk Lolly Melander suddenly resigned. Merchlewitz cited the demands of her other full-time employment as the reason for her … [Read more...]
M-C School to conduct bond support survey
The February 18 meeting of the Mabel-Canton School Board included a discussion led by Superintendent Gary Kuphal regarding the option of contracting with a firm to conduct a community survey to help Mabel-Canton make decisions about a possible building bond referendum. Kuphal’s written statement to the board said, in part, “I feel we need the information from the survey in … [Read more...]
Judge denies Hummel dismissal motion
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...]