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...]
Preston sets final levy for 2020
City Administrator Joe Hoffman began by noting one adjustment in the budget that will not affect the levy increase at the December 16 city council meeting. While working with Mike Bubany on the update to the capital financing plan, they determined that the $22,000 allocation for the storm water fund was no longer needed in 2020. The storm water fund balance will be positive … [Read more...]
Kingsland approves levy
On December 16, all Kingsland School Board members (Board Chair Jackie Horsman, Maranda Emig, Natasha Howard, Tiffany Mundfrom, Leah Stier, and Kyle Rader) were present when the board held the annual “Truth in Taxation” public meeting at 6 p.m. Superintendent James Hecimovich was absent, so Principal Scott Klavetter led the meeting. No citizens attended to ask questions, but … [Read more...]
Rushford Village holds solar hearings; waits on decision
The City of Rushford Village is considering the option of an extended land lease to MiEnergy/OneEnergy for the purpose of a large scale solar array project. The project has two options. One is to construct a ground-mount solar array entirely on existing MiEnergy land. The other is allowance of a 26-year land lease for 3.17 acres of Village property for the construction of a … [Read more...]
Chatfield citizens express their concerns
At the December 9 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, during the Truth in Taxation public hearing, numerous citizens took the opportunity to express their concerns and pose questions related to rising property taxes. City Clerk Joel Young gave an in-depth budget presentation, both looking back at 2019 and looking forward to 2020 and beyond. Construction of the new … [Read more...]
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation Awards $101,740 in Economic Impact Grants
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) recently approved seven grants totaling $101,740 to support organizations, units of government and public institutions in SMIF’s 20-county region. The Economic Impact Grant Program seeks to support current or future business growth, access or expansion of resources to underrepresented populations, and/or grow the community’s … [Read more...]
Melander resigns, Merchlewitz new Whalan city clerk
Mayor Marlys Tuftin announced at the December Whalan City Council meeting that Lolly Melander has resigned from the position of city clerk and Karla Merchlewitz is the new Whalan city clerk. Present at the regularly scheduled monthly council meeting, held on December 9, 2019, were Tuftin along with council members Kim Berekvam, Everett Johnson and Tanya Cook. Owen Lewis was … [Read more...]
Mabel hears request for music festival
During the Mabel City Council meeting on December 11, citizen Dustin Tollefsrud addressed the council regarding his wish to host a music festival in Mabel. All members were present (Adam Wilder, Mayor Jim Westby, City Clerk/Treasurer Karen Larson, Gary Morken, Terry Torkelson, and Kirsten Wyffels). Tollefsrud said he would like to hold the festival either on the weekend … [Read more...]