At their August 10 regular meeting, the Houston City Council decided on a plan for replacing resigning Mayor Scott Wallace. City Administrator Michelle Quinn reminded the council they had “wide latitude” in appointing a new mayor to serve the remainder of Wallace’s term. Wallace noted, “Being punctual is very important!” The council chuckled at that – Wallace was well known … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Considers Day at the Capitol
At the regular Lanesboro City Council meeting August 3, Mayor Alicia Pearson presented the possibility of an official Lanesboro Day at the Capitol to represent the city of Lanesboro and discuss issues with state legislators. Mindy Albrecht-Benson, Kathryn Wade, Joe Cullen, Chase Bakke, City Attorney Joe O’Koren, City Administrator Mitchell Walbridge and Deputy Clerk Darla … [Read more...]
Village Moves to Budget Workshop Format; Seeks Parks Input
The August 4 Rushford Village Council meeting agenda included discussion of the 2027 proposed budget. Instead of delving into discussion amid a regular meeting, Mayor Dennis Overland questioned City Attorney Joe O’Koren on what format other municipalities use. O’Koren noted that the bulk of what he sees are budget workshops dedicated solely to the topic of the proposed budget … [Read more...]
Sheriff Swedberg Completes 5th Session of the National Sheriffs’ Institute Communicating for Impact Course
Sheriff Brian Swedberg of the Houston Sheriff’s Office completed participation in the 5th session of the National Sheriffs’ Institute (NSI) Leadership Development course held in Quantico, Virginia, June 15-18, 2026. This no-cost program is provided by the National Institute of Corrections (NIC), U.S. Department of Justice, in collaboration with the Major County Sheriffs of … [Read more...]
Preston Approves Contract for Mitch Kriener
At the August 3 meeting of the Preston City Council, the hire of Mitch Kriener as the Preston Public Utilities General Manager/Public Works Director was approved. Interim City Administrator Michelle Marotzke explained Nels Rasmussen, who was first offered the position, said he appreciated the fair offer but declined the position on July 27. Current lineman Mitch Kriener, a … [Read more...]
Houston County Commissioners Reports on Meeting with Dairyland Power Cooperative
The August 4 meeting of the Houston County Board of Commissioners was held in County Board Room 222 in the Historic Courthouse. Commissioners Greg Myhre and Cindy Wright, County Engineer Brian Pogodzinski, and County Coordinator Brent Parker met with 765 transmission line representatives from Dairyland Power Cooperative within the last week and gave their report. Chairman … [Read more...]
Fountain Hears Public Works Updates
At the August 5 meeting, the bulk of the information heard by the Fountain Council related to work done or suggested by Public Works and contracted Water/Wastewater consultant Rick Whitney. Maintenance worker Jordan Amunrud suggested the city look at having the city’s sewer lines inspected via scope and jetted for preventative maintenance purposes. “I’d like to try and get … [Read more...]
Review Given by Fillmore County Attorney Office Interns
Two summer interns reviewed their experiences and insights while serving with the Fillmore County Attorney’s Office at the county board’s August 4 meeting. Commissioner Larry Hindt was absent. Commissioner Mitch Lentz participated via Zoom. Coy Pederson, a first-year law student, and Aalyiah Root, an undergraduate student, participated in the 2026 summer internship program. … [Read more...]
Lobbying on Capitol Hill as a First-Time Voter
By Casey Herek Want to know the best way to prepare yourself to vote for the first time? Being active and involved with your representatives before they reach out to you for support. I joined Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) in May of this year as a member of the Southern Minnesota chapter. The term ‘lobbyist’ tends to leave a bad taste in the mouth, but the CCL is more about … [Read more...]
Harmony Considers Data Center Ordinance
In a joint planning session on August 5 the Harmony City Council, the Harmony EDA and the Harmony Planning and Zoning came together to review a draft data center ordinance for the city. Mayor Steve Donney opened the meeting and explained that there would be no public comment; the public was encouraged to submit written comments following the meeting. City Attorney Greg … [Read more...]