City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton presented some highlights from a preliminary report on the condition of the swimming pool at the council’s October 6 meeting. Burbach Aquatics, Inc. looked at the main pool, wading pool, piping, decking, and bath house. This feasibility report had just been received this day. It was recommended to have the main pool vessel tested. Piping … [Read more...]
Village Looks at Budget Reduction
At the October 7 meeting, the Rushford Village City Clerk Mary Miner sought council suggestions for budget reductions. To bring the 2026 levy and budget down to 7.5% from the preliminary 14.5% increase, Miner indicated the council would need to reduce $40,000 from the proposed budget. Councilor Bob Hart, echoed by Councilor Travis Link, suggested reducing or eliminating the … [Read more...]
Chatfield Board Approves Teacher Contracts
At the October 8 meeting school board meeting, board members Josh Thompson, Tom Keefe, Jill Harstad and Mark Johnsrud were present. David Sovinski joined remotely and Katie Priebe was not present. Also present were Superintendent Ed Harris, high school principal, Eric Nelson; elementary principal, Shane McBroom; Community Education Director LuAnn Kleven and student senate … [Read more...]
Peterson Ponders Ordinance Enforcement
With just quorum, the Peterson City Council held their October 8 meeting. On the agenda was the recurring topic of looking at ways to better enforce zoning ordinances. Many were updated recently to include clearer wording, a more targeted approach, and stronger penalties for non-compliant properties, particularly the ordinances on vehicles and junk. Non-compliant properties … [Read more...]
Ostrander City Council Schedules Review, 421 Minnesota Street Offer Accepted
The Ostrander City Council held its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 7, at 6:30 p.m. Mayor Stephanie Start called the meeting to order. All members were present, including DJ Start, Dan Hellerud, Jimmie Dean and Lyn Massey-Mills. City Clerk Wendy Brincks was in attendance. The meeting lasted seven minutes, a record for the year. Council business moved quickly … [Read more...]
Input Sought on Key Houston County Government Roles
The Houston County Board of Commissioners set the date for two public hearings at its October 7 commission meeting. The purpose of the hearings is to allow residents an opportunity to voice their opinion and ask questions regarding the appointment of the auditor/treasurer and recorder positions versus electing them. Commissioners agreed that public hearings should be held … [Read more...]
Houston’s Two New Teachers
Houston Schools welcomed two new teachers to their staff this year: Angela Engebretson, speech and language pathologist, and Duane Ledin, music teacher and choir director. Angela Engebretson is the new speech and language pathologist for Houston Schools and will be working with students ranging in age from 5 to 21. Engebretson received her Bachelor’s in … [Read more...]
Lanesboro to Host Small Schools Conference
At the Lanesboro School Board meeting on October 8, the board heard details of the Small School Conference to be held at Lanesboro on October 15. Superintendent Matt Schultz shared that Jenny Severson will be the keynote speaker. Severson will focus on research based strategies and improving student engagement. There will be nine different breakout sessions during the day … [Read more...]
Finstad Statement on Reckless Democrat Government Shutdown
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) released the following statement after Senate Democrats voted to shut down the federal government, rejecting the House-passed, clean Continuing Resolution (CR) that would fund the government through November 21st: “In Congress, our job is to govern and that’s exactly what Democrats are refusing to do. House Republicans … [Read more...]
County Road 3/Highway 26 Intersection Catches Brownsville’s Attention
Brownsville City Council met Wednesday, October 1 at Brownsville Community Center. Mayor Jean Meyer called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. City Clerk Steve Schuldt conducted role call; all council members and city employees were present. Brian Pogodzinski, Houston County’s engineer, and David Tsang, District 6 Traffic Operations Engineer out of Rochester, Minn., presented to … [Read more...]