The Ostrander City Council held a regular meeting on September 3. Immediately prior to the council meeting, a public hearing was held regarding the proposed Floodplain ordinance. Council members in attendance included Stephanie Start, Dan Hellerud, Vernon Thompson, and City Clerk Wendy Brincks. DJ Start joined the meeting already in progress. Mayor Pam Kunert was absent, so … [Read more...]
County 2020 budget
The county board reviewed budget proposals from several departments at their September 3 meeting. County Coordinator Bobbie Vickerman produced a very preliminary 2020 budget with a levy increase of over 6%. Vickerman made it clear that she already could take about 1% of the increase off the top. Part of the reduction is a savings of $42,000 because the health insurance … [Read more...]
Kingsland referendum info blitz to begin
At the Kingsland School Board “work session” meeting on September 4, one of the main topics was the upcoming information blitz to assure that voters in the school district are aware of the reasons for the Operating Referendum Levy, which will be put to voters on November 5. All board members were present (Board Chair Jackie Horsman, Maranda Emig, Natasha Howard, Tiffany … [Read more...]
Documentarian seeks to define Houston County through its people and landscape Citizen-artist residency wraps up third year
HOUSTON, MN, September 3, 2019 – A place can be defined by its geography, name, or property lines, but what really creates a sense of place? Duluth documentarian Nik Nerbum seeks to discover and document what defines our very own Houston County as the final 2019 citizen-artist, for the interdisciplinary Crystal Creek Citizen-Artist Residency (CAIR) program. Nerburn lives and … [Read more...]
Rushford Village appoints new councilor
Rushford Village Council has appointed resident Roger Knutson to the council seat left vacant by the resignation of Councilor Rich Smith earlier this summer. Smith resigned his position due to a move. Letters from three interested applicants were opened and read at the Tuesday, September 3 council meeting. The applicants included two former councilors, Todd Baker and Hamilton … [Read more...]
Spring Valley declines drone purchase
At the Spring Valley City Council meeting on August 26, the council heard a request from the fire department, asking for approval to buy a drone. All members were in attendance (Mayor Tony Archer, Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, John Dols, Mike Hadland and City Administrator Deb Zimmer). Brian Danielson explained that the department is interested in buying a drone, which … [Read more...]
Rushford approves agreement for Highway 30 project
Highway 30 is easily known by its poor condition and while the project has been pushed back in recent years by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), preliminary work for the 2022 project is getting underway. At the Monday, August 26 meeting, the Rushford Council approved a formal request to participate in a MnDOT municipal agreement program. A Letter of Intent … [Read more...]
New District 3 Commissioner joins County Board
All districts were again represented at the August 27 meeting of the Fillmore County board of commissioners. Newly elected Larry Hindt, representing the third district, was sworn in last week by Judge Matthew Opat. More budget proposals for 2020 were reviewed. Departmental budgets reflect salary increases of 2.5% and health insurance increases of 7.5%. The preliminary 2020 … [Read more...]
Street vendors; a growing problem
A letter authored by Steven Rowland, Western Days, Inc. co-chairman, was addressed to the city council. It was the basis for a relatively long discussion concerning “street vendors” at the August 26 Chatfield City Council meeting. Rowland maintains the number of street vendors is a growing problem, as they take away business from established permanent businesses in … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central set to begin 2019-20 school year
At the August 27 Fillmore Central School Board meeting, Principal Heath Olstad gave a report on the upcoming school year. The high school open house will be held on August 28. At that time, students along with their parents will be able to see the new renovations and updates at the high school. The football field is almost finished although the lights aren’t up yet so the … [Read more...]