At the October 2, 2019, Chatfield School Board meeting, all board members were present except Lanny Isensee and Scott Backer. Also present were Superintendent Ed Harris, Community Education Director LuAnn Kleven, Principals Shane McBroom and Randy Paulson, and student senate representatives Isaac Rain and Isaac Erding. Superintendent Harris gave an update on a few projects … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central Superintendent Richard Keith announces retirement
A resignation from Superintendent Richard Keith effective June 30, 2020, was approved at the September 24 Fillmore Central School Board meeting. “I want to thank Dick for everything he’s helped us with,” school board member Ross Kiehne said. “But it’s not over yet, you gotta help us until June,” he added, laughing. Principal Heath Olstad reported that the enrollment numbers … [Read more...]
Preston addresses housing issues and declining population
For the last 20 years, the population of Preston has been declining. In 2000, it stood at 1,429 residents, but it has been declining at the rate of approximately 100 people a decade. On September 20, a housing summit was held in Preston to discuss housing issues and future plans for the City of Preston. Tickets for the event were sold out, with 75 people attending as guests. … [Read more...]
Chatfield adopts preliminary 2020 levy and budget
After a long discussion detailing the many demands on the budget that have to be addressed, the Chatfield City Council unanimously approved an 8.47% increase in the levy, an actual increase of $172,152. A letter was sent to the council, signed by 26 residents insisting that any increase over 2.5% was unacceptable. Mayor Russ Smith said he understood the sentiment behind the … [Read more...]
Rushford City Council fights against youth tobacco use with new ordinance
Many topics were discussed at the Rushford City Council meeting on September 23. There were three main topics of discussion; the review of the 2019 Municipal Improvement Project, letter review of the new FEMA flood plain maps for citizens that may be impacted, and looking at the purposed ordinance for the sale of tobacco products and to separate use of tobacco products. For … [Read more...]
Spring Valley sidewalk and junk complaints
The Spring Valley City Council met in regular session on September 23. Mayor Archer was absent, so Mike Hadland led the meeting. Other members in attendance included Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, John Dols, and City Administrator Deb Zimmer. Bryan Owens was present, and the council discussed the issue of negotiating an easement regarding his property at 412 West High … [Read more...]
County sets preliminary levy
At the September 24 meeting of the Fillmore County Board, County Coordinator Bobbie Vickerman reviewed 2020 budget and levy numbers. The county recorder and the auditor/treasurer had included in their budgets funding for one full-time position in each department. The final levy numbers did not include funding for either of these full-time positions. It did, however, include … [Read more...]
Lanesboro district still looking for bus drivers
At the September 19 Lanesboro School Board meeting, Transportation Director Chad Wangen informed the board that the school currently does not have any substitute bus drivers. Superintendent Matt Schultz pointed out that it’s very hard to find drivers and the district is open to applications. At their last meeting, the Finance, Facilities, & Long-Range Planning Committee … [Read more...]
No crop equivalency rating requirement for dwellings
At the September 19 meeting of the Fillmore County Planning Commission a public hearing was held on a zoning ordinance amendment to Section 604.05, Performance Standards in the Ag District. Zoning Administrator Cristal Adkins stated the current requirement, that new dwellings can not be constructed on land with a Crop Equivalency Rating (CER) of greater than 65, has been … [Read more...]
A tribute to POWs and MIAs and support for those who made it home
A crowd gathered in the parking lot outside the Fillmore County Courthouse to celebrate the creation and implementation of Minnesota’s Third Judicial District Veterans Treatment Court on Friday, September 20. This day was also National POW/MIA Recognition Day. Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Lorie Gildea spoke later in the ceremony, quoting JFK, “A nation reveals itself … [Read more...]