An Omnibus Rule 8 hearing was held on July 29 at 9 a.m. in Preston regarding charges against Fifth Sun Gardens, which is owned and operated by Luis Hummel of rural Lanesboro. Fifth Sun Gardens has operated as an industrial hemp farm, under a pilot program through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. The charges, which include a misdemeanor and two felonies, resulted … [Read more...]
Floodplain District amendments Public hearing set for August 6
Zoning Administrator Cristal Adkins reviewed proposed revisions to the county’s 610. Floodplain District ordinance at the July 25 planning commission meeting. After waiting for the revised maps for several years the updated FEMA maps are to be finalized effective August 15. As part of the process, the county is required to amend its ordinance, referencing the updated maps. … [Read more...]
County creates finance department
Fillmore County commissioners, for several years, have worked toward centralized finance. At the July 23 meeting, the board unanimously voted to create a Finance Department, effective August 1 as recommended by the Personnel Committee. Commissioner Randy Dahl, who has long supported centralized finance, noted that a Finance Department is the norm for most counties in the … [Read more...]
Spring Valley to upgrade radios, not squad car
The Spring Valley City Council met in regular session on July 22. All members were in attendance (Mayor Tony Archer, Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, John Dols, Mike Hadland and City Administrator Deb Zimmer). Deb Zimmer informed the council that two quotes were received for the proposed replacement of Emergency Management radios. The lower bid was from Ancom Communications, … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton water damage reviewed
Recent damages at Mabel-Canton school were shown and discussed during the school board’s regular meeting on July 23. Members present were Traci Livingood, Chris Miller, Principal Michelle Weidemann, Board chair Cristal Adkins, High school secretary Lynette Donald, Diane Wilder, Chris Loppnow, and Superintendent Gary Kuphal. Kuphal explained that the water damage was not … [Read more...]
Rushford sets hearing for ordinance; looks to future
While the Monday, July 22 Rushford Council meeting had a smaller agenda than normal, discussion of topics was robust and included plenty of items to take notice of. Garnering the largest conversation during the meeting was the setting of a public hearing for the purpose of approving an update to an ordinance granting a franchise to Ave Telephone Association DBA/Acentek. This … [Read more...]
Chatfield interim wastewater operator
At the July 22 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, Brian Burkholder recommended that Steve Bushman, certified Class A Operator (WHKS), be hired on an interim basis. At a special meeting of the city council on July 15 the resignation of Chris Daniels, wastewater treatment plant operator, was accepted effective July 26. The council then authorized staff to advertise for a … [Read more...]
Preston becomes a Purple Heart City
Members of the Lloyd-Swenson Chapter 7110 of the Minnesota Military Order of the Purple Hearts and many local veterans were in attendance during the city council’s July 15 meeting. The council adopted a resolution proclaiming Preston a Purple Heart City. Duane Hodge, a Vietnam veteran, is the commander of the Lloyd-Swenson Chapter 7110. Harry Kerr, the chapter’s adjutant, … [Read more...]
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation seeking applications for Small Town Grants
OWATONNA, MN, July 1, 2019 – Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is currently accepting applications for its Small Town Grants Program. Towns with populations of 5,000 or less in SMIF’s 20-county region are eligible to apply. Requests of up to $10,000 will be considered. “The first two years of this program were an enormous success,” said Tim Penny, President and … [Read more...]
Kingsland maintenance project nearing end
During the Kingsland School board board meeting on July 15, the board was updated on the progress of the ongoing Longterm Facility Maintenance Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) project, which started shortly after the end of the last school year. Members present included board chair Jackie Horsman, Maranda Emig, Natasha Howard, Tiffany Mundfrom, Leah Stier, and Superintendent James … [Read more...]