Sheila Craig, Preston Historical Society, described plans for the placement of a railroad history interpretive sign at the trailhead during the May 6 council meeting. The intention is to locate the 4’x6’ sign north of the caboose. Plans call for an overhanging roof with lights. It is estimated to cost $5,500 for the sign, installation and lighting. The Preston Area Community … [Read more...]
Rushford Village approves engineering study
The City of Rushford Village has been grappling with storm water issues in South Rushford for some time, but this spring’s rapid thaw problems spurred the city look for options at mitigation. Derek Olinger, engineer for Bolton & Menk, was on hand at the Tuesday, May 7 council meeting to discuss a study proposal. The plan is to define and work with a drainage model, after … [Read more...]
Ostrander reaches agreement on feedlot
May 5, the Ostrander city council held a regular meeting, with all members in attendance (Stephanie Start, Dan Hellerud, DJ Start, Vernon Thompson, Mayor Pam Kunert, and City Clerk Wendy Brincks) as well as city attorney Jennifer Gumbel. The council heard from Gumbel regarding the Farm Animal Ordinance and related concerns. She stated that the Zoning Committee met and … [Read more...]
PFA awards over $28 million in water infrastructure projects Funding will support five projects in Greater Minnesota
The Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (PFA) approved $28.35 million in loan and grant funding for water infrastructure projects in Minnesota. Funding was approved for Crystal Bay Township, Fertile, Glenco, Glenwood and Rice County. “I’m working hard to rebuild infrastructure in every corner of our state,” said Governor Walz. “I’m excited that $28 million dollars will be … [Read more...]
Rushford Veterans Memorial was a long-time vision
“Everyone who served, whether they were overseas or not — they served in some way to this country,” states Maynard LaFleur, who spearheaded the effort to have a Rushford Veterans Memorial in Rushford, Minn., which was recently completed. “I always wanted something in remembrance for the soldiers who served and who fought,” expresses LaFleur. “I started it in my mind years … [Read more...]
Proposed Lanesboro wastewater treatment plant met with criticism from public
The Lanesboro City Council held a public hearing on April 30 to discuss the proposed wastewater treatment plant project. All council members were present as well as all three of the Lanesboro Public Utilities Commission members. City Engineer Brian Malm and Project Engineer Jake Pichelman from Bolton and Menk opened the meeting with a slideshow presentation covering the … [Read more...]
Great gulf between House and Senate budget bills
Minnesota is the only state in the nation that has a politically divided legislature, a DFL controlled House and a Republican controlled Senate. The gulf between the budget bills passed in each of the legislative bodies will require negotiation and compromise. Both legislative bodies have been working to have budget bills passed by May 1. The DFL has included two gun … [Read more...]
Court finds for Government in Amish septic case
Minnesota District Court Judge Joseph Chase, in a ruling dated April 22, decided in favor of Fillmore County and the State of Minnesota in the Amish septic system case. This case came before Judge Chase for trial in November and December 2018. Four Amish men (members of the Swartzentruber Amish community of Fillmore County) were the plaintiffs arguing that they objected to … [Read more...]
Hwy 52 paving project from Marion to Chatfield with detour begins May 6
CHATFIELD, MN – Highway 52 motorists will encounter a detour beginning on Monday, May 6 at Chatfield as the paving and culvert replacement project begins, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Rochester Sand & Gravel, a MnDOT contractor, will be repaving, replacing culverts and making improvements along Highway 52 from Marion through Chatfield … [Read more...]
Welcoming diversity; beyond Minnesota nice
Southeast Minnesota Together hosted a meeting on April 30 at the Chatfield Center for the Arts to discuss the creation of welcoming and inclusive communities. SE MN Together was created in 2015 to serve as a regional network of organizations and individuals developing strategies to address workforce shortage. Keynote speaker Allison Liuzzi, project director, Wilder … [Read more...]