The Tuesday, June 5 Rushford Village Council meeting almost didn’t happen with Councilors Dennis Overland, Chad Rasmussen, and Rich Smith out. Overland and Rasmussen were on storm watch with the Rushford Fire Department. The meeting was almost called for lack of quorum, but Councilor Dennis Overland joined Mike Ebner and Mayor Gordon Johnson for a delayed 7:15 p.m. start. … [Read more...]
Americans traveling more this summer, despite biggest seasonal rise in gas prices since 2011
(May 21, 2019) — The largest seasonal surge in gas prices since 2011 isn’t slowing down travel plans this summer as more Americans are hitting the road than staying home, according to GasBuddy’s 2019 Summer Travel survey. According to the annual survey, nearly 75% of Americans said they will take a road trip this summer, a 16% increase from last year, while 38% cited high … [Read more...]
SEMAC announces July 1 grant application deadline
The Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council announces a call for proposals by Individual Artists. All proposed projects must begin no earlier than September 1, 2019, and be completed within 12 months, culminating with a capstone event that is accessible and open to the public. Online applications will be available throughout June with a July 1, 2019, submission … [Read more...]
Four Minnesota cities awarded PFA Funds totaling $17.93 million
The Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (PFA) approved $17.93 million in loan and grant funding for water infrastructure projects in Minnesota. Funding was approved for Faribault, Winnebago, Sacred Heart, and Arden Hills. “Clean drinking water is a necessity for every Minnesotan family and business,” said Governor Tim Walz. “These PFA dollars are a great investment in our … [Read more...]
Spring Valley to keep policy coordinator
The Spring Valley City Council met in regular session on May 29. Members in attendance included Mayor Tony Archer, Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, John Dols, and City Administrator Deb Zimmer. Mike Hadland was absent. No visitors had signed up to address the council. The council discussed an issue that’s been brought up before regarding whether or not the city should have a … [Read more...]
Permit for recycling center considered
At the May 23 meeting of the Planning Commission, K. Rodney Beer presented his plans for a concrete recycling center to be located in Section 21, York Township. Zoning Administrator Cristal Adkins explained the conditional use permit will be issued under regulations for a quarry. Beer plans to crush concrete on the site, but will not be doing any blasting. Duane Bakke … [Read more...]
Routine business at County Board
County Engineer Ron Gregg presented four bids for the concrete overlay project on CSAH 1 south of Ostrander and north of Ostrander to CR 39 at the board’s May 28 meeting. He added that approval has been received from the MnDOT Office of Civil Rights. The board approved the lowest bid from Croell, Inc. in the amount of $3,516,637.47. This bid was just slightly lower than the … [Read more...]
Compromise managed with a divided government
Minnesota’s regular legislative session had started on January 8; it ended May 20 with the announcement of a two year state budget agreement between Governor Tim Walz (DFL), Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman (DFL), and Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R). Conference committees then worked on the details. A special session was called starting Friday morning and ending … [Read more...]
Rushford Village approves ordinance
Following a public hearing prior to the Tuesday, May 21 council meeting, it was recommended that the city formally approve the updated Floodplain Management Ordinance. The city is required to have the ordinance in order for needed parcels to qualify for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood insurance. FEMA, along with the Minnesota Department of Education, has also … [Read more...]
Hindt and Beck earned most votes
On Tuesday, May 14, 2019, District #3 registered voters had the opportunity to vote in the primary election to narrow the field from three candidates to two for their next county commissioner. Larry Hindt led the three candidates with 93 votes. Kevin Beck was one vote behind Hindt with 92 votes. And, Jordan Fontenello pulled in 27 votes, winning Forestville Township and … [Read more...]