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...]
Chatfield School Board rescinds two non-renewed teachers
The Chatfield School Board met on May 1, 2019, in the high school forum room. All board members were present as were Ed Harris, superintendent; Lorri Lowery, administrative assistant; Karyl Lyons, business manager; Kristi Cook, technology integration specialist and Student Senate Representatives Jack Tuohy and Nathan Goldsmith. Kristi Cook, outgoing integration technology … [Read more...]
Fountain opts for for new wastewater plant monitoring
The City of Fountain has opted to go a new direction in relation to its wastewater treatment plant, approving moving forward with a three-year contract with MMS Environmental. The firm recently toured the facility and provided the city with a detailed proposal, which was reviewed at the Wednesday, May 1 council meeting. The plant was designated as non-compliant by Minnesota … [Read more...]
Solar field nears completion in Lanesboro
The City of Lanesboro is getting amped up for the completion of a new solar field that is currently being constructed which will supply an average of 20% of the electricity for the town. The solar array, located at the far southeast corner of the city, in the neighborhood known as Southern Hills, is a new and exciting venture for the City of Lanesboro. OneEnergy … [Read more...]
Spring Valley offers text alert system
The Spring Valley City Council met in regular session on April 22. Members in attendance included Mayor Tony Archer, Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, John Dols, and City Administrator Deb Zimmer. Mike Hadland was absent. Deb Zimmer said everyone is welcomed to sign up to receive text messages related to various Spring Valley city information. Those interested in Park … [Read more...]
SEMAC awards arts grants
On March 19, 2019, the Board of Directors of the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council (SEMAC) awarded 17 grants for a total of $67,256 in funding to applicants throughout southeastern Minnesota. This included seven Emerging grants for $17,456 and ten Advancing Artist grants for $49,800. SEMAC is the State Arts Board-designated granting authority for local/regional arts … [Read more...]
Government this week
Minnesota gained 1,300 seasonally adjusted jobs in March while the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 3.2% according to figures released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The U.S. unemployment rate was 3.8%. Minnesota total over-the-year growth rebounded back into positive territory in March as employment … [Read more...]