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...]
R-P alters curriculum tracks
At the Monday, May 20 Rushford-Peterson School Board meeting, staff introduced the board to a proposal to alter math and science requirements for graduation. Currently, the district requires four math and four science credits. The goal of the proposal is to allow flexibility in curriculum options for all students, including those wanting higher level coursework and those … [Read more...]
Preston’s 2019 street projects
Brett Grabau, Stantec engineer, presented cost estimates for four possible 2019 street project areas at the May 20 city council meeting. The estimates were requested by the council last February. Project areas include portions of Cottage Grove Ave., Park Lane, Chatfield Ave., and Washington St. The total estimate for the suggested improvements is about $467,000. This … [Read more...]
Wheeler’s owner asks city of Harmony not to use parking lot
At the May 14 Harmony City Council meeting, Jeremy Kruegel from Wheeler’s asked the city and its contractors not to use the Wheeler’s parking lot to access the city’s north lift station. He had previously brought the issue to the council’s attention several years ago and is still having issues. “The city has their own access to all that,” he said. “They don’t need to be on … [Read more...]
Technology upgrade and law enforcement vehicles
Approval was given for a technology upgrade for the Highway Department and two new vehicles for the sheriff’s department at the county board’s May 14 meeting. Highway Engineer Ron Gregg explained the VRS Technology upgrade will be used to gather survey data. It helps them access MnDOT’s stations and will be more accurate and faster. The upgrade was approved at a cost of … [Read more...]
Detour lifted for Hwy 52 paving project from Marion to Chatfield; new detour begins June 3
The detour of Highway 52 near Chatfield was lifted Monday, May 13 as crews finished the first stage of culvert replacement, but motorists can expect delays as crews do paving work along the highway to Marion, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. With the first stage complete, motorists can again drive on Highway 52 from Chatfield to Marion near Interstate … [Read more...]
Spring Valley adopts floodplain ordinance
The Spring Valley City Council met in regular session on May 13. All members were in attendance (Mayor Tony Archer, Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, Mike Hadland, John Dols, and City Administrator Deb Zimmer. Immediately prior to the regular council meeting, a brief public hearing was held on the proposed Floodplain Ordinance. Zimmer explained that, “We do flood insurance … [Read more...]
Whalan increases utility rates
After several years with no increase in electric rates, the Whalan City Council is making some adjustments in 2019. Present at the regularly scheduled May 13 council meeting were Mayor Marlys Tuftin, City Clerk Lolly Melander and council members Owen Lewis, Everett Johnson, Kim Berekvam and Johnny Halvorson. Minutes and Treasurer’s Report from the April 8 council … [Read more...]