The total preliminary levy in the amount of $2,885,640 for property taxes payable in 2026 was certified at the city council’s September 22 meeting. This represents an increase of $147,277, or 5.378 % over the 2025 levy. The final levy to be considered in December can be the same or lower, not higher. The Truth in Taxation Hearing will be held Monday, December 8. Councilor … [Read more...]
Minnesota Jobs and Workforce Grow in August
ST. PAUL, MN – Minnesota employers added 5,900 jobs in August, strong growth that defied a nearly-flat employment picture on the national level, according to new data from the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). Minnesota’s growth equated to a 0.2% increase in jobs in August, compared to effectively flat employment for the United States as a whole. … [Read more...]
Village Sets Preliminary Levy
After months of discussing the budget and tax levy for 2026, the Rushford Village Council approved the preliminary at $764,099 at their September 16 meeting. The amount was determined by taking into consideration the current disbursements for the year, estimated disbursements for September-December based on 2024 numbers, the current estimated budget shortfall of $65,455, and a … [Read more...]
Kingsland School Board Talks Construction and Numbers
Just weeks into the new school year, the Kingsland School Board met on September 15 to hear updates on projects and review the preliminary levy. “This summer we are almost done,” Superintendent Scott Klavetter said of the ongoing construction. “The actual roofing piece has been done for a couple of weeks already, as far as opening up and replacing roofs. What they have been … [Read more...]
R-P Board Returns Solar Grant
The Rushford-Peterson School Board decided unanimously to return the Solar for Schools Grant to the state during their September 15 regular meeting. In the second round of exploring the possibility of the addition of solar panels to the school roof, R-P had already been awarded the grant. The problem with installing solar panels was that the option of placing the panels on the … [Read more...]
SV Council Approves Preliminary Levy
On September 8, the Spring Valley City Council approved the preliminary property tax levy, which will be collectable in 2026 with the numbers set as such: the general operating budget at $790,672, the economic development authority (EDA) set at $83,237, parks at $191,387 and library at $177,000. The total preliminary levy is $2,010,746. It was noted while the levy can be … [Read more...]
Investigators Say Harmony Woman Drained Father’s Account of $39,000
A Harmony woman is accused of draining her elderly father’s bank account of more than $39,000 while serving as his power of attorney. Debra Ann Hebrink, 68, faces five felony counts of financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult and one felony count of theft by swindle in Fillmore County District Court. Her first appearance is scheduled for October 14. The Fillmore … [Read more...]
Spring Grove School Board Approves Maximum Levy
The Spring Grove School Board approved setting the 2024 Payable 2025 Property Tax Levy Certification at the maximum level, on a motion by Board Member Rohland and seconded by Boardmember Olson at its board meeting on September 15. The Truth and Taxation hearing traditionally takes place in December prior to the regular school board meeting. Approving the maximum level … [Read more...]
Spring Grove Discusses Safety
Spring Grove City Council members met Tuesday, September 16 at 168 West Main Street in room #100. Mayor Bryan Wilhelmson called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. and led with the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members present included Wilhelmson, Trent Turner, Eric Ostern, Mike Hagen and Morgan Buckland. City Clerk/Administrator Jana Elton was also present. Both the Agenda and … [Read more...]
Caledonia Middle/High School to Hold Career Fair
Caledonia Public School District’s board members met Monday, September 15 at Caledonia Elementary School in room #162. Boardmember Mike Peterson called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m., led with the Pledge of Allegiance, then conducted roll call. All board members were present except for Chad Harms. District employees present included Superintendent Craig Ihrke, Principals … [Read more...]