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...]
Open house April 30 in Chatfield for Hwy 52 paving project
The public is invited to an open house on Tuesday, April 30 in Chatfield to talk with the contractor and the Minnesota Department of Transportation to learn about the construction planned for Highway 52 from Marion through Chatfield that begins May 6, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Representatives of MnDOT will be available to answer questions and … [Read more...]
Semcac continues positive impact on communities
At the April 23 Fillmore County Board meeting, Lynn Mensink and Jim Wolter reported on the impact Semcac continues to have on the county. Commissioner Mitch Lentz was absent. Semcac has been providing services for 53 years, established as a private non-profit organization in 1966. It is the designated community action organization for seven counties: Dodge, Fillmore, … [Read more...]
Rushford zoning grapples with decision; council approves recommendation
Prior to the Monday, April 22 Rushford Council meeting, the Board of Zoning Appeals held a public hearing on whether or not to rezone a portion of Rush Creek Business Park. The zoning request was made by local business owners Leigh and Kayla Volkman for 900 Enterprise Drive. The lot fell under light industrial zoning regulations and they sought rezoning to residential to allow … [Read more...]
Tax abatement note authorized for Main Street, Chatfield lighting
Mike Bubany, David Drown Associates, Inc., explained what is involved with the issuance of a $225,000 tax abatement note during a public hearing at the April 22 Chatfield City Council meeting. The General Obligation tax abatement note will be used to pay for Main St. lighting. The $225,000 noted includes funding for the lighting and fees for the bond counsel, financial … [Read more...]
Peterson considers revised ordinances
Minnesota Basic Code, a comprehensive document of ordinances for cities under a certain population size, has been revised and the City of Peterson is in the process of reviewing the changes to determine whether or not to adopt the changes and which of its own ordinances to leave in place. The 2019 document for the city in particular is designed for cities under a population … [Read more...]
Rushford Village looks to future water study options
The Tuesday, April 16 Rushford Village Council meeting was a repeat of recent conversation with the bulk of discussion centering around a potential study by City Engineer Bolton & Menk. The goal of the study is to determine options to address water issues in south Rushford. Winter melt and runoff led to a recent community effort to drain culverts and divert water, but some … [Read more...]
Preston’s Board of Appeal and Equalization
Brian Hoff represented Fillmore County at the Preston’s local Board of Appeal and Equalization during the April 17 city council meeting. Hoff gave an overview of property values. Residential values increased in the city of Preston based on a sales study, as did values in most other cities in the county. The total estimated market value increased 5.76% to $107,887,400 in … [Read more...]