Over the next several weeks leading up to Election Day on November 6, 2018, the Fillmore County Journal will provide candidates in contested races in our coverage area an opportunity to answer questions that we hope will be of value to voters. On today’s front page, we are presenting two candidates vying for Fillmore County Auditor/Treasurer. Both Brian Hoff and Heidi ‘Bly’ … [Read more...]
SEMAC announces October 1 grant application deadline
The Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council announces a call for proposals in three categories: Arts & Cultural Heritage, Presenter/Production Assistance, and Small Towns/Rural Areas. All proposed projects must begin no earlier than December 1, 2018, and be completed within 12 months, culminating in a capstone event that is accessible and open to the public. Online … [Read more...]
Preston adopts 2019 preliminary levy
At the September 17 Preston City Council meeting, the 2019 preliminary levy was adopted. During an August meeting, City Administrator Joe Hoffman had presented a draft of the 2019 budget and levy. At that meeting the draft budget provided for a 2.41% levy increase over the 2018 levy. There was some discussion then about providing an additional cushion to reserve some funds … [Read more...]
New initiative for conservation planning
Hello, my name is Dan Wermager, with the Root River Soil and Water Conservation District in Caledonia, Minn. I want to get the word out that there is a new initiative for the entire Root River Watershed, with two priority areas being Torkelson Creek Watershed (in Fillmore County) and Money Creek Watershed (in Houston and Winona Counties). It is a mutual effort between local, … [Read more...]
Open house Sept. 25 in Grand Meadow for Hwy 16 paving project in 2019
The public is invited to an open house on Tuesday, September 25 in Grand Meadow to learn more about the improvements planned for Highway 16 during a paving project in 2019 from Dexter to Spring Valley, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Representatives of MnDOT will be available to answer questions and provide information from 4:30-6 p.m. at the Grand … [Read more...]
Who will be the next Sheriff?
Over the next several weeks leading up to Election Day on November 6, 2018, the Fillmore County Journal will provide candidates in contested races in our coverage area an opportunity to answer questions that we hope will be of value to voters. On today’s front page, we are presenting two candidates running for Fillmore County Sheriff. Both Captain John De George and Sheriff Tom … [Read more...]
CUP requests sent to County Board
At the September 6 Planning Commission meeting public hearings were held on two separate Conditional Use Permit applications, one for a commercial campground and the other for a sand pit. Craig and Julene Stortz, Section 15, Canton Township want to establish a campground on their property. Craig referred to it as a private campground, where he will provide two to four fully … [Read more...]
Grocery to open in Mabel?
During the Mabel City Council meeting on September 12, City Clerk Karen Larson said, “The EDA is actively working with someone to open a grocery store… I’m excited.” She went on to say that details are not yet finalized, but it looks very promising. Kirsten Wyffels shared her suggestion that if local citizens like the idea of having a grocery store in town, they should do … [Read more...]
Rushford continues contract for lot sales
Rod Darr, representing Darr Realty, was present at the Monday, September 10 Rushford Council meeting to seek a one-year renewal on the city’s contract, aimed at selling of city-owned lots, specifically in Himlie Park. The current contract expires October 15. The partnership has been successful in securing two closings and one pending sale on three of the nine lots. Created in … [Read more...]
Wykoff considers campground
The Wykoff City Council met in regular session on September 10, with all council members in attendance (Rocky Vreeman, Mary Tjepkes, Mayor Al Williams, City Clerk Becky Schmidt, Mary Sackett and Richard Gleason). Becky Schmidt asked the council to consider the possibility of creating a small campground within the city, as a way to increase tourism. She said the approximate … [Read more...]