The Kingsland School Board held its initial 2019 meeting on January 7. In the first item of business, Jackie Horsman swore in new board members Kyle Rader, Maranda Emig, and Natasha Howard. Also present for the meeting were Tiffany Mundfrom, Leah Stier, student board member Zachary Queensland, and Superintendent James Hecimovich. The board then elected a board chair … [Read more...]
Whalan council holds swearing-in ceremony
Newly elected and reelected Whalan City Council officials took part in a swearing-in ceremony at the Whalan City Council meeting held on January 7, 2019, at the Whalan City Hall. Sworn in were Mayor Marlys Tuftin and councilmembers Kim Berekvam and Johnny Halvorson, who each stood and solemnly swore to “support the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the … [Read more...]
Donna Rasmussen named Minnesota 2018 Outstanding SWCD Employee
Fillmore Soil and Water Conservation District administrator Donna Rasmussen was awarded the 2018 Outstanding Soil and Water Conservation District Employee award on December 10 at the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts’ annual convention. She was nominated for the award by her co-workers at the Fillmore SWCD, who were thrilled to hear that she had … [Read more...]
Amendment to SSTS Ordinance to be considered by the County Board
At the December 20 meeting of the Planning Commission, the public had an opportunity to comment on the proposed amendment to the Fillmore County subsurface sewage treatment system (SSTS) ordinance. The proposed amended language in Sale or Transfer of Real Estate, Section 803, will make it less likely that any transfers of real estate will fall through the cracks without a SSTS … [Read more...]
Legislators listen to county priorities
Minnesota Rep. Greg Davids and Senator Jeremy Miller listened to Fillmore County department heads describe concerns that they feel are important to address in the upcoming legislative session. Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC) government relations manager Matt Hilgart provided a ranking from 11 southeast Minnesota counties (district IX). The number one legislative … [Read more...]
Preston certifies final levy
At the December 18 Preston City Council meeting, during a discussion on the 2019 budget, there was a disagreement about the budget line item for the National Trout Center. Councilman David Collett suggested the NTC budget should be cut by $10,000. The total 2018 budget for the NTC was $26,500, which also includes EDA funding. Mayor Kurt Reicks argued that the NTC was a … [Read more...]
Rushford approves EDA goals; revisits pedestrian traffic along highway corridor
At the Monday, December 17 meeting, the Rushford Council approved a four goal plan submitted by the Economic Development Authority. The goals had been discussed and approved by the EDA December 12. The goals are to improve downtown vitality, increase local workforce 50 jobs by 2025, fill housing demand by 2025, and to more effectively market the community. The objective of the … [Read more...]
Rushford Village approves final budget
At the Tuesday, December 18 meeting, the council formally approved the 2019 budget and levy in the amount of $435,000. The preliminary levy had been certified at $450,000 in September. This was $25,000 more than the 2018 levy. There were no comments at the Truth-In-Taxation hearing and the Village is banking for some major equipment upgrades in the coming years. “I don’t see … [Read more...]
Heather Ptacek first female Preston VFW commander
Heather Ptacek recently made history when she was elected commander of the Preston VFW in Preston, Minn. “I don’t think it’s really sunk in yet,” says Ptacek, but she is certainly up for the challenge as she has faced much more intimidating circumstances while serving in the military. Ptacek grew up in Preston and graduated from Fillmore Central School. She joined the … [Read more...]
County reviews list of legislative priorities
At the December 11 County Board meeting, commissioners reviewed a list of 2019 legislative priorities. At their upcoming December 18 meeting, Rep. Greg Davids and Senator Jeremy Miller will be present to hear the county’s legislative preferences. Commissioner Duane Bakke noted the priority list document grows year to year. He suggested that next year there be more discussion … [Read more...]