A majority of the brief amount of time that elapsed during the regularly scheduled Canton City Council meeting on July 12 related to the topic of a variance permit for a privacy fence desired by Nicholas and Kayla Nichols. The wish for the fence, anticipated to enclose the entire yard, is said to have stemmed from Kayla’s plans to open a daycare in the near future. However, … [Read more...]
Rushford Village rehashes old issues
The future of the Benson Lane Project has been in limbo for some time as the Rushford Village Council works with engineering firm Bolton & Menk to determine the best path forward. Initially, options were narrowed down to two culvert alternates and Bolton & Menk began preliminary design work on each. In early June, council discussion indicated some reluctance to spend … [Read more...]
Harmony library to receive proceeds from their clothing donation bin
The clothing donation bin at the edge of the Harmony Community Center parking lot has already been filled and emptied once since being installed recently. The Harmony Public Library will be receiving $0.10 a pound for the donations from the company that owns and sets up the bins. Once full, each bin holds approximately 600 pounds of donations. “It’s not a lot, but every … [Read more...]
Swimming pool construction contract awarded
After months and months of planning, discussion, and a referendum last fall, the Chatfield City Council approved a combined bid submitted by Benike Construction and Ricchio, Inc. for the construction of a new swimming pool during their July 9 meeting. The bid was approved with a 4:1 vote, councilor Mike Urban voted no. The combined bid is $4,279,243.93, which is the low bid. A … [Read more...]
Whalan receives donation from Stand Still Parade
During the July Whalan City Council meeting, Jane Lewis, representing the Whalan Stand Still Parade Committee, announced a donation to the City of Whalan in the amount of $1,763. Each year the Stand Still Parade Committee donates a portion of the proceeds from the Stand Still Parade to the city. The council members shared their appreciation to the committee. The regularly … [Read more...]
Mabel sets mowing fee
By Rich Wicks The Mabel City Council met in regular session June 11, with all members in attendance (Liz Folstad, Gary Morken, Mayor James Westby, City Clerk Karen Larson, Terry Torkelson, and Kirsten Wyffels). Regarding the issue of grass not being mowed satisfactorily within the city, Larson said, “Fortunately, we haven’t had to deal with this before. Unfortunately, it … [Read more...]
Ostrander water plant upgrade needed, but when?
All members of the Ostrander City Council were in attendance on July 3 for a regular meeting (Vernon Thompson, Pam Kunert, Mayor Pat Nesler, City Clerk Wendy Brincks, Heidi Jones and DJ Start). Heidi Jones addressed the council regarding her candidacy for Fillmore County Auditor/Treasurer. Brian Malm (representing the engineering firm of Bolton & Menk) said Ostrander … [Read more...]
County backs EIS request for proposed hog feedlot
Many concerned citizens attended the July 3 meeting of the county board. The agenda was amended to include discussion and possible action regarding the proposed Catalpa LLC hog farrowing facility to be located in section 7 and 18 in Newburg Township. The comment period on the Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) had been extended to July 3 at 4:30 pm. During the Citizens … [Read more...]
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation seeking applications for Small Town Grants
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is currently accepting applications for its Small Town Grants Program. Towns with populations of 5,000 or less in SMIF’s 20-county region are eligible to apply. Requests of up to $10,000 will be considered. “The success of last year’s inaugural Small Town Grants Program has prompted us to once again provide this opportunity to … [Read more...]
Chatfield mayor comments on swimming pool project
On June 29, bids for the construction of a new swimming pool in Chatfield will be opened. At the June 26 council meeting, Mayor Russ Smith explained he has heard from people within the community who are in favor of and who are against the construction of a new pool. Councilor Josh Broadwater was absent. Smith spoke of rumblings in the community from some who feel there was … [Read more...]