The Tuesday, October 2 Rushford Village Council meeting was business as usual with a short agenda and brisk meeting. Other than approvals for minutes and financials, the council reviewed just one agenda item. The council unanimously approved a maintenance agreement with Minnesota Pump Works, of Dundas, Minn., for annual maintenance of the lift station. The contract included a … [Read more...]
Candidates talk about what’s important
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 battling for State Representative of District 28B. Both Greg Davids and Thomas … [Read more...]
New apartments coming to Spring Valley?
The Spring Valley City Council held a regular council meeting on September 24. All members were present (Tony Archer, Todd Jones, Mayor Jim Struzyk, Jessy Betts, Mike Hadland and City Administrator Deb Zimmer). Jeff Allman addressed the council, informing them of his plans to build apartments. He handed out information that outlines the basics of “The Commercial House … [Read more...]
County approves preliminary levy for 2019
At the September 25 county board meeting, the preliminary budget and levy for 2019 was discussed. County Coordinator Bobbie Vickerman provided a breakdown of each departmental budget. The total 2019 preliminary levy is $10,819,093, which is an increase of 3.49%, or $364,893, over the 2018 final levy. The preliminary levy can be lowered in December when the final levy is set, … [Read more...]
Chatfield adopts 2019 preliminary levy
Chatfield councilors were faced with three options when adopting the 2019 preliminary levy at their September 24 meeting. Councilor John McBroom was absent. The first option included the staff budget and the swimming pool debt (reflecting a 22.3% levy increase). The second option also included Small City Aid replacement funding in the amount of $24,000 (reflecting a 23.7% … [Read more...]
Rushford approves AcenTek agreement and fee
At the Monday, September 24 Rushford Council meeting, the council unanimously agreed upon a new franchise agreement with AcenTek, including the implementation of related fees. Doing so will require amendments to the city’s ordinance granting the franchise to Ace Telephone Association/AcenTek for the operation and maintenance of the cable televising system. A public hearing will … [Read more...]
The 31 million dollar question
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...]