All members of the Ostrander City Council were in attendance on June 5 for a regular meeting (Vernon Thompson, Pam Kunert, Mayor Pat Nesler, City Clerk Wendy Brincks, Heidi Jones and DJ Start). The main topic was the ongoing infrastructure (street) project, and how it is impacting citizens getting to and from their homes and businesses. Rosie Hilland addressed the council, … [Read more...]
Illegal dumping in county
Solid Waste Administrator Andrew Hatzenbihler reported to the county board at their June 5 meeting that some residents continue to dump materials illegally at county recycling sites. Commissioner Gary Peterson was absent. Hatzenbihler said the dumping is getting to be a large problem. Current policy allows for a $500 fine with a misdemeanor charge. Hatzenbihler suggested a … [Read more...]
Wykoff bus garage to be sold
On June 4, Kingsland School Board held a monthly work session meeting in the elementary conference room. Board members present included Doug Plaehn, Leah Stier, Jackie Horsman, Tiffany Mundfrom, Heather Betts, and Superintendent James Hecimovich). Ann Oeltjen was absent. The board discussed planning to sell the former school bus garage in Wykoff. There is concern that the … [Read more...]
Fountain retains ordinance prohibiting chickens
The City of Fountain has opted to make no changes to its current ordinances to allow for the keeping of chickens within city limits. The matter was brought to the council’s attention months ago by 526 First Street resident Emily Root and her family. Root spoke before the council at the May meeting, bringing forth her request to construct a greenhouse with an attached coop for … [Read more...]
Lanesboro recognizes American Legion
Mayor Autumn Johnson read a resolution proclaiming August 24 as American Legion Day in Lanesboro at the June 4 city council meeting. Several of the Legion members were present to hear the resolution. The Legion is nearing a century of service in Lanesboro and is the only Legion building in Minnesota that is on the historic registry. American Legion commander, Jim Haugan asked … [Read more...]
Preston street projects delayed until 2020
At the June 4 city council meeting, a number of issues pertaining to the city’s future were on the table including housing, street improvements, and the proposed veterans home. City Administrator Joe Hoffman, Public Works Director Jim Bakken, and City Engineer Brett Grabau led a discussion on potential street projects for 2019 or 2020. The Pleasant St. area project was divided … [Read more...]
A step closer to the dream
Veterans, local officials, and community members gathered at the entrance of a soybean field on a sunny May 31 morning to celebrate the inclusion of veterans home funding in the 2018 Minnesota bonding bill. Preston Mayor Kurt Reicks welcomed everyone to the future site of the veterans home, calling it a great day for veterans in southeast Minnesota. Since 2013 there has been … [Read more...]
Rushford considers last minute limited option usage of revolving loan fund
The City of Rushford has been eyeing potential changes to its Revolving Loan Fund policy, looking to amend it to allow the city to use the funds. If used, the funds would be designated for a singular project related to economic development, namely an estimated 100-acre property on the west side of Rushford, along Highway 30. City Administrator Tony Chladek noted the policy … [Read more...]
Interpretation of ordinance creates snag over precedence
When looking at zoning, ordinances and policy-making can be a bit of a beast. Townships, cities, and counties have ordinances in place for the benefit of property owners and to keep things decidedly black and white. But, what happens when interpretation creates a fuzzy, gray zone and the idea of entity precedence and property owner rights clash? Five of the 23 townships within … [Read more...]
Drag racing stalls in Spring Valley
Greg Melartin addressed the Spring Valley City Council during the regular meeting on May 30 regarding his request for drag racing within city limits during the upcoming Fins and Films event on July 7. He described the various safety measures that would be in place (fencing, barriers, etc) and the agencies and businesses he has already talked to regarding the proposed event. … [Read more...]