Communities across the country are showing their patriotism through a unique flag program. As a result, flags are lining the streets of towns like Harmony, Chatfield and Preston on special holidays throughout the year. The flag “rental” program began a few years ago with nonprofit groups using it as a fundraiser. The idea took off. Here’s how it works. First, an organization … [Read more...]
Ostrander access during street project discussed
A group of eight citizens attended the Ostrander City Council meeting on May 1 to air their concerns about being able to get to and from their homes during the ongoing street project. This “Elm Street group” asked what their best option is during closures that prevent them from driving on their street. Mayor Nesler offered one option, stating, “A lot of people are parking on … [Read more...]
End in sight for CSAH 1 reconstruction project
County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 1 has the distinction of being the most traveled county road in Fillmore County. Reconstruction of this important artery started in the spring of 2016. Farmers and other home owners whose homes are along that 11.5 section of roadway from Spring Valley north to Highway 30 will see the long period of inconvenience and bumpy rides come to an end by … [Read more...]
Fountain considers chicken request, approves utility increase
The Wednesday, May 2 Fountain Council meeting was largely an agenda of old business. However, one item of new business, a resident request, brought forth a good deal of discussion. Fountain resident Emily Root brought forth a request to keep chickens on her property. Currently, city ordinances prohibit farm-type animals within city limits. Root is proposing keeping 10 hens, … [Read more...]
Enterprise Fleet Management makes its pitch to the county
Wong Nystrom, senior account executive with Enterprise Fleet Management, Inc., presented the terms of a leasing program for sheriff department vehicles at the county board’s April 24 meeting. Nystrom suggested rotating the vehicles on a 3-5 year cycle through a partnership with Enterprise would lower the county’s operating costs and improve safety and reliability. Savings … [Read more...]
Chatfield approves CCTV upgrade
Melissa Burnett, cable television administrator, asked the city council at the April 23 meeting to approve the purchase of a HD Cablecast base unit and slideshow as recommended by the Cable Access Board. The total cost of the upgrade is $11,281.48. The school district has agreed to share the cost. The council approved the upgrade to high definition; the city’s share costing … [Read more...]
Trehus earns DFL endorsement for State Representative to serve Fillmore and Houston Counties
Thomas Trehus, Spring Grove School Board member and fifth generation Houston County resident, received his party’s endorsement to run for a seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives this November. Local delegates of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party of Minnesota endorsed Trehus in Rushford on Saturday, April 7. “I would be honored to serve the communities of Fillmore and … [Read more...]
Planning Commission tweaks Renewable Energy Ordinance
At the April 19 meeting of the Fillmore County Planning Commission, revisions were made on a proposed ordinance for renewable energy. The county has only a wind power ordinance currently. This proposed ordinance will regulate both wind and solar energy systems. Zoning Administrator Cristal Adkins explained the wind portion is similar to the current ordinance. However, more … [Read more...]
Spring Valley to hire WWTP Operator
During their regular meeting on April 23, all Spring Valley city council members were present as they discussed the best options for assuring the city’s wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) has a licensed operator who meets all of the regulatory guidelines (a Class B Operator). It was pointed out that the firm of Bolton & Menk has been providing this service to the city, but … [Read more...]
Rushford approves housing area platting
The Rushford City Council has formally approved the final platting for a Planned Unit Development (PUD) on the east end of the Himlie Business Park. Developer Bluff Country LLC (Mike Sexhauer) brought forward final plats for Himlie Manor to the Planning Commission April 19 and they were approved. The area was previously rezoned and a Tax Increment Financing District established … [Read more...]