Chatfield councilors listened to annual reports for 2017 from Planning and Zoning, Heritage Preservation, and the Economic Development Authority at their February 26 meeting. Kristi Clarke, consultant/city planner, reported that the city gained 19 new single family residences in 2017. New residential construction and remodels added over $5 million of value. The city is left … [Read more...]
Kingsland hears custodial crew and union concerns
The Kingsland School Board unanimously approved starting the 2018-19 school year roughly two weeks earlier than usual, to allow more time over the summer in 2019 to complete heating and ventilation system upgrades. As previously discussed, the school year will start around August 20, and graduation will likely be May 17. This decision was reached during the regular board … [Read more...]
New Lanesboro board member takes oath of office
At the February 15 Lanesboro school board meeting, Steve Storhoff was officially seated as the newest school board member. He will fill Terri Scott’s vacated seat until her term is up. Superintendent Matt Schultz noted that February 19-23 is School Board Recognition Week. “On behalf of the district, I want to thank all of you,” he said to the board members. “Thank you for … [Read more...]
Preston to convert to LED street lights
At the February 20 meeting of the Preston City Council, a motion to convert the city’s 422 street lights to LEDs was approved unanimously. The city will take advantage of rebates offered by the Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (SMMPA). Jim Bakken, Public Works, explained the street lights are operated by the city’s public utility, but the city pays the utility for the … [Read more...]
Heidi “Bly” Jones announces candidacy for Fillmore County Auditor/Treasurer
Heidi Jones has announced she will run to fill the vacant seat as the Fillmore County Auditor/Treasurer at the November election. Heidi has lived in the area her entire life, graduating from Kingsland High School in 1995. For the last 12 years she has been a resident in the City of Ostrander, where she is serving her second term as an elected city council member and serves … [Read more...]
Walz staff listens to community concerns and ideas
A large number of community members participated in Walz’s “Southern Minnesota Way of Life Tour” at the F & M Bank community room on February 8. This mix of employers, people associated with business, farmers, local government officials, and educators were asked for their ideas and given the opportunity to express their concerns as they relate to transportation, … [Read more...]
Wykoff hears public concerns
A regular meeting of the Wykoff City Council was held on February 12. Members in attendance were Rocky Vreeman, Mary Tjepkes, Mayor Al Williams, Deputy Clerk Luann Hare, and Richard Gleason. Mary Sackett and City Clerk Becky Schmidt were absent. Donna Erdman spoke to the council, saying she was driving in the city on the evening of February 4, and got her car stuck in ice. … [Read more...]
Whalan council reaches out for wireless coverage
As the City of Whalan continues to search for a possible solution to the inefficient and mostly absent cell phone service in Whalan a new step has now been taken. The city council has made a phone call and sent a letter to Senator Amy Klobuchar asking for assistance. Residents continue to be concerned about the lack of cell phone reception especially as warmer weather draws … [Read more...]
Charter Commission recommends adding city manager position
Curt Sorenson, Charter Commission chair, reported at the February 12 meeting of the Chatfield City Council that the commission has discussed at length what sort of government structure to recommend for the city. Councilor Pam Bluhm was absent. According to Sorenson, city hall doesn’t operate exactly in the way the current Charter describes. He added this is not a bad thing. … [Read more...]
Harmony City Council, EDA, and Fillmore Central School Board attend their annual joint meeting
The Harmony City Council met with the Fillmore Central School Board and the Harmony EDA for their annual joint meeting on February 13 at 6:30 p.m. Each organization gave an update on their progress over the last year and discussed ways to work together. The school is interested in doing a land swap with the city which would allow them to put a new football field in where … [Read more...]