At the June 12 County Board meeting, commissioners declared a State of Emergency due to significant damage to public property as a result of flooding caused by the heavy rains on June 9-10. Emergency Manager Don Kullot reported that portions of the county received 5 to 8.5 inches of rain. In a letter to Joseph Kelly, director of Minnesota Department of Public Safety, a … [Read more...]
Land swap between City of Harmony and Fillmore Central approved
Superintendent Richard Keith and school board member Craig Britton were present at the Harmony City Council meeting on June 12 to discuss the final stages of the proposed land swap between the City of Harmony and Fillmore Central. The school will be turning the area behind the Harmony Community Center into a new baseball field and would like to build a parking lot to go with … [Read more...]
Number of property sales up in the county
The annual County Board of Appeal and Equalization held on June 12 began with commissioners reciting an oath administered by County Coordinator Bobbie Vickerman. County Assessor Cindy Blagsvedt reviewed the duties and rules and gave the assessment summary. Property is valued and classified as of January 2, 2018. Sales in all areas increased over the prior year. There were 298 … [Read more...]
VFW benefit reaches goal
On April 21, the Spring Valley VFW held a “Rebuild the VFW Benefit Dinner and Auction” at the Spring Valley Community Center. This fundraiser was held to pay for needed re-building due to the fire that destroyed the Johnny Ringo’s bar in the fall of 2017. Thanks to the generosity of the community, and the great turnout at the event, the VFW has reached their fundraising goal … [Read more...]
Chatfield changes health insurance carrier
At the May 29 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, City Clerk Joel Young reported on the savings the city and its employees could secure through a change in health insurance providers. Councilors Mike Urban and Paul Novotny were absent. The city renews its insurance each year. Young noted the city has been with Health Partners for some time. But, due to the significant … [Read more...]
Rushford Village reviews financial options; project scope
At the Tuesday, June 5 meeting, the Rushford Village Council discussed several funding options for several city costs in 2018. The council and city staff considered options including usage of a Certificate of Deposit (CD) accounts, financing programs, and an option for Minnesota Investment Fund dollars provided through the Department of Employment and Economic Development. … [Read more...]
Ostrander project creates challenges
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...]