The Kingsland School Board met in regular session September 18, with Doug Plaehn, Ann Oeltjen, Jackie Horsman, Heather Betts, and Interim Superintendent James Hecimovich in attendance. Deb Larson and Tiffany Mundfrom were absent. The board discussed the option of seeking bids for the district’s transportation needs, and voted to seek and accept bids. Plaehn pointed out that … [Read more...]
Preston approves preliminary 2018 budget and levy
At the September 18 meeting of the Preston City Council, after considerable discussion concerning the 2018 budget, a resolution adopting the 2018 preliminary levy was adopted unanimously. The 2018 preliminary levy was set at $897,182, an increase of $65,688, or 7.9% over 2017. One percent of levy increase equals about $8,300. There already were two changes to the earlier … [Read more...]
Houston Council approves preliminary budget and levy for 2018
The Houston City Council met at Houston City Hall for their regular meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday, September 11, 2017. In attendance were City Administrator Peterson, Mayor Olson, and council members Knutson, Sanden, Krage, and Schutte. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the council opened the meeting to a period of public comment, of which there was none. Next, the council … [Read more...]
State unemployment rate at 3.8% in August Employers cut 6,600 jobs
ST. PAUL, MN – The Minnesota unemployment rate climbed 0.1% in August to a seasonally adjusted 3.8%, according to figures released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.4% in August. The state lost 6,600 jobs in August, and the number of jobs gained in July was revised downward by 5,100 positions. … [Read more...]
Canton talks of new gazebo and memorial area
Reflecting upon the appearance of their city, as is all too crucial living among a society that can best be described as superficial though few would like to admit it, the Canton City Council discussed means in which to improve this, specifically focusing on the state of the gazebo and its surrounding area. Following previous plans to repaint the structure and upon recent … [Read more...]
Whalan Council to hold a public hearing
After a discussion at the September council meeting whether to replace all of the bulbs in the city of Whalan’s streetlights to LED bulbs at one time or to replace a few at a time due to the high cost of replacement, the city council of Whalan has decided to hold a public hearing on the matter, which will be held at 4:30 p.m. on October 9, 2017 - just prior to the regular … [Read more...]
Minnesota House Bonding Committee stops in Harmony
On September 6, the Minnesota House Bonding Committee made Harmony one of their stops on their bus tour of southeastern Minnesota to hear bonding pitches. About 20 House members made the trip and were able to tour Niagara Cave during their time in the Harmony area. They also discussed the proposed bike trail extension to the Iowa border. City Attorney Greg Schieber commented … [Read more...]
Rushford digs into proposed budget and levy
As it is September, municipalities in the county are all tightening down their proposed budgets and setting their maximum levies. At the Rushford Council meeting, Monday, September 11, the case was no different, as the council reviewed the proposed changes. Prior to budget and levy talk, the council voted to approve labor contract agreements. The agreements were recently … [Read more...]
County proclaims October Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Sarah Monroe, Fillmore County Victim Services, Kari Berg, Corrections Services, and Anne Detlefsen, Family Services, asked commissioners to proclaim October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month at the board’s September 12 meeting. Events planned to bring attention to domestic violence include “Soup for the Soul” to be held October 3 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the courthouse … [Read more...]
Ostrander to fill mayor and police vacancies
The Ostrander City Council met on September 13 in regular session, with all members present (Erin Volkart, Pam Kunert, Clerk Chris Hyrkas, Heidi Jones and DJ Start). Sarah Chounard addressed the council, saying she’s aware the current water tower will eventually be moved to a different location, and she asked, “Could I purchase the lot the water tower (currently) sits … [Read more...]