Rushford is the only municipality in Fillmore County, and one of only 28 municipalities in the state of Minnesota, to hold off-year elections for two of its four council seats. Even more of an oddity, this year the seats up for grabs had no candidates on the ballot. The Secretary of State’s Office shows 1,075 registered voters in Rushford’s precinct. Yesterday, just 152 … [Read more...]
Gophers will be floating in a new pool
In the November 7, 2017 ,election, the City of Chatfield answered the following question: Shall the City of Chatfield, Minnesota, be authorized to issue its general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $4,402,000 to finance the acquisition and betterment of a new swimming pool? Out of 433 voters, 237 voted yes while 196 said nay. The referendum passed with nearly 55% … [Read more...]
Buffer enforcement ordinance discussed
The Fillmore County Planning Commission met on October 26. A public hearing was held on the proposed county buffer enforcement ordinance. Duane Bakke explained the county changed its shoreland ordinance last year to match the state’s buffer law language. The ordinance being discussed this day details the county’s authority to enforce the buffer ordinance. The language in the … [Read more...]
Fountain reviews options for rate increase
The Fountain City Council considered the results of a utility rate analysis at the Wednesday, November 1 meeting and it could have some substantial changes for the city. An analysis by Minnesota Rural Water Association provided the city with four options. Currently, properties are charged a base rate of $30 per 3,000 gallons for sewer service and an additional $20 base rate … [Read more...]
Houston School Board selects new member; talks sports cooperation with Caledonia
The Houston School Board met for its regular meeting in the library of Houston Public High School at 6 p.m. on Thursday, October 18, 2017. In attendance were Superintendent Abraham and Board members Norlien, Wilson, Stillin, Carlson, and Evenson. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the board voted to approve the evening’s agenda and opened the meeting to public comment. Adam … [Read more...]
End may be in sight for Rushford’s municipal liquor store woes
At the October 10 Rushford Council meeting, an offer to purchase the city’s former municipal liquor store building, located at 409 South Elm Street, was presented by real estate agent Rodney Darr. The offer, from Destiny Life Church, was the first solid offer the city has had on the site, which has stood vacant for years. The strange saga of the store started with the flood of … [Read more...]
Pursuit of Holm ends at library
On October 25, 2017, at approximately 10:52 a.m., the Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office along with the SE MN Violent Crime Enforcement Team, the Mower County Sheriff’s Office, the Austin Police Department with their K-9 and the Austin-Mower County SIRT (Special Incident Response Team) executed a search warrant on a residence in the 18000 block of 160th Street in rural Spring … [Read more...]
Spring Valley 2018 street project OK’d
The Spring Valley City Council met in regular session October 23. Members present included Tony Archer, Todd Jones, Mayor Jim Struzyk, Mike Hadland and City Administrator Deb Zimmer. Jessy Betts was absent. The council held a public hearing on the 2018 Street Improvement project. Bryan Holtz (representing the firm of Bolton & Menk) stated, “We held our informational … [Read more...]
County pleased with EQB decision
At the county board’s October 24 meeting, County Attorney Brett Corson reviewed the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board (EQB) decision to table a request by Minnesota Sands to terminate the Environmental Impact Study (EIS). The EQB ruled in 2013 that MN Sands must complete an EIS before working multiple sand mine sites in Fillmore, Houston, and Winona Counties. Due to the … [Read more...]
Harmony’s Give to the Max Day to benefit local projects and organizations
This year’s Give to the Max Day event will benefit Harmony area senior activity programming, library patio, Monster Bash and Historical Society; each organization will receive 25% of the proceeds ($2,000 max) with the remainder available for other grant opportunities. 100% of your donations benefits our Harmony area community. Previous donations have enabled the Harmony … [Read more...]