The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) held an open house on June 29 at the Harmony Community Center, to discuss the upcoming Highway 139 resurfacing project. Approximately 30 people attended, and they heard from Jeff Bunch (MnDOT Construction), Anne Meyer (MnDOT Communications) and Sam Costigan (Rochester Sand & Gravel). The event started with opening remarks … [Read more...]
Rushford approves loan modification for GForce, Ink
Last March, the Rushford City Council unanimously approved a recommendation by the Economic Development Authority (EDA) to enter into an agreement with GForce, Ink. The agreement was drawn up with the intent of addressing notes and lines of credit due to the city. Details of that agreement included payment on Revolving Loan Funds, including accrued interest, no later than July … [Read more...]
County establishes broadband development fund
Out going EDA director Sam Smith introduced the new EDA director, Stephanie Hatzenbihler, at the June 27 meeting of the county board. Smith will continue with CEDA in the Mankato area. This was his last day with Fillmore County. During his time with the Fillmore County EDA, Smith worked to expand broadband to rural areas in the county. Rural Lanesboro was one of two … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central removes extra-curricular fees for student activities
At the June 27 board meeting, Fillmore Central School Board member Sue Sikkink asked the rest of the board to consider lowering fees for extracurricular activities and eliminating fees for activities where students receive a letter grade. Board member Jim Love took it a step further, suggesting that the fees be removed completely. “We have the funding available,” he pointed … [Read more...]
Spring Valley moves on junk violations
The Spring Valley City Council met in regular session June 26. Members present included Tony Archer, Todd Jones, Mayor Jim Struzyk, Jessy Betts, and City Administrator Deb Zimmer. Mike Hadland was absent. A public hearing was held just prior to the regular council meeting, on the topic of “Junk Ordinance” violations within the city. Two citizens spoke up about the issue, … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Courthouse to receive funding through Safe and Secure Courthouse Initiative
ST. PAUL, MN, June 29, 2017 – Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Lorie S. Gildea today announced the award of $1 million in grants through the Safe and Secure Courthouse Initiative. The grant funding will go towards the implementation of safety and security improvements in 57 county courthouses across Minnesota, including the Fillmore County Courthouse. Safe and Secure … [Read more...]
Unemployment rate falls to 3.7% in May Minnesota employers eliminate 7,200 jobs
Minnesota’s unemployment rate fell to 3.7% in May, matching a post-recession low point last seen in June 2015, according to seasonally adjusted figures released on June 15, 2017, by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The U.S. unemployment rate in May was 4.3%. Minnesota employers eliminated 7,200 jobs in May, after adding 28,200 jobs in the … [Read more...]
Chatfield swimming pool committee reports to city council
Many members of the nine member swimming pool committee spoke to the city council during the June 26 Chatfield City Council meeting. Co-chair Julie Henry said the committee has been meeting monthly. The pool is over 50 years old and has many issues, the most recent a significant leak in the main pool which has been fixed temporarily with caulk. The pool opened in 1965. The … [Read more...]
What lies ahead for the Fillmore County Jail
Fillmore County’s jail is nearly a half century old, built in 1970. The jail was remodeled in 1995, at which time it was rated as a 24 bed facility. At that time a new garage, juvenile holding area, and multi-purpose room was added. The aging jail is plagued with mounting maintenance needs. Systems are dated and/or deteriorating. A water softener has never been in use; minerals … [Read more...]
USDA announces funding availability to help low-income individuals and families buy or repair homes
AUSTIN, MN. – USDA Rural Development has funding available for very low- and low-income individuals and families seeking to purchase or repair a home in a rural area. “Our housing staff will work one-on-one to ensure quality customer service for all applicants,” said Acting State Director Mike Navin. “To help prepare would-be buyers for this exciting step, USDA requires … [Read more...]