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...]
Mabel continues to take action against property owners
Two property owners remain in violation under the “nuisance” ordinance for failing to clean up their residences. Darrell Peterson and Matt Bankes have been given repeated warnings and deadlines. The final clean-up deadline is September 20. Upon inspection on that date, if these property owners have not complied, the City of Mabel will proceed with criminal citations and/or … [Read more...]
Spring Valley 2018 budget previewed
The Spring Valley City Council met in regular session September 11, with all members present (Tony Archer, Todd Jones, Mayor Jim Struzyk, Jessy Betts, Mike Hadland and City Administrator Deb Zimmer). No visitors had signed up to address the council. The main items discussed were preliminary 2018 budget review, and asbestos removal options for the “Kasson farm” at 2500 Tracy … [Read more...]
Fountain Council approves policing contract
The Fountain City Council has reached a decision on future policing needs. At the Wednesday, September 6 council meeting, the council unanimously voted to contract with the City of Preston Police Department. Current Fountain Police Chief Tom Mosher is retiring from his post September 29 after 20 years of serving the city. The city had debated throughout the summer whether or … [Read more...]
Chatfield plants test plot of intermediate wheatgrass to protect groundwater
On September 8, 2017, the City of Chatfield, Minn., announce that it is working in cooperation with the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Rural Water Association to determine the viability of Kernza®, an intermediate wheatgrass. On Tuesday, September 12, Kernza® was planted on three acres of land that the city owns, near the intersection of Olmsted County Road 10 and … [Read more...]
Chatfield updates waste hauling agreement
At the September 11 Chatfield City Council meeting, the long standing waste hauling agreement with William Hanson was updated with four amendments. Councilor Joshua Broadwater was absent. City Clerk Joel Young noted the amending of the agreement was delayed for a time until the ordinance regarding recycling fees was updated. Brian Burkholder, Public Works, reported that … [Read more...]