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...]
Chosen Valley Mini Grant Program
Root River State Bank and F & M Community Bank-Chatfield are excited to announce their continued sponsorship of the Chosen Valley Mini Grant. Applications for the upcoming 2017-2018 school year will include funding of $5,000.00, bringing the grand total to $80,000.00 that has been allocated over the past 16 years to projects that would otherwise not be funded. This … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton School Board seeks new superintendent
It was the last Mabel-Canton School Board meeting for Superintendent Jennifer Backer. In an emotional address, she said her decision to resign was “bittersweet” and her last four years have been memorable. “I publicly welcome the next superintendent and want you to know that I’m here to help in any way I can to make the transition a smooth one.” One candidate has applied for … [Read more...]
Rushford-Peterson looks at finishing touches for new school
The new school is just two months or less from completion and several in attendance at the Monday, June 19 R-P School Board meeting were noticeably eager to see it done. “Things are moving along; you can trust that they are,” said District Superintendent Chuck Ehler. An administration walk through of the lower classrooms was held last week, June 15, and a tour of the progress … [Read more...]
Rushford Village getting nearer to 2016 road project completion
It’s been a long year, or longer, for the Rushford Village Council when it comes to road projects, specifically, the 2016 improvement projects. It was stated at the Tuesday, June 20 council meeting that a formal letter had gone out previously to McHugh Excavating, the contractor on the project. In the letter, the city indicated that should remaining punch list items from the … [Read more...]
Kingsland preps for 2017-18 year
A regular meeting of the Kingsland School Board was held June 19. Members in attendance were Ann Oeltjen, Jackie Horsman, Tiffany Mundfrom, and Heather Betts, along with Superintendent John McDonald. Doug Plaehn and Deb Larson were absent, so Oeltjen led the meeting. No visitors had signed up to address the board. The board heard a budgetary update from Business Manager … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Sheriff’s Academy a big success
“I thought it was eye-opening and interesting,” Spring Valley resident Tyler Schiltz said about the recent Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office Citizens’ Academy. “I would definitely recommend it to others.” Fillmore County Sheriff Tom Kaase remembered the last Citizens’ Academy taking place in 2009, which was before he took office. Having worked in the Rochester Police … [Read more...]
Houston Council orders road and utility improvement to subdivision
The Houston City Council met at 6 p.m. on Monday, June 12 at Houston City Hall. In attendance were Mayor Olson, Administrator Peterson, Deputy Clerk Hegland and council members Knutson, Krage, and Schutte. Following the pledge, the council opened the meeting to public comment. One citizen stated he had questions about an item on the agenda, and Mayor Olson replied that … [Read more...]