The Houston School Board met at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, November 15 in the library of Houston High School. Present at the meeting were board members Kelleher, Stillin, Evenson, Bonner, Carlson, and Wilson. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the board approved the agenda and opened the floor to public comment, of which there were none. The board passed all consent items unanimously, … [Read more...]
Opposition rises to feedlot at Houston Council meeting
The Houston City Council met at 6 p.m. on Monday, November 14, 2016 at the Houston City Hall. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the council heard public comments. After a public comment regarding snowmobiling, two separate citizens made comments in support of the city fighting the recent county approval of a feedlot located near the city limits. A citizen identifying himself … [Read more...]
Water meter proposal in Canton
The Canton City Council heard an alternative proposal for the water meter replacement project at their regular meeting on November 9. Canton resident Robroy Kelly was present at the meeting to ask the council to consider an alternative type of water meter when they replace the existing meters. He explained to the council that he had visited Stockton, Minn., a local town that … [Read more...]
Fountain revisits plant issues; plans for 150 year celebration
The Fountain City Council has been plagued with lingering issues at the Wastewater Treatment Plant for several years. The plant is not in compliance and according to WSB & Associates Project Manager Richard Parr, “The clock is ticking.” At the Thursday, November 3 council meeting, Parr outlined the timeline for figuring out a solution. The plant has been out of Minnesota … [Read more...]
County discusses key employee positions
At the November 8 meeting of the County Board, possible structural adjustments for a couple of key employees were discussed. Jessica Erickson, Director of Nursing, had submitted her resignation, which was accepted at the October 25 meeting. She resigned to maintain family life balance. County Coordinator Bobbie Vickerman said Erickson was willing to do the work of the … [Read more...]
Lanesboro City Council member proposes budget cuts
“I went through the budget and found places to make cuts,” Lanesboro City Councilman Tom Smith stated. Smith proceeded to review the 2017 budget to show the other members of the council where he felt cuts could be made. Among other suggestions, he proposed cutting the police budget, various departments in public works, the library budget for movies and books, the EDA, and … [Read more...]
Houston Planning Commission balancing financial with future
The Houston County Planning Commission was called to order at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, November 7, 2016. This was the first commission meeting since September 6, 2016, and the commission passed the previous meeting’s minutes without debate. Present at the meeting were Jim Edwards, Tony Shultz, Krin Abraham, City Administrator Christina Peterson, and Vice-chairman Vicki … [Read more...]
Maintenance Supervisor Schultz to head solid waste department
Restructuring of the Solid Waste Department following the retirement of solid waste administrator Jon Martin took a step forward at the county board’s November 1 meeting. County Engineer Ron Gregg had considered taking over as department head of Solid Waste, but declined to take on the additional responsibility for the pay offered. Building maintenance supervisor Terry … [Read more...]
Ostrander repairs and park damage discussed
The Ostrander City Council met on November 1, with all members present: Erin Volkart, Pam Kunert, Mayor Pat Nesler, Clerk Chris Hyrkas, Heidi Jones, and DJ Start. Police Chief Tom Mosher informed the council of an incident in which a person caused extensive damages to the city park on October 27, by driving through the park repeatedly. Chief Mosher said the vehicle’s tires tore … [Read more...]
Rushford Village meets in closed session to discuss litigation
In closed meeting, following the Tuesday, November 1 open meeting, the Rushford Village Council met with City Attorney Tom Manion to discuss “pending or threatened litigation.” The issue pertains to a contract dispute with McHugh Excavating of Onalaska, Wis. May 3 of this year, the council awarded a $665,000 bid, part of a larger $878,000 project to the 40-year company. The … [Read more...]