OWATONNA, MN, February 3, 2026 - Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is currently accepting applications for free paint and coating products for community mural, community welcome sign, historic structure or public art projects or to refresh public spaces in preparation for significant community milestone celebrations through its Paint the Town Grant program. This … [Read more...]

At the February 3 commission meeting, the seats at the Houston County Courthouse were filled with Houston County residents anxiously waiting to share their opinions on building commercial solar fields in Houston County. The meeting was called to order at 9 a.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioners in attendance included Cindy Wright, Eric Johnson, Kurt … [Read more...]

Fillmore County Republican Precinct Caucuses were held Tuesday evening, February 3 in Chatfield, Harmony, Lanesboro, Mabel, Preston, Rushford and Spring Valley, Minn. DFL Caucus locations took place in Preston, Rushford Village and Spring Valley. At one town’s events, voters were gathered at Kingsland School in Spring Valley as Democrats and Republicans held separate … [Read more...]

At the February 4 meeting, the Fountain council received an update from contracted water treatment plant consultant Rick Whitney. Whitney and City Public Works Director John Hanson are methodically going through the plant to make sure it’s fully functional, maintained, and that it continues compliance. In January, there were additional items discovered needing immediate … [Read more...]

At the February 2 Lanesboro City Council meeting, resident John Levell commented about the Root River Restoration Project. He classified it as a modification project and said that he believes portions of the project will be detrimental to native species. He was against removing dead trees as they have an ecological purpose for woodpeckers, owl, squirrels, and more and said that … [Read more...]

At the February 2 meeting of the city council, the assessment of the 70-year-old swimming pool was reviewed. City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton reported first on the good news regarding the pool. At this point the intent is for the pool to be open in the 2026 season, but not the baby pool. Burbach Aquatics has provided a final report which includes a structural … [Read more...]

Land Use Director Blake Lea reviewed the Planning Commission’s recommendation to approve a conditional use permit for a 250-foot telecommunications tower in Newburg Township at the county board’s February 3 meeting. The self supporting tower is to be built in Section 22 on property owned by Paul, Sandra, and Todd Eiken. The request for the CUP was submitted by Cloud 1 … [Read more...]

Community Development Director Alison Bentley gave her report at the January 26 meeting of the city council. Councilor Mike Urban was absent. Bentley recognized Michael Tuohy for his 22 years of service on the EDA board. She also thanked Jeremy Aug for the years he served on Planning and Zoning.  Peddle Tea & Coffee opened in September. The fourth edition of Hilltop … [Read more...]