At the October 5 Lanesboro City Council meeting, residents Sarah Pieper and John Lavelle spoke about the issue of feral cats. Pieper estimated that there could be as many as 40 roaming in Lanesboro with more litters of kittens being born. Lavelle said that he had personally paid for nine to be fixed and found homes for another nine of the cats, but the problem continues to … [Read more...]

On October 7, the Fountain City Council further discussed getting rid of its current city dump truck, putting it out for bids, and finding something more suitable. Councilor Jordan Kerns quickly brought up that it was his understanding the council was tabling the issue until the budget for 2027 is complete and the city can budget for the purchase. “I don’t think it’s a smart … [Read more...]

Interim City Administrator Michelle Marotzke will no longer have the title of interim as of November 1. At the October 5 meeting of the city council members discussed the hiring of a permanent city administrator. Mayor Kurt Reicks asked for the council members’ input; he said Michelle has been good to work with. The six-month interim position ends on November 1. Councilman … [Read more...]

At the October 6 county board meeting, Director of Public Health Jessica Erickson led a discussion on proposed modifications to the Tobacco Ordinance. Erickson, Brenda Pohlman, and Attorney Marla Stanton pointed out the proposed changes to the ordinance and the reasoning behind them. The intention is to cover all tobacco products equally. Pohlman explained the flavor market … [Read more...]

Hailey Jensen, the new agriculture teacher, visited the Houston School Board regular meeting on October 1 to introduce herself and her program to the board members. Jensen shared that she is licensed to teach a total of 97 agriculture related courses. Among the classes she is currently teaching are a floral design class and a farm to table class, which teaches food preparation. … [Read more...]

At its October 6 meeting, the Houston County Board of Commissioners approved a joint powers board agreement for the Houston County Root River Trail. La Crescent Community Development Director Larry Kirch appeared before the commission to share the 2025-2026 Root River Trail Extension Citizen Exploratory Committee report and discuss the proposed joint powers agreement. Kirch … [Read more...]

Rushford Peterson Valley Chamber of Commerce Director Stephanie Eggert tendered her resignation, effective year’s end. Eggert has been in the role since August 2023. Chamber President Amy Englehart attended the September 28 council meeting to discuss plans for the seeking of a new Chamber director. “The Chamber board is working through the transition and next steps,” said … [Read more...]

The Caledonia City Council adopted Resolution 2026-13, setting the preliminary levy for taxes payable in 2027 at the council’s September 28 regular city council meeting. Finance Director Stephanie Mann once again emphasized that it cannot go up, but it can go down before it is finalized at the December 14 city council meeting. After “tightening the budget,” the preliminary … [Read more...]

At the September 28 meeting of the city council, Interim City Administrator Michelle Marotzke presented three options to council members for the 2027 levy. A proposed 5% increase in the 2027 levy was discussed at the last meeting of the city council. Council Steve Hall had his reservations, suggesting the city needs to build up its reserves to take care of needs in the … [Read more...]

At the September 28 meeting of the city council, the preliminary budget and levy payable in 2027 was approved. Councilor Dave Franks was absent. The levy can be reduced in December when the final levy for 2027 is considered but it cannot be increased.  The total preliminary levy is $3,027,995 which is an increase of $142,355, or 4.9% over last year. The levy portion for … [Read more...]