After over two years of cooperative efforts of six southeastern Minnesota counties, the process to create and implement the One Watershed One Plan (1W1P), which encompasses the entire Root River watershed of about 1.3 million acres, is nearing completion. In June 2014, the Root River watershed became one of the five large watersheds in the state to serve as a pilot program … [Read more...]
Frustrations mount for Rushford Village over road project
After hearing frustrations from the city council, project engineering firm, and residents (as noted by council members), it appears that Rushford Village’s frustrations with work in the south Rushford area of the city continue to mount. At the Tuesday, September 20 Rushford Village Council meeting Bolton & Menk Engineer Josh Pope gave the council an update and project progress … [Read more...]
Employers cut 1,500 jobs in August… Unemployment rate at 4%
ST. PAUL – Employment in Minnesota fell by 1,500 jobs in August, according to seasonally adjusted figures released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The agency said the state has added 40,629 jobs over the past year, a gain of 1.4%, U.S. job growth in the past 12 months was 1.7%. The state’s seasonally adjusted employment … [Read more...]
Mabel City Council hears noise complaint from resident
Mabel Resident Lois Suckow asked that the council take action to address the loud noises coming from the American Legion and the On/Off Sale Bar. She had spoken at the August council meeting as well, but reported that the situation has not changed. Mayor Westby spoke to the owners of both establishments after last month’s meeting, and they agreed to be sure that all of … [Read more...]
Rushford-Peterson receives 1:1 update
The Monday, September 19 Rushford-Peterson School Board meeting wrapped up in just over an hour. Items garnering the majority of discussion covered a new school progress update and a program update for the 1:1 Chromebook Initiative. Back in June, the board had voted unanimously to approve a new 1:1 Initiative. The program is a cost-saving partnership with Best Buy and looks … [Read more...]
Enrollment holding steady at Mabel-Canton Schools
Mabel-Canton welcomed 20 new students to the district this year. “Enrollment is currently at about 260,” Superintendent Jennifer Backer stated. “We haven’t seen those numbers in a while. It’s normal for them to ebb and flow all the time, but they’ve been maintaining over the last few years.” The new students were introduced to the student body at the pep fest along with the … [Read more...]
Harmony’s Monster Bash promises a scary good time
When Jay Masters first started the Monster Bash at the Community Center gym in Harmony five years ago, he didn’t realize it would be such a big hit. Masters first approached the Fillmore Central high school band director with the idea of starting a haunted house as a fundraiser for band trips. In the five years that the haunted house has been open, it’s grown into a success … [Read more...]
Harmony battles flushable wipes
It’s a problem that just about every city deals with, and Harmony is no exception. So-called “flushable” wipes are clogging up the two lift station pumps and causing backups in the sewer system. The pumps are back up and working again, but City Maintenance Director Chris Johnson doesn’t know how long that will last. “It causes a mess,” he said. The flushable wipes clog the … [Read more...]
Spring Valley 2017 levy set
The Spring Valley City Council met on Monday, September 12, 2016. Members in attendance were: Tony Archer, Todd Jones, Mayor Jim Struzyk, Bill Bires, and City Administrator Deb Zimmer. Jeff Vehrenkamp was absent. The council approved minutes of the previous meeting, and Preliminary Accounts Payable. No visitors had signed up to speak to the council. Zimmer spoke about … [Read more...]
Mill Creek Habitat project to begin
At the Chatfield City Council’s September 12 meeting ,soil scientist Luke Lunde said the 1,200 linear foot project, which will include a fishing pier, will begin next week from the bridge on Division St. south. It is expected to be completed by mid October. Councilor Paul Novotny was absent. The bid from Barth Construction came in at $69,276.56 or about 4% over the … [Read more...]