Are people voting earlier with the option of mail-in and absentee balloting? Houston County Auditor/Treasurer Polly Heberlein shared, “At this point, I can tell you that absentee voting is becoming more popular. I do not have any definite numbers relating to vote-in-advance versus Election Day. When trying to compare, scenarios are so different now than there were in … [Read more...]
Chuck Dahl Recognized for 25 Years of Service
During the October 9, 2024, city council meeting, Mayor Adam Wilder presented Public Works employee Chuck Dahl with a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of his 25 years of service to the city of Mabel. The city council thanked Dahl for his dedication, loyalty, and commitment. Mayor Adam Wilder called the meeting of the Mabel City Council to order at 6 p.m. In … [Read more...]
Meet The Candidates 2024
Gregory Davids Candidate for State Representative 26B Tell us about yourself. I’ve lived in Fillmore County nearly my entire life. I’m a financial planner and my wife Bonnie and I own the family farm. We also have three grown daughters. As your state representative, I’ve fought tirelessly to protect conservative values in southeastern Minnesota. I’ve served as … [Read more...]
Debate Continues Over Proposed Ordinances Regarding Lanesboro Library
The October 7 Lanesboro City Council meeting opened with two public hearings. The first hearing was regarding the proposed city ordinances 31.80, 31.82, 31.82, and 31.83 about the library board. Multiple community members spoke out against the proposed ordinances. Anna Loney presented a petition with 178 names asking the council not to change the library board to advisory. She … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Hosts Small School Teaching Conference Next Week
The Lanesboro School Board heard details of the upcoming Small School Teaching Conference to be held on Wednesday, October 16 at Lanesboro Schools. Two break out sessions will be presented. Subjects such as artificial intelligence in schools, mental health and classroom management will be discussed by presenters. WSU will have an empathy session as one of the choices for … [Read more...]
Harmony Council Approves Variance Request for Monster Bash
At the October 8 Harmony City Council meeting, the consent agenda was approved and included the minutes of the September 17, the claims and September checks, the cash in CD, the cash balances, and a thank you letter from SMIF for the city’s recent donation. The council reviewed and approved change order #1 for the street and utility project as recommended by city engineer … [Read more...]
Peterson Council Discusses Voting, Hears of Memorial Garden Dedication
At a quick October 9 meeting, the Peterson Council covered two annual items in addition to discussing membership, voting, and the recent dedication of the John T. Erickson Memorial Garden. Councilor Kristina Grindland was absent from the meeting. First up, the council tackled the final budget and tax levy for 2025. The final amount was set at $111,436. This represents a 4% … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Supports Appeal for Individual Disaster Assistance
At the October 8 meeting of the county board, Sheriff John DeGeorge and Deputy Jason Harmening asked the board for its support in the appeal for Individual Assistance for owners of homes in the city of Spring Valley damaged by flooding during June heavy rain events. Since then, additional individual properties that sustained damage have been added. On September 19, FEMA … [Read more...]
Needed Upgrades to Preston Community Pool Discussed
City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton, during the Preston city council’s October 7 meeting, described several issues with the community pool cited during a health inspection. Three days before the pool was to close this year, the pump failed. The pump was replaced in 2023, so the manufacturer will cover replacement of some of the parts. However, there are many other … [Read more...]
Chatfield School Board Hears Solar Project Proposals
At the October 9, 2024, school board meeting, board members Jill Harstad, David Sowinski, Katie Priebe, Mark Johnsrud and Tom Keefe were present as well as Superintendent Ed Harris, Elementary Principal Shane McBroom, High School Principal Eric Nelson and Community Education director, LuAnn Kleven. Student Senate members present were Olivia McBroom and Katryn Johnson. Board … [Read more...]
Fountain Adjusts Utility Charges
The Fountain Council unanimously approved prorating utility bills at the October 2 meeting. This applies to bills for property sales only. The change will calculate bills based on the percentage of services used, charging property owners only for the time they actually utilize the utility rather than a full cycle. Mayor Tammy Danielson stated she and City Clerk Mary Tjepkes … [Read more...]
Rushford Village Considers Zoning Fine
At the October 1 meeting, the Rushford Village Council discussed an inquiry brought forth by Zoning Administrator Jon Pettit. According to him, it was brought to the attention of the zoning board that a building was moved onto residential property without a permit, in violation of the ordinances. Pettit contacted the landowner, whom he stated was new to the area. “How do you … [Read more...]
Samantha Petersen’s Attorney Wants Evidence Tossed in Amish Buggy Crash Case
By Zech Sindt An omnibus hearing was held on September 30 in Samantha Jo Petersen’s case. The hearing centered around search warrants, and a recording of a conversation between Samantha and her identical twin sister, Sarah Petersen. Samantha is facing 21 felony charges related to a crash a little over a year ago, on September 25, 2023. Two children were killed, and two … [Read more...]
CUP Granted to Bruce Mann in Black Hammer Township
The Houston County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, October 1, and approved a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for Bruce Mann to build a home on a 3.77 acre parcel off Braaten Drive in Black Hammer Township. The only conditions were the usual two regarding compliance with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations, and that the county may enter … [Read more...]
Ostrander Phase 2 Infrastructure Improvements Now Complete
By Zech Sindt This month’s Ostrander City Council meeting took place on October 1 with all councilmembers present, including Lyn Massey-Mills, Dan Hellerud, DJ Start, Vernon Thompson, Mayor Pam Kunert and City Clerk Wendy Brincks. The meeting was short and to the point. Nothing major happened over the last month. One local resident had her basement flood due to a … [Read more...]