The spotlight was on La Crosse, Wis., on Thursday, October 17, as Vice President Kamala Harris campaigned at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse. After the rally, two ladies in their late 20s/early 30s who work at the University eagerly shared their opinion about Harris’s presentation. Sarah said, “I feel very positive. I was very optimistic for our country.” Her colleague … [Read more...]
Motorcycle Accidents on the Rise in Southeast Minnesota
By Zech Sindt Motorcycle accidents across the state are on the rise this year. So far there have been 71 fatal crashes in Minnesota, compared to 64 fatal crashes last year. In just two days, on October 19 and 20 this year, there were six accidents in southeast Minnesota. One of them was fatal. At 5:18 p.m. on October 20, Robert Allen Markwardt, 60, was riding a Harley … [Read more...]
After Board Approval, Kingsland Seniors Succeed in Shortening Their Academic School Year
At their October 21 meeting, the Kingsland School Board reviewed a proposal from the 2025 senior class, which asked the school to consider allowing the seniors’ last academic day be May 16. “Effectively we would be forgiving three academic days for them,” Superintendent Scott Klavetter stated. According to the proposal, the class believes this would save students from … [Read more...]
Spring Grove School Board Approves Construction Bids
The Spring Grove School Board unanimously approved by roll call base construction bids totaling $2.4 million at its October 21 regularly scheduled meeting. Chad Pike, Senior Project Manager at Kraus-Anderson Construction Company, reviewed the bids in detail before the board voted. He noted that the bids went out as planned this fall, with bids due at the beginning of … [Read more...]
Dance Class Starts Up at Fillmore Central
At the October 22 Fillmore Central School Board meeting, it was noted that the winter sports season is starting up soon. Only four students have signed up for the dance class which requires a minimum of five participants to compete. The hope is that once it gets started, it may attract more interest. Fifty-four students have registered for boys basketball and 39 for girls … [Read more...]
Major Road, Stormwater, Sewer and Water Improvements in Store for Wykoff
By Zech Sindt The Wykoff City Council meeting came to order at 7 p.m. on October 17. Mayor Ryan Breckenridge, City Administrator Becky Schmidt, Administrative Assistant Luann Hare, and city council members Kaleb Himli, Lyle Morey, Barbara Fate and Jeffrey Hare were all present. Rick Whitney from the wastewater treatment plant discussed the city’s need for, and the … [Read more...]
Houston County Attorney Jandt Resigns; Meiners Appointed as Environmental Services Director
At the October 22 meeting of the Houston County Board of Commissioners, the board unanimously accepted the resignation of County Attorney Samuel Jandt effective January 4, 2025. At the same time, the board accepted the reassignment of Amelia Meiners from the position of Interim Environmental Services Director to probationary, full-time Environmental Services Director, effective … [Read more...]
R-P Paraprofessionals Address School Board
The Rushford-Peterson School Board October 21 meeting was visited by many of the paraprofessionals employed by the district. Contract negotiations have been ongoing since February; the paras came to the meeting to publicly comment on the sticking points. Before the public comment period was opened, board chair Chris Grindland reminded the meeting that the time was not … [Read more...]
Fillmore County to Contract Some Septic Services for Houston County
At the October 22 meeting of the Fillmore County Board, Blake Lea, land use director, asked the board to consider contracting septic service for Houston County for Type IV and V septic systems. Lea and feedlot officer Dallas Dornink have been taking trainings to get certifications for Type IV and V septic systems. Lea is now qualified for these non-conventional systems. … [Read more...]
Meet The Candidates 2024
Tara Morem Candidate for Harmony City Council Tell us about yourself. I grew up on a farm right outside Preston. After graduation from Fillmore Central, I attended NICC Calmar for cosmetology and began my career with moving to Harmony in 2006 and joining the Dacia’s On Main team. I changed careers in 2010 to better suit our young family and joined the Special … [Read more...]