The January 21 meeting of the Rushford Village council began with the approval of annual designations, committees, and contracts. Councilor Mike Ebner was chosen once again as Acting Mayor, in the event of the mayor’s absence. Acting Clerk is treasurer Judy Graham and Acting Treasurer will be Mary Miner. 2026 Committee appointments include Councilors Bob Hart and Rick Ruberg … [Read more...]
Preston Applies for Grant to Replace Some Water Service Lines
At the January 20 meeting of the city council, City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton explained that the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has allocated funds for cities to replace lead and galvanized water service lines. These are the water lines from a property owner’s property line to his/her water meter. At a January 13 meeting of the Public Utility Commission the hire … [Read more...]
SEMAC Announces Recent Grant Awards
On January 13, 2026, the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council (SEMAC) Board of Directors awarded four Artists & Culture Bearers in the Schools grants, and five General Operating Support grants for a total of $40,950 in funding to organizations throughout southeastern Minnesota. Grants were awarded to the following organizations, listed by county: Fillmore County … [Read more...]
Liz Collin Keynote Speaker at GOP Event in Mabel
Roughly 300 people filled the Mabel Community Center on the evening of January 13 for an event organized by the Fillmore and Houston County GOP groups, coming from communities in Fillmore and Houston Counties along with Decorah, Rochester, Winona and communities in the Twin Cities area. After attendees participated in the Pledge of Allegiance and prayed during an invocation, … [Read more...]
DFL-Led Protesters Voice Their Concerns in Chatfield
On a typical blustery Minnesota winter January day with windchill bringing the temperature down to the normal zero degrees for this time of the year, a group of nearly 25 protestors gathered at the only stoplight in Fillmore County, Minn. Chatfield, Minn., known as the gateway to Bluff Country, presents a golden opportunity for protestors to take a stance from the park every … [Read more...]
Eitzen Received Raving Reviews Regarding Community Center Improvements
The Eitzen City Council held its first meeting of 2026 on Tuesday, January 13. The meeting was called to order at 6:07 p.m. by Mayor Jeff Adamson. Present were Mayor Jeff Adamson and council members Doug Meyer, Mitch Lange, Emily Burrichter and Mitch Luttchens. Also in attendance were Steve Schuldt, city clerk and Darryl Meyer, maintenance. Mayor Adamson apologized that the … [Read more...]
Chatfield’s New Year Business
The Chatfield City Council met on January 12 for its first meeting in 2026. Councilor Paul Novotny was absent. Mayor John McBroom reviewed some of the highlights of 2025 including the street project, the replacement of retaining walls, the addition of some new homes and the opening of the coffee shop. In 2026 the city will bring in a new police chief after the retirement of … [Read more...]
Rushford Begins New Year
The new year kicked off for the Rushford Council on January 12 with the swearing in of new council including new mayor Leigh Volkman and Councilors Nick Smith and Judi Pronk. Also sworn in was new Library Board Director Jessica Sherlock. Several designations and appointments were also made including council members to various boards and commissions. Councilor Jim O’Donnell … [Read more...]
Peterson Signs Agreement with County
At the first meeting of the year, January 13, the Peterson City Council officially approved a cooperative agreement with Fillmore County for the 2026 bridge reconstruction project. The agreement comes after discussion last month and a presentation from Fillmore County Engineer Ron Gregg. The 60s-era bridge is the main thoroughfare into the city and intersects Highway 16. The … [Read more...]
Mabel Tables Cannabis Ordinance
At the January 14, 2026, Mabel City Council meeting, the council tabled the city’s proposed cannabis ordinance, giving council members additional time to talk to other communities and cannabis businesses in the area. The city is responsible for managing and administering the ordinance. Councilor Kelly Sand asked if 500 feet is far enough. Section 3 of the ordinance … [Read more...]