County Administrator Bobbie Hillery provided an early preliminary budget percentage increase for 2027 at the county board’s August 11 meeting. Commissioner Larry Hindt was absent and Commissioner Duane Bakke participated through Zoom. The spreadsheet provided by Hillery shows a levy increase of over 12%. The county does not have a firm number on health insurance costs yet, … [Read more...]
Houston Trip to London and Paris Approved
At the Houston School Board’s regular meeting on August 6, the board heard a presentation by Ms. Kristen Rohloff, an English teacher at MNVA. Rohloff requested permission to offer an eight-day trip to London and Paris in 2028. Rohloff had been a chaperone on the recent Scotland/Ireland trip and had been impressed by EF Tours. “They were very seamless; they had back up plans … [Read more...]
17 Lead Utility Lines to be Replaced in Harmony
At the August 12 Harmony City Council meeting, the consent agenda was approved and included the minutes of the July 14 meeting, the claims and July checks, the investment report, the cash balances, and the budget, as well as a step increase for City Administrator Alissa Stelpflug. The Personnel Committee noted that Stelpflug’s hard work and dedication has been proven through … [Read more...]
Mabel City Council Approves CUP After Public Hearing
The Mabel City Council held a public hearing on a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) request from Greg and Linda Turner before the regular city council meeting on August 12. Greg Turner clearly explained the couple’s intention, “We are applying for a conditional use permit to place a portable building on a vacant lot (Gjere addition, lot 8, block 1) for a building permit. The … [Read more...]
Peterson Seeking Comment on Ordinance Changes
The August 12 Peterson Council meeting held discussion of several topics affecting residents, including amendments to the city code and an update to the lead service line replacement project. In addition to the council and Public Works Director Jeff Rein, there were three in attendance: resident Loren Rue, Planning Commission member Steve Paulson, and engineer Scott Huneke, … [Read more...]
Rushford Welcomes Good News
The agenda for the August 10 Rushford Council meeting included just two items of regular business: a large donation in the amount of $10,500 for the Rushford Aquatic Center and a review of quotes for the upgrade of the airport office building air conditioning unit. The donation from Rushford-Peterson Booster Club came following a call from Booster Club President Kyle … [Read more...]
Caledonia City Council Hears Presentation From N0765MN Representatives
Representatives of the NO765MN coalition appeared before the Caledonia City Council on August 10 to provide an update on the proposed Gopher to Badger 765kV transmission line. Houston County landowner Charlie Wray and former Director of Houston County’s Public Health and Human Services John Pugleasa shared an informational sheet published by NO765MN titled, “Our Loss. Their … [Read more...]
Wykoff Council Discusses Playground Safety, Properties and Commons Meadow
Aging playground equipment, the Wykoff Commons meadow and a livestock variance request were among the topics discussed during the August 10 Wykoff City Council meeting. Mayor Ryan Breckenridge presided over the meeting with council members Jeffrey Hare, Jane Baker, Barbara Fate and Missy Musel present. City Administrator Becky Schmidt also attended. The council heard an … [Read more...]
Wallace’s Last Meeting as Houston Mayor
At their August 10 regular meeting, the Houston City Council decided on a plan for replacing resigning Mayor Scott Wallace. City Administrator Michelle Quinn reminded the council they had “wide latitude” in appointing a new mayor to serve the remainder of Wallace’s term. Wallace noted, “Being punctual is very important!” The council chuckled at that – Wallace was well known … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Considers Day at the Capitol
At the regular Lanesboro City Council meeting August 3, Mayor Alicia Pearson presented the possibility of an official Lanesboro Day at the Capitol to represent the city of Lanesboro and discuss issues with state legislators. Mindy Albrecht-Benson, Kathryn Wade, Joe Cullen, Chase Bakke, City Attorney Joe O’Koren, City Administrator Mitchell Walbridge and Deputy Clerk Darla … [Read more...]