Next year’s proposed operating budget for Houston County was unanimously approved at the commission meeting on Tuesday, September 24. The county’s Truth and Taxation meeting is scheduled for December 10 at 6 p.m. Interim Administrator/Finance Director Carol Lapham provided the board with a spreadsheet comparing the levies. The levy was approved at the September 17 commission … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central Tackle Cancer Fundraiser a Success
At the September 24 Fillmore Central School Board meeting, Heath Olstad updated the board on the Tackle Cancer efforts by staff and families. The total raised was around $10,000. He thanked everyone who worked, provided, participated and donated to the event. This week is homecoming week, which Olstad noted always includes an extra level of energy from the students. The … [Read more...]
Greater Minnesota Updates for Rushford
At the September 23 meeting of the Rushford City Countil, Elizabeth Wefel, attorney and lobbyist with Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities (CGMC), provided the council with a summary of the coalition’s work in the last legislative session. Rushford is a longtime member of the coalition, made up of more than 100 cities across the state. The group works on various issues … [Read more...]
Caledonia Approves 2025 Proposed Levy
Discussions regarding the 2025 proposed budget continued from the last Caledonia City Council meeting, with Finance Officer Stephanie Mann explaining the changes at the September 23 city council meeting. The board unanimously approved the proposed 12% increase which equals a total levy of $1,397,896. It was emphasized that the levy cannot be increased but it can be … [Read more...]
Chatfield Endeavors to Address EMT Scheduling Issues
Ambulance Director Rocky Burnett asked the city council to consider two recommendations to help with EMT scheduling for overnight/evening and weekends at the city council’s September 24 meeting. Councilors Mike Urban and Paul Novotny were absent. Burnett explained filling the schedule for overnight and weekends has been an ongoing issue and has been discussed at length in … [Read more...]
Mabel Man Accused of Mistreatment of Animals
By Zech Sindt On September 12, 2024, a Fillmore County Deputy was dispatched to Cherrywood Estates of Mabel for a report of animal cruelty. According to their report, Owen Douglas Rasmussen, 68, allegedly attempted to drown a kitten and bury it on the property. There were two witnesses to the alleged crime. They are listed in the report as LH and NB. According to … [Read more...]
Spring Grove Approves Proposed Tax Levy
The Spring Grove School Board at its September 16 meeting, approved the proposed 2024 property tax levy at the maximum level around 2%, as recommended by Superintendent Rachel Udstuen. The tax is payable in 2025. According to the extended agenda, “This level allows for any changes between now and when the proposed levy is provided to the county auditor at the end of the month, … [Read more...]
Spring Grove Challenges Eitzen to Defend Their Title in Chair Volleyball
During the 2024 Syttende Mai celebration in Spring Grove, a new event took center stage; a chair volleyball tournament. Spring Grove fielded two teams with Donna Myhre organizing another, and Eitzen sending a team of their own. In the end, the Eitzen team claimed the championship title. Now, Spring Grove is gearing up to host another tournament this fall, challenging Eitzen … [Read more...]
R-P’s New Nature Walking Trail
The Rushford-Peterson School Board heard details from Superintendent Dr. Ben Bernard about the new nature walking trail located behind the school. Dr. Bernard thanked several people and groups for its creation. The school’s wellness committee planned and organized for the trail. A grant from Southeast Service Co-op funded the project. Jeff Michel completed the initial brush … [Read more...]
2025 Operating Budget Dominates Discussion at Houston County Board Meeting
After a lengthy discussion about the 2025 budget, the Houston County board of commissioners decided to postpone adopting the proposed operating budget at the September 17 commission meeting. This delay allows for a more detailed review of the line items. A decision on the proposed 2025 budget will be made at the next commission meeting. The board did adopt the proposed 7.5% … [Read more...]