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 Sovinski, 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...]
Brownsville City Council Discusses Infrastructure Needs
During the Brownsville City Council meeting on October 2, representatives from Bollig Engineering, Vice President of Client Development Kris Ambuehl and Regional Project Manager Bryan Caffin, presented findings from a recent needs assessment survey conducted by Bollig. The survey focused on the city’s infrastructure. Their presentation addressed key areas such as health and … [Read more...]