A petition was received by the Environmental Quality Board (EQB) in February requesting the preparation of an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for a proposed Bruening Rock Products 250 Pit near Lanesboro. At the March 10 Fillmore County board meeting the proposed pit was discussed. EQB determined that the county is the appropriate government unit to decide whether or … [Read more...]
Wykoff Council Reviews Wastewater Projects, Approves New Parking Restrictions
Wastewater operations, storm warning sirens, park improvements, and new parking restrictions were among the topics discussed as the Wykoff City Council met on March 9. Mayor Ryan Breckenridge chaired the meeting with council members Jeffrey Hare, Barbara Fate, Jane Baker and Missy Musel present. City Administrator Becky Schmidt also attended. During the visitors portion of … [Read more...]
Spring Valley Council Hears Audit Report, Plea to Bring Drag Race Home
On Monday, March 9, the Spring Valley City Council welcomed Kali Lentz of CohnReznick, formerly Smith Schafer, as she shared the annual audit report. The audit showed the general property tax levy represented 35% of the total governmental revenues in 2025 with $1,898,431. The tax increment financing (TIF) decreased by $23,512 to $19,545. The local government aid … [Read more...]
Chatfield School Board Approves Veterans’ Memorial Donation
Prior to the regular meeting on March 11, the school board had a special board meeting to look at the budget and multi-year financial update. Superintendent Harris stated that the district is currently operating in a budget environment shaped by several significant factors. The primary drivers include declining student enrolment, accelerated inflationary cost increases since … [Read more...]
Whalan To Hold Public Meeting
The Whalan City Council will hold a public meeting at the end of March to inform residents of proposed liquor license regulations and rate changes. Present at the March 9, 2026, council meeting were Mayor David Hallum along with council members Thore E. Johnson, Sheila Higbe, Owen Lewis (via Zoom) and Kim Berekvam. City Clerk/Treasurer Teresa Grossell was also in … [Read more...]
Canton City Council Discuses Major Infrastructure Project
The Canton City Council met on Wednesday, March 11, and tackled an agenda mainly focused on the city’s significant street and utilities project. Prior to that discussion, individual departments gave their reports. Clerk Anne Koliha reported that she has been busy continuing to move through the 2025 fiscal audit. She also let the council know she was contacted by MPCA … [Read more...]
Audit Review for City of Houston
Andrew Forliti of CohnReznick presented an audit review for the city of Houston, Minn., at its regular city council meeting on March 9. An unmodified “clean” opinion was issued. In his review, Forliti shared that the general levy was up $24,000 from the previous year, a 3% increase. Most of the increase was for the vehicle fund and the infrastructure fund. Forliti pointed … [Read more...]
Houston Approves Offering Germany Trip
At the March 5 Houston School Board meeting, the board gave its blessings to offering a trip to Germany and Austria to take place in June of 2027. The trip was proposed by a German teacher from MNVA, but will be open to students in both MNVA and the onsite school. Activities planned for the trip include guided cultural tours, an apple strudel baking class, a visit to … [Read more...]
Fountain Public Works Director Placed on Leave
At the March 4 meeting, it was made known that the city of Fountain placed Public Works Director John Hanson on unpaid suspension February 20. In attendance at the meeting, in addition to the full council, were Hanson, City Attorney Frederick Suhler and Preston Police Chief Blaise Sass, at the request of the city, and Public Works employee Jordan Amunrud joining via telephone. … [Read more...]
First National Bank to Acquire First State Bank of Fountain and Root River State Bank
FULDA, MN, February 25, 2026 – First National Bank (FNB) is proud to announce that it has entered into definitive agreements to acquire First State Bank of Fountain and Root River State Bank of Chatfield. The acquisition is subject to customary regulatory approvals [and is expected to close at the end of the second quarter of 2026]. With deep roots in agricultural and … [Read more...]