After seating new board members Steve Walters and Lisa Schultz, the Houston School Board quickly took care of the organizational part of their January 9, 2025, meeting. In a twist from most years, there were actually two nominations for board chair, Josh Norlien and Mimi Carlson. After a vote, Norlien was chosen as chairman and Carlson was then voted in as vice chair. Mark … [Read more...]
New Spring Valley Mayor Hopes for a United 2025
Newly elected Spring Valley Mayor Justin Mlinar presided over his first regular meeting on January 13. The first order of business was to have newly appointed council member Brent Kohn take his oath of office. Kohn will join Chris Danielson as the new faces on the Spring Valley City Council this year. The council then worked through the annual resolutions. The Fillmore … [Read more...]
Houston Ambulance Requests New Monitors/Defibrillators
Anna Frauenkron, representing the ambulance, appeared before the Houston City Council meeting January 13 to ask to purchase two combination monitors/defibrillators for the city’s ambulance service. Anna had researched the purchase and found that the best fit for Houston Ambulance would be two LIFEPAK 35s at a total cost of $100,000. Frauenkron explained that the ambulance … [Read more...]
Harmony Council Sworn In
The January 14 Harmony City Council meeting opened with the swearing in of returning council member Jesse Grabau, new council member Tara Morem, and returning mayor Steve Donney. The consent agenda was approved and included the minutes of the regular December 10 meeting and the November 19 special meeting, the claims and December checks, the cash in CD, and cash balances as … [Read more...]
Caledonia Mayor Jeremy Leis Presides Over His First Meeting
Caledonia’s new mayor, Jeremy Leis, presided over his first city council meeting on Monday evening, January 13, 2025. Mayor Leis called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. and led his colleagues and the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Councilmembers Bob Klug, Amanda Ninneman and David Fitzpatrick were also present. The council accepted the resignation of … [Read more...]
Wykoff Council Addresses Infrastructure, Grants and Fees at January Meeting
By Zech Sindt The Wykoff City Council convened for their first monthly meeting of the year on January 14 at 7 p.m. All council members and officials were present with the exception of council member Barbara Fate. In attendance were Mayor Ryan Breckenridge, City Administrator Becky Schmidt, Administrative Assistant Luann Hare, and council members Kaleb Himli, Jeffrey … [Read more...]
Rushford Kicks Off New Year
At the January 13 meeting, the Rushford Council reviewed other annual designations, appointments, fees, and other annual business. Much of it remains unchanged from 2024. City Administrator Tony Chladek took the opportunity to reference the discussion regarding his position and work at the last council meeting. “I want to take a step back and reflect on our progress … [Read more...]
R-P School Board Holds First Meeting of 2025
The Rushford-Peterson School Board held their first meeting of the new year on the frigid evening of Monday, January 13. Chris Grindland called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. He nominated Amy Woxland to take over from himself as chairperson of the board. Other nominations were Ken Sawle as treasurer, and Matt Helgemoe as clerk. All were elected to their respective … [Read more...]
DNR Recommended Changes to Shoreland Ordinance Discussed
At the January 14 Fillmore County board meeting Nicole Lehman, DNR Area Hydrologist, explained the reasoning for the suggested language changes. The proposed amendments are centered around a change from “NE” (natural environment) to “Forested.” Lehman’s area includes Fillmore, Houston and Olmsted Counties. Fillmore County has nearly 500 miles of trout streams, which is about … [Read more...]
Chatfield Annual Meeting
The Chatfield City Council met for the first time in 2025 on January 13. Councilor Paul Novotny was absent. Re-elected councilors Pam Bluhm, Josh Broadwater and David Frank repeated the oath of office, as did Mayor John McBroom. Councilor Frank was elected to serve as vice mayor. McBroom said he was honored to again serve as the city’s mayor and was looking forward to … [Read more...]
Chatfield Superintendent Urges Patrons to Attend Informational Meetings for the February Referendum
At the January 8, 2025, school board meeting, board members, David Sowinski, Katie Priebe, Josh Thompson, Tom Keefe, Jill Harstad and Mark Johnsrud were present. Also present were Superintendent Ed Harris, high school principal, Eric Nelson, elementary principal, Shane McBroom and student senate representatives Katelyn Rindels and Allia Whalen. An organizational meeting began … [Read more...]
Justin Rohrer to Manage Wildcat Park for a Second Year in a Row
At the January 7 Houston County Commission meeting, the board approved a three-year contract with Justin Rohrer, Wildcat Creek Management LLC, to operate Wildcat Park. Interim Administrator Carol Lapham reviewed the contract and explained the major changes as compared to last year’s contract. Compensation increased from $52,000 to $54,000 and online reservations will be … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Welcomes New Mayor, Council Members
The January 6 Lanesboro City Council meeting opened with newly elected mayor Alicia Pearson, returning council member Kathryn Wade, and new council member Joe Cullen all taking the oath of office. A handout was available for the public explaining what the open meeting laws are and why the council uses Robert’s Rules of Order. Lanesboro resident Phil Dybing welcomed the new … [Read more...]
New Chair for Lanesboro School Board
Steve Snyder took on the position of Lanesboro School Board chairman at their January 8 organizational meeting. New school board member Lucas Bergo as well as returning members Sarah Peterson and Mark Holmen were seated to begin the meeting. The following positions were filled with no discussion and unanimous votes: Steve Snyder, chairman; Mark Holmen, vice-chair; Sarah … [Read more...]
A New Chapter Begins: Ostrander City Council Convenes for 2025
By Zech Sindt The City of Ostrander rang in the new year with a productive city council meeting on January 7 at 6:30 p.m. All members were present, including the newly elected mayor, Stephanie Start, Council members Dan Hellerud, DJ Start, Lyn Massey-Mills, newly-elected Jimmie Dean, and City Clerk Wendy Brincks. With a full agenda, the council tackled a variety of … [Read more...]