The Whalan City Council moved forward with plans for spring and the tourist season during the March 11 council meeting. Present at the regularly scheduled March council meeting were Mayor David Hallum along with councilmembers Thore E. Johnson, Sheila Higbe, Owen Lewis (via Zoom) and Kim Berekvam. City Clerk/Treasurer Theresa Grossell was also in attendance. There were no … [Read more...]
Chatfield 2023 Audit and Financial Summary
Jason Boynton, Smith Schafer, reviewed the 2023 financial summary at the city council’s March 11 meeting. The city received an unmodified “clean” opinion, a reasonable assurance that the financials are free of misstatement. There were no exceptions to Minnesota statute compliance. Taxable tax capacity had increased from 2022. Local Government Aid (LGA) represented 15.8% of … [Read more...]
Superintendent and Board Evaluations at Houston
It was time for some introspection at the Houston School Board March 7 meeting; the board completed surveys prior to the meeting and publicly shared their thoughts on how Superintendent Mary Morem and they themselves have been performing as they work toward their established goals. MSBA recommends that the board should focus on three or so specific goals for the … [Read more...]
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation Offers Free Paint for Community Projects
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is currently accepting applications for free paint and coating products for community mural, community welcome sign, historic structure or public art projects through its Paint the Town Grant program. This grant opportunity is available to communities with a population under 10,000 throughout SMIF’s 20-county region. New this … [Read more...]
Eitzen to Update Electric Meters
Eitzen City Council approved a quote from MiEnergy for electronic electric meters at the March 12 city council meeting. Maintenance Supervisor Darryl Meyer explained that Tri-County will be able to read everything right from their office. Since the installers are currently in town, Meyer expects that the electric meters will be installed within the next month or the following … [Read more...]
Domestic Violence Program Receives $28,600 Donation from Mayo High School Students’ Fundraising Efforts
The Womens’ Shelter and Support Center announces that it has received a generous donation of $28,000 from the fundraising efforts of Mayo High School students Give One For All (GOFA) campaign. This substantial contribution will significantly support ongoing efforts to provide life-changing services to survivors of domestic violence in our community. For over a decade, students … [Read more...]
Rushford Gets Offer on Lot
“For the longest time, lots sit there and sit there, and then all of a sudden…” noted Councilor Jim O’Donnell at the March 11 Rushford Council meeting. It was echoed by realtor Rod Darr and the party making the offer on the lot, Winona native Sean Wittenberg. The offer for the lot at 1106 Miller Circle in the Himlie Business Park included a $37,976 price tag plus 25% of the … [Read more...]
Forrest Musselman, Playwright and Theater Director
Forrest Musselman has written plays since he was in high school at Peterson. The school had a tradition of presenting class skits; when it was time for the yearly competition, Mussleman’s peers immediately turned to him and expected him to write their skit. Forrest didn’t disappoint — he loved writing plays! Forrest left high school thinking he’d like to be an actor. At Winona … [Read more...]
Mabel Fire Department to Purchase Lifesaving Jaws of Life
The Mabel City Council approved the fire department’s request to purchase a battery powered jaws of life and cutter at its March 13 regularly scheduled council meeting. Mayor Adam Wilder explained, “It’s used and from a department down in Illinois for $7,500. New the system would be well over $30,000.” The reason the department in Illinois is selling it is because they are … [Read more...]
Delta Dental Impressed with Houston County’s Dental Program
The Houston County Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday, March 12, in County Board Room 222 in the historic courthouse in the heart of Caledonia. Chairman Eric Johnson called the meeting to order at 9 a.m. and led his fellow colleagues and the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. All five county commissioners, namely Dewey Severson, Chairman Eric Johnson, Robert (Bob) … [Read more...]
Harmony Approves Retail Variety Store CUP
Barb Knabel addressed the Harmony City Council at their March 12 meeting on behalf of Camp Companion, which is a non-profit, foster-based adoption organization for cats. Camp Companion runs a Trap, Neuter, Return (or TNR) program and has partnered with the Preston Veterinarian Clinic and the city of Preston to do so. Knabel asked the council to consider partnering with Camp … [Read more...]
Peterson Looks to Water Improvement Plan
At the March 13 meeting, the Peterson Council heard from WHKS engineer Scott Huneke regarding plans for a new well and ground storage tank. Through WHKS, the city will apply to state and federal entities to upgrade its public water system. WHKS secured some preliminary estimates and will present them to the council. Councilors Tracy Seelbinder and Gail Boyum recounted their … [Read more...]
Zoning Permits for Croell Redi-mix and Caledonia Haulers Approved
The Caledonia City Council held two public hearings for zoning permits at its regular city council meeting on Monday, March 11. The public hearings gave Caledonia residents an opportunity to voice their opinions and ask questions regarding Croell’s request for a height variance at 134 Bissen St. and Caledonia Haulers’ request for a setback variance at 314 Lincoln St. before … [Read more...]
Spruce Street Project Gets Go Ahead in Houston
Matt Mohs of Bolton & Menk visited the Houston City Council March 11 to request approval of a resolution for preliminary studies for the upcoming Spruce Street project. A feasibility study will first be completed; maps, cost estimates and coordination with the county will be explored. Mohs will visit the council again with more visuals and presentations when the feasibility … [Read more...]
Spring Valley Council Reviews Audit and New Ordinance
As the community enjoyed the warm weather, the Spring Valley City Council welcomed Kali Lentz of Smith Schafer as she shared the annual audit report. According the Lentz, the city received and unmodified clean opinion for the 2023 audit. The audit showed the general property tax levy represented 39% of the total revenues for the year with $1,676,686 in tax collections. The … [Read more...]