Benya Kraus presented information about SMIF (Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation to the Houston County Commissioners at their May 26 meeting. Kraus replaced Tim Penny as president and CEO of SMIF a year ago in June. Kraus lives in Harmony with her husband and four-month-old daughter. She comes from a farm background; her father was a sixth generation farmer in the area … [Read more...]
Committee To Consider Updates to Filmore County Hemp/Cannabinoid Ordinance
At the May 26 meeting of the Fillmore County Board, ordinance buffers/setbacks detailed in Section 6 Subdivision (8) of the county’s ordinance were discussed. This section details eligibility requirements for Cannabis businesses. The board discussed denying the Cannabis Microbusiness retail endorsement for 5th Sun Gardens LLC at 111 Coffee St. East in Lanesboro due to its … [Read more...]
Local Communities Invest Hundreds of Thousands in Graduating Seniors
Every spring across southeast Minnesota, graduating seniors receive scholarship awards funded by local memorials, churches, businesses, civic groups, and community organizations. The Fillmore County Journal contacted school districts throughout the region requesting information about scholarship totals, major awards, and long-running local scholarship programs. Caledonia Area … [Read more...]
Fillmore County District Court
On April 30, Phillip Allen Heyer, 39 of Rushford, appeared before District Court Judge Jeremy Clinefelter. Heyer, 39 of Rushford, is charged with six felonies; Kidnapping - Remove Any Person - No Consent - Great Bodily Harm or to Terrorize, Kidnapping - Terrorize, Second Degree Assault - Dangerous Weapon, Domestic Assault - Commits Act with Intent to Cause Fear, Domestic … [Read more...]
Village Considers New Zoning Fees
The May 19 Rushford Village meeting included further discussion of a new zoning fee schedule, as proposed by its Planning & Zoning Board. The draft proposal is not a final draft, but intended to serve as a starting point. The draft will be the basis for a public hearing on the fees. That hearing is slated for 6:45 pm on June 16. The most notable changes proposed include … [Read more...]
Houston County Airport Courtesy Car Approved
At the May 19 Houston County Commissioners’ meeting, the commissioners approved a courtesy car for the Houston County Airport. During the public comment early in the meeting, Yvonne Krogstad had specific questions regarding the car. She wanted to know who would pay for the purchase, repairs, maintenance and gas for the car. She also wanted to know how many people would actually … [Read more...]
Spring Grove Welcomes Joseph Grodahl as Newest City Council Member
Spring Grove City Council members met Tuesday, May 19 at 168 West Main Street in room 100. Mayor Bryan Wilhelmson called the meeting to order at 6 p.m., then led with the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members present included Mike Hagen, Trent Turner, Morgan Buckland, and Wilhelmson. City Clerk/Administrator Jana Elton was also present. Applications from Sean Young, Andrea … [Read more...]
Groundbreaking Ceremony at M-C
At the regular board meeting on May 19, Superintendent Gary Kuphal announced that a groundbreaking ceremony was set for May 22 for the new referendum sponsored construction. Speakers will include representatives from both the construction and architectural firms as well as Supt. Kuphal. The senior class and kindergarten classes were invited to attend the short ceremony, and … [Read more...]
Community Members Start Non-Profit to Support Fillmore Central Families
At the May 19 Fillmore Central School Board meeting, Megan Persons and Kari Thomas addressed the board about a non-profit called Fillmore Central Education Foundation that they are in the process of getting up and running. They are currently working with Corson Law Office to establish the non-profit. The foundation would work to strengthen the connection between families, … [Read more...]
Preston Installs Interim Administrator Michelle Marotzke
At the May 18 meeting of the city council a six-month contract was approved for Interim Administrator Michelle Marotzke. Councilman Dean Aug was absent. Marotzke has recently been serving as the Preston/Lanesboro EDA director. She has a Master’s in Business Administration and has EDA municipal utility experience. Deputy Clerk Sheila Marzolf and the office manager, Marilyn … [Read more...]