At the March 26 meeting of the county board, County Engineer Ron Gregg asked commissioners to adopt a resolution to include with the application for a Public Land Survey System (PLSS) Preservation Program Grant. The state funding approved by the legislature in 2023 will help counties find the perpetuation of monuments that mark public survey corners. The resolution … [Read more...]
$750,000 To Be Awarded to Southern Minnesota Nonprofits Through Partnership With Otto Bremer Trust
OWATONNA, MN, March 21, 2024 – Through a partnership with the Otto Bremer Trust (OBT) and its Community Responsive Fund, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) will award $750,000 in grants to organizations that directly respond to immediate challenges and opportunities in southern Minnesota. Grants of $10,000 to $50,000 will be awarded to organizations doing work … [Read more...]
First Houston County Resident to Participate in Winona County Treatment Court
At the April 2 meeting of the Houston County Commission, the board granted County Attorney Samuel Jandt’s funding request. This funding will support a Houston County resident who is currently on felony probation in attending the Treatment Court of Winona County (TCWC). According to the Winona County website, the mission of TCWC mission “is to enhance public safety and reduce … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Council Addresses Short-term Rentals
At the April 1 Lanesboro City Council meeting, Anna Loney spoke on behalf of the Lanesboro Library. She reviewed some of the recent programs presented free of charge to the public as well as a number of upcoming ones. “There are lots of opportunities right here at our Lanesboro Library,” she said. “There is a profound return on investment, so we thank you for your aid in all of … [Read more...]
Preston Discusses Special Use Vehicle Ordinance
Preston city attorney, Dwight Luhmann led a discussion on a draft of the proposed Special Use Vehicle Ordinance at the city council’s April 1 meeting. The ordinance will be designed to regulate the use of UTVs (utility terrain vehicles), ATVs (all-terrain vehicles), golf carts, and mini trucks on city streets (not federal highways). A permit will be needed and will be … [Read more...]
The Brownsville Question Remains: City Street or Not?
The Brownsville City Council postponed a decision during its April 3 meeting regarding the gravel washing down onto 2nd Street until it can ascertain who the responsible parties are. Brownsville Treasurer Jenna Knight stressed the importance of conducting further research before reaching a decision. The unresolved issue revolves around whether the area in question is a city … [Read more...]
SEMAC Announces Recent Individual Artist Grant Awards
On March 19, 2024, the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council (SEMAC) Board of Directors awarded 21 arts programming grants for a total of $89,000 in funding to individual artists throughout southeastern Minnesota. This included 13 Advancing Artist Grants and eight Emerging Artist grants. SEMAC, a non-profit arts agency, is designated by the State of Minnesota Arts Board as … [Read more...]
Fountain Preps for Tower Work
For two years, the city of Fountain has known issues exist with its water tower. However, until this year, there weren’t funds available for the work. At the April 3 meeting, the Fountain Council unanimously approved two bids for the planned reconditioning. Mayor Pro Tem David Gudmundson filled in for Mayor Tammy Danielson, who was absent from the meeting. The city … [Read more...]
New Troop 53 Boy Scouts
Congratulations to Dominic Humble, Bentley Engler and Aiden Woxland, front row, left to right, who have completed Cub Scouts and joined BSA Troop 53 of the Rushford-Peterson area. Middle row, left to right, are scouts Hunter Lee, Chase Humble, Hudson Lee, Andy Sanchez Flores and Anthony Woxland. In the back are Scoutmaster Tom Butterfield, Mannix Darr, Beatty … [Read more...]
DHIA and Midwest Dairy Awards
On March 21, Fillmore County dairy producers gathered for their annual Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA) and Midwest Dairy meeting and awards banquet at the Branding Iron restaurant. A Midwest Dairy update was given by Margaret Johnson and the DHIA business update and awards for 2023 were given. Awards presented were: Premier Dairyman - Trailside Holsteins, Fountain; … [Read more...]