I sat down with Sheila Craig at her kitchen table in rural Preston, Minn. Her husband Norm sat in another room, while I conducted the interview. Norm and Sheila, who have been married since 1969, raised two sons, Andy, 45, and Lee, 41. Norm, who is from Everly, Iowa, met Sheila at Iowa State University. Here’s what I learned... Hailing from Decorah, Iowa, Sheila … [Read more...]
Houston School Board Reflects on Referendum
The Houston School Board held their regular meeting on November 2 and then followed that with a study session to discuss future steps after the failed August referendum vote. Superintendent Mary Morem facilitated the study session, asking the board to answer the following questions: What were we asking for in the referendum? What did we learn from the vote? What are we going to … [Read more...]
Lanesboro School Signs Athletic Trainer Agreement
After waiting months, the Lanesboro School Board finally had an agreement with Mayo for Athletic Trainer Services to sign at their November 8 meeting. The three-year agreement carries a fee of $8,736 the first year, $8,998 (a 3% increase) the second year, and $9,268 (another 3% increase) the third year. The agreement was retroactive to August and covered the services received … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Supports Broadband Application
Carter Grupp and Chris Koneche, Finley Engineering Company Inc., and Nicole Schulte, Spring Grove Communications, requested support for their Border-to-Border broadband application at the board’s November 7 meeting. They want to apply for state and federal assistance for an area with low density passings (2.4 per mile), including 216 farms, 29 businesses, and 295 households. … [Read more...]
Redefining Ready Presentation Given to Chatfield School Board
At the November 8, 2023, school board meeting, board members, Jill Harstad, David Sovinski, Mark Johnsrud, Katie Priebe, Josh Thompson and Tom Keefe were present as well as Superintendent Ed Harris, principals, Shane McBroom and Eric Nelson, Rinnea Kreter, administrative assistant and Trista O’Connor, business manager. Student senate members Aspen McBroom and Carly Backen were … [Read more...]
Peterson Water Inspections Nearly Complete
During a Public Works update at the November 7 meeting, the Peterson Council learned that more than 80% of the water connection inspections are complete. The inspections were part of the Lead and Copper Rule regulation. Originally published by the Environmental Protection Agency in 1991, the agency revised the rule, and the state put it into effect in 2021 to support actions to … [Read more...]
Canton City Council Approves Increase to Sewer, Garbage Rates
The Canton City Council approved an increase to the sewer and garbage rates during its meeting on Wednesday evening, November 8. Following a public hearing on the matter, the council voted to implement its recommended option for both rates, which had been discussed over the past several months. Former Councilmember Carl Ernst was the only citizen at the public hearing and … [Read more...]
Rushford Village Considers Contracts
At the November 7 meeting, the Rushford Village Council discussed whether or not to renew the contract with Community Economic Development Associates for the coming year. They aim to work with cities and other entities “to help them be proactive and strategic about their development aspirations.” Over the last few years, some on the council expressed concern about whether the … [Read more...]
Hokah City Council to Consider MnDOT Projects
The Hokah City Council met on Tuesday, November 7, at 6 p.m. at the Hokah Fire Station. Present were Mayor Lee Tippery, City Clerk Lindsey Martell, and Council Members Tom Bernsdorf, Corey Lorenz, Mike Walsh and Jerry Martell. Mayor Tippery called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Motion was made, seconded and carried to approve the Consent Agenda … [Read more...]
Brownsville Holds Fire District Meeting
Brownsville City Council members met Wednesday, November 1 at the Brownsville Community Center. Council members present included Mayor Jean Meyer, Pam Walhovd, Barb Hurley and Tim Klug. In addition, City Clerk Steve Schuldt, City Treasurer Jenna Knight and Maintenance Dean Twite attended. In a change of pace, a fire district meeting took place starting at 7 p.m. The fire … [Read more...]