Like every small town in Minnesota, Mabel Ambulance Service is struggling with ambulance coverage, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs) are needed, specifically, to cover the day shift. At the December 13 city council meeting, Mayor Wilder said that he along with City Clerk Karen Larson and Ambulance Director Sarah Mengis will be … [Read more...]
Old R-P School on the Market Again
Entrepreneurs have not missed their chance – the old Rushford-Peterson School is once again available to purchase for $225,000. When the new R-P School was built in 2017, the old building consisting of the original 1906 building as well as additions completed in 1936, 1958 and 1968 was offered for sale in 2019. At that time three entities ultimately submitted bids for the old … [Read more...]
Whalan City Council Approves Final 2024 Tax Levy
After a lengthy discussion and several adjustments, the Whalan City Council approved the final tax levy for 2024. Present at the December 12 regularly scheduled council meeting were Mayor David Hallum, councilmembers Thore E. Johnson, Sheila Higbe, Kim Berekvam and Owen Lewis (via Zoom) along with City Clerk/Treasurer Teresa Grossell. The agenda was approved with two … [Read more...]
Houston County Conducts End-of-Year Business
As the year winds down, the Houston County Commission was faced with a lengthy agenda, including 11 action items and one presentation at its last meeting of the month, November 28. All five Houston County commissioners were in attendance: Chairman Dewey Severson, Eric Johnson, Robert (Bob) Burns, Bob Schuldt and Greg Myhre. Chairman Severson promptly called the meeting to … [Read more...]
Caledonia Approves Levy
Discussion regarding the city’s assessment policy took center stage at the Caledonia City Council’s December 11 meeting. Mayor DeWayne (Tank) Schroeder called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. Over two hours later the meeting was adjourned at 8:16 p.m. Mayor Schroeder asked that the business owners direct their questions regarding the city’s assessment policy to the city’s … [Read more...]
Truth in Taxation at Houston Schools
On December 7, the Houston School Board held their mandatory Truth in Taxation meeting as well as their regular board meeting. Director of Finance Gwen Rostad presented a slideshow of information before opening the floor for questions. Rostad pointed out that there are no voter approved levies in place at this time for Houston. This is unusual—most schools have levies in the … [Read more...]
Peterson Lights up for a Good Cause
The city of Peterson has just over 100 homes. The city council included nearly 60 in the annual count of holiday-decorated homes. At the December 13 meeting, Councilor Gail Boyum noted 57 displays but expected more to pop up since there are typically around 60. For each home with either a day or nighttime holiday display, including homes displaying decorations through windows, … [Read more...]
Chatfield School Board Not Moving Forward on Facility/Maintenance Project
At the December 13 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 Taylor Ask and Lexi Kivimagi were also … [Read more...]
New Wykoff Fire Chief Named
Wykoff wastewater treatment plant supervisor Rick Whitney brought forward the first major subject discussed at Monday night’s city council meeting, requesting funding approval for several items. First, the purchase of two pipe mount mixers was approved, pending review of a second bid, at a cost of $14,548. Secondly, the council approved the purchase of five new fanned roof … [Read more...]
Rushford Village Closes in on Final Levy
At the December 5 meeting, the Rushford Village Council again discussed the 2024 budget. As the proposed 7% levy increase currently stands, the budget has a $50,000 cushion. If the council reduces the final levy to 5%, the cushion will be $40,000. Some on the council questioned whether or not that was enough. City staff removed several items from the proposed budget, including … [Read more...]