By Katie Drewitz University of Minnesota Extension Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s land rent survey. Survey results indicate relatively flat rates in Fillmore County. Houston County saw a small increase in rates from the 2022-2023 survey. Historic rates and land rent resources are available at both the Fillmore and Houston County Extension … [Read more...]
Houston County Employees Recognized for Service
Twelve Houston County employees were recognized for their years of service to the county at the county’s December 26 commission meeting. Thirty-five-year awards to David J. Bauer and Mary A. Zaffke; 30-year award to Julie A. Renk; 25-year award to Holly S. Felten; 20-year awards to Christopher C. Tuveson and Julie K. Von Arx-Abnet; 15-year awards to Anthony T. Dockter, William … [Read more...]
Ask a Trooper
Question: Can a parent with a revoked license still accompany a permit driver? Answer: No, they cannot. A permit holder may drive under the supervision of a parent, guardian or other licensed driver 21 or older occupying the seat beside them. • The permit holder must have the permit in possession to drive. • It’s illegal for drivers under age 18 to use a cell phone, … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendments
At the December 21 meeting of the Planning Commission, public hearings were held on proposed language changes to Rural Home Based Business, Section 734 and to Subsurface Sewage Treatment System (SSTS) Ordinance, Section 802. The proposed language change to Section 734 will remove the Crop Equivalency Rating (CER). The CER soil requirement had previously been removed for new … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central Approves 2024 Levy
Superintendent Heath Olstad reviewed the current budget and proposed property tax levy for 2024 with the board, as part of the Truth in Taxation hearing at the December 19 Fillmore Central School Board meeting. The board approved the total proposed school tax levy in the amount of $1,743,308.68. Superintendent Olstad said that the Christmas concerts at both the elementary and … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton School Certifies Levy
The Mabel-Canton (M-C) school held its annual Truth in Taxation hearing on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at the beginning of the regularly scheduled school board meeting. Time was allotted for public comment and discussion as required by state law. Business Manager Aimee Lake reviewed the process and the 2023-2024 school budget as it pertained to the certification of the … [Read more...]
Spring Grove Schools Approves Property Tax Levy
The Spring Grove Public Schools held its annual Truth in Taxation public hearing before the regular school board meeting on Monday, December 18. The board unanimously approved an increase in the property tax levy of $1,042.979.00 or 156.7%. Superintendent Rachel Udstuen thanked everyone for attending and explained that there would be time for questions at the end of the … [Read more...]
Preston Approves Rezoning Request
A rezoning request submitted by C & G Properties was considered at the December 18 meeting of the city council. The property at 413 Farmers St. NW has previously served as an office building. The request to rezone the .6-acre property from I-1(Industrial) to R-3 (Multi-family Residential) will allow for the repurposing of the building as an apartment building. The … [Read more...]
Kingsland School Board Holds Truth in Taxation Meeting
The main event for the Monday, December 18 Kingsland School Board Meeting was the Truth in Taxation presentation, an event which was open to the public. Business Manager Julie Schreiber presented a summary of the Kingsland school district’s use of tax revenue, its levy history, and factors determining its proposed 2024 tax levy. The fiscal year 2024 proposed levy amounted to … [Read more...]
Mike Hagen Joins Spring Grove City Council
Spring Grove City Council members met Tuesday, December 19 at 168 West Main Street in Room 100. Mayor Saundra Solum called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. then led with the Pledge of Allegiance. Solum warmly welcomed Spring Grove’s newest council member, Mike Hagen. Council members present included Mayor Solum, Karen Folstad, Trent Turner, Heather Edgington and Hagen. In … [Read more...]