At the July 14 meeting of the county board, several department heads reviewed their proposed budgets for 2027. Commissioner Larry Hindt was absent. County Administrator Bobbie Hillery noted that all proposed budgets include a 3% wage increase for employees and an estimated 18% increase in the county’s health insurance contribution. Finance Director Christy Smith, County … [Read more...]
Signage Proposal for Driftless Trail in Chatfield
Alexa Shapiro, trail director for the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail, requested approval to place signage for the trail through Chatfield at the city council’s July 13 meeting. The proposed route of the trail through Chatfield was approved in December 2025. The eastern starting point for the trail is at the Groen Park parking lot. It will follow Third St. SW across Main St. … [Read more...]
Hometown Pride for Houston
The Houston City Council heard from Diane Hanson Lambrecht during the public comment period of their July 13 council meeting. Lambrecht spoke on behalf of the Hometown Pride Committee. She shared that the committee had been formed by a group of women 12 years ago to “monitor what was going on in the community.” The ladies who are now in their 70s and 80s wanted to let the … [Read more...]
Whalan Hires New City Clerk
The Whalan City Council has hired Zachary Tincher of Lanesboro as the new city clerk for Whalan. Current City Clerk/Treasurer Teresa Grossell will remain in the role of treasurer. Present at the regularly scheduled July 13 council meeting were Mayor David Hallum along with council members Sheila Higbe, Thore E. Johnson, Owen Lewis and Kim Berekvam. City Clerk/Treasurer Teresa … [Read more...]
Fillmore County District Court
On June 11, Eric Dean Claussen, 39, of Chatfield, appeared before District Court Judge Jeremy Clinefelter. Claussen is charged with Fleeing a Peace Office in a Motor Vehicle, a felony with a maximum criminal penalty of three years and one day in prison and/or a $5,000 fine. On June 9, a Minnesota State Trooper allegedly observed the defendant on his motorcycle fail to stop … [Read more...]
Rushford Village Approves CUP for Farmers Win Coop
The City of Rushford Village held a public hearing before beginning their regular council meeting on July 7. The meeting was to allow the public to share their concerns and ask questions regarding a conditional use permit for the construction of a new building for Farmers Win Coop in the village along Hwy. 43. Planning and Zoning Administrator Jon Pettit noted that he had the … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Moves Power of Property Tax Appeals to Fillmore County Board
At the July 6 Lanesboro City Council meeting, a public hearing was opened to discuss the transfer of powers and duties from the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization to the Fillmore County Board. There were no public comments. The council approved a resolution for the transfer for the years of 2027, 2028, and 2029. Sandy Webb from the Lanesboro Community Theater spoke during … [Read more...]
Ostrander Renews Insurance, Reviews Street Projects and Election Timeline
The Ostrander City Council met July 7 with Mayor DJ Start presiding. Council members Jimmie Dean, Lyn Massey-Mills, Dan Hellerud, and Brodi Nesler were present, along with City Clerk Wendy Brincks, Maintenance Supervisor Jeremy Runkle, Fire Chief Jason Rice, and insurance representative Ann Keim. The council approved the city’s annual insurance renewal after hearing a review … [Read more...]
Chatfield School Board Approves Solar Contract for the Elementary School
At the July 8, 2026, school board meeting, board members David Sovinski. Tom Keefe, Jill Harstad, Josh Thompson and Mark Johnsrud were present. Board member Katie Priebe was not present. Also present were Superintendent Ed Harris, elementary principal, Shane McBroom and high school principal, Eric Nelson. Reports Board member Dave Keefe informed the board that he is … [Read more...]
Fountain Council Renews Contract with Rick Whitney
At their July 1 regular meeting the Fountain City Council heard a report from Rick Whitney of Environmental Water Services, LLC on his recent work for the city. The full council, which included Mayor Ron Reisner, Cory Spratte, Jordan Kerns, Tammy Danielson, Dave Stockton and City Clerk Mary Tjepkes, was present to hear the report. Rick shared that at the West Side Lane lift … [Read more...]