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...]
Preston Certifies 2024 Budget/Levy
The December 5 meeting of the Preston City Council began with a Truth in Taxation hearing, during which information about the proposed 2024 budget/levy was presented. City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton reviewed budget details. Local Government Aid (LGA) in 2024 will be $539,116, or $31,737 more than in 2023. This was the first significant increase in LGA in over a decade. In … [Read more...]
Fountain Approves 2024 Levy
The Fountain, Minn., council zipped through a short agenda at the December 6 meeting. Having just one notice and two items of business, the council sped through approving the budget and levy for 2024. The final levy will be $223,500. The amount represents $123,500 from the general tax levy, $65,000 sewer tax levy, $25,000 capital improvement tax levy and $10,000 Equipment Fund … [Read more...]
Fillmore County In-house Adult Mental Health Case Management
At the November 28 Fillmore County board meeting, Social Services Director Wanda Berg explained there will be value for both clients and the county to have adult mental health services provided in-house. Adult mental health case management services have been provided by Zumbro Valley Mental Health. This contract will not be renewed. Services provided by the county for Fillmore … [Read more...]
Alex Sheen: because I said I would.
There will be an inspirational speaker taking the stage in Fillmore County in the very near future. On Wednesday, December 6, 2023, internationally-respected thought leader Alex Sheen will share his story and how he encourages people to fulfill their life ambitions. How to make and keep promises to yourself and others. After his father lost his battle with cancer, Sheen … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Flashback A Military Mystery
By Bretta Grabau FCHS Assistant Director and Collections Managery One of the most exciting parts of working at a museum is unraveling the mysteries of an artifact or collection of artifacts. In May 2022, I had the privilege to delve into the story of a man named Gibson O’Dell. Many items came in from his in-law, Lois Peterson of Lanesboro as a gift from the Lanesboro History … [Read more...]