Houston County commissioners considered establishing a committee to study Minnesota’s recently passed adult-use cannabis legislation at its November 10 regularly scheduled meeting. After hearing a proposal from Public Health and Human Services Director John Pugleasa, and input from County Attorney Samuel Jandt and Environmental Services Director Martin Herrick, commissioners … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Supports Outdoor School Legislation
Colleen Foehrenbacher, executive director of Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, requested a letter of support for outdoor schools for all Minnesota students at the board’s October 10 meeting. Foehrenbacher explained they are hoping to get a bill through during the next legislative session to establish a statewide grant program to support accredited overnight outdoor … [Read more...]
The End is in Sight for Caledonia Project
Caledonia City Clerk/Administrator Jake Dickson noted at the October 9 city council meeting that there were a few “hiccups” in the beginning of the Grove Marshall Street project, but it seems like at the tail end they have been moving fast. The concrete company will be back out on Thursday, October 12, and if the weather cooperates, residents can expect to see blacktop laid … [Read more...]
Chatfield School Board Approves Teacher Salary Increases
At the October 11 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. Also present were LuAnn Klevan, Community Education director and Dan … [Read more...]
Wykoff City Council: Land Purchase and Ghost Hunters
Last month it was reported that the October Wykoff City Council meeting would be held Monday, October 9. Meetings are normally held the second Monday of each month, but this month was held Tuesday, October 10 in observance of Monday’s federal holiday. The first order of new business on October 10 was Rebecca Schmidt’s job title change from city clerk to city administrator. … [Read more...]
It Pays to Belong to a Co-op
“There are currently 260 telecommunication co-ops in the U.S., serving 31 states and over one million people. Although this amounts to only 5% of telephone subscribers, the service area comprises over 40% of the country’s land with revenues totaling 3.9 billion dollars,” according to the National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA). Utility cooperatives are formed to … [Read more...]
Houston Restrooms Update
Jeanne Tippery attended the October 10 Houston City Council meeting to update the council on the progress of the refurbishing of the city restrooms. Sharing before and after photos, Tippery shared that the project was completed using $3,500 of local donations. New soap dispensers like the ones at the nature center have been installed. Tippery asked for city help to paint the … [Read more...]
Peterson Grapples with Ordinance Issues
After dealing with problem properties for years, the Peterson Council started improving zoning issues in 2018. That November, after working with the city attorney, the council approved a zoning ordinance to regulate public nuisances within the city. The ordinance went into effect the following January 1. The city began mailing administrative citations to non-compliant … [Read more...]
Mabel Awarded $600,000 State Grant
Mabel City Clerk Karen Larson announced at the city’s October 11 council meeting that alternative side parking will begin on November 1, and the last day of compost pickup is October 30. Hydrant flushing is scheduled for October 23-27. Mayor Adam Wilder called the regularly scheduled meeting to order at 6 p.m. The meeting agenda, the September 13 minutes, and the accounts … [Read more...]
Won’t You Wear Purple on October 19?
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. On Thursday, October 19, everyone is encouraged to wear purple to show their support and to increase awareness of domestic violence. This year’s theme is “Everyone Knows Someone.” Statistics show that one in four women and one in seven men will become a victim of some sort of domestic violence in their lifetime, … [Read more...]