Madeline Kingsbury, age 26 and residing in Winona with her two young children, has not been seen since the morning of Friday, March 31, 2023. After nearly one month since her disappearance, with thousands of concerned citizens searching properties in Fillmore and Houston Counties, the search continues. The Winona Police Department issued the following statement on April 26, … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central considers new levy
At the April 25 Fillmore Central School Board meeting, Superintendent Heath Olstad informed the board that he, along with the budget committee and several other individuals, had met with representatives from the district’s consulting firm, Baker Tilly, to discuss a potential building bond/levy. Due to rising costs across the board, operating costs have increased for the … [Read more...]
Chatfield to amend parking requirements for multiple dwellings
The Chatfield city council met on April 24. Councilors Paul Novotny and Mike Urban were absent. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on the adopted language to amend the zoning ordinance regarding parking requirements for multiple dwellings at an early April meeting. The recommended changes include one space for a one-bedroom apartment, one and a half spaces for a … [Read more...]
Caledonia receives favorable remarks on 2022 financial audit
Andrew Forliti, Smith Schafer, appeared before the city council on April 24 to present the city’s 2022 financial audit. “Thanks to Stephanie for all her work throughout the year and providing us with information. It is very helpful to have accurate information,” expressed Forliti. As with 95% of city audits conducted by the CPA firm, Forliti noted that Caledonia received one … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Cannabinoid/THC Ordinance public hearing set for May 23
County Attorney Brett Corson asked the county board if there were any concerns regarding the draft ordinance before them on Cannabinoid/THC at the board’s April 25 meeting. A committee was formed to work on a draft ordinance on February 28. The draft ordinance the committee produced is intended to regulate the sale of hemp derived products in Fillmore County to protect public … [Read more...]
Rushford gets ahead of “forever chemical”
At the April 24 meeting, the Rushford Council approved entering a PFAS ( Perfluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) Cost Recovery Program. The National Rural Water Association and Minnesota Rural Water Association recommend the step. While there is no current PFAS issue, the city opted to register for the program in advance to recover any expenses that the city may incur … [Read more...]
April weed of the month: Lesser celandine Lesser celandine, also known as fig buttercup, is a relatively new invader to the state
In a few short weeks (or longer in the northern part of the state), we will begin seeing the pops of color of spring ephemerals. Some skunk cabbage is already taking advantage of areas with recent snow melt. As the snow recedes and the ground temperatures begin to warm, the beginning of spring is a great time to look for the emergence of invasive plants. Lesser celandine … [Read more...]
Caledonia School Board listens to a number of guest speakers
Caledonia School Board members met on Monday, April 17, from 6-8:52 p.m. Board members present were Derek Adamson, Tim Gunn, Leigh King, Melissa Marschall, Mike Peterson, Daniel Small, and Spencer Yohe. Superintendent Craig Ihrke, Elementary Principal Sue Link, Middle/High school Principal Nathan Boler, and Community Education Director Gretchen Juan also attended. The board … [Read more...]
Rushford-Peterson recognizes state competition participants
Many R-P students joined the regular school board meeting April 17, as they were recognized for recent and upcoming state competitions. The Knowledge Bowl team had just returned from Brainerd where they placed 10th out of 15 teams. When asked what was the most memorable part of the competition, one of the members replied that last year they had missed going to state by one … [Read more...]
Park Lane development option agreements transferred
Developer Andy Bunge requested the Park Lane agreements with Winslow and Sackett for future Park Lane development be assigned to him at the Preston City Council’s April 17 meeting. The EDA recommended approval. The development agreement was originally signed in 2020, and since, has been extended through August 2023. City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton said the reassignment … [Read more...]