Houston County commissioners approved the purchase of six acres adjacent to the county airport at the February 28 meeting. Commissioner Greg Myhre reported that he spoke with Nicholas J. Hoscheit about the property he owns at 17149 State 76, which is adjacent to the airport. The county is interested in purchasing the acreage where the house, farm buildings, and trees are … [Read more...]
The end of an era for local drive-in
The Spring Valley A&W has been a staple of the community since it opened in 1956, then owned by Roger and Marge Simpson. Their son and his wife, Mark and Kathy Simpson, purchased the business in 1987 and ran it until they retired in 2017 when Tom Evanoff purchased it. For the past five years, Evanoff has enjoyed sharing the nostalgia of the drive-in, which first drew him … [Read more...]
Fountain meets potential engineers
Maintenance of the wastewater treatment plant is an ongoing issue for Fountain. Noting dissatisfaction and lack of communication with the current city engineer, the council began looking for a new engineer last month. As a result, three companies attended the March 1 meeting to provide information. Mike Saunders, project manager from AE2S, noted the company’s focus on water … [Read more...]
Starting seeds indoors
By Katie Drewitz University of Minnesota Extension The official start of Spring will be here before we know it! While we wait you may consider starting a few seeds indoors. Starting garden flower and vegetable plants in the home can provide the home gardener with enjoyment as well as some definite advantages. One of the greatest of these advantages is that it allows the … [Read more...]
Fillmore County to look at regulating cannabinoid products/hemp-derived THC
The February 28 meeting of the Fillmore County board had two controversial issues on the agenda. The Planning Commission’s recommendation to increase the animal unit cap drew a large crowd and later the public hearing on a possible moratorium on cannabinoid products or hemp-derived THC filled the board room once more. Chairman Larry Hindt announced that the board would be … [Read more...]
Rushford creates commercial loan fund
At the February 27 meeting, the Rushford Council unanimously approved the Economic Development Authority (EDA) recommendation to implement Business Subsidy/Revolving Loan Fund guidelines. These will assist in marketing a Commercial Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Program. The goal of the program is to fill commercial space within the city. “This is the leading priority of the EDA. … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Planning Commission recommends animal unit cap be increased to 4,000
An overflow crowd, more than 100, attended the February 16 meeting of the Fillmore County Planning Commission. A public hearing was held for the only item on the agenda, a proposed amendment to Section 9 (new animal feedlots and expansion of existing feedlot facilities). The proposed amendment to the Fillmore County Feedlot Ordinance will raise the animal unit cap set at 2,000 … [Read more...]
Preston grants permanent easement for MERC
The Preston City Council, at their February 21 meeting, granted Minnesota Energy Resources Company (MERC) a temporary easement along Mill St. for construction purposes and a permanent easement across two parcels located on the northwest corner of the South Bridge. City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton explained that MERC had contacted the city in 2021 about its intention to … [Read more...]
Thank you, Spring Grove School board members
Minnesota recognizes school board members each February for their time and dedication to the state’s youth. Spring Grove school board members Aaron Solum, Stephanie Jaster, Rhan Flatin, Kelly Rohland, and Angie Solie were acknowledged at the February 21 board meeting. Superintendent Rachel Udstuen expressed her appreciation to the board during her monthly report, “Thank … [Read more...]
Spring Grove municipal liquor store ready to go on market
The Spring Grove City Council met on the Tuesday, February 21, as the first flakes of the powerful winter storm began to fly. Realtor Stephanie Gulbranson was present to discuss the progress of the liquor store sale. Nearly everything is ready for the store to go on the market. At issue was the asking price for the property, and how to balance maximizing the return for the … [Read more...]