OWATONNA, MN – Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), in partnershipa with publishing companies Capstone and ABDO, is accepting applications for its Early Literacy Grant program. This grant is designed to support early literacy efforts that enhance school readiness for children birth to age eight by providing children with books. Nonprofit organizations working with … [Read more...]
Local Option Sales Tax extended
At the February 14 Fillmore County Board meeting, the public was given the opportunity to comment on the extension of the Local Option Sales Tax (LOST). County Engineer Ron Gregg explained the half cent tax was enacted in 2014. The revenue collected was intended to be used to help fund 131 miles of county roads that are strictly funded with local tax levy dollars. The program … [Read more...]
Houston School Board considers referendum projects
Andy Fields from SiteLogiQ started out the special workshopping session February 9 by asking the Houston School Board four questions. To answer the questions, the board was asked to split up in teams and write their answers on large posters before regrouping to discuss their responses. The first question was, “What do you see as the ultimate goal of your referendum?” The board … [Read more...]
Street improvements top SV council meeting
With warmer temperatures came talk of street improvements as Drew Weber, of Bolton and Menk, gave the Spring Valley City Council an update on the upcoming Farmer Street project, a joint project with Fillmore County, during their February 13 meeting. “This morning at 10 a.m., bidding opened for the Farmer Street project. We received four bids,” Weber shared. The lowest bid came … [Read more...]
Harmony considers new ice rink
Harmony Area Chamber of Commerce Director Allison Whalen addressed the Harmony Council at their February 14 meeting. She has been working on coming up with winter activities and would like to start up an ice rink next winter. She asked the council for their permission to go ahead with figuring out the cost and where to put the rink. She also noted that she is researching what … [Read more...]
Kingsland Approves ‘23/’24 Calendar
The Kingsland School Board met in regular session on the evening of February 13. The meeting began with a roll call. Carmen Anderson, Gary Broadwater, Pam Freet, Kyler Rader, Cindy Seabright and Steve Tammel were all present, as well as Superintendent Scott Klavetter. Donations Board members had no additions to the meeting’s agenda. The board started with giving thanks for … [Read more...]
On the path to a Driftless Hiking Trail
Steps are being taken toward creating a Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail, which is very exciting for area residents and visitors. A group of interested people attended Dinner on the Bluff: “Towards a Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail” at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center on February 11. Presenter Marty Walsh, who visualized the hiking trail and is spearheading the … [Read more...]
Eitzen City Council meets
Mayor Adamson called the February 14 meeting of the Eitzen City Council to order at 6:03 p.m. at city hall. Eitzen council members in attendance include Mayor Jeffrey Adamson and counci members Emily Burrichter, Doug Meyer, and Mitch Lange. Absent was Mitch Luttchens. Also in attendance was City Clerk Steve Schuldt. The council unanimously approved the minutes from the … [Read more...]
Houston County looks at their future needs
Chairman Severson called the February 14 Houston County Commission meeting to order at 9 a.m. and led his fellow commissioners and guests in the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioners unanimously approved the meeting agenda with the addition of one action item and the minutes from the February 7 regular board meeting. All five board members were in attendance: Chairman Dewey … [Read more...]
Chatfield accepts proposal for 2023 Street Improvement Project design
City Engineer Craig Britton reviewed the proposal for plans and specifications and construction services for the 2023 Street Improvement Project at the city council’s February 13 meeting. Councilor Josh Broadwater was absent. The hourly rate contract with Widseth to prepare plans and specifications is estimated to cost $262,870. Full reconstruction is scheduled for Grand St. … [Read more...]