Houston County Commissioners thanked fellow Commissioner Teresa Walter for her 25 years of service and dedication to the county, at the December 27 commission meeting. At the last commission meeting of each year, commissioners recognize employees for their years of service to the county. Carolyn J. Olson was presented with a certificate for 40 years, and 30-year awards were … [Read more...]
Harmony Telephone Company Receives $1.1 Million Minnesota Border to Border Broadband Grant
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced Harmony Telephone Company as a recipient of a Border-to-Border Grant totaling $1.1 million. The grant program is a partnership between the State of Minnesota and Fillmore County. Harmony Telephone Company will use the $1.1 million grant and $1.69 million local match to service 34 unserved households, … [Read more...]
Kingsland School Board hears concerns over inflation, conflict of interest concerns with new board member
The Kingsland School Board heard concerns over inflation and state funding at it’s annual Truth in Taxation meeting on Monday, December 19, and legal concerns over a conflict of interest regarding incoming board member Steve Tammel’s leadership position with the Kingsland Athletic Booster Club. Truth in Taxation School Business Manager Julie Schreiber gave the presentation. … [Read more...]
Rushford approves draft development and strategy plans
At the last meeting for 2022, held on December 27, the Rushford Council unanimously approved a draft plan from the Economic Development Authority (EDA). The methods for economic development strategies include a fresh take on ways to drum up opportunities, particularly in the downtown area. In a different format from previous years, the plan does repeat some successful past … [Read more...]
Outpouring of support following Chatfield fire
It’s been a month since an early morning fire at a two-story apartment complex at 815 Grand Street in Chatfield. Breaking out just after midnight on November 27, the fire displaced eight families and left the building in ruin. While the initial aftermath left the residents scrambling, they say the overwhelming support from the community of Chatfield was unforgettable. Fifteen … [Read more...]
Spring Grove moves forward to close municipal liquor store
By Kaitlyn Longhauser The Spring Grove City Council met Tuesday, December 20 from 6-8:04 p.m. at 168 West Main Street, in the Spring Grove Communications building. Council members present included Mayor Scott Solberg, Karen Folstad, Trent Turner, Chad Rohland, and Travis Torgerson. Also present were City Clerk/Adminstrator Jana Elton, City Attorney Greg Schieber, and Mark … [Read more...]
Wykoff Council approves fire department purchases, sets plans for ice rink
At the December 12 meeting of the Wykoff City Council, Councilmember Jeff Hare suggested wastewater treatment plant supervisor Rick Whitney investigate installing solar panels on top of the building to improve efficiency. “There’s got to be a way to offset this… we’ve got to get creative,” Hare said. Whitney said he and Hare will investigate the feasibility of the project. … [Read more...]
Chatfield residents show up in support of their park
Seven citizens showed up at a special city council meeting on December 20 in support of their neighborhood park, Shady Oak Park. City Engineer Craig Britton explained the future of the park has become an issue as related to the planned 2023 Street Project. Grand St. SE, Hawley St. SE, and Prospect St. will be part of the improvement project. Shady Oak Park can be accessed … [Read more...]
Spring Grove School board member Jenny Stender thanked for her service
School board member Jenny Stender received a round of applause for her five years on the board, at the December 19 Spring Grove School Board meeting. Chairman Aaron Solum called the Truth in Taxation meeting to order at 7 p.m. and returned to the regular board meeting at 7:05 p.m. The board approved the 2023 Levy of $665,415, representing a 4.43% increase ($28,205). Board … [Read more...]
Changes are made to Fillmore Central’s SAC program
Fillmore Central Superintendent Heath Olstad updated the school board on the School Aged Care, or SAC program, at their December 20 meeting. He has been working with Principal Jim Peters and Community Ed Director Angi Kaase to tweak the SAC hours due to resignations and staffing shortages. The program will be closed on snow days, but will be open for normal hours on two-hour … [Read more...]