Everyone is invited to the Christmas Open House at the Houston County Historical Society, 104 History Lane, Caledonia on Saturday, December 3 from 10-3, and Sunday, December 4 from 11-3. Snowflakes and Christmas Trees are the featured themes this year. One of the trees included in the display is a feather tree with vintage decorations. George Moe, Caledonia, will demonstrate … [Read more...]
Contract awarded for highway storage building
At the November 22 meeting of the Fillmore County Board, three bids were considered for construction of a highway department storage building at the Chatfield location. The lowest bid submitted by Swartzentruber Construction LLC in the amount of $562,725.31 was accepted as recommended by county engineer Ron Gregg. This amount is still higher than the $500,000 now set aside for … [Read more...]
Chatfield leaders speak to legislators
Representatives of the City of Chatfield and Chatfield schools pointed out both needs and wants to state legislators to be considered in the upcoming 2023 legislative session. Representative Greg Davids and Senator Carla Nelson shared their comments on a variety of issues at the November 22 meeting. Mayor Russ Smith opened the meeting. Soon-to-be mayor John McBroom along with … [Read more...]
Suspect arrested in Ostrander stabbing
According to Fillmore County Sheriff John DeGeorge, On November 20, at approximately 8:19 a.m., the Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call reporting an adult male had been stabbed in the City of Ostrander. The suspect was identified as 23-year-old Noah Arnold Foster, DOB: 2/25/1999. Foster had last been seen running southbound towards the 400 block of Minnesota … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central completes audit
At the November 22 meeting, the Fillmore Central School Board heard from Jason Boyton, audit principal for Smith Schafer. There were no compliance issues noted. The firm conducted a single audit due to federal funding over the $7,000 threshold. Average Daily Membership (AMD) for 2022 stands at 265 in grades 7-12, 265 in grades 1-6, and 51 in kindergarten and preschool. The … [Read more...]
Forecasting the future From now until the Class of 2035
Back in 2010, the Fillmore County Journal published an article sharing the projected graduating class sizes per school district in the immediate newspaper coverage area. At that time, schools were experiencing an influx of students in their preschool programs, anticipating the need for more teachers as a result of what became coined the “Baby Boomlet” of 2007. With the … [Read more...]
Rushford-Peterson audit shares good news
CPA Kali Lentz from Smith Schafer reported on the recent 2021-2022 audit to the Rushford-Peterson School Board at their regular meeting November 21. The audit showed a $150,000 increase in property tax levy from the year before with total revenue up from $11,115,285 to $11,764,540. The food service fund showed a $116,000 surplus with a balance of $222,559 at the end of the … [Read more...]
Preston City Hall repairs in progress
At the November 17 meeting of the city council, the last two quotes from contractors to complete needed waterproofing and repairs of Preston City Hall were approved. Mayor Kurt Reicks and councilman Dean Aug were absent. City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton reported the final two quotes had been received and some work had already been done. The deconstruction and removal of … [Read more...]
Kingsland School Board appoints Freet, plans gym roof replacement, hears audit review
By David Stoeger The Kingsland School Board had a full agenda before them at their meeting on Monday, November 21. Appointed member On the agenda was to appoint a board member for the next year due to a vacancy left by Jackie Horsman, who resigned on September 30. The goal was for the board to appoint someone to the position so that he or she could attend the Minnesota … [Read more...]
Caledonia School Board approves Art Club, but needs advisor
By Kaitlin Longhauser Caledonia School Board members met in the Caledonia Elementary School’s music room #162 on Monday, November 21, from 6-6:52 p.m. Board members present included Matt Blocker, Erin Hammell, Leigh King, Melissa Marschall, Wendy Woyczik, and Spencer Yohe. Daniel Small was absent. The board approved the consent agenda, minutes from the October 17 regular … [Read more...]