The mayor of Whalan, Minn., Marlys Tuftin, announced at the July city council meeting that she does not intend to run for re-election. Tuftin has been mayor of Whalan since 2017. Present at the July 11 Whalan City Council meeting were Mayor Tuftin, council members Owen Lewis, Thore E. Johnson, Kim Berekvam, and Sheila Higbe, as well as City Clerk/Treasurer Michele … [Read more...]
Wednesdays are fun in Spring Valley
On the third Wednesday of each month, June through September, the downtown area of Spring Valley is transformed into a family-friendly farmers’ market/community center. The event is coordinated by the Spring Valley Economic Development Authority (EDA), and Justin Mlinar recently answered a few questions about the “Wednesdays on Broadway” events. Mlinar explained that, “How … [Read more...]
USDA funding available to help low-income individuals and families buy or repair homes
USDA Rural Development has funding availabile for very low- and low-income individuals and families seeking to purchase or repair a home in a rural area. The Direct Home Loan program offers financing to qualified very-low and low-income applicants that are unable to qualify for traditional financing. No down payment is required, and the interest rate could be as low as one … [Read more...]
HomeHelpMN deadline extended
SAINT PAUL, MN – Minnesota Housing Commissioner Jennifer Ho has announced that the application period for HomeHelpMN has been extended until August 17, 2022, at 5 p.m. HomeHelpMN provides $109 million in federal assistance for homeowners who have fallen behind on their mortgage or other homeownership-related expenses due to factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program … [Read more...]
Scouting for soybean aphids and armyworms
Extension Educator University of Minnesota Extension Fillmore and Houston Counties Despite the somewhat late start to the planting season, we are seeing soybean aphids and armyworms starting to pop up in southern Minnesota. If you have not already started you should be scouting for these pests. Now with alfalfa weevils still floating around, one might think that we aren’t … [Read more...]
Kingsland discusses gym roof replacement
Due to the Independence Day holiday, the Kingsland School Board met on July 6 for their monthly “work session.” Superintendent Scott Klavetter highlighted the list of staffing updates, which includes new hires Abagail Palkowski (elementary sped teacher), Nathan Carolan (building and grounds director), Collin Boekhoff (elementary teacher), and John Pereda (high school guidance … [Read more...]
DEED announces new office of Public Engagement
ST. PAUL, June 28, 2022 – Today the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced a new Office of Public Engagement. The Office will focus on targeted outreach and engagement efforts on DEED’s programs. In particular, it will connect with populations in Minnesota hit hardest by racial and other disparities in employment – including gender, sexual … [Read more...]
Ostrander discusses garbage collection costs, options
During the Ostrander City Council meeting on July 5, one of the main topics was the city’s agreement with LRS (formerly Sunshine Sanitation) for garbage and recycling services to the residents of Ostrander. A representative (David) from LRS addressed the council, acknowledging some of the concerns that citizens voiced early on after the company began serving Ostrander, saying, … [Read more...]
Houston County to update comprehensive land use plan
Houston County commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, July 5, at 9 a.m. at the historic county courthouse in downtown Caledonia. Myhre led commissioners and the public in the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioners approved the July 5 meeting agenda and the June 28 regular board meeting minutes. Commissioners include Chairman Greg Myhre, Teresa Walter, Robert (Bob) … [Read more...]
Preston extends Park Lane development land option
The Preston City Council met on July 5 for their regular meeting. Gabby Kinneberg, in her role as EDA director, reported on two separate option agreements for the possible purchase of 3.7 acres for a Park Lane development. A Housing Committee formed in 2018 worked to compile areas for residential expansion. The Park Lane area was one of these areas; it could possibly be … [Read more...]