The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post and Auxiliary #6893 of Preston would like to recognize the winners of the Voice of Democracy (VOD) and Patriots Pen contests held in October of 2021. Voice of Democracy is a patriotic audio essay competition open to students in grades 9-12. The theme was “America: Where do we go from here?” Audio entries were limited to be 3-5 minutes … [Read more...]
Fillmore County to interview firms for jail
Fillmore County Administrator Bobbie Hillery reported at the county board’s February 8 meeting that five firms had submitted proposals for the jail. A committee consisting of board chairman Mitch Lentz, vice-chair Larry Hindt, Hillery, Sheriff John DeGeorge, and Jail Administrator Jamie Fenske chose three firms from the five submissions to be interviewed. County Attorney Brett … [Read more...]
SEMAC announces March 1 grant application deadline
The Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council announces a call for arts programming proposals by nonprofit organizations. All proposed projects must begin no earlier than May 1, 2022, and be completed within 12 months, culminating with a capstone event that is accessible and open to the public. Online applications are available now with a March 1, 2022 submission deadline. SEMAC, … [Read more...]
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation seeking applications for Early Literacy Grants
OWATONNA, MN, February 1, 2022 – Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), in partnership 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 … [Read more...]
Parents express concern over Lanesboro school policies
At the February 9 Lanesboro School Board meeting, several parents were present to express their concerns over the policies in the student handbook regarding tardiness and sick days. Anna Loney explained how her son has a medical condition causing severe fatigue that can make it difficult for him to arrive to school on time. Because of that he is being assigned Saturday school … [Read more...]
Counties awarded funds
The Minnesota State Set-Aside Committee for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) has recommended funds be awarded to Dodge, Fillmore, Houston, and Steele counties for Phase 39 and Phase ARPA-R (American Rescue Plan Act). These federal funds are awarded through the Department of Homeless Security-FEMA and used for people with emergency needs. The local board … [Read more...]
Mabel mulls munitions memorabilia
Mabel’s city council met on February 9. The bulk of the meeting time was spent on two issues the council has previously discussed. First, the council discussed the annual Trees Program. The owners of Plant Lady Landscapes (Jessi and Joe) addressed the council with their proposal to provide trees for the program. Jessi stated, “The trees that we are going to be sourcing are … [Read more...]
Houston County Commissioners allocate $687,500 of ARPA funds
The Houston County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, February 8, from 9-10:25 a.m. at the historic county courthouse in downtown Caledonia. Commissioners in attendance included Chairman Greg Myhre, Teresa Walter, Robert (Bob) Burns, Eric Johnson, and Dewey Severson. Chairman Myhre called the meeting to order and led the commissioners and the public in the … [Read more...]
Preston accepts city administrator’s resignation
At the February 7 meeting of the Preston City Council, Mayor Kurt Reicks announced that City Administrator Joe Hoffman had submitted his resignation, effective February 25. His resignation was accepted. Hoffman has served the city for about 17 years. He has not only been the city administrator, but also general manager for Preston Public Utilities. The Public Utility … [Read more...]
Canton’s new branding
At their regular meeting on February 9, the Canton City Council approved the new branding of Canton. Touting Canton as the first incorporated stop on highway 52 in Southeast Minnesota, the branding features a curved highway bordered by grass and trees with the Highway 52 sign prominently featured in a green/blue color scheme. The logo is intended for use on city stationery, … [Read more...]