A discussion continued at the Fillmore County Board’s March 1 meeting on a Work Remote Policy. The county already has a Telecommuting Policy. Last week the discussion began with the original rough draft of the policy for working remote; it has since been trimmed down and made more concise. Today the question was whether another policy was even needed; the policy for … [Read more...]
2021-22 School year enrollment data released Public school enrollment continues to see pandemic impacts; highlights need to stabilize education funding and support highest-need students
ROSEVILLE, MN – The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) today released 2021-22 school year enrollment data for Minnesota’s schools. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, enrollment in Minnesota public school districts, charter schools and nonpublic schools has shifted. In the 2021-22 school year, public schools overall have seen a roughly 0.3% decrease — or about 2,146 students … [Read more...]
College News
Fall 2021 Honors List • Augustana University: Benjamin Ihrke, Chatfield; Kathleen Ihrke, Chatfield • Aurora University: Silja Erickson, Chatfield • Concordia College: Janell Boyum, Peterson • Concordia University, Nebraska: Joshua Burmeister, Wykoff • Drake University: Meghan Brown, Chatfield; Grant Nutter, Houston • Gustavus College: Tessa Pieper, Caledonia; … [Read more...]
Three young men join BSA Troop 53
Congratulations to Mannix Darr, Hunter Lee, and Caiden Dahle, front row, left to right, who have completed Cub Scouts and joined BSA Troop 53 of the Rushford-Peterson area. Middle row, left to right, are scouts Chase Humble, Gibson Darr, Beatty Darr, Carter Kopperud-Erickson, Isaac Feine, and Christian Lindmeier. In the back are Assistant Scout Leader Joe Bessler and … [Read more...]
Semcac offering free rides to/from vaccination appointments via new transportation program – Vax Van
Semcac is offering a new transportation program, to assist people with no-cost, reliable, safe rides to and from their vaccination appointments. To assist in getting southeastern Minnesotans vaccinated, Semcac requested grant funds from the MN Department of Human Services and was awarded the funding to purchase a van and launch the new program. The agency is using COVID relief … [Read more...]
Rushford Village still baffled by new insurance valuations
In January, Rushford Village received an initial report from the League of Minnesota Cities’ appraisal of all city property. There were wide discrepancies and the city’s insurance agent, Butch Johnson Insurance, offered to check into whether or not errors were made on the figures as the appraised amount will greatly affect the insurance premiums for the year. At the March 1 … [Read more...]
Rushford-Peterson prepares to interview superintendent applicants
The R-P School Board has begun the process of finding a new superintendent after learning last month that Jon Thompson plans to retire at the end of the current school year. Two sets of interview questions, an initial and a second round, have been created and were accepted by the board after slight wording changes. A staff input form has also been prepared for staff attending … [Read more...]
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation awards $220,818 in Early Care and Education Wrap Around Grants 3,562 young children supported
OWATONNA, MN, February 28, 2022 – Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), recently approved 17 grants through its Early Care and Education Wrap Around Grant program totaling $220,818, impacting 3,562 young children. This special grant program helps fund early care and education wrap around services for … [Read more...]
Chatfield City Charter amendment recommendations
At the February 28 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, two public hearings were held to gain public input on two amendments recommended by the Charter Commission. Curt Sorenson, chair of the Charter Commission, said both recommendations had been unanimously approved by the Charter Commission. The first recommendation was the elimination of the position of Health Officer. … [Read more...]
$300,854 ARPA Funds allocated for Caledonia sewer and street projects
The Caledonia City Council met in regular session, Monday, February 28, from 6–7:09 p.m. at city hall. Mayor DeWayne “Tank” Schroeder led the council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. In addition to the mayor, council members in attendance included Amanda Ninneman, David Fitzpatrick, and Brad Rykhus. Council members Robert “Bob” Klug was absent. Also present were … [Read more...]