Spring Grove School Board members met in the school’s Learning Resource Center on Thursday, January 13, 2022, from 7-7:40 p.m. Board members present included Chairman Aaron Solum, Stephanie Jaster, Rhan Flatin, and Aric Elton. Kelly Rohland attended virtually, and Jenny Stender was absent. Aaron Solum will serve another term as board chair and Stephanie Jaster was elected to … [Read more...]
December 15 storm losses
At the January 18 meeting of the Preston City Council City Administrator Joe Hoffman reported the storm of December 15 resulted in an estimated $57,000 in losses. Councilman Dean Aug was absent. Approximately $21,000 of those losses will not be covered by insurance. The city’s losses will not qualify for federal disaster funding but may qualify for state disaster funding. … [Read more...]
Spring Grove Police Chief announces his retirement at the end of 2022
The regular meeting of the Spring Grove City Council met Tuesday, January 18, 2022, from 6-7:18 p.m. The meeting was moved to the Fest Building, 110 Division St. N., Spring Grove. Council members in attendance were Mayor Scott Solberg, Travis Torgerson, Karen Folstad, Chad Rohland, and Trent Turner. As part of the consent agenda, the council accepted the appointment of … [Read more...]
Ask a Trooper
Minnesota State Patrol Question: What is the law in regards to pushing snow from ones driveway out onto the road? Answer: It is illegal to place snow from a driveway on or next to a public highway or street. The Minnesota Department of Transportation reminds everyone, “The placing of snow on or near a public road creates hazards, including drainage problems, drifting, sight … [Read more...]
An answer to the eternal question
“Are all men idiots?” That was a challenging question and one with epic consequences. It was my wife who had asked. I couldn’t pretend I hadn’t heard her. I’d just had my ears cleaned. It might have been the first time, although I’d had uncles blow smoke in an ear or two to quell an earache. Fortunately, my ears never became hooked on smoking. The nurse hit each ear canal … [Read more...]
Houston High School to get new gym projector
At the regular Houston School Board meeting on January 8, the board decided to proceed with the purchase of a new projector for the high school gym. Superintendent Mary Morem informed the board that it was not feasible to repair the current ancient projector. The new projector is an upgrade and has future capabilities; it will have a laser lens and no bulbs to replace. The … [Read more...]
State of city/community in Chatfield
Mayor Russ Smith commented on the state of the city and the community at Chatfield’s first council meeting of the new year held on January 9. He listed a number of improvements in the city, including the care center, remodeling of the Center for the Arts, and other development projects, which will improve the quality of life for many residents. There are other issues to be … [Read more...]
No feathers ruffled as City of Canton begins process to allow chickens in town
Canton residents Robert and Christina Schmidt approached the Canton City Council on Wednesday night, January 12, about owning chickens within city limits. Robert Schmidt explained he and his wife have 10 chickens at their Canton residence that they consider to be pets. “We hold them everyday, we play with them. They are part of our family,” he said. Schmidt explained he and … [Read more...]
Houston rezones lots to accommodate Apple Auto
At their regular January 10 meeting, the Houston City Council passed a resolution to rezone lots 6-9 in the Westgate Industrial Park from Industrial 1 to Commercial C-2. Kort Kistler, sales manager at Apple Auto explained that his company was working on purchasing the parcels, but wanted to make sure the zoning would allow for his business. He informed the council that the … [Read more...]
What will Minnesota do with a $7.7 billion budget surplus?
Right now, Minnesotans are talking about a huge pile of money – a projected $7.7 billion general fund budget surplus. That’s equivalent to $1,350.88 for each man, woman, and child in Minnesota, based on the U.S. Census Bureau’s estimated population of a little over 5.7 million. The money in Minnesota’s state government accounts gives the State Legislature plenty of dough to … [Read more...]