Present at the May 13, 2024, regularly scheduled city council meeting was Mayor David Hallum, along with council members Owen Lewis, Thore E. Johnson, Kim Berekvam and Sheila Higbe. City Clerk/Treasurer Teresa Grossell was also present. The agenda was approved with the addition of Gravel on Deep River Road under New Business. Minutes of the regular meeting held April 8 and … [Read more...]
Public Hearing for Special Vehicle Ordinance in Chatfield
At the May 13 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, a draft ordinance to regulate the use of special vehicles on public streets and areas within the city was reviewed. Councilor Paul Novotny was absent. The ordinance requires the operator of a special vehicle to get a permit. The proposed ordinance provides for the issuance and use of a disabled permit in certain instances. … [Read more...]
Feasibility Report Approved for Houston’s Spruce Street
On May 13, the Houston City Council heard a presentation of the feasibility report on the 2025 Spruce Street utility and street improvements from project manager Derek Olinger of Bolton & Menk. The project will be completed in cooperation with the county since the street is also CSAH 13. Some portions of the street will just need to be resurfaced while the mid-section of … [Read more...]
Annual Trout Days Celebration Just Around the Corner
Mark your calendars for the 2024 Trout Days festivities in Preston, Minn., from May 17 to May 19. The honored Grand Marshals for this year are Bob and Elaine Maust, shining examples of dedicated community volunteers. Their commitment is evident through their active engagement with the Preston Historical Society and their annual involvement in organizing the fall tractor … [Read more...]
Trailside Folk Art Turning Traditions
David and Lynn Susag of Lanesboro, Minn., share their love of Nordic handcrafts with the local community and upper midwest through Trailside Folk Art, where they specialize in Nordic handicrafts and ancient techniques. Over the years they have demonstrated paper cutting and hand sewing as well as knife making, but their main focus is demonstrating and selling wooden dishes … [Read more...]
Chatfield Board Approves Solar Power Proposal
At the May 8, 2024 school board meeting, board members Jill Harstad, David Sowinski, Josh Thompson, Katie Priebe, Tom Keefe and Mark Johnsrud were present as well as Superintendent Ed Harris, Elementary Principal Shane McBroom, and High School Principal Eric Nelson. Shane McBroom reported that Kindergarten Round-Up was very successful with 68 students registered for next … [Read more...]
Houston County Commissioner Burns Chooses Not To Seek Re-election
At the May 7, 2024, Houston County Commission meeting, District 3 Commissioner Robert (Bob) Burns announced that he is not running for re-election. Three commissioners are up for re-election, District 1 – Dewey Severson, District 3 – Robert Burns, and District 5 – Greg Myhre. Candidates have from May 21, 2024, until June 4, 2024, at 5 p.m. to file. Chairman Eric Johnson … [Read more...]
Houston Signs Six-Year Contract with Morem
At the May 2 regular Houston School Board meeting, the board reviewed and voted on the proposed six-year contract with Superintendent Mary Morem. Josh Norlien and Nickki Johnson voted against the contract, while Mimi Carlson, Arlin Peterson, Richard Erdmann and Mark Swenson voted in favor of the contract. Marissa Grams was absent. The contract was for $150,000 each year … [Read more...]
Mabel Schedules Public Hearing
During the May 8 city council meeting, Mabel City Clerk Karen Larson announced that the city has scheduled a public hearing on May 23 at 6 p.m. The hearing will be held at city hall. The public hearing is an opportunity for residents to ask questions and share their options regarding the city’s potential water project. Mayor Adam Wilder called the meeting of the Mabel City … [Read more...]
Peterson Reviews Spring Clean-up
At the May 8 meeting, the Peterson council, led by Mayor Chris Stenzel, discussed the results of the annual walkabout. Each councilor reviewed properties within city limits to determine non-compliance with the Junk Ordinance. The ordinance was enacted in 2022 to curb the accumulation of visible junk or clutter on properties after years of dealing with no response from several … [Read more...]
Rushford Village Sitting Within Budget
2024 budgeting for the city of Rushford Village is sitting comfortably. At least much better than last year, according to City Clerk Mary Miner. At the May 7 meeting, Councilor Rick Ruberg asked about the current standing after Miner presented the month’s financial report. Last year, as the village waited for the tax payment from the first half of the year from Fillmore … [Read more...]
Anhydrous Safety Should be Top Concern This Spring
Many farmers and applicators will soon apply anhydrous ammonia (NH3) prior to planting or sidedress after planting. Even with a rush against time and the weather, safety should never be compromised. Accidents involving anhydrous ammonia have proven how dangerous and deadly the chemical can be when not handled properly. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is … [Read more...]
Lanesboro School Board Discusses Policy 404
Once again, policy 404 which deals with Employment Background Checks was on the agenda at the May 8 meeting of the Lanesboro School District. This was the third reading of the policy which had been tabled at a previous meeting. Superintendent Matt Schultz had done exhaustive research and prepared a rough draft of procedures that could be implemented to follow the legal … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Approves State Airport Equipment Grant Agreement
At the May 7 meeting of the county board, a resolution authorizing the execution of the MnDOT Grant Agreement for airport improvement excluding land acquisition was approved. Pam Schroeder, airport office manager, explained the county did receive a grant from the state which can be used for three pieces of equipment for the airport. The total amount of the grant available is … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Council Discusses Potential Highway 250 Project
The Lanesboro City Council heard from several residents including Anna Loney and Phil Dybing regarding the Lanesboro Library during the public comments section of its May 6 regular meeting. Loney gave an update on library events, noting that there are a number of SELCO sponsored events coming up along with several things being planned by the Friends of the Lanesboro Library. … [Read more...]