The City of Rushford Village was recently approached by Semcac (South East Minnesota Citizens Action Council) regarding a Water and Sewer Assistance Program. The program is optional for cities and works to address emergency needs. “It would help any resident in the water/sewer district that are behind in their payments,” noted City Clerk Mary Miner at the October 5 meeting. … [Read more...]
Ostrander garbage & recycling options mulled
During the October 5 Ostrander City Council meeting, the board discussed the condition of the playground equipment in the city park. All council members were present (Stephanie Start, Dan Hellerud, DJ Start, Vernon Thompson, and Mayor Pam Kunert, along with Jeremy Runkle and City Clerk Wendy Brincks). The council considered two bids for solid waste and recycling services for … [Read more...]
Public hearing held to discuss proposed road improvements in Lanesboro
The October 4 Lanesboro City Council meeting opened with a public hearing to discuss the proposed 2022 street and utility improvement project. Several Lanesboro business owners questioned the need for some of the sidewalks that were included in the preliminary plans. “Sounds like an excess expense that may not be necessary,” Sylvan Brewery owner Karen Heimdahl stated. Cottage … [Read more...]
Fillmore County discusses uses of American Recovery dollars
County Administrator Bobbie Hillery lead a discussion on appropriate uses for American Rescue Plan Act dollars at the board’s October 5 meeting. The county will receive about $4 million total. The deadline to spend the funds is December 31, 2024. A preliminary budget for the use of the funding is due January 2022. Hillery offered some ideas presented by county department … [Read more...]
Kingsland sports issues discussed
Kingsland School Board held a work session meeting on October 4. Members participating included Jackie Horsman, Maranda Emig, Kyle Rader, Pamela Freet, as well as Superintendent James Hecimovich and Principal Scott Klavetter. Business Manager Amber Herbrand participated via remote technology. Natasha Howard and Gwen Howard were absent. In light of Mark Fitzpatrick’s … [Read more...]
Fountain to join up with Sourcewell
In a brisk meeting, on October 6, the Fountain Council reviewed a cooperative purchasing contract with Sourcewell. The company, located in Staples, Minn., assists municipalities and other non-profit organizations with obtaining insurance, equipment, and technology at competitive rates. Boasting more than 50,000 members, Sourcewell functions as a cooperative for contract … [Read more...]
Lewiston cyber attack underscores threat City paid $60K ransom only to be extorted again
By Chris Rogers, Winona Post This was not what Bobby Falcon had in mind for his third week on the job as Lewiston city administrator. He came in on the morning of July 22 to find his staff locked out of the city’s network, the only place where some of its most important files were stored. It was crippling. “That essentially closed us without any ability to operate for the … [Read more...]
CARES reimbursements reduce Fillmore County preliminary levy
County Sdministrator Bobbie Hillery explained how CARE’s Reimbursements could reduce the Fillmore County levy at the board’s September 28 meeting. Early budget numbers had already been reduced with adjusted insurance costs. Hillery listed other adjustments that were made to reduce the 2022 levy number. Using CARES funding salary reimbursements for Public Health, Emergency … [Read more...]
Spring Valley OKs 2022 Fremont Street project
At the Spring Valley City Council meeting on September 17, Chris Danielson asked about several bills to be paid in the “Accounts Payable.” She stated, “We have some outstanding bills that are finally getting paid. They are from 2016, 2015, and 2017.” Fire Chief Troy Lange explained that the bills were for equipment/gear purchased by the fire department, but that the invoices … [Read more...]
Caledonia approves a proposed 6.5% tax levy increase for 2022
On September 27, the Caledonia City Council held its regularly scheduled meeting from 6 p.m. to 7:32 p.m. in the Caledonia City Hall Council Chambers. Council members present, Mayor DeWayne “Tank” Schroeder, Amanda Ninneman, David Fitzpatrick, Brad Rykhus, and Robert “Bob” Klug. Mayor Schroeder, led the council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioners unanimously … [Read more...]