Justin Kroegar, Gallagher/insurance, risk management, and consulting, presented two options for employee health insurance to the Fillmore County board at their September 7 meeting. The county buys insurance through the Minnesota Healthcare Consortium. Kroegar recommended sticking with the Southeast Service Corporation and changing from Blue Cross to Medica. A 2.5% increase … [Read more...]
Lanesboro on verge of losing ambulance service
The September 7 Lanesboro City Council meeting opened with a public hearing on the proposed sidewalk assessments. As there were no questions or comments from the public, the hearing was closed and the regular meeting was opened. The consent agenda was approved and included accounts payable, early closings at noon on September 22 and October 8 for the city office, the MMUA … [Read more...]
Back to school COVID procedures update
With local school boards making the decision on masking and COVID policies for their schools, there are now a variety of policies regarding COVID. One constant is the federally mandated policy for masking on buses and reporting of positive COVID cases. Here are the most recent policies of each of the eleven local schools: • Caledonia: Masks are strongly recommended. Mask … [Read more...]
Houston County EDA receives $20,000 grant for shared office space
Commissioners Dewey Severson, Eric Johnson, Robert Burns, Teresa Walter, and Greg Myhre were all in attendance at the September 7 meeting of the Houston County Commission. Chairman Burns called the meeting to order at 9 a.m. and led board members and attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioners approved the meeting agenda, minutes from the August 24 regular meeting, the … [Read more...]
Kingsland addresses SACC staff shortage
Kingsland School Board held their monthly “work session” meeting on September 8, with all members participating (Jackie Horsman, Natasha Howard, Gwen Howard, Maranda Emig, Pamela Freet, Kyle Rader, and Superintendent James Hecimovich). Principal Scott Klavetter also attended. Business Manager Amber Herbrand participated via remote technology. Becky Bicknese’s written … [Read more...]
Canton Council reviews budget, learns how population decline will affect city
As the Canton City Council met on September 8, the 2020 census results came up several times during regular business discussions. According to the latest census, Canton has seen a decrease in population by 34 residents over the past decade, going from 346 to 310. Clerk Brock Bergey said this 10.4% decrease is the sharpest decline in population since the 1970 census, when the … [Read more...]
Houston County employees to see a 5% decrease in health care effective January 1, 2022
Commissioners Dewey Severson, Eric Johnson, Robert Burns, Teresa Walter, and Greg Myhre attended the August 24 meeting of the Houston County Commission. Chairman Burns called the meeting to order at 9 a.m. and led board members and attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioners approved the meeting agenda and minutes from the August 10 regular meeting, the August 17 … [Read more...]
Fillmore County discusses campground and SSTS ordinance amendments
At the August 26 Fillmore County Planning Commission meeting, public hearings were held on two proposed zoning ordinance amendments. The proposed Fillmore County definition of a campground says, in part, that any area privately or publicly owned to accommodate two or more tents or recreational camping vehicles for compensation is considered a campground. A privately owned … [Read more...]
Fillmore County works through proposed 2022 departmental budgets
Most of the county board’s August 24 meeting was dedicated to the 2022 budget process. Laura Christianson, SWCD administrator, requested the county increase its annual appropriation by $5,000 to $220,000. She said there were 49 projects in 2020. For every $1 dollar Fillmore County invested last year, a total of $5.20 was generated combining local, state, and federal revenue. … [Read more...]
Taste of the Trail is back!
The Root River Trail Towns will once again be presenting the Taste of the Trail after last year’s pause for the COVID pandemic. Using the same format they’ve used since the event’s inception in 2012, Taste of the Trail will be held three successive weekends with different towns highlighted each weekend. Lanesboro, Whalan, and Peterson will be the stars on Saturday, September … [Read more...]