Preston city attorney, Dwight Luhmann led a discussion on a draft of the proposed Special Use Vehicle Ordinance at the city council’s April 1 meeting. The ordinance will be designed to regulate the use of UTVs (utility terrain vehicles), ATVs (all-terrain vehicles), golf carts, and mini trucks on city streets (not federal highways). A permit will be needed and will be … [Read more...]
The Brownsville Question Remains: City Street or Not?
The Brownsville City Council postponed a decision during its April 3 meeting regarding the gravel washing down onto 2nd Street until it can ascertain who the responsible parties are. Brownsville Treasurer Jenna Knight stressed the importance of conducting further research before reaching a decision. The unresolved issue revolves around whether the area in question is a city … [Read more...]
SEMAC Announces Recent Individual Artist Grant Awards
On March 19, 2024, the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council (SEMAC) Board of Directors awarded 21 arts programming grants for a total of $89,000 in funding to individual artists throughout southeastern Minnesota. This included 13 Advancing Artist Grants and eight Emerging Artist grants. SEMAC, a non-profit arts agency, is designated by the State of Minnesota Arts Board as … [Read more...]
Fountain Preps for Tower Work
For two years, the city of Fountain has known issues exist with its water tower. However, until this year, there weren’t funds available for the work. At the April 3 meeting, the Fountain Council unanimously approved two bids for the planned reconditioning. Mayor Pro Tem David Gudmundson filled in for Mayor Tammy Danielson, who was absent from the meeting. The city … [Read more...]
New Troop 53 Boy Scouts
Congratulations to Dominic Humble, Bentley Engler and Aiden Woxland, 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 Hunter Lee, Chase Humble, Hudson Lee, Andy Sanchez Flores and Anthony Woxland. In the back are Scoutmaster Tom Butterfield, Mannix Darr, Beatty … [Read more...]
DHIA and Midwest Dairy Awards
On March 21, Fillmore County dairy producers gathered for their annual Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA) and Midwest Dairy meeting and awards banquet at the Branding Iron restaurant. A Midwest Dairy update was given by Margaret Johnson and the DHIA business update and awards for 2023 were given. Awards presented were: Premier Dairyman - Trailside Holsteins, Fountain; … [Read more...]
Spring Grove students visit State Capitol
State Representative Greg Davids (R-Preston) is pictured with junior and senior students from Spring Grove Public Schools. The group visited with Rep. Davids recently at the State Capitol office to discuss current issues facing the Minnesota Legislature. Photo submitted … [Read more...]
Village to Amend Animal Ordinance
At the April 2 meeting, the Rushford Village Council heard an impassioned plea for help from a family seeking assistance with an animal control issue. Jared and Steffanie Iverson and Joyce Iverson, who served on several community organizations, including the zoning board, spoke regarding their concerns. According to the family, dogs in the North Money Creek Road area have … [Read more...]
Mechanical Mavericks Homeschool Team Wins State Teamwork Champion Award in VEX IQ Robotics Competition
The Mechanical Mavericks, a homeschool robotics team comprised of two mechanically-minded boys, achieved a remarkable feat by winning the Teamwork Champion Award in the Minnesota State VEX IQ Challenge Tournament. This achievement earned the team an invitation to Vex Worlds in Dallas, Texas. Their outstanding performance marks the end of a competition season that began in … [Read more...]
Jones Sentenced to 27 Months
After a number of rescheduled sentence hearings, Mindy Jo Jones had her day in court on Friday, March 29, 2024. And, so did her victim, Marsha Angell, of New Hampton, Iowa. Starting in 2020, and the months that would follow, Angell was swindled out of $32,417.67 by Jones in a scheme involving multiple dishonored checks. At the time, Jones had opened a retail location named … [Read more...]
Service Dog Becomes Rushford American Legion’s First Mascot
As of June 26, 2023, the American Legion Post 94 in Rushford, Minn., has its first ever mascot – a dog named Bella. But this four-year-old Golden Retriever is much more than just a pretty face. She is veteran Ron Petersen’s service dog. Petersen served in Vietnam with the Marine Corp and has been dealing with the aftereffects for many years. To help with this, one of his VA … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Approves Annual Agreement with DAC
At the April 2 meeting of the county board the annual nursing consultation services agreement with Fillmore County Developmental Achievement Center (DAC) was approved. Jessica Erickson, public health director, explained the agreement allows the county nursing consultant who is also an employee of Fillmore County Public Health to be available to consult on anything as needed … [Read more...]
Chatfield Schedules Beginning of 2024 Citywide Cleanup
The city council approved dates for the citywide cleanup at their March 25 meeting. Councilors Paul Novotny and Josh Broadwater were absent. The citywide cleanup will begin on May 6. Appliances, televisions, large electronics, mattresses and box springs can be picked up beginning on May 9. A resolution was adopted authorizing the transfer of funds in the amount of … [Read more...]
Proof the Zoning Process Works in Caledonia
The Caledonia City Council, at its regular city council meeting on Monday, March 25, denied a request by Donald J. Jr. and Sharon Burroughs for a zoning permit at 107 West Adams Street, Caledonia, Minn. The Burroughs requested a 5-foot variance on the west side of their property and a 5-foot setback from the west side property line. According to the staff report, the … [Read more...]
Amish Buggy Hit and Run Charges Filed
Brittany Nicole Edgar, 32, of Spring Valley, Minn., is facing six charges relating to an incident that occurred on the evening of February 16, 2024. A portion of the complaint reads: At approximately 10:05 PM, Deputy Bryan Guber was dispatched to the area of 29893 County Road 1 for a vehicle versus horse-and-buggy accident with injuries. Upon arrival, Guber observed an … [Read more...]