Mayor Scott Solberg called the Spring Grove City Council’s regular meeting to order at 6 p.m. Tuesday, February 16, 2021, via Zoom. Council Members in attendance were Travis Torgerson, Trent Turner, Karen Folstad, and Chad Rohland. Also present: Julie Amundson, City Clerk/Administrator; Paul Folz, Chief of Police; Courtney Bergy Swanson, CEDA/EDA; and two media … [Read more...]
Houston school to consider purchase of St. Mary’s Catholic Church
Superintendent Krin Abraham informed the Houston School Board at their meeting on February 11 that the school had been approached about the possibility of purchasing the St. Mary’s Catholic Church building. Abraham told the board that the church will be available after June 30; the church’s roof has been recently done and the kitchen and bathrooms are handicapped accessible and … [Read more...]
Rushford Village buys additional equipment
A quick Rushford Village Council meeting February 16 saw just three items of discussion, in addition to Planning & Zoning. During the Roads, Water, and Sewer portion of the agenda, it was suggested by Equipment Committee member Mike Ebner that the city consider another purchase for Public Works/Maintenance. Last month, the council approved the purchase of a new, large … [Read more...]
Chatfield School Board approves in-person, full-time for all grades
The Chatfield School Board met in special session on February 17, 2021, with all members present. Also present were Superintendent Harris, Principals Shane McBroom and Randy Paulson, and teacher Jay Harstad. The meeting was held to finalize the new K-12 learning plan. At the last board meeting there was a discussion of implementing in-person learning on a full-time basis and … [Read more...]
Bluff Country Minnesota Multi-county HRA working with Minnesota Housing to provide affordable first-time homebuyer loans More than $55 million in resources available in 2021
RUSHFORD, MN – Minnesota Housing announced over $55 million is available to provide affordable mortgages to first-time homebuyers through a collaboration with Minnesota cities and counties, including $573,522 for Bluff Country HRA, serving Fillmore and Houston counties. Homebuyers can take advantage of these resources through the Minnesota Housing Start Up loan program, which … [Read more...]
Governor Walz announces 39 new Border-to-Border Broadband Grants
ST. PAUL, MN, January 28, 2021 – Governor Tim Walz announced that the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) will award grants totaling $20,645,425 to 39 projects in the sixth year of the Border-to-Border Broadband Development Grant program. State grant dollars are matched by $33,695,279 in local funds, for a total investment in broadband … [Read more...]
Key to the city of Preston presented to Cathy Enerson
In recognition of Cathy Enerson’s 13 years of service and dedication to improving the lives of Preston’s citizens, she was presented with a “key to the city” plaque at the city council’s February 16 meeting. The meeting was totally virtual. But, it was suggested that once things get back to normal she will be honored with a gathering to properly recognize her achievements and … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton mulls senior trip and prom
The Mabel-Canton School Board met in regular session on February 16, with all members present. In honor of Minnesota School Board Recognition Week (February 22-26), Superintendent Kuphal gave out a certificate of appreciation to each board member. Principal Wiedemann talked about plans for this year’s prom, which she described as “a work in progress.” She stated that prom is … [Read more...]
The Mighty Mississippi River – Gateway to Freedom
By Laura Deering and Brenda Morrison My hands trembled as I read a personally hand-typed document from decades ago. It read, “They hid them in caves.” Recently this document was discovered while researching the connection of the underground railroad and the effect the Mississippi River had on the movement of slaves seeking freedom, while investigating the river town of … [Read more...]
Daily bus to and from Rochester, via Spring Valley, to resume
The Spring Valley City Council held a public hearing and regular council meeting on February 8. Members present included Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, Greg Brooks, and Mayor Tony Archer. John Dols was absent. Also attending was City Clerk/Administrator Deb Zimmer. Immediately prior to the regular council meeting, a public hearing was held regarding the proposed Tax … [Read more...]