The January 13 Peterson City Council meeting began with the taking of oaths from returning Mayor Tim Hallum and new Councilors Tracy Seelbinder and Chris Stenzel. In addition to the council, Clerk Chris Grindland, and Public Works Director Rick Lee, six citizens also attended the meeting. Resident Pete Erickson addressed the council regarding the recent sale of the side lot … [Read more...]
Fillmore County continues jail need assessment
Sheriff John DeGeorge updated the Fillmore County Board at their January 12 meeting on the progress of the Jail Need Assessment Committee. The full committee has identified four scenarios for the future of the aging jail and each of these options are being explored. The options include total outsourcing and the closing of the facility entirely, the construction or remodeling … [Read more...]
Chatfield council urges you to pay stimulus money forward if you can
Chatfield Mayor Russ Smith, during his annual address at the city council’s January 11 meeting, encouraged people to spend their stimulus money at small, local businesses; thereby, putting it back into the local economy to help these struggling businesses. He said the city is looking good going forward. The biggest issue is the state of small businesses in town that have been … [Read more...]
Wykoff parking rule discussed
The Wykoff City Council met in regular session on January 11. Council members in attendance included Lyle Morey, Richard Gleason, Mayor Al Williams, and new member Ryan Breckenridge. New council member Barbara Fate was absent. City Clerk Becky Schmidt and Deputy Clerk Luann Hare also attended. Lynn Kidd addressed the council, saying, “I’m here to protest the sign downtown, … [Read more...]
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation awards $160,000 in Inclusive and Equitable Communities Grants
OWATONNA, MN., JANUARY 13, 2021 – Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), in partnership with Region Nine Development Commission (RNDC) and SE MN Together, recently approved 10 grants through its new Inclusive and Equitable Communities Grant program totaling $160,000. This special grant opportunity will support 10 organizations as they develop or expand initiatives … [Read more...]
USDA accepting applications to help low-income individuals and families buy or repair homes
USDA Rural Development is accepting applications for very low- and low-income individuals and families seeking to purchase or repair a home in a rural area. The Direct Home Loan program offers financing to qualified very-low and low-income applicants that are unable to qualify for traditional financing. No down payment is required, and the interest rate could be as low as 1% … [Read more...]
New Harmony council members sworn in
The January 12 Harmony City Council meeting began with the swearing in of new council members Jesse Grabau and Domingo Kingsley. City Attorney Greg Schieber conducted the oath of office. The new sound system was set up in the council meeting room at the community center for the evening. The system consists of microphones and speakers to allow all who attend the meeting to hear … [Read more...]
Rushford approves police department purchases
The first meeting of the year, January 11, brought both annual housekeeping and several updates. Up first, the council received a review from Rushford Police Department Chief Adam Eide regarding the proposed purchase of a new vehicle and equipment. The purchases were planned and budgeted for five years prior. Plans include trading the current 2015 Chevy Tahoe for a 2021 … [Read more...]
Houston School Board organized and ready to work
The Houston School Board quickly chose its officers, calendar, committees and other official elements as they met for the first time in the new year on January 7, 2021. Officers are: Tom Stilin, chair; Mimi Carlson, vice chair; Josh Norlien, clerk; and Gene Lundak, treasurer. Meetings will remain on the first and third Thursdays of the month. Bremer Bank was again chosen as … [Read more...]
Houston citizens speak in favor of the OHV trail
As the Houston City Council began the new year with their meeting January 11, 2021, they heard from several citizens regarding the planned OHV Trail. Reacting to earlier statements made in December against the trail, John and Eileen Loken, owners of Loken’s Sawmill Inn, appeared to speak in favor of the trail. Eileen Loken commented that the number of visitors had dropped at … [Read more...]