At the March 6 meeting, the Fountain Council welcomed AndreW Forliti, principal for Smith Schafer, to discuss the 2023 audit findings. Local Government Aid (LGA) provided to the city remained flat for the last four years, but it will increase slightly to $92,011 in 2024. The state funding currently provides 20% of the total city revenues. The city has needed to increase the … [Read more...]
Houston County EDA Showed Positive Growth in 2023
Houston County Economic Development Authority (EDA) Director Allison Wagner presented the 2023 EDA annual report at the March 5 Houston County Commission meeting. She said, “2023 was a year of positive growth for the Houston County EDA and its partners.” Throughout her presentation, Wagner shared a range of numbers illustrating EDA’s successful year. EDA managed three … [Read more...]
Brownsville Allocates $24,000 in Public Safety Aid Funds to the Fire Department
The Brownsville City Council voted to allocate $24,000 in 2023 Minnesota public safety aid funds to the town’s volunteer fire department at the March 6 city council meeting. Before volunteers from the town’s volunteer fire department spoke regarding the 2023 Public Safety Aid funds received by the city from the state in December, Councilmember Barb Hurley asked to … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Discusses Mental Health Program
At the March 5 meeting of the county board, social services manager Wanda Berg explained the request for a shortfall payment submitted by Nexis Family Healing. The Southeast Regional Crisis Center (SERCC) has been operated by Nexis Family Healing for the last three years. It is located in Rochester and is available 24/7 for mental health crisis intervention. Nexis … [Read more...]
Preston Appoints Tourism/Chamber Director
The Preston City Council appointed a new Tourism/Chamber director at the March 5 meeting. City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton reported there had been 10 applicants. Three were interviewed and the position was offered to Kristina LiBretto. She is a relatively recent resident of the city, having moved from New York. LiBretto will begin at her new job on March … [Read more...]
Dinner on the Bluff with Stephanie Schmidt: “Whooping Cranes in the Eastern Migratory Population”
Presenter Stephanie Schmidt is the Whooping Crane Outreach Coordinator for the International Crane Foundation. She will be the featured speaker at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center’s Dinner on the Bluff event on Saturday, March 16. In her talk, “Whooping Cranes in the Eastern Migratory Population,” Stephanie Schmidt will discuss the work the International Crane … [Read more...]
Assistance Requested in Locating Brandon Kimber
UPDATE, MARCH 7: Brandon Kimber was located and arrested in Fayette County. Kimber was transported and booked into the Winneshiek County Jail on three separate arrest warrants. Arrest warrants were for violation of parole, violation of probation, burglary 3rd degree – motor vehicle 2nd or subsequent and possession of burglar’s tools. This case is still under investigation with … [Read more...]
Fillmore County District Court
On February 16, Tyler James Miller, 26, of LeRoy, appeared before District Court Judge Jeremy Clinefelter. Miller is charged with four felonies; Drugs - 1st Degree - Sale - 17 Grams or More - Cocaine or Methamphetamine Within 90-day Period, Drugs - 1st Degree - Possess 50 Grams or More - Cocaine or Methamphetamine, Drugs - 2nd Degree - Sale 10 Grams or More - A Narcotic Other … [Read more...]
R-P Valley Chamber of Commerce Looks Forward in 2024
The Rushford-Peterson Valley Chamber of Commerce emphasized the future as they held their annual meeting February 21. New Chamber Director Stephanie Eggert expressed her thanks to former Director Jen Hengel for her help in the transition. Eggert detailed plans for the upcoming year including an Autumn Trails Event, a business Open Doors Tour and a Career Exploration Day for … [Read more...]
Will Houston County Pass a No Wake Zone the Second Time Around?
The Houston County Commission conducted a public hearing at the board’s February 26 regularly scheduled meeting. The public hearing allowed Houston County residents an opportunity to voice their opinion regarding the proposed no wake zone ordinance. Mayor Mike Poellinger, representing the City of La Crescent, noted that the city does not have any authority. He added that the … [Read more...]
Fillmore Co. Animal Rescue Investigation
On February 22, 2024, at approximately 10 a.m. the Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office and the Animal Humane Society carried out a search warrant for an animal rescue in southwestern Fillmore County, Beaver Township. In total, 15 dogs were seized from the property and are being cared for by the Animal Humane Society in Golden Valley, Minn. At this time, no arrests have been made … [Read more...]
College News
Honors List Summer 2023 • Palmer College of Chiropractic: Izabella Allison, LeRoy Fall 2023 • Alexandra Technical & Community College: Zachary Boelman, Spring Valley; Kaylie Doherty, Spring Valley • Bemidji State University: Noah Winrow, Rushford • Carthage College: Kaylee Whitehill, Harmony • Drake University: Grant Nutter, President’s List, Houston • … [Read more...]
Rushford-Peterson Approves Post Secondary Enrollment Options Policy
Rushford-Peterson MiddleSchool/High School Principal Jake Timm and MSHS Counselor Jenny Helgemoe presented the R-P PSEO Policy and PSEO Helpful Hints documents to the R-P School Board for approval at their February 26 meeting. The intent of the policy is to get students to understand how PSEO (Post Secondary Enrollment Options) works. Timm pointed out that a couple … [Read more...]
Birth Announcement
Kailor Gary Grotegut Kailor Gary Grotegut was born February 11, 2024, weighing 7 pounds 15 ounces and 19 1/2 inches long. Proud parents are Krayton Grotegut and Andrea Nolan of Waukon, Iowa. Grandparents are Gary and Deanna Nolan of Harmony, Minn., and Craig Grotegut of Waukon, Iowa. Great-grandma is Lynn Larson of Chatfield, Minn. … [Read more...]
Rushford Getting New Public Transit Bus
At the February 26 meeting, the Rushford Council welcomed Rolling Hills Transit Director of Transportation Manager Bill Spitzer. He attended the meeting to discuss the program, Rushford bus details, area community details on ridership, services provided, funding needs, and plans. Spitzer hit on reasons why public transit is critical, including accessibility, affordability, … [Read more...]