At the December 14 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, the final levy for 2021 was approved. The levy increase is 3.98%, or $86,101. The total 2021 levy will be $2,247,789. City Clerk Joel Young reviewed 2020 and took a look forward to 2021 during the Truth in Taxation public hearing required by state statute. Due to the COVID pandemic the antiquated telephone system in … [Read more...]
Rushford Village approves final tax levy
The Rushford Village Council unanimously approved setting the final tax levy at $475,000 for 2021. The amount represents a 5.5% increase over the $450,000 levied for 2020. The largest increases are for engineering needed for ongoing maintenance of public streets, particularly in South Rushford, and other Public Works needs, including road rock for the city’s extensive miles … [Read more...]
Minnesota will continue emerald ash borer regulations
Federal deregulation of the insect leaves states to determine future options Minnesota will continue regulation of emerald ash borer (EAB), an invasive insect that kills ash trees, after federal officials today announced deregulation of the insect effective January 14, 2021. Since 2002, when EAB was first discovered in the United States in Michigan, the U. S. Department of … [Read more...]
Strategic farming 2021: let’s talk crops!
Pull up a chair and join in or bring the conversation with you as you go about your day. Whatever works best for you, we hope you will join us this winter to discuss some of the key issues and questions around crop production facing Minnesota corn and soybean farmers today. Sessions will be held over Zoom, which can be accessed via your computer, phone or other mobile device, … [Read more...]
Spring Valley Council hears EDA report
On December 14, the Spring Valley City Council held the annual Truth in Taxation public hearing immediately prior to their regular council meeting. All members were present (Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, John Dols, Mike Hadland, and Mayor Tony Archer). Also attending was city clerk/administrator Deb Zimmer. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, masks and social distancing … [Read more...]
Minnesota Organic Conference goes virtual
Four sessions throughout January offer learning opportunities Minnesota’s only statewide conference on organic agriculture is going virtual for 2021. The Minnesota Organic Conference, hosted by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) will take place every Thursday in January, beginning on January 7, 2021. Virtual sessions will begin at 3 p.m. and provide farmers … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Arts presents Annual Juried High School Art Show January 16 – February 7
Lanesboro Arts is proud to present the Annual Juried High School Art Show, showcasing artworks by 9-12th grade students from Chatfield, Fillmore Central, Lanesboro, and Rushford-Peterson High Schools. The show opens on January 16 and runs through February 7. Always free and open to the public, gallery hours are Thursday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The show features a variety … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton eyes possible COVID surge
The Mabel-Canton School Board met in regular session on December 15. Most members were present in person, although Business Manager Aimee Lake participated via remote technology. Superintendent Gary Kuphal spoke to the board regarding the COVID-19 trends in the local area, and throughout the county. He stated that although numbers have been increasing in Fillmore County, … [Read more...]
Rushford ties up year-end items
The Rushford City Council met December 14, via online platform, to finalize the property tax levy payable in 2021. While the deadline to approve was not until the next meeting, concern over possible weather issues and pandemic restrictions saw Councilor Sally Ryman motion to approve it at this time. The preliminary levy was set in September at $1,017,000, which represented a … [Read more...]
Sharp rise in Preston’s residential property taxes
Preston’s December 7 city council meeting centered on the presentation of the annual city budget and proposed tax levy; this hearing is required by the state and allows for public comment. However, the actual proposed levy ended up being of less concern than the significant residential valuation increases. Residential property taxes will be up significantly next year (a 15 to … [Read more...]