Eitzen residents never expected that they would see their quiet town of 250 residents a talking point in the national discussion on racism, but that is where they found themselves last month. On September 15, a concerned housewife with children at home called town officials about strangers driving an unmarked car with California plates going door-to-door. The team was claiming … [Read more...]
Chatfield certifies preliminary budget/levy for 2021
City Clerk Joel Young presented his message on the budget at the Chatfield City Council’s September 28 meeting. Councilors unanimously approved a resolution certifying the preliminary 2021 levy at $2,247,789, which is a 3.98% increase over the 2020 levy, or an increase of $86,101. The resolution sets a public hearing on the proposed budget/levy to be held on December 14, 2020. … [Read more...]
Rushford approves first round of Cares Act Grants
In August, the Rushford City Council approved the acceptance of roughly $133,000 in funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act with the intention of helping Rushford businesses and nonprofits. At the time it was noted the distribution of the funds needed to satisfy three criteria: they must be necessary expenditures due to the public health emergency, … [Read more...]
More than a name…it’s The Rutabaga Brothers!
What’s a rutabaga? It’s a vegetable, kind of like a potato. The name is funny. (It could be funnier. In some countries they’re called “neeps.”) What’s a Rutabaga Brother? That sounds funny, too. It’s actually the name of a band. A local band. A very good band. To learn more about them, how they got started, the music they play, and how they’re faring in the pandemic, I checked … [Read more...]
Minnesota’s unemployment rate falls to 7.4% in August Job growth continues with 40,500 payroll jobs added
Minnesota’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate continues to move lower, falling to 7.4% in August, according to numbers released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). Minnesota added a seasonally adjusted 40,500 payroll jobs in August, up 1.5% from July. The U.S. gained 1.371 million payroll jobs in August, up 1.0% from July. The … [Read more...]
Spring Valley squad car needs discussed
The Spring Valley City Council met September 28 with all members present (Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, Mike Hadland, John Dols, and Mayor Tony Archer). Also attending was City Clerk/Administrator Deb Zimmer. The council heard from Sheriff John DeGeorge, who addressed the council, saying, “Deb had mentioned that the city was interested in exploring the idea of the county … [Read more...]
Rushford-Peterson welcomes new teachers
By Wanda Hanson Rushford-Peterson School is welcoming two new teachers this year, Jacob Kramer and Alex Smothers. Mr. Kramer actually student taught biology last spring with the teacher he now has replaced; as a result, although he is a first year teacher, he knows many of the students already. He enjoys the great community of teachers, staff, and students, noting that R-P has … [Read more...]
Historic memories of Fillmore County A lovely Methodist Church once stood on a hill in Preston, but where?
“Farewell To The Old Church” by Aaron L. Sleyster, 1893 When we think of the church on the corner, With a spire that points to the sky, And a bell that will send forth its music, With peals through the clear Sabbath sky,— Our hearts are rebounding with gladness; And we peer in the future, and see A modern and beautiful structure, That is—or so shortly … [Read more...]
Two CUPs go to Fillmore County Board for their consideration
The Fillmore County Planning Commission held two public hearings to consider conditional use permit applications at their September 24 meeting. Jonathan and Kathryn Schroeder, section 18 Pilot Mound Township, applied for a CUP to build a non-agricultural recreational pond on their property. A CUP is required per ordinance, section 604.03 (18) for non-agricultural ponds. Mark … [Read more...]
Houston County CARES Business Relief Grant still accepting applications
The Houston County Board of Commissioners have allocated $1,130,000 of County CARES Act funds to disburse to small businesses (50 or fewer employees and $5m or less in annual revenue) in the form of an economic support grant. La Crescent township will also be allocating funds towards this program. One hundred twenty-six applications were received in the first round of grant … [Read more...]