Fillmore County has been working toward a number of technology upgrades/initiatives for some time. At the board’s February 23 meeting, several initiatives were approved. County Administrator Bobbie Hillery detailed all of the planned initiatives which will be purchased, installed, licensed, and maintained through Marco. All technological upgrades were discussed in the … [Read more...]
Regarding the Fillmore SWCD decision
By Bonnie Haugen Farmer, Land Stewardship Project member Canton, MN I am addressing the report of the Fillmore SWCD board meeting January 21, 2021. I understand that our SWCD needs to be mindful of partnering on educational events. I do not want our farmers to avoid good events if there is a negative association. However, I want the reasons for eliminating partnerships to … [Read more...]
Lanesboro school’s enrollment numbers continue to grow
At the February 18 Lanesboro School Board meeting, Superintendent Matt Schultz updated the board members of the district’s current enrollment numbers. When he started working at the district in 2016, the school had 333 students. With more students being added on a regular basis during this school year, he anticipates that the 2021-2022 will open with over 400 total students … [Read more...]
Additional 2021 USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant funding available
ST. PAUL, MN – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has extended the application deadline for the USDA’s Specialty Crop Block Grant (SCBG) as a result of the addition of federal COVID-19 relief funds to the program. The MDA expects to award a total of roughly $2.9 million in funding for the grant program, including about $1.65 million in one-time funding for COVID-19 … [Read more...]
Spring Grove City Council hears year-end reports from EDA and the police chief
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...]