Board members Amy Jeffers, Lanny Isensee, Scott Backer, Katie Priebe and Rick Lowrey were in attendance for the May 4, 2020, meeting. Matt McMahon was not in attendance. The meeting was held on a Zoom conferencing platform. Also present were Superintendent Ed Harris, Community Education Director LuAnn Kleven, Principals Shane McBroom and Randy Paulson, Trish O’Connor, … [Read more...]
Preston ordinance amendment allows indoor storage
The Preston City Council met on May 4 via Go To Meeting. A request by two individuals to allow indoor climate controlled storage as a conditional use in the B-3 (General Business District) was again discussed. Planning and Zoning held a public hearing on the amendment on April 20, after which, the city council first discussed the proposed amendment. Council members were in … [Read more...]
Managing market hogs destined for local meat lockers
With pig harvest at commercial packing plants currently disrupted, consumers have an opportunity to purchase market hogs directly from the farm. These pigs destined for local custom processing facilities may have to wait until they can be harvested. Lee Johnston, Pedro Urriola and Sarah Schieck Boelke have put together a fact sheet detailing how consumers can keep market hogs … [Read more...]
Dealing with sudden income loss during COVID-19
When families are faced with financial uncertainty or sudden income loss, addressing the situation takes more than just thinking about dollars and cents, says Lori Hendrickson, Extension Educator and an accredited financial counselor with University of Minnesota Extension. “Often, when layoffs and income reduction happen, we are experiencing shock and denial that keep us from … [Read more...]
Earth Day remembered with biochar for healthier soil
The Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day (began by Senator Gaylord Nelson, who gained a reputation as “the Father of Earth Day” as well as the “Conservation Governor”) may have been overshadowed by coronavirus pandemic updates, yet many Fillmore County readers remembering where they were on April 22, 1970, paused to reflect on the importance of environmental … [Read more...]
Rushford approves relief through flood loan pause
As the COVID-19 struggle continues, the City of Rushford is looking at opportunities to assist local businesses. At the April 27 council meeting, temporary modifications to the city’s Economic Development Authority Flood Recovery Loan Repayment Policy were discussed. Several businesses are receiving some category of flood loan assistance with roughly 20 loans remaining. A … [Read more...]
Melartin proposes July event in Spring Valley
The Spring Valley City Council met in regular session on April 27. Due to social distancing guidelines, the meeting was held at the community center, with all attendees seated with at least six feet of space. Members present included Mayor Tony Archer, Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, John Dols, Mike Hadland and City Administrator Deb Zimmer. Greg Melartin addressed the … [Read more...]
Senator Miller’s latest news from the Capitol
By Sen.Jeremy Miller April 15, 2020 Greetings from the Capitol, I hope you and your family had a wonderful Easter and Passover. The last few weeks have been incredibly busy here in the Senate, and I wanted to quickly fill you in on some updates. Workers’ Comp for first responders and medical professionals The coronavirus is having an unprecedented impact on … [Read more...]
Continuing our work during challenging times
By Tim Penny President/CEO Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation In January I wrote about the importance of having an endowment so that at Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), we can continue to address the emerging needs of our 20-county region through thick and thin. Little did I know at the time how critical this would be for our organization within … [Read more...]
New Fillmore County assessor sworn in
The Fillmore County Board met April 28 via WebEx. The May 5 board meeting will again be held via WebEx due to the emergency declaration regarding COVID-19. The public may access this meeting by dialing 1 (408) 418-9388; access code 969-657-287. Judge Matt Opat administered the oath of office via video connection to Jason McCaslin, the new Fillmore County Assessor. Solid … [Read more...]