On June 8, 2020, the Minnesota Court of Appeals confirmed that the Amish community in Fillmore County is not exempt from installing septic systems which comply with Minnesota requirements. The Court of Appeals concluded that graywater contains viruses, organic materials, chemicals, and many other contaminants which threaten groundwater and the environment. The Court of Appeals … [Read more...]
Houston County WIC continues to provide services
Houston County WIC continues to provide nutrition education and benefits, however all WIC appointments will take place over the phone. If your economic situation or job status has changed, check the Minnesota WIC website for eligibility information. At Houston County, the health and well-being of our clients, colleagues and community are our top priority. Given the evolving … [Read more...]
Canton City Council continues discussion of utility rates and legal issues
The regular June meeting was held in the Town Hall once again to allow for social distancing requirements. Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. with all members present. Previous meeting minutes and consent agenda items were approved as presented. Mayor Johnson clarified that Abby’s Concessions donation for utilizing city electrical is donated to the fire … [Read more...]
Senator Jeremy Miller to seek reelection
Minnesota State Senator Jeremy Miller (R-Winona) announced that he will seek reelection to a fourth term in the Minnesota Senate. Miller represents Minnesota’s 28th district, which includes Fillmore, Houston, and Winona Counties. He was elected in 2010, and reelected in 2012 and 2016. He currently serves as President of the Senate. Miller is a strong advocate on issues … [Read more...]
Peterson looking to work with property owners
Business is just starting to get back to normal for the City of Peterson. As temperatures have warmed, members of the council have completed a walkabout of city properties to access for any ordinance violations. It’s an effort the city has been keen on the last several years. Letters were sent to 19 property owners and detailed the city’s desire for a positive community … [Read more...]
Whalan City Council meets virtually in June
The Whalan City Council continued meeting virtually for the June 8, 2020, regularly scheduled monthly council meeting. Engaged in the Zoom meeting were Mayor Marlys Tuftin, Council members Kim Berekvam, Owen Lewis and Tanya Cook, along with City Clerk/Administrator Michele Peterson. Council member Thore “Everett” Johnson was absent. Minutes of the regular scheduled … [Read more...]
Spring Valley approves TIF housing plan
The Spring Valley City Council held several types of meetings on June 8. First, beginning at 5:35 p.m., the council held a work session regarding the city’s capital planning. The work session was immediately followed by a public hearing about the proposed Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) District No. 1-16. Then, starting at 6:20 p.m., the council held a regular council meeting. … [Read more...]
Swimming Pool Preparedness Plan approved
At the June 8 Chatfield City Council meeting, a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan was approved for the swimming pool, which is one of the last steps needed to open the pool. Brian Burkholder said the pool has been inspected and once the Preparedness Plan is submitted to Olmsted County the pool could open at 50% capacity (189 people). The plan details how the pool will operate during … [Read more...]
Salons and barbershops in a hairy situation
Since 5 p.m. on March 17, 2020, when Governor Walz announced that all hair salons and barbershops would need to close in order to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, most patrons never realized they wouldn’t reunite with their hair care specialist for nearly three months. Never in the history of America has there ever been a time when people can recall that it was … [Read more...]
Will area swimming pools open for the summer?
With the temperatures already hovering above 90 degrees, a dip in a swimming pool would be refreshing. The rural communities in Fillmore and Houston Counties are fortunate to have city-run swimming pools in communities like Chatfield, Preston, Rushford, Spring Grove, and Spring Valley. But, due to concerns relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing, as of the … [Read more...]