The Lanesboro City Council meeting took place via video conference on June 1 and opened with a public hearing to consider a set back requirement variance request from Brian Roelofs. The Planning and Zoning committee had already approved it and recommended that the council do the same. There were no comments or questions from the public and the variance was approved. Chris … [Read more...]
Some Memorial Day ceremonies commenced
Memorial Day, the day on which those who died in active military service are remembered, was not forgotten. Out of 22 veterans organizations in Fillmore, Houston and Mower Counties, including American Legions, VFWs, and the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, the majority of organizations canceled their programs amid concerns relating to the coronavirus and social … [Read more...]
City Charter amendment discussed
The Charter Commission has recommended certain amendments to the Charter of the city of Chatfield. A public hearing was held regarding the commission’s proposal at the May 26 city council meeting held via WebEx. The Charter Commission is an independent/separate body made up of 15 Chatfield citizens. When the commission makes a recommendation to the city council to amend the … [Read more...]
Unemployment rate jumps to 8.1% in April First full month of COVID-19 impact shows decrease of nearly 360,000 jobs
Minnesota’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 8.1% in April according to numbers released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. The number of unemployed Minnesotans increased by 160,627 to a total of 249,453 from March to April. Seasonally adjusted payroll employment decreased by 359,800 jobs in April, or 12.2% with the private … [Read more...]
Public access to Fillmore County facilities as of June 1
The Fillmore County Board met on May 26 via WebEx. COVID-19 issues were attached to almost every item on the agenda. A third extension of the county’s State of Emergency for continuing operations regarding the coronavirus was approved unanimously, extending the declaration to June 23. Public access to county facilities will be allowed as of June 1. Safety precautions will … [Read more...]
Rushford preps for Phase II of COVID-19 response
As Minnesota prepares to shift from Phase I of the state’s COVID-19 response plan, businesses are working to find ways to achieve requirements while getting local economies humming again. Per Governor Tim Walz’s Stay Safe Plan, Phase II begins June 1 with the guided reopening of restaurants and bars, personal care services/salons, retail, outdoor spaces, youth sports and … [Read more...]
Approval recommended for electric substation upgrade
The Fillmore County Planning Commission met via WebEx for their May 21 meeting. A conditional use permit applied for by ITC Midwest, LLC to rebuild an existing substation in Sumner Township was considered. During the public hearing David Gross, representing ITC Midwest, explained they are proposing to rebuild an existing substation. They will be adding additional land … [Read more...]
LinkMe Lanesboro to be a valuable tool
When there are needs to be met by residents of a city, and volunteers to fulfill these needs, it seems that there should be a way to connect the two. A way to keep an entire city in touch with each other and stay informed about the many aspects of being a resident of that town by a simple click of a mouse or by making a quick phone call. A group of Lanesboro residents has … [Read more...]
Spring Valley Summer Rec canceled
The Spring Valley City Council met in regular session on May 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. Park & Rec Director John … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central seniors graduate with outdoor ceremony
“I’m very happy that we were able to have a revised graduation and everyone was able to wear their cap and gown and come up on the podium to receive their diploma,” Principal Heath Olstad said at the May 26 Fillmore Central School Board meeting. After canceling the original graduation ceremony due to COVID-19, there were concerns that the seniors would miss that milestone event … [Read more...]