Caledonia Police Chief Kurt Zehnder shared an in-depth picture of his department’s activities in 2025 during the March 9 regular meeting of the Caledonia City Council. The Caledonia Police Department has five full-time officers with a combined total of just over 100 years in law enforcement. In 2025, the department responded to 2,011 total calls for service, down from … [Read more...]
Fr. Gawarecki Sews His Own Vestments
Father Nicholas Gawarecki, pastor of the local Holy Family Catholic Parishes, has many hobbies including cooking, woodworking, playing Ultimate Frisbee, working out at the gym, playing piano, singing and sewing. Fr. Nicholas has applied his sewing skills to sew somewhat unique items – his own vestments. As a child, Fr. Nicholas learned to sew from his mother. She had cut … [Read more...]
Age Friendly Fillmore County Shared with Chatfield Council
At the March 9 meeting of the Chatfield City Council. Cathy French provided an informational update on Age Friendly Fillmore County. Age Friendly is a nationwide program involving age friendly communities and their volunteers. French has lived in Chatfield for 47 years; her husband has been a resident of Chatfield his whole life. Nearly 21% of the population is 65 or … [Read more...]
Semester Tests and Virtual Meetings Discussed at Lanesboro
Much of the Lanesboro School Board meeting on March 11 was spent discussing two items – semester tests linked to attendance and virtual options for school board meetings. The first discussion came after Superintendent Matt Schultz updated the board on the policy committee meeting held the week before. Schultz informed the board that the committee had spent an hour and a half … [Read more...]
Peterson Authorizes Application or Funding
The March 11 Peterson meeting, the city council was noticeably smaller than normal, just meeting quorum. Councilors Gail Boyum and Tracy Seelbinder, in a planned absence, were representing the city at the state capitol. The council unanimously authorized application or Lead Replacement Funding. This follows as part of the federal Lead and Copper Rule Revisions. Peterson … [Read more...]
Petition for EAW for Bruening Pit Approved
A petition was received by the Environmental Quality Board (EQB) in February requesting the preparation of an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for a proposed Bruening Rock Products 250 Pit near Lanesboro. At the March 10 Fillmore County board meeting the proposed pit was discussed. EQB determined that the county is the appropriate government unit to decide whether or … [Read more...]
Wykoff Council Reviews Wastewater Projects, Approves New Parking Restrictions
Wastewater operations, storm warning sirens, park improvements, and new parking restrictions were among the topics discussed as the Wykoff City Council met on March 9. Mayor Ryan Breckenridge chaired the meeting with council members Jeffrey Hare, Barbara Fate, Jane Baker and Missy Musel present. City Administrator Becky Schmidt also attended. During the visitors portion of … [Read more...]
Spring Valley Council Hears Audit Report, Plea to Bring Drag Race Home
On Monday, March 9, the Spring Valley City Council welcomed Kali Lentz of CohnReznick, formerly Smith Schafer, as she shared the annual audit report. The audit showed the general property tax levy represented 35% of the total governmental revenues in 2025 with $1,898,431. The tax increment financing (TIF) decreased by $23,512 to $19,545. The local government aid … [Read more...]
Chatfield School Board Approves Veterans’ Memorial Donation
Prior to the regular meeting on March 11, the school board had a special board meeting to look at the budget and multi-year financial update. Superintendent Harris stated that the district is currently operating in a budget environment shaped by several significant factors. The primary drivers include declining student enrolment, accelerated inflationary cost increases since … [Read more...]
Whalan To Hold Public Meeting
The Whalan City Council will hold a public meeting at the end of March to inform residents of proposed liquor license regulations and rate changes. Present at the March 9, 2026, council meeting were Mayor David Hallum along with council members Thore E. Johnson, Sheila Higbe, Owen Lewis (via Zoom) and Kim Berekvam. City Clerk/Treasurer Teresa Grossell was also in … [Read more...]