During the second quarter of each school year, the Mabel-Canton School Board hosts a joint board meeting with the Mabel and Canton city councils. This year, the joint board meeting was held on Tuesday, December 2, at the Mabel-Canton High School. The joint board meeting is an initiative implemented during Superintendent Gary Kuphal’s tenure at M-C. At the end of each joint … [Read more...]
Full House at the Houston School Board Meeting
The December 4 Houston School Board meeting brought an audience that filled the room; more chairs had to be brought in even. Usually such a full house means that perhaps a public concern has arisen. With a Truth-in-Taxation meeting to be held the same night, one might think there were a lot of disgruntled taxpayers, but neither scenario was the case. Sixteen members of The … [Read more...]
Former Farmers Win Coop Site Redevelopment Meeting
On December 3, over 40 city of Rushford citizens came to the R-P Forum Room to hear an update on the progress thus far on redeveloping the former Farmers Win Coop site in downtown Rushford and share their opinions about its future development. Kristin Prososki from TAB (Technical Assistance to Brownfields) led the meeting and began by reviewing what has happened so far. The … [Read more...]
Project for Improved Accessibility to Root River Planned in Lanesboro
The December 1 Lanesboro City Council meeting opened with the annual Truth-in-Taxation public hearing. City Administrator Mitchell Walbridge explained what the purpose of the hearing was as well as how property taxes are calculated. He noted that residents are able to appeal their property taxes at the Board of Appeals with the county assessor in the spring. The statements that … [Read more...]
Fountain Settles Final Budget
The Fountain City Council set the 2026 budget and levy at the December 3 meeting. The final amount was set at $269,000, representing a 5% increase over 2025. This breaks down to $155,000 for the General Levy, $65,000 for the Sewer Tax Levy, $35,000 for the Capital Improvement Tax Levy, and $15,000 for the Equipment Fund Tax Levy. The council also heard from Fountain Fire … [Read more...]
Caledonia Town Hall Addresses State of Rural Healthcare
The city of Caledonia held a town hall meeting on Tuesday, December 2, at 6 p.m. in the city auditorium to discuss the state of rural healthcare following Mayo Clinic’s announcement that they would be closing its Caledonia clinic at the beginning of December. City Clerk/Administrator Jake Dickson welcomed attendees and explained why the city hosted the forum. “With so … [Read more...]
Ostrander Names New Mayor, Keeps Levy Flat for 2026
The Ostrander City Council met on December 2 with Acting Mayor Dan Hellerud presiding. Council members DJ Start, Jimmie Dean, and Lyn Massey-Mills were present, along with City Clerk Wendy Brincks. After a quick pass through the consent agenda, the council turned to the biggest decision of the night: filling the vacant mayor’s seat. Under state statute, the vacancy required … [Read more...]
Truth in Taxation
Fillmore County’s Truth in Taxation (TNT) hearing was held on December 2. County Administrator Bobbie Hillery explained TNT is about budget; it doesn’t address your property and its valuation. Why do local taxing units of government hold these meetings? Because they are required by Minnesota law. In 1988 the legislature passed a law requiring TNT hearings to encourage … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Jail Project Nears Completion
Possibly before the end of the year the jail project will be complete. At the December 2 meeting of the county board, County Administrator Bobbie Hillery said the sheriff’s team will soon be able to move back to their new offices. The completion of the remodel of the old building is nearly done. Sheriff John DeGeorge looked back reviewing 2025 accomplishments. The master … [Read more...]
Preston Adopts Final Tax Levy
The 2026 budget and levy were approved at the city council’s December 1 meeting. Councilman Steve Hall was absent. City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton, during the Truth and Taxation public hearing, reviewed highpoints from 2025. This hearing is required by the state for the presentation of the final levy resolution. Some of the highpoints he noted include the implementation … [Read more...]