4-H Club Legend AHF - Arendahl Hi-Flyers, BC - Bloomfield Cloverleaves, CC - Carimona Cruisers, CW - Challenging Workers, HHH - Harmony Helping Hands, I- Independent, LL - Lanesboro Livewires, MBB - Mabel Busy Bees, NGG - Norway Go-Getters, RRR - Root River Rabbits Beef Supreme Beef: Eliza Aggen, HHH Champion Dairy Steer: Sawyer Johnson, CC; Reserve Champion: Everett … [Read more...]
Harmony Resident Speaks Out Against Data Center
During the public forum portion of the September 8 Harmony City Council meeting, Harmony resident Ann Lyons spoke about the recent joint planning session at which community feedback was discussed in regards to the proposed data center ordinance. “I find it very disingenuous that residents were not able to speak at the meeting,” Lyons stated. She noted that a lifelong friend of … [Read more...]
Preston Discusses 2027 Budget
The proposed 2027 budget and levy was presented with a 5% increase at the September 8 meeting of the city council. This would amount to an increase of $67,267 over the 2026 budget. Councilman Steve Hall said he didn’t think the proposed budget was realistic, adding he didn’t know what a fair number is. He continued to maintain that the city’s Comprehensive Plan should be … [Read more...]
What Does the Proposed MariBell Transmission Link Look Like for Fillmore and Houston Counties?
The proposed MariBell Transmission Project has become a major talking point for communities in Fillmore and Houston counties as utilities seek approval for a high-voltage line that developers say is needed to strengthen the regional electric grid. Opponents say the project could permanently alter farmland, landscapes, and rural communities and affect the health of landowners. … [Read more...]
109 Elmwood Street East Will Not Be Rezoned
The owners of a duplex at 109 Elmwood Street East addressed the council during the public comment period of the Lanesboro City Council regular meeting on September 8. They requested a zoning change so they could rent the whole duplex as a short-term air B&B rental. A request for a CUP (conditional use permit) had been previously denied, and a commercial zoning had been … [Read more...]
Lanesboro School Board Hears Transportation and HVED Updates
At their September 9 regular board meeting, the Lanesboro School Board heard presentations from both Lanesboro Transportation Director Chad Wangen and HVED (Hiawatha Valley Education District) Executive Director Deb Marcotte. Wangen shared that the DOT had once again visited to inspect the buses on the first day of school. Wangen reported the buses successfully passed the … [Read more...]
Chatfield School Board Hears Cell Phone Policy Update
At the September 9, 2026, school board meeting, board members David Sovinski, Tom Keefe, Josh Thompson, Jill Harstad and Mark Johnsrud were present. Board member Katie Priebe was not present. Also present were Superintendent Ed Harris, elementary principal, Shane McBroom, and high school principal, Eric Nelson. Student senate representatives Lucy Allen and Zaylee Boyum were … [Read more...]
Mabel Council Approves Levy, Project Changes; Honors Tim Mengis for 30 Years with EMS
The Mabel City Council recognized Mabel resident and business owner Tim Mengis with a plaque for 30 years of service with Mabel EMS during the Mabel City Council meeting Wednesday, September 9. The meeting was called to order at 6 p.m. by Mayor Adam Wilder. Council members present were Kelly Sand, Valerie Arnold, Tina Bakke and Kirsten Wyffels. Others in attendance included … [Read more...]
Peterson Approves Ordinance Amendments in 3:2 Vote
Visitor chairs were full at the September 8 Peterson Council meeting as the city took amendments to its A-1 Agricultural District and Floodplain Ordinance under review. The discussion has been ruminating since March of this year when area residents and Peterson business owners Matt and Jenny Helgemoe proposed a campground on agricultural land north of the city. City Attorney … [Read more...]
Ostrander Approves Preliminary Levy, Seeks Propane and Garbage Bids
The Ostrander City Council met September 1 with Mayor DJ Start presiding. Council members Jimmie Dean, Lyn Massey-Mills and Dan Hellerud were present, along with City Clerk Wendy Brincks and Maintenance Supervisor Jeremy Runkle. Council member Brodi Nesler was absent. The council approved a proposed property tax levy of $192,291 for taxes payable in 2027, holding the levy at … [Read more...]