The Spring Valley City Council began their Monday, August 10, meeting with an update on the 2026 Downtown Project including a change order to expand the project slightly. “We were made aware of some sanitary sewer issues associated with the community center. After talking with city staff and the contractor we have in town, there is an opportunity to extend the sanitary sewer … [Read more...]
Chatfield School Board Raises Substitute Pay
At the August 12, 2026, school board meeting, board members David Sovinski. Tom Keefe, Josh Thompson and Katie Priebe were present. Board members Jill Harstad and Mark Johnsrud were absent. Also present were Superintendent Ed Harris, elementary Principal Shane McBroom, high school Principal Eric Nelson and Athletic Director Matt Mauseth. Reports Tom Keefe, who represents the … [Read more...]
Fill Up at Spring Valley Ag Days
Spring Valley Ag Days, August 18-23, dishes up a menu of culinary delights that are sure to please everyone’s palate. Planning committee volunteer Stacey Rath shared, “Ag Days has so many food options for our community event.” Here’s a quick look at some of the food available at this year’s Ag Days celebration. Rath said the drive thru community picnic at First State Bank, … [Read more...]
Chatfield Accepts Proposal for Civil Legal Services
Two proposals for city attorney were considered at the August 10 meeting of the Chatfield City Council. Councilor Pam Bluhm was absent. The proposals for civil legal services had been submitted by Flaherty & Hood, P.A. and GDO Law. City Administrator Michele Peterson recommended Flaherty & Hood after a review of both firms. Flaherty & Hood is a larger firm but has … [Read more...]
Whalan City Council Waits for Response From DNR
As the Whalan City Council met on August 10, they had yet to receive a response from the MN DNR after multiple attempts regarding the yearly agreement document and subsequent reimbursement from the DNR for trail maintenance that normally takes place. Present at the meeting were Mayor David Hallum along with council members Sheila Higbe, Thore E. Johnson, Owen Lewis and Kim … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Continues 2027 Budgeting Process
County Administrator Bobbie Hillery provided an early preliminary budget percentage increase for 2027 at the county board’s August 11 meeting. Commissioner Larry Hindt was absent and Commissioner Duane Bakke participated through Zoom. The spreadsheet provided by Hillery shows a levy increase of over 12%. The county does not have a firm number on health insurance costs yet, … [Read more...]
Caledonia Legion Softball Team Wins State Title
Just a couple months removed from winning the Section 1AA title in high school softball and taking fifth (consolation champs) in their first ever state berth, girls softball players from Caledonia added another notch to their impressive belt. The Caledonia Post #191 Legion team were substate Southeast Champions. At state, Caledonia beat Bemidji 19-1, Wayzata 9-0, and then … [Read more...]
Houston Trip to London and Paris Approved
At the Houston School Board’s regular meeting on August 6, the board heard a presentation by Ms. Kristen Rohloff, an English teacher at MNVA. Rohloff requested permission to offer an eight-day trip to London and Paris in 2028. Rohloff had been a chaperone on the recent Scotland/Ireland trip and had been impressed by EF Tours. “They were very seamless; they had back up plans … [Read more...]
17 Lead Utility Lines to be Replaced in Harmony
At the August 12 Harmony City Council meeting, the consent agenda was approved and included the minutes of the July 14 meeting, the claims and July checks, the investment report, the cash balances, and the budget, as well as a step increase for City Administrator Alissa Stelpflug. The Personnel Committee noted that Stelpflug’s hard work and dedication has been proven through … [Read more...]
Mabel City Council Approves CUP After Public Hearing
The Mabel City Council held a public hearing on a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) request from Greg and Linda Turner before the regular city council meeting on August 12. Greg Turner clearly explained the couple’s intention, “We are applying for a conditional use permit to place a portable building on a vacant lot (Gjere addition, lot 8, block 1) for a building permit. The … [Read more...]