In 1987, homeschooling officially became legal in Minnesota. At the beginning of 2020, the US Census showed that 4.6% of students in Minnesota were being homeschooled, but by October of that same year, that number had risen to 9.7% and continues to grow each year. Nationwide, 11.1% of students were being homeschooled at the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year. Those … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Council Debates Governing Status of Library Board
A public hearing was held at the September 3 Lanesboro City Council meeting to discuss the proposed amendments to ordinance chapter 151 regarding land use, ordinance 30.111 regarding the city’s fee schedule, and ordinance chapter 120 regarding lodging businesses. Lanesboro resident Jon Pieper addressed the council with his concerns about the proposed zoning changes from RA to … [Read more...]
Houston County Approves Disaster Abatements
At their regularly scheduled meeting on September 3, 2024, the Houston County Board of Commissioners approved two disaster abatements. The first abatement was for La Crescent resident Gary Eddy, due to a vehicle accident that resulted in a car damaging their garage. The abatement amounting to $381 is for the last four months of 2024. Eddy will not be applying for a credit … [Read more...]
Won’t You Take Me To Tiny Town
I recently had the pleasure of spending some time with the Huntingtons, and talking about a little town with a big draw that rests upon a hilltop on the backside of their farm. When Bob and Carol Huntington purchased their 168 acre farm back in December 1979, they probably didn’t envision how this property would some day become the center of attention for their … [Read more...]
Kingsland Board Discusses Referendum
The upcoming referendum was the main topic of conversation for the Kingsland School Board during their August 19 meeting. Pat Overom, of ICS Consulting Inc., reviewed the referendum handbook saying, “The intent of this is to outline your roles as board members and district staff, the process that was gone through, challenges the district is currently facing and it really … [Read more...]
Fountain Pushes Ordinance Awareness
The city of Fountain has worked to address ordinance non-compliance in recent years and is making a push for citizens to be more aware. While the ordinances are listed on the city website (fountainmn.org), many issues are still falling by the wayside. City Clerk Mary Tjepkes notified the council at the September 4 meeting that the ordinances will put the reminder on … [Read more...]
Village Digs Into Budget
At the September 3 meeting, the Rushford Village council learned that the current budget is sitting surprisingly well. However, having unexpected expenses crop up the last few years, there’s some palpable uncertainty. City Clerk Mary Miner presented an updated 2025 budget for the council to review. It includes health insurance costs, $24,000 for the follow-up of the … [Read more...]
Preston Increases Police Officer Pay Scale
Chief Blaise Sass addressed the city council at the September 3 meeting. Sass has been working with city staff and Mayor Kurt Reicks to come up with suggestions to attract more police officer candidates and to retain officers once they are hired. Reicks explained, “We have been struggling with hiring and retaining police officers for a long time. Pay should be comparable to … [Read more...]
Ostrander Decides on Budget for a New Truck
By Zech Sindt This month’s Ostrander city council meeting took place on September 3 with all members present, including Lyn Massey-Mills, Dan Hellerud, DJ Start, Vernon Thompson, Mayor Pam Kunert and City Clerk Wendy Brincks. The meeting was short with only a few topics on the agenda. First on the list was the city maintenance department’s need for fuel for two … [Read more...]
Brownsville Council Holds Public Hearing to Vacate Second Street N.
The Brownsville City Council meeting was called to order by Mayor Meyer at 7:06 p.m. on September 4. Councilmembers Barb Hurley, Pam Walhovd, Bill Fitzpatrick, Tim Klug, and Mayor Meyer were present, constituting a quorum. City employees present included City Clerk Steve Schuldt, Dean Twite of City Maintenance, and City Treasurer Jenna Knight. Brownsville Mayor Jean Meyer … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Road/Bridge Capital Improvement Plan
At the September 3 board meeting ,a public hearing was set for September 24 at 10 a.m. for comment on the five year Capital Improvement Plan for roads and bridges (2025-2030), including the use of Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) funding. When LOST dollars are to be used, a public hearing is required. Without the availability of LOST dollars, more funds would need to come from … [Read more...]
Miranda Schroeder Competes for Princess Kay of the Milky Way
Nineteen-year-old Miranda Schroeder, of Caledonia, Minn., represented Houston County in the 71st Princess Kay of the Milky Way competition at the 2024 Minnesota State Fair. Left, Schroeder is posing alongside her butter sculpture. Her mom and dad, Daniel and Sheila Schroeder are also shown along with Miranda inside the cooler. Miranda is a student at Minnesota State College … [Read more...]
Gary and Sandy Klinski Named 2024 Outstanding Conservationists
By Jean Meiners The Root River Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is proud to announce that Gary and Sandy Klinski have been awarded the 2024 Minnesota Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts Outstanding Conservationist. The MASWCD recognizes individuals for outstanding accomplishments with implementing conservation practices and improving Minnesota’s … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Relay for Life Raises Over $67,000 Despite Challenges
The Fillmore County Relay for Life, held on July 12 in Spring Valley, Minn., was a resounding success, with 13 teams raising over $67,000 so far in 2024. Despite unforeseen challenges, including downtown flooding just days before the event, organizers Brenda Stier and Rita Bezdicek (above right) worked tirelessly to ensure the event went on as planned, salvaging essential … [Read more...]
Rushford’s New City Attorney
At their regular August 26 meeting, the Rushford City Council appointed Wieser Law Office, Al Wieser, III (Skip), as the city’s prosecutorial attorney. A new city attorney was needed to replace the former city attorney Dwight Luhmann who is now the Third Judicial District judge for Winona County’s District Court. The new contract stipulates the general prosecution fee of … [Read more...]