Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (SMMPA) today announced its plan to reshape its generation portfolio through the retirement of the Sherco 3 coal-fired power plant and replace it primarily with wind and solar generation. The plan would result in a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions from 2005 levels and 80% carbon-free energy on an annual basis in 2030. “We have a unique … [Read more...]
Housing rehabilitation loans
Semcac, a Community Action Agency serving southeastern Minnesota, has funds available through Minnesota Housing for housing rehabilitation loans for eligible homeowners in Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Rice, Steele, Wabasha and Winona counties. This loan is a 0% interest rate loan (no monthly payments) with a 15-year term or a 10-year term for … [Read more...]
Economic development discussed with Rep. Davids
Technology consultant Steve Vetter and Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA) Vice President of Government Relations Chris Giesen are pictured with State Representative Greg Davids (R-Preston) at his State Capitol office in St. Paul. The men visited about economic development opportunities in Fillmore and Houston counties. … [Read more...]
Chatfield School Board hears coronavirus recommendations
The Chatfield School Board met in regular session on March 4. Board members present included Scott Backer, Amy Jeffers, Katie Priebe, and Rick Lowrey. Matt McMahon and Lanny Isensee were absent. Also attending were Superintendent Ed Harris, Lorri Lowrey (administrative assistant), Krista O’Connor (business manager), and Luann Klevan (Community Education … [Read more...]
NAMI Southeast Minnesota and Zumbro Valley Medical Society bring safeTALK for agriculture communities to southeast Minnesota Suicide prevention training for agricultural communities
“Suicide rates for farmers are five times higher than the national average [and even] double the rate for military veterans.” NAMI SE MN and Zumbro Valley Medical Society are sponsoring safeTALK training workshops for the agricultural communities. People will learn how to prevent suicide by recognizing signs, engaging someone, and connecting them to an intervention … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Council approves dump truck purchase
At the March 2 Lanesboro City Council meeting, Public Works Director David Haugen presented several options for replacing the city’s dump truck, which included purchasing a used truck, refurbishing the current one, or having a new one built. He was not able to find a used single axle dump truck for sale and the tandem axle used trucks available won’t fit in the shop. The cost … [Read more...]
Coronavirus update from Fillmore County Public Health
March 3, 2020 – Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses common in both humans and many different species of animals. The current Coronavirus disease is called COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 is believed to be spread from person to person through coughs and sneezes and by being in close contact of people with the illness. Coronavirus symptoms include: fever, cough, … [Read more...]
Construction begins at Lanesboro school
At the February 20 Lanesboro School Board meeting, Superintendent Matt Schultz informed the board that construction has begun on the facilities project. A project meeting is planned to be held the following week. Schultz noted that Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is pushing for legislation making Earth Science a required credit for high school. The class is currently offered at … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central enters negotiations with new superintendent
At their February 25 meeting, the Fillmore Central School Board approved a motion to enter into negotiations with Heath Olstad for the position of superintendent. Olstad will continue to serve as the high school principal, and the position of K-6 principal will be posted. Thanks were extended to Mrs. Biel, Ms. Lindstrom, and Mrs. Woellert for organizing the Breakfast Club … [Read more...]
Community Health Improvement Plan
At the February 25 Fillmore County Board meeting, Jessica Erickson, director of nursing, led a discussion on the Fillmore-Houston Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). The plan is developed every five years and covers the entire area of both counties. Public health issues have been identified and prioritized. Individuals, the public, and organizations were involved with … [Read more...]