County Administrator Bobbie Hillery called the January 2 annual meeting to order and presided over the election of officers for 2024. Duane Bakke was elected chairman and Marc Prestby was elected vice-chairman. Bakke highlighted county ongoing projects: the veterans home, jail construction with the first phase to be completed in the fall, work on extending the five-year plan, … [Read more...]
Preston Attends to Annual Business
The Preston city council held its first meeting of the new year on January 2. The relatively short agenda dealt with routine annual business. City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton asked council members if they recommended any changes to the list of proposed 2024 appointments to the various boards, commissions and appointed positions. No one asked for any changes. Charles … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Council Discusses 2024 Filthy 50
Kara Maloney from Lanesboro Arts spoke to the Lanesboro City Council at their January 2 meeting. As a past participant in the Filthy 50 bike race, she stated that she is in favor of the event and sees it as an economic driver for Lanesboro businesses. However, she noted that she has concerns about the proposed street closures on the day of the race, citing concerns that … [Read more...]
Houston County Commissioners Elect New Chairman
The first order of business at the January 2, 2024, Houston County Commission meeting was the election of the 2024 board chairman and vice chair. Commissioner Eric Johnson will take the lead as chairman and Commissioner Bob Schuldt will step into the role as vice-chairman. Board Clerk Allison Wagner promptly called the meeting to order at 9 a.m. and led the board and the … [Read more...]
Ostrander Council Adopts New Law Enforcement Contract
The Ostrander City Council held a brief January 2 meeting, covering topics including its law enforcement service contract, city attorney services, and investment of city funds. The council made its final approval of the 2024 Law Enforcement Services Agreement with Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office. The contract, which has been a major topic of discussion for the council over … [Read more...]
Brownsville to Continue Flying Current Minnesota State Flag
The Brownsville City Council unanimously approved to continue flying the current Minnesota State flag at the January 3, 2024, council meeting until further notified. Councilmember William (Bill) Fitzpatrick stated regarding the state’s decision to redesign the flag and the logo, “What a waste of time and money!” Mayor Jean Meyer summarized the proclamation included in the … [Read more...]
Fatal Crash in Sumner Township
According to Fillmore County Sheriff John DeGeorge, on December 21, 2023, at approximately 9:29 p.m., a 911 caller reported a single vehicle crash on Fillmore County Road 4 near the intersection of Fillmore County Road 38 in Sumner Township. Fillmore County deputies responded to the scene and found the driver and sole occupant, 27-year-old Jessica Nicole Aspenwall of Wykoff, … [Read more...]
Jones Faces Sentencing on February 12
Fillmore County Judge Jeremy L. Clinefelter found Mindy Jo Jones guilty of eight out of 14 counts. Jones was found guilty on the charges of two counts of Theft by Swindle, two counts of Theft by Check, three counts of Theft Take/Use/Transfer Movable Property-No Consent, and one count of Issuance Dishonored Check-Offense. While Mindy Jones owned and operated a retail store … [Read more...]
Rushford Sets Hearing for Funding Request
At the December 26 meeting, the Rushford Council heard details of an Economic Development Authority (EDA) request from Brilliance Web Design, DBA Brilliance Business Solutions for the purchase of the Johnson & James Properties, Norsland Lefse & Norsland Bakery & Cafe. According to the provided documentation, the EDA reviewed the request at their December 20 meeting. The … [Read more...]
Fillmore and Houston County Land Rent Survey Results
By Katie Drewitz University of Minnesota Extension Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s land rent survey. Survey results indicate relatively flat rates in Fillmore County. Houston County saw a small increase in rates from the 2022-2023 survey. Historic rates and land rent resources are available at both the Fillmore and Houston County Extension … [Read more...]
Houston County Employees Recognized for Service
Twelve Houston County employees were recognized for their years of service to the county at the county’s December 26 commission meeting. Thirty-five-year awards to David J. Bauer and Mary A. Zaffke; 30-year award to Julie A. Renk; 25-year award to Holly S. Felten; 20-year awards to Christopher C. Tuveson and Julie K. Von Arx-Abnet; 15-year awards to Anthony T. Dockter, William … [Read more...]
Ask a Trooper
Question: Can a parent with a revoked license still accompany a permit driver? Answer: No, they cannot. A permit holder may drive under the supervision of a parent, guardian or other licensed driver 21 or older occupying the seat beside them. • The permit holder must have the permit in possession to drive. • It’s illegal for drivers under age 18 to use a cell phone, … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendments
At the December 21 meeting of the Planning Commission, public hearings were held on proposed language changes to Rural Home Based Business, Section 734 and to Subsurface Sewage Treatment System (SSTS) Ordinance, Section 802. The proposed language change to Section 734 will remove the Crop Equivalency Rating (CER). The CER soil requirement had previously been removed for new … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central Approves 2024 Levy
Superintendent Heath Olstad reviewed the current budget and proposed property tax levy for 2024 with the board, as part of the Truth in Taxation hearing at the December 19 Fillmore Central School Board meeting. The board approved the total proposed school tax levy in the amount of $1,743,308.68. Superintendent Olstad said that the Christmas concerts at both the elementary and … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton School Certifies Levy
The Mabel-Canton (M-C) school held its annual Truth in Taxation hearing on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at the beginning of the regularly scheduled school board meeting. Time was allotted for public comment and discussion as required by state law. Business Manager Aimee Lake reviewed the process and the 2023-2024 school budget as it pertained to the certification of the … [Read more...]