Brownsville City Council members met Wednesday, November 1 at the Brownsville Community Center. Council members present included Mayor Jean Meyer, Pam Walhovd, Barb Hurley and Tim Klug. In addition, City Clerk Steve Schuldt, City Treasurer Jenna Knight and Maintenance Dean Twite attended. In a change of pace, a fire district meeting took place starting at 7 p.m. The fire … [Read more...]
With Snow on the Horizon, Mabel Plans for the 2024 Mowing Season
The Mabel City Council renewed liquor and cigarette licenses for Mabel BP, Mabel Liquor, Mabel American Legion, and Joe’s Pizza Palace & Pub at the November 8 city council meeting. Mayor Adam Wilder announced that alternative side parking has started. The date for the joint board meeting with the Mabel-Canton School Board and the Canton City Council is scheduled for … [Read more...]
Preston Historical Society Historic Campus and Riverfront Plans Discussed
At the November 6 meeting of the Preston City Council, the Historical Society’s Phase II plan for the Historic Campus and Riverfront was discussed. Committee members provided an update on the masterplan for the project. Council members Charles Sparks, Steve Hall and Flossie Schultz are members of the Preston Historical Society (PHS). Sparks noted that during his 13 years on … [Read more...]
Farm Family: A Family Affair
November’s farm family interview included not only mom and dad, Ryan and Molly Kappers, but their four young children, Haiden, Emily, Olivia and Avery, who range in age from 3 to 10. At the beginning of the interview, the kids were hesitant to talk, but as the interview progressed, they eagerly answered questions and shared their stories. Once outside, the kids became excited … [Read more...]
They Keep Answering the Call to Serve
Acknowledging membership in the American Legion, Commander of Post 68, Nathan Pike and District Commander Mark Maloney presented pins and certificates recognizing 16 veterans. “What personally does membership in the American Legion mean?” was the question asked to each veteran. Among these awards were 70-year pins for two members, Roy Christopherson and Harlan Marchant. … [Read more...]
Prevent 22 Task Force Donates $10,000
Did you know that an average of 22 veterans commit suicide daily in the U.S.? That’s a shocking number of veterans who faithfully served our country, isn’t it? Well, Flo Litwinczuk thought so too when she learned the statistic and she and some friends decided they needed to do something about it. For 25 years Flo and her friends had been doing benefits and fundraising for … [Read more...]
Fountain Forced to Make Repairs
At the November 1 meeting, the Fountain Council learned from Public Works Director John Hanson that the city must replace a part at the north lift station repair, located near the intersection of Highway 52 and County Road 11. “This past weekend, we noticed one pump was running almost 24 hours a day,” said Hanson. After inspection with Dan Shimota of W.W. Geotsch & … [Read more...]
Meet the New Teachers at Grand Meadow Public Schools
Four new teachers joined Grand Meadow Public Schools this year. The Fillmore County Journal asked each of them a few questions to introduce them to the community. Faith Gehling Faith Gehling teaches sixth grade math and science. She’s also the varsity cheerleading coach and co-advisor for the National Honor Society. Gehling grew up in Grand Meadow, where she graduated … [Read more...]
Chatfield Schools Welcomes Three New Staff
Sara Kling-Punt Sara Kling-Punt was hired this year as a K-12 Student Support Coordinator and is also a licensed school social worker. She will work with the elementary school social worker, Ashley Kester, and will be teaching social emotional learning skills at the elementary. She will also be the 504 coordinator for the district and work with high school students as … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central Preps for Winter Sports Season
Jason Boynton from Smith & Schafer presented the 2022-2023 audit report to the Fillmore Central School Board at their October 24 meeting. The district’s financial statements received an unmodified clean report. The average daily membership is currently at 586 students, a number that has been decreasing over the last 6-8 years. The audit report was approved as presented. … [Read more...]
Chatfield’s 2024 CEDA Contract
The Chatfield City Council’s October 23 meeting was relatively brief. Councilor Josh Broadwater was absent. The contract between Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA) and the Chatfield EDA was approved for a period of one year beginning January 1, 2024. The city receives staffing services, expertise, and materials to assist with the EDA’s community and … [Read more...]
Rushford Engineer Pressuring Builder
With the clock ticking, Rushford is putting pressure on airport hangar contractor Olympic Builders for a project to begin this past spring. At the October 23 council meeting, Acting Mayor Jim O’Donnell, filling in for Mayor Terri Benson, noted that City Engineer Matt Wagner of Mead & Hunt is pressuring the contractor after attempts to get a response went unanswered. The … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Option Agreement for POP Site
At the October 24 meeting of the county board, a proposed agreement concerning a Preston forfeiture property was discussed. The former Preston Oil site (119 Mill Street SW) went into tax forfeiture in 2018. The city of Preston has since had the underground tanks removed. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has monitored the site, and a mitigation plan has been … [Read more...]
College News
Spring 2023 Honors List •Concordia Universtiy - Chicago: Madison Krage, Preston Summer 2023 Honors List •Southern New Hampshire University: Jordan Patten, Rushford •Western Technical College: Angela Halverson, Spring Grove; Colten Miller, Mabel; Jordyn Newgard, Canton Summer 2023 Graduation •University of Wisconsin - La Crosse: Jake Mandt, Chatfield, BS General Studies … [Read more...]
Employee Recognized for 35 Years of Service to Houston County
Houston County Commissioner Eric Johnson recognized and thanked David Bauer, highway maintenance specialist senior, for his 35 years of service to the county at the October 24 regularly scheduled meeting of the Houston County Commission. Also thanked for their service to the county were Nicole Konkel and Erin Woods. Chairman Dewey Severson call the meeting to order at 9 a.m. … [Read more...]