ROCHESTER, MN – On May 13, 2025, the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council (SEMAC) Board of Directors announced the awarding of $345,985 in arts programming grants to nonprofit organizations and schools throughout Southeastern Minnesota. These grants will support diverse arts and cultural programming and strengthen creative communities across the region. The funding includes: … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Approves Three-Year Contract with LELS
The county has been in contract negotiations with Law Enforcement Labor Services (LELS) for a few months. At the July 1 meeting of the county board a three-year union contract was approved pending the union’s approval. Bobbie Hillery, county administrator, and Lindsi Engle, human resource officer, met with the LELS team with input from David Drown & Associates to … [Read more...]
Village Audited; Wades Through Public Works Items
At the July 1 meeting, the Rushford Village Council welcomed Bill Sherry from Engleson & Associates. Sherry presented the summary findings of the 2024 audit. The village was issued a clean audit. Limited segregation of duties was noted as a risk, as is noted annually. “There’s not a whole lot going on,” said Sherry. Total cash and investments increased $100,000 last … [Read more...]
Emergency Resolution Approved After June 25 Storms Caused Over $120K in Damage
Chairman Eric Johnson called the July 1 regular meeting of the Houston County Commission to order at 9 a.m. All commissioners present at the July 1 meeting: District 1 - Cindy Wright, District 2 - Eric Johnson, District 3 - Kurt Zehnder, District 4 - Bob Schuldt, and District 5 - Greg Myhre. During the meeting, Houston County Emergency Management Director Mark Olson … [Read more...]
Rushford Days Offers Fun for All Ages, July 16-20
No need to rush to Rushford, Minn., for Rushford Days, happening July 16-20, there’s plenty for all ages to do and enjoy. “Mark your calendars and join us in celebrating Rushford Days 2025. We look forward to seeing you there and sharing these unforgettable experiences together!” exclaimed organizer Jennifer Feine. Collectible pinback buttons can be purchased in advance for … [Read more...]
R-P School Waiting for Clarification on Building Financing
The June 23 Rushford-Peterson School Board meeting had a certification of the proposed building referendum on the agenda. This certification needed to be sent to the state for review and approval. Last week a question concerning whether a daycare addition would qualify for the disaster relief funding from MDE came up. R-P has an email from an MDE official stating that it would … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Public Health Office Upgrades
At the June 24 meeting of the county board, Jessica Erickson, director of nursing, asked the board to consider new office structures to improve operational needs in her department. Erickson said additional revenues from state and other sources could offset costs of the upgrade so there would be little or no effect on the department’s budget or levy. Three quotes were … [Read more...]
Chatfield Approves Five-Year Street Plan and Issuance of Reconstruction Bonds
Two public hearings were held during the June 23 city council meeting. Councilor Mike Urban was absent. Mike Bubany, David Drown Associates, Inc., spoke during the combined public hearing regarding tax abatement and the 2025-2029 street reconstruction plan. The purpose of the hearings was to secure statutory authority for issuing debt. The tax abatement portion identifies … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central Strength and Agility Well Attended
At the June 24 Fillmore Central School Board meeting, Superintendent Heath Olstad issued sincere thanks to the Preston, Fountain and Harmony banks for continuing to support the school through mini grants; $10,500 has been awarded this year. The spring sports season has finished. The Summer Strength and Agility program is going well with over 100 students registered. Summer … [Read more...]
Caledonia Considers Land Purchases, Hears Downtown Parking Concerns
The Caledonia City Council went into closed session during its regular meeting on June 23 to discuss offers related to the purchase of property, in accordance with MN §13D.05. Following the closed session, City Clerk/Administration Jake Dickson announced that the council had discussed strategies for acquiring land from the school district for the North Warrior Avenue … [Read more...]