Citing the need to address elevated levels of nitrate in drinking water in the karst region of southeast Minnesota, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Commissioner John Linc Stine is announcing his decision to deny a general permit for the proposed Catalpa swine facility in Fillmore County near Mabel, Minn. Because of the permit denial, a related decision, whether to … [Read more...]
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation awards $33,900 in grants
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) approved four Economic Development grants totaling $33,900 to organizations that participated in a “Building an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem” event earlier this year. The goal of the grant is to fund projects that support the development of entrepreneurial cultures in communities that are in SMIF’s 20-county region. Funding was … [Read more...]
Spring Valley taxation discussed, levy set
A large crowd was on hand for the annual Truth in Taxation meeting, which was held immediately prior to the Spring Valley City Council’s regular meeting on December 10. All members of the council were present: Tony Archer, Todd Jones, Mayor Jim Struzyk, John Dols, Mike Hadland, and City Administrator Deb Zimmer. Several homeowners spoke up about the significant increase in … [Read more...]
County Truth in Taxation hearing
About a dozen property owners attended the public hearing regarding the Fillmore County 2019 budget and levy. County Coordinator Bobbie Vickerman reviewed 2018 county activities and the 2019 proposed budget. One 2018 highlight is the active participation in legislation that resulted in a significant increase in County Program Aid for 2018 and 2019 and a leveling of CPA from … [Read more...]
Seven questions to ask around winterizing outdoor power equipment
Fall is here, and soon Old Man Winter will be knocking on your door. For much of the country it’s time to put away spring and summer outdoor power equipment, such as lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and trimmers, and get out snow throwers, generators and other small engine equipment. The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade association representing more … [Read more...]
Chatfield certifies 2019 Levy
City Clerk Joel Young reported on the proposed 2019 budget and levy during the Truth in Taxation hearing at the city council’s December 10 meeting. This will be the council’s last meeting of the year. The city staff budget will cause a tax levy increase of 4.97%; these increases are structural and driven by inflation. The main driver of the tax levy increase for 2019 will be … [Read more...]
Preston Veterans Home predesign shared, questions answered
A capacity crowd filled the Servicemen’s Club on the morning of December 6 to hear from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs and design firms tasked with designing the Preston Veterans Home. This meeting’s purpose was to update members of the community on the process and to give them an opportunity to ask questions. Ron Scheevel, co-chair of the Veterans Home … [Read more...]
Peterson makes a plan for upgraded electrical metering
The City of Peterson has made at least a partial move towards possibly upgrading electric meters. MiEnergy had previously supplied city staff with an estimate of roughly $28,000 to upgrade all meters to electronic reading capabilities. On several instances the council has previously discussed the issue, but hesitated to make any sort of decision, trying to weigh potential … [Read more...]
Harmony Fire Department commissions firefighter memorial statue
Chris Skalen from the Harmony Fire Department was present at the December 11 Harmony City Council meeting to ask the council to approve a down payment on a 70” bronze statue of a firefighter from Brodin Studios, Inc. in Kimball, Minn. The statue will be placed beside the fire station with benches and landscaping to complete the memorial. So far, approximately $52,000 has been … [Read more...]
New vehicles for Mabel
On December 10, the Mabel City Council held a regular city council meeting, which included the annual Truth in Taxation public hearing. Members in attendance included Gary Morken, Liz Folstad, City Clerk Karen Larson, and Kirsten Wyffels. Due to the mayor’s absence, Folstad led the meeting. No citizens were on hand to ask questions during the Truth in Taxation hearing. … [Read more...]