At the December 18 Preston City Council meeting, during a discussion on the 2019 budget, there was a disagreement about the budget line item for the National Trout Center. Councilman David Collett suggested the NTC budget should be cut by $10,000. The total 2018 budget for the NTC was $26,500, which also includes EDA funding. Mayor Kurt Reicks argued that the NTC was a … [Read more...]
Rushford approves EDA goals; revisits pedestrian traffic along highway corridor
At the Monday, December 17 meeting, the Rushford Council approved a four goal plan submitted by the Economic Development Authority. The goals had been discussed and approved by the EDA December 12. The goals are to improve downtown vitality, increase local workforce 50 jobs by 2025, fill housing demand by 2025, and to more effectively market the community. The objective of the … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton okays fundraising for hoops uniforms
The annual Truth in Taxation public hearing was held just prior to the regular monthly meeting of the Mabel-Canton School Board on December 18. Members present were Mark Weidemann, Jason Marquardt, Chris Miller, Business Manager Aimee Lake, Principal Michelle Weidemann, Board chair Cristal Adkins, Chris Loppnow, Diane Wilder, Liz Hershberger, and Superintendent Gary Kuphal. … [Read more...]
Chatfield School Board member recognized for service
After the pledge, a group of sixth grade boys made a presentation to the board about a project that they are involved in. The boys, Keagan Patten, Westin Nolte, Aiden Johnsrud, and Reggie Allen, are going to hold a 3 on 3 basketball competition that will benefit two children in our area who are undergoing treatment for cancer. This will be held in March. More information will … [Read more...]
Rushford Village approves final budget
At the Tuesday, December 18 meeting, the council formally approved the 2019 budget and levy in the amount of $435,000. The preliminary levy had been certified at $450,000 in September. This was $25,000 more than the 2018 levy. There were no comments at the Truth-In-Taxation hearing and the Village is banking for some major equipment upgrades in the coming years. “I don’t see … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central board member recognized for six years of service
Fillmore Central Board Member Emily Ellis Onsager was recognized for her six years of service on the school board and presented with a plaque during the regular December 18 meeting. The board expressed their gratitude to Ellis Onsager for her time and dedication. The Fillmore Central School Board reviewed the 2018 levy and held a Truth in Taxation meeting. The total levy … [Read more...]
MPCA Commissioner denies permit to proposed feedlot, recommends study of nitrate-contaminated waters in the sensitive karst region of southeast Minnesota
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...]