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...]
Spring Valley’s downtown gets a facelift with business expansion
Chateau de Chic recently made changes, creating three distinct businesses in Spring Valley’s downtown district. There is something for everyone at Chateau de Chic Salon, Spa & Boutique, and Some Like it Hot Cakes & Catering. Owner Jenn Slifka reminds readers, “We have been operating as a salon and boutique in the same building for seven years, and wanted to split the … [Read more...]
Wykoff to seek new city attorney
The Wykoff City Council met in regular session on November 13, with all council members in attendance: Rocky Vreeman, Mary Tjepkes, Mayor Al Williams, City Clerk Becky Schmidt, Mary Sackett and Richard Gleason. Also attending was Assistant Clerk Luann Hare. An item that generated much discussion was a dispute from Mike Shaw regarding a recent repair charge on his sewer … [Read more...]
Rushford approves final levy; considers depot change, city limitations
At the Monday, December 10 meeting, the Rushford City Council unanimously approved setting the 2019 property tax levy at $936,000. This represents a 2.52% increase over 2018 levy of $913,000. The 2.52% is a net increase, representing a 5.43% decrease in debt service, but a 2.91% increase in operating costs. The $23,000 increase will provide an additional $6,500 to the General … [Read more...]
SEMAC announces February 1 grant application deadline
The Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council announces a call for proposals by individual artists. All proposed projects must begin no earlier than April 1, 2019, and be completed within 12 months, culminating with a capstone event that is accessible and open to the public. Online applications will be available throughout January with a February 1, 2019, submission deadline. … [Read more...]