A Kernza licensing agreement and the replacement of five fire hydrants were discussed at the Chatfield City Council’s August 13 meeting. Brian Burkholder, public works, introduced the agreement with The Land Institute (Kansas) which owns the trademark for Kernza, a perennial, continuous living cover crop, which can be used to improve water quality. It is an intermediate wheat … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton volunteers really clean up
The Mabel-Canton School Board held a regular meeting on August 21. Members present were Mark Weidemann, Jason Marquardt, Chris Miller, Chris Loppnow, Diane Wilder and Liz Hershberger; Board Chair Cristal Adkins, Principal Michelle Weidemann, Superintendent Gary Kuphal, and high school secretary, Lynette Donald. Business Manager Aimee Lake was absent. No student board … [Read more...]
Primary turnout strong
More than a quarter of registered voters cast their ballots in the Minnesota 2018 primary election in Fillmore County on August 14. Interest was significantly higher than normal possibly in part due to the fact that a new governor will be elected in November and two U.S. Senate seats are on the ballot. Also, the U.S. House First Congressional District seat is open without an … [Read more...]
2018 Fillmore County Fair Open Class results
Farm Products Grand Champion, Greg Dornink, Preston Vegetable Grand Champion, Laurie Syverson, Harmony Reserve Champion, Sherry Hareldson, Rochester Champion, Monica Ortner, Harmony Youth Champion, Audra Otto, Harmony Orchard Grand Champion, Sheila Craig, Preston Reserve Champion, Monica Ortner, Preston Champion, Pine Tree Orchard, Preston Apiarian Grand … [Read more...]
Full agenda at Whalan’s August council meeting
As the Whalan City Council met on Monday, August 13, 2018, not only was the agenda full, but also the room, as there were several visitors. All council members were present, including Mayor Marlys Tuftin, Kim Berekvam, Everett Johnson, Owen Lewis, Johnny Halvorson and City Clerk Lolly Melander. First on the agenda was a meet and greet with John DeGeorge, who is running for … [Read more...]
Wykoff holds hearing on parking
A crowd filled the council meeting room during the Wykoff City Council meeting on August 13. A public hearing was held regarding the city’s plans to restrict parking on “green spaces.” All council members were in attendance: Rocky Vreeman, Mary Tjepkes, Mayor Al Williams, City Clerk Becky Schmidt, Mary Sackett and Richard Gleason. During the public hearing, several … [Read more...]
Harmony resident asks city to pay her back for bills
At the August 14 city council meeting, Harmony resident Cindy Berge asked the city to cover her bills that have accumulated due to the sewer backing up into her basement. She said that when the road and utility project was done on her street, the wrong size of pipe was installed to connect her sewer system with the city’s and as a result, it has needed to be augered out … [Read more...]
Spring Valley fence concerns aired
The Spring Valley City Council held a regular council meeting on August 13. Members present were Tony Archer, Todd Jones, Mayor Jim Struzyk, Jessy Betts, and City Administrator Deb Zimmer. Mike Hadland was absent. The council heard from a citizen, Risa, who described her frustration with a home near hers that uses “snow fence” to help control leaves. She suggested the city … [Read more...]
Wild cucumbers are smothering our trees!
Wild cucumbers (Echinocystis lobata) are in full force this time of year. They are found in moist, rich soil in areas such as woodland edges, landscapes and thickets. These plants are aggressive and can smother trees. Characteristics include bright green plants creeping or climbing to 25’, twining stems often grooved and angled, leaves that are maple leaf-shaped and sandpapery … [Read more...]
Rushford Village moves forward with road project
After months of discussion on how to address issues on Benson Lane, the Rushford Village Council took formal action on it at the Tuesday, August 8 meeting. Mayor Gordon Johnson and Public Works Supervisor Travis Scheck took opportunity to meet with Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) recently. The purpose was to discuss options for water retention or slowing prior to … [Read more...]