When the Bent Wrench Bar & Grill in downtown Fountain closed in 2017, local business owners Mike Drury and Michelle Redalen, of Drury’s Furniture, opted to purchase the space in hopes of filling it with a thriving business again. “We bought it with the intention of seeing a business in there; to keep it from sitting dead,” said Drury. “We’ve been hoping and praying someone … [Read more...]
Two hoping to fill Ostrander council seat
A regular meeting of the Ostrander City Council was held March 6, with all members in attendance (Pam Kunert, Mayor Pat Nesler, City Clerk Wendy Brincks, Heidi Jones and DJ Start). The council discussed plans to fill the council seat vacant since Erin Volkart’s departure. Two citizens voiced an interest in filling this seat (Vernon Thompson and Stephanie Start), and both were … [Read more...]
Preston signs Doherty land option/purchase agreement
At the March 5 meeting of the Preston City Council, City Attorney Dwight Luhmann was instructed to send the signed and updated option/purchase agreement to Robert Doherty for his signature. The city has held an option on the approximately 15 acres of Doherty land for about four years. This agreement will purchase an extension of that option agreement at a cost of $15,000 for … [Read more...]
Failure to recycle cardboard costs county
Commissioners discussed fines imposed by Winneshiek County Sanitary Landfill for cardboard contaminated loads at their March 6 meeting. Andrew Hatzenbihler, solid waste administrator, reported the county has been charged $150 per ton (normally $68 per ton) on a trailer load delivered to the landfill on February 13 because of cardboard contamination. Hatzenbihler said … [Read more...]
Rushford Village approves Public Works plans
The Tuesday, March 6 Rushford Village Council meeting was mainly comprised of Public Works matters, having a brief agenda and 15-minute meeting. Not in attendance were Mayor Gordon Johnson and Councilor Mike Ebner. Acting Mayor Dennis Overland ran the meeting. According to Public Works Supervisor Travis Scheck, the city’s water tower should be scheduled for routine cleaning … [Read more...]
Lanesboro council makes decision on proposed Zenith Street paving project
The March 6 Lanesboro City Council meeting opened with a public hearing to discuss the potential paving of Zenith Street. At the February meeting, the council had proposed a motion to complete the project with 100% of the costs being assessed to the homeowners as it was their request that the gravel road be paved. “I want to address the council in favor of the request to … [Read more...]
Journey to Growth holds public meeting in Chatfield
A lot of positive and forward-thinking information was shared during the Journey to Growth Public Meeting held on March 1, 2018, at Chatfield Center for the Arts in Chatfield, Minn. If you have not heard of Journey to Growth (J2G) or have heard the name but are not sure what it is all about, these public meetings are very informative as well as a great opportunity for … [Read more...]
M-C School addresses tragedy and threats
The Mabel-Canton School Board held their first regular meeting since the tragic accident that claimed the lives of two students. That accident, and the response by the local and surrounding communities, was a main topic of discussion. Present at the meeting were Mark Weidemann, Jason Marquardt, Chris Miller, Principal Michelle Weidemann, Board chair Cristal Adkins, … [Read more...]
Rushford approves HBC request
It’s been a notably bumpy few years for Southeastern Minnesota Historic Bluff Country (HBC), but the tourism entity isn’t giving up yet. New Director Brian Krenz followed up on his January appearance before the council by attending the Monday, February 26 meeting. “I was given an assignment and hopefully, it meets your approval,” said Krenz. At the January meeting, several on … [Read more...]
Spring Valley plowing discussed
In a short meeting of the Spring Valley City Council on February 26, winter street plowing was a main topic. Members present were Todd Jones, Mayor Jim Struzyk, Jessy Betts, Mike Hadland and City Administrator Deb Zimmer. Tony Archer was absent. No visitors had signed up to address the council. Jessy Betts and Todd Jones said they’ve had citizens approach them to ask if … [Read more...]