OWATONNA, MN, February 2, 2018 – Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) recently approved nine grants totaling $124,338 to support asset-based collaborative approaches to meeting the needs of children birth to age five and their families. The 2018 Early Childhood Grant award recipients are: • $20,000 to A Chance to Grow to embed the S.M.A.R.T. (Stimulating Maturity … [Read more...]
Kingsland ponders long 2019 summer break
The Kingsland School Board held a “work session” meeting on February 5, with all members present (Doug Plaehn, Ann Oeltjen, Leah Stier, Jackie Horsman, Tiffany Mundfrom, Heather Betts, and Interim Superintendent James Hecimovich). The board has adopted a process in which much of the discussion and “hashing out” on issues is done during work sessions, and then decisions are … [Read more...]
PeopleService addresses Ostrander concerns
A regular meeting of the Ostrander city council was held on February 6, with all members in attendance (Pam Kunert, Mayor Pat Nesler, City Clerk Wendy Brincks, and Heidi Jones and DJ Start). Rick Whitney (PeopleService) addressed the council regarding issues that he’s heard have been concerns, related to PeopleService’s work at the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). He … [Read more...]
Mabel sets fee for snow removal violators
At its February meeting, Mabel council members voted on a standard rate that will be charged to businesses and residents who are not in compliance with the snow removal ordinance. The city ordinance states that snow must be removed from sidewalks within 24 hours after a snowfall. If the snow is not removed, the city has the right to remove the snow at the property owner’s … [Read more...]
County reports its legislative priorities
Rep. Greg Davids and Senator Jeremy Miller were at the February 6 county board meeting to hear the county’s legislative priorities for the 2018 legislative session. County Coordinator Bobbie Vickerman thanked legislators for 2017 legislation that stabilized and added funding for county program aid. Fillmore County’s CPA increased by $90,000. The county noted its opposition … [Read more...]
State Auditor Otto releases report on city finances
ST. PAUL, MN – State Auditor Rebecca Otto released the 2016 Minnesota City Finances Report on December 28, 2017. The report summarizes, through data tables and charts, the financial operations of 850 Minnesota cities for calendar year 2016. “The City Finances report is issued each year to help local government officials, policy makers, and the public better understand city … [Read more...]
Preston purchase agreement with Dairy & Farm
Preston City Attorney Dwight Luhmann discussed proposed updates to a purchase agreement for the Dairy & Farm property at the February 5 meeting. Originally, the proposed purchase price was $100,000. Dairy & Farm now wants $115,000 for the property; the additional funds requested are to help pay for the remediation, clean-up of the property. The city wants Dairy & … [Read more...]
Minnesota weekly fuel update and outlook
February 5 — Average retail gasoline prices in Minnesota have risen 1.6 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.57/g yesterday, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 2,856 gas outlets in Minnesota. This compares with the national average that has increased 1.9 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.60/g, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com. Including … [Read more...]
Fountain looks to policy changes ahead of utility increases
Following up on discussion from an informational community meeting held January 10, the Fountain City Council considered two utility related changes at its Wednesday, February 7 meeting. The city is planning utility rate increases and changes to usage minimums for sewer and water. City Clerk Ronda Flattum suggested consideration for the handling of past due notices and … [Read more...]
Lanesboro council agrees to hold public hearing for Zenith Street paving project
Brian Malm presented a feasibility study for the proposed Zenith Street paving project to the Lanesboro City Council at their February 5 meeting. The study was done because of a petition presented to the city by the homeowners who live on the gravel stretch of Zenith Street. The study gave two estimates for the project, one with 100% assessments to the homeowners and the … [Read more...]