After much anticipation and preparation, a new young owl has joined the education staff at the International Owl Center: JR, the 3-month-old Eastern Screech-Owl! JR is a male and weighs just a bit more than a quarter-pound hamburger. He is a stunning little red morph (the species also comes in gray) and a real crowd pleaser. His back, wing and tail feathers are fully grown … [Read more...]
Lanesboro School recognized for ESSA numbers
At the September 20 Lanesboro School Board meeting, Superintendent Matt Schultz reported that the Lanesboro school district had been recognized for two of its ESSA numbers this year. Every Student Succeeds Act, or ESSA, replaced No Child Left Behind this year to ensure success for all students and schools. Lanesboro was recognized for excellence in overall high school … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central board reviews report from new back to school conferences
At the September 25 Fillmore Central School Board meeting, Principal Heath Olstad gave a report on how the first back-to-school conferences went on September 4 and 5. After the conferences, he was able to speak with all of the school staff and many of the parents as well. “There was high praise for the experience,” he noted. He did receive some suggestions to help next year … [Read more...]
County approves preliminary levy for 2019
At the September 25 county board meeting, the preliminary budget and levy for 2019 was discussed. County Coordinator Bobbie Vickerman provided a breakdown of each departmental budget. The total 2019 preliminary levy is $10,819,093, which is an increase of 3.49%, or $364,893, over the 2018 final levy. The preliminary levy can be lowered in December when the final levy is set, … [Read more...]
Chatfield adopts 2019 preliminary levy
Chatfield councilors were faced with three options when adopting the 2019 preliminary levy at their September 24 meeting. Councilor John McBroom was absent. The first option included the staff budget and the swimming pool debt (reflecting a 22.3% levy increase). The second option also included Small City Aid replacement funding in the amount of $24,000 (reflecting a 23.7% … [Read more...]
Rushford approves AcenTek agreement and fee
At the Monday, September 24 Rushford Council meeting, the council unanimously agreed upon a new franchise agreement with AcenTek, including the implementation of related fees. Doing so will require amendments to the city’s ordinance granting the franchise to Ace Telephone Association/AcenTek for the operation and maintenance of the cable televising system. A public hearing will … [Read more...]
Recycling 101: Household Hazardous Waste
By Drew Hatzenbihler Solid Waste Administrator The days are getting shorter, the weather is getting colder, and leaves are starting to change color. This can only mean one thing… It’s time for another Household Hazardous Waste event in Fillmore County! This fall, Household Hazardous Waste Day will be on Tuesday, October 2 from 12-5 p.m. This past spring, I offered some tips … [Read more...]
Harmony bloodmobile exceeds goal by four units
The blood drive held in Harmony on September 18, 2018, succeeded in collecting 48 units of blood which was four over their goal. There were 49 donors that presented and one first-time participant. Congratulations to these 10 donors who reached the following milestones: KatieAnn E. Hershberger, one gallon; Mary Hershberger (Dennis), three gallons; Mary Hershberger (Harvey), … [Read more...]
SEMAC announces October 1 grant application deadline
The Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council announces a call for proposals in three categories: Arts & Cultural Heritage, Presenter/Production Assistance, and Small Towns/Rural Areas. All proposed projects must begin no earlier than December 1, 2018, and be completed within 12 months, culminating in a capstone event that is accessible and open to the public. Online … [Read more...]
Preston adopts 2019 preliminary levy
At the September 17 Preston City Council meeting, the 2019 preliminary levy was adopted. During an August meeting, City Administrator Joe Hoffman had presented a draft of the 2019 budget and levy. At that meeting the draft budget provided for a 2.41% levy increase over the 2018 levy. There was some discussion then about providing an additional cushion to reserve some funds … [Read more...]