For the first time, Fillmore County will have a League of Women Voters. This is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization dedicated to educate and advocate for good public policy. A kickoff event will be held Tuesday, November 14, 2017, 7-8 p.m. at the Preston F&M Bank Community Room. Socializing with light snacks will begin at 6:30 p.m. Terry Kahlil, President of League … [Read more...]
Friends of the Root River to host program about the Root River Field to Stream
The Friends of the Root River (FORR) will hold its 2017 Annual Meeting on Wednesday, November 15, at the Old Legion Hall, 35 1st Ave NW, Harmony. Anyone interested in learning more about the non-profit organization is invited to attend. The evening’s program will begin at 7 p.m. with a light meal served starting at 6:30 p.m. before the program begins. Kevin Kuehner, soil … [Read more...]
Fillmore County land rent survey results
Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s land rent survey. According to our survey results, 2017 land rental rates in Fillmore County averaged between $193.57-$202.67/acre. Survey responses for 2017 land rent ranged from $90.00-$300.00/acre. The predicted average for 2018 land rental rates is between $187.71-$197.47/acre. These values are based on 122 returned … [Read more...]
Rushford writes in new councilors
Rushford is the only municipality in Fillmore County, and one of only 28 municipalities in the state of Minnesota, to hold off-year elections for two of its four council seats. Even more of an oddity, this year the seats up for grabs had no candidates on the ballot. The Secretary of State’s Office shows 1,075 registered voters in Rushford’s precinct. Yesterday, just 152 … [Read more...]
Gophers will be floating in a new pool
In the November 7, 2017 ,election, the City of Chatfield answered the following question: Shall the City of Chatfield, Minnesota, be authorized to issue its general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $4,402,000 to finance the acquisition and betterment of a new swimming pool? Out of 433 voters, 237 voted yes while 196 said nay. The referendum passed with nearly 55% … [Read more...]
Economic impact of a veterans home in Fillmore County
The effort to have a veterans home built in Fillmore County has been ongoing for more than three years. Committees co-chaired by Don Gildner in Preston and Bill Rohe in Spring Valley know the road ahead will be a long and challenging one, but well worth the effort. A study was completed which demonstrated the need. There are about 23,000 veterans over the age of 65 within a … [Read more...]
WIT Boyz expands business in Chatfield
Chris Musty and Luke Thieke opened WIT Boyz in 2010, a heavy equipment and semi service/sales company. Their business has flourished over the last seven years as they’ve served the local farming and trucking community. In addition to servicing semis, farm equipment, trailers, etc, WIT Boyz, a fully staffed, full-service mechanic shop, also offers DOT inspections and has … [Read more...]
Buffer enforcement ordinance discussed
The Fillmore County Planning Commission met on October 26. A public hearing was held on the proposed county buffer enforcement ordinance. Duane Bakke explained the county changed its shoreland ordinance last year to match the state’s buffer law language. The ordinance being discussed this day details the county’s authority to enforce the buffer ordinance. The language in the … [Read more...]
Fountain reviews options for rate increase
The Fountain City Council considered the results of a utility rate analysis at the Wednesday, November 1 meeting and it could have some substantial changes for the city. An analysis by Minnesota Rural Water Association provided the city with four options. Currently, properties are charged a base rate of $30 per 3,000 gallons for sewer service and an additional $20 base rate … [Read more...]
GasBuddy
October 30 - Average retail gasoline prices in Minnesota have risen 4.2 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.40/g yesterday, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 2,856 gas outlets in Minnesota. This compares with the national average that has increased 0.6 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.45/g, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com. Including … [Read more...]