At the October 10 county board meeting, the board unanimously moved forward with a courthouse security plan. A proposal from Marco which was one of two proposals submitted was accepted. The Courthouse Security committee, which was formed after the county was awarded a grant in the amount of $30,000 by the Safe and Secure Courthouse Advisory Panel, recommended accepting the … [Read more...]
Chatfield approves updated emergency operations plan
At the October 9 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, Dan Jaquith described the purpose of the plan. He maintained that the city’s emergency services and local government are very prepared. They will respond professionally to protect lives and property. Efforts will be made to get utilities back on line as soon as possible after a disaster. The plan is a guide for emergency … [Read more...]
Harmony resident expresses concern about city’s agreement with law enforcement
Harmony resident Julie Lau addressed the city council at their October 10 meeting during the public forum portion of the meeting. She asked who was in charge of enforcing the city ordinances and was told by Mayor Steve Donney that the local police would be the ones to call if she sees an ordinance not being followed. Lau said that she had read the agreement that the City of … [Read more...]
Harstad becomes Chatfield’s first female firefighter
Jill Harstad has always had a burning desire to become a firefighter, and recently that passion for helping others became a reality. Harstad, 35, grew up in Lanesboro, Minn., and graduated from Lanesboro High School in 2000. After marrying her husband, Andy and moving to Chatfield, she set her sights on becoming a firefighter with the Chatfield Fire Department. When asked … [Read more...]
Wykoff discusses voting, streets, and school
A regular meeting of the Wykoff City Council was held on October 11, with all members in attendance: Rocky Vreeman, Mary Tjepkes, Mayor Al Williams, Clerk Becky Schmidt, Mary Sackett, and Richard Gleason. The council discussed the proposed change to an entirely mail-in voting system, in which voters would not come to a polling place. Rosanne Strain addressed the council on … [Read more...]
Mabel Fire Department asks city for a raise
Mabel Fire Chief Orel Tollefson addressed the Mabel City Council at its October meeting, asking for a pay increase for his firefighters. Currently the fire department gets $10 per hour and Tollefson is asking for $20 an hour. “We don’t expect to get the $20. Our guys don’t do it for the money, but we’re asking to negotiate an increase to show that we are valued.” According to … [Read more...]
Whalan to have all new LED streetlight bulbs
The Whalan City Council held its scheduled public hearing on October 9, 2017, at 4:30 p.m. to discuss with city residents whether to replace streetlight bulbs new with LED bulbs. All council members were present for the public hearing, including Mayor Marlys Tuftin, Owen Lewis, Everett Johnson, Wyatt Berekvam, and Kim Berekvam. City Clerk Lolly Melander arrived before the … [Read more...]
Houston School Board interview replacement candidates
The Houston School Board met for its regular meeting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, October 5, 2017, in the library of Houston Public High School. In attendance were Superintendent Abraham and Board members Norlien, Carlson, Bonner, Wilson and Evenson. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the board approved the agenda for the evening and opened the meeting to public comment, of which … [Read more...]
Rushford finds surprise in planning for levy
City of Rushford staff recently discovered a neglected notation in the schedule for the 2016 Project that provides a surprising reduction in the city’s proposed levy for 2017. The new find will allow for a reduction in required debt service levy and will amend the levy increase needed from 8.19% to 5.3%. The total savings is $31,000. City Clerk/Treasurer Kathy Zacher and City … [Read more...]
Harmony native helps area pig farmers keep herds healthy and productive
Local veterinarian, Dr. Ross Kiehne has dedicated much of his life to the care and raising of pigs. He grew up on a hog and cattle farm near Harmony. After graduating from Harmony High School in 1990, Kiehne completed a four-year degree at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, then went on to obtain his veterinarian degree at the University of Minnesota, graduating in 1999. … [Read more...]