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...]
Fillmore County solid waste administrator settling into his new job
“I wanted something more than a straight desk job,” Solid Waste Administrator Drew Hatzenbihler said. “I wanted to be active outside too.” He found what he was looking for in his position of Solid Waste Administrator at the Fillmore County Resource Recovery Center. Hatzenbihler began his new job at the center in the summer of 2017. At that time, the position was merged with … [Read more...]
GasBuddy Q&A: Why are gas prices high if U.S. oil production is near record high?
With gasoline prices surging, consumers are voicing frustration with gasoline prices, especially as the United States has just eclipsed a milestone, producing 10 million barrels per day of oil, the highest level since 1970 and very close to an all-time record. So what’s going on? GasBuddy Head of Petroleum Analysis Patrick DeHaan weighs in: Question: Why are oil prices so … [Read more...]
Canton Veterans Memorial taking shape
In small towns, it can be a challenge to find enough people and/or funding to get things done. This is an ongoing challenge regarding the Canton Veterans Memorial, but Nick Prestby is spearheading the efforts. And, he expects 2018 to be the year when things really take shape. He said, “My projection is to try to get it all done before the big five-year celebration in … [Read more...]
TEXT-TO-911 now available in Minnesota statewide A direct line to help for those with hearing loss; Alternative when the reporting party must remain quiet to stay safe
ST. PAUL — In an emergency, dialing 911 is a call for help. But people with hearing loss or those who must remain quiet in a dangerous situation aren’t able to place a call safely or at all. That’s why the Department of Public Safety Emergency Communication Networks (DPS-ECN) has worked with stakeholders around Minnesota to develop Text-to-911 on Minnesota’s Next Generation … [Read more...]
Give to the Max Day 2017
Give to the Max Day has become a Minnesota tradition since 2009, and F & M Community Bank (F & M) has participated in it in various ways to support local nonprofit organizations. This year, according to CEO Dan Christianson, F & M supported four local organizations with some matching funds. Those organizations were the Preston Area Community Foundation, the … [Read more...]