When Brenda Lloyd started working at The Sweet Stop and Sandwich Shoppe in Preston four years ago, she never dreamed that she would one day own it. Lloyd is originally from Iowa, but she now lives outside of Wykoff with her fiance Mike Eickhoff and their three kids, Tiana (18), Zachary (15), and Kirah (8). “I’ve just always been drawn to Minnesota,” she said. “I’m a … [Read more...]
Critical Red Cross blood shortage prompts emergency call for donations Give blood or platelets now and help save lives
The American Red Cross is facing a critical blood shortage and is issuing an emergency call for eligible blood and platelet donors of all blood types to give now and help save lives. Blood donations have fallen short of expectations for the past two months, resulting in about 61,000 fewer donations than needed and causing a significant draw down of the Red Cross blood supply. … [Read more...]
Preston City Hall renovation nears completion
At the July 5 meeting of the Preston City Council, the last two portions of the city hall project were discussed. City Administrator Joe Hoffman suggested a committee be formed to consider a number of options for the sign in front of city hall. Hoffman suggested that the committee include Mayor Kurt Reicks, himself, Gabby Kinneberg, and another council member. Charles Sparks … [Read more...]
Fountain considers revamping ordinance code
At the Wednesday, July 5 meeting, Fountain City Clerk Ronda Flattum proposed the idea of the city utilizing the Minnesota Livable City Code (LCC). Established just this year, the code is especially suited to cities with a population under 500. Based on the Minnesota Basic Code, utilized by hundreds of Minnesota municipalities, this new code includes provisions specifically … [Read more...]
Highway 139 resurfacing to start July 10
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) held an open house on June 29 at the Harmony Community Center, to discuss the upcoming Highway 139 resurfacing project. Approximately 30 people attended, and they heard from Jeff Bunch (MnDOT Construction), Anne Meyer (MnDOT Communications) and Sam Costigan (Rochester Sand & Gravel). The event started with opening remarks … [Read more...]
Rushford approves loan modification for GForce, Ink
Last March, the Rushford City Council unanimously approved a recommendation by the Economic Development Authority (EDA) to enter into an agreement with GForce, Ink. The agreement was drawn up with the intent of addressing notes and lines of credit due to the city. Details of that agreement included payment on Revolving Loan Funds, including accrued interest, no later than July … [Read more...]
County establishes broadband development fund
Out going EDA director Sam Smith introduced the new EDA director, Stephanie Hatzenbihler, at the June 27 meeting of the county board. Smith will continue with CEDA in the Mankato area. This was his last day with Fillmore County. During his time with the Fillmore County EDA, Smith worked to expand broadband to rural areas in the county. Rural Lanesboro was one of two … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central removes extra-curricular fees for student activities
At the June 27 board meeting, Fillmore Central School Board member Sue Sikkink asked the rest of the board to consider lowering fees for extracurricular activities and eliminating fees for activities where students receive a letter grade. Board member Jim Love took it a step further, suggesting that the fees be removed completely. “We have the funding available,” he pointed … [Read more...]
Spring Valley moves on junk violations
The Spring Valley City Council met in regular session June 26. Members present included Tony Archer, Todd Jones, Mayor Jim Struzyk, Jessy Betts, and City Administrator Deb Zimmer. Mike Hadland was absent. A public hearing was held just prior to the regular council meeting, on the topic of “Junk Ordinance” violations within the city. Two citizens spoke up about the issue, … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Courthouse to receive funding through Safe and Secure Courthouse Initiative
ST. PAUL, MN, June 29, 2017 – Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Lorie S. Gildea today announced the award of $1 million in grants through the Safe and Secure Courthouse Initiative. The grant funding will go towards the implementation of safety and security improvements in 57 county courthouses across Minnesota, including the Fillmore County Courthouse. Safe and Secure … [Read more...]