The Lanesboro City Council revisited the matter of the Zenith Street paving proposal at their December 4 meeting. Council member Jason Resseman was Mayor pro tem in Mayor Autumn Johnson’s absence. Mayor Johnson participated in the meeting via remote access. Currently, a portion of Zenith Street is unpaved and is a gravel road. The residents had hopes that it would be paved … [Read more...]
Unemployment rate falls to 3.3% in October Jobless rate is lowest since October 2000
ST. PAUL, MN – Minnesota’s unemployment rate fell 0.4% in October to 3.3%, its lowest level in 17 years, according to seasonally adjusted figures released by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The U.S. jobless rate was 4.1% in October. The agency said state employers eliminated 4,500 jobs on a seasonally adjusted basis in October. Over … [Read more...]
Fountain plans for public utility hearing
At the November council meeting, the City of Fountain heard the results of an analysis by Minnesota Rural Water Association. The city was provided with four scenarios aimed at making gains on the backwards trending sewer and water utility funds. Wednesday, December 6, the council met and further discussed the options, which ranged from maintaining the annual $30 base rate, … [Read more...]
Houston Planning talks turkey on Owl Center; EDA looks to future
The Houston Planning Commission began their meeting at 5:35 p.m. on Monday, December 4, 2017, in the council chambers of Houston City Hall. In attendance were members Krin Abraham, Cheryl Sanden, Emliy Krage, and City Administrator Chris Peterson. Abraham called the meeting to order and asked for old business, of which there was none. The commission proceeded with the first … [Read more...]
Minnesota weekly fuel update and outlook
December 4 - Average retail gasoline prices in Minnesota have fallen 2.6 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.41/g yesterday, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 2,856 gas outlets in Minnesota. This compares with the national average that has fallen 3.5 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.46/g, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com. Including the … [Read more...]
Preston budget/levy discussed
City Administrator Joe Hoffman presented details of the preliminary 2018 budget/levy during the Truth in Taxation portion of the December 4 city council meeting. The city’s preliminary budget of $897,186 for 2018 was approved in September. There is a 7.9% ($65,692) increase over 2017. About 2.3% of the increase is due to increases in operating expenses like insurance and … [Read more...]
A cold fire in the valley
It was a cold, long night in the Village of Fillmore, on the outskirts of Wykoff. Down in the valley, ash and snow fell in tandem as firefighters battled a house fire at Virginia Winslow’s property while enduring subzero temperatures. The Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office dispatch center received a 911 call at 2:35 p.m. on Wednesday, December 6, 2017, from the resident at … [Read more...]
Results of the Harmony Community Chest 2017 Charity Drive
The 2017 Harmony Community Chest Drive has been completed. Even without the door-to-door solicitations, we raised $6,200 in mailed-in donations. This is up from the $5,675 raised in 2016. Proceeds from the drive are given to local and regional organizations and charities. The disbursement of funds was as follows, plus expenses: • $2,200 Harmony Ambulance • $600 Harmony … [Read more...]
Rushford reviews finances; preps for performance review
The Rushford City Council recently received a financial update and it appears the city is on target for financial goals. Consultant Mike Bubany, of David Drown Associates, indicated eight notable points in a summary to the council as the city sought to plan for the timing and size of tentative projects. The city continues to comply with a self-imposed $6,000 per capita debt … [Read more...]
Mail-in only balloting option to be used by some areas of Fillmore County
Some cities/townships may choose the option of mail-in only balloting for local, state, and federal elections. The option is only available to those precincts with less than 400 registered voters. The use of mail-in only ballots is authorized by Minnesota Statute 204B.45. The cities of Whalan, Canton and Fountain, and Newburg Township are planning to use the mail-in only … [Read more...]