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...]
Chatfield swimming pool committee reports to city council
Many members of the nine member swimming pool committee spoke to the city council during the June 26 Chatfield City Council meeting. Co-chair Julie Henry said the committee has been meeting monthly. The pool is over 50 years old and has many issues, the most recent a significant leak in the main pool which has been fixed temporarily with caulk. The pool opened in 1965. The … [Read more...]
What lies ahead for the Fillmore County Jail
Fillmore County’s jail is nearly a half century old, built in 1970. The jail was remodeled in 1995, at which time it was rated as a 24 bed facility. At that time a new garage, juvenile holding area, and multi-purpose room was added. The aging jail is plagued with mounting maintenance needs. Systems are dated and/or deteriorating. A water softener has never been in use; minerals … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central Schools open an Alternative Learning Program
Fillmore Central School Board approved moving forward with creating an Alternative Learning Program at a school board meeting held February 28, 2017. The decision came after reviewing current programs at Fillmore Central and seeing a need for an educational program that will meet the needs of students who are struggling to receive high school credits within the traditional … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton School Board seeks new superintendent
It was the last Mabel-Canton School Board meeting for Superintendent Jennifer Backer. In an emotional address, she said her decision to resign was “bittersweet” and her last four years have been memorable. “I publicly welcome the next superintendent and want you to know that I’m here to help in any way I can to make the transition a smooth one.” One candidate has applied for … [Read more...]
Rushford Village getting nearer to 2016 road project completion
It’s been a long year, or longer, for the Rushford Village Council when it comes to road projects, specifically, the 2016 improvement projects. It was stated at the Tuesday, June 20 council meeting that a formal letter had gone out previously to McHugh Excavating, the contractor on the project. In the letter, the city indicated that should remaining punch list items from the … [Read more...]