Several department heads looked back at 2024 at the Preston City Council’s February 3 meeting. Councilman Steve Hall was absent. Police Chief Blaise Sass reported that Public Safety Funds paid for equipment purchases made in 2024. He anticipates the purchase of a squad pickup in 2025. There is about $69,000 in the equipment fund at this time. Sass introduced Connor Simon, who … [Read more...]
Fillmore County to Advertise for Assessor
At the February 4 meeting of the county board, the resignation of Kathryn Frette, county assessor, was accepted, effective February 27, after six months of service. The county will advertise for a replacement assessor. Highway County Engineer Ron Gregg asked the board to consider the purchase of a rock grapple attachment for a skid loader. Two quotes were considered; the … [Read more...]
Trail of Fraud and Fire: Mindy Jones Gets 25 Years for Arson
By Zech Sindt On February 3, 2025, the Iowa District Court for Allamakee County sentenced Mindy Jo Jones to a lengthy prison term following her conviction in November 2024 for first-degree arson and animal mistreatment. The case, which drew widespread attention, stemmed from a fire in Waukon, Iowa, on February 13, 2022. The blaze originated in Jones’ store, Tin, Rust & … [Read more...]
LACC Celebrates 30th Anniversary During Annual Banquet
There was good news all around at the Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce (LACC) Annual Meeting on January 22, 2025, which was held in the Rustic Hearth Event Center at Cedar Valley Resort in Whalan, Minn. The evening began with socializing and delicious snacks from Clara’s Eatery as well as beverage options. Chamber members enjoyed mingling and networking with each other and … [Read more...]
Caledonia City Council Appoints John Rauk to the Council
On January 27, the Caledonia City Council interviewed seven Caledonia residents for the position vacated by Ryan Stenzel. John Rauk was appointed by a roll call vote to fill Stenzel’s seat. Rauk immediately took the Oath of Office administered by City Clerk/Administrator Jake Dickson. Mayor Leis called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. All … [Read more...]
Kingsland School Board Hears SMEC Audit Report
On January 22, Dan Armagost and John Mark Dundas, of the Southern Minnesota Education Consortium (SMEC), presented the Kingsland School Board with the fiscal year 2024 audit. SMEC is a multi-purpose cooperative of school districts that work together to provide support for special education students. Currently, there are seven member districts within SMEC including … [Read more...]
RFD Fire Chiefs Visit Rushford Council Meeting
Retiring Fire Chief Chad Rasmussen and the new fire chief, Nick Smith addressed the Rushford City Council at their January 27 regular council meeting. Rasmussen gave a summary of 2024 at the fire department and presented items for approval of the council. He detailed the list of officers, the relief association board, and meetings and trainings planned for 2025. RFD currently … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Board Hears Update on Driftless Hiking Trail
Alex Shapiro, director for the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail, reviewed progress made for the trail at the board’s January 28 meeting. This is a non-profit, private, independently directed effort for a 100-plus mile backpacking trail in southeast Minnesota. The proposed corridor goes from Chatfield area through Lanesboro area, Spring Grove area, to the state border … [Read more...]
Eagle Bluff Executive Director Recognized for Leadership in Outdoor Education
North East, Md, January 12, 2025 – Colleen Foehrenbacher, executive director of Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, has been honored with national recognition by the Association of Nature Center Administrators (ANCA) as the recipient of the Outstanding New Leader Award at the Outdoor School Summit. Foehrenbacher received this prestigious award in front of an audience of … [Read more...]
Houston County Commissioners Approve 2025 Highway Equipment Purchases
On January 28, the Houston County Commissioners approved several key actions, including the 2025 equipment quotes for the highway department. The meeting was called to order at 9 a.m. by Chairman Eric Johnson, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. All commissioners were present except for Kurt Zehnder. County Engineer Brian Pogodzinski confirmed that all equipment buys … [Read more...]