County Engineer Brian Pogodzinski updated the commission on Wildcat Park now that the river is going down. Pogodzinski explained, “The water is coming down. We expect to get in there and start doing some clean-up work tomorrow and Thursday. If all goes as planned, campers can start hauling in their campers Thursday evening. We won’t have the water test results back until Friday … [Read more...]
Fillmore County to replace radio tower microwave equipment
Sheriff John DeGeorge explained the radio microwave equipment, which is part of the ARMER 800 mhz radio communication system, is not working on two of the three towers near Preston. The equipment is on a tower near the office, on a tower uphill near POET, and on the Amherst tower. DeGeorge recommended replacing the equipment on all three towers. The Amherst tower equipment is … [Read more...]
Fountain approves 50-year lease of city-owned land
At the May 3 meeting, the Fountain Council unanimously approved a 50-year lease of city-owned land to Harmony Telephone Company. The plot of land at 91 Pine Street is roughly 50 feet by 50 feet. A 10-foot by 20-foot “hut building” will be constructed to house the company’s fiber optic equipment. City Clerk Mary Tjepkes contacted the cities of Wykoff, Lanesboro, and Preston … [Read more...]
Preston seeks Tourism/Chamber/EDA director
Gabby Kinneberg, current Tourism/Chamber/EDA director, has submitted her resignation, effective May 22. At the May 1 Preston City Council meeting City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton provided four options for her replacement. The options included advertising for the position as it now, to include all three areas. Other options included contracting out EDA services or hiring … [Read more...]
Lanesboro residents address bridge closure
Several Little Norway residents spoke at the May 2 Lanesboro City Council meeting about the recent closure of the Little Norway walking bridge due to safety concerns. “We use the bridge everyday,” Melissa Johnson stated. “I understand if it needs to be closed to the general public, but for us, we don’t have any other option.” As long as the bridge is closed, Little Norway … [Read more...]
Rushford Village looking at property assessments
Fillmore County has let Rushford Village know it’s on the list for 2023 property assessments. At the May 2 city council meeting, Clerk Mary Miner clarified that assessors are not expecting a tour of properties. Still, they do want to get inside as many as possible. “They just want to step inside to do a quick look,” she added. “They do ask that you let them in. It didn’t sound … [Read more...]
Hokah City Council has busy spring agenda
The Hokah City Council met for two hours on Tuesday, May 2, at the Hokah Fire Department. Council members present included Mayor Lee Tippery, City Clerk Lindsey Martell, and Cindy Oldenburg, Tom Bernsdorf and Cory Lorenz. Mayor Tippery called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance. The consent agenda including approval of the April council meeting … [Read more...]
New management team at Wildcat Park
The Wildcat Park management contract with Fireside Management LLC was approved for the 2023 camping season at the April 25 Houston County commission meeting. Amber Miller and Steve Goetzinger, Fireside Management LLC were present to answer commissioners’ question along with County Engineer Brian Pogodzinski and County Attorney Samuel Jandt regarding the Wildcat Park contract. … [Read more...]
New request to property owners in Madeline Kingsbury case
Madeline Kingsbury, age 26 and residing in Winona with her two young children, has not been seen since the morning of Friday, March 31, 2023. After nearly one month since her disappearance, with thousands of concerned citizens searching properties in Fillmore and Houston Counties, the search continues. The Winona Police Department issued the following statement on April 26, … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central considers new levy
At the April 25 Fillmore Central School Board meeting, Superintendent Heath Olstad informed the board that he, along with the budget committee and several other individuals, had met with representatives from the district’s consulting firm, Baker Tilly, to discuss a potential building bond/levy. Due to rising costs across the board, operating costs have increased for the … [Read more...]
Chatfield to amend parking requirements for multiple dwellings
The Chatfield city council met on April 24. Councilors Paul Novotny and Mike Urban were absent. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on the adopted language to amend the zoning ordinance regarding parking requirements for multiple dwellings at an early April meeting. The recommended changes include one space for a one-bedroom apartment, one and a half spaces for a … [Read more...]
Caledonia receives favorable remarks on 2022 financial audit
Andrew Forliti, Smith Schafer, appeared before the city council on April 24 to present the city’s 2022 financial audit. “Thanks to Stephanie for all her work throughout the year and providing us with information. It is very helpful to have accurate information,” expressed Forliti. As with 95% of city audits conducted by the CPA firm, Forliti noted that Caledonia received one … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Cannabinoid/THC Ordinance public hearing set for May 23
County Attorney Brett Corson asked the county board if there were any concerns regarding the draft ordinance before them on Cannabinoid/THC at the board’s April 25 meeting. A committee was formed to work on a draft ordinance on February 28. The draft ordinance the committee produced is intended to regulate the sale of hemp derived products in Fillmore County to protect public … [Read more...]
Rushford gets ahead of “forever chemical”
At the April 24 meeting, the Rushford Council approved entering a PFAS ( Perfluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) Cost Recovery Program. The National Rural Water Association and Minnesota Rural Water Association recommend the step. While there is no current PFAS issue, the city opted to register for the program in advance to recover any expenses that the city may incur … [Read more...]
April weed of the month: Lesser celandine Lesser celandine, also known as fig buttercup, is a relatively new invader to the state
In a few short weeks (or longer in the northern part of the state), we will begin seeing the pops of color of spring ephemerals. Some skunk cabbage is already taking advantage of areas with recent snow melt. As the snow recedes and the ground temperatures begin to warm, the beginning of spring is a great time to look for the emergence of invasive plants. Lesser celandine … [Read more...]