By Bretta Grabau Fillmore County Historical Society Martin was born to Hans and Turine Johnson in 1876. Hans changed his name to Johnson when arriving in America from Norway, where his surname had been Bergen. Some of his children used the Johnson name and some used Bergen. Martin used both names. He lived in Harmony for a time under the Johnson name during his early … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Council Approves 2025 Tax Levy
The December 2 Lanesboro City Council meeting opened with the annual Truth in Taxation public hearing. There were no questions or comments. Four Lanesboro residents spoke about the library board during the public comments portion of the meeting. Anna Loney said that she felt the lines of communication were still blurred, even after the mediated joint meeting between the city … [Read more...]
Rushford Opens New Grant for Businesses
The Rushford Economic Development Authority (EDA) has worked double time in recent years to promote new and existing businesses through a number of grant opportunities. At the November 25 Rushford Council meeting, City Administrator Tony Chladek detailed the premise while Councilors and EDA members Sally Ryman and Leigh Volkman further clarified details. Dubbed the Rushford … [Read more...]
Dabelstein Mine CUP Approved
The Fillmore County Planning Commission held a public hearing at the November 21 meeting to consider the conditional use permit application submitted by Minnesota Sands, LLC. A lengthy and thorough operation and reclamation plan (about 300 pages) for industrial sand mining in Pilot Mound Township was prepared by Summit Envirosolutions, Inc. and was submitted as part of the … [Read more...]
Chatfield’s Public Safety Funding for Police and Fire Equipment
At the November 25 Chatfield City Council meeting, approval was granted for use of some of the one-time public safety funding. The one-time allocation was divided among several departments by the Personnel/Budget Committee: $33,242 for the Fire Department, $40,000 for Ambulance Department, $36,810 for Police Department, and $21,667 for Public Works. Police Chief Shane Fox … [Read more...]
Peterson Resignation Turns Into Changed Role
A special meeting of the Peterson Council was held November 25 to discuss the resignation of Public Works Director Tim Hallum and formal hiring timeline for the position. Hallum had tendered his resignation with City Clerk Chris Grindland effective December 15, agreeing to stay on part time and train a new employee. However, the council had not yet approved any resignation … [Read more...]
Money Talks as Kingsland Board Hears Audit Report
Jason Boynton of Smith Schafer presented the audit report for the district at the Kingsland School Board meeting on November 18. “Overall we have a clean opinion on the audit and there is nothing of concern to bring to the board’s attention,” Boynton said. “At the end of the fiscal year we averaged 542 students, which is down four. If you look back to 2016 there were 601 … [Read more...]
Houston County to Host Public Hearing on Proposed Cannabis Ordinance
At the Houston County Commission meeting on November 25, the board confirmed that a public hearing on the proposed cannabis ordinance will be held on Wednesday, December 11 at 3 p.m. in board room 222 in the historic courthouse, Caledonia. Commissioners asked county staff to post the proposed ordinance on the county’s website www.co.houston.mn.us. Chairman Eric Johnson … [Read more...]
Caledonia Council Approves e-Navigator Position
Caledonia council members were reminded at the regularly scheduled council meeting on November 25, that the city’s Truth in Taxation meeting will be held on December 9 at 6 p.m. in the council chambers. The council will finalize the 2025 property tax levy. Finance Officer Stephanie Mann presented the financial reports, including the proposed 2025 city budget to the council. … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Commissioner to be Honored by AMC
At the county board’s November 26 meeting, County Administrator Bobbie Hillery reviewed the many contributions and accomplishments of Duane Bakke, both in service to the county and the Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC). Bakke is to be honored with the Distinguished Service Award during a luncheon at the AMC conference on December 10. He will be one of four receiving an … [Read more...]