At the board’s December 3 meeting, Sheriff John DeGeorge explained body worn cameras could be integrated with the squad car camera system. Funding for body worn cameras is in the 2025 Sheriff Department budget. There is a process that must be adhered to before the cameras are purchased. Policy that details when the cameras will be activated will be discussed at the December … [Read more...]
Chatfield School Board Votes Against Proposed Solar Project
At the December 4, 2024, school board meeting, board members David Sovinski, Katie Priebe, Josh Thompson, Tom Keefe and Mark Johnsrud were present. Also present were Superintendent Ed Harris, high school principal, Eric Nelson; Student Activities director, Dan Schindler; and Student Senate representatives Kylie Sinn and Jorja Fishbaugher. Board member Jill Harstad was … [Read more...]
Fillmore and Houston County Land Rent Survey Results
By Katie Drewitz Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s land rent survey. Survey results indicate a continued increase of rates in Fillmore County. Houston County saw a decrease in rates from the 2023-2024 survey. Historic rates and land rent resources are available at both the Fillmore and Houston County Extension offices. According to our survey results, … [Read more...]
Preston to Investigate Options for EDA Director
At the December 2 city council meeting, it was decided to look into other options for the EDA. No motion was made to sign a 2025 contract with Community for Economic Development Associates (CEDA) for 2025. The current contract with CEDA provides for an EDA director for two days per week; the contract will end December 31, 2024. Councilman Dean Aug was absent from the … [Read more...]
Fountain Looking for Smoke Solution
At the December 4 meeting, the Fountain City Council heard from citizen Kaye Unnasch during the time for public comments. Unnasch resides at 603 Birch Street. In recent discussion regarding external wood stoves/boilers within the city, it was noted that Unnasch’s wood boiler is not up to code. Having received a letter from the city regarding the non-compliance, Unnasch stressed … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Receives $100,000 Grant for Rural Business Development
The city of Lanesboro was recently awarded $100,000 in USDA grant funds to support business development, expansion, and succession. This is Lanesboro’s second $100,000 grant within a four-year span. The purpose of the USDA grant program is to promote economic development and job creation. Applicants for these grant funds, such as the city of Lanesboro, compete for grant dollars … [Read more...]
M-C Hosts Joint Board Meeting with Mabel and Canton City Councils
Members of the Mabel and Canton city councils attended a joint board meeting hosted by the Mabel-Canton Public School Board on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at the school in Mabel. The meeting has been held annually for approximately the last six years. Attendees at this year’s meeting agreed that it is a useful communication tool, is very informative, and should … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Flashback Martin Bergen: Harmony’s Violin Maker
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...]