The Houston City Council met on Monday, May 8 at the Houston City Hall. In attendance were Houston City Administrator Peterson, Deputy Clerk Hegland, Mayor Olson, and Council members Knutson, Sanden, Krage, and Schutte. Following a Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting regarding property classification and valuation, the meeting began at 6:13 p.m. Following the Pledge … [Read more...]
Becoming a storm spotter
There is no better time to take storm spotter training than during Severe Weather Awareness Week on a rainy night with thunder booms and lightning flashes taking place outside. Although Fillmore County was only under a slight risk of severe thunderstorms, it was a good reminder that we should always be aware of the weather conditions in and around our area. Severe Weather … [Read more...]
SWCD sponsors wildflower walk May 6 near Choice
The Fillmore Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is sponsoring a wildflower walk on Saturday, May 6 at 10 a.m. at the Choice Wildlife Management Area located four miles east of Choice on County Road 13 (watch for yellow WMA signs). Park along the road past the second bridge from Choice over the South Fork of the Root River. The event is open to the public, and … [Read more...]
Whalan forced to find alternate trash and recycling company
“As of May we will no longer have Harter’s garbage service,” stated Mayor Tuftin, during the City of Whalan’s April 2017 meeting. Tuftin went on to explain, “apparently Lanesboro went to a different contract and because of that they gave us 30 days notice that they will no longer be serving Whalan either,” so “we are being dropped,” she said. Due to this, the city must find … [Read more...]
Ostrander talks cars, cats and cleanup
The Ostrander City Council met on April 4. Members present were Erin Volkart, Pam Kunert, Mayor Pat Nesler, Clerk Chris Hyrkas, and Heidi Jones. DJ Start was absent. Jason Boynton, on behalf of the Smith Schafer accounting firm, gave a summary of the annual audit of the city’s finances, which resulted in an unmodified “clean” opinion. He shared that there were no legal … [Read more...]
Lanesboro switches to new garbage and recycling service
Lanesboro’s contract with Harter’s Quick Clean Up will be ending soon, and so the city recently advertised for bids. Three bids were received from Harter’s, Waste Management, and Advanced Disposal. The council reviewed the bids at their regular April 3 meeting and approved a motion to switch to Advanced Disposal once the contract with Harter’s is finished. With Advanced … [Read more...]
Extension of the Harmony-Preston Valley bike trail advances
The City of Harmony Trails Commission is pleased to announce that a bill to appropriate funds for extension of the Harmony-Preston Valley bike trail has advanced through the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Policy and Legacy Finance Committee for final consideration in this year’s budget. Senator Jeremy Miller introduced the bill early in March. Representative Greg … [Read more...]
Recycling 101
Just in case you missed the last Recycling 101 article, I will repeat part of it today. As of April 1, 2017, all recyclables brought to Preston by waste haulers or individuals will be transported to La Crosse by Harter’s. The material will then be taken to Green Circle’s facility where the recyclables will be separated and sent to various markets. Rural containers … [Read more...]
DNR teams with USDA sharpshooters to contain CWD
“Right now, it looks like we’re on the front end of this,” USDA District Supervisor and Wildlife Biologist John Hart said about the 2016 discovery of Chronic Wasting Disease in Southeastern Minnesota. After two deer near Lanesboro and Preston tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease last fall, the Minnesota DNR placed a recreational feeding ban in Fillmore, Mower, … [Read more...]
Elaine Patricia Bacon
Elaine Patricia Bacon, Age 94, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 27, 2017 at the Ostrander Care Center. Elaine was born on September 30, 1922 to Irving and Regina Bacon of Forestville, Minn. She attended the country school in Forestville Township. Elaine resided in Rochester and worked at Waters Connelly, Mayo Clinic, as well as for the City of Rochester at the water … [Read more...]