At the county board’s April 9 meeting, a request from the city of Preston to add new electric lines, transformer and electric service in a stand alone configuration on the north side of the courthouse was approved. The reason for the service is to do away with the noisy generators that provide power for Trout Days vendors. This proposal is for a permanent electric service … [Read more...]
Local economy impacted by outdoor recreation
Seventy-five people from all over Fillmore County attended the 2019 Economic Summit on Outdoor Recreation coordinated by the EDA. MiEnergy Cooperative sponsored the event held March 29 at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center. John Torgrimson, interim director for Eagle Bluff, gave a brief overview of Eagle Bluff which had 16,000 visitors in 2018. It partners with 140 … [Read more...]
County Board to consider solar energy ordinance
At the March 28 Planning Commission, a public hearing was held regarding the proposed replacement language of Section 709, Solar Energy Systems and the added Section 740, Solar Energy Farms. Zoning Administrator Cristal Adkins explained the commission had decided to retain the existing Wind Energy Conversion Systems language and to address solar systems separately. The … [Read more...]
County sets physical location of taxpayer services offices
Over the last couple of months the county board has been considering a shuffling of offices for Tax Payer Services to fit them all on one level of the courthouse. On April 2 the board came to an agreement and unanimously approved a new office arrangement. Lands Records Director Brian Hoff and Auditor/Treasurer Heidi Jones were concerned about space and noise. Hoff addressed … [Read more...]
County conducts annual new year business
County coordinator Bobbie Vickerman called to order the first 2019 meeting of the county commissioners on January 8. Duane Bakke was elected chairman and Marc Prestby was elected vice-chairman. Judge Matt Opat administered the oath of office to reelected commissioners Bakke and Randy Dahl and county attorney Brett Corson. Many of the same people continue in the same … [Read more...]
County supports “Small Town and Regional Vitality Investment Act”
At their October 9 meeting, the county board passed a resolution in support of the Small Town and Regional Vitality Investment Act of 2018. Support for this act will be left on the desk for Minnesota’s next First District Congressman. EDA director Marty Walsh explained this bill (H.R. 6383) is intended to redirect block grant money. Federal block grant money would go … [Read more...]
Courthouse security screening up and running
Beginning on September 4 the public has only been able to enter the Fillmore County Courthouse through the east lobby/main entry. A security officer/deputy will instruct you to put items that may be in your pockets including cell phones, keys, and change into a container to go through a scanner or x-ray machine. Purses and other carry in bags will also be put through the … [Read more...]
County approves preliminary levy for 2019
At the September 25 county board meeting, the preliminary budget and levy for 2019 was discussed. County Coordinator Bobbie Vickerman provided a breakdown of each departmental budget. The total 2019 preliminary levy is $10,819,093, which is an increase of 3.49%, or $364,893, over the 2018 final levy. The preliminary levy can be lowered in December when the final levy is set, … [Read more...]
Recycling 101: Household Hazardous Waste
By Drew Hatzenbihler Solid Waste Administrator The days are getting shorter, the weather is getting colder, and leaves are starting to change color. This can only mean one thing… It’s time for another Household Hazardous Waste event in Fillmore County! This fall, Household Hazardous Waste Day will be on Tuesday, October 2 from 12-5 p.m. This past spring, I offered some tips … [Read more...]
The 31 million dollar question
Over the next several weeks leading up to Election Day on November 6, 2018, the Fillmore County Journal will provide candidates in contested races in our coverage area an opportunity to answer questions that we hope will be of value to voters. On today’s front page, we are presenting two candidates vying for Fillmore County Auditor/Treasurer. Both Brian Hoff and Heidi ‘Bly’ … [Read more...]