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Assessor reports ‘steady year’

NEW ULM — Brown County commissioners received an assessor update from Brown County Assessor Anne Grunert Tuesday and learned she successfully appealed for tax reductions in Springfield and on agricultural land. Grunert said she appealed the City of Springfield’s 17.669% trend to the Minnesota Department of Revenue that changed the trend to 8.1732%. “I appealed a 12.764% ag land trend to be reduced to about 9%. It was denied. I appealed again with additional information I received since the original appeal due date and they approved the appeal to 0%,” said Grunert. “Just ...

WWI exhibit open at Fairfax bank through March 29

FAIRFAX — Thanks to cooperation from a bank owner, an extensive World War I traveling exhibit of photographs, letters home and newspaper stories is open to the public at First National Bank through March 29. Bank owner Bob Dickson said the Renville County Historical Society wanted to open ...

NPS discusses grad requirements and possible land transfer

NICOLLET -- The Nicollet Public School (NPS) board reviewed graduation requirements and possible annexation of school property, Wednesday. The board reviewed two items related to student graduation requirements, recommended by Supt. Robin Courrier. The new graduation policy requirement read: “Beginning with 9th graders in the 2024-2025 school year, earning Algebra I credit in 8th grade will have earned one math credit standard toward graduation. And, one credit of personal finance for students beginning 9th grade in 2023-24 must be successfully completed for graduation.” The ...

Storm comes to Sleepy Eye

SLEEPY EYE — By a 6-1 vote Wednesday, the District 84 Board of Education approved changing the school mascot from Indians to Storm Wednesday. Board member Joleen Dittbenner cast the dissenting vote following a motion by Brian Nelson, seconded by Casey Coulson to accept the storm mascot board members favored 4-3 over the Bearcats. The nickname Phoenix was also considered by the board. Earlier in the meeting, Dittbenner said she opposed the mascot change to Storm, saying students should decide the mascot name change. Superintendent John Cselozszki said the Storm mascot will be created ...

Nicollet’s south side to brighten up

The Nicollet City Council approved the installation of two streetlights for 9th Street, south of Dollar General during the Tuesday meeting. The decision to order in new streetlights came following a request from Dollar General, located on the 400 block of 9th St. in Nicollet.  Dollar General requested lights because it currently is too dark when employees leave work. Their light’s timer is set for the light to go out at 10:30 p.m.  Councilman Phil Radel questioned, “Why doesn’t Dollar General leave their light on longer because the store closes at 10 p.m.?”  Councilman ...

Kotten stolen property case sentence stayed

NEW ULM — A 42-year-old Hutchinson man, formerly of Sleepy Eye, was convicted of gross misdemeanor receiving stolen property in Brown County District Court Monday. John Charles Kotten’s sentence was a stay of imposition. A second receiving stolen property charge was dismissed. Kotten was fined $1,185 and sentenced to 364 days in the Brown County Jail, 361 days stayed for two years probation and credited for three days served. He was ordered to pay $200 restitution. According to court documents, Kotten pleaded guilty to gross misdemeanor receiving stolen property Jan. 29 in Brown ...