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GFW Public Schools starts superintendent search, posts online survey

GIBBON — At a special meeting Tuesday, the Gibbon Fairfax Winthrop (GFW) School Board approved the South Central Service Cooperative (SCSC) of Mankato to lead the search for an interim superintendent. The decision follows last week’s announcement that GFW Superintendent Dr. Jeff Horton accepted the superintendent position at Southwest Metro Intermediate School District 288 based in Shakopee. Horton will begin his new job July 1 but will also continue to service as GFW superintendent through July 15 when an interim superintendent is to be hired for a one-year contract. He will ...

Rapidan Dam structure still intact

BLUE EARTH – One day after the Rapidan Dam was reported to be in imminent threat, members of Blue Earth County Public Works and Emergency Management assured the public the danger to Mankato was minimal During a press conference in Rapidan Dam Park, overlooking the west edge of the dam, Blue ...

State of emergency declared in Brown County

NEW ULM — Brown County commissioners unanimously approved a resolution Tuesday ratifying a state of emergency for flood damage from recent rain events. Action on the resolution allowing Brown County to apply for possible state and/or federal assistance, came on a motion by Commissioner Brian Braun, seconded by Scott Windschitl. Brown County Emergency Manager Shawn Stoermann said he has talked with several Brown County townships. “Fortunately, some of us don’t have the damage that some counties to the south and east of us do, but we do have damage, primarily to roads and the ...

4-H report claims positive impact on youth across county

NEW ULM — Brown County commissioners heard the annual 4-H impact report including the number of youth served and the positive impacts made across the County Tuesday. “The mission of 4-H is to engage youth, in partnership with caring adults, to reach their potential as active citizens in a global community,” said Brown County 4-H Youth Development Educator Janessa Palmer. She said one trained volunteer exists for every three youth participating Brown County 4-H programs. Palmer said all Brown County 4-H members participating in a youth outcome survey, reported experiencing a ...

Flooding impacting New Ulm, surrounding areas

NEW ULM – More rain falling this weekend means flooding in New Ulm continues to be a concern across the region. Near Mankato the Rapidan Dam has been placed in imminent failure as rushing waters created a bypass alongside the dam, and fears continue it could collapse. In New Ulm, the ...

Nicollet City Council approves retirement rate for fire relief association

The Nicollet City Council approve the Nicollet Fire Relief Association Retirement Rate during the June 10 meeting. After discussion, the council approved the retirement rate to $3,400 per year of service rate. It will require a $0 mandatory contribution. The 2025 deferred interest rate will be 2% which is no change from 2023. In other news, some personnel issues were discussed and approved. Part-time maintenance worker, Josh Anderson, wage was set at $31.73 per hour for Monday through Friday and $47.59 for Saturday or Sunday. The Personnel Committee, Kevin Ostermann and Mary Wels, ...