Fillmore County Journal - 4.16.18

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“Where Fillmore County News Comes First” Weekly Edition

Spring Sports Section

Inside today’s Journal

Charter Commission amendment dead page

Monday, April 16, 2018

Whalan council seat filled

9

page

11

Volume 33 Issue 30

Peterson possible rental units

Mabel daycare final step

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20

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24

Canton • Chatfield • Fountain • Harmony • Houston • Lanesboro • Mabel • Ostrander • Peterson • Preston • Rushford • Rushford Village • Spring Valley • Whalan • Wykoff

Rebuild VFW event in Spring Valley By R ich Wicks

By K aren R eisner

rich@fillmorecountyjournal.com

Everyone around Spring Valley knows that in early October 2017, the Johnny Ringo’s bar burned down, and has been demolished. It’s not as well known that the Spring Valley VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) building, right next to the fire, also incurred significant damages. And for that reason, the VFW is holding a “Rebuild the VFW Benefit Dinner and Auction” on Saturday, April 21 at the Spring Valley Community Center. On a recent afternoon, VFW Post 4114 Commander Steve O’Connor and fundraiser committee member Sarah Kohn sat down to share the details of their upcoming event. A dinner will be served from 4-7 p.m., and a silent auction from 4-6 p.m. There will also be a live auction starting at 5 p.m. The dinner will include chili and fixings, garlic toast, dessert and beverage. Those attending the dinner are asked to make a freewill offering. O’Connor added, “And I just found out today, See REBUILD VFW Page 3 

County to discontinue homecare, votes on veterans home site karen@fillmorecountyjournal.com

After a lengthy discussion, commissioners decided to discontinue public health homecare at their April 10 meeting. Clients and homecare employees will be notified of the county’s intention to transition to private companies over the next few months. The target date to complete the transition is July 1. During this period home health staff and clients will have time to select another homecare agency. Homecare services include skilled nursing (injections, wound care, blood draws), home health (personal care, very minimum housework) and homemaker services (cleaning, laundry, errands). Erickson was misquoted in the April 9 issue of the Fillmore County Journal. Her comment was that “homemaker” services are hard to find in Fillmore County, not “homecare” services as it was reported. Commissioner Duane Bakke

asked Jessica Erickson, director of nursing, to provide weekly updates during the transition process. The motion to discontinue homecare services was approved. Commissioner Marc Prestby voted no. Prestby zealously argued that by discontinuing homecare services we will be driving costs up for clients. Private entities will not provide a service if they can’t make a profit. They have to make a profit to stay in business. He continued, “One of the core functions of government is to serve the vulnerable.” These services allow the elderly to stay in their homes. The cost of homecare services provided by the county have not been entirely covered by revenue sources, including state, federal, and private insurance. In 2016 and 2017 the homecare services deficits were covered by levy dollars ($63,000 and $79,000 respecSee COUNTY BOARD Page 3 

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Sarah Kohn and Steve O’Connor hope to send their fundraising rocket into orbit on April 21, 2018. Photo by Rich Wicks

Spring Valley assessments mulled By R ich Wicks rich@fillmorecountyjournal.com

reasons that their assessments should be decreased. The council took no action regarding the Kovarik property, so that Hoff can set up a time to re-check her home. Council members present for the meeting included Tony Archer, Todd Jones, Mayor Jim Struzyk Jessy Betts, and City Administrator Deb ZimSee SPRING VALLEY Page 9 

Veterans await county board decision on location of proposed veterans home. Photo by Karen Reisner

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On April 9, Spring Valley held its annual Board of Review meeting, in which County Assessor Brian Hoff described the assessment and review process. He said all requests for a review must be based on actual facts. Hoff and the council heard from several homeowners who asked the council to consider adjusting their assess-

ments following a re-check that recently was done by Hoff. The council also heard from Jennie Kovarik, who said that the assessments are increasing taxes so much that, “To me, you’re pushing people out of town” because they’re going to go where it’s more affordable. The council voted to accept the recommendations from Hoff regarding decreases for the three homeowners that he has already met with and found


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