County board to rule on whether landfill can accept new asbestos

A set of feuding neighbors north of Austin will likely have a solution to their dispute Tuesday.

During its regular meeting, the county board is expected to approve or deny a request by Veit Disposal Systems to amend the business’s conditional use permit to allow types of friable asbestos — a dangerous material if it becomes airborne and is inhaled — at its VONCO IV Demolition Debris Disposal Facility, 24477 U.S. Highway 218 north of Austin.

However, the landfill’s closest neighbors, Bonnie and Bill Ryther, are firmly set against it. The Rythers argued waste and dust from the landfill is blowing into their property and reducing its value.

The Rythers also have health concerns, especially considering there was a fire at the landfill in 2010.

“We’re asking the board to do one thing now out of concern for our safety,” Bonnie said at a April 3 county board meeting.

The board is expected to announce its decision at a 10 a.m. public hearing.

Bond restructuring

The county board could approve a move to restructure bonds owed on the Mower County Jail and Justice Center — if the price is right.

George Eilertson, of Northland Securities, will talk with the board at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday about a bond change that could save the county up to $75,000 a year on the roughly $9.4 million owed on a bond for the Jail and Justice Center.

No county residents showed up for a public hearing March 20 on the bond change. Commissioners have anticipated little opposition, since it would save money on existing bonds.

The board could approve the bond change Tuesday, but it will only happen if the county is guaranteed a savings.

Human Services business opens the board meeting at 8:30 a.m., and the regular meeting is slated to begin at 9:30 a.m.

In other business:

—The board will reconvene at 1 p.m. to hear an update on the potential of regionalizing dispatch services from consultant Andy Terry.

—Community Health Manager Lisa Kocer will update the board at 9:45 a.m. on business in Public Health.

SportsPlus

Mower County

PTTP kicks off 15th year of fighting cancer

Mower County

Rep. Bennett: Actions have consequences

Mower County

After several years of inviting visitors to Nativity collection, Austin couple says this is the last year

Education

School Board gets an update on reconstruction of Paulson Courts

Mower County

MMUA honors credentialed Austin journeyman lineworker Garitt Wytaske at annual conference

Mower County

Minnesotans fish free statewide with kids Jan. 18-20

Mower County

Minnesota Association of Townships announces 2025 Scholarship Program for high school juniors

News

U of M researchers examine preparedness for possibility of CWD jump to humans

News

University of Minnesota gets fast-tracked funding to survey wildlife for bird flu

News

House Democrats boycott opening day of Minnesota’s legislative session to thwart narrow GOP majority

Business

Hormel’s Snee to retire at end of fiscal year

News

Minnesota Legislature could be headed for a rocky start to its 2025 session

Mower County

Paint the Town Pink Kicks Off During Austin Area Chamber Business After Hours at The Hormel Institute

LeRoy

Mower County Sheriff’s Office investigating ATM theft in LeRoy

News

Milk from Minnesota dairy farms to undergo mandatory testing for bird flu

Mower County

Love the Work: Mike Hanson enters phased retirement having enjoyed his time with the county

Education

Ellis Middle School teacher nominated for STEM award

Mower County

Duplicate Bridge

Education

Education Briefs

News

Trump gets no-penalty sentence in his hush money case, while calling it ‘despicable’

Crime, Courts & Emergencies

Convictions: Dec. 30, 2024 -Jan. 6

News

As avian flu hits Minnesota’s wild birds, here’s what to watch for and how to help

News

Anita Bryant, a popular singer who became known for opposition to gay rights, dead at age 84

News

Trump will be sentenced in his hush money case, days before he returns to the White House