Cannon Falls Board Considers Four-Day Week Amid Potential Budget Cuts

Overview: At the recent Cannon Falls Area School Board meeting, discussions revolved around potential cost-saving measures, including a four-day school week, and the approval of a new meeting schedule reducing the frequency of board sessions. Other topics included transportation issues, facility improvements, and the utilization of artificial intelligence in education.

Cannon Falls School Board Approves Early Start Proposal for Future School Years

Overview: The Cannon Falls Area School Board recently convened to deliberate on several key matters, most notably approving a proposal for the school calendar that suggests starting the academic year earlier than usual for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school years. This decision is contingent upon the submission and approval of a flexible learning year application by the state, necessitating three public comment periods to gauge community feedback. The proposed calendar aims to align the school year with natural breaks, facilitating smoother transitions between quarters and semesters, and ending in mid-May to accommodate graduation schedules and Memorial Day celebrations.

Zumbrota City Council Approves Fee Schedule Change Amid Solid Waste Contract Debate

Overview: During the recent Zumbrota City Council meeting, the approval of a revised fee schedule and the extension of the solid waste contract emerged as key points of discussion. The council unanimously approved changes to the fee schedule, incorporating snow shoveling fees following a city intervention incident, and debated the logistics of extending the waste management contract to avoid complications during the winter months.

Cannon Falls City Council Tackles Ice Rink Challenges, Eyes Community Input for Improvements

Overview: During the Cannon Falls City Council meeting on January 6, 2026, attention was devoted to addressing challenges related to maintaining the local ice rink, a beloved community feature. The Council discussed potential improvements to the rink’s upkeep and emphasized the need for creative solutions to overcome weather-related obstacles. As temperatures fluctuate, the city’s current approach to maintaining the ice surface has proven insufficient, prompting council members to consider new methods, such as using a machine that layers water rather than flooding the rink. This method aims to create a more stable ice base.

Goodhue County Board Explores Subdivision Ordinance Review Amid Land Use Concerns

Overview: The Goodhue County Board of Commissioners, led by County Administrator Scott Arneson, held a discussion on the county’s subdivision ordinance during their first meeting of 2026. The board examined the need for a potential review of the current ordinance to address concerns about efficiency and financial burdens on landowners, particularly in estate settlements involving land division.