Goodhue County Board Faces Tensions Over Driveway Variance and Business Permits

Overview: At a recent Goodhue County Board of Commissioners meeting, attention was given to the reconsideration of a driveway variance for Mr. Josh Betcher, whose application had sparked debate over compliance with county ordinances and the potential business operations on his property. The board deliberated on whether to rescind a previously approved variance due to missing information and discussed issues related to safety and access for agricultural and home-based businesses.

Zumbrota City Council Denies Parking Variance for Bridge View Apartments, Sparks Debate

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Zumbrota City Council faced notable decisions regarding zoning and development, notably denying a parking variance request for the proposed Bridge View Apartments. The council also approved the rezoning of 211 Walnut Street for a new veterinary clinic and discussed various community projects, including updates on city ordinance recodification and the installation of a new sign at Cover Bridge Park.

Cannon Falls School Board Discusses Humanities Trip to Italy and Transportation Policy Updates

Overview: In its latest meeting, the Cannon Falls Area School Board approved a humanities trip to Italy for June 2027 and discussed updates to the student transportation policy. The trip, a tradition for the juniors and seniors who complete the humanities course, will be funded entirely by participating students and their families.

Cannon Falls Planning Commission Faces Community Concerns on Proposed Data Center’s Water Usage and Transparency

Overview: The Cannon Falls Planning Commission meeting centered on the proposed data center, addressing significant public concerns about transparency and the environmental impact on local water resources. Citizens voiced skepticism about the project’s benefits and the lack of detailed information, prompting calls for a delay in decision-making. The commission also reviewed various development strategies, focusing on balancing growth with community resources.

Cannon Falls Residents Express Concerns Over Proposed Data Center’s Impact on Local Resources

Overview: At the Cannon Falls City Council meeting on October 7, 2025, the proposed development of a data center emerged as the key topic of concern among residents. Public input highlighted worries about the center’s environmental impact, particularly its significant water usage and potential effects on local water quality. Residents questioned the transparency of the council’s decision-making process and expressed skepticism about the benefits the center would bring to the community. These concerns were compounded by discussions of potential tax implications and the adequacy of infrastructure to support the development.