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

Brownsdale

Cedar River project makes use of local company’s hardware

Education

‘How can I make a difference?’

Education

Photos: Austin HS holds mock election

Mower County

In Your Community: International Paper awards $2K to fire department

Mower County

In Your Community: Brownsdale Study Club enjoys Winona outing

Mower County

In Your Community: Horticulture Society invites public to next meeting

Mower County

In Your Community: Duplicate Bridge

Mower County

In Your Community: Mower County Senior Center

Crime, Courts & Emergencies

Convictions: Oct. 14-21

News

US employers added just 12,000 jobs last month as hurricanes and strikes sharply reduce payrolls

Mower County

Rochester man charged with criminal sexual conduct

News

Musk tests the role of money in U.S. politics with multimillion-dollar effort to back Trump

News

Should Minnesota continue to put lottery dollars toward the environment?

Mower County

Photos: Tricks, treats and smiles at Comforcare

Crime, Courts & Emergencies

Woman in pull-tab scheme to serve jail time

Crime, Courts & Emergencies

APD searching for armed robbery suspect

Mower County

Active Transportation Planning Assistance grants now available

Blooming Prairie

Local FFA Member Awarded National American FFA Degree

Mower County

Austin Noon Lions kick up a party with 80th anniversary Hootenanny

Mower County

Austin Page Turners make selection for 23rd annual city wide reading event

Business

Kilpatrick selected as CRC’s newest regional business manager

Education

10 tutors needed in Austin to help students with reading, math

Business

KSMQ selected for Public Media Digital Transformation Program

News

A decade of racial justice activism transformed politics, but landmark reforms remain elusive