Mower County this fall initiated the process to make the office of auditortreasurer an appointed position rather than an elected position.
This means that going forward, the auditor-treasurer no longer will be an elected position on the ballot every four years. It will become a job with certain educational and experiential requirements that candidates would apply for directly to Mower County.
In this case, the county is proposing to enter into an employment contract with its existing (incumbent) auditor-treasurer and maintain the current structure.
Minnesota Statute allows a county to change the auditor-treasurer status through a defined process.
Recycle ‘Mower’ items every Wednesday
The Auditor-Treasurer Office is responsible for managing vital records, such as birth, death and marriage certificates; property tax collection; tax forfeiture; and election administration. It also works closely with county finance staff to pay bills and execute recurring contractual payments.
While the county believes in the people’s right to vote for representation in local government, it also believes in ensuring the county maintains the integrity of auditor-treasurer position.
To run for auditor-treasurer, the only requirements are being a U.S. resident age 21 or older; where, by contrast, candidates for county sheriff or county attorney must have certain professional credentials to perform in that role.
For questions, you can contact Mower County administration at: mower.admin@co.mower.mn.us
In 4-H, we believe in the power of learning by doing. Youth collaborate with caring adults to lead hands-on projects in
Understanding local threats, preparation for them
JRA aims to help communities prepare, respond and recover effectively.
The moment you dial 911, a rapid and coordinated process begins.
Your call is routed to the Mower County Sheriff’s Office Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP), where trained public safety telecommunicators answer within seconds.
They collect crucial details, such as your location, the nature of the emergency and any immediate dangers. At the same time, they alert law enforcement, fire and/or medical responders.
In many cases, help already is on the way before you hang up. Behind every 911 call is a dedicated team working to save lives and protect the community.
The lifecycle of a 911 call (outlined in the graphics to the right) shows how each entity plays a vital role in your safety.
Austin Independent School District 492 will hold a special election on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025.
This ballot will consist of a two-question bond referendum. It only is for voters who reside in the Austin school district.
Absentee voting is available now through Nov. 3 at the Mower County AuditorTreasurer’s Office at the Mower County Government Center, 201 First St. N.E., in Austin. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.
Extended absentee voting hours will be offered from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 3.
For questions about absentee voting, please contact the Auditor-Treasurer’s Office at 507434-2614 or 507-437-9535.
To learn more about the school’s special election, visit the school district’s website:
accelerateaustin.org
NEWS
By Dr. Joey Page
Dear Austin Public Schools Community,
At APS, we believe in preparing students to make a difference in the world.
We believe in high expectations, strong support systems, and learning environments where every student can thrive. Thanks to your ongoing support, we have made great progress deploying our strategic plan, protecting valuable student programs and hitting a 30-year high in enrollment last year.
But many of our buildings haven’t kept pace. As they age, it becomes more difficult for our schools to support the modern education we provide families.
After three years of study and careful planning, the Austin School Board has proposed a bond referendum to address the district's critical building needs. The $66.7 million plan would support major repairs and renovations at eight school buildings, including Austin High School. This referendum is about investing wisely and maintaining the spaces our students depend on every day. It’s about preserving what works and fixing what doesn’t so every learner has access to safe, welcoming spaces that reflect the quality of our community.
Ultimately, voters have the final say. I invite you to learn more by visiting AccelerateAustin.org. Please make your voice heard on or before Tuesday, Nov. 4.
Austin High School, the district’s oldest building (more than 100 years old), requires a new boiler; major electrical and HVAC upgrades; ADA-compliant restrooms and locker rooms; and modern fire alarms.
Our elementary schools (Banfield, Neveln, Sumner and Southgate all built between 1937 and 1958) have aging infrastructure, such as outdated mechanical systems and worn-out restrooms.
Ellis Middle School (built in 1957) requires new mechanical equipment; ADA-compliant locker rooms; pavement and wall repairs; and extensive renovations to the pool area, including addressing issues with rust, moisture and accessibility.
Woodson: Our Community Learning Center, a hub for early childhood programs, requires updated mechanical systems, window replacements, ADA upgrades, new fire alarms and pavement repairs.
Our Students. Our Schools. Our Future.
For details and photos of the challenges at each school, visit online at: AccelerateAustin.org/challenges
The Plan: Essential Repairs, Upgrades for Schools
On Tuesday, Nov. 4, voters in the Austin Public School District will consider a two-question, $66.7 million bond
referendum. Question One requests a $54.7 million investment for major repairs and renovations of eight school buildings. Question Two requests a $12 million investment to renovate and expand the Bud Higgins Pool at Ellis Middle School.
How much does the referendum cost? For a median home valued at $200,000, the monthly property tax increase would be $16 per month starting in 2026 ($13 for Question One and $3 for Question Two).
If the referendum passes, are there ways to reduce my tax impact?
Learn more online at: AccelerateAustin.org/cost
How will the referendum affect farmers? To reduce the impact of a bond referendum on farmland owners, Minnesota’s Ag2School tax credit offers a 70 percent tax credit to all agricultural property except the house, garage and one acre surrounding the agricultural homestead.
By Shaylie Meyer
APS Supervisor of Health Services
JOB OPENINGS
By Amy Thuesen
Fire-safety tips for fall, winter
By Glen Morris
