Not many people remember a time when trains ran through Preston, but for life-long Preston resident Ila Mae Olstad, those memories are near and dear to her heart. “My dad worked on the railroad. He was section foreman here in Preston,” Ila Mae explained. Her parents, Art and Melda Noel, moved to Preston around 1921 and she was born 10 years later. Ila Mae’s father had a … [Read more...]
Valley High Golf Club under new ownership
The only 18-hole golf course in Houston County opened April 1, 2022, under new ownership. Jim Wieser, Bill Schmitz, Scott Iverson, and Dave Bubbers were able to play a round of golf on their new course that day; the next day it snowed, forcing them to cancel a college golf tournament scheduled on the course. April’s weather hasn’t been very cooperative for the new owners … [Read more...]
The dancing Scarlet
It is springtime in Bluff County and the birds are starting to return, including the bright red Scarlet Tanager from their winter home in South America. Southeast Minnesota is also home to Scarlet Nelson, a petite 1½-year-old girl with wavey auburn colored hair. She is overjoyed that the birds are returning as she loves to watch them fly around outside the family’s home as if … [Read more...]
Urbaniak era ending at Mabel-Canton
Later this spring, the Mabel-Canton baseball team’s season will come to an end. And with it, the career of Karl Urbaniak will end, after decades of coaching student-athletes and teaching in the classroom. When asked to reflect on his career, Karl shared details on the twisting path that eventually led him to Mabel-Canton. He recalled, “I graduated from high school in 1970. I’m … [Read more...]
New Caledonia police officer, Storm Davis
The Caledonia City Council met in regular session Monday, April 11, from 6-8:09 p.m. at city hall. Mayor DeWayne “Tank” Schroeder led the council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members in attendance included Robert “Bob” Klug, Amanda Ninneman, Mayor Schroeder, David Fitzpatrick, and Brad Rykhus. Members approved the minutes from the March 28 regular city … [Read more...]
Hatlevig Valley, shared home and hearts
Jessica Hatlevig Bell and Elisa Hatlevig have just opened up their Airbnb near Peterson. “We needed to open our house and our hearts to others,” Elissa commented. They have decided to share their family treasure with the public to honor their parents, Ronald and Jacqueline Hatlevig. The home is built on the family farm, which was originally established in 1894 by Ron’s … [Read more...]
Passing of the gavel
Owners Dick and Julie Schwade, Spring Valley Sales, passed the gavel to new owners Kevin and Mindy Grabau of Greenleaftton, Minn., on March 17. Schwade and his wife sold Spring Valley Sales, but customers can be assured that they will continue to hear Schwade’s familiar chant at Spring Valley Sales as he continues to auctioneer. With a laugh Schwade said, “I can’t be home with … [Read more...]
Fillmore Skywarn — local weather spotters
With spring approaching, many of us begin thinking more about the possibility of severe weather. Thanks to Fillmore Skywarn, a volunteer storm spotting group, we can rest a little easier. The storm spotters stress safety as the highest priority as they look for storms; people are placed to the side or in back of storms and never cross a bridge without knowing there is another … [Read more...]
Calvin Nagle, new Houston police officer
Calvin Nagle was sworn in as Houston’s newest police officer by Mayor Dave Olson at the regular Houston City Council meeting on March 14, 2022. Nagle will begin training with Police Chief Brett Hurley at once; both will take part in the yearly spring police training sessions as well. Hurley asked for pre-approval on purchasing a new squad car; currently the dealership in … [Read more...]
The new Spring Grove Area Chamber of Commerce
Forming a new Chamber of Commerce is like putting a puzzle together. It requires bringing community members together, figuring out how they fit together, and like putting the non-profit together piece by piece. In 2019, Spring Grove community members identified a need in the community. They came together to organize a Chamber of Commerce for Spring Grove and the surrounding … [Read more...]
