Creating “approachable” craft beers, catering to the preferences of small-town Minnesota. That is the business philosophy Mitchell and Marcus Plaehn have set for themselves at their new venture, Bluff Brothers Brewing, Spring Valley’s newest taproom. “Our goal is to make good craft beer that caters to small-town customers,” Marcus explains. “A lot of people come in and ask, … [Read more...]
Chatfield Freemasons Donate Fire Suppression Devices
The Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office recently received a donation of three life-saving fire suppression devices from the Chatfield Masonic Lodge and the Freemasons. “It can make a dramatic difference in a house fire,” stated Scott Oesterlin, member of the Chatfield Masonic Lodge (Meridian Lodge No. 25), who spearheaded the project. Oesterlin presented the devices to … [Read more...]
First Veteran Moves into Preston Veterans Home
Long-time Preston resident Walter Hanson was the first resident to move into the Preston Veterans Home, on his 91st birthday, January 3, 2024. The newly opened Minnesota Veterans Home in Preston admitted its first residents on January 3 – four veterans who served in eras from Korea to Vietnam. The Preston Veterans Home is the first of three new veterans homes scheduled to … [Read more...]
Houston County Employees Recognized for Service
Twelve Houston County employees were recognized for their years of service to the county at the county’s December 26 commission meeting. Thirty-five-year awards to David J. Bauer and Mary A. Zaffke; 30-year award to Julie A. Renk; 25-year award to Holly S. Felten; 20-year awards to Christopher C. Tuveson and Julie K. Von Arx-Abnet; 15-year awards to Anthony T. Dockter, William … [Read more...]
Trout City Brewing Reopens Under New Ownership
Operating a brewery is a brand new challenge for new owners Christa and Aaron Magnuson. The Magnusons took over Trout City Brewing in Preston, Minn., on September 18 and reopened it November 4. When the couple purchased the business, the former owners had already closed the brewery and were packing up to leave Preston. Christa left her old job in insurance behind and took … [Read more...]
Decorah School District Declines to Renew Enrollment Agreement with M-C
The Decorah School Board met on Monday, December 11, for their regular meeting. One particular item on the agenda brought in a standing room only crowd – the board was to discuss whether or not to renew its enrollment agreement with Mabel-Canton. The origins of this situation date back to when the former North Winn School District – which covered territory between Decorah … [Read more...]
Decorah School District Declines to Renew Enrollment Agreement with M-C
The Decorah School Board met on Monday, December 11, for their regular meeting. One particular item on the agenda brought in a standing room only crowd – the board was to discuss whether or not to renew its enrollment agreement with Mabel-Canton. The origins of this situation date back to when the former North Winn School District – which covered territory between Decorah … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Welcomes Walbridge as New Administrator
Mitchell Walbridge, new city administrator of Lanesboro, Minn., is a familiar face in the city. Walbridge attended Lanesboro High School, graduating in 2012. While in college, Walbridge worked as the assistant editor at the Fillmore County Journal. His focus in college was social science with an emphasis in political science. Although he received his teaching certification, he … [Read more...]
Caledonia Business Owners Protest Property Assessments
The Caledonia City Council held a public hearing at its November 13 regular council meeting to hear the public’s opinions and concerns before taking action to certify the special assessments. Hearing no comments, the mayor called to close the public hearing at 6:27 p.m. The council approved Resolution 2023-17 authorizing the assessment of properties for delinquent utility … [Read more...]
Tristan Coyle, IMRA Jr. Bull Riding Champion
Both Tristan and Wyatt Coyle are quiet, unassuming boys; upon meeting them you’d never guess their consuming passion for bull riding and saddle bronc competition. Tristan has been involved for six years, half of his whole life! A few weeks ago, Tristan won the title of IMRA (International Miniature Rodeo Association) Junior Bull Riding Champion. With that win, Tristan … [Read more...]
Ody’s Country Meats Carves Success With Second Spring Valley Location
As soon as Missi Koebke fills the cooler with pickle-flavored beef sticks, they are gone. Customers at Ody’s Country Meats can’t get enough of the new creation. But the popular flavor is only one reason behind the fantastic sales. The other is the new and easy access customers have to the tasty treat. In September, owner Cody Koebke and his wife opened a second retail … [Read more...]
An Eagle Scout Project
Tetsuia Cox led a team of 10 to 15 boy scouts, their parents and two leaders over the summer who helped him complete his Eagle Scout project. The team constructed a new hiking trail at Bob Botcher Park just 2.5 miles outside of Sheldon, Minn., in Houston County. Cox has been a member of Boy Scout Troop 53 for five years. He lives and goes to school in La Crescent, Minn. Eagle … [Read more...]
Governor’s Deer Opener, Lanesboro 2023
Governor Tim Walz celebrated the state firearm deer opener this past weekend in the Lanesboro area. The governor’s deer opener has been held for 21 years at various locations around the state. This opener is a joint effort of the Department of Natural Resources, Explore Minnesota, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Bluffland Whitetails Association, Minnesota Conservation … [Read more...]
R-P Varsity Bowling – #1 in State!
It’s tournament time for fall varsity sports; R-P has a team ranked first in state going into their tournaments – varsity bowling! The R-P varsity team has a team average of 199.7833 with a high game of 266. They have won 12 matches and lost zero. Their game record stands at 52 wins and eight losses. In addition, Rylan Schneider is currently the number one varsity bowler in … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Has a Latte to Be Excited About
With the opening of the new Paddle On Coffee Shop & Maker Emporium on main street in Lanesboro, Minn., area residents have some unique choices of not only several types of beverages, but so much more. Owners Ryan and Allie Palmer, who also own Root River Inn & Suites in Lanesboro, approached the former owners of the building on May 15, closed on the purchase of the … [Read more...]