Houston County commissioners approved Juneteenth as an official Houston County holiday at its June 6 meeting for both non-represented employees and members of the following labor unions: Law Enforcement Labor Services No. 415, Licensed Lieutenant Unit-Law Enforcement Labor Services No. 237, Licensed Deputies Unit-Law Enforcement Labor Services No. 60, Jailer/Dispatcher … [Read more...]

In the single action item on the agenda for their May 23 meeting, the Houston County Commissioners approved reapplying for a MnDOT Aeronautics grant for maintenance and operations of the airport. The grant, which must be applied for every other year, can be used for snow plowing, cleaning, and other upkeep. the maximum amount per year is $24,552; usually the eligible expenses … [Read more...]

Houston County Commissioners declared a state of emergency for damage resulting from the ongoing flooding of the Mississippi River at the commission meeting on Tuesday, May 9. The river started flooding on April 17. Houston County Emergency Management director Mark Olson explained that threshold for Houston County is $4,1831.46. As of Monday, May 8 the town of Brownsville … [Read more...]

The Wildcat Park management contract with Fireside Management LLC was approved for the 2023 camping season at the April 25 Houston County commission meeting. Amber Miller and Steve Goetzinger, Fireside Management LLC were present to answer commissioners’ question along with County Engineer Brian Pogodzinski and County Attorney Samuel Jandt regarding the Wildcat Park contract. … [Read more...]

At the April 4 Houston County Commission meeting, the board renewed a 25-year lease with the Army Corps of Engineers to operate and maintain Wildcat Landing, a campground along the Mississippi River outside Brownsville. Commissioners in attendance include Chairman Severson; Eric Johnson, Robert (Bob) Burns, Bob Schuldt, and Greg Myhre. Commissioners in attendance include … [Read more...]

At the March 28 Houston County Commission meeting, commissioners approved County Engineer Brian Pogodzinski’s request to purchase salt through the Cooperative Purchasing Venture (VPV). The board also accepted the low quote for liquid chloride and the low quote from MP Asphalt Maintenance for CP 2023-04 for crack filling. According to Pogodzinski, the following roads are … [Read more...]

Equity Builders & Construction Services, Inc. submitted the low bid to replace the roof on the historic courthouse. The bid of $174,630.00 was unanimously approved at the March 14 Houston County Commission meeting. “We received two bids,” explained Tess Kruger, facilities manager. “We recommend Equity Builders at $174,630. Their references have been checked. Their … [Read more...]

After holding a public hearing Tuesday, February 28, on the proposed CBD/THC moratorium, Houston County commissioners declined to pass the moratorium at the March 7 commission meeting. Instead, they directed Houston County Attorney Samuel Jandt to develop and present a regulation to the board. The ordinance would require another public hearing, thus, allowing residents time to … [Read more...]

Houston County commissioners approved the purchase of six acres adjacent to the county airport at the February 28 meeting. Commissioner Greg Myhre reported that he spoke with Nicholas J. Hoscheit about the property he owns at 17149 State 76, which is adjacent to the airport. The county is interested in purchasing the acreage where the house, farm buildings, and trees are … [Read more...]

Chairman Severson called the February 14 Houston County Commission meeting to order at 9 a.m. and led his fellow commissioners and guests in the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioners unanimously approved the meeting agenda with the addition of one action item and the minutes from the February 7 regular board meeting. All five board members were in attendance: Chairman Dewey … [Read more...]

The OHV exit resolution returned to the agenda at the February 13 Houston City Council meeting, after consultation with the city attorney. The exit committee updated the resolution following the recommendations of the attorney; the updated resolution and accompanying background were shared with the council members Friday, February 10. While some members of the council wanted … [Read more...]

At its February 7 commission meeting, Houston County scheduled a public hearing to consider a countywide moratorium on the sale of edible cannabis and hemp derived tetrahydrocannabinols (THC) food and beverages. The public hearing is scheduled on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at 6 p.m. in the commission board room at the county courthouse in Caledonia. County Attorney Samuel … [Read more...]

The Houston County Commission signed two long-standing mental health service agreements at its January 24 meeting. Human Services Director John Pugleasa explained that the first contract is the two-year agreement Crest Adult Mental Health Initiative (CREST). This is a program that has been utilized by the county since 1995. Pugleasa explained that CREST is a regional … [Read more...]

Houston County Board of Commissioners Board Clerk/Chairperson Pro Tem Allison Wagner called the first meeting of 2023 to order at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, January 3. She led the board and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. The first order of business was the board chair and vice chair election. The board nominated Dewey Severson as chairman and Eric Johnson as vice chairman. Both … [Read more...]

Houston County Commissioners thanked fellow Commissioner Teresa Walter for her 25 years of service and dedication to the county, at the December 27 commission meeting. At the last commission meeting of each year, commissioners recognize employees for their years of service to the county. Carolyn J. Olson was presented with a certificate for 40 years, and 30-year awards were … [Read more...]