In February 2022, a Facebook post asked for someone to help to continue the fireworks for Houston Hoedown. Apparently, no one else wanted to take on the project originally started by Greg Lemke years ago. Three local businessmen, Dusty Franzwa, Luke Meyer, and Chris Schroeder, decided to step up and help. They knew the Hoedown fireworks were always a big draw to town on Friday … [Read more...]
Houston School Board dreams
At their regular June 2, 2022, board meeting, the Houston School Board spent some time dreaming about changes they might make to the elementary and high school buildings. Representatives from SiteLogiQ, Matt Helgerson, Ryan Gram, and Cullen Bahn, took turns presenting a “refresh of ideas and opportunities” for the buildings. At the elementary, they proposed an addition in … [Read more...]
Renee Darlene Kumpf
Renee Darlene Kumpf, 72, of Stewartville, Minn., passed away peacefully on May 26, 2022. She was born in Houston, Minn., on March 16, 1950, to Gladina and Gynther Halverson. She graduated from Houston High School and went to cosmetology school in Winona. After graduating from cosmetology school, she worked as an oOptometric assistant for 23 years. Renee met the love of her … [Read more...]
Lucille Betty Schiebstad
Lucille Betty Schiebstad, 79, of Houston, Minn., passed away on April 21, 2022. Lucille was born on December 14, 1942, to Dennis and Dora (Rowe) Wood in Chatfield, Minn. Lucille was united in marriage to Hjalmer Schiebstad on August 11, 1976, and they were blessed with one daughter, Ida. Lucille was so glad to be a mom, and she raised Ida with dedication, pride, and an emphasis … [Read more...]
Rushford State Bank opens in Houston
A short three weeks after taking over their new building in Houston, Rushford State Bank officially opened its doors in Houston, Minn., on May 16. The front door now bears the bank logo, signs around the bank detail the Rushford State Bank’s services, and a special “Banker’s Blend” of Carlson Roasting Company Coffee can be found on display at the teller stations along with the … [Read more...]
Doris Louise Botcher
Doris Louise Botcher, age 91, of Houston, Minn., passed away November 18, 2021, at Claddaugh Memory Care, Caledonia, Minn. Doris was born May 4, 1930, in Buckholts, Tex., to James and Mabel (Cross) McCrummen. She married Gerald Botcher June 6, 1953, in Caledonia, Minn. Gerald passed away March 14, 2016. Doris was an active volunteer in Houston. She was honored to be the … [Read more...]
Will Houston have Christmas decorations next year?
Last Christmas, Houston City Council decided not to have their long-used, well-worn wreaths hung on the city light posts. Many citizens commented on the lack of decorations; as a result, the Hometown Pride group took a look at the tired wreaths to see if they could be restored. Marlene Schultz attended the city council meeting on May 9 and shared the possibility of replacing … [Read more...]
New phones for Houston schools
At their May 5, regular meeting, the Houston School Board approved a new phone system update for the school with a monthly cost of $2,400. This is a bit over $100 in additional cost. Internet-based phones will be installed throughout the school’s buildings. Josh Norlien expressed concern about phone service during power outages, but the school has battery backups for some … [Read more...]
Mary L. Thomas
Mary L. Thomas, 75, of Houston, Minn., passed away on Wednesday, May 4, 2022, at the Gundersen Tweeten Care Center in Spring Grove, Minn. Mary Louise Schultz, daughter of Glenn and Agnes (Sather) Schultz was born on February 8, 1947, in Minneapolis, Minn. She was raised on the family farm in Looney Valley (rural Houston), Minn. Mary was a 1965 graduate of Houston High … [Read more...]
Houston Food Shelf revamped
Laurie LeGrande visited the Houston City Council meeting April 11 to share what she called “the most positive, uplifting news” about the local food shelf. LeGrande, who has run the program for the last eight years, thanked the council for allowing the food shelf to use the city-owned former ambulance building. During COVID, a table was set up near the door and staff … [Read more...]
