Lizzie Hershberger, who grew up in the Amish community in southeast Minnesota, has spoken publicly about the sexual abuse she endured as a young teenager. Her story was first told in a book “Behind Blue Curtains,” which she authored, and is now the focus of a PBS Independent Lens documentary, “Keep Quiet and Forgive.” Her story will move you, and she hopes that it will … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton to Interview Four Superintendent Candidates
After reviewing five applications, the Mabel-Canton School Board selected four candidates to interview for the district’s superintendent position at its March 17 meeting. The candidates selected for interviews are Michael Mangan, director of educational success and innovation at Houston Public Schools and Minnesota Virtual Academy (MNVA); Mike Harvey, former superintendent … [Read more...]
Spring Grove School Board Met on March 16 Despite School Closure
The school was closed Monday, March 16, due to a spring blizzard; however, the Spring Grove School Board gathered for its regular meeting at 7 p.m. in the school’s media center. All board members were in attendance; Ashley Olson, Rhan Flatin, Myriah Klug, Kelly Rohland, Lisa Myhre, and Chairman Stephanie Jaster. The consent agenda was unanimously approved in one swift … [Read more...]
Road Work Ahead: Houston County Awards Paving, Shouldering, and Seal-Coat Bids
Chairman Greg Myhre called the March 17 meeting of the Houston County Board of Commissioners to order at 9 a.m. in the historic courthouse, downtown Caledonia. Chairman Myhre led his fellow colleagues and the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Board members present were Cindy Wright (District 1), Eric Johnson (District 2), Kurt Zehnder (District 3), Bob Schuldt (District … [Read more...]
Mabel Council Continues Conversation on Local Cannabis Ordinance
The conversation regarding a cannabis ordinance in Mabel, rather than following Fillmore County’s ordinance, was once again a topic of discussion at the March 11 Mabel City Council meeting. The city received a letter from Steve Wijatyk from Palm Springs, Calif who is in support the city adopting a “clear and thoughtful cannabis ordinance.” He noted in his letter that his … [Read more...]
Wiegrefe Senior Housing Transferred to City of Eitzen
On March 10 during the regular city council meeting, the Eitzen City Council signed the paperwork transferring the Wiegrefe Senior Housing facility including the building and all assets from the Willard and Alpha Wiegrefe Foundation to the city. The council also approved a new board to oversee the property. Board members include Jeff Adamson, Ethan Lapham, and Mitch … [Read more...]
Caledonia Police Responded to 2,011 Calls in 2025
Caledonia Police Chief Kurt Zehnder shared an in-depth picture of his department’s activities in 2025 during the March 9 regular meeting of the Caledonia City Council. The Caledonia Police Department has five full-time officers with a combined total of just over 100 years in law enforcement. In 2025, the department responded to 2,011 total calls for service, down from … [Read more...]
Adult Trap Shooting Thrives in Fillmore and Houston Counties
Trap shooting is a growing sport in Fillmore and Houston counties of Southeast Minnesota. It is a sport deeply grounded in the area’s strong outdoor traditions. For decades, area sportsmen and sportswomen have gathered at local ranges to enjoy friendly competition, fresh air, scenic landscapes and a sense of community that extends well beyond the shooting line. Local … [Read more...]
Houston County Residents Submit Petition to Board of Commissioners
At the March 3 meeting of the Houston County Board of Commissioners, a petition with 245 signatures was submitted to the board concerning amendments made to zoning ordinance sections 27.3 and 27.815 in March 2025. The signers of the petition are requesting that the amendments be reverted to their original form as intended when the ordinance was adopted in 2014. According to the … [Read more...]
Quarter/Quarter Rule Discussion Tabled Until March
At the February 24 meeting, the Houston County Board of Commissioners discussed the county’s quarter/quarter rule at the request of Chair Greg Myhre. The discussion was tabled and will be revisited at the March 3 commission meeting to allow Commissioner Cindy Wright to participate. The current rule limits development in agricultural districts to one dwelling per 40-acre … [Read more...]