The dates for two bond referendum informational meetings were announced at the February 18 Mabel-Canton School Board meeting. The first will be held on February 19 at the Canton Town Hall; the second will be held March 11 in Mabel. Both meetings will start at 6 p.m. The board graciously thanked Joanne Hosting for a $5,000 donation in memory of Mike Hosting. The donation will … [Read more...]
Decorah’s Brent Parker Hired as Houston County Human Resources Officer
At the February 18 Houston County Commission meeting, the board approved hiring Decorah, Iowa resident Brent Parker as the county’s new Human Resources officer. His official start date is March 3. Interim Administrator Carol Lapham introduced Parker to the board. He has a 20-year career as a police officer and returned to college to earn his Master’s in Public … [Read more...]
Military Rock to Honor Caledonia’s Veterans, Entrepreneurial Navigator Hired
On February 10, the Caledonia City Council unanimously approved a motion to identify a suitable location in the town’s North Park for the installation of a 3-D painted boulder honoring Caledonia’s veterans. They also authorized contracting with David Carlson as the town’s first Entrepreneurial Navigator. The meeting was called to order at 6 p.m. followed by the Pledge of … [Read more...]
Eitzen’s Habitat for Humanity House Nearing Completion
Eitzen Mayor Jeff Adamson announced at the February 11 city council meeting that the March deadline to complete Eitzen’s Habitat for Humanity house is quickly approaching. Adamson emphasized that “they have been working over there a lot.” In reference to the Habitat house, Adamson said, “That’s coming along. Hopefully that will be wrapped up, with flowers in the … [Read more...]
Houston County Public Health and Community Services Building to Undergo Renovation
At the February 4 Houston County Commission meeting, the bid for the Public Health and Community Services interior improvement project was accepted. The scope of the project includes remodeling the front office area of the building. “It’s going to make space better for all services that we operate,” said Public Health Supervisor Jordan Knoke. “We’re also increasing security … [Read more...]
Caledonia City Council Appoints John Rauk to the Council
On January 27, the Caledonia City Council interviewed seven Caledonia residents for the position vacated by Ryan Stenzel. John Rauk was appointed by a roll call vote to fill Stenzel’s seat. Rauk immediately took the Oath of Office administered by City Clerk/Administrator Jake Dickson. Mayor Leis called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. All … [Read more...]
Houston County Commissioners Approve 2025 Highway Equipment Purchases
On January 28, the Houston County Commissioners approved several key actions, including the 2025 equipment quotes for the highway department. The meeting was called to order at 9 a.m. by Chairman Eric Johnson, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. All commissioners were present except for Kurt Zehnder. County Engineer Brian Pogodzinski confirmed that all equipment buys … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton School Board Elects Officers
On January 21, 2025, during the regularly scheduled board meeting, Mabel-Canton Superintendent Gary Kuphal led the newly elected and re-elected board members in the Oath of Office, followed by the election of officers. The district’s new officers are: Chairman Chris Miller, Vice Chair Dustin Tollefsrud, Clerk Jason Marquardt, and Treasurer Diane Wilder. The meeting was … [Read more...]
Houston County Mobile Dentistry Pilot Program Sees Success
On January 21, Houston County Public Health employees John Pugleasa, Jordan Knoke, Mary Zaffke and Brianna Ceaser, along with Rich DeMarco, a representative from Delta Dental, appeared before the Houston County Board of Commissioners to update commissioners on the county’s mobile dentistry pilot program. Chairman Eric Johnson called the meeting to order at 9 a.m. The revised … [Read more...]
Chelsey and Jacob Hoscheit’s Perfect Day
Chelsey (Dehning) Hoscheit described her July 27, 2024, wedding to Jacob Hoscheit as the perfect wedding, uniquely tailored to them. Reflecting on the big day, she emphasized the importance of capturing every moment on video – from the ceremony to the speeches, to the dance and the reception – because the day flies by so quickly. Payton B. Videography documented the … [Read more...]
The Love Story of Mary Helen and Arlo Schmitt
Two young adults – Mary Helen from Clermont, Iowa, and Arlo from Cresco, Iowa, – found themselves at the popular Matter’s Ballroom, a favorite gathering spot in Decorah, Iowa, for young adults. Thanks to a mutual friend, their paths crossed that evening, sparking a love story that would last a lifetime. Mary Helen Matt, who was living in Clermont with her parents and running … [Read more...]
Eitzen Kicks Off 2025
Eitzen City Clerk Steve Schuldt administered the Oath of Office to Mayor Jeff Adamson, and councilmembers Mitch Luttchens and Mitch Lange at the first Eitzen City Council meeting of 2025, held on January 14. The meeting was called to order at 6 p.m. The council unanimously approved the minutes from the December 10, 2024, city council meeting as presented. The financial … [Read more...]
Caledonia Mayor Jeremy Leis Presides Over His First Meeting
Caledonia’s new mayor, Jeremy Leis, presided over his first city council meeting on Monday evening, January 13, 2025. Mayor Leis called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. and led his colleagues and the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Councilmembers Bob Klug, Amanda Ninneman and David Fitzpatrick were also present. The council accepted the resignation of … [Read more...]
Justin Rohrer to Manage Wildcat Park for a Second Year in a Row
At the January 7 Houston County Commission meeting, the board approved a three-year contract with Justin Rohrer, Wildcat Creek Management LLC, to operate Wildcat Park. Interim Administrator Carol Lapham reviewed the contract and explained the major changes as compared to last year’s contract. Compensation increased from $52,000 to $54,000 and online reservations will be … [Read more...]
Mabel Holds the First City Council Meeting of 2025
Mayor Adam Wilder called the first Mabel City Council meeting of 2025 to order at 6 p.m. on January 8 in the city hall meeting room. As required, Mayor Adam Wilder and newly elected council member Kelly Sand took the oath of office at the beginning of meeting. Re-elected council member Kirsten Wyffels took the oath of office on December 27, 2024, since she was unable to … [Read more...]