Spring Grove School District is excited to introduce four new teachers who have joined the Spring Grove community this year: Ethan Papenfuss, Dana Langworthy, Brett Gulbranson, Erin Woods, Jeannine Hisel, and Laura Moen, a group united by their dedication to students and their love of learning. Ethan Papenfuss Growing up near Spring Grove, Ethan Papenfuss always … [Read more...]
Caledonia Council Reviews Budget, Prepares for Holiday Season
Caledonia Finance Officer Stephanie Mann attended the November 24, 2025, Caledonia City Council meeting to review the proposed 2026 budget as the deadline to set the levy approaches. Currently, the tax levy is set at 12%, with hopes of lowering it, but Mann said she does not see any way to do so. She asked council members if they saw any options to let her know. The levy will … [Read more...]
Houston County Approves New Leadership
At the Houston County Board of Commissioners’ November 25 regular meeting, Chairman Eric Johnson recommended that Human Resources Officer Brent Parker be named the Houston County Coordinator/Human Resource Director. Chairman Johnson explained that he and Commissioner Wright held several organizational meetings and discussions regarding an administrative position or … [Read more...]
Kelly Ristau: An Artist’s Journey
Earlier this year, I sat down with Preston Native Kelly Ristau, at Paddle on Coffee & Maker Emporium in Lanesboro, Minn. for an interview. The assignment was to write a story about Kelly work as a muralist. It did not take long to realize that there was much more to this artist, and what began as a conversation about murals evolved into a much richer portrait of a young … [Read more...]
Three New Teachers at Mabel-Canton
The new school year brings fresh faces to the Mabel-Canton School District, which welcomed three new teachers: Cole Mundt, Samantha Livingood and James Ryan. Cole Mundt Cole Mundt teaches seventh through 12th grade government, economics, health, and physical education. He hails from Utica, Minn., and graduated from Lewiston-Altura High School in 2020. He graduated … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton Superintendent Submits Resignation
The M-C School board accepted Superintendent Gary Kuphal’s resignation/retirement, effective June 30, 2026, at the November 18 regular school board meeting. Kuphal said in his resignation letter, “The district, which includes the board, staff, students, and the community, have been extremely supportive of our school and of me, and I have truly enjoyed my work here.” The … [Read more...]
Houston County Commissioners Hear Initial Presentation on MariBell 765/161 kV Transmission Project
At the November 18 regular meeting of the Houston County Board of Commissioners, representatives of the MariBell 765/161 kV Transmission Project appeared before the commissioners for the first time to share information about the project with the board. The project is a partnership between Dairyland Power Cooperative and GridLiance. Chairman Eric Johnson called the meeting to … [Read more...]
Council Approves “Best-In-Class” Gym Development
Applause was heard from the audience after the Caledonia City Council unanimously approved the 615 W. Washington development proposal submitted by Gran Properties and Alpha Performance at its meeting on November 10. The city received one proposal for the city-owned 0.73 vacant acres located on Highway 44 and W. Washington. According to the Request for Proposal (RFP), the … [Read more...]
Eitzen City Council Discusses Easement Issue, Advances Community Projects
The November 11 meeting of the Eitzen City Council was called to order at 6:05 p.m. by Mayor Jeff Adamson. All council members were present: Emily Burrichter, Doug Meyer, Mitch Luttchens and Mitch Lange, plus Mayor Adamson. Also in attendance were Maintenance Supervisor Darrel Meyer and City Clerk Steve Schuldt. Since it was Veterans Day, Mayor Adamson first acknowledged … [Read more...]
Vacated Property Spurs Action at Mabel City Council Meeting
The Mabel City Council convened for its regular meeting on November 12, led by Mayor Adam Wilder at 6 p.m. Council members present included Kirsten Wyffels, Tina Bakke and Kelly Sand. Valerie Arnold was absent. Also in attendance were Wynn and Justine Nies, City Clerk Karen Larson and Public Works Director Robert Mierau. During public comments, the Nieses raised concerns … [Read more...]