Spring Grove Public Schools is excited to welcome five new teachers to its faculty this year. Each brings a wealth of experience, enthusiasm, and fresh perspectives to the classroom. Riley is the new seventh and eighth-grade social studies teacher, and he also … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton Welcomes Ben Mohs
The administration, staff and students of Mabel-Canton schools, along with the communities of Mabel and Canton, are excited to welcome Ben Mohs, the school’s new social worker. Ben, his wife Alysha, and their 5-year-old son Eli, who just started kindergarten, reside in Rushford. Alysha has been a third-grade teacher for 16 years, while Ben brings a wealth of experience in … [Read more...]
CUP Granted to Bruce Mann in Black Hammer Township
The Houston County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, October 1, and approved a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for Bruce Mann to build a home on a 3.77 acre parcel off Braaten Drive in Black Hammer Township. The only conditions were the usual two regarding compliance with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations, and that the county may enter … [Read more...]
Brownsville City Council Discusses Infrastructure Needs
During the Brownsville City Council meeting on October 2, representatives from Bollig Engineering, Vice President of Client Development Kris Ambuehl and Regional Project Manager Bryan Caffin, presented findings from a recent needs assessment survey conducted by Bollig. The survey focused on the city’s infrastructure. Their presentation addressed key areas such as health and … [Read more...]
Picture-Perfect Autumn: Your Guide To Bluff Country’s Byways
Autumn is a popular time to explore the scenic byways in Historic Bluff Country. The varied landscape provides a picturesque backdrop for photos, selfies, and videos. With leaves changing colors, the bright blue sky, the fall harvest, and colorful birds, you’re guaranteed to find something that captures your interest. Pumpkins, squash, and apples contribute to colorful fall … [Read more...]
Houston County’s Truth and Taxation Meeting Scheduled for December 10
Next year’s proposed operating budget for Houston County was unanimously approved at the commission meeting on Tuesday, September 24. The county’s Truth and Taxation meeting is scheduled for December 10 at 6 p.m. Interim Administrator/Finance Director Carol Lapham provided the board with a spreadsheet comparing the levies. The levy was approved at the September 17 commission … [Read more...]
A Blooming Bouquet of Fall Colors
As autumn settles in, the Root River towns of Whalan, Peterson, Rushford and Lanesboro warmly invite you to experience the breathtaking beauty of the season at the annual Root River Valley Autumn trail celebration. Explore the stunning landscapes by walking or biking the Root River Trail or enjoy a leisurely drive through the picturesque valley. Each town is bursting with … [Read more...]
Caledonia Approves 2025 Proposed Levy
Discussions regarding the 2025 proposed budget continued from the last Caledonia City Council meeting, with Finance Officer Stephanie Mann explaining the changes at the September 23 city council meeting. The board unanimously approved the proposed 12% increase which equals a total levy of $1,397,896. It was emphasized that the levy cannot be increased but it can be … [Read more...]
Spring Grove Approves Proposed Tax Levy
The Spring Grove School Board at its September 16 meeting, approved the proposed 2024 property tax levy at the maximum level around 2%, as recommended by Superintendent Rachel Udstuen. The tax is payable in 2025. According to the extended agenda, “This level allows for any changes between now and when the proposed levy is provided to the county auditor at the end of the month, … [Read more...]
Spring Grove Challenges Eitzen to Defend Their Title in Chair Volleyball
During the 2024 Syttende Mai celebration in Spring Grove, a new event took center stage; a chair volleyball tournament. Spring Grove fielded two teams with Donna Myhre organizing another, and Eitzen sending a team of their own. In the end, the Eitzen team claimed the championship title. Now, Spring Grove is gearing up to host another tournament this fall, challenging Eitzen … [Read more...]
2025 Operating Budget Dominates Discussion at Houston County Board Meeting
After a lengthy discussion about the 2025 budget, the Houston County board of commissioners decided to postpone adopting the proposed operating budget at the September 17 commission meeting. This delay allows for a more detailed review of the line items. A decision on the proposed 2025 budget will be made at the next commission meeting. The board did adopt the proposed 7.5% … [Read more...]
No Passport Required for Wykoff Fall Festival
No passport is required for the annual Wykoff Fall Festival this weekend, September 27-29. You don’t need to travel to Germany to experience Oktoberfest-Wykoff’s fall festival brings the festive spirit of Germany’s Oktoberfest right here to town. Tapping of the keg kicks off the festivities at noon on the festival grounds. This year’s grand marshals are Garry and Becky … [Read more...]
M-C School Board Members Recognized
Superintendent Gary Kuphal recognized the Mabel-Canton (M-C) school board members at the September 17 regularly scheduled school board meeting. He thanked them for all their work and presented each board member with a certificate of appreciation, noting that September is Minnesota School Board Recognition Month. Chair Cristal Adkins called the meeting of the Mabel-Canton … [Read more...]
Farm Safety Advice From a Man Who Knows Firsthand the Dangers
Caledonia resident Jim Hoscheit, who knows firsthand the importance of farm safety, offers two key pieces of advice, “Respect the equipment; they are very powerful pieces of machinery.” Continuing, Jim added, “Don’t be in a rush even though you might have a shortcut for something that takes that extra 10 seconds, five seconds, two seconds. Don’t put yourself in harm’s way.” … [Read more...]
Mabel Approves 2025 Tax Levy and Purchase of Two Generators
Mabel Public Works Director Robert (Bob) Mierau presented two quotes at the September 11 city council meeting for approval: one for a permanent standby generator for the community center and one for a mobile diesel generator for the lift stations. Mierau mentioned that he has been advocating for years for the city to purchase these generators in case of an emergency, noting, … [Read more...]