The executive director from Southeastern Libraries Cooperating (SELCO), along with the five Houston County librarians, presented the libraries’ 2024 annual report during the Houston County Commissioners meeting on April 15. Commissioners were sincerely thanked by the librarians for their annual financial support and the ARPA funds. The Caledonia library used the ARPA funds … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton School $8.9 Million Referendum Passes
Mabel-Canton Superintendent Gary Kuphal proudly announced at the April 15 school board meeting that the school’s bond referendum passed by a resounding 2-to-1 margin. Board members present at the meeting included Dustin Tollefsrud, Diane Wilder, Mark Weidemann, Amber Tripp, and Jason Marquardt (via phone) and Livingood (via phone). Chairman Miller called the meeting to … [Read more...]
Caledonia City Council Selects New Civil Engineering Firm
At the April 14 meeting of the Caledonia City Council, the city officially selected its new civil engineering firm. All board members were present: Bob Klug, Amanda Ninneman, Jeremy Leis, David Fitzpatrick, and John Rauk. Four engineering firms were interviewed for the position of civil engineer. The results were presented to the General Government Committee, and after … [Read more...]
Houston County’s ALICE Model Saves Lives
On Thursday, April 3, Houston County Investigator Chris Frick and Sergeant Zach Swedberg led two active shooter training seminars. Approximately 50 Houston County employees attended the informative sessions. The Houston County Sheriff’s office uses the ALICE model – an acronym for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate - for training purposes. The ALICE model, one of … [Read more...]
Eitzen Habitat for Humanity Home Complete, Dedication Set for May
The Eitzen City Council met on April 8, with Mayor Jeff Adamson calling the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Among the evening’s highlights was the announcement that the interior of the new Habitat for Humanity house in Eitzen has been completed. A dedication ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, May 13, at 3 p.m. with a program to follow at 3:30 p.m. Councilmembers Emily … [Read more...]
Roll Back Time at Stardust Retro Revival
The ever-popular Harmony Roller Rink in Harmony, Minn., provided hours of kid-friendly entertainment for years while creating memories that are still talked about to this day. Kids from area communities spent their weekends skating with friends to popular tunes under the bright silver disco ball. Now, visitors will be able to shop under the disco ball and admire the wooden … [Read more...]
Spring Grove Launches Community Help Desk with Student Leadership
Thanks to a collaboration between Spring Grove High School and Spring Grove Communications, funding was secured to launch a community help desk for technical support. This forward-thinking initiative, officially named Spring Grove Digital Assist, will provide technology assistance to residents and students. Gina Morken, Spring Grove assistant superintendent, explained that … [Read more...]
Brownsville Council Addresses Sewer Fees, Broadband Expansion and Community Projects
The Brownsville City Council meeting convened on April 2 to discuss several key city matters, including sewer costs, infrastructure projects, and community program updates. The meeting, led by Mayor Jean Meyer, began at 7 p.m. at the Brownsville Community Center. Council members in attendance included: Pam Walhovd, Bill Fitzpatrick and David Prestby. Barb Hurley was absent. … [Read more...]
Houston County Board Honors Longtime Employee
At its regular meeting on Tuesday, April 1, the Houston County Board of Commissioners (BOC) thanked Cindy Augedahl, administrative legal assistant, for her exceptional 46 years of dedicated service to Houston County residents. The board formally accepted her resignation and retirement, effective May 1, 2025. Chairman Eric Johnson called the meeting to order at 9 a.m. with … [Read more...]
Houston County Commissioners Approve Labor Agreements, Salt Purchase, Opioid Fund Expenditures
The Houston County Board of Commissioners (BOC) convened for their regular meeting on March 25, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Chairman Eric Johnson led the meeting, beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance. The board approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the previous session on March 18. There were no public comments or items on the consent agenda. The commissioners … [Read more...]
Caledonia Interviews Engineering Firms, Hires Parks & Recreation Manager
Caledonia City council members interviewed three engineering firms - WHKS, SEH, and Davy Engineering - at the council’s March 24 meeting to serve as the town’s civil engineer. The city’s current civil engineering firm, Bolton & Menk, was unable to attend the meeting and will be interviewed at a later date. After introducing themselves and their organizations, Mayor … [Read more...]
106 Washington Street: The Next Chapter
Walking into the former shoe repair store at 106 Washington Street in downtown Decorah brings back a flood of memories, as it does to many boomers. If only the walls could talk, one has to wonder what stories they would tell. Now, a new chapter is being written. Kari L. Steinlage, owner of KL Design Co., revealed that the building, which dates back over 100 years, was home … [Read more...]
Spring Grove Superintendent Rachel Udsteun Steps Down
After 15 years as Spring Grove School’s superintendent, Rachel Udstuen submitted her resignation at the March 17 Spring Grove School Board Meeting. With many thanks for her service to the school district, the board accepted her resignation effective June 30, 2025. In her letter of resignation, Udstuen reflected on her tenure, stating, “During my 15 years tenure as … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton Board Grants Seniors 2.5 Days Off at End of the Year
The Mabel-Canton School Board granted the senior class’ request for 2 ½ days off at the end of the year in place of a class prank or a senior skip day at its meeting on March 18 Vice-chair Dustin Tollefsrud called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. The board meeting followed the 6 p.m. community meeting regarding the upcoming bond referendum. Board members present included … [Read more...]
Houston County Approves Mosquito Control Contract, Discusses Infrastructure and Public Health Initiatives
On Tuesday, March 18, the Houston County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a contract for 2024 with Driftless Region Vector Control LLC, based in La Crosse, Wis. This contract entails canvassing designated communities within Houston County (Eitzen, Golfview Drive area west of Hokah, Hokah, Houston, Money Creek and Outer La Crescent) to assess potential … [Read more...]