The Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days celebration, scheduled for September 10-13, will bring community history to life through displays, demonstrations, parades, food, and longstanding local traditions. Mabel Historical Preservation, a committee of the Hesper-Mabel Historical Society, continues to help residents and visitors connect with Mabel’s history. The Larson Hardware … [Read more...]
Meet Me in the Water Revival Attracts Nearly 3,000 to Peterson
A small southeastern Minnesota town became the gathering place for thousands of people August 29-30 as the Kayla Gabbard Ministry brought its Meet Me in the Water Revival to Peterson. Nearly 3,000 people attended the two-day event with 1,021 attendees baptized in the Root River by Founder Kayla Gabbard, Pastor Elwood Patrick, and a team of baptizers. Local resident Nikki … [Read more...]
Youth Baseball Academy Hits a Home Run
The Eitzen Lions/Caledonia Haulers Youth Baseball Academy is a summer baseball program that captures the spirit of small-town America. The Academy serves children ages 4 to 10, with players coming from New Albin, Spring Grove, Caledonia, Eitzen, Houston and Rushford. Caledonia preschool teacher and high school varsity baseball coach Shawn Bauer founded the Academy in 2018. … [Read more...]
Houston County Librarians Share Their Stories
The five Houston County librarians – Jana Halverson of Spring Grove, Stephanie Eggert of Caledonia, Gina Herman of Hokah, Jess Witkins of La Crescent and Beth Peterson-Lee of Houston — along with SELCO Executive Director Krista Ross, presented their annual report, “Why Libraries Matter,” during the 9 a.m. August 25 Houston County Board of Commissioners meeting. Commissioners in … [Read more...]
Houston County Fair Board Praised by Caledonia Council
The Houston County Fair Board received numerous accolades during the August 24 Caledonia City Council meeting. Council members Bob Klug, Amanda Ninneman, David Fitzpatrick and John Rauk were present, along with Mayor Leis. During the opening public comment period, Caledonia business owner and resident Bryan Spier praised the fair, saying he attended the rodeo, demolition … [Read more...]
Spring Grove School Board Approves Updated Student Handbook
The Spring Grove School Board unanimously approved the 2026-2027 Spring Grove Student Handbook during its August 17 meeting. Principal Matt Rosaaen said the handbook was updated to reflect new dates and staff changes. He also noted that the Table of Contents and Appendix, which had been removed the previous year, were added back based on feedback from parents. Rosaaen said … [Read more...]
Relay For Life of Fillmore County Announces 2026 Guest Speakers
The Relay For Life of Fillmore County planning committee has announced this year’s guest speakers. Kim Carfizzi will share her cancer journey during the Survivor’s Tea, while Kathy Hawkins will share her story during the Community Supper. This year’s event will be held Saturday, August 29, at the Fountain Community Center in Fountain, Minnesota. The schedule includes the … [Read more...]
CPR and AED Saved a Life at Mabel-Canton School
Mabel-Canton School Superintendent Michael Harvey emphasized the importance of CPR training and automated external defibrillators (AEDs) during the school’s August 18 meeting, sharing a recent incident in which CPR and an AED helped save a life. Harvey gave a “huge shout-out” to the school’s custodial staff, noting that their work goes beyond keeping the building looking … [Read more...]
Houston County Board Approves Plan to Discontinue County-Run License Center
Houston County commissioners voted August 18 to begin the process to discontinue county operation of the driver’s license center and support a private entity to provide driver and vehicle services to Houston County residents. County officials said the decision was driven by staffing challenges at the license center, including a recent retirement and an employee on leave. … [Read more...]
Sidney and Marion Myhre Century Farm: Strong Family Ties
The picturesque Myhre farm at 19240 Old Highway 76, Caledonia, will be recognized as a Century Farm at the Houston County Fair on August 20 during the awards ceremony. The Century Farm program recognizes historic, multi-generational family farms that have been in continuous family ownership for at least 100 years. The program is co-sponsored by the Minnesota State Fair and the … [Read more...]