The Mabel-Canton School Board graciously accepted a $20,000 cash donation from an anonymous donor and expressed their thanks for generous donation, at the school’s regular meeting on November 21. Chairman Cristal Adkins called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. and led the board in the Pledge of Allegiance. Board members present included Cristal Adkins, Chris Miller, Mark … [Read more...]
Spring Grove Elementary Students Raise More Than $400
Student Council Representative Taylor Reinhardt proudly reported at the Spring Grove School Board’s November 20 meeting that grades K-6 participated in a coin war, raising $444.59 to be donated to the Houston County Food Shelf. Chairman Aaron Solum called the board’s regularly scheduled meeting to order at 7 p.m. Board members present included Aric Elton, Stephanie Jaster, … [Read more...]
What is the Status on the Houston County Jail?
The Houston County Commission has been grappling with whether to keep the Houston County jail open or to close it over the past year. The conversation got serious when Winona County announced that they would not be renewing their contract with Houston County, who currently house Winona County’s inmates. The contract was scheduled to end at the end of September 2023, but Houston … [Read more...]
Caledonia City Council Holds Public Hearing
The Caledonia City Council held a public hearing at its November 13 regular council meeting to hear the public’s opinions and concerns before taking action to certify the special assessments. Hearing no comments, the mayor called to close the public hearing at 6:27 p.m. The council approved Resolution 2023-17 authorizing the assessment of properties for delinquent utility … [Read more...]
Houston County Commissioners Approves Support Systems
Chairman Dewey Severson call the November 14 meeting to order at 9 a.m. and lead the board and the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. The board unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the November 7 regular commission meeting. All five commissioners were in attendance: Chairman Severson, Eric Johnson, Robert (Bob) Burns, Bob Schuldt, and Greg Myhre. … [Read more...]
An Eagle Scout Project
Tetsuia Cox led a team of 10 to 15 boy scouts, their parents and two leaders over the summer who helped him complete his Eagle Scout project. The team constructed a new hiking trail at Bob Botcher Park just 2.5 miles outside of Sheldon, Minn., in Houston County. Cox has been a member of Boy Scout Troop 53 for five years. He lives and goes to school in La Crescent, Minn. Eagle … [Read more...]
Habitat for Humanity Looking for Volunteers to Work on Eitzen Home
Mayor Adamson called the November 14 regularly scheduled meeting of the Eitzen City Council meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. Councilmembers in attendance included Mayor Jeff Adamson, Emily Burrichter, Mitch Lange, and Doug Meyer. Mitch Luttchens was absent. Burrichter moved to approve the minutes from the October 10 regular council meeting. Seconded by Meyer. Lange moved to … [Read more...]
Houston County Jail to Remain Open
With a roll call vote of three to two, the Houston County Commissioners approved Sheriff Brian Swedberg’s request to “approve budgeting the Houston County Jail for 2024 at the November 7, 2023, regularly scheduled commission meeting. The request includes reviewing the jail’s budget and operations at the July 2024 commission meeting. Both Sheriff Brian Swedberg and Jail … [Read more...]
Mabel Community Thanksgiving Dinner to Benefit Founder
Make your reservations today for Mabel’s annual community Thanksgiving dinner! The annual dinner not only feeds one’s appetite but, for five years, has provided funds to meet the needs of community members. This year, the sixth annual dinner will benefit the event’s founder, LeeAnn Williams Howard. LeeAnn is the daughter of Rollis and Bev Williams of rural Mabel, Minn. She … [Read more...]
With Snow on the Horizon, Mabel Plans for the 2024 Mowing Season
The Mabel City Council renewed liquor and cigarette licenses for Mabel BP, Mabel Liquor, Mabel American Legion, and Joe’s Pizza Palace & Pub at the November 8 city council meeting. Mayor Adam Wilder announced that alternative side parking has started. The date for the joint board meeting with the Mabel-Canton School Board and the Canton City Council is scheduled for … [Read more...]
Farm Family: A Family Affair
November’s farm family interview included not only mom and dad, Ryan and Molly Kappers, but their four young children, Haiden, Emily, Olivia and Avery, who range in age from 3 to 10. At the beginning of the interview, the kids were hesitant to talk, but as the interview progressed, they eagerly answered questions and shared their stories. Once outside, the kids became excited … [Read more...]
Employee Recognized for 35 Years of Service to Houston County
Houston County Commissioner Eric Johnson recognized and thanked David Bauer, highway maintenance specialist senior, for his 35 years of service to the county at the October 24 regularly scheduled meeting of the Houston County Commission. Also thanked for their service to the county were Nicole Konkel and Erin Woods. Chairman Dewey Severson call the meeting to order at 9 a.m. … [Read more...]
Caledonia Hires New Police Officer
The Caledonia City Council approved hiring Joshua Vaubel as a part-time police officer at its October 23 regularly scheduled meeting. The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, including the payments and disbursements; payments six and seven, a total of $27,562.45 for the auditorium HVAC project; a new liquor license for Sol Agave Taste Mexico who is planning on … [Read more...]
M-C Requests Meeting with Decorah School District
The Mabel-Canton School Board discussed the Decorah tuition agreement in length at the board’s October 17 regularly scheduled meeting. The agreement ends at the end of this year unless it is extended. Superintendent Gary Kuphal first shared with the board that prior to the school board meeting Iowa families met to discuss the agreement and possible options. Kuphal has met with … [Read more...]
Spring Grove Schools Special Election, November 7
Chairman Aaron Solum called the October 16 regularly scheduled meeting of the Spring Grove School Board to order at 7 p.m. Board members present included Aric Elton, Stephanie Jaster, Kelly Rohland, Aaron Solum, Angie Solie and Student Representative Taylor Reinhardt. Absent was Rhan Flatin. The Spring Grove School Board unanimously approved the agenda and the September 18 … [Read more...]
