On February 23, Chairperson Robert Burns called the Houston County Board of Commissioners regular meeting to order at 9 a.m. Commissioners present include Dewey Severson, Eric Johnson, Teresa Walter, and Greg Myhre. COVID-19 update Houston County Public Health Director John Pugleasa emphasized that the COVID-19 community clinics are “community effort, it is gratifying to be … [Read more...]
Kingsland School Board approves the 2021-2022 school calendar
The Kingsland Public Schools regular school board meeting was called to order on Thursday, February 19 at 6 p.m. by Chairwoman Jackie Horsman. Board members present included Gwen Howard, Pamela Freet, Maranda Emig, and Kyle Rader. Board member Natasha Howard was absent. Staff present included James Hecimovich, superintendent/7-12 principal; Scott Klavetter, PK-6 principal; and … [Read more...]
Secretariat 1 changed a young veterinarian’s trajectory
It does not come as a surprise that veterinarian, Dr. John Bengfort, is a wealth of knowledge. What is a surprise is that he has a wealth of interesting stories to tell. Dr. John Bengfort grew up on the family farm in northeast Iowa around Ossian and Postville. The family raised dairy cattle and hogs but no horses. After high school, Bengfort, a Vietnam veteran, served in the … [Read more...]
The future of the Pope and Young Club/Glen St. Charles Museum
The word on the street is the Pope and Young Club in Chatfield is closing and moving out of Chatfield. “Some parts of the rumor are true,” explains Jason Rounsaville, executive director of the Pope and Young Club for the past three years. Rounsaville confirmed that the Pope and Young Club 20,000-square-foot building is up for sale. He confirmed that the organization’s … [Read more...]
Caledonia Public Works employees complimented for their swift work plowing city streets
Mayor DeWayne “Tank” Schroeder called the Caledonia City Council’s regular meeting to order on Monday evening, February 22, at 6:02 p.m. in the city auditorium. City council members in attendance included Amanda Ninneman, David Fitzpatrick, and Brad Rykhus. Councilmember Robert “Bob” Klug was absent. The City Council unanimously approved the Consent Agenda. Included were … [Read more...]
Virtual Reality (VR) programming taking root in Minnesota’s Bluff Country
Preston resident Vaughn Schmidt put Fillmore County on the worldwide map with his Virtual Reality (VR) work. Schmidt served as the lead programmer/consultant on the “live interactive virtual reality (VR) theater performance” of Finding Pandora X. “With the passing of ages, the Gods of Mount Olympus have faded away until only two remain: Zeus and Hera. Now they are in … [Read more...]
Spring Grove City Council hears year-end reports from EDA and the police chief
Mayor Scott Solberg called the Spring Grove City Council’s regular meeting to order at 6 p.m. Tuesday, February 16, 2021, via Zoom. Council Members in attendance were Travis Torgerson, Trent Turner, Karen Folstad, and Chad Rohland. Also present: Julie Amundson, City Clerk/Administrator; Paul Folz, Chief of Police; Courtney Bergy Swanson, CEDA/EDA; and two media … [Read more...]
Plans are underway for Eitzen’s Fourth of July Family Fun Fest hosted by the Lions Club
Despite the minus one degree weather, the Eitzen City Council held its regularly scheduled meeting, Tuesday, February 9, 2021, from 7-8 p.m. at Eitzen City Hall. Councilmembers in attendance were Mayor Jeff Adamson and Councilmembers, Emily Burrichter, Mitch Luttchens, Mitch Lange, and Doug Meyer. Staff in attendance were Steve Schuldt, city clerk, and Daryl Meyer, … [Read more...]
Houston County Courthouse will reopen Tuesday, February 16
The consensus of the Houston County Commissioners is that the courthouse should open and open immediately. Commissioners also believe that the door must be continuously monitored. At the February 9 regularly scheduled board meeting, commissioners directed employees to open the courthouse next week on the 16th and develop a schedule to ensure that the entrance is monitored at … [Read more...]
Caledonia Green Committee/Streetscapes proposes pocket park
The Caledonia City Council held its February 8, 2021, regular meeting in the city auditorium from 6-7:45 p.m. Councilmembers present include: Mayor DeWayne “Tank” Schroeder, Amanda Ninneman, David Fitzpatrick, and Brad Rykhus. Councilmember Robert “Bob” Klug was absent. Visitors present included Laurel Russert, Carolyn Medin, Polly Heberlien, and Dianne Schuldt from the … [Read more...]