The Houston County Board of Commissioners made a long-awaited decision regarding the Minnesota shotgun/rifle law at the board’s regular meeting on April 7. The vote was 3-2, with Commissioners Cindy Wright, Kurt Zehnder, and Greg Myhre voting in favor of the ban, and Commissioners Eric Johnson and Bob Schuldt voting against it. Clayton Johnson, Black Hammer Township; Dan … [Read more...]
Mabel Summer Recreation Program Finalized
At its regular meeting April 8, the Mabel City Council approved the summer recreation program wages and fees. Once again, the city of Canton will cost-share with the city of Mabel at a cost of $3,220. Director Kati Bergey will receive $425 per week for six weeks. Summer recreation wages are set at the 2026 minimum wage of $11.41 per hour, with an additional $0.35 per hour … [Read more...]
Economic Development Authorities: Rich, Rural Community Assets
Economic Development Authorities (EDAs) play a critical role in supporting rural communities by providing financial tools and guidance. In Fillmore and Houston Counties, two key EDA programs, Revolving Loan Funds (RLFs) and grants, serve as essential resources for both new and existing businesses, non-profit organizations, and government entities. A community’s approach to … [Read more...]
Harmony Holds Joint Planning Session
A joint planning session held April 1 at the Harmony Community Center brought together members of the Harmony City Council, Harmony Economic Development Authority (EDA), and the Planning and Zoning Commission and members of the community for a collaborative discussion about the city’s future, particularly in relation to a proposed data center project. Mayor Steve Donney … [Read more...]
Pieces of Beauty
Rushford artist Nicole Burk, owner of Sequential Glass Art Mosaic, brings flowers, insects, pets, and fantasy creatures to life in colorful stained glass, evoking the feel of a garden in bloom. Burk’s artist statement is the first thing you will see on her website sequentialglass.com. “Artists do not make beauty; they participate in beauty. They perceive the beauty inherent … [Read more...]
Flex Craft Celebrates 20 Years of Innovation
Flex Craft is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. The manufacturing company has been in business since 2006, starting in Wabasha, Minn., before relocating to Houston, Minn., in 2008. The company was started by the husband-and-wife team of Doug and Terri Sparks, originally from Beloit, Wis. Flex Craft began in humble surroundings, operating out of a high school … [Read more...]
Caledonia City Library Project Hits a Bump in the Road
Caledonia resident and library benefactor Chuck Schulte appeared before the board during its March 23 regular meeting to discuss the recent development regarding the proposed new library. Mayor Jeremy Leis called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Members in attendance included: Bob Klug, Amanda Ninneman, David Fitzpatrick, John Rauk, and Mayor … [Read more...]
Houston County Commissioners Keep Recorder, Auditor/Treasurer Positions in Hands of Voters
The Houston County Board of Commissioners did not approve Resolution No. 26-12 and No. 26-1, making the Recorder and Auditor/Treasurer positions appointed at its March 24 regular meeting. The board opened a public hearing at 9:05 a.m. and closed it at 9:07 a.m. to hear comments on the proposal to change the offices of Recorder and Auditor/Treasurer from elected to appointed. … [Read more...]
Amish Sexual Abuse Survivor Shares Story in PBS Documentary
Lizzie Hershberger, who grew up in the Amish community in southeast Minnesota, has spoken publicly about the sexual abuse she endured as a young teenager. Her story was first told in a book “Behind Blue Curtains,” which she authored, and is now the focus of a PBS Independent Lens documentary, “Keep Quiet and Forgive.” Her story will move you, and she hopes that it will … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton to Interview Four Superintendent Candidates
After reviewing five applications, the Mabel-Canton School Board selected four candidates to interview for the district’s superintendent position at its March 17 meeting. The candidates selected for interviews are Michael Mangan, director of educational success and innovation at Houston Public Schools and Minnesota Virtual Academy (MNVA); Mike Harvey, former superintendent … [Read more...]