In a remarkable demonstration of gratitude and community spirit, Rawlings/Miken Sports has donated $25,000 to the Caledonia Fire Department, honoring the heroic efforts of first responders who battled a devastating fire at the company’s Caledonia facility in October 2023. The donation was announced at a special ceremony held at the Miken Sports facilities on Tuesday, June … [Read more...]
Against All Odds: Kala Exworthy’s Survival is Nothing Short of a Miracle
On June 30, 2025, what began as an ordinary day on a family farm near Mabel turned into a life-or-death situation, and thanks to the swift actions of first responders, a 16-year-old with a cell phone, and a determined fiancé, Kala Exworthy is alive today. Exworthy was visiting her fiancé Rory Welper’s family farm north of Mabel when a sudden cardiac arrest caused her to … [Read more...]
Over 600 Cyclists Heading to Houston County for the 2025 USA Cycling Gravel National Championships
The Houston County Board of Commissioners reviewed the special event permit application submitted by the city of La Crescent for the upcoming 2025 USA Cycling Gravel National Championships at its regularly scheduled board meeting on September 2. La Crescent Mayor Mike Poellinger, Explore La Crosse Director of Sports Sales Jeremiah Burish, La Crescent Public Works Director … [Read more...]
Hope Lives on in Fillmore County
The theme for this year’s Relay for Life in Fillmore County is “Hope Lives Here,” which was also last year’s theme. The relay will be held on September 13 in downtown Spring Valley, Minn., at the VFW Hall, community center, and Spring Creek Park, all within walking distance of each other, making for a meaningful fall evening to demonstrate support for cancer survivors, those … [Read more...]
Village Farm and Home Celebrates 40 Years in Business
On Saturday, September 20, the Manning family and their team at Village Farm and Home invites the community to join them in celebrating the store’s 40th anniversary. For four decades, Village Farm and Home has been a trusted source of products for residents, businesses, and visitors in Mabel and throughout southeast Minnesota and northeast Iowa. The store carries a wide … [Read more...]
Houston County Commission Hears Public Concerns
Chairman Eric Johnson called the August 26 regularly scheduled meeting of the Houston County Board of Commissioners to order at 9 a.m. Johnson opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. Board members present were Cindy Wright, Eric Johnson, Kurt Zehnder, Bob Schuldt and Greg Myhre. The board unanimously approved the agenda with a motion by Commissioner Wright, seconded by … [Read more...]
Chuck and Sharon Schulte Pledge $1.5 Million Toward New Caledonia Library
At the August 25 city council meeting, longtime residents Chuck and Sharon Schulte announced a generous pledge of $1.5 million to help build a new public library in Caledonia. Their contribution represents half of the estimated $3 million-plus needed for the project. “This library will be built in the heart of our town,” said Chuck Schulte during the announcement, which was … [Read more...]
Spring Grove Gets Set for Back-to-School
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Spring Grove School board was called to order at 7:01 p.m. on Monday, August 18. Board members present included Board Chair Stephanie Jaster, Rhan Flatin, Kelly Rohland, Lisa Myhre, Myriah Klug and Ashley Olson. Also present were Superintendent Gina Morken, director of special projects Rachel Udstuen, K-12 Principal Matt Rosaaen, … [Read more...]
Houston County Approves Settlement with Sheriff Swedberg, Sets 2025 Pay
At its August 19 meeting, the Houston County Board of Commissioners approved a settlement agreement with Sheriff Brian Swedberg and set his 2025 salary at $141,473, retroactive to January 1, 2025. The meeting was called to order at 9 a.m. by Chairman Eric Johnson and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. Board members present were Cindy Wright, Eric Johnson, Kurt Zehnder and … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton Prepares for 2025-26 School Year
As the new school year approaches, the Mabel-Canton School Board met August 19 to take key steps in preparing for the 2025-26 school year. Chair Chris Miller called the meeting to order at 6 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Other board members present included Jason Marquardt, Dustin Tollefsrud, Traci Livingood, Mark Weidemann, Diane Wilder and Amber … [Read more...]