Caledonia City council members interviewed three engineering firms - WHKS, SEH, and Davy Engineering - at the council’s March 24 meeting to serve as the town’s civil engineer. The city’s current civil engineering firm, Bolton & Menk, was unable to attend the meeting and will be interviewed at a later date. After introducing themselves and their organizations, Mayor … [Read more...]
106 Washington Street: The Next Chapter
Walking into the former shoe repair store at 106 Washington Street in downtown Decorah brings back a flood of memories, as it does to many boomers. If only the walls could talk, one has to wonder what stories they would tell. Now, a new chapter is being written. Kari L. Steinlage, owner of KL Design Co., revealed that the building, which dates back over 100 years, was home … [Read more...]
Spring Grove Superintendent Rachel Udsteun Steps Down
After 15 years as Spring Grove School’s superintendent, Rachel Udstuen submitted her resignation at the March 17 Spring Grove School Board Meeting. With many thanks for her service to the school district, the board accepted her resignation effective June 30, 2025. In her letter of resignation, Udstuen reflected on her tenure, stating, “During my 15 years tenure as … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton Board Grants Seniors 2.5 Days Off at End of the Year
The Mabel-Canton School Board granted the senior class’ request for 2 ½ days off at the end of the year in place of a class prank or a senior skip day at its meeting on March 18 Vice-chair Dustin Tollefsrud called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. The board meeting followed the 6 p.m. community meeting regarding the upcoming bond referendum. Board members present included … [Read more...]
Houston County Approves Mosquito Control Contract, Discusses Infrastructure and Public Health Initiatives
On Tuesday, March 18, the Houston County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a contract for 2024 with Driftless Region Vector Control LLC, based in La Crosse, Wis. This contract entails canvassing designated communities within Houston County (Eitzen, Golfview Drive area west of Hokah, Hokah, Houston, Money Creek and Outer La Crescent) to assess potential … [Read more...]
Caledonia Renews Soft Drink Licenses
The Caledonia City Council convened on the evening of March 10, 2025, to discuss and deliberate on various issues concerning the city. The meeting, held at city hall, attracted two Caledonia residents who were eager to participate in the civic process and to stay informed about the city’s progress and challenges. The meeting commenced at 6 p.m. with Mayor Jeremy Leis calling … [Read more...]
Brownsville City Council Approves 3% COLA
On March 11, the Brownsville City Council unanimously approved a 3% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for all city employees. Prior to the vote, Mayor Meyer urged the council to keep in mind whether the increase aligns with similar-sized cities, noting that raises in comparable areas were from 3-5%. City Clerk Steve Schuldt reminded the board that the city’s budget had been … [Read more...]
Mabel to Hold Annual Cleanup Day on May 10
The Mabel City Council unanimously agreed during the council’s March 12 meeting to hold its annual spring cleanup day on Saturday, May 10. The event will run from 8 a.m. to noon at the wastewater treatment plant. Acting Mayor Kirsten Wyffels called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. Council members in attendance included council members Kelly Sand, Valerie Arnold, Tina Bakke … [Read more...]
Houston County Commission Approves Contracts and Hire, Announces Active Shooter Training
Chairman Eric Johnson called the March 4 Houston County Commission meeting to order at 9 a.m. in Room 222 of the historic courthouse. Nine minutes later, the board went into closed session for labor negotiations. All commissioners were in attendance: District 1 – Cindy Wright, District 2 – Eric Johnson, District 3 – Kurt Zehnder, District 4 – Bob Schuldt, and District 5 – … [Read more...]
A Farm Family’s Lasting Legacy
In the mid-1800s, Dutch immigrants from the Netherlands settled in Fillmore County, specifically in the Greenleafton area southwest of Preston, Minn. Among these first families was Gerhard H. Wissink and his wife, Reindina Margaretha (Hoopman) Wissink. The Wissink’s were Dean Wissing’s great-grandparents who immigrated from the Netherlands in 1869. Dean explained that in … [Read more...]