At the February 25 commission meeting, Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail executive director, Alexa Shapiro, updated the Houston County Board of Commissioners on the progress of the 100-mile hiking trail scheduled to be built through Fillmore and Houston Counties. Chairman Eric Johnson called the regularly scheduled meeting of the board to order at 9 a.m., followed by the … [Read more...]
Staff Begins Work on Caledonia Capital Improvement Plan
At the February 24 Caledonia City Council meeting, no formal action was taken regarding the city’s 2026-2046 Capital Improvement Plan. City Clerk/Administrator Jake Dickson stated that this is the first step in creating the plan. The purpose of the plan is to determine how the city will pay for capital improvements and capital projects. The staff recommends, “In order to … [Read more...]
Bond Referendum Meetings Announced, Donations Acknowledged by M-C Board
The dates for two bond referendum informational meetings were announced at the February 18 Mabel-Canton School Board meeting. The first will be held on February 19 at the Canton Town Hall; the second will be held March 11 in Mabel. Both meetings will start at 6 p.m. The board graciously thanked Joanne Hosting for a $5,000 donation in memory of Mike Hosting. The donation will … [Read more...]
Decorah’s Brent Parker Hired as Houston County Human Resources Officer
At the February 18 Houston County Commission meeting, the board approved hiring Decorah, Iowa resident Brent Parker as the county’s new Human Resources officer. His official start date is March 3. Interim Administrator Carol Lapham introduced Parker to the board. He has a 20-year career as a police officer and returned to college to earn his Master’s in Public … [Read more...]
Military Rock to Honor Caledonia’s Veterans, Entrepreneurial Navigator Hired
On February 10, the Caledonia City Council unanimously approved a motion to identify a suitable location in the town’s North Park for the installation of a 3-D painted boulder honoring Caledonia’s veterans. They also authorized contracting with David Carlson as the town’s first Entrepreneurial Navigator. The meeting was called to order at 6 p.m. followed by the Pledge of … [Read more...]
Eitzen’s Habitat for Humanity House Nearing Completion
Eitzen Mayor Jeff Adamson announced at the February 11 city council meeting that the March deadline to complete Eitzen’s Habitat for Humanity house is quickly approaching. Adamson emphasized that “they have been working over there a lot.” In reference to the Habitat house, Adamson said, “That’s coming along. Hopefully that will be wrapped up, with flowers in the … [Read more...]
Houston County Public Health and Community Services Building to Undergo Renovation
At the February 4 Houston County Commission meeting, the bid for the Public Health and Community Services interior improvement project was accepted. The scope of the project includes remodeling the front office area of the building. “It’s going to make space better for all services that we operate,” said Public Health Supervisor Jordan Knoke. “We’re also increasing security … [Read more...]
Caledonia City Council Appoints John Rauk to the Council
On January 27, the Caledonia City Council interviewed seven Caledonia residents for the position vacated by Ryan Stenzel. John Rauk was appointed by a roll call vote to fill Stenzel’s seat. Rauk immediately took the Oath of Office administered by City Clerk/Administrator Jake Dickson. Mayor Leis called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. All … [Read more...]
Houston County Commissioners Approve 2025 Highway Equipment Purchases
On January 28, the Houston County Commissioners approved several key actions, including the 2025 equipment quotes for the highway department. The meeting was called to order at 9 a.m. by Chairman Eric Johnson, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. All commissioners were present except for Kurt Zehnder. County Engineer Brian Pogodzinski confirmed that all equipment buys … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton School Board Elects Officers
On January 21, 2025, during the regularly scheduled board meeting, Mabel-Canton Superintendent Gary Kuphal led the newly elected and re-elected board members in the Oath of Office, followed by the election of officers. The district’s new officers are: Chairman Chris Miller, Vice Chair Dustin Tollefsrud, Clerk Jason Marquardt, and Treasurer Diane Wilder. The meeting was … [Read more...]