Fall is a favorite time of year for amateur and professional photographers to capture the breathtaking array of colors throughout Bluff County. Snap a picture as the wind softly sends colorful red, yellow, brown, and green leaves drifting to the ground. On a sunny day, fields come alive with brilliant shades of gold, yellow, and brown as the harvest season creates picturesque … [Read more...]
Houston County Sixth Graders Day at Winnebago Springs
Winnebago Springs welcomed 210 students for the annual Sixth Grade Environmental Day on October 15. Nestled in the hills just outside Caledonia along Winnebago Creek, the scenic venue offered students an ideal setting for hands-on environmental learning. “The best classroom and the richest classroom are roofed only by the sky.” -Margaret McMillan Janice Messner, Root River … [Read more...]
A Work of Art
Augedahl Construction & Cabinetry, located at 219 N. Decorah St. in Caledonia, turns plans, ideas and raw materials into works of art. Owner Chad Augedahl, a lifelong resident of Caledonia and a graduate of Caledonia High School, knew while he was still in high school that he wanted a career working with his hands and wood. He credits his high school shop teacher, Kenny … [Read more...]
What Does the Proposed MariBell Transmission Link Look Like for Fillmore and Houston Counties?
The proposed MariBell Transmission Project has become a major talking point for communities in Fillmore and Houston counties as utilities seek approval for a high-voltage line that developers say is needed to strengthen the regional electric grid. Opponents say the project could permanently alter farmland, landscapes, and rural communities and affect the health of landowners. … [Read more...]
Mabel Council Approves Levy, Project Changes; Honors Tim Mengis for 30 Years with EMS
The Mabel City Council recognized Mabel resident and business owner Tim Mengis with a plaque for 30 years of service with Mabel EMS during the Mabel City Council meeting Wednesday, September 9. The meeting was called to order at 6 p.m. by Mayor Adam Wilder. Council members present were Kelly Sand, Valerie Arnold, Tina Bakke and Kirsten Wyffels. Others in attendance included … [Read more...]
74th Annual Community Celebration Brings History to Life
The Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days celebration, scheduled for September 10-13, will bring community history to life through displays, demonstrations, parades, food, and longstanding local traditions. Mabel Historical Preservation, a committee of the Hesper-Mabel Historical Society, continues to help residents and visitors connect with Mabel’s history. The Larson Hardware … [Read more...]
Meet Me in the Water Revival Attracts Nearly 3,000 to Peterson
A small southeastern Minnesota town became the gathering place for thousands of people August 29-30 as the Kayla Gabbard Ministry brought its Meet Me in the Water Revival to Peterson. Nearly 3,000 people attended the two-day event with 1,021 attendees baptized in the Root River by Founder Kayla Gabbard, Pastor Elwood Patrick, and a team of baptizers. Local resident Nikki … [Read more...]
Youth Baseball Academy Hits a Home Run
The Eitzen Lions/Caledonia Haulers Youth Baseball Academy is a summer baseball program that captures the spirit of small-town America. The Academy serves children ages 4 to 10, with players coming from New Albin, Spring Grove, Caledonia, Eitzen, Houston and Rushford. Caledonia preschool teacher and high school varsity baseball coach Shawn Bauer founded the Academy in 2018. … [Read more...]
Houston County Librarians Share Their Stories
The five Houston County librarians – Jana Halverson of Spring Grove, Stephanie Eggert of Caledonia, Gina Herman of Hokah, Jess Witkins of La Crescent and Beth Peterson-Lee of Houston — along with SELCO Executive Director Krista Ross, presented their annual report, “Why Libraries Matter,” during the 9 a.m. August 25 Houston County Board of Commissioners meeting. Commissioners in … [Read more...]
Houston County Fair Board Praised by Caledonia Council
The Houston County Fair Board received numerous accolades during the August 24 Caledonia City Council meeting. Council members Bob Klug, Amanda Ninneman, David Fitzpatrick and John Rauk were present, along with Mayor Leis. During the opening public comment period, Caledonia business owner and resident Bryan Spier praised the fair, saying he attended the rodeo, demolition … [Read more...]