Red’s IGA in Spring Grove is well-known for its high-quality meats, exceptional customer service, competitive prices, and the distinctive red hair of the previous owner Pat Longmire, an attribute that inspired the store’s name. Wynn Nies and his wife Justine Nies purchased Red’s IGA from Pat and Debbie Longmire in January 2025. The Longmires owned and operated Red’s since … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton Sets Course for 2026 at Annual Organizational Meeting
The 2026 organizational and regular school board meeting was held on January 20 in Mrs. Peter’s Science Room number 50. The meeting opened at 6 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the approval of the revised agenda and the minutes from the December 16 board meeting. Board members present included Jason Marquardt, Dustin Tollefsrud, Traci Livingood, Diane Wilder, … [Read more...]
Houston County Holds Public Hearings
The Houston County Board of Commissioners was called to order on Tuesday morning, January 20, for a regular meeting marked by two public hearings and several important decisions affecting county operations and residents. The first hearing at 9:05 a.m. was to gather input from the public regarding making the positions of auditor/treasurer and recorder appointed instead of … [Read more...]
Eitzen Received Raving Reviews Regarding Community Center Improvements
The Eitzen City Council held its first meeting of 2026 on Tuesday, January 13. The meeting was called to order at 6:07 p.m. by Mayor Jeff Adamson. Present were Mayor Jeff Adamson and council members Doug Meyer, Mitch Lange, Emily Burrichter and Mitch Luttchens. Also in attendance were Steve Schuldt, city clerk and Darryl Meyer, maintenance. Mayor Adamson apologized that the … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Couple Marries Underground at Niagara Cave
More than 400 weddings have been held at Niagara Cave since it opened to the public in 1934. Almost immediately, its beauty inspired romance. In 1935, just a year after opening, a young couple asked if they could get married inside the cave, beginning a tradition that flourished through the 1960s and 1970s when unconventional wedding venues were especially popular. Today, an … [Read more...]
Mabel Tables Cannabis Ordinance
At the January 14, 2026, Mabel City Council meeting, the council tabled the city’s proposed cannabis ordinance, giving council members additional time to talk to other communities and cannabis businesses in the area. The city is responsible for managing and administering the ordinance. Councilor Kelly Sand asked if 500 feet is far enough. Section 3 of the ordinance … [Read more...]
Caledonia Council Advances New Library Project
The Caledonia City Council convened its first regular meeting on January 12, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., presided over by Mayor Jeremy Leis. Council members Bob Klug, David Fitzpatrick, and John Rauk were in attendance. Amanda Ninneman was not present at the meeting. The proposed new library was again on the City Council’s agenda as the project continues to move forward and the … [Read more...]
Houston County Holds First Meeting of 2026
After several months of negotiations, a professional services contract with the City of Spring Grove for law enforcement services was unanimously approved by the Houston County Board of Commissioners at its regular board meeting on January 6. The board also recognized 16 employees for their service to the county. Sheriff Brian Swedberg informed the board that the Spring … [Read more...]
Minnesota Department of Health Honors Mary Zaffke
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recognized Houston County Public Health nurse Mary Zaffke on December 12 with the Betty Hubbard Maternal and Child Health Leadership Award. Presented annually since 1990, the award honors the legacy of Betty Hubbard, a founding member of the Maternal and Child Health Advisory Committee and a lifelong advocate for the health of mothers … [Read more...]
Spring Grove School Receives “Clean” Audit and Approves 6.7% Levy
The Spring Grove School received a clean audit from CLA and approved a 6.7% tax levy during its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, December 15. The regular school meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. in the school library. The board held its annual Truth in Taxation hearing prior to the regular school board meeting. During the required presentation led by Senior … [Read more...]