At the January 7 Houston County Commission meeting, the board approved a three-year contract with Justin Rohrer, Wildcat Creek Management LLC, to operate Wildcat Park. Interim Administrator Carol Lapham reviewed the contract and explained the major changes as compared to last year’s contract. Compensation increased from $52,000 to $54,000 and online reservations will be … [Read more...]
Mabel Holds the First City Council Meeting of 2025
Mayor Adam Wilder called the first Mabel City Council meeting of 2025 to order at 6 p.m. on January 8 in the city hall meeting room. As required, Mayor Adam Wilder and newly elected council member Kelly Sand took the oath of office at the beginning of meeting. Re-elected council member Kirsten Wyffels took the oath of office on December 27, 2024, since she was unable to … [Read more...]
Houston County Commissioners Bid Farewell to 2024
The Houston County Board of Commissioners wrapped up the year with a full agenda for their final meeting on December 31. Chairman Eric Johnson called the meeting to order at 9 a.m. and led both the board and the standing-room-only audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioners present included Dewey Severson, Chairman Eric Johnson, Robert (Bob) Burns, Bob Schuldt and … [Read more...]
Houston County Commissioners Recognize Employees, Approve Levy
At the December 17 Houston County Commission meeting, 13 county employees were recognized and thanked for their dedication and service to Houston County: Melissa Jordan, 10 years; Jordan Goeden, 10 years; A.J. Bird, 10 years; Jennifer Daley-Oakes, 10 years; Lori Feldmeier, 20 years; Jon Kulas, 20 years: Mark Olson, 25 years; Tammy Mauss, 35 years; Liza Jandt, 35 years; Tom … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton School Board Chair Cristal Adkins Concludes Two Decades of Service
On December 17, 2024, Mabel-Canton School Board Chair Cristal Adkins presided over her final meeting after 20 years of service, including the last 10 years as board chair and was board chair twice before for two years. Reflecting on her tenure, Adkins said that she worked with 20 different board members and collaborated with five superintendents during her time on the board. … [Read more...]
Spring Grove School Board Members Thanked for Service to the District
The December 16 meeting of the Spring Grove School Board marked the final meeting for outgoing board members Aaron Solum and Aric Elton. Superintendent Rachel Udstuen graciously thanked both men for their service to the district. Solum served on the board for 20 years, holding the position of chairman for 18 years, while Elton served on the board for four years. Udstuen noted … [Read more...]
Mayor Schroeder’s Last Council Meeting, Final Levy Approved
On December 9, 2024, Mayor DeWayne (Tank) Schroeder presided over his last city council meeting after serving as Mayor of Caledonia for 12 years. The council held its annual Truth in Taxation public hearing, during which Mann shared the final 2025 budget with the council. She reviewed the department budgets, capital equipment and improvements spreadsheet, and special revenue … [Read more...]
Eitzen Certifies 2025 Tax Levy
Mayor Jeff Adamson called the regularly scheduled Eitzen City Council meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. on December 10 and unanimously approved holding the 2025 tax levy at the existing rate of $126,000, which is the same as last year. City Clerk Steve Schuldt had explained that he budgeted a $26,689 surplus. The surplus would cover up to $25,000 in repairs at the community center … [Read more...]
Christmas Came Early for Mabel Emergency Services
On December 11, 2024, the Mabel City Council unanimously accepted a $50,000 donation from the Robert H. Rewoldt Revocable Trust to benefit Mabel’s emergency services. Mayor Adam Wilder expressed that the donation was “very much appreciated.” In addition to Mayor Adam Wilder, councilmembers Cory Wilson, Valerie Arnold, Tina Bakke and Kirsten Wyffels were present. Also present … [Read more...]
Houston County Fair Deemed a Success, Proposed Levy Stays at 7.5%
Houston County Fair Manager Jessica Heberlein appeared before the Houston County Board of Commissioners on December 3 to deliver the fair’s annual report. Chairman Eric Johnson opened the meeting promptly at 9 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the approval of the meeting agenda and the minutes from the November 26 commission meeting. Commissioners present … [Read more...]
M-C Hosts Joint Board Meeting with Mabel and Canton City Councils
Members of the Mabel and Canton city councils attended a joint board meeting hosted by the Mabel-Canton Public School Board on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at the school in Mabel. The meeting has been held annually for approximately the last six years. Attendees at this year’s meeting agreed that it is a useful communication tool, is very informative, and should … [Read more...]
Caledonia Council Approves e-Navigator Position
Caledonia council members were reminded at the regularly scheduled council meeting on November 25, that the city’s Truth in Taxation meeting will be held on December 9 at 6 p.m. in the council chambers. The council will finalize the 2025 property tax levy. Finance Officer Stephanie Mann presented the financial reports, including the proposed 2025 city budget to the council. … [Read more...]
Shop at Market 52 This Holiday Season
Visitors will find something vintage, modern, and unique to decorate their home for the holidays at Market 52. Co-owner Trisha Holthaus proudly smiled as she confirmed that shoppers will find something for everyone on their shopping list at Market 52. Visitors will be pleasantly surprised to find Swan Creek candles, onesies for the littlest ones in the family, holiday … [Read more...]
Spring Grove School Reviews Construction Timeline
Spring Grove Superintendent Rachel Udstuen reminded school board members and the public of the construction timeline at the board’s November 18 regularly scheduled meeting. Chairman Aaron Solum called the November 18 meeting of the Spring Grove School board to order at 7 p.m. Board members present included Aaron Solum, Stephanie Jaster, Kelly Rohland, Rhan Flatin, Angie … [Read more...]
Houston County to House Hennepin County Inmates
At the Houston County commission meeting on November 19, the board approved Sheriff Brian Swedberg’s request to house Hennepin County inmates in the county’s detention center. Chairman Eric Johnson promptly called the meeting to order at 9 a.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioners Dewey Severson, Eric Johnson, Robert (Bob) Burns, Bob Schuldt, and Greg … [Read more...]