You may be unfamiliar with the two military coin traditions, as I once was. These traditions are said to date back to the time of the Roman Empire. Of course, there are those who share other origin stories, but regardless of what you believe, both traditions have endured for decades. The first is the challenge coin which represents an achievement, an affiliation with an … [Read more...]
Rooster Ridge Pheasant Farms: The Midwest’s Premier Pheasant Hunting Experience
Craig Helke and Dylan Burrow have developed a clearly defined marketing brand for Rooster Ridge Pheasant Farms, based on their own pheasant hunting experiences. A brand is a promise of what customers can consistently expect every time from a service, product, or interaction. Helke and Burrow promise their customers a true Midwest hunting experience, as proudly stated on the … [Read more...]
Brownsville City Council to Apply for 2 Grants
Brownsville Mayor Jean Meyer called the regular meeting of the Brownsville City Council to order at 7 p.m. She led her colleagues and the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Councilors present included Barb Hurley, Pam Walhovd, Bill Fitzpatrick and David Prestby. City staff in attendance were, from City Maintenance - Dean Twite, City Clerk Steve Schuldt, and City … [Read more...]
USA Gravel National Championships Boost Houston County Economy
At the November 4 commission meeting, Houston County Commissioners heard an overview of the USA Gravel National Championships. This event took place in Houston and Winona County during La Crescent’s 2025 Applefest celebration. Larry Kirch, Community Development director for the city of La Crescent, announced that the championships will return in 2026, scheduled for the week … [Read more...]
Caledonia Finances Look Good
The Caledonia City Council met in regular session on Monday, October 27, at 6 p.m. at city hall. Mayor Jeremy Leis called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance. As is customary, Financial Officer Stephanie Mann reported that she continues to “tweak all the time and getting answers on things” regarding the 2026 budget reminding the council that the levy will … [Read more...]
Houston County Public Health and Human Services Director Retires
At the October 28 meeting of the Houston County Commission, the board recognized retiring Public Health and Human Services Director John Pugleasa with a round of applause and thanked him for his nine years of service to the residents of Houston County. Chairman Eric Johnson called the meeting to order at 9 a.m. He led his fellow commissioners and the audience in the Pledge … [Read more...]
The Leiding Family Farm Legacy
On a crisp fall day just outside Fountain, Minn., the hum of harvest activity fills the air at the Leiding family farm. While Todd Leiding was busy tuning up equipment for the season, his wife Stacy Leiding and her mother Shirley Fingerson graciously sat down to share the story of a multi-generational family farm rich in history, hard work, and heart. The Leiding family … [Read more...]
Houston County Commissioners Hold Regularly Scheduled Commission Meeting
The Houston County Board of Commissioners held its regularly scheduled meeting on October 21, 2025. Chairman Eric Johnson called the meeting to order at 9 a.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioners present included Cindy Wright, Eric Johnson, Kurt Zehnder, Robert (Bob) Schuldt, and Greg Myhre. The meeting agenda, minutes from the October 7 board meeting and … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton Receives Clean Audit Report
Riley Knutson with Smith Schafer presented the Mabel-Canton school’s financial summary for the school year ending June 30, 2025, at the October 21 school board meeting. Board members present included Jason Marquardt, Dustin Tollefsrud, Traci Livingood, Amber Tripp, and Mark Weidemann. Diane Wilder was absent. Knutson announced that the school received an unmodified “Clean” … [Read more...]
Three Generations of Exceptional Service and Dedication in Caledonia
For 50 years, Wiebke Tire has kept Caledonia and the surrounding communities moving, on the road and in the fields. Now entering its third generation of ownership, the business continues to thrive under Chad Wiebke, who works alongside Jon Kruse and a dedicated crew of five: Greysen Prouix, Hunter Augestine, Jim Hauser, Garrett Waldenberger and Gerald Schroeder. Although … [Read more...]