Flex Craft is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. The manufacturing company has been in business since 2006, starting in Wabasha, Minn., before relocating to Houston, Minn., in 2008. The company was started by the husband-and-wife team of Doug and Terri Sparks, originally from Beloit, Wis. Flex Craft began in humble surroundings, operating out of a high school … [Read more...]
Caledonia City Library Project Hits a Bump in the Road
Caledonia resident and library benefactor Chuck Schulte appeared before the board during its March 23 regular meeting to discuss the recent development regarding the proposed new library. Mayor Jeremy Leis called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Members in attendance included: Bob Klug, Amanda Ninneman, David Fitzpatrick, John Rauk, and Mayor … [Read more...]
Houston County Commissioners Keep Recorder, Auditor/Treasurer Positions in Hands of Voters
The Houston County Board of Commissioners did not approve Resolution No. 26-12 and No. 26-1, making the Recorder and Auditor/Treasurer positions appointed at its March 24 regular meeting. The board opened a public hearing at 9:05 a.m. and closed it at 9:07 a.m. to hear comments on the proposal to change the offices of Recorder and Auditor/Treasurer from elected to appointed. … [Read more...]
Amish Sexual Abuse Survivor Shares Story in PBS Documentary
Lizzie Hershberger, who grew up in the Amish community in southeast Minnesota, has spoken publicly about the sexual abuse she endured as a young teenager. Her story was first told in a book “Behind Blue Curtains,” which she authored, and is now the focus of a PBS Independent Lens documentary, “Keep Quiet and Forgive.” Her story will move you, and she hopes that it will … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton to Interview Four Superintendent Candidates
After reviewing five applications, the Mabel-Canton School Board selected four candidates to interview for the district’s superintendent position at its March 17 meeting. The candidates selected for interviews are Michael Mangan, director of educational success and innovation at Houston Public Schools and Minnesota Virtual Academy (MNVA); Mike Harvey, former superintendent … [Read more...]
Spring Grove School Board Met on March 16 Despite School Closure
The school was closed Monday, March 16, due to a spring blizzard; however, the Spring Grove School Board gathered for its regular meeting at 7 p.m. in the school’s media center. All board members were in attendance; Ashley Olson, Rhan Flatin, Myriah Klug, Kelly Rohland, Lisa Myhre, and Chairman Stephanie Jaster. The consent agenda was unanimously approved in one swift … [Read more...]
Road Work Ahead: Houston County Awards Paving, Shouldering, and Seal-Coat Bids
Chairman Greg Myhre called the March 17 meeting of the Houston County Board of Commissioners to order at 9 a.m. in the historic courthouse, downtown Caledonia. Chairman Myhre led his fellow colleagues and the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Board members present were Cindy Wright (District 1), Eric Johnson (District 2), Kurt Zehnder (District 3), Bob Schuldt (District … [Read more...]
Mabel Council Continues Conversation on Local Cannabis Ordinance
The conversation regarding a cannabis ordinance in Mabel, rather than following Fillmore County’s ordinance, was once again a topic of discussion at the March 11 Mabel City Council meeting. The city received a letter from Steve Wijatyk from Palm Springs, Calif who is in support the city adopting a “clear and thoughtful cannabis ordinance.” He noted in his letter that his … [Read more...]
Wiegrefe Senior Housing Transferred to City of Eitzen
On March 10 during the regular city council meeting, the Eitzen City Council signed the paperwork transferring the Wiegrefe Senior Housing facility including the building and all assets from the Willard and Alpha Wiegrefe Foundation to the city. The council also approved a new board to oversee the property. Board members include Jeff Adamson, Ethan Lapham, and Mitch … [Read more...]
Caledonia Police Responded to 2,011 Calls in 2025
Caledonia Police Chief Kurt Zehnder shared an in-depth picture of his department’s activities in 2025 during the March 9 regular meeting of the Caledonia City Council. The Caledonia Police Department has five full-time officers with a combined total of just over 100 years in law enforcement. In 2025, the department responded to 2,011 total calls for service, down from … [Read more...]