Houston County Economic Development Authority (EDA) Director Allison Wagner presented the 2023 EDA annual report at the March 5 Houston County Commission meeting. She said, “2023 was a year of positive growth for the Houston County EDA and its partners.” Throughout her presentation, Wagner shared a range of numbers illustrating EDA’s successful year. EDA managed three … [Read more...]
Brownsville Allocates $24,000 in Public Safety Aid Funds to the Fire Department
The Brownsville City Council voted to allocate $24,000 in 2023 Minnesota public safety aid funds to the town’s volunteer fire department at the March 6 city council meeting. Before volunteers from the town’s volunteer fire department spoke regarding the 2023 Public Safety Aid funds received by the city from the state in December, Councilmember Barb Hurley asked to … [Read more...]
Will Houston County Pass a No Wake Zone the Second Time Around?
The Houston County Commission conducted a public hearing at the board’s February 26 regularly scheduled meeting. The public hearing allowed Houston County residents an opportunity to voice their opinion regarding the proposed no wake zone ordinance. Mayor Mike Poellinger, representing the City of La Crescent, noted that the city does not have any authority. He added that the … [Read more...]
Farm Family – Dean and Deb Stortz: It’s Been a Great Life
At two years old, Newburg farmer Dean Stortz knew what he wanted to be when he grew up. Over 50 years later he still loves farming, and his wife, Deb, does not believe he will ever retire. With a chuckle, Dean explained that he started helping with chores at two, “I always wanted to be in the barn with Dad and the cows. I would get out of bed in the morning and out the door … [Read more...]
Caledonia Council Meeting Short on Attendance
In an unusual turn of events, neither Caledonia Mayor DeWayne (Tank) Schroeder nor former Mayor Robert (Bob) Burns could recall a time when the Caledonia City Council lacked a quorum for a council meeting. However, on Monday evening, February 26, 2024, it happened. With only the mayor and Councilmember David Fitzpatrick present, the council found itself without the required … [Read more...]
Warrior Football Coach Carl Fruechte Praises Community Support
Caledonia football coach, Carl Fruechte, emphasizes that his induction into the Minnesota Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame (MFCA) is a testament to the unwavering support of the vibrant community he has the privilege to lead. Expressing his gratitude, Fruechte remarked, “I could not have done it without the communities of Brownsville, Caledonia, Eitzen and … [Read more...]
Spring Grove School Board Members Thanked for Their Leadership
At the February 20 Spring Grove School Board meeting, the school board members were recognized for their commitment to the school district. Superintendent Rachel Udstuen said, “I would like to publicly recognize our school board members for the hard work they do to ensure our children receive a first-rate education.” February has been designated as … [Read more...]
Business as Usual in Mabel
Mayor Adam Wilder convened the Mabel City Council meeting on February 14 promptly at 6:30 p.m. Present at the meeting were Mayor Wilder, along with council members Valerie Arnold, Kiersten Wyffels, Cory Wilson and Tina Bakke. Also in attendance was City Clerk Karen Larson. The council unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the January 10 council … [Read more...]
Caledonia’s Long-Anticipated Warrior Avenue on the Road to Becoming a Reality
City Clerk/Administrator Jake Dickson announced at the Caledonia City Council meeting on February 12 that the city submitted three applications for road funding for Warrior Avenue and the planned roundabout at the intersection of Highway 76 and 44. The city received good news on two of those and is waiting to hear from the third one. Dickson said, “We will probably be … [Read more...]
Houston County Public Health Receives Funding for Housing Initiatives
During the Houston County Commission meeting on February 13 John Pugleasa, director of Public Health and Human Services, outlined the intended utilization of housing funds allocated by the Department of Revenue. In 2023, $26,242.00 was allocated and must be spent by the end of 2024. The allocation for 2023 and 2024 is a total of $98,990, and Pugleasa estimates that the … [Read more...]