During the Mabel-Canton School Board’s regularly scheduled meeting on March 19, the seniors’ proposal to end their academic year on Friday, May 24, was unanimously approved by the board. The Mabel-Canton senior class officers, including Janessa Hershberger, Hayden Erickson, Izabella Gerleman and Colton Tollefsrud appeared before the board to request that the seniors’ last … [Read more...]
Abby Blake: You’re Going to Hollywood
With a golden ticket in hand from “American Idol,” Caledonia’s own Abby Blake is headed to Hollywood. Blake made her debut on Season 7 of “American Idol” in her adopted home of Nashville, Tenn. The episode aired on Sunday, February 25. Local fans gathered at Elsie’s Bar and Grill in downtown Caledonia to support Abby as she sang the hit song “What About Us” by P!nk. Despite … [Read more...]
Eitzen to Update Electric Meters
Eitzen City Council approved a quote from MiEnergy for electronic electric meters at the March 12 city council meeting. Maintenance Supervisor Darryl Meyer explained that Tri-County will be able to read everything right from their office. Since the installers are currently in town, Meyer expects that the electric meters will be installed within the next month or the following … [Read more...]
Mabel Fire Department to Purchase Lifesaving Jaws of Life
The Mabel City Council approved the fire department’s request to purchase a battery powered jaws of life and cutter at its March 13 regularly scheduled council meeting. Mayor Adam Wilder explained, “It’s used and from a department down in Illinois for $7,500. New the system would be well over $30,000.” The reason the department in Illinois is selling it is because they are … [Read more...]
Delta Dental Impressed with Houston County’s Dental Program
The Houston County Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday, March 12, in County Board Room 222 in the historic courthouse in the heart of Caledonia. Chairman Eric Johnson called the meeting to order at 9 a.m. and led his fellow colleagues and the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. All five county commissioners, namely Dewey Severson, Chairman Eric Johnson, Robert (Bob) … [Read more...]
Zoning Permits for Croell Redi-mix and Caledonia Haulers Approved
The Caledonia City Council held two public hearings for zoning permits at its regular city council meeting on Monday, March 11. The public hearings gave Caledonia residents an opportunity to voice their opinions and ask questions regarding Croell’s request for a height variance at 134 Bissen St. and Caledonia Haulers’ request for a setback variance at 314 Lincoln St. before … [Read more...]
Houston County EDA Showed Positive Growth in 2023
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...]