As the year winds down, the Houston County Commission was faced with a lengthy agenda including 11 action items and one presentation at its last meeting of the month, November 28. All five Houston County commissioners were in attendance: Chairman Dewey Severson, Eric Johnson, Robert (Bob) Burns, Bob Schuldt and Greg Myhre. Chairman Severson promptly called the meeting to … [Read more...]
A Silver Lining
A dark cloud has been looming over the southeast Minnesota town of Spring Grove, a town of 1,238, since Northern Engraving announced a “mass layoff.” Currently, 80 employees work at the plant in Spring Grove and approximately 50% of them reside in the Spring Grove and Caledonia area. Spring Grove Mayor Saundra Solum shared, “I can only speak to the production plant in Spring … [Read more...]
M-C Receives $20,000 From Anonymous Donor
The Mabel-Canton School Board graciously accepted a $20,000 cash donation from an anonymous donor and expressed their thanks for generous donation, at the school’s regular meeting on November 21. Chairman Cristal Adkins called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. and led the board in the Pledge of Allegiance. Board members present included Cristal Adkins, Chris Miller, Mark … [Read more...]
Spring Grove Elementary Students Raise More Than $400
Student Council Representative Taylor Reinhardt proudly reported at the Spring Grove School Board’s November 20 meeting that grades K-6 participated in a coin war, raising $444.59 to be donated to the Houston County Food Shelf. Chairman Aaron Solum called the board’s regularly scheduled meeting to order at 7 p.m. Board members present included Aric Elton, Stephanie Jaster, … [Read more...]
What is the Status on the Houston County Jail?
The Houston County Commission has been grappling with whether to keep the Houston County jail open or to close it over the past year. The conversation got serious when Winona County announced that they would not be renewing their contract with Houston County, who currently house Winona County’s inmates. The contract was scheduled to end at the end of September 2023, but Houston … [Read more...]
Caledonia City Council Holds Public Hearing
The Caledonia City Council held a public hearing at its November 13 regular council meeting to hear the public’s opinions and concerns before taking action to certify the special assessments. Hearing no comments, the mayor called to close the public hearing at 6:27 p.m. The council approved Resolution 2023-17 authorizing the assessment of properties for delinquent utility … [Read more...]
Houston County Commissioners Approves Support Systems
Chairman Dewey Severson call the November 14 meeting to order at 9 a.m. and lead the board and the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. The board unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the November 7 regular commission meeting. All five commissioners were in attendance: Chairman Severson, Eric Johnson, Robert (Bob) Burns, Bob Schuldt, and Greg Myhre. … [Read more...]
An Eagle Scout Project
Tetsuia Cox led a team of 10 to 15 boy scouts, their parents and two leaders over the summer who helped him complete his Eagle Scout project. The team constructed a new hiking trail at Bob Botcher Park just 2.5 miles outside of Sheldon, Minn., in Houston County. Cox has been a member of Boy Scout Troop 53 for five years. He lives and goes to school in La Crescent, Minn. Eagle … [Read more...]
Habitat for Humanity Looking for Volunteers to Work on Eitzen Home
Mayor Adamson called the November 14 regularly scheduled meeting of the Eitzen City Council meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. Councilmembers in attendance included Mayor Jeff Adamson, Emily Burrichter, Mitch Lange, and Doug Meyer. Mitch Luttchens was absent. Burrichter moved to approve the minutes from the October 10 regular council meeting. Seconded by Meyer. Lange moved to … [Read more...]
Houston County Jail to Remain Open
With a roll call vote of three to two, the Houston County Commissioners approved Sheriff Brian Swedberg’s request to “approve budgeting the Houston County Jail for 2024 at the November 7, 2023, regularly scheduled commission meeting. The request includes reviewing the jail’s budget and operations at the July 2024 commission meeting. Both Sheriff Brian Swedberg and Jail … [Read more...]