The Houston County Board of Commissioners was called to order on Tuesday morning, January 20, for a regular meeting marked by two public hearings and several important decisions affecting county operations and residents. The first hearing at 9:05 a.m. was to gather input from the public regarding making the positions of auditor/treasurer and recorder appointed instead of … [Read more...]
Eitzen Received Raving Reviews Regarding Community Center Improvements
The Eitzen City Council held its first meeting of 2026 on Tuesday, January 13. The meeting was called to order at 6:07 p.m. by Mayor Jeff Adamson. Present were Mayor Jeff Adamson and council members Doug Meyer, Mitch Lange, Emily Burrichter and Mitch Luttchens. Also in attendance were Steve Schuldt, city clerk and Darryl Meyer, maintenance. Mayor Adamson apologized that the … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Couple Marries Underground at Niagara Cave
More than 400 weddings have been held at Niagara Cave since it opened to the public in 1934. Almost immediately, its beauty inspired romance. In 1935, just a year after opening, a young couple asked if they could get married inside the cave, beginning a tradition that flourished through the 1960s and 1970s when unconventional wedding venues were especially popular. Today, an … [Read more...]
Mabel Tables Cannabis Ordinance
At the January 14, 2026, Mabel City Council meeting, the council tabled the city’s proposed cannabis ordinance, giving council members additional time to talk to other communities and cannabis businesses in the area. The city is responsible for managing and administering the ordinance. Councilor Kelly Sand asked if 500 feet is far enough. Section 3 of the ordinance … [Read more...]
Caledonia Council Advances New Library Project
The Caledonia City Council convened its first regular meeting on January 12, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., presided over by Mayor Jeremy Leis. Council members Bob Klug, David Fitzpatrick, and John Rauk were in attendance. Amanda Ninneman was not present at the meeting. The proposed new library was again on the City Council’s agenda as the project continues to move forward and the … [Read more...]
Houston County Holds First Meeting of 2026
After several months of negotiations, a professional services contract with the City of Spring Grove for law enforcement services was unanimously approved by the Houston County Board of Commissioners at its regular board meeting on January 6. The board also recognized 16 employees for their service to the county. Sheriff Brian Swedberg informed the board that the Spring … [Read more...]
Minnesota Department of Health Honors Mary Zaffke
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recognized Houston County Public Health nurse Mary Zaffke on December 12 with the Betty Hubbard Maternal and Child Health Leadership Award. Presented annually since 1990, the award honors the legacy of Betty Hubbard, a founding member of the Maternal and Child Health Advisory Committee and a lifelong advocate for the health of mothers … [Read more...]
Spring Grove School Receives “Clean” Audit and Approves 6.7% Levy
The Spring Grove School received a clean audit from CLA and approved a 6.7% tax levy during its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, December 15. The regular school meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. in the school library. The board held its annual Truth in Taxation hearing prior to the regular school board meeting. During the required presentation led by Senior … [Read more...]
The Lights Shine Brightly in Harmony
On Sunday, December 14, all were invited to Harmony’s Cancer Memorial Park to remember those who have lost their battle with cancer and those who are fighting the fight. The 20-foot spruce tree in the park will shine brightly every evening throughout December in remembrance of those who have lost their lives and to honor those who are battling cancer. The group explains the … [Read more...]
Houston County Commission Tables Spring Grove Law Enforcement Contract
The Houston County Board of Commissioners spent considerable time discussing the proposed law enforcement contract with the city of Spring Grove during its regular 9 a.m. meeting on December 16. The board ultimately tabled the item to allow time to hear back from Spring Grove officials and to gather answers to the commissioners’ questions regarding the impact of the agreement … [Read more...]