Houston County Commissioners approved a 3% increase for themselves with meeting stipends staying the same at the December 19 regularly scheduled commission meeting. The vote was two to three in favor of increasing their annual compensation. Finance Officer Carol Lapham confirmed that a 3% increase is included in the 2024 budget. Commissioners Eric Johnson and Greg Myhre both … [Read more...]
Eitzen Considers Automating the Town’s Wellhouse and Lift Stations
Frustrated after hearing about the cost to replace the controls at the town’s wellhouse and the five lift stations, Eitzen Councilwoman Emily Burrichter wondered out loud how to get residents to understand that flushing wipes down the toilet are costing the town thousands of dollars. Discussion took place at the town’s December 12 city council meeting, The council heard two … [Read more...]
Mabel Struggling with Ambulance Coverage
Like every small town in Minnesota, Mabel Ambulance Service is struggling with ambulance coverage, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs) are needed, specifically, to cover the day shift. At the December 13 city council meeting, Mayor Wilder said that he along with City Clerk Karen Larson and Ambulance Director Sarah Mengis will be … [Read more...]
Houston County Conducts End-of-Year Business
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...]
Caledonia Approves Levy
Discussion regarding the city’s assessment policy took center stage at the Caledonia City Council’s December 11 meeting. Mayor DeWayne (Tank) Schroeder called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. Over two hours later the meeting was adjourned at 8:16 p.m. Mayor Schroeder asked that the business owners direct their questions regarding the city’s assessment policy to the city’s … [Read more...]
Caledonia Business Owners Protest Property Assessments
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 Conducts End-of-Year Business
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...]