Toot-Toot, the familiar sound heard every September in Mabel welcomes residents and visitors to the annual Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days, September 7-10. The giant steam engines kick off both parades on Saturday and Sunday at noon. The Hesper-Mabel Calliope, a steam-whistle organ, takes its place among the steam engines as it whistles out familiar tunes. Do the iconic “wave” … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton Set and Ready To Go
The 2023-24 Mabel-Canton student/parent handbook and four other school policies have been approved. At the school’s regularly scheduled school board meeting on Thursday, August 24, Superintendent Gary Kuphal recommended that the handbook and the tobacco-free environment, bullying prohibition, overdose medication, and school meals policies be approved emphasizing that there were … [Read more...]
Fillmore County, an AARP Age-friendly Community
It should come as no surprise that seniors want to live in their homes and in their communities with their friends and family that they have known forever, for as long as possible. The population of the United States is rapidly aging. One in three Americans is age 50 or older. By 2030, one out of every five people in the United States will be age 65 or over. By 2034, the … [Read more...]
A Heart of Green
Houston County resident and life-long 4-Her, Elden Pohlman, is the epitome of the 4-H pledge that has been recited by thousands of kids at 4-H club meetings and camps throughout the country since it was adopted in 1927. I pledge: My head to clearer thinking My heart to greater loyalty My hands to larger service And my health to better living for my club, my community, my … [Read more...]
Fun on the Mississippi River
Looking for something to do Labor Day weekend on the banks of the Mississippi River? If so, check out the 20th Annual Alma Music & Arts Festival at the Alma Beach and Recreation Area in Alma, Wis. The fun kicks off on Sunday, September 3 at 11 a.m. Thanks to community sponsors and volunteers the event is free. Event organizers promote the festivities as, “A day of art, … [Read more...]
Houston County Fair Receives Rave Reviews
Commissioner Bob Schuldt commended the Houston County Fair Board for an outstanding fair and that people he talked with at the fair were impressed with the rodeo. Commissioners Eric Johnson and Robert (Bob) Burns added that they felt that the fair was well attended, noting there was a line at the rodeo. Chairperson Dewey Severson called the regularly scheduled meeting to order … [Read more...]
Cannabinoid Licenses Issued in Caledonia
The Caledonia, Minn., city council issued two retail cannabinoid licenses at the council’s regularly scheduled August 14 meeting. Councilor Robert (Bob) Klug was the lone nay vote. Klug asked that the request be moved from the consent agenda to new business, as he felt additional discussion was required. “I am concerned about our liquor store selling the CBD products.” City … [Read more...]
Fall has Arrived in Howard County
The first fall festival of the year has arrived. Head over to Cresco, Iowa, to immerse yourself in the Norman Borlaug Harvest Fest Friday, August 25 through Sunday, August 27. Borlaug is only one of seven people in the world to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Congressional Gold Medal. “An unforgettable celebration paying homage to … [Read more...]
Future of the Houston County Jail in Question
Houston County Commissioners continued the discussion from last week’s meeting regarding the future of the Houston County Jail at its August 8 regularly scheduled meeting. Severson confirmed that the contract with Winona ends at the end of September. Commissioner Eric Johnson asked the two commissioners, Chairperson Dewey Severson and Commissioner Bob Schuldt, who sit on the … [Read more...]
The Moving Wall, a Community Project
The Moving Wall allows those unable to trek to Washington, D.C. to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial an opportunity to see and touch it in their own community. On Thursday, July 27, The Moving Wall rolled into Houston, Minn., for the second time in 19 years. The Houston American Legion Post 423 first brought the wall to Houston in 2004. Legion member John Geiwitz estimates … [Read more...]