Earlier this year, I sat down with Preston Native Kelly Ristau, at Paddle on Coffee & Maker Emporium in Lanesboro, Minn. for an interview. The assignment was to write a story about Kelly work as a muralist. It did not take long to realize that there was much more to this artist, and what began as a conversation about murals evolved into a much richer portrait of a young … [Read more...]
Three New Teachers at Mabel-Canton
The new school year brings fresh faces to the Mabel-Canton School District, which welcomed three new teachers: Cole Mundt, Samantha Livingood and James Ryan. Cole Mundt Cole Mundt teaches seventh through 12th grade government, economics, health, and physical education. He hails from Utica, Minn., and graduated from Lewiston-Altura High School in 2020. He graduated … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton Superintendent Submits Resignation
The M-C School board accepted Superintendent Gary Kuphal’s resignation/retirement, effective June 30, 2026, at the November 18 regular school board meeting. Kuphal said in his resignation letter, “The district, which includes the board, staff, students, and the community, have been extremely supportive of our school and of me, and I have truly enjoyed my work here.” The … [Read more...]
Houston County Commissioners Hear Initial Presentation on MariBell 765/161 kV Transmission Project
At the November 18 regular meeting of the Houston County Board of Commissioners, representatives of the MariBell 765/161 kV Transmission Project appeared before the commissioners for the first time to share information about the project with the board. The project is a partnership between Dairyland Power Cooperative and GridLiance. Chairman Eric Johnson called the meeting to … [Read more...]
Council Approves “Best-In-Class” Gym Development
Applause was heard from the audience after the Caledonia City Council unanimously approved the 615 W. Washington development proposal submitted by Gran Properties and Alpha Performance at its meeting on November 10. The city received one proposal for the city-owned 0.73 vacant acres located on Highway 44 and W. Washington. According to the Request for Proposal (RFP), the … [Read more...]
Eitzen City Council Discusses Easement Issue, Advances Community Projects
The November 11 meeting of the Eitzen City Council was called to order at 6:05 p.m. by Mayor Jeff Adamson. All council members were present: Emily Burrichter, Doug Meyer, Mitch Luttchens and Mitch Lange, plus Mayor Adamson. Also in attendance were Maintenance Supervisor Darrel Meyer and City Clerk Steve Schuldt. Since it was Veterans Day, Mayor Adamson first acknowledged … [Read more...]
Vacated Property Spurs Action at Mabel City Council Meeting
The Mabel City Council convened for its regular meeting on November 12, led by Mayor Adam Wilder at 6 p.m. Council members present included Kirsten Wyffels, Tina Bakke and Kelly Sand. Valerie Arnold was absent. Also in attendance were Wynn and Justine Nies, City Clerk Karen Larson and Public Works Director Robert Mierau. During public comments, the Nieses raised concerns … [Read more...]
Caledonia Welcomes Four New Teachers
Four new teachers joined the staff at Caledonia Public Schools this year. They are Nicole Meyer, Maria Inglefield, Kailee Olerud, and Liza Bruce. Meet Nicole Meyer Nicole Meyer grew up in Winona and graduated from Winona Senior High School in 2020. After high school she attended Winona State University. She started her teaching career at Dover Eyota High School as a … [Read more...]
Military Traditions: Veteran Coins
You may be unfamiliar with the two military coin traditions, as I once was. These traditions are said to date back to the time of the Roman Empire. Of course, there are those who share other origin stories, but regardless of what you believe, both traditions have endured for decades. The first is the challenge coin which represents an achievement, an affiliation with an … [Read more...]
Rooster Ridge Pheasant Farms: The Midwest’s Premier Pheasant Hunting Experience
Craig Helke and Dylan Burrow have developed a clearly defined marketing brand for Rooster Ridge Pheasant Farms, based on their own pheasant hunting experiences. A brand is a promise of what customers can consistently expect every time from a service, product, or interaction. Helke and Burrow promise their customers a true Midwest hunting experience, as proudly stated on the … [Read more...]