For 50 years, Wiebke Tire has kept Caledonia and the surrounding communities moving, on the road and in the fields. Now entering its third generation of ownership, the business continues to thrive under Chad Wiebke, who works alongside Jon Kruse and a dedicated crew of five: Greysen Prouix, Hunter Augestine, Jim Hauser, Garrett Waldenberger and Gerald Schroeder. Although … [Read more...]
Bonnie Haugen: A Woman of Many Hats
Fillmore County resident Bonnie Haugen wears many hats – wife, mother, grandmother, regenerative grazing dairy farmer, steward of the land, speaker, volunteer, advocate, educator, and more. This story begins with a recent highlight in Haugen’s life before looking back on her many accomplishments as a grazing dairy farmer. Among her life’s memorable moments, being invited to … [Read more...]
National Co-Op Month – AcenTek: Building a Better World Since 1950
October is National Co-op Month. A time to celebrate the many ways cooperatives strengthen their communities, something Ace Telephone Association, doing business as AcenTek, has exemplified since its founding. From the beginning, AcenTek has been guided by cooperative principles and a deep commitment to its members. From day one until today, AcenTek’s commitment has been to … [Read more...]
Caledonia, the First City in Minnesota with an Official Song
At the October 13 Caledonia City Council meeting, Mayor Jeremy Leis signed a proclamation recognizing the song “Caledonia,” written and recorded by Dougie MacLean, as Caledonia’s official song. The song was selected in honor of Caledonia’s founder, Captain Samuel McPhail, a settler and pioneer of Scottish ancestry. Councilmember John Rauk, who proposed the idea of having an … [Read more...]
Eitzen City Council Breezes Through Meeting Agenda
Mayor Jeff Adamson called the October 14 meeting of the Eitzen City Council to order at 6:09 p.m. Present at the meeting were council members Doug Meyer, Mitch Lange and Mayor Adamson. City Clerk Steve Schuldt was also in attendance. A motion was made by Councilmember Meyer to approve the minutes from the September 9 city council meeting. The motion was seconded by Lange … [Read more...]
Jenny Kleppe, Trail Blazer
Can you imagine working in an industry where you know only one other woman doing the same work as you? That’s the reality for entrepreneur Jenny Kleppe, co-owner of Kleppe Forest Products LLC in Mabel, Minn. Jenny has met just one other woman, Bonnie Mulholland of Eyota, Minn., who drives the log skidder with her husband Jack. There simply aren’t many women in the … [Read more...]
The Outdoors Come Alive for Houston County Sixth Graders
Sixth graders from Houston County schools enjoyed a beautiful fall day at Winnebago Springs, where they learned about their environment, conservation programs, and careers in conservation. The surrounding hills, just beginning to turn colors, provided a picturesque backdrop for hands-on learning. “Only if we understand, can we care. Only if we care, will we help. Only if we … [Read more...]
Mabel Council Renames Road
The Mabel City Council unanimously approved renaming the Disposal Plant Road to Kowalski Trail at its October 8 meeting. Public Works Director Bob Mierau proposed renaming the road to the sewer plant from Disposal Plant Road to Kowalski Trail to recognize Mike and Linda Kowalsky for their ongoing support of wildlife conservation. Mierau noted in an email to the council, … [Read more...]
Input Sought on Key Houston County Government Roles
The Houston County Board of Commissioners set the date for two public hearings at its October 7 commission meeting. The purpose of the hearings is to allow residents an opportunity to voice their opinion and ask questions regarding the appointment of the auditor/treasurer and recorder positions versus electing them. Commissioners agreed that public hearings should be held … [Read more...]
It’s Great to be a Cougar – Lonnie Morken Makes State History
Mabel-Canton (M-C) Volleyball Coach, Lonnie Morken, made history Thursday evening, September 25, reaching an astounding 885 career wins and 150 losses. He moved up to second place for all-time career victories in Minnesota high school volleyball history. “I’ve never thought about breaking records,” he said. “I just wanted to be number one. I’ve been blessed with some … [Read more...]