Caledonia’s head football coach, Carl Fruechte, received the 2026 John Gagliardi Legacy award on April 19 from the Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation. The ceremony was held at the Huntington Bank Stadium at the University of Minnesota. “Carl Fruechte has so much respect and admiration across the entire Minnesota High School football community. He develops … [Read more...]
Your Money is Hard at Work in Houston County
The phrase “Your money is hard at work” may be overused, but during the April 28 Houston County Commission meeting, it became immediately clear that taxpayers in Houston County can rest assured that their money is well spent. With only one new business item listed on the agenda, there was time for two presentations. The first was a University of Minnesota (UMN) Extension … [Read more...]
Caledonia Council Gets First-Quarter Financial Update
Finance Officer Stephanie Mann presented the city’s first-quarter financials for review at the April 27 Caledonia City Council meeting. She announced that she and City Clerk/Administrator Jake Dickson will be meeting with the auditors during the first week of May, possible Thursday, May 7. She expects that the audit report will be presented to the council at the second … [Read more...]
M-C School Board Names Mike Harvey as New Superintendent
The Mabel-Canton School Board approved hiring Mike Harvey as the school’s new superintendent at its April 21 school board meeting. According to his LinkedIn profile, Harvey is currently the CTE Construction teacher at Goodhue Public Schools in Goodhue, Minn. He has been employed in that capacity since August 2024. Before returning to teaching, he served as superintendent at … [Read more...]
Spring Grove School Board Approves Revised Budget
The Spring Grove School Board unanimously approved the revised 2025–2026 revenue and expenditure budget at its April 20 meeting. District Accountant Tanya Elton presented the board with a new report formatted to make it easier for board members to see where the costs are coming from. Elton reminded the board that she is pretty conservative. She underestimates revenues and … [Read more...]
4 to 1 Vote: Mine Density Ordinance Restored in Houston County
The Houston County Board of Commissioners restored the mine density ordinance to its original wording at the board’s April 21 meeting. According to the agenda, the board was tasked with approving or denying a text amendment to the zoning ordinance on mine density standards for Burns & Hansen, P.A., on behalf of Cory and Jackie Baker, Scott Hatleli and Cindy … [Read more...]
Plan Your Perfect Dog-Friendly Getaway
The year’s Visit Bluff Country magazine honors our furry, four-legged friends. We encourage you to go out and experience the vibrant rural communities of historic Bluff Country with your dog. Whether you are planning a day trip, an overnight stay, a weekend adventure or a weeklong trip, the Visit Bluff Country magazine is your must-have resource for all things interesting, … [Read more...]
Community Grassroots Campaign Grows with Each Passing Week
Last fall, at the November 18 Houston County Commission meeting, commissioners heard from Dairyland Power Cooperative Manager Clay DeWitt, GridLiance Heartland S. Director of Development Jessica Hewitt, and GridLiance Heartland Project Director Josh Daubenspeck regarding the MariBell 765/161 kV transmission project. Open houses to discuss the proposed Gopher to Badger Link … [Read more...]
Caledonia Welcomes New Police Officer
Gretchen Braun, surrounded by family and fellow officers, took the oath of office for the Caledonia Police Department at the city council’s April 13 meeting. Mayor Jeremy Leis administered the oath, and her mother Kristie Braun had the honor of pinning her daughter’s badge on her uniform. Mayor Jeremy Leis called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance. Other … [Read more...]
Town Line Road Reconstruction Approved by Eitzen Council
The Eitzen City Council met in a regular session on April 14 and approved a quote from Dunn Blacktop for $106,965.50 to completely redo Town Line Road in Eitzen this summer. Town Line Road (Highway 76 to Portland Ave.) is scheduled for June and will be completed in time for the town’s annual 4th of July celebration. Mayor Jeff Adamson called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. … [Read more...]