The Wykoff Fall Festival is stepping up to the plate this September 25-28, bringing a weekend of crowd-pleasing events, and all-ages of fun that’s sure to be a grand slam for the whole community. Festival organizers proudly boast that, “This year is bigger than ever!” This year’s annual classic is shaping up to be the biggest inning yet, as Wykoff celebrates the 150th … [Read more...]
Spring Grove School Board Approves Maximum Levy
The Spring Grove School Board approved setting the 2024 Payable 2025 Property Tax Levy Certification at the maximum level, on a motion by Board Member Rohland and seconded by Boardmember Olson at its board meeting on September 15. The Truth and Taxation hearing traditionally takes place in December prior to the regular school board meeting. Approving the maximum level … [Read more...]
Work Continues on Houston County’s 2026 Budget
Work on the Houston County 2026 budget continued during the September 16 commission meeting. Information Systems Director Andy Milde and Sheriff Brian Swedberg met with the commissioners to present their proposed budgets. Milde emphasized the importance of data security, noting that government organizations are frequent targets for cyber threats. Meanwhile, a key issue for … [Read more...]
The First Renovation Designs Unveiled at M-C Board Meeting
The Mabel-Canton School Board met on Tuesday, September 16, and were treated to several architectural drawings for the first time. These included the renderings for a new school entrance, CTE (Career and Technical Education) area, and locker rooms. Superintendent Gary Kuphal said that he and Michelle Weidemann meet every other week with ISG and Kraus-Anderson. Chair … [Read more...]
Fall Home and Garden: A Moving Experience
Moving a traditional farmhouse with a long history in Fillmore County was quite the experience for two local families. Brent and Brenda Afseth raised their two children, Cole and Marissa, in the farmhouse. When they decided to build a new home, they posted their old house on Marketplace, noting that it would need to be moved. Built in 1904, the two-story home had 1,602 … [Read more...]
Mayo Clinic Health System to Close Caledonia Clinic; City Officials Express Concern
City Clerk/Administrator Jake Dickson announced at the September 8 Caledonia City Council meeting that he received word earlier in the day that Mayo Clinic Health System will be closing its Caledonia clinic on December 10. Dickson commented that he wasn’t given a specific reason but was told the closure is mostly due to staffing issues. “It surely will not be good for us. A … [Read more...]
Mabel to Install Speed Bumps in Alley
At its regular meeting on September 10, the Mabel City Council approved the installation of speed bumps in the alley between Prairie Avenue and the BP gas station, aiming to address concerns about speeding and large truck traffic in the area. The public hearing was called to order by Mayor Adam Wilder at 6:02 p.m. Residents were invited to share their opinions on how to best … [Read more...]
Eitzen Community Center Remodeling Progresses Nicely
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Eitzen City Council was called to order by Mayor Jeff Adamson at 6:02 p.m. on Tuesday, September 9. Council members agreed that the work on the community center looks really nice. The council also agreed to install a double door on the north side of the building. One of the doors will have an automatic opener on the outside and on … [Read more...]
Rawlings/Miken Sports Donates $25,000 to Caledonia Fire Department Following Facility Fire
In a remarkable demonstration of gratitude and community spirit, Rawlings/Miken Sports has donated $25,000 to the Caledonia Fire Department, honoring the heroic efforts of first responders who battled a devastating fire at the company’s Caledonia facility in October 2023. The donation was announced at a special ceremony held at the Miken Sports facilities on Tuesday, June … [Read more...]
Against All Odds: Kala Exworthy’s Survival is Nothing Short of a Miracle
On June 30, 2025, what began as an ordinary day on a family farm near Mabel turned into a life-or-death situation, and thanks to the swift actions of first responders, a 16-year-old with a cell phone, and a determined fiancé, Kala Exworthy is alive today. Exworthy was visiting her fiancé Rory Welper’s family farm north of Mabel when a sudden cardiac arrest caused her to … [Read more...]