Houston, MN – “A table tells a story.” The Crystal Creek Citizen-Artist Residency is excited to announce its 2020 citizen-artist-in-residence (CAIR), food explorer, Elisabeth Fondell. The artist is a recent transplant to Decorah, Iowa, and will be immersing herself in the food and culture of Houston County, Minn., July through September 2020. Elisabeth will be the single CAIR … [Read more...]
Free online suicide prevention class for agricultural communities
NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and the Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center (UMASH) are partnering to provide free online suicide prevention classes tailored to farming communities. This effort aims to change public perceptions in agricultural communities and better equip them to identify and help people who may be having thoughts of … [Read more...]
Joke of the Week
Birth Announcement: Mason Mingo Kingsley
Welcome to the world Mason Mingo Kingsley with a head full of hair! Mason was born on June 18, 2020, at 9:21 a.m. at Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah, Iowa. He weighed 7 lb 5 oz and was 19-1/2” long. Parents are Mingo and Mindy Kingsley of Harmony. Grandparents are Kerry and Jane Kingsley and Brad and Sheri Osmonson, all of Harmony. … [Read more...]
SWCD Forest Field Day July 29
On July 29, 2020, the Fillmore Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) will be hosting a field day to explore how different forest management techniques can affect the health of your forest and how you can gauge your progress througah the years. Learn the types of plant communities found on a site and identify trees and plants that will thrive depending on the site … [Read more...]
Financial programs for farmers
You’ve likely seen that both the Minnesota state legislature and the federal legislature passed financial relief laws in response to the COVID-19 situation. But what do they mean financially for farmers and other agricultural small business owners? This article offers a short summary of some of the recent legislation. Federal Programs The Families FIRST Act requires all … [Read more...]
Fillmore and Houston County Police Reports
Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office Charles Jack Buffie, 20, Nowthen, Minn.; 7/1/2020, Speeding (69/60), Fine $40, Total Fees $130. Gonzalez Estrella Hugo, 41, Blaine, Minn.; 6/19/2020, Speeding (69/60), Fine $40, Total Fees $130. Morgan Elizabeth Sanford, 22, Grand Meadow, Minn.; 6/19/2020, Speeding (64/55), Fine $40, Total Fees $130. Hokah Police Department Bryan Keith … [Read more...]
Root River Trail Towns cancels September Taste of the Trail activities
Root River Trail Towns has organized Taste of the Trail events on September Saturdays following Labor Day since 2012. The organization made the difficult decision this week to cancel the events in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Trail Towns President Gabby Kinneberg said, “Each year, the Taste of the Trail brings in visitors and bicyclists from across Minnesota and … [Read more...]
SMIF invites small towns to “jumpstart” their community
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is seeking applications for the second round of its Rural Entrepreneurial Venture (REV) program which supports long-term economic growth. Three communities will be selected for this three-year program. Communities with populations of 5,000 or less in SMIF’s 20-county region are eligible to apply. The REV program helps rural … [Read more...]
City of Houston deals with COVID-19 changes
By Wanda Hanson Meeting on the second floor of the community center, socially distancing, and wearing masks when necessary, the Houston City Council dealt with several changes brought about by COVID-19 Monday, July 13. Houston Hoedown has been cancelled, but the queen contest is being held. A request before the council for a small parade consisting of the queen, her court, and … [Read more...]