The Spring Grove City Council had a heated discussion at the end of its August 18 meeting. All members were present and gave input. At issue was whether to include the Ambulance in the scope for the project’s Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the Fire Hall Project. Councilmember Trent Turner explained the project’s history, and that at the beginning the ambulance department … [Read more...]
Caledonia School District Starts Monday, HVED Open House Set
Caledonia Superintendent Craig Ihrke told the school board at its August 17 meeting that teacher workshops started on August 17 so they could introduce and meet new staff members, and a second day of workshops the following day featured a session on “How to AI-Proof Lessons.” Ihrke said the gym floor at the elementary school is still curing, but otherwise the staff is “ready to … [Read more...]
What is a Salad?
It’s peak picnic and barbecue season across the nation, and during the “dog days of summer,” chefs and home cooks alike seek to create delicious easy, no-cook salads. The Oxford Dictionary defines a salad as a cold dish of mixed ingredients, typically including raw vegetables, greens, or fruits, and often served with a dressing. The word originates from the Latin sal (meaning … [Read more...]
Caledonia School Board Approves Confidential Resolution and Putting $12.7M Bond to Voters for Facility Upgrades
The bulk of the July 20, 2026, school board meeting in Caledonia was spent in two closed sessions with all board members present, except for the student who is off for the summer. After reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, conducting roll call and approving the agenda, the board heard from Caledonia resident Mark Augedahl during public comments. Augedahl talked about what … [Read more...]
Spring Grove Residents May Be Eligible for Flood Damage State Aid
On July 2, 2026, there was catastrophic flooding in parts of Houston County, including Spring Grove. The Houston County Board of Commissioners declared a state of emergency. City Clerk/Administrator Jana Elton told the Spring Grove City Council at its July 22 meeting that the city received 11 inches of rain on July 2, which “overloaded the system and bypassed the storm … [Read more...]
Brownsville Council Reviews MnDOT Intersection Project Updates
Mayor Jean Meyer gave the latest updates to the Brownsville City Council at their July 1 on the proposed Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) project at the intersection of County Road 3 (CSAH 3) and State Highway 26. This is the entry point to Brownsville. Meyer said that she and Councilor Barb Hurley attended the June 29 meeting with MnDOT and other decisionmakers … [Read more...]
An American Classic
Which historic food has no reservations about being served at a Minnesota farm table or on prestigious Capitol Hill? Was a Minnesota senator behind this culinary staple being served almost daily at Senate restaurants for about the past 125 years? As America celebrates its 250th Anniversary, let’s talk about an American classic, the humble but iconic bean soup, best served with … [Read more...]
Caledonia School Board has Five Open Seats to Fill in Fall Election
Caledonia Public School Board members met on Monday, June 15 at Caledonia Elementary School for a meeting that lasted fewer than 20 minutes. Board Chair Mike Peterson called the meeting to order, led the Pledge of Allegiance and conducted roll call. Superintendent Craig Ihrke was on vacation and student member Phoebe Lampert is off for the summer. All others were … [Read more...]
Spring Grove to Draft Assessment Policy
At the June 16 Spring Grove City Council meeting, Tim Hruska, WHKS, was on hand to discuss the watermain project plans and how adding an assessment policy would impact staff and project budgets. Councilor Morgan Buckland was absent. The approved agenda removed a closed session and added four items under New Business. Adding an assessment policy would establish a fair and … [Read more...]