As the Houston School Board considered the proposed calendar for next school year at their regular meeting February 6, the often mundane item led to good discussion. Superintendent Mary Morem suggested moving advisory to the end of the school day and altering the beginning of the day to 8:15 a.m. and the end to 3 p.m.. Students often need to leave early at the end of the day … [Read more...]
Bus Drivers Who Care
After Phil Burkholder retired from working for Fillmore County for 28 years, he ran into Mark Scheevel at the post office one day. At that time, Scheevel was the owner of Harmony Transit; he approached Burkholder and suggested that he come and drive bus for him. Phil figured he already knew where people lived and it would get him out of the house. Burkholder started driving … [Read more...]
Cutting Edge Fitness
What do St. Charles, Rushford and Chatfield have in common? Well, one thing they have in common is that they all are home to a fitness gym called Cutting Edge Fitness established by Jarred Burt. Growing up in St. Charles, Jarred Burt liked sports, especially football. He played football at St. Charles and RCTC as well as some semi-pro. After coaching football at St. Charles … [Read more...]
Studio 52, Premier Cycling Studio
Tiffany Danielson opened the doors of her Studio 52 Premier Cycling Studio on November 6, 2023; the studio, located in the basement of her home near Prosper (10631 US Hwy. 52, Mabel, Minn.) had 10 bikes available. Tiffany had started going to fitness cycling classes at a Decorah studio in 2018. The studio closed during COVID and reopened in the summer of 2020. When the … [Read more...]
RFD Fire Chiefs Visit Rushford Council Meeting
Retiring Fire Chief Chad Rasmussen and the new fire chief, Nick Smith addressed the Rushford City Council at their January 27 regular council meeting. Rasmussen gave a summary of 2024 at the fire department and presented items for approval of the council. He detailed the list of officers, the relief association board, and meetings and trainings planned for 2025. RFD currently … [Read more...]
Presenting Country Financial in Rushford
Danielle Luhmann wants to take care of people and make sure they are protected; working as an insurance agent for Country Financial feels like a perfect fit for her. She has been working for the company for 10 months. Danielle has a lot of previous customer service experience. In the past she has worked for the Dakota Post Office, the Kwik Trip in Rushford, and in Good Shepherd … [Read more...]
The Sawmill Inn Has New Owners
Daisy and Ryan Ruberg purchased The Sawmill Inn located at 809 East Cedar Street in Houston, Minn., on June 25, 2024. They had been looking for a more flexible work option for Daisy after their son Rushton was born in February. Daisy had previously worked as a tax consultant in the corporate office of Ashley Furniture. The motel, which was originally built in 2005 by John and … [Read more...]
Businesses Collaborate at Houston Chamber Annual Meeting
At the January 20 Houston Chamber of Commerce annual meeting, the warm collaboration of the chamber members presented a sharp contrast to the frigid weather. Approximately 12 members braved the cold to conduct their annual meeting at JT’s Corner Bar and Grill. President Rod Torgerson called the business meeting to order. After the 2024’s annual meeting minutes were … [Read more...]
Successful Year for Harmony Businesses
A theme emerged as the Harmony Chamber of Commerce met for their annual meeting on January 21 and shared how 2024 went for each. Some businesses shared 30 second videos about their year; following that individuals spoke about their past year. Aaron Bishop of Niagara Cave reported a 30% increase in business since last year. Rich Bishop of Amish Tours agreed, commenting that … [Read more...]
New Board Chairman for Houston School
After seating new board members Steve Walters and Lisa Schultz, the Houston School Board quickly took care of the organizational part of their January 9, 2025, meeting. In a twist from most years, there were actually two nominations for board chair, Josh Norlien and Mimi Carlson. After a vote, Norlien was chosen as chairman and Carlson was then voted in as vice chair. Mark … [Read more...]