At the March 12, 2025, school board meeting, board members David Sovinski, Josh Thompson, Tom Keefe, Jill Harstad and Mark Johnsrud and Katie Priebe were present. Also present were Superintendent Ed Harris, principals Eric Nelson and Shane McBroom, and Student Senate representatives Lexi Kivimagi and Lucy Allen. Reports Student Senate representatives explained that they … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Board Hears HVED Update
Deb Marcotte, executive director of HVED, attended the Lanesboro School Board regular meeting March 12 to update the board on the progress on the remodel of the former Winona Mall into a centralized location for HVED services. HVED (Hiawatha Valley Education District) provides special education services to area schools. Marcotte informed the board that she is putting a … [Read more...]
M-C Superintendent Kuphal Addresses Canton Council on Bond Referendum
The Canton City Council met at 6 p.m. on the beautiful spring evening of March 12. After approving the consent agenda, the board heard from Mabel-Canton Superintendent Gary Kuphal regarding the upcoming bond referendum for the M-C district. The previous referendum passed in 2020 didn’t go as far as they had planned due to post pandemic inflation on building materials, and … [Read more...]
New Peterson Public Works Director
On March 12, the city of Peterson unanimously approved the hire of Jeff Rein as Public Works director following the resignation of former Director Tim Hallum in late February. Rein has seven years of experience in the role having previously worked for the city of Mabel. While he no longer has his water license, he will begin the process of regaining it. “He is well certified … [Read more...]
Fillmore and Houston County Police Reports
Caledonia Police Department Nicholas Michael Douglas, 27, Houston, Minn., 1/1/2025, Driving After Revocation, Fine $200, Total Fees $275. Chatfield Police Department Keaton Oakley Moulton, 23, Menomonie, Wis., 1/30/2025, Speeding (39/30), Fine $40, Total Fees $125. Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office Brandon Sean Cole, 33, Ostrander, Minn., 12/22/2024, Driving After … [Read more...]
Harmony’s Bike Trail Expansion Underway
At the March 11 Harmony City Council meeting, the consent agenda was approved and included the minutes of the February 11 meeting, the claims and February checks, the cash in CD, and the cash balances. A letter stating that the city had taken the actions required by an earlier letter sent by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency or MPCA in February was approved as well as the … [Read more...]
Mabel to Hold Annual Cleanup Day on May 10
The Mabel City Council unanimously agreed during the council’s March 12 meeting to hold its annual spring cleanup day on Saturday, May 10. The event will run from 8 a.m. to noon at the wastewater treatment plant. Acting Mayor Kirsten Wyffels called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. Council members in attendance included council members Kelly Sand, Valerie Arnold, Tina Bakke … [Read more...]
Pedal Pushers Café Celebrates 20 Years of Pleasing Palates
Twenty years ago, when Angie and Scott Taylor opened the doors of their new business in Lanesboro, Minn., they didn’t really know what to expect but they were excited, nonetheless. Fast forward to 2025, and the success of the business is unquestionable. Pedal Pushers Café has become a staple for locals and visitors alike and the Taylor family has become a piece of the heart of … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Approves Comprehensive Plan Proposal
By Hannah Wingert Several residents of Lanesboro spoke at the March 3 Lanesboro city council meeting regarding the library board. Peter Torkelson noted that that evening’s proposed resolution regarding the appointment of a new library board member had language that was not consistent with the ordinance. Bonita Underbakke felt that the library board had been weakened by … [Read more...]
Ostrander Council Reviews Audit, Approves Drag Race Return, and Considers Chicken Ordinance
By Zech Sindt The Ostrander City Council convened for its regular meeting on March 4 at 6:30 p.m., with all council members present except for Dan Hellerud. Mayor Stephanie Start presided over the session, joined by Council Members DJ Start, Jimmie Dean, and Lyn Massey-Mills. City Clerk Wendy Brincks was also in attendance. The meeting opened with the presentation of the … [Read more...]