North East, Md, January 12, 2025 – Colleen Foehrenbacher, executive director of Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, has been honored with national recognition by the Association of Nature Center Administrators (ANCA) as the recipient of the Outstanding New Leader Award at the Outdoor School Summit. Foehrenbacher received this prestigious award in front of an audience of … [Read more...]
Houston County Commissioners Approve 2025 Highway Equipment Purchases
On January 28, the Houston County Commissioners approved several key actions, including the 2025 equipment quotes for the highway department. The meeting was called to order at 9 a.m. by Chairman Eric Johnson, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. All commissioners were present except for Kurt Zehnder. County Engineer Brian Pogodzinski confirmed that all equipment buys … [Read more...]
Chatfield to Explore the Sale of Groen Park Bridge
At the January 27 meeting of the Chatfield City Council approval was given to explore the possible sale of the Groen Park Bridge. Councilor Mike Urban was absent. Councilor Josh Broadwater, reporting for the Park & Recreation Committee, encouraged the council to authorize the exploration of the sale of the bridge. In 2022 the city received a matching grant in the amount … [Read more...]
State Fair and Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation Accepting Century Farm Applications
PAUL, MN – Minnesota families who have owned their farms for 100 years or more are invited to apply for the 2025 Century Farm Program. Produced by the Minnesota State Fair in conjunction with the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation, the Century Farm Program was created to promote agriculture and honor historic family farms in the state. More than 11,000 Minnesota farms have been … [Read more...]
SEMAC Announces Recent Organizational Grant Awards
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. On November 19, 2024, the SEMAC Board of Directors awarded $378,430 in arts programming grants to nonprofit organizations and schools throughout Southeastern Minnesota. This includes one … [Read more...]
From Sawmill Survival to Hardwood Success: Root River Hardwoods’ 46-Year Journey
By Zech Sindt Root River Hardwoods has been a cornerstone of Preston, Minn., for over 45 years, a testament to the vision and dedication of its founders. The company’s story began in 1979 when the Webster Lumber Company sawmill was on the verge of shutting down. Dick Bahl, a man who “did this his whole life, logging and sawmill,” wasn’t ready to let it close. … [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...]
New Gateway Cafe Owners Bring Home Cooking and Community Spirit to Wykoff
For more than half a century, the Gateway Cafe has been a fixture in Wykoff — a place where neighbors gather, stories are shared, and regulars slide into their usual seats. But under the cafe’s new owners, Jennie Moreland and Mary Aakre, this small-town treasure is in the middle of a delicious revival. With a mix of cherished traditions and fresh energy, the Gateway blends … [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...]
A Place for Dog Lovers and Craft Beer Drinkers
Bust out of your gate and make tracks to The Dog Paddle in Fountain, Minn., for a unique experience with your furry friends! Kim Radke, owner of The Dog Paddle, has created a space where a person can chill, and so can their pet. Whether you would like to enjoy a cool drink with friends and their dogs, or grab a bite to eat, The Dog Paddle has something for you. The idea … [Read more...]