On January 23, the Houston County Board of Commissioners directed Public Health Director John Pugleasa to work with the county’s planning committee, Environmental Services Director Martin Herrick and County Attorney Sam Jandt to draft an ordinance for the recreational use of cannabis. All the commissioners agreed that there were a lot of unanswered questions and that they … [Read more...]
Caledonia Joins Other Houston County Towns in Opposing New State Flag
The Caledonia City Council passed a resolution opposing the new Minnesota state flag and seal at their January 22 regularly scheduled meeting. In addition to Houston County, Caledonia is the third town in Houston County to publicly voice their opposition to the new flag and seal. The other towns are Brownsville and Eitzen. The vote was four to one with Councilor Amanda … [Read more...]
I’d Been Prepared to Perform Mouth-to-Bill Resuscitation on a Starling
“Good morning,” I told myself. A guy I used to know said, “Morning.” No adjective added. He figured if the morning was good or not was up to the person he had greeted. It had been a significant storm. It was apparent that I hadn’t agreed to winter’s terms and conditions. I’d just clicked “yes” without reading. I endeavored to dodge the slings and arrows of winter. The … [Read more...]
LACC Announces New Executive Director at Annual Meeting
During the Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce annual meeting held on January 23, 2024, the board of directors had much to share with attendees. Along with the usual financial information, election and year in review, the board also announced the new Executive Director of the Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce (LACC). Joe Goetzke has been hired as the new executive director. … [Read more...]
Houston Chamber of Commerce Reflects on 2023
The Houston Chamber of Commerce held its annual meeting January 21 at the American Legion in Houston. Director Margaret Knutson presented a snapshot of its 2023 activities. A successful membership drive ended with over 40 members for the Chamber in 2023. The Chamber received a $5,000 Explore Minnesota grant; so far some of the grant has been spent on an ad in the Visit Bluff … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central Board Organizes for New Year
At the January 23 Fillmore Central School Board meeting, the board committee assignments were set for 2024 with no changes. Deb Ristau and Shelly Topness will continue to serve on the Community Education committee, Jennifer Pickett on Continuing Education, Sue Sikkink and Topness on Meet and Confer, Craig Britton, Topness and Sikkink on Negotiations; Jim Love, Pickett and Aaron … [Read more...]
Chatfield Departments Report on 2023
Police Chief Shane Fox and Fire Chief Luke Thieke reviewed the activities of their departments in 2023 at the January 22 meeting of the Chatfield City Council. Thieke noted they had responded to 47 calls in 2023, 10 of which were responses to a fire. Seventeen calls involved a rescue and/or car accident or an emergency medical situation. One was for a hazardous condition and … [Read more...]
Rushford Village Revisits Annual Items and Goals
By Kirsten Zoellner At the January 16 meeting, the Rushford Village Council covered several agenda items relating to annual in-house paperwork. Annual items included appointments and designations, meeting times, and committees. Acting Mayor Mike Ebner will continue to serve in the absence of Mayor Dennis Overland. Meetings will continue on the first and third Tuesday of … [Read more...]
Canton City Council Discusses Streets Issue
The Canton City Council met for its first meeting of the new year on Wednesday, January 10, 2024. Prior to the meeting, a Public hearing was held regarding the city’s proposal to vacate various streets and alleys within the city limits. The council had been looking at this issue as part of its preliminary planning for a major streets project coming up in future years. Within … [Read more...]
Bluff Brothers Brewing: From Homebrew Hobbyists to Spring Valley’s Newest Taproom
Creating “approachable” craft beers, catering to the preferences of small-town Minnesota. That is the business philosophy Mitchell and Marcus Plaehn have set for themselves at their new venture, Bluff Brothers Brewing, Spring Valley’s newest taproom. “Our goal is to make good craft beer that caters to small-town customers,” Marcus explains. “A lot of people come in and ask, … [Read more...]