Graduates List Fall 2024 South Dakota State University: Ella Bauer, Chatfield, BS, College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire: Greysen Higbe-Harrah, Whalan, BS, Nursing Winter 2024 St. John’s University: Devin Vonderohe, Caledonia, BA, Accounting and Global Business Leadership, Magna Cum Laude University … [Read more...]
Level 3 Grievance Presented to Houston School Board
Kiel Koehler, a teacher for 28 years at Houston, teachers’ union president and rights advocate appeared before the Houston School Board on May 1 to present a level 3 grievance. Koehler stated that the grievance was brought about when the district started a new ALP (Alternative Learning Program). The teaching positions were correctly posted, but staff already contracted with the … [Read more...]
Teacher Appreciation Week
Chatfield Public Schools Kirk Affeldt 9 years, 5th Grade Kirsten Armstrong 26 years, 4th Grade Reading Renee Bakken 30 year, Preschool Tom Bance 31 years, Elem. Phy Ed Brian Baum 35 years, HS Health Karla Becker 38 years, Speech/Special Education Carmen Berge 22 years, Kindergarten Josh Berhow 16 years, 2nd Grade Ann … [Read more...]
Dan Winkler: Teacher of the Year 2025, Major Excitement as Teacher of the Year is Announced
There was a mystery going on at Caledonia High School on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, as the student body was instructed to go to the Fine Arts Center after first period. They were not told why; they were told they would find out when they got there. As students and staff started filling the room, anticipation grew until Principal Nathan Boler spoke into the microphone. “We … [Read more...]
R-P Seeks Community Members to Serve On Committee
At their April 28 meeting, the Rushford-Peterson School Board unanimously voted to proceed with exploring the possibility of a future building project. The staff has already had input on future needs at the school; now it’s time for the public to share their input. Superintendent Dr. Ben Bernard has already reached out on Facebook asking for people willing and interested to … [Read more...]
Kingsland is Going Solar
On Monday, April 21, Brock Johnson, of Solar Connections, spoke to the Kingsland School Board about the proposed solar installation contract. “It is a 203.4 kilowatts DC ground mount solar array. Total project is $392,562, the important thing is the payback period, which is between four and five years. It’s really good in the solar world if you can get payback within five … [Read more...]
Spring Grove School Moves Forward with New Leadership
On Monday, April 21, the Spring Grove School Board unanimously approved a 0.5 full-time equivalent (FTE) contract with Gina Morken, the school’s new superintendent. The board unanimously approved hiring Morken at a special board meeting on April 14. The board also unanimously approved a 0.1 FTE contract with former superintendent Rachel Udstuen. Udstuen will be responsible … [Read more...]
Caledonia Public Schools Help the Environment
Caledonia Area Public School board members met Monday, April 21 at Caledonia Elementary School in room #162. Board member Mike Peterson called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. then led with the Pledge of Allegiance. All board members, Superintendent Ihrke, Middle/High School Principal Nathan Boler, Elementary Principal John Wahlstrom, and Community Education Director Gretchen … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central Holds High School Job Fair
At the April 22 Fillmore Central School Board meeting, Superintendent Heath Olstad reported that 28 businesses were represented at the recent job fair at the high school. He thanked everyone who was involved in the fair, noting that it was a successful event. There are quite a few concerts coming up at the elementary and high school in May. The dates for those are available on … [Read more...]
Caledonia School Board Discusses Financial Status of District
Caledonia Area Public School board members met Monday, April 14 at Caledonia Elementary School in room #162 to discuss the financial status of the district. All board members were present. After welcoming attendees, Superintendent Craig Ihrke explained the purpose of the meeting was to understand the district’s financial situation and to plan for the future. Ihrke … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton School $8.9 Million Referendum Passes
Mabel-Canton Superintendent Gary Kuphal proudly announced at the April 15 school board meeting that the school’s bond referendum passed by a resounding 2-to-1 margin. Board members present at the meeting included Dustin Tollefsrud, Diane Wilder, Mark Weidemann, Amber Tripp, and Jason Marquardt (via phone) and Livingood (via phone). Chairman Miller called the meeting to … [Read more...]
New IT Company for Houston Schools
At their April 3 meeting, the Houston School Board signed a new contract for IT services with CMConsultants, LLC. According to Superintendent Mary Morem, the school will save about $12,000 “right off the top” and there will be more savings on devices through the company. The annual agreement will cost $102,000 and can be reviewed and evaluated by the board after the first … [Read more...]
Chatfield Education Foundation Donates $50,000 for Elementary iPads
At the April 9, 2025, school board meeting, board members David Sowinski, Josh Thompson, Tom Keefe, Jill Harstad, Mark Johnsrud and Katie Priebe were present. Also present were Superintendent Ed Harris, high school principal, Eric Nelson, elementary principal, Shane McBroom and student senate representative Alaina Armstrong. Reports Board committee reports were given. … [Read more...]
Daycare Concerns From Lanesboro Resident
Lexi Burt, a Lanesboro alum and mother of two children enrolled in the Lanesboro School daycare, addressed the Lanesboro School Board at their regular meeting April 9 with her concerns about the school’s daycare program. Her concerns included the fact that both the director and assistant director had submitted their resignations; she asked about the support from the … [Read more...]
Nurturing Young Minds Through Nature: Inside Eagle Bluff’s Transformative Nature Preschool
In an age where screen time outpaces outdoor play, Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center is offering a refreshing – and vital – alternative for young learners. Nestled on 250 acres in the blufflands of southeastern Minnesota, Eagle Bluff’s Nature Preschool reconnects children with the natural world through experiential outdoor learning. The result? Confident, curious, and … [Read more...]