Long-time Preston resident Walter Hanson was the first resident to move into the Preston Veterans Home, on his 91st birthday, January 3, 2024. The newly opened Minnesota Veterans Home in Preston admitted its first residents on January 3 – four veterans who served in eras from Korea to Vietnam. The Preston Veterans Home is the first of three new veterans homes scheduled to … [Read more...]
Houston County Employees Recognized for Service
Twelve Houston County employees were recognized for their years of service to the county at the county’s December 26 commission meeting. Thirty-five-year awards to David J. Bauer and Mary A. Zaffke; 30-year award to Julie A. Renk; 25-year award to Holly S. Felten; 20-year awards to Christopher C. Tuveson and Julie K. Von Arx-Abnet; 15-year awards to Anthony T. Dockter, William … [Read more...]
Trout City Brewing Reopens Under New Ownership
Operating a brewery is a brand new challenge for new owners Christa and Aaron Magnuson. The Magnusons took over Trout City Brewing in Preston, Minn., on September 18 and reopened it November 4. When the couple purchased the business, the former owners had already closed the brewery and were packing up to leave Preston. Christa left her old job in insurance behind and took … [Read more...]
Decorah School District Declines to Renew Enrollment Agreement with M-C
The Decorah School Board met on Monday, December 11, for their regular meeting. One particular item on the agenda brought in a standing room only crowd – the board was to discuss whether or not to renew its enrollment agreement with Mabel-Canton. The origins of this situation date back to when the former North Winn School District – which covered territory between Decorah … [Read more...]
Decorah School District Declines to Renew Enrollment Agreement with M-C
The Decorah School Board met on Monday, December 11, for their regular meeting. One particular item on the agenda brought in a standing room only crowd – the board was to discuss whether or not to renew its enrollment agreement with Mabel-Canton. The origins of this situation date back to when the former North Winn School District – which covered territory between Decorah … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Welcomes Walbridge as New Administrator
Mitchell Walbridge, new city administrator of Lanesboro, Minn., is a familiar face in the city. Walbridge attended Lanesboro High School, graduating in 2012. While in college, Walbridge worked as the assistant editor at the Fillmore County Journal. His focus in college was social science with an emphasis in political science. Although he received his teaching certification, he … [Read more...]
Caledonia Business Owners Protest Property Assessments
The Caledonia City Council held a public hearing at its November 13 regular council meeting to hear the public’s opinions and concerns before taking action to certify the special assessments. Hearing no comments, the mayor called to close the public hearing at 6:27 p.m. The council approved Resolution 2023-17 authorizing the assessment of properties for delinquent utility … [Read more...]
Tristan Coyle, IMRA Jr. Bull Riding Champion
Both Tristan and Wyatt Coyle are quiet, unassuming boys; upon meeting them you’d never guess their consuming passion for bull riding and saddle bronc competition. Tristan has been involved for six years, half of his whole life! A few weeks ago, Tristan won the title of IMRA (International Miniature Rodeo Association) Junior Bull Riding Champion. With that win, Tristan … [Read more...]
Ody’s Country Meats Carves Success With Second Spring Valley Location
As soon as Missi Koebke fills the cooler with pickle-flavored beef sticks, they are gone. Customers at Ody’s Country Meats can’t get enough of the new creation. But the popular flavor is only one reason behind the fantastic sales. The other is the new and easy access customers have to the tasty treat. In September, owner Cody Koebke and his wife opened a second retail … [Read more...]
An Eagle Scout Project
Tetsuia Cox led a team of 10 to 15 boy scouts, their parents and two leaders over the summer who helped him complete his Eagle Scout project. The team constructed a new hiking trail at Bob Botcher Park just 2.5 miles outside of Sheldon, Minn., in Houston County. Cox has been a member of Boy Scout Troop 53 for five years. He lives and goes to school in La Crescent, Minn. Eagle … [Read more...]