Later this spring, the Mabel-Canton baseball team’s season will come to an end. And with it, the career of Karl Urbaniak will end, after decades of coaching student-athletes and teaching in the classroom. When asked to reflect on his career, Karl shared details on the twisting path that eventually led him to Mabel-Canton. He recalled, “I graduated from high school in 1970. I’m … [Read more...]
New Caledonia police officer, Storm Davis
The Caledonia City Council met in regular session Monday, April 11, from 6-8:09 p.m. at city hall. Mayor DeWayne “Tank” Schroeder led the council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members in attendance included Robert “Bob” Klug, Amanda Ninneman, Mayor Schroeder, David Fitzpatrick, and Brad Rykhus. Members approved the minutes from the March 28 regular city … [Read more...]
Hatlevig Valley, shared home and hearts
Jessica Hatlevig Bell and Elisa Hatlevig have just opened up their Airbnb near Peterson. “We needed to open our house and our hearts to others,” Elissa commented. They have decided to share their family treasure with the public to honor their parents, Ronald and Jacqueline Hatlevig. The home is built on the family farm, which was originally established in 1894 by Ron’s … [Read more...]
Passing of the gavel
Owners Dick and Julie Schwade, Spring Valley Sales, passed the gavel to new owners Kevin and Mindy Grabau of Greenleaftton, Minn., on March 17. Schwade and his wife sold Spring Valley Sales, but customers can be assured that they will continue to hear Schwade’s familiar chant at Spring Valley Sales as he continues to auctioneer. With a laugh Schwade said, “I can’t be home with … [Read more...]
Fillmore Skywarn — local weather spotters
With spring approaching, many of us begin thinking more about the possibility of severe weather. Thanks to Fillmore Skywarn, a volunteer storm spotting group, we can rest a little easier. The storm spotters stress safety as the highest priority as they look for storms; people are placed to the side or in back of storms and never cross a bridge without knowing there is another … [Read more...]
Calvin Nagle, new Houston police officer
Calvin Nagle was sworn in as Houston’s newest police officer by Mayor Dave Olson at the regular Houston City Council meeting on March 14, 2022. Nagle will begin training with Police Chief Brett Hurley at once; both will take part in the yearly spring police training sessions as well. Hurley asked for pre-approval on purchasing a new squad car; currently the dealership in … [Read more...]
The new Spring Grove Area Chamber of Commerce
Forming a new Chamber of Commerce is like putting a puzzle together. It requires bringing community members together, figuring out how they fit together, and like putting the non-profit together piece by piece. In 2019, Spring Grove community members identified a need in the community. They came together to organize a Chamber of Commerce for Spring Grove and the surrounding … [Read more...]
Former Harmony dental office gets new life as Airbnb
Many may remember visiting the small blue house, located on Harmony’s 1st Ave Southeast, to see the local dentist. Regular check-ups may have led to some uncomfortable moments, which may have included filling, drilling or even some pulling! Now, when visitors enter the home, there is nothing BUT comfort to greet them. The former dental office has been converted into a … [Read more...]
Johnson’s Rolling Acres named Producer of the Year
Minnesota Milk chose Johnson’s Rolling Acres of Peterson, Minn., as Producer of the Year at their annual meeting in December. In order to be chosen, someone in the industry nominates a farm; the farm then fills out an application. Rolling Acres has been nominated for the last five years; this year they were chosen. Peers in the community of milk producers choose the award … [Read more...]
Bernard Bus — family-owned business for 75 Years
Locally owned in Chatfield, Bernard Bus Service is celebrating 75 years of family-owned business. Mike Bernard’s grandparents, Art and Evelyn, opened the business in 1947. Mike’s uncle was in charge when they retired with Mike’s parents, Chip and Lana, taking over the business in 1985. At that time, they had 9-10 routes in Chatfield with all the buses running on LP; they worked … [Read more...]