Friday, April 5, found many people heading to the Lanesboro School for a special school board meeting to review School Board Policy 404 which deals with employment background checks. Chairwoman Christine Troendle noted that the special meeting was being held because of “recent concerns and discussions from the public.” Superintendent Matt Schultz had researched the topic … [Read more...]
Houston to Restructure Administration
At the April 4 Houston School Board meeting, Board Chair Mimi Carlson and Superintendent Mary Morem explained recent superintendent contract negotiations. Morem had asked for a six-year contract. Carlson presented an offer of two three-year contracts. The first contract would extend the current contract for three years with … [Read more...]
Famed Viking RB Spoke at PACF Dinner
On the evening of Monday, March 25, 2024, the Branding Iron hosted a large crowd for the 17th annual Preston Area Community Foundation dinner and auction. Board member Alison Leathers welcomed the crowd, with Pastor Kris Kincaid giving the invocation. Leathers presented the “year in review” with Sheila Craig sharing information on behalf of the Preston Historical … [Read more...]
Norsland Lefse Looking to the Future
When owner Mark Johnson put Norsland Lefse up for sale in hopes of retiring soon, the people of the Rushford area began to worry - would Norsland Lefse continue? Would they be able to still get their essential lefse for the holidays? When the news got around that Lori and David McDonald from Milwaukee were purchasing it, people still worried - what were their … [Read more...]
A Day for the Birds at Good Earth Village
It would be difficult to find a better way to spend a sunny March day than time spent at Good Earth Village (GEV) near Spring Valley, Minn. Add to that a delicious lunch, and a speaker as knowledgeable and witty as Al Batt and you have a trifecta. The Lunch and Learn event, held at Good Earth Village (GEV) on Tuesday, March 19 was titled “Birding with Batt,” giving a hint … [Read more...]
Winona Judge Issues Restrictive Order on Public Access to Audio and Video Statements
Adam Fravel, 30, who is facing two counts of 1st Degree Murder and two counts of 2nd Degree Murder in the death of Madeline Kingsbury, appeared in court on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, for the first of three pre-trial omnibus hearings. Kingsbury was reported missing on Friday, March 31, 2023, with her body discovered on June 7, 2023, hidden in a culvert along Highway 43 in eastern … [Read more...]
Rushford Village to Take Part in Trail Meeting
As part of the monthly Community Economic Development Associates (CEDA) report, the Rushford Village Council will take part in an upcoming virtual trail discussion. The Safe Routes to School grant, provided through the Minnesota Department of Transportation, is something CEDA Community and Business Development Specialist Rebecca Charles has pushed the village to utilize the … [Read more...]
Abby Blake: You’re Going to Hollywood
With a golden ticket in hand from “American Idol,” Caledonia’s own Abby Blake is headed to Hollywood. Blake made her debut on Season 7 of “American Idol” in her adopted home of Nashville, Tenn. The episode aired on Sunday, February 25. Local fans gathered at Elsie’s Bar and Grill in downtown Caledonia to support Abby as she sang the hit song “What About Us” by P!nk. Despite … [Read more...]
Forrest Musselman, Playwright and Theater Director
Forrest Musselman has written plays since he was in high school at Peterson. The school had a tradition of presenting class skits; when it was time for the yearly competition, Mussleman’s peers immediately turned to him and expected him to write their skit. Forrest didn’t disappoint — he loved writing plays! Forrest left high school thinking he’d like to be an actor. At Winona … [Read more...]
“Lady of the Lake” Floats into Preston Veterans Home, Courtesy of Preston Area Arts Council
In January 2024 the Preston Area Arts Council disbanded due to a lack of new members and current members aging out. But before that happened the council decided they wanted to present the Preston Veterans Home with a gift. The council was made up of five members: Kay Spangler, founder and co-director, Mariella TerBeest-Schladweiler, co-director, Eileen Linden, the late … [Read more...]
Clean Audit for Fountain
At the March 6 meeting, the Fountain Council welcomed AndreW Forliti, principal for Smith Schafer, to discuss the 2023 audit findings. Local Government Aid (LGA) provided to the city remained flat for the last four years, but it will increase slightly to $92,011 in 2024. The state funding currently provides 20% of the total city revenues. The city has needed to increase the … [Read more...]
Caucus Night for DFL and GOP
On the eve of Tuesday, February 27, 2024, politically interested individuals gathered at caucus precincts throughout the State of Minnesota. In total, caucuses were held in 4,002 precincts across the state. This grassroots process presents an opportunity for residents to share their thoughts with hopes of influencing which candidates and issues gain support for their … [Read more...]
Warrior Football Coach Carl Fruechte Praises Community Support
Caledonia football coach, Carl Fruechte, emphasizes that his induction into the Minnesota Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame (MFCA) is a testament to the unwavering support of the vibrant community he has the privilege to lead. Expressing his gratitude, Fruechte remarked, “I could not have done it without the communities of Brownsville, Caledonia, Eitzen and … [Read more...]
Mindy Jones Jailed Prior to Sentencing
Mindy Jo Jones was scheduled to appear in Fillmore County District Court for sentencing on Monday, February 12, but was unable to appear due to a medical emergency. Due to Jones’ unavailability on Monday, February 12, a continuance of the sentencing hearing was scheduled for February 16. Found Guilty Fillmore County Judge Jeremy L. Clinefelter found Mindy Jo Jones guilty … [Read more...]
What Does the Future Hold for VFWs and Legions?
Many service organizations and clubs have been struggling – does this hold true for our local VFWs and American Legions? Are the organizations still viable? I spoke with members from four of the local VFWs and American Legions to see how things are going from them. Canton American Legion The Canton American Legion’s membership has not lost any members recently and has … [Read more...]