Efforts to build a bike trail from Preston to Forestville State Park failed to go forward over two decades ago due, in part, to an inability to acquire needed right-of-way across private property. Progress toward that goal is being made over the past couple of years by individuals that believe in and are dedicated to that goal. The Forestville Trail and River Committee last … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past – Dreams of Democracy Fulfilled in Houston County, America
Part two of a two-part series They wanted to relocate their family in the United States, but maybe only the three children of Stephen and Katherine Masenko might be able to make it. Fearing Stephen might not pass the necessary physical examination, they intended to send their children to America alone if that was the only way to get them there. The couple so hated and feared … [Read more...]
Houston School Board Ratifies Lease-Purchasing Agreement
After board member Lisa Schultz read the lengthy resolution, the Houston School Board ratified a lease-purchasing agreement for the construction of the elementary building’s safe and secure entry at their July 9 meeting. The agreement was for $850,000 with interest not to exceed 6%. While the entry will not be completed by the start of school, Assistant Principal Angela McQuinn … [Read more...]
Wykoff Approves Dangerous Dog Fee, Addresses Neglected Properties And Park Safety
Potentially dangerous dog licensing fees, neglected properties, playground safety and several community projects were among the topics discussed during the July 13 Wykoff City Council meeting. Mayor Ryan Breckenridge presided over the meeting with council members Jeffrey Hare, Jane Baker, Barbara Fate and Missy Musel present. City Administrator Becky Schmidt also attended. … [Read more...]
Harmony Council to Review Second Draft of Data Center Ordinance
At the July 14 Harmony City Council meeting, the consent agenda was approved and included the minutes of the special and regular meetings on June 9, the claims and June checks, the investment report and cash balances, the budget year-to-date, and an annual step increase for Financial Clerk Karen Apenhorst. Pay request #7 in the amount of $103,306.80 for the wastewater … [Read more...]
Rushford Approves Cooperative Pathway
At the July 13 meeting, the Rushford council unanimously acknowledged a plan for a cooperative pathway for the redevelopment of the former Farmers Win Cooperative site. According to City Administrator Hayden Stensgard, there is a group interested in being in a partnership with the redevelopment. Currently, Rushford’s Economic Development Authority (EDA) has been heading up … [Read more...]
Caledonia Approves Liquor Liability Insurance Ordinance, Utility Rate Study
Mayor Jeremy Leis called the regular Caledonia City Council meeting to order at 6 p.m. Monday, July 13, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members Bob Klug, David Fitzpatrick and John Rauk were present, along with Mayor Jeremy Leis. Council member Amanda Ninneman was absent. Rauk moved to approve the minutes from the June 22 regular council meeting. Fitzpatrick … [Read more...]
Houston County Highway Department Estimates $500,000 in Storm Damages
The Houston County Board of Commissioners unanimously declared a state of emergency for damages resulting from the July 2 storms during its meeting on July 7. Houston County Emergency Management Director Mark Olson informed the board that the declaration is the first step toward qualifying for state disaster assistance. According to Olson, the county must sustain at least … [Read more...]
Spring Valley Downtown Project Moves to Phase Two
The Spring Valley City Council kicked off their Monday, July 13 meeting with an update on the 2026 Downtown Project. According to Drew Weber, of Bolton and Menk, the second phase of the project, which involves closing the southern section of the downtown, will now begin and the northern section will be reopening. Residents can find up-to-date information at … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Begins 2027 Budgeting Process
At the July 14 meeting of the county board, several department heads reviewed their proposed budgets for 2027. Commissioner Larry Hindt was absent. County Administrator Bobbie Hillery noted that all proposed budgets include a 3% wage increase for employees and an estimated 18% increase in the county’s health insurance contribution. Finance Director Christy Smith, County … [Read more...]