By Zech Sindt On September 12, 2024, a Fillmore County Deputy was dispatched to Cherrywood Estates of Mabel for a report of animal cruelty. According to their report, Owen Douglas Rasmussen, 68, allegedly attempted to drown a kitten and bury it on the property. There were two witnesses to the alleged crime. They are listed in the report as LH and NB. According to … [Read more...]
Spring Grove Approves Proposed Tax Levy
The Spring Grove School Board at its September 16 meeting, approved the proposed 2024 property tax levy at the maximum level around 2%, as recommended by Superintendent Rachel Udstuen. The tax is payable in 2025. According to the extended agenda, “This level allows for any changes between now and when the proposed levy is provided to the county auditor at the end of the month, … [Read more...]
R-P’s New Nature Walking Trail
The Rushford-Peterson School Board heard details from Superintendent Dr. Ben Bernard about the new nature walking trail located behind the school. Dr. Bernard thanked several people and groups for its creation. The school’s wellness committee planned and organized for the trail. A grant from Southeast Service Co-op funded the project. Jeff Michel completed the initial brush … [Read more...]
2025 Operating Budget Dominates Discussion at Houston County Board Meeting
After a lengthy discussion about the 2025 budget, the Houston County board of commissioners decided to postpone adopting the proposed operating budget at the September 17 commission meeting. This delay allows for a more detailed review of the line items. A decision on the proposed 2025 budget will be made at the next commission meeting. The board did adopt the proposed 7.5% … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Welcomes New Teachers
Lanesboro School welcomed three new elementary teachers this year, Alysha Mohs, third grade; Savanna Frie also teaching third grade; and Gracie Kupietz will be teaching second grade. Alysha Mohs Alysha Mohs came to Lanesboro as a veteran teacher; until recently she taught third grade at PEM and had worked a year at a Title I paraprofessional at St. Charles. Alysha … [Read more...]
M-C School Board Members Recognized
Superintendent Gary Kuphal recognized the Mabel-Canton (M-C) school board members at the September 17 regularly scheduled school board meeting. He thanked them for all their work and presented each board member with a certificate of appreciation, noting that September is Minnesota School Board Recognition Month. Chair Cristal Adkins called the meeting of the Mabel-Canton … [Read more...]
Kingsland Board Approves Proposed Levy
The Kingsland School Board reviewed a proposed levy during their September 16 meeting. At this stage there are no exact numbers for the levy, but the board was recommended to certify the levy up to the maximum amount. This will allow the school to adjust their numbers up until the final levy is reviewed and set. “The MDE (Minnesota Department of Education) always encourages … [Read more...]
Village Sets Preliminary Levy
With the proposed 2025 budget expecting a $32,814 deficit, the Rushford Village Council reviewed the details at the September 17 meeting. Mayor Dennis Overland and Councilor Rick Ruberg were absent, so Acting Mayor Mike Ebner led the meeting. In the area, cities have approved preliminary tax levies based on various factors, with percentages ranging from 2% to 9.9%. Cities … [Read more...]
Electric Buses Coming Soon to Lanesboro School
Rumors have been circulating about the electric buses that will soon be arriving in Lanesboro. Here are some of the rumors and the actual facts. It was rumored that the school had received a $700,000 grant for three electric buses with the school contributing $300,000 to the purchase. The fact is that the school qualified for a rebate program from the federal government that … [Read more...]
Billboard Will Display Five Local Beverages From Spring Grove
Spring Grove City Council members met Tuesday, September 17 at 168 West Main Street in room #100. Mayor Saundra Solum called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. Council members present included Mayor Solum, Mike Hagen and Karen Folstad; Heather Edgington who joined the meeting at 6:13 p.m. Councilor Trent Turner was absent. City Clerk/Administrator Jana Elton was also … [Read more...]
Helicopter to Arrive at Houston Park
Lyle Ellis from the American Legion visited the regular Houston City Council meeting September 9 to discuss the Legion’s plan to bring a helicopter to display in the city park. Ellis asked for the blessings of the council in the form of a letter or an official copy of council minutes since the park belongs to the city. In addition to the ok of the council, he needed the … [Read more...]
LeRoy-Ostrander Schools Welcomes Two New Teachers
Two enthusiastic teachers have joined the team at LeRoy-Ostrander Schools this year. Katie Bakke is the new second-grade teacher, and Ian Thomason is the district’s middle and high school special education teacher. Both teachers, who are commuting from Stewartville, bring unique backgrounds and teaching philosophies to their classrooms. Katie Bakke Katie Bakke’s journey to … [Read more...]
Fravel trial set to begin October 7
The trial charging Adam Fravel with murder is set to begin October 7, marking 16 months since Madeline Kingsbury’s body was discovered along Highway 43 between Mabel and Rushford, Minn. In June 2024, Zachary Bauer, the attorney representing Adam Fravel, sought a change of venue, citing the pre-trial publicity and community involvement as reasons for moving the trial out of … [Read more...]
Chatfield to Advertise for an EDA Director and Zoning Administrator
At the September 9 city council meeting, approval was given to advertise for both an EDA director and a zoning administrator. Councilor Josh Broadwater was absent. Both positions are for 30 hours per week. Both will report to the city administrator. The EDA director will primarily oversee economic development and related activities and projects. The zoning administrator will … [Read more...]
Taher Reports to Lanesboro School Board
At their regular September 11 meeting, the Lanesboro School Board heard a report from Taher Food Services, the new vendor for the school’s lunch program. Taher’s district manager Brett Bauer and local food service director Emily Kiehne not only presented a report on the first few weeks of food service, but also set an attractive table and offered everyone treats of pumpkin … [Read more...]