FFA Officers Korra Biel and Weston Bernau, and FFA Advisor Kelsey Biel updated the Fillmore Central School Board on the FFA activities at the September 22 school board meeting. The team has over 80 members this year. In FFA, there are a lot of opportunities for students to travel and test with a Supervised Agricultural Experience, or SAE. A networking dinner will be held in … [Read more...]
Spring Grove School Board Sets Proposed Property Tax Levy and Truth in Taxation Hearing
The Spring Grove School Board met September 21 in the school’s learning resource center, where members approved several routine business items and heard updates from district administrators. Chairperson Stephanie Jaster called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Other board members present were Ashley Olson, Rhan Flatin, Kelly Rohland and Jaster. Lisa Myhre and Mariah Klug were … [Read more...]
2026 Candidates Part 1
Cherie Johnson Candidate for State Senate District 26 1. Tell us about yourself. My name is Cherie (“shuh-REE”) Johnson, and I am passionate about creating a better future in Minnesota. I am a proud wife, mother, teacher, and Christian. My husband Ben and I have raised our seven children in Southeast Minnesota, and I am determined to make sure Minnesota can always be a … [Read more...]
Caledonia Council Weighs Proposed 12% Levy Increase
Caledonia City Council members reviewed the city’s proposed 2027 budget and tax levy in detail during their regular meeting on September 14. Finance Officer Stephanie Mann reminded the council that the preliminary levy will be set at the September 28 city council meeting because it is due to the county by the end of the month. She also noted that once the preliminary levy is … [Read more...]
Houston Schools Off to a Fresh Start
Arianna Weisbrod joined Claire Reay as a student representative to the Houston School Board at their regular meeting September 10. The duo gave details of the first day for seventh graders at the high school. After a morning filled with get-to-know-you activities, the mentors took over. The seventh graders came to the secondary school ready and happy to be there. The student … [Read more...]
Harmony Data Center Ordinance Sent to P&Z and Public Hearing
The combined Harmony City Council, EDA and Planning and Zoning once again reviewed a revised draft of their proposed data center ordinance September 16 The group met in the gymnasium of the Harmony Community Center to provide more room for the ever-increasing public audience. At the beginning of the meeting, Mayor Steve Donney announced the three goals of the meeting: to … [Read more...]
Houston County Seeks Budget Reductions Ahead of Setting the Preliminary Levy
The Houston County Board of Commissioners discussed department budget proposals with Sheriff Brian Swedberg and County Engineer Brian Pogodzinski at the September 15 commission meeting. A 14% levy is almost $2.5 million more. Commissioner Bob Schuldt said that it is tough everywhere. “It is a matter of needs and wants, and we really need to figure out what is a need and a … [Read more...]
Rushford Recovers Fraud Funds
After a frustrating month, there is good news in Rushford. According to City Administrator Hayden Stensgard, they recovered nearly all funds lost when the city fell victim to a recent wire transfer fraud. As noted previously, on August 13, a scammer posed as the Public Facilities Authority, using a modified email address. The city made payment on a recurring bond bill, in the … [Read more...]
Village Looks to Emergency Grant
Councilor Mike Ebner led the September 15 Rushford Village Council meeting due to the absence of Mayor Dennis Overland. In addition to Public Works Superintendent Darrin Dessner, City Clerk Mary Miner, Treasurer Judy Graham, Zoning Administrator Jon Pettit, City Attorney Joe O’Koren, and the remainder of the council – Bob Hart, Travis Link, and Rick Ruberg – the council … [Read more...]
Houston Adopts Bond Resolution
The Houston City Council adopted a bonding resolution and approved a loan agreement at their regular meeting September 14. This was the first order of business with newly sworn-in Mayor Krin Abraham. Mike Bubany, a finance advisor with David Drown Associates, recommended the city issuance of a general obligation improvement note to fund the non-utility costs of the Spruce … [Read more...]










