On July 2, 2026, there was catastrophic flooding in parts of Houston County, including Spring Grove. The Houston County Board of Commissioners declared a state of emergency. City Clerk/Administrator Jana Elton told the Spring Grove City Council at its July 22 meeting that the city received 11 inches of rain on July 2, which “overloaded the system and bypassed the storm … [Read more...]
Cell Phone and Backpack Policies May Change at R-P
At their July 20 regular meeting, the Rushford-Peterson School Board did a first reading of the proposed MSHS Handbook for the 2026-2027 school year. This proposed handbook presented some changes to the middle school policies regarding backpacks and cell phones. Middle school students would be required to leave their phones and backpacks in their lockers from the first bell … [Read more...]
Spring Grove School Board Discusses PSEO Attendance, Softball Field Updates
Spring Grove High School Principal Matt Rosaaen updated the school board on the Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) proposed attendance guidelines during the July 20 board meeting. Rosaaen said he will be sending information to parents of students in grades 10, 11 and 12 explaining the guidelines, PSEO students will be required to attend school in person instead of flexing … [Read more...]
Village Gets Clean Audit
At the July 21 meeting, the Rushford Council heard from Bill Sherry of Engleson & Associates regarding the results of the 2025 audit. While there were no areas of major concern, Sherry did note a few key points and one area to watch. The village’s general property taxes were up $28,000 for the year. This countered an $8,000 reduction in Local Government Aid, an amount set … [Read more...]
Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center Highlights Crisis Response Services
At the July 21 meeting of the Houston County Board of Commissioners, Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center (HVMHC) Mobile Crisis Response Program Lead Dina Robinson and Crisis Response Practitioner Tiffany Vance presented information about the organization’s mental health response services. Robinson first reminded the commissioners of the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline, which … [Read more...]
The Goal: Preston to Forestville Bike Trail
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...]