On January 28, the Houston County Commissioners approved several key actions, including the 2025 equipment quotes for the highway department.  The meeting was called to order at 9 a.m. by Chairman Eric Johnson, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. All commissioners were present except for Kurt Zehnder. County Engineer Brian Pogodzinski confirmed that all equipment buys … [Read more...]

At the January 27 meeting of the Chatfield City Council approval was given to explore the possible sale of the Groen Park Bridge. Councilor Mike Urban was absent. Councilor Josh Broadwater, reporting for the Park & Recreation Committee, encouraged the council to authorize the exploration of the sale of the bridge. In 2022 the city received a matching grant in the amount … [Read more...]

PAUL, MN – Minnesota families who have owned their farms for 100 years or more are invited to apply for the 2025 Century Farm Program. Produced by the Minnesota State Fair in conjunction with the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation, the Century Farm Program was created to promote agriculture and honor historic family farms in the state. More than 11,000 Minnesota farms have been … [Read more...]

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. On November 19, 2024, the SEMAC Board of Directors awarded $378,430 in arts programming grants to nonprofit organizations and schools throughout Southeastern Minnesota. This includes one … [Read more...]

On January 21, Houston County Public Health employees John Pugleasa, Jordan Knoke, Mary Zaffke and Brianna Ceaser, along with Rich DeMarco, a representative from Delta Dental, appeared before the Houston County Board of Commissioners to update commissioners on the county’s mobile dentistry pilot program. Chairman Eric Johnson called the meeting to order at 9 a.m. The revised … [Read more...]

At the January 20 Houston Chamber of Commerce annual meeting, the warm collaboration of the chamber members presented a sharp contrast to the frigid weather. Approximately 12 members braved the cold to conduct their annual meeting at JT’s Corner Bar and Grill.  President Rod Torgerson called the business meeting to order. After the 2024’s  annual meeting minutes were … [Read more...]

The Spring Grove School Board held its first meeting of 2025 on Tuesday, January 21.  Board members present were Angie Solie, Kelly Rholand, Stephanie Jaster, Rhan Flatin, Lisa Myhre and Myriah Klug.   Klug and Myhre are new members; Superintendent Udstuen swore them in and gave them a brief rundown of how the board functions.    A number of new-year housekeeping items were … [Read more...]

A theme emerged as the Harmony Chamber of Commerce met for their annual meeting on January 21 and shared how 2024 went for each. Some businesses shared 30 second videos about their year; following that individuals spoke about their past year.  Aaron Bishop of Niagara Cave reported a 30% increase in business since last year. Rich Bishop of Amish Tours agreed, commenting that … [Read more...]

Prior to the Whalan City Council meeting on January 13, 2025, Mayor David Hallum was once again sworn in along with returning councilmembers Thore E. Johnson and Owen Lewis. Following the swearing in, the meeting began and the council got down to business. Present at the regularly scheduled council meeting were Mayor Hallum along with councilmembers Lewis (via Zoom), Kim … [Read more...]

At the January 21 meeting of the city council, some projects listed on the 2025 Capital Improvement Plan were discussed. Driveways at the Crown Hill Cemetery need improvements. Options discussed included paving of only the entrance estimated to cost $45,000, paving of all paved driveways estimated to cost $115,000, converting to gravel surface costing over $8,000 for the … [Read more...]

At the January 21 meeting, the Rushford Village Council poured through a lengthy list of annual items including goals, designations, and appointments for 2025. Updates and adjustments to goals included continuing work on village roads, culverts, signage, and the village hall playground. Equipment needs are laid out, as are several other ongoing needs. Public Works Supervisor … [Read more...]

Newly elected Spring Valley Mayor Justin Mlinar presided over his first regular meeting on January 13. The first order of business was to have newly appointed council member Brent Kohn take his oath of office. Kohn will join Chris Danielson as the new faces on the Spring Valley City Council this year. The council then worked through the annual resolutions. The Fillmore … [Read more...]