On Thursday, April 3, Houston County Investigator Chris Frick and Sergeant Zach Swedberg led two active shooter training seminars. Approximately 50 Houston County employees attended the informative sessions. The Houston County Sheriff’s office uses the ALICE model – an acronym for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate - for training purposes. The ALICE model, one of … [Read more...]
From the Sidelines to Center Court: Gavin Hubka’s Return After Open-Heart Surgery
Gavin Hubka was in the middle of a typical Minnesota summer when everything started to change. His family had been spending a lot of time outdoors – camping, hiking, just enjoying the season. That’s when his mom Sally noticed something strange about Gavin’s chest. It stuck out in a way that didn’t seem normal. They might not have caught it otherwise, but out in the open air … [Read more...]
Life Can Change in an Instant, Reminding Us to Cherish Each Moment
“It’s never you. Until it is you,” whispered Andrew Serio of Preston, encapsulating the shocking reality that many of us often overlook. On the crisp morning of February 25, 2025, just as the sun began to cast its golden light over the landscape, Andrew’s phone rang, breaking the peaceful silence of his routine. It was a call no husband ever pictures receiving, the kind that … [Read more...]
Cutting Edge Fitness
What do St. Charles, Rushford and Chatfield have in common? Well, one thing they have in common is that they all are home to a fitness gym called Cutting Edge Fitness established by Jarred Burt. Growing up in St. Charles, Jarred Burt liked sports, especially football. He played football at St. Charles and RCTC as well as some semi-pro. After coaching football at St. Charles … [Read more...]
Studio 52, Premier Cycling Studio
Tiffany Danielson opened the doors of her Studio 52 Premier Cycling Studio on November 6, 2023; the studio, located in the basement of her home near Prosper (10631 US Hwy. 52, Mabel, Minn.) had 10 bikes available. Tiffany had started going to fitness cycling classes at a Decorah studio in 2018. The studio closed during COVID and reopened in the summer of 2020. When the … [Read more...]
Houston County Public Health and Community Services Building to Undergo Renovation
At the February 4 Houston County Commission meeting, the bid for the Public Health and Community Services interior improvement project was accepted. The scope of the project includes remodeling the front office area of the building. “It’s going to make space better for all services that we operate,” said Public Health Supervisor Jordan Knoke. “We’re also increasing security … [Read more...]
A Lifeline for Seniors in Fillmore and Houston Counties
Rolling Hills Transit (RHT), a program of the non-profit organization Semcac, is an important public bus service supporting the independence and well-being of seniors in Fillmore and Houston counties and the surrounding counties of Dodge, Olmsted and Winona counties. By providing reliable and consistent transportation, RHT helps older adults remain connected to their … [Read more...]
Young Harmony Couple Fights ALS with Hope
When Beth Syverson first noticed some weakness in her leg and ankle in the summer of 2023, she assumed it would improve on its own. “I thought maybe I pulled something,” she explained. But then it started getting worse so she decided a trip to the doctor was in order. She left the clinic that day with a referral to neurology. In January 2024, Beth had an electromyography, or … [Read more...]
A Blooming Bouquet of Fall Colors
As autumn settles in, the Root River towns of Whalan, Peterson, Rushford and Lanesboro warmly invite you to experience the breathtaking beauty of the season at the annual Root River Valley Autumn trail celebration. Explore the stunning landscapes by walking or biking the Root River Trail or enjoy a leisurely drive through the picturesque valley. Each town is bursting with … [Read more...]
Check Out Your Blood Pressure at the Preston Library
When most people think of the library, they think of checking out books or movies. Medical equipment generally doesn’t make the list of options. But recently, the Preston Public Library joined the American Heart Association’s Libraries with Heart initiative, which means that patrons can now check out blood pressure kits from the library or check their blood pressure during a … [Read more...]