OWATONNA, MN, December 18, 2025 – Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) recently approved $300,000 to support 14 capital projects in small towns under 10,000 through the Taylor Rural Improvements Grant. Each project provides essential services to underserved populations in the community. This grant round considered projects involving food, clothing, shelter, … [Read more...]
Houston Seeks Disaster Funding
At the August 11 regular meeting of the Houston City Council, the council authorized City Administrator Michelle Quinn to work with representatives from the state and county to seek state disaster public assistance for the tree damage that occurred in the July 29 storm. Quinn expects the damage to easily exceed the $4,000 minimum. Not only did Houston have significant tree … [Read more...]
Houston Will Apply for Design Team Grant
Marilyn Frauenkron Bayer addressed the Houston City Council at their regular meeting September 8 to request their support of a grant application for a visit by the Minnesota Design Team once again. Houston has benefited from such visits twice before. In October 1995, Houston hosted a design team for the first time. In April 2006, Houston was one of the first communities in the … [Read more...]
Innovation is Key at Tuohy Furniture Corporation
With many accolades and awards under their belt, Tuohy Furniture Corporation located in Chatfield, Minn., does not rest on its laurels. Continuously designing and creating high-quality furniture has been the trademark of the company for over 70 years. Founder Joseph F. Tuohy had the talent, ingenuity and foresight to begin Tuohy Furniture Corporation in 1954. To find new … [Read more...]
Houston Board Hears Updates on Schools’ Goals
At their October 2 meeting, the Houston School Board heard from all the administrations of the Houston Schools about the goals that have been set for this year. Houston Preschool set a goal to focus on Mat Man. Using scaffolded instruction, the teachers will work with students to draw Mat Man, a line drawing of a person. This helps with school readiness for the … [Read more...]
Rushford Begins Steps on Cooperative Site
At the December 21 meeting, the council discussed future work at the site of the former Farmers Win Cooperative site, starting as early as this winter. After the recent community engagement session, held December 3 at Rushford-Peterson Schools, the Economic Development Authority (EDA) is now beginning the process of preparatory steps at the site. This includes turning some of … [Read more...]
Houston County Levy Set With 6% Increase
The Houston County Commissioners met December 23 with a full agenda. A guest at the meeting was Spring Grove’s Mayor Williamson who had watched the previous commissioners’ meeting and wanted to answer some questions that were brought up during discussions about the policing agreement with the city. Williamson explained that Spring Grove was having some budget issues; this was … [Read more...]
Dispose of Holiday Greens and Christmas Trees Correctly to Protect Minnesota’s Trees and Forests – Invasive Pests Can Hide on Festive Foliage
ST. PAUL, MN: Holiday greenery and Christmas trees bring joy throughout the season, but they can also hide dangerous pests. Diseases and invasive species can make their way into our landscapes on trees and boughs brought into Minnesota from other states. To protect our environment, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture is asking residents to take these steps to properly … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Wraps Up 2025 Business
End of the year business dominated the agenda at the county board’s December 23 meeting. The 2026 final levy was approved in the amount of $14,551,646 which represents a 5.99% increase over the 2025 levy. This is unchanged from the preliminary levy approved in September. A resolution was adopted approving the 2026 total budget in the amount of $44,949,276, which … [Read more...]
Village Nails Down Contract Decision
For months now, the Rushford Village Council has poured over the budget and levy, including what to do with a proposed contract renewal from Community Economic Development Associates (CEDA). At the December 16 meeting, the council welcomed CEDA Community and Business Development Specialist Jayme Longmire and Regional Manager, Community Support Program, Laura Qualey. Longmire … [Read more...]