The Mabel Area Promoters held its first annual membership meeting, hosted at Joe’s Pizza Palace and Pub in Mabel on January 20, 2024. President Jessi Jablonski presided over the meeting, commencing at 6:37 p.m. She disclosed that the Mabel Business Association (MBA) voted to dismantle the association and undergo a rebranding process, resulting in evolution of the Mabel Area … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Zoning Ordinance Amendments
The Fillmore County Planning Commission held its first meeting of 2024 on January 18. Land use director Blake Lea called the meeting to order and asked for nominations for a chairman. Trinity Johnson was elected chair and Steve Duxbury was elected vice chair for 2024. Meetings will continue to be held on the third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. A public hearing was held … [Read more...]
Rushford Approves Business Subsidy
At the January 22 meeting, the Rushford City Council held a public meeting regarding a business subsidy to three entities related to one business. The revolving loan subsidy request from Brilliance Web Design, Inc., NL Acquisition CO LLC, and DWEL Properties LLC relates to the purchase of the Johnson & James Properties: Norsland Lefse LLC and Norsland Bakery & Café … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Sends Letter to Minnesota Officials
At the January 23 meeting of the county board, costs and timing associated with the transition to a new state flag and seal were discussed. A letter has been drafted to send to the governor, local legislators, senate majority and minority leaders, the speaker of the house, and the minority leader in the house. The letter emphasizes that there will be costs, especially in … [Read more...]
Houston County Pushes Forward on Cannabis Ordinance
On January 23, the Houston County Board of Commissioners directed Public Health Director John Pugleasa to work with the county’s planning committee, Environmental Services Director Martin Herrick and County Attorney Sam Jandt to draft an ordinance for the recreational use of cannabis. All the commissioners agreed that there were a lot of unanswered questions and that they … [Read more...]
Caledonia Joins Other Houston County Towns in Opposing New State Flag
The Caledonia City Council passed a resolution opposing the new Minnesota state flag and seal at their January 22 regularly scheduled meeting. In addition to Houston County, Caledonia is the third town in Houston County to publicly voice their opposition to the new flag and seal. The other towns are Brownsville and Eitzen. The vote was four to one with Councilor Amanda … [Read more...]
I’d Been Prepared to Perform Mouth-to-Bill Resuscitation on a Starling
“Good morning,” I told myself. A guy I used to know said, “Morning.” No adjective added. He figured if the morning was good or not was up to the person he had greeted. It had been a significant storm. It was apparent that I hadn’t agreed to winter’s terms and conditions. I’d just clicked “yes” without reading. I endeavored to dodge the slings and arrows of winter. The … [Read more...]
What people had to say about their nominees for the 2023 Business Person of the Year…
Sarah Barth Sarah’s Diner Canton, MN Reason for nomination: She could make more money but keeps her prices very reasonable, people even tell her she needs to raise her prices! Describe the impact of the above: Her place of business is a true community gathering place. Some customers come twice, every day. What do you think motivates the nominee? Her caring nature and … [Read more...]
LACC Announces New Executive Director at Annual Meeting
During the Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce annual meeting held on January 23, 2024, the board of directors had much to share with attendees. Along with the usual financial information, election and year in review, the board also announced the new Executive Director of the Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce (LACC). Joe Goetzke has been hired as the new executive director. … [Read more...]
Houston Chamber of Commerce Reflects on 2023
The Houston Chamber of Commerce held its annual meeting January 21 at the American Legion in Houston. Director Margaret Knutson presented a snapshot of its 2023 activities. A successful membership drive ended with over 40 members for the Chamber in 2023. The Chamber received a $5,000 Explore Minnesota grant; so far some of the grant has been spent on an ad in the Visit Bluff … [Read more...]