“There are currently 260 telecommunication co-ops in the U.S., serving 31 states and over one million people. Although this amounts to only 5% of telephone subscribers, the service area comprises over 40% of the country’s land with revenues totaling 3.9 billion dollars,” according to the National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA). Utility cooperatives are formed to … [Read more...]
Houston Restrooms Update
Jeanne Tippery attended the October 10 Houston City Council meeting to update the council on the progress of the refurbishing of the city restrooms. Sharing before and after photos, Tippery shared that the project was completed using $3,500 of local donations. New soap dispensers like the ones at the nature center have been installed. Tippery asked for city help to paint the … [Read more...]
Peterson Grapples with Ordinance Issues
After dealing with problem properties for years, the Peterson Council started improving zoning issues in 2018. That November, after working with the city attorney, the council approved a zoning ordinance to regulate public nuisances within the city. The ordinance went into effect the following January 1. The city began mailing administrative citations to non-compliant … [Read more...]
Mabel Awarded $600,000 State Grant
Mabel City Clerk Karen Larson announced at the city’s October 11 council meeting that alternative side parking will begin on November 1, and the last day of compost pickup is October 30. Hydrant flushing is scheduled for October 23-27. Mayor Adam Wilder called the regularly scheduled meeting to order at 6 p.m. The meeting agenda, the September 13 minutes, and the accounts … [Read more...]
Won’t You Wear Purple on October 19?
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. On Thursday, October 19, everyone is encouraged to wear purple to show their support and to increase awareness of domestic violence. This year’s theme is “Everyone Knows Someone.” Statistics show that one in four women and one in seven men will become a victim of some sort of domestic violence in their lifetime, … [Read more...]
10 Hot Air Balloons Will Take to the Sky Over Caledonia
By Charlene Corson Selbee The Caledonia Balloon Rally was started in 1990 and is the only balloon rally south of Rochester, Minn., and has become an annual event. This year, the rally is scheduled for October 20-22. The 10 hot air balloons are coming from Minnesota, the surrounding states of Wisconsin and Iowa, and one is coming from South Dakota. They will lift off from … [Read more...]
A Farm Family’s Vision
Eric and Ann Kreidermacher consciously made a decision to live a simple life when they said their vows, which would allow them to raise a happy, healthy family. Both Eric’s parents were raised on farms, his father on a dairy farm. The family farm on which Eric and Ann are raising their family was purchased by Eric’s parents in 1967. His dad milked cows for a few years but … [Read more...]
Use of Veterans Home Trail Discussed
At the October 2 meeting of the Preston, Minn., City Council, City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton explained the trail is getting close to completion, but it is not expected to be open until next spring. The debate, in which several citizens participated, is whether the trail should be considered a recreational use trail only (motorized conveyance prohibited) or should … [Read more...]
Caledonia Area Public School District Welcomes Six New Teachers
Six new teachers joined the Caledonia Area Public School District family for the 2023-2024 school year. Daniel Winkler is Caledonia Middle/High School’s new science teacher. Winkler will work with grades 8-12. This semester Winkler finds himself educating the freshman class in both earth and environmental science, eighth grade physical science, and an elective course – … [Read more...]
Fountain Appoints New Councilor
At the September meeting, the Fountain Councilor Colleen Fohrenbacher tendered her resignation due to a move out of city limits. The city sought interest from any citizens wanting to finish the remainder of her term. At the October 4 meeting, the council learned city hall had only received one letter. The interested person was former Councilor Ron Reisner, who took the oath of … [Read more...]