By Joanne Hall Member of the Preston Historical Society In 1853 John Vail from Pennsylvania was the first man to locate a claim in what became the village of Preston. That same year William Douglass started the first blacksmith shop in Preston. In July of 1855, a blacksmith shop was operated by Charles Rappe, who bought out the forge and business of William Douglas. … [Read more...]
Harmony Reduces Splash Pad Hours in Response to Drought Warning
The August 8 Harmony City Council meeting opened with a public forum at which resident Sharon Kiehne spoke. She asked if there was money set aside in the budget for routine road maintenance, such as filling potholes. Upon being assured that there was, she asked why the city isn’t fixing all of them. She stated that there were so many potholes on her street that it was … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Looks for New City Administrator
The August 7 Lanesboro City Council meeting opened with a public hearing for the Code of Ordinance update. Lanesboro resident Phil Dybing asked that the information that is shared with the public be made a little more clear. The hearing was closed and a second hearing was opened to discuss a tax abatement request. Public Finance Advisor Mike Bubany of David Drown Associates … [Read more...]
HVED Decision Delayed
The Lanesboro School Board saw a change to the agenda at their meeting August 9 in the forum of the Lanesboro, Minn., school. HVED Director Deb Marcotte was slated to give a presentation about the HVED (Hiawatha Valley Education District) joint powers agreement before the board voted on the agreement. Recent developments in price negotiations led to a need to revamp the … [Read more...]
College News
Honors List Spring 2023 • Alexandria Technical & Community College: Tanner Kasel, LeRoy • Bemidji State University: Jennifer Knutson, Spring Valley • College of St. Scholastica: Brittainy Johnson, Lanesboro; Aubrey Norby, Mabel • Hamline University: Elizabeth Liew, Harmony • Iowa State University: Abby Ashbacher, Caledonia; Brynn Howerton, Lanesboro; Carson Ruen, … [Read more...]
Future of the Houston County Jail in Question
Houston County Commissioners continued the discussion from last week’s meeting regarding the future of the Houston County Jail at its August 8 regularly scheduled meeting. Severson confirmed that the contract with Winona ends at the end of September. Commissioner Eric Johnson asked the two commissioners, Chairperson Dewey Severson and Commissioner Bob Schuldt, who sit on the … [Read more...]
Chatfield Alum Frye Finishes Fourth in 100-mile Race
By Patrick Mader A native of Chatfield in the Bluff Country of southeastern Minnesota, Adam Frye was introduced to running as a youth of five or six years of age when he ran a mile race at Plainview Corn on the Cob Days with his father Chris, a former high school runner who later co-founded and coached a running club. Adam later joined the running club and joined the … [Read more...]
SPED without HVED
Houston Public Schools will soon be beginning their first year without a contract with HVED (Hiawatha Valley Education District) and provide their own special education services. Amber Kulig, director of SPED for the Houston District, addressed the board at their August 3 regular board meeting. A SEAC (Special Education Advisory Council) will need to be established for … [Read more...]
Houston School Referendum Results
The results of the Houston School referendum are as follows. The vote was 113 in favor with 886 opposed on the first question for $18.2 million; since the first question failed, the second question for an additional $12.1 million was not considered. … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Restructuring Plans for Zoning Office
At the August 8 board meeting, County Administrator Bobbie Hillery suggested a detailed plan to restructure the Zoning Office. The board had just approved the retirement of Kristi Ruesink, accounting technician, with thanks for her 35 years of service, effective January 4, 2024. She was thanked especially for the advanced notice of her retirement. Hillery said there have … [Read more...]