Representatives from Harter’s, Richard’s Sanitation, and Hanson Waste Removal were present at the January 11 Harmony City Council meeting to discuss contract options with the council. At the December meeting, the council had awarded the contract to Harter’s but approved a motion to reconsider. Both Harter’s and Richard’s Sanitation would switch residents over to using garbage … [Read more...]
Mabel to offer tree program again in 2022
Mabel’s City Council met on January 12, with all members participating (Adam Wilder, Corey Wilson, Kirsten Wyffels, Terry Torkelson, and City Clerk Karen Larson). Mayor Jim Westby participated via phone, so Wilder led the meeting. Also in attendance were Deputy Clerk Kendra Spalla and Jeff Rein. Spalla addressed the council, saying, “I just want to say thank you to the council … [Read more...]
Caledonia City Council chambers gets a facelift
Caledonia Council members returned after the holidays on January 10 to an incredible makeover in the council chambers. Accolades to the staff for all their work; walls, doors, and windowsills painted, carpet replaced, the Chamber desk repaired and painted, new desks purchased, and paperwork organized and filed. Council members in attendance included Mayor DeWayne “Tank” … [Read more...]
Whalan council sets Slate of Office for 2022
As the new year begins, the Whalan City Council performed it’s due diligence and set the Slate of Office for the City of Whalan for 2022, at their January 10 meeting. Present at the regularly scheduled city council meeting were Mayor Marlys Tuftin, council members Kim Berekvam, Thore E. Johnson, Sheila Higbe (via Zoom), Owen Lewis (via Zoom) and City Clerk/Treasurer Michele … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past They bounced their ears off a bang board
A bang board stood upright in a horse-drawn wagon. It was a target for a contestant to hit with an ear of husked corn, so the ear would fall into the wagon without the corn picker having to look at the wagon. He or she could continue looking only at the corn being husked or shucked. In 1940, witnessed by approximately 1,000 spectators, George Reining of Caledonia successfully … [Read more...]
Four-way stop improves safety in Spring Valley
During the Spring Valley City Council’s regular meeting on January 10, the council heard from Ambulance Director Sue Puffer. Puffer stated, “Last year, we had a total of 482 calls, down a bit from the year before.” In explaining the reason for the decrease, she added, “I think it had a lot to do with the new four-way stop at the Kwik Trip intersection, because we had a number … [Read more...]
Houston County Commissioners tables proposed Testing and Mask policy
The Houston County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, from 9-10:43 a.m. Commissioners in attendance include Chairman Greg Myhre, Bob Burns, Dewey Severson, Eric Johnson, and Teresa Walter. Chairman Myhre called the meeting to order and led the commissioners and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioners approved the January 11 meeting … [Read more...]
Wykoff adds Sackett to city council
A regular meeting of the Wykoff City Council was held January 10. Council members in attendance included Lyle Morey, Mayor Ryan Breckenridge, Barb Fate, and Kaleb Himli. City Clerk Becky Schmidt and Deputy Clerk Luann Hare also attended. Because of the recent death of Mayor Al Williams, Ryan Breckenridge has taken over the role of mayor. In order to fill the vacancy on … [Read more...]
A new year means a new hope
By Pastor Stuart Weist First Baptist Church of Preston Do you like change? Me either, I have always been a man of routine. While working for an engineering firm in my 20s an engineer once told me “The only constant in life is change”. I did not believe him; however I have found his statement to be truer than I ever thought possible. Twenty years ago, I was a kid that … [Read more...]
Yenters to donate bench to Peterson
Carole and Gene Yenter visited the Peterson City Council meeting January 12, 2022, to discuss donating a bench to the city in memory of their son Larry. The Yenters had done their research and brought a picture of their choice of benches. Council member Gail Boyum told the couple that they had chosen the exact style from the same company as the city had gotten previously. She … [Read more...]