The beautification of downtown Caledonia continues. Volunteers, organizations, committees, and the city are working together to develop a strong sense of place that is unique and different from other communities in the area. The new pocket park in downtown Caledonia features the area’s first 3-D mural. The pocket park is located on South Kingston Street, one block from the only … [Read more...]
Red River Girl presentation at the Houston County Historical Society
As a student of local immigration history Jim Skree, who grew up in Bader Valley south of Houston, was asked to provide an article for a recent and very unusual publication titled Red River Girl - From Telemark to the Buffalo (River): The Art of Orabel Thortvedt. This fascinating book, published in 2020, is the result of a cooperative effort between the West-Telemark Museum in … [Read more...]
Tourism funding requests
At the October 26 meeting of the Fillmore County board, Gabby Kinneberg, Fillmore County representative for the Southern Minnesota Tourism Association, and Jen Hengel, representing Root River Trail Towns, reported on their activities in 2021 and requested 2022 appropriations. Kinneberg said Southern Minnesota Tourism represents 36 counties across southern Minnesota. Much of … [Read more...]
Spring Valley Council hears traffic concern
The Spring Valley City Council held a regular council meeting on October 25. Members present included Mayor Tony Archer, Chris Danielson, and Greg Brooks. City Administrator/Clerk Deb Zimmer also participated. John Dols and Luan Ruesink were absent. The council heard a concern from citizen Lois Suckow, who stated, “Oh man, watching the big semis come barreling down Highway … [Read more...]
Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approves repowering of the Grand Meadow wind farm in Mower County
ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Commission) approved Xcel Energy’s proposal to repower the existing 100.5 megawatt Grand Meadow Wind Farm in Mower County. This investment will ensure Xcel’s customers will have reliable power from carbon free resources into the future. “With each of these renewable energy projects the Commission approves, it provides … [Read more...]
Spring Grove School receives Bush Foundation grant
The Spring Grove Public School board met Monday, October 18 in the Learning Resource Center, from 7-8:10 p.m. Board members in attendance included Stephanie Jaster, Rhan Flatin, Aric Elton, and Kelly Rohland. Aaron Solum and Jenny Stender were absent. Vice-chairman Jaster called the meeting to order. The board unanimously approved the consent agenda, including the … [Read more...]
CRV pump inspection earns good rating
The City of Rushford Village council received the well pump inspection report at their October 19 meeting. Public Works/Maintenance Supervisor Trenton Chiglo informed the council that the inspection of the well pumps by McCarthy Well Company came back with all “good” ratings with the exception of one spot on well #2 which received a “fair.” Council member Mike Ebner suggested … [Read more...]
Spring Grove to review the feasibility of a municipal or private owned liquor store
The Spring Grove City Council met Tuesday, October 19, from 6-7 p.m. at the Spring Grove Communications meeting room. City Clerk/Administrator Julie Amundson corrected the agenda. Under new business, item number 3, “electric rate” replaces “utility rate.” The consent agenda was unanimously approved. Council members in attendance included Mayor Scott Solberg, Travis Torgerson, … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton votes to extend 2022 summer break
The Mabel-Canton School Board met in regular session on October 19. One topic that generated significant discussion was the proposal to lengthen the 2022 summer break. Superintendent Kuphal explained the reason for doing this would be to allow more time for the ”Phase 2” facility construction project over the summer. This additional time had been requested by the Kraus … [Read more...]
Five new teachers at Lanesboro school
Tara Cassmann, Jordan Anderson, Hannah Terry, Katie Hansen, and Anna VanRavenswaay joined the Lanesboro School staff at the start of this current school year. First year teacher Anna VanRavenswaay, Lanesboro’s new band teacher, grew up in Montevideo, Minn., and attended college at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. As a member of a musical family, Anna began … [Read more...]