At the November 25 meeting of the county board, Chief Deputy Lance Boyum requested approval to purchase four 2026 Dodge Durangos at the state bid price through Dodge of Burnsville. Each squad vehicle will cost $38,541, or a total of $154,164 for the four vehicles. The squads will be built in January and may be delivered in March or April 2026. Funds for the purchases are … [Read more...]
SMIF Awards $200,000 in Small Town Grants
OWATONNA, MN, Nov. 18, 2025 – Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) recently approved 23 grants totaling $200,000 to support small towns of 10,000 or less in SMIF’s 20-county region. Each grant seeks to impact the culture, education, economy and/or social aspects of a town by investing in collaborative initiatives that help make the community more welcoming. The … [Read more...]
Houston County Approves New Leadership
At the Houston County Board of Commissioners’ November 25 regular meeting, Chairman Eric Johnson recommended that Human Resources Officer Brent Parker be named the Houston County Coordinator/Human Resource Director. Chairman Johnson explained that he and Commissioner Wright held several organizational meetings and discussions regarding an administrative position or … [Read more...]
Chatfield Discusses Tennis and Pickle Ball Courts
At the November 24 meeting of the Chatfield City Council a proposed reconstruction of the existing tennis court area was discussed. Councilors Pam Bluhm and Dave Frank were absent. If the Chatfield School Board moves forward with the proposed reconstruction of the existing tennis court area, the city council approved a pledge to be a partner by providing a one-time $50,000 … [Read more...]
Three New Teachers at Mabel-Canton
The new school year brings fresh faces to the Mabel-Canton School District, which welcomed three new teachers: Cole Mundt, Samantha Livingood and James Ryan. Cole Mundt Cole Mundt teaches seventh through 12th grade government, economics, health, and physical education. He hails from Utica, Minn., and graduated from Lewiston-Altura High School in 2020. He graduated … [Read more...]
Spring Grove Council Discusses Library and Fire Hall
Spring Grove City Council members met Tuesday, November 18 at 168 West Main Street in room #100. Mayor Bryan Wilhelmson called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. and led with the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members present included Mike Hagen, Trent Turner, Eric Ostern, Morgan Buckland, and Wilhelmson. City employees present included City Clerk/Administrator Jana … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton Superintendent Submits Resignation
The M-C School board accepted Superintendent Gary Kuphal’s resignation/retirement, effective June 30, 2026, at the November 18 regular school board meeting. Kuphal said in his resignation letter, “The district, which includes the board, staff, students, and the community, have been extremely supportive of our school and of me, and I have truly enjoyed my work here.” The … [Read more...]
Kingsland Board Hears Audit, Awards 2026 Project Bids
On Monday, November 17, Luke Greden, of CLA Rochester, presented the 2025 fiscal year audit to the Kingsland School Board. The general fund revenue totaled $8,550,597 with 71.7% coming from state aid, 15.5 from property tax, 3.2% from federal aid and 1.4% from earnings on investments. “Overall, a very healthy year for the general fund,” Greden expressed. The general … [Read more...]
Consumption and Display Permit for PHS
At the November 17 meeting of the Preston City Council a permit was approved for the Preston Historical Society (PHS) which will allow the consumption of alcohol (bring your own bottle) on the premises. This consumption and display permit will “not” allow the sale of intoxicating liquor on the premises unless a caterer is invited in and sells liquor under its alcohol … [Read more...]
Caledonia School Board Listens to Presentation About Potential Building Projects
Caledonia Public School’s board members met Monday, November 17 at Caledonia Elementary School in room #162. The board held a short informational meeting at 5 p.m., about the flexible learning year renewal starting 2026-2027. Board member Peterson then called the regular school board meeting to order at 5:38 p.m. All board members were present as well as both principals and … [Read more...]