The Ostrander City Council met in regular session on April 6, with all members present (Stephanie Start, Dan Hellerud, DJ Start, Vernon Thompson, Mayor Pam Kunert), and City Clerk Wendy Brincks. The council reviewed color scheme options for the city’s new water tower. It was discussed that the bottom half of the tank should be a darker color, since some discoloration is … [Read more...]
Preston Historical Society proposal to restore the depot
Sheila Craig, Preston Historical Society, presented a proposal for the possible acquisition and transport of the Spring Grove rail depot to the former Preston Dairy & Farm site during the city council’s April 5 meeting. Jon DeVries added extensively to the discussion, strongly encouraging the council to agree to the use of the Dairy & Farm site. She said it is a twin … [Read more...]
MNVA Germany trip okayed
MNVA Principal Angela Specketer and German teacher Karla Gotham presented a request to the Houston School Board at their regular meeting April 1, 2021, asking for the approval of a trip to Germany in the summer of 2022. According to Gotham, the students who plan on going on the trip will each be assigned one of the cities they will be visiting. At monthly meetings the students … [Read more...]
Hagedorn statement on Preston Veterans Home receiving VA Priority Funding
MANKATO, MN. – Congressman Jim Hagedorn (MN-01) today issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) $590 million Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Priority List, which includes a “top priority” rating for nearly $21 million to fund a State Veterans Home in Preston, Minn.: “Since taking office on day one, securing the necessary funds to build a … [Read more...]
Lanesboro museum welcomes Dan Rooney as new director
It’s been a great 10 years, but Sandy Webb is ready for retirement. Webb started working at the Lanesboro Historical Museum in 2011 and became the director just one year later. Now, she’s turning the reins over to Dan Rooney, who was recently hired as the new museum director. Webb moved to Lanesboro from New Mexico in 2010, but her roots are in the Midwest. “I felt like I was … [Read more...]
Wildcat Park opens May 1
Commissioners Dewey Severson, Eric Johnson, Robert Burns, Teresa Walter, and Greg Myhre were all present via Zoom at the April 6 regular meeting of the Houston County Commission. The chairman called the meeting to order at 9 a.m. COVID-19 update Wisconsin opened COVID-19 vaccines to anyone over 16 on Monday, and Minnesota opened the vaccines last week. The county received its … [Read more...]
Blood drive in Harmony exceeds goal by five
The blood drive held in Harmony on March 30, 2021, succeeded in collecting 53 units of blood. There were 48 donors that presented, of which eight donated Power Reds (two units). Congratulations to these three donors who reached the following milestones: • Brian K. Bratager – seven gallons • Harvey J. Hershberger - six gallons • Joseph M. Hershberger – four gallons The … [Read more...]
REAL ID full enforcement deadline six months away Nearly 22% of Minnesota driver’s license and ID cardholders REAL ID ready
ST. PAUL — Nearly 22% of Minnesota driver’s license and ID cardholders have a REAL ID or enhanced driver’s license as the federal REAL ID full enforcement deadline approaches. Nationwide, approximately 40% of all U.S. driver’s licenses and ID cardholders were REAL ID-compliant as of October 1, 2020, according the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Beginning October 1, … [Read more...]
Houston County Outstanding Senior Citizen Award
Nominations from county residents are now being sought for the 2021 Outstanding Senior Citizen Award for Houston County. The award recognizes outstanding senior citizens (one male and one female) who have contributed their time and talent to benefit their community after reaching the age of 65. The person nominated must be 70 years of age by June 1, 2021. They will be honored … [Read more...]
Home improvement loans available for low income homeowners
Semcac, a Community Action Agency serving southeastern Minnesota, has funds available through Minnesota Housing for housing rehabilitation loans for eligible homeowners in Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Rice, Steele, Wabasha and Winona counties. This loan is a 0% interest rate loan (no monthly payments) with a 15-year term or a 10-year term for … [Read more...]