County Assessor Jason McCaslin reported at the Board of Appeal and Equalization public hearing that his office has received about 100 appeals from property owners through the local board or open book appeal process. He expects there will be a lot of appeals until compliance and equalization are back on track. McCaslin stressed that an equalization across jurisdictions is … [Read more...]
Meet Houston County 2020-21 4-H Federation officers
By Garrett Waldenberger 4-H Federation Reporter • President: Cora Niebeling Club Name(s): Houston County Sharp Shooters and Hearts and Hooves Years in 4-H: 8 years Favorite 4-H memory: Spending time with friends. Projects in 4-H: Dog, Horse, Goat, Photography and Shooting Sports. Goal for 4-H 2020-21 year: to be a good Federation leader and further my … [Read more...]
R-P School adopts 2021-2022 budget
At their regular June 21, 2021, meeting, the R-P School Board adopted their 2021-2022 budget totaling $8,078,143.00 after a short presentation by Superintendent Jon Thompson. At the beginning of last school year, overspending of $100,000 was anticipated; COVID increased that amount when a number of parents decided to homeschool their children. The proposed budget will have an … [Read more...]
Houston School Board: auditorium dreams
Sara Guyette and Ben Tillman of Sitelogiq presented a pre-design summary of a 250-seat auditorium addition to the Houston School Board at their June 17 meeting. Krin Abraham, as one of her last acts as Houston Schools superintendent, had arranged for the presentation of the plan. Although the board does not have funding at this time for an auditorium, they wanted to consider a … [Read more...]
Lanesboro school unveils 2021-2022 return to school plan
Superintendent Matt Schultz reviewed the district’s plan for the upcoming school year with the Lanesboro School Board at their June 17 meeting. The school was able to adapt the standard business preparedness plan from the state of Minnesota and also used data from a survey that was sent to parents of Lanesboro students. Only one parent surveyed said that they did not want their … [Read more...]
100 Rural Women travels virtually to Southeast region
Non-profit organization, 100 Rural Women is advancing to the Southeast region of Minnesota Tuesday, July 6 - Thursday, July 8 as a part of their 100 in 100 project. Benya Kraus, Founder and Executive Director of Lead for Minnesota said, “Women leaders, both formal and informal, are such a backbone for a healthy, thriving rural community -- yet so often go unnoticed. 100 … [Read more...]
Spring Grove Superintendent Udstuen thanks students, parents, staff, community, and board for a successful year
The Spring Grove School Board met on Tuesday evening, June 21, 2021, from 7:03 p.m. to 8:24 p.m. in the school’s Learning Resource Center, adhering to the governor’s guidelines for capacity (maximum 10 people). Board members in attendance were Chairman Aaron Solum, Stephanie Jaster, Kelly Rohland, Jenny Stender, and Aric Elton. Board member Rhan Flatin was absent. The … [Read more...]
John Fuchsel, true Renaissance man
A Renaissance man by definition is a person with many talents or areas of knowledge – and South Ridge, Houston County, resident John Fuchsel is truly a Renaissance man! Fuchsel has retired from a life in sales, first with Badger Corrugating in La Crosse and later 12 years with a home improvement business specializing in exterior remodeling, but he isn’t your typical retiree. He … [Read more...]
MDA to conduct Gypsy Moth treatments in Houston, Wabasha, and Winona Counties June 28-30
ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is preparing to treat eight sites in Houston, Wabasha, and Winona counties to slow the spread of a gypsy moth. Officials will conduct the aerial treatment June 28-30, beginning as early as 6:30 a.m. each morning and continuing throughout the day. The dates are dependent on weather conditions in the area. The eight … [Read more...]
Step back in time at the McMichael grain elevator open house, July 3-4
A piece of Harmony’s history is in the process of being restored, and you have a chance to be a part of it. On July 3 and 4, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., residents and visitors are invited to the McMichael Grain Elevator located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 44 and Minnesota State Highway 139 in the center of Harmony. Harmony Area Historical Society (HAHS) members will be on … [Read more...]








