The Houston County Board of Commissioners met at 9 a.m. in regular session on June 23 in County Board Room 222 of the county’s historic courthouse, where commissioners unanimously voted to complete an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for the Bruening Rock Products’ proposed Olson Quarry project in Yucatan Township. The EAW will determine whether a more detailed … [Read more...]
Caledonia Council Weighs Event Liability Coverage
Mayor Jeremy Leis called the regular meeting of the Caledonia City Council to order at 6 p.m. on June 22, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Other council members in attendance included Bob Klug, Amanda Ninneman, David Fitzpatrick and John Rauk. The council unanimously approved the minutes from the June 8 regular city council meeting, with one correction. The consent … [Read more...]
Communities Across Fillmore and Houston Counties Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary
Communities in the far southeast corner of Minnesota are planning an array of activities for everyone including your furry four-legged friends in celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary. Brownsville, located along the Mississippi River in Houston County, will celebrate the 250th anniversary June 26-28. Activities on Saturday, June 27, include a 5K Fun Run/Walk, and a Dog … [Read more...]
Chatfield Advertises for City Attorney
At the June 22 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, a request for proposals for the provision of comprehensive municipal legal services was approved. Councilors Josh Broadwater and Pam Bluhm were absent. City Administrator Michele Peterson explained the request for proposals for civil representation was reviewed by both the Personnel/Budget Committee and City Attorney Fred … [Read more...]
SMIF Awards 75 Organizations with Grants
OWATONNA, Minn., May 12, 2026 - Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) recently awarded 26,797 children’s books to 75 organizations through its Early Literacy Grant Program, impacting 31,543 children in its 20-county region. This grant supports early literacy efforts that enhance school readiness for children birth to age eight by providing children with books. The … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Hemp and Cannabis Ordinance Amended
At the June 23 meeting of the Fillmore County Board, a public hearing on a proposed amendment to an ordinance regulating cannabis businesses was held. Commissioner Larry Hindt was absent. There was only one public comment made during the public hearing. Steve Duxbury, a member of the Planning Commission, urged the commissioners to leave the setbacks outlined in the ordinance … [Read more...]
ICAN Celebrates 20 Years Serving Houston County
ICAN, LLC, a locally owned business, has been a proud member of the Caledonia business community for 20 years. The company operates from its building at 139 S. Kingston Street in downtown Caledonia, along the town’s former Main Street, now known as South Kingston Street. Proud owner Jessie Twite explained that ICAN is a for-profit business emphasizing that they want to be a … [Read more...]
Maggie Makes the Cover of Visit Bluff Country Magazine
For Luke and Ashley Bibby, of Elgin, Minn., they found their family hiking partner back in 2014 at Camp Companion in Rochester, Minn. They day they met, Luke thought they were heading to Home Depot to run some errands. His wife Ashley had a surprise in store. She had applied to adopt numerous dogs, and finally connected with the one they would end up taking home. Maggie, a … [Read more...]
Preston Raises Compensation for EMS Volunteers
Ambulance Director Deb Ristau proposed increases for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) volunteers at the city council’s June 15 meeting. Ristau acknowledged stipends offered by the Preston department have been low compared to the surrounding area. She explained the increases in 2026 will be funded through a Minnesota Uncompensated Care Pool Grant which was applied for and … [Read more...]
Caledonia School Board has Five Open Seats to Fill in Fall Election
Caledonia Public School Board members met on Monday, June 15 at Caledonia Elementary School for a meeting that lasted fewer than 20 minutes. Board Chair Mike Peterson called the meeting to order, led the Pledge of Allegiance and conducted roll call. Superintendent Craig Ihrke was on vacation and student member Phoebe Lampert is off for the summer. All others were … [Read more...]