The communities of Mabel and Canton welcomed a new superintendent this summer as Michael (Mike) Harvey took the helm of the Mabel-Canton School District. Mike graduated from Lake City High School. After high school, he attended the Technical College in Faribault, where he studied machine tool technology and became a machinist. He took classes at Mankato State University and … [Read more...]
Evenson is Living Her Dream and Adding Sprinkles
Christina Evenson is one of those working women that customers are always happy to see and enjoy her company so much that they must take at least a minute or two to chat with her or at a minimum, share a quick wave into the kitchen if it’s a busy time. Evenson has been pleasing palates at Clara’s Eatery in downtown Lanesboro, Minnesota, since 2022 when she and her husband … [Read more...]
Michelle Ellingson Wears Many “Hats”
Michelle Ellingson is the Assistant to the City Clerk/Administrator in Caledonia and has been in that position for five years. In that role, she works closely with the Economic Development Authority for the City of Caledonia and is the coordinator for the Southern MN Initiative Foundation (SMIF) Rural Entrepreneurial Venture program (REV). “In my current role, I enjoy … [Read more...]
A Winning Team: Harmony Clinic Nurses Recognized for Excellence
When Melissa Fuhrmann, DNP of Emplify Health by Gundersen Harmony Clinic was awarded the Nurse Excellence Award for Advanced Degree Nursing this year, she joined her co-workers Cheryl Hotvedt, RN, and Lori Pfremmer, LPN, as recipients. Emplify Health by Gundersen has been presenting the Nurse Excellence Award for over 25 years now, but this is the first time that every nurse on … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Council Considers Feral Cat Issue
At the October 5 Lanesboro City Council meeting, residents Sarah Pieper and John Lavelle spoke about the issue of feral cats. Pieper estimated that there could be as many as 40 roaming in Lanesboro with more litters of kittens being born. Lavelle said that he had personally paid for nine to be fixed and found homes for another nine of the cats, but the problem continues to … [Read more...]
Fountain Ponders Truck Purchase
On October 7, the Fountain City Council further discussed getting rid of its current city dump truck, putting it out for bids, and finding something more suitable. Councilor Jordan Kerns quickly brought up that it was his understanding the council was tabling the issue until the budget for 2027 is complete and the city can budget for the purchase. “I don’t think it’s a smart … [Read more...]
Full-Time Preston City Administrator
Interim City Administrator Michelle Marotzke will no longer have the title of interim as of November 1. At the October 5 meeting of the city council members discussed the hiring of a permanent city administrator. Mayor Kurt Reicks asked for the council members’ input; he said Michelle has been good to work with. The six-month interim position ends on November 1. Councilman … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Discusses Proposed Modifications to its Tobacco Ordinance
At the October 6 county board meeting, Director of Public Health Jessica Erickson led a discussion on proposed modifications to the Tobacco Ordinance. Erickson, Brenda Pohlman, and Attorney Marla Stanton pointed out the proposed changes to the ordinance and the reasoning behind them. The intention is to cover all tobacco products equally. Pohlman explained the flavor market … [Read more...]
Houston FFA Returns
Hailey Jensen, the new agriculture teacher, visited the Houston School Board regular meeting on October 1 to introduce herself and her program to the board members. Jensen shared that she is licensed to teach a total of 97 agriculture related courses. Among the classes she is currently teaching are a floral design class and a farm to table class, which teaches food preparation. … [Read more...]
Houston County Board Approves Root River Trail Joint Powers Agreement
At its October 6 meeting, the Houston County Board of Commissioners approved a joint powers board agreement for the Houston County Root River Trail. La Crescent Community Development Director Larry Kirch appeared before the commission to share the 2025-2026 Root River Trail Extension Citizen Exploratory Committee report and discuss the proposed joint powers agreement. Kirch … [Read more...]