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...]
Village Concerns Over Recreational Land Taxation
At the November 18 meeting, the Rushford Village Council Acting Mayor Mike Ebner led the meeting in the absence of Mayor Dennis Overland. Once again, the council turned talk to the annual budget review. After setting the preliminary budget and levy in September, the council and city staff have whittled down the amount and proposed expenditures to $605,455, which represents a … [Read more...]
Houston County Commissioners Hear Initial Presentation on MariBell 765/161 kV Transmission Project
At the November 18 regular meeting of the Houston County Board of Commissioners, representatives of the MariBell 765/161 kV Transmission Project appeared before the commissioners for the first time to share information about the project with the board. The project is a partnership between Dairyland Power Cooperative and GridLiance. Chairman Eric Johnson called the meeting to … [Read more...]
SEMAC Awards $391,262 in Grants to Support Arts Programming Across Southeastern Minnesota
On November 10, 2025, the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council (SEMAC) Board of Directors announced the awarding of $391,262 in arts programming grants to nonprofit organizations and schools throughout Southeastern Minnesota. This includes two Artists & Culture Bearers in the Schools grants, 24 General Operating Support grants, and 30 Programming & Project Support for … [Read more...]
Fillmore and Houston County Land Rent Survey Results
By Katie Drewitz University of Minnesota Extension PRESTON and CALEDONIA, Minn. November 11, 2025 — Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s land rent survey. Survey results indicate a continued increase of average rental rates while the weighted average remained flat in Fillmore County. Houston County saw an increase of both averages this year. Updated … [Read more...]