Honors List Spring 2023 • Alexandria Technical & Community College: Tanner Kasel, LeRoy • Bemidji State University: Jennifer Knutson, Spring Valley • College of St. Scholastica: Brittainy Johnson, Lanesboro; Aubrey Norby, Mabel • Hamline University: Elizabeth Liew, Harmony • Iowa State University: Abby Ashbacher, Caledonia; Brynn Howerton, Lanesboro; Carson Ruen, … [Read more...]
Future of the Houston County Jail in Question
Houston County Commissioners continued the discussion from last week’s meeting regarding the future of the Houston County Jail at its August 8 regularly scheduled meeting. Severson confirmed that the contract with Winona ends at the end of September. Commissioner Eric Johnson asked the two commissioners, Chairperson Dewey Severson and Commissioner Bob Schuldt, who sit on the … [Read more...]
Chatfield Alum Frye Finishes Fourth in 100-mile Race
By Patrick Mader A native of Chatfield in the Bluff Country of southeastern Minnesota, Adam Frye was introduced to running as a youth of five or six years of age when he ran a mile race at Plainview Corn on the Cob Days with his father Chris, a former high school runner who later co-founded and coached a running club. Adam later joined the running club and joined the … [Read more...]
SPED without HVED
Houston Public Schools will soon be beginning their first year without a contract with HVED (Hiawatha Valley Education District) and provide their own special education services. Amber Kulig, director of SPED for the Houston District, addressed the board at their August 3 regular board meeting. A SEAC (Special Education Advisory Council) will need to be established for … [Read more...]
Houston School Referendum Results
The results of the Houston School referendum are as follows. The vote was 113 in favor with 886 opposed on the first question for $18.2 million; since the first question failed, the second question for an additional $12.1 million was not considered. … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Restructuring Plans for Zoning Office
At the August 8 board meeting, County Administrator Bobbie Hillery suggested a detailed plan to restructure the Zoning Office. The board had just approved the retirement of Kristi Ruesink, accounting technician, with thanks for her 35 years of service, effective January 4, 2024. She was thanked especially for the advanced notice of her retirement. Hillery said there have … [Read more...]
Mabel Proclaims September 4 Darol Milton Sherburne Memorial Day
Mabel Mayor Adam Wilder proclaimed September 4, 2023, and every year after as “Darol Milton Sherburne Memorial Day” at the Mabel, Minn., city council’s regularly scheduled August 9 meeting. The application states, “S/Sgt. Darol Milton Sherburne of Mabel, Minn., was born on March 15, 1916, in Fillmore County, Minnesota. He was with the 480th Antisubmarine Group when he died in … [Read more...]
Budget Increase on the Horizon for Ostrander?
The council’s first item of discussion for the August 8 Ostrander, Minn., city council meeting was Trinity Lutheran Church and the intention of its leadership to acquire a strip of paved city land immediately adjacent to the church property’s western edge. The strip, which runs north-south, is currently designated a platted roadway, and is paved continuously with Minnesota … [Read more...]
Preston Historical Society Annual Report
Debbie Thompson presented the annual report and funding request for the Preston Historical Society (PHS) at the Preston, Minn., city council August 7 meeting. The report was put together by Sheila Craig, president of PHS, and included numerous activities throughout the year. Most city council members are members of the historical society. Some of the activities of the PHS are … [Read more...]
Red Cross: Donation Shortfall May Impact Blood Supply
The American Red Cross has seen a shortfall of about 25,000 blood donations in the first two months of the summer, which makes it hard to keep hospital shelves stocked with lifesaving blood products. By making an appointment to give blood or platelets in August, donors can keep the national blood supply from falling to shortage levels. Right now, the Red Cross especially … [Read more...]
Snoopy Collection on Exhibit During the Houston County Fair
Local Caledonia resident, Luan Hammel’s 30-year Snoopy collection will be on exhibit during the Houston County Fair. The fair runs from August 16-20, in Caledonia, Minn. Fairgoers can find the collection in the Houston County Historical Society agricultural building. Hammel started the collection when she was in college after purchasing a calendar. She was immediately hooked … [Read more...]
Peterson Inspections on the Way
At the August 9 meeting, the Peterson, Minn., city council announced it would begin home water connection inspections. Driven by a revision to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead and Copper Rule two years ago, all Minnesota cities must develop lead service line inventories of every water connection in its municipality. Cities must submit this documentation by October of … [Read more...]
Culture & Community This Ex-Amish Life: Eddie Swartzentruber
I had the opportunity to sit down with Eddie Swartzentruber and his wife Karwyn for about three hours at Estelle’s Eatery & Bar in Harmony, Minn., to discuss his life’s story. For those of you who don’t know, Eddie has become a mega ex-Amish superstar, interviewed by major TV networks and media nationwide. He’s become a social media sensation. He told me he was offered a … [Read more...]
State Patrol Requests Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to Investigate Fatal Use of Force
ST. PAUL, July 31 — Just after 1:50 a.m. Monday morning, a State Patrol trooper was observing traffic when a Ford Fusion with no taillights travelling on northbound Interstate 94 near Lowry Avenue in Minneapolis drove by. The trooper pulled the driver over. During the course of their investigation, troopers learned that the driver was wanted by law enforcement in Ramsey County … [Read more...]
Hokah Council Identifies Concrete Repairs Needed
The Hokah City Council met at 6 p.m., Tuesday, August 1, at the Hokah Fire Station. Present were Mayor Lee Tippery and council members Corey Lorenz, Tom Bernsdorf and Jerry Martell. Absent were City Clerk Lindsey Martell and Council member Mike Walsh. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Mayor Tippery called for approval of the Consent Agenda consisting of the July council … [Read more...]