The state of Iowa has officially announced the Iowa Great Places redesignation as well as the newly designated Iowa Cultural & Entertainment Districts of which now Decorah is one. There are only 18 Cultural & Entertainment Districts in the State of Iowa. This year only two were added – Decorah and Burlington. (The 18 includes the two new communities) To receive the … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton Community Night Out is August 1
Mabel Mayor Adam Wilder announced at the city council’s July 12 regularly scheduled meeting that the Mabel-Canton Community Night Out is scheduled for August 1 from 5:30–7:30 p.m. It promises to be a fun evening! Since the city’s budget process is scheduled to start soon, Sheriff John DeGeorge addressed the council regarding the policing services contract between the city … [Read more...]
Ostrander sees 83% jump in policing contract fees
By Patrick Andrews The July 11 Ostrander City Council meeting opened with a visit from Sheriff John DeGeorge. Sheriff DeGeorge spent half an hour discussing Ostrander’s contract with Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office, the services that contract ensures, and the jump in price that will be required to maintain those services in 2024. The City of Ostrander currently pays for two … [Read more...]
A trifecta at St. Mary’s Catholic Church
A large crowd gather Sunday, June 25 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Caledonia to celebrate three milestones. The 150th anniversary of catholic history in Caledonia, the 80th birthday of Sister Michaeline Healy, and Father Matt Wagner’s last weekend as St. Mary’s pastor. The church’s history is embroidered on a quilt that was on exhibit during Sunday’s celebration. Each … [Read more...]
Spring Valley battles noise with new ordinance
On July 10, the Spring Valley City Council held a public hearing prior to their regular meeting to discuss the proposed noise ordinance. The ordinance states “it is unlawful for any person to make, continue or cause to be made or continued any excessive, unnecessary or unusually loud noise or any noise which either annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, repose, … [Read more...]
Houston citizens comment on building referendum
The public showed up to comment and ask questions about the upcoming building referendum at the Houston School Board’s June 29 meeting. Before the public comment period, Vice chairman Josh Norlien (Chairwoman Mimi Carlson was absent) advised the public that the board would not be responding to the comments at that meeting and that there was a time limit of three minutes for … [Read more...]
Preston hires EDA/Tourism/Chamber director
Lindsey Reding was hired as the new EDA/Tourism/Chamber director at the Preston city council’s July 3 meeting as recommended by the interview panel, effective July 24. Councilman Dean Aug was absent. Councilman Steve Hall noted that Reding was one of two excellent candidates that applied for the position. Reding currently is working for the state of Minnesota. She has a BS in … [Read more...]
Lanesboro makes a statement with new mural
As a town known for its arts and culture, Lanesboro has now made a large statement in the form of a colorful Theatre District Mural. The mural, located at the corner of O’Koren Law Office, 204 Parkway Ave. N., was a collaborative effort between Lanesboro Arts and Commonweal Theatre, who partnered with Joe O’Koren who owns the building. Lanesboro Arts and Commonweal Theatre … [Read more...]
Brownsville City Council is keeping busy this summer
Brownsville’s City Council met Wednesday, July 5 at Brownsville Community Center from 7-9:22 p.m. Council members present included Mayor Jean Meyer, Pam Walhovd, Jacob Danielson and Tim Klug. Also in attendance were City Clerk Steve Schuldt, City Treasurer Jenna Knight, and from city maintenance, Dean Twite. Council member Barb Hurley was absent. The minutes from the June 7 … [Read more...]
No more lifting for Caledonia ambulance department
The Caledonia City Council at its June 26 meeting, unanimously approved moving forward with the purchase of a power load cot for the city’s old ambulance, Unit 257, at a cost of $50,578.24 from Stryker Medical plus approximately $1,200 for Everest Emergency Vehicles, Inc. to install it. Everest estimates that they will have it installed by September 29, 2023. Caledonia … [Read more...]
Fountain addresses resident complaints
At the July 5 meeting, the Fountain Council discussed in length a number of citizen complaints. They included both noise during the day and after the 10 p.m. noise cutoff, as well as parking and street concerns. “Some of them are kind of nit-picky,” said Councilor David Gudmundson, who’d requested the complaints be discussed. No identifying information was given during the … [Read more...]
It’s farmers market season
Fresh, nutritious, and delicious tasting veggies are now in season! Shoppers will now find a large selection of veggies. In addition to veggies, shoppers will find a selection of jams, pickles, mushrooms, jerky, fish, beef, wine, flowers, homemade pie and bread, handmade dog treats, baby ducks and chicks, handcrafted items like potholders and scrubbers and dish towels, … [Read more...]
Father’s Day Cruise for a Cause raises $13,250
The weekend of Father’s Day was quite amazing for many reasons. The Caledonia Founder’s Day Randy Klinski Memorial Car Show drew a large crowd on Saturday, June 17. It was a hot, sunny day, which has become the norm lately. There were food vendors, bean bag tournaments, arts and crafts, boutique clothing and accessories for sale. It was a busy place with more than 80 vehicles … [Read more...]
No more lifting for Caledonia ambulance department
Mike Bubany, David Drown Associates, Inc., reported at the city council’s June 26 meeting that S & P Global Ratings assigned its “AA” long-term rating to Chatfield’s $2.3 million series 2023A GO bonds. Four bids had been received this day for the bond sale. The lowest bidder was Robert W. Baird & Co., Inc. The average coupon rate is 4% with a net affective rate of … [Read more...]
Deputy Nagle recognized for life saving measures
Houston County Deputy Calvin Nagle was recognized at the June 26 Houston County commission meeting for performing life-saving measures at the scene of an accident involving a motorcycle and truck. Nagle responded from Spring Grove to an accident involving a motorcycle and truck at the intersection of Highway 44 and Houston County Road 4 on May 23. Houston County Sheriff Brian … [Read more...]