Caledonia council members were reminded at the regularly scheduled council meeting on November 25, that the city’s Truth in Taxation meeting will be held on December 9 at 6 p.m. in the council chambers. The council will finalize the 2025 property tax levy. Finance Officer Stephanie Mann presented the financial reports, including the proposed 2025 city budget to the council. … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Commissioner to be Honored by AMC
At the county board’s November 26 meeting, County Administrator Bobbie Hillery reviewed the many contributions and accomplishments of Duane Bakke, both in service to the county and the Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC). Bakke is to be honored with the Distinguished Service Award during a luncheon at the AMC conference on December 10. He will be one of four receiving an … [Read more...]
Mindy Jones: A Life Ablaze with Lies and Arson
By Zech Sindt On November 19, 2024, Mindy Jo Jones was found guilty of first-degree arson and animal abuse in the Allamakee County courtroom. This verdict completes another chapter in a long and troubling saga that has spanned over two decades, leaving a trail of victims and destruction in its wake. Jones has used the names Mindy Bear, Mindy Jacobsen, and Mindy Riley in … [Read more...]
HAM – Houston Area Museum
In May 2023, a ribbon cutting heralded a new museum in Houston, Minn. Called HAM, at first a person might think it was a cousin to the Spam Museum in Austin, but that’s not the case! HAM is an acronym for Houston Area Museum. The museum is located at 109 West Maple Street in the former community center. For many years, Shelley Jerviss thought Houston needed a museum. At the … [Read more...]
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation Awards $300,000 in Taylor Grants Pilot Grant Program Supports Rural Improvements and Child Care Needs
OWATONNA, MN, November 11, 2024 – Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) recently approved 17 grants totaling $300,000 to support rural improvements and child care needs in small towns of 10,000 or less in SMIF’s 20-county region. The Taylor Grants are supported by a generous donation from Glen A. Taylor through the Taylor Family Farms Foundation. The Taylor Grants … [Read more...]
Spring Grove School Reviews Construction Timeline
Spring Grove Superintendent Rachel Udstuen reminded school board members and the public of the construction timeline at the board’s November 18 regularly scheduled meeting. Chairman Aaron Solum called the November 18 meeting of the Spring Grove School board to order at 7 p.m. Board members present included Aaron Solum, Stephanie Jaster, Kelly Rohland, Rhan Flatin, Angie … [Read more...]
Houston County to House Hennepin County Inmates
At the Houston County commission meeting on November 19, the board approved Sheriff Brian Swedberg’s request to house Hennepin County inmates in the county’s detention center. Chairman Eric Johnson promptly called the meeting to order at 9 a.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioners Dewey Severson, Eric Johnson, Robert (Bob) Burns, Bob Schuldt, and Greg … [Read more...]
Preston Approves CUP for Solar Array
Preston Dairy and Farm Association applied for a conditional use permit for a 68.1 kw ground mounted solar system at 27743 State Hwy 16 on its 6.1-acre lot. This size solar array requires a CUP and is allowed in I-1 (general industrial) district. The request was heard at a Planning Commission meeting just prior to the November 18 city council meeting. During the P & Z … [Read more...]
Spring Grove Discusses Housing Options
Spring Grove City Council members met Tuesday, November 19 at 168 West Main Street in Room #100. Mayor Saundra Solum called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. and led with the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members present included Mayor Solum, Heather Edgington, Trent Turner, Mike Hagen and Karen Folstad. City Clerk/Administrator Jana Elton was also present. The council … [Read more...]
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation Awards $200,000 in Small Town Grants
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) recently approved 25 grants totaling $200,000 to support small towns of 10,000 or less in SMIF’s 20 county region. Each grant seeks to impact the culture, education, economy and/or social aspects of a town by investing in collaborative initiatives that help make the community more welcoming. The Small Town Grant program was … [Read more...]