Houston Schools welcomed five new teachers this fall - Ethan Papenfuss, band; Samantha Michaelsen, elementary special education; Hailey Pierazek, MS/HS math; Abigail Allen, HS math; and Anna Dunnum, English and social studies. Ethan Papenfuss, an alumni of Houston High School, got into teaching because he himself had a wonderful experience as a student. He feels so … [Read more...]
Absentee, Mail-in Ballots; Anticipating Voter Turnout
Are people voting earlier with the option of mail-in and absentee balloting? Houston County Auditor/Treasurer Polly Heberlein shared, “At this point, I can tell you that absentee voting is becoming more popular. I do not have any definite numbers relating to vote-in-advance versus Election Day. When trying to compare, scenarios are so different now than there were in … [Read more...]
7 New Teachers at Rushford-Peterson
Rushford-Peterson welcomed a total of seven new teachers to its teaching staff this fall. The new teachers are: Lindsey Olson, K-8 counselor and district assessment doordinator; Emily Wahlberg, first grade; Ethan Jacobson, MS/HS business; Sophia Westcott, SPED; Kora Miller, kindergarten; Madlyn Ripka, MS/HS band director; Nathan Whitacre, MS/HS SPED. Here’s your chance to learn … [Read more...]
Spring Grove House Fire
At approximately 2:15 p.m. on October 7, 2024, Houston County Dispatch received an emergency call of a residence on fire at 512 2nd Ave. NW, Spring Grove, Minn. Houston County Sheriff’s Deputies and Investigators and Spring Grove Fire Department were dispatched. Spring Grove Ambulance, Caledonia Fire Department, Eitzen Fire Department and the Mabel Fire Department were also … [Read more...]
Meet The Candidates 2024
Gregory Davids Candidate for State Representative 26B Tell us about yourself. I’ve lived in Fillmore County nearly my entire life. I’m a financial planner and my wife Bonnie and I own the family farm. We also have three grown daughters. As your state representative, I’ve fought tirelessly to protect conservative values in southeastern Minnesota. I’ve served as … [Read more...]
Tasty Temptations Cookbook Deadline is October 25
It’s that time of year again. It’s time to start pulling out your favorite holiday family recipes for gatherings. In 2010, the Fillmore County Journal started publishing the first-ever “Tasty Temptations Cookbook,” full of recipes from the best cooks of Bluff Country throughout our coverage area. This year, 2024, marks our 15th annual cookbook, and we’re excited to share … [Read more...]
Debate Continues Over Proposed Ordinances Regarding Lanesboro Library
The October 7 Lanesboro City Council meeting opened with two public hearings. The first hearing was regarding the proposed city ordinances 31.80, 31.82, 31.82, and 31.83 about the library board. Multiple community members spoke out against the proposed ordinances. Anna Loney presented a petition with 178 names asking the council not to change the library board to advisory. She … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Hosts Small School Teaching Conference Next Week
The Lanesboro School Board heard details of the upcoming Small School Teaching Conference to be held on Wednesday, October 16 at Lanesboro Schools. Two break out sessions will be presented. Subjects such as artificial intelligence in schools, mental health and classroom management will be discussed by presenters. WSU will have an empathy session as one of the choices for … [Read more...]
Harmony Council Approves Variance Request for Monster Bash
At the October 8 Harmony City Council meeting, the consent agenda was approved and included the minutes of the September 17, the claims and September checks, the cash in CD, the cash balances, and a thank you letter from SMIF for the city’s recent donation. The council reviewed and approved change order #1 for the street and utility project as recommended by city engineer … [Read more...]
Peterson Council Discusses Voting, Hears of Memorial Garden Dedication
At a quick October 9 meeting, the Peterson Council covered two annual items in addition to discussing membership, voting, and the recent dedication of the John T. Erickson Memorial Garden. Councilor Kristina Grindland was absent from the meeting. First up, the council tackled the final budget and tax levy for 2025. The final amount was set at $111,436. This represents a 4% … [Read more...]