Lanesboro is ready for a weekend of fun as Buffalo Bill Days returns July 30 through August 2 with sports tournaments, live entertainment, family activities, local cultural events, fireworks, food, and the ever-popular Grand Parade. Buffalo Bill Days is more than just a weekend of events,” explained Kristen Asleson, Buffalo Bill Days committee chair. “To the committee and … [Read more...]
Spring Grove Residents May Be Eligible for Flood Damage State Aid
On July 2, 2026, there was catastrophic flooding in parts of Houston County, including Spring Grove. The Houston County Board of Commissioners declared a state of emergency. City Clerk/Administrator Jana Elton told the Spring Grove City Council at its July 22 meeting that the city received 11 inches of rain on July 2, which “overloaded the system and bypassed the storm … [Read more...]
Auxiliary Challenge Met
The American Legion Auxiliary Unit #4114 challenged members to work with their community to celebrate 250 years of independence. The goal was to incorporate the number 250 in a way that benefits veterans. Spring Valley American Legion Unit #68 along with the VFW Auxiliary challenged the Spring Valley community to collect 250 cans of soup to donate to the food shelf. Many … [Read more...]
The Answer Book: New Publications Coming January 2027
The team at the Fillmore County Journal has been working diligently on two publications that will debut in January 2027. Both publications will be titled “The Answer Book” -- one for Fillmore County and one for Houston County. Both the Fillmore County Answer Book and Houston County Answer Book will have a total of 12,000 copies printed for each for a total of 24,000 copies. … [Read more...]
Cell Phone and Backpack Policies May Change at R-P
At their July 20 regular meeting, the Rushford-Peterson School Board did a first reading of the proposed MSHS Handbook for the 2026-2027 school year. This proposed handbook presented some changes to the middle school policies regarding backpacks and cell phones. Middle school students would be required to leave their phones and backpacks in their lockers from the first bell … [Read more...]
Spring Grove School Board Discusses PSEO Attendance, Softball Field Updates
Spring Grove High School Principal Matt Rosaaen updated the school board on the Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) proposed attendance guidelines during the July 20 board meeting. Rosaaen said he will be sending information to parents of students in grades 10, 11 and 12 explaining the guidelines, PSEO students will be required to attend school in person instead of flexing … [Read more...]
Village Gets Clean Audit
At the July 21 meeting, the Rushford Council heard from Bill Sherry of Engleson & Associates regarding the results of the 2025 audit. While there were no areas of major concern, Sherry did note a few key points and one area to watch. The village’s general property taxes were up $28,000 for the year. This countered an $8,000 reduction in Local Government Aid, an amount set … [Read more...]
Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center Highlights Crisis Response Services
At the July 21 meeting of the Houston County Board of Commissioners, Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center (HVMHC) Mobile Crisis Response Program Lead Dina Robinson and Crisis Response Practitioner Tiffany Vance presented information about the organization’s mental health response services. Robinson first reminded the commissioners of the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline, which … [Read more...]
Steuart’s Natural Health Began With Teat Heal
In May 1982, Gary Steuart started making a single product in an apartment in Owatonna. The product? Teat Heal. Steuart had a friend who was an inventor who came up with the formula. Teat Heal was intended to be used on cows with sore teats. A dairy farmer decided to try it on his own badly cracked heels. Word spread that the formula worked well on people as well; soon orders … [Read more...]
Gateway Cafe Rises From the Ashes, Rebuilt by a Community Determined To Bring It Home
If you drive down Gold Street in Wykoff most mornings, you’ll find a familiar sight that was sorely missed for more than a year. The coffee is pouring, the air is thick with the scent of breakfast, and the Gateway Cafe has reclaimed its rightful place as the heartbeat of the community. Following the official reopening on May 1, co-owners Jennie Moreland, Leroy Ellis, and Mary … [Read more...]