The Mabel Lions Club has been actively involved in the Hesper-Mabel Steam Days since the 1960s, when they served the best tasting chicken dinners in downtown Mabel during the town’s annual celebration. The 72nd annual celebration takes place from September 5-8 in Mabel, Minn. The ever-popular tractor parade kicks off the festivities on Thursday evening. Featuring Case … [Read more...]
Heavy Rain Leads To Area Flooding
Fillmore and Houston counties, which faced a drought last year, are now contending with excessive rainfall this summer. The change in weather resulted in flooding in both counties. Neither county has reported any injuries due to flooding. However, both counties are experiencing significant cleanup efforts and are replacing gravel on roadways due to runoff. Fillmore County … [Read more...]
Hidden Gems: Exploring the Enchanting Waterfalls of Bluff Country
Looking for a memorable day trip? Discover seven unique waterfalls in historic Bluff Country, each offering its own distinct charm, from a towering 200-foot cascade to an underground 60-foot wonder and a picturesque step waterfall. Prepare to be amazed by the natural beauty that awaits you. In Decorah, explore three captivating waterfalls. Malanaphy Falls, nestled within … [Read more...]
First Kayak Winner of the Summer
Katie Semling, of Fountain City, Wis., alongside her son Barett, stood next to their brand new kayak that Katie won in a recent contest. On May 31, 2024, Visit Bluff Country Magazine conducted the first prize giveaway drawing of the summer, which was a brand new kayak. As the magazine celebrates 39 years as the premier tourism publication of Historic Bluff Country (a.k.a. The … [Read more...]
An Eagle Scout Project
Tetsuia Cox led a team of 10 to 15 boy scouts, their parents and two leaders over the summer who helped him complete his Eagle Scout project. The team constructed a new hiking trail at Bob Botcher Park just 2.5 miles outside of Sheldon, Minn., in Houston County. Cox has been a member of Boy Scout Troop 53 for five years. He lives and goes to school in La Crescent, Minn. Eagle … [Read more...]
Governor’s Deer Opener, Lanesboro 2023
Governor Tim Walz celebrated the state firearm deer opener this past weekend in the Lanesboro area. The governor’s deer opener has been held for 21 years at various locations around the state. This opener is a joint effort of the Department of Natural Resources, Explore Minnesota, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Bluffland Whitetails Association, Minnesota Conservation … [Read more...]
Water receding at Wildcat Park
County Engineer Brian Pogodzinski updated the commission on Wildcat Park now that the river is going down. Pogodzinski explained, “The water is coming down. We expect to get in there and start doing some clean-up work tomorrow and Thursday. If all goes as planned, campers can start hauling in their campers Thursday evening. We won’t have the water test results back until Friday … [Read more...]
Spring Valley man wins two golds at Pan American Games Nick Kappers sets his sights on World Cup Events
Nick Kappers started archery under the humblest of circumstances. In November of this year, he won two gold medals while representing his country – one for individual and another for the men’s compound team at the Pan American Championship Games in Chile. The gold medals Kappers explained there are three categories that a person can medal in at a world tournament, but many … [Read more...]
Rock Road Bandits ride for another fundraiser
The Rock Road Bandits, coordinated by Travis Warmka of Grand Meadow, Minn., has become a fundraising trailblazer. For anyone who loves riding in a side-by-side (a.k.a. RUV or recreational utility vehicles), this group of dirt road enthusiasts has taken their weekend rides to another level. They currently coordinate five fundraising rides per year. Back in June, they raised … [Read more...]
Emerald ash borer in southeast Minnesota
By Katie Drewitz Extension Educator University of Minnesota Extension Fillmore and Houston Counties In my travels throughout Fillmore and Houston counties, I have noticed numerous trees with potential and verified emerald ash borer (EAB) damage. EAB was confirmed in Houston County in 2010 and in Fillmore County in 2015. While emerald ash borer has been in the area for … [Read more...]