With the one-year ag zoning moratorium study period ending, the Caledonia City Council spent considerable time at the March 13 meeting discussing the city’s comprehensive land use plan, reviewing zoning maps, and the four options presented by City Clerk/Administrator Jake Dickson. The four options are: 1. Rezone based on the land use map in the comp plan. 2. Create a … [Read more...]
Caledonia awards Grove Marshall street contract
Zenke Incorporated, La Crescent, was awarded the Grove Marshall street and utility improvement project contract at the Caledonia City Council meeting on Monday, February 27. City Engineer Matthew Mohs, Bolton & Menk, Inc., reported that the city received five bids for the Grove Marshall street and utility improvement project. The bids ranged from $1,110,645.51 to … [Read more...]
Ruth Elaine (Uischner) Pongratz
Ruth Elaine (Uischner) Pongratz, age 93, passed away February 27, 2023, at the Onalaska Care Center. Ruth was born October 23, 1929, in rural Warrens, Wis., to Oscar William and Emma Ella (Kastens) Uischner. She grew up in rural Warrens and was the valedictorian of the Tomah High School class of 1947. Ruth graduated with a teaching degree from UWL on June 3, 1951, and … [Read more...]
Marvel Angela Albert, 1925-2023
Marvel, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed to be with her Lord on February 28, 2023. Born on May 5, 1925, in Caledonia Minn., to Herman and Agnes Ratonde, she was 97 years old. Marvel graduated from Loretto High School and attended The College of St. Teresa in Winona, Minn. She taught elementary school in Owatonna Minn., for two years before returning to … [Read more...]
Evelyn Lena Augusta Halverson
Evelyn Lena Augusta Halverson, 89 of Caledonia, Minn., went to her heavenly home on February 18, 2023. She left this world peacefully surrounded by a room full of loved ones at Mayo Hospital. Evelyn was born to Lydia and Dewey Heaney on May 8, 1933, in Caledonia. On April 14, 1952, she married Herman Halverson and together they built a life they loved. Evelyn dedicated her … [Read more...]
Talks between Caledonia Ambulance and Spring Grove Ambulance gear up
The Spring Grove Ambulance, Inc. sent a letter asking the city to take ownership of the Spring Grove Ambulance license. At the city’s February 13 council meeting, the council authorized Caledonia Ambulance Director Mike Tornstrom to move forward and draft a proposal. In the letter from Spring Grove, Todd Passig, Spring Grove Ambulance board president included, “The one aspect … [Read more...]
Richard Allen Wiebke
Richard Allen Wiebke was born on March 21, 1955, in La Crosse, Wis., to Luvern and Wilma (Kruckow) Wiebke. He was one of five children who were raised on a farm in Caledonia, Minn. He attended grade school at St. John’s Lutheran School, and in 1973 he graduated from Caledonia High School. After graduating high school, Richard farmed with his parents. In 1978, he worked putting … [Read more...]
Clayton Richard Rottman
Clayton Richard Rottman, age 91, of Caledonia, passed away peacefully at his home, February 13, 2023, surrounded by his family.He was born November 25, 1931, in Caledonia, to George and Katherine (Reinhart) Rottman. On June 3, 1967, he married Helen “Mitzi” Flannery at St. Joseph Cathedral, La Crosse. Mitzi passed away July 6, 1992. Clayton married Joanne (Felten) … [Read more...]
Dale Robert Horn
Dale Robert Horn, 89, of Caledonia/Eitzen, Minn., was called to his Heavenly home on January 26, 2023. He was born on October 14, 1933, to Elmer and Bernice (Kuecker) Horn. On February 19, 1955, he married the love of his life, Carol Meiners. Together they had three daughters: Linda, Sue, and Diane. In 1956, Dale and Carol became Portland Prairie farmers. Dale’s love to talk … [Read more...]
Caledonia first in county to propose a cannabis licensing ordinance
The first reading of Caledonia’s cannabis licensing ordinance occurred at the January 23 city council meeting. A public hearing will be scheduled. Caledonia City Clerk/Administrator Jake Dickson explained that the cannabis situation created by the State last year has been a hot topic lately. According to Dickson the proposed ordinance is “closely inline with what other cities … [Read more...]
2022 Business Persons of the Year Kraus couple receives award of excellence from Journal readers
As a newspaper, we have an opportunity to bring people together for a common good. To inspire and foster positive news presented by our readers that lifts people up in the communities we serve. Starting in 2020, the staff at the Fillmore County Journal coordinated the first-ever recognition for the Business Person of the Year. The newspaper publishes a form to fill out and … [Read more...]
Caledonia School Board welcomes three new board members
By Kaitlin Longhauser Caledonia School Board members met in Caledonia Elementary School’s music room #162 on Tuesday, January 17, from 6-8:19 p.m. Board members present include Mike Peterson, Leigh King, Spencer Yohe, Melissa Marschall, Derek Adamson, Tim Gunn, and Daniel Small. In addition, Superintendent Craig Ihrke, Elementary Principal Sue Link, Gretchen Juan, Community … [Read more...]
Lyle H. Horsman
Lyle H. Horsman, 93, of Caledonia, Minn., passed away with his loving wife by his side to be with the Lord, December 23, 2022, at Pine View Care Center. He was born August 23, 1929, to Ernest and Tressa (Cheney) Horsman on the family farm in Washington, Minn., where he grew up and attended country school. In November 1949, Lyle married Ruth E. Lorius. Their union would bring … [Read more...]
Welcome Ryan Stenzel to the Council
Newly elected council member Ryan Stenzel and returning councilman David Fitzpatrick were sworn in by Caledonia City Clerk/Administrator Jake Dickson at the council’s regular meeting on January 9. Council members extended a warm welcome to Stenzel. Council members in attendance include Mayor DeWayne (Tank) Schroeder, Robert “Bob” Klug, Amanda Ninneman, David Fitzpatrick, and … [Read more...]
Darrel Michael Houdek
Darrel Michael Houdek, age 57, of Caledonia, Minn., passed away peacefully on January 1, 2023, at Rochester Mayo Clinic with family by his side, from complications with a short battle with cancer. Darrel was born January 30, 1965, in Cresco, Iowa, to Lyle and Geneva (Reicks) Houdek. He attended schools in Caledonia and Cresco. Darrel worked at various jobs in the area. He … [Read more...]