At the November 28 council meeting, the Caledonia City Council approved Robbie Sobczak’s request for his spring leadership class to begin the application process to designate Sprague Woods as a School Forest. Councilman Bob Klug started by asking, “Why do we need the DNR?” DNA Forester Val Green replied, “It all depends on what the city wants out of that little piece of … [Read more...]
Schroeder elected to his fourth term as Caledonia’s mayor
The Caledonia city council certified the November 8 general election results for city offices at the council’s regular meeting on November 14. Current Mayor DeWayne “Tank” Schroeder will serve another two-year term as mayor of Caledonia. In addition to working for Caledonia’s street department and the water wastewater department for 38 1/2 years, Mayor Schroeder served on the … [Read more...]
Caledonia approves IT updates
Solution Builders Inc. is scheduled to start working on Caledonia’s IT hardware and network server updates within the week. The Caledonia City Council approved the unexpected cost of $34,684.27 for the updates at their regular meeting on October 24. Clerk/Administrator Jake Dickson explained that the city would not pass the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) audit and … [Read more...]
Mary “Elaine” Gavin
Mary “Elaine” Gavin, 88, of Caledonia, Minn., passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 20, 2022, at Pine View Senior Living, Caledonia, Minn. Elaine was born September 11, 1934, in Wessington Springs, S. Dak. Elaine moved to the Brownsville, Minn., area with her parents at an early age. Elaine married Lawrence Gavin on September 18, 1952. She worked alongside … [Read more...]
St. John’s Lutheran School welcomes new teacher
By Kaitlin Longhauser St. John’s Lutheran School in Caledonia, Minn., welcomes Morgan Palubicki to the St. John’s family for the 2022-2023 school year. At St. John’s, Palubicki is a classroom teacher who teaches both 5th and 6th grade together. Palubicki teaches general subjects such as reading, mathematics, social studies, etc. in the morning. She teaches a variety of … [Read more...]
Tower 50 is headed back to Hackensack, N. J.
Caledonia Ambulance Department Director Mike Tornstrom, Assistant Director Mark Schiltz, and Training/Outreach Coordinator Joannie Schmidt appeared before the Caledonia City Council on Monday evening, October 10, to plead its case for a new ambulance facility. Mayor DeWayne (Tank) Schroeder called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. and led the council and guests in the Pledge of … [Read more...]
St. Mary’s Catholic School in Caledonia welcomes two new teachers
By Kaitlin Longhauser St. Mary’s Catholic School in Caledonia, Minn., gladly welcomes two new teachers, Emily Petska and Ethan Papenfuss, to the team. Emily Petska joins the St. Mary’s family as the parochial school’s third grade teacher for the 2022-2023 school year. Petska will teach her students all general subjects such as mathematics, reading, science, social … [Read more...]
Caledonia orders new squad car
The Caledonia City Council held a public hearing at the council’s regularly scheduled meeting on September 26, regarding a request from business owner Joe Hayes for a setback variance at 505 Old Highway Drive. According to the permit application, Hayes plans to build a 40’ x 50’ timber frame with steel siding and roof addition to the east side of the existing commercial … [Read more...]
Caledonia School District is off to a good start
By Kaitlin Longhauser Caledonia School Board members met in Caledonia Elementary School’s music room #162 on Monday, September 26, from 6-8 p.m. Board members present included Matt Blocker, Erin Hammell, Leigh King, Melissa Marschall, Daniel Small, Wendy Woyczik, and Spencer Yohe. The board approved the consent agenda and the minutes from the August 15 regular board meeting … [Read more...]
Mainspring Founder receives Fellowship
The founder and volunteer director of Caledonia’s art collaborative, Mainspring, Melissa Wray received word in August that she was selected for a two-year Rural Regenerator Fellowship through Springboard for the Arts. The Minnesota non-profit organization has a branch in Saint Paul and one in Fergus Falls. Fergus Falls oversees the Fellowship. According to the organization’s … [Read more...]
Stanley C. Bahr
Stanley C. Bahr, 67, of Caledonia, Minn., died Wednesday, September 21, 2022, at his home, with his wife Linda by his side. A funeral mass will be said Monday, September 26 at 11 a.m., at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Caledonia, Minn., with Fr. Matt Wagner and Fr. Greg Leif officiating. Burial will be held in the Calvary Cemetery, Caledonia. Friends greeted the family on Sunday, … [Read more...]
Hot air balloons on display at the Caledonia Veterans Park this fall
At their September 12 council meeting, the Caledonia City Council unanimously approved the request to inflate and display three hot air balloons at the Veterans Park on October 22, from 5-8 p.m. In the past, hot-air balloons have flown from the high school but this fall balloons will not fly in the skies over Caledonia. City Clerk/Administrator Jake Dickson did not know why … [Read more...]
Caledonia approves ambulance purchase
At the August 22 regular Caledonia City Council meeting, the Council approved Ambulance Director Mike Tornstrom’ s request to move forward on the purchase of a new ambulance to replace Unit 257. Council members in attendance were Mayor DeWayne (Tank) Schroeder, Robert “Bob” Klug, Amanda Ninneman, and David Fitzpatrick. Brad Rykhus was absent. Others in attendance included … [Read more...]
Caledonia holds public hearing on 2023 Street and Utility Improvement project
The 2023 Street and Utility Improvement project plan was presented at the public hearing during the August 8 regular city council meeting. The public hearing allowed property owners and residents to share their opinions and ask questions of City Engineer Matthew Mohs and council members. Council members in attendance include Mayor DeWayne (Tank) Schroeder, Robert “Bob” Klug, … [Read more...]
Caledonia’s parks use ordinance approved
Caledonia city staff reviewed parks use ordinances from Minnesota cities as well as conducted a thorough review of the proposed ordinance by commissioners and the city’s attorney. Councilmembers approved the revised parks use ordinance at the July 25 regular city council meeting. Members in attendance included Mayor DeWayne (Tank) Schroeder, Robert “Bob” Klug, David … [Read more...]