Houston County Commissioners continued the discussion from last week’s meeting regarding the future of the Houston County Jail at its August 8 regularly scheduled meeting. Severson confirmed that the contract with Winona ends at the end of September. Commissioner Eric Johnson asked the two commissioners, Chairperson Dewey Severson and Commissioner Bob Schuldt, who sit on the … [Read more...]

At the August 1 regularly scheduled Houston County Commission meeting, commissioners approved the purchase of two “chillers” from Winona Controls to replace the current HVAC systems in the Historic Courthouse. The county received a bid from Winona Controls and Winona Heat and Vent for two units. Winona Controls came in at $128,000, and Winona Heat and Vent at $163,310. … [Read more...]

The Houston School Board held an extended Q & A session following a board meeting at a special meeting July 20. Public comment was allowed as usual, with a three-minute limit during the meeting as well. Tom Weber from SiteLogiQ and Ryan Fetters from Baker Tilly attended the meeting to help answer questions regarding the referendum. Board member Arlin Peterson brought up … [Read more...]

At the July 25 regularly scheduled Houston County commission meeting, commissioners appointed Houston County Deputy Auditor/Treasurer Polly Heberlein as interim auditor/treasurer. Heberlein will serve the remainder of the elected term vacated by Donna Trehus. Heberlein was selected from a field of four candidates, all of whom were interviewed by commissioners at the July 11 … [Read more...]

At the July 11 regularly scheduled Houston County Commission meeting, commissioners approved allocating $255,000 from the county’s ARPA funds for Houston County childcare. Houston County EDA director Allison Wagner, Houston County Public Health and Human Services director John Pugleasa, and representatives from Workforce Development Inc. presented the Houston County Childcare … [Read more...]

Houston County Deputy Calvin Nagle was recognized at the June 26 Houston County commission meeting for performing life-saving measures at the scene of an accident involving a motorcycle and truck. Nagle responded from Spring Grove to an accident involving a motorcycle and truck at the intersection of Highway 44 and Houston County Road 4 on May 23. Houston County Sheriff Brian … [Read more...]

The Houston County Commission held a public hearing before the regularly scheduled commission meeting on June 13, to hear comments from Houston County community members regarding the updated comprehensive land use plan. Evan Monson from DKA gave an overview of the plan and was available to answer questions and listen to comments from community members, along with two of his … [Read more...]

Houston County commissioners approved Juneteenth as an official Houston County holiday at its June 6 meeting for both non-represented employees and members of the following labor unions: Law Enforcement Labor Services No. 415, Licensed Lieutenant Unit-Law Enforcement Labor Services No. 237, Licensed Deputies Unit-Law Enforcement Labor Services No. 60, Jailer/Dispatcher … [Read more...]

In the single action item on the agenda for their May 23 meeting, the Houston County Commissioners approved reapplying for a MnDOT Aeronautics grant for maintenance and operations of the airport. The grant, which must be applied for every other year, can be used for snow plowing, cleaning, and other upkeep. the maximum amount per year is $24,552; usually the eligible expenses … [Read more...]

Houston County Commissioners declared a state of emergency for damage resulting from the ongoing flooding of the Mississippi River at the commission meeting on Tuesday, May 9. The river started flooding on April 17. Houston County Emergency Management director Mark Olson explained that threshold for Houston County is $4,1831.46. As of Monday, May 8 the town of Brownsville … [Read more...]

The Wildcat Park management contract with Fireside Management LLC was approved for the 2023 camping season at the April 25 Houston County commission meeting. Amber Miller and Steve Goetzinger, Fireside Management LLC were present to answer commissioners’ question along with County Engineer Brian Pogodzinski and County Attorney Samuel Jandt regarding the Wildcat Park contract. … [Read more...]

At the April 4 Houston County Commission meeting, the board renewed a 25-year lease with the Army Corps of Engineers to operate and maintain Wildcat Landing, a campground along the Mississippi River outside Brownsville. Commissioners in attendance include Chairman Severson; Eric Johnson, Robert (Bob) Burns, Bob Schuldt, and Greg Myhre. Commissioners in attendance include … [Read more...]

At the March 28 Houston County Commission meeting, commissioners approved County Engineer Brian Pogodzinski’s request to purchase salt through the Cooperative Purchasing Venture (VPV). The board also accepted the low quote for liquid chloride and the low quote from MP Asphalt Maintenance for CP 2023-04 for crack filling. According to Pogodzinski, the following roads are … [Read more...]

Equity Builders & Construction Services, Inc. submitted the low bid to replace the roof on the historic courthouse. The bid of $174,630.00 was unanimously approved at the March 14 Houston County Commission meeting. “We received two bids,” explained Tess Kruger, facilities manager. “We recommend Equity Builders at $174,630. Their references have been checked. Their … [Read more...]