Karla Bloem, executive director of the International Owl Center at Houston, was flabbergasted as she watched the ending of the recent online auction of 59 pieces of owl art created by Ukrainian children. “It was like high drama and every time I refreshed the total would go up thousands of dollars!” Bloem exclaimed. Bloem would have been happy to raise $6,000; at the end of the … [Read more...]
Ernest “Ernie” O. Tuff
Ernest “Ernie” O. Tuff, 91, of Rushford, Minn., died on Saturday, March 26, 2022, at Valley View Healthcare and Rehab in Houston, Minn. Ernest Orlando Tuff was born on May 29, 1930, in Rushford to Elvin and Ida (Edwardson) Tuff. He was raised in Rushford and worked on the family farm until he entered the U.S. Army, serving in Germany during the Korean Conflict. After his … [Read more...]
Lyla V. Johnson
Lyla V. Johnson, 102, of Houston, Minn., died at Valley View Healthcare and Rehab in Houston, one month and one day before her 103rd birthday. Lyla Virginia Onstad was born on April 22, 1919, in Spring Grove, Minn., to Peter and Jorgina (Suldahl) Onstad. She was raised in Blackhammer and was a 1937 graduate of Spring Grove High School. In 1938, Lyla graduated from Winona … [Read more...]
Calvin Nagle, new Houston police officer
Calvin Nagle was sworn in as Houston’s newest police officer by Mayor Dave Olson at the regular Houston City Council meeting on March 14, 2022. Nagle will begin training with Police Chief Brett Hurley at once; both will take part in the yearly spring police training sessions as well. Hurley asked for pre-approval on purchasing a new squad car; currently the dealership in … [Read more...]
Susanne “Susie” Johnson
Susanne “Susie” Ruth Johnson of Houston, Minn., passed away early Sunday morning due to complications from lung cancer. Susie was born on March 18, 1956, in Sacramento, Calif., to Charles and Violette Johnson. After a carefree childhood in a loving home, Susie graduated from Luther Burbank High School, upon which she immediately began the colorful life not untypical of an … [Read more...]
Grace A. Nelson
Grace A. Nelson, 91, of Houston, Minn., died on Tuesday, March 15, 2022, at Claddagh Senior Living in Caledonia, Minn. Grace Alice Bienhoff was born to Ralph and Ingrid (Ringstead) Bienhoff on September 23, 1930, in St. Paul, Minn. Grace graduated from Humbolt High School in 1948, then attended the University of Minnesota majoring in home economics. She met Lowell Nelson at … [Read more...]
Houston High School details new course offerings
At the regular March 3 Houston School Board meeting, High School Principal Michael Mangan presented an update on next year’s high school course offerings to the board. A new course entitled Financial Foundations will provide students a path to “financial success built on knowledge and wisdom carried out over their lifetime.” According to Mangan, it’s “the stuff people say they … [Read more...]
Marilyn Huhn
Marilyn Irene (Beitlich) Huhn, 82, went to her heavenly home on March 8, 2022. Marilyn was born December 19, 1939, in La Crosse, Wis., to Leonard and Viola (Schlicht) Beitlich. Her childhood was spent on a farm near Stoddard, Wis. She attended Grandview School, a one room schoolhouse, until her high school years. Marilyn also had a strong faith throughout her lifetime … [Read more...]
Exit Bremer Bank, enter Rushford State Bank in Houston
When Bremer Bank sent letters to their Houston customers in early January about their pending April 15 closure of their brick and mortar bank, it came as a complete surprise to many. Bremer Bank’s vice president of communications, Clarise Tushie, explained the move, “Like many others in the banking industry, we are seeing digital adoption accelerate throughout our footprint … [Read more...]
Houston Council makes staffing decisions
At their regular monthly council meeting on February 14, the Houston City Council chose to keep the assistant librarian salary as had been decided in November. Any adjustment to the wages will need to be made in advance of the next budget cycle. Two individuals had been interviewed in the search for a Houston Nature Center assistant; one however withdrew from consideration and … [Read more...]