Sheldon Warren Swenson, 73, of Onalaska, Wis., and formerly of Houston, Minn., died on Saturday, April 10, 2021, at his home, with his family at his side. Sheldon was born on April 26, 1947, in Houston, Minn., to Warren and Betty Ann (Polowich) Swenson. He was raised in Houston and was a 1965 graduate of Houston High School. He married Sandra Anderson in 1974 and they had … [Read more...]
Steven “Steve” P. Bergsgaard
Steven “Steve” P. Bergsgaard, 65, of Onalaska, Wis., died on Monday, April 12, 2021, at his home, of natural causes. Steve was born on April 12, 1956, in Preston, Minn., to Royce and Dorothy (Knutson) Bergsgaard. He was raised in Houston and was a 1974 graduate of Houston High School. Steve attended Moorhead State University. He then transferred to Winona State University … [Read more...]
OHV trail project brings in full house
The regular meeting of the Houston City Council on April 12, 2021, brought in a full house of visitors to protest the proposed OHV trail in Houston. Anticipating a crowd, city employees set up as many socially distanced chairs as possible in the community center for the meeting; International Owl Center’s Karla Bloem set up mikes and a sound system to ensure all could hear the … [Read more...]
Houston School Board prom/graduation given yellow lights
At their March 18 meeting, the Houston School Board learned that both prom and graduation will be able to proceed with caution. Prom has “pretty stringent” guidelines; the state has suggested dancing while seated in chairs six feet apart. Prom has been set for May 1, 2021; the After Prom committee has already contracted with a hypnotist for entertainment. Supt. Krin Abraham … [Read more...]
OHV concerns brings the public in
The Houston City Council was joined by members of the public at their March 8, 2021, meeting. Concerned citizens came to share their opposition to the proposed OHV trail. Sandy Fitting feels the trail will cause erosion and property value loss and asked when the first property had been purchased, claiming that the council had told her they hadn’t started anything yet in 2009. … [Read more...]
Houston Schools’ new position
The Houston School Board officially created a new position at the school at their regular board meeting March 4. In an effort to pare down the superintendent responsibilities, the board will add a new position at the school. According to the job description, this position will take on the following duties: communications, activities director, and scheduling of transportation … [Read more...]
Houston teen part of inaugural class of female Eagle Scouts
Hailey Alfson of Houston not only hopes to be an inspiration for other young girls, but has committed to being a mentor to help them achieve their goals. As one of America’s first female Eagle Scouts, Alfson sees the importance of being a leader and paying it forward. At 17, she is a junior at Houston High School, where she is involved in basketball and soccer. While in the … [Read more...]
Ralph W. Lind
Ralph W. Lind, 89, of Houston, Minn., died on Tuesday, February 23, 2021, at Mayo Clinic - St. Marys Campus in Rochester, Minn. Ralph was born on August 18, 1931, in La Crosse, Wis., to Alvie and Judith (Louve) Lind. He was raised in the Houston area. On July 17, 1954, Ralph was united in marriage with Maxine Gabrielson in Houston. Ralph was a “49er” twice. He was a member … [Read more...]
Julie Ann Wilbright
Julie Ann Wilbright, 58, of Stockton, Minn., died on Wednesday, February 17, 2021, at Valley View Healthcare and Rehab in Houston, Minn. Julie was born the third of triplets on May 10, 1962, in La Crosse, Wis., to Gynther and Grace (Moos) Carlson. She was raised in Rushford and was a 1980 graduate of Rushford High School. On July 20, 1981, Julie was united in marriage with … [Read more...]
Houston school to consider purchase of St. Mary’s Catholic Church
Superintendent Krin Abraham informed the Houston School Board at their meeting on February 11 that the school had been approached about the possibility of purchasing the St. Mary’s Catholic Church building. Abraham told the board that the church will be available after June 30; the church’s roof has been recently done and the kitchen and bathrooms are handicapped accessible and … [Read more...]