The first order of business at the January 2, 2024, Houston County Commission meeting was the election of the 2024 board chairman and vice chair. Commissioner Eric Johnson will take the lead as chairman and Commissioner Bob Schuldt will step into the role as vice-chairman. Board Clerk Allison Wagner promptly called the meeting to order at 9 a.m. and led the board and the … [Read more...]
Mernes Marilyn Flatten
Mernes Marilyn Flatten, 89, of Houston, died December 9, 2023, at her home. Mernes was born April 8, 1934, in Virgina, Minn., to Elmer and Agnes (Harrigan) Mueller. Following graduation from Central High School in St. Paul, Mernes attended the University of Minnesota and in 1995, she earned a Bachelor of Arts followed by a Bachelor of Science. And in 1957, she received a … [Read more...]
Houston County Employees Recognized for Service
Twelve Houston County employees were recognized for their years of service to the county at the county’s December 26 commission meeting. Thirty-five-year awards to David J. Bauer and Mary A. Zaffke; 30-year award to Julie A. Renk; 25-year award to Holly S. Felten; 20-year awards to Christopher C. Tuveson and Julie K. Von Arx-Abnet; 15-year awards to Anthony T. Dockter, William … [Read more...]
Paul Marks
Paul Marks, 58, of Houston, died Friday, November 3, 2023, at Gundersen Health System. Paul was born November 27, 1964, to Raymond and Sharon (Amann) Marks. He graduated from Houston High School and attended the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse. On December 7, 1991, he married the love of his life, Sandy Ladsten and welcomed her two children into his life. Together … [Read more...]
Thomas “Tom” Craig McCormack
Thomas “Tom” Craig McCormack, age 72, of Saint Francis, Minn., passed away on Friday, September 29, 2023. On September 15, 1951, Tom was born in La Crosse, Wis., to Dorothy Mae McCormack (Onsgard), who grew up in Houston, Minn., and William B. McCormack. Tom attended elementary school for two years in Houston and later graduated from Robbinsdale High School. In high school, … [Read more...]
Gary Raymond Lindborg
Gary Raymond Lindborg, 72, of Houston, Minn., passed away on Sunday, September 17, 2023, at Gundersen Care Center in Harmony, Minn. Gary was born on September 18, 1950, to Jack and Geraldine (Anderson) Lindborg in Richfield, Minn. He graduated from Richfield High School and later went on to achieve a degree from Kennedy-Western University. Gary was a Navy Seal and … [Read more...]
Houston Adopts Levy
At their regular September 11 council meeting, the Houston Minn. City Council adopted their preliminary levy totaling $582,300. This levy calls for a 3% increase. According to City Administrator Michelle Quinn, the levy will meet the city debt obligations and will allow the city to put away some money to replace vehicles as well as grow an infrastructure fund for future needs. … [Read more...]
Houston Schools Focus on Students
The administrative team reported to the Houston School Board at their regular meeting, September 7, that the new school year was off to a great start. Each of the principals addressed the board, sharing changes and improvements at their school. Elementary principal Angela McQuinn noted that there had been a lot of positive comments from parents with the online registration … [Read more...]
Houston High School Class of 1968
The Houston High School Class of 1968 celebrated 55 years with a reunion at the Houston Legion on Friday, August 4, 2023. After a delicious lunch, they toured the newly established Houston Museum with Shelley Jerviss. Pictured left to right: Steve Skree, Jude Sather Ledebuhr, Karen Sherry Nelson, Patsy Skadsen Wiste, Peggy Corey, Kathy Runningen, Susie Strong Carpenter, … [Read more...]
Terri Jean Peterson
Terri Jean Peterson, 48, of Houston, Minn., passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 17, 2023, at 3 p.m. She was surrounded by her loving family and boyfriend, Brandon Erdman. Terri was born, February 4, 1975, at the Winona Hospital, Winona, Minn., to Karyn Olson and the late David Peterson. She lived in the Houston and Caledonia areas her entire life. She was a 1993 … [Read more...]
OHV Update
Karla Bloem, of the OHV trail exit committee, reported to the Houston, Minn., City Council at their meeting on August 14 about a meeting held earlier in the day with Minnesota DNR legal counsel. The meeting included Senator Jeremy Miller, Rob Cary, DNR legal counsel, and Wendall Meyer of the Federal Highway Administration. Cary informed the committee that the deed … [Read more...]
The Moving Wall, a Community Project
The Moving Wall allows those unable to trek to Washington, D.C. to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial an opportunity to see and touch it in their own community. On Thursday, July 27, The Moving Wall rolled into Houston, Minn., for the second time in 19 years. The Houston American Legion Post 423 first brought the wall to Houston in 2004. Legion member John Geiwitz estimates … [Read more...]
Glenis Pearl Loken
Glenis Pearl Loken, age 94, of Houston, Minn., died at Gundersen Tweeten Care Center in Spring Grove, Minn., on Saturday, August 5, 2023. She was born October 5, 1928, in Money Creek, Minn., the daughter of James E. and Pearly (Ullan) Corey. Glenis enjoyed bingo, bowling and playing cards. She was a beloved wife, sister and aunt. She is survived by many nieces and … [Read more...]
Cory James Francis
Cory James Francis, 54, of Houston, Minn., passed away Friday, July 21, 2023. Born on August 2, 1968, in La Crosse, Wis., he was a graduate of Houston High School in Houston, Minn., where he lived most of his life. Cory most recently worked for Beneke Construction. He loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman, and loved sharing in these hobbies with his wife and … [Read more...]
Houston citizens comment on building referendum
The public showed up to comment and ask questions about the upcoming building referendum at the Houston School Board’s June 29 meeting. Before the public comment period, Vice chairman Josh Norlien (Chairwoman Mimi Carlson was absent) advised the public that the board would not be responding to the comments at that meeting and that there was a time limit of three minutes for … [Read more...]