On February 17, 2023, Margaret Doloris (Gaustad) Anderson made her transition to Heaven while at Valley View Healthcare in Houston. Within three weeks she suffered a stroke which was followed by the onset of COVID-19. Margaret was born on March 24 1930, to Peter and Senell (Gundersen) Gaustad. In 1952, she married her high school sweetheart, Robert Anderson. They celebrated … [Read more...]
Have a hoot at the International Festival of Owls
After two years of only basic activities, the International Festival of Owls is back to normal! You’ll find a staggering array of owl-themed activities for everyone from children to adults with a serious interest in owls throughout the weekend of March 3-5 in Houston, Minn. The main attraction is the Illinois Raptor Center’s live owl programs featuring Snowy, Eastern … [Read more...]
Houston School Board “workshopping” about potential project
After an abbreviated regular meeting February 2, the Houston School Board spent much of their time “workshopping” with representatives from SiteLogiQ and Baker Tilly. SiteLogic has been working with Houston Schools as they assess facility needs; Baker Tilly presented financial information to the board. SiteLogiQ had recently helped survey the community about possible project … [Read more...]
Arden Hargrove
Arden Hargrove, 75, of Houston, Minn., passed away on January 22, 2023, after a courageous battle with Lewy Body Disease. Arden was born on October 28, 1947, to Loren and Mary (Beach) Hargrove in Rochester, Minn. Arden attended Houston High School where he was Homecoming King and excelled at football and wrestling. After graduating in 1965, Arden enlisted in the U.S. Navy … [Read more...]
Houston School Board organized and ready to work
The Houston School Board welcomed two new members to its ranks at their organizational meeting January 5. Marissa Bailey and Nickki Johnson were elected this past fall to replace long-time board members Tom Stilin and Gene Lundak. The first order of business was to elect new officers. Mimi Carlson was elected board chair with Josh Norlien elected vice-chair. The new treasurer … [Read more...]
OHV exit resolution
The Houston City Council wasted little time as they looked at a draft resolution to exit from the OHV Trail project at their first regular meeting on January 9. Councilman Cody Mathers, council representative on the OHV Exit Committee, presented all the original documents regarding the OHV trail as well as the resolution. Since there was no clear direction from the council … [Read more...]
Mary Rediske
Mary Rediske, 71, of Hokah, Minn., died on Saturday, December 31, 2022, at Mayo Clinic – Methodist Hospital in Rochester, Minn., after a hard-fought three-year battle with cancer. Mary Beth Wojahn was born on December 10, 1951, in Minneapolis, Minn., to Elmo and Avis (Gaustad) Wojahn. The family lived in Orchard Gardens until 1961, when Elmo retired from the Navy and moved … [Read more...]
Mary Louise Bymers-Van Loon
Mary Louise Bymers-Van Loon was born on May 18, 1922, in Onalaska, Wis., to John and Leila Bymers. Mary went home to be with the Lord Jesus, her Messiah, while listening to Handel’s Messiah, on December 21, 2022, at the age of 100. A Celebration of Mary’s Life will be held at the Hoff Funeral Home of Houston from 12-2 p.m. on Saturday, January 7. Arrangements have been … [Read more...]
James Peterson
James Duane “Jimmy” Peterson, 57, died on December 23, 2022, at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse after a brief illness. Jim was born on December 1, 1965, to Duane and Bonnie (Meyer) Peterson in Caledonia, Minn. Jim graduated from Houston High School in 1984 where he played football and was described by his teammates as “Quiet, but ferocious and always a team player.” … [Read more...]
Michael Justin (Mike) Kelly
Michael Justin (Mike) Kelly, 88, of Houston, Minn., died peacefully Friday, December 23, 2022, at the Claddagh Senior Living, Caledonia, Minn. Mike was born April 12, 1934, to George and Aleda (Johnson) Kelly and graduated from Houston High School in 1952. Funeral services for Mike will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 30 at the Hoff Funeral Home of Houston. … [Read more...]
Houston Council approves police camera purchase
The Houston City Council accepted a proposal for the purchase of a camera system for the new community center/police headquarters at their regular meeting December 12. The setup will include a fully wireless system with our cameras on the outside of the building as well as two cameras inside. The package will cost $3,504.93 and will provide the needed security for the … [Read more...]
Sherman Cole
Sherman Cole, 98, of Houston, Minn., died on Wednesday, November 30, 2022, at Valley View Healthcare in Houston. Sherman was born in Stillwater, Minn., on November 22, 1924. On June 15, 1957, he married Evelyn Hall of Grand Meadow, Minn. He graduated from the Stillwater High School in 1942; he then entered the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis and graduated with a … [Read more...]
Fr. David Wechter
Father David L. Wechter, OCSO, 92, returned to the Lord, the second Sunday of Advent, December 4, 2022, surrounded by his community, the Hermits of St. Mary of Carmel. He was born April 23, 1930, in Buffalo, N.Y., to Vincent and Grace (O’Brien) Wechter. While living in New York, he attended St. Mark’s Church and grammar school, Holy Angels Collegiate Institute for four … [Read more...]
Houston examines budget for street renovations
After being sworn in, the Houston council canvassed the recent election results in a short special meeting prior to their regular meeting November 14. With a total of 382 in-person voters and additional mail-in and early voters, Scott Wallace was elected as the new mayor, and Zeb Bauman and Steve Westby were elected to the council. The new council members will join the council … [Read more...]
Charlotte F. Braniff
Charlotte F. Braniff, 83, of Houston, Minn., died Tuesday, October 18, 2022, at Northcrest Care Center in Waterloo, Iowa. Charlotte Florence Happel was born on December 17, 1938, in La Crosse, Wis., to Wesley and Stella (Evans) Happel. Charlotte was raised on South Ridge in rural Houston, Minn., on the family farm. She graduated from Houston High School and from Winona State … [Read more...]