Harlan T. Eiken was born May 23, 1933, to Talford and Hilda (Sand) Eiken in Spring Grove, Minn. His mother passed away in childbirth when he was eight. He then lived with his grandparents, Henry and Clarinda Eiken. He graduated from the Mabel High School in 1952. He married Jean Ann Rasmussen on March 12, 1954. Harlan and Jean raised turkeys in Rochester, Minn., and then … [Read more...]
Jean K. Marin Mickelson
Jean K. Marin Mickelson, 78, of Caledonia, formerly of Mabel, died Thursday, January 24, 2019, at Caledonia Care and Rehab. Jean was born July 29, 1940, in Money Creek Township, Houston County, Minn., to Otto and Violet (Kingsley) Marin. She attended the Vinegar Hill Country School near Houston and graduated from the Rushford High School. She lived in several places, … [Read more...]
Ross Wilson
Ross Wilson, age 28, of Cresco, Iowa, died Friday January 25, 2019, as a result of a snowmobiling accident. A funeral service will be held 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 2, 2019, at Burr Oak Lutheran Church, 2358 360th St, Decorah, Iowa, with Pastor Matt Larson officiating. Burial will be in the Burr Oak Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m., Friday February 1, 2019, at … [Read more...]
Marguerite Hoffland
Marguerite Waunita Hoffland was born June 19, 1927, in rural Clear Lake, Iowa, to Clarence and Violet (Raymond) Hill. She graduated from the Clear Lake High School in 1945. She was baptized and confirmed in the Methodist Church in Clear Lake. In 1947 she was confirmed in the Lutheran Church. She worked in the telephone office in Mason City and later in the office of the Clear … [Read more...]
LaVern Vickerman
LaVern Vickerman, 89, of Mabel, Minn., died Friday, January 18, 2019, at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse. LaVern was born November 12, 1929, in Preble Township, Fillmore County, Minn., to Lillian Vickerman. When he was 18 years old, he moved to California and while working at a candy factory, met his future wife, Elaine De La Piedra. They were married on October 30, … [Read more...]
Mabel Fire Department awarded grant
On January 9, the Mabel City Council held a regular city council meeting. Members in attendance included Gary Morken, Adam Wilder, City Clerk Karen Larson, Mayor Jim Westby, Terry Torkelson, and Kirsten Wyffels. The newly elected council members took the oath of office. Prior to approving accounts payable, council members asked about several of the items listed, and Larson … [Read more...]
MPCA Commissioner denies permit to proposed feedlot, recommends study of nitrate-contaminated waters in the sensitive karst region of southeast Minnesota
Citing the need to address elevated levels of nitrate in drinking water in the karst region of southeast Minnesota, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Commissioner John Linc Stine is announcing his decision to deny a general permit for the proposed Catalpa swine facility in Fillmore County near Mabel, Minn. Because of the permit denial, a related decision, whether to … [Read more...]
New vehicles for Mabel
On December 10, the Mabel City Council held a regular city council meeting, which included the annual Truth in Taxation public hearing. Members in attendance included Gary Morken, Liz Folstad, City Clerk Karen Larson, and Kirsten Wyffels. Due to the mayor’s absence, Folstad led the meeting. No citizens were on hand to ask questions during the Truth in Taxation hearing. … [Read more...]
New 60 mph speed limits to go into effect on Hwy 43
Motorists using Highway 69 near Albert Lea and Highway 43 from Mabel to Winona will see speed limits raised to 60 mph where the previous posted limit was 55 mph on the two-lane roadway, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The speed limits become official once the new signs are in place. Crews expect to post the signs in the coming weeks, weather … [Read more...]
Proposed hog feedlot controversy continues, decision imminent
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) held another meeting to allow the public to express their concerns and to pose questions at the Mabel Community Center on December 4. Similar to the June 19 informational MPCA meeting, concerned citizens packed the community center once again. During the first public comment period, 771 written comments were received by the MPCA. … [Read more...]