At the November 4 commission meeting, Houston County Commissioners heard an overview of the USA Gravel National Championships. This event took place in Houston and Winona County during La Crescent’s 2025 Applefest celebration.
Larry Kirch, Community Development director for the city of La Crescent, announced that the championships will return in 2026, scheduled for the week before Applefest.
Kirch expressed his appreciation to the county, specifically recognizing County Engineer Brian Pogodzinski and County Emergency Management Mark Olson for their support. He reviewed in detailed the areas identified as needing improvement, traffic control plan, route and resources.
The 2025 event drew 787 participants, ranging in age from 11 to 92, and was deemed a success by organizers, riders and fans. The riders were extremely happy with the course and scenery.
According to Jeremiah Burish, director of Sports Sales & Events at Explore La Crosse, the championships generated an estimated economic impact of over $1 million, meeting the projected $1.2 million goal. Participants represented 48 states, highlighting the event’s national reach.
Board members in attendance at the meeting included Cindy Wright (District 1), Chairman Eric Johnson (District 2), Kurt Zehnder (District 3), Bob Schuldt (District 4), and Greg Myhre (District 5).
The meeting agenda was unanimously approved as well as the minutes from the previous board meeting of October 28.
The consent agenda was unanimously approved, including the appointment of Phillip Nielsen as a temporary Veteran Services driver and the retirement of Julie Renk, who was recognized for 32 years of service to Houston County
In other business, the board:
- Approved a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for Gerald Ladsten to build a dwelling on less than 40 acres in the Agricultural Protection District in Wilmington Township. The planning commission recommended approving the permit;
- Approved a zoning amendment to rezone land from the Agriculture Protection District to Residential in La Crescent Township for Ronald McKelvey Credit Trust and Christine Saudek Trust. The planning commission recommended approving the permit with one additional condition;
- Approved an Interim Use Permit (IUP) for Benjy and Martha Borntrager to operate a Level II Home Occupation for vinyl window construction in Wilmington Township. The planning commission recommended approving the permit with two additional conditions;
- Approved an IUP for Richfield Acres LLC to operate a cannabis microbusiness in the Agriculture Protection District in Spring Grove Township. It was noted that production is inside and the property is located on a dead-end road and there are no neighbors close by;
- Accepted a quote from WS Trucking & Construction LLC for snow removal at the Houston County Justice Center, the historical Houston County Courthouse, the Houston County Community Services Building, and the Caledonia Environmental Services Drop Site. Pogodzinski confirmed that if they do not remove snow, the county is not charged anything.
- Adopted Resolution No.25-38, final acceptance for SAP 028-610-021, Contract #5160 with Minnowa Construction Inc. for the bridge replacement on CSAH 10, the total cost was $457,591.78. The final payment is $22,879.59;
- Accepted a $200 donation from Auxiliary Post 6801 to the Veteran Services Office;
- Approved initiating a competitive search for one full-time Public Health and Human Services Department Eligibility Worker. The position is responsible for determining the eligibility for the medical systems program and SNAP food support, plus numerous others;
- Approved the Juvenile Detention Center Contract with Mower County and authorized Chairman Johnson to sign the contract;
- Reviewed and approved payments totaling $505,168.23.
With no closing comments, the meeting adjourned at 10:09 a.m.
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