Caledonia Argus

Year in Review

Posted: 1/7/03

Week of January 2........Jeanne Misch saves her home after pulling burning doors that caught on fire from leaning against the pipe of her wood stove in the basement. Burglaries plague five Caledonia businesses: Kraus Oil, Good Times, Redwood Cafe, Green Power and Starlite Bowling Center. City of Houston will open its first library. Caledonia boyís basketball team remains undefeated. Deaths: Melvin Heintz, 78, Caledonia; Robert Breeser, 77, Lanesboro; Melinda Kohlmeier, 86, Caledonia; Bob Lager, 46, formerly of Caledonia.

Week of January 9........The school districtís budget cutting committee is to look for ways to cut at least $125,000 from next yearís budget by January 31, 2002. CHS Superintendent Percy Lingen has informed board members and staff that she is interviewing for positions in two other districts. Kevin Kelleher is new chair of county board. Houston County Sheriff Mike Lee files for third term. Mort La Fleur, of the Houston/Hokah area, was a support runner for the Olympic Torch as it traveled through Milwaukee. Deaths: George Lister, 83, Hokah; Evelyn Langlie, 85, Spring Grove; Jared Hammell, 17, Chatfield; Marcia Weichert, 51, Fairmont.

Week of January 16.........Susan Welscher family publishes cookbook. Phyllis Shoppe to close next month. Kevin Kelleher meets Gov. Ventura, discusses budget cuts. Mike Roellich, eighth grader at St. Johnís Elementary School, won the school-level National Geographic Bee. Jesse Acker and Avery Becker earned Presidential Physical Fitness awards. Boys basketball team ranks 7th in state. Deaths: Neil Kumpf, 71, Dorchester; Elva Maser, 76, Caledonia; Olga Sanness, 89, Spring Grove.

Week of January 23..........Lowell and Margie Birkeland, married 50 years, and John and Judy Schroeder, married 40 years, were featured in the Bridal edition of the Argus. Duane and Linda Covey have sold Little Miami to Tim and Sandy Pattrin of Wayzata, MN. After being in business 67 years, Earl Wagner of Wagner Insurance sold his business to Eitzen State Bank. Minnesota State Representative Michelle Rifenberg tours new school. Deaths: Ronnie Lange, 31, Houston; Dean Gjedrem, 47, La Crescent; Arthur Augedahl, 76, Brownsville.

Week of January 30........Fire claims hay shed on Darrell Neumann farm in Jefferson Township. Solution may be closer for residents with water problems on McPhail Street. Survey says youth donít feel valued by adults in community. Decision on technology bid is delayed by school board. Deaths: Marie Wiemerslage, 92, Waukon, IA; Frieda Meyer, 96, Eitzen; Ruth Breeser, 63, Caledonia; Mildred Almeter, 88, La Crescent; Herbert Herold, 76, Hokah.

Week of February 6........Approximately $15,000 to $25,000 in damage to the new middle/high school was discovered early Monday morning. This district is trying to cut $198,000 from its budget next year in order to keep in line with its plan to get out of statutory operating debt in the next three to five years. The Minnesota Chapter of the National Wildlife Turkey Federation presented its 2001 Conservation Officer of the Year Award to Dean Olson. Deaths: Raymond Olson, 88, Spring Grove; Marlin Schulze, 70, LaCrosse; Joel Thery, 63, Caledonia

Continued next week

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