Dennis O’Connell (holding plaque) was officially sworn in as Caledonia’s postmaster Aug. 29. O’Connell has been serving as the local postmaster for several months. Also present during the ceremony are, from left, Houston postmaster Eileen Przytarski, La Crescent postmaster Bruce Muenkel, Mike O’Connell (Dennis’ father), and Lisa Ebner, manager of post office operations- North District.
                                    Photo by Charlie Warner  

Mary Colsch of Caledonia is a small, silver-haired 75-year-old mother of 15, with 51 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
Last week, while taking in the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colsch became a jailbird…aka #5532. She was also mentioned on Rush Limbaugh’s radio show, as one of 13 persons arrested while protesting against Barack Obama’s pro choice stand.

Mark Leonard Heintz, of Houston, was found not guilty  by a 12-person jury on Tuesday, Aug. 26 in the Money Creek Haven arson fire case.

Heintz  was charged on December 29, 2007 with first and second degree arson for the 2004 fire that destroyed Money Creek Haven Lodge. Following six days of testimony, it took the jury three hours to find Heintz not guilty of either charge. The jury’s verdict was read Tuesday evening, around 7 p.m.

Mark Heintz 

Warm, sunny weather has helped with the progress of the Highway 76 repaving project between Caledonia and Eitzen. Last week crews were putting the final lift on a section of road just north of Eitzen. One mile-long wet spot near the Dunromin Campground turn-off has slowed progress. Officials noted with good weather, the project should be done within two weeks.        Photo by Charlie Warner