|
Local legislators not optimistic about future economic picture
|
|
State Rep. Greg Davids, third from right, and State Sen. Sharon Erickson Ropes, far right, spent several hours discussing budget and highway issues with representatives from the Caledonia business community, the city council and county board Friday morning at the Caledonia Area Chamber of Commerce office. Photo by Charlie Warner
“Ugly” would not be too unkind of a word to describe what state legislators are currently facing in St. Paul. Things were bad in 2002-03 when the state was facing a $4.5 billion deficit. But there was the $2 billion tobacco fund and $1.5 “rainy day” fund to fall back on. Those safety nets aren’t there this time around. There will be drastic cuts in programs and services required to balance the state’s budget this time. And it appears as if these might be long-term cuts.
|
|
Read more...
|
|
|
Council puts one-year moratorium on all future mobile home parks
|
|
The Caledonia City Council imposed a one-year moratorium on all future mobile home parks within the city limits. The action was taken during the March 9 council meeting.
|
|
Read more...
|
|
|
Houston County decides to go with full-time EDA director
|
|
Stating that they want the county to be more pro-active when it comes to economic development, the Houston County Board agreed to advertise for a full-time EDA director. Once a person is hired, the county will cancel its contract with the Southeast Minnesota Development Corporation (SEMDC) for a part-time EDA director.
|
|
Read more...
|
|
|
Myhre named to Minnesota Livestock Breeders Hall of Fame
|
|
The Minnesota Livestock Breeders’ Association (MLBA) Hall of Fame was created in 1934 to honor people who have significantly contributed to the livestock industry in Minnesota. This week Caledonia area farmer Dean Myhre is set to receive the highest honored bestowed by the organization as he takes his place in the hall of fame amongst the 150 livestock breeders from around the state previously inducted. Spring Grove, Harmony, and Rochester have yielded a few inductees over the years but Myhre is the first from Caledonia.
|
|
Read more...
|
|
|
Judge Fabian puts Houston school’s $1.5 million HVAC project on hold
|
|
By Charlie Warner
Argus News Editor
The Houston School District will have to wait at least until April 2 before they will be permitted to award a $1.5 million contract to renovate the school’s heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system. On Wednesday, March 11, Houston County District Judge James Fabian issued a temporary restraining order, putting the awarding of the contract on hold until arguments can be reviewed.
Ryan Mechanical Inc. of Red Wing filed suit against the school district when the school board voted unanimously to award the HVAC contract to Winona Controls of Caledonia during a March 3 meeting. Ryan Mechanical and Winona Controls were the two lowest bidders out of five area contractors that submitted bids. Although the Red Wing-based company’s bid was $38,200 less than Winona Controls, the Houston School Board awarded the contract to the Caledonia-based company.
According to Houston Public Schools Superintendent Kim Ross, “It’s just not about the price, there are other factors involved. The contract was awarded based on the lowest responsible bid.”
The school district’s facility committee utilized a bid consideration analysis, which graded the two lowest bidders. Winona Controls received 57 points, while Ryan Mechanical received 51 points. The bid consideration analysis was created by a consulting firm hired by the school district.
For the complete story, see the March 18 issue of the Caledonia Argus.
|
|
|
While many folks have reported seeing robins back after a long winter in the Caledonia area, this is the first of the spunky red-breasted birds that stood still long enough to be photographed. This was one of several robins spotted Tuesday, March 10 looking for worms in a yard on North Hokah Street in the Foltz Addition. Photo by Charlie Warner
|
|
|
Chief Randy Shefelbine resigns effective May 31, 2009
|
By Charlie Warner
Argus News Editor
Caledonia Chief of Police Randy Shefelbine tendered his resignation as of May 31, 2009 during the March 9 city council meeting. Shefelbine, who has served as chief of police for the past five years, said it was a very tough decision, but is looking forward to trying some type of employment outside of law enforcement.
“I’d like to thank the community of Caledonia and the residents of Houston County for all their years of support and friendship. This is a great place to live and to work. I have very fond memories and have made many good friends,” the 30-year law enforcement veteran said Tuesday morning in an interview.
Shefelbine started his law enforcement career with the Houston County Sheriff’s Department on March 27, 1978 as a jailer/dispatcher. Several years later he became a part-time deputy and worked with civil process. In 1983 he was promoted to a road deputy and worked with the Southeast Minnesota Drug Task Force as an investigator. He then became an undercover investigator with the state drug task force.
He returned to the Houston County Sheriff’s Department and was promoted to sergeant, a position he held until five years ago when he was hired as the city’s chief of police.
“I want to spend more time with my children and family. This was a very difficult decision to make. But I really feel now is the right time to try something different. I guess I kind of know how Brett Favre felt,” he concluded with a laugh.
You can contact Charlie Warner at
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
|
|
For the third straight year, the Caledonia Warriors are the East Sub-Section 1AA champs. Pictured are, Front row: Managers Haley Lampert, Taylor Scholze, and Hannah Buttell, players Cassie Gran, Laquita Becker, Bobbi Jo Schuttemeier, Ari Albert, Megan King, Cari Dahlberg. Second row: Doc Schoeberl, Coach Carl Fruechte, team trainer, Libby Augedahl, Aly Meyer, Molly Mullins, Amber Sorenson, Lindsay Gran, Theresa Ellenz, Sadie Lange, assistant coach Kevin Klug, and Coach Scott Sorenson. For a complete write up of the Warriors’ wins, see the sports section. Photo by Greg Schieber
|
|
|
