Area News

Ice fully blocking culverts is causing expensive damage By Anna Jauhola A strange situation has developed in Poppleton Township northeast of Lancaster. The Kittson County Commissioners heard Tuesday, April 19 that two concrete box culverts are completely blocked by ice. This forced water in the ditch to breach Township Road 68 and cause damage around…

By Anna Jauhola Nestled on the western edge of Percy Township, just north of Lake Bronson, is a woman with a great ability. “I’m kind of an early calf whisperer,” said Kathy Levenhagen, laughing. A couple weeks ago, the Levenhagens’ neighbor had a cow give birth to a very premature calf. Kathy’s husband, Rick, brought…

Marie Lindstrom passes on Ukrainian Easter egg hobby to great-niece By Anna Jauhola Even in a strict Ukrainian household in the far reaches of Kittson County, there were colorful traditions that made life interesting and entertaining. Marie (Weleski) Lindstrom, who grew up in Caribou just 1 mile from the Canadian border, remembers Fourth of July…

Hallock farmer finishes presidency with national sugarbeet group By Anna Jauhola Dan Younggren did not expect to be president of a national organization during a worldwide pandemic. But he regrets nothing about the last two years. Like with everything growers handle, he took the hand and played the cards he was dealt. Younggren was elected…

By Anna Jauhola Within the next month, the state will likely have an engineering consultant in place for the dam replacement project at Lake Bronson. Jason Boyle, state dam safety engineer with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, said proposals were due Wednesday, Jan. 19 and his office is currently reviewing those received. “We hope…

By Anna Jauhola Over the last couple of weeks, Kittson County has been experiencing a classic freeze-thaw spring. Considering how much snow fell this winter — between 40 and 60 inches — that is probably the most favorable scenario possible. Not only will it help prevent any extensive flooding, the slow melt will give soils…

By Anna Jauhola Snow depths over 15 inches. Many days with below zero temperatures. Heavy winds causing blowing snow and crust. Predators. These are all factors that have affected the deer population in Kittson County throughout this particularly harsh winter. However, overall the deer appear to be adapting well to the situation. “The last two…

By Anna Jauhola This winter has been a tad brutal and those on snow removal duty in the county have felt it the most. The official weather station at the Lake Bronson Dam has recorded more than 43 inches of snow since Dec. 5. Reports from Hallock have shown 60 inches. And those totals are…

By Anna Jauhola Kittson County Hospice continues to look toward the future with a new administrator, consistent income and strong support from volunteers and the area communities. The hospice board held its annual meeting on Friday, Feb. 25. They recently hired Macyn Lofstrom, RN, as a paid administrator for the program. For the last 18…