HOUSTON, Minn. — The International Owl Center in Houston has reached a $1.5 million milestone in a fund-raising campaign to build a world-class aviary and tourist attraction on the Root River. Karla Bloem, who runs the center, said the project has been buoyed by a $90,000 gift from a supporter in LaCrosse. There also has been a $10, 000 gift from a Nebraska visitor, she said. Bloem noted that Houston, population 990, cannot generate enough local capital for the project, no matter the long-term tourism and other financial benefits. The campaign goal: $17.3 million.
Earlier: Owl Center unveils future home sketches