Being drawn by the flourishing audiobook market, Tom and Ben Kelley bring their exciting vision of The Audio Bakery to Spring Valley. The transformation of the old Spring Valley Bakery is underway with the introduction of this new audio-bakery business. “Our audiobook production facility offers a real ‘baker’s dozen’ on Broadway Avenue with a lovely glass store-front and all … [Read more...]
Field of Flags acknowledges emergency responders’ PTSD battle
Researchers studying Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are constantly evaluating the powerful way a tragic memory is defined in time and how physical triggers can instantly draw a person into that memory. The event - usually a terrifying one – which is experienced or witnessed can bring symptoms including nightmares, flashbacks and severe anxiety. Jenny Czapiewski and … [Read more...]
Schumacher generations acknowledged as Century Farm
An official notice in March 2022 was delivered to Sherry Pfremmer of rural Spring Valley signed by Marie LeFebvre of Century Farms stating, “Let it be known that this farm, Schumacher Farm has been in continuous agricultural operation since nineteen hundred and twenty two, signifying more than 100 years of contributions to the community, state, nation and world.” The process … [Read more...]
Andrea Hindt cultivating creativity in southeastern Minnesota
Andrea Hindt of rural Spring Valley has been expressing herself artistically since her elementary school days. “In third grade, I would draw pictures for my teacher and classmates,” says Andrea. “Growing up, the Sunday comic pages were the best! I loved to read them. My twin sister, Anji Bennett, and I would draw cartoons and we used to say ‘when we grow up’ we want to have … [Read more...]
In Harmony with being an active senior
Uniting the Harmony area with a culture on the other side of the world, “Jottings from Japan” became a favorite column of area residents for many years. These columns told of the adventure of teaching at international schools - Cindy at the Sacred Heart and Doug at Saint Mary’s, which allowed this couple a unique understanding of the Japanese people and culture. After teaching … [Read more...]
Love for the universal language of music resonates in Fillmore County
Elliott Grandall has been privileged to have been introduced to a relationship with music his entire life. Now, in retirement, after many years of teaching in Kingsland Public Schools, Elliott is still actively engaged with music, sharing his vast knowledge and enthusiasm in Southeastern Minnesota. Elliott reflects, “In retrospect, I realize how incredibly blessed I have been … [Read more...]
Fins and Films – drive in to the good ole days
The fascination of automobiles coupled with a desire to positively influence Spring Valley’s downtown image inspired Greg Melartin to create an event in 2017 called Fins and Films. “I moved back to Spring Valley in 2015 and noticed that the downtown area was in a slump. “I am a car guy through and through, absolutely loving the automobile and the culture. I thought … [Read more...]
Hobby: A new mosaic art form – diamond painting
The sparkle in the eyes of Melody Raveill – Spring Valley is a reflection of the joy she has when working on, then completing one of her diamond paintings. A couple years ago, a family member had gifted her a small kit and she knew this hobby was a keeper. “I liked working with the small diamonds right away, finding it both challenging and relaxing. I’ve finished many … [Read more...]
Award winning tree farmer is focused on woodland management
When the staff of the Fillmore County Journal was informed that Minnesota’s 2020 Regional and State Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year was an area resident, Janet Erdman of rural Preston, we made contact with her. Although she was reluctant to offer information regarding herself, Janet wholeheartedly agreed to the need for an article on the benefits of woodland management, … [Read more...]
Draft horses are a hobby for the Apenhorst family
Immersed on a farm south of Spring Valley, the Apenhorst family can be found working with their hobby of Belgian Draft Horses. Lynn Apenhorst takes pride in grooming and driving their Blond Belgians as well as working at the Rochester International Airport and farming, while his wife Lisa (Paulsen) Apenhorst is employed at the Kingsland High School as a paraprofessional. These … [Read more...]
