The Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day (began by Senator Gaylord Nelson, who gained a reputation as “the Father of Earth Day” as well as the “Conservation Governor”) may have been overshadowed by coronavirus pandemic updates, yet many Fillmore County readers remembering where they were on April 22, 1970, paused to reflect on the importance of environmental … [Read more...]
From neighborhood friends to newlyweds
The love Mingo and Mindy Kingsley uncovered as they grew from neighborhood friends to newlyweds seemed natural, yet getting to their June 15, 2019, wedding celebration took thoughtful planning and diligent hours of assistance from family and friends. Domingo (Mingo), son of Kerry and Jane (Hoag) Kingsley, is a 2008 graduate of Fillmore Central High School, graduated Upper … [Read more...]
Jim McCabe Volunteer firefighter retires after 48 years of service
The “adrenaline rush” many Emergency Medical Services - EMS experience is something Jim McCabe is familiar with working as a Volunteer Fireman in Spring Valley for 48 years. The decision to retire his gear was not an easy one and his epinephrine levels are still triggered when he hears an alarm to report to an emergency situation which Jim hears through the pager he carries … [Read more...]
Fighting drugs in our neighborhoods
On August 14 the Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office and Fillmore County Attorney’s Office teamed up at the Methodist Church in Fillmore, Minn., to address illegal drugs in Fillmore County. Topics covered education on the wide variety of illegal drugs as attendees learned how these substances are made and distributed. A strong emphasis was placed on how the residents of the … [Read more...]
Traveling the world
K.I.S.S. is the acronym Joanie Betsinger of Spring Valley uses to describe her approach to traveling as age moves one into the senior category. “Keep It Simple Silly!” says Joanie. “Know from the ‘get go’ that not everything is going to go according to your plan! Relax, be flexible. Take less, leave the worrying to the people you paid to guide you! Take your time, no one … [Read more...]
Renee Lechner – West Point ready
Plans are in place for Renee Lechner, a 2019 Kingsland graduate, to begin at United States Military Academy (USMA), better known as West Point, on July 1, 2019 – the official start of Cadet Basic Training. “I leave June 26 to spend a few days in New York with my family and then I report June 29,” says Spring Valley resident, Renee. “Basic Training is not the same as basic … [Read more...]
Good Earth Village celebrating 50 years – all year long
Located just north of Spring Valley, Minn., Good Earth Village remains one of the “best kept secrets” of the area, but the camp staff members are hopeful the word is getting out in 2019 as opportunities to celebrate the 50th anniversary begin! Years of praying, planning, and constructing were necessary before this family friendly campground began, so those making plans for the … [Read more...]
Dr. Whalen – giving The Masters’ experience
Raised on a farm in Fillmore County, 1968 graduate of Harmony High School Dr. Len Whalen learned to golf with his college bowling teammates in Winona when he was 21. Golfing became more routine in his life after opening his chiropractic practice in Zephyrhills, Fla. After attending The Masters practice golf tournament in Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia with some … [Read more...]
Spring Valley’s downtown gets a facelift with business expansion
Chateau de Chic recently made changes, creating three distinct businesses in Spring Valley’s downtown district. There is something for everyone at Chateau de Chic Salon, Spa & Boutique, and Some Like it Hot Cakes & Catering. Owner Jenn Slifka reminds readers, “We have been operating as a salon and boutique in the same building for seven years, and wanted to split the … [Read more...]
Area artist’s creations bring cheer
An artistic flare seems to have always been a part of the life of Luanne (Wentworth) Peterson, so it is no surprise she is able to take a skein of yarn and create beautiful and useful stocking hats which are donated to cancer patients and others experiencing medical trials. Luanne has been known in the Harmony area as the hard working farmer and wife of the late Lloyd … [Read more...]
