Spring Valley resident Jan Poldervaard and Rochester residents Kathleen Smith, Bryan and Dennis Dormady never met their uncle, Robert Franklin Dormady (fondly known as Frank). Though the four siblings never got to know their uncle in person, they know him thanks to the letters he sent his family members while serving in the Army during WWII. Dormady’s letters were transcribed … [Read more...]
Celebrate all military this May
Memorial Day is celebrated each May to commemorate the people who died in service of the United States of America. Even though barbecues and visions of the upcoming summer weather may command much of the attention come Memorial Day weekend, the holiday really serves as a remembrance for those military members who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country, as well as the … [Read more...]
Coopers appreciate rewards of beef farm ownership
Although Ross Cooper took ownership of his land a quarter of a century ago, he has been farming his entire life. Raised in Fillmore County and graduating from Spring Valley High School, Ross married Maribeth in 1998 and they embraced a journey to remain in a rural setting. Maribeth (also employed with the City of Rochester) is a master at blending the roles of the business and … [Read more...]
Unique BueLingo cattle raised on the Groth family farm
A Sunday drive in the Driftless region southeast of Spring Grove led to a herd of unfamiliar black and red cattle with a white belt around their middle. Not recognizing the breed required stopping to take pictures, not realizing there was also a story to tell. Following is the story of a three-generation family cattle operation and their unique cattle. Luther Groth … [Read more...]
The University of Minnesota Extension has a new cow podcast, “The Moos Room”
The University of Minnesota Beef and Dairy Teams are now producing a cow podcast called “The Moos Room.” The podcast is hosted by Joe Armstrong, Brad Heins, and Emily Krekelberg, and is made for both beef and dairy producers. “The Moos Room” is free to stream or download and available on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. The cattle focused podcast discusses relevant topics … [Read more...]
Don’t overlook the importance of water
The earth is 75% covered in it. Our bodies are made up of more than 60% of it. We can only survive 4 days without it. I’m talking of course about water. It is considered one of our most important natural resources and is the most essential nutrient to our diets. That’s not just for humans, though–it’s true for livestock, too! Most livestock can survive for two months without … [Read more...]
S&A Petroleum implements measures to keep BP employees and customers safe
The global corporate office for the familiar lime-green BP convenience store brand proudly announces on bp.com that “Safety is our core value.” The site lists recommended safety measures that their retail stores follow as well as “stores not operated directly by BP to help them operate to similarly high standards.” How have they adapted for employee safety? There are not any … [Read more...]
Thank you, COVID-19 frontline heroes
The assignment was simple. Interview and take photographs of COVID-19 frontline heroes in area grocery stores. Half expecting to find scared and frustrated employees turned into a week of smiles. After hearing all the accolades and reasons for working during the pandemic from the cashiers, baggers, stock clerks, deli workers, meat cutters, and store managers, it became apparent … [Read more...]
Brooke Schwebach ready to fulfill her dream!
When I interviewed Brooke Schwebach of Fountain, Minn., I found it serendipitous that I recently watched Ford vs. Ferrari and visited the NASCAR museum in Charlotte, N.C. Since these two experiences equal the sum of my car racing knowledge, I had a lot of basic questions for Brooke. Brooke’s car is a Monte Carlo handed down to her by her husband Nick, who is also a racer. … [Read more...]
