Sandy Tammel was headed down a painful and unhealthy road after slowly gaining weight over many years, resulting in her becoming overweight in her later years, which created many health issues and accumulating medical bills. Tammel had high cholesterol and triglycerides, became pre-diabetic, and was also dealing with fibromyalgia and arthritis in her hips, knees and lower … [Read more...]
Farmers Insurance; Nicole Johnson Agency opens in Harmony
After working for others for many years Nicole Johnson of Harmony, Minn., decided it was time to insure her own happiness and the happiness of her family. Fortunately for area residents, she has also decided to insure them as well. Johnson has recently become an Insurance Agent with Farmers Insurance and now has her office up and running at 25 First Street NW in … [Read more...]
New mayor, council members in Whalan
To begin the January 9, 2017 regularly scheduled council meeting in Whalan, Minn., the newly elected mayor and council members were sworn in. After being sworn in, Mayor Marlys Tuftin and Council members Wyatt Berekvam and Owen Lewis were congratulated and welcomed as council members. New council member, Kim Berekvam was absent and will be sworn in at the February 2017 … [Read more...]
Faith, family and friends matter most after house fire
If not for faith, family and friends, the Meier family of rural Peterson, Minn., do not know how they would have coped with the devastating fire that took their home on December 27, 2016. As it was just two days after Christmas, Evan and Shannon Meier had all three of their children at home that day on winter break from school. The family was going to spend some time with … [Read more...]
Friends paddle through 2016
A love of canoeing and the outdoors brought two lifelong friends together to fulfill a goal in 2016. Jason Worden of Chatfield, Minn., and Jeremy Rabe of La Crescent, Minn., grew up together in Chatfield, were in the same graduating class of 1996, and have remained close friends since. Although “life” happens - people get married and have children, responsibilities … [Read more...]
Bick n Berry Boutique opens to a crowd
A fresh and exciting addition has come to Chatfield, Minn., in the form of the new Bick n Berry Boutique, which is receiving rave reviews from customers. Angie Bicknese and Brayonna Berry have teamed their creativity and seemingly endless energy to create a shopping experience that is as unique and fun as they are. The idea for a boutique came about “kind of on a whim,” … [Read more...]
Whalan City Council holds hearing, then meeting
The Whalan City Council met for a special public hearing on December 12, 2016 at 5 p.m. to hear a response from a resident in regards to junk items on their premises. The council felt it had become a nuisance. With City Attorney Terry Chiglo in attendance, the council heard from a member of that household who attended the hearing to respond to a nuisance order. The resident … [Read more...]
Youth actors shine in A Christmas Carol
As the Commonweal Theatre in Lanesboro, Minn., presents its rendition of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, area residents are fortunate to see four very talented local youth actors on stage along with seasoned veteran actors and actresses. Siblings William and Vivienne Hoeltzle, children of Michelle Van Hee and Kevin Hoeltzle, both of Canton, Minn., play the children’s … [Read more...]
Hats off to local school dance teams
It seems that everyone, including our young people, have such busy schedules and so many responsibilities to tackle each and every day. So when the members of the dance teams in our area schools put such dedication into their routines you know how much dance means to them. Melissa Delaney, coach of the Chatfield varsity dance team has 11 members on her team. Not only does … [Read more...]
Many gave to the max in 2016
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation’s Give to the Max Day is an annual event held statewide on November 17 that focuses on supporting local non-profit organizations in your community. It was evident again this year, it’s eighth year, how much Give to the Max day means to residents in the area and the importance of the work the foundations do. Sue Kolling, President of … [Read more...]