There is a new gathering place in Mabel, Minn., that will have you feeling like royalty from the moment you walk in the door. Joe’s Pizza Palace and Pub is now open and serving happy customers. Owner Joe Houdek is pleased to have the new business up and running after a complete renovation was done. “We re-did the whole thing,” states Houdek. His Amish friends did most of … [Read more...]
Vander Plas new executive director of LACC
The Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce (LACC) has a new executive director with a very familiar face. Melissa Vander Plas has accepted the position following the resignation of her predecessor, Andrzej Zalasinski, who had served in the position since 2019. “I’m very happy to be here, and I think it’s going to be a good experience,” states Vander Plas. Vander Plas was … [Read more...]
Whalan Good Old Days coming soon
It was announced at the July 10 Whalan City Council meeting that the Whalan Good Old Days celebration will take place this summer. Present at the regularly scheduled council meeting were Mayor David Hallum along with council members Owen Lewis, Thore E. Johnson, Sheila Higbe and Kim Berekvam. City Clerk/Treasurer Michele Peterson was also in attendance. Two items were … [Read more...]
Lanesboro makes a statement with new mural
As a town known for its arts and culture, Lanesboro has now made a large statement in the form of a colorful Theatre District Mural. The mural, located at the corner of O’Koren Law Office, 204 Parkway Ave. N., was a collaborative effort between Lanesboro Arts and Commonweal Theatre, who partnered with Joe O’Koren who owns the building. Lanesboro Arts and Commonweal Theatre … [Read more...]
Norway touched heartstrings and artstrings
Breathtaking, amazing and awesome are just a few of the words I used repeatedly during a recent visit to Norway. Seeing such majestic scenes leaves a person awestruck and the words to describe what you are looking at do not seem to do them justice. I longed to go to Norway not only to discover more about my own ancestry, but also to learn about the country, where so many … [Read more...]
Whalan receives positive drinking water report
The Whalan City Council announced at their June 12 meeting that they have received a positive response to the city’s drinking water. Residents can rest assured knowing that their tap water is safe to consume. Present at the meeting were Mayor David Hallum along with council members Owen Lewis, Thore E. Johnson, Sheila Higbe and Kim Berekvam. City Clerk/Treasurer Michele … [Read more...]
Whalan City Council completes walking tour
The Whalan City Council completed their annual walking tour of the town on Tuesday, May 2. The purpose of the walking tour is to take notice of any issues that need to be addressed to make improvements to the functionality and the appearance of the city. Present at the May 8 regularly scheduled Whalan City Council meeting were Mayor David Hallum along with council members … [Read more...]
Tri-county area searches for Madeline Kingsbury
Like a story we all watch on Dateline, 48 Hours or a host of other shows on TV that always seem to take place far away from home, so distant, except this time it is all too real for the family and friends of 26-year-old Madeline Kingsbury of Winona, Minn., who disappeared on March 31, 2023. Kingsbury, the mother of two children, a five-year-old daughter and a two-year-old son, … [Read more...]
Whalan to gauge interest in hosting Stand Still Parade once again
After three years without a Stand Still Parade, there was a discussion at the April Whalan council meeting as to whether the event, which requires many volunteers, could possibly be held again. Present at the April 10 regularly scheduled council meeting were Mayor David Hallum, council members Thore E. Johnson, Owen Lewis, Kim Berekvam and Sheila Higbe, along with City Clerk … [Read more...]
On the path to a Driftless Hiking Trail
Steps are being taken toward creating a Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail, which is very exciting for area residents and visitors. A group of interested people attended Dinner on the Bluff: “Towards a Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail” at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center on February 11. Presenter Marty Walsh, who visualized the hiking trail and is spearheading the … [Read more...]