Ironic that a person so beloved for his writing would be known for this quote: “Where words fail, music speaks” – Hans Christian Anderson. And yet, for those who have been profoundly moved by music this sentiment rings true. There are times when music can communicate what ordinary speech cannot, and in so doing it gives us a medium to express ourselves. In Preston, Minn., there … [Read more...]
Hobby: A good catch – the rewards of fishing
American author Zane Grey once wrote, “If I fished only to capture fish, my fishing trips would have ended long ago.” This philosophy eloquently describes the unseen rewards of fishing, and Brent Afseth is one fisherman who finds joy in more than just the catch. Brent’s earliest memories of fishing include going with his dad to Mille Lacs lake and staying at McQuoid’s resort. … [Read more...]
Keeping on track and winning the Heisman Scholarship
On November 3, 2020, Kaylee Arndt got a call from her English teacher to tell her the news. In fact, the news was staring at her in the face as she read the email. The email was the one she had been waiting for, and her patience paid off. Congratulations to Kaylee Arndt of Fillmore Central High School, state winner of the Heisman High School Scholarship. Considering she was one … [Read more...]
Making the most of murals
Have you ever seen a mural larger than life and wondered how the artist was able to paint it? The enormity of mural painting is fascinating and you don’t have to go all the way to some big city to appreciate it because there is a mural artist close by. Meet Wanda Scheevel, age 46, from Harmony, Minn. Wanda has lived in Harmony most of her life. She moved here in 2nd … [Read more...]
Big screen, big ideas – what to look forward to at the JEM Theatre
Doors that are usually open had to close suddenly during the March-April shutdown. The ticket window was dark, and the popcorn popper was still and quiet. The seats, so recently filled with friends and families, sat empty, and an empty theatre could have been a sign of the times. No new movies could have meant no more movies if the theatre closed down, but with the incredible … [Read more...]
Stand-out rustic charm at Baukol’s Barrels
Rustic decor is all the craze nowadays and it is a style type that is considered natural, aged, organic, and maybe even a little rough around the edges. For those hoping to add more rustic charm to their home or to a special event, there is a business in Preston, Minn., that fits the bill. Baukol’s Barrels is a custom furniture and decor store that specializes in creating … [Read more...]
Terrific trains, a model for the times
Steve Jobs was known to say, “Innovation is the ability to see change as an opportunity – not a threat.” For one man, the lockdown in March and the following months of isolation during COVID-19 was his opportunity for ingenuity and innovation. Meet Jim Meyer of Spring Valley, Minn., who has a passion for model railroading. He started model railroading 23 years ago, and would … [Read more...]
Browsing broadband career with Jill Huffman
For Jill Huffman, her passion has always been technology-driven. “I like technology, I like the advancements in technology and what it does to change people’s lives.” Jill is General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of Spring Grove Communications, Harmony Telephone and MiBroadband. The trajectory of her career path began after graduating from Preston High School in 1992. … [Read more...]
Gwen Stier knows doors
Whoever is in the market for a garage door will be amazed at the incredible amount of colors and finishes offered, but it wasn’t always this way. Gwen Stier of Spring Valley Overhead Doors remembers how business changed and evolved. “Years ago, the color choices were so limited, and now they’ve come so far with that!” According to Gwen, “The first doors we ever put in were wood … [Read more...]
Gem of a gym – Wykoff Health and Recreation Center
A whopping 60,000 feet of opportunity. When Kingsland Middle School closed three years ago, the City of Wykoff had the chance to buy the building and repurpose it. When the City of Wykoff decided to pass, it was auctioned, bought, and then generously given to the Wykoff Commons Project. A whole team of people have put their hearts into this project, including nine members of … [Read more...]
Emergency ambulance services amidst the COVID-19 pandemic
The earliest way of summoning emergency services was by ringing a bell, either mounted atop the station or in the belfry of a local church. Now we expect the wail of an approaching ambulance siren whenever there is a medical emergency. For some the noise is startling, and for others it is the sound of safety – a reminder that there are professionals protecting the community. … [Read more...]