An excited crowd gathered at Sylvan Park in Lanesboro, Minn., the evening of November 27, to experience the inaugural lighting of Legion Lights. A group of hardworking residents came together to make it happen with support from many area residents and businesses. There was also plenty of Christmas spirit during Experience the Magic of Lanesboro which took place November 30. The … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotions – Of White Christmas and Advent
By Rev. Debra Jene Collum Chatfield United Methodist In my Christian tradition it is generally thought that singing Christmas hymns should wait until the day of Christmas Eve. Most of us in mainline Protestant churches fudge on that a little. We recognize that banning Christmas carols until Christmas Eve isn’t practical or even good practice. So in my congregational … [Read more...]
Journal Writing Project – The Breakthrough of Rhino IVF
By Sylas Flatin The northern white rhino, one of the most critically endangered subspecies on Earth, stands at the brink of extinction with only two surviving females. Recent advance-ments in reproductive technology, particularly in vitro fertilization (IVF), have provided new hope in the battle to save this species. These developments mark a crucial milestone in wildlife … [Read more...]
Fillmore and Houston County Land Rent Survey Results
By Katie Drewitz Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s land rent survey. Survey results indicate a continued increase of rates in Fillmore County. Houston County saw a decrease in rates from the 2023-2024 survey. Historic rates and land rent resources are available at both the Fillmore and Houston County Extension offices. According to our survey results, … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Receives $100,000 Grant for Rural Business Development
The city of Lanesboro was recently awarded $100,000 in USDA grant funds to support business development, expansion, and succession. This is Lanesboro’s second $100,000 grant within a four-year span. The purpose of the USDA grant program is to promote economic development and job creation. Applicants for these grant funds, such as the city of Lanesboro, compete for grant dollars … [Read more...]
Fillmore and Houston County Police Reports
Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office Ruiz Vega Fernando, 21, Chicago, Ill., 10/18/2024, Speeding (80/60), Fine $70, Total Fees $225. Tyler Robert Gulbranson, 18, Preston, Minn., 11/19/2024, Speeding (64/55), Fine $40, Total Fees $125. Ashley Rose McConnell, 38, Spring Valley, Minn., 3/23/2024, Domestic Assault (Concurrent/Consecutive), Fine $50, Total Fees $215. Local … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Flashback Martin Bergen: Harmony’s Violin Maker
By Bretta Grabau Fillmore County Historical Society Martin was born to Hans and Turine Johnson in 1876. Hans changed his name to Johnson when arriving in America from Norway, where his surname had been Bergen. Some of his children used the Johnson name and some used Bergen. Martin used both names. He lived in Harmony for a time under the Johnson name during his early … [Read more...]
Jeffrey Gordon Redalen
Jeffrey “Jeff” Gordon Redalen passed away at his home near Fountain, Minn., on Sunday, November 24, 2024. Jeff was born November 14, 1956, in Lanesboro, Minn., to Joyce (Grindland) and Elton Redalen. He was the sixth of seven children, and the youngest boy of the family. Elton and Joyce raised their family on a dairy farm in rural Fountain, where Jeff grew up surrounded by … [Read more...]
Karen Kay Beenblossom
Karen Kay Beenblossom, age 82, of Stewartville, passed away peacefully at the Stewartville Care Center on December 1, 2024. Karen was born as the only daughter of John and Margaret (Saxton) Knoepke on October 5, 1942, in Preston, Minn. As a child, Karen grew up on various farms in the Fountain and Wykoff area. She graduated from Wykoff High School in 1960. Growing up on the … [Read more...]
Robert W. Bunke
Robert W. Bunke left his home in Rochester, Minn., and went to heaven November 30, 2024. He was born May 3, 1927, on a farm in Hart, Minn. His 97 years on this earth were first formed by growing up in a family of loving parents, Paul and Ragna Bunke, along with 12 siblings. Robert is now joining his parents and all his brothers and sisters who have gone before him: Paul, … [Read more...]