Tom Westby, 67, beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and friend, passed away in his home on April 24, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories. Tom was born in La Crosse, Wis., on March 29, 1957, to Harley and Joycelyn (Benson) Westby. He grew up in Houston, Minn., where he spent his formative years building a trophy-winning hot … [Read more...]
MDA Awards $150,000 to Combat Noxious Weeds 11 Projects to Receive Funds
ST PAUL, MN: The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has announced the recipients of its 2024 Noxious Weed and Invasive Plant Grant. Eleven projects totaling $150,000 were awarded though the grant. The money awarded to cities, counties, townships, conservation districts, and tribal nations will be used to purchase equipment and supplies, conduct mapping and outreach … [Read more...]
Properly Planting Trees
By Katie Drewitz Trees provide many things for our communities; beauty, energy conservation, reduction of soil erosion, filtering air pollutants, raising property values, a home for wildlife and so much more. Trees are an integral part of our home landscapes, neighborhoods and countryside. If you are looking to plant a tree for the upcoming Arbor Day or anytime this year, … [Read more...]
Fillmore and Houston County Police Reports
Caledonia Police Department Suzanne Marie Robinson, 43, Hokah, Minn., 3/12/2024, Operate Vehicle With Expired Registration, Fine $30, Total Fees $105. 3/12/2024, Expiration of Driver’s License - Over 21, Fine $100. Chatfield Police Department Noah Rahn Pinette, 20, Bloomington, Minn., 3/19/2024, Speeding (39/30), Fine $40, Total Fees $130. Kathleen Elizabeth … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotions: Walking in the Woods
By Pastor Mark Woodward Maple Leaf Parish Churches: Spring Valley: Faith, Cherry Grove, Fountain, Preston (and Lenora) In the spring before grass and plants begin to grow and before the trees leaf out, I love to walk in the woods. I feel renewed walking in remote areas during that time when winter ends and before spring unfolds. I walk on a carpet of brown leaves and … [Read more...]
Fillmore County District Court
On March 19, Logan Aaron Adler, 35, of Spring Valley, appeared before District Court Judge Jeremy Clinefelter. Adler is charged with Fleeing Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle, a felony with maximum criminal penalty of three years and one day imprisonment and/or a $5,000 fine. On or about March 17, within Fillmore County, a Sheriff’s Deputy allegedly observed a vehicle running … [Read more...]
Construction Begins on the Harmony Stateline Bike Trail
HARMONY, MN – The Harmony Economic Development Authority (EDA) is pleased to announce a golden shovel groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the start of construction extending the Harmony-Preston Valley state bike trail. The event will take place at 3 p.m. on Friday, May 3, 2024, in Harmony, Minn. A reception will follow the groundbreaking, in the warehouse at Harmony Spirits, … [Read more...]
Journal Writing Project: Be Still
By Maggie Dempewolf Be still like the calm before the storm. Be still like the world after it rains. Be still like the bird chirping on a warm summer’s day. Be still like fresh fallen snow. Be still and don’t let people get you down. Be still even when others hurt you, When it feels like the whole world is against you. Be still when the weight of the world feels … [Read more...]
College News
Honors List Fall 2023 Missouri University of Science and Technology: Tessa McMahon, Chatfield Palmer College of Chiropractic: Izabella Allison, LeRoy University of Minnesota Twin Cities: Priya Kingsley, Caledonia; Stephanie Bradt, Chatfield; Rylee Burnett, Chatfield; Katelyn Dornack, Chatfield; Abbi Gillespie, Chatfield; Anna Oehlke, Grand Meadow; Isabelle Olson, … [Read more...]
Alona J. Schmidt
Alona J Schmidt was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She met her heavenly father on April 23, 2024, at the age of 80. Alona was born to Orville and Elna Rask on September 1, 1943, in Caledonia, Minn. She was united in marriage to the love of her life, Laurence “Larry” Schmidt, at Wilmington Lutheran Church on December 12, 1969. Together they had four … [Read more...]