By Ben Udstuen Many people know artificial intelligence as a bad and scary thing, because of stories they hear or movies they see, portraying it as evil. I believe that someday it could get to that point, but hopefully society catches it before we get there. AI is also misconstrued as a whole, and not seen by everyone as a potential tool. The completion of tasks can be sped … [Read more...]
Blessed Memories
By Pastor Mark Woodward Maple Leaf Parish Churches: Spring Valley: Faith, Cherry Grove, Fountain, Preston (and Lenora) When I was growing up, I loved visiting the family farm in the small Iowa village of Ticonic located about 35 miles from Sioux City. On this farm lived my two favorite uncles who were indeed “characters” in their own way. Their house and the neighboring … [Read more...]
Fillmore and Houston County Police Reports
Chatfield Police Department Harley Dean Becker, 26, Rochester, Minn.; 10/25/2023, Driving After Revocation, Fine $200, Total Fees $290. 10/25/2023, Speeding (49/30), Fine $60. Zachary James Laird, 23, Minneapolis, Minn.; 10/17/2023, Driving After Revocation, Fine $200, Total Fees $290. Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office Rick Lance Benson, 61, Mabel, Minn.; … [Read more...]
Words from David Dunn, Preston Veterans Home Administrator
The new year is underway, and the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs has opened their first new veterans home in over 25 years here in beautiful Preston! We officially opened our doors on January 3, 2024, admitting our first four residents. As a veteran myself I am honored and excited to lead this phenomenal team and serve fellow veterans. Sitting on top of the 15-acre … [Read more...]
James “Jim” Amdahl
James “Jim” Amdahl, 73, of Flandreau, S. Dak., passed away on Sunday, January 14, 2024, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, January 22, 2024, at the Flandreau Community Center. Visitation with the family present will take place from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at Skroch Funeral Chapel in Flandreau. Jim was … [Read more...]
Diane B. Wendt
Diane B. Wendt, 79, passed away on Monday, January 15, 2024, at Chosen Valley Care Center in Chatfield, Minn. Diane Beverly (Hongerholt) Wendt was born on April 1, 1944, in Lanesboro, Minn. to parents Henry and Clara (Hanson) Hongerholt. On December 1, 1962, she married the love of her life, Richard “Dick” Wendt, at First Highland Lutheran Church in Highland, Minn. Diane … [Read more...]
Shirley Ann Casterton
Shirley Ann Casterton was born on October 31, 1937, in Decorah, Iowa, to Richard and Lillie Mae (Aga) Thompson. She was baptized and confirmed at Ridgeway United Lutheran Church in Ridgeway, Iowa. Shirley’s early years were marked by love and learning. From kindergarten through second grade, she attended Lincoln #6 with her mother as her teacher. She completed the … [Read more...]
Sister Gertrude (Trudy) Schommer
Sister Gertrude (Trudy) Schommer, age 86, died on January 9, 2024, at St. Francis Convent, Little Falls, Minn. Sister Trudy was born on May 18, 1937, in Wayzata, Minn. She was the fourth of five children born to the late Edward and Gertrude (Mergen) Schommer. She was accepted as a Franciscan Sister of Little Falls, Minnesota, on July 31, 1955. She was a Franciscan Sister for … [Read more...]
Mary Anderson
Mary Anderson, 72, died unexpectedly at her home in Ostrander on Saturday, January 13th, 2024. Mary was born May 10, 1951, in Austin, Minn., the daughter of Nordahl and Verna (Jackson) Braaten. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin. Mary graduated from Austin High School, Austin Community College, and St. Cloud State University with her … [Read more...]
Gloria Karmona (Bratland) Roble
Gloria Karmona (Bratland) Roble, age 91, passed away at home after over a year battle with stomach cancer on January 11, 2024. Gloria was born on October 10, 1932, in Spring Grove, Minn., the daughter of Kenneth and Gladys (Olson) Bratland. She spent 12 years at Spring Grove schools, graduating in 1951. She attended college in Minneapolis and worked for an insurance … [Read more...]