Gertrud Kroshus Solem, 98, of Mabel, died Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at Green Lea Senior Living in Mabel. Gertrud Laurayne Kroshus Solem was born May 19, 1924, in Waterville, Iowa, to John and Selma (Bergland) Hancock. She was baptized and confirmed at Waterville Lutheran Church. Gertrud graduated from Waterville High School. After graduation, she moved to Decorah where … [Read more...]
James F. Todd
James F. Todd, 94, of Harmony, Minn., passed away on April 24, 2023. He was born January 29, 1929, to Stanley and Josephine (Clark) Todd in Sioux Falls, S. Dak. His family moved to Harmony when he was an infant, and his growing-up years were spent there. He graduated from Harmony High School in 1947. In 1951, he entered the Navy, was discharged in 1955, and went back to … [Read more...]
Leonard A. Plaehn
Leonard A. Plaehn, age 91, of Spring Valley, Minn., died Monday April 24, 2023, at Spring Valley Living. Leonard was born December 18, 1931, to Emma and Henry Plaehn; He was their tenth child. Leonard lived on farms in Grundy County, Iowa, until WWII when his older brothers left for the service and the family moved to Reinbeck, Iowa. He attended school there and graduated … [Read more...]
Shirley Whalen
Shirley Whalen, age 76, of rural Harmony, Minn., passed away in the early morning hours on Sunday, April 23, 2023, surrounded by her family. Shirley Mae was born on June 26, 1946, to Vendolin “Ven” and Agnes (Anderson) Beckman in Cresco, Iowa. She attended Harmony High School, graduating with the Class of 1964. On May 13, 1967, Shirley married the love of her life, David … [Read more...]
Dale Eugene Thomas
Dale Eugene Thomas was born May 18, 1936, to Adrian and Mildred Thomas. He died April 20, 2023. He is survived by his wife Shirley, siblings Glen, and Loraine Klomps; children Tammy, Theresa, Jeff and Cathy; and by his grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He is preceeded in death by siblings Lyle, Ellen Nickels, and Loran. Dale was a dairy farmer for more than 30 … [Read more...]
Fillmore and Houston County Police Reports
Caledonia Police Department Trevor James Mitchell, 36, Caledonia, Minn.; 1/25/2023, Driving After Revocation, Fine $200, Total Fees $275. Noah Easton Valentine, 26, Caledonia, Minn.; 1/25/2023, Miscellaneous Nuisances, Fine $75, Total Fees $150. Chatfield Police Department Jeffery Paul Larson, 45, Lakeville, Minn.; 3/4/2023, Duty to Drive With Due Care - Speed, Fine … [Read more...]
Over-the-counter livestock antibiotics are moving to prescription only on June 11
By Katie Drewitz University of Minnesota Extension PRESTON and CALEDONIA, MN (04/18/2023) — Starting June 11, 2023, all currently available over-the-counter antibiotics for livestock will be available only as prescription medications. This new rule will impact all livestock species. Over-the-counter antibiotics are moving to prescription only to provide more veterinary … [Read more...]
Blood drive in Harmony exceeds goal by four
The blood drive held in Harmony on March 28, 2023, succeeded in collecting 55 units of blood. There were 51 donors that presented, of which seven donated Power Reds (two units), and two were first-time donors. Congratulations to the following four donors who reached these milestones: •Brian Bratager – 8 gallons •Gerri Ehler – 5 gallons •Terri Lutes – 6 gallons •Erica … [Read more...]
Government this Week
Monday, April 24 •La Crescent City Council, City Hall, 5:30 p.m. •Caledonia City Council, City Hall, 6 p.m. •Rushford City Council, City Hall, 6:30 p.m. •Chatfield City Council, City Hall, 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 25 •Fillmore County Commissioners, Courthouse, 9 a.m. •Houston County Commissioners, Courthouse, 9 a.m. •Fillmore Central School Board, Elementary School, 6:30 … [Read more...]
New life: Easter and spring
By Pastor Nissa Peterson Chatfield and Root Prairie Lutheran Churches One of the things I love so much about spring is watching as different plants begin to sprout and grow. It starts with my daffodils, irises, and tulips. Then the grass begins to green, and buds on trees slowly begin to become leaves. It always feels like a miracle to have new growth and new life after a … [Read more...]








