Odell Jerome Johnson passed away on February 19, 2023, at the age of 101. Odell was born on July 19, 1921, to John Martin and Cora (Sanden) Johnson in Hesper, Iowa. He attended Newhouse country school and graduated from Mabel High School in 1940. He was a lifelong member of Mabel First Lutheran Church. Odell enlisted in the Army Air Corp in February 1942. He received … [Read more...]
Margaret Doloris (Gaustad) Anderson
On February 17, 2023, Margaret Doloris (Gaustad) Anderson made her transition to Heaven while at Valley View Healthcare in Houston. Within three weeks she suffered a stroke which was followed by the onset of COVID-19. Margaret was born on March 24 1930, to Peter and Senell (Gundersen) Gaustad. In 1952, she married her high school sweetheart, Robert Anderson. They celebrated … [Read more...]
Evelyn Lena Augusta Halverson
Evelyn Lena Augusta Halverson, 89 of Caledonia, Minn., went to her heavenly home on February 18, 2023. She left this world peacefully surrounded by a room full of loved ones at Mayo Hospital. Evelyn was born to Lydia and Dewey Heaney on May 8, 1933, in Caledonia. On April 14, 1952, she married Herman Halverson and together they built a life they loved. Evelyn dedicated her … [Read more...]
Lloyd F. Hebig
Lloyd F. Hebig, 82, of Stewartville, Minn., died on Friday February 3, 2023, of natural causes, at his home. Lloyd Francis Hebig was born on November 29, 1940, in Cresco, Iowa, to Archie and Sylvia (Jorgenson) Hebig. He grew up on the family farm in rural Spring Valley, and attended Spring Valley schools, graduating from Spring Valley High School in 1958. He enlisted into … [Read more...]
Carroll A. Marzolf
Carroll A. Marzolf, 91, of Preston, Minn., died on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at the Gundersen Harmony Care Center in Harmony, Minn. Carroll Arthur Marzolf was born December 19, 1931, to John and Anna (Bender) Marzolf, the youngest of seven children. He attended country school through eighth grade, then graduated from Preston High School with the Class of 1948. In 1957, … [Read more...]
Minnesota Veterans Homes receive $80,000 donation from Hutchinson VFW
St. Paul, MN – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) was honored to receive a very generous donation of $80,000 from the Department of Minnesota Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Charles McLaughlin Post 906 in Hutchinson, Minn. This donation was specifically directed to each individual State Veterans Home, which will receive $10,000 per location. Department of … [Read more...]
Southern MN Initiative Foundation seeking applications for Early Literacy Grants
OWATONNA, MN – Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), in partnershipa with publishing companies Capstone and ABDO, is accepting applications for its Early Literacy Grant program. This grant is designed to support early literacy efforts that enhance school readiness for children birth to age eight by providing children with books. Nonprofit organizations working with … [Read more...]
Tree pruning
University of Minnesota Extension By mid-February perhaps you are looking to spend a little more time outdoors. There are a few tasks you can focus on to help get you ready for spring, including pruning your trees. An old rule of thumb was to prune in winter while the plant was dormant. For best results, we need to be a bit more specific than that, but it’s a start. When to … [Read more...]
Birth Announcement – Honor Jane
Honor Jane On January 18, 2023, Derreck and Stephanie Vreeman of Spring Valley welcomed a baby girl, Honor Jane. She measured in at 9 lbs and 20 inches long. She was welcomed home by sisters Haley and Hope, grandparents Jerry and Judy Vreeman and Bryan and Kathy O’Connell all of Spring Valley. … [Read more...]
Have a hoot at the International Festival of Owls
After two years of only basic activities, the International Festival of Owls is back to normal! You’ll find a staggering array of owl-themed activities for everyone from children to adults with a serious interest in owls throughout the weekend of March 3-5 in Houston, Minn. The main attraction is the Illinois Raptor Center’s live owl programs featuring Snowy, Eastern … [Read more...]