By Rev. Debra Jene Collum Chatfield United Methodist and Commissioned EarthKeeper of the UMC As Earth begins to awaken under the warming closeness of Brother Sun; our hearts rejoice! Mother Earth is awaking from her slumber. She is sighing with renewed growth. She is stretching her molecules so that roots can expand again. She is warming within so that dormant seeds can … [Read more...]
Government This Week
Monday, March 27 •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. •Rushford-Peterson School Board, Forum Room, 6 p.m. •Chatfield City Council, City Hall, 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 28 •Fillmore County Commissioners, Courthouse, 9 a.m. •Houston County Commissioners, Courthouse, 9 … [Read more...]
Spring into action: Give blood with the Red Cross
Spring is near! As the seasons change, the American Red Cross is reminding the public that the need for blood doesn’t take a break. Blood remain at risk of running low this month. Donors are crucial to helping the Red Cross avoid a blood shortage in the weeks to come. Donors of all blood types, especially type O donors and platelet donors, are encouraged to make and keep … [Read more...]
SEMAC awards arts grants
On March 21, 2023, the Board of Directors of the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council (SEMAC) awarded 36 grants for a total of $143,810 in funding to applicants throughout southeastern Minnesota. This included four school residency grants for $11,810, fourteen emerging artist grants for $42,000, and eighteen advancing artist grants for $90,000. SEMAC is the State Arts … [Read more...]
Journal Writing Project Reflecting on fear and regret
By Anna Wheat A recent article published in the NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information) got me wondering, is it possible to be proactive with my regrets? The article surveyed people in the latest stages of life, asking, “Do you have any regrets?” The most commonly reported responses typically had to do with spending too much time on people or things not in … [Read more...]
NASS 2022 yield estimates for Fillmore and Houston Counties
By Katie Drewitz University of Minnesota Extension National Ag Statistics Service (NASS) crop yield estimates for 2022 have been posted. Looking at this data is an opportunity to assess yield trends in the counties to better understand yield potential. Today’s article will focus on corn and soybeans, but NASS also has estimated yields for a variety of other crops across … [Read more...]
Susan Ann Storlie
Susan Ann Storlie passed away on Sunday, March 19, 2023, at St. John’s Woodlands Community in Albert Lea, Minn. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at 2 p.m. at the Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home in Albert Lea, with a visitation held one hour prior to the service. Pastor Don Malinsky will be officiating. Susan was born to Archie and Phyllis (Terbeck) … [Read more...]
Richard “Dick” Alan Bahl
Richard “Dick” Alan Bahl, 87, of Preston, Minn., peacefully passed away at Mayo Clinic- Methodist Campus on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, after a long hard fought battle with cancer. Dick was born October 7, 1935, in Dubuque, Iowa, to Andrew and Maelo (Heinz) Bahl. On October 8, 1955, the day after his 20th birthday, Dick married his soul mate, Carolyn Kay Swadley in Galesburg, … [Read more...]
Nathaniel L. Ramirez
Nathaniel L. Ramirez, 68, of Mabel, Minn., passed away unexpectedly at his home on Sunday, February 19, 2023. Nathan was born October 22, 1954, in Manila, Philippines, to Severo and Maria (Lacuesta) Ramirez. While living in the Philippines, he attended the University of Manila before immigrating to the United States in 1978. He joined some of his family and friends in … [Read more...]
Paul Alden
Paul “Stoney” Alden, 61, of St. Louis, Mo., formerly of Preston, Minn., died on Friday, March 17, 2023, at his home. Paul was born in Rochester, Minn., on July 19, 1961, to Dean and Lois (Koch) Alden. In his free time he loved to shoot pool. Paul enjoyed life and lived it the way he wanted to. His great laugh will be deeply missed. One of his favorite quotes was, “Ride it … [Read more...]