Avery Freimark, 74, of rural Wykoff, died unexpectedly Tuesday, November 27, at his home. A memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, December 8, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Wykoff, with the Rev. Michael Harman officiating. Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church. Burial was in the church cemetery. Mr. Freimark was born May 17, 1944, in Rochester … [Read more...]
Scott R. Dixon
Scott R. Dixon, beloved husband, father, son, brother, actor, director, and playwright, passed away on Thursday, November 29, 2018, at his Lanesboro home, surrounded by the love of family and friends, moving beyond where cancer can hurt him. He was 48. Scott was a smart, funny, and incredibly kind man. He was a true community member. His greatest love was his wife Stela, his … [Read more...]
Valerie Ann Evenson
Valerie Ann Evenson, 63, of Rushford, Minn., died on November 27, 2018, at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Home in Rushford. Valerie Ann Severtson was born on August 8, 1955, in Rushford, Minn., to Oscar and Katherine (Sinclair) Severtson. She was raised in Money Creek, Minn., and was a 1973 graduate of Houston High School. She was a graduate of Winona Technical College. Valerie … [Read more...]
Wildfires in the west; graze it, log it, or watch it burn!
Forest fires have wreaked devastation recently. Millions of acres have burned in western states, Alaska, and provinces in Canada and have caused unacceptable loss of life, both human and animal, and billions in property damage. But what about pollution? According to research by Zachary Gerber published in the winter issue of Range, California wildfires in 2017 emitted over 1 … [Read more...]
A sensible pathway towards reducing mass murders
After the recent mass murders in Thousand Oaks, Calif., and at the Jewish synagogue in Pittsburgh, solutions for preventing such horrific events were abundant —stricter background checks, requiring a license to own a firearm, expansion of mental health services, especially for those prone to violence, and many more. While these corrective actions all have merit and should be … [Read more...]
Minnesota’s two Bad Dads
Years ago, I gave local governors nicknames, because this is what people do when they can’t afford a social life. Iowa’s was Governor Mustache for obvious reasons, and the Wisconsin governor, well... his name wasn’t really printable. Minnesota had Governor Awkward, the guy who you know is just trying his best to help, but never seems to be able to look cool doing it. Now, with … [Read more...]
Interview with a pig
By Lynne Farmer Rushford, MN Should the MPCA grant a permit to Catalpa LLC for a 4,980 sow confinement facility here in Fillmore County? Let’s ask a pig. Transcribed here is a blatantly fictitious interview with a gilt named Miss Falona. She graciously agreed to share her thoughts while being prepared for shipment to a large sow confinement facility. INTERVIEWER: Miss F, … [Read more...]
Houston County Historical Society Open House
The Houston County Historical Society will host their annual Christmas Open House on Saturday, December 8, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Sunday, December 9, 12-3 p.m. The museum is filled with beautiful Christmas displays created by Janene Hosch and Lolita St. Mary. This year the Society is having a celebration of Christmas trees including patriotic, snowball, circus, gold and pink … [Read more...]
College News
Summer 2018 Graduations • Rochester Community and Technical College: Hannah House, Chatfield, DIP, Practical Nursing; Kelsey Wooner, Chatfield, DIP, Practical Nursing; Braden Hanson, Lanesboro, AA, Liberal Arts and Sciences; Rebecca Olson, Lanesboro, DIP, Practical Nursing; Bailey Gartner, Preston, AA, Liberal Arts and Sciences; Tisha Doherty, Spring Valley, AA, 2+2 Social … [Read more...]
Results of the Harmony Community Chest 2018 Charity Drive
The 2018 Harmony Community Chest Drive has been completed. Even without the door-to-door solicitations, we raised $5,725 in mailed-in donations. This is down from the $6,200 raised in 2017. Proceeds from the drive are given to local and regional organizations and charities. The disbursement of funds was as follows, plus expenses: Harmony Public Library, $500; Harmony … [Read more...]