The Spring Grove basketball girls will have many familiar faces on the court as former Lion standout Taylor Elton moves up from junior high duty to become the program’s 12th head coach. Elton played on Spring Grove’s 2012 state tournament squad and played college ball at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and then on the Luther College team that qualified for the DIII NCAA … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past Toasted pajamas and navigation by binder twine
Winter has always presented its particular challenges in southeast Minnesota. The earliest white pioneers, who came from states farther east or who immigrated from northern Europe, could even shelter first beneath their wagons during warmer weather. But as winter approached, indoor shelter was a necessity. If there was not enough time to construct a log dwelling, recent … [Read more...]
State-ranked Lions log record 28 wins, claim two tourney titles
The 2022 Spring Grove volleyball girls (28-5) were the first in school history to be state-ranked and the first to win as many as 28 matches. The Lions, who were No. 7 in the coaches’ preseason state Class A poll, were No. 9 in the final rankings. It was a season of achievement both on the court and in the classroom. The team earned the state coaches’ Silver Award for a team … [Read more...]
Spring Grove returns for third Prep Bowl appearance
After giving up an early touchdown, the Spring Grove defense took control of the 9-man state semi-final between undefeated teams on Nov. 17 at U. S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. During the 27-6 Lion win against state-ranked No. 2 Fertile-Beltrami, Tysen Grinde logged 198 yards of all-purpose running, including a stunning 76-yard punt return. Despite Elijah Solum completing 12 … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past From wheat to corn, cows and card games
Dairying would eventually bolster the economy in Houston County as would growing corn, but neither was the area’s first cash-producing agricultural enterprise. That was wheat. In the 1800s, farming was a matter of trial, error and adjustment, especially in unfamiliar territory as the nation expanded west with many farmers immigrating from Europe. But agriculture would become … [Read more...]
Fourth-down domination, balanced attack send Spring Grove into state semi-finals
Elijah Solum broke Spring Grove single-season records for both passing yardage and passing touchdowns during the Lions’ 40-22 win over Hancock in the 9-man state quarterfinals at St. Paul on Nov. 10. Solum was statistically responsible for all six Spring Grove touchdowns, running for three and passing for three. State-ranked No. 3 Spring Grove (12-0) moved on to a Nov. 17 … [Read more...]
Spring Grove unable to topple top-seed Bethlehem Academy
No. 4 seed Spring Grove stayed with top seed Bethlehem Academy for most of the section semi-final match on Nov. 3 at Rochester. The Lions held a lead in all four sets with two sets going into extended play. After the heartbreak of falling short 29-27 in set one, followed by another competitive 25-20 setback in set two, the Lions survived three match points to take set three, … [Read more...]
Lions blank Burros for section crown, head to state
Spring Grove (1-seed, 10-0) scored on the game’s third play and never allowed Lanesboro (2-seed, 9-1) to get closer than 19 yards to the Lion goal line. With the 35-0 decision on Nov. 4 at Dodge Center, the state-ranked No. 3 Lions return to state for the first time since their 2018 state championship. For the first time in four years, the regular-season champion was also able … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past Much ado about millers, millstones
They could weigh up to 1,600 pounds, but quality millstones were so valuable that some 19th century immigrants lugged them along when they departed Europe. The expertise of millers was equally critical. Until mills were established, the earliest settlers in Minnesota of European heritage had to grind their wheat by hand. Some, like native Americans, pounded grain in a mortar. … [Read more...]
James H. Botcher
James H. Botcher, 88, of Houston, Minn., passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, November 1, 2022. He was born April 20, 1934, in La Crosse to Fred and Viola (Ender) Botcher and attended Day Valley Public School #1. Jim proudly served his country in the United States Army with the 2nd Medium Tank Battalion from 1957 until 1958. He then served in the United States Army … [Read more...]
