Andrea Hindt of rural Spring Valley has been expressing herself artistically since her elementary school days. “In third grade, I would draw pictures for my teacher and classmates,” says Andrea. “Growing up, the Sunday comic pages were the best! I loved to read them. My twin sister, Anji Bennett, and I would draw cartoons and we used to say ‘when we grow up’ we want to have … [Read more...]
In Harmony with being an active senior
Uniting the Harmony area with a culture on the other side of the world, “Jottings from Japan” became a favorite column of area residents for many years. These columns told of the adventure of teaching at international schools - Cindy at the Sacred Heart and Doug at Saint Mary’s, which allowed this couple a unique understanding of the Japanese people and culture. After teaching … [Read more...]
Love for the universal language of music resonates in Fillmore County
Elliott Grandall has been privileged to have been introduced to a relationship with music his entire life. Now, in retirement, after many years of teaching in Kingsland Public Schools, Elliott is still actively engaged with music, sharing his vast knowledge and enthusiasm in Southeastern Minnesota. Elliott reflects, “In retrospect, I realize how incredibly blessed I have been … [Read more...]
Fins and Films – drive in to the good ole days
The fascination of automobiles coupled with a desire to positively influence Spring Valley’s downtown image inspired Greg Melartin to create an event in 2017 called Fins and Films. “I moved back to Spring Valley in 2015 and noticed that the downtown area was in a slump. “I am a car guy through and through, absolutely loving the automobile and the culture. I thought … [Read more...]
Hobby: A new mosaic art form – diamond painting
The sparkle in the eyes of Melody Raveill – Spring Valley is a reflection of the joy she has when working on, then completing one of her diamond paintings. A couple years ago, a family member had gifted her a small kit and she knew this hobby was a keeper. “I liked working with the small diamonds right away, finding it both challenging and relaxing. I’ve finished many … [Read more...]
Award winning tree farmer is focused on woodland management
When the staff of the Fillmore County Journal was informed that Minnesota’s 2020 Regional and State Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year was an area resident, Janet Erdman of rural Preston, we made contact with her. Although she was reluctant to offer information regarding herself, Janet wholeheartedly agreed to the need for an article on the benefits of woodland management, … [Read more...]
Draft horses are a hobby for the Apenhorst family
Immersed on a farm south of Spring Valley, the Apenhorst family can be found working with their hobby of Belgian Draft Horses. Lynn Apenhorst takes pride in grooming and driving their Blond Belgians as well as working at the Rochester International Airport and farming, while his wife Lisa (Paulsen) Apenhorst is employed at the Kingsland High School as a paraprofessional. These … [Read more...]
Spring Valley Living increasing care capacity
Spring Valley has been actively working with seniors in the area since 1957 to enhance quality of life through innovation, ongoing education and encouragement. Over the years the staff members have developed strong and lasting relationships with both the community and its healthcare services. Presently there are three options at Spring Valley Living: • The Evergreens is … [Read more...]
Coopers appreciate rewards of beef farm ownership
Although Ross Cooper took ownership of his land a quarter of a century ago, he has been farming his entire life. Raised in Fillmore County and graduating from Spring Valley High School, Ross married Maribeth in 1998 and they embraced a journey to remain in a rural setting. Maribeth (also employed with the City of Rochester) is a master at blending the roles of the business and … [Read more...]
Earth Day remembered with biochar for healthier soil
The Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day (began by Senator Gaylord Nelson, who gained a reputation as “the Father of Earth Day” as well as the “Conservation Governor”) may have been overshadowed by coronavirus pandemic updates, yet many Fillmore County readers remembering where they were on April 22, 1970, paused to reflect on the importance of environmental … [Read more...]