Antique stove enthusiasts from across the United States and Canada gathered in rural Spring Valley, Minn., for their 40th annual convention. Hosting this event were Gwen and Dennis Howard who agreed, “It has been such fun!” Their first Howard stove was sited in November 2016 at Ghost Town Museum in Manitou Springs, Colo., they have been collecting Howard antique stoves … [Read more...]
Glenn Dale Magnifies Wood’s Beauty with Intarsia
Upon entering the Dale home in rural Preston, an overwhelming experience of stepping into an art gallery where creative people lived and worked and played together is realized. An array of quilted marvels grace each room. Wood carvings and intarsia creations are artistically displayed throughout the home. Focusing on the craft of Intarsia woodworking, which “uses varied … [Read more...]
They Keep Answering the Call to Serve
Acknowledging membership in the American Legion, Commander of Post 68, Nathan Pike and District Commander Mark Maloney presented pins and certificates recognizing 16 veterans. “What personally does membership in the American Legion mean?” was the question asked to each veteran. Among these awards were 70-year pins for two members, Roy Christopherson and Harlan Marchant. … [Read more...]
Sounds from The Audio Bakery
Being drawn by the flourishing audiobook market, Tom and Ben Kelley bring their exciting vision of The Audio Bakery to Spring Valley. The transformation of the old Spring Valley Bakery is underway with the introduction of this new audio-bakery business. “Our audiobook production facility offers a real ‘baker’s dozen’ on Broadway Avenue with a lovely glass store-front and all … [Read more...]
Field of Flags acknowledges emergency responders’ PTSD battle
Researchers studying Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are constantly evaluating the powerful way a tragic memory is defined in time and how physical triggers can instantly draw a person into that memory. The event - usually a terrifying one – which is experienced or witnessed can bring symptoms including nightmares, flashbacks and severe anxiety. Jenny Czapiewski and … [Read more...]
Schumacher generations acknowledged as Century Farm
An official notice in March 2022 was delivered to Sherry Pfremmer of rural Spring Valley signed by Marie LeFebvre of Century Farms stating, “Let it be known that this farm, Schumacher Farm has been in continuous agricultural operation since nineteen hundred and twenty two, signifying more than 100 years of contributions to the community, state, nation and world.” The process … [Read more...]
Andrea Hindt cultivating creativity in southeastern Minnesota
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...]