Raised on a farm in Fillmore County, 1968 graduate of Harmony High School Dr. Len Whalen learned to golf with his college bowling teammates in Winona when he was 21. Golfing became more routine in his life after opening his chiropractic practice in Zephyrhills, Fla. After attending The Masters practice golf tournament in Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia with some … [Read more...]
Spring Valley’s downtown gets a facelift with business expansion
Chateau de Chic recently made changes, creating three distinct businesses in Spring Valley’s downtown district. There is something for everyone at Chateau de Chic Salon, Spa & Boutique, and Some Like it Hot Cakes & Catering. Owner Jenn Slifka reminds readers, “We have been operating as a salon and boutique in the same building for seven years, and wanted to split the … [Read more...]
Area artist’s creations bring cheer
An artistic flare seems to have always been a part of the life of Luanne (Wentworth) Peterson, so it is no surprise she is able to take a skein of yarn and create beautiful and useful stocking hats which are donated to cancer patients and others experiencing medical trials. Luanne has been known in the Harmony area as the hard working farmer and wife of the late Lloyd … [Read more...]
Hailee Warren is national essay winner
A student in the Kingsland School District, Hailee is the oldest child in the family of Rick and Julee Warren and has two brothers, Charlee and Rylee. Rick was raised in Fillmore County and his wife, Julee moved to the area from North Dakota when educational opportunities transplanted her to the Mayo Clinic. “The entire family is quite proud of and thrilled for her!” exclaims … [Read more...]
Sudden changes – evergreens and winter burn
As spring leaves bring a brilliant green to Southeastern Minnesota, many readers are noticing evergreen trees and bushes are suddenly turning brown, appearing to be dying. Jim Edgar of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forestry is getting calls from area residents about their concerns seeking advice about the best care for these evergreens. Reports of the … [Read more...]
Nothing has changed, everything has changed
The idea of progress and moving forward seem to be linked closely to the understanding of a desired destination. With faster and less labor intense tasks being offered in most working environments, there is a freshness in knowing that Brenda and Peter Haack of the Spring Valley Bakery still purchase natural ingredients and create their baked goods from scratch. This couple … [Read more...]
Kedron Valley Farm
Have you heard that Kedron Valley Farm is raising shrimp in Southern Minnesota? This should come as no surprise to area residents hearing that Aaron Terbeest, graduate of Kingsland High School in 2004 and Winona State University in 2009 with a degree in psychology, has ventured into a new kind of farming involving the hatching and growing aquatic animals. Fillmore County … [Read more...]
Harmony native chaperones musicians for Presidential Inaugural events
Karen (Whalen) Needham, of Houston, Tex., attended the Presidential Inauguration in Washington, D.C. as director of orchestra operations for Virtuosi of Houston, when a “Small Ensemble Orchestra” was invited to perform for several receptions. “When you are attending an event as an adult leader or chaperone, the event takes on an entirely different focus,” states Karen. “As a … [Read more...]
Veterans Day – a family affair
The Cleveland family of Spring Valley has a long and rich relationship with the military. Patriarch of the the family, George Cleveland, was unable to enlist in the military during World War II due to a disability caused by a bout with polio when he was a child. He did, however, serve an enlistment with the Civilian Conservation Corps as a young man. “The Civilian … [Read more...]
Matt’s Body Shop serving area residents since 1961
By Mary Whalen When dialing Matt’s Body Shop & Tire Service on the north side of Spring Valley, be sure to let the phone ring a good long time because owners, Dave Blazing and Chris Czapiewski are usually in the shop working on vehicles. For over fifty years, Matt’s Body Shop, which was started by Matt Paulisich, has been assisting area residents with a personal service … [Read more...]