In the year 1891, in the bustling city of San Francisco, a compassionate man named Captain Joseph McFee recognized a heartbreaking reality; countless individuals and families struggling in poverty were unable to afford a warm Christmas meal. Driven by a deep sense of empathy, he initiated a remarkable effort to provide not only holiday meals but also Christmas trees for those … [Read more...]
Erin’s Adventure on the Avenue: Making a Dream Come True
At just six years old, a bright-eyed little girl named Erin stepped into the enchanting world of Dacia’s on Main in Harmony, Minn., for a haircut. The moment she crossed the threshold, she was captivated by the vibrant colors and the inviting atmosphere that surrounded her. For as long as she could remember, Erin had dreamed of styling hair, and Dacia’s became a source of … [Read more...]
The Messy Apron Chronicles – It’s Nice to Meet You
Cooking is fundamentally about connections between people. Food possesses a unique power that transcends cultural boundaries, allowing individuals to gather and share moments together. As Guy Fieri eloquently stated, “Food is maybe the only thing that really has the power to bring everyone together.” He truly captures the essence of how universal and meaningful food can be; … [Read more...]
Kingsland Public Schools Welcomes New Teachers
Amanda Thauwald, the newest addition to Kingsland’s faculty, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for education to her role as the Early Childhood Special Education Teacher. Originally hailing from Rochester, Minn., Amanda has deep roots in the local community and continues to find joy in living there. Amanda’s educational journey began at John Marshall High School, … [Read more...]
Living the Dream: A Local Man’s Journey to Playing Basketball in Norway
Since the age of 6, Josef Fahrenholtz has harbored a deep-seated aspiration to pursue a basketball career. This aspiration materialized into reality in April 2024, as he inked a contract with an agency in Lithuania. This pivotal move paved the way for him to join the Nidaros Jets, a professional basketball team based in Trondheim, Norway. Josef’s upbringing was rooted in the … [Read more...]
Domestic Violence Month: A Time to Come Together and Learn More About the Impact of Domestic Violence
October is a month filled with more than just candy and spooky decorations. It’s also a time to acknowledge the importance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It is crucial for everyone to understand the significance of educating oneself about this important issue. In 2023, Violence Free Minnesota documented 40 intimate partner homicides in the state, the highest number … [Read more...]
Heusinkveld Family Dairy – 150 Years and Still Going Strong.
When the Heusinkveld family farm began about 150 years ago, they had some pigs, chickens, and 15 cows. Over the years new generations took over and the farm grew. In 1970 Jeff and Steve Heusinkveld got their turn to run the farm. When they retired it was Jeff’s son Nate’s turn to run the family farm and begin to teach the next generation. And now he runs the farm with help from … [Read more...]
Fillmore Free Methodist Church Welcomes New Pastor
Pastor Larry E. Day has spent his life serving others and that did not change when he became the new pastor of the Fillmore Free Methodist Church in Fillmore, Minn. Pastor Day spent 15-plus years working for Christian radio stations KGLO AM 1300, KCMR FM 97.9, and KJCY FM 105.9 in Mason City, Iowa. He also served as the district superintendent for the conference covering … [Read more...]
“Lady of the Lake” Floats into Preston Veterans Home, Courtesy of Preston Area Arts Council
In January 2024 the Preston Area Arts Council disbanded due to a lack of new members and current members aging out. But before that happened the council decided they wanted to present the Preston Veterans Home with a gift. The council was made up of five members: Kay Spangler, founder and co-director, Mariella TerBeest-Schladweiler, co-director, Eileen Linden, the late … [Read more...]
Harmony Welcomes Bobbi Brossard and KALME Yoga
Stress affects us all. And most of us do not take the time to care for ourselves. Not caring for ourselves and letting stress take over can cause many health issues including anxiety, depression, digestive problems, headaches, muscle tension and pain, heart disease, heart attacks, high blood pressure, strokes, sleep problems, weight gain, and many other problems. There are many … [Read more...]
Couple’s Fairytale Love Grows into a Happily Ever After
Audrey Hepburn once said, “The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.” And that is just what one local couple decided to do. Nathan Eversole and Gabrielle Shupe joined their hearts and lives together on April 22, 2023, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lanesboro, Minn., officiated by Nathan’s pastor from the University of North Dakota. Standing up for them were Nathan’s … [Read more...]