Fine Arts Grand Champion: Karen Vinson, Chatfield Reserve Champion: Phil Hebrink, Preston Champions: Claira Johnson, Fountain; Isla Eickhoff, Preston; Rose Otto, Harmony; Karen Vinson, Chatfield Photography Grand Champions: Bob Smock, Preston; Brenda Nash-Eickhoff, Preston Reserve Champions: Dale Eppen, Fountain; Susan Krahn, Wykoff Champions: Kathryn Kinneberg, … [Read more...]
Preston Historical Society annual update
At the August 1 meeting of the Preston City Council, Sheila Craig, president of the Preston Historical Society, updated the council as to the ongoing activities of the Society. The Society had received a $10,000 Small Community Grant from the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) in the fall of 2021. The funds are being used to study funding options for the … [Read more...]
2022 Arlin Falck Foundation applications
Notice is hereby given that the Arlin Falck Foundation will accept applications for grants for community development, community promotions, community education and similar matters. The grants shall be for the benefit of persons residing in Fillmore County and Houston County, Minn., and Allamakee County and Winneshiek County, Iowa. Entities that have a 501 (c) 3 designation by … [Read more...]
Anita Brand receives Helen Keller Sight Award
Recently, longtime Lions Club member Anita Brand was honored with the Helen Keller Sight Award given by the Rushford Lions Club. There have been only five or six such awards given in the history of the club since the inception of the award in 1960. According to Lions member Larry Bartelson, this award was most unusual in that it was given to both Anita and her husband Melvin; … [Read more...]
Rock Road Bandits ride for another fundraiser
The Rock Road Bandits, coordinated by Travis Warmka of Grand Meadow, Minn., has become a fundraising trailblazer. For anyone who loves riding in a side-by-side (a.k.a. RUV or recreational utility vehicles), this group of dirt road enthusiasts has taken their weekend rides to another level. They currently coordinate five fundraising rides per year. Back in June, they raised … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past Small schoolhouse blossoms into large opera house
Part five of a series Internationally acclaimed stage actress Ethel Barrymore appeared in a play at the Opera House in Spring Grove in 1918. A small town could attract touring entertainment if there was an appropriate venue for the performance. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, entrepreneurs in southeast Minnesota invested in some combination of traveling stage companies, … [Read more...]
The Wild West comes alive in Lanesboro
Lanesboro lore states that William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, and his friend and business partner Dr. Frank “White Beaver” Powell, four time La Crosse mayor, concocted the Wild West show in the late 1880s. The first show was held indoors at Lanesboro’s Nelson Hall. Celebrate Lanesboro’s rich heritage at the 38th Annual Buffalo Bill Days. “Buffalo Bill Days offers a fun and … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past From roller skating to Duke Ellington
Part four of a series Thirteen of the nation’s most famous band leaders and their musicians thrilled audiences and dancers in Caledonia, starting with the 1952 appearance of “Duke Ellington and his World Famous Orchestra” and closed with the 1954 performance of “Harry James and His Music Makers, starring Buddy Rich at the drums.” In between were Lionel Hampton, Ray Anthony, … [Read more...]
End the month of July by attending Nordic Fest and Houston Hoedown
Experience all things Scandinavian at Decorah’s Nordic Fest celebration, July 28 through July 30. The Luren Singers and Nordic Dancers kick-off the festivities on Thursday evening. Take in all that the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum has to offer including the Skjaldborg Viking Encampment, folk art exhibits and demonstrations, and the 12- historic buildings in the … [Read more...]
21,020 children’s books awarded through SMIF’s Early Literacy Grant program
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) recently awarded 21,020 children’s books to 46 organizations through its Early Literacy Grant Program. This grant supports early literacy efforts that enhance school readiness for children birth to age eight by providing children with books. The books were awarded in partnership with Capstone and ABDO, Mankato-based publishers … [Read more...]