Local authors Mason and Nicole Howard have been busy writing books the past year featuring the interactions of two friends aptly named Sweet Strawberry and Salty Peanut. Sweet Strawberry is a sweet character while Salty Peanut is a grouchy, salty character. The mother and son duo came up with the idea of writing a book last winter, wrote it in the spring and self-published it … [Read more...]
Cara McCoy, Harmony’s New Library Director
Cara McCoy took over as the Harmony Public Library’s director in September; on November 24, the library held a meet and greet for their new librarian. Cara, who has been a librarian for six or seven years, grew up in Waukon and attended Iowa State, earning a degree in history. After graduation, Cara worked at a Living History Farm and at Great Smoky Mountains National Park in … [Read more...]
The Raging Root Adventure Arcade and Axe Throwing Opens in Lanesboro
Let the games begin in Lanesboro, Minn., as The Raging Root Adventure Arcade and Axe Throwing has opened its doors with a wide variety of games and activities to be enjoyed by people of all ages. And the games are only the beginning of the story. Owner Kris Paxton, who purchased the joined buildings at 110 Coffee St. E. and 108 ½ Coffee St. E. in March 2025, has the … [Read more...]
Seed & Stone at Thirty9Main
There’s a new unique store gracing Main Street in Harmony. Seed & Stone opened for business in August 2025 in the history-filled limestone building located at Thirty9Main. While the store is new, the actual building was built in 1907. The building first was home to the First National Bank. At that time, Harmony had a total of three banks. The Great Depression hit the … [Read more...]
More Than a Sign for Preston
Residents of Preston and tourists alike have taken notice of a huge welcome sign in a prime location facing the southbound traffic descending on Highway 52 where the speed limit drops to 40 mph. This “WELCOME TO PRESTON” sign is pretty hard to miss. Located at the city’s tennis courts (probably should be called pickleball courts based on usage), the big blue mesh sign … [Read more...]
The Leiding Family Farm Legacy
On a crisp fall day just outside Fountain, Minn., the hum of harvest activity fills the air at the Leiding family farm. While Todd Leiding was busy tuning up equipment for the season, his wife Stacy Leiding and her mother Shirley Fingerson graciously sat down to share the story of a multi-generational family farm rich in history, hard work, and heart. The Leiding family … [Read more...]
Solberg Welding Going Strong After 40 Years
It’s been 40 years since brothers Dennis and Dan Solberg opened up Solberg Welding in September 1985. Dennis had recently completed two years of welding training at Austin Vo-Tech and was back working at the family farm between Preston and Harmony when he heard that the Matson Welding building in Harmony was for sale. He and Dan decided to purchase the property and open up … [Read more...]
National Co-Op Month – AcenTek: Building a Better World Since 1950
October is National Co-op Month. A time to celebrate the many ways cooperatives strengthen their communities, something Ace Telephone Association, doing business as AcenTek, has exemplified since its founding. From the beginning, AcenTek has been guided by cooperative principles and a deep commitment to its members. From day one until today, AcenTek’s commitment has been to … [Read more...]
Golden Twin Toy Drive
Twin sisters Rachel and Faith Knopps of Spring Valley project a generosity inspiring others. By gathering, then delivering toys, they have created a nonprofit dedicated to bringing joy into the lives of children who are hospitalized. Growing up in southwestern Minnesota with a brother who frequently was a patient at Gillette Children’s Hospital in Saint Paul has influenced … [Read more...]
Whalan Lutheran Church Makes Donation to City
The city of Whalan gratefully accepted a $200 donation from the Whalan Lutheran Church during the regularly scheduled October 13, 2025, city council meeting. The money is earmarked to go toward ballfield expenses. The council thanked the church for its gracious donation. Present at the council meeting were Mayor David Hallum along with council members Thore E. Johnson, … [Read more...]