Did a United States president ever visit Houston County? The answer depends on the interpretation of the word “president.” Ulysses S. Grant visited Houston County several times, but it was before he led the Union Army to victory in the American Civil War (1861-1865) and go on to become the 18th president, elected both in 1868 and 1872. It is thought no sitting president ever … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotions – Grounded in Creation
By Pastor Kris Hertsgaard Kincaid Christ Lutheran Church, Preston God continuously creates and there is much to enjoy in our natural world. During the summer I love the depths of green growing throughout the driftless region. I love the changing flow of the rivers as water rains down and fills them or dry weeks lessen their flow. I love the wildflowers blooming, the … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Flashback – The Rise and Fall of the Local Creamery
By Bretta Grabau Fillmore County Historical Society In the early years of Fillmore County, small family farms dominated the fabric of the resident’s way of life. Often these farms had a variety of animals - cattle, chickens, pigs, and horses - rather than only raising crops, cattle or pigs. However, farmers acquired bigger herds and oftentimes would need an entity that … [Read more...]
Your Flying Farmer – There’s a Proverbial Lady in my Closet
Let me start by digging myself a hole. We’ve all heard the story of that lady (of course, no one I’ve ever known) who goes into her closet full of clothes and bemoans with a sigh, “I have NOTHING to wear!” Ok ok, we can make an excuse for her, like “those are winter clothes” or “I’m not feeling like that color today,” or “the laundry bin has taken my favorite shirt hostage.” … [Read more...]
It Had Been a Hip Refrigerator but It Was No Longer Cool
I had been outside attempting to fence in the mosquitoes. I made a noble effort, but it didn’t work. What it did do was work up a thirst for both me and the mosquitoes – the former for water and the latter for blood. I needed a cold drink of water. I strolled to the kitchen, where I opened the refrigerator door and grabbed a jug of water. It felt sun-warmed, as if it had just … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotions – Created Equal
By Pastor Jeff Jacobs Unity Lutheran Parish - St. Paul, Saetersdal and St. Matthew’s, Granger “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” You’ll undoubtedly recognize this from the Declaration of … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past – Vinegar on a Cold Winter Night and a Hot Summer Afternoon
Part two of a two-part series He was quickly recognizable by his “burly mustache that turned to a ruggedly silver color as he aged.” But his nickname was “Shakes,” reflecting his medical condition which caused tremors in his arm and hand. He did not mind, since the moniker provided not only notoriety but likely, also popularity for his business, the South Ridge Country Store, … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Fair Celebrates 167 Years of Family Fun and Farming Traditions
Fillmore County’s farming heritage comes alive each year as seen through the eyes of the county’s youth. The 167 annual Fillmore County Fair is July 21-26, in Preston, Minn. One lifelong fairgoer emphasized, “The fair is all about the kids.” They emphasized the importance of visiting the kids’ exhibits, watching the livestock shows, cheering on horse events, and attending … [Read more...]
Eat Well, Be Well, Have Fun – “AI won’t replace chefs, but it will expand what’s possible in the kitchen.” – IBM Chef Watson team
Ok, this is a departure for me, but I like experiments. This column (following my intro) was ENTIRELY written by an Artificial Intelligence interaction on Microsoft Copilot. I did not change a single word. I did not write a single word! I did NOT provide the recipe. I asked for a humorous story about a boy named Timmy making spicy chili, and to please include a recipe. … [Read more...]
I Felt Like a Water-Damaged Ceiling on its Worst Day
We weren’t circumnavigating the globe like Magellan. My wife and I were at a flea market in Mission, Tex. Flea markets are more common than fleas in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Alex Tilley had searched high and low for a durable sailing hat that matched his passion for the outdoors. He couldn’t find one, so he created one. My wife bought me a Tilley Hat at that flea market … [Read more...]