Revised from his first two columns in 2020 “Ye Olde Gray Barn” is not gray, but black. However, it is the “Gray barn” because the functional facility for draft horses was loaned by Dr. Jim and Karen Gray to an ambitious group of citizens, who in 1979 staged “Annie Get Your Gun,” the first of the often-acclaimed 46 summer musicals in Spring Grove - believed to be the … [Read more...]
An American Classic
Which historic food has no reservations about being served at a Minnesota farm table or on prestigious Capitol Hill? Was a Minnesota senator behind this culinary staple being served almost daily at Senate restaurants for about the past 125 years? As America celebrates its 250th Anniversary, let’s talk about an American classic, the humble but iconic bean soup, best served with … [Read more...]
On Taking a Walk in the Woods
By Pastor Mark Woodward Maple Leaf Parish of the UMC Cherry Grove, Fountain, Preston, and Spring Valley: Faith Churches (and Lenora) Recently, public broadcasting has presented an insightful documentary on the life of Henry David Thoreau. Produced by Ken Burns and Don Henley, the program offers an informative picture of Thoreau as an author, naturalist and American … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past – Five Snafus on the Fourth of July, 1887
The morning train brought Judge Wells and the cornet band from Preston along with other citizens from that and nearby towns. The occasion was a Fourth of July celebration at Caledonia in 1887, the nation’s 111th birthday. A lot had been planned, but something unplanned would save the day. Mother Nature furnished the first of five snafus or mishaps. According to the Caledonia … [Read more...]
Happy Independence Cake!
Time and again, tastes change, and once beloved traditions fade to memory. In our modern 24/7 newsfeed societies, where we have social media misinformation and TikTok trends continually assaulting our senses, it’s a wonder anyone can recall what they had for breakfast, let alone what they read last week. Whether that’s by design or simply symptomatic of the Information Age we … [Read more...]
Better Angels
By Pastor Jeff Jacobs Unity Lutheran Parish - St. Paul, Saetersdal and St. Matthew’s, Granger I was 16 when our nation celebrated its Bicentennial, and now at 66 another milestone comes, this Semiquincentennial, 250th anniversary of these United States. A lot has happened in 50 years: home computers, cell phones, internet and AI…the Columbine school tragedy and subsequent … [Read more...]
Communities Across Fillmore and Houston Counties Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary
Communities in the far southeast corner of Minnesota are planning an array of activities for everyone including your furry four-legged friends in celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary. Brownsville, located along the Mississippi River in Houston County, will celebrate the 250th anniversary June 26-28. Activities on Saturday, June 27, include a 5K Fun Run/Walk, and a Dog … [Read more...]
All That Glitters is Not Gold or Goulash
Little did I know I was on the brink of an adventure. It happened during a meal. No, it wasn't the one with the granola that had granite in it, and the rice cake with birthday candles on it. Goulash was one of my favorite dishes in our school lunch program, otherwise known as fine dining. We were blessed with talented and caring cooks who also lovingly prepared tater tot … [Read more...]
Hello? Do You Copy?
One of the biggest problems with flying a paramotor is that you can’t really share the experience with someone. Sure, you can take pictures. You can tell stories. You can point to the sunset and say, “You should have seen it from up there!” But it’s not quite the same. So I thought I had partially solved the problem. I bought a helmet with communications built in so I could … [Read more...]
Ask a Trooper
Question: I would like more information on trailer hitch ball sizes and why they have different sizes? Answer: There are four different trailer hitch ball sizes. Each size has a different weight rating related to the trailer you are pulling. It is very important to make sure you always use the proper ball size with the trailer you are pulling. The ball size required for the … [Read more...]