History has surely been written about the resourceful, the successful, the achievers. However, there were those, who also extraordinary, accomplished absolutely nothing of historical significance. But they often, for good or bad, contributed to the everyday experiences of their neighbors. Local Houston, Minn., historian and author Ingrid Julsrud wrote about not only what she … [Read more...]
Your Flying Farmer – The Spa Life of Farming
I love to read books to my kids. It seems that a very common theme in children’s books is farming. It’s often a story about the farmer and his trusty tractor, or about how the blue truck and the farm animals save the day. Sometimes it’s counting veggies and learning shapes in the perfect garden, or one that I remember reading as a kid, the kitten who got lost and has an … [Read more...]
My Buttonholes Were Due for a Major Upgrade
We could all use an upgrade. I got a new cellphone. I was due for an upgrade. My old phone was old, something to be expected from an old phone. The new one was the same brand as my old electronic leash, so the learning curve was minimal. There was a long line of starlings perched on a utility wire as I drove to town. Each bird had positioned itself just far enough from … [Read more...]
Picture-Perfect Autumn: Your Guide To Bluff Country’s Byways
Autumn is a popular time to explore the scenic byways in Historic Bluff Country. The varied landscape provides a picturesque backdrop for photos, selfies, and videos. With leaves changing colors, the bright blue sky, the fall harvest, and colorful birds, you’re guaranteed to find something that captures your interest. Pumpkins, squash, and apples contribute to colorful fall … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotions – Whom Will You Serve?
By Pastor Pam Seebach Harmony, Mabel, and Newburg United Methodist Churches When I was young, I was a Brownie, then a Girl Scout. When my son was young, he joined the Cub Scouts. Good programs, introducing young people to skills and thoughts they might never have encountered before! Both the Girl Scouts and the Boy Scouts have a code which they memorize and recite (you … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage – An Apple A Day?
Many folks like us have an apple tree nearby. Some years the blossoms are profuse. Apples may or may not grow as a result. Bugs and other maladies can affect any plant or tree as it seeks to produce fruit. And when fruit appears, bugs may still mess with the crop. But this year turned out to be different. Our fruit trees did the unexpected. Tree branches hung low under the … [Read more...]
A Blooming Bouquet of Fall Colors
As autumn settles in, the Root River towns of Whalan, Peterson, Rushford and Lanesboro warmly invite you to experience the breathtaking beauty of the season at the annual Root River Valley Autumn trail celebration. Explore the stunning landscapes by walking or biking the Root River Trail or enjoy a leisurely drive through the picturesque valley. Each town is bursting with … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Flashback – The Preston to “Mars” Connection
By Joanne Hall Preston Historical Society Ethel Veronica Healy was born in 1884 at Grafton, N. Dak. Her father died when she young, and her mother, Mary Healy, moved to Preston and married Louis Kruppenbacher in November 1892. Ethel graduated from Preston High School in 1904. She taught in Fillmore County rural schools for at least a couple of years following … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotions – I Hope So
By Pastor Kevin Barnhart Spring Grove Evangelical Free Words are filled with power, impact, and beauty. They can paint a vivid picture, captivate the imagination, and convey a window into our souls. But have you ever thought about how often words are diluted with our flippant use of them. The word hope for example. People always say things like “I hope so,” but what … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past – Return With Us Now to Those Thrilling Days of Yesteryear!
Second of a series One century ago, those in Wilmington Township, Houston County, Minn., and those in Wilmington, Del., and beyond began sharing a revolutionary daily experience, right in their own homes. What it was, was radio. The first commercial radio station was KDKA in Pittsburgh in 1920. With the introduction of commercially-made receivers, radio broadcasting boomed … [Read more...]