By Pastor Pam Seebach Harmony, Mabel, and Newburg United Methodist Churches As children, many of our parents used the threat of “Santa Claus is watching!” when they were trying to keep our behavior in line. Santa Claus saw the “good” little girls and boys and prepared presents for them, while the “bad” little girls and boys received lumps of coal. Unfortunately, some of … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past – They Ate Wild Meat, But Not the Tender Beef
In the southeast corner of Houston County, the southeastern-most county in Minnesota, proximity to the Mississippi River and Winnebago Creek allowed some of the earliest white settlers to make a living from fishing, trapping and hunting. But like elsewhere in the county, agriculture provided a living for most. Land records indicate that there were more land renters than … [Read more...]
Ask a Trooper
Question: Are smoked tail lights illegal in Minnesota? Answer: Minnesota law states that “tail lamps shall be plainly visible from a distance of 100 feet to the rear during normal sunlight and at night.” The same goes for turn signals and headlights. Smoking, tinting, covering or placing any material over tail lights, brake lights, headlights or turn signals would be illegal … [Read more...]
Fresh off the Farm – Burning the Jerks to the Ground
Matches and lighter fluid in hand, I charged toward my bedroom like a bluefaced Mel Gibson in “Braveheart” yelling “They can take our lives, but they will never take our freedom!!!” At least,that’s how I wanted to feel. If you’re just joining us - we’re in the middle of a closet purging battle. Dawn from the Minimal Mom on YouTube told me that I would have more peace if I … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past – The Abundance and Scarcity of Deer, Wolves and Ducks
A southeastern Houston County resident told of his grandfather walking home with about three miles remaining, when wolves began to chase him. There were haystacks in the farm field, and he climbed on top of one and lit the hay on fire all night to fend off the wolves until morning. Large wolves and cougars were a threat, according to reports from the earliest white settlers in … [Read more...]
It Never Rains But It Does Pour
By Pastor Kevin Barnhart Spring Grove Evangelical Free I remember hearing that expression growing up. But when I was young it didn’t make any sense to me. However, as I have had more life experience the adage seems true. Why does it rain so much or so little? Even a committed atheist will pray for rain or for it to stop raining, which is an interesting phenomenon isn’t … [Read more...]
What Do You Want, Sleepyhead, Worms or Waffles?
I yawned. The average person yawns about 20 times a day. We yawn when we’re tired, bored, hungry or stressed. Theories say yawning wakes the brain, cools the brain or demonstrates empathy. A friend said she yawns every time she sees her dog yawn. Our cat rarely yawns. Of course, it sleeps 22 hours a day. I’d written about sleep several months ago. Then I nodded off. … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Flashback “The Womanless Wedding”
By Susan Ritter Lanesboro Museum In Lanesboro, Minn., on March 1 and 2, 1927, at the old Lanesboro High School auditorium, the Guttormson Post of the American Legion put on a three-act comedy “The Womanless Wedding” to raise funds for the Legion and entertain the citizens of Lanesboro. Around 77 business men took part playing both the male and female parts. Trunks of … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past – Magic, Boomerangs, Many Miles and Many Smiles
Quarters would turn into silver dollars; dollar bills turned into $100 bills. Thimbles, coins and plastic balls would disappear. A diner seated at a restaurant might have a quarter pulled out of his ear by another diner walking by the table. Orv Wagner, of Caledonia, was always prepared to perform a little magic, always carrying in his pocket a thimble, coins, a rubber thumb, a … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotions – Worshipping the Creation Over the Creator
By Pastor Stuart Weist First Baptist Church of Preston Summer is upon us and if you’re like me, it’s your favorite time of year. The weather is warm enough to head out into the fields, lakes, trails, and gardens. Everywhere you look things are green and new life is bursting forth. Summer is an amazing time, that is before it gets too hot. As amazing as summer is, it also … [Read more...]