By Rev. Deanna Woodward Maple Leaf Parish - United Methodist Churches of Cherry Grove, Fountain, Preston and Spring Valley In a book entitled “Becoming a Whole Person in a Broken World,” author Ron Davis tells a story about a mother and daughter who, long ago, were caught in an earthquake in their native Armenia. The 36 story apartment building in which they … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage
The following is taken from “Tales from Heritage Farm” written by Wenda and Randall Grabau. The Dawn of a New Day Part 1 “Cock-a-doodle-doo———God-is-good-to-you——!” This abrupt, piercing chorus trailed off, not without ruffling more than a few feathers. Brilliant pink and subdued rose washed the eastern sky as the twitter of the first morning bird began her melody. … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past Daytime Mail Miles, Nighttime Music Miles
Second of a two-part series Roy Hanke was said to have traveled the equivalent of 19 trips around the world, about 450,000 miles, but all not far from home. He delivered rural mail two months short of 44 years from the Brownsville Post Office before retiring in 1963. He began September 10, 1918, as substitute for Matt Roster and took over a permanent appointment when Roster … [Read more...]
NASS 2023 Yield Estimates for Fillmore and Houston Counties
By Katie Drewitz National Ag Statistics Service (NASS) crop yield estimates for 2023 have been posted. Looking at this data is an opportunity to assess yield trends in the counties to better understand yield potential. In turn this assists in the long term financial management of our farms. Today’s article will focus on corn and soybeans, but NASS also has estimated yields … [Read more...]
My Horoscope Says I Shouldn’t Read It
I don’t read my horoscope. I read my wife’s horoscope so I know what to be prepared for. Why don’t I read my horoscope? I’m kept pretty busy gazing off into the distance. Besides, I’m waiting for the movie. But for many people, reading the daily horoscope is a habit they hold near and dear. I don’t believe in astrology. I believe I’ll eat a Honeycrisp apple. Why … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past Not a Deserter, Merely the Mailman
First of a two-part series Cy Larson of Houston used 13 different vehicles while traveling about 560,000 miles, equivalent to 22 and a half times around the world. It was a life-long pursuit for Larson, who from the age of six, wanted to be a mail carrier while listening to the tales of Mabel-area carrier Grandville Bates. In the early 1920s, rural carriers often stopped … [Read more...]
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Identified in Goats and Cattle
By Katie Drewitz HPAI historically infects birds but has been documented to infect mammals such as cats, skunks, and foxes. Based on the recent findings from Michigan USDA announced the virus is very similar to the viruses found in Texas and Kansas and reiterated the virus appears to have been introduced by wild birds. Pasteurization has continually proven to inactivate … [Read more...]
I Hear You!
I see you, friend. I hear that you’re curious if raw milk is all it’s cracked up to be. Does it really work or is it too good to be true? How do I know? Because I know you’re reading! Many of you had additional questions about my last article and wanted to hear more. Every week, I hear the most amazing raw milk stories. I could write a book with the hundreds of ways I’ve … [Read more...]
The Butterfly… Jesus is Alive!!! He is Risen!!!
By Pastor Mark Woodward Maple Leaf Parish Churches: Spring Valley: Faith, Cherry Grove, Fountain, Preston (and Lenora) Pictured here is a colorful butterfly depicted in stained glass on the front door of the Preston United Methodist Church. The butterfly is a powerful symbol of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. It portrays the power of new life and that Jesus has … [Read more...]
Showing Up and Shining in the Show Me State
I didn’t go to St. Joseph, Mo., because Missouri loves company. I drove along the edges of things, and the weather was kind enough that I didn’t pack any puffy clothing. I joined people who live in a constant state of Missouri to watch basketball while increasing both my joy and my stress levels. Watching a granddaughter who is nothing short of outstanding is joyous, but it … [Read more...]