Second of a series It was long a familiar landmark for automobile traffic between Hokah and La Crescent on Highway 16 before it was torn down in 1954. The building originally housed one of the most successful breweries in Minnesota. The Root River Brewery was founded in Hokah Township by Joseph Pfeffer, Jr. in 1858, the same year he and his son immigrated from … [Read more...]
Nuisance Insects Appearing in Homes
By Katie Drewitz University of Minnesota Extension, Preston and Caledonia The warmer than usual temper-atures this winter has led to a prolonged season of nuisance insects. These insects include cluster flies, box elder bugs, sowbugs, multicolored Asian lady beetles and more. Fortunately, these insects are harmless, although they can be annoying, especially when many of … [Read more...]
Ask a Trooper
With highs near 50 and the sun in the sky, it can be hard to believe it is March in Minnesota. If you’re not a fan of Minnesota winters, the higher temps and lack of snow this winter is appealing. You might even think that the lack of snow has made our roads safer. Unfortunately, the effect on traffic safety is not always what people think. We’re seeing an alarming spike in … [Read more...]
Wondrous Love
By Pastor Pam Seebach Harmony, Mabel, and Newburg United Methodist Churches The dictionary defines “wondrous” as inspiring a feeling of wonder or delight. When I think about the season of Lent, I can find wonder, but I do not find delight as I consider Jesus’ last days or weeks on earth. Spoiler alert: Jesus dies! but then he is resurrected! There is an American folk … [Read more...]
Your Flying Farmer – Come Chore With Me!
Every morning (Yes, you read that right, every morning), my alarm clock rings long before the sun says hello. I roll out of bed, stretch my stiff neck, whisper “I love you” to my wife, and sneak down the squeaky stairs. If I’m lucky, I trip on one of my kids who decided the floor next to my bed was the best place to be just because it was near me. That is the closest I’ll ever … [Read more...]
All Together Now, We All Yodel for Ice Cream
It was too windy to pick rocks. We file away things in our heads for little reason other than to give us something to do when we’re not picking rocks. Things melt in our mouths, in our hands and, sadly, in our minds. This little ditty remains firmly planted in my brain, “I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream. It’s a gladdening ode to the sweet delights of … [Read more...]
Journal Writing Project Kirk Cousins: The End of an Era
By Cashton Newgaard The NFL landscape is constantly evolving, with players moving between teams for various reasons. One such notable transition was Kirk Cousins’ departure from the Minnesota Vikings. His departure marked the end of an era in Minnesota as he and the team could not come to terms with the new contract extension. Cousins wanted too much money, that’s all we as … [Read more...]
Good Night. Sleep Tight. Don’t Let the Pillows Bite.
Part of a human being is a human sleeping. Sleep is easy. I can do it with my eyes closed. Follow your dreams and fall asleep. My brother could sleep standing up. I’m not that good, but I’m a competent sleeper. Most nights, I barely notice the sheets are made of razor wire, but there are those nights when I toss and turn, and turn and toss like a little kid on Christmas … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage: A Work in Progress
Recently we have been at work to remodel our kitchen. It was last remodeled in 1941. It has brought us an added appreciation for how workers before us put such good quality in their workmanship. We boxed away and neatly hid light fixtures and decorative items away in the basement. Much went to the basement, but for our sustenance and survival during this remodeling … [Read more...]
Grace and Truth
By Pastor Kevin Barnhart Spring Grove Evangelical Free What’s in a conjunction? Do you remember School House Rock? I know this dates me, but Conjunction – Junction what’s your function? Maybe some of you can hear that little jingle in your head. Oh the power of a catchy jingle, isn’t it incredible. So, when Jesus came why wasn’t it grace or truth? Many today are not … [Read more...]