Earlier this year, I sat down with Preston Native Kelly Ristau, at Paddle on Coffee & Maker Emporium in Lanesboro, Minn. for an interview. The assignment was to write a story about Kelly work as a muralist. It did not take long to realize that there was much more to this artist, and what began as a conversation about murals evolved into a much richer portrait of a young … [Read more...]
Rushford- Peterson Voters Will Decide Building Question
At the November 17 Rushford-Peterson School Board meeting, the board approved in a 5 to 1 vote to call for a vote on the proposed building referendum. The decision followed a lengthy discussion by the board with each member explaining their thinking before voting. Chris Grindland shared his research on future enrollment and population projections in Fillmore County. “Based … [Read more...]
FFA Team Wins Big at National Convention
Tenth grade twins Charity and Grace Kingsley have been a part of FFA with Fillmore Central for four years now, but this year was their first time attending the FFA National Convention with their team and fellow FFA members. Twenty-three students from the Fillmore Central FFA chapter attended the October 29-November 1 convention in Indianapolis, Indiana this year. Most of the … [Read more...]
Semcac Food Shelves Ready to Help
As October drew to an end with no end in sight for the government shut down, people became more anxious about their food supply. SNAP benefits were set to end as of November 1; where would people receiving those benefits find food? Wendy Todd, director of the Food Shelf program at SEMCAC noted that both donations and visits to the Food Shelves began picking up. Todd … [Read more...]
More Than a Sign for Preston
Residents of Preston and tourists alike have taken notice of a huge welcome sign in a prime location facing the southbound traffic descending on Highway 52 where the speed limit drops to 40 mph. This “WELCOME TO PRESTON” sign is pretty hard to miss. Located at the city’s tennis courts (probably should be called pickleball courts based on usage), the big blue mesh sign … [Read more...]
MN Fall Beef Classic Held in Preston
The Fillmore County Fairgrounds was a bustling place October 16-19 as the MN Fall Beef Classic was held in Preston. Usually, this show is held at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds; this year, due to construction, a new site needed to be found. Enter a committee that decided to take on the event and hold it at the Fillmore County Fairgrounds. Amanda Bedtke, Autumn Feine, … [Read more...]
Golden Twin Toy Drive
Twin sisters Rachel and Faith Knopps of Spring Valley project a generosity inspiring others. By gathering, then delivering toys, they have created a nonprofit dedicated to bringing joy into the lives of children who are hospitalized. Growing up in southwestern Minnesota with a brother who frequently was a patient at Gillette Children’s Hospital in Saint Paul has influenced … [Read more...]
Jenny Kleppe, Trail Blazer
Can you imagine working in an industry where you know only one other woman doing the same work as you? That’s the reality for entrepreneur Jenny Kleppe, co-owner of Kleppe Forest Products LLC in Mabel, Minn. Jenny has met just one other woman, Bonnie Mulholland of Eyota, Minn., who drives the log skidder with her husband Jack. There simply aren’t many women in the … [Read more...]
The Outdoors Come Alive for Houston County Sixth Graders
Sixth graders from Houston County schools enjoyed a beautiful fall day at Winnebago Springs, where they learned about their environment, conservation programs, and careers in conservation. The surrounding hills, just beginning to turn colors, provided a picturesque backdrop for hands-on learning. “Only if we understand, can we care. Only if we care, will we help. Only if we … [Read more...]
It’s Great to be a Cougar – Lonnie Morken Makes State History
Mabel-Canton (M-C) Volleyball Coach, Lonnie Morken, made history Thursday evening, September 25, reaching an astounding 885 career wins and 150 losses. He moved up to second place for all-time career victories in Minnesota high school volleyball history. “I’ve never thought about breaking records,” he said. “I just wanted to be number one. I’ve been blessed with some … [Read more...]