Long-standing traditions often lead to longtime relationships. Such is the case with the former and current members of the Lanesboro Study Club. The Lanesboro Study Club was founded in 1922 by eight charter members that included Mrs. K.R. Palmer, Mrs. George Gulbrandsen, Mrs. Oscar Simonson, Mrs. Clair Lund, Mrs. Paul DeVilliers, Mrs. H. L. Ask, Mrs. A. M. Hanson and Mrs. … [Read more...]
The glitzy gutzy galz of Chatfield
ArtBitz, a fine art gallery and gift shop has joined the growing list of new businesses calling Chatfield’s Main Street (Hwy. 52) home. The store opened its doors May 5 in the former Bailiwick antique store just a couple blocks from the Chatfield Center for the Arts and near the town’s new brewery. When visiting ask the glitzy, gutzy galz, 80-year-old Alice Ernster, … [Read more...]
Rushford State Bank opens in Houston
A short three weeks after taking over their new building in Houston, Rushford State Bank officially opened its doors in Houston, Minn., on May 16. The front door now bears the bank logo, signs around the bank detail the Rushford State Bank’s services, and a special “Banker’s Blend” of Carlson Roasting Company Coffee can be found on display at the teller stations along with the … [Read more...]
Preston woman shares memories of growing up on the railroad
Not many people remember a time when trains ran through Preston, but for life-long Preston resident Ila Mae Olstad, those memories are near and dear to her heart. “My dad worked on the railroad. He was section foreman here in Preston,” Ila Mae explained. Her parents, Art and Melda Noel, moved to Preston around 1921 and she was born 10 years later. Ila Mae’s father had a … [Read more...]
Valley High Golf Club under new ownership
The only 18-hole golf course in Houston County opened April 1, 2022, under new ownership. Jim Wieser, Bill Schmitz, Scott Iverson, and Dave Bubbers were able to play a round of golf on their new course that day; the next day it snowed, forcing them to cancel a college golf tournament scheduled on the course. April’s weather hasn’t been very cooperative for the new owners … [Read more...]
The dancing Scarlet
It is springtime in Bluff County and the birds are starting to return, including the bright red Scarlet Tanager from their winter home in South America. Southeast Minnesota is also home to Scarlet Nelson, a petite 1½-year-old girl with wavey auburn colored hair. She is overjoyed that the birds are returning as she loves to watch them fly around outside the family’s home as if … [Read more...]
Urbaniak era ending at Mabel-Canton
Later this spring, the Mabel-Canton baseball team’s season will come to an end. And with it, the career of Karl Urbaniak will end, after decades of coaching student-athletes and teaching in the classroom. When asked to reflect on his career, Karl shared details on the twisting path that eventually led him to Mabel-Canton. He recalled, “I graduated from high school in 1970. I’m … [Read more...]
New Caledonia police officer, Storm Davis
The Caledonia City Council met in regular session Monday, April 11, from 6-8:09 p.m. at city hall. Mayor DeWayne “Tank” Schroeder led the council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members in attendance included Robert “Bob” Klug, Amanda Ninneman, Mayor Schroeder, David Fitzpatrick, and Brad Rykhus. Members approved the minutes from the March 28 regular city … [Read more...]
Hatlevig Valley, shared home and hearts
Jessica Hatlevig Bell and Elisa Hatlevig have just opened up their Airbnb near Peterson. “We needed to open our house and our hearts to others,” Elissa commented. They have decided to share their family treasure with the public to honor their parents, Ronald and Jacqueline Hatlevig. The home is built on the family farm, which was originally established in 1894 by Ron’s … [Read more...]
Passing of the gavel
Owners Dick and Julie Schwade, Spring Valley Sales, passed the gavel to new owners Kevin and Mindy Grabau of Greenleaftton, Minn., on March 17. Schwade and his wife sold Spring Valley Sales, but customers can be assured that they will continue to hear Schwade’s familiar chant at Spring Valley Sales as he continues to auctioneer. With a laugh Schwade said, “I can’t be home with … [Read more...]