As of September 1, 2021, Whalan’s number one auto body shop, Doc’s Auto Body and Repair, will have a new name: Whalan Auto Body, LLC. New owner Jon VanMinsel will officially take over the shop from former owner Dale Peterson. Peterson owned the shop for almost 19 years; VanMinsel worked for Peterson for over 11 of those years. The transition had been in the works for several … [Read more...]
Vintage base ball with the Fungis
The Fillmore Fungis are a bunch of guys ranging in age from 74 to 16 who like to have fun playing vintage base ball – hence the name Fungis (fun guys). The Fungis play according to the vintage rules of 1860, the first real set of rules written down. The biggest difference between their base ball and our current baseball is that no gloves were used until the 1870s. At that … [Read more...]
Veterans home groundbreaking celebration
A large crowd gathered on August 9 for the groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the future state veterans home in Preston. This was the first of three groundbreaking ceremonies for the new veterans homes to be built in Minnesota. Ceremonies will be held in Montevideo and Bemidji later this month. Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Homes Healthcare Douglas Hughes said the … [Read more...]
Sugar Creek Vineyard & Meadery: Quality over quantity
A pair of brothers, Bryan and Kevin Logue, have embarked on a new business venture in rural Fountain, and they recently gave an interview to introduce their business to the community. Sugar Creek Vineyard and Meadery has been open since the spring of this year, and the brothers say that it’s a case of “so far, so good.” As a small family-owned business, the Logue brothers … [Read more...]
WWI plaque dedication held at Fillmore County Fairgrounds
“Let us forever remember those who sacrificed for our freedom and honor them always.” That was the premise behind a Plaque Dedication Ceremony held at the memorial entrance of the Fillmore County Fairgrounds on Tuesday, July 20, 2021. In 2019, a program was held at the main gate at the Fillmore County fairgrounds, commemorating 100 years since WWI soldiers were welcomed … [Read more...]
Auctioneer Frickson honored by Lanesboro Sales Commission
“You gotta like it, if you don’t like it, don’t do it,” states Freddy Frickson, who has been auctioneering at the Lanesboro Sales Commission for 64 years and loves to do the job just as much today as the day he started. The Lanesboro Sales Commission held an Appreciation Dinner in honor of Frickson on July 12, 2021, at the Lanesboro Golf Course, with many friends and family … [Read more...]
Driftless Trading Post – outdoor convenience store
Peterson, Minn., has a new “outdoor convenience store” as co-owner/operator Zach Lind refers to his new business. At Driftless Trading Post, you can order a flatbread or panini, pick up some beer or wine, rent a canoe, kayak or tube, and grab a souvenir! Lind’s family was really into the concept of “local food” before COVID hit; the family owned and operated Grandpa Don’s … [Read more...]
Farm Charm, Harmony’s newest store
In June, Amanda Heibel and Becky Jones opened Farm Charm, their own store stocked with a wide variety of gifts and home items, at 35 1st Street NW in Harmony’s downtown area. The store was aptly named Farm Charm because both of the women live on hobby farms. The duo create and offer custom t-shirts, tumblers, charcuterie boards, jewelry, totes, and aprons along with a wide … [Read more...]
Join Harmony in celebrating their 125th Anniversary, July 2-4
There is a lot to celebrate in Harmony this weekend, July 2-4. The city is celebrating the their 125th Anniversary (1895-2020) and is hosting the town’s 140th Fourth of July celebration, and you are invited to join in the festivities. In 1954, Greenfield Prairie, a bustling Norwegian village, was located a short distance south of the present-day Harmony. Business owners … [Read more...]
Spring Valley graduates keep the wheels turning from afar
“A century bike race has originated from Spring Valley for 12 consecutive years,” shared Paul Vogel, one of the current event organizers. For nine of those years, it was known as The Almanzo 100. When the primary event organizer transferred the event to Northfield, Minn., the Spring Valley 100 was born. One year later, The Almanzo bike race name was retired. The SV 100 event … [Read more...]