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...]
Amazing Grace’s Accident Recovery
On Labor Day weekend 2024, Fillmore Central graduate Grace Kennedy had closed up her hair salon and headed out with her family for a ride along the Mississippi. Her family was riding motorcycles; Grace was following them in a slingshot. At an intersection, Grace’s life took a sudden turn. A man was southbound and about to make a left turn. A drunk person slammed into that man … [Read more...]
Looney Valley Lutheran Church Celebrates 150 Years
On Sunday, September 28, Looney Valley Lutheran Church will join together to celebrate a century and a half of its existence. Using a theme of “Yesterday we remember, today we celebrate, tomorrow we await,” the church will host a coffee hour at 9:15 a.m. followed by a special church service at 10 a.m., a noon meal of meatballs and turkey and a program at 1:30 p.m. Three of … [Read more...]
Go Green Kicks Off Plant Scavenger Hunt
Are you and your kids looking for a fun way to get out and enjoy nature this fall? The Go Green Club from Rushford-Peterson Middle School/High School, Mannix Darr, who is working toward his Eagle Scout rank, and the city of Rushford have worked to create a plant scavenger hunt using the trails at Magelssen Bluff Park in Rushford. The plant identification scavenger hunt will be … [Read more...]
Historic Forestville Ending Interpretive Tours
An irony existed when the banks of the Root River could not contain recent rainfall amounts temporarily closing Historic Forestville just days before the Minnesota Historic Society announced that on September 1, 2025, this site dedicated to preserving rural history in Minnesota would be closing. Will this closure be similar to a time over a hundred years ago when Thomas … [Read more...]
Adventure Racing Challenging Both Body and Mind
Last summer, Carin Hyter and Joshua Jacobson went to see the movie “Arthur the King,” a movie based on the true life story of a man who rescued a dog while competing in a world championship adventure race. Until then, neither Carin or Josh had heard of adventure racing. Intrigued, the couple researched the sport more and decided to try it. They found that adventure racing … [Read more...]
Alleged Drunk Driver Totals Classic Car and More
Over the past two weeks, anyone passing through Preston on Highway 52 has probably seen a black tarp covering a vehicle on the lot of Preston Service Plus. Passersby probably also noticed signs had been struck along with damage to the north side of the long-time body shop. The Statement of Probable Cause - Verbatim “On or about August 8, 2025, at approximately 1:25 AM, … [Read more...]