As a part of Harmony’s weeklong 4th of July celebration, the third annual Harmony Sings event was held on Sunday, June 30 at the Old Legion Hall in Harmony, with approximately 70 people on hand. The event is organized by the Harmony Chamber of Commerce, and is affiliated with a statewide competition known as Minnesota Sings. One of those on hand was Chuck Spavin, representing … [Read more...]
Come toast Harmony Spirits’ Grand Opening and Classic Car Show July 4
Perhaps you have been one of the many to press your nose against the big glass windows at Harmony Spirits, gazing at the elephant-size still inside, admiring its mirrored copper gleam. And maybe that gaze got you wondering, impatiently, when this new micro-distiller would officially open its doors. Well, wait and wonder no more! Harmony Spirits is ready. Though Jim Simpson, … [Read more...]
Chatfield pool opening celebrated
The new Chatfield swimming pool opened on June 7. On an unusually cool June 13 evening, Mayor Russ Smith stood before the new pool for a special dedication to celebrate the culmination of months and months of planning. He credited the Pool Committee (Julie Henry, Alesha Worden, Kari Fredricks, Greg LaPlante, Ed Harris, Kari Njos, Shari Harmann, Michelle Thompson, and Melissa … [Read more...]
ALS Golf Tournament one of longest running ALS events in Minnesota
When Lindsay Eide married her husband Chad, she knew she was marrying into a family that loved to golf. Since she also enjoyed golfing, it was a perfect fit. In 2010, Eide had an idea to turn the Eide family’s passion for golfing into a fundraiser for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or ALS. Also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative … [Read more...]
Chuck Ehler looks forward to retirement, but will miss kids
By Leah Himlie In the past few years it seems like many teachers in the Rushford-Peterson school district have retired, and now it is time for Superintendent Charles (Chuck) Ehler to retire as well. He has been at R-P for 12 years and has made a great impact on the school and community. Though his career will end in Rushford, it began in Mabel, Minn., when he graduated from … [Read more...]
Renee Lechner – West Point ready
Plans are in place for Renee Lechner, a 2019 Kingsland graduate, to begin at United States Military Academy (USMA), better known as West Point, on July 1, 2019 – the official start of Cadet Basic Training. “I leave June 26 to spend a few days in New York with my family and then I report June 29,” says Spring Valley resident, Renee. “Basic Training is not the same as basic … [Read more...]
Good Earth Village celebrating 50 years – all year long
Located just north of Spring Valley, Minn., Good Earth Village remains one of the “best kept secrets” of the area, but the camp staff members are hopeful the word is getting out in 2019 as opportunities to celebrate the 50th anniversary begin! Years of praying, planning, and constructing were necessary before this family friendly campground began, so those making plans for the … [Read more...]
Lanesboro business owner receives Historic Preservation Award
At the May 6 Lanesboro City Council meeting, owner of Granny’s Liquor, Lori Bakke was awarded the Historic Preservation Award for her extensive work and research making sure that her building stays historically accurate. A representative from Smith Schafer & Associates gave the 2018 audit presentation for the council and the Lanesboro Public Utilities Commission. The … [Read more...]
Whitacre honored with 2019 Teacher of the Year
As students and faculty began streaming in to what had been a quiet gymnasium at Fillmore Central High School in Harmony, Minn., on Tuesday, April 30, 2019, the excitement seemed to echo through the gym as everyone wondered what was about to happen. Jason Sethre, editor of the Fillmore County Journal spoke initially, explaining to the crowd that they were all in attendance … [Read more...]
Rushford Veterans Memorial was a long-time vision
“Everyone who served, whether they were overseas or not — they served in some way to this country,” states Maynard LaFleur, who spearheaded the effort to have a Rushford Veterans Memorial in Rushford, Minn., which was recently completed. “I always wanted something in remembrance for the soldiers who served and who fought,” expresses LaFleur. “I started it in my mind years … [Read more...]










