ANCA (Association of Nature Center Administrators) has chosen Colleen Foehrenbacher, executive director of Eagle Bluff Learning Center, for their Outstanding New Leader Award. This national award is given to a person holding the highest role at their association for less than five years. Colleen has worked at Eagle Bluff for 14 years; she took on the position of executive … [Read more...]
Spring Grove Unites To Tackle Daycare Challenge With Optimism and Teamwork
Following the sudden closure of Spring Grove’s Little Gnome Daycare and Preschool, on the morning of August 10, social media was quickly abuzz with the news. The center shut its doors without any prior notice. Owner Quentin Thorson shared the following statement with the Fillmore County Journal, “Thank you for reaching out and drawing attention to the financial challenges of … [Read more...]
Houston Honors Lifesaving Ambulance Crew
At their regular August 5 meeting, the Houston City Council got to see four of the Houston Ambulance crew members receive awards for their lifesaving measures this year. Several important visitors attended the presentation of the awards including the person whose life was saved, Ellert Mindrum. Ambulance Director Chris Cox presented the awards to Marty Momsen, Chris Tuveson, … [Read more...]
Glenn Dale Magnifies Wood’s Beauty with Intarsia
Upon entering the Dale home in rural Preston, an overwhelming experience of stepping into an art gallery where creative people lived and worked and played together is realized. An array of quilted marvels grace each room. Wood carvings and intarsia creations are artistically displayed throughout the home. Focusing on the craft of Intarsia woodworking, which “uses varied … [Read more...]
11 Teens, Ages 14 and 15, Receive Farm Safety Training
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states, “Farming is also one of the few industries in which family members, including children, are also at risk for fatal and nonfatal injuries. Data from the bureau emphasizes that “The agriculture industry is consistently at the highest risk for occupational injuries and fatalities, with 453 fatalities in 2021, or an equivalent of 19.5 … [Read more...]
The Music Runs Deep
For Arland Folstad of Spring Grove, music has always been a cherished hobby, though his primary career was farming. Music runs deep in the Folstad family. Ninety-two-year-old Folstad, of Norwegian descent, was born to Martin and Olga (Klegseth) Folstad. Among his siblings were Elmer, recognized for playing the piano with the Cutters; Beatrice, Melvin, … [Read more...]
Winona County District Court Welcomes Judge Dwight Luhmann
Attorney Dwight Luhmann is stepping up to serve as Winona County’s District Court judge for Winona County, Minn. Luhmann will replace Honorable Judge Mary Leahy. Towards the end of May, Governor Tim Walz appointed Luhmann as a Third Judicial District judge for Winona County’s District Court. Luhmann was eating lunch at Keys Cafe in downtown St. Paul when he received the … [Read more...]
If You Build It, He Will Come
Like many things, it all started with a dream. The difference with Upper Room is that it involved a literal dream. Seven years ago, Eric Corson had a vivid dream about hearing music and then seeing a musician playing worship music in the old Curt’s Standard building on Highway 52 in Preston. As the dream ended, he found himself looking down a stairway that went from 100 feet … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Class of 2024 Honors Hunter Bergo’s Legacy
The words “always be humble and kind,” from the Tim McGraw song “Humble and Kind,” are words that mean so much to so many people but for Hunter Bergo’s family, friends and classmates those words have become a source of strength, resilience and especially remembrance. Born on November 30, 2005, Hunter was just 10 years old when he passed away in an ATV accident near his home … [Read more...]
Houston Ambulance Now State Training Center
At their July 8 meeting, the Houston City Council recognized ambulance employees Dave Runningen and Chris Cox for their impressive 40 years of service to the community on the ambulance. In addition, Anna Frauenkron shared that the ambulance has now officially become a training center for the state of Minnesota. With that, the ambulance crew can present EMT, EMR and refresher … [Read more...]
Heavy Rain Leads To Area Flooding
Fillmore and Houston counties, which faced a drought last year, are now contending with excessive rainfall this summer. The change in weather resulted in flooding in both counties. Neither county has reported any injuries due to flooding. However, both counties are experiencing significant cleanup efforts and are replacing gravel on roadways due to runoff. Fillmore County … [Read more...]
Preston State Veterans Home Celebration
The roots of this skilled nursing facility were planted as early as 2013 through the dedication of local veteran advocates and volunteers. The Preston Veterans Home Committee was established in the summer of 2015. Co-chairs and Vietnam veterans Don Gildner and Ron Scheevel began with little more than a dream. Over time with the help of volunteers/advocates and numerous trips to … [Read more...]
Spring Grove’s Reinhardt is State Trap Champion
Spring Grove senior Taylor Reinhardt is the 2024 Girls State Trap champion after hitting 99 of 100 flying clay targets at the state champion-ships in Prior Lake, conducted by the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL). The three-time All-State Lion shooter, competing in the rain, edged out three girls who scored 98. Last year, in the first year for a separate division for … [Read more...]
ABLE Welcomes New Executive Director
ABLE (A Brighter Living Experience) warmly welcomes their new executive director, Lee Walraven, to the ABLE family. ABLE is a nonprofit organization that provides residential care for the developmentally disabled in Houston County, Minn. The nonprofit organization began back in 1979. At the time, parents in Houston County started an organization with the goal of finding … [Read more...]
Fat Pat’s Brewery is Open for Business
The long-awaited moment has arrived: Fat Pat’s Brewery, located in the heart of downtown Spring Grove, Minn., is officially open for business. Owned by Patrick Longmire Jr., along with his wife Jayme and friend Chelsea McManimon-Moe, the brewery is located at 130 E. Main St., once an automotive repair shop, now transformed into a vibrant hub for socializing and five-star food … [Read more...]