It’s a project that’s been over two years in the making. Wykoff resident Harvey Schmidt knew he wanted to create a Veterans Memorial in Wykoff and so, in 2014, he formed the Wykoff Veterans Memorial Committee, which included Mike Holzer, who served as co-chair with Schmidt, Mark Anderson, LuAnn Hare, Lynn Kidd, Cheyanne Baker, John Baker, Ross Heusinkveld, Lyle Crowson, and … [Read more...]
Shot down on the 49th mission
The following was written by Madeline Hass Duneman, daughter of Alfred Hass. Alfred W. Hass and Madeline Slifka were married in August 1941 and lived in Granger, Minn., where Alfred worked in the creamery. He loved to fish and hunt; then after coming in with his fish and game, would run all over town looking for someone with whom to share the bounty. Al was drafted in … [Read more...]
Veterans Day – a family affair
The Cleveland family of Spring Valley has a long and rich relationship with the military. Patriarch of the the family, George Cleveland, was unable to enlist in the military during World War II due to a disability caused by a bout with polio when he was a child. He did, however, serve an enlistment with the Civilian Conservation Corps as a young man. “The Civilian … [Read more...]
Easy ways to celebrate Veterans Day
Veterans Day is an annual holiday when veterans of the armed forces are honored and celebrated in the United States. Many people confuse Veterans Day with Memorial Day. While both days honor members of the armed forces, there's a distinction between the two holidays. Memorial Day, which is celebrated in May, is a day designated for remembering servicemen and servicewomen who … [Read more...]
Semper Gumby
Many things from his time in the military stick with Scott Johnson, including “Semper Gumby” or “Always Flexible” which is a phrase that comes from his former First Sergeant. Born in West Point, Nebr., Johnson’s family moved to Chatfield, Minn., when he was about a year old and he attended school there until fifth grade when they moved to Harmony, Minn. He graduated from … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central senior chosen as state finalist for Wendy’s High School Heisman Scholarship
“I was very surprised, but excited,” Fillmore Central senior Kiera Olson said about finding out that she had been named a state finalist for the Wendy’s High School Heisman Scholarship. Communications teacher Mrs. Mehus encouraged Kiera to apply for the scholarship because of her academic and athletic accomplishments. So Kiera filled out the application, wrote her essays, … [Read more...]
Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center expands
It is a very exciting time for the Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center of Lanesboro, Minn., as 151 acres have recently been added to the existing 80 acres. The property, which is known as “The Point,” was owned by the Gavere family from Albert Lea, Minn. It was first owned by Frank Gavere and then by his son Allen. “For 38 years they have allowed us to use the … [Read more...]
Bremseth Auto Body specializes in excellence
By Rich Wicks Imagine having a classic car that you want restored to its original beauty (or better). Who would you take it to? Well, for many such people in southern Minnesota, the answer is Bremseth Auto Body, in Wykoff. John Bremseth is the owner and founder of Bremseth Auto Body, and he tells the story of how his business came about. John explained that in 1991, his … [Read more...]
Matt’s Body Shop serving area residents since 1961
By Mary Whalen When dialing Matt’s Body Shop & Tire Service on the north side of Spring Valley, be sure to let the phone ring a good long time because owners, Dave Blazing and Chris Czapiewski are usually in the shop working on vehicles. For over fifty years, Matt’s Body Shop, which was started by Matt Paulisich, has been assisting area residents with a personal service … [Read more...]
Service with a smile at Reicks Auto License Bureau
By Barb Jeffers Many activities in our daily lives are not necessarily pleasant but have to be done. Such is the case with getting our driver’s license renewed or getting new license plates or tabs. However, stopping by Reicks Auto License Bureau in Preston, Minn., somehow doesn’t seem like such a chore. One reason may be due to the quick service. People tend to travel a … [Read more...]