Tom Evanoff started off his career in retail at a young age. His parents owned Evans Department Store in Wisconsin, which was started as Evanoff Five & Dime by his grandparents in the 1940s. Evanoff’s dad’s rule was that, as soon as you could tie your shoes, you were old enough to work. Evanoff couldn’t wait to start working so he could earn his own money, at the grand … [Read more...]
Friends paddle through 2016
A love of canoeing and the outdoors brought two lifelong friends together to fulfill a goal in 2016. Jason Worden of Chatfield, Minn., and Jeremy Rabe of La Crescent, Minn., grew up together in Chatfield, were in the same graduating class of 1996, and have remained close friends since. Although “life” happens - people get married and have children, responsibilities … [Read more...]
Moulton Chinchilla Ranch flourishes outside of Chatfield
It all started when Dan Moulton’s parents purchased six chinchillas for $1,500 in 1966. Ever since then, Moulton has been raising and selling the soft, furry animals. Chinchillas are originally from Peru and Chile. When they’re full-grown, they weigh between one and one-and-a-half pounds. Their fur is extremely soft and full, and they can live up to 20 years. The most … [Read more...]
DNR plans swift actions to tackle Chronic Wasting Disease
Between 700 and 800 local hunters turned out for the DNR’s special meeting in Preston on December 15 to address their Chronic Wasting Disease response plan. The DNR had only expected about 400 people at the meeting, so by the time the meeting began, extra chairs had been brought into the gym as there was standing room only. “We hope to be on the front end of this infection. … [Read more...]
Bick n Berry Boutique opens to a crowd
A fresh and exciting addition has come to Chatfield, Minn., in the form of the new Bick n Berry Boutique, which is receiving rave reviews from customers. Angie Bicknese and Brayonna Berry have teamed their creativity and seemingly endless energy to create a shopping experience that is as unique and fun as they are. The idea for a boutique came about “kind of on a whim,” … [Read more...]
Youth actors shine in A Christmas Carol
As the Commonweal Theatre in Lanesboro, Minn., presents its rendition of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, area residents are fortunate to see four very talented local youth actors on stage along with seasoned veteran actors and actresses. Siblings William and Vivienne Hoeltzle, children of Michelle Van Hee and Kevin Hoeltzle, both of Canton, Minn., play the children’s … [Read more...]
Many gave to the max in 2016
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation’s Give to the Max Day is an annual event held statewide on November 17 that focuses on supporting local non-profit organizations in your community. It was evident again this year, it’s eighth year, how much Give to the Max day means to residents in the area and the importance of the work the foundations do. Sue Kolling, President of … [Read more...]
Chronic Wasting Disease identified in Fillmore County
Sixteen years after being first identified in captive Minnesota elk herds and five years after the state’s only case involving a wild herd, Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has been identified in Fillmore County. Two bucks were harvested approximately four miles west of Lanesboro in permit area 348. While not a complete surprise, the result is certainly devastating to the ongoing … [Read more...]
Lanesboro sailor continues 74 years of Seabee tradition
GULFPORT, MS - “We Build, We Fight” has been the motto of the U. S. Navy’s Construction Force, known as the “Seabees,” for the past 74 years. Today, Lanesboro, Minn., native and a 2010 Lanesboro High School graduate Petty Officer 3rd Class Benjamin Hungerholt builds and fights with the Navy on the Gulf Coast and around the world as a member of the Navy serving at Naval … [Read more...]
Family-owned bank celebrates 160 years in business
“All we have to sell is service.” Charles Johnson Sr. made that statement the motto of the Root River State Bank in Chatfield and today, his son, Charles Johnson Jr. carries on his father’s legacy. It’s been 160 years since the Root River State Bank in Chatfield, Minn., opened its doors. In that time, it’s been owned by three different families, first by J.C. Easton who … [Read more...]