From whimsical and light hearted to dark and thought provoking, and always well suited to the performing environment, this year’s slate of Dreamery Rural Arts Initiative productions offers much to put into your summer and fall planner. Wood fired pizza is available to accompany most productions and all will be located on the grounds of DreamAcres, in rural Wykoff. No tickets … [Read more...]
Spring Valley again denies deer hunt within city limits
The Spring Valley city council held a regular council meeting on June 28, at city hall. Members present included Luan Ruesink, Greg Brooks, John Dols and Mayor Tony Archer. Chris Danielson was absent. Also attending was City Clerk/Administrator Deb Zimmer. Sandy Oeltjen was on the agenda to ask the council to consider a hunting ordinance proposal. Her proposal included, … [Read more...]
Beatty Darr paves his way to Eagle Scout
The flagpole at Oakwood (Sherwood) Cemetery has a new look thanks to 14-year-old Beatty Darr and his Scout group. Beatty, who has been in Scouting since he was nine years old, called Rushford City Hall in search of a project to complete his Eagle Scout level. He was referred to Jack O’Donnell, who suggested he do something around the flagpole at the cemetery. Beatty chose to … [Read more...]
Spring Grove to receive funding and assistance from National Endowment for the Arts
In its ongoing support of rural communities, the National Endowment for the Arts, in partnership with the Housing Assistance Council, announces the 2021 communities taking part in its national initiative, the Citizens’ Institute on Rural Design (CIRD). Spring Grove is one of four communities selected for a multi-day design workshop. In addition, Spring Grove and the other … [Read more...]
Rushford nails down airport projects
The Rushford Municipal Airport has seen several projects take shape in the last few years with more than a handful prompted by the devastating fire of a six-unit hangar in October 2019. At the June 28, 2021 council meeting, several issues related to projects saw approvals as well as notes of frustration. First up, the Pavement Improvement Project. This is underway to correct … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotions – “Sunshine in My Soul”
As many of you know, I am not a good singer, but I love happy, joyful, uplifting music! One of my favorite composers is Scott Joplin who lived in the early 1900’s and wrote contemporary ragtime music of his era. Happy, upbeat, toe-tapping music – the kind of music that brings smiles! Some time ago, I ran across an old hymnal, a songbook from the early 1900s. I thumbed … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past Dancing on deck, legislation and their first night in America
Norwegian emigration, part 4 Although the Norwegian emigrant voyages to North America, as covered last week, were rife with misery, there were also pleasant and even celebratory experiences on board in the mid-to-late 1800s. When weather permitted, the passengers were usually up on deck for routine duties while there were might also be games and dancing. Some skippers … [Read more...]
Goats to clear Sprague Woods
On June 28, 2021, the Caledonia City Council held its regularly scheduled meeting from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Caledonia City Hall Council Chamber Room. City Council members present were Mayor DeWayne “Tank” Schroeder, Amanda Ninneman, Robert “Bob” Klug, David Fitzpatrick. Absent was Brad Rykhus. Mayor Schroeder led councilmembers and the audience in the Pledge of … [Read more...]
Vacant Chatfield council seat
At the June 28 city council meeting, Chatfield councilor John McBroom announced his resignation. Councilor Paul Novotny was absent. McBroom, who was serving a second term on the council, explained that a lot of things come up which we have no control over. “Just can’t do it anymore; I am missing some of the grandkids’ events, you just can’t get that back,” he said. Mayor … [Read more...]
Join Harmony in celebrating their 125th Anniversary, July 2-4
There is a lot to celebrate in Harmony this weekend, July 2-4. The city is celebrating the their 125th Anniversary (1895-2020) and is hosting the town’s 140th Fourth of July celebration, and you are invited to join in the festivities. In 1954, Greenfield Prairie, a bustling Norwegian village, was located a short distance south of the present-day Harmony. Business owners … [Read more...]