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...]
Fatal crash in Fillmore County, June 29
According to Fillmore County Sheriff John DeGeorge, a fatal crash was reported on Fillmore County Road 12, a short distance east of the intersection of Highway 52 yesterday evening, June 29, at 8:24 p.m. The initial investigation indicates that a pickup driven by Joseph Anthony Perry, a 39-year-old Hastings man who was traveling west on County Road 12, struck the rear of an … [Read more...]
Fillmore County variance applications considered
The Fillmore County Board of Adjustment held public hearings on three variance applications in the Ag District at its June 17 meeting. The county’s zoning ordinance details what is permissible in the Ag District in section 604. Doug Lind, section 15 Norway Township, requested a 30-foot variance from the distance required for the construction of a structure from the … [Read more...]
Fillmore County hears appeals on property valuations
County Assessor Jason McCaslin reported at the Board of Appeal and Equalization public hearing that his office has received about 100 appeals from property owners through the local board or open book appeal process. He expects there will be a lot of appeals until compliance and equalization are back on track. McCaslin stressed that an equalization across jurisdictions is … [Read more...]
Meet Houston County 2020-21 4-H Federation officers
By Garrett Waldenberger 4-H Federation Reporter • President: Cora Niebeling Club Name(s): Houston County Sharp Shooters and Hearts and Hooves Years in 4-H: 8 years Favorite 4-H memory: Spending time with friends. Projects in 4-H: Dog, Horse, Goat, Photography and Shooting Sports. Goal for 4-H 2020-21 year: to be a good Federation leader and further my … [Read more...]
R-P School adopts 2021-2022 budget
At their regular June 21, 2021, meeting, the R-P School Board adopted their 2021-2022 budget totaling $8,078,143.00 after a short presentation by Superintendent Jon Thompson. At the beginning of last school year, overspending of $100,000 was anticipated; COVID increased that amount when a number of parents decided to homeschool their children. The proposed budget will have an … [Read more...]