Current members: Neil Courrier, Noah Carlson, Halle Bauer, Ashley Agrimson, Sarah Mensing, Logan Quimby, Nathan Wick, Andrea Larson, Brianna Koop, Abby Wieser and Nell Himlie. Inductees: Nicole Blagsvedt, Olivia Hoff, Anna Kjos, Mikayla Crawford, Joy Hundorf, Aaron Munson, Tovah Schroeder, Savannah Skalet, And Ben Ansell. Guest speaker: Mrs. Kelly Smith. High school … [Read more...]
Ostrander repairs and park damage discussed
The Ostrander City Council met on November 1, with all members present: Erin Volkart, Pam Kunert, Mayor Pat Nesler, Clerk Chris Hyrkas, Heidi Jones, and DJ Start. Police Chief Tom Mosher informed the council of an incident in which a person caused extensive damages to the city park on October 27, by driving through the park repeatedly. Chief Mosher said the vehicle’s tires tore … [Read more...]
Mabel Lumber fills the need for local building supplies
By Julie Little Orel Tollefson has had the notion of opening a lumber store ever since Hagen Lumber in Mabel closed 15 years ago. He knew that with his busy construction business (Tollefson Construction) he would always have at least one steady customer. But he wanted a partner. His sons had helped him, learning the building trade with hands-on experience throughout their … [Read more...]
American flag etiquette
The American flag symbolizes many things to many people. While the American flag is proudly displayed in millions of buildings and homes across the United States year-round, it tends to draw special attention each summer, when Americans celebrate their independence on July 4. The Flag Code formalizes and unifies the standards of respect that must be given to the flag, even … [Read more...]
American Legion winter coat and food shelf drive
The Chatfield American Legion and Auxiliary will be holding its annual winter coat drive and food shelf donations plea on Saturday, November 12 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Chatfield Methodist Church Hall. We will be looking for good, clean jackets, coats, and boots for ladies, men, and children. Food shelf donations of canned goods, boxed foods, cereals and cash donations are … [Read more...]
Veterans Day facts and figures
Veterans Day, once known as Armistice Day, was first celebrated on November 11, 1919, the anniversary of the end of World War I. In 1928, the United States Congress passed a resolution for Armistice Day to be an annual observation, and by 1938, the day became a national holiday. Differing from Memorial Day in May, Armistice Day, which would be renamed Veterans Day in 1954 … [Read more...]
Partnerships will help Minnesota corn farmers become the most sustainable and environmentally responsible in the U.S.
Written by Zach Fore Part of the appeal of corn farming is the independence it offers. You are your own boss, using a combination of science, skill, gut feeling and a little bit of luck to grow a crop every year and (hopefully) turn a profit. But corn farmers can’t do it all on their own. Finding the right partners is key to helping corn farmers improve their own … [Read more...]
Sustainability programs part of MCGA’s goal of becoming most environmentally responsible farmers in U.S.
Written by John Mages As combines started rolling and harvest season 2016 began, the Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) unveiled an ambitious new plan to help Minnesota’s corn farmers become the most sustainable and environmentally responsible farmers in the United States. Yes, that’s a lofty goal. But as a farmer for the last 35 years, it’s a goal I’m confident … [Read more...]
Minnesota corn farmer testifies at pollinator and neonic hearing
A legislative hearing last week focused on Gov. Mark Dayton’s recent executive order on protecting pollinators, specifically a section of the order that requires farmers to prove that they face “imminent danger of significant crop loss” before they can make foliar applications of neonictinoids. MDA is also requesting regulatory authority of treated seeds. Brian Thalmann, a … [Read more...]
Author Donald Harstad to appear at Preston Public Library November 3
Author Donald Harstad brings his crime fiction to life at the Preston Public Library on Thursday, November 3. Harstad draws upon his experiences as a police dispatcher and Deputy Sheriff in Elkader, Iowa, to write his novels. Harstad’s first novel, Eleven Days, was nominated for an Anthony award as Best First Novel. In 2000, it was sold to Warner Brothers Theatrical Film … [Read more...]


