“I wasn’t ready,” Marlys Tuftin of Whalan said. While Tuftin was studying at Winona State, her college roommate asked her to join the Navy with her on the buddy system. Tuftin wasn’t interested at the time and ended up turning her down for a job in civilian nursing, but five years later, she had second thoughts. “I decided to try it for three years,” she said. Those three … [Read more...]
FC grads make a career in Armed Forces
Two Fillmore-Central High School graduates have taken different paths in the military, but both are now stationed in Miami, Florida. Becky (Polzin) Wyness serves in the Coast Guard, while David Fink serves in the Army. They recently agreed to share their stories with the Journal. Becky Wyness explained that, “I grew up in Preston, but we moved around a lot. I lived in … [Read more...]
The 11th Hour: The Date Behind Veterans Day
By Claudine Zap While most know that Veterans Day honors those who have served in the military, the meaning behind its exact date (November 11) may not be so familiar. Here’s the back-story: Back in 1918, in the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, a stop to hostilities was declared, ending World War I. An armistice to cease the fighting on the Western Front was … [Read more...]
5 Facts to Know About Veterans Day
By Katie Lange Veterans Day is a well-known American holiday, but there are also a few misconceptions about it — like how it’s spelled or whom exactly it celebrates. To clear some of that up, here are the important facts you should know. Veterans Day does NOT have an apostrophe A lot of people think it’s “Veteran’s Day” or “Veterans’ Day,” but they’re wrong. The … [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...]
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...]
Remembering Pearl Harbor
December 7, 2019, marks the 78th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. This was a pivotal day in world history, ultimately leading the United States to enter the Second World War. Prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor, Japan participated in a series of invasions into China, believing the only way to solve its economic and demographic problems was to expand into China and … [Read more...]
How to show appreciation for military personnel
Military personnel are unsung heroes whose sacrifices for their country make it possible for hundreds of millions of people to enjoy freedoms that many people across the globe do not have. In recognition of those sacrifices, many people want to show their appreciation to both active and retired servicemen and women. Fortunately, there are many ways to do just that. • Pitch … [Read more...]
Birth Announcement
Case Ardell Johnson Oliver would like to welcome his new brother! Case Ardell Johnson was born on September 26, 2019, to Guthrie Johnson and Jessica Karlson of Harmony, Minn. He weighed 8 lb, 1 oz and was 19 1/4 inches, born at 6:14 a.m. Grandparents are Mark and Cindy Johnson of Peterson, Minn., and Dean and Laurie Feine of Rushford, Minn. Great-grandfather is … [Read more...]
’58 Cardinals, winners still
Back in 1958, the Harmony High School Cardinals football team achieved something extraordinary. The team had a perfect 9-0 season. And it’s even more extraordinary when the circumstances are considered. Team member Richard Kiehne coordinated a reunion of the team and cheerleaders, and their spouses. The get-together was held at his home in rural Harmony just before they … [Read more...]
Chatfield Band invites new members
If you play an instrument and would like to join a vibrant community band, you are hereby invited to join the Chatfield Brass (and woodwind) Band. Rehearsals have begun and are on Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. in the Chatfield Elementary School band room. Prospective members are encouraged to visit and join at any time. Instrumentalists that haven’t played since high school or … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage
By Wenda Grabau Heritage is a big part of each person’s life. It is defined, in The World Book Dictionary, as “What is or may be handed on to a person from his ancestors, such as land, a trait, beliefs, or customs; inheritance:” Our inheritance does, indeed, include all of that. Our farm has existed for 163 years. We have spent but a short time in its history. We … [Read more...]
Birth Announcement
Emerlee Pamela Williams Emerlee Pamela Williams was born Sunday, August 18, 2019, 9:15 a.m. at Gundersen Health System, La Crosse, Wis. She is the daughter of Jordan Williams and Courtney Johnson of Mabel, Minn. Grandparents are Jeff and Peggy Williams of Mabel, Minn., and Richard and Pam Johnson of Peterson, Minn. Great-grandmothers are Eunice Williams of Decorah, Iowa, … [Read more...]
Fourth winner of the summer
Katie Harstad of Preston, Minn., stands next to her brand new Grizzly 40 Cooler she won in a recent contest. On August 31, 2019, Visit Bluff Country Magazine conducted the fourth prize giveaway drawing of the summer, which was a brand new Grizzly 40 Cooler. As the magazine celebrates 34 years as the premier tourism publication of Historic Bluff Country (a.k.a. The Driftless … [Read more...]
Engagement
Dols ~ Schaaf Deb Knoepke of Preston and Sean Dols of Fountain proudly announce the engagement of their daughter Leah Dols to Corey Schaaf, son of the late Stacie Schaaf and Dennis Kuhlow of St. Paul Park, Minn., and Curtis and Sima Seaver of Bloomington, Minn. Leah is currently attending medical school at Midwestern University in Chicago, with the goal of becoming a … [Read more...]