When the North Star and Freedom Honor Flight delegations returned from their one day trips to Washington, D.C., crowds of people lined the airports of Rochester and La Crosse to welcome them back home. “That’s not the way it was when we returned from Vietnam,” remarked Mike Lane of Chatfield, “it took 50 years before I heard ‘Welcome Home’ after my time serving in Vietnam.” … [Read more...]
Recognizing the Decade of Service for MRS-Preston
By Nathan D. Pike Madelia, MN Past MRS-Preston commander 2015-2021 This Veterans Day 2025 we remember those who have served the country and gave of themselves to a greater cause for the continued freedom we enjoy in these United States. As the first commander of the Memorial Rifle Squad, Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery-Preston, I want to recognize the countless … [Read more...]
Military Traditions: Veteran Coins
You may be unfamiliar with the two military coin traditions, as I once was. These traditions are said to date back to the time of the Roman Empire. Of course, there are those who share other origin stories, but regardless of what you believe, both traditions have endured for decades. The first is the challenge coin which represents an achievement, an affiliation with an … [Read more...]
Military Rock Finished in Caledonia
Top photos, Sarah Pederson of Lucid Painting, Coon Valley, Wis., was commissioned by the Caledonia Street Scapes committee to paint a boulder to recognize and honor all our veterans and active military members. The rock is located at North Park in Caledonia, Minn., visible to all who travel Highway 44. This mural is not officially connected to or endorsed by the U.S. Dept. of … [Read more...]
Fillmore, Houston and Mower County Veterans
Fillmore County Veterans Dean R. Aarre Loren “Ordale” Aarre Daniel R. Aarsvold Scott Aarsvold Carl A. Aasum Brian Abell Lisa Abell Victor Abbott Kenneth W. Abraham Paul C. Abrahamson Leslie ‘Moe’ Adamo Aaron Adams John S. Adams Dave Adamson Gordon Addington Michael Adler Arthur Affeldt Brent Afseth Gustave … [Read more...]
Rooster Ridge Pheasant Farms: The Midwest’s Premier Pheasant Hunting Experience
Craig Helke and Dylan Burrow have developed a clearly defined marketing brand for Rooster Ridge Pheasant Farms, based on their own pheasant hunting experiences. A brand is a promise of what customers can consistently expect every time from a service, product, or interaction. Helke and Burrow promise their customers a true Midwest hunting experience, as proudly stated on the … [Read more...]
Wanhi Yukan (There is Chert There) Preserve
The Grand Meadow Chert Quarry/Wanhi Yukan Preserve is a new place to explore near Grand Meadow, Minn. Wanhi Yukan literally means “There is chert there;” this chert quarry was created in prehistoric times to gather the highest quality chert in Minnesota. Many people are unfamiliar with the word “chert.” Chert is a dark flint that is composed of fine grain crystalline quartz; … [Read more...]
SE Asian Farmers Visit Houston Farm
Glen Groth hosted some special visitors at his Houston area farm recently. Guests from Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand visited Groth’s farm as they took part in the NSM (Northern Soy Marketing) Crop Tour on September 29 through October 3. NSM is a collaboration of Minnesota and South Dakota soybean checkoff organizations. Minnesota and South Dakota produce 16% of the soybeans … [Read more...]
Three Generations of Exceptional Service and Dedication in Caledonia
For 50 years, Wiebke Tire has kept Caledonia and the surrounding communities moving, on the road and in the fields. Now entering its third generation of ownership, the business continues to thrive under Chad Wiebke, who works alongside Jon Kruse and a dedicated crew of five: Greysen Prouix, Hunter Augestine, Jim Hauser, Garrett Waldenberger and Gerald Schroeder. Although … [Read more...]
Truck Pulling, Competition and Camaraderie
Kris and Roger Torgerson of Harmony have found a great hobby, one in which they get to enjoy the thrill of winning and a great group of friends: truck pulling! The Torgersons are not new to truck pulling. Roger drove his first pull when he was a mere 14; his father, Stan, was supposed to drive the truck that night, but got busy running the pull and had Roger drive in his … [Read more...]