St. Paul, MN For Minnesota farmers and livestock producers experiencing times of stress due to business and financial challenges, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) offers a reminder of free, confidential tools that are available to help. “From low commodity prices and extreme weather to continued threats like highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), Minnesota’s … [Read more...]
Shannon Kochie Teacher of the Year 2024
A person never knows what the day might bring. That was certainly true for Shannon Kochie, a third grade Humanities teacher at Caledonia Elementary School on April 30, 2024. Kochie was not feeling quite up to par that morning and contacted Superintendent Craig Ihrke to request a substitute teacher. Knowing that all the plans were in place to surprise Kochie later that … [Read more...]
Mental Health in Local Schools
Across the nation, there has been a growing concern in schools about student and staff mental health. Six of our area schools shared how they are approaching the challenge of mental health needs – Chatfield, Lanesboro, Caledonia, Houston, Kingsland and Rushford-Peterson. At Chatfield, state money was used for additional staff to help with mental health issues. The high … [Read more...]
Teacher Appreciation Week
Caledonia Area Public Schools Mitchell Bechtel 3 years, HS Social Studies Tami Bennett 1 year, HS Math Katie Block 2 years, MS Math Becky Breeser 26 years, HS Math Bob Burmester 6 years, Elem./MS Physical Education & K-12 DAPE Tori Burmester 6 years, MS Science Sara Buros 13 years, MS/HS Special Education Jennifer … [Read more...]
2024 Volunteer of the Year
Last year’s Volunteer of the Year was Spring Grove Fire Chief Trent Turner. This year, we have another firefighter worthy of this community award. Paul Corcoran. When it comes to emergency response, Paul is the one you want on the scene. He’s a seasoned veteran, serving in both realms of fire department and ambulance service. Paul joined the Rushford Fire … [Read more...]
His Part in Harmony’s History
“Ralph Beastrom, age 81, passed away peacefully at Methodist Hospital in Rochester on Thursday, March 7, 2024, after a difficult battle with cancer.” His obituary shared his life’s story, but sitting down with his wife Carol added to Ralph’s legacy. We usually only share a story about the Volunteer of the Year; not the runner-up. But Ralph’s impact on the community and the … [Read more...]
1973 Dart Swinger Heading to Prom Again
Jason Hovey bought his 1973 Dodge Dart Swinger in November 1995 for $900. The rusted and beat up pea green car took Jason many places throughout two years of high school. During that time, Jason and his dad changed the motor and rebuilt the transmission. Jason’s dad, Randy, taught him how to fix anything that was wrong with the car. The Dart was a special car to both Jason … [Read more...]
How Tech Can Make You a Safer Driver
Technology has touched all aspects of modern life, including the way people drive. For example, the days of printing directions in advance of long car trips are long gone thanks to global positioning systems (GPS) that are now built in to cars or easily accessible via smartphones. But technology hasn’t just made it easier to get from point A to B. It’s also made such journeys … [Read more...]
What To Look For When Test Driving Pre-owned Vehicles
Preowned vehicles have become hot commodities in recent years, reflecting a change in what drivers are looking for when it’s time to get a new ride. According to the market and consumer data experts at Statista, preowned vehicle sales increased every year between 2014 and 2019 and more than doubled the number of new cars sold each year during that period. For example, in … [Read more...]
Early Childhood Opportunities at Fillmore Central
Early childhood educators play a crucial role in preparing young minds for their educational journey. At Fillmore Central, we offer a range of programs for families with children from birth to age five, catering to all levels of child development. Our School Readiness and Early Childhood Special Education Program (ECSE) at Fillmore Central aims to help students feel … [Read more...]