Sheriff John DeGeorge, a long-time MMA fan had toyed with the idea of taking Jiu Jitsu classes for a while; he waited until after the election in November 2022 so he’d have a little more time to devote to it. He called his experience the first time he attended a session “profound.” He explained, “It was like learning a new language that you’d never even heard before! You … [Read more...]
Houston County Fair Board
Youth Can Find Their Spark in 4-H!
Since 1902, 4-H has served and engaged young people in every part of Minnesota. The 4-H program empowers youth to be true leaders. Through learning and leadership experiences and with the support of caring adults, youth in 4-H discover their sparks (or passions) and build the skills they need for a lifetime. Minnesota 4-H Mission To engage youth, in partnership with adults, … [Read more...]
All in the Family
A 4-H family includes not only the immediate members – mom, dad, and siblings – but also extends to the family’s relatives, fellow 4-H club members and their families and the community. Meet the Horihan family of Hokah, Minn.: dad Nick, mom Holly, 14-year-old Evan, who will be entering the ninth grade, and 12-year-old Carson who will be starting sixth grade. Holly, originally … [Read more...]
Tessmers Named Houston County Farm Family of the Year
The David and Sara Tessmer family of Caledonia has been named Houston County’s “2024 Farm Family of the Year” by the University of Minnesota. The Tessmer farm was founded in the 1870s and is a fifth-generation farm. David and Sara are taking over the family farm from David’s father, Eugene. The Tessmers have a corn, soybean and hay cash crop operation, do custom harvesting, … [Read more...]
Rob and Bettie Bunke Celebrate 75th Anniversary
“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15 was the Bunkes’ wedding verse when they got married 75 years ago. They have lived by that verse all these years. Rob declared, “I tell the Lord everyday how thankful I am for Bettie!” Rob and Bettie first met when Rob, a farm boy from Hart, came to town for a basketball game. Bettie, a town girl who lived in … [Read more...]
The Music Runs Deep
For Arland Folstad of Spring Grove, music has always been a cherished hobby, though his primary career was farming. Music runs deep in the Folstad family. Ninety-two-year-old Folstad, of Norwegian descent, was born to Martin and Olga (Klegseth) Folstad. Among his siblings were Elmer, recognized for playing the piano with the Cutters; Beatrice, Melvin, … [Read more...]
Hendel Farms: Brothers Working Side by Side
Karl and Matt Hendel, co-owners of Hendel Farms, have always had a clear vision of farming together. Matt emphasized that he couldn’t envision partnering with anyone else and would not have it any other way. “He is the best partner I could have,” expressed Matt. The brothers divide their duties, each excelling in their respective areas. Matt, who studied animal sciences at … [Read more...]
Heusinkveld Family Dairy – 150 Years and Still Going Strong.
When the Heusinkveld family farm began about 150 years ago, they had some pigs, chickens, and 15 cows. Over the years new generations took over and the farm grew. In 1970 Jeff and Steve Heusinkveld got their turn to run the farm. When they retired it was Jeff’s son Nate’s turn to run the family farm and begin to teach the next generation. And now he runs the farm with help from … [Read more...]
One of Mabel’s Own
Eighty-one years after the crash of a B-24D in North Africa during WWII, the mystery of what happened on that tragic day, September 4, 1943, remains unsolved. Aboard that plane was one of Mabel’s own boys, Darol Milton Sherburne. Staff Sergeant Darol M. Sherburne was killed on September 4, 1943, at Craw Field, Port Lyautey, Morocco, North Africa. Immediately after take-off, … [Read more...]