By Emily Krekelberg U of M Extension Educator, Farm Safety and Health The farm is a great place to raise kids, but it’s also dangerous. About one-third of all farm accidents involve children. Prevent your child from becoming a statistic: make sure they understand on-farm hazards, only give them age-appropriate tasks, and make sure they are supervised. Many of the everyday … [Read more...]
To the people of Fillmore County, from your Sheriff…
By John DeGeorge Fillmore County Sheriff “It’s good to work in Fillmore County.” It’s never been unusual to hear that from one of our deputies, but over the past few months, I’ve sure heard it a lot more. Every year at this time, the Fillmore County Journal recognizes our area first responders with a special section. Jason Sethre asked me if there was something I … [Read more...]
Harmony Fire Department creates memorial with ‘incredible support’ from community
A bronze figure stands guard near the Harmony Fire Department. His proud stature carries the weight of not only his firefighting equipment, but also the honor and commitment of many firemen who have come before him, of those who serve today and of those who will follow in the future. The statue arrived earlier this summer to take his post, nearly three years after the idea was … [Read more...]
Harmony Fire Department honors former chief with truck parade
Dean Brunsvold has faced several challenges in 2020, but the Harmony Fire Department was quick to respond, showing him that his fellow firefighters had his back. On Saturday, August 8, members of the department held a firetruck parade to Gundersen Harmony Health Care, where Brunsvold is currently a resident. His 83rd birthday had been Wednesday, August 5. Brunsvold’s … [Read more...]
Golden Happenings, Harmony’s active senior group
Harmony’s senior program, Golden Happenings, might not have been able to offer its spring and summer programs as scheduled, but COVID-19 has not stopped Harmony’s senior residents from keeping active during the pandemic. With support, financial and in-kind, from local businesses and individuals, program fees, and funding from grants, Golden Happenings has been able to offer … [Read more...]
Spring Valley Living increasing care capacity
Spring Valley has been actively working with seniors in the area since 1957 to enhance quality of life through innovation, ongoing education and encouragement. Over the years the staff members have developed strong and lasting relationships with both the community and its healthcare services. Presently there are three options at Spring Valley Living: • The Evergreens is … [Read more...]
Being “in a pickle” can be fun
Pickleball may seem like a new sport, but it’s been around since 1965. It was invented on Bainbridge Island, a short ferry ride from Seattle, Wash. Three dads — whose kids were bored with their usual summertime activities — are credited for creating the game. There are a few stories about how pickleball got its name. The most widely circulated credits the name to the … [Read more...]
Wilmington Township dairy farmers keep milking through bad times and good
Although milk prices aren’t the best right now, a Wilmington Township family keeps pressing on. “Something’s gotta change for the good,” said Mark Gerard, whose family has milked cows in the same place on Four Corners Rd. for half a decade. Gerard, who grew up on a hog and beef farm right down the road, met his wife, Dianne (Stoltz) at a scavenger hunt party when the two … [Read more...]
Rein Dairy Farm runs with robotics
With technology running the world in a variety of ways, one typically doesn’t think about technology and farming. Robotic systems are becoming the future to feasibly allow small dairy farms to exist. Ben Rein of rural Highland, together with father Steve, wife Amber and children Steven, Jaime, Nora, Kim, and Rachel have automated their family dairy by the use of Lely robots. … [Read more...]
Princess Kay, in a whole new way
As in each of the past 67 years, a group of young ladies is vying to become Minnesota’s dairy princess. The winner is crowned each summer as “Princess Kay of the Milky Way.” The winner then spends a year as the goodwill ambassador of Minnesota’s dairy industry. Because of the pandemic, this year’s Princess Kay finalists were selected via a process through “Zoom” technology … [Read more...]