One of 97-year-old Marjorie Scott’s favorite memories of her fiance Robert Bowe was when the two of them would go out on Sunday nights. They didn’t go out on a fancy dates though. Instead, Marjorie and Robert would drive down to the small country schoolhouse where she taught, to start the fire in the stove so it would be warm for the students when they arrived the next … [Read more...]
After 50 years of silence, lost soldier’s family learns the truth
Arlo Mathison was on his way to fight in the Battle of the Bulge when tragedy struck and the boat he was on sank. His son Chuck was only 2 ½ years old when his father died, so the only memories he has of him are the stories told to him after by his family. Arlo was born in 1919 and moved to the Spring Valley area with his family when he was 13 years old. In 1941, he … [Read more...]
Boys of ’61 camp in Spring Valley
As part of Spring Valley’s annual Loyalty Days observance, the Civil War reenactment group known as the “Boys of ‘61” camped in Spring Valley’s Spring Creek Park, and gave demonstrations of practices used by the soldiers during the Civil War. One especially popular part of their demonstrations was the cannon firing. Corporal Jason Grimm explained that he is a member of … [Read more...]
Lanesboro man’s dream car becomes a reality
“I found this in a shed, way back in the corner,” says Dave Haugen of Lanesboro, Minn., about the 1969 Camaro Z28 he bought a few years ago. “I was pretty lucky to find this one.” Having favored Camaros and Chevelles over the years, Haugen has owned a couple other older Camaros, and had restored a 1968 Chevelle. “I was looking for another car to restore and I stumbled … [Read more...]
Tesla Model 3 winter trip (4,600 miles)
By Mary Bell and Joe Deden On March 31, 2016, my husband and I stood in freezing weather at the Tesla Minnesota service center to put our order in for a Model 3. We were 30th in line and we received the first long-range, dual motor, enhanced autopilot, Model 3 delivered in Minnesota, on August 10, 2018. A Tesla is an American made, all electric vehicle manufactured in … [Read more...]
Golf carts – Fun, useful, and not just for golf!
Harmony Golf Carts is a great place to visit because golf carts are just plain fun! From Hwy. 52 in Harmony, go east on 4th at Kwik Trip toward Harmony Golf Course – you can’t miss it. Owner Ivan Vreeman and his wife Tami say they sell about 100 carts a year from their huge selection of Yamaha and EZ Go, new and used, “Plain Jane” or fully loaded, gas or electric carts. One … [Read more...]
Southland Auto & Diesel does it all
If you drive a vehicle, you should know about Southland Auto & Diesel. Located in Spring Valley, just west of Ace Hardware, Southland is a hidden gem of automotive expertise. Owner Isaac Hurst explained that, “We’ve been here since 2010. I actually started out selling used cars,” but he adds, “I would work on my own cars that I bought and then sell those, and so then I … [Read more...]
Ace Hardware’s dog a customer favorite
Todd Jones of Spring Valley Ace Hardware is a dog lover, and he especially loves Doberman dogs. But when his most recent pet Doberman died, fate had a change in mind for the Jones family. Todd said, “I’ve always had Dobermans in the past. And we had a fire, and the last one died in the fire.” So they bought a “fixer-upper” house, and fixed it up good as new. Then Todd … [Read more...]
This Dozer not for sale
Harrington Enterprises, located on Highway 63 midway between Chester (Iowa) and Spring Valley, sells and services lawn and garden equipment. But lately, a Dozer has been garnering the most attention at their location. But this particular Dozer is definitely not for sale, because he’s a dog. Chad and Camri Harrington, who operate Harrington Enterprises from their home, have … [Read more...]
Lucy is a common sight at the Commonweal Theatre
When stopping at the box office of the Commonweal Theatre in Lanesboro, Minn., there is usually a furry friend named Lucy who will greet you. Lucy’s owners are husband and wife team Adrienne Sweeney, Associate Artistic Director/Director of External Relations, and Hal Cropp, Executive Director of the Commonweal Theatre. Lucy has become a member of the theatre group and loves … [Read more...]