Clark Wiger, a former Chatfield resident, was recognized for his “heroic achievement in connection with operations against the enemy” while involved in the last battle of Vietnam which took place on Koh Tang Island 50 years ago on May 15, 1975. Now he is busy getting prepared for the 50th reunion of the veterans of Koh Tang.  The Koh Tang Veterans Organization meets in a … [Read more...]

When Red’s IGA left Houston in the fall of 1998, Houston was left without a grocery store for two years. What a change from the five grocery stores in Houston in the 1950s! Sorely missing a grocery store, a group of community members got together and started a cooperative in an effort to bring a store back to Houston.  In 1999, Larry Connery, Peter Denzer, Sharon Onsgard, … [Read more...]

Garages may rank below kitchens and bathrooms in the home renovation pecking order, but these unsung heroes of suburban dwellings deserve their day in the sun. It’s easy for garages to become convenient, if crowded and disorganized, storage spaces, but scores of homeowners are embracing the idea that renovated garages can serve a more functional purpose. Prior to beginning a … [Read more...]

Eight years ago, Dave Norby stumbled upon his ‘73 Dodge Charger in a huge Chicago car consignment building. From across the room, he knew he wanted that bright yellow Charger, a 400 tunnel ram with two four barrels and an automatic transmission. He rebuilt the first motor twice, wrecked a second motor and then put in a 500 cu.in. motor and a five-speed manual transmission. “It … [Read more...]

Drivers go to great lengths to ensure what’s under the hood of their vehicles is well taken care of. But it’s equally beneficial to tend to the exterior of a vehicle, including its paint job. According to Popular Mechanics, oxidation can adversely affect iron-based metals. That can put vehicles in jeopardy and take significant time off their life expectancy. The good news is … [Read more...]

With the increased push for electronic and hybrid vehicles, people need to worry not only about charging locations, but also repairs and battery replacements for those EVs and hybrids. Where in Houston and Fillmore County is that possible? A total of 10 repair shops were contacted.  No repair shops in Fillmore or Houston County currently work on EVs; they have not even seen … [Read more...]

Holly Allen remembers exactly where she was when she learned of her breast cancer diagnosis. On November 20, 2023 at 1:30 p.m., Holly was sitting at her desk at work when her primary doctor called with the news and her life changed. Holly felt like she lived at Mayo Clinic for the next six weeks as test after test was run on her. She underwent a 3D mammogram, an MBI … [Read more...]

Pregnancy is often a joyful time for families, and that was certainly true for Kirsten DeJarlais Snell, her husband Paul, and their two children, Kendall, age 4 ½, and Gable, age 2 ½. The family was eagerly anticipating the arrival of their newest member.  The Origins Story Kirsten, 36, refers to the beginning of her breast cancer journey as the “origin story.” At 35 … [Read more...]

Caledonia resident Jim Hoscheit, who knows firsthand the importance of farm safety, offers two key pieces of advice, “Respect the equipment; they are very powerful pieces of machinery.” Continuing, Jim added, “Don’t be in a rush even though you might have a shortcut for something that takes that extra 10 seconds, five seconds, two seconds. Don’t put yourself in harm’s way.” … [Read more...]