By Bretta Grabau Fillmore County Historical Society It is always a pleasure for a museum to receive objects that can further explain the story of an artifact already in its collection. Years ago, before the Fillmore County Historical Society had even moved into its present facility in Fountain on County 8 just off of Highway 52 from the courthouse, a picture had been given … [Read more...]
Maynard E. Johnson of Mabel Killed in Action in France, Near the Rhine River
By Gretchen Dahlen Former Mabel resident Maynard E. Johnson was born in 1924 in Newburg (rural Mabel), Minn. He graduated from Mabel High School and entered the University of Minnesota. He was inducted into the Army in June 1943 and sent to Texas, receiving training through the Army Service Training Program (ASTP). Pulled out early, he was assigned to the 66th Infantry … [Read more...]
Local Hero Remembered Nearly 58 Years After Vietnam War Sacrifice
Nearly 58 years ago, a quiet moment on a rural Winneshiek County farm turned into one of heartbreak. Darlene (Olson) Wennes was at home east of Hesper, looking out the window, when she saw a military vehicle turn up the driveway. In that instant, she knew the war in Vietnam had come home. Her son, Robert Allen “Bob” Wennes, was a casualty of the Vietnam War. Born on February … [Read more...]
Teacher Appreciation Week
Chatfield Public Schools Kirk Affeldt 9 years, 5th Grade Kirsten Armstrong 26 years, 4th Grade Reading Renee Bakken 30 year, Preschool Tom Bance 31 years, Elem. Phy Ed Brian Baum 35 years, HS Health Karla Becker 38 years, Speech/Special Education Carmen Berge 22 years, Kindergarten Josh Berhow 16 years, 2nd Grade Ann … [Read more...]
Dan Winkler: Teacher of the Year 2025, Major Excitement as Teacher of the Year is Announced
There was a mystery going on at Caledonia High School on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, as the student body was instructed to go to the Fine Arts Center after first period. They were not told why; they were told they would find out when they got there. As students and staff started filling the room, anticipation grew until Principal Nathan Boler spoke into the microphone. “We … [Read more...]
Let’s Work Together to End the Stigma Around Mental Health!
Stigmas surrounding mental health have persisted throughout history, creating barriers for those who struggle with their mental well-being. Unlike physical injuries, such as a broken arm or leg, which are visibly apparent and easily understood by others, mental health issues often remain hidden beneath the surface. This invisibility can lead to discomfort and fear among people … [Read more...]
MHA Talking Stress
MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL – Recent data from the American Psychological Association shows that the majority of American adults regularly experience moderate to high stress. Roughly 76% of the adults surveyed had experienced at least one stress-related symptom in the past month — such as headaches or difficulty sleeping. For Stress Awareness Month in April, Justin Anker, PhD, … [Read more...]
Show and Shine Coming to Preston
Get ready to enjoy Show and Shine at Preston Trout Days Car Show on Saturday, May 17! Trout Days festivities have featured a car show for 35 years according to the current show organizers, Justin Jones and Craig Bond. Originally, the show was an actual judged car show when it first began; now it is a Show and Shine. How is a Show and Shine different from a judged show? There … [Read more...]
Auto Interior Maintenance and Cleaning Tips
A number of factors are involved in keeping a vehicle functioning and looking good. Ensuring a vehicle interior is clean and tidy is easily overlooked, but such efforts can improve the driving experience. Drivers who want their cars and trucks to look their best should not forget their vehicle interiors. Drivers unsure where to start can spruce up their vehicle interiors in … [Read more...]
Maintenance Intervals Drivers Should Know
Since vehicles are such sizable investments, it behooves motorists to do as much as they can to keep their cars and trucks running smoothly. Vehicle owner’s manuals typically recommend maintenance intervals and should be drivers’ first resource for information regarding how to take care of their cars and trucks. But the following are some standard maintenance intervals drivers … [Read more...]