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...]
Veterans, Community Gather for Tradition and Tribute at 18th Annual Military Ball
Veterans representing all branches of the military from Southeast Minnesota gathered at the 18th Annual Military Ball on Saturday evening, April 26, at the Fest Building in Spring Grove. The event, steep in history and tradition, welcomed approximately 120 attendees, including veterans, their spouses, and members of the public. Col. Fuller’s speech focused on … [Read more...]
Adeline Jean Agrimson
Adeline Jean Agrimson, age 88, of Peterson, Minn., passed away surrounded by her family on Wednesday, November 20, 2024. She was born February 10, 1936, the daughter of Adolph and Judith (Woxland) Bremmer in Rushford, Minn. Adeline grew up on her family’s farm near Arendahl, Minn., where her future husband Arne lived just across the valley. Adeline graduated from … [Read more...]
Preston State Veterans Home Celebration
The roots of this skilled nursing facility were planted as early as 2013 through the dedication of local veteran advocates and volunteers. The Preston Veterans Home Committee was established in the summer of 2015. Co-chairs and Vietnam veterans Don Gildner and Ron Scheevel began with little more than a dream. Over time with the help of volunteers/advocates and numerous trips to … [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...]
A Gold Star Sister
Rosemarie (Johnson) Morken of Peterson, Minn., the sole surviving sibling of Army Private First-Class Jerry Allen Johnson declared that she is proud to be a Gold Star Sister. Rosemarie, Johnson’s youngest sister was only 11 years old when he was killed in Vietnam. She remembers the day when her family received the news that he had been killed. Jerry was born on October 15, … [Read more...]
Show Your Support for Our Country’s Veterans: Wear Your Poppy
It’s time once again to mark your calendar: the annual 2024 opportunity to wear a poppy showing your support for our country’s veterans is fast approaching! National Poppy Day is the Friday of Memorial Day weekend, May 24, however, poppies will be available at many local businesses and Lanesboro’s American Legion Post #40 from midweek through the holiday on May 27. Despite … [Read more...]
Preston VFW and Auxiliary Announce Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen Essay Winners
Preston VFW and Auxiliary are proud to announce the winners of the Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen essay contests. Audra Otto won first place at the district level and second place at the state level for the Voice of Democracy. Katelyn Scheevel won first place at the local level for the Patriot’s Pen, and Hayden Hjelmeland won second place at the local level for the … [Read more...]
Service Dog Becomes Rushford American Legion’s First Mascot
As of June 26, 2023, the American Legion Post 94 in Rushford, Minn., has its first ever mascot – a dog named Bella. But this four-year-old Golden Retriever is much more than just a pretty face. She is veteran Ron Petersen’s service dog. Petersen served in Vietnam with the Marine Corp and has been dealing with the aftereffects for many years. To help with this, one of his VA … [Read more...]
“Lady of the Lake” Floats into Preston Veterans Home, Courtesy of Preston Area Arts Council
In January 2024 the Preston Area Arts Council disbanded due to a lack of new members and current members aging out. But before that happened the council decided they wanted to present the Preston Veterans Home with a gift. The council was made up of five members: Kay Spangler, founder and co-director, Mariella TerBeest-Schladweiler, co-director, Eileen Linden, the late … [Read more...]