Janice Mae (Fossum) Soland, age 88, passed away on Friday, October 16, 2020, in Pine Island, Minn. Janice was born on May 31, 1932, in Spring Grove, Minn., to Thor and Irene (Bryant) Fossum. She was one of 10 children, working hard on the family farm. At the tender age of 16, Janice and met and fell in love with Vernon A. Soland, a man nine years her senior. This was a … [Read more...]
Harmony residents raise concerns over high tax levy
The October 13 Harmony City council meeting opened with a public forum. Council member Deb Swenson was absent. Harmony residents Ron Gregg and Dan Tiffenbacher brought their concerns about the 2021 tax levy to the council as they felt that the increase of 10.2% set at the September meeting was high. City Administrator Devin Swanberg assured them that it’s customary for the city … [Read more...]
City of Harmony Notice of Election
Goal exceeded by seven at Harmony blood drive
Thank you to all the donors who contributed to the success of the bloodmobile held in Harmony on September 29, 2020. Once again, despite the circumstances involved with the COVID-19 pandemic, we exceeded our goal of 48 by collecting 55 units of blood. There were 48 donors presenting with three first-time donors. In addition to exceeding our goal, the following milestones were … [Read more...]
Browsing broadband career with Jill Huffman
For Jill Huffman, her passion has always been technology-driven. “I like technology, I like the advancements in technology and what it does to change people’s lives.” Jill is General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of Spring Grove Communications, Harmony Telephone and MiBroadband. The trajectory of her career path began after graduating from Preston High School in 1992. … [Read more...]
Three days and 40 miles on the Root River
When travelers residing in Southeast Minnesota or Northeast Iowa want to go on an adventure, they don’t have to travel far. Within Historic Bluff Country (a.k.a. The Driftless Region), one element of nature brings so many communities together. The Root River. Throughout the summer months, locals and tourists will navigate the waterways with canoes, kayaks, and tubes. The … [Read more...]
Donna Smith
Donna F. Smith was born in Rochester, Minn., on January 22, 1959. She was 61 years old when she passed away peacefully on September 28, 2020, in Petaluma, Calif. Donna loved music and books and she had a beautiful smile. She was known as a happy person and will be missed. Donna will be buried at the Spring Valley Cemetery in Minnesota along with her parents, Erwin and Leona … [Read more...]
Mackenzie Marie Kvam
Mackenzie Marie Kvam, 16, of Belle Plaine, Iowa, passed away suddenly September 16, 2020, from a vehicle accident in Keystone, Iowa. Mackenzie was born October 20, 2003, to Shelley Kostohryz and Andrew Kvam in Winona, Minn. At the age of three Mackenzie moved with her mom and step dad David to Belle Plaine, where she became a part of the Benton Community. As a junior at … [Read more...]
Work begins on fiber project in rural Harmony
Rural residents of Harmony may have noticed an increase in trucks and workers along Highway 139. The increase in traffic is due to the installation of fiber for Harmony Telephone Company. In January, Harmony Telephone Company was announced as a recipient of a ReConnect Program award totaling $5.4 million. Harmony Telephone Company is using the combination $2.7 million loan … [Read more...]
Rachel Marie Skaalen
Rachel Marie Skaalen passed away on September 28, 2020, at the age of 95 years old at the Gundersen Harmony Care Center. Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 2, 2020, at 11 a.m. at the Greenfield Lutheran Church in Harmony, Minn., with Rev. Rolf Svanoe officiating. Friends may call from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will be in the … [Read more...]