Steven George Sobieniak, a nationally known maker of bamboo fly fishing rods and owner of Root River Rod Co., a full-service fly shop in Lanesboro, Minn., died Thursday September 22 after a year-long battle with cancer. He was 67. Steve was born November 11, 1954, in Niagara Falls, N.Y., and lived in Lewiston, N.Y., for many years. He began fishing as a boy, and learned fly … [Read more...]
Granny’s Liquor robbed in broad daylight
Thursday, September 15, was a beautiful sunny day in the charming little town of Lanesboro, Minn., like many days in the small community nestled between the bluffs. Lori Bakke, owner of Granny’s Liquor, was getting ready to open her store for the day. She had gone out in front of her store on Parkway Avenue, and watered her plants and swept the entryway. It was a busy … [Read more...]
Mary E. Mindrum
Mary E. Mindrum, 92, of Lanesboro, passed away on her birthday, Wednesday, September 21, 2022, at her home in Lanesboro. Mary Eleanor Nelson was born September 21, 1930, in Lanesboro, to Willie “Bill” and Bertha (Gates) Nelson. She grew up in Lanesboro and worked for Hanson’s Drug Store while she was in high school. Mary graduated from Lanesboro High School in 1948. In … [Read more...]
Lanesboro residents speak out about grain bin
A public hearing was held at the September 7 Lanesboro City Council meeting to discuss the proposed sidewalk improvements. Lanesboro resident Anna Loney addressed the council to ask how those particular sidewalks were chosen for improvements. “I would like to distinguish whether our objective is to have a walkable community,” she said. “I’m not sure if a blanket policy is where … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Area Community Foundation releases application for grants
The Lanesboro Area Community Foundation is now accepting grant applications for requests ranging from $250-$3,000 from registered 501(c)3 non-profits or government agencies whose projects will enhance the lives of people who call Lanesboro home through education, supportive services, the arts, etc. Applications are available by visiting smifoundation.org/lanesboro, emailing … [Read more...]
Dianne Ahlese Drake
Dianne Ahlese Drake, age 84, of New Trier, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2022. She was born on November 18, 1937, in Lanesboro, Minn. Dianne’s adventurous nature could be seen early on as she was the first girl to successfully reach the top of one of the many Lanesboro hills on her bike. Dianne graduated from the College of Saint Teresa in Winona, Minn., and spent her … [Read more...]
Leslie Wangen
Leslie Arlis Wangen, age 66, passed away on July 8, 2022, at Saint Marys Hospital in Rochester Minn., after a short illness. Leslie was born in Lanesboro, Minn., on May 21, 1956, the son of Palmer and Leona Wangen. He attended school in Harmony, Minn., until 1968 and finished his education at Mabel-Canton. Leslie work odd jobs throughout his life. He also was good at doing … [Read more...]
Marilyn A. Simpson
Marilyn A. Simpson, 88, of Paynesville, died Saturday, August 20, 2022, at her home near Paynesville. A memorial service will be 2 p.m. Thursday, August 25, 2022 at Grace Methodist Church in Paynesville. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at church. Burial will be in Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis at a later date. Marilyn Ann Simpson was … [Read more...]
Lanesboro seeks elementary teacher
At their regular August 10 board meeting, the Lanesboro School Board accepted the resignation of Chris Hanson, an elementary teacher. With school quickly approaching, Superintendent Matt Schultz informed the board there would be interviews conducted the next day. The board approved the hiring of Crystal LaDoux and Melissa Fahrenholz as paraprofessionals and Darcel Reker as a … [Read more...]
Lanesboro council makes changes to street improvement plan
Andy Heimdahl, owner of Sylvan Brewing, addressed the Lanesboro City Council at their regular August 1 meeting. He had noticed that the addition of two parking spaces in front of his brewery along with a small ramp were in the street improvement plan. While he understood the need for more parking spots, that space is frequently used for large brewery deliveries. “If there were … [Read more...]