By Julie Little Orel Tollefson has had the notion of opening a lumber store ever since Hagen Lumber in Mabel closed 15 years ago. He knew that with his busy construction business (Tollefson Construction) he would always have at least one steady customer. But he wanted a partner. His sons had helped him, learning the building trade with hands-on experience throughout their … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton seeks new music teacher
The Mabel-Canton school board accepted the resignation of music teacher Connor Jones, effective immediately at their October 18 meeting. So far, they have only one applicant for the job and are actively seeking more. Calls have been made to local colleges to notify music students of the opening. “We’re doing what we can do,” Dean of Students and Interim Administrator … [Read more...]
Lyle M. Rolfshus
Lyle M. Rolfshus, 87, of Mabel, died Sunday, October 9, 2016 at Green Lea Senior Living in Mabel. Lyle was born June 18, 1929 in Spring Grove, Minn., to Adolph and Victoria (Humphrey) Rolfshus. He graduated from the Mabel High School in 1947. In 1948, he married LaVaughn Sand. They later divorced. Lyle worked at several places, including Rolfshus Hardware in Mabel, a milk … [Read more...]
Mabel council approves ambulance purchase
The Mabel City Council reviewed two bids for a new ambulance for the Mabel Ambulance Service. One was from Mccoy Miller and the other from Lifeline. Mayor Jim Westby noted that there were significant discrepancies between the two bids, such as different chassis, gas versus diesel, and warranty lengths. The ambulance from Mccoy Miller was priced at $169,893.75 with a 15-year … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton and Spring Grove rally around one of their own
When Paula Snell was diagnosed with breast cancer, several communities rallied around her and her family in support. Snell was formerly a teacher at Mabel-Canton and currently teaches at Spring Grove. Her daughter, Hannah Snell, attends Mabel-Canton and plays varsity volleyball there. Her teammates wanted to help so they and their parents put their heads together and came … [Read more...]
William “Bill” Littlejohn
William “Bill” Littlejohn, age 100, of rural Decorah, died Friday, September 23, 2016 at Green Lea Senior Living in Mabel, Minn. Bill was born April 17, 1916 in Oskaloosa, Iowa, to Melvil and Iona (Garrett) Littlejohn. He graduated from the Ottumwa High School in 1933. While in high school, he worked in a restaurant and a music store. It was at the music store where his … [Read more...]
Red Cross urges blood and platelet donations during National Preparedness Month
ST. PAUL, MN (Sept. 19, 2016) — The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to give blood and platelets this fall to help restock the shelves following a significant summer shortage to ensure an adequate blood supply for patients in need. Through the first two weeks of September, the Red Cross is down more than 10,000 donations from what is needed to replenish the blood … [Read more...]
Mabel Class of 1951 reunites
On September 9, 2016, 11 members of the Mabel graduating class of 1951 met at the Mabel Community Center for some good visiting and reminiscing. In attendance, pictured above are, front row: Doris Johnson Westby, Eunice Smith Williams, Neil Soltow, Doris Mohney Randall, and Pat Johnson Dahl. In back: Dale Stroud, Douglas Street, Merle Peterson, Jerald Holland, and Alvin Forde. … [Read more...]
Mabel City Council hears noise complaint from resident
Mabel Resident Lois Suckow asked that the council take action to address the loud noises coming from the American Legion and the On/Off Sale Bar. She had spoken at the August council meeting as well, but reported that the situation has not changed. Mayor Westby spoke to the owners of both establishments after last month’s meeting, and they agreed to be sure that all of … [Read more...]
Coty Vickerman
Coty Curtis Vickerman, age 29, of Mabel, Minn., died Tuesday, August 30, 2016 near Hesper, Iowa from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. Coty was born July 21, 1987 in Decorah, Iowa to Lori Vickerman and Albert Monson. In 2005 he graduated from the Spring Grove High School and then from the HVAC program at Western Technical College in La Crosse, Wis. He had been … [Read more...]