Bluff Country Reader

Deer tests positive for CWD in disease management zone Test result highlights importance of continuing mandatory tests for harvested deer

Published by lniemeyer@bluff... on Thu, 10/04/2018 - 10:50am

A deer taken during the opening weekend of archery season in southeastern Minnesota’s disease management zone has tested positive for chronic wasting disease, according to the Department of Natural Resources.

A hunter harvested the adult male deer about one mile east of Preston in the center of the CWD management zone. Mandatory surveillance is in effect for the area, which is designated as deer permit area 603.

Eighteen deer harvested in the disease management zone have tested positive for the disease since fall 2016.

Fall brings apple season and apple treats

Published by lniemeyer@bluff... on Tue, 10/02/2018 - 3:58pm

 

I've always enjoyed apple season. When my kids were still at home we'd make a weekend trip to La Crescent for an annual apple experience.

The boys would pick their favorites after taste testing and we'd stock up on eating apples. They liked tart, crisp apples the best.

Now, I can buy apples from Lee at the Eyota Farmers Market. His apple trees are older, so he doesn't have some of the newest varieties, but he has plenty that I like. Softer apples like Mackintosh are great for cooking up a batch of applesauce.

Junk seekers take a bit too much during city-wide clean-up

Published by lniemeyer@bluff... on Tue, 10/02/2018 - 3:51pm

I’m not really sure how to describe this, but here goes. Up here in Halstad they have what they call a city clean-up day. It’s not unique to this community, but we haven’t been involved in one for a while. On a given day, the city will pick up all of your trash. I think Chatfield does this shortly after they have their city-wide rummage sale. Right? Well, Halstad does the same thing. But the scavengers get out early, sometimes even before the night-before the city pick-up day.

Church basement potluck brings joy to the day

Published by lniemeyer@bluff... on Tue, 10/02/2018 - 3:49pm

I was having a great day. I wore a shirt with a pocket on it. That’s a good thing in itself, but to make it even better, I was wearing that shirt to a church basement potluck. 

The potluck was put on by folks who took bringing a dish to pass seriously. That caused me to grin like a goat eating thistles. A grin refers to a facial expression that reflects a beaming smile. When someone smiles in an unrestrained manner with mouth open and teeth visible, that’s grinning. 

One thing leads to another, even in recipes

Published by lniemeyer@bluff... on Tue, 10/02/2018 - 3:34pm

That old saying, “one thing leads to another,” seems to be most true now that we are getting ready to spend the winter months somewhere else. It is a huge challenge to try to live in two places, especially when we can’t run back and grab something we had forgotten.

National Trout Center geology tour rocks the area Oct. 13

Published by lniemeyer@bluff... on Tue, 10/02/2018 - 3:30pm

It’s here! My favorite time of the year is here — fall. It brings with it my favorite tour of the year!

On Saturday, Oct. 13, the National Trout Center of Preston will host its annual area geology tour, a fundraiser for the center. First, here’s a quick summary of how you can get signed up for this popular tour.

Democrats use ruses to hide their real agenda

Published by lniemeyer@bluff... on Thu, 09/27/2018 - 9:16am

Politics ought to be really easy. Republicans and Democrats tell us what they stand for. Voters examine the evidence for their positions. Then we vote for the party and candidates that we think are the best.

Schools are so important to small town vitality

Published by lniemeyer@bluff... on Thu, 09/27/2018 - 9:15am

Dateline: St. Michael, Minn.

Driftless is the place to be with big events coming up

Published by lniemeyer@bluff... on Thu, 09/27/2018 - 9:13am

Face it. We know you’re into this beautiful area we know as the Driftless. Maybe you love living here. Or, maybe you made the choice to visit its wonders and beautiful scenery during a getaway.

Well, a couple events coming up soon will help to further understand and appreciate our Driftless area even more.

Movie premiere

Letter delivers a treasured story of pranksters

Published by lniemeyer@bluff... on Thu, 09/27/2018 - 9:11am

Lee Johnson, who I met at Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, sent this. “In 1957, my mom and dad, Hal and Dori, moved into their new home in Rochester, Minn. They became fast friends with their next-door neighbors, Gene and Ken. They remained best friends for the rest of their lives. Dori and Ken quickly discovered that they had a penchant for playing practical jokes on each other. They delighted in seeing who could play the most diabolical prank on the other. This practice, also, remained in effect for all of their days.