News Leader

Forage Council field day set at farm near Spring Valley

Published by lniemeyer@bluff... on Tue, 07/31/2018 - 10:53am

Farmers are invited to trek through a new heifer barn with state-of-the-art technology as well as tour alfalfa fields and learn the latest in feeding forages during the Thursday, Aug. 2, Southeast Minnesota Forage Council Summer Field Day hosted by Nate and Misty Heusinkveld at Heusinkveld Farms, Spring Valley.

This annual field day begins at 10 a.m. and is free. However, organizers ask for an RSVP to help with adequate meal counts.

U.S. Senate candidate campaigns, then camps, in area

Published by lniemeyer@bluff... on Tue, 07/31/2018 - 10:52am

Following a busy day Wednesday, July 25, that included a half dozen visits, including Bluff Country Manufacturing in Preston and a local newspaper office in Spring Valley, U.S. Senate candidate Bob Anderson headed to his temporary campaign headquarters — a tent in the campground at Whitewater State Park.

The next morning, he and his small but dedicated crew woke up to an itinerary of at least six more visits, from Chatfield to Caledonia, before pitching a tent at Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park for the night.

DNR’s first statewide deer plan unveiled

Published by lniemeyer@bluff... on Tue, 07/31/2018 - 10:49am

A new statewide deer plan released by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources sets new goals and priorities, increases formal opportunities for citizens to influence deer decisions, and aims for a disease-free deer population.

Harmony man finds secret to youthful longevity

Published by lniemeyer@bluff... on Thu, 07/26/2018 - 11:45am

He still lives in a home by himself. He still owns and drives his car, pretty much anywhere he wishes. He still goes out on dates with his girlfriend. And he’ll probably play close to 100 rounds of golf this summer. Not bad for a gent who will be turning 89 years young this month.

“The old saying, ‘wine, women and song’ and coming from good stock probably sums it up,” replied Bob Gossman of Harmony when asked what is his secret to youth.

“Oh, and staying active,” he was quick to add. “I’d be lost if I couldn’t be golfing.”

Area residents enjoy fair week

Published by lniemeyer@bluff... on Thu, 07/26/2018 - 11:05am

Michael Rathbun, 54, brother of Preston resident

Published by lniemeyer@bluff... on Thu, 07/26/2018 - 11:00am

Michael John Rathbun, 54, died on Thursday, July 19, 2018, after a courageous battle with cancer, with family by his side at his home in Plainview.

He was born on Feb. 26, 1964, in Rochester.

He graduated from Chosen Valley High School in Chatfield in 1982. He went on to further his education later in life at Winona State University with a degree in education and a master’s degree in mathematics from St. Cloud State University.

Virginia McConnell, 82, formerly of Mabel

Published by lniemeyer@bluff... on Thu, 07/26/2018 - 10:56am

Virginia McConnell, 82, formerly of Mabel, died on Monday, July 9, 2018, in Minneapolis.

Virginia Faye Stroud was born in Spring Grove to Donald and Nellie Stroud on April 23, 1936.

She graduated from Mabel High School in 1954.

She married Robert McConnell on May 11, 1959.

She was a homemaker and involved in St. Olaf Catholic Church Women’s Guild and Altar Society. She also participated in Bible study, discussion group, writing class and other activities at Ebenezer Tower where she lived.

Elizabeth Foster, 75, formerly of Harmony

Published by lniemeyer@bluff... on Thu, 07/26/2018 - 10:53am

Elizabeth M. Foster, 75, of Honolulu, Hawaii, and formerly of Harmony, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2018, surrounded by family.

She grew up in Harmony where she was fondly known as Betty Carol Matson. She was the oldest of five siblings.

After receiving her bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Minnesota, she taught at University High School in Minneapolis and at Minnetonka High School in Excelsior, Minn.

Mabel-Canton continues search to fill staffing vacancies

Published by lniemeyer@bluff... on Thu, 07/26/2018 - 10:47am

Principal Michelle Weidemann reviewed the open staffing positions remaining for the upcoming school year as part of the principal’s report at the Tuesday, July 17, regular board meeting.

Weidemann stated that since some of the teaching openings are part-time, any combination of applications will be considered.

There are teachers, support staff, coaching as well as route bus drivers being sought.

Local musician doesn’t let age keep her from jammin’

Published by lniemeyer@bluff... on Thu, 07/26/2018 - 10:46am

When you meet Shirley Christopher of Bluffton, Iowa, you’d swear she can’t be a day over 80 years old. She’s very alert, very articulate, still moves around gracefully and knows what is what. When she straps on a guitar, starts strumming, picking and singing an old classic country song, you’d probably say, “She’s 75, tops.”