Tommy and Rachel Lofgren joyfully announce the birth of their son. Miles Richard Lofgren joins proud big brother, Tommy, Jr. (3). Miles was born Oct. 2 at Rochester Methodist Hospital, weighing 8 lbs. 3ozs. Grandparents are Tom and Debbie Lofgren of Stewartville and Richard and Diana Kasa of St. Paul Park. Great-grandmothers are Virginia King and Delores Lofgren, both of Stewartville, Betty Orud of St. Paul Park, and JoAnn Kasa of Cottage Grove.
Walter Mount, who turned 100 on Wednesday, Oct. 3, relaxes near Ostrander Care and Rehabilitation, his current home.
Announcing the birth of their son, Carson Ray, on Sept. 23, are Chad and Rachelle Boone of Racine. Carson was born at Olmsted Medical Center weighing 8 lbs. 4 ozs. and was 21 inches long. He is greeted at home by siblings Malarie, Clayton, Clara, and Liberty. Grandparents, Clyde and Carolyn Boone of Racine, Mark and Sally McConaughey of Zumbrota, and Chris and Melisa Pettey of Zumbro Falls. Great-grandparents are Marion Richardson of Stewartville, Ray and Lorraine Logan of Rochester, and Loretta Pettey of Rochester.
The Racine Ramblers 4-H club recently elected their 2013 officers. Above, in front, from left, reporter, Layne Vaupel; vice president, Brock Erickson; president, MaKayla Morgan, and recreation Sam Gerber. In middle, from left, treasurer, Faith Gehling, and secretary, Elizabeth Benson. In back, from left, historian, Emily Gerber and Carter Jannsen. Not pictured, leaders Megan Erickson and Jessica Morgan. The Racine Ramblers 4-H Club welcomed four new members during their September meeting. New members pictured below from left are, Brody Erickson, Alex Benson, Jayce Cast and Cole Jannsen. The Racine Ramblers meet the first Sunday of every month at the Racine Community Center at 5:30 p.m. If you are interested in attending a meeting or learning more about the Ramblers please feel free to contact any member or visit us on facebook.
AMY ELIZABETH RENTZ Proudly announcing the birth of their daughter on Sept. 16 are Kyle and Cara Rentz of Stewartville. Amy Elizabeth arrived at Olmsted Medical Center BirthCenter weighing 7 lbs. 7 ozs. and was 19 inches long. Greeting her at home are older sisters, Lindsey, 7, and Stacy, 2. Grandparents are Rick and Pat Dahl and Gene and Marlys Rentz, all of Stewartville. Great-grandparents are Betty Fulk and Gordon and Harriet Rentz, all of Stewartville.
Seated on a bed of leaves, from left, Nathanael Biffert, Ethan Thielen and Littia Biffert enjoy a cool autumn afternoon at the Bifferts' Fifth Avenue Southeast home last Thursday, Oct. 18. Ethan is Nathanael's and Littia's cousin.
Brianna Montgomery and Matthew Hager, along with their parents, are pleased to announce their engagement and upcoming wedding. Brianna is the daughter of Brian and Lynee' Montgomery of Rochester. She is a 2003 graduate of Stewartville High School and received her Bachelor's Degree in Community Health Education at the University of Minnesota Duluth in 2007. She is currently employed as the Events and Communications Manager for the Ramsey County Bar Association in St. Paul. Matthew is the son of Jackie Lindquist and the late Michael Hager of Brainerd. He is a 2002 graduate of Brainerd High School and graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 2006 with Bachelor's Degrees in English and Teaching Communication, Arts, and Literature. He is currently employed as the Senior Program Manager for the National eHealth Collaborative based in Washington, D.C. The couple will be married Nov. 10 in Crosslake, MN.
Matt Theye, owner of Stewartville NAPA Auto Parts stands, next to the NAPA Monster Truck that was in town last week promoting a Summer Sizzler Sale at the Stewartville NAPA store on July 10. Hundreds visited NAPA to see the enormous vehicle, enjoying great prices on store merchandise, free food and refreshments and door prizes all day.
Benjamin Grabau, a 10-year old from Stewartville, caught a three-pound, 18.5-inch long small-mouth bass using a night crawler as bait while fishing in the Root River at Florence Park on July 12.
Whitewater rafting in Colorado!
Nate Zahradnik is pictured with his go-kart just before taking off for his next race on June 9 in Hayfield.
Ben Zahradnik is shown above with his go-kart just prior to beginning his race on June 9 in Hayfield.
Ben Zahradnik (left) claimed third place in the feature race of his age group in Blue Earth on July 20. Older brother Nate Zahradnik captured second place in the feature race of his age group at Smith's Speedway in Hayfield on July 21.
Reagan, age 6 months, sitting on Great-Great Grandma's quilt.
The 44th Annual Vilas County Muskie Marathon continues through Nov. 30 in Eagle River, Wis. Pictured above is Tristan Lehman of Stewartville holding his 36 inch muskie caught in late May. The catch puts Tristan in second place in the Junior Released Division, open to ages 15 and under.
Two Stewartville girls participated in the "Rebel's West Coast Swing" dance competition in the Twin Cities. Pictured above are Kelly Howell, Heidi Groskreutz (finalist in the TV show "So You Think You Can Dance 2006), and Shandi Buck. Kelly won first place in the Jack and Jill competition, while Shandi placed first in the junior swing. submitted photo
The piano students of Deb Jones presented their spring recital on Saturday, May 3, at Petit Music in Rochester. Pictured are, front row, Andrew Gathje, Lucas Ellerbusch, Nathan Onsgard, Hanna Nordstrom, Caleb Jones and Rachel Jones. Second row, Meghan Schmitz, Kyra Boland, Lauren Mikel, Mrs. Jones and Jessica Lucas. Third row, Karissa Kime, Allison Schmitz, Jenna Willenborg, Chelsea Lloyd and Whitney Lloyd.
First time turkey hunter, Katie Finley of rural Stewartville bagged this 22.8 lb., 8" bearded turkey on Thursday, April 24. The bird was shot west of Stewartville in Finley's "secret hunting spot". Pictured with Katie is her Dad Chet.
Girl Scout Troop 325 shows off the quilts they made for patients at the Ronald McDonald House in Rochester. Beginning in mid-September through the first part of December, the troop raised $114 by doing extra chores or donating their allowances. The money raised was used to shop for toys for the Toys for Tots program. Pictured above are troop members Ashlyn Evans and Gabrielle Steinhoff, left to right, front, and back row left to right, Kaitlin Einertson and Emma Manning.
22 month old Zachary Hanson "helps" wipe the water off dad's motorcycle.
Heather Miner and her daughter Ashley commute from Racine to Chatfield to rehearse their parts in "the Sound of Music." Ashley charmingly plays the part of Gretl, the youngest von Trapp child. Heather is in the role of a Nun and sings in the Nonnberg choir. Heather and Ashley are also making their join debut as WET players. submitted photo
Van and Lori Beach's children, nieces and nephews recently visited the Stewartville pool. They include, front row, from left, Maya Krapf, 6; Maggie Beach, 5; and Malena Krapf, 4. Standing in back, from left, Justin Beach, 7; Joey Krapf, 8; James Beach, 9; Jon Beach, 10; and Jack Krapf, 9.
Jared Thompson, who graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in May, is flanked by his parents, John and Sue Thompson. Thompson graduated with a class of 1,000 cadets. "It was a really intensive experience," he said of his military, academic and athletic training. "It was a big, long mental challenge." submitted photos
This trio of local fishermen caught a 50-inch, 45-pound musky on a recent Minnesota fishing trip. The person on the left is Kent Bell (running the boat), the person in the middle is John Ulwelling (running the pole/catching the fish), and the person on the right is Rodney Bell (running the net).
Stewartville Child Care Center received a visit from members of the Stewartville Fire Department last week during Fire Prevention Week. Pictured is Zeke Zodrow with firefighter Becky Teal.
Stewartville Child Care Center received a visit from members of the Stewartville Fire Department last week during Fire Prevention Week. In the picture is Zoey Zodrow with firefighter Becky Teal.
The following scouts from Pack 156 took part in Scout Sunday February 7th at St. Bernard's parish. Front row: Declan Schemmel and Nicholas Lechtenberg. Middle row: Patrick Miller, Nathan Edholm, Joseph Rusciano, and Sean Boland. Back row: Kevin Christian, Matthew Pierick, and Jacob Edholm.
The 2010 Minnesota Beef Expo was held Oct. 21-24 at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul. Lexie Schunke is shown with her reserve champion shorthorn plus steer following the beef expo.
The 2010 Minnesota Beef Expo was held Oct. 21-24 at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul. Linzie Schunke, is shown with her reserve champion crossbred steer following the beef expo.
Fareway Managers Robert and Dianne, portrayed on pumpkins by employee Shanna.
Pictured is Ian Hoot, wearing a fire hat and posing with Becky Teal, Stewartville Fire Fighter.
McKenzie Boehm is on the left while firefighter Becky Teal is showing Kayla Stevens the water hose on the right. Kids from the Stewartville Child Care Center received a visit from members of the Stewartville Fire Department last week in observance of Fire Prevention Week.
Our neighborhood kids helped to pick-up around the pond in the Georgetown Development. Pictured Left to Right Kaylee Brower, Alyssa Ruffridge, Addison Ruffridge, Jacob Anderson, Kiley Ruffridge, Ashley Anderson & Jaidyn Brower
The evening of Friday, May 28, Stewartville Cub Scouts, along with representatives of the American Legion, were out in force placing poppies on the graves of veterans buried in Woodlawn Cemetery. Flags were already positioned on the gravesites. The boys walked in a row and placed the poppies on the graves to the right of the flags. This was a good time to impress upon the boys the need to show respect for our fallen heroes and for the cemetery in general. It is their civic duty to help and they enjoy getting the cemetery ready for Memorial Day.
Completing their second annual Earth Day Walk and trash pickup on April 22 were Jes Johnston, Kristina Ramaker, their children, and a friend of the kids, Garret Norton. They picked up bags of trash as well as a full-size mattress, street sign with pole, a baby stroller, an old baby carriage, several slabs of wood, a frying pan, an iron post and a flower pot! The kids, ranging in age from 4-8 years old pictured above, are from left in back, Elise Ramaker, Mason Ramaker, Grace Ramaker, Emma Johnston (sort of front), Sofia Johnston and Garret Norton.
An Easter bunny visited with kids at the Stewartville Child Care Center on Thursday, April 1. Pictured with the Easter bunny (Cole Hintz) from left counter clockwise, are Olivia Larson, Caden Boehm, Kayla Stevens, Dylan Hoot, Ian Hoot, Zeke Zodrow, Isaac Larson, McKenzie Boehm and Zoey Zodrow.
Bruce Butturff of Stewartville caught this 41 1/2 inch northern pike on Sept. 8 in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The fish was estimated to weigh about 20 lbs. and was released unharmed.
Boy Scouts and their leaders from Troop 56 and Pack 156 celebrated Scout Sunday at St. Bernard's Parish on Feb. 5. Front row from left, Edward Becker, Alan Bredesen, and Thomas Root. Middle row, Roger Mueller, Nicholas Otto, Patrick Miller, William Mueller, Nathan Edholm, and Amy Edholm. Back row, Rob Miller, Josh Beecher, Father Matt Fasnacht, and Kevin Christian.
Girl Scout Sunday was recognized on March 18 at St. Bernard's Catholic Church with Father Matt Fasnacht. Pictured, back row from left is Olivia Nicklay, Fr. Matt Fasnacht, Bryttin Henderson, Alyssa Jones, and Elizabeth Root. Front row, from left is Ava Higgins, Elise Rediske, Emily Lamb, Erica Lamb, Abigail Parry, and Lacy Jewson.
Three children who attend Ashley's Circle of Friends, a day care center on Fourth Avenue Northeast, earned $74.05 from the lemonade stand they ran at the center this past summer. The children used the money to purchase a "Rody," an exercise ball, for the center. Ashley Szydel, 4, one of the children who helped at the lemonade stand, sits on the Rody, above. Other children include Remy Blazing, in front; and in back, from left, Kiana Skyhawk, Ava Szydel and Maddie Weightman.
Gabe Nelson, a sixth grader at Stewartville Middle School, left, and his cousin Jade Schmeling, an eighth grader at Kasson-Mantorville Middle School, invited hundreds of their friends to "Spook City in the Woods" near Racine on Saturday, Oct. 20. Guests at Gabe's rural home toured "Spook City" after the sun went down that evening, walking through a sectioned-off path in the nearby woods that was decorated with ghosts, witches, spiders and more. The two donated the proceeds from the event to a bullying prevention organization. For more details, see the feature story on Page 8.
Gabe Nelson, a sixth grader at Stewartville Middle School, and his cousin Jade Schmeling, an eighth grader at Kasson-Mantorville Middle School, stand near the Spook City sign, then make a couple of stops along their scary path.
Kayla Kellner and Joshua Podein, along with their parents Mark and Sherri Kellner, and Michael and Catherine Podein, all of Stewartville, announce their engagement. Kayla is a graduated of Stewartville High School and is a pharmacy technician with Mayo Clinic. Josh is a Stewartville High School and RCTC graduate. He is employed with Podein's Power Equipment in Stewartville. The couple met on Facebook. They will be married on Saturday, Nov. 3 at Stewartville United Methodist Church.
Scouts from Troop 56 enjoyed an evening of "Haunted High Ropes" at Eagle Bluff on Friday, Oct. 26. Pictured from left are Jacob Edholm, Dylan Riess, Teddy Darga, cub scout Nathan Edholm, David Rysted, Brandon Clarke, and scoutmaster Ted Darga.
Bailee Swanson, a fourth-grader at Central Intermediate School, left, and Jacie Dudley, a kindergartner at Central, kneel near the flowers that continue to grow along the base of the old Tews Hotel building in downtown Stewartville. Brian Ferson, owner of the building, said he was amazed that the flowers are still growing despite the below-freezing temperatures at night. Ferson said that the flowers remind him of Jesus's parable about seeds being planted in good soil. "Those seeds found a little bit of good soil," he said.
Clifton Feltis, who grows 230 acres of corn and 210 acres of soybeans on his farm about 2 1/2 miles northeast of Stewartville, holds a few samples of the corn he recently harvested from his fields. Given the hot and mostly dry summer, Feltis was surprised that his fields produced a record 203 bushels of corn per acre and an excellent 52 bushels of soybeans per acre. "I would have thought that (the yields) would have been average at best," he said.
Susan Grant, a social studies teacher at Stewartville High School, left, has earned the Thrivent Financial Personal Finance Educator Award for starting a program at SHS called "Kids Teaching Kids About Personal Finance." Among the students taking part in this year's program are, front row, from left, Amanda Lound and Riley Paulson. Back row, from left, Alax Oviatt, Madeline Grimm and Rabecca Bredesen.
Roy Gisler of the Stewartville Kiwanis Club, standing, serves the guests at a dinner to honor the volunteers at the Center for Active Adults on Monday, Oct. 29. "We thank all of our wonderful volunteers," said Linda Miller, coordinator of the Center for Active Adults.
Dorothy Everts will celebrate her 100th birthday at a family gathering at St. John's Lutheran Church this Saturday, Nov. 17. Last week, she spoke of the keys to her long life. "Hard work, a good life and a clean life," she said.
Gloria Nihart of Stewartville has written a song, "Thank you Jesus for Mama and Daddies," that has been listed among the top 10 Branson Gospel Singer Songwriter Association (BGSSA) Airplay Radio Hits, Vol. 3 for 2012.
James and Amber Barsness of Cannon Falls announce the arrival of Jacob Roger, born six weeks early on Friday, Aug. 3. He weighed 5 lbs. 13 ozs. and measured 19 inches in length. Jacob remained in the hospital for two weeks and was happily welcomed home on Aug. 17 by big sister, Natalie, almost 4, and big brother, Ben, almost 2. Grandparents are Roger and Carolyn Barsness of Rochester and Tracy and Jan Hinck of Stewartville. Great-grandparents are Glen and Jo Berry of Zumbro Falls.
Zach Wyant, 12, a seventh-grader at Stewartville Middle School, will undergo a "cross-linking" procedure on Jan. 10, 2013 to halt the progress of his keratoconus, a potentially serious eye disease. To help pay for the procedure, Zach's family and friends have scheduled a benefit to be held at Riverview Greens this Saturday, Nov. 24 beginning at 3 p.m.
Hundreds of Stewartville and area residents attended a benefit for Zach Wyant, far left, at Riverview Greens Country Club on Saturday, Nov. 24. Also pictured are Angie and Mike Conlin, Zach's parents, and Tarin, 7, Zach's younger brother.
Hundreds of guests browsed among the silent auction items at a benefit for Zach Wyant at Riverview Greens Country Club on Saturday, Nov. 24. Proceeds from the benefit will enable Zach and his family to pay for a "cross-linking" procedure that will treat Zach's keratoconus, a potentially serious eye disease.
Joel Davis, 8, a student at Sunset Terrace Elementary School in Rochester, recently asked Stewartville residents to donate dog and cat food for the victims of Hurricane Sandy. Joel, who collected the donations at Fareway on Saturday, Dec. 1, also set up donation containers at a number of Rochester sites. Joel is the grandson of Pauline Fontaine of Stewartville.
The city of Stewartville won first place in the WinterFest Parade of Lights Contest. City employees who helped with the float include, front row, from left, Laurel Jacobs, Cheryl Roeder and Barb Neubauer. Public works employees in back, from left, include Eric Domino, Dan Harris, Sean Hale, Mark Stevens, Owen Sass and Brian Montgomery. Standing at right are Melissa Sue Martin, administrator of the Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce, which sponsored the parade; and Mark Podein, Chamber president.
At left is Curt Mrotek, who joined his wife, Tamra, to make the winning life-sized Christmas card.
Burkely Ravenhorst, 9, receives the Mayor's Award for Community Service from Mayor Jimmie-John King at the Stewartville Civic Center last week. In back are Burkely's parents, Ryan and Gwen Ravenhorst.
Owen Sass, public works supervisor for the city of Stewartville, left, accepts the Mayor's Award for City Service from Mayor Jimmie-John King at the city's annual awards and recognition event on Wednesday, Dec. 12.
Sam Giehtbrock, who works with technology for the Stewartville School District and is the set director for Stewartville High School and Middle School plays, has been collecting and cashing in aluminum cans to raise money for school groups and organizations for six years. "This is something that I do because I like to help kids," he said. "I'd do anything for kids."
Lori Miller-Beach, who concluded her four-year term on the Stewartville City Council last week, accepts an appreciation plaque from Mayor Jimmie-John King after the City Council's last meeting of the year on Tuesday, Dec. 18. King thanked Miller-Beach for her hard work and willingness to serve on a variety of committees. Miller-Beach finished third among four candidates in the race for two open City Council seats last Novembe
Don Felmlee, lieutenant governor of Region 7 of the Minnesota-Dakotas (MNDAK) Kiwanis clubs, told the Stewartville Kiwanis Club that maternal and neonatal tetanus kill about 100,000 newborns and mothers every year. "These deaths do not have to happen," he said. "A vaccine is available."
Kids Will Be Kids Daycare children enjoy one of the play structures at the site. Children include, from left, Christopher, Jonathan, Charlie, Logan, Shayla, Aiden, Sawyer (in Renate's arms) Little Ethan, McKia and employee Natalie Feltis.
Kids Will Be Kids Daycare children pose with a scarecrow they helped disply. From left are, Kelsey, Kayla, and Ethan.
EARNING THE EAGLE -- On Sunday, Oct. 7, a Boy Scout Court of Honor ceremony was held at the Stewartville Sportsman's Club to honor Andrew Skuster, left, who has earned the Eagle Award, Scouting's highest honor. Scout leader Barb Hill, right, pays tribute to Skuster during the ceremony.
LOOKING THINGS OVER -- Eleanor House of Stewartville, above left, looks at crocheted items, cloth loons and towels made by Marilyn Nord, right, at the senior citizens craft show and bake sale at the Stewartville Civic Center on Saturday, Oct. 13.
Kay Tvedt of Stewartville reviews the items available at Karen's Krafts and Kalligraphy of Chatfield. The craft show and bake sale is a major fund-raiser for Stewartville's senior citizen programs.
ALMOST READY TO FLY -- John Hanson, left, and his son Jeff have worked together for more than eight years in John's garage to build a Hatz Classic Biplane. Working from basic drawings, they assembled the plane using steel tubing, steel sheet metal and wood. "Part of it was studying it and looking at it and scratching our heads," John said. "We looked at other airplanes and got ideas, and we used information from the Internet." The Hansons hope the two-seater plane will be ready to fly by next summer.
MONKEYING AROUND -- Justice Casey, 8 months, is dressed as a monkey at the Halloween event at Stewartville High School last Wednesday, Oct. 31. Valerie Mangskau of Rochester holds her son.
A HISTORY LESSON -- Roger Byrne of Racine, at right, points to some information on a display he brought to the Stewartville Area Historical Society's annual meeting at the Stewartville Civic Center on Sunday, Oct. 28. Darrel Splittstoesser, left, who attended the event, looks on.
Members of Cub Scout Pack 156 who sold $1000 or more in retail sales for 2012 and were in attendance for the Nov. 26 pack meeting.
Cub Scout, Ian Reese, shows his excitement after landing a cream pie in the face of his leader, Ryan Colligan, as other scouts watch and cheer! Other Wolf den leaders pictured are Dana Halferty (front) and Scott Boelman (back).
CLEAN FOR HALLOWEEN -- Joey Thompson, 9, of Stewartville, a fourth-grader at Central Intermediate School, dressed as a washing machine at the Halloween party at the Stewartville American Legion Post 164 last Wednesday, Oct. 31.
WRAPPED IN ICE CREAM -- Carter Stenberg, 7, of Stewartville, a first-grader at Bonner Elementary School, dressed as an ice cream cone at the annual Halloween party at the Stewartville American Legion Post 164 on Wednesday, Oct. 31.
MOTHER AND DAUGHTER -- Carron Shubert of Kasson, formerly of Stewartville, brought her daughter Abygail, 3, dressed as Tinker Bell, to the Halloween party at the Stewartville American Legion on Wednesday, Oct. 31.
Horse Feathers Plaza business owners include, from left, Harla Morehart, Linda Bucknell, Suzie Diemer and Marcia Nagel.
DESECRATION -- Ruth Reese, caretaker of the High Forest Cemetery, looks at one of 14 headstones knocked over by vandals at the cemetery last week. "I would think people would have more respect than to do something like this," she said.
THE NEW LOG LODGE -- Twenty rooms are now available for occupancy at the new log lodge at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch. Bob Bardwell, director of Ironwood Springs, above, says the lodge will be used as a conference and retreat center.
Students at the Stewartville Child Care Center completed drawings of turkeys for Thanksgiving last week. Students include, front row, from left, Zeke Zodrow, Summer Barber, Andy Teal, Madelynn Kropp, Brooke Bartsch and Kendyl Dawson. Middle row, from left, Ian Hoot, Amelia Mascotti, Kahleigh Dawson and Kylie Fenton. Back row, from left, Abby Teal, Makayla Kennedy, Owen Rommel and Zoey Zodrow.
Brenda Gillich, a preschool teacher, left, looks on as students Brooke Bartsch, center, and Madelynn Kropp work on their Thanksgiving turkey drawings at the Stewartville Child Care Center last week.
NO PLACE LIKE HOME -- Roger and Kris Wiltgen, 304 Third Street Southwest, pose near the Christmas tree inside their 109-year-old home, which was built in 1898 and has had only three owners, including Jay and Martha Benedict, Curt and Donna Reiser and the Wiltgens. Jay Benedict purchased the home from the lumber company that originally built it.
ART IN THE HOME -- The walls of Donald Sullivan's home at 111 Sixth Street Northeast are adorned with a number of paintings by Robert Sullivan, a well-known Simpson artist, including the winter scene shown above.
Gerri Gray sits near the fireplace inside the historic Griffin-Gray Funeral Home.
READY FOR CHRISTMAS -- Connie Hayes sits near the piano at her home at 102 Lakeshore Drive. The house is adorned for Christmas, as evidenced by the two angels and the Nativity scene atop the piano. Helen Tews Hagen, the daughter of the owners of the Tews Hotel, once lived in the home. Mrs. Hagen's quality choices for wall coverings and other furnishings remain evident.
MANGER SCENE -- Shirley Carlson enjoys a closeup look at a Nativity scene inside her historic home at 601 Sixth Street Southwest. The Carlson home will be one of five featured during this year's Friends of the Library Holiday House Tour, to be held this Saturday, Dec. 1 from noon to 4 p.m. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Stewartville Public Library.
Sarah Oeltjenbruns visits with Santa.
CHRISTMAS WISHES -- Megan Giordano, 6, of Stewartville, tells Santa about her Christmas wishes while holding the hand of her younger sister Kinsey, 3, during Santa's annual visit to the Stewartville Civic Center on Saturday, Dec. 1. The event is sponsored by the Stewartville Kiwanis Club.
A CHRISTMAS SMILE -- Levi Patterson, 5, a kindergartner at Bonner Elementary Schools, smiles as he thinks about his Christmas wish list while visiting with Santa at the Stewartville Civic Center on Saturday, Dec. 1.
Garret Jorgensen visits with Santa.
THINKING ABOUT CHRISTMAS -- Anna Oeltjenbruns, 7, a second-grader at Bonner Elementary School, ponders her Christmas wishes while meeting with Santa at the Stewartville Civic Center on Saturday, Dec. 1.
Adam (left) and Samantha Koenigs visit with Santa.
Central Intermediate School's fourth-graders had plenty of fun sledding down the steep hill near the school last Thursday, Dec. 6. Brenna Harvey, in front, closes her eyes and hangs on as Kari Johnson, in back, shouts for joy. A number of recent storms have provided ample snow.
Central Intermediate School's fourth-graders had plenty of fun sledding down the steep hill near the school last Thursday, Dec. 6. Tyler Reed smiles broadly as he heads down the hill thanks to a strong push from Dalton Miller.
Central Intermediate School's fourth-graders had plenty of fun sledding down the steep hill near the school last Thursday, Dec. 6. Derek Krenke, in front, and Dylan Stofferahn, in back, strive to remain upright as they make their way down the hill.
Amy Pedersen joined the Peace Corps to teach in a small village in Africa.
Jenni Cachiaras, employed by Peters Photography, who worked from photographs to complete an oil painting celebrating the sesquicentennial. Highlights of her work include drawings of the Opera House, Lake Florence, the Sears House and more.
Harry and Evie Sykes, former owners of Coast-to-Coast, thanked local residents for their support over the years in a feature story found under the "PEOPLE" tab on the home page.
Harry and Evie Sykes, former owners of Coast-to-Coast, thanked local residents for their support over the years in a feature story found under the "PEOPLE" tab on the home page.
Andrew Kenning built an arbor and two benches in a garden near the Racine United Methodist Church as the final step toward earning the Eagle Award, the highest honor in Scouting.
Kevin Koenigs, the coordinator of Stew 19, Stewartville's cable television station, is stepping down after four years at the Stew 19 controls, which are housed in a small room near the Stewartville High School/Middle School Library Media Center. Stewartville city officials are looking for someone to take Koenigs' place as Stew 19 coordinator. Koenigs has enjoyed his time at Stew 19. "It's kind of neat to be a part of it," he said.
Kyle Splittstoesser, left, and Andy Wohlhuter stand near a display in their Spring Valley business, "Vintage Point Artifacts." The business will celebrate its grand opening on Saturday, Jan. 12.
Nicole Jahns, 36, left, who has lived with cystic fibrosis since birth, is awaiting a lung transplant. She is with her husband Paul and son Aidan, 8.
READY TO RUN -- Draven Bouillon places his car on the track at the annual Cub Scouts Pinewood Derby at Grace Evangelical Free Church on Saturday, Jan. 19.
PINEWOOD CHAMPIONS -- Cub Scout Pack 156 held its annual Pinewood Derby at Grace Evangelical Free Church on Saturday, Jan. 19. The top three overall winners were Zach Boelman, center, first place; Thomas Root, left, second place; and Alexander Colligan, right, third place.
A RACE TO THE FINISH! -- Cub Scout Pack 156 held its annual Pinewood Derby at Grace Evangelical Free Church on Saturday, Jan. 19. Scouts watching their cars cross the finish line include, starting from second from left, Ethan Stone, Charlie Wood, William Mueller (partially hidden), Tyler Giordano and Tanner Chvosta.
David Davidson and his 5-year-old daughter, Kylie Charmaine Davidson, who live in southwest Stewartville, visited the Florence Park Hockey Rink on Saturday morning, Jan. 26. Supported by her dad, Kylie made several laps around the rink as she worked to improve her skating technique. At left, father and daughter smile for the camera. Below, they turn a corner as they make their way around the rink. Before long, Kylie was skating on her own, although always under her dad's watchful eye.
David Rysted, left, serves a bowl of chili to Alvin Horstmann at the annual Boy Scout Chili Feed at the Stewartville Sportsman's Club on Sunday, Feb. 3.
Joel Packer, Stewartville's postmaster, displays the front sides of the four-page letter that Charles Wauzee Cussons wrote to Robert Wertz in Wernersville, Penn. on June 20, 1916. Packer, a Stewartville memorabilia enthusiast who now lives in Cussons' house, purchased the letter on ebay for $20. The letter came back to its original home on Saturday, Jan. 5.
HERE WE GO -- Justin Diekmann, 8, of Stewartville, in the foreground, and his brother Dillon, also 8, enjoyed sledding down the hill near Bonner Elementary School on Thursday afternoon, Jan. 10.
STATING HIS CASE -- State Rep. Andy Welti, right, makes a point as state Sen. Ann Lynch looks on during a town hall meeting at Riverview Greens Country Club last Wednesday, Jan. 23. Welti and Lynch, speaking to an audience of about 10 residents, focused on school funding, tax policy and a bonding bill that will be discussed during the upcoming legislative session.
Ruth's children include, clockwise from left, Jane Hoeft, Norbert Andreasen and Gordon Andreasen.
Ruth and Margaret Lex pose near Lex's "tea time" birthday cake.
Ruth Andreasen smiles at her 105th birthday party at the Stewartville Care Center.
Rusty Hagan, a senior at Stewartville High School and the center defenseman for the Rochester Raiders adaptive floor hockey team, has been named the Rochester Area Amateur Sports Commission's Adaptive Athlete of the Year.
CARETAKER -- George Reinhart, 89, is retiring from his work as superintendent, president or director of the Woodlawn Cemetery Board. He has cared for the cemetery in a number of capacities for about 41 years.
MAKING ANOTHER RUN -- Bill Kuisle addresses the Republican caucus audience at Stewartville High School last week, announcing that he again plans to run for the District 30B state representative seat currently held by DFLer Andy Welti.
GRASS-SKIRTED SNOWMAN -- Tina Gordon and her daughter Penelopea worked together for about two hours to build a grass-skirted snowman in the front yard of their Stewartville home last week. "Penelopea came up with the idea for the skirt," Tina said.
Natalie Jaeger, 8, left, and her sister Amanda, 11, built two snowmen at the home of Darrel and Julie Jaeger last week. The girls used a number of unique items, including turkey feathers for a hat, golf balls for eyes, a red bow and cedar wood for noses and buttons. Grandpa Darrel Jaeger, who helped with the construction, is not pictured.
Wendy Reck, a Stewartville mail carrier, walked in a winter wonderland last Thursday, Feb. 7, when many of the city's trees were covered by thick coatings of frost.
SNOW CAR -- Cathy Stone and her son Ethan, 4, worked together for about two hours to build a replica of "Lightning McQueen" from the "Cars" movie in their front yard at 602 Third Avenue Southeast last week.
Brittanney Brandt earns Achievement Medal for her service with the U.S. Army.
Britanney Brandt begn basic training in Fort Lenardwood, Missouri in June 2006, and was admitted to airborne training at Fort Benning, Georgia later that year. For her efforts as an airborne truck driver in Afghanistan, she has earned the prestigious Army Achievement Medal.
Bonner Elementary School students enjoyed jumping on their sleds and heading down the hill near the school during recess last week. Here, Abegail Van De Walker, a first-grader, smiles brightly as she prepares to take a solo ride down the hill.
Bonner Elementary School students enjoyed jumping on their sleds and heading down the hill near the school during recess last week. Here, Blake Ellerbusch, seated, as his friend Nathan Johnson gives him a push.
Bonner Elementary School students enjoyed jumping on their sleds and heading down the hill near the school during recess last week. Here, first-graders Marisa Goff and Dylan Flink ride smoothly atop the snow. The snow was deep and sticky, preventing the students from picking up too much speed, but the kids had fun anyway.
Lucile Voeltz, who turned 101 at the Stewartville Care Center on Friday, Feb. 8, holds a letter of congratulations she received from Mayor Jimmie-John King.
JUST BROWSING -- Hanah Distad of Wabasha, right, offered "Original Photography" by Tamra Distad at the Stewartville Area Historical Society's 12th annual cabin fever flea market at the Stewartville Civic Center on Saturday, Feb. 16. Ron Henry of J&R Antiques & Gifts, Pine Island, left, looks over a few of the displayed items.
THE GIFT OF CALM -- Amy Lawson and Kellie, a trained therapy dog, make regular visits to the Stewartville Public Library and the Stewartville Care Center. "It's really Kellie doing it," Lawson said. "I'm not the center of attention."
THE RED HAT LADIES -- Twelve members of "The Sisterhood of the Scarlet O'Hatters," led by Bess David, the group's queen mother, met for lunch at Corner Meats -N-More last Thursday, Feb. 21. After lunch, the ladies gathered at Jan's Costume Creations, the Stewartville business owned by Jan Lubahn, one of the group's members. Members of the group include, from left, Rosemary Oeltjen, Pat Ballinger, Jan Lubahn, Kay Boyum, Connie Hayes, Sharon Otteson, Carolyn Barsness, Marlice Boland, Suzanne Idso, Joan Titus, Bess David and Roxanna Johnson. Club members absent from the gathering include Ardis Copple, Patricia Distad, Marilyn Honsey, Jean Nelson and Jean Schwarz.
Andrew Langseth's ministry at Grace Evangelical Free Church includes planning the worship portion of Sunday services, selecting and arranging the music and leading the congregation in song on his guitar.
Ruth Andreasen celebrated her 110th birthday at the Stewartville Care Center on Saturday, Feb. 9.
Just For Kix dancer Kendall Clausen danced the Bunny Hop at the Stewartville Chamber Home Show.
Just For Kix dancers MiKenna Hettinger, Kendall Clausen and Cesca Kassel dance the Bunny Hop at the Stewartville Chamber Home Show.
Olivia Quam, 6, of Stewartville, below right, spins the wheel to win a prize at the Minnesota Crossroads-Airport View License Bureau booth at the annual Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce Home Show on Saturday, March 8.
Emil Janssen holds a plaque that displays the Purple Heart (center of top row) he earned for his service on Okinawa in World War II. Janssen is one of a number of Stewartville World War II veterans planning to take the Honor Flight to visit the new World War II memorial in Washington D.C.
Many relatives and friends stopped by the Stewartville Care Center to wish Verna Boyum a happy 100th birthday on Sunday, March 9. Kay Boyum, Verna's daughter-in-law, provides Verna with refreshments.
Many relatives and friends stopped by the Stewartville Care Center to wish Verna Boyum a happy 100th birthday on Sunday, March 9. Here, Ardis Jenkins, Verna's daughter, center, and Ardis' friend Kate Hansen say hello.
Many relatives and friends stopped by the Stewartville Care Center to wish Verna Boyum a happy 100th birthday on Sunday, March 9. Shari Schierloh, Verna's granddaughter, visited from the San Francisco area.
A HIGH HONOR -- Lyle Buchholtz, seated, accepts a certificate honoring him for his 60 years in good standing as a member of the Pleasant Grove Masonic Lodge. Phil Soderberg, past Masonic Grand Master of Minnesota, left, presented the certificate.
Jared Bushman has rolled seven 300 games in 2008, including three in one day at a recent tournament in St. Cloud.
Ernie Fossum, a resident of the Stewartvilla Apartments, spent about a week putting together a 1,000-piece puzzle depicting Jesus with his disciples at the Last Supper. Helen Volkman helped him with the work. "I put a lot of them together," Fossum said. "I've done 10 or 12 since Christmas. It's relaxing and it's something to do."
THE NEW OWNER -- Jeff Bagniewski of Rochester is the new owner of the Stewartville Dairy Queen. He said he doesn't expect to make any major short-term changes. "We want to continue to provide fast, courteous service with great food," he said.
A WARM WELCOME HOME -- Stewartville and area veterans, including Greg and Tiffany Ziemer of Stewartville were touched when a group of women from Mabel presented them with 20 peacemaker quilts at the "Operation Welcome Home" celebration at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch Friday through Sunday, March 28-30. Tiffany Ziemer was especially grateful to Bob Bardwell, director of Ironwood Springs, for coordinating the event.
A WARM WELCOME HOME -- Stewartville and area veterans, including Greg and Tiffany Ziemer of Stewartville, above, were touched when a group of women from Mabel presented them with 20 peacemaker quilts at the "Operation Welcome Home" celebration at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch Friday through Sunday, March 28-30. Tiffany Ziemer was especially grateful to Bob Bardwell, director of Ironwood Springs, for coordinating the event.
HOMEMADE IGLOO -- After their students brought in 213 milk jugs, teachers at the Stewartville Child Care Center used hot glue to make a unique igloo. Here, Child Care Center students gather around the igloo, in front, from left, Andy Teal, Owen Rommel, Trenton Erickson, Ava Krueger, Ian Hoot and Zeke Zodrow. In back, from far left, Kahleigh Dawson, Madelynn Kropp, Zoey Zodrow, Summer Barber, Amelia Mascotti, Anna Haug, Tyrone Erickson, Kendyl Dawson, Brooke Bartsch, Ava Higgins, Mateo Anderson, and in back, Abby Teal and Makayla Kennedy.
Gladys Carroll is grateful for having earned a place on the Stewartville High School National Honor Society Wall of Honor.
Howard Sloneker is grateful for having earned a place on the Stewartville High School National Honor Society Wall of Honor.
HOMEMADE IGLOO -- After their students brought in 213 milk jugs, teachers at the Stewartville Child Care Center used hot glue to make a unique igloo. Above, from left, Makayla Kennedy and Abby Teal enjoy the view from the igloo's entrance.
AWARD WINNERS -- Ronn and Shirley Carlson of Stewartville, left, received the Stewartville Area Historical Society Preservation and Restoration Award for their work on their Sixth Street Southwest home. Vicki Meredith, Historical Society president, presented the award at the organization's annual meeting last week.
Mary Bussman enjoys her job as principal of Valley View Elementary School in Columbia Heights. Then, once each week, she explores her creative side as the director of the Twin Cities Women's Choir.
Stewartville High School students Eddie Fricker, Julie Rainey, Kelly Norman and Jake Flynn surround Caleb Miller. The students stopped by to offer a donation before heading for prom in Mankato.
The Miller family poses near a cabinet and artwork that were auctioned off to help the family raise money to pay the medical bills that have mounted since Kory Miller donated a kidney to his 10-year-old son Caleb last September. Almost 1,000 people attended a fund-raising event at the Stewartville Sportsman's Club on Saturday, April 19, raising more than $50,000. Family members include, front row, from left, Colton and Caleb. Standing, from left, Christy, Madelyn and Kory.
Crisha Miller of Solon, Iowa, above, holds her 9-month-old daughter Mya as she reviews auction items at the Miller benefit on Saturday, April 19.
AWARD WINNERS -- George and Florence Reinhart, seated in center, have been named the recipients of the Stewartville Community Services Advisory Council's Community Service Award for 2008. Seated with the Reinharts are members of the Community Services Advisory Council, including, from left, Pat Leonard, Mary Hustak, Millie Petersen (second from right) and Shirley Carlson. Back row, from left, are Marjorie Brunson, the Reinharts' daughter; granddaughter Katie Reinhart, grandson John Hanson and son Dave Reinhart, along with Community Services Advisory Council Board members Nancy Momeny, Iz Wilken and Gary Buns.
Surrounded by plants and flowers of red, purple and yellow, Mary Harnack of rural Racine, right, displays a hanging basket of flowers to shopper Nicole Tombers of Rochester at Lynn Cole's plant and flower sale last week. Harnack, Cole's mother, helped many browsers with their purchasing decisions at the event, offered as part of Stewartville's popular citywide garage sale. Sandy Tombers, Nicole Tombers' mother, accompanied her daughter to the sale, saying that she and Nicole love plants. "I came with my daughter to see the flowers," she said. The elder Tombers also is a big fan of garage sales. "Somebody else's junk is a treasure," she said. "Even if we don't find something to buy, it's fun. It's a fun pastime. It's a summer thing we've done for years."
A COLORFUL SALE -- David and Connie Krebsbach of Austin, left, look over the flowers and plants available at a sale hosted by Lynn Cole of Stewartville, right. Cole's display was a colorful part of Stewartville's citywide garage sale.
A GOOD SELECTION -- Stephanie Skogen, 28, of Pine Island, looks over the items available at a garage sale near St. Bernard's Catholic Church on Friday, May 9. Hundreds of visitors took part in the annual citywide garage sale that day.
Dan and Lisa Kueker, the new owners of Stewartville's Anytime Fitness, are pictured with their son, Remington. Todd Looney, general manager, said that Anytime Fitness is much more than just a workout center. "We want to have empathy for people, anticipate their needs and encourage them," he said. "We greet people with a smile."
Cub Scouts from Pack 156, Den 5 crossed over to Boy Scouts during a ceremony at the Stewartville American Legion Post 164 on Sunday, Feb. 24. The Webelos who took part in the bridging ceremony included, in front, Nathan Edholm, and in back, from left, Nicholas Bruhnke, Mitchell Jay, Ian Ross and William Mueller. All the boys earned the Arrow of Light Award, the highest honor in Cub Scouts. Nathan, Nicholas, Mitchell and Ian also received the Super Achiever Award by earning all 20 available pins during their time as Webelos.
The Army Space Support Team 21 (ARSST 21) a division of the 1158th Space Company, Colorado National Guard, requested their commander, Major Jason Griffith recognize his mother, Kathy Griffith of Stewartville, as an outstanding member of the Family Readiness and Support Group.
Jim Parry, who ran and walked for 100 miles in about 24 hours in 2010, gets encouragement from his students as he begins his Endurance Challenge that year.
Roger Knutson Sr., joined by his wife Peggy, was presented the Stewartville Wrestling Booster Club's Outstanding Achievement Award on March 3.
Stan Antonson, who lives along Second Avenue Southeast, shovels the sidewalk near his home after a winter storm dumped about nine inches of snow on Stewartville on Tuesday, March 5. Snow has affected Antonson since the day of his birth. "On the day I was born, there was 22 inches of snow," he said. "That was in 1935. I was born north of St. Charles, and the doctor couldn't get to the house (because of the snow.) A neighbor lady had to deliver me." Last week, he had only a few words to say about Stewartville's most recent snowstorm. "I'm ready for spring," he said.
Stewartville resident Theresa Hornberg has been recognized by Goodwill/Easter Seals Minnesota as an Employee of the Year for 2012.
Eastwood Bank of Stewartville invites local and area residents to donate nonperishable food items at the bank through the end of March. The food will be donated to the Channel One Food Bank, which serves 14 counties in southeastern Minnesota and La Crosse County in Wisconsin. Channel One needs canned meats and fish, canned fruits and vegetables, boxed meals and soups, baking goods, gluten-free items, hygiene products and beans, cereal and rice. Eastwood Bank employees, from left, include Heather Burns-Myhre, Ann Lutteke, Beth Schmidt, Kim Brown, Sharon Theobald, Katie Lund, Heather Ludemann and Deb Zeimet.
Roger Knutson, seated at far left next to his wife, Peggy, accepts the Outstanding Achievement Award from the Stewartville Wrestling Booster Club. Over the years, Knutson played a key role in starting Stewartville's youth wrestling program, the Wrestling Booster Club, a Freestyle Wrestling Club and the end-of-the-season wrestling banquet. Wrestling requires a special kind of dedication, he said. "There is a lot of self-sacrifice," he said.
Patricia Hermes, a popular children's author, spoke to Stewartville students about her craft in mid-March. She said she gets ideas for her books from her visits to schools. "I come into schools like this, and I spy on you," she told Stewartville's sixth graders.
Ruth Johnson of Rochester introduces Holly, a pit bull-boxer cross, to the residents of the Stewartville Care Center on Thursday, March 14. Holly is a blood donor dog, which means she's available to give her blood to veterinarians who would need it to help other dogs that may be sick or have lost blood in an accident.
Al Wendt served as the treasurer of the High Forest Township Board for about 44 years. Township officials gave Wendt a plaque that says, "Presented to Al Wendt, High Forest Township Treasurer, 1969-2013. With sincere appreciation."
Members of Stewartville High School's BPA presentation management team that qualified for the National BPA Conference in Orlando May 7-12 include, from left, Stephanie Bussan, Matt Aldrich, Melanie Bussan and Justin Thompson.
Jim Otto is one of the many waiters who served spaghetti and meatballs at the Mama Tranchita Spaghetti Dinner. Members of the St. Bernard's Men's Club sold 566 advanced tickets to the event and served about 120 more guests who bought tickets at the door.
Lily Lukes, 4 1/2, of Stewartville, enjoys her spaghetti and meatballs at the Mama Tranchita Dinner at the Riverview Greens Country Club on Tuesday, April 2. "It's yummy," she said.
Neal Abbott, standing at center left, and Alex Weston, right, provided music from table to table at the Mama Tranchita Spaghetti Dinner at Riverview Greens on Tuesday, April 2.
Annette Fritz, the featured speaker at the Stewartville Area Foundation Dinner, with Chuck Murphy, a member of the Foundation's publicity committee.
Charlie Baker, left, and Mike Dexter, right, members of the Whitlock-Sonnenberg VFW Post 1215 of Rochester, present Tom Slightam, owner of Jimmy's Salad Dressings & Dips of Stewartville, a plaque thanking Slightam and Jimmy's for its "exceptional and dedicated support to veterans and veterans organizations in the community." The plaque also states, "Your prolonged support of veterans in this community truly epitomizes the adage, 'A Grateful Nation Remembers.' " Slightam was touched by the honor. "I humbly thank you," he told Baker and Dexter.
Marilyn Nash, right, accepts the Community Service Advisory Council's Community Service Recognition Award from Hailey Johnson, community education director for the Stewartville School District.
Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch hosted its annual Operation Welcome Home Marriage Retreat on Saturday, April 27. The retreat helps couples learn how to cope with the stresses of being a part of a military family. Rosemary Bodensteiner and Barb Solum, members of the Piecemakers Quilt Guild, seated on the floor in the foreground, brought 20 quilts to the retreat to share with the military couples.
Katie Tweite uses a snowblower at the apartment complex at 204 Second Street Southwest to clear some of the 14 inches of snow that fell on Stewartville and the area on Thursday, May 2. The record snowfall for that date forced local schools to close all day last Thursday and part of the day on Friday, May 3.
Wesley Neuvirth, 16 months, of Dexter, meets a rocking horse at Chris and Julie Gawarecki's garage sale that was held as part of Stewartville's citywide sale last Friday morning, May 10. Michelle Neuvirth, Wesley's mother, bought the rocking horse a few minutes after the photo was taken.
Al and Peg Chihak are happy to welcome customers to Mystic Moon Designs, Antiques & Collectibles at the store's new location at the site of the former video store in the Johnson Building along Main Street. "It's a well-rounded shop," Al said. "There is a good variety of things."
Retiring educators include, from left, Karen Wagner, Bill Glomski (foreground) and Dave Nystuen. Bonnie Loftus, another retiree, wasn't available when the photo was taken.
Members of the Bell of Honor Committee brought the bell and its trailer to the Griffin-Gray Funeral Home to pay tribute to Walter Mount, a Stewartville veteran, on Tuesday, May 14. Mount, 100, died five days before. Committee members include, front row, from left, Jan Throndson of Rochester and Dale Wellik of Dodge Center. Back row, from left, Sandy Sabin, Dick Denny and Dorothy Denny, all of Rochester. Throndson said that it's a privilege for him and the other committee members to pay tribute to America's veterans. "We now stand for those who stood for us," he said.
Joel Raygor of Stewartville took part in the Almanzo 100 bicycle race on Saturday, May 18. Raygor and his small group of riders joined about 1,000 others in an event that started in Spring Valley and stretched across the gravel roads of southeastern Minnesota. Above, the cyclists begin their trek in Spring Valley.
Black Magic finished 14th among 41 cars in the Supermileage Challenge's stock class. Builders included, from left, Evan Doty, Michael McClellan, Jason Nelson, Josh Nordine, Nate Zahradnik, Jake Goeldi and Chhay Ouk.
Chet Daniel of Stewartville has been named Hospice Volunteer of the Year for 2013 by the Minnesota Network of Hospice and Palliative Care. He accepted the award at the Doubletree Hotel in Minneapolis on Tuesday, April 16.
Kari York, vice president of First Farmers & Merchants Bank of Stewartville, left, talks with Bill and Angela Carr at the open house for Carr's Hilltop Repair & Services on Friday, June 14.
Sandy Erdman, who writes a column about antiques and collectibles for the Rochester Post-Bulletin, was the guest speaker at the 50th annual Stewartville United Methodist Women's International Luncheon at the Stewartville United Methodist Church last Wednesday, June 12. Erdman told the large audience that she became a teacup collector by word of mouth. She started with a few cups, but then word got around that she had started a collection. "People knew I had teacups, so I kept getting more and more and more," she said.
Taylor Dumke, 18, of Tampa, Florida, rises higher and higher as she climbs a rope at the National Wheelchair Sports Camp last Wednesday, June 12.
Participants at the 27th annual National Wheelchair Sports Camp at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch near Stewartville took part in a variety of activities last week, including rope climbing, an event held inside Ironwood's Miracle Lodge on Wednesday, June 12. Emily Sullivan, 9, of LeSueur, Minn., right, holds on tight as Craig Blanchette of Battle Ground, Oregon, a staff member at the camp, assists. Campers also enjoyed a 10K race, trail riding, water skiing and more.
Bob Bardwell, director of Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch, left, speaks to participants before the annual Wheels & Heels of Fire 10K event from Pizza Ranch in Stewart<!--1up-20-->ville to Ironwood Springs on Saturday, June 8. Many of those who took part in the race also attended the National Wheelchair Sports Camp at Ironwood Springs last week.
Chet Finley and his daughter Katie won the coed canoe race on the Root River. The key, Chet said, is "don't quit paddling."
Fishing contest winners included, front, from left, Littia Biffert and Jake Keefer. Back row, from left, Cole Thielen, Sydney Briese and Brady Keefer. Cody Keefer, another winner, is not pictured.
Thea Ebling, 8, was crowned queen of the 90th annual Old Settlers Day. She sold more than 90 Old Settlers Day buttons.
JoJo Welter, left, and Eva Biffert teamed up to win both egg toss contests at this year's Old Settlers Day.
Nathanael Biffert, 9, of Stewartville, who will be a fourth grader at Central Intermediate School, catches an egg, left, during the egg toss at the High Forest Old Settlers Day on Saturday, June 15.
Laiken Copeman, 6, of Zumbrota, grasps the ropes as he attempts to cross the crowded Stewartville pool on a set of imitation logs on a sunny, 85-degree day last Thursday, June 27.
Above, from left, Michael Lesmeister, Virginia Sass, Natalie Weber and Owen Sass are ready to take flight. John Kellner stands at far right
Hunter Lee, 10, of Spring Valley, threw a bale of hay 34'7" at the Root River Antique Historical Power Association Antique Engine & Tractor Show on Friday afternoon, July 19.
Bryan Vrieze of Racine stands near one of the six Oliver tractors he brought to this year's Root River Antique Historical Power Association Antique Engine & Tractor Show south of Racine on July 19-21. Vrieze grew up on a dairy farm near Racine, where his dad owned three Oliver 88 tractors. Now, years later, Bryan's brother Ron has nine Olivers on hand to work the same farm with his son, Craig. "(Olivers) are what I grew up with," Bryan said.
Dana Bowman, in foreground, speaks to a large audience at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch's Miracles Happen V Festival on Saturday, July 27. Bob Bardwell, director of Ironwood Springs, is in the background.
Skydiver Dana Bowman, right, who lost his legs in a skydiving accident in 1994, was right on target when he jumped out of a plane and landed at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch on Saturday, July 27. Bowman was a guest speaker at Ironwood's Miracles Happen V Festival that day.
Bruce Crevier, left, and his wife and children, part of Champions Forever, performed their basketball tricks at Ironwood Springs on Saturday, July 27.
Anthony Bass, left, a member of the Minnesota Vikings when the team went 15-1 in 1998, shares his faith at Ironwood Springs.
Mark Smeby, a Christian singer-songwriter, right, performs at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch on July 27.
DeLores Neahring, second from right, receives the Purple Heart and victory medals given posthumously to Neahring's father, Laurence Doten, who earned the medals for his meritorious service in World War I. Judy Wilson, Neahring's daughter, is seated in the center.
SHS alum and current UW-La Crosse wrestler Eric Twohey demonstrates a move at the Tiger youth wrestling camp last week.
Mayor Jimmie-John King, left, hands out baseball cards to Tyler Schandorff, 13, of Stewartville, at the annual National Night Out event at Stewartville's Southern Hills last Tuesday evening, Aug. 6.
Zak Breitenbach, Stewartville's community oriented policing (COPS) deputy, handed out baseball cards and stickers at the annual National Night Out celebration at Stewartville's Southern Hills last Tuesday, Aug. 6. Ethan Schaefer, 8, accepts a card as, from far left, Skyler Schaefer, 9; Trevon Schaefer, 11; and Brennan Thorn, 14, look on.
Advanced Body Chiropractic has moved to a new location at 93 20th Street Northeast. From left are Dr. Stephanie Lillis, Glenn LeBarron and Kim Jensen of Advanced Body Chiropractic.
Julie Jaeger serves water to John and Bertha Maloney at the pie and ice cream social at the Stewartville Center for Active Adults last Thursday, Aug. 15. Local and area residents over 50 years old received free pie and ice cream. Casey & the Good Timers Band played a number of classic favorites.
Bob and Cheryl Fauver owned the pharmacy in Stewartville's drug store for about seven years, from January 1998 to late 2004. Bob Fauver retired as a pharmacist this past May.
Marvin Eppard, pictured here with his wife Jane, will host book-signing events in Racine and Stewartville.
Bill Glomski, long-time Stewartville High School cross country coach, fourth from right, was honored at the 40th annual Stewartville Invitational cross country meet at Bear Cave Park on Thursday afternoon, Aug. 29. Cross country officials have renamed the annual meet the Stewartville Cross Country Bill Glomski Invitational. "I thought it was really nice," Glomski said. "It's good to see the program grow and the (Stewartville) Invitational grow." Many members of Glomski's family joined him at this year's meet.
Peter Lex, a 1987 graduate of Stewartville High School, right, has transformed a garage door at the Rochester Public Library into a painting of a finely detailed, vivid bookshelf.
Students from Stewartville United Methodist Church who traveled to the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming this past summer include, not necessarily in order, Trayton Bryant, Joe Finley, Katie Finley, Dalton Miller, Lizzy Norman, Colton Reed, Tyler Reed, Thomas Savoy, Alex Oviatt, Hunter Oviatt and Aundrea Urban.
Students from Stewartville United Methodist Church who traveled to the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming this past summer. Here, Colton Reed poses with a Native American dancer. Jeremy Krekula, a young adult who took the trip, said that the journey helped the young people live out Jesus's command to love one another.
Ginny Hanson of Stewartville learned how to quilt 18 years ago when she took a community education applique quilting class in Rochester. She has given away many of her quilts, including the one currently hanging on the wall at the children's section of the Stewartville Public Library. A closeup of the quilt, at left, reveals stacks of books and a carousel of books seen from above.
Sheila McNeill, curriculum director for the Stewartville School District, has been named the Minnesota Association of Educational Office Professionals (MAEOP) Administrator of the Year.
More than 200 riders took part in the first-ever Filthy 50 gravel bicycle race that started and finished in Stewartville on Sunday, Oct. 13. Ben McCoy of the BT Bicycling Club, who finished 84th, loved the event. "It was incredibly well- organized and the turnout was fantastic," McCoy said. "And frankly, we couldn't have asked for a nicer day. The sun was out, the temperature was perfect, and the fall colors were coming into full effect."
The Stewartville Child Care Center has collected coats, scarves, boots, snow pants, snow suits, mittens, gloves, hats and other winter items for the United Way of Olmsted County's winter clothing drive. Items will be donated to area individuals and families who don't have the financial means to buy winter clothing. Children from the Child Care Center posing with the clothing include, from left, Keegan Fetterly, Dane Cole and Oliver Mai.
Jade Schmeling, a freshman at St. Louis Park High School, left, and her cousin Gabe Nelson, a seventh grader at Stewartville Middle School, hosted the second annual "Spook City in the Woods" in rural Racine last Friday, Oct. 18 and Saturday, Oct. 19. Guests walked through a sectioned-off path of woods decorated with spider webs, graveyards, skeletons and more. All proceeds from the event were donated to Pacer's National Bullying Prevention Center.
Brent Sass poses with and accepts warm greetings from two of his dogs, Silver and Scroggie, before speaking to a large audience at the Stewartville Civic Center last October.
Don Mullenbach, left, and Darrel Jaeger have been named to the Southeast Minnesota Wrestling Coalition (SEMWREC) Hall of Fame. They were honored at a banquet at the Marriott Inn in Rochester on Monday, March 5. Mullenbach placed second in the state in 1963 and third in 1964 as a wrestler at Stewartville High School while Jaeger was an assistant wrestling coach at SHS. Jaeger coached wrestling at SHS for 26 years, including 18 as a head coach. His teams compiled an overall record of 166-72-7.
A CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION -- Senior citizens age 90 and older were honored at a Celebration of Life luncheon at the Stewartville Senior Center on Wednesday, May 7. Those honored include, front row, from left, Myrtle Tebay, Alphia Riehl, Mildred Peterson, Mabel Jans and Ruby Jans. Back row, from left, June Clark, Harley Boettcher, Eleanor House and Agnes Griffin.
THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT -- Gary Kadansky of Stewartville lost 43 pounds in 12 weeks to be named "The Biggest Loser" in a contest sponsored by KTTC-TV and the Rochester Athletic Club. Kadansky earned a one-year membership at the RAC for his weight reduction, which he achieved by eating healthier foods, limiting his portions and working to improve his cardiovascular and muscular fitness. Kadansky is grateful for the support he received from many young people, including Stewartville High School students, from left, Rachel Mann, Catherine Mulleneaux and Ben Raygor.
Shirley Hinze, the new coordinator of Senior Services, Inc., Stewartville, center above, assists June Stelter, left, and Betty Mace during lunch at the Stewartville Civic Center last week.
Shirley Hinze works at her desk.
Mathew Baune, 622 12th Ave. Northeast, Stewartville, loves to decorate his home for Halloween. Baune, holding his 18-month-old daughter Ella, says that his decorations have gotten bigger and better each of the past three years. At night, Baune enhances his holiday ensemble with spooky music and a fog machine. "It's lit up every night," he said. "We get quite a few people to stop and look." Halloween has always been special for Baune. "It's the best holiday out there," he said. "I just love Halloween."
Jean Nelson first encountered a ghost in her rural Stewartville home more than 50 years ago. She believes that one of the spirits who visits her home is a relative named Orville, who was born in the house and lived there for 22 years before he left home to serve in World War II. Orville was killed in action. His body was never found. Above, Nelson holds a picture of Orville near the bed he slept in.
Casey & The Good Timers played a number of classic favorites when SEMCAC celebrated its 40th anniversary at the Center for Active Adults last Wednesday, Oct. 23. SEMCAC administers the food program for the Center for Active Adults, which meets at the Stewartville Civic Center.
Ed Twohey, left, and his dad Frank, who farm 1,130 acres near Stewartville, are pleasantly surprised by the 100- to 168-bushels per acre yields they're getting from their 600 acres of corn. Bill Twohey, Ed's brother, also assists on the family farm.
Ed Twohey, left, and his dad Frank, who farm 1,130 acres near Stewartville, are pleasantly surprised by the 100- to 168-bushels per acre yields they're getting from their 600 acres of corn. Bill Twohey, Ed's brother, also assists on the family farm.
Richard King, a long-time Stewartville resident, left, shows a model of a B-29 Superfortress plane to Ron Johnson at the Stewartville Public Library, where King shared his World War II training experiences with about 15 listeners on Thursday, Oct. 24.
Linda Miller, Site Coordinator for the Center for Active Adults, formerly the Stewartville Senior Center, demonstrates her "powers" as a fortune teller. Linda, a/k/a Madam Zolinda, read fortunes for free and we were told she only used her powers for good!
Cathy Meaney of Stewartville, owner of Zinnia Spot Jewelry, left, welcomes shoppers Arvilla Boehm, center, and Boehm's daughter Erin Olson to the Holiday Boutique at the Stewartville Civic Center on Saturday, Nov. 2.
Bob Horstmann, left, and Sandi Johnson stand near a sign that welcomes visitors to the Root River Regional Park and Recreation Area, a 90-acre site about 10 miles northeast of Stewartville. Horstmann, Johnson and other area residents oppose Olmsted County's plans to draw an Official Map indicating that their properties could one day become part of the park.
Marty Bussman, son of Anna and the late Lawrence Bussman, is featured in the September 2013 isue of Ski-U-Mah, the official magazine of Gopher athletics.
Terry Jordan started Care Packages for the Troops to support U.S. servicemen and women serving in Afghanistan.
Stewartville's Cub Scouts sold a total of $40,120 worth of popcorn in a recent fund-raising sale. Ten percent of that amount, or a little more than $4,000, will pay for pack activities. Sales leaders included, front row, from left, Jake Halferty, William Kitzmann, Leland Jeardeau and Jacob Eden. Second row, from left, Parker Klaahsen, Madden Ackman, Tristan Knight, Brandon McCrady, Ian Reese and Braeden Hoult. Back row, from left, Jackson Struhar, Zack Spitzer, David Watters, Zach Boelman and Alex Colligan.
The top three salesmen in the Stewartville Cub Scouts' recent popcorn fund raiser include, from left, Jake Halferty, William Kitzmann and Alex Colligan.
Kevin Torgerson of Stewartville, pictured with his wife Lori, announced his candidacy for Olmsted County sheriff at Whistle Binkies on the Lake last week. He says he loves law enforcement because it gives him a chance to help and serve others.
David Davidson and his 5-year-old daughter, Kylie Charmaine Davidson, visited the Florence Park Hockey Rink last Jan. 26.
News highlights through the lens of the Stewartville STAR's cameras from the first half of 2013 included local firefighters responding to a motorcycle that caught on fire and fell toward a Chevrolet Tahoe at the parking lot west of Sammy's Family Restaurant on Wednesday, April 3.
News highlights through the lens of the Stewartville STAR's cameras from the first half of 2013 included a member of the Rust College A'Cappella Choir shaking hands with Bea Raygor at the Stewartville Care Center on Tuesday, April 23.
Wesley Neuvirth, 16 months, of Dexter, meets a rocking horse at Chris and Julie Gawarecki's garage sale in Stewartville last May 19.
News highlights through the lens of the Stewartville STAR's cameras from the first half of 2013 included Jim Parry, beginning another 24-hour Endurance Challenge, draws encouragement from students at Bonner Elementary School on May 16.
News highlights through the lens of the Stewartville STAR's cameras from the first half of 2013 included Nathanael Biffert of Stewartville catching an egg at High Forest Old Settlers Day on June 15.
Kyle Lipke drives the shoulders of his 285-pound Triton opponent to the mat before recording the pin.
Farmers Ed Twohey, left, and his dad Frank were pleasantly surprised by their corn yields in late October.
Betty Kosnopfal, left, sells B's Honey to Sharon Peterson and her granddaughter Arianna Woitas at the Farmers Market in August.
Laiken Copeman, 6, of Zumbrota, grasps the ropes as he crosses Stewartville's pool on Thursday, June 27.
Colton Mason, left, and Kurtis Keller earned first place in the Winterfest life-sized Christmas card contest.
Jade Schmeling, left, and her cousin Gabe Nelson, a Stewartville seventh grader, hosted the second annual "Spook City in the Woods" in mid-October.
Wee Care celebrated its 30th anniversary with a carnival at St. John's Lutheran Church on Oct. 5. Mason Pheifer, 4, of Racine, poses for John Howes.
Dorothy Sloneker of Stewartville won a 500-piece Alpine Vistas puzzle at the Christmas party at the Center for Active Adults on Tuesday, Dec. 17.
Isaiah Grafe, a senior at Stewartville High School, has been nominated for a Beat the Odds Scholarship, which honors students who have overcome challenging obstacles.
Bella Kruger, 12, a sixth grader at Stewartville Middle School, above, and her sister Ava, 9, have built a replica of Olaf the Snowman from the movie Frozen in front of their Lakeshore Drive home. It took the girls about 90 minutes to build the snowman, which has a carrot for a nose and stones for eyes and buttons.
Geotek of Stewartville has been honored for taking a number of steps to save energy. Rebecca Gisel, key account manager for Alliant Energy, right, presented Geotek representatives with a check for $11,729.77 last week to thank the company for installing energy-efficient lighting and air conditioning and for putting in occupancy sensors for its lighting. The changes will save Geotek $6,000 per year in energy costs and 95,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year, Gisel said. Geotek executives, from left, include Don Dalland, vice president of operations; Shawn Murphy, facilities manager and Dale Nordquist, president.
Jill Guy, mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, bundled up against the cold on a blustery day last Thursday, Jan. 16. Strong winds led Stewartville school officials to cancel classes before noon that day. Guy and other carriers who worked that day lived up to the words chiseled in gray granite over the entrance to the New York City Post Office on Eighth Avenue: "Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds."
Vance Swisher, in the foreground at right, takes the oath of office to become Stewartville's new fire chief for 2014. Larry Mueller, in the background at right, was sworn in as assistant fire chief. Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator, administered the oath of office at last week's City Council meeting. Lisa Jelinek, director of Stewartville First Responders, did not attend last week's meeting. She will be sworn in at a later date.
Van Beach of Stewartville, who has attended the Minnesota Twins Fantasy Camp four times, including the most recent camp Jan. 4-11, poses with Twins great Frank Viola, below right.
Cub Scouts in Pack 156's Bear Den watch their cars cross the finish line at the annual Pinewood Derby at Grace Evangelical Free Church on Saturday, Jan. 25. Scouts include, from left, Xavier Kassel, Ian Reese, Thomas Root, Brady Hoult and Zach Boelman.
Jake Halferty, left, and an unindentified Scout focus all their attention on lining up their cars to race at the annual Pinewood Derby at Grace Evangelical Free Church on Saturday, Jan. 25.
Abbi Parry, a third grader at Central Intermediate School, seated at the top of the sled, shouts for joy as she and sledding partner Arianna Woitas, another third grader, head down the hill near Central during morning recess last Thursday, Jan. 30. Emma Rowen, another third grader, left, looks on after assisting Abbi and Arianna down the hill.
Robert Hruska, grocery manager at Fareway of Stewartville, seated in center, welcomes residents to donate to Food for Kidz at Fareway's checkout counters through February. A few of the Kiwanis Club members working on the project include, front row, from left, Mary Brouillard and Roy Gisler. Back row, from left, Lincoln Harker, Iz Wilken, Kim Brown and Laura Wiles.
Les Radcliffe of rural Stewartville has received the 2013 Builder of the Year Award from Rochester Area Builders, Inc. He was honored at a meeting at the Ramada Inn in Rochester on Tuesday, Jan. 28. He received a plaque that states, "In appreciation for your dedication, leadership and commitment to the construction industry." Radcliffe also received the award in 1997. "I was quite honored," he said. Radcliffe will be in Booth 905 at the Rochester Area Builders Home Show on Feb. 7, 8 and 9.
Ian Ross, a sixth grader at Stewartville Middle School and a member of Troop 56, right, serves chili to guests at the annual Boy Scout Chili Feed at the Stewartville Sportsman's Club on Sunday, Feb. 2.
Darrin Westphal, pictured with his wife, Ann, underwent quadruple heart bypass surgery on Dec. 30. He's recovering well but has been unable to work for almost two months. Mindful of the cost of heart surgery and aware that Westphal won't be working for awhile, his friends and family have organized a potluck and fund raiser to be held at the Stewartville American Legion Post 164 this Saturday, Feb. 22 beginning at 5 p.m.
Irene Elton, right, who ran the "Used a Bit" shop in Stewartville for 15 to 20 years, makes a sale at the Cabin Fever Flea Market at the Stewartville Civic Center on Saturday, Feb. 15.
Students at Central Intermediate School tried out their new snowshoes from Cabela's of Owatonna last week. Here, Barb Hill, physical education teacher at Central, center, and Beckie Moreau of Cabela's, right, take a break with students Baylee Edwards, far left, and Nick Otto.
Cub Scout Pack 156 donated $1,000 of the proceeds from its recent popcorn sales to the Stewartville Ivan Stringer American Legion Post 164. Corey Boelman, cubmaster of Pack 156, right, presents the check to Richard Paulson, commander of the Legion Post, and Thom Blade, Legion member.
Cub Scouts from Pack 156 crossed over to Boy Scouts during a ceremony at the Stewartville American Legion Post 164 on Sunday, Feb. 16. The Webelos who took part in the bridging ceremony include, from left, Scott Boelman, Kertis Stensrud, Hunter Olson, Burkely Ravenhorst and Ethan Stone. All the boys earned the Arrow of Light Award, the highest honor in Cub Scouts. Hunter received the Super Achiever Award by earning all 20 available pins during his time as a Webelo. Corey Boelman, cubmaster of Pack 156, stands in back.
Stanley Kukuzke, right, was a co-captain of Stewartville High School's 1957 varsity football team.
Dr. Greg W. Olson of Stewartville, a teacher in the Dover-Eyota School District, left, has been named the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Senior High School State Teacher of the Year for grades 9-12. Gov. Dayton, right, congratulates Olson.
THE WENONAH BREWERS -- From left, Dave Weinhold, Chris Gardner and Steve Barber are the co-owners of the Wenonah Brewing Company, 4065 Sixth St., Goodview. "The townspeople of Goodview were very welcoming of our business and continue to be," Barber said. "Winona is right next to Goodview, and we have several bars that have our beer on tap."
Jessica Twohey placed third for her advanced interview, and was part of a third-place global marketing team.
The global marketing team placed third at BPA State. Team members included, clockwise from lower left, Emma Hale, Jacqui Dodd, Lindsay Bergeson and Jessica Twohey.
Jon Beach earned a first-place trophy in parliamentary procedure concepts at the BPA State Spring Leadership Conference.
Andrea Garrison, competing for the State Farm Insurance "Good Neighbors" team, bowled a perfect 300 game at Strikers Corner in Stewartville last Tuesday evening, March 18.
Alvena Glynn, left, will turn 100 and Beulah Ankeny will be 95 this Easter Sunday, April 20. The sisters will be the guests of honor at a party at Grand Meadow Lutheran Church from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m
Cooper Reed, 10, of Stewartville, right, stood before the City Council at City Hall last week to ask city officials to approve an ordinance that would allow residents to raise chickens in the city of Stewartville.
Gloria Nelson, a sixth grader at Stewartville Middle School, second from left, earned first place in the state for a poster she drew for her D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) class. Gloria threw out the first pitch before the Minnesota Twins hosted the Kansas City Royals at Target Field this past Sunday, April 13. Domonique Thomley, another sixth grader, left, placed 13th in the state with her poster. Deputies Todd Peterson, second from right, and Daniel Johnson, right, are D.A.R.E. instructors at Stewartville Middle School.
In March 2012, Nels and Nicole Pierson bought the Stewartville STAR building from the city of Stewartville for $1 with the stipulation that the Rochester couple would refurbish the building within three years. Nels Pierson, above, is pleased with the recent work on the south side of the structure. Workers from Key Builders, Inc. of Rochester have added brick and have cut in frames for new doors and windows.
Juliet Skustad Seim celebrated her 102nd birthday on Saturday, April 19.
Andrea Sztajnkrycer of Rochester, who hosted the Usborne Books booth, shows a book to Julie King, 5, of Spring Valley at the Spring Fling event at the Stewartville Civic Center on Saturday morning, April 12. Jean Dwire of Stewartville, who coordinates the Spring Fling, said that this year's event featured 31 booths that offered cosmetics, jewelry, purses, gourmet foods, garden arts, kids' books and more. "There were a lot of handmade items as well," she said.
From left, Stephanie Peterson, Julie Hayes and Marilyn Wester worked together last week to bake 280 hot cross buns for the members of St. Bernard's Catholic Church, who took them home on Holy Thursday evening. Hayes hosted the baking at her Stewartville home. "This is my Lenten act of service," she said.
Gary Kadansky serves cotton candy to Alexis Harvey, 11, a fifth-grader at Central Intermediate School, at the Kids Extravaganza at Grace Evangelical Free Church on Saturday, April 19. Kids also made key chains and crosses, and had fun sliding down an inflatable slide.
Amalia Peterson, 2 1/2, of Racine, is one of scores of children who searched for eggs at the Racine Lions Club's annual Easter Egg Hunt in Racine on a cool Saturday morning, April 19. Children of kindergarten age and younger such as Amalia received 10 cents each for the eggs they found.
From left, Jackson Helget, 11; Jacob Higgins, 8; and Jesse Peterson, 5, all of Racine, won gift cards to Wal-Mart for finding the silver eggs at the Racine Lions Club's annual Easter Egg Hunt in Racine on Saturday, April 19. Jack-son's gift card was worth $100, Jacob's was good for $75 and Jesse's was worth $50.
Members of High Forest Chippewa Champions 4-H Club toured Garlin Dairy near Eyota following their April 13 meeting. From left is Conner Lohmann, Dylan Lohnmann, Amelia Welter, Bailey Anderson, Abby Wilson, Mesa Wibben, and JoJo Welter. The group learned about the dairy industry.
Sharon Theobald, standing in the center, who worked at Eastwood Bank for 15 years and 30 days, retired last Thursday, April 30. Ann Lutteke, standing at far right, and Kim Brown, not pictured, thanked Theobald for her work at the bank. "You'll be missed," Lutteke said. Theobald's two sons and their families joined hundreds of others who attended the retirement party. "Thank you all for coming (to the bank) for all these years," Theobald said to those who attended. "It has been wonderful."
George Rosin accepts the Community Education Community Service Award from Hailey Liffrig.
Michelle Oftedahl, 5, center, joins her mother Ruth, right, and her grandmother Elizabeth Cook, left, to search through the brightly colored flowers at 114 Third Avenue Northeast during Stewartville's citywide garage sale on Thursday, May 8. Michelle will replant the flowers in a garden overseen by Cook. "We do this every year," Cook said. "We take the grandkids to pick flowers."
Dawn Heaser, left, and Dawn Miller, both of Rochester, browse among the items at Stewartville's citywide garage sale on Thursday morning, May 8. The two say they attend Stewartville's sale every year. "We're deal hunters," Miller laughed. "I need to feed my purse addiction."
Ruth Pingree, 94, of Stewartville, is pictured with Karisa and Kayla Stevens (second and third from left) riding an elephant during the Rochester Jaycee's Circus on May 2. Ruth had made the comment that she has always wanted to ride an elephant. She got her wish. Seven residents of the Stewartville Care Center attended the circus.
Dick and Sue Hareldson of rural Oronoco dance to the music of Casey & the Good Timers on Saturday evening, May 3.
Aiden Higgins, a seventh grader at Stewartville Middle School, threw out the first pitch at Target Field on Sunday, May 18 after he hosted a dance at his Stewartville home to raise money for autism awareness.
Kailah Weltzin of Troop 44037, left, bridged and flew up from Brownie to Junior in Girl Scouts as Jalynn Colligan of Troop 43252, right, welcomes her across the bridge at Meadow Park in Stewartville last week. The bridging ceremony is part of Stewartville Girl Scouts' end-of-the-year awards ceremony. The goal of this event, beginning and ending with a flag ceremony, is to honor the girls for their progression and growth. Girls advancing a level cross the bridge to new adventures and responsibilities. As part of the celebration, girls also performed a skit or song for the large audience that attended.
Three students at Central Intermediate School won bicycles in a drawing sponsored by the Stewartville Masonic Lodge and the Olmsted County Deputy Sheriff's Association. Students who read books and write book reports earn the chance to enter their names in the drawing to win a bike. Bicycle winners for the second semester of the 2013-14 school year include, front row, from left, Katelyn McClellan, a fifth grader; Caden King, a fourth grader, and Stormie Mullenbach, a third grader. Len Griffith, left, and George Thompson of the Stewartville Masonic Lodge are standing in back. Griffith, speaking to Central's students at an assembly, told the students that success in life depends on a person's reading skills. "Congratulations to all of you who participate in the reading program," he said. "It's a very important factor to your success in the future." Jan Hagen, a library volunteer for the Stewartville School District, also encouraged the students to read. "Be sure to make use of your library cards this summer," Hagen said. "The best thing you can do is read."
Hundreds of local and area residents honored U.S. veterans on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26. At far left above, clockwise from lower left, Erik Sistad, Lori Bailey, Emily Rinken and Erin Ross, eighth graders, were the featured speakers at the annual ceremony at Woodlawn Cemetery.
The four sixth graders who were honored for their essays about their favorite older person include, standing from left, Ireland Broadwater, behind Sue Klein, her grandmother; Noah VandeLoo, behind Midge Block, his grandmother; Haylee Weightman, behind Les Thomann, her grandfather; and Savannah Davis, with Ruth Reese, her grandmother.
Stewartville School District retirees include, clockwise from front, Bruce Hoff, Susan Bartels and Bev Nelson. Cindy Berger and John Dzubay, other retirees, are not pictured.
Clockwise from front, Maryan Gisler, Support Staff Person of the Year; Dawn Clark, Friend of Education; and Kelly Manley, Teacher of the Year, grades 7-12. Krystal Peterson, Teacher of the Year for grades pre-K through 6, is not pictured.
Lee Weinhold, who has worked as a dentist in Stewartville for 41 years, plans to sell his Main Street practice and retire as of Monday, June 30. Weinhold says that he and his wife Eileen have enjoyed raising their three children here. He says he'll miss the office. "I will miss the people," he said. "There are a lot of good friendships."
Beth Schmidt of the Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce, fourth from right, presents a Business Xposed! certificate to Paulette and Bruce Teigen, third and second from right, and Melissa Sue Leuning, far right, of Teigen Paper last week. Others who visited the downtown business include, in front, from left, Gwen Ravenhorst, Chamber administrator; Arvilla Boehm, Chris Dahle and Margaret Clark. Back row, from left, Bob Baker, Brett Struhar, Theresa Hornberg, Jimmie-John King, Stacy Schimmel and Cheryl Roeder.
Emma Thomason, a seventh grader at Stewartville Middle School, seated, holds an audiometer, a device health workers use to screen children for hearing problems. Jacquie Fricker, left, and Ellen Rollie work in health services for Stewartville schools.
Dan Mellen of Freeport, Ill., a camper at the Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch's annual Sports Camp, rides a horse guided by, not necessarily in order, Emily Stensvold, co-wrangler at Ironwood Springs; Tucker Speltz, assistant program director; and Tom Barry, volunteer.
Participants in Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch's annual National Wheelchair Sports Camp line up for the Heels & Wheels of Fire 10K race from Pizza Ranch to Ironwood Springs on Saturday morning, June 14.
About 50 children enjoyed the music as the Zinghoppers hosted a dance party at the Stewartville Civic Center last Wednesday, June 25. Here, Addy Blake, left, and Betsy Langseth, 3-year-olds from Stewartville, stay in step with the music. The Stewartville Public Library sponsored the program, which promoted reading.
Endless Journey Child Care held its annual family picnic at Florence Park in Stewartville on Thursday, June 19. The families enjoyed wonderful food and fun games, including a water balloon toss! Pictured above is the Sogla family, Matt and Carolyn, with their children Madison and Grant.
On Friday, June 13, GEOTEK held its first annual Fitness Event to promote employee well-being. Participants included 25 employees and 15 of their family members, who competed in the "triathlon" event, which included a three mile bike ride, a one mile canoe venture and a two mile run. Several other employees joined for a company picnic immediately following the event. GEOTEK's Wellness Committee is focusing on the five essential elements of well-being: purpose, social, financial, community and physical. Next month, they will be promoting the Stewartville Farmer's Market.
Bruce Hoff, left, who retired as principal of Stewartville High School effective June 30, accepts a trophy from Rob Mathias, chair of the Stewartville School Board, after last week's School Board meeting. Hoff worked in Stewartville schools for 19 years, including many as principal of SHS. "Thank you for all you've done," Mathias told Hoff.
DeeAnn Byrne, a former Stewartville teacher, reads a story to, from left, Natalie Lee, 5, of Grand Meadow; along with Jessie Peterson, 5; Amalia Peterson, 3; and Juliet Zerby-Cox, 5, all of Racine.
Steve Sturm, retiring after working for 42 years at All-American Co-op in Stewartville, is very grateful to the people with whom he has worked and for the opportunity he has had. "It has been outstanding," he said.
Hundreds of Stewartville and area residents crowded into the banquet hall at the Riverview Greens Golf Club to attend an open house to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Griffin-Gray Funeral Home on Sunday, July 6. Larry Gray of Griffin-Gray estimated that close to 400 people attended the event. "It was steady all three hours," he said. "We had food for 500 people, and there was very little left."
Guests at the Sunday, July 6 open house to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Griffin-Gray Funeral Home take a few moments to look at photographs highlighting the history of the Griffin and Gray families. Larry Gray of Griffin-Gray said that he was happy with the event. "I was very pleased," he said. "We saw a lot of old friends -- old and new."
Steve Sturm, third from left in the front row, has retired after working for 42 years at Stewartville's All-American Co-op. In that time he served as an office worker and as the manager of the grain and feed departments. Glynis Sturm, Steve's wife, standing to his right, joined other members of the Sturm family at a celebration at All-American Co-op on Monday, July 7. Sturm said he is grateful to the people with whom he has worked and for the opportunity he has had. "It has been outstanding," he said. "I'm thankful for the managers, for the relationships I've made with the patrons, with my peers in the seed business and with the vendors we sell to. It has been a wonderful experience. All those people built me up and supported me." Sturm said that he plans to continue working part time to help All-American's new employees learn on the job.
Roger and Lynn Langseth display a number of items they have brought back from Haiti.
Andrew Kenning, 24, of Racine, brought 15 Minneapolis-Moline tractors to this year's Root River Antique Historical Power Association Antique Engine & Tractor Show south of Racine on July 18-20. Kenning showed the tractors in honor of Clarence Klenke, a Racine area farmer who died on June 21. Klenke, who hosted the Root River Show during the 1980s, owned most of the tractors Kenning brought to the show. "It's in honor of him," Kenning said. "It's what he would have wanted."
Sue Dougan, former president of the Root River Antique Historical Power Association, stands near the circa 1918 Twin City truck she brought to the 32nd annual Root River show south of Racine July 18-20. Jon Ludemann of Ostrander is the driver.
Cinderella (Kallie Quinn) watches from above while, from left, Joy (Calli McCartan) Beulah (Melissa Adams-Goihl) and Portia (Cassidy McCartan) describe how wonderful it was to meet the prince at the ball during a dress rehearsal for the Stewartville Community Theatre production of "Cinderella," which will debut at the Performing Arts Center this Friday, Aug. 1 at 7:30 p.m.
The prince (Dave Stepan) discovers that the shoe fits Cinderella (Kallie Quinn) as the fairy godmother (Lee Menz) looks on from above during a dress rehearsal for the Stewartville Community Theatre production of "Cinderella."
Bob Wieland, who walked 2,784 miles across America on his hands, was the featured speaker at the sixth annual Miracles Happen Festival at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch on Saturday, July 26. "One great example is 10 times more powerful than great advice," he said.
The Fish Sticks Comedy team, right, improvises a visit to a store that sells nothing but volleyballs before a large audience at Ironwood Christian Ranch's Miracles Happen Festival on Saturday, July 26. The group, which evokes plenty of laughter with its expanding repertoire of improv games, has produced four DVDS and has four more in the works.
Mark Mullaney, a former defensive end for the Minnesota Vikings, standing, was a featured speaker at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch on Saturday, July 26. Bob Bardwell, director of Ironwood Springs, is at left.
Tony Melendez, born without arms, played the guitar with his feet and sang to a large audience at the Miracles Happen Festival at Ironwood Spring Christian Ranch on Saturday, July 26. "Once in awhile I look in the mirror and forget that I am armless," Melendez said.
Patty Klennert and her son Gavin arrived in Doha, Qatar on Aug. 15, 2013 to begin a new adventure as an English and drama teacher at the American School of Doha.
Ryn Pitts, author of Deadly Benefits, a mystery-thriller and commentary on the United States' health care system, said that it took her nine years to complete <!--1up-20-->the book from beginning to end.
About 350 residents from Southern Hills and Northridge Place attended the annual National Night Out celebration at Southern Hills on Tuesday, Aug. 5. Ayden Salem, 4, who lives in Southern Hills, accepts a baseball card from Zak Breitenbach, Stewartville's community oriented policing (COPS) deputy. Breitenbach has said that National Night Out gatherings fight crime by giving residents a chance to get better acquainted with their neighbors. Those who know their neighbors well are more likely to look out for each other and recognize others who don't belong in the neighborhood, he said.
Derrick Fritz, near right, and Ben Zahradnik, second from right, Fareway employees, serve guests at The Dog Days of Summer event last Thursday, Aug. 21. Hundreds of Stewartville and area residents ate a variety of free hot dogs along with free chips, fruit, cookies, pretzels and drinks. Eight businesses from northeast Stewartville offered free food, includng Fareway, Bobcat of Rochester, Riverview Greens, the Trulson Dental Clinic, Advanced Body Chiropractic, Anytime Fitness, Active PT and Sports and First Farmers&Merchants State Bank.
Jeff Johnson, Republican candidate for governor, far right, and running mate Bill Kuisle, a Stewartville area farmer, far left, meet with Stewartville Mayor Jimmie-John King, second from left, and City Administrator Bill Schimmel Jr., second from right, at Stewart-ville's The Dog Days of Summer celebration last Thursday, Aug. 21.
Lydia Hansen, 16, of rural Racine, sells a variety of items from her booth at the Stewartville Farmers Market last week. Sharon Peterson, right, inspects what's available.
Pat Ostby of rural Dexter, left, who sells perennial plants, listens to a proposal from Henry Vrieze of Stewartville, who offered Ostby some free flower pots.
Mandi Derr and her children, Mackenzie Engle, 12, and Cooper Engle, 9, visited their plot at the Stewartville Community Garden about two weeks ago to check on the status of their pumpkins, cantaloupe, green beans, peppers, onions and cucumbers. "We come out twice a week to water and pick the vegetables," Derr said. "It's low maintenance."
Children and adults alike had plenty of fun at the 91st annual High Forest Old Settlers Day on a sunny and beautiful Saturday afternoon, Sept. 13. Here, Travis Capelle displays a good touch as he takes part in a beanbag tournament.
Children and adults alike had plenty of fun at the 91st annual High Forest Old Settlers Day on a sunny and beautiful Saturday afternoon, Sept. 13. Here, Isaac Larson, 10, of Stewartville, gives the ball a good boot in a kickball game that included dozens of kids.
Children and adults alike had plenty of fun at the 91st annual High Forest Old Settlers Day on a sunny and beautiful Saturday afternoon, Sept. 13. Here, Jake Keefer, 6, of Stewartville, left, and Jackson Lopez, 4, of Rochester, are frightening with their purple and orange teeth.
Alison McGhee signs copies of her books as students from Bonner Elementary School look on on Thursday, Sept. 11. McGhee read from her book, Countdown to Kindergarten, and shared insights about the writing process.
Dr. Tracy (Pochardt) Toft, left, has joined Dr. Bruce Trulson, right, at the Trulson Dental Clinic, which will become Stewartville Family Dentistry on Wednesday, Oct. 1.
Derek Fritz, above, left, and Gabby Steinhoff completed mentorships at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester this past summer. "I've gained a whole new perspective on the overall lab feel," Fritz said. Steinhoff was also grateful. "The lab experience was incredible," she said.
The Royal Rangers at Stewartville Assembly of God Church worked together to spruce up an area just north of the church on Wednesday, Sept. 17. Five boys earned leadership merit badges for removing bushes, roots and rocks. The boys and church leaders plan to plant grass and place benches at the site.
Callie McCartan, a junior at Stewartville High School, was a contestant in the first annual Minnesota Sings statewide vocal competition.
Local and area residents searched for bargains at a host of garage sales on a beautiful fall day during the Stewartville STAR's seventh annual Trash & Treasure Day on Saturday, Sept. 27.
Lori and Cliff Feltis, family farmers in Stewartville, wave to the crowd after being announced as the Minnesota Corn Growers Farm Team Family of the Game at the Sept. 20 Minnesota Gophers football game.
Scott Gulbranson of GulbransonPHOTO.com, kneeling at right, took the photos that adorn the trailer that carries equipment for the Stewartville High School football and band programs. Those who appreciate Gulbranson's work include Rick Gehling of the Stewartville Football Boosters Club, kneeling at left; Jessica Honsey, SHS band director, standing left, and Curt Grisim of Grisim School Bus, Inc.
Members of Sammy's Tigers, the sixth-grade RYFA football team that has raised money for the Hatz family, include, front row, from left, Mason Schindler, Jackson Helget, Kyler Payne, Nathan Byrne, Will Laures, Jack Patten, Noah Looney and Cody Jacobson. Second row, from left, Grant Lee, Jakob Petrich, Nolan Stier, Nathan Bain, Keegan Zelinske, Ben Trenary, Kaleb Hellickson and Bryce Rindels. Back row, from left, Clarence Leftbear, Nicholas Otto, Trent Einertson, Parker Theobald, Josh Buri, Noah Senjem, Alex Bell, Zach Majerus and Eddie Becker.
Nancy Henke of Stewartville, left, sold American Girl doll clothes, scarves, snowmen and other odds and ends at the Stewartville Center for Active Adults' Crafts & More event at the Stewartville Civic Center on Saturday, Oct. 18. Janice Amos of Stewartville, center right, and her daughter Gina look over the items on Henke's table. Bev Noble of the Center for Active Adults said that the Center made about $650 in profit from the event. Twenty vendors sold a wide variety of items, including jellies, lefse, scarves, wreaths, soap, fall decorations and crocheted and knitted items. All proceeds will go to the Center for Active Adults, Noble said.
Donovan Carlson, 16, a sophomore at Woodbury High School, is one of seven individuals with disabilities who took part in a deer hunt sponsored by Special Youth Challenge of Southeast Minnesota on Saturday, Oct. 18. The Stewartville Sportsman's Club hosted the event. Donovan was grateful for the opportunity to shoot his first deer. "I'm proud of myself that I did that," he said.
Dave Bunde, who owns a farm a few miles southeast of Stewartville, said he expects a good harvest from his 280 acres of field corn and 120 acres of soybeans. He said last week that he expects to bring in 190 to 200 bushels of corn per acre and about 50 to 55 bushels of soybeans per acre. "The moisture (for corn) has come down really well the last two weeks," he said. "It's at 21 percent coming out of the field. That's not too bad."
Sheila Gossman, executive assistant and human resource technician for the Stewartville School District, has been named the Minnesota Association of Educational Office Professionals (MAEOP) Office Professional of the Year for 2014.
Vicki Snyder, outreach coordinator for the Epilepsy Foundation of Southern Minnesota, standing at far right, presented Mayor Jimmie-John King, at left in the front row, with a certificate declaring Stewartville a Seizure-Smart community on Saturday, Nov. 1. Others from the community who support the cause are also pictured.
Kristal Hayes of Fareway of Stewartville, left, speaks to students from Jen Oelkers' class for Kindergarten Career Day on Thursday, Nov. 6. Kindergartners looking on include, from left, Tommy Lofgren, Katherine Olson, Gezelle Fakler and Grace Amy.
Jameson Hanson, a personal training manager, left, and Megan Mullenbach, a personal trainer, both with Anytime Fitness, supervise as three kindergartners, including, from left, Joel Dominguez, Hailey Hatz and Aidyn Voyna, work out with weights.
The Stewartville Cross Country Booster Club has donated funds to three Stewartville organizations to thank those groups for helping with the 2014 Fourth of July Summerfest fun runs. Kevin Torgerson of the Cross Country Booster Club, standing fourth from right, presents a $300 check to Ron Olson of the Stewartville Kiwanis Club. James Mathison, a Stewartville High School cross country runner representing the Booster Club, standing in the center, presents a $150 check to Jacob Edholm of the Stewartville Boy Scouts. Other Scouts, standing from left, include Nathan Edholm, Mitchell Jay, Nick Bruhnke, Burkely Ravenhorst and Ethan Humble. Lauren Mikel, an SHS cross country runner also representing the Booster Club, standing third from right, presents a $150 check to Cesca Kassel of the Stewartville Girl Scouts, standing at far right. Greta Ravenhorst of the Girl Scouts stands in front.
READY FOR THE RUN -- Deacon Gary Kadansky, left, and Pastor Andrew Langseth of Grace Evangelical Free Church of Stewartville are looking forward to the church's fourth annual Thanksgiving Day 5K Family Run/Walk.
Jerry Fearing displays two of his works, The Picture Story of the Minnesota Sioux Uprising and The Story of Minnesota.
Troy Helget of Racine, left, accepts a special recognition award from Dave Mueller, Olmsted County sheriff, and Stacy Sinner, director of detention services at the Olmsted County Adult Detention Center, at the annual Olmsted County Sheriff's Office awards ceremony at the Government Center in Rochester on Tuesday evening, Dec. 9.
Owen Sass, public works supervisor for the city of Stewartville, accepts a recognition award from Zak Breitenbach, Stewartville's community oriented policing (COPS) deputy, at the Government Center in Rochester last Tuesday evening, Dec. 9.
Maurice Sinn, left, accepted the Mayor's Award for Community Service from Mayor Jimmie-John King at the city of Stewartville's annual awards and recognition event last Wednesday evening, Dec. 10.
On his first bow hunting experience in mid-November, Eddie Becker of Stewartville bagged a 200-pound, eight-point buck from 35 yards away while hunting with his dad.
Stewartville and area residents can help Zach Wyant and his family pay for Zach's second surgery by donating to the Fight for Sight account at Wells Fargo Bank in Stewartville.
State Sen. Carlson Nelson speaks to a group of seventh graders in Jim Parry's REACH for Success class at Stewartville Middle School on Monday afternoon, Dec. 15. Nelson told the students what it's like to be a senator and how the Senate works on passing a bill.
Jerry Burgr, left, and Roger Hanson received plaques thanking them for their service on the Stewartville City Council at the Council's last meeting of the year on Tuesday, Dec. 16.
Rod Morlock, left, and Mark Vaupel, outgoing members of the Stewartville School Board, were honored with "Let's All Pull Together" awards at the School Board's last meeting of the year on Monday, Dec. 15. Vaupel decided not to seek re-election this past fall after serving on the School Board for 13 years. Morlock, who served one four-year term, said he enjoyed working with his fellow School Board members and the district's administration.
Cooper Reed, 10, speaking at a July public hearing, asked the City Council to approve an ordinance to allow chickens in Stewartville.
Hundreds of snow tubers celebrated the grand opening of the new chalet at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch on Saturday, Jan. 3.Bob Bardwell, director of Ironwood Springs, said that the old chalet burned down due to electrical problems last June. With the new chalet in the background, above, several snow tubers take to the hills.
Jill Guy, a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, battled sub-zero temperatures, gale-force winds and blowing snow as she made her rounds in Stewartville last week. "I wear three pairs of pants and two face masks," she said.
Anthony Nelson, left, and McKenna O'Neill, third graders at Bonner Elementary School, dressed warmly for their jobs as School Patrol crossing guards near the school last Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 13. Both enjoy their duties. "It's awesome," Anthony said. "I get to protect people." McKenna agreed. "You get to help people so they don't get run over," she said.
Cub Scouts watch their cars cross the finish line at the annual Pinewood Derby at Grace Evangelical Free Church on Saturday, Jan. 24. Scouts include, from left, Zack Spitzer, Anthony Nelson, Charlie Wood, Leland Jeardeau, Braden Davidson, Garrett Norton and Tristan Knight.
Webelos from Pack 156, Den 5, including Robert Feine, wearing glasses, left, and Ethan Schaefer adjust their cars for another trip down the track.
Denny Berhow (far left) of Stewartville and Roger Corcoran (far right) of Stewartville are the top prize winners of FAREWAY's 6th Annual "From Our FAREWAY Family to Yours." Berhow won the first prize, a 50-inch flat screen HDTV while Corcoran won the second prize, a XBox One Gaming System. Presenting and congratulating the two winners are FAREWAY Meat Manager Brett Struhar (second from left) and FAREWAY Store Manager Robert Hruska (second from right). FAREWAY's anniversary promotion is sponsored by FAREWAY, Frito Lays and Pepsi.
Denny Berhow (far left) of Stewartville and Roger Corcoran (far right) of Stewartville are the top prize winners of FAREWAY's 6th Annual "From Our FAREWAY Family to Yours." Berhow won the first prize, a 50-inch flat screen HDTV while Corcoran won the second prize, a XBox One Gaming System. Presenting and congratulating the two winners are FAREWAY Meat Manager Brett Struhar (second from left) and FAREWAY Store Manager Robert Hruska (second from right). FAREWAY's anniversary promotion is sponsored by FAREWAY, Frito Lays and Pepsi.
Pack 156 held its annual Pinewood Derby at Grace Evangelical Free Church on Saturday, Jan. 24. Overall winners pictured with their cars include, from left, Evan Dewhirst, first place; Robert Feine, second place; and Beau Johnson, third place.
With a map of the parking lots near Stewartville High School and Middle School nearby, Olivia Oehlke, a member of the Stewartville High School Student Council, right, and Darcy Lindquist, associate principal of SHS, discuss the district's parking problems with the Stewartville School Board last week.
Diane Bergland, right, accepts a Tiger Token from Darcy Lindquist, associate principal of Stewartville High School. Bergland was honored for her work with a homebound student.
Mayor Jimmie-John King, second from left, jumps rope with fifth grader Jon Laures as fifth graders Elijah Wyant, far left, and Megan Parks twirl the rope at "Jump Rope for Heart" at Central Intermediate School on Feb. 2.
Mayor Jimmie-John King reads the book "Pete the Cat" to a group of smiling 4- and 5-year-olds at the Stewartville School District Community Education Early Childhood Learning Center on Monday, Feb. 2. The children got a kick out of King's rendition of the story, especially when he quoted Pete the Cat as saying, "I'm Rockin' in My School Shoes!" Children include, front row, from far left, Ava Szydel, Rory Swanson, Josie Bunne, A.J. Hubert and Owen Santjer. Second row, from center, Cora Johnson, William Vrieze and Amelia Peterson. Back row, from far left, Deacon Rich, Emma Hagen, Emmit King, the mayor's grandson, far back; along with Leah Hebl and Dylan Hoover. In back, from left, are Suzanne Decker, a paraprofessional; and Sara Ellerbusch, coordinator and teacher for the Stewartville School Readiness program.
Hundreds of browsers and buyers attended the Stewartville Area Historical Society's 19th annual Cabin Fever Flea Market at the Stewartville Civic Center on Saturday, Feb. 21. Vicki Meredith, president of the Historical Society, says that proceeds from the event help the organization pay its bills and tend to its archival needs.
Del Johnson, left, and Dick Johnson, two long-time drivers for Grisim School Bus, Inc., are stepping down from their driving duties. Del drove for 22 years, Dick for 15. Both enjoyed their relationships with the students who rode on their buses. "I think we both got along really well with the kids on our routes," Dick said. "That's what makes it enjoyable."
Jaymie Carolan of Stewartville joins her children Cody, 6, left, and Kaitlyn, 4, for a reading session during the annual St. John's Wee Care Pajama Party at the Stewartville Public Library on Tuesday evening, March 10.
Paige (left) and Hannah Tapp are All-American student-athletes for the University of Minnesota volleyball team. photo courteous of U of M Relations
Alex Arndorfer, a 2011 graduate of Stewartville High School, right, and Zen Abbey of Chicago Ill., students at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, have teamed up to earn a seed grant worth up to $25,000 to start their own business. They earned the funds from Ideadvance, which provides money to applicants within the University of Wisconsin system. They used the UW-Platteville Pioneer Launch Lab and entrepreneurship program to start their business model and successfully apply for their grant money.
The Easter Bunny said hello to scores of children at the Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce's Spring into Summer Marketfest at the Stewartville Civic Center on Saturday, March 28. Below, Grace Malone, 1 1/2, of Stewartville, selects an egg as her grandfather Dan Chase looks on.
Hundreds of local and area residents attended the Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce's Spring into Summer Marketfest at the Stewartville Civic Center on Saturday, March 28. Here, shoppers selected from items at a wide variety of businesses.
Pat Sobotta and many other authentic "Italian" waiters served more than 500 guests at the Mama Tranchita Dinner at Riverview Greens on Tuesday, March 24. The dinner, hosted by the St. Bernard's Catholic Church Men's Club, is held to raise money for church projects.
Hundreds of Stewartville and area shoppers searched for items at the Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce's Spring into Summer Marketfest at the Stewartville Civic Center on Saturday, March 28. Above, Elyse Struckmann holds her son Jase, 18 months, during a visit with the Easter Bunny.
Hundreds of Stewartville and area shoppers searched for items at the Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce's Spring into Summer Marketfest at the Stewartville Civic Center on Saturday, March 28. Above, Elyse Struckmann holds her son Jase, 18 months, during a visit with the Easter Bunny.
Scores of children took part in the annual Racine Lions Easter Egg Hunt in Racine on Saturday morning, April 4. Kids who won Wal-Mart gift cards for finding special silver eggs include, from left, Jesse Peterson, 6, of Racine, kindergarten and younger, who won a $50 gift card; Logan Vrieze, 8, of rural Racine, first through third grade, who won a $75 card; and Tessa Fox, 11, of rural Spring Valley, fourth through sixth grade, who won a card worth $100.
Calli McCartan, a junior at Stewartville High School, earned a $300 scholarship and a third-place finish at this year's Rochester Music Guild Young Musicians Scholarship Competition. "Things are better with music," she said. "I love it with my whole heart."
Anna Bussman, right, has worked for Sodexo, the company that provides meals for Stewartville's students, for about four years. Students at Stewartville High School sang "Happy Birthday" to Bussman as she entered the High School-Middle School cafeteria last Tuesday, April 14. Barb Edwards, Bussman's co-worker, is at left.
FOOD FOR THE POOR -- From left, Robin Sterzinger and her son Tanner, 14, of Ivanhoe, Minn., and Mesa Wibben, 10, a fifth grader at Central Intermediate School, work at the Food for Kidz food packaging event on April 11.
Elizabeth Westby Bunch, left, was the featured speaker at the Stewartville Community Foundation's annual dinner and celebration at Riverview Greens on Sunday, April 12. Jerry Burgr, right, was master of ceremonies.
Amelia Welter, a junior at Stewartville High School, center, will be the Junior Poppy Queen for the Memorial Day Parade and ceremonies on Monday, May 25. Poppy princesses that day will include Anna Cummins, 9, a third grader at Central Intermediate School, left; and Alexis Eversman, 9, a third grader at Bonner Elementary School, right.
The Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed Joel Thiem Counselor Realty to the local business community with an official ambassador visit last week. From left are Andy Mai, Melissa Sue Leuning, Chamber president; Rick Dahl, Gwen Ravenhorst, Chamber administrator; Joel Thiem (cutting ribbon), John Senjem, Bridget Dahle and Mayor Jimmie-John King.
The Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed the Dahle Insurance Agency to the local business community with an official ambassador visit last week. From left are Melissa Sue Leuning, Chamber president; Pat Dahl, Gwen Ravenhorst, Chamber administrator; John Senjem, Bridget Dahle (cutting ribbon), Joel Thiem, Andy Mai, Mayor Jimmie-John King and Ryan Ravenhorst.
The Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed Dairy Queen to the local business community with an official ambassador visit last week. Jeff Bagniewski, owner of Dairy Queen, third from left, accepts a Chamber plaque from Gwen Ravenhorst, Chamber administrator. Others include, from left, Melissa Sue Leuning, Chamber president; Rick Dahl, Ryan Ravenhorst, Paulette Teigen, John Senjem, Andy Mai and Bridget Dahle.
Jenny Kiefer of LeRoy, joined by her son Isaac, 3, browsed among Mary and Lynn Harnack's flowers near Grisim School Bus, Inc. during Stewartville's citywide garage sale last Thursday, May 7. Hundreds of residents from Minnesota and Iowa attended last week's sales. In all, occupants of 125 local homes officially registered at the Stewartville STAR to sell items at this year's sales.
Jordan Ly, a 2014 graduate of Stewartville High School, played Cuong Tran in the recent ABC TV show "In An Instant," which aired this past March. The episode told the story of Cuong Tran and the three Nguyen brothers who held more than 40 people hostage at "The Good Guys" electronics store in Sacramento, Calif. on April 4, 1991. Although he doesn't think he wants to continue as an actor, Ly enjoyed the experience. "I had never been on an acting set with a director before," he said. "The way they do the special effects to make it look real is really cool."
Wee Care held its annual graduation ceremony at St. John's Lutheran Church on Sunday, May 3. Graduates with their paper mortar boards and diplomas include, in front, from left, Amelia Schlager, Raina Schmeling and Lillian Wodele; and in back, Emily Nelson.
Chuck Willihnganz, Stewartville's building inspector, left, presents an updated Minnesota Building Code book to Les Radcliffe of Radcliffe Homes during last week's City Council meeting. Southern Hills (Sun Communities) and Smidt Companies of Racine also won new Building Code books in a drawing held to celebrate May as Building Safety Month.
Mark Kuisle, 1984 SHS grad, was named the 2014-15 MSHSL Class AA Activity Director and Athletic Administrator of the Year. Click on sports tab for related story.
Rita Seha, second from right in back, embraces Christopher Frisch, wearing cap in back, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Rochester on Saturday, May 16.
Members of Mackenzie Higgins' family stand near the Buddy Bench dedicated in Mackenzie's memory near the playground at Central Intermediate School on Monday afternoon, May 18. Pam Higgins, Mackenzie's mother, standing fourth from left, thanked Stewartville school officials for honoring her daughter. "I'm just overwhelmed," she said.
About 700 residents from Stewartville and across the area crowded into St. Bernard's Catholic Church to listen to Matthew Kelly on Saturday evening, May 16.
Amanda Zheng, center, who started the New Hunan Chinese restaurant with her husband, Kevin Dong, in December 2011, accepts a certificate of appreciation from Chris Stafford, president of the Stewartville EDA, left, and Mayor Jimmie-John King, also an EDA member.
Paul Langmade, the new pastor of congregational life at Grace Evangelical Free Church of Stewartville, left, has joined a pastoral team that includes Andrew Langseth, center; and Dr. John Grams.
Three Central Intermediate School students have won bicycles courtesy of the Stewartville Masonic Lodge and the Olmsted County Deputy Sheriffs Association. The students, who received the bicycles on Monday, June 1 include, from left, Hiley Lauer, a fourth grader; William Onstad, a third grader; and Maddy Urban, a fifth grader. To be eligible to win a bicycle, a student must read at least one book, then enter his or her name for each book read in a drawing held each December and May.
Elsa from the movie Frozen was a special guest when Stewartville Early Childhood Family Education (SECFE), celebrated 40 years of Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) programming in Minnesota with a family picnic at Florence Park on Thursday, May 28. In 1974, the Minnesota Legislature funded six pilot ECFE programs. Today, ECFE serves thousands of parents and their children ages birth to 5 across the state each year.
Janice Amos of Stewartville discovered this hummingbird in a nest in a tree in the Amos's backyard garden on Friday morning, June 5. Most hummingbird nests are about 1.5 inches in diameter.
Anita Fjelstad, who owned The Flower Barn in Stewartville for about 13 years, displays the pink lady's-slippers in her backyard garden along Third Street Northwest. "I love the beauty of nature," she said.
George Sedgwick, veterinarian at the Stewartville Animal Clinic, center, accepts the EDA's Business Appreciation Award from Mayor Jimmie-John King, left, and Chris Stafford, president of the EDA.
Stuart Olsen of Seattle, Washington eyes the target during archery practice at the National Wheelchair Sports Camp. Micah Ostergard, a member of the summer staff at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch, far left, provides Olson with a pointer or two.
Emily Sullivan of Le Sueur, Minn., in the foreground, and many others with disabilities practiced their archery skills at the 29th annual National Wheelchair Sports Camp at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch last week. Campers participated in a variety of other activities as well, including tennis, softball, water skiing and horseback riding. Bob Bardwell, director of Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch, said that 70 individuals with disabilities attended this year's camp.
Taylor Dumke of Wesley Chapel, Florida, rides a horse at the National Wheelchair Sports Camp at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch on Monday, June 15. Taylor is one of 70 campers with disabilities who enjoyed many activities, including tennis, softball, scuba diving and more.
David Wheaton speaks to a large audience at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch.
Trent Dubberke of Marshalltown, Iowa displays good form on his backhand during a tennis drill at the National Wheelchair Sports Camp at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch last week.
Lilly Stiernagle of Easton, Minn. returns a forehand at the National Wheelchair Sports Camp last week.
Alex Wallschlaeger of Hortonville, Wis. practices his forehand at the National Wheelchair Sports Camp at Ironwood Spring Christian Ranch last week. David Wheaton, who played professional tennis from 1988 to 2001, worked with the campers on their skills.
Trent Dubberke of Marshalltown, Iowa (No. 288), center, and Marcus Urban of Eagan, Minn., far right, focus on the race ahead during a rainy start to the National Wheelchair Sports Camp's Wheels & Heels of Fire event on Saturday morning, June 13.
Derek Benson of Washington D.C. watches the ball go off the sweet spot of his racket during a tennis drill at the National Wheelchair Sports Camp last week.
Four members of the Stewartville High School trap team participated in the Class A Minnesota High School Clay Target League State Championships in Alexandria on June 11. This year there were 5,680 registered student-athletes competing on 226 teams in six divisions. More than 600,000 clay targets and shotgun shells were fired at the event. Tiger team members are, from left, Phillip McCollough, Nick Bain, Tyler Williams and Daniel McCollough.
Jeannette Sheehan, left, speaks of the joy of caring for cows at the Stewartville Care Center. Bridget O'Neill of the Care Center staff, also a farmer, is at right. Sheehan's daughter Krista is portrayed in butter in the foreground.
All-American Co-op provided free root beer floats to guests who stopped by Tuesdays off Main on Tuesday, June 23. Servers included Beth Pagel of All-American Co-op, Mayor Jimmie-John King and Ann Lutteke of Bremer Bank.
Scoutmaster Mark Ross, second from left, was one of the hosts at a Court of Honor ceremony to salute David Rysted, left, as a new Eagle Scout at Brin Park in Stewartville on Saturday, June 20. Above, Ross invites David Rysted to affirm his allegiance and fellow Eagle Scouts Darin Horstman, second from right in the background, and Steven Rysted to reaffirm their allegiance to the three promises of the Scout Oath.
Prairie Fire Children's Theatre recently presented Peter Pan at the Stewartville High School Performing Arts Center. An estimated 95 children, including many from Stewartville, took part in this year's production.
"A pair of Genes," Gene Gustason and Gene Bernard enjoyed a Canadian fishing trip in early June, when Gene Bernard reeled in this 15.5-pound Lake Trout.
Gospel Music Bash #1 was a big hit at the Stewartville High School Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, June 24. Before the performers gathered at the PAC, however, some of them, such as NYU Testament, above, sang at the Stewartville Care Center. Gloria Nihart of Stewartville, the organizer of the event, is standing at far right.
Mike Quandt, left, and Norm Howe cooked the chicken for the Sons of the American Legion chicken barbecue on Saturday, June 27. The Sons of the American Legion hope to make the barbecue, which also included live music, an annual event.
Brian Johnson of Grand Meadow, above, and his son Matt grow corn, soybeans and hay and care for about 190 head of cattle on a farm west of Racine. Johnson brought two Allis-Chalmers machines to this year's Root River Antique Historical Power Association, Inc., Show, including a 1976 175 Diesel, above.
Allis-Chalmers tractors and equipment were the featured machines at the Root River Antique Historical Association Antique Engine and Tractor Show south of Racine last Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Lyle Julson, who grew up on a farm about 2 1/2 miles west of Grand Meadow, brought two Allis-Chalmers machines to the show, including a 1960 D-15 on which is mounted a snow blower.
Clifton and Lori Feltis were honored as the Minnesota Corn Growers Farm Team Family of the Game when the Minnesota Gophers hosted San Jose State at TCF Bank Stadium on Sept. 20, 2014. The Corn Growers established the award to highlight Minnesota corn farmers' conservation efforts.
Anyone who visits the Stewartville High School gym in the coming days, weeks and months will know that it is the home of the Stewartville Tigers. Rhonda Baldner, art teacher at Stewartville High School, center, and her students Sarena Lee, left, and Kelsey Meyer, 2015 graduates of Stewartville High School, worked for more than 60 hours each, or a combined 180 to 200 hours, to complete "Welcome to the Jungle," a mural on one of the walls of the SHS gym. "It was a lot of hours," said a smiling Baldner. "It was a lot of kissing that wall."
Troy Knutson, the financial advisor for Edward Jones of Stewartville, center, accepts the Business Appreciation Award from Stewartville's Economic Development Authority (EDA) at the EDA's regular meeting on Tuesday, July 21. Chris Stafford, president of the EDA, left, and Kari York, vice president, presented the award.
The Living Hope Worship Band is one of many musical groups that entertained audiences at the seventh annual Miracles Happen Festival at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch on Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26. In the inset photo above, John Campbell, who played professional fooftball for the Minnesota Vikings, Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Colts, shared his conversion story. A feature story and more photos from the Miracles Happen Festival will run in the Tuesday, Aug. 4 issue of the Stewartville STAR.
Tony Melendez, born without arms, played the guitar with his feet and sang to a large audience at the Miracles Happen Festival at Ironwood Spring Christian Ranch on Saturday, July 25.
George Skare of the HIgh Forest Chippewa Champions, who will be a senior at Stewartville High School in about two weeks, showed Chandra, a fall yearling Jersey, at this year's Olmsted County Fair. Chandra was the grand champion Jersey at last year's County Fair and qualified for the Minnesota State Fair. Skare says he very much enjoys showing animals at the Fair. "It's so fun, especially when you get the ribbon you've been hoping for," he said. "There's no words to explain how that feels."
Shanalyn Bird, 19, celebrated her retirement from the Olmsted County Fair by winning the reserve championship in showmanship with her horse, Freckles. "He's just a good horse," Bird said. "We make a good team."
Samantha Koenigs, 13, a member of the High Forest Chippewa Champions 4-H Club, showed two market barrows and a market gilt at this year's Olmsted County Fair.
Mitch Osterhus of the Stewartville High School FFA sheared his sheep to get them ready for the Fair. "You shear 'em, fluff the legs to make the legs look bigger, and wash 'em," he said.
Jackson Yetter, 9, of the Rock Dell Indians 4-H Club, stands with Sierra., a 3-month-old junior Jersey, at the Olmsted County Fair. "I got first place," Jackson said. "I was the only one in my class."
Daren Streblow, a comedian from Cloquet, Minn., left, entertained audiences at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch on Saturday, July 25, and at an event hosted by Grace Evangelical Free Church at Florence Park on Sunday, July 26.
The Sawtooth Bluegrass Band, which has played at the Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce's Summerfest celebration, also performed at an event hosted by Grace Evangelical Free Church at Florence Park on Sunday, July 26.
People stood in long lines to ride in a tethered hot air balloon at the Miracles Happen Festival on Saturday, July 25.
Bob Bardwell, director of Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch, welcomed a large audience to the military salute at Ironwood's seventh annual Miracles Happen Festival on Saturday, July 25.
Derrick Van Orden, right, the featured speaker at the military salute at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch on Saturday, July 25, listens to the Bells for Eternity ring in honor of America's veterans.
Actors and actresses perform a wedding dance with a Scottish twist during a dress rehearsal for Stewartville Community Theatre's Brigadoon, to be presented at the Stewartville High School Performing Arts Center this Friday, Aug. 7 and Saturday, Aug. 8 at 7:30 p.m. each evening; Friday, Aug. 14 and Saturday, Aug. 15 at 7:30 p.m. each evening, and Sunday, Aug. 16 at 2 p.m. Dancers include, from left, Maggie (Izzy Kramlinger), Harry (Nathan Lange), Jean (Kallie Quinn), Charley (Dave Stepan) and and Anne (Bobbie Hart).
Members of the Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed A+ Nails Professional Nail Care to the Chamber with an official ambassador visit on Wednesday, July 29. Tri Nguyen, owner and manager of A+ Nails, seated in front, cuts the ribbon celebrating the official opening of his business and accepts a Chamber plaque from Gwen Ravenhorst, Chamber administrator, seated at right, and Melissa Sue Leuning, Chamber president, standing at left in front. Other Chamber members who welcomed Nguyen include, standing in back, from left, Margaret Nelson, Mayor Jimmie-John King, Beth Schmidt and Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator. A+ Nails, which is located in the Johnson Building on Main Street, had a soft opening on June 5. "It's going good," Nguyen said. "A lot of people have been coming in and returning."
The Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed Daniel B. Honsey from the Kraft Walser Law Office, seated in center, to the Chamber with a recent official ambassador visit. Honsey has opened an office in the Stewartville Professional Building on Main Street. Gwen Ravenhorst, Chamber administrator, seated at left, and Melissa Sue Leuning, president of the Chamber, seated at right, presented Honsey with a Chamber plaque. Other Chamber members, standing from left, include Jarett Jones, Al Chihak, Beth Schmidt, Margaret Nelson, Mayor Jimmie-John King and Emily Christie.
Members of the Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed Storage Solutions to the Chamber with an official ambassador visit on Wednesday, July 29. Jennifer Martin, the owner of Storage Solutions, joined by her dog, Jack, cuts the ribbon celebrating the official opening of her business and accepts a Chamber plaque from Gwen Ravenhorst, Chamber administrator, standing in front at right, and Melissa Sue Leuning, standing in front at left. Other Chamber members who welcomed Martin include, in back, from left, Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator; Margaret Nelson and Beth Schmidt. The business has 22 storage units, the larger of which are 10 feet by 15 feet and the smaller of which are five feet by 10 feet. The business also offers storage for boats and vehicles on a first-come, first-served basis.
Corbin Tingesdal displays the red baseball signed by all of his teammates. Sean Cloutier, Corbin's coach, is inspired by Corbin's love for the game.
Andrea Iverson and her son Blake, 1 1/2, enjoyed some Mexican food as they joined their neighbors at the 600 block of Twelfth Avenue Northeast for National Night Out last Tuesday, Aug. 4.
Fiona (Lisa Modry), left center, is falling in love with Tommy (Anthony Menz), right center, as the town gossips below them in a dress rehearsal for the Stewartville Community Theatre's production of Brigadoon, which will continue at the Stewartville High School Performing Arts Center this Friday, Aug. 15 and Saturday, Aug. 15 at 7:30 p.m. each evening, and this Sunday, Aug. 16 at 2 p.m.
Jeff (Randy Peterson) left, looks bored as socialite Jane Ashton (RaeAnn Gotch), left center, goes on about her upcoming marriage in a scene from Stewartville Community Theatre's Brigadoon. Kate (Olivia Renken), right center, and Tommy (Anthony Menz), right, listen politely.
Gloria Nihart of Stewartville holds the plaque that declares her a member of the Old Time Country Music Hall of Fame.
Mayor Jimmie-John King, seated front and center, signed a proclamation last week declaring Saturday, Sept. 12 "Peanut Day" in the city of Stewartville. On that day, members of the Stewartville Kiwanis Club will be stationed at Fareway and Casey's to collect money that will be donated to the Eliminate Project, a team effort by Kiwanis International and UNICEF to rid the world of maternal and neonatal tetanus. Local Kiwanis Club members working on the project include, from left, Lori Torgerson, Janice Hagen, Barb Howes, Todd Weston, Iz Wilken and Mary Brouillard.
Kris Speltz of Minnesota City displays his tossing form during the beanbag tournament at the 92nd annual High Forest Old Settlers Day celebration on Saturday, Sept. 12.
Shirley Schatz , seated at right, was the grand marshal of the Old Settlers Day Parade.
Buck Amos carries a frame covered with honey and beeswax.
Buck and his daughter, Gina, clean the beeswax off a frame before placing the frame inside the extractor.
Stewartville Mayor Jimmie-John King, left, auctioned off a number of items in a live auction at the third annual Seize the Day, Cure Blood Cancers event at the Stewartville American Legion Post 164 on Sunday, Sept. 13. Live auction items included a quilt made by Wanda Prescher, above, Minnesota Wild photos and two log lawn chairs, at left above. In all, the event raised more than $8,000 to fight blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma.
About 85 individuals walked together for two miles to fight blood cancers at the third annual Seize the Day, Cure Blood Cancers in Stewartville on Sunday, Sept. 13. Angie McGill of Stewart<!--1up-20-->ville, who helped organize the event, said Seize the Day raised more than $8,000. Proceeds will go to the Mayo Clinic Hematologic Malignancy Research Program, the National Marrow Donor Program--Minnesota Chapter and the Gift of Life Transplant House.
Ellen Sheehan, daughter of Jerome and Karen Sheehan of rural Rochester, was a runner-up at the annual Princess Kay of the Milky Way contest at the Minnesota State Fair. Sheehan and 11 other finalists had their likenesses carved in butter by sculptor Linda Christensen, who has carved the 12 finalists at each contest for 44 years. Sheehan is a sophomore at the University of Minnesota, where she is studying agricultural education and is involved in Gopher Dairy Club, Ag Ed Club and the Beta of Clovia Sorority.
Two years ago, more than 200 riders took part in the first-ever Filthy Fifty gravel bicycle race along the roads of southeastern Minnesota. More than 700 cyclists are ready to roll for this year's event, set to be held this Sunday, Oct. 11.
Jade Schmeling, left, and her cousin Gabe Nelson have hosted Spook City in the Woods, the annual fundraiser to fight bullying, for the past three years. This year's Spook City will be held at 27436 790th Ave., south of Racine, on Friday, Oct. 16 and Saturday, Oct. 17 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. each evening.
Taylor Howard and her horse, Benji, earned first-place trophies in horsemanship, Western Horsemanship and English Pleasure at the Minnesota 4-H State Horse Show.
From left, Adrianna Franke, Mya Mead and Destiny Mead assist "Rescue Randy," a training mannequin at the SFD Open House.
Bryson Link, 4, of Stewartville, operates a fire hose with assistance from firefighter Brandon Berg at the Stewartville Fire Department's annual open house last Wednesday, Oct. 7.
Ethan Engen, 2 1/2, of Stewartville poses with Sparky the Fire Dog as Jason Engen, Ethan's dad, takes a photo.
Josie Bunne, 5, of Stewartville, sits in the front seat of a fire truck at last week's open house.
Adyson Pyfferoen, a student at St. John's Wee Care in Stewartville, center, examines a snake held by Travis Meyer, a naturalist from the Quarry Hill Nature Center, at St. John's Lutheran Church on Tuesday, Oct. 6. Other Wee Care children include, from far left, Jack Whitacre, Blain Sorenson, Liam O'Neill and Aubrey Whitacre.
More than 700 bicyclists took part in Stewartville's third annual Filthy Fifty, a free, unsupported gravel bicycle race that started from Fareway on Sunday morning, Oct. 11 at 10 a.m. Bicyclists who finished the event in six hours or fewer were counted among the official place winners in the event.
Isaiah Becker, 16, a junior at Mankato West High School, hunted deer for the first time in a hunt sponsored by the Special Youth Challenge of Southeast Minnesota on Saturday, Oct. 17. Angie Becker, Isaiah's mother, is at right.
For his Eagle Scout project, Jacob built a mobile/portable cabinet for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program at St. Bernard's Catholic Church. He and other Scouts put in 102 hours to complete the work.
Gabe Nelson, a freshman at Stewartville High School, left, and his cousin Jade Schmeling, a junior at Edina High School, welcomed a total of 480 guests to the fourth annual Spook City in the Woods at 27436 790th Ave. in rural Racine on Friday and Saturday evenings, Oct. 16 and 17. The event brought in $1,635 for PACER, an organization dedicated to putting an end to bullying.
Jade Schmeling, a junior at Edina High School, left, and her cousin Gabe Nelson, a freshman at Stewartville High School, don't seem concerned that a spooky creature is hanging around behind their backs. Schmeling and Nelson hosted the fourth annual Spook City in the Woods in rural Racine on Oct. 17 and 18.
For the eighth consecutive year, Barb Neubauer, right, and the city of Stewartville have earned the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has once again honored Neubauer and the city for the city's comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR). Mayor Jimmie John King, left, presented the award to Neubauer, the city's finance director, at the City Council's regular meeting last week. The award honors Neubauer and the city for their financial reporting during 2014. "The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management," states a news release from the Government Finance Officers Association of Chicago.
Margaret Nelson, Stewartville's State Farm Insurance Agent, center, accepts the Economic Development Authority's Business Appreciation Award from Chris Stafford, EDA president, left, and Mayor Jimmie-John King.
Clifton Feltis of Feltis Farms, located just northeast of Stewartville, displays three ears of corn from his 2015 harvest, which is expected to significantly surpass his five-year averages for both corn and soybeans. Feltis says his yields are high partly because this past summer's rains came in just the right amounts and at the right intervals. He got 58 bushels of soybeans per acre, which surpasses his five-year average of 46 bushels per acre; and expects 190+ bushels of corn per acre, which surpasses his five-year average of 172 bushels per acre. "I'm doing cartwheels," he said of soybean crop. "It's phenomenal."
Chad Nelson, one of the most decorated wrestlers to come out of Stewartville High School and southeastern Minnesota, will be honored at the second annual Stewartville Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet at the Stewartville American Legion Post 164 on Saturday, Nov. 21.
Dawn Miller, one of the most accomplished Stewartville athletes of all time, was a nine-time All-Conference athlete in tennis, basketball as well as track and field, will be honored at the second annual Stewartville Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet at the Stewartville American Legion Post 164 on Saturday, Nov. 21.
Stanley Kukuzke, a 1958 graduate of Stewartville High School, was one of the greatest all-around athletes in Stewartville history. He was the quarterback of Stewartville teams that won back-to-back Whitewater Conference championships and was co-captain of the 1957 team, was a member of the SHS varsity basketball team and was also one of the most accomplished track athletes in school history, will be honored at the second annual Stewartville Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet at the Stewartville American Legion Post 164 on Saturday, Nov. 21.
Dick Johnson, left, and Del Johnson, right, accepted Tiger Tokens and certificates from Dr. David Thompson, superintendent of the Stewartville School District, center.
Hunter Hysell, 6, left, and his sister Makayla, 4, of Grand Meadow, are all decked out in their costumes at the Kids Halloween Party at the Stewartville American Legion on Saturday, Oct. 31.
Julie Hayes of Stewartville, far left, and her daughter Kristal were among hundreds of shoppers who attended the Stewartville Holiday Boutique at the Civic Center on Saturday morning, Nov. 7. "I come just to see all the wonderful things people create," Hayes said. "They do a wonderful job. It's a good local event."
Root River Dental of Stewartville collected about 150 pounds of candy the week after Halloween during its second annual Buy Back for the Troops initiative. Children who turned in their Halloween candy received $1 per pound for up to five pounds of candy. Zachary Lechner's dental office sent the candy to Operation Gratitude, an organization that sends care packages to U.S. servicemen and women. Root River Dental employees posing with the candy include, from left, Kelly Krumm, Kortney Miller, Zachary Lechner, DDS; Kayla Gibson, Sue Weber, Brianna Elwood and Heather Bucknell.
The fourth grade Junior Girl Scout Troop 44576, met with Mayor Jimmie-John King and City Administrator Bill Schimmel to complete their City Government Badge. Part of receiving the badge included learning about city government and how it works. Each girl had to come up with a question for the Mayor and City Administrator. They received a tour of the Stewartville City Hall along with some important city history. Back from left, Amelia Griffin, Lexie Walton, Bill Schimmel, Kaylee Warren, and Alyvia Zincke. Front from left, Makyah Thompson, McKenna O'Neill, Mayor Jimmie-John King, Mercedes Wellik and Cora Sieler.
Liz Hyke and her daughter Zoey look over a few of the more than 40 items for sale for a silent auction at St. John's Wee Care's 20th annual One-Stop Christmas Shop at St. John's Lutheran Church on Friday evening, Nov. 20. Zoey, 4, is in the Butterfly class at Wee Care. Hundreds of Stewartville and area residents browsed among the many businesses at the event, including Usborne Books, Mary Kay, Lemongrass Spa, Creations for Donations, Avon and many more. Proceeds from the event went to Wee Care.
Peter Lex, left, was named the Outstanding Artist at Rochester's third annual Fete, a celebration of excellence in the arts held at the Mayo Civic Center on Tuesday, Oct. 20. Bari Amadio, CEO of the Greater Rochester Arts and Cultural Trust, is at right.
Glenn Lutteke, general manager of All-American Co-op in Stewartville, center, accepts the Economic Development Authority's Business Appreciation Award from Chris Stafford, EDA president, left, and Mayor Jimmie-John King, also an EDA member.
Three individuals and one team were inducted into the Stewartville Athletic Hall of Fame at a banquet at the Stewartville American Legion Post 164 on Saturday, Nov. 21. From left are inductee Chad Nelson, Charlene Kukuzke, widow of inductee Stanley Kukuzke; and inductee Dawn Miller. The 1977 SHS football team was also inducted.
Dan O'Hara, a former sportscaster for KTTC-TV, Rochester, was the featured speaker at the second annual Stewartville Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet.
Emily Christie displays some of the decorations at her home at 304 Third Street Southwest.
Scott and Megan Romens, pictured with their children, Maya, 3, left, and Sadie, 5; have hung garland and lights outside their home and seven wreaths inside at 303 Third Street Southwest.
Wenda Grabau of Spring Valley places a donation in the kettle as Chuck Murphy, left, and Dick Uptagrafft of the Stewartville Lions Club ring bells for the Salvation Army at Fareway in Stewartville. At least 48 members of the Stewartville Lions will ring the bells at Fareway for a total of 50 hours through Thursday, Dec. 17. All the proceeds will go to the Salvation Army. "We have great success doing this," Murphy said. "People are very generous."
Makayla Morgan, a senior at Stewartville High School, will put her snowman painting up for sale at the Silent Art Auction at SHS this Sunday, Dec. 13 at 4 p.m.
Samantha Bush, a senior at Stewartville High School, displays her burlap paintings which will be up for sale at the SHS Silent Art Auction this Sunday, Dec. 13 at 4 p.m.
Courtney Markwardt, a senior at Stewartville High School, left, gives blood at the Mayo Clinic Blood Drive at SHS on Tuesday, Dec. 1. Nghia Le, a phlebotomist for Mayo Clinic's blood donor services, is at right.
Kaia Bicknese, 6, left, points out her younger brother Quinn's favorite gift at the Stewartville Kiwanis Club's annual Pictures with Santa event at the Stewartville Civic Center on Saturday, Dec. 5. Quinn, 3, Kaia and hundreds of other Stewartville and area children shared their Christmas wishes with the jolly man in the red suit from just after 9 a.m. until about 12:20 p.m. that day. Proceeds from the event will help pay for scholarships for Stewartville High School students. More photos of children visiting with Santa will appear in the Stewartville STAR Holiday Section on Tuesday, Dec. 22.
Gary Boyum, left, played Joseph, Charlotte Kath was the Blessed Virgin Mary and 5-week-old Cas Roeder was the Baby Jesus as the Stewartville Care Center presented its live Nativity on Thursday, Dec. 24. The Stewartville STAR will present a full feature story on "Christmas at the Care Center" in its Tuesday, Jan. 5 issue.
Three Central Intermediate School students have won bicycles courtesy of the Books for Bikes program sponsored by the Stewartville Masonic Lodge and the Olmsted County Deputy Sheriffs Association. The winners include, front row, from left, fourth grader Logan Plenge, fifth grader Jayla Berrio and third grader Jamal Aden. Back row, from left, William Hubbard of the Stewartville Masonic Lodge, Deputy Michael Reese of the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office, Len Griffith of the Masonic Lodge and Renita Irvin, media specialist for Stewartville schools.
A large audience of residents and guests watched the annual live Nativity at the Stewartville Care Center on Christmas Eve morning, Thursday, Dec. 24. Charlotte Kath, seated and dressed in blue, was the Blessed Virgin Mary and Gary Boyum, seated in red, was Joseph. Cas Roeder, 5 weeks old, was a calm and quiet Baby Jesus. Others in the cast included David Wendt, Wes Glover and Ray Molde as the Wise Men; Ethel Bissen and Cliff Walker as shepherds; and Karisa Stevens, Ellieana Miller, and Bram, Daxton and Hazel Roeder as angels.
Lester Johnson of Stewartville put his snowblower to work after a winter storm dumped about seven inches of snow on Stewartville and the area on Monday, Dec. 28 and Tuesday, Dec. 29.
Three Central Intermediate School students had fun snowboarding on the hill at Meadow Park North after a winter storm dumped about seven inches of snow on Stewartville and the area on Monday, Dec. 28 and Tuesday, Dec. 29. From left are Ben Hagen, 11, of Stewartville, a fifth grader; Tanner Elzen, 9, of Stewartville, a fourth grader, and Jake Halferty, 11, also of Stewartville, a fifth grader.
A SPECIAL HONOR -- Audrey Betcher of Stewartville, the director of the Rochester Public Library, has been named the recipient of the United Way of Olmsted County's Maude Finch Award, which she will accept this Wednesday, Jan. 20.
Cheryl Terhaar of Stewartville and her son Matthew made this smiling snowman at the Terhaar home at the 600 block of Fifth Avenue Southeast. They used wooden pieces for the eyes, nose, mouth and buttons. Eva Biffert, 7, left, and her sister Littia, 10, neighbors of the Terhaars, pose with the snowman.
Kristal Hayes, second from left, and her son Dayton, far left; join Sonja Hayes, far right, and Sonja's daughter Chanielle, second from right, in a family skate across the city of Stewartville's hockey rink at Florence Park on Friday, Jan. 22.
Justin Lonien, left, and his younger brother Luke practiced their stickhandling and shooting skills at the city of Stewartville's hockey rink at Florence Park on Thursday afternoon, Jan. 21. The day was good for skating, with temperatures in the low 20s and virtually no wind.
Al Chihak will be honored by the Southeastern Minnesota Wrestling Association at the Region 1 Wrestling Alumni Hall of Fame banquet on Feb. 29.
The Kuisles include, from left, Bill, Jim, Tom, Mark, Richard, Dennis and John will receive the first-ever Wrestling Family Legacy Award and will be named to the 2016 Mayo Civic Center Region 1 Wrestling Alumni Hall of Fame banquet on Feb. 29.
Stewartville Cub Scout Pack 156 took part in the annual Pinewood Derby at Grace Evangelical Free Church on Saturday, Jan. 23. Above, members of Den 2 watch their cars cross the finish line. Scouts include, from left, William Kundert, Marcus Johnson (standing), Jacob Eden (seated), Jack Field, William Kitzmann, Orrin Sanders, Mason Holtan and Aiden Schaefer.
Ann Lutteke, center, accepts the Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year Award for 2015 from Melissa Sue Leuning, 2015 Chamber president, left; and Gwen Ravenhorst, Chamber administrator.
Owen Sass, public works supervisor for the city of Stewartville, center, has received a special award for his work helping the Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce prepare for its many local events. Melissa Sue Leuning, Chamber president, left, and Gwen Ravenhorst, Chamber administrator, presented the award at the Chamber's annual banquet at the Stewartville Civic Center on Saturday, Jan. 29. "Owen is incredible at his job, always thinking two or three steps ahead of what needs to be done," Leuning said. Sass plans to retire from his job with the city on June 30.
Dale Barnett, national commander of the American Legion, left, accepts a gift from Richard Paulson, first vice commander of the Stewartville American Legion Post 164, on Thursday, Feb. 4. The gift is a picture of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. Paulson took the photo and framed the picture. Paulson filled in for Dean Ramaker, commander of the Legion, who was unable to attend Barnett's visit to Stewartville.
Dr. Zachary Lechner, left, and the Root River Dental staff hosted the second annual Give Kids a Smile community event on Friday, Feb. 5. The event raises awareness that February is National Children's Dental Health Month and that children need good oral health care. This year, the Root River Dental team offered free exams, cleanings, X-rays and restorative treatments to 10 children in need. "We are excited to be able to provide care to families that otherwise wouldn't have access to dentists and hygienists," Lechner said. Above, Addi Bernau sits in the dentist's chair and waits for treatment from Lechner, left, and Kelly Krumm.
Hundreds of local and area residents attended the annual Cabin Fever Flea Market at the Stewartville Civic Center on Saturday, Feb. 20. The event is a major fundraiser for the Stewartville Area Historical Society.
Stewartville Cub Scouts crossed over to Boy Scouts during a ceremony at the Stewartville American Legion Post 164 on Sunday, Feb. 20. Scouts who took part in the bridging ceremony include, front row, from left, Tyler Kolhoff, Alex Colligan, Allen Bredesen and Xavier Kassel. Back row, from left, Jackson Struhar, Ian Reese, Brandon McCrady and Zach Boelman.
Three Webelo Scouts have received the Super Achiever Award for earning all 20 available pins during their time as a Webelo, including, for example, pins for craftsman, artist, geologist, scientist, athlete, citizen and showman, among many others. The award winners include, from left, Brandon McCrady, joined by his mother, Shelly; Jackson Struhar, accompanied by his parents, Alysia and Brett; and Ian Reese, along with his parents, Michael and Diana.
Stewartville and its Fareway Food Store recently welcomed Brandon Brase as the new meat department assistant manager. Brase began his career with Fareway 15-plus years ago in his hometown of Waverly, Iowa. He transferred to the Cedar Rapids store in 2008 and was promoted to meat department assistant manager in Cresco from 2010-13 and then in Webster City before he landed in Stewartville in February. Brase and his family, daughter Izzy (3 years old), Will (5 years old) and his wife Laura are excited about making their new home in Stewartville.
The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc, including, from left, Olav Luksengard Mjelva of Norway, Kevin Henderson of the Shetland Islands and Anders Hall of Sweden, presented a concert to a large group of students from Central Intermediate School at the Stewartville High School Performing Arts Center on Thursday, March 3.
Jill Hildebrandt, site coordinator for the Center for Active Adults, in the background at left, hosted a St. Patrick's Day luncheon at the Stewartville Civic Center on Thursday, March 17. Guests drank green beer and ate corned beef and cabbage, and Hildebrandt wished a happy birthday to Ferrolyn Hildebrandt, her mother-in law, seated in center. Others seated in front include Anna Fahrman, left, and Jerry Hildebrandt, right.
Laural Wooner, left, is the new administrative assistant at Stewartville United Methodist Church. Catie Levenick, right, is the church's new youth and family ministry coordinator. Both are enjoying their new duties. "I absolutely love my job," Wooner said. "I tell Pastor Wane that all the time." Levenick is starting to get her feet wet. "We're getting things started, getting to know the kids," she said.
Richard Devlin, Olmsted County administrator, teaches citizenship in the community to a group of Boy Scouts at the 2016 Gamehaven Council Merit Badge Fair, held at Stewartville High School and Middle School on Saturday, March 19. Burkely Ravenhorst of Stewartville's Troop 56 is seated at far left.
Zak Breitenbach is stepping away from his duties as Stewartville's community oriented policing (COPS) deputy.
The Stewartville Ministerium hosted the annual Good Friday service at the Stewartville Civic Center on Friday, March 25. Pastors and others who participated included, front row, from left, Andrew Langseth, Grace Evangelical Free Church, Chad Skaran, Redemption Hill Church; Catie Levenick, Stewartville United Methodist Church; Kim Cassidy, Zion Lutheran Church; Kent Larson of Pleasant Grove Church of Christ, who provided the music; and Paul Langmade, Grace Evangelical Free Church. Back row, from left, Byron Meline, Zion Lutheran Church; Wane Souhrada, Stewartville United Methodist Church; Dr. John Grams, Grace Evangelical Free Church; and Dave Hoot, Stewartville Christian Church.
Jean Gooderum, a resident of the Downtowner II in Stewartville, scrapes the snow off her car after an early-spring snowstorm socked Stewartville and the area with about 10.5 inches of snow on Wednesday, March 23 and Thursday, March 24. Gooderum cleared her car of snow so she could drive to lunch at the Center for Active Adults on Thursday morning, March 24.
On Wednesday, March 23 and Thursday, March 24, an early-spring snowstorm dumped about 10.5 inches of snow on Stewartville and the area, making mail delivery more difficult for U.S. Postal Service carrier Jill Guy.
Gib Fjelstad of Stewartville uses his snowblower to clear a path near his house on Third Street Northwest after a storm dumped about 10.5 inches of snow on Stewartville and the area on Wednesday, March 23 and Thursday, March 24.
Mike Strelow, Stewartville's new community oriented policing (COPS) deputy, is looking forward to his new assignment. "It's about knocking on doors and responding to whatever the community's needs are," he said.
Todd Weston of the Stewartville Kiwanis Club, left, shows Sally Broadwater how to use a sealing machine at the 13th annual Food for Kidz food-packaging event at the Stewartville Civic Center on Saturday, April 9.Weston was a co-chair of the event.
From left, Whitney Johnson, Courtney Hanson and Shelby Paaverud, members of Circle K International at Winona State University, worked together to assemble meals for the poor at the 13th annual Food for Kidz food-packaging event at the Stewartville Civic Center on Saturday, April 9. Mary Brouillard of the Stewartville Kiwanis Club, co-chair of this year's Food for Kidz, said 280 volunteers assembled and packaged 110,820 meals in Stewartville on April 9.
Ann Lutteke, far right, and Nancy Momeny, second from right, were among the hundreds of shoppers who searched for items at the annual "Spring Fling" at the Stewartville Civic Center on Saturday, April 16. Jean Dwire of Stewartville, who organized the event, said shoppers purchased items from 43 booths, which offered a wide variety of items.
When John Omacht of Stewartville decided to mow his lawn on Monday, April 25, his son Chase, 4, wanted to help. Omacht, who lives at the 800 block of Fifth Avenue Southeast, says Chase loves to push his toy mower in his dad's footsteps. "He likes it," Omacht said of his son. "He says, 'Let's mow the lawn!' "
Shoppers at Stewartville's annual citywide garage sale came from at least two neighboring states last week. Trisha Hampton of Cassville, Wis., left, and Linda Weida of Riceville, Iowa, browse through the clothing at a multi-family sale at 506 Sixth Street Northeast on Thursday morning, May 5.
Shoppers at Stewartville's annual citywide garage sale came from at least two neighboring states last week. Jill Chopp and her daughter Anna, of Stewartville, examine the flowers at a garage sale at the Grisim Bus lot, which offered hundreds of hanging baskets, annuals, perennials, planters and more.
Martin Souhrada and daughter Jolene hold a sample of the T-shirt guests will wear at the Morning Lions benefit set for Saturday, May 21. Souhrada said he's looking forward to the benefit. "I'll say to the people, 'Come in, eat something, I'd love to talk to you,' " he said.
NYU Testament, shown above with Gloria Nihart of Stewartville at Gospel Music Bash #1 a year ago, will return for Gospel Music Bash #3 at the Performing Arts Center on Thursday, June 30 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Amy Edholm and Ronn Carlson are two local Boy Scout leaders who have been honored for their work with youth. Edholm displays the District Award of Merit for her contributions to scouting at the district level. Carlson earned the Silver Beaver Award, given to individuals who have made a difference in the lives of youth through their service to the Boy Scout Council. Mark Ross and Corey Boelman, two other award winners, are not pictured.
Dr. George Sedgwick, who has sold the Stewartville Animal Clinic but plans to continue to work there two days a week, is grateful that he was able to own the clinic for 46 years. "The people of Stewartville and the area have been good to us," he said.
Emma Mestad of Stewartville, left, faces the flag and stands with Joe Mauer at first base before the Twins played the Toronto Blue Jays on May 22.
Anissa Mestad, left, and her daughter Emma display their tickets and a Joe Mauer baseball from the May 22 Minnesota Twins-Toronto Blue Jays game when Emma met and spoke with Mauer at Target Field.
Lee Boettcher, right accepted the Lions Hearing Foundation Award at the Stewartville Lions Club's installation and awards program last week. Diane Tlougan, Zone 3 Lions chairperson, is at left.
Gene Gustason, right, accepted the Stewartville Lions Club's Lion of the Year Award at the club's installation and awards program on Monday, June 6. Diane Tlougan, Zone 3 Lions chairperson, left, congratulated Gustason.
Pastor Byron Meline received the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award at the Stewartville Lions Club's installation and awards program on June 6. Diane Tlougan, Zone 3 Lions chairperson, presented the award.
Dr. David Thompson, incoming Stewartville Lions Club president for 2016-17, accepts the gavel from Dick Uptagrafft, outgoing president.
Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator, displays the autograph he received from Muhammad Ali on July 7, 1980. The photo is one of Schimmel's favorites of Ali in action.
Wyatt Johnson of St. Paul, wearing the purple helmet, and Heather McClay of Rochester, in the background, ride horses at the National Wheelchair Sports Camp at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch last Wednesday, June 15.
Campers Marcus Urban of Eagan, Minn., left, and Dayton Farley of Bismarck, N.D., right, join instructor Dave Norman of Dana Point, Calif. to work on wheelchairs at the National Wheelchair Sports Camp at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch last Wednesday, June 15. About 75 campers attended the 30th annual camp.
Noah Hanson of Rochester watches the ball roll toward the hole as he putts during his round of mini-golf at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch's 30th annual National Wheelchair Sports Camp last Wednesday, June 15.
Participants in the annual Wheels and Heels of Fire 10K event get off to a good start on their way from Pizza Ranch to Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch on Saturday morning, June 11. About 75 campers took part in this year's 30th annual National Wheelchair Sports Camp.
Ben Conway, president of Halcon of Stewartville, center, accepts the EDA's Business Appreciation Award from Chris Stafford, EDA president, left; and Mayor Jimmie-John King, an EDA member, during the EDA's meeting at Halcon last week.
Ben Conway, president of Halcon, right, seated at the desk of his father, Peter Conway, Halcon's founder and chairman, speaks to the EDA during a tour of Halcon's new administration building on Tuesday, June 21. Councilperson Craig Anderson, a member of the EDA, is at left.
Ben Conway, president of Halcon, in foreground at right, led members of the Stewartville Economic Development Authority (EDA) on a tour of Halcon's new administration building on Tuesday, June 21. Bill Schimmel Jr., Stewartville's city administrator, stands at left.
Owen Sass has announced his retirement after working for the city of Stewartville's public works department for almost 28 years. His last official day on the job was Thursday, June 30. "I will miss the people I worked with -- the staff, the employees, the people in general," he said.
Jack Parry of Stewartville, who will be a freshman at Stewartville High School this fall, leaps off the diving board at the Stewartville pool on a mild, partly cloudy afternoon on Tuesday, June 28.
Tommy Lofgren, 7, of Stewartville, who will be a second grader at Bonner Elementary School this fall, grasps the ropes tightly as he struggles to cross the imitation logs at the Stewartville pool on Tuesday afternoon, June 28. Hundreds of children had fun at the pool that day under partly cloudy skies with temperatures in the mid-70s.
Kylie Minnich, 9, of Stewartville, who will be a fourth grader at Bear Cave Intermediate School this fall, has almost completed her descent on the blue slide at the Stewartville pool on Tuesday afternoon, June 28.
Gloria Nihart of Stewartville, center, who organized Gospel Music Bash #3 at the Stewartville High School Performing Arts Center on Thursday, June 30, leads her fellow performers in a rendition of God Bless America to get the concert off to a rousing start. Dion Pride, far right, was inducted into America's Old Time Country Music Hall of Fame during a break in the singing.
Walter M. "Sonny" Podein, 86, center, and his sons Craig, left, and Jeff brought 26 International Harvester tractors and about 15 Cub Cadets to the Root River Antique Historical Power Association's annual Antique Engine and Tractor Show last week. Sonny's favorite is the 1945 Farmall H, pictured above, which was brand new when the 15-year-old Sonny drove it home from Rochester in 1945.
Anita Fjelstad of Stewartville stands among the flowers in her backyard garden along Third Street Northwest. "I retired to gardening," she said. "That's what I love to do." Although rewarding, gardening isn't easy, she said. "It's a lot of work," she said. "I'm out here two or three hours a day, at least." Her garden includes daylilies, phlox, Shasta daisies and brown-eyed Susans.
Janae Bredesen of the Rock Dell Indians, left, showed two blackface lambs at this year's Olmsted County Fair. Andrea Parker, 16, also of the Rock Dell Indians, right, showed a Dorset yearling.
Jessica Skare, a member of the High Forest Chippewa Champions 4-H Club, showed Abril, a mule, at this year's Olmsted County Fair. Training Abril wasn't easy, she said. "It takes a lot of practice and a lot of work," she said.
Emma Thomason of Stewartville showed Rae, a brown Swiss cow, at this year's Olmsted County Fair. Rae, not yet 1 year old, won first place and a special merit award. "I think it's for fun," Emma said, speaking about why she shows animals.
Amelia Welter showed three pigs at this year's Olmsted County Fair. She says that whenever she shows pigs, she follows an established routine. "The biggest thing is to try to take them on walks around our farm," she said.
Jacob Twohey poses with his grade fall Holstein calf at the Olmsted County Fair last week. "This is my 10th year (showing at the fair)," he said. "I always look forward to this time."
"CATS" WILL DEBUT THIS FRIDAY -- Old Deuteronomy (Gary Kadansky) standing top left, explains to Victoria (Bobbie Hart) what its like to "Ascend to the Heavy-side Layer" as the cast looks on during a dress rehearsal for the Stewartville Community Education Theatre production of "Cats."
Growltiger (Randy Peterson) left-center, and Griddlebone (Kristie Kinneberg), right-center, are so in love they don't even notice that all the other cats are angry with them during a recent dress rehearsal of the Stewartville Community Education Theatre production of "Cats."
Bombalurina (Lee Menz, seated center) remembers the last Jellicle Ball with, from left, Pawacket (Alyssa Keller), Demeter (Kristie Kinneberg), Victoria (Bobbie Hart), Rumpleteaser (Lauren Keller), and Sabrina (Chelsea Pierick) during a dress rehearsal for Stewartville Community Education Theatre's upcoming presentation of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats to be presented at the Stewartville High School Performing Arts Center this Friday, Aug. 5, and Saturday, Aug. 6 at 7:30 p.m. each evening; on Friday, Aug. 12 and Saturday, Aug. 13 at 7:30 p.m. each evening, and on Sunday, Aug. 14 at 2 p.m.
Eldon "Lee" Scherer placed first in the 10K bicycle race in the 85-89 age group at the Minnesota Senior Olympics.
Kay and Dave Swenson, whose son, Curtis, was killed in action in Afghanistan, present a T-shirt to Bob Bardwell, director of Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch, left, at the Miracles Happen Festival Military Tribute on Saturday, July 30.
Hank Cramer, a retired lieutenant colonel and traveling folk singer from the state of Washington, sang America the Beautiful and The Roseville Fair with Kelly Parkinson, right, at the Miracles Happen military tribute on July 30.
Mike Strelow, Stewartville's community oriented policing (COPS) deputy, shares a Minnesota Twins card with Easton Hunt, 7, of Stewartville, during an event to celebrate National Night Out at the Stewartville Public Library on Tuesday evening, Aug. 2. Israel Hunt, Easton's dad and the master smoker for Izzy-Q BBQ, cooked beef brisket, hot dogs and brats for guests who gathered at the library's back yard. Strelow says National Night Out gives neighbors a chance to get to know each other better. In the process, they fight crime, he said.
Jim Otto of Stewartville and his son Nick, 14, who will be an eighth grader at Stewartville Middle School, worked at their two plots in the city of Stewartville's community garden last week. The Ottos, who appear dwarfed by their garden's sunflowers, planted four types of peppers, eggplant, four kinds of tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, green beans, wax beans, potatoes, cabbage, cauliflower and more. Jim says he hangs the sunflowers from a tree in his back yard for the birds to eat. "I like getting my hands dirty," he said. "The fresh vegetables are nice, too."
Scores of High Forest and area residents enjoyed horse-drawn wagon rides at the 2015 Old Settlers Day, held on a partly sunny and cool Saturday afternoon, Sept. 12.
Four generations of a Stewartville family enjoyed a fun time at the Stewartville pool on a warm and muggy Monday, Aug. 29. From left are Millie Petersen, Julie Hayes, Chanielle Hayes and Sonja Hayes.
Alexis Diggins, 7, of Rochester, displays open-mouthed glee and struggles to grasp the ropes and maintain her balance as she crosses a set of imitation logs at the Stewartville pool on a warm and muggy Monday afternoon, Aug. 29.
Nicholas Larsen, 15, of Rochester, shows good form as he releases the beanbag during a beanbag tournament at the 93rd annual High Forest Old Settlers Day on Saturday, Sept. 10. Mike Larsen, Nicholas's dad and playing partner, looks on at left.
Kid Power Pedal Tractor Pulls of Hanlontown, Iowa came to the High Forest Old Settlers Day celebration on Saturday, Sept. 10. Above, Alexander Schrader, 5, of Rochester, enjoys his opportunity to compete.
Stacy McConnell, owner of Catch My Thrift, second from left, and her husband Jerry, second from right, accept the EDA's Business Appreciation Award from Chris Stafford, president of the EDA, far left; and Mayor Jimmie John King, EDA member, far right.
Gloria Nihart, a Stewartville singer-songwriter, displays the awards she recently earned from the American Christian Music Association.
Greg House, the dealer for House Chevrolet of Stewartville, has earned the National Auto Dealers Association's TMQDA Award in honor of his ongoing efforts to improve the auto sales industry.
Fourteen German farmers took photographs and wrote notes as they toured Olson Dairy a few miles northeast of Racine in rural Spring Valley on Monday afternoon, Oct. 3. Jo Olson, who co-owns the farm, told the visitors that they wouldn't see new or fancy buildings or any new equipment. She assured them, however, that they would see some excellent dairy cows.
Dr. Garren Kelly, above, recently purchased the Stewartville Animal Clinic from Dr. George Sedgwick, who had owned the clinic since 1970.
Nate Goeldi and Karen Goldsmith, members of Racine United Methodist Church, left, serve pizza to Todd Mangels of Rochester, a seasonal employee for All-American Co-op, on Saturday, Oct. 16.
With the "W" for 'win' flag hanging in the background, from left, Bill Rinken, Reese Rinken and Bob Rinken pose for a photo to celebrate the Chicago Cubs' 2016 World Series championship.
Carl Burns, above right, who was a very active early member of the Stewartville Wrestling Booster Club, officiates at a youth wrestling tournament in Stewartville in March 1983. Below, thanks to an AAU Cultural Exchange program, a German wrestling team visited Stewartville in February 1978.
Carl Burns, above right, who was a very active early member of the Stewartville Wrestling Booster Club, officiates at a youth wrestling tournament in Stewartville in March 1983. Below, thanks to an AAU Cultural Exchange program, a German wrestling team visited Stewartville in February 1978.
Tri Nguyen has owned and operated A+ Nails in the Johnson Building, 308 South Main St., Stewartville, since April 2015. He says business has been good at the 650 square-foot shop. "We try to keep the space as cozy and clean as we can," he said.
Three area bowlers, from left, Bill Nelson, Anita Heydt and Roger Roeder have been inducted into the Southeast Minnesota United States Bowling Congress (SEMNUSBC) Hall of Fame.
Two weeks after earning a decisive victory over DFL opponent Rich Wright, state Sen. Carla Nelson is very grateful to the District 26 residents who supported her. Nelson won re-election on Nov. 8 with 23,325 votes (55.96 percent) to 18,315 (43.94 percent) for Wright. In Stewartville, Nelson won by an even larger margin, receiving 1,996 votes (64.60 percent) to 1,093 (35.37 percent) for Wright. District 26 includes Stewartville, Chatfield, Dover, Eyota, Rochester and 14 of Olmsted County's 18 townships.
Sharon Theobald, left, and Judy Bunde were among the many residents who attended a Thanksgiving-style lunch at the Center for Active Adults on Tuesday, Nov. 15.
Frank Twohey, left, and his son Ed, who grow 620 acres of corn and 325 acres of soybeans on their farm just west of Stewartville, are grateful for an excellent harvest for 2016. The Twoheys say that in their many years of farming, they've rarely seen a harvest as good as this year's. "We had the best bean yield by far, and the corn is right up there with one of our best crops," Ed said. See story at right.
Alysia Struhar, second from left, helps Sydney Klar, 8, a third grader at Bonner Elementary School and a member of Troop 44759, with a project at a Girl Scout Christmas craft-making event at the Stewartville American Legion Post 164 on Friday evening, Dec. 2. Katy Struhar, 9, Alysia's daughter, a fourth grader at Bear Cave Intermediate School and a member of Girl Scout Troop 44577, is at left.
High Forest Township supervisors Kevin Wellik, far left, and Mark Manning, center, voted last week to deny developer Jessup DeCook's request to change the zoning for 36 acres of township land on which DeCook hoped to establish a sand and gravel mine. Ken Oehlke, chair of the Township Board, right, dissented from the majority.
Mike Hochstein, the new assistant grocery manager of Fareway in Stewartville, left, shake hands with Robert Hruska, the store's grocery manager.
Justin Lonien, left, and his younger brother Luke practiced their stickhandling and shooting skills at the city of Stewartville's hockey rink at Florence Park on Thursday afternoon, Jan. 21.
Emma Zahradnik, left, and Addie Haugen, third graders at Bonner Elementary School, worked as School Patrol crossing guards near the school on Wednesday, Jan. 13. Both said they enjoy their job. "It's fun to stop cars," Emma said.
When John Omacht of Stewartville decided to mow his lawn on Monday, April 25, his son Chase, 4, wanted to help. Omacht, who lives at the 800 block of Fifth Avenue Southeast, says Chase loves to push his toy mower in his dad's footsteps.
Campers Jace Hanson of Fosston, Minn., left, and Brynn Duncan of Moorhead, Minn., zero in on the target during archery practice at the National Wheelchair Sports Camp at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch on Wednesday, June 15.
Kevin Malone, 65, a 1969 graduate of Stewartville High School, completed his second Ironman Triathlon by bicycling 112 miles in one of the three phases he completed the Ironman Cozumel in Cozumel, Mexico on Nov. 27, 2011, he finished his second triathlon in Busselton, Australia, on Dec. 4, 2016.
Kevin Malone, 65, a 1969 graduate of Stewartville High School, completed his second Ironman Triathlon by running a full 26.2 mile marathon, as one of three phases he completed at the Ironman Cozumel in Cozumel, Mexico on Nov. 27, 2011, he finished his second triathlon in Busselton, Australia, on Dec. 4, 2016.
Lesa Welp, owner of The Rustic Bloom, right, with associate Cheryl Sonski, gives shoppers an opportunity to step back in time by offering items such as old cupboards, sinks, benches, farm items, flowers, plants, candles and more.
Eva Biffert, a third grader at Bear Cave Intermediate School, left, and her sister Littia Biffert, a sixth grader at Stewartville Middle School, joined a snowman doing a headstand at the home of David and Cheryl Terhaar along Fifth Avenue Southeast last Thursday, Jan. 5. The Biffert girls are the Terhaars' neighbors.
After a winter storm dumped about 11 inches of snow on Stewartville and the area, Craig Nagel went to work to clear the driveway at his business, Nagel Heating & Air Conditioning, last Wednesday morning, Jan. 25.
Carsen Nagel, 3, left, and his brother Caden, 7, of Stewartville, enjoyed plenty of fun in the snow after a winter storm dumped about 11 inches of snow on the city on Tuesday, Jan. 24 and Wednesday, Jan. 25. Many times over, the boys climbed to the top of a huge snow pile and slid back down again.
Zachary Lechner, DDS, the owner of Root River Dental in Stewartville, shows a model tooth to Lily Poulton, a second grader at Bonner Elementary School, during Root River Dental's third annual Give Kids A Smile on Friday, Feb. 3.
Cynthia Kiehne of Racine, right, browsed among the 34 booths at the Stewartville Area Historical Society's annual Cabin Fever Flea Market at the Stewartville Civic Center on Saturday, Feb. 18. Amanda Corey, owner of Altered by Grace of Austin, in the foreground at left, and Annette Ekoue, owner of Rustic Design of Austin, welcomed Kiehne and other shoppers to their booths.
Carl Skustad, a 1993 graduate of Stewartville High School, loves the challenge of skiing or running in ultramarathon events, which push him to his physical and mental limits.
The chauffeur (Eldon Anderson), seated in the center, tries to explain how he became a millionaire to a skeptical family, including, from left, Sabrina (Rebecca Sands), Maude (Laurie Helmers), Linus (Randy Peterson) and David (Anthony Menz) during a dress rehearsal for Stewartville Community Theatre's upcoming preformance of Sabrina Fair, a modern-day version of Cinderella. The play, with a cast of 12 actors and actresses, will be presented at the Stewartville High School Performing Arts Center this Friday March 3 and Saturday, March 4 at 7:30 p.m. each evening, and on Sunday, March 5 at 2 p.m.
David (Anthony Menz), kneeling, proposes to Sabrina (Rebecca Sands) during a dress rehearsal for the upcoming Stewartville Community Theatre production of Sabrina Fair. Reactions vary among, from left, David's ex-wife Gretchen, (Olivia Renken), brother Linus, (Randy Peterson) mother Maude, (Laurie Helmers) the maid, (Karen Masbruch) and chauffeur (Eldon Anderson).
A winter storm dumped about 10 inches of snow on Stewartville and the area on Thursday evening, Feb. 23 and Friday morning, Feb. 24. Above, Seth Stier uses a snow blower to clear the sidewalk in front of Sammy's Family Restaurant.
Melanie Shaw of Rochester, left, and her daughter Lacey, 5, take a close look at the baked goods available at the Stewartville Area Historical Society's Cabin Fever Flea Market, held at the Stewartville Civic Center on Saturday, Feb. 18. Susan Waughtal of Squash Blossom Farm near Douglas, Minn. sold bread, scones and other goodies from a display case at the event.
Joel Raygor, an associate for RE/MAX, accepts the EDA's Business Appreciation Award from Chris Stafford, president of the EDA, standing in the center, and Mayor Jimmie-John King of the EDA, standing at right. Jackson Raygor, Joel's son, stands at left.
Amanda Jacobson with her son, Cody, an eighth grader at Stewartville Middle School. "I love my son," she said. "He's the reason I wake up every day."
Barbara Fischer and her children, Arianna, seated at left, and AJ gather at the driveway of their Stewartville home near their new van, a 2016 Ford Transit 350. Fischer is very thankful to the 206 families, individuals and/or organizations that donated a total of $36,000 for the new van. "We got donations of $2 to $5,000 from people everywhere," she said.
On Nov. 11, 2016, Duane J. Helland accepted an award for 70 years of continuous membership in the Stewartville American Legion Post 164. Helland, a World War II veteran, served as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army in Okinawa. He received his 70-year Legion pin about 2 1/2 months before he died on Feb. 1 at the age of 92. Above, front row, from left, Mary Helland, Duane's widow, and Kathy Jensen, his daughter, display the photo of Duane Helland accepting his 70-year pin last Veterans Day. Last week, the women donated the photo to the Legion. Legion leaders who accepted the photo include, standing from left, Roger Peterson, commander; Roger Barsness, adjutant; and Richard Paulson, vice commander.
The St. Bernard's Catholic Church Men's Club will present its biennial Mama Tranchita Spaghetti Dinner at Riverview Greens Country Club on Tuesday, March 28, with seating from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The candlelight dinner, served by "authentic" Italian waiters, will include Mama's original-recipe spaghetti and meatballs and much more. At left are Dick Koenigs, assistant chef, seated; and Scott Christian, president of the Men's Club. For tickets, call St. Bernard's Catholic Church at 533-8257.
Orven Blegen, left, and Myrtle Tebay celebrated their 100th birthdays at the Stewartville Civic Center last Wednesday, March 18.
Gracelynn Drees, 2, of Stewartville, enjoyed her spaghetti one noodle at a time at the St. Bernard's Catholic Church Men's Club's biennial Mama Tranchita Spaghetti Dinner at Riverview Greens Country Club on Tuesday, March 28. The Men's Club served 575 dinners that evening.
"The Seven Deadly Sins" was the theme as the Stewartville Ministerium hosted the annual Ecumenical Good Friday service at the Stewartville Civic Center on Friday, April 14. Participating ministers spoke of lust, envy, greed, sloth, wrath, pride and gluttony, then nailed each sin to Jesus's cross. Speakers included, front row, from left, Byron Meline, Zion Lutheran Church; Wane Souhrada, Stewartville United Methodist Church; Paul Langmade, Grace Evangelical Free Church and Lance Lorenz, Pleasant Grove Church of Christ. Back row, from left, Chad Skaran, Redemption Hill Church; Becky Hoot, Stewartville Christian Church; Catie Levenick, Stewartville United Methodist Church; and Dave Hoot, Stewartville Christian Church.
The Sons of the American Legion sponsored an Easter Egg Hunt at Florence Park on Saturday, April 15. Children who won bicycles in a drawing that day included, not in any specific order, Henry Himmer, Julia Nelson, Josh Davis, Addy and Brody Blake, Kaylee Wortman, Ryan and Tristin Giest, Madison Meyerhofer, Jack Owen and Owen Lehrman.
As her husband Vern holds a container into which she placed petunias, oregano, dill and peppermint, Mary Boettcher examines the plants on the Grisim School Bus grounds along Main Street last Thursday, May 11.The Boettchers were among hundreds of shoppers and browsers who took part in the 33rd annual Stewartville Citywide Garage Sale last week. In all, occupants of 136 homes officially registered at the Stewartville STAR to sell items at this year's sales. "I like colors and I like aromas," Mary said. "I like to do my own baskets rather than buy baskets that are already put together."
About 75 runners and walkers showed up in the cold, rain and wind for the second annual Samuel L. Becker Memorial 5K (3.1-mile) Walk/Run that started from the Anytime Fitness parking lot on Saturday, May 20 at 9 a.m. Jared Johnson of Anytime Fitness said the event was held in remembrance of Becker, who suffered from mental illness before taking his own life in February 2016. Proceeds from the event will go to mental health research or will be given as scholarships to graduating Stewartville High School seniors, Johnson has said.
Gloria Nihart, a Stewartville singer-songwriter, has earned a place in the Texoma Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame. Eddie Ring, president of the organization, and Billy Holcomb, CEO, recently sent Nihart a framed certificate notifying her of the honor. Nihart has organized Gospel Music Bashes Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4, inviting a variety of singers and musicians to Stewartville in 2015, 2016 and 2017.
Stewartville and area residents, including many members of the Stewartville Lions and Stewartville Morning Lions clubs, celebrated the 100th anniversary of Lions Club International at Florence Park on Wednesday, June 7. Guests ate hot dogs, chips and cupcakes with bottled water. Proceeds from free-will offerings will help pay for a Movie in the Park set for Sunday, July 2.
Mariah Mrotek of Racine, a 2013 graduate of Stewartville High School, has earned a bachelor of arts degree in mass communications advertising and a minor in English, applied and professional writing from Winona State University. She was a class speaker at WSU's commencement ceremony on May 5.
Three Bear Cave Intermediate School students have each won a bicycle courtesy of the Books for Bikes program sponsored by the Stewartville Masonic Lodge and the Olmsted County Deputy Sheriffs Association. Students include, front row, from left, Abbie Langseth, third grader; Dylan Scanlon, fourth grader; and Ty Peterson, fifth grader. Standing in back, from left, are Doug Brick of the Stewartville Masonic Lodge; Jennifer Martin, library paraprofessional at Bear Cave School; and George Thompson and Len Griffith of the Masonic Lodge. Students become eligible for the bicycles by reading books, submitting book reports and making book covers. The winning students' names are announced at an all-school assembly at the end of the first and second semesters of each school year.
Abi Davis, 7, of Rochester, who will be a first grader at Bonner Elementary School this fall, grasps the ropes as she crosses the Stewartville pool on a set of imitation logs on Friday, June 9. Hundreds of local and area residents turned out to seek some relief from the high temperatures on the first day the pool was open to the public in 2017.
Blake Eaton of Proctor, Minn., left, and Emily Sullivan of Le Sueur, Minn., zero in on the target during archery practice at the National Wheelchair Sports Camp at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch on Monday, June 12. For more details about the camp, held June 9-15, see the photo on Page 2 and a story.
Taylor Dumke, 22, of Wesley Chapel, Florida, left, and Brynn Duncan, 16, of Moorhead, Minn., have been roommates at the National Wheelchair Sports Camp at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch for seven years. This year's camp was held June 9-15.
Ramiro Bermudez of Houston, Texas gives a thumbs-up while riding a horse at the National Wheelchair Sports Camp. Assisting Bermudez are Kate Kraus of Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch, left, and Maddie Harreld of Stewartville, a volunteer at Ironwood Springs.
Participants in the annual Wheels and Heels of Fire 10K event got off to a good start on their way from Pizza Ranch to Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch on Saturday morning, June 10. About 50 campers and 30 helpers took part in this year's 31st annual National Wheelchair Sports Camp.
Jacob Danielson shot his first hole-in-one with a five-iron on the 186-yard, par three, hole No. 11 at Maple Valley Golf Course on Father's Day, June 18. His brother, Jason Danielson witnessed the ace.
Rayne Goins, 6, flanked by her parents, Jon and Nicole, has undergone surgery and chemotherapy treatments after doctors discovered a golf-ball sized tumor pushing against her brainstem. To help Rayne's family pay its medical bills, the young girl's family and friends have scheduled a benefit to be held at the Stewartville Sportsman's Club this Saturday, July 1 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Several guests installed new 2017-18 officers for the Stewartville American Legion Post 164 on Monday evening, June 19. Incoming officers include, front row, from left, Wes Alrick, judge advocate; Jerry Korstad, chaplain; Roger Peterson, commander; Richard Paulson, first vice commander; Kristin Anderson, second vice commander; and Roger Barsness, adjutant. Back row, from left, Richard Skillestad, deputy vice commander; Glenn Mueller, district officer; Chet Finley, finance officer; Dennie Voll, historian; Dean Ramaker, sergeant-at arms; Scott Ihrke, first district vice commander; Wayne Hammon, first district adjutant; and Gary Miller, first district membership chair.
Judi Larsen displays her copy of My Soul More Bent, by Allen Lee. Roger Larsen, Judi's husband, bought the book at an estate auction in Hayfield about two years ago. Judy enjoyed the book. "I was very inspired," she said.
Frankie and Phyllis Valens were the featured performers at Gospel Music Bash #4, held at the Stewartville Civic Center on Thursday evening, June 29. Valens, a pop singer from 1967 to 1972, sang some of his old favorites, including his renditions of This Magic Moment and The Lion Sleeps Tonight. Later, he and his wife sang a number of Christian hymns.
Gloria Nihart of Stewartville, in the foreground, speaks to the audience during Gospel Music Bash #4 at the Stewartville Civic Center on Thursday, June 29. Songwriter Glenn Douglas Tubb and Dottie Snow Tubb, two of the many performers at the event, are in the background.
Father John Wilmot, pastor of St. Bernard's and St. Bridget's Catholic churches, left, celebrated the 40th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood at a reception at St. Bernard's on Sunday, July 23. Julie and Dean Wiste, center and right, were among the many members of St. Bernard's and St. Bridget's churches who congratulated Wilmot for reaching the milestone.
Danny Gokey, a top-three finalist on season eight of American Idol, in the center wearing the black shirt, was the featured performer at the annual Miracles Happen Festival at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch on Saturday evening, July 29. A large audience watched Gokey and his band perform.
Tasha Schuh, paralyzed from the chest down in an accidental fall, spoke of the transforming power of hope at the Miracles Happen Festival at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch on July 29.
Sara Elton (holding pin) used an eight iron on the par three, 135-yard hole number 17 to score her first-ever hole-in-one at the SHS golf team fundraiser outing at Willow Creek Golf Course on Sunday, Aug. 20. Witnesses were Mary Nagel, Jenny Kahoun, Kylie Strum.
LEMONADE FOR A GOOD CAUSE -- From left, Michael Anderson, Ethan Monty and Keaton Gehling sold lemonade from a stand near the Stewartville STAR office last week. The boys, who opened the stand on four separate occasions, raised a total of about $300 for Alzheimer's disease research. They planned to attend an Alzheimer's Walk in Walker, Minn. the weekend of Aug. 26-27, then give the money to the Alzheimer's Association.
Seth Stier, left, and his brother Sam, owners of Sammy's Family Restaurant, the Down Under Bar and Sammy's Catering, have opened a new business, 2 Brothers Authentic BBQ. The business serves smoked turkey, ribs, brisket and pork at parties, get-togethers, festivals and more.
Oliver and Finley Leuning pose under a sign welcoming the motorcyclists to the Alaska Highway in Dawson Creek, British Columbia.
The six travelers who enjoyed making their way across Alaska in a 31-foot recreational vehicle included, from left, Carly and Pat Leuning, Finley Leuning, 10; Oliver Leuning, 12; and Melissa Sue and Don Leuning of Stewartville. Don, Pat and the boys rode from Minnesota to Alaska on motorcycles.
Mary Lynch of Stewartville enjoys spending time in her backyard garden, which includes phlox, red sedum, perennial sweet pea, coneflowers, tall ageratum and more. Every year for Mother's Day, her children give her gift certificates for purchasing items at flower centers. Some years, she'll spend four or five hours a week in her garden, although she didn't do so this summer. "This year, it came through in spite of me," she said with a smile. Gardening gives her a sense of tranquility. "There's peace and enjoyment," she said. "You appreciate nature, and all God's blessings, so much when you're out in it."
WALKIN' AND TALKIN' -- Participants at the fifth annual Seize the Day, Cure Blood Cancers took place at the Stewartville American Legion Post 164 on Sunday, Sept. 10. Here, Steve "Ike" Wangen, left, auctions off a painting of a cow during a live auction at the Legion. Angie McGill and friends organize the event in memory of Angie's mother, Glenda Kollasch of Bancroft, Iowa, who died of leukemia in September 2012. Proceeds will go to the to Mayo Clinic's hematology research and the Med City Foundation, McGill said. Seize the Day, Cure Blood Cancers raised about $5,000 this year.
WALKIN' AND TALKIN' -- Participants at the fifth annual Seize the Day, Cure Blood Cancers, begin their two-mile walk near the Stewartville American Legion Post 164 on Sunday, Sept. 10. Seize the Day, Cure Blood Cancers raised about $5,000 this year.
Tammy Bauer of Stewartville, left, throws a beanbag during the Old Settlers Day Beanbag Tournament at the High Forest Square on Saturday, Sept. 9. Lezlie Emanuel of Stewartville, another competitor, looks on at right.
Winners in the Old Settlers Day Fishing Contest included, front row, from left, Isaac Larson, second place, game fish; and Ian Hoot, third place, rough fish. Back row, from left, Alex Hebl, first place, game fish; Eva Biffert, second place, rough fish; Littia Biffert, third place, rough fish; and Nathanael Biffert, first place, rough fish.
Caden Boehm, 11, a fifth grader at Bear Cave Intermediate School, sends the playground ball on its way during the Old Settlers Day kickball game between the Beasts and the Unicorns. The Beasts won the game by one run.
Madison Meyerhofer, 10, a fifth grader at Bear Cave Intermediate School, left, was crowned queen of the 2017 Old Settlers Day. Jacie Dudley, 10, also a fifth grader at Bear Cave School, was the runner-up.
More than 700 riders took part in the fifth annual "Filthy 50" bicycle event on Sunday, Oct. 8. The participants started and finished from the parking lot near the Fareway grocery store in Stewartville. Above, riders fill the street as they start their journey. Peter Olejnikzac was the overall winner of this year's event, setting a course record of 2 hours, 20 minutes and nine seconds.
Bruce Remme, executive director of the Ability Building Center (ABC) of Rochester, left, presents Bob Bardwell, director of Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch, with the award naming Ironwood Springs an outstanding employer of people with disabilities.
Lester and Chris Johnson, 608 Fifth Avenue Northeast, love to decorate their yard with witches, jack-o-lanterns, pumpkins, skeletons, ghosts, scarecrows and more for Halloween. "Fall and Halloween are my favorite times of the year," Chris Johnson said. "It's so fun to see the kids come all dressed up. It's fun to see them having so much fun."
Zachary Lechner, a Stewartville dentist, right, holds the chain saw he used to help clear a black walnut tree at the site where his new dental office will be built starting next spring. David Weinhold, a local arborist, stands at left.
Laurence Doten, who in 1903 moved with his parents and siblings to his mother's childhood home near Stewartville, was honored for his service in World War II and gave his life as an immigration inspector.
Bremer Bank welcomes donations during December to help Crisis Nursery, a child abuse prevention and family support program. Bremer employees include, front row, from left, Lori Buchholtz and Emily Churchill. Back row, from left, Heather Tesdahl, Beth Henkel and Ann Lutteke. Residents may drop off items at the bank during regular business hours Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Melanie Shaw of Rochester, left, and her daughter Lacey, 5, examine the baked goods at the Stewartville Area Historical Society's Cabin Fever Flea Market on Feb. 18. Susan Waughtal of Squash Blossom Farm near Douglas, Minn. sold bread, scones and other goodies at the event, held at the Stewartville Civic Center.
Blake Eaton of Proctor, Minn., left, and Emily Sullivan of Le Sueur, Minn. zero in on the target during archery practice at the National Wheelchair Sports Camp at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch on Monday, June 12.
The Stewartville Masonic Lodge held its annual awards event at the Stewartville Civic Center on Tuesday evening, Dec. 12. Here, Chris Douglas, right, received a 25-year pin for his membership in the Lodge.
The Stewartville Masonic Lodge held its annual awards event at the Stewartville Civic Center on Tuesday evening, Dec. 12. Here, Len Griffith, right, accepts the Hiram Award from Worshipful Master Dale Clark. The Hiram Award is named for Hiram, recognized as the chief architect and builder of Solomon's temple. The award is given to a Masonic Lodge member who goes above and beyond the call of duty.
Gracelynn Drees, 2, of Stewartville, enjoyed her spaghetti one noodle at a time at the St. Bernard's Catholic Church Men's Club's biennial Mama Tranchita Spaghetti Dinner at Riverview Greens Country Club on Tuesday, March 28.
Bob Bardwell, founder and director of Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch near Stewartville, has been named the grand prize winner of Touchstone Energy Cooperative's 2017 #WhoPowersYou contest.
Roberto Narciso, who lives on Second Ave. Southwest, Stewartville, used a snowblower to clear his sidewalk after a winter storm dumped plenty of snow on Stewartville and the area last week.
Stephen Biffert, a member of Stewartville Assembly of God Church, uses a Polaris 400 to clear snow near the church after a winter storm left Stewartville and the area covered with about 8 1/2 inches of snow on Sunday, Jan. 21 and Monday, Jan. 22.
Caden Nagel, a second grader at Bonner Elementary School, shovels snow with his dad, Craig, on Tuesday morning, Jan. 23. A Jan. 22 winter storm dumped about 8.5 inches of snow on Stewartville.
Root River Dental hosted its third annual Give Kids a Smile event on Friday morning, Feb. 2, providing free services to 12 children from low-income families who don't have access to dental care. Zachary Lechner, DDS, left, and Kayla Gibson, dental assistant, right, prepare to assist Kalin Anderson, a third grader in Kasson-Mantorville schools.
With the University of Minnesota Marching Band in the background, Justin Timberlake performs at halftime of the Super Bowl game between the New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Feb. 4. Carter Mintey, a 2017 graduate of Stewartville High School and a member of the U of M Marching Band, enjoyed being part of the event. "It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I will never forget it," he said.
Carter Mintey
Colton Duoos of Stewartville, right, works at a loom at the Stewartville Area Historical Society's 22nd annual Cabin Fever Flea Market at the Stewartville Civic Center on Saturday, Feb. 14. Looking on are Lori Feltis, the owner of the loom, center; and Ginnie King. "I have two-harness and four-harness looms," Feltis said. "You move your feet on the treadle, and it moves up and down. That's all you do."
Arrow of Light scouts crossed the bridge to become Boy Scouts during a ceremony at the Stewartville American Legion Post 164 on Sunday, Feb. 18. The new Boy Scouts and their leaders include, front row, from left, Quade Knoll, Mason Holtan, William Kundert, Sebastian Mielke and Leslie Kundert. Back row, from left, Alison Eden, scout leader; Jacob Eden, Max Bredesen, Brian Knoll, scout leader; Zachary Ringen, Liam Nguyen, William Kitzmann and Matt Kitzmann, scout leader. Marcus Johnson, another Arrow of Light scout who crossed over to Boy Scouts, is not pictured.
Stewartville's streets and sidewalks were glazed over with a sheet of ice last week. An ice storm forced Stewartville and area schools to close early on Monday, Feb. 20 and remain closed all day on Tuesday, Feb. 21. Above, ice coats the branches and berries on a tree along First Avenue East.
A pillow fight erupts during a dress rehearsal for Stewartville Community Theatre's Dracula, the Rock Musical! Actresses, from left, include Elizabeth (Melissa Kloempken), Lucy (Darien Hilmerson), Jane (Emma Hansen) and Mina (Katie Eberhard). The play will be presented at the Stewartville High School Performing Arts Center this Friday, March 2 and Saturday, March 3 at 7:30 p.m. each evening, and this Sunday, March 4 at 2 p.m. Aaron Rocklyn, the show's director, says audiences will enjoy the play's fast pace and humorous music. "There's quite a bit of music and comedy," he said.
Dracula (Dave Stepan) left, meets Mina (Katie Eberhard) seated above, during a dress rehearsal for Stewartville Community Theatre's upcoming presentation of Dracula, the Rock Musical! Standing at right, from left, Elizabeth (Melissa Kloempken), Jane (Emma Hansen) and Lucy (Darien Hilmerson) worry that Mina is under Dracula's spell. Stewartville Community Theatre will present the show at the Stewartville High School Performing Arts Center this Friday, March 2 and Saturday, March 3 at 7:30 p.m. each evening, and this Sunday, March 4 at 2 p.m.
The Wagners enjoyed Denali National Park and Preserve, which encompasses 6 million acres of Alaska's interior wilderness. Its centerpiece is 20,310-ft.-high Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley), North America's tallest peak. With terrain of tundra, spruce forest and glaciers, the park is home to wildlife including grizzly bears, wolves, moose, caribou and Dall sheep.
Bruce and Karen Wagner pose at Yosemite National Park, located in California's Sierra Nevada mountains and famed for its giant, ancient sequoia trees. The park, first protected in 1864, covers nearly 1,200 square miles and offers deep valleys, a vast wilderness and much more.
Lester Johnson of Stewartville was busy with his snow blower last week after a winter storm dropped almost seven inches of snow on Stewartville and the area on Monday, March 5 and Tuesday, March 6.
Gloria Nihart of Stewartville has been inducted into the Texoma Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
Beulah Ankeny has fond memories of her time as a member of the Grand Meadow High School girls basketball team in 1934-35 and 1935-36. The Grand Meadow program, which won 94 straight games from 1929-39, has been inducted into the Minnesota High School Basketball Hall of Fame.
Leah Campbell of Stewartville, second from left, and her daughters, from left, Norah, 10, Audrey, 4, and Elise, 7, purchase bath bombs from Anna Serrano, left, owner of Bombs Away, a bath bombs business, at the annual Spring Fling at the Stewartville Civic Center on Saturday, March 24. Hundreds of shoppers browsed among more than 40 booths that day.
Bruce Trulson is retiring after 39 years as a dentist.
Ethan Humble, a junior at Stewartville High School, kneels at the site of his Eagle Scout project, a fire pit and pavers near Zion Lutheran Church. "The actual project was a lot of grunge work," he said. "There was 25 hours digging up the dirt. It was a lot of planning, definitely." Ethan officially became an Eagle Scout at a Court of Honor ceremony in the fellowship hall at Zion Lutheran Church on Sunday, May 6.
Ross McInroy of Stewartville enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1952, serving as a radio operator, electronic countermeasures operator, forward right gunner and forward cabin boy. He holds a drawing completed by his son, Zane McInroy, principal of Bonner Elementary School, depicting the RB-36 bomber on which the elder McInroy flew during the 1950s, along with Mount Rushmore, so drawn because Ross McInroy was based at Ellsworth Air Force Base, Rapid City, S.D.
About 160 registered runners and walkers took part in the third annual Samuel L. Becker Memorial 5K on Saturday morning, May 19. Proceeds went to the National Alliance on Mental Illness and to student scholarships.
Gloria Nihart of Stewartville has been inducted into the Georgia Gospel Country and Bluegrass Association Performers Wall of Fame. The induction ceremony was held at the Park Place Restaurant in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, on Saturday, May 5. Other inductees included Heartfelt Quartet, Logan Newhart, Kay Glover, Saige Lyanne, Anna Stapleton, Lori Taylor Allman and Dustin Holbrook. Nihart thanked Brenda Weeks Sinard, president of the Association, for the honor. Nihart will host Gospel Music Bash No. 5 at the Stewartville Civic Center on Thursday, June 21 at 5:30 p.m.
Emma Welch, a 2018 graduate of Stewartville High School, in the light-colored dress, and Megan Giordano, a junior at SHS, sing the National Anthem at the Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch Memorial Bash on Saturday afternoon, May 26. In the background are Bob Bardwell, founder of Ironwood Springs, far left, along with the saluting members of the Minnesota National Guard Band.
FOCUSED ON THE TARGET -- Blake Eaton of Proctor, Minn., focuses on the target as he works on his archery skills at the 32nd annual National Wheelchair Sports Camp at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch last week. Cody Beason of Mesquite, Texas, wearing the red stocking cap in the background, also enjoyed the archery activity. Ron Malik of Peoria, Ill., archery instructor, is wearing the blue shirt in the background.
Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch hosted its annual National Wheelchair Sports Camp last week. Some of the camp participants took part in the annual Wheels and Heels of Fire ride from Pizza Ranch in Stewartville to Ironwood Springs on Saturday morning, June 9. Above, the campers get ready to start their six-mile ride.
Corbin Tingesdal, a student at Bear Cave Intermediate School, drew a self-portrait that will be among 90 works that will be displayed at the annual APH Arts Exhibition in Louisville, Kentucky Oct. 4-6.
Corbin Tingesdal, a student at Bear Cave Intermediate School, drew a self-portrait that will be among 90 works that will be displayed at the annual APH Arts Exhibition in Louisville, Kentucky Oct. 4-6. Above, Corbin holds a blank comic book he uses for practicing his drawings.
Shane Uptagrafft of Racine, golfing in the Buckmeier Sprint for a Cure Classic, carded his first-ever hole-in-one using a five iron on the 164-yard, par three, hole number nine at Willow Creek Golf Course in Rochester on June 8. Todd Uptagrafft, Doug Uptagrafft and Justin Lonien witnessed the milestone.
Dale Meldahl is joined at his benefit by, not in any particular order, Tyler Sorensen, Derik Sorensen, Chelsea Van Tassel and Laura Ruchotzke.
Dale and Joyce Meldahl smile brightly at the benefit for Dale at the Stewartville American Legion Post 164 and Strikers Corner on Saturday, June 23.
Craig Campbell, who officiated wrestling matches at all levels for about 30 years, has been inducted into the Mayo Civic Center Region 1 Wrestling Alumni Hall of Fame. "It's really nice," he said. "You feel like you've accomplished something that not many people have."
EMONADE FOR SALE -- From left, Josie Kahoun, Avery Spencer and Johanna Kahoun sold lemonade for 50 cents a glass from a homemade Stewartville stand last week. "We've been out about six days," Josie said. "One day we made about $28. It's pretty fun. You get to enjoy the outdoors." John Kahoun, the Kahoun girls' dad, made the stand.
Bob Johnson of Racine stands near his 1958 John Deere 820, the largest of the five John Deere models he brought to the 36th annual Root River Antique Historical Power Association Antique Engine and Power Show south of Racine on July 20, 21 and 22.
Eliza, (Katie Eberhard, center) is ready for the ball during a dress rehearsal for Stewartville Community Theatre's upcoming performance of My Fair Lady. Mrs. Langtry (Poppy Lear) presents her to Higgins (Rob Meyer, left) and Colonel Pickering (Anthony Menz, right.) The show will be presented at the Stewartville High School Performing Arts Center this Friday, Aug. 3 and Saturday, Aug. 4 at 7:30 p.m. both evenings, and again on Friday, Aug. 10 and Saturday, Aug. 11 at 7:30 p.m. both evenings, and on Sunday, Aug. 12 at 2 p.m.
All the fellows want to dance with Eliza (Katie Eberhard, center), during a dress rehearsal for Stewartville Community Theatre's upcoming performance of My Fair Lady. Stewartville Community Theatre is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its use of the Performing Arts Center with My Fair Lady, the show that started it all. Eliza's suitors, from left, are Colonel Pickering (Anthony Menz), Jamie (Ryan Frank), George (Brandon Lange), and Vlad (Cooper Reed.)
Doolittle (Dave Stepan, center), is having second thoughts about getting married during a dress rehearsal for Stewartville Community Theatre's upcoming presentation of My Fair Lady. Eliza (Katie Eberhard, on his left) and Freddy (Randy Peterson, next to her) are puzzled by his reluctance.
Joyce Erickson of Rochester, left, and Carol Higgins of Oronoco browse among the silent auction items at the benefit for Les Severson at the Stewartville American Legion Post 164 on Saturday, July 21.Guests bid on scores of items for the silent auction, including a collection of salad dressings from Jimmy's Salad Dressings & Dips, a Cowboy Jack's basket, a wine and spaghetti basket from Anita Wendt, and many more.
Guests formed one line for hot dogs and sides from four northeast Stewartville businesses at the sixth annual Dog Days of Summer celebration at the Fareway parking lot on Thursday, Aug. 2. Above, a number of Fareway employees serve guests going through the line. Robert Hruska, grocery manager of Fareway, said that Fareway, Anytime Fitness, First Farmers&Merchants Bank and Stewartville Family Dentistry gave away a total of almost 1,000 hot dogs.
Sixteen Stewartville homes hosted registered gatherings to celebrate National Night Out on a beautiful Tuesday evening, Aug. 7 last week. Above, Sgt. Kirby Long of the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office, a former community oriented policing (COPS) deputy in Stewartville, offers a variety of toys to two young ladies at an NNO celebration hosted by Jenny Anderson at the 400 block of Fourth Avenue Southeast. Arianna McCrossen, 3, of Stewartville, selects a ball as Brystol Schmidt, 8, of Stewartville waits her turn in the background.
David and Becky Hoot, pastors of Stewartville Christian Church, celebrated the church's 40th anniversary in Stewartville on Monday, Aug. 13."I've enjoyed the peacefulness of the church, the strength of the members, and their dedication," David said. "Even though we're small in numbers, 80 percent of our members attend regularly."
Dawn Miller, a health and physical education teacher at Stewartville Middle School, in the red shirt second from left, has been the Stewartville Community Education Stewie Kraze coach for two years. In that capacity, she leads early-morning workouts that focus on improving strength and cardiovascular conditioning for local and area adults. Stewie Kraze workouts are popular, with an average turnout of 44 to 46 participants per class.
Clockwise from front left, Jennifer Marshall-Adolphs, Pam Stoltenberg, Briana Bicknese and Ashley Jones lift weights during a recent Stewie Kraze exercise session.
Joe and Jill Haggerty, who live along Highway 30 about three miles east of Stewartville, pose near their 1950 International pickup truck, decorated with mums, geraniums, ivy and more. Jill came up with idea to decorate the truck three years ago. "Every year I keep adding more to it," she said. "I love Pinterest. You look on Pinterest to come up with the ideas." People who pass the Haggerty property often stop by to get their pictures taken with the truck, Jill said. "It used to be that we were the ones who lived about three miles east of Stewartville," she said. "Now it's, 'You're the place with the really cool truck.' "
Shaun Schreiber, left, tosses a beanbag as Dave Gerdts looks on during the Old Settlers Day beanbag tournament.
Winners in the Old Settlers Day fishing contest included, from left, Nathanael Biffert, first place, game fish; Izzy Slovinski Zipperer, first place, rough fish; Walker Lawrence, second place, rough fish; Kenny Hutchinson, second place, game fish; and Eva Biffert, third place, rough fish.
Knud Jorgensen, grand marshal of this year's Old Settlers Day Parade, waves to the audience along the parade route. Grace Amy, a fourth grader at Bear Cave Intermediate School and Jorgensen's granddaughter, rides along with her grandpa.
Brady Pickett, an eighth grader at Stewartville Middle School, took part in the Old Settlers Day kickball game.
Hannah Meyerhofer, 8, a third grader at Bear Cave Intermediate School, left, was crowned queen of the 2018 Old Settlers Day. Madison Meyerhofer, Hannah's older sister and last year's Old Settlers Day queen, right, placed the crown on Hannah's head.
Sullivan Meyer, son of Andy and Cassie Meyer, is the youngest settler featured in this year's 95th annual Old Settlers Day Parade. The 2018 Old Settlers Day celebration also included a kids pedal tractor pull, a kickball game, horse-drawn wagon rides and more.
Garrison Quam, 3,left, and Caleb Boerger, 4, hold hands as they proceed down the slide at the "Jumping into the School Year" event near the Central Education Center on Saturday, Sept. 8. Garrison is in the 3-year-old preschool class; Caleb attends 4-year-old preschool and Tiger Tots Day Care.
AJ Fischer, third from left, smiles as he celebrates the opening of his new command center in the backyard of his Stewartville home on Saturday, Sept. 15. Volunteers who helped with the project include, from left, Wendy Vanderbilt, Cory Bartelt, Lanny Tippetts of Home Depot, Bruce Humphries of Wishes & More, Kim Severson, Jon Severson, SHS assistant varsity football coach, and SHS football players Josh Buri, Will Laures, Nathan Johnson, Dylan Flink and Parker Theobald.
AJ Fischer, 10, of Stewartville, has a special command center to call his own thanks to Wishes & More, a Minneapolis organization that grants wishes to children with serious medical conditions. A number of Wishes & More representatives were on hand to watch AJ cut the ribbon to his new backyard fort on Saturday, Sept. 15. Volunteers who helped with the fort also attended the event, including, at right, from left, SHS football players Will Laures, Josh Buri, Nathan Johnson and Dylan Flink.
Kendall Ryan, 5, a kindergartner at Bonner Elementary School, poses near her family's fall decoration along Countryview Court Southeast. "The whole family did the scarecrow and I did the pumpkins with the stickers on it," she said. She said she enjoys Halloween, especially going trick-or-treating.
From left, John Powell, Trenton Raygor, race director; Luke Breen and Derek Carlson, all of Minneapolis, enjoyed the Filthy 50's cold and snow.
Members of the Stewartville Kiwanis Club encourage local and area residents to donate to the club's second annual sock drive. Members include, front row, from left, Glynis Sturm and Ed Rowley. Back row, from left, Carol Youdas, Don Brouillard, Mary Brouillard, Margaret Clark, Janice Hagen and Lincoln Harker.
Marybeth Hemann, seated in center, was in attendance when her daughter Michelle, 23, standing second from left, was married in Stacyville, Iowa on Oct. 20. Others standing from left are daughter Hannah, husband Norbert and daughter Laura.
Marybeth Hemann, center, poses with her two sisters, Amy Myhrvold, left, and Becky Fredricksen, right.
Joe and Jill Haggerty, who live along Hwy. 30 near Stewartville, pose near their 1950 International pickup truck, decorated with mums, ivy and more, in September.
Carson Davis, an incoming kindergartner, met his teacher, Kathy Pinke-Thorson, at Bonner Elementary School on Aug. 20.
Bennett Butts, 3 1/2, peers into Santa's face with wide-eyed wonder at the Stewartville Kiwanis Club's Pictures with Santa event at the Civic Center Dec. 1.
A winter storm dumped about 7.3 inches of snow on Stewartville and the area, closing local schools on Monday, Jan. 28. At left, Brenda Smith and her son Roran, 5, of Stewartville, work together to shovel snow from their driveway that morning.
A winter storm dumped about 7.3 inches of snow on Stewartville and the area, closing local schools on Monday, Jan. 28. Here, Stewartville mail carrier Eric Bell begins his local route on Thursday, Jan. 31, with mid-morning temperatures sitting at about 12 below zero. "You wear layers and just keep going," Bell said.
Bob Bardwell holds a copy of his new book, 16,565 Extra Days and Counting, the Incredible Journey of Bob Bardwell. "The whole book is about challenging people," he said.
Corbin Tingesdal, a fourth grader at Bear Cave Intermediate School, left, welcomed plenty of customers to his booth at the Stewartville Area Historical Society's 23rd annual Cabin Fever Flea Market on Feb. 16. Harper Phillips, 4, of Lanesboro, Corbin's cousin, hands Corbin cash for the items she purchased.
Two days before another winter storm dumped almost six inches of snow on Stewartville and the area, hundreds of guests enjoyed snow tubing down the steep hills at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch on Feb. 18. The snow tubing was part of the fun at Ironwood Springs' annual Presidents Day Pancake Supper and Family Fun Night.
A strong winter storm driven by 45- to 50-miles per hour winds dumped about 12 inches of snow on Stewartville and the area on Saturday, Feb. 16 and Sunday, Feb. 17, adding height to the already-tall snowbanks along the city's streets. Roger Buck, above, who lives at the 600 block of Second Street Southwest, said the snow in his driveway was at least knee deep, with drifts four to five feet high, after the snow stopped falling that Sunday morning. Buck was dreading the thought of using his small snowblower and shoveling his driveway when he saw Bob Wisch, a professional snow remover, working at the house next door. Wisch agreed to remove Buck's snow, a job that took about 45 minutes. "It would have taken me two days to get through it," Buck said. Buck, who has lived in Stewartville for 51 years, said he couldn't remember the snow being any deeper than it was in Stewartville last week. The Feb. 16-17 snowstorm was a sight to behold, he said. "Every time I looked out the window, I saw the snow," he said. "The northwest wind comes right up my driveway, and it just kept coming and coming."
Nick Feltis, chairman of the Pleasant Grove Town Board, stands near the current Town Hall building, built in 1914 after a tornado damaged the original brick Town Hall. "The current building has outlived its usefulness," Feltis said. "The building we have now has no running water and no bathrooms." The Town Board is moving forward with plans to build a new Town Hall, which will have heat, running water, two bathrooms, space for 60 to 65 people and possibly air conditioning.
Nick Feltis, chairman of the Pleasant Grove Town Board, stands near the current Town Hall building, built in 1914 after a tornado damaged the original brick Town Hall. "The current building has outlived its usefulness," Feltis said. "The building we have now has no running water and no bathrooms." The Town Board is moving forward with plans to build a new Town Hall, which will have heat, running water, two bathrooms, space for 60 to 65 people and possibly air conditioning.
Andrew Bell, co-owner of the Stewartville Auto Center, in an effort to help flood-ravaged Nebraska, will accept a variety of items for the American Red Cross at his local shop, 100 10th St. Northwest, until this Friday, April 5. After the items are collected, he expects five semitrailers filled with supplies to leave Minnesota for Fullerton, Nebraska. "If it happened here, we'd need help," Bell said. "If we were stuck in a foot, a foot and a half of water, we'd appreciate the help, too."
Myrtle Tebay, right, appears ready to tell Orven Blegen a secret as the two celebrated their 102nd birthdays with a party at the Stewartville Care Center on Tebay's birthday on Wednesday, March 27. Blegen turned 102 two days later, on Friday, March 29. Two years ago, the two attended a party at the Stewartville Civic Center to celebrate their 100th birthdays. At that celebration, Tebay spoke of the keys to a long life, saying she never drank and never smoked. "Those are two things," she said at the time. "And Ray (her husband) and I exercised a lot. We did a lot of walking." Blegen also spoke about living past 100, saying he was very grateful. "I can't hardly believe it," he said. "I feel pretty good, so I should be thankful."
Rick Dahl is the new graphic designer at the Stewartville STAR. Dahl was a news graphic artist for the Rochester Post-Bulletin from 1987 to 2012 and a graphic designer at Community News Corp. in Dodge Center from April 2013 until December 2018. He earned a bachelor of fine arts degree in drawing and printmaking at the Cleveland Institute of Art in Cleveland, Ohio. "It's important, especially in journalism, to use visuals to help clarify and communicate important information," he said. "If something doesn't look good, people aren't going to look at it and read it."
Beulah Ankeny, who turned 100 years old on Saturday, April 20, poses near a bouquet of 100 daisies she received from a friend of her daughter, Sharon Byrne. "I have been blessed with good health," she said. "I have some arthritis and some aches and pains, but I don't let it get me down." She still cooks for herself, and still drives her own car. "I drive out to the grocery store, but that's as far as I go," she said.
Gordy Koehn, center, has been named the recipient of the Stewartville Community Education Advisory Board's 34th annual Community Service Recognition Award. Hailey Liffrig, community education director, left, presented the award. Glynis Sturm, a member of the Community Education Advisory Board, right, nominated Koehn for the honor.
Jerry Hampel and Cindy Erickson of Stewartville inspect the flowers for sale near the Grisim School Bus, Inc. bus barn during the 35th annual Stewartville Citywide Garage Sale on a cold, cloudy and blustery Thursday afternoon, May 9. In all, 118 local and area homeowners officially registered to offer items for the sale, held from Thursday, May 9 through Saturday, May 11. Traditionally, hundreds of shoppers and browsers from Minnesota and Iowa crowd into Stewartville to search for good deals among the many garages.
Fawn Gruhlke, left, and Misty Murray, cousins from Stewartville, search among the many articles of clothing available at the Grisim School Bus. Inc. bus barn during the 35th annual Stewartville Citywide Garage Sale on Thursday, May 9. "When the kids were little, we looked for a lot of children's clothes," Murray said. "But now the kids are older, so we don't do that anymore."
About 140 Stewartville and area residents took part in the fourth annual Samuel L. Becker 5K (3.1 mile) Walk/Run that began near Anytime Fitness on a cool, cloudy and breezy Saturday morning, May 18. The event is held each year in memory of Becker, who suffered from mental illness before taking his own life in February 2016. Jared Johnson of Anytime Fitness said the event raised $3,919.93 this year, $1,000 of which will be given in the form of scholarships to Stewartville High School graduates, with the balance, after expenses, going to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
Lance and Renee Garrick of Red Wing, standing in back and accompanied by a young family friend in front at left, present a $2,000 check to Bob Bardwell, founder of Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch, as part of the Military Tribute at Ironwood's new Chuckwagon facility during the Ranch's Memorial Bash on Saturday afternoon, May 25. Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch will use the money to help pay for its many Operation Welcome Home activities for America's veterans, Bardwell said. The Garricks presented the check on behalf of Hiawatha Valley Family Beyond the Yellow Ribbon.
Participants at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch's National Wheelchair Sports Camp displaying their archery skills include, from front to back, Joe Lang of Loretto, Minn.; Danny Lilya of Moose Lake, Minn.; and Brynn Duncan of Moorhead, Minn.
Participants at the National Wheelchair Sports Camp at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch get off to a good start in the annual Wheels and Heels of Fire 10K event on Sunday morning, June 9.
Rachel Johnson of Stewartville, left, holds Finnigan, her 3 1/2 month-old Pembroke Welsh Corgi, as Amelia Petersen, 9, also of Stewartville, says hello at the grand opening for the new Stewartville Dog Park on Saturday, June 15. Johnson said she and her husband, Jared, plan to visit the park often. "It's definitely a large space," she said. "We enjoy it."
Lisette Mueller-Jaag, front and center, enjoyed the 50th reunion of the Stewartville High School class of 1969 on July 4 and 5. Rene Muller, Lisette's husband, is at right. From left are Maryan and Steve Gisler of Stewartville, who hosted the Muellers before, during and after the reunion.
Members of the Stewartville High School class of 1969 who attended a 50-year reunion July 4 and 5 include, front row, from left, Greg Peterson, Ken Eddy, Kevin Malone, Craig Sloneker and Tom Petersen. Second row, from left, Leila (Barnhart) Ostergard, Cynthia (Sinn) Krasnodar, Donna (Bleismer) Pavlish, Rosemary (Mace) Horsman, Sharon (Strum) Moody, Dick Swanson, Patricia (Skyhawk) Johnson, Margaret (Kuisle) Urlich, and Kathy (Winch) Schneider. Third row, from left, Roger Hanson, Al Johnson, Cyndi (King) Hudson, Lisette Mueller-Jaag, Mary Gray, Phil Thompson, Monica (Thorson) Ronneberg, Susan (Glover) Runkle, Dixie (Coulter) Barrand, Donna (Mitchell) Hannenberger, Cathy (Smidt) Crace, Karen (Gullickson-Schumann) Nordsving, Pat (Isensee) Ryan, Kathy (Stevens) Donovan and Roger Miller. Back row, from left, Lynn Peterson, Larry Peterson, Steven Miner, Rose (Rowley) Olmsted, Darrell Luhmann, Grant Robinson, Jim Frie, Kevin Abbott, David Schrandt, Larry Runkle, Greg Wellik, Larry Holzerland and Jim Winch.
Mickie Tuseth, left, and Jason Ferrie, residents of the Georgetown development, are among the many neighbors in the area concerned about saving the ash trees on their boulevards from the emerald ash borer. Tuseth, who spoke on the issue at the City Council's June 25 meeting, said she'd like to see David Weinhold, a professional arborist, speak about the situation at the City Council's next meeting.
Ray Henselin brought nine Case tractors to this year's Root River Antique Historical Power Association's Antique Engine & Tractor Show, including this 1952 LA Case model he purchased at Apache Junction, Arizona two years ago. Henselin said he and his family started collecting Case tractors back in the 1970s at an annual antique auction in Richland Center, Wis.
Phil Waugh of rural Stewartville put his restored 1955 400 Case tractor on display at the 37th annual Antique Engine & Tractor Show, sponsored by the Root River Antique Historical Power Association, on July 19, 20 and 21. "I wanted to show it off after I had it completely redone," Waugh said. "I was pretty proud of it after I got it restored." Case tractors were the featured machines at this year's Root River Show.
Sydney Clausen, left, and Trey Cast, both members of the Stewartville United Methodist Church, scrape the railing of the deck at the home of Lola Hall of Stewartville on Tuesday morning, July 16. The two were among 51 young people who took part in Stewartville's third annual STORM Camp.
Deb and Jeff Goeldi of Racine, left, walk near the pie table at the annual Racine Lions Club Chicken Feed at Racine City Hall on Saturday, July 20. DeeAnn Byrne and Maxine Vrieze of the Racine Methodist Church, right, sold many flavors of pie for $2 per slice.
Moments before a storm brought lightning, thunder and plenty of rain, Leroy Johnson of Racine drives a 1965 Case Comfort King in the tractor parade at the Root River Antique Historical Power Association's 37th annual Antique Engine & Tractor Show south of Racine and east of Spring Valley on Saturday, July 20.
Five northeast Stewartville businesses served more than 1,100 free hot dogs to hundreds upon hundreds of guests at the seventh annual Dogs Days of Summer celebration near Fareway on Thursday, Aug. 8. "It was our best turnout ever," said Robert Hruska, grocery manager of Fareway. "The weather was perfect, and we had a good-sized line from 4:30 until about 6 o'clock."
Charlie Brown of Stewartville attended the second day of Woodstock in the Bethel and White Lake, N.Y. area in August 1969. Above, he holds a copy of a 1989 Rochester Post-Bulletin that included Brown in a story marking the 20th anniversary of Woodstock, along with a picture highlighting Brown as the honorary chair of the Stewartville High School "Hippie Homecoming" in 1993. The picture appeared on the front page of the Oct. 5, 1993 issue of the Stewartville STAR.
Linda Busby, who lives at the 500 block of Fifth Avenue Southeast, poses near her hibiscus plants along the side of her Stewartville home. "There are a lot of different varieties of hibiscus," she said. "The white ones, I had a hard time finding them. They're perennials, so they come back up by themselves." She loves taking care of her flowers. "It's relaxing," she said. "It's nice to see what you can do. Sometimes it's a challenge, sometimes it's easy-peasy. These (hibiscus) are so easy. You just put them in the ground."
GEOTEK's leaders and friends broke ground for the company's 65,000 square-foot expansion project on Wednesday morning, Aug. 28. Ben Wiltsie, CEO, said GEOTEK has added more than 200 jobs in 1 1/2 years, raising its total number of employees to almost 400.
Justin Kumfer, the new associate pastor at St. John's Lutheran Church, appreciates the warm welcome he has received from the St. John's congregation. "They've been very gracious to us as we are learning everyone's names and I'm preaching and teaching Bible study," he said.
Don "Buck" Amos stands amid the bluestem grasses at Sunset Prairie Park in west Stewartville.
Zack Schreiber, a freshman at Stewartville High School, shows good form as he tosses a beanbag during the High Forest Old Settlers Day Beanbag Tournament on Saturday, Sept. 7. He said he enjoys Old Settlers Day for the music, the food and the fun.
Luke Davis, 4, of Stewartville, is one of many children who had his face painted like a tiger at the 96th annual High Forest Old Settlers Day celebration on Saturday, Sept. 7. Sarah Larson of Stewartville is the painter. The inset photo shows Larson's completed work.
Walter "Sonny" Podein, the grand marshal of the 2019 High Forest Old Settlers Day Parade, brought a bucket of candy to share with the children along the parade route on Saturday, Sept. 7.
Maxwell Stensrud, 5, of Minnetonka, gives his all as he competes in the kids pedal tractor pull at High Forest Old Settlers Day on Saturday, Sept. 7. Maxwell placed second in the 5-year-old age group.
Payten Jacobs, center, was crowned queen of this year's High Forest Old Settlers Day celebration. Payten is flanked by Lizza Post, left, runner-up; and Hannah Meyerhofer, right, queen of the 2018 High Forest Old Settlers Day. All three girls are fourth graders at Bear Cave Intermediate School. Payten and Lizza combined to sell about $4,000 worth of Old Settlers Day buttons, with the proceeds going to improve the HIgh Forest Square.
Britton Boehm, left, the youngest settler at the Old Settlers Day celebration, rode in the High Forest Old Settlers Day Parade with his mother, Bobbie Boehm.
SEMCAC Nutrition of Rushford works with Gleason's of Stewartville, which caters the lunches served at Stewartville's Center 4 Active Adults each weekday. Sharon McAtee, site coordinator at the Center for more than three years, says an average of 25 to 30 people eat lunch at the Center each day, Monday through Friday. "They're really good meals," McAtee said.
The Stewartville STAR's 12th annual Trash & Treasure Day garage sales were held Sept. 19-22. Above, Brian and Rene Hinton of Rochester, in the foreground, look for items at a sale hosted by Wes Alrick of Stewartville, in the background at right.
Members of the Stewartville Morning Lions Club held a retreat at the Stewartville Civic Center on Saturday, Oct. 5. Morning Lions members and visitors who attended include, front row, from left, Joan Lipkie, wife of Dale Lipkie, district governor; Tracy Huggenvik, Karen Freiheit, Debbie Moeller, Val Nelson, Tammy Theobald, Brooke Ihrke and Pastor Dave Hoot. Second row, from left, Dale Lipkie, district governor: Len Griffith, Carol Mrotek, Judy Weatherly, Kay Tvedt, Del Jahns, Claudia Belcourt, Char Weichmann, Ron Piedmont, Keith McAtee and Sharon McAtee. Back row, from left, Clair Mrotek, Ernie Moeller, Noah Johnson, Brian Bushman, LaRae Bushman, Cindy Bushman, Anita Heydt, Matt Huggenvik, Josh Ihrke, Pastor Wane Souhrada, Earl Orvik, past district governor and past council chair; and Jane Orvik, Earl's wife.
Linda Frost, an Army veteran and resident of the Stewartville Care Center, left, accepted a Quilt of Honor at the Stewartville Care Center on Wednesday, Oct. 9. Marie Wilson, far right, presented the colorful quilt to thank Frost for her service to America. Sondra Bentz, a friend of Frost's, is in the center.
SPOOK CITY WITH THE SPIDER -- Halloween came frighteningly early for the 511 guests who attended the eighth annual Spook City in the Woods in rural Racine Friday and Saturday evenings, Oct. 18 and 19. Guests walked a sectioned-off path decorated with skeletons, witches, spiders and more. Above, Roger Nelson of Nelson Electric, LLC, the sponsor of the event, and Jade Schmeling, one of the original organizers, pose with a large spider and a tangle of cobwebs. The event has been held every year since 2012 to raise money for PACER, a bullying prevention organization. For more details, see the story at left.
For many consecutive years, Barb Neubauer, right, and the city of Stewartville earned the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. In this STAR file photo, Mayor Jimmie-John King, left, presented the award to Neubauer, the city's finance director, in October 2015.
Jennifer Reed and her son Cooper pose near the Halloween decorations at their home at 2000 Petersen Drive Northwest. The Reeds enjoy decorating for Halloween every year, Jennifer said. "It's a family thing," she said. "We've done it for about 18 years, and every year, it grows." Jennifer has a soft spot in her heart for Halloween. "I love seeing everybody happy," she said. "It's a good way to have some fun. It's fun for the kids." Rick Reed, the father of the family, also enjoys the fall holiday. "It's a blast," he said. "The weather is nicer than it is decorating for Christmas, so you can really enjoy it."
Members of the Stewartville Kiwanis Club encourage local and area residents to donate to the club's third annual Sock It to 'Em sock drive. Members include, front row, from left, Ron Olson, Dr. George Sedgwick, Don Brouillard and Ed Rowley. Back row, from left, Margaret Clark, Diane Bergland, Glynis Sturm, Lori Torgerson, Carol Youdas, organizer of the event; Mary Brouillard and Janice Hagen.
Dave Bunde, who grows about 375 acres each of corn and soybeans on his 800+ acre farm about seven miles southeast of Stewartville, is pleased with his 2019 harvest. With all his beans out of his fields as of Monday, Oct. 28, Bunde harvested an average of about 53 to 54 bushels per acre. Although he didn't start harvesting his corn until last week, his consultant told him there's a good chance his corn harvest will average 200 bushels per acre. Considering a summer that brought record rainfall to southeastern Minnesota, Bunde is grateful for a good year with his crops. "Most of the other farmers in the area have been happy with their yields," he said.
Bobby and Angela Carr are the new owners of Carr's Bar N' Grill in Racine. Mike Ward, the previous owner for about two years, sold the business to the Carrs after deciding to move to Arizona to be closer to his family. The Carrs, who took over the business on Monday, Nov. 18, will retain the same staff along with the same menu, which includes sandwiches, wraps, beverages, burgers, salads and lots of appetizers. "Mike ran a heck of a business," Bobby Carr said. "We wouldn't have been able to do this without Mike, the way he set it up for us." Above, Bobby and Angela Carr, center and far right, pose with Katie Houkom, the front manager of the business. The Bar N' Grill, which will offer on-sale and off-sale beer, wine and liquor, will be open Monday through Friday from 11 am. to 9 p.m.; Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Spring Valley VFW will sponsor a meat raffle and bingo every Sunday beginning at 2 p.m. Monday will be Burger Night, Tuesday will be Taco and Bingo Night, Wednesday will be Wing Night, Thursday will be Thirsty Thursday, and Sunday will include an All Day Happy Hour. E-tabs and pull tabs will be available. The Bar N' Grill will employ 14 people, including Jesse Sidebottom, the cook-manager. The Carrs are excited about their new business. "The support of all our customers has been overwhelming," Bobby said. "We want to thank all our loyal customers who are sticking with us," Angela said.
Mike and Judy Suess of Suess Auction & Implement of Racine have announced they are stepping away from the consignment auction business. "We're staying in the used equipment business and getting out of consignment auctions," Mike said. "We're just happy we're going to be cutting our workload way back."
Ankeny, 100, who played guard for the Meadowlarks' 1934-35 and 1935-36 teams, is part of a Grand Meadow program that won 94 consecutive games between 1929 and 1939. The Grand Meadow girls basketball program has been inducted into the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) Hall of Fame. Ankeny and her daughter, Sharon Byrne of Stewartville, attended the induction ceremony at the Intercontinental St. Paul Riverfront on Sunday, Oct. 20.
Millie Petersen, second from left, portrayed Mary, and Duke Louks, third from left, was Joseph when the residents of the Stewartville Care Center presented their Christmas play to a large audience at the Care Center on Friday, Dec. 20. Angels include, front row, from left, Mary Ann Lammers, Helen Hotopp and Donna Vandenberg. The wise men, in back from far left, include John Maloney, Don Kolbert and Jim Bailey. Bill Pennell, fifth from right in the back, portrayed a shepherd. In back, from left, are Rita Christian, activities assistant; Sue Warmka, activities director; and Alan Miller, activities assistant.
Maddy Krause, a preschooler at the Central Education Center, couldn't contain her excitement when she met a donkey at the Stewartville High School FFA Ag Fair on Thursday, Feb. 21. The photo was featured the Stewartville STAR's Year in Review and week-by-week recap of some of the local stories from January through June 2019.
Arianna McCrossen, 4, of Stewartville, accepts a variety of gifts from Mike Strelow, Stewartville's COPS deputy, during a National Night Out celebration on Aug. 6.
Juliette Dzubay waves to her parents as she enjoys the swing ride at Stewartville's Independence Day Summerfest celebration on Thursday, July 4.
Jason Owen, a 1996 graduate of Stewartville High School, is the new community oriented policing (COPS) deputy for the city of Stewartville. He said he'll work to build a strong and positive relationship between law enforcement and his hometown community.
James Heydt received the Mason of the Year Award at the Stewartville Masonic Lodge's annual awards banquet on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2019.
THE OFFICERS -- The Stewartville Masonic Lodge's 2020 officers were installed on Tuesday, Jan. 14. They include, front row, from left, William Hubbard, Jason Kennedy, and Tony Knutson, worshipful master for 2020, along with installing officers Jeffrey Marshall and Neil Hanson. Back row, from left, Art Pavlish, installing officer Steve Neiswanger, James Heydt, Len Griffith, Doug Brick, Ed Gerwill and installing officer Brad Phelps.
Zachary Lechner, DDS, and his staff offered Give Kids a Smile, free dental care to children from families without health insurance, on Friday, Feb. 7. Staff members include, front row, from left, Brianna Elwood, dental hygienist; and Katy Wiersma, office manager. Back row, from left, Cindy Tangen, administrative assistant; Kayla Gibson, dental assistant; and Jessica Riker, dental assistant. Normally, Root River Dental is closed on Fridays, but Lechner and his staff donated their time to the program.
Kathy Dux, who teaches a butterfly class at the St. John's Wee Care Learning Center, works on a pre-Valentine's Day project with Wee Care students, from left, Vivian Christie, 4 1/2, of Stewartville, and Dylan Meyer, 5 1/2, of Racine, during a Wee Care class on Tuesday morning, Feb. 11.
Andrea "Andi" Wagner-Watts developed a two-part structural silicone sealant used to adhere glass to U.S. Bank Stadium, the new home of the Minnesota Vikings. Professional Builder Magazine has chosen her one of its top "Forty under 40" building employees in the United States.
After her younger brother Brody, right, built a tower during the Stewartville Public Library's LEGO program on Tuesday afternoon, March 10, Addy Blake, 9, of Pleasant Grove, measures just how tall Brody's tower is. On each consecutive Tuesday of each month, the library highights a particular theme, either a LEGO program, a craft project, a STEM opportunity or a game night.
Robert Hruska, grocery manager at Fareway, Stewartville's grocery store, stands near the shelves emptied of toilet paper and paper towels last week. Shoppers concerned about the spread of the COVID-19 virus quickly bought all the store's toilet paper, paper towels, hand sanitizer and more.
Clockwise from upper left, Ken English pours sap into a 250-gallon tank, Brad Amos carries two buckets through the woods, and Craig Reichel watches as maple syrup flows from a wood-heated evaporator, set at 219 degrees to boil down the sap. The inset photo shows the finished product. Amos estimated that he, Reichel, English and their helpers will make 30 to 40 gallons of syrup this season.
Clockwise from upper left, Ken English pours sap into a 250-gallon tank, Brad Amos carries two buckets through the woods, and Craig Reichel watches as maple syrup flows from a wood-heated evaporator, set at 219 degrees to boil down the sap. The inset photo shows the finished product. Amos estimated that he, Reichel, English and their helpers will make 30 to 40 gallons of syrup this season.
Clockwise from upper left, Ken English pours sap into a 250-gallon tank, Brad Amos carries two buckets through the woods, and Craig Reichel watches as maple syrup flows from a wood-heated evaporator, set at 219 degrees to boil down the sap. The inset photo shows the finished product. Amos estimated that he, Reichel, English and their helpers will make 30 to 40 gallons of syrup this season.
The city of Stewartville recently purchased three signs from Allegra of Rochester promoting community togetherness, especially during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The message "Our Community Cares," is on display near the Welcome to Stewartville sign along Main Street, "We're Better Together" stands near Stewartville City Hall, and "Stewartville Strong," is near Grisim School Bus, Inc. City employees, standing six feet apart, include, from left, Angelie Hovey, accounting clerk; Cheryl Roeder, city clerk; and Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator. "It has been very unsettling to us watching businesses and schools shutting down," Roeder said. "ONB Bank actually inspired us. We loved the message in their window. We just thought we'd let our community know that the mayor, Council and employees all care."
Christian Sackett stands near his front door, covered with hearts of many colors.
Aly Cox, 7, worked with her mother, Cali Miller, to place red, blue and purple hearts on the door of her Stewartville home.
Here, workers from The Coffee Club at Jimmy's Salad Dressings & Dips form an assembly line to bottle hand sanitizer from Harmony Spirits, a craft distillery from Harmony, Minn.
Workers from The Coffee Club at Jimmy's Salad Dressings & Dips bottled hand sanitizer made from alcohol from Harmony Spirits, a craft distillery from Harmony, Minn. Here is bottle of the finished product, many of which will remain in Stewartville.
Julie Hayes sews a piece of cloth that will soon be transformed into a coronavirus mask.
On Palm Sunday, a Stewartville family worked together to paint a cross on the east window of their house at 307 First Street East. Workers included Tom Passe, second from right, and Molly Christenson, third from right, their daughters, Abby Christenson, far left, and Libby Christenson, far right, along with Abby's son Liam, 3, held by his mother. "I got the idea from some co-workers," Molly said. "We decided on the cross because it's Easter."
Bobby and Angela Carr, co-owners of Carr's Bar N' Grill of Racine, center and left, and Abby Lee, a waitress, right, are grateful that a number of area businesses and organizations have paid their restaurant-bar to provide free meals to health care workers and others.
Ben Swain, an employee at Casey's South, left, and Amy Peterson, the store's manager, have been busy taking customers' special orders for pizza. Bill and Char Ferrie, former Stewartville residents, recently ordered Casey's pizzas for the health care workers at Olmsted Medical Center in Stewartville.
Michelle Moe, far left; her husband Cody, second from right, owners of Flowers & More of Stewartville, along with daughter Alexis, front and center; and Kelly Doerr, third from left, delivered 165 lilies to the Stewartville Care Center. Employees who accepted the lilies included Sue Warmka, activities director, second from left; along with Alan Miller, fourth from left, and Tammy Wuerflin, far right, activities assistants.
From left, Ryan Podein, Mark Podein and Josh Podein, all of whom work at Podein's Power Equipment, have paid the DownUnder Bar to provide free meals for health care workers, EMTs, firefighters and law enforcement personnel. Mike Podein, also of Podein's Power Equipment, is not pictured.
Krissy Sullivan of Stewartville and her son Maximus, 6, worked together on Monday, April 13, the day after Easter, to build an Easter snow bunny. Maximus did most of the work, Krissy said. "Mom had to help out a little bit," she said.
Travis Morse of Stewartville clears snow from the sidewalk near St. John's Lutheran Church and the Wee Care Learning Center on Monday morning, April 13 after a spring storm dumped about 7.5 inches of snow on Stewartville and the area on Easter Sunday, April 12.
Erik and Chris Kujath, owners of Old River Valley Antique Mall, hope to reopen their business soon.
Beulah Ankeny of Stewartville, right, celebrated her 101st birthday on Monday, April 20. Ruth Klahn, Beulah's neighbor, left, and Sharon Byrne, Beulah's daughter, were on hand for the celebration.
