By Bill Vossler Few people at five years of age set themselves up for what they do later in life. But Brad Miller of St. Joseph did, leading him to become a director of choral music for his upcoming 26th year. Brad Miller conducting his St. John’s University choir at a recent Christmas performance in the Great Hall. Photo courtesy of College of St. Benedict’s and St. John’s University “I do not remember a time when music was not exciting to me. I loved singing along with the

St. Cloud man was an only child on farm in the 50's By Bill Vossler When Al Bjorklund of St. Cloud was growing up as an only child on a small farm near Osakis, he had only his imagination as a regular friend. Al had a John Deere 1936-B toy tractor like this one, which he played with a lot in his little farm, but also drove the farm’s big John Deere B when he was 10 years old. Contributed photo “One of my favorite things to do was to play with my ‘little farm,’” he said. His G

By Zada Engen In the fall of 2004, a hand-written sign posted at the Sons of Norway completely changed the ways of Scandinavian music in the Fargo-Moorhead area. Lynne Bommesmo and Marilyn Jones hung up the notice on the behalf of a small group of musicians. Some knew the music well, but most were just beginners. Despite the difference in skill levels, there was one thing uniting everyone together – the strong desire to learn the accordion together and to carry on their Scand

Man has helped the less fortunate at every life stage By Vivian (Makela) Sazama In a world that focuses on what we can do to meet our own needs, wants, and desires, it is rare to meet someone whose life reflects service to others, rather than to self. Thomas Reiffenberger of Detroit Lakes is one of those people. Tom Reiffenberger of Detroit Lakes began his work at Becker County Developmental Achievement Center in 1974. He has worked and volunteered for Lakes Homes since its

By Maggie Gray There is something special happening at the Fairfax Community Pool. Every morning, around the same time, an unusual migration takes place at the community pool. No one blows a whistle. No one sends out a text. Yet, as reliably as geese heading south, they arrive. They’re known as “The Bobbers.” Some members of “The Bobbers” enjoying the community pool in Fairfax on a day in August include (L to R) Janet N., Karen S., Gayle C., Karen B., Maggie G., and Louise

Communication Board at New Ulm park allows kids with unique challenges to better express themselves By Scott Thoma Nestled among a large group of trees atop a large hill in the German heritage town of New Ulm sits Hermann Heights Park in southeastern Minnesota. The park’s showpiece is a 102-foot “Hermann the German” statue that has been visible poking his head above the trees for well over 125 years. The park is now also being noted for its latest addition, a communication bo

Wabasso woman, 94, auctions off last quilt (of many) at fundraising event By Larry Magrath Maxine learned to quilt from her grandmother and has made 100s of quilts, including block quilts, friendship quilts, even baby quilts for her 10 grandchildren. Some of her quilts have been auctioned off at the Quilt Auction at Water’s Edge Ministries (formerly Green Lake Bible Camp) near Spicer. Contributed photo There’s a little mystery in each quilt that Maxine Rasmussen of Wabasso ha

After dreams, Willmar man accumulated unique collection By Scott Thoma Scott Thoma with part of his Abraham Lincoln collection. Over the years, Thoma has collected familiar items such as posters, photos, painting, books, cups, stamps, plates, coins, mugs, t-shirts, and puzzles, along with various bust statues. Contributed photo As a high school student, history wasn’t a subject near and dear to my heart. That all seemed to changed when I was in my early 30s with a recurring d

Couple will celebrate 80th anniversary later this year By Zada Engen of Alexandria Art and Frances Hebert, Memorial Weekend. Contributed photo Today, about half of all marriages will end in divorce, with about a quarter of those marriages lasting less than nine years. In addition, the average American life expectancy is approximately 81 years for women, and 76 years for men. Art and Frances Hebert have defied all of those odds. The Argyle, Minn. residents are both 97 years ol

Urbank man loved fixing cars, strumming a guitar, and making people smile By Julie Parent Editor's Note: Just weeks after the interview with Willis Nordlund for this story, he passed away on May 15, 2026, at the age of 95 with loved ones by his side. Willis Nordlund of Urbank loved music. Here he is with a steel guitar a decade or two ago. Contributed photo Like his parents, Willis Nordlund of Parkers Prairie, Minn. has been blessed with longevity. The 95-year-old was born

Hope Blooms delivers repurposed flowers to those who need it most By Carol Stender Hope Blooms is a non-profit that goes beyond flowers to make connections with those in need. Founder Kelly Krenzel of Fargo, ND, and her many volunteers repurpose donated floral arrangements and cut flowers creating bouquets. Next, they take those bouquets to people in the community from individuals living in senior living communities, assisted care, hospice, and rehabilitation centers. “While

Fergus pastor overcame past struggles, now helps others find right path By Carol Stender Pete Konrad might be the busiest pastor in Fergus Falls as he anchors a ministry that has brought his life full circle — from sitting in a jail cell to leading services within them. The former addict who found Jesus through jail ministry has a modern day mission that is deeply personal. Pete Konrad’s life has come full circle. Once incarcerated at the Otter Tail County Detention facility,

By Bill Vossler Larry Schug says Ghost Ranch changed his life. “Of all the things I’ve ever done, going to Ghost Ranch was the best, for spirituality, showing that the divine surrounds us in the natural world, for beauty of every kind, for artistic events: classes in writing, photography, pottery, and more. And that is just the beginning” he said. Larry is having a joyous time at one of his favorite places in the entire world, Ghost Ranch in New Mexico. The photo gives an ide

Kimball Wooden Bat Club brings guys together for fun, friendships, and some hits! By Bill Vossler Some members of the Wooden Bat Club line up at the Kimball Baseball field. Left to right: Woody Woodward, Reed Danuser, Grover Stauff, Chuck Sterling, Jeff Jacobs, and Jim Lipsiea. The club was established by John Schiffman (not pictured). Contributed photo After the Twins moved to Minnesota in 1961, young John Schiffman of Rosemount would lay in his bed in the evenings with his

Renville native is oldest known U of M grad By Patricia Buschette On May 7, 2022, Betty Berends Sandison, formerly of Renville, Minn., made her way across the stage of Northrop Auditorium, University of Minnesota to receive her diploma. She was appropriately proud, but at that moment, her concern was, “Do not fall!” Betty Berends Sandison’s expression says it all. This was her reaction after her name was announced at graduation at the University of Minnesota. The Renville n

By Faith Anderson In years past, messages traveled only as fast as a horse could run. Communications were hand-written, folded into envelopes, perhaps sealed with wax, and entrusted to riders who crossed miles of prairie and forest. News took days, sometimes weeks to get to the intended recipient. Words were precious and people chose them carefully, knowing there could be no quick correction. By the time a message arrived, life had already moved on. The Pony Express reduced t

By Vivian (Makela) Sazama What is the meaning of life? Why do I exist? What is my purpose in life? What is life all about anyway? These are questions that many of us may have asked, or maybe are still asking. They are questions that Bob Cummings of Frazee faced as a young man. He is quick to say that he sought the answers through means that many young men and women would use. He sought answers through drink, parties, money, nice cars, nice clothes, and the company of young la

Kensington native, 90, continues to investigate the legendary Runestone By Julie Parent When asked what the secret is to a long life, Ralph Gunderson, replied, “I don’t really know.” However, it is clear being an active senior citizen with a passion for obtaining information about The Kensington Runestone is key to his longevity. Ralph Gunderson holding his witching rod. Contributed photo Ralph was born in the small town of Kensington, Minn. The 90-year-old described his chi

LeSueur woman has helped hundreds of people with their family history By Patricia Buschette Sally Olson of LeSueur became interested in genealogy at a very young age, and she remains passionate about it to this day. But she hasn’t just climbed up her own family tree... Sally has also helped hundreds of people in their own geneaology journies. “My mother dragged us to cemeteries to water and trim the grass all summer long,” she explained. “As she watered plants on family grave

By Dawn Timbs, Staples World reporter This article is reprinted with permission by Staples World. For the past 100 years, the Poplar Ladies Birthday Club has served not only as a social outlet for women in Poplar Township (in Cass County), but as a service organization whose motto is to “Help One Another.” Pictured above, in a photo from 1942, are early members of the Poplar Birthday Club. Many familiar names were written below the photo, including Chapin, Granby, Johnson