Willmar woman quilts everyday, was featured in recent show “Smitty” Luschen of Willmar loves to make creative and beautiful quilts. She learned how to sew in fourth grade and has been sewing ever since. She made her own clothes through high school and beyond and then started doing what she loves best, quilting. Smitty Luschen, of Willmar, has made several quilts over the years, including this one. She gives them to family, friends and nonprofits. Photo by Bev Ahlquist After h

Answers by Kristen Dargay, Au.D., CCC-A, clinical audiologist Question: What is the best way to communicate with someone who is hearing impaired? Communication with a person who has hearing loss can be challenging for both parties. Even when hearing aids are used, proper communication strategies are essential for maximizing the experience. When speaking with a person with a hearing loss, try following these tips: Kristen Dargay, Au.D., CCC-A, clinical audiologist, at Janning

Actress Marion Ross grew up in Waconia, Willmar and Albert Lea Few people realize that longtime actress Marion Ross enjoyed many Happy Days while growing up in several Minnesota communities. Marion Ross, who played Mrs. Cunningham on Happy Days for 10 years, lived in Willmar, Waconia and Albert Lea growing up. Contributed photo In a recent interview with Ross, who retired from acting in 2018, the personable star recalled her time spent in the Land of 10,000 Lakes as “a positi

Answers provided by Kristen Dargay, Au.D., of Janning ENT of Willmar Kristen Dargay, Au.D, Janning ENT. Contributed photo What does your health reveal about your hearing? Hearing loss usually develops over time, making it difficult to notice in many cases. People often deal with impaired hearing for years before receiving the treatment they need. The average patient, in fact, waits seven years before seeking help. Untreated hearing loss is related to a number of potentially s

Parents, volunteers come together to form children’s museum While the weather outside is frightful, being inside The Village can be so delightful. Cindy Furr, of Bird Island, uses colored paint markers on the Plexiglas wall with her grandson Dominick at The Village, a new children’s museum in Willmar. Photo by Scott Thoma Citing a need for a community indoor playground and cultural learning center to combat the harsh winters, three families saw their dreams come to fruition w

Lakeside Press specializes in book printing and publishing The Lakeside Press family. From left, Linda Lopez (graphic designer), Tim Peterson (pressman), Avery Peterson (Tim and Laura’s daughter), Laura Peterson (general manager/graphic artist/marketing analyst), Mark Peterson (editor/production manager) and Marie Peterson (editor/customer service). Photo by Scott Thoma A lot of people aspire to become an author. But it’s the fear of the unknown that holds them back once they

Willmar woman was one of state’s first female pilots If your name is engraved on a plaque alongside the likes of Amelia Earhart, Charles Lindbergh, Jimmy Doolittle, and Sally Ride, you know you are in elite company. But Mary Jane Rice, of Willmar, doesn’t consider herself special, despite being honored over the years by several aviation and aerospace organizations. “I was just someone who loved to fly,” she said, with an endearing smile. Mary Jane Rice holding a photo of hers

After crossbreeding his turkeys for many years, Willmar man finds perfect ‘chocolate turkey’ blend Kornell Erickson, of Willmar, had been working on perfecting a chocolate turkey for several years until he got the results he wanted. Heritage sweetgrass and chocolate turkeys raised on Kornell Erickson’s farm near Willmar. Erickson has been crossbreeding turkeys for years to get these varieties. Photo by Scott Thoma But this isn’t the kind of chocolate turkey that you unwrap an

Rice Hospice uses a variety of methods to make the final days comfortable Having pets visit hospice patients has been invaluable. Contributed photo Make each day count because tomorrow is never promised to anyone. That’s why the goal of Rice Hospice in Willmar is to make those final days of life as peaceful and comfortable as possible for its patients. “It takes a certain type of person to work with hospice patients,” said Rice Hospice Director, Mary Beth Potter. “You have to

Sacred Heart woman makes thousands of pies each year For some, pie might be an occasional sweet treat or strictly a holiday tradition, like pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving. That certainly is not the case for Sonja Siemieniewski, of Sacred Heart, otherwise known as the “pie lady.” For the pie lady, pie is a way of life 365 days a year. The pie lady started out at a very young age learning the art of baking pie as well as many other baked goods at her grandmother’s side. Sonja Sie

Ron Mackedanz with a Nam buddie’s daughter (Sarah Orlando) at the wall in 2005. They were placing placards at the wall marking the guys from his unit who were killed in Nam. Photo contributed. The Vietnam Veterans Moving Wall brings out many emotions for Vietnam veterans such as Ron “Mack” Mackedanz who currently lives in Kandiyohi, Minn. The emotions include sadness, bitterness, grief and heavy-heartedness. Mack has been to the wall in Washington, D.C., several times and is

Three young men carried a cross from Willmar to Duluth, and made life-lasting memories along the way Chris Alle with the cross on his back. Alle and two friends made the journey from Willmar to Duluth carrying cross. They met lots of people and asked many to sign the cross. Contributed photo It was an amazing undertaking, not only for the three men making the faith journey but for the people they encountered along the way. Chris Alle, of Willmar, and two friends, Scott Peders

Independence Place offers independent living in a senior housing cooperative So the Hebrinks made the move to Independence Place on the east edge of Willmar five years ago. There, they can still have the benefits of owning their own place without the maintenance worries. And they can live in a community of their own peers. “The thing I like about this place is the security that I feel,” said Delores. “It’s homey, it’s a quiet area, and the neighbors are close at hand. The lon

This weeks featured pet is Harley, an adult male Basset Hound, available for adoption at Ridgewater Paws & Claws in Willmar, MN. Harley has been neutered, Heartworm tested & on preventative, vaccinated for Rabies, Distemper, Bordetella (kennel cough), and has been microchipped. The adoption fee is $60 Contact Ridgewater Paws & Claws in Willmar, MN Check out their website for more info or contact Amy at pawsandclaws@ridgewater.edu Every week we feature a Minnesota pet that ne

The goal of the league is to empower citizens to shape better communities worldwide. They believe in respect for individuals, the value of diversity, the empowerment of the grass roots, both within the league and in communities, and the power of collective decisionmaking for the common good. This nonprofit organization encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy. It does not support pol

This weeks featured pet is a senior, female German Shepard, available for adoption at Hawk Creek Animal Shelter in Willmar, MN. Sandy is house trained and spayed. Her shots are current. Contact Hawk Creek Animal Shelter in Willmar, MN Call at 320-235-7612 or check out their website for more info. Every week we feature a Minnesota pet that needs a home. Let us know if you take a featured pet home and we will add an update to this page. #petadoption #Willmar