PEOPLE

Leader of the band: Fulda’s Peterson retires from music education career

FULDA — The band room at the Fulda school is filled with mementoes of Mike Peterson’s 36-year career as a music educator. The ledge outside his office bears the weight of many trophies, and more are displayed in a trophy case out in the hallway. Posters and photographs from the Calgary Stampede Parade are framed and mounted high up on the walls. On the opposite end of the room hangs the banner that announces the Fulda marching band’s arrival in parades. But for Peterson, the most treasured souvenirs are the memories of the many students who have shared their musical talents with him over the years.

June 15, 2013

Stage hand: Janssen one of original Lake Okabena windsurfers

WORTHINGTON — Among the ranks of the many volunteers who help each year with the Windsurfing Regatta and Unvarnished Music Festival, there are a few windsurfers — not a lot — but a few who occasionally test the wind and waters of Lake Okabena. One such is Marc Janssen, although his volunteer effort has little to do with the windsurfing.

By Beth Rickers , June 08, 2013

A tale of two cities: A true story of friendship

WORTHINGTON — The play by Jessica Zuehlke and Jim Stowell, “A Wagon Load of Shoes,” is based on the true story of the partnership between Worthington and Crailsheim, Germany.

June 01, 2013

A tale of two cities: Zuehlke co-writes play about partnership's beginnings

WORTHINGTON — On the 60th anniversary of the partnership between Worthington and Crailsheim, Germany, Jessica Zuehlke was part of the delegation that traveled to Germany in 2007 for the milestone sister city festivities. She once again heard the story of how two young pen pals — one European, one American, separated by an ocean and a language barrier — planted the seed that grew and flourished into a strong bond between the two communities.

June 01, 2013

Helpful smile in the library aisle: Jo Haugan retires after 36 1/2 years amid the books

WORTHINGTON — Jo Haugan never set out to be a librarian. It was more of an accidental career, something she fell into but resolved to make the best of for the duration — which turned out to be more than 36 years. She joined the staff of the Nobles County Library on Sept. 20, 1976, and will officially retire on the last day of this month.

By Beth Rickers , May 25, 2013

Making the grade: Salute to retiring District 518 staff

More than 400 years spent in the halls of Worthington District 518 schools. That’s what the combined experience adds up to for the staff members who are calling it quits at the end of this school year. The school district has a large number retiring this year, due to an early retirement incentive. Here’s a short overview of what they have contributed to local education and a few highlights of their careers.

May 18, 2013

Class of 2013: Megan Cavanaugh makes memories during senior year

WORTHINGTON — In less than a week, Megan Cavanaugh will join her classmates, clad in caps and gowns, as they march across the stage and receive their diplomas. That ritualistic exodus from Worthington High School is a moment Megan anticipates with great excitement — although she admits to a bit of trepidation, too. There are some aspects of high school that she will miss. “I like the part where I can see my friends every day,” she said. “But I am getting tired of my classes.

By Beth Rickers , May 11, 2013

Colors that POP: Windom artist creates three-dimensional textiles

WINDOM — What if …? Those two simple words figure prominently into Anna Johannsen’s life, whether it be in her job as a teacher or her creative endeavors as an artist. They are the words she lives by — along with a few others. “My mantra is ‘what if?’” explained Anna. “What if I made that into a quilt? That’s how I get my inspiration. My other thing is: How do I know if it will work unless I try it? That’s what I always say to my students. Another one is: Too much is not enough. That’s the Victorian theory — if your house is gaudy, it’s not gaudy enough.”

By Beth Rickers , May 04, 2013

Reading between the lines: Westbrook woman writes historical account based on mother-in-law's diaries

WESTBROOK — Carolyn Van Loh has never found mother-in-law jokes funny — she just doesn’t get the joke. She cherishes the close relationship she had with her mother-in-law, Betty Van Loh, who died in January 2009. “She was a mother-in-love,” corrected Carolyn, who married Betty’s son, Dave, after meeting at Pillsbury Bible College in Owatonna, and later moved to his family farm near Westbrook.

By Beth Rickers , April 27, 2013

Class of 2013: Caleb Dirksen hopes to see his name in lights someday

WORTHINGTON — Caleb Dirksen has distinguished himself in a lot of areas during his high school career, but despite his many accomplishments, he is resigned to being known as “the guy who wore the dress” in the Worthington High School musical.

April 20, 2013

Sam's story: Rock Rapids boy featured in autism documentary

ROCK RAPIDS, Iowa — At age 11, Sam Wessels has already hobnobbed with a lot of important political figures — all the presidential candidates in the last two elections — but he’s quick to quash any speculation about a future in politics. “I don’t think I’m going to be a politician when I grow up,” he offered without even being asked the question. “I’m into politics, but it’s too tough for me.” Sam’s campaign trail stumping has all been on behalf of people with autism — people like himself. His message will reach a broader audience with the release of a documentary, “The United States of Autism,” next week. Sam and his parents are one of 20 families featured in the film.

By Beth Rickers , April 06, 2013

Class of 2013: Brandi Williams looks toward career in physical therapy

WORTHINGTON — Brandi Williams is a relative newcomer to the halls of Worthington High School and its Class of 2013. Growing up in rural Brewster, Brandi — the oldest of Ken and Marcy Williams’ three daughters — first attended the Brewster school system before she made the choice to pursue an alternative method of schooling.

By Beth Rickers , March 30, 2013

Exhausting work: Mike Balk retires from muffler business

WORTHINGTON — Mike Balk never strayed too far from the neighborhood where he grew up. Sure, he spent three years serving in the U.S. Army overseas, but then it was back to Worthington, and eventually the business his dad started just across the street from the family homestead. Now, after 48½ years, Balk has turned the key on the family business for a last time and is officially retired.

By Beth Rickers , March 23, 2013

Matter of Life & Death: Woman diagnosed with ALS plans a living funeral

HERON LAKE — Long before she faced a devastating medical diagnosis (and long before there was a movie by the name starring Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson), Darlene Jibben had a bucket list — things she wanted to do before she “kicked the bucket.”

March 16, 2013

Class of 2013: Artiga pumped up to pursue biology degree

WORTHINGTON — Like most high school seniors, Cristian Artiga is anxious to grab his diploma, leave Worthington High School behind and move on to the next phase of his life. But someday, Cristian plans to walk the halls of a high school again — as a teacher. His aspiration is to teach biology at the high school level.

By Beth Rickers , March 09, 2013