LIFESTYLE

Column: These Nobles County women were heroes

As Memorial Day approaches and the region prepares its annual salutes to fallen veterans, it can trace a path through at least 10 American wars.

By Ray Crippen , May 18, 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

Column: Here's a column that's a Dutch treat

WORTHINGTON — It is not a huge coincidence, but it is notable: The year the first Dutch homesteaders came to Nobles County — 1890 — is the last year the Dutch people had a king.

By Ray Crippen , May 11, 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

Out & About: May 11-18

Saturday, May 11 Mother’s Day Brunch, serving egg puffs, finger sandwiches, fresh fruit, yogurt, home-baked pastries, juice and coffee, Historic Dayton House, 1311 Fourth Ave., Worthington. Reservations required; contact Community Education, 376-6105. “Classroom to Gallery Project,” opening reception for an exhibit of artwork by the students at Worthington Area Learning Center, 1 to 2:30 p.m., A Piece of Work Inc., 1619 Hill Ave., downtown Spirit Lake, Iowa. Call (712) 336-1077, or visit www.apieceofworkinc.com.

May 09, 2013

Cauli-pizza: Veggie crust cuts down carbs

When I first encountered the recipe for cauliflower pizza, I was more aghast than intrigued. “Why would anyone put cauliflower on a pizza?” I thought. “That’s not a good combination.”

By Beth Rickers , May 06, 2013

Column: Where are there were many twos, there are several ones

WORTHINGTON — A recent column recalled the department stores which once lined Worthington’s main street. Worthington had three. More often when a conversation centers on Worthington it is said, “Worthington had two.”

By Ray Crippen , May 04, 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

Looking Back: 1963 - New Interstate 90 plans unveiled

A weekly look back at regional history

By Jane Turpin Moore , May 01, 2013

Column: Don't stand there like a statue. Take a drive to Lismore

WORTHINGTON — It was Maundy Thursday morning, or Good Friday morning. The talk was of sculpture, the crucified Christ. How many statues of the crucifixion have you seen? Where was the best Christ sculpture you have seen?

By Ray Crippen , April 27, 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

Out & About: April 26-May 10

Friday, April 26 County Coop Craft Boutique, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., 73929 470th Ave., Jackson. Phone (507) 662-5810. Spaghetti Supper, serving all-you-can-eat pasta, garlic bread and coffee, 5 to 8 p.m. or until gone, Eagles Club, 205 Oxford St., Worthington. “Drinking Habits,” presented by the Reading Community Players, doors open at 5:30 for meal, show starts at 7 p.m., Reading Community Center, Reading. For tickets, contact Bruce, 370-3341.

April 25, 2013

Looking Back: 1963 - Ground broken for Edgerton school

A weekly look back at regional history

By Jane Turpin Moore , April 24, 2013

Column: Empty at first, Worthington became town of trees

WORTHINGTON — In the beginning there were no trees. Not many, anyway. A few burr oaks along some of the lakes. Plum trees along river banks. Again and again the explorers, the pioneers, described southwest Minnesota and northwest Iowa as a treeless prairie.

By Ray Crippen , April 20, 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