The social news or gossip columns in the old newspapers are always fascinating to read. A special section in the newspaper was devoted to the social media of the day. The whereabouts of local people and events were often featured in these columns. Here are a few from The News Messenger of Lyon ...

We have begun learning about Karen (Drury) Rafson, who was born to Bertha (Weidauer) and Edwin A. Drury as the youngest of five children. Karen did not have the usual farm chores responsibilities growing up, as her older siblings were already heavily involved in the farm and house work. ...

Back in February, my brother and I went to Sustainable Safari, which is located in the Maplewood Mall. We needed a “pick-me-up” of sorts after the loss of our mother, so we checked out the indoor zoo at the mall. There’s also a location in Burnsville. I’ve seen mentions of this place ...

Before heading up to Minnesota’s Iron Range to see family over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, I had the amazing experience to watch a loon at close range track down and take a relatively large panfish from the school of sunnies I was casting to just off the dock on the south shore of Big ...

How much of a blend are you? I expect you are well aware of your blended history. That familial heritage is within us, and always will be. And, of course, we pass it on during life and, maybe, do some more blending, correct? We are perfect examples of a blended wine — more on that in a bit. ...

Saturday’s 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence is special, something that’s truly historic. It calls for looking back on all that our country has accomplished. It went from being an experiment in democracy to a coast to coast nation and then a world leader. I’m ...