Beyond Reason

In a field of milkweed, Rob Perez sits with Mary the Monarch Butterfly. Rob Perez: Mary, thank you for taking the time.

From the Editor’s Desk

This week’s edition contains more of our new feature, and as we use it more, I get more into the swing of things and can work through it rather quickly. I’ve also learned that out here on the prairie, I most definitely need some type of microphone cover for filming because the wind is always present. Always.

Lac qui Parle Mission Sunday to be held July 10

The Chippewa County Historical Society will host the 64th annual Lac qui Parle Mission Sunday on Sunday, July 10, 2022. The day will begin with a worship service at 10:30 a.m. led by Dr. Reverend Clifford Canku, and will feature the Dakota Ascension Choir and the hymn “Lac qui Parle”, which was composed by Joseph Renville and inspired by Jeremiah 10:12-13. This hymn, which has been in the Dakota Odowan since 1846, was translated into English by Philip Frazier, a third generation Dakota pastor in the Congregational church. It is perhaps the most widely known Christian Indian hymn in the United States, a legacy to all people from the Santee Dakota, who still sing it in their native language.

Granite Falls Fireman’s Relief Association is awarded a State Farm grant

This year, local State Farm agent, Dustin Upgren is one of 100 agents nationwide who was nominated and selected for their outstanding community engagement. As part of the recognition, agents chose one nonprofit to receive a $5,000 State Farm grant. “At State Farm, our mission is to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected and realize their dreams. Personally, I’m a huge supporter of local fire departments and the men and women that help our customers every single day,” says State Farm agent Dustin Upgren. “I am committed to helping the community of Granite Falls and neighboring communities because a better tomorrow starts with a stronger community today.”

Minnesota Starwatch July 2022

July opens with four morning planets— Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn—strung out in that order from northeast to south. By month’s end, Saturn will be moving into the southwest and both Saturn and Jupiter start rising before midnight.

Western Fest raffle winners announced

The annual raffle ticket sales for Western Fest brought the opportunity for big winnings to exactly fifty purchasers. Those winners of this year’s Western Fest Raffle are as follows: 1.

Western Fest Grand Parade held Saturday

A marching band performing in Saturday’s parade entertained the audience with a pirates themed production. Photo by Jessica Stolen-Jacobson Montevideo’s Fiesta Days royalty rode through the parade.

100th Anniversary of Cooperatives project takes local artists on an adventure

Jessica Stolen-Jacobson, a journalist and professional photographer, was invited by Scott Tedrick, Editor of the Renville County newspaper, to collaborate with him on creating a project that celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Volstead-Capper Act. The Act is the driving force behind the project, with both Stolen-Jacobson and Tedrick eager to create the 100th Anniversary Cooperative celebration project; and, it took Tedrick and Stolen-Jacobson on quite the adventure.

Zebra mussels confirmed in Long Lake in Kandiyohi County

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed a report of zebra mussels in Long Lake, which is near Willmar in Kandiyohi County. A lake property owner contacted the DNR after his daughter found a zebra mussel attached to a rock while swimming in the lake.