Jessica Stolen-Jacobson

Jessica Stolen-Jacobson

  • Joined: July 19, 2023
  • Articles: 3304

Milwaukee Road Heritage Center receives donation

Dan Westby of the Twin Cities and Western Railroad is shown presenting an $800 donation from the railroad to Dick Ryman and Max Hinde of the Milwaukee Road Heritage Center in Montevideo. The railroad selects worthy organizations to support during the yearly visit by the North American Rail Car Operators Association who rode over the track on August 17th. This illustrates how partnerships like these strengthen the ties between the railroad and the communities it serves.

Minnesota Valley Community Concert Series 2025-26

The Minnesota Valley Community Concert Association (MVCCA) has worked for over sixty years to bring music and cultural experiences to West Central Minnesota. This exposure to quality performances supports, promotes and enriches music learning and appreciation. MVCCA Board and membership wishes to share with the community their passion for a variety of entertainment ranging from classical to choral to tribute acts to comedy and much more.

Live Well, Age Wisely: A Purple Ribbon Experience…

When I was five years old, my family moved from Tracy to Brookings, South Dakota. We often attended rodeos at SDSU, but I don’t remember ever going to a county fair and wasn’t in 4H. Thinking back on my younger adult years, I remember going to a county fair once or twice but, if I’m being honest, I was there for entertainment and good-looking men, not exhibits! Last year, I took the Friday afternoon of the Swift County Fair off work to listen to the polka band performing there and see what all the county fair hype was about.

Beyond Reason: Dear You-Know-Who…

I believe it was Justin Bieber who once asked: Is it too late now to say sorry? I can’t tell you his conclusion because I have not listened to the whole song. I mean, I’ve started the song and it’s come to an end, but the mind wanders. That said, after a quick search, it seems like J.B. left the issue vaguely unresolved. To me, that sounds unsatisfying and dumb. So I kept searching and those on the internet that say they know assure me: it is generally never too late to say sorry. This teaches us the answer you’re looking for is out there if you’re just willing to look.

News from WRAP: Prioritize your well-being…

August is National Wellness Month, a time to focus on self-care, stress management, and building healthy habits that support overall well-being. In our busy lives, it’s easy to put ourselves last, but caring for our physical, mental, and emotional health is essential—not a luxury. Even small, intentional steps toward wellness can boost energy, improve resilience, and help us show up as our best selves for the people and commitments that matter most. This month invites us to pause, reflect, and invest in ourselves.

Ask a Trooper: 2024 Dodge Durango…

I was recently issued a 2024 Dodge Durango, replacing my 2019 Dodge Charger. Dodge discontinued making the Dodge Charger for a few years but is supposed to be coming back. State Patrol’s main squads are Dodge Durango or the Ford F-150. The State Patrol issues new squads to troopers when the vehicle reaches approximately 120,000 miles.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come…” – 2 Corinthians 5:17a

Week three in my August series of The Continuum of Creation: Faith and the Land, again helps us to see how creation is ongoing. This week the main topic is not just creation, but re-creation and transformation. The Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” This amazing “new creation” comes through our faith in Christ. And faith isn’t a one-time thing, but a process that continues over our entire life growing and evolving.