Montevideo’s first ever Drag Show hosts full house

Saturday evening, over 300 guests from the local area, as well as from as far away as Texas gathered at The Hollywood Theater for Montevideo’s first ever Drag Show. The event, created by Montevideo community member Elijah Lanz, was titled Lady Jah’s Drag Show - a homage to the name Lanz has taken on for performances.

Montevideo 5th-8th grade Music and Drama departments host Wipeout

Last Friday and Saturday, performances were held in the Montevideo Middle School gymnasium of the musical, Wipeout. The production was held by the 5th-8th Grade Music and Drama Departments, produced through a special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service. The show was a challenge to put together without an auditorium. Sets were hauled in and out of the gymnasium before and after each rehearsal. Director Dan Hampton wrote, “It has been a labor of love and we are happy that shows can continue through.” Chippewa County Medical Center, Luther Haven and Walmart contributed to the production through donations. The musical was based on a book by Flip Kobler and Cindy Marcus, with music and lyrics by Bill Francoeur. The musical was based on a beach in California in the 1960s, with a plot involving the 1960s surfing theme, and a family run business struggling not to be taken over by big business. Twenty-six students played roles in the production from grades 5th through 8th. Photos by Jessica Stolen-Jacobson

2022 Andrea Ruesch 4-H Scholarship recipients

University of Minnesota Extension University of Minnesota Extension (Minnesota 4-H) is pleased to announce the 2022 Andrea Ruesch 4-H Scholarship recipients. The Andrea Ruesch Scholarship was established in 2010 by the family of Andrea Ruesch, in memory of her dedication and contributions to the Minnesota 4-H program.

United Way of Southwest Minnesota looks back on 2021

United Way of Southwest Minnesota United Way of Southwest Minnesota (UWSWMN) recently wrapped up its annual fundraising campaign. Funds raised are invested into local programs that align to one of the program’s five priority areas: health, education, financial stability, hunger, and safety & well-being.

Ridgewater granted reaccredidation for Peace Officer Program

Ridgewater Community & Technical College Ridgewater College is proud to announce that its Peace Officer program recently received reaccreditation from the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training. The accreditation process requires nearly a year of intensive evaluation of courses, curriculum, and processes of the two-year associate of applied science degree formerly known as Law Enforcement.

Aristophanes’ “The Birds” to open on the Ridgewater stage April 21

Ridgewater Technical & Community College The Ridgewater College Theatre will present Aristophanes’ “The Birds” at the Willmar campus on April 21-23 and April 28- 30 at 7:30 p.m. This adaptation of Aristophanes’ Greek classic is written by Brian Reno and Gabriel Vega Weissman.

Bear hunting license applications available

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Prospective bear hunters have until Friday, May 6, to apply for a bear hunting license from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Applications for the 2022 season can be submitted online, at any license agent or via telephone at 888- 665-4236.

Minnesota poultry sales and exhibitions temporarily banned for 31 days

Minnesota Board of Animal Health Due to multiple detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Minnesota and surrounding states, the Minnesota Board of Animal Health is issuing a 31-day statewide ban on all poultry sales and exhibitions effective Friday, April 1 through Sunday, May 1. The ban includes all poultry community sales, swaps, fairs, exhibitions and other events where poultry and susceptible birds are brought together.

Montevideo students take part in the Schwan’s Culinary Skill Challenge

Southwest West Central Service Cooperative Montevideo students took part in the Schwan’s Culinary Skills Challenge at SMSU last Tuesday. Competitors from Montevideo High School included Ella Mills in Menu Design, Parker Thissen in Multi-layered Cake Decorating, Madelin Stolen in Baking Science and Averie Burmeister in Cupcake Decorating.