News
Grief Share Support group starts Monday, March 14th
Another ‘GriefShare’ support group is starting Monday, March 14 at 7 o’clock at The Refuge Church Youth Center, 1023 Benson Road, Montevideo. GriefShare is a nondenominational biblical support group that focuses on helping people who are dealing with a loved ones death. GriefShare features recognized experts on grief recovery topics. Video sessions include, “Is This Normal?” “The Challenges of Grief” “Grief and Your Relationships” “Why” and “Guilt and Anger” For more information contact The Refuge Church at 320-269-7500
Adult Driver Education class to be held in Granite Falls
The Southwest Adult Basic Education Program will offer a FREE adult driver education class beginning Monday, March 14. This class will be held at the Minnesota West Community and Technical College located in Granite Falls, and will continue for 8 weeks concluding on Monday, May 2. Class hours will be from 5:00 to 7:00. Students will receive instruction on a variety of topics ranging from Diverging Diamond Interchanges and ABS brakes, to basic intersection technique. This class will also provide the necessary information to assist in successfully passing the state required knowledge test. Information will be presented in a variety of formats, including videos, on-line materials, worksheets, and interesting lectures. To register, contact the Adult Basic Education Office at 320-269-9297, or Paul Knapper at 320-522-2575.

New sunfish regulations in effect on 52 lakes
Sunfish anglers need to closely check the 2022 Minnesota Fishing Regulations booklet and signs at water accesses for new sunfish limits in effect on 52 lakes and connected waters starting March 1. The new regulations lower limits on specific waters as part of a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources initiative to protect and improve sunfish sizes.
United Way Community Investment volunteers needed
United Way of Southwest Minnesota (UWSWMN) needs a limited number of volunteers to help review Community Impact Grant applications submitted by local nonprofit organizations requesting program funding for 2022-23. This is an exciting and influential volunteer opportunity for local people to learn more about programs in our service area while having input as to how funds raised in our most recent campaign are invested.

THUNDER HAWKS GIRLS TEAM MAKES SCHOOL HISTORY
Monday evening, the Thunder Hawks Girls Basketball Team made school history with their win over Benson. The team finished the West Central Conference with an 11-1 record, securing the Conference Championship for the first time in the school's history. Their overall record is now 21-3. (Back row, left to right) Kiera Foley, Avery Koenen, Hailey Dirksen, Tenley Epema, Kassey Pauling, Taylor Viessman. (Front row, left to right) Teagan Epema, Taya Weber, Tyra Sandven, Keely Foley, Annie Marquardt. SCOTT MARQUARDT

Former NFL player who grew up in local area publishes book
Larry Cole grew up on a farm near Hazel Run, attending church with his family at Yellow Medicine Lutheran in Hanley Falls every Sunday, and attending school in Granite Falls. Cole, who now lives in Texas, published a book in November of 2021 about his life experiences, including playing for the NFL.
Gustavus Adolphus College announces 2021 Fall semester Dean’s List
The Fall Semester Dean's List at Gustavus Adolphus College has been released. The list comprises students who have earned a 3.7 grade point average (based on a scale in which 4.0 = A) or higher for the semester ending in December 2021.
Chippewa/Yellow Medicine Counties Relay for Life meeting scheduled
The next Chippewa/Yellow Medicine Counties Relay for Life meeting will be held on Monday, February 28th, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. at the Co-op Credit Union in Montevideo.
New Minnesota license plate benefits FFA and 4-H
A new Minnesota license plate celebrating agriculture will benefit 4-H and the state's FFA members. The plate's design was unveiled last Friday.
“Obedience Vision”
As followers of Jesus, I'm afraid, we get caught up in a way of thinking more often than we realize. We get sort of swept up in the notion that there are these plateaus along the journey of discipleship, and once we reach those plateaus, well, we've made it. We can rest, because we've arrived at a place where all we really need to do is put life in cruise control. But then...well, then we hear words from Jesus that call us to a deeper, more mature faith.