Medford High School students are thinking back to when they were children in an attempt to to channel their inner kid for the upcoming spring musical “Freckleface Strawberry,” in which all play 7-year-olds. 

Dana Standke’s high spirits have impressed friends and family members in the months since a farming accident cost the elementary-schooler her right forearm. 
Sunday morning, it was greater Ellendale’s turn to display its own indomitable spirit.

Madison Worke, Taylor Hagen and John Rumpza will all have the honor of attending this year's Minnesota Basketball Coach Association's All Star games thanks, in part, to the Blooming Prairie Lions Club. 
While the talent and character of these three students is what certainly made them eligible for the invitation, the Lions Club will foot the bill for the weekends. 

Each year for the past 33, the Minnesota Boys Basketball Coaches Association has held an all-star basketball game, including 40 of the best senior players around the state. The GBCA has also held a game for 40 of the best senior girls around the state.

Marty Dale Toquam, 56, of Claremont, went home to heaven on Wednesday, March 18, 2015, at Northfield Hospital-Long Term Care Center with his family by his side.

Melissa Kay Eastberg, 39, of Owatonna, died Sunday, March 15, 2015, at Seasons Hospice in Rochester after a courageous battle with breast cancer.
Melissa was born Sep. 14, 1975, in Golden Valley, Minnesota, the daughter of Richard Soderstrom and Barbara (Wersal) Nielson. The family moved to Blooming Prairie in 1980. Melissa graduated Blooming Prairie High School in 1994 and attended Rochester Community College. 

Loretta M.  Moe, 78, of Owatonna, died Sunday, March 15, 2015, at Homestead Hospice House.

I want to share about what I consider an amazing accomplishment for our local newspaper that adds value for readers.

Tobacco use is no longer allowed on the majority of Steele County property. The exception is designated smoking areas in county parks and on the Steele County Free Fairgrounds.
The Steele County Board of Commissioners adopted the policy during its regular meeting March 17.