This past weekend I lived the legend.
The legend of King Henry and his royal court, that is. King Henry featured his 16thCentury European village at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival, which has been going on every weekend since mid-August and wraps up this coming weekend.
The Renaissance is an interactive outdoor event, which focuses on recreating the look and feel of a fictional 16thCentury “England-like” fantasy kingdom. 

Hundreds of area students got the opportunity to step back in time to the 1740-1840 Fur Trade Era last week at the Zumbro Bend Rendezvous in Dodge Center.

Ever since Robert Sikel’s teenage son committed suicide six years ago, Sikel has focused on channeling his pain and suffering towards helping others.
Sikel has turned his passion for life into saving the lives of complete strangers. Shortly after his son’s death, Sikel founded the Open Arms Yellow Ribbon, a suicide prevention program throughout Dodge and Steele counties as well as other areas. 

Matthew Harfmann is a busy student. The Kasson-Mantorville senior has his hands in many areas including FCCLA, HOSA, student council and being a state-caliber wrestler as well as a class officer, but has still found a way to maintain excellence in the classroom maintaining a 4.0 GPA. 

Todd Allen Lewis, age 64 of Dothan, Ala., formerly of Austin, passed away Monday, Sept. 17, 2018 at Mayo Clinic Hospital Rochester, St. Mary’s Campus.  
Todd was born April 28, 1954 at the Fort Sam Houston Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, the son of Robert E. and Iris C. (Helebrant) Lewis. He attended Austin High School before moving on to graduate from high school in Colorado Springs, Colo.  

Milton "Milt" George Ebeling, Jr., 88, of Owatonna, died Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, at Homestead Hospice House in Owatonna.
He was born June 5, 1930, in Meriden Township, the son of Milton and Mabel (Brown) Ebeling. He attended country school in Meriden Township and Aurora Township when the family moved to a farm there.  He graduated from Owatonna High School Class of 1949.  

Only a day after getting out of jail, the former Kasson police officer accused of sexual abuse is back behind bars.
Julio Baez is now facing new charges in Rice County. He was booked into the Rice County Jail on Wednesday, the day after he posted bail from Olmsted County.

Frank R. Williamson, age 94 of Blooming Prairie, died Friday, Sept. 7, 2018, at Prairie Manor Care Center in Blooming Prairie. 

James Carl Schmidt, age 78, of Owatonna, passed away Sept. 9, 2018 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester.
Memorial service was held Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2018 at Trinity Lutheran Church with internment at St. John Cemetery.