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.

Guest Writer
The MX-5 Cup Series is a support race series that is usually part of the IMSA TUDOR and Continental Tire Sports Car Series weekends. The past few years have been six race weekends with two races per weekend.

A tragedy that would typically cause a store to close for good has had the opposite effect on the Paffrath family, owners of Paffrath Jewelers in Owatonna. They have pulled together to overcome an untimely death and are stronger than ever.
 Callan Paffrath represents the fourth generation to be involved in the store. Callan has many fond memories of growing up in the store. 

Longevity in any career is admired. In sports longevity is a rather rare attribute.  Imagine then two Blooming Prairie senior girls who have not only fashioned a remarkable 105 game career, but have done it without missing even one contest. 
Taylor Hagen and Madison Worke have accomplished that amazing statistic, having been starters on the basketball team all four years of high school.

Loretta M.  Moe, 78, Owatonna, died Sunday, March 15, 2015 at Homestead Hospice House.
Visitation will be at Aurora Lutheran Church on Friday, March 20, one hour prior to the service.  Memorial services will be held Friday, March 20, at 2 p.m. at Aurora Lutheran Church with The Reverend Jonathan Davis officiating.