Clifford Sterling Thoe
06-16-1936 to 05-24-2025
Clifford was born in Hayfield Minnesota to Alfred F. Thoe and Emma Jeannette (Gulbranson) Thoe on 06-16-1936. He grew up and helped on the family farm in Hayfield, graduating from Hayfield High School. In 1956, Clifford went into the Army and served overseas in France for 2 years. He then went on to work for Moretrench American Dewatering Company for 49 years until he retired.

Cindy Bradford (March 29, 1958-December 30, 2023).
True to her generous spirit, Cindy donated her body to Mayo Clinic.
"Well done, my good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:21
September 27, 2025 at 11:30 am a graveside memorial to lay her ashes to rest will be held at Calvary Cemetary, 500 11th Ave NE, Rochester, MN.
Friends and family are invited to a light lunch following the service.
 

Donald E. Sparks, 85, a longtime area resident, most recently of Rochester, MN, died peacefully on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at Mayo Clinic St. Mary’s Hospital of stage 4 colon cancer and its related complications.

It should be no surprise to anyone reading this column that I am a fierce advocate for the First Amendment to the Constitution, which protects the Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Religion, and a Free Press.
So last week, instead of spending the morning and early afternoon eating way too much food, or drinking more beer than I do in a year, I spent time volunteering at the Newspaper Museum at the Minnesota State Fair.

My heart sank Wednesday morning as I was listening to the radio while working on the computer.
WCCO delivered a “breaking news alert” of an active shooting situation unfolding in south Minneapolis. Sadly, shootings in Minneapolis are so routine these days that they most often leave me unfazed. But this one was quite different and left me sick to my stomach.

If you spend any time at all driving in Dodge County this week, you know school is back in session—and school buses are on the road.
For the most part, we believe, local drivers are careful around school zones. They know how important it is to be extra vigilant in areas where children are crossing the street to get to and from school buildings.