Prize winning peonies picked by young HL growers
“My favorite part of peony growing is cutting stems and giving them to people,” said Luke Swenson, 10, of Howard Lake, which is a sentiment echoed by his sister Britta, 12. Britta and Luke are the children of Keith and Becky Swenson, owners of Swenson Gardens, who are commercial, yet organic, peony growers now based out of Howard Lake. Britta and Luke show their prize-winning peonies.

Seminar on rain gardens to be presented in Winsted
Plant a rain garden and reap its benefits! It adds beauty to any landscape, attracts birds and butterflies, helps prevent flooding, and protects the water quality of rivers, lakes, and streams.

Carver County Rd. 10 roundabout scheduled to open Friday, July 11
The first of two roundabouts that are part of the Highway 7 improvement project is set to open Friday, July 11. Both the County Road 10 and Highway 25 intersections will remain open over the weekend, and then the Highway 25 intersection will be closed Monday, July 14 so construction can begin on that intersection.

Waverly Daze is set Friday through Sunday, July 11-13
A new bean bag toss, fireworks, Wright County’s only fast pitch softball tournament, and a fishing contest are featured this year during Waverly Daze, from Friday to Sunday July 11-13.

Mayer’s Zion Lutheran Church celebrates 125th anniversary
Zion Lutheran Church has been a part of the Mayer community since 1883, and the congregation is celebrating its history with a series of events including a 125th anniversary celebration Sunday, July 13.

Former exchange student returns to LP for a visit
After a 10 year absence, Maritn Dodell traveled from his home in Germany to return to the town that changed the course of his life. Dodell was a foreign exchange student at Lester Prairie high school in 1997-98. His host, and the person who influenced him the most while he was here, was Lester Prairie resident, Gordon Houk.

NG appoints Jim Paul to vacant seat on city council
New Germany recently had the rare luxury of multiple candidates for its vacant city council seat. “I’m so happy that someone even applied. It’s been a struggle to get people interested,” Mayor Pete Pederson said during Tuesday’s New Germany City Council meeting.

Gladys A. 'Gladie' Broll
69, Waverly,07/01/08

Ellen Maria Rokala
91, Kingston, 06/30/08

Larry James Schliinz
63, Paynesville, 06/29/08

Marjorie Elaine Schaaf
78, Dassel, 06/28/08

Paul Edward Maiers
87, Stewart, 06/22/08

A Christmas gift? Don't forget to order a History Book now, for later
Parents and grandparents would love to get a copy of the new Howard Lake History Book! It will be printed again – both hard and soft bound books – with orders due by Wed., July 2. Books will be ready in 30 days.

Bracelets for autistic children
Carver County is looking at a program that would promote bracelets for vulnerable people such as children with autism. This, after a Waconia boy was found knee deep in water, giving his parents a fright.

Friends of the Howard Lake Library
This group is interested in increasing public awareness and use of the vast resources of the Howard Lake Branch of the Great River Regional Library system. See the HJorgs.com website.

Check daily updates from Kacie Carlsted's mother, LeeAnn
Check here for regular updates made on Caring Bridge web sites for Kacie Carlsted, who was involved in a May 28 fatal crash.


Funny jokes from SherryH
Silly jokes from SherryH of Cokato are featured this week on the Forum. To read other non-related active comments, click here.

Fighting our fear of vacations
Ivan Raconteur

Solar energy stopped for squirrels
Roz Kohls

Quantum computing is closer to reality
Mark Ollig
To see Mark's Web Pick of the Week, click here!

The year of St. Paul the apostle
Father Bill Sprigler, Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Winsted

Enjoying summer time
Pam Fiecke

Two gloves, a ball and a connection
Jenni Sebora

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