The Brownsville Fire Department used a FEMA grant and donations from the Brownsville Lions Club to purchase some rescue equipment. The department purchased a new jaws of life, spreader, two cutters, a push ram and a 6.5 horsepower hydraulic motor to operate the equipment. The FEMA grant was written by Steve and Jennifer Lee. Firemen pictured with the new equipment are, in front from left, Phil Mullen, Chris Dvorak, Gary Meiners and Chuck LeJeune. In the back, Kiel Serres, Rich Cordes, Jermey Reinhart, Dave Guckelberger (standing above) and Charlie Yehle and Brownsville Lions members Chad Serres, Dave Brickman, Jim Hakes and Ron See.                                      Submitted photo

“The Beneke Bunch” from Caledonia who enjoy the bike ride across Iowa. From left, Arne, son Jason and daughter Melissa.
                                Submitted photo

It’s hard to imagine that something that started out as a few friends getting together for a casual bike ride across Iowa in 1973, would start a tradition and become the longest, largest and oldest bicycle touring event in the world.

National Night Out was celebrated in Caledonia at Veteran’s Memorial Park. Perfect weather and plenty of food really brought the crowds out. Folks had an opportunity to enjoy a meal cooked on the grill by local law enforcement officers, to check out fire, police and ambulance units, to register for door prizes and watch members from area fire departments do battle against law enforcement officers in a softball game. In the photo above left Caledonia Police Chief Kurt Zehnder took a little time off from the grill to greet former Police Chief Randy Shefelbine. Above right, Owen Blocker checked out one of the fire department tankers. Below right, Nadia Melde enjoyed a pickle, while eating with her mother Jesie Melde. Below left, Nozeva Irby, Naphron Bennett and Nazavia Irby were handed Icies from Kris Buege at the Caledonia Area Ambulance Service display.     Photos by Charlie Warner

Plentiful rains have made Southeastern Minnesota a colorful garden. This flower garden, nurtured each year by Caledonia Green, located just east of the Qwest building in downtown Caledonia is a real treat to one’s senses of sight and smell.                                                                     Photo by Charlie Warner 

“My favorite color is fuschia.”
“Algebra is my favorite subject in school.”
Katelyn Beckman, 13, is a survivor of retinoblastoma.  Her condition has been in remission for 11 years.
She has been  blind since she was almost three and wears prosthetics in both eyes.