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Country School Kids – Larry Van Moer – Railroad adventures

We have been learning about Larry Van Moer, the second of five children born to Marie (Marcotte) and Herbert Van Moer. Larry and his siblings grew up on the family farm north of Amiret. Larry shared adventures that related to the Chicago & Northwestern rail line that ran from Tracy through ...

On the Porch

LCHS has a book in its collection that is a great resource for finding out the origin and historical significance of place names in Minnesota. The book, “Minnesota Geographic Names” by Warren Upham was first published by the Minnesota Historical Society in 1920. A reprint edition was ...

Retirement planning in 2026: Looking beyond higher contribution limits

In 2026, higher retirement contribution limits are creating new opportunities for long-term savings — including increases to $24,500 for 401(k)s and $7,500 for IRAs1. For many investors, that raises an important question: how can you make the most of these expanded limits? 

While ...

Ask a Trooper

Question: I saw in one of your recent articles talking about stopping for a school bus. In the article you stated, “Motorists are not required to stop for a bus if the bus is on the opposite side of a separated roadway (median, etc.) — but they should remain alert for children.” Can you explain the “etc.” as I still have questions. Answer: Excellent question and yes, I can. Minnesota state statute says: Exception for separated roadway: A person driving a vehicle on a street or highway with separated roadways is not required to stop the vehicle when approaching or meeting a ...

Uncovering war stories

The bulging white canvas bag arrived at my Nelson grandparents’ farmhouse in late February 1946. On one side is Grandpa’s address; on the other is scrawled “L.A. Nelson S1/c, U.S.S. Washington, 9th Div., FPO New York, NY.” Dad’s Navy uniforms had come home. My father, Leonard, ...

The wonder of WPAs

From the rush of a buck moving under my perch in the low crook of a large tree along a vast slough, to a covey of sharptailed grouse rising on a grassy hillside, to the excitement of a flushing pheasant breaking its way out of the cane on a mid-December hunt, the countless opportunities ...