Stories from surrounding communities, closest first.
hometownsource.com · Rush City, MN
Nearby: Rush City, MNBell Ringers needed this Holiday SeasonBell ringers for the Isanti County Salvation Army for the Red Kettle Campaign are needed for the Cambridge and Isanti areas. Volunteers can go to SalvationArmyVolunteer.org to register and select a date and location.November 17 — December 10Rush City Christmas Caring TreeThe Christmas Caring Tree will be set up at the Rush City Library (240 W. Fourth St.) from Nov. 17 until Dec. 10. The tree is decorated with Christmas Wish tags from children in the Rush City School District. Select a Wish tag(s), purchase gift(s) for the child and return them unwrapped to the Rush City Library by Saturday, Dec. 12. Your generosity will be appreciated on Christmas morning. Questions, call Marilyn at 651-245-4677 or Shari at 320-358-3463.Saturday, Nov. 14Holiday Craft and Vendor Fairs in BrahamA holiday craft and vendor fair will be held at the Braham Elementary School (528 Eighth St. SW) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Marshfield Mail · Webster, WI
Nearby: Webster, WIFor residents in Marshfield, Seymour, Rogersville, Fordland, Niangua, and other Webster County communities, getting to a doctor’s appointment or grocery store isn’t always as simple as jumping in the car. For 55 years, OATS Transit has helped rural Missourians overcome those transportation challenges, providing rides that let residents stay independent and connected to their communities. The nonprofit organization is celebrating its 55th anniversary this November, recognizing a service that began with volunteers in 1971 and has grown to serve 87 Missouri counties, including Webster County. Executive Director Dorothy Yeager said she understands the importance of rural transportation because she grew up in a small Missouri community herself. “I’m Mid-Missouri, born and raised,” Yeager said. “I grew up in rural Cooper County, went to Otterville School, which is a tiny little school there in Cooper County.” Yeager joined OATS in 1987 after graduating from the University of Missouri.
Marshfield Mail · Webster, WI
Nearby: Webster, WIAfter 28 years as Webster County’s presiding commissioner, Paul Ipock is preparing to retire from a position he never expected to hold when he first walked into a county commission meeting nearly three decades ago. At 72, Ipock says it’s time to step back, enjoy life, and let someone else lead. While the decision brings mixed emotions, he looks back on his years in office with appreciation for the people he’s served. “I love this county,” Ipock said. “I’ve had some wonderful people to work with, and I like what I’ve done.” His connection to Webster County goes back to childhood. Ipock’s parents were originally from the area but moved away in the 1940s. The family returned in 1957, when he was three years old, and settled on a dairy farm west of Seymour. He married in 1973, and he and his wife have been married for 53 years. Together, they raised three children and operated a dairy farm from 1976 until 2006.
Marshfield Mail · Webster, WI
Nearby: Webster, WIFor families dealing with Parkinson’s disease, the challenges can go far beyond the shaking and tremors most people associate with the condition. In Webster County, an organization works to ensure families don’t have to face those challenges alone. Cassie Locke, executive administrator of Parkinson’s Group of the Ozarks (PGO), recently visited the Marshfield Rotary Club to share information about the disease and the services available to families throughout southwest Missouri. The Springfield-based nonprofit has served the Ozarks for more than 25 years, offering support groups, wellness programs and educational opportunities for those living with Parkinson’s and their families. Locke said one of the organization’s biggest challenges is simply making sure people know help is available. “We’re kind of a hidden gem until you need our services,” she said. Originally from Branson, Locke moved to the Springfield area in her twenties to attend college and has called the area home ever since.
Marshfield Mail · Webster, WI
Nearby: Webster, WIChristmas shopping takes on a special meaning when a child gets to walk through a store, pick out a gift, and share the experience with a police officer. That’s what the Marshfield Police Department hopes to do this December again through its annual Shop with a Cop program. Police Chief Doug Fannen says the program has run for decades, giving law enforcement officers a chance to help children whose families may be struggling financially. But there’s something else that makes the program special. Fannen says it gives children a chance to see police officers in a different light. Many of the youngsters have only encountered officers during difficult situations involving family members. Shop with a Cop gives them an opportunity to see the friendly, caring side of law enforcement. And sometimes, those first nervous moments turn into smiles, laughter, and even hugs.
hometownsource.com · Oak Grove, MN
Nearby: Oak Grove, MNNormally, animal owners like to raise cats and dogs, or perhaps a guinea pig or hamster or two.Oak Grove’s Ma Lee shirks this, instead raising flocks of pigeons that can somersault in midair. In 2026, Lee won the National Birmingham Roller Club’s 20-bird event, earning his third national title.Lee has kept birds since he was little. He raised pigeons with his friends and stuck with it as a hobby. He moved to Oak Grove to give his birds more room and to enjoy the outdoors. He found the roughly 13-acre property near the Bethel border in 2012.For Lee, preparing Birmingham rollers for competition means getting the pigeons to perform as a group. He competes against breeders from across the U.S. and abroad.“These birds have the ability to do backwards somersaults,” Lee said. “And it’s bred within them. It’s in their genes.”Lee said his job is to pick out birds that can spin like a ball, the kind of roll competitors prize.
