It’s only mid-June and I’m to the point where I feel I’ve already been through a full year of ups and downs.
I was talking with our editor, Karen Jorgensen last week and we were recounting the significant things that have happened since January 1, 2020.

Bonnie Jean Miller, 84, of Mantorville, passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2020 in Mantorville.
Bonnie was born on August 22, 1935 in Sundance, WY to Lyle and Nancy (Linton) Bartholomew. The family moved several times before settling down in the Mantorville area.

Brenda K. Miller, 57, of Penn Township, MN passed away on Sunday, June 7, 2020, at her home.
She was born on March 22, 1963, in Rochester, the daughter of Dale and JoAnn (Williams) Tiegen.

Dolores Irene Schletty Roberts passed away peacefully with her daughter by her side on Feb. 19, 2020 at Fairview Care Center in Dodge Center. 
She was born Sept. 15, 1929 to Lawrence and Edna Schletty in Concord Township. Dolores was the oldest of six siblings. 

James N. Sands, 87, died after a brief illness on Saturday morning, June 6, 2020, at his home in Kasson.  He was born on May 30, 1933, in Kenyon, the son of Aaron N. and Geraldine (Nesseth) Sands.

Justin Paul Neubauer, 32, of Hastings, died Tuesday, June 9, 2020 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester from injuries received in a motorcycle accident.

Lawrence David McGinley, age 85 of Bloomington, passed away peacefully  at his home with his children by his side. He was greeted in heaven by his sweetie Lois and his Savior Jesus Christ. His finals days were made comfortable and peaceful by his children, with the help of MN Hospice.
Larry was born on Aug. 1, 1934 in Cherry Grove Township. After high school he joined the Navy Reserves in Minneapolis from 1952-1955.

Luverne Gilbertson, 83, passed away on Friday morning, June 12, 2020, in Hayfield.  He was born on Aug. 2, 1936, in Hayfield, the son of Eddie and Claire (Solverud) Gilbertson.  
He served in the United States Army. Luverne was united in marriage to Marie Margaret Christensen on Sept. 6, 1958. 

This past Monday was a big day in the world of high school football. It was the first day of the summer waiver period, which is when high school football teams can hold their summer team workouts. Each team has 11 contact days that they can use between now and Friday, Aug. 7. However, with some COVID-19 restrictions still in effect, it’s going to be an offseason unlike any other.