It only takes seconds for lives to be ruined.
Screams of horror, blood, lifeless bodies, mangled cars and rescuers frantically working set the stage for that harsh reality to be driven home to teenagers at Medford High School last Wednesday morning. It was all part of a mock car crash used to illustrate the dangers of drinking and driving just before the prom and graduation seasons.

UPDATE 4/30/2015:
 
The Times has learned that the bird flu has swept through a turkey farm in the northeastern part of Steele County. 

Doris (Larson) Kraay, 90, of Owatonna, died Sunday, April 26, 2015, at the Owatonna Hospital Doris was born November 12, 1924, in Riceland Township, Freeborn County, the daughter of Nels and Hannah (Peterson) Larson. She was raised in Lerdal, Minnesotan and graduated from Alden High School. She was united in marriage to Jochem “J.C.” Kraay on May 22, 1943, in Clarks Grove. J.C.

Graduation Day is coming soon for those across the Steele County Times and News Enterprise coverage areas. Over the next few weeks those graduating will be getting everything together for that special day in May, or in some cases, June.

Seeing photographs or watching videos of inmates locked up in Minnesota’s prison system or any images of prison won’t be happening anytime soon. 

The number of clogged sewer lines is on the rise in Steele County, potentially costing untold thousands of dollars in pump and other repairs.
The culprit? Sanitary wipes that should never be thrown in the toilet, even though their manufacturers label them “flushable.”

With prom season in full swing, dress shops are picked over, hair and nail salons are booked, restaurants are booked and juniors and seniors are ready to dance and create a memory they will never forget. 
 
Blooming Prairie

Nick and Javis VonRuden have been playing baseball together for a long time. For years it’s been their dream to play on the same varsity team. This year, that dream came true. 
With Javis being a freshman and Nick a senior, this season will be the two’s only opportunity to play varsity ball together, but they are making the most of it. 

BP vs. Hayfield
Although neither won its division, the Blooming Prairie track teams picked up numerous firsts at the four-team Hayfield Invitational track meet Tuesday, April 21. The girls finished first in nine events, while the boys took seventh.