For almost 15 years, Wright Family Farms has welcomed Hutchinson High School’s FFA members, so they could provide an agricultural experience for fourth-graders. “We started when our son was in his freshman year at the school,” said Paul Wright, one of the owners of the farm.
Rumors have swirled about the authenticity of the Kensington Runestone since it was discovered in 1898 tangled in the roots of an aspen tree on the a farm near Kensington, Minnesota. Learn more about this artifact when Runestone expert Janey Westin debunks those rumors and more during her presentation 1:30 p.m.
Fall is in the air. Those who know me well will know that I love summer, yet my spirit always keeps one foot in autumn — the season of frosty mornings, brilliant colors, cold rains, and “cackling” geese in the sky.
The Meeker County Sheriff's Office is taking applications for multiple Full-Time Correction Officers. Duties include booking and releasing inmates, monitoring cell areas for security, and administering to inmates’ needs. This position is a rotating shift schedule. Position requirements include but are not limited to keeping accurate records, maintaining composure in stressful situations, process sensitive information in a confidential manner. Meeker County is offering a 24-hour vacation bank upon hire, a competitive starting wage that is based on experience and education. Meeker County also offers a Student Loan Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement, Catastrophic Medical Leave Program, and an Employee Recognition Program. The pay range for this position in 2024 is $23.56 - $31.66 per hour. For a complete job description and to complete the online application, visit the Meeker County website at www.co.meeker.mn.us and click on Employment Opportunities. Questions may be directed to the Meeker County Sheriff’s Office at 320-693-5414 or Meeker County Human Resources at 320-693-5203. Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled. An EOE.
assembled at Eli Drew’s handsome new house and gave the owner an old-fashioned housewarming. Mrs. Drew and daughters were in on the secret but Mr. Drew was made the victim of genuine surprise. Those present did their best to make the evening pass pleasantly and they succeeded to the fullest extent. Mr. Drew and his family have made many friends during their residence in Hutchinson who took this method of expressing their goodwill.
Just when you thought there was nothing new under the moon, Historic Hutchinson surprises you with an all-new Haunted History Tour. Planned for 7-9 p.m.
I love the wisdom in the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15. Paraphrased, it goes something like this: A wealthy father had two sons, one of whom asked for his inheritance early. The father graciously gave his son what he asked for. The son took his money and left home. Shortly thereafter, the son had recklessly spent his entire inheritance and found himself working for a hog farmer. The son had become so poor and desperate that he even considered eating the hog slop, which appeared more appetizing than what he was currently eating. The son’s thoughts returned to his father and the home that he left. Quickly, the realization that his father treated his servants better than the treatment he was currently receiving. The son decided to return to his home and his father and ask for a job as a servant. From a distance, the father saw his son on the horizon, coming home, and ran to meet him. The father, without question, gave his son the robe off his back and his signet ring and told his servants to throw a party because the Prodigal Son was home.
Who gives a year’s notice when they are going to leave their job? Mary Hodson, president and CEO of the Hutchinson Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, gave the Hutchinson Chamber Board a long lead time, because they knew they had big shoes to fill. Fortunately, the perfect candidate appeared, and Valerie Mackenthun, longtime community enthusiast and co-owner of Compass Occasions, applied and was hired in June for the job.
While many folks his age are retired or thinking about retiring, Brian Rick, 66, owner of Rick Plumbing and Heating in Hutchinson is celebrating the 50th anniversary of his second-generation family business. “My dad started the business,” Rick said.
To better meet the needs of a trucking industry desperate for trained drivers, Ridgewater College is expanding and upgrading its handson training range for truck drivers seeking their commercial driver’s license or CDL.