News

There’s something fascinating about an abandoned town or townsite. The idea that a place, so empty and void of activity was once a bustling location with people, noises and hope is compelling to even the most casual historian. Sites like these exist all over America — remnants of bygone eras filled with growth and prosperity. Sadly, for one reason or another, people began to desert these communities and what were once busy little centers of activity drifted into the footnotes of history.

“Elegant” and “well-crafted” are words that often come to mind when thinking about the work of Minnesota author Allen Eskens. He is well-known as the creator of four Joe Talbot mysteries and other suspense thrillers.

Looking for bedding plants, fresh asparagus, homemade breads, rolls and other products? Head to opening day of the Hutchinson Farmers Market — 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 18, at Depot Marketplace, 25 Adams St.

McLeod County has two finalists from Hutchinson for the 71st Princess Kay of the Milky Way. Among the 10 chosen were Rachel Visser, the daughter of Shannon and Barry Visser, and McKenna Wright, the daughter of Heather and Paul Wright.

Education Hutchinson hosted its 25th annual teacher banquet May 8 with 152 current and retired members attending the event at Crow River Golf Club. Serving as emcee for the evening was Jason Olson, president of Education Hutchinson.

Newspapers are back in Hutchinson and Litchfield. With just a one-week gap after the last editions of storied Hutchinson Leader and Litchfield Independent Review, new newspapers appear this week in both cities with the launch of the Hutchinson Station and Litchfield Rail.

After much buzz around town, it was officially announced that Hutchinson Center for the Arts is moving from its home at 15 Franklin St. SW to new digs in Suite 100 at 218 Main St.

We all carry burdens, some heavier than others, but I can’t imagine the weight of carrying the unknown — a beloved son kidnapped at gunpoint and missing for almost 27 years. And then learning he had been assaulted, murdered and buried in an unmarked grave in a pasture near Paynesville.

Who knew when the ‘Permanently Closed’ sign went up on the Hutchinson Leader door, a new story was underway There’s nothing like a gorgeous morning in spring — birds singing, sun shining, a light breeze and a clear blue sky above. It was precisely this way when I arrived at work last Friday morning.