abc-logo
Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always

Please submit form to schedule a

Personal Care Consultation

Local Magic Personal Care Consultation

Please submit this form below and we will chat shortly!

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Home Care In Lester Prairie, MN

Home Care Lester Prairie, MN

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Veterans Memorial - Lester Prairie gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Lester Prairie, MN is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Lester Prairie, MN

location Service Areas

The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

×
TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care comes in to help my dad a shower at night. When the guy came out to interview, he was really good and helpful, but it was just hard to find someone to help with dad been a little bit bigger and heavier. They like the person that they had come out a couple of times. The caregiver is good.”

Gloria285054

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Lester Prairie, MN?

lm-check

Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

lm-check

When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

lm-check

The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

lm-check

At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Lester Prairie, MN

Types of Elderly Care in Lester Prairie, MN

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Lester Prairie, MN
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Lester Prairie, MN
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Sunrise Nature Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Lester Prairie, MN
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Longhorns Burger House or visit Central Square - Lester Prairie, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Lester Prairie, MN

Benefits of Home Care in Lester Prairie, MN

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

Request More Information vector

Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Lester Prairie, MN, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Lester Prairie, MN

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your MN's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Lester Prairie, MN

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Lester Prairie, MN understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Lester Prairie, MN

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Lester Prairie, MN

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • The Gardens at Winsted Assisted Living
  • Assisted Living Services of Winsted
  • Grand Meadows Senior Living
  • Cedar Crest Estate
  • Legacy of Delano Senior Living
  • New Perspective Senior Living
Home Care Lester Prairie, MN

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Lester Prairie, MN

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

lm-right-arrow
01

A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

lm-right-arrow
02

Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

lm-right-arrow
03

Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Lester Prairie, MN 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Lester Prairie, MN

Latest News in Lester Prairie, MN

Gruenhagen: Lester Prairie woman nominated for Woman Farmer of the Year award!

July 14, 2023Friends and neighbors –Congratulations to Rachelle Krienke of Lester Prairie on being named a finalist for the Farmfest Woman Farmer of the Year award!Rachelle grew up on a hobby farm and was active in 4-H before marrying a dairy farmer. She dove right into dairy farming, taking on bookkeeping, employee management, and calf care. Her dedication helps Prairie Dairy thrive. Beyond the farm, Rachelle serves on her church board, supports the local FFA, and is a devoted mother of three. She works hard for h...

July 14, 2023

Friends and neighbors –

Congratulations to Rachelle Krienke of Lester Prairie on being named a finalist for the Farmfest Woman Farmer of the Year award!

Rachelle grew up on a hobby farm and was active in 4-H before marrying a dairy farmer. She dove right into dairy farming, taking on bookkeeping, employee management, and calf care. Her dedication helps Prairie Dairy thrive. Beyond the farm, Rachelle serves on her church board, supports the local FFA, and is a devoted mother of three. She works hard for her family, her farm, and her community. You can read more about her story on the Farmfest website. I have also included it below.

Congrats, Rachelle! We’re proud you’re being recognized for your passion and commitment to agriculture. Best of luck at Farmfest!

Glenn

Finalists for the Farmfest Woman Farmer of the Year award

Rachelle Krienke, Lester Prairie, MN

Rachelle learned the value of hard work and dedication growing up on a hobby farm near Winsted, the third of five children. She was active in the Winsted Jolly Juniors 4-H Club and McLeod County 4-H, including showing beef cattle. After graduating from Holy Trinity High School, she took courses at St. Cloud State University. She fell in love with and married a farmer – and despite never having so much as milked a cow, she dove feet first into dairy farming.

As Prairie Dairy has grown over the years, Rachelle has been invaluable to helping the management of the business evolve. She keeps the farm’s books, recruits and schedules employees and takes an active role in participating in the Dairy Profitability Enhancement Program and Farm Business Management with her husband. She has taken farm-specific Spanish language classes to help support the dairy’s largely Hispanic workforce. She goes the extra mile with little things that improve the work environment.

In addition to management and business functions, She is part of daily production operations. Calf care is her area of expertise, and she works to stay current on best practices and help the farm’s youngest animals thrive right from the start.

She is a member of the board of education at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, recently helping lead the search for a new Director of Christian Education in addition to regular duties supporting Sunday School and religious education programming. She has been a member of the Howard Lake Waverly Winsted FFA Alumni group since 2017, playing a supporting role in fundraisers like the annual alumni auction and tractor pull. She is a past 4-H Club Leader for the Winsted Jolly Juniors 4-H Club. Ever the dairy producer, you can count on her to provide a dairy snack or beverage at church or other local community events.

Farming is nonstop, and so is She. In her farming career, She has done more than 600 herd checks. She has worked all hours of the day and night in the barn, behind the wheel of the tractor, in front of the computer while raising three kids and supporting her community.

She doesn’t just care for the animals on the farm. She’s a dedicated mother who is there for band concerts, soccer games, FFA awards night and every single day of the McLeod County Fair. She’s spent at least two decades packing lunches, trekking to orthodontist appointments and helping with class projects for her three kids. She’s also a devoted wife, daughter, sister and auntie (and always brings the best food to family potlucks).

From her nominator: “I’m always amazed by her tenacity and her commitment to the farm and her family. Whatever life throws at her, she keeps showing up and giving it her best.”

Minnesota high school football scores: Friday, Sept. 1, 2023

A look at some of the final scores from Friday night's action.More VideosGOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. — Alden-Conger 35, Grand Meadow 6Alexandria 42, Chaska 7Annandale 21, Litchfield 13Apple Valley 29, Rochester John Marshall 7BOLD 71, Windom 34Barnesville 14, Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton 7Barnum 28, Moose Lake/Willow River 22Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa 46, Bagley 14Blooming Prairie 43, Rushford-Peterson 8Brainerd 34, Mahtomedi 6Browerville/Eagle Valley 26, Menahga 0...

A look at some of the final scores from Friday night's action.

More Videos

GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. — Alden-Conger 35, Grand Meadow 6

Alexandria 42, Chaska 7

Annandale 21, Litchfield 13

Apple Valley 29, Rochester John Marshall 7

BOLD 71, Windom 34

Barnesville 14, Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton 7

Barnum 28, Moose Lake/Willow River 22

Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa 46, Bagley 14

Blooming Prairie 43, Rushford-Peterson 8

Brainerd 34, Mahtomedi 6

Browerville/Eagle Valley 26, Menahga 0

Caledonia 61, Zumbrota-Mazeppa 0

Canby 21, Martin County West 0

Cannon Falls 51, Plainview-Elgin-Millville 16

Chatfield 49, Pine Island 6

Cretin-Derham Hall 35, Tartan 0

Crosby-Ironton 27, Deer River 7

DeLaSalle 50, Twin Cities Academy 14

Detroit Lakes 27, Rocori 25

Dover-Eyota 18, Rochester Lourdes 16

Duluth Denfeld 28, Mora 16

Faribault 28, St. Anthony 14

Fergus Falls 42, Park Rapids 28

Fertile-Beltrami 42, Border West 12

Fillmore Central 46, Hayfield 0

Grand Rapids 47, Pine City 0

Hermantown 47, Proctor 8

Jackson County Central 42, Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial 13

Jordan 20, Marshall 7

Kasson-Mantorville 49, Delano 35

Kenyon-Wanamingo 36, Wabasha-Kellogg 7

Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg 27, Wadena-Deer Creek 6

Kingsland 40, Mabel-Canton 34

Lakeview 13, St. James Area 0

Lakeville South 41, Wayzata 27

LeRoy-Ostrander 63, Westbrook-Walnut Grove 0

Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity 30, Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton 20

Littlefork-Big Falls 76, Bigfork 20

Mankato East 20, St. Louis Park 7

Mayer Lutheran 28, United South Central 6

Mille Lacs Co-op 12, Greenway/Nashwauk-Keewatin 8

Minneapolis Henry 10, Richfield 7

Minneapolis North 41, Holy Angels 14

Monticello 28, Bemidji 26

Mountain Iron-Buhl 66, Cook County 14

Murray County Central 35, Lac qui Parle Valley 34

New Prague 17, Bloomington Jefferson 0

Norwood-Young America 21, St Clair/Loyola 6

Owatonna 42, Hastings 7

Pelican Rapids 28, Breckenridge 14

Perham 24, Hawley 0

Pipestone 21, Blue Earth Area 18

Providence Academy 14, Breck 13

Red Rock Central 13, Renville County West 6

Red Wing 24, La Crescent 12

Redwood Valley 35, LeSueur-Henderson 26

Sauk Rapids-Rice 22, Irondale 19

Sebeka 60, Carlton-Wrenshall Co-op 6

Simley 37, Winona 6

Spring Grove 13, Southland 12

St. Charles 21, Lake City 12

St. Paul Central 20, Bloomington Kennedy 13

St. Peter 52, Albert Lea 0

Staples-Motley 28, Frazee 14

Stewartville 27, Waseca 13

Two Harbors 40, Cloquet 8

Warroad 24, St. Cloud Cathedral 22

Watertown-Mayer 28, Austin 27

Win-E-Mac 22, Brandon-Evansville 12

Related Articles

Watch more of Minnesota sports:

Watch the latest reports from the KARE 11 sports team in our YouTube playlist:

Download the free KARE 11+ app for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV and other smart TV platforms to watch more from KARE 11 anytime! The KARE 11+ app includes live streams of all of KARE 11's newscasts. You'll also find on-demand replays of newscasts; the latest from KARE 11 Investigates, Breaking the News and the Land of 10,000 Stories; exclusive programs like Verify and HeartThreads; and Minnesota sports talk from our partners at Locked On Minnesota.

PUBLIC RECORD: Marriages and dissolutions

Marriage applications:Jacqueline Marie Laxen of Winsted to Courtenay Fowler Gross of WatertownKelli Jo Petty of Hutchinson to Lee Roger Kressin of Hutchinson- Advertisement -Emma Jean Clubb of Hutchinson to Justin Jeffery Erkenbrack of HutchinsonBrittany Nichole Friesen of Plato to Timothy Donald Engelmann of PlatoJared Daniel Christopherson of Hutchinson to Elise Noelle Tabor of HutchinsonBrandon Lee Moudry of Hutchinson to Ashley Marie Paehlke of HutchinsonStephie Lyn...

Marriage applications:

Jacqueline Marie Laxen of Winsted to Courtenay Fowler Gross of Watertown

Kelli Jo Petty of Hutchinson to Lee Roger Kressin of Hutchinson

- Advertisement -

Emma Jean Clubb of Hutchinson to Justin Jeffery Erkenbrack of Hutchinson

Brittany Nichole Friesen of Plato to Timothy Donald Engelmann of Plato

Jared Daniel Christopherson of Hutchinson to Elise Noelle Tabor of Hutchinson

Brandon Lee Moudry of Hutchinson to Ashley Marie Paehlke of Hutchinson

Stephie Lynn Elling of Stewart to Aron Richard Burmeister of Stewart

Jean Marie Plieseis of Norwood Young America to Mark Thomas Foley of Norwood Young America

Elizabeth Ann Carroll of Winsted to Christopher Daniel Anderson of Winsted

Tamara Lynn Ristow of Minnetonka to Greg Alan Pieschke of Minnetonka

Alexandra Orla Brusven of Plato to James Parick Tichy of Plato

Elise Catherine Linder of Burnsville to Jade Hunter Joel Olson of Burnsville

Laura Aileen Becker of Gaylord to Jordan Douglas Herd of Gaylord

Laurissa Mae Flannery of Glencoe to Kyle John Peterson of Glencoe

Elizabeth Ann Lanners of Hutchinson to My Van Chau of Hutchinson

Emily Regina Miller of Lester Prairie to Christopher Joseph Salonek of Lester Prairie

Jacob Andrew Heimerl of Winsted to Stephanie Rose Hoffmann of Winsted

Bailey Ann Wilkens of Lester Prairie to Nathan David Kuhlmann of Lester Prairie

Shania Jo Zemlicka of Hutchinson to Jared William Hasse of Hutchinson

Marit Avalon Adams of Hamel to Abraham Ajay Kottackattu of Hamel

Aric Matthew Jensen of Hutchinson to Elena Tichakova of Hutchinson

Madison Anne Jasken of Hutchinson to Tyler Wilbur Johnson of Minnetonka

Morgan Nicole Ebert of Hutchinson to Samuel Tyler Sjoberg of Esterville, Iowa

Taylor Kay Lachermeier of Winsted to Zachary Thomas Menden of Winsted

James Arthur Barrett of Alexandria to Lucille Joan Schermann of Winsted

Emily Darlene Fatula of Winsted to Tianyi Zhang of Winsted

Stacy Lynne Leithead of Glencoe to Dillon Kirk Becker of Glencoe

John Michael Francis of Glencoe to Elizabeth Claire Bruenger of Glencoe

Alicia Grace Selle of Hutchinson to Travis Guy Rognrud of Hutchinson

Elizabeth Anne Hughes of Hutchinson to Jason Matthew Cross of Hutchinson

Brian Brenner Kiel of Hutchinson to Talia Jordan Kramer of Hutchinson

Miranda Marie Lemke of Hutchinson to Kameron George Kempner of Hutchinson

Wesley Lawerence Heck of Hutchinson to Sabrina Gail Ostermann of Hutchinson

Erika Lerma Chavez of Glencoe to Ruben Enrique Rodriguez Escobedo of Glencoe

Joseph Victor Nicholas O’Sullivan of Glencoe to Alyssa Marie Groskepf of Hastings

Dustin Tom Faris of Hutchinson to Elena Mantieva of Hutchinson

Reese Jared White of Hutchinson to Angie Mae Theline of Hutchinson

Cory Lee Dammann of Lester Prairie to Melissa Ann Moran of Bloomington

Kaitlyn Ann Stewart-James of Hutchinson to Brandon Patrick Matlock of Hutchinson

Katie Jo Heeren of Arlington to Ryan Dean Bergs of Arlington

Stephanie Ann Herb of Chandler, Arizona, to Marcus James Swiontek of Jordan

Emily Lynn Johnson of Silver Lake to Katherin Helen Chloupek of Silver Lake

Marriage dissolutions:

Samantha Lynn Clifford of Inver Grove Heights from Lonnie Dean Clifford of Livingston, Texas

Owen Ned Anderson Jr. of Hutchinson from Samantha Jo Anderson of Hutchinson

Michael Lloyd Tunks of Glencoe from Amber Churan Tunks of Glencoe

Katie Alison Barton-Rehmann of Winsted from Scott David Rehmann of Litchfield

Mary Ann Niece of Hutchinson from Michael Ray Niece of Hutchinson

Sharon Kaye Wersal of Hutchinson from Joseph Raymond Wersal of Winthrop

Jerilyn E. Breitkreutz of Hutchinson from William J. Breitkreutz of Hutchinson

Kelly Jo Beilke of Glencoe from Chad Jo Beilke of Hutchinson

Robin Marie Berry of Lester Prairie from David Daniel Berry of Tracy

Terri K. Cohrs of Glencoe from Jeremy K. Cohrs of Glencoe

A look at the 1941 state tournament

[email protected] 1941, Lester Prairie High School had just 34 students.But 33 of them happened to be boys, and 26 went out for basketball at the start of the 1940-41 season.That depth helped propel the team into the 1941 state tournament, thrilling a community that then numbered just 423 people.There, Lester Prairie drew Minneapolis Washburn — the largest school in that year's eight-team field — in a quarterfinal matchup at the Minneapolis Auditorium.The game drew the attention of l...

[email protected]

In 1941, Lester Prairie High School had just 34 students.

But 33 of them happened to be boys, and 26 went out for basketball at the start of the 1940-41 season.

That depth helped propel the team into the 1941 state tournament, thrilling a community that then numbered just 423 people.

There, Lester Prairie drew Minneapolis Washburn — the largest school in that year's eight-team field — in a quarterfinal matchup at the Minneapolis Auditorium.

The game drew the attention of legendary Hamline coach Joe Hutton, who was writing tournament previews for The Associated Press.

"While Lester Prairie is coached by Henry Falk, one of my recent players at Hamline University, I believe the nod in its game with Minneapolis Washburn should go to the latter team," Hutton wrote.

"There are two important factors favoring Washburn. One, that it is thoroughly familiar with the auditorium floor, having played eight or nine games on it. And that it will also have a huge band of supporters in the stands."

Hutton proved prescient. Washburn, which had beaten Paynesville and Hopkins in the region semifinals and finals to advance to state, got four baskets from Dave Ruliffson in the fourth quarter and expanded on a three-point lead with three minutes to go to win 30-19.

But Lester Prairie wasn't the only small town in the 1941 tournament field. Tiny Buhl from the Iron Range was on hand and edged Mankato 37-35 in its quarterfinal matchup.

The other side of the bracket saw Red Wing, which had fallen to Breckenridge in the state title game the year before, beat Austin 45-29. And Bemidji beat Moorhead 42-33.

Moorhead had topped Crosby-Ironton 24-23 before a standing-room-only crowd at Little Falls in the region finals.

Buhl kept rolling in the semifinals, knocking off Washburn 34-29 before a crowd of 9,000 to set up a showdown for the title with Red Wing, which beat Bemidji 37-24.

"I, too, am going to cross my fingers and pick Red Wing," Hutton wrote. "Though I can find no apparent difference between the two teams that would lead me to make that choice."

This time, Hutton's prediction was off-the-mark. Buhl held off Red Wing 31-29 to capture the state title.

Ed Nyland and John Klarich led the way, earning spots on the all-tournament team,

And the team returned to the community of 1,000 to celebrate with a large crowd at a welcome home ceremony at the village hall.

"I hope the team can do it again next year," head coach Melvin Anderson told those assembled.

That prediction proved accurate as Buhl repeated as champions in 1942, marking the town's last state tournament appearance until Mountain Iron-Buhl returned to the Class A state tournament in 2000.

Five years ago (2011)

Big Ten athletic directors announced the conference would begin play in men's hockey in the 2013-14 season, meaning Minnesota and Wisconsin would leave their long-time homes in the WCHA.

10 years ago (2006)

Justin Stommes scored 16 points and Chad Willenbring added 15, but Rocori fell 57-51 to St. Thomas Academy in the Class 3A state boys basketball tournament at Williams Arena. Bryce Weber had 14 points for the Cadets. Future St. Thomas football star Fritz Waldvogel added nine.

25 years ago (1991)

Joel McDonald drew the most attention in a season in which he became the leading scorer in state history. But Ted Krize, a St. John's recruit, led Chisholm with 36 points as the Bluestreaks defeated Becker 86-56 in the Class A state boys basketball semifinals at the St. Paul Civic Center. McDonald, who went on to play at St. Cloud State, added 30. Justin Hegna led the Bulldogs with 23.

Becker went on to fall 75-73 to Dawson-Boyd in the third-place game. Chisholm beat Westbrook-Walnut Grove 77-61 to capture the state title.

50 years ago (1966)

Lock Haven (Penn.) smashed an NAIA scoring record with 107 points to capture the national title at the NAIA national wrestling meet held at St. Cloud State's brand-new Halenbeck Hall. The Huskies finished fifth as a team before a crowd that numbered 3,000. St. Cloud State's Dave Hazewinkel, a future Olympian, led the way with a second-place finish at 115 pounds.

Follow Frank Rajkowski on Twitter at @rajko1973 or like him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sctimesfrank.

It all begins on the line for Lester Prairie, and it all ends in victory

Joe Scoblic is in his 33rd season at the helm of Lester Prairie. He knows exactly what it takes to be successful."I truly believe it all starts up front," Scoblic said.This season that means it starts with a group of young but experienced linemen who have propelled the Bulldogs to the No. 2 ranking in Class 1A. Lester Prairie remained undefeated with a 16-0 Week 7 victory over No. 6 Mayer Lutheran, improving to 7-0.The victory was No. 199 in Scoblic's career, putting him on the cusp of becoming the 6...

Joe Scoblic is in his 33rd season at the helm of Lester Prairie. He knows exactly what it takes to be successful.

"I truly believe it all starts up front," Scoblic said.

This season that means it starts with a group of young but experienced linemen who have propelled the Bulldogs to the No. 2 ranking in Class 1A. Lester Prairie remained undefeated with a 16-0 Week 7 victory over No. 6 Mayer Lutheran, improving to 7-0.

The victory was No. 199 in Scoblic's career, putting him on the cusp of becoming the 64th football coach in state history to reach 200. The Bulldogs conclude their regular season Wednesday at United South Central (3-4).

Defense is a hallmark this season. The Bulldogs are allowing only 4.6 points per game and have given up more than six points in a game only once.

"Their success is due to their unselfishness and willingness to work together," Scoblic said. "Understanding any one of them by themself is nothing, but put the 11 together and we have something special."

He credits their attention to detail.

Rachel Zender

"I truly believe the biggest reason for their success is all the film they watch and the poring over of the opponent's offensive plays that they do," Scoblic said. "We put all of it online, and the boys are really taking advantage of it. On the first day of each week's practices, they are hollering out the formation and the plays to watch for."

The same core of linemen that drives the defense also spearheads the offense. Leading the two-way starters up front are junior guard/defensive tackle Chris Manders, junior center/defensive tackle Owen Niesen and junior tackle/inside linebacker Noah Behning.

"Our line is all juniors with one senior," Scoblic said. "They nearly all started last year, so they have a year's experience under their belt already. They are a very aggressive group.

"Put that together with the five seniors in the backfield, and some exciting things happen."

Leading that backfield is senior Tanner Scheevel, who has gained 835 yards on 92 carries. He's also a defensive back with four interceptions.

St. James Area ended its 33-game losing streak by shutting out Wabasso 20-0 on Friday.

The Saints have been moving in on it. Four weeks ago they lost to New Ulm Cathedral 29-28 in overtime after a 21-yard field goal attempt was blocked in the waning seconds of regulation.

The Saints' last win came Oct. 5, 2018, 37-6 over Windom Area.

2 Special teams touchdowns scored by Plainview-Elgin-Millville senior Kaiden Peters in a 42-26 loss to La Crescent-Hokah. He scored on an 85-yard kick return and a 78-yard punt return.

3.7 Points per game Esko's defense is yielding. The unbeaten Eskomos (7-0) have four shutouts.

12 Completed passes from Spring Grove junior quarterback Elijah Solum to senior wide receiver Caleb Griffin in a 41-20 victory over Kingsland. They teamed up for 216 yards and four touchdowns, covering 25, 31, 35 and 45 yards.

40 Points Blue Earth Area senior quarterback Parker Meyers accounted for in a 52-21 victory over Norwood Young America. He ran for five touchdowns and five two-point conversions.

49 Points scored by Lakeview in the first half of a 70-0 shutout of Lac qui Parle Valley.

80 Points by Cannon Falls in an 80-13 victory over winless Pine Island.

93.3 East Ridge junior quarterback Tanner Zolnosky's completion percentage (14-for-15) against Eastview in a 42-14 victory. He threw for 361 yards and four touchdowns.

99 Yards on a touchdown run by Hill-Murray senior running back Sawyer Seidl in the Pioneers' 28-12 victory over South St. Paul. He also had 2- and 51-yard scoring runs, accumulating 255 yards on 25 carries.

225 Rushing yards for Kittson County Central senior running back Chisum Schmiedeberg in a 41-12 triumph over Badger-Greenbush-Middle River. Schmiedeberg had two 55-yard scoring runs among his 10 carries. He has rushed for more than 200 yards in three of his past four games and has 1,492 yards this season.

254 Yards by LeRoy-Ostrander sophomore quarterback Camden Hungerholt on 21 carries in a 61-6 victory over Houston. He was also 5-for-8 passing for 130 yards.

277 Rushing yards by Chisholm junior running back Sean Fleming on 28 carries and two touchdowns in the Bluestreaks' 42-34 loss to Barnum at Joel Maturi Field. Both of his touchdown runs were 69 yards.

416 Rushing yards by Waconia seniors Max McEnelly and Alex Riley in a 55-7 victory over St. Louis Park. McEnelly had 272 yards on 14 carries and scored four touchdowns; Riley had 144 yards on 11 carries and scored twice.

525 Rushing yards by Cherry in a 76-0 victory over Ely. The Tigers accumulated 657 yards, 392 coming on the ground in the first half.

549 Rushing yards by Elk River junior running back Logan Bunker and senior quarterback Cade Osterman in the Elks' 58-29 triumph over Alexandria. Bunker finished with 284 rushing yards on 14 carries and scored twice; Osterman had 265 yards on 12 carries and scored four times. The Elks compiled 660 rushing yards on 48 carries, a 13.8-yard average.

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.