Cliff Mitchell signs off the final time

Cliff Mitchell signed off KASM 1150 A.M. Radio, Albany at noon on Wednesday, Dec. 31 for the final time. It wasn't without some misgivings and trepidations.

Dr. Mary Schwieters retires from Melrose Clinic

"I love my job, but I love my kids more," says Melrose family practitioner Dr. Mary Schwieters of her retirement as of Tuesday, Dec. 30.

Jane Brown retires

When Jane Brown began working at Melrose City Hall on July 25, 1972, there were three parking spaces labeled City Clerk, Assistant City Clerk, and Assistant City Clerk.

City faces spending freeze because of LGA cuts

Melrose City Administrator Brian Beeman has recommended a spending freeze in light of the cut of Local Government Aids by the State of Minnesota.

Middendorf creates eye-catching wood works

Devin Middendorf has always liked working wood.

New laws effective Jan. 1

The following is a listing of selected new laws passed during the 2008 legislative session that take effect Jan. 1, 2009. The asterisk following the bill number denotes the language that became law. Summaries of all laws passed by the 2008 Legislature are available online from House Public Information Services at www.house.leg.state.mn.us/hinfo/Newlaws2008-0.asp

Police Report - Week of Dec 15 - 28

Dec. 15 - 1 p.m. Theft from vehicle in the Melrose High School parking lot. A girl reported that between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. her locked car was broken into, and her purse was taken from the glove compartment. The purse contained cash, driver's license, debit card and misc. items valued at more than $100.

Post Office has second mail surge after Christmas

The day after Christmas proved to be the second biggest delivery day of the Melrose Post Office year, according to Postmaster Peter Straka.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow . . .

The weather outside has been frightful most of December, with storms hitting at least twice a week. Total snowfall in December amounted to a whopping 28.5 inches, according to records kept at the Melrose Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Shed burns near St. Rosa

The Stearns County Sheriff's Office has reported a fire at 29455 421st St., Melrose, a mile west of St. Rosa, on Christmas Day at 1:32 p.m.

Beacon Bits

25 Years Ago - Dec. 28, 1983