Articles

A haven in Haiti

Mickey McRoberts always envisioned Haiti as messy and hot and ugly. She was right. But in its messiness she saw a way to help clear away some clutter. Despite its oppressive heat, she saw a way to bring just a small breath of fresh air.

• Church
• Hagstrom and McRoberts
• Haitian girl
• Family

Adjusting her practice

Kathy Seifert’s affinity with animals is mystifying. “You have to see it to believe it, and even when you see it you still don’t believe it,” said the Evansville veterinarian. “Quite frankly, I don’t understand it.” Some may refer to her as an animal whisperer. Some think she has a gift. But to Seifert, it’s a skill everyone has, it’s just a matter of being open to it and letting it through.

• Kathy Seifert
• Acupuncture

A sheepish cat

Even though Oliver is orange and white, he’s the black sheep of the family. But he can’t pull the wool over his owners’ eyes. They know he’s just a cat in sheep’s clothing.

• Oliver on Ada
• Grooming

A tweet to a crooner pays off

When Carole Henderson’s son decided to become a Green Beret, she did what any devoted mother would do. She started to tweet. How else could she make sure she fulfilled one of his dreams – to see crooner Tony Bennett in concert?

• Bennett and Powers
• Katie show

From cows to corn to consignments

If Cindy Haffner hadn’t had the flu, she wouldn’t be working in a barn. But it’s a really nice barn. In fact, the remodeled farm building recently earned Cindy and her husband, John, honorable mention in the Friends of Minnesota Barns, Barn of the Year Award.

• Barn loft
• Cindy Haffner
• Barn

Stitching up happiness

Kathryn Erickson’s fingers rarely have a moment’s peace. They’re always too busy sewing. “My fingers have to keep busy,” said the avid seamstress. “Most of my life is spent sewing.”

• Kathryn Erickson
• Dresses

Schools need technology upgrades

Technology in Alexandria School District 206 is ready for evolution. “At some point we will have to make some changes,” said Kevin Brezina, technology director for the district. “What are we going to do in the next couple years?”

Caring for those who care for you

When Rodney Felber talks about how much his illness costs, he’s doesn’t mean money. He’s talking about independence. “It’s hard when you are used to doing everything yourself and you can’t do that anymore,” he said. Luckily, he has a caregiver. But she doesn’t even realize that’s what she is.

• Caregiver

Another red carpet ride?

He went from Pigpen to Oscar-nominated actor, and rumor has it that it might happen again. John Hawkes, born and raised in Alexandria, is once again receiving critical acclaim for his latest movie, The Sessions – much to the delight of his mother, Pat Perkins of Alexandria.

• The Sessions

Don't throw money in the trash

Box tops aren’t just from cereal anymore. They can be clipped from Kleenex and broccoli and soup and milk. They can even be found on underwear packaging. Best of all, box tops mean free money for schools.

• Box tops

Columns

Column – Tell the little bird to shut up

Life’s too short to tweet. Call me negative. Call me anti-information highway. Call me wary of sharing every facet of my life with complete strangers via the Internet. Call me unwilling to embrace the marvels of technology.