Articles

Shannon O’Brien overcomes incredible odds to realize her goal

Shannon O’Brien nearly died as the result of injuries sustained in a January 2012 crash. With 15 to 17 broken bones and several surgeries, a special goal kept her going as she had to learn how to walk, read and count again.

• East Wind Princess, Shannon O’Brien with Prince Euros at St. Paul Winter Carnival
• The 2002 Pepper Fest court
• 2013 reigning St. Paul Winter Carnival court

Sport Clips opens Friday in Ban Tara

Friday, March 1 marks another milestone for Ellsworth native and entrepreneur Jeff Foley when he opens Sport Clips Haircuts in Hudson at 1049 Pearson Drive.

• From left, Sport Clips assistant manager Christy Roesler, owner Jeff Foley and manager Kelsey Phephles

Ignite Martial Arts expands in new location

Hundreds of children and adults have enjoyed taking karate classes in Hudson at Ignite Martial Arts. The company recently relocated to Carmichael Crossroads next to the Azul Tequila restaurant.

• Martial arts instructors

Area photographer Bergeron turns night into light-scapes

This year the Hot Air Affair is sponsoring the Walking Art Show (WAS), which features nearly 20 photos that were donated by regional photographers including Hudson resident Bruce Bergeron.

• The Hudson arch at night
• Bruce Bergeron photographed these fox kits in Birkmose Park.
• PHOTO GALLERY: Bruce Bergeron's Night Scenes and more

MARGARET'S MUSINGS: Guns, guns and more guns

Opinion
My experience with guns is limited to say the least. As a child I know my dad had an old rifle tucked in the back of his closet. I never saw him shoot it and I had no idea then or now where the ammunition was or even if there was any in the house.

Swans may be off the endangered list but danger still lurks in area waters

It is that time of year when bird watchers, nature photographers and curious tourists migrate to Hudson to see our unique population of trumpeter swans. Over 200 people visited just last weekend.

• Trumpeter swans on the St. Croix River
• PHOTO GALLERY: Trumpeter Swans on St. Croix River

‘Tis the New Year, when health and fitness awareness peaks

The push is on this week to get a start on all those healthy resolutions you made last week but knew you would not start until this week. I checked in with Diane Olivieri, who has been a personal trainer since 1979.

• Diane Olivieri, personal trainer

Post office redux hits the ‘Mark’

The Postmark Grille opened quietly on Dec. 26. The long awaited addition to Hudson’s downtown restaurant scene gives customers an Italian-American focused menu and a unique atmosphere in which to enjoy the entrees.

• Owners/managers
• Postmark Grille opens in downtown Hudson

Azul Tequila Mexican Restaurant serves up both atmosphere and food

The Azul Tequila Mexican Restaurant Bar and Grille is serving up a vast menu of Tex-Mex style food along with authentic Mexican entrees as well.

• Azul Tequila opens
• Hacienda decor

Vine Street Studio gives artists and customers a special place

It is hard to decide where to look when you enter the Vine Street Studio. It is filled with fun, whimsical and artful items. It includes creations by the four artists, who have their studios there as well as items from many other vendors, free trade items and a new line of bath and beauty products.

• Studio and shop
• Exterior
• Mosaic

Columns

Margaret's Musings: The Golden Rule

The seed for this column was planted months ago. Then, as now, I hesitate to take on such a weighty topic. Where do morals come from?

Margaret's Musings: A light bulb moment — Merry Christmas

As an avid listener of Minnesota Public Radio, in recent months a couple of stories have led to questions which I still keep pondering.

Margaret's Musings: All in my mind’s eye and other curiosities

In late October I found myself traveling the complete 390-mile length of the state of Illinois. A transit I have made many times. The moment I enter Illinois, my own version of a Ken Burns documentary starts rolling in my mind, a unique blending of the current reality with rare family and historic photos.

• Fighting for freedom is theme of speech given by retired Navy officer

Margaret's Musings: As the World Turned - saying goodbye

Friday afternoon, I said good bye to some old friends. The soap opera As the World Turns aired its final episode after 54 years.

Margaret's Musings: Pay it forward – It brightens the future and the moment

Somedays you catch a break and other days you can, with a simple gesture, give the same to others.

Margaret's Musings: Comfort in today’s uncertain times

There is a phenomenon that is prevalent more in the United States than many other countries in the world. It is the pursuit of leisure time activities.

Margaret's Musings: Is it too late to buy “Made in America”?

My dad, a WWII vet and a proud IBEW union member, was determined everything we bought should be made in America. So it was that after I awoke from a childhood surgery, I was amazed to find a small transistor radio that was, yes, made in Japan.

• Margaret's childhood transistor radio

Margaret's Musings: It is news? and other thoughts for the day

Technology is a blanket word which covers a lot in today’s society. Last week, when Milwaukee county executive Scott Walker was in town, it made me acutely aware of how our world of instant information may not reflect the best side of humanity.

Margaret's Musings: Family Resource Center provides invaluable help

Sometimes things just feel right. It is hard to explain, you realize that you have discovered a person or a group who has the potential to make a difference in the world. That was how I felt Sunday evening, while attending the Reach for the Stars fundraiser for Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley.

Margaret's Musings: How can a 'Club's' idealism override true 'stakeholder' rights?

I am extending an invitation to the U.S. District Court Chief Judge, whose recent ruling halted the construction of the new “Stillwater Bridge,” to come for a walk with me.