Country Messenger

20/04/2025

Experts say spring dryness could go either way

19/04/2025

A crazed wild turkey gobbling can shake tree bark off giant oaks. If a gobbler comes in quietly behind you and goes off, catching you dozing, you might need to go home for a wardrobe change. Sometimes several gobblers will go off one right after the…

A crazed wild turkey gobbling can shake tree bark off giant oaks. If a gobbler comes in quietly behind you and goes off, catching you dozing, you might need to

18/04/2025

Since I was a little boy, I’ve been traveling to the shores, harbors and tributaries of Lake Michigan. Some of my earliest childhood vacation memories are from Door County, Wisconsin where my family would travel every year in the fall. Ever since th…

Since I was a little boy, I’ve been traveling to the shores, harbors and tributaries of Lake Michigan. Some of my earliest childhood vacation memories are from Door County, Wisconsin

18/04/2025

Following closures of certain areas of William O’Brien State Park in March 2024 for renovations, visitors will be able to once again enjoy the Riverway Campground, hiking trails, boat launch and Walter Mondale Day Use Area again come May.

Following closures of certain areas of William O’Brien State Park in March 2024 for renovations, visitors will be able to once again enjoy the Riverway Campground, hiking trails, boat launch

17/04/2025

“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.”

17/04/2025

Upcoming forum offering hope, healing for addiction and mental illness

13/04/2025

The Scandia community is invited to celebrate friendship, culture, and a traditional Swedish lunch at the third anniversary of the Sister Cities partnership between Scandia and Mellerud. The event will take place 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 22, at th…

The Scandia community is invited to celebrate friendship, culture, and a traditional Swedish lunch at the third anniversary of the Sister Cities partnership between Scandia and Mellerud. The event will

12/04/2025

In 1974 I was standing outdoors at Nugget Lake County Park, near Plum City, waiting to watch the reintroduction of wild turkeys back into Wisconsin. Several large cardboard live animal boxes were in the back of a DNR pickup. Everyone was anxious to …

In 1974 I was standing outdoors at Nugget Lake County Park, near Plum City, waiting to watch the reintroduction of wild turkeys back into Wisconsin. Several large cardboard live animal

11/04/2025

Half a year ago, I couldn’t have told you what sarcoidosis was if my life depended on it. But after it caused the scariest, most stressful time of my life, I know plenty about it now. And after experiencing this disease firsthand, I had a deeply per…

Half a year ago, I couldn’t have told you what sarcoidosis was if my life depended on it. But after it caused the scariest, most stressful time of my life,

11/04/2025

City to consider loosening rules on outdoor storage of recreational vehicles

10/04/2025

I’m hoping the snow is done and the rain is just getting started.

10/04/2025

3,000 eggs and counting

06/04/2025

Scandia author Thomas Rumreich never thought his story “Unholy Communion” would become much more than a novel. But when “Into Temptation” Director Patrick Coyle decided to pick up the story, it was destined to be made for the big screen. After succe…

Scandia author Thomas Rumreich never thought his story “Unholy Communion” would become much more than a novel. But when “Into Temptation” Director Patrick Coyle decided to pick up the story,

05/04/2025

The hummingbird migration is on. Right now I can see on a map my friend Eric Duffy sent me that shows hummingbirds from Florida, the Carolina's, Georgia, Arkansas, Alabama, Louisiana, parts of Oklahoma, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas so far this spri…

The hummingbird migration is on. Right now I can see on a map my friend Eric Duffy sent me that shows hummingbirds from Florida, the Carolina's, Georgia, Arkansas, Alabama, Louisiana,

04/04/2025

I survived the flu last week. Yes, I’m being a bit dramatic. But man, I’m not sure there’s much more I hate to be sick with than the flu - especially as a man.

I survived the flu last week. Yes, I’m being a bit dramatic. But man, I’m not sure there’s much more I hate to be sick with than the flu -

04/04/2025

Volunteer fire departments are critical to communities like Scandia, and Scandia Fire & Rescue is opening their doors to those who are up to the task to join their department. There is just over one week left open to applicants who want to help …

Volunteer fire departments are critical to communities like Scandia, and Scandia Fire & Rescue is opening their doors to those who are up to the task to join their department.

03/04/2025

Who doesn’t love a good murder mystery?

03/04/2025

In the coming weeks, syrupers all over the St. Croix Valley area will continue tapping maple trees to collect their prized sap to be made into syrup that young and old have grown to love. But two churches, alongside Don’s Sugar Shack in Taylors Fall…

In the coming weeks, syrupers all over the St. Croix Valley area will continue tapping maple trees to collect their prized sap to be made into syrup that young and