inspired

Community Builders

Missy Hoch

For many years, tattooing was synonymous with masculinity. Tattoos were often associated with the military or prison, and tattoo shops were run by men. But…

Community Builders

County Seat Laundry

“Laundromats have a bad reputation, and frankly, many deserve it,” says Laura Patten, co-owner of County Seat Laundry in Viroqua, Wisconsin. “They’re dirty, machines are…

Vonnie Linnevold

Probituaries

Vonnie Linnevold

Vonnie Linnevold was interviewed by her daughter, Becky Shaw My mother, Vonnie Linnevold, is a thoughtful and generous 98-year-old with an amazing memory. She was…

Probituaries

Margaret Grund 

Margaret Grund was interviewed by her granddaughter, Hannah, and daughter, Amy Margaret Grund (Kopel) is a woman who has worn many hats throughout her life:…

Community Builders

Jeff Abbas

It was mid-2015, and the contentious race for President of the United States had stirred up the emotions (and proverbial pens) of people of all…

Community Builders

Norb Kelly

Community builders use many tools. Creative ideas. Cheery optimism. Contagious enthusiasm. Norb Kelly of Lanesboro, Minnesota, uses tools that are more traditional, though: A saw,…

Community Builders

John Sutton

Westby, Wisconsin is a small town big on Norwegian culture and heritage. Syttende Mai is celebrated every May, the annual Snowflake Ski Jumping Tournament attracts…

Probituaries

Hazel Grotegut

Hazel was interviewed by her daughter: Connie Sabbann Hazel Grotegut (born Hazel Telford) has lived in Decorah all of her 90 years with the exception…

GrandPad

Driftless Stories

GrandPad

The GrandPad tablet delivers telehealth for homebound, and creates an innovative spark for rural entrepreneurs. By Maggie Sonnek When Scott Lien and his family traded…

Personal

Why Positivity?

We here at Inspire(d) like to stick with positive news – it’s what we’re all about, and we think it’s an important thing to do,…

Sylvester Carolan

Probituaries

Sylvester Carolan

HAPPY BIRTHDAY (6/20/16) TO SYLVESTER! Interview by Joanie Rollins (daughter of Sylvester) and Benji Nichols. Sylvester Carolan, age 105, claims his faith, his family, a…

Virginia Zotalis

Probituaries

Virginia Zotalis

Interviewed by daughter-in-law Lynne Zotalis. It’s so interesting how things come around. I will have two new grandchildren by spring.  Their great grandma, Virginia, will…

Agnes Forde

Probituaries

Agnes Forde

What’s the best advice anyone ever gave you? Just be myself. How about the worst? When they took my car keys away.  I had already…

Sandy Osler

Driftless Stories

Sandy Osler

Interviewed by Eric Paulson, Hometown Taxi driver, who says Sandy is the most inspiring person he has ever met. What’s the best advice anyone ever…

Dee Kuhlman

Driftless Stories

Dee Kuhlman

Dee Kuhlman, aged “it’s nobody’s business” but her own, loves to cook (and fancy at that), is incredibly organized, and has a wonderfully loving and…

Phyllis (Johnson) Leseth

Driftless Stories

Phyllis (Johnson) Leseth

“My Mother always said I was one of the first babies born at the old hospital,” says Phyllis Leseth from the heart of her historic home on Rural Avenue in Decorah. Speaking with her, it is apparent that this charming woman has more stories than one can imagine. At 92, Phyllis speaks eloquently about her experiences being among the first group of women to attend Luther College (class of ’39) and of being one of the first females to work on the Luther Newspaper & News Bureau.

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