Four pea combines attacked a field of early June peas Monday on the Belle Plaine prairie, opening the canning season.

It was hot and muggy Sunday as the 65 graduates, their friends, and relatives packed the school auditorium for commencement exercises.

Loyalty Days Contest Winners from the Elementary School

The Minnesota River was threatening to flood the Blakeley Bridge after almost four inches of rain in May. If additional rain had fallen later that week as predicted, the road could have flooded. With the warm weather this week, the farmers had finally been able to get out in the fields for planting.

Tavern changes hands - Dave “Tiny” Savage recently purchased Leon and Colleen’s from Colleen and Leon Thomason, right. Savage plans to continue running the bar as usual.

Grand Marshals ride in grand fashion - Wilmer and Erna Gruetzmacher, Grand Marshals of the German Days parade Saturday, rode in Jerry and Shirley Onnen’s wagon. The Onnens, who organized the second annual parade, won first place in the draft horse team category and received the grand marshal’s award for most outstanding rig.

Peter Anderly did his laundry while serving in Operation Desert Storm and warmed himself by a campfire.

Sauerkraut eating champions - One of the highlights (or lowlights) of the annual German Day celebration Saturday in Belle Plaine is the sauerkraut eating contest at midnight at Neil’s Pub. This year’s men’s winner is John Bergs who is pictures daintilly out-stuffing the runner-up Gary Baumgard of Jordan.

Band wins first place - Seniors in the Belle Plaine High School Band show off the trophies and a plaque they won at the Orange Blossom Festival in Florida Saturday.

Children’s health fair featured - Children can see their teddy bear friends bandaged and cared for at the KARE 11 Health Fair next weekend. The family-oriented event offers health assessment for all ages.