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.

Girls’ Basketball Honors - Outstanding players were voted by their teammates for the following awards:Karee Chevalier, Rookie of the Year; Amy Haedike, School Record in Rebounding; Kelly Behnke, Most Valuable Player; Michelle Murphy, Most Improved and Best Defensive Player; Kim Dressen, Rookie of the Year; and Pam Aufderhar, Most Determined.

From Our Files - 10 Years Ago

The Belle Plaine High School boys’ basketball team celebrated after winning the district championship trophy by beating Faribault Bethlehem Academy in overtime Saturday. The team advances to region play Thursday against Mayer Lutheran at Howard Lake High School.

Lynn and Aaron Albrecht displayed the finished product, a hand-carved and hand-painted wooded carousel horse. One figure took a total of 200 hours from beginning to end. They got their talent and interest in making the horses from their father, Dave, and grandfather, Leo.