Area natives perform in Christmas Festival

The St. Olaf Orchestra and five choirs, featuring more than 500 student musicians, perform at this year's Christmas Festival. Photo provided

The St. Olaf Orchestra and five choirs, featuring more than 500 student musicians, perform at this year’s Christmas Festival. Photo provided

Two Austin High School graduates performed in the annual St. Olaf College Christmas Festival in Northfield Dec. 5th through 8th.

Kelsey Fleming, from Austin, is a member of the St. Olaf Orchestra and the Chapel Choir. Fleming is a music education major. She is the daughter of Keith and Kelly Fleming.

David Koser, from Austin, is a member of the St. Olaf Choir. Koser is a biology and music major. He is the son of Brian and Pamela Koser.

The St. Olaf Christmas Festival is one of the oldest musical celebrations of Christmas in the United States. Started in 1912 by F. Melius Christiansen, founder of the St. Olaf College Music Department, the festival features more than 500 student musicians who are members of five choirs and the St. Olaf Orchestra.

The festival, which is regularly broadcast nationwide on public television and radio, has been featured in hundreds of publications, including TV Guide, the Wall Street Journal and the Los Angeles Times.

SportsPlus

Mower County

Driver in crash that injured Wyatt Hamlin arrested in Tennessee

Mower County

UPDATE: Thursday brings another chance for snow, winter weather advisory issued

Brownsdale

Alamo Annie’s in Brownsdale closing

News

Government funding plan collapses as Trump makes new demands days before shutdown

Mower County

‘It’s Love’: Nativity display grows, reflects the hope of the holidays

Local Government

County Board passes new cannabis ordinance

Mower County

Minnesota DNR shares reminders about the snowmobile riding season

News

Minnesota man gets life without parole for killing girlfriend who was the subject of a 69-day search

Mower County

Institute Scientists publish paper revealing first atomic-resolution of parvovirus of humans

Mower County

In Your Community: Early Riser’s Kiwanis Club donates to Masons

Mower County

In Your Community: Shriners install officers

Education

Education Briefs

Local Government

City Council approves levy increase of 11.97% for 2025

Mower County

Commissioners hold Truth in Taxation meeting, levy increase at 4.99%

News

5 dead, others injured in a shooting at a private Christian school in Wisconsin

Crime, Courts & Emergencies

Austin man accused of possessing and disseminating child pornography

Mower County

Photos: The holidays ring during Christmas in the County

Business

Right at home: Edward Jones branch celebrates new location on Oakland Avenue

Mower County

Mower woman tells story of avoided scam, warns others to beware

Mower County

Sheriff Sandvik completes the National Sheriffs’ Institute’s Leadership Development Course

News

Minnesota special education costs climbing rapidly as more students qualify for services

Mower County

In Your Community: Duplicate Bridge

Mower County

In Your Community: Mower County Senior Center

Crime, Courts & Emergencies

Convictions: Dec. 2-9