Publish an obituary in Hometown Focus

WHAT IS PUBLISHED FOR FREE:

  • HTF will publish a full obituary and a photo (if desired) on our website free of charge.
  • HTF will publish an abbreviated obituary (no photos) in the print edition of the newspaper free of charge.

HOW TO PAY FOR A FULL OBITURARY:

  • A full obituary and a photo (if desired) published in the print edition of the newspaper is charged by the column inch.
  • Once HTF receives the obituary, photo and your request for a full obituary, we will provide you with the cost prior to publication.
  • Payment is due prior to publication and can be handled by phone if paying with a credit card.

The deadline for submission of the print edition obituaries (both full and abbreviated) is first thing Thursday morning, although sooner is always better.

Please email: editor@htfnews.us

Willmer Erwin Lehrke



Willmer Erwin Lehrke, age 91 of Wuori Township passed away peacefully Sunday, July 5, 2015 in the care of the Essentia East Range Hospice Team, and his wife by his side. He was born January 26, 1924 in Gibbon, MN the son of Frederick William and Amelia (Krueger) Lehrke, and was a United States Army Veteran of WWII serving in […]

Little Free Libraries: Irresistible!




I am an avowed bookaholic. So, when I read about the exploding Little Free Library movement and the boxes that are popping up in towns and cities across the U.S. (and the world), I was instantly enamored of the idea. I’ve tracked down four Little Free Libraries across the Iron Range and spoken to their stewards; their stories follow. It’s […]

Iron Range Feed, Garden & Pet store readies for Grand Opening

Cooperative in Virginia


Our neighboring business on 6th Avenue North in Virginia, the former New London Warehouse, is under new ownership and they are readying for their Grand Opening on Saturday, July 18, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. The Iron Range Feed, Garden & Pet store is a new branch of the Itasca County Farm Service Cooperative, which is headquartered in Grand […]

A flag burns in Brooklyn

American Legion, Citizens Flag Alliance disgusted by anarchist group’s demonstration

NEW YORK – American Legion National Commander Michael D. Helm and Citizens Flag Alliance (CFA) Chairman Richard Parker have news for members of Congress who resist support of a U.S. flag protection amendment on the grounds that no one burns flags any more. Wednesday evening (July 1) in Brooklyn, NY, an anarchist group that wants to strip the New York […]

VA-led consortium launches brain bank for research on PTSD



WASHINGTON – A consortium led by the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has launched the first brain tissue biorepository (also known as a “brain bank”) – to support research on the causes, progression and treatment of PTSD affecting Veterans. The national brain bank will follow the health of enrolled participants during their lifetime. […]

Veterans Career Fair – Wednesday, July 15



The Minnesota Veterans Employment Service invites all job-seeking Veterans to this “Veteran Friendly” employer event. Job opportunities and educational information will be available. Service providers with expert knowledge of Veterans services will also be present. For more information on the career fair visit hmn. gov/deed/job-seekers/veteran-services. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Earle Brown Heritage Center 6155 Earle Brown Drive Brooklyn Center, […]

Ready / Set / Go

Share your running story HTF


I have noticed lately that running events are very popular. I’m not sure when this happened, but I feel like I haven’t been paying attention (and it isn’t because I’m busy running). Many of the running events are fundraisers. Many are held in conjunction with larger community events. They have interesting and colorful names. I know that several have already […]

Steps for introducing your cat to a new home



Most cats are not big fans of change. If they could chose, they would prefer to stay where they’re already comfortable and settled in. But, at some point in their lives, most cats must move on to a new location. Making the transition as stress-free as possible for your feline companion can have big benefits, including reducing the risk of […]

Blue-green algae: If in doubt, stay out



ST. PAUL – Temperatures are going up, and in Minnesota, many of us are cooling down at our favorite lakes. However, high temperatures combined with rainfall can create the conditions for harmful blue-green algae. This type of algae can harm pets, livestock and even people. In late June, a child was hospitalized after being exposed to blue-green algae while swimming […]

Elaine Dickson Roxberg cancer benefit planned



BALKAN TOWNSHIP – A cancer benefit fundraiser for Elaine Dickson Roxberg will be held at the Balkan Community Center on Thursday, July 23, from 4 – 7 p.m. Roxberg has been diagnosed with kidney failure and stage 3 cervical cancer which has spread to her liver. She has undergone radiation and chemotherapy treatments and is currently undergoing additional chemotherapy treatments. […]