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

Alexandria Area High School Tour



After more than three decades on the bench, a jurist retires

An affirming flame: Justice and Judge David E. Ackerson


CHISHOLM – The Range Bar Association held a retirement celebration for Judge David E. Ackerson at Valentini’s Supper Club in Chisholm on Thursday, Sept. 20. (Great choice, Dave!) At his request and by his design, all of us asked to speak were women whom he knew in various aspects of his life. He asked each of us to speak about […]

Justice was not just a principle to Dave, nor was it just a law


We must love one another or die. Defenseless under the night Our world in stupor lies. Yet dotted everywhere Ironic points of light flash out wherever the Just exchange their messages. May I, composed like them Of Eros and of dust, Beleaguered by the same negation and despair Show an affirming flame. –By W. H. Auden I first met Judge […]

The profession of justice (the kind that makes a difference)


I want to thank all of you judges and lawyers, members of the Range Bar Association, for recognizing my years of service, but more importantly, for all that each of you do as members of the legal profession on the Iron Range. It’s been a privilege for me to be a judge on the Range for the better part of […]

When a judge makes a decision, lives are impacted


Judge Ackerson’s commitment to justice has served our community well and is a reminder of the impact one person with a big heart can have on the lives of others. Judge Ackerson has been an influential part of my life, personally and professionally, since before becoming a lawyer. I got to know Judge Ackerson when I was in high school, […]

The pursuit of justice is actually a feeling, and an experience


My name is Michele Statz, and I’m an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School in Duluth. I’m also an anthropologist of law, which means that I talk to a lot of different people and then contextualize their expert perspectives within broader realities of space, economy, politics, and funding structures, along with more abstract things like social norms, […]

Canelake’s Candies under new ownership

Grandchildren continue family legacy

VIRGINIA – Grandchildren of original Canelake’s candy-makers have bought back their grandfather’s business founded in 1905. The Canelake family announced the purchase of Canelake’s Candies in Virginia. The Canelake family’s dreams that Canelake’s Candies could someday come back to the original Canelake family came true as they closed on the purchase Oct. 4, 2018. The business was founded by Gust […]

Navigating aging with senior pets

As pets age, their needs change and pet owners must adjust how they care for their pets. Spunky pups and curious kittens draw the attention of people eager to welcome new pets into their families. As pets begin to age, owners of senior animals may find that they struggle with their pets’ emergent needs in this stage of life. Senior […]

Are raspberries for the dogs? Yes they are!

According to the American Kennel Club, raspberries offer an abundance of health benefits to dogs so long as they are fed to pups in moderation. Dogs do not need to eat fruit for its nutritional value, as the AKC notes those needs are typically met by serving them high-quality dog foods. But raspberries are an excellent source of dietary fiber, […]

Musical celebration with Pat and Donna Surface Oct. 20

Virginia Elks Lodge presents God Bless the USA concert

VIRGINIA – A musical celebration of iconic music—honoring veterans and the men and women in the U.S. Armed Forces—featuring Pat and Donna Surface will be held at the Virginia Elks Lodge on Saturday, Oct. 20, from 7 – 9 p.m. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Virginia Elks Lodge. God Bless the USA will feature American Top 40 hits […]