Former Tyler family navigates through pandemic in Japan

Paul, Leah, Ryelle (age nine), Jasper (age seven white shirt and longer hair), Zander (age five) and Wren (age two) Tuszynski are pictured in their backyard in Hayama, Japan, about a 20-minute drive from Yokosuka Naval Base.

By Mark Wilmes
tributeeditor@gmail.com

Leah and Paul Tuszynski re­located to Japan a little over a year ago. Paul, a former RTR art teacher, took a teaching job on a naval base in Japan and the Tuszynskis started a new life with their children, Ryelle, Jasper, Zander and Wren. Not unlike people in the rest of the world, the Tuszynskis have found their life’s path altered by COVID-19. Leah said that when the virus first appeared, the family was quite concerned over it popping up in Japan.

For the full story, read this week’s Tyler Tribute.

So long, farewell

RTR Elementary School teachers and staff took their respective shows on the road last Thursday evening, traveling to Russell, Tyler and Ruthton to say goodbye to their students safely and give them best wishes for the summer.

Fair canceled

Fun 4-H games at the 2019 Lincoln County Fair.

By Mark Wilmes
tributeeditor@gmail.com

Another painful decision, an­other canceled event, as last week the Lincoln County Fair Board voted to cancel this year’s free fair event. Fair board mem­ber Curt Madsen of Tyler said the board held off as long as they could but too many factors piled up to be able to follow through with the 2020 event.
“Everybody wanted to have a fair but our hands were really tied,” Madsen said…

For the full story, read this week’s Tyler Tribute.

Council hires new city employee

Mayor Joan Jagt

By Mark Wilmes
tributeeditor@gmail.com

At the recommendation of the personnel committee, the Tyler City Council hired a new line­man for the city maintenance crew, beginning June 15. Mayor Joan Jagt announced the hiring at Monday’s regular meeting.
“His name is Taylor Varpness,” Jagt revealed. “He is in charge of the Truman utilities depart­ment. He is a lineman, he has wa­ter training and he has electric training. He does not have gas training. Other than that he has run every kind of equipment. He lives in Garvin and has been driv­ing back and forth to Truman. He will eventually be moving to this area. He would like to be in the country because he likes to work on old cars. He has four kids and is excited about having a new school here.”

For the full story, read this week’s Tyler Tribute.

Tyler’s Yard of the Week

Last week’s honors went to Dean and Gail Beck, 421 School Street.

This week’s honoree is Toni Griffin, 212 S. Tyler Street.

Elementary farewell parades

For more photos, read this week’s Tyler Tribute.

Seniors left without final speech meets, plays

By Mark Wilmes
tributeeditor@gmail.com

Among the many disap­pointments involved in the collateral damage from the pandemic is depriving the 2020 seniors of their final season participating in speech and the spring play. We reached out to seniors on their feelings about missing out on their spring activities:
Alex Duus — Speech and Drama
“I have been involved in the RTR Spring Play for all of my high school years,” Alex told us. “The spring play has always been a highlight of my year. Ev­ery year I get the chance to go onto the Opera House stage and act in a full length play or musical with my friends…

For the full story, read this week’s Tyler Tribute.

Reopening Minnesota: Guidelines for local businesses

By Shelly Finzen
lbvjeditor@gmail.com

 
After nearly three months of being closed by a number of COVID-19-related executive orders from Governor Walz, Minnesota businesses are reopening. In order to keep people safe and curb the spread of COVID-19, guidelines for the different industries have been released for implementation.
General guidelines, regardless of the industry, are as follows: Workers who are sick or displaying symptoms of COVID-19 must not report to work. All employees must continue social distancing, remain at least six feet apart, in the workplace. Workers should continue to follow handwashing and PPE (personal protective equipment) practices within the workplace…

For the full story, read this week’s Tyler Tribute.

Drake resigns from Lake Benton School after on staff 11 years

Amanda Drake

By Shelly Finzen
lbvjeditor@gmail.com

Amanda Drake, a native of Tyler, joined the Lake Benton Elementary teach­ing staff 11 years ago as a preschool teacher. Last month, Drake submitted her resignation, which was accepted by the school board at the May 20 meet­ing. This fall, she will be teaching kindergarten for RTR in Ruthton.

For the full story, read this week’s Tyler Tribute.

Jeffrey Thomsen

May 1, 1959 – May 29, 2020

Jeffrey L. “Bodine” Thom­sen, age 61 of Tyler, passed away Friday, May 29 at his home. Arrangements are pending through the Hartquist Funeral Home –Tyler Chapel. A private family gathering will be held to honor Jeff’s life.
Jeff was born on May 1, 1959 to Lowell and Dar­lene (Nielsen) Thomsen at the Tyler Hospital. He was baptized and confirmed at Danebod Lutheran Church in Tyler and attended Tyler Public School. He worked at a wide variety of jobs through the years. He espe­cially enjoyed driving over-the-road semi. Jeff valued his friends and time spent with them.
Jeff is survived by his son Chad Thomsen and grand­daughters Avery and Arya of Sioux Falls, South Da­kota. He is also survived by his father Lowell (Do­ris) Thomsen of Tyler; four siblings— Kathy (Mark) Wilmes of Tyler, Joan (Rick) Jensen of New Ulm, brother Mike (Jennifer) Thomsen of Lynd, and Karen Toft of Mankato; and many nieces and nephews. He was pre­ceded in death by his moth­er Darlene.
A celebration of Jeff’s life will be planned in the fu­ture for Jeff’s friends and extended family to attend.