Photos of the Year

As we take a look back at the year in photos, we come across many highs and lows of life as we experienced in 2024. Our Steele County Times photographers captured those raw moments in a variety of ways: Dangerous Feats of Comedy entertained folks of all ages at the Steele County Free Fair; parishioners at an Owatonna church mourn the loss of their church; Sen. Amy Klobuchar shares a light moment with area high school students during a stop at an Owatonna manufacturing company; some fast-paced action on the gridiron with the Huskies knocking out Cretin-Derham Hall to reach the state semifinals.

Here's what our photographers had to share about their favorite photos of the year:

DANGEROUS FEATS

Rick Bussler

After covering the Steele County Free Fair for many years, I’ve come to expect the unexpected. During the first night of the fair, I stumbled across Dangerous Feats of Comedy with one of the performers dripping in sweat and his entire body chained together. Within minutes, he freed himself without any help from the chain. It definitely proved to be a high-energy, dare devil thrill show for all ages.

FAKE-PUNT TRICK PLAY

Johnnie Phillips

Owatonna's Zach Haarstad (81) reaches the ball over the goal line for a touchdown on a fake-punt trick play against Cretin-Derham Hall. Although the touchdown was ultimately called back due to a penalty, it did offer the perfect moment to showcase how the Huskies slipped by the Raiders 22-21 to reach the state semifinals at U.S. Bank Stadium this fall.

THE LAST WORSHIP

Kay Fate

There was some divine guidance on Dec. 8, when I covered the final worship service at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Owatonna. As I peeked back into the empty sanctuary before leaving, I spotted longtime church member Buck Worrell sitting alone in a pew, head bowed. The morning sun provided a spotlight. It perfectly summed up the story I would write, about a congregation leaving its beloved home after 60 years, while maintaining the faith that things would be alright.

SENATOR’S VISIT
Joni Hubred

This photo of Sen. Amy Klobuchar laughing with a group of Owatonna High students stands out to me for a couple of reasons. Of course, it’s always a privilege to cover the people who represent us in Congress, but it’s even more so when we get the chance to showcase community gems. Sen. Klobuchar toured Climate by Design International to learn more about the OHS Youth Skills Training program, which gives high school students the opportunity to earn while they learn. I love shining a spotlight on the partnerships that make Owatonna strong.