In Jasper, the old whistle still blows at noon, six and ten. The siren-like sound was once used to call the farmers in from the fields. These days the noon whistle reminds everyone to head on over to the café/bowling alley, Jasper Lanes for the daily lunch special, usually meatloaf and mashed potatoes. (Just $4.95, until they run out.) We’re not too sure what everyone’s supposed to do at six, but if you’re a teenager in Jasper, the ten o’clock whistle means it’s time to make your way home.

If you’re looking at a map of Minnesota, Jasper is located in the bottom left-hand corner, just a hair away from South Dakota. Despite the fact that the town is split between Pipestone and Rock counties, it’s total area is less than one square mile. By last count, the town boasted 564 residents, which is why come Saturday night, downtown Jasper is dead as a doornail. Of course, there are more women than men, which keeps things interesting.

Jasper’s named for a type of quartz rock, and the school mascot, the Quartzsider, is a rock. Every August the town hosts Quartzsider Days, with an all-school reunion, tractor pulls, tours of the quarry and of course, goat races. For a few years we stopped having the goat races because it was just the same goats winning year after year. But people missed it, so they’re back on. Now people come from all over to race their goats, watch the parades, and go to the burger feed and street dance.

Other than the goat races, Jasper’s claim to fame is the classic tornado photograph taken by Lucille Handberg in 1927, which you’ve probably seen but just don’t realize it. Jasper’s historical tornado activity is higher than the state average, and way higher than the national average, but we haven’t seen one in quite a while. The Pipestone Area High School marching band has won lots of awards, too. (Around here you’re either a sports kid or a band kid.)

Most people like living in Jasper because everyone knows everyone and most everyone’s friendly. And because at noon, six and ten, the whistle reminds you it’s time to stop work and spend some time with friends and family.