Hometown News
Thursday, January 1,, 2026
FREE PUBLICATION
Vol. 26: Issue 34
Wishing you a Happy New Year!
TRUCK DRIVERS WANTED: APPLY IN PERSON
ROLLOFF CONTAINERS
• Remodeling Jobs • Demolition Jobs Shingles • New Construction • All types of Scrap Iron • Household Cleanout (Garbage)
Great For BUSINESS, HOMES & FARMS! We handle any size commercial account! Buyers of all Scrap Metal We will be
We would like to thank you for your business. Best wishes for a wonderful year!
Closed Dec. 31-Jan. 1
Hennen From all of us at
Happy New Year!
Floor Covering
Aluminum, Tin, Copper, Brass, Stainless, Batteries, Catalytic Converters, Farm Machinery, Radiators, Autos, Computer Components, Prepared & Unprepared Metals, Plus More!
320-746-2819
208 Main St. W., Freeport
www.opatzmetalsinc.com
From320-836-2177 all of us at
120 Washington West, Holdingford Winter Hours: Mon.-Fri.: 8 AM-4:30 PM; Sat.: Closed
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7 am-5 pm; Sat. 8 am-12 pm
Happy New Year! From
Building Supplies Dec. 31 Closing at Noon Closed Jan. 1-4
24 HOUR SERVICE • Well Drilling - Residential / Commercial • Well Service / Maintenance • Pump Sales & Service (Jet / Submersible) • Water Treatment & Conditioning • Water Softeners / Salt • Irrigation / Geo-Thermal Drilling Melrose, MN
320-256-4146
Busy finding food Sunday morning before the snow storm hit. Photo by John Young.
wheelswater.com
Call the Repair & Refinishing Experts! • Bathtub Refinishing & Repair • Install Premium Acrylic Wall Liners Installs over existing tile no removal or remodeling • Install New Floors in Cracked Out Tubs & Showers • Shower & Bath Slip Resistant Floor Texturing • Bathtub Cutdowns & Door Installations • Grab Bar Installation Limited downtime, • Glass Scratch Removal ready to use the • Fiberglass Repair next day! • Vinyl Window Frame Repair All work is • Countertop Refinishing guaranteed. • Tile Refinishing
On The Inside...
Harvey Mackay Tom Kuehne: The Good Old Days Obituaries: Imdieke-Uhlenkamp, Klaphake, Lawinger, Powell, Lund, Breth, Dinkel Dave Ramsey: Dave Says Ask the Motor Medics®
Wishing you a season filled with happiness. happi ness.
Page 2 Page 3 Pages 4-5, 7 Page 6 Page 6
Happy New Year!
Graduate REALTOR® Institute
Thank you for your business this year, we look forward to serving you in 2026.
Mid-Minnesota 320-248-3456
Happy New Year!
FREE Estimates
www.surfacespecialists.com
Broker-Realtor
320-491-6107 • 320-732-2817
From All of Us at
320-836-2697
After Hours: 320-267-4401
Hartung Sales and Service 310 Industrial Dr. - Freeport, MN
320-836-2126
*All branches will be closed on Thursday, January 1, 2026 for the New Year Holiday
Brandon Kelly
“Customer Service Is y Our Priority”
Proud to be recognized by Bauer Financial as one of the strongest financial institutions in the country.
www.hartungsales.com
Email: brandon@centralmnrealty.com www.lakehomesbybrandon.com www.brandonkellymn.com
Thank you for your business this past year. We wish you a happy and healthy new year! 29033 County Road 17, Freeport www.strosalumber.com www.arnzenconstructioninc.com 320-836-2284 • 1-888-276-1751
CONSTRUCTION, INC.
AGRICULTURE • COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL
Page 2 • Hometown News •Thursday, January 1, 2026
Hometown News 29442 120th St. Grey Eagle, MN 56336
320-285-2323
Email: htnews@icloud.com
Website: www.hometownnews.biz www.facebook.com/hometownnews Published By Lori Young
Advertising & News Deadline MONDAYS • 5 PM
The Hometown News is a free weekly publication, which is published and distributed every Thursday.
Free Distribution In:
Albany Avon Bowlus Burtrum Elmdale Freeport Greenwald Grey Eagle Holdingford
Meire Grove Long Prairie Melrose New Munich St. Anna St. Rosa Sauk Centre Swanville Upsala
Sales: Lori Young
Office: 320-285-2323 Cell: 612-597-2998
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A little spark can lead to blazing success -By Harvey Mackay T h e townspeople tried everything to get motorists to drive slowly through a residential area. They posted signs such as “Please Drive Carefully, “Slow Down” and “Children at Play.” But nothing worked until they constructed a sign that read, “Nudist Colony Ahead.” January is International Creativity Month. Being creative in the first month of the New Year can set you up for a year of success. Creativity is a fascinating and essential aspect of human potential. It is not just about artistic expression. It is about problemsolving, innovation and looking at the world through a fresh lens. Minds are like parachutes, not much good unless they are open. I was reading a study that tested individuals at various ages for creativity. At age five, 90 percent were judged as creative. At age 17, that number was down to 10 percent, and by age 40, it was two percent. Creativity at work is crucial for fostering an innovative organizational culture and driving overall success. It plays a pivotal role in how companies adapt to change, solve problems and maintain a competitive edge. Here’s a look at how creativity influences organizational culture and success: Fostering innovation. Creativity is the bedrock of innovation, enabling organizations to develop new products,
services and processes. Companies that encourage creative thinking are often leaders in their industries, setting trends and pushing boundaries. Enhancing problem-solving. Creative approaches to problem-solving allow organizations to tackle challenges from new angles and find effective solutions. This can lead to more efficient operations, cost savings and improved customer satisfaction. Building a dynamic culture. A culture that values creativity attracts diverse talent and encourages collaboration and open communication. Employees feel empowered to share ideas and take risks, leading to a more engaged and motivated workforce. Adapting to change. Creative organizations are more agile and better equipped to adapt to market changes and disruptions. This adaptability ensures longterm sustainability and resilience in an everevolving business landscape. Driving competitive advantage. Creativity differentiates companies from their competitors, providing unique value propositions. Organizations that leverage creativity can capture new markets and retain customer loyalty. Encouraging continuous improvement. A creative mindset promotes a culture of continuous improvement and learning. This leads to ongoing improvements in processes, products and employee skills. I love to study creativity, especially how products came to be and how companies were formed. When I think of creative companies, top of the list is Apple. As cell phones changed the landscape for both business and personal use, Apple led the class in improvements and enhancements that put your office in your pocket. Before the iPhone, mobile phones
were primarily used for calls and basic text messaging. Apple, known for its innovative products, saw an opportunity to revolutionize the mobile phone industry by combining a phone, an iPod and an internet communicator into one device. Steve Jobs, Apple’s co-founder, envisioned a device that would not only make calls but also serve as a portable computer, music player and camera. This vision required a blend of creativity and technical prowess, pushing the boundaries of what a phone could do. Apple’s team worked tirelessly to design a user-friendly interface, resulting in the development of the multi-touch screen. This allowed users to interact with the device using gestures, such as swiping and pinching, which was revolutionary at the time. In 2007, Apple launched the first iPhone, which was met with widespread acclaim. It set a new standard for mobile devices, leading to the development of an entire ecosystem of apps and services. The iPhone’s success transformed Apple into one of the most valuable companies in the world and reshaped the technology landscape. Lest you think innovations need to
Harvey Mackay continued to pg 3
Happy New Year!
Central McGowan
Upsala Farm Store Inc.
211 S. Main St., Upsala • 320-573-2216 Open 7 Days a Week - Mon.-Sat. 8-6; Sun. 9-2
Upcoming Events
SUNDAY, JANUARY 4 • Green Grove Rod & Gun Club Breakfast from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Greenwald Pub. See ad on page 3. TUESDAY, JANUARY 6 • Parkinson’s Support Group Meeting at 2 p.m. at CentraCare West Campus Board Room, Long Prairie. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7 • Folk & Old-Time Music & Potluck from 1-3 p.m. at the Village View Apartments, Grey Eagle. See ad on page 4. SATURDAY, JANUARY 10 • Spaghetti Supper Benefit for Nikki Schultz starting at 3 p.m. at the American Legion, Holdingford. • Green Grove Rod & Gun Club Gun Bingo & Raffle Drawing, doors open at 5 p.m. at the Melrose American Legion. See ad on page 7. THURSDAY, JANUARY 15 • Grey Eagle Senior Citizens Meeting at 11:30 a.m. Potluck & Bingo to follow at the Grey Eagle Senior Center. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7 • Minnesota Darkhouse & Angling Association Heartland Chapter 22nd Annual Banquet & Fundraiser starting at 4:30 p.m. at the Freeport Community Center. AL-ANON • AVON • Meets every Monday from 5-6 p.m. at the Avon City Hall. ALBANY SENIORS • Meets 1st Tuesday of the month at 1:30 p.m. at the Albany Community Center.
ALBANY TOWNSHIP • Meets the 4th Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the Albany City Hall. • Planning Commission meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the Albany City Hall. BURNHAMVILLE TOWNSHIP • Meets the last Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Burtrum City Hall. BURTRUM CITY COUNCIL • Meets the 1st Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. FEET FIRST CLINIC • Freeport: Meets 1st Wednesday of the month at the Freeport Senior Center. • Holdingford: Meets the 1st Tuesday of the month from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at Holdingford City Hall. FOOD DISTRIBUTION • Ruby’s Pantry Food Distribution 1st Saturday of the Month from 10-11 a.m. at River of Live Church, Sauk Centre. FREEPORT CITY COUNCIL • Meets the last Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. FREEPORT LIONS CLUB • Bingo every Saturday thru March at 1:30 p.m. at the Corner Pub, Freeport. FREEPORT SENIOR MEETING • Meets the 3rd Thursday of the month at 1 p.m. with cards/Bingo/coffee/dessert. GREY EAGLE CITY COUNCIL • Meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. GREY EAGLE TOWNSHIP • Meets the 1st Monday of the month at 7 p.m.
LINE DANCING • Meets Mondays at 4 p.m. & 5 p.m. alternating Mondays at the Melrose American Legion. MELROSE TOWNSHIP • Meets the 1st Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at the town hall. MELROSE VFW #7050 POST/AUX. • Meets the 1st Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Melrose American Legion Clubrooms. MELROSE LEGION #101 POST/AUX. • Meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Melrose American Legion. (Aux. Sept.-May.) STEARNS CO. HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY • Meets the 2nd Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Albany. SUNSHINE CLUB • Meets every Monday, weigh in starts at 8; meeting at 8:30 a.m. at the Village View Apartments, Grey Eagle. ST. ROSA CITY COUNCIL • Meets the 3rd Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Community Park building. SWANVILLE CITY COUNCIL • 1st Tuesday after the 1st Monday of the month at 7 p.m. SWANVILLE TOWNSHIP • Meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Swanville Fire Hall. UPSALA CITY COUNCIL • Meets the 1st Monday of the month at 7 p.m.
If you have an upcoming event or meeting, please let us know by email: htnews@icloud.com or call 320-285-2323.
Temperatures Date
12/23 12/24 12/25 12/26 12/27 12/28 12/29
High 32 34 32 34 34 32 7
Low 18 19 19 23 27 7 0
Friday
Mostly sunny. High: 12 Low: 7
LP Gas Refill
Weekend Weather Saturday
Sunday
Partly cloudy. High: 21 Low: 5
cloudy. High: 19 Low: 13
Hometown News • Thursday, January 1, 2026 • Page 3
“The Good Old Days” -By Tom Kuehne 2026
When the scientists find another great architectural find from 3000 years ago, will it now be 3001 years ago? Does adding another year to history really make that much difference? Our lives are short when compared to world history, so we recall the special times in our personal lives. When someone asks what you remember about a certain new year, the answer will be very different, even though the celebration was spent together at the same location. Some individuals will relate memories of those that were not at the celebration due to death or having concern for those serving their country and definitely those that were overseas. Others remember a new year due to physical problems of their own or others. Others remember a special year because they had three calves born on New Year’s Eve. This was good and bad, because the farmer needed to spend the New Year’s Eve in the barn, while others were having a good time. Maybe we remember a special new year because it was 26º below or we got 2 feet of snow. Maybe we remember a certain new year because at the gathering someone did something so stupid it was unforgettable. Maybe we ran in the ditch. Each New Year’s Eve was spent at my grandparents home because December 31st was Pa’s birthday. A year after Pa died, the special event was to cut the remaining summer sausage that he had made a year from the previous March and had been left in the cellarway for that whole 20 months. There was a quiet time around the table while it was being cut. We were all dealing with our own memories of him. When we all got our slice, we were surprised that it tasted as it should, even though it was more dry than it was a year before. That memory will be with me as long as my memory keeps working. It is common for individuals to do an
inventory of their finances and lives from the past year and what changes would improve their lives during the coming year. Maybe something involving income and expenses needs to be changed to make their lives easier. Maybe some decisions need to be made for the division of assets should something terminal happen to us. Should we stop smoking, drinking, allow small things to frustrate us, reduce carbohydrate consumption or other harmful things we do to ourselves. Being aware of speed limits and think of how we can help reduce frustration for those around us. Maybe we should make an additional effort to ask for help from the Good Lord, rather than trying to solve all of the world’s problems by ourselves. May you have a great New Year! For feedback or story ideas, email Tom at kuehneins@gmail.com.
Harvey Mackay continued from pg 2 be massive and broad, even small changes can have big implications for business. An improved shipping method, better marketing focus, making your website more user-friendly, product updates that reflect consumer suggestions – sometimes it only takes some tweaking to make a big difference. “Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes and having fun,” said author and artist Mary Lou Cook. Her definition takes some of the fear out of trying new things. Calculated risks are part of the equation. I like poet Maya Angelou’s take: “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use the more you have.” When creativity becomes a habit, success almost always follows. Mackay’s Moral: Inspiration and imagination go hand in hand. Reprinted with permission from nationally syndicated columnist Harvey Mackay, author of the New York Times #1 bestseller “Swim With The Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive,” “We Got Fired!...And It’s the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Us,” “The Mackay MBA of Selling in the Real World,” and “Use Your Head To Get Your Foot In The Door.”
MELROSE AMERICAN LEGION Post 101 265 Co. Rd. 173 SE, Melrose - 320-256-3581 • Cell 320-429-4008
PULL-TABS ETABS
Gambling Licence #01053-001 Call to Book Your Event!
Happy New Year!
Sunday, January 4 1-4 PM
JERRY & JOYCE DANCE
Thank you for your patronage.
BAR SPECIALS
Fri. 4 PM-Close Sat. 12 PM-6 PM: After 6 PM All
4:30-7:30 PM
Open at 4 PM • Wednesday, December 31 • Home Made Porchetta with Crispy Crackling • Pasta Feature: Bacon/Truffle/Mac and Cheese • Steak with Grilled Shrimp • Lobster Bisque
Jan. 3 MEAT RAFFLE
the Bar Food Favorites available in the Dining Room
Fridays:
Busch Light Tap - 32 oz. $5
2:30 PM
• Cheeseburger & Bloody Mary 13 • Bloody Mary $4
PULL TABS • E-TABS
Fri., Jan. 9 BURGER NIGHT
New Year’s Eve Specials!
Dining Room:
Fri.-Sat.: 4-8 PM • Sun.: Closed
Saturday - All Day
CLOSED Dec. 21-Jan. 3
Call for Reserations!
$
320-285-3576
Karaoke Fridays @ 8 PM
Corner Pub & Grill Freeport, MN • 320-836-2120
Lunch Specials: 11 AM-1 PM
11977 Cty 47, Grey Eagle
THURSDAYS • 5-9 PM
TACO BAR
All You Can Eat • Dine In Only
WE NEED HELP!
Fri., Jan. 2: Cheeseburger w/Chili Mon., Jan. 5: Split Pea & Ham Soup w/Ham Sandwich COOKS & BARTENDERS Tues., Jan. 6: Baked Chicken Dinner STOP IN or Call Craig at 320-761-1863 Wed., Jan. 7: Bacon Cheeseburger w/Fries EVERY SATURDAY 1:30 Thurs., Jan. 8: Chow Mein PM Fri., Jan. 9: Cheeseburger w/Chili or Fries
BINGO
HAPPY HOUR: Mon.-Thurs.: 3-6 PM • $3.00 • Friday: 3-7 PM • $2.50
From the Desk of Pastor Bruce
And here we are at the start of another New Year. People have many ideas on what that might look like. For me, it’s the same as last year only a different year. For some, they might be dreading this year because last year was a bummer. So as a new year starts, we might think that somehow, we can push the restart button just like on the microwave. Instead of thinking about the past failures or stressors, think about how you are going to impact your culture for the kingdom of God. Also, in 2026, be willing to be used of God, and He will use you. The Apostle Paul says something in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 that I would like to share with all of you at the beginning of this brand new year. It does not matter what you are doing, do it as unto the Lord! Paul says “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” It’s not like you are in a race and only one person is going to win, so why try. NO! Paul is saying do your best! Run like you want to win the race, and practice hard at it. Of course, Paul is talking about our Christian walk and doing our best to follow God. Paul says that he makes himself accountable, so that after all he has done, he will not be dis-
qualified for falling away from Jesus. Let Jesus be your focus and don’t let anything get in the way of your relationship with Him. -Pastor Bruce Miller from Swanville Bible Church, 320-547-2916
Pulse on People
Elliott Burnett, of Avon, was named to the Fall 2025 Dean’s List at the University of Jamestown in Jamestown, North Dakota. Burnett was among 421 students on the Dean’s List. Students are named to the list when they earn a 3.5 GPA while taking at least 12 credit hours for the semester.
Albany Senior Dining
Volunteers Needed! Call 320-845-4070 Mon., Jan. 5: Chicken rice casserole, green beans, cake, bread. Tues., Jan. 6: Porcupine meatballs, baked potato, broccoli, brownie. Wed., Jan. 7: Sausage, egg & cheese biscuit, applesauce, yogurt, cinnamon roll. Thurs., Jan. 8: Chicken ala king over biscuit, carrots, cookie. Fri., Jan. 9: Mexican hotdish, pineapple, churro, bread. Pre-registration requested to dine daily. For more info. call 320-845-4070.
COOKS WANTED!
Green Grove Rod & Gun Club
Kitchen Hours 11 AM-2 PM • 5-9 PM Daily Lunch Specials
All You Can Eat
BREAKFAST Sunday, January 4, 2026 9:00 AM-12:30 PM At the Greenwald Pub
320-836-2154
Join Us New Year’s Eve
Get Your Raffle Ticket for Jan. 10!
Sleeps 7, $100/night Pictures on Facebook @ chris' country store
Happy New Year!
Thank you for supporting me. Praying the year ahead will be filled with many blessings for all of you. Closed New Year’s Day
Serving 5-9 PM
With All The Fixings!
Proceeds go to Sacred Heart School, Freeport
1/4 CHICKEN $ 12.50
Chris' Country Store
GUEST HOUSE
Floral • Gift • Tux Rental Guest House Rental
Hours: Wed.-Sat.: 7 AM-2 PM We Deliver Floral Arrangements in a 20 mile radius. 105 State St. E. Grey Eagle • 320-285-2600 Order 24/7 @ www.flowershopnetwork.com or email Chris at tcjr5933@gmail.com
Double “R” Bar & Grill Grey Eagle • 320-285-2965
www.doublerbarandgrill.com
Join Us NEW YEAR’S EVE Make It a “Date” Night Wednesday, Dec. 31 • Starting at 4:30 PM
• Steak & Lobster $48.95 • Slow Roasted Prime Rib $26.95 • Rack of Ribs $20.95 • Red Lake Walleye $17.95
Served w/Soup & Salad Bar • Full Menu Available Open Mondays 4-8 PM
• Home Made Pizzas • Irish Spaghetti
Reservations appreciated, but not necessary.
FRIDAY: 5-9 PM
Includes Salad Bar & Choice of Potato
1/3 lb. Fresh Ground Hamburger on Brioche Buns! Dine In w/Beverage Purchase
WEDNESDAY: 11 AM-9 PM
Includes Salad Bar & Choice of Potato
Burger Night $4.00
Domestic Beers: 2 for $6
• 1-1/2 lb. Wings $7.00 • $7 Baskets Your Choice:
Shrimp Basket, Angus Slider Basket, 1/4 Chicken Basket, Nachos or Quesadillas w/Beverage Purchase
THURSDAY: 5-9 PM
Includes Salad Bar & Choice of Potato
• Chicken & Ribs 17.95 • 8 oz. Ground Sirloin $15.95 • Creamy Sweet Chili Haddock w/Wild Rice $17.95 $
& Meat Raffle
@ 7:00 PM
PRIMROSE THRIFT & ANTIQUES
Managed by Kristie Kuhlmann
It is chilly outside, come check our wonderful section of warm weather gear.
Stock Up on ALL Your • Off Sale Needs! Busch or Busch Light 24 pk cans $20.98 E&J Brandy 1.75 liter $19.79 McMaster’s 1.75 liter $16.99
Free Juke Box LUNCH SPECIALS Free Hats & Fri., Jan. 2: Hot Beef Sandwich Sat., Jan. 3: Prime Rib Horns @ Midnight
• Ribeye $26.95 • Teriyaki Chicken over Rice Pilaf $14.95 • Deep Fried Cod $16.95 • Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo $15.95 or Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo $17.95 w/Breadsticks
Bar & Off Sale: 2-8 PM TUESDAY: 5-9 PM
Off-Sale Needs!
Fri., Jan. 2 HORSE RACES
WEDNESDAY
Ham, Sausage, Eggs & Fried Potatoes Tickets Available at the door: Adults $10 • Ages 3-8: $5 • Under 3: Free Proceeds for Wildlife Projects
Stop in for All Your Holiday
SATURDAY: 5-9 PM
• Prime Rib $26.95 • Ribs $20.95 • Deep Fried Walleye $17.95 • Creamy Sweet Chili Chicken, Wild Rice, w/Breadsticks $14.95 SUNDAY: 3-8 PM
Includes Salad Bar & Choice of Potato
• Steak & Shrimp $21.95 • 10 oz. Pork Chop $16.95 • 1/2 Chicken $12.50 • 1/4 Chicken $10.50
Sandwich or Crispy Chicken Sandwich Sun., Jan. 4: Sunny Side Up Burger or Egg, Cheese & Bacon Sandwich Tues., Jan. 6: Chicken Pot Pie Wed., Jan. 7: Liver or $ 7 Baskets Thurs., Jan. 8: BBQ Ribs
Happy Hour: Mon.-Fri. 3-5 PM Buck Off Adult Beverage KITCHEN HOURS Sun.: 11 AM-8 PM Mon.: 4-8 PM Pizzas Tues.-Thurs.: 11 AM-9 PM Fri.-Sat.: 11 AM-9:30 PM BAR HOURS Sun.: 11 AM-10 PM • Mon.: 2-8 PM Tues.-Thurs. 11 AM-11 PM Fri. & Sat. 11 AM-1 AM OFF SALE Mon.: 2-8 PM Tues.-Sat.: 11 AM-10 PM Sun.: 11 AM-6 PM
Page 4 • Hometown News • Thursday, January 1, 2026
Charles H. Klaphake
Obituaries
JoAnn Imdieke-Uhlenkamp
J o A n n “Joni” ImdiekeUhlenkamp, age 70 of Sauk Centre, passed away unexpectedly from complications of chemotherapy on Monday, December 22, 2025 at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, Minnesota. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, January 10, 2026 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Sauk Centre with Rev. Kevin Soenneker officiating. She will be buried next to her son, Michael, at St. Paul’s cemetery privately at a later date. Per Joni’s request, no visitation will be held prior to the Mass. A Celebration of Life will follow the Mass at the American Legion in Sauk Centre. JoAnn Beste was born October 7, 1955 in Sauk Centre, Minnesota to Clarence and Kathryn (Deters) Beste. She graduated from Sauk Centre High School in 1974. Joni was blessed with two sons, Matthew and Michael. Her passions in life were golfing and sitting on the dock listening to her transistor radio doing word find puzzles and feeding her sunfish. She loved being outside. If she was on the golf course, you usually heard her before you saw her. “Woooo!” was usually heard on a good shot. Joni was blessed with many great friends and was also blessed with a great family and grandchildren. Survivors include her husband, Pat Uhlenkamp of Sauk Centre; mother, Kathryn Olmscheid of Sauk Centre; children, Matt Imdieke (Mindy Dawson) of Sauk Centre, Nicole (Jason) Naasz of Bemidji, and Alicia Becker (Cody) of Little Sauk; grandchildren, Isaac, Jacob, Avery, Vincent, Eva, Clayton, Logan, and Cameron; brothers and sister, Jim (Linda) Beste of Sauk Centre, Jason (Cathy) Beste of Sauk Centre, Janet (John) Pastian of Hudson, Wisconsin, and John Beste of Melrose; and many loving relatives and friends. Joni was preceded in death by her father, Clarence Beste; step-father, Leo Olmscheid; son, Michael Imdieke on March 18, 2000; and sister, Jean Thang. Arrangements were made with PattonSchad Funeral & Cremation Services of Sauk Centre.
TOP DOWN SILO LLC
• Take down & cleanup of silos in congested areas • Mobile Concrete Crushing • Fully Insured 507-236-9446 topdownsilo.com
MUSIC Night
Starts Jan. 7
C h a r l e s H. “Chopper” Klaphake, age 65 of Sauk Centre, passed away unexpectedly from natural causes on Friday, December 26, 2025 at his home in Sauk Centre, Minnesota. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, January 3 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Sauk Centre with Rev. Mark Botzet officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Saturday at the church. For the visitation, Chopper would appreciate you wearing the Minnesota Twins, Vikings, or Mainstreeter’s sports attire, or something John Deere green. Charles Herman Klaphake was born June 17, 1960 in Sauk Centre, Minnesota to Edward and Marlene (Ritter) Klaphake. He graduated from Sauk Centre High School in 1978. Farming, family, friends, and faith were an integral part of Chopper’s life. He began farming at 16 years of age. His knowledge and work ethic allowed him to be successful. During the past 17 years, he mentored his nephew, Jarrett, and advised him about cattle, farming techniques, and crops. Family get-togethers were often hosted by Chopper after mom and dad passed. He cherished family and found joy in being surrounded by others. During these crazy and chaotic gettogethers, he enjoyed the camaraderie, laughter, and quality family time while watching the Vikings and Twins play or playing 500. Friends were a gift to him. He loved the card parties with the guys and Carbles nights with friends. The little smirk on his face often indicated that he had a good hand. He enjoyed being a gracious host and visiting with his friends. He was a devoted member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Sauk Centre where he served as an usher. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Ashley Township Supervisor, Stearns County American Dairy Association Board of Directors, and North Fork Mutual Insurance Board of Directors. His generosity to charities, church, and Holy Family School never wavered. Giving to others was part of his legacy. He truly had a heart of gold and sharing what he had with others was part of who he was. Survivors include his siblings, JoAnn (Bob) Kohorst, Mary (Brian) Borgerding, Sharon (Rod) Hanson, Jim (Carol) Klaphake, Ron (Amy) Klaphake, Mark (Jennifer) Klaphake, Linda (Chad) Gamradt, Dan Klaphake, Paul (Traci) Klaphake, and Jason (Tiffany) Klaphake all of Sauk Centre; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Chopper was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Marlene Klaphake. Arrangements were made with PattonSchad Funeral & Cremation Services of Sauk Centre.
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Happy New Year! Wishing you all the best in 2026.
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And a Tour, 320-285-3973 • Email: cedar@meltel.net GIVE US A CALL! 303 Cedar Street N., Grey Eagle, MN 56336 Join us for some Folk & Old-Time Music WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7 from 1-3 PM • Potluck Meal To Follow
Mary J. Lawinger, age 86 of Sauk Centre, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 26, 2025 at Galeon Senior Living in Osakis, Minnesota. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, December 31 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Sauk Centre. Rev. Kevin Soenneker will officiate the Mass with Rev. Dave Flanagan concelebrating and Deacon Larry Lawinger assisting. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Mary Jane Wilcox was born on October 9, 1939, in Bagley, Wisconsin, to Lawrence and Florence (Knight) Wilcox. She graduated from Patch Grove High School in 1957 and began her working career at Madison Bank and Trust Company. On February 3, 1958, she was united in marriage to Kenneth “Ken” Lawinger at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mineral Point, Wisconsin and together they were blessed with nine children. Mary later worked at JCPenney before serving as the accountant for the family business, Northern States Feeder Pig. She was deeply involved in her community, serving for 12 years on the Citizen Advisory Board at the Home School Juvenile Correctional Facility. Mary was a member of Christian Mothers and St. Paul’s Catholic Church, where she served as a Eucharistic Minister. She also served on the Sauk Centre Park Board and was secretary for the Endowment Committee for Holy Family School. In her free time, Mary enjoyed playing cards, visiting the casino, and especially spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Survivors include her children, Deacon Larry (JoAnn) Lawinger of Maple Grove, Tim (Patty) Lawinger of Sauk Centre, Jim (Ainslie) Lawinger of Ambia, Indiana, Debi (Chuck) Reynolds of Sauk Centre, Andy (Karla) Lawinger of Oakdale, Geri (Tom) Swanson of St. Cloud, Alan (Cheryl) Lawinger of Sauk Centre, Chris (Lisa) Lawinger of Sauk Centre, and Jean (Todd) Marthaler of Sauk Centre; 26 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Helen Lawinger-Regan of Mineral Point. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Ken Lawinger on June 21, 2022; her parents, Lawrence and Florence Wilcox as well as step-mother, Louie Wilcox; brothers and sisters, Marjorie Kipper, Earl Wilcox, Elizabeth Puckett, Emma Bradley, Leora Clark, Virdiabell Bohringer, Marena Wilcox, Lucille Dvorak, Vance Taylor, Frances Nielson; and Lawinger in-laws, Helen (Cecil) Flanagan. Eleanor (Gil) Joestgen, M. Joan (Joe) Grimm, Alice (Linus) Hartung, William “Bill” (Helena) Lawinger, Agnes “Ag” (Jim) Knudson, and Robert “Bob” Lawinger. Arrangements were made with PattonSchad Funeral & Cremation Services of Sauk Centre.
Todays Thought
My goal for 2026 is to accomplish the goals of 2025 which I should have done in 2024 because I made a promise in 2023 and planned to do in 2022.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Ruth Ann Powell
Ruth Ann Powell, 57 year old resident of Swanville, MN passed away Monday, December 22, 2025 at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, MN. A funeral service was held Monday, December 29, 2025 at the LeMieur Funeral Home in Little Falls, MN with Rev. David Sperstad officiating. Burial will take place at a later date in Bearhead Cemetery in Pillsbury, MN. Caring for Ruth and her family is the LeMieur Funeral Home in Little Falls, MN. Ruth was born on December 3, 1968, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to the late Donald and Edna (Shaw) Powell. Throughout her childhood, she lived in several different places before her family settled in Little Falls, Minnesota, when she was 12 years old. Ruth attended Little Falls High School, where she graduated with the Class of 1987. Ruth spent most of her working career at IWCO before later beginning employment with Oakridge Group Homes in Long Prairie, Minnesota, where she found meaning and fulfillment in helping others. In her younger years, Ruth loved traveling with her best friend to watch her play travel softball, creating lasting memories on the road together. She also enjoyed spending time up north camping embracing the outdoors and the peace it brought her. In her free time, Ruth enjoyed playing horseshoes, listening to music, and fishing. She especially treasured time spent visiting on her deck with her closest friends and family, moments filled with laughter, conversation, and companionship. Ruth had a very contagious laugh and a smile that could light up a room, leaving a lasting impression on everyone she met. Ruth had a special love for the Christmas season and was an avid collector, with a great fondness for anything featuring snowmen. Her joy for the holidays reflected her warm and loving spirit. Ruth’s proudest accomplishment in life was raising her daughter, Brittany, whom she cherished deeply and loved unconditionally. In July of 2024, Ruth moved into a care facility, where she discovered joy in working on and creating art with diamond dotz. Most recently, Ruth was overjoyed to become a grandmother to her grandson, Benson, whom she loved and adored beyond measure. Ruth is survived by her daughter, Brittany (Andrew) Vodak of Long Prairie, Minnesota; son, Kody Anderson; brothers, Donald (Joyce Held) Powell and Russ (Stephanie) Powell; grandson, Benson Marvin Vodak; many nieces and nephews; and her best friend, Judi Anderson. She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Edna Powell; and siblings, Debra Brown, Catherine Powell, Robert Powell, and Cheryl Nelson.
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Welcome to this beautifully maintained townhome offering the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and freedom without the burden of HOA fees. This bright and inviting home features a spacious open-concept living room that flows seamlessly into the dining area and kitchen— ideal for everyday living and entertaining. Step outside onto the private patio, perfect for grilling, relaxing, or hosting guests. The primary bedroom includes a generous walk-in closet and a large full bathroom complete with a whirlpool tub. The second bedroom also offers its own walk-in closet, providing excellent storage space. Thoughtful accessibility features include 42” hallways, 36” doorways in the primary suite, and grab bars in the second bathroom. A conveniently located in-unit washer and dryer make laundry effortless. Situated in a desirable location close to I-94, restaurants, a city park, and the local bike trail, this home provides easy access to everything you need while offering a peaceful, low-maintenance lifestyle. Move-in ready and a rare find with no HOA—schedule your private showing today!
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Hometown News • Thursday, January 1, 2026 • Page 5
Hometown Community Rallies We would like to extend their deepest gratitude to hospice nurses Stephanie Teacher Facing Stage 4 Cancer
Card of Thanks
Behind
Gretsch and Mary Waltzing for their compassion, patience, and gentle care during Joan’s final days. Their kindness and steady presence brought comfort not only to Joan, but to all who loved her and will always be remembered with appreciation.
The Family of Joan Breth
To Submit a Card of Thanks the cost is $5.00 for the first 50 words, 10¢ for each additional word. MUST BE PREPAID. Mail to: Hometown News, 29442 120th St., Grey Eagle, MN 56336.
Marilyn Jean Lund
Marilyn Jean (Winje) Lund, age 92, of Fridley, passed away December 20, 2025, in Fridley, MN. A devoted wife who is now at peace with her husband who passed May 2025. They are together again in heaven. Preceded in death by husband of 69 years, Richard “Dick” Lund; grandchildren, Joseph Mark Ervasti and Ryanne Aileen Lund; parents, Herb and Ida; siblings, twin sister Marguerite Krey and brother Robert Winje; eleven brothersin-law and seven sisters-in-law. Survived by children, Cindy (Dave) Halek, Sue (Mark) Ervasti, Ron (Pam) Lund, Sandy Hossalla, Ginny Lund, and Bill (Megan) Lund; 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; sister Audrey Wellendorf, sister-in-law Sue Winje and many nieces and nephews, relatives and friends, and beloved cat companions, Goldie and Kitty. Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday, December 31, 11 AM Church of St. William, 6120 5th St. NE., Fridley. Interment Friday January 2, 11am Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, Little Falls.
Parkinson's Support Group Meeting
Parkinson’s Support Group Meeting is for anyone with Parkinson’s, their families, and caregivers. Next meeting will be January 6th, 2026 at 2 p.m. at the CentraCare Long Prairie West Campus Boardroom, 20 9th St. SE. For more information contact Rona Bleess at 320-874-0222.
The Art Of Conversation, Upsala
Joan Bernice Breth
Joan Bernice Breth, née Loecken, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 26, 2025 at home, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and quiet strength. She was a devoted family member, a loyal friend, and a steady presence in the lives of all who knew her. She is survived by her husband Thomas Breth, son Russel Eiynk (Blake Turner), son Matt Breth (Audra Keener), son-in-law Jason Bjerke, 6 grandchildren, Kayla Voigt (Trey Voigt), Brandy Hetlund (Olaf Hetlund), Samantha Bjerke, Laney Bjerke, Saylor Keener, and Conner Breth. She also cherished her 3 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by 4 sisters and 1 brother. Joan was known for her caring nature and generous spirit. She took great pride in her family and found joy in the everyday moments, time spent at the cabin, reading, time spent with family and friends, and shared stories. Her warmth and thoughtfulness left a lasting impression, and she will be remembered for the compassion she showed to others throughout her life. She faced life with grace and resilience, offering support and encouragement to those around her. Joan’s memory will live in the hearts of her family and friends, who will continue to honor her through the values she embodied. Joan was preceded in death by her mother and father Emma and Eugene Loecken, daughter Rebecca Bjerke, sisters Charlene, Charlotte and Bonnie Loecken. She is survived by family members and friends who will deeply miss her and cherish the many memories they shared. A private memorial to honor Joan’s life will be held at a time chosen by her family.
By Steve Weihsmann From January 2-30, The Art of Conversation gallery will feature the work of two outstanding artists. Linda Temp will display quilts with many beautiful and intricate designs and Diane Jesh will exhibit her photograph quality acrylic paintings. Both have won ribbons in our People’s Pick awards, and both will have pieces for sale. The gallery is located at 105 S. Main, Suite 2, in Upsala. Hours are Friday 4-6; Saturday Helping you live your best life... Wherever it is you call home! 10 am-noon; and Sunday noon4 pm. Come in to see great art For more information call and have a cup of great cof320-352-3350 fee! For more information, call www.alternativeseniorcare.net (218) 428-8010.
Merry Christmas
& Happy New Year!
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Winona, (formerly from Holdingford), MN — What began as a midsummer doctor’s visit turned into a life-altering moment for beloved teacher Nikki (Lyon) Schultz. On July 22nd, she received the words no one is ever prepared to hear: metastasized stage 4 colorectal cancer. She is 41 years old, so no screening was recommended at this age. In the months since, Nikki has fought with a quiet strength and unwavering hope that has inspired everyone around her — even as the reality of her diagnosis has forced her to step away from her classroom and the students she cherished. Her journey began at the City of Hope Cancer Center in Chicago, where she pursued every treatment available to her. But when the standard of cares in the United States were exhausted, Nikki and her family faced a painful truth — staying home meant running out of time and options. In an emotional decision fueled by determination and love, her family researched alternatives and found Envita Medical Center in Scottsdale, Arizona. A place offering cutting edge specialized treatments not covered by insurance. This new chapter means months away from home. Envita Medical Center recommends no travel for the patient while undergoing treatment. Nikki and her mother have relocated to an apartment in Scottsdale, where they’ll live for the next four months while she undergoes intensive therapies. Family mem-
bers will visit as often as they can, but every day begins and ends with a different kind of ache for Nikki. The distance from her husband, their 6-and-a-half-year-old son, and the rest of her family has been difficult. They remain at home trying to keep life feeling as normal as possible in her absence. The Holdingford Lions Club, which Nikki‘s dad Joe is a member, wanted to lighten her burden by sponsoring a spaghetti supper benefit on Saturday, January 10, 2026. The event will be held at the American Legion in Holdingford starting at 3:00 p.m. Included at the event will be a silent auction, meat raffles, gun raffles, costum fire ring raffle, and much more. The spaghetti dinner is a free-will offering starting at 4:00 p.m.
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Happy NEW YEAR
May God’s blessings surround you and your family with good health, lasting hope, and deep happiness this year.
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Page 6 • Hometown News • Thursday, January 1, 2026
Sudoku
Word Search Answers from December 25
Sudoku is one of the most popular puzzle games of all time. The goal of Sudoku is to fill a 9×9 grid with numbers so that each row, column and 3×3 section contain all of the digits between 1 and 9. As a logic puzzle, Sudoku is also an excellent brain game.
Dave Says -By Dave Ramsey Dear Dave, My fiancé and I are getting married this year. We’re both in our 40s with kids, so we’ll be a blended family. The thing that worries me is that we have drastically different views on handling money. I’m a saver, and he’s a spender. I also make significantly more money than he does. He’s been trying to get his production company in Tampa off the ground for about 10 years, making $50,000 a year. I’m an accountant, and I make $300,000 a year. Considering the uniqueness of the situation, would it be easier for us to keep separate financial lives? I’ve got a feeling it’s going to be hard talking him into being more responsible with money at his age. -Lisa Dear Lisa, You’re going to burn a lot of calories either way, aren’t you? Either you folks are going to do the hard work of getting on the same page together, or you’re going to essentially work against each other and underperform. In your lives and your finances. All the data we’ve collected shows that the couple who win with money are the
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couples who work together. Nearly 80% of the 10,000+ millionaires we interviewed in “The National Study of Millionaires” were married. On top of that, 80% of them said they were able to build that kind of wealth because they were working together financially with their spouse, instead of despite their spouse. As far as your fiancé and his business are concerned, it doesn’t take 10 years to get a business off the ground. If you know your stuff, it takes about 10 months. So, he doesn’t really have a small business. He has a hobby. Don’t get me wrong. I admire the dude’s commitment and ambitious spirit. It may just be a case of him being good at what he does but not being good at running a business. Accidental entrepreneurs happen a lot, and that’s not a sin. He may just need to educate himself on the how of running a business successfully. Along those lines, I’d recommend that he pick up a copy of “The E-Myth” by Michael E. Gerber. It’s a great read for anyone looking to evaluate their small business and get it moving in the right direction. But if that’s not the answer, he needs to find a different career. My guess is he could double what he’s making now working for someone else in the production world in a place like Tampa. Looking at you two on the surface, you’ve got a chance to build a beautiful life together. That’s not going to happen, though, if one or both of you are in denial about a job or your finances. The awkwardness of you making literally six times what he makes — and his business situation — needs to be discussed with a good pre-marital counselor before you two walk down the aisle. God bless you two, Lisa! -Dave * Leadership and small-business expert Dave Ramsey is the CEO of Ramsey Solutions. He has authored eight national bestselling books, including “EntreLeadership,” and he’s a host of “The Ramsey Show” and “The EntreLeadership Podcast.”
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Sudoku Answers from December 25
Ask The Motor Medics® From the Hosts of the Under The Hood radio show.
Dear Motor Medics, I have a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee with a 4.0 six-cylinder engine that failed. This is the first time I have ever had to replace an engine in a vehicle and with fairly low miles and a faithful maintenance history I am shocked that it failed. They told me the camshaft failed because I was not using an engine oil additive and that if I did not use one on the new engine every time that the engine warranty coverage would be void. Why have I never heard of using an additive before? I thought they were not needed for everyday use. The place that changes my oil is not where I go for bigger repairs and I have not had to see them for several years. -Scott in Dell Rapids, SD Dear Scott, Seeing a Jeep engine with low mileage fail when oil additive has not been used is not a surprise to us. The lack of ZDDP in the engine oil was likely the cause. ZDDP was removed from engine oil around the time diesel fuel had most sulfur removed. ZDDP protects high pressure areas such as the flat tappets of the Jeep cam. All oil change facilities should be offering the additive to you as a choice. A yearly check-up at a full-service shop is also a good way to get good advice. They can often advise you of recent changes. -Take care, the Motor Medics Dear Motor Medics, I replaced the air conditioning compressor on my Dodge Caravan before last winter and it worked great for the short time, I used it before winter and again this spring until the first really hot day. The system stopped working and started making a grinding
noise just like before. The shop that fixed it installed a new drier and a new compressor and charged me for Freon and labor. Did they miss something, or did I get a bad part? -Jennifer in Missouri Dear Jennifer, It worries me when you say the system is grinding again. According to the list of replaced parts you gave it is possible that the failure could be due to the way it was repaired. Not to doubt the installation but when a compressor grinds it’s usually coming apart internally and leaving metal shavings in the system which will plug passages in the condenser and expansion devices. If there was metal found in the system, any parts contaminated must be replaced. Just flushing the parts is not an option because of the small passages that can’t be accessed. Partially plugged systems may work well on cooler days but will fail when high temps raise pressures. When the system is repaired this time ask about these parts and if they need to be replaced and why or why not. With the high cost a second opinion is not a bad idea either. You don’t want this to happen again. -Take care, the Motor Medics For entertainment only. Always consult your local shop and follow all safety procedures before repairs. Come visit the Motor Medics® online at Underthehoodshow. com.
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Todays Thought
My new year’s resolution is to get better at pretending to know the words to “Auld Lang Syne.”
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Hometown News • Thursday, January 1, 2026 • Page 7
John Jeffery Dinkel
Jeff Dinkel, 76 year old of Long Prairie, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Friday, December 26, 2025, at the Quiet Oaks Hospice House. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at St. Mary’s of Mount Carmel catholic Church in Long Prairie at 11:00 AM. Visitation will be at the church one hour prior to the mass. Burial will take place at a later date. With an extended blanket of deep love and sorrow, the family of John (Jeff) Dinkel, along with the compassionate staff at Quiet Oaks Hospice House, gathered to send our beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend into the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Jeff fought a long and courageous battle with cancer. When his wife Cheryl, whom he always lovingly called his bride, could no longer care for him at home, he entered Quiet Oaks Hospice House on December 24, 2025. Surrounded by care, prayer, and love, Jeff passed peacefully on December 26, 2025. John Dinkel was born on December 14, 1949, to David and Agnes (Waletzko) Dinkel of rural Long Prairie. Not many people know that his first name was John. Jeff’s father hoped to name him after his own father, while his mother preferred the name Jeff. In the end, his mother enrolled him in St. Mary’s Catholic School under the name Jeff, and he has been known by that name ever since. Jeff often joked that he must have been a handful, as he started school at the age of four. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and later graduated from Long Prairie Public School in 1967. He was drafted into the United States Army, where he served as a helicopter crew chief stationed in Germany, and was honorably discharged in 1970. Shortly after returning home, Jeff married his childhood sweetheart, Cheryl Cizek, and together they were blessed with three beautiful children, Chad, Crista, and Kara, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in faith, family, and hard work. Jeff loved farming, and in their early years of marriage, he and Cheryl operated a small dairy farm with milk cows and beef cattle. Knowing that farming alone would not pay all the bills, Jeff worked a variety of jobs, including L.P. Packing, L.P. Machinery, and the Todd County Highway Department. In 1979, he became manager of the Hart Store Coast to Coast in Long Prairie. He worked with the Coast to Coast organization until 1987 and later helped establish a new Coast to Coast store after Hart’s Department Store liquidated. In 1990, Jeff joined the Phelps Organization, managing the local Hardware Hank, later Ace Hardware, until his retirement in 2017. Hardware and farming were truly in Jeff’s blood. Many nights, after a full day at the hardware store, he could be found plowing fields on his beloved John Deere tractor. One memorable evening, he was escorted home by the local sheriff, not for trouble, but because the tractor lights were not working. Jeff liked to say the sheriff simply wanted to make sure he made it home safely. Jeff was known throughout the community as a true “Mr. Fix-It,” always ready to lend a helping hand, share advice, or solve a problem. Many in town relied on him to change light bulbs, fix irons that did not seem to work quite right, or unclog vacuum hoses. He was a gifted storyteller, and anyone listening always walked away having learned something, whether they expected to or not. His children and grandchildren were frequent students in his informal classroom, always ready for an important lesson Grandpa needed to share. Jeff also had a special talent for giving nicknames. Every child and grandchild received theirs at birth, and those names stuck. He loved taking road trips with no set destination. Cheryl never knew where they were going and learned that was not a question to ask. Jeff would always say he was sure she would be happy when they got there. When the children called asking where they were, Cheryl would often answer honestly that she did not rightly know at that point. Jeff and Cheryl were blessed with seven grandchildren, Nicholas, Jacob, Jackson, Elaina, Alex, Eric, and Weston. Christmas was never complete without Jeff passing around his pocketknife to help unwrap presents, a tradition the family knows will continue for generations
to come. Jeff is survived by his bride of 55 years, Cheryl Dinkel of Long Prairie; children Chad (Amy) Dinkel of Albertville, Crista (Jeff) Thielen of Lino Lakes, and Kara (Eric) Fink of Kimball; grandchildren Nicholas, Jacob, Jackson, Elaina, Alex, Eric, and Weston; sisters Carolyn Petersen, Patricia Strack, Jane (Jim) Mitzel, and Jan Dinkel; sister-in-law Joretta (Steve) Hinrichs; brother-inlaw Russ Noble, many nieces and nephews, and special friends Ivan and Jon Hoeppner. He was preceded in death by his parents David and Agnes Dinkel, infant sister Nancy, and beloved sister Debra Noble. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Stearns Co. Sheriff’s Office
Crash: December 25, 2025: At approximately 4:57 PM, the Stearns County Emergency Communications Center received multiple 911 calls regarding a two-vehicle collision on County Road 17, just north of 425th Street in Millwood Township. This intersection is a quarter mile north of the city of Saint Rosa. Deputies arrived to find two vehicles severely damaged. David Riegel, 54, of Jordan was driving a 2018 Honda CRV southbound on County Road 17 when the CRV began to fishtail on the icy roads. Joseph Engelmeyer, 57, of Melrose, was driving northbound on County Road 17 in a 2017 Ford Explorer and attempted to drive into the ditch to avoid the CRV. The back passenger side of the CRV struck the Explorer on the driver’s side, causing the Explorer to spin around and land on the driver’s side in the east ditch. David Riegel and his passenger, Michelle Spies, 51, of Jordan, were uninjured. Joseph Engelmeyer and his passenger, Kimberly Engelmeyer, 55, of Melrose, were transported to the Melrose Hospital for suspected minor injuries. Emily Engelmeyer, 17, of Melrose was a backseat passenger in the Explorer and was uninjured. All parties were wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash, and both vehicles had airbag deployment. The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Freeport Fire and Rescue and Melrose Area Ambulance.
Local Library Events
Long Prairie Library • 320-732-2332 Thursday Afternoon Book Club: Join a local book club and explore titles from across the genres. Each month, readers select a title then meet as a group for discussion and sharing what they learned and liked (or didn’t like) about the book. Please check with the library for title selections. Meets the second Thursday of the month. For adults. Thursday, Jan. 8: 2:003:00 p.m. Skateboard Art with Mark Rivard: Join us in a creative space for an engaging program that will grab your attention and harness your creativity using skateboards as a canvas. Students will be making their own art with guidance and support from artist Mark Rivard. For ages 12 to adult. Limit 10. This program was made possible with Arts & Cultural Heritage Funds from Minnesota’s Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment. Saturday, Jan. 10: 10:30 a.m.Noon Melrose Library • 320-256-3885 Art Night: Monday, Jan. 5: 5:30-8:00 p.m. LEGO Time: For ages 5-10. Limit 12. Registration required. Thursday, Jan. 8: 3:30- 4:30 p.m. Sauk Centre Library • 320-352-3016 LEGO Hour Challenge: For ages 5-12. Limit 16. Tuesday, Jan. 6: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tech Time: Registration required. Thursday, Jan. 8: 2:30-3:30 p.m. Adult Book Club: Thursday, Jan. 8: 4:005:00 p.m. Upsala Library • 320-412-2048 Adult Reading Program Coffee Kickoff: Sign-up for a new library card or check out 3+ items to receive a coupon valid for a free coffee or hot chocolate drink from the coffee cart. Limit one per person. Up to the first 100 patrons and redeemable only during the date/times listed. The Rising Loon Coffee Cart will also be open to the public during this time. Sponsored by the Friends of the Upsala Public Library. Saturday, Jan. 3: 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Tech Time: Wednesday, Jan. 7: 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Chill Out and Read Begins January 2 Chill Out and Read! Challenge yourself to read more this season with the Winter Reading Challenge at Great River Regional Library. The 2026 Winter Reading Challenge begins Thursday, January 2, 2026, and runs through Friday, February 28. This year’s theme is “Chill Out and Read!” Whether reading more is your New Year’s resolution or you want to make the most out of the cold season, the Winter Reading Challenge is here for you. Plus, join the community of library readers and enter drawings for prizes! “Chill Out and Read” is a reading challenge for teens and adults, anyone in the 6th grade or older, and provides prize incentives to readers to help them settle into cozy winter reading habits. Each of the 32 branch libraries in the GRRL system will have prize drawings for participants. All book lovers need to do is register for the program at a branch library, online at griver.beanstack.org, or on the Beanstack Tracker app. Readers can track their winter reading using a paper log from their library or our tracker app, Beanstack. By downloading and using the
app, readers can keep track of their books, get book recommendations, and earn online badges to help make reading a habit. Count your time spent reading to be eligible for online badges and prizes. Branches will have drawings for special “Chill Out and Read” coffee mugs and winter hats at the end of the challenge. The library’s first Winter Reading program took place in 2004, and participation has increased every year since. Many of the region’s libraries now host special events designed to support the program and promote winter reading activities. Great River Regional Library (GRRL) provides library services at 32 public libraries and one to-go system in Benton, Morrison, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd and Wright Counties. GRRL2GO is a locker system that allows you to pick up items at the Sartell Community Center. GRRL supplies the residents of Central Minnesota with nearly 1 million books, CDs, DVDs, 250 public computers, and information services.
UMN Extension to Host Lambing & Kidding Preparation Workshop on January 17 The University of Minnesota Extension will host an in-person lambing & kidding workshop on Saturday, January 17th from 9:30 am-11:30 am in the Commissioners Board Room at the Todd County Historic Courthouse. Pre-registration is required by January 10th. Spaces are limited to encourage an ample amount of hands-on experience. Register online at: z.umn.edu/lambing_todd or contact Brenda Miller at: nels4220@umn.edu or 320533-4655 to reserve your seat. The workshop will offer a combination of classroom training in what to expect when your doe or ewe is in active labor, plus handson practice with a lambing and kidding simulator to help with those tricky dystocia cases.
If you are anticipating the birth of lambs or kids in the spring, chances are you want to feel as prepared as possible for the moment your ewe or doe goes into labor. With Extension’s help, review “what to expect when she’s expecting” and practice the hands-on skills you’ll need to identify if help is necessary. An Extension team of professionals, including Extension Livestock Veterinarian Dr. Angela Varnum, will be on hand to guide you through this hands-on event. Sheep and goat farmers, their veterinarians, and anyone else who works with sheep/goats is invited attend. For questions about the event or to register, contact Brenda Miller at: nels4220@umn. edu or 320-533-4655.
U of MN Cow/Calf Days Event to be held in Staples on January 27 University of Minnesota Extension will be holding the annual Cow/Calf Days workshop in Staples on Tuesday, January 27th starting at 9:30 am at Central Lakes College (1830 Airport Rd, Staples). This year is the 53rd anniversary of the event and it continues to be the leading information, technology, and research outlet for cow/calf producers in the state of Minnesota. This year’s event will feature information on herd health, mineral and general nutrition, industry updates, and a beef research update. Speakers include: Dr. Angela Varnum-U of M Extension Veterinarian, Alisha Klemme-U of M Extension, Eric Mousel-U of M Extension, and representatives from the MN State Cattlemen’s Association and MN Beef Council. The corresponding tradeshow will feature vendors with new information, technology, financial opportunities, and products with a wide-array of practical uses for the operators in the cowcalf sector. The program is directed at cow/calf producers, allied industry representatives, and to those interested in the beef cow/calf sector. A
meal will be served with the program. A registration fee to be paid at the door via cash or check will include a meal, proceedings book, and program materials. The program is approximately three hours long. Please RSVP by January 13th by contacting Brenda Miller at the Todd County Extension Office at 320-533-4655, nels4220@umn. edu or register online at: z.umn.edu/StaplesCCD26 If you have any questions about the event or would like to be an event sponsor, please contact Brenda Miller at the Todd County Extension Office at 320-533-4655. For more information on more U of M Extension Beef Team events or Cow/Calf topics, please visit: www.extension.umn.edu/beef
RJ's Country Store
Melrose American Legion
Green Grove Rod & Gun Club
GUN BINGO & RAFFLE DRAWING Saturday, January 10, 2026 Doors Open @ 5 PM Starts @ 7 PM
28916 County Rd. 17 - St. Rosa
320-836-2583
Gas/Diesel/Premium • Propane Exchange Groceries • Pep's Pork • Schaefer's Market Harry's Pizza • Bait • ATM
Proceeds go towards the local high school archery & trap teams.
HAPPY NEW YEAR! from all of us at
Hennen
Lumber Company, Inc.
320-836-2135
Freeport www.hennenlumber.com
Page 8 • Hometown News • Thursday, January 1, 2026
January 2 through February 28 Adult & Teen Winter Reading Challenge
Chill out and read
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WANTED TO BUY: Butcher cows, bulls, fats & walkable cripples: also horses, sheep & goats. 320-235-2664. SC-odB WANTED: Cars and pickups from the 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s, in your weeds or sheds. 218-640-3807 or 218-756-2257. FOR SALE: Firewood, all Oak boiler wood, you haul I load, $125/cord. Call 320573-3939. 1/29P FOR SALE: 1903 grandfather clock, Christmas doilies, player piano, wingback rocker, Wild Country fish house with ice auger. Call 320-255-9519. 1/8
1-833-GET-GRRL
Explore...Learn...Connect...at griver.org
ACRES AGAIN AGREE AHEAD ANYTHING BADGE BANKING CALCULATED CREAM DAIRY DIVING DRIED EARNEST
ENCYCLOPEDIAS ERASE EROSION EXPAND FLOODS GATES HASTE IMAGINATION IMAGINE INNER LAYING MINDS MINOR
NOUNS PEASANT POETS PRIDE RAINS REFORM RHYME RIDING ROADS SAFER SCARE SENATE SERIES
SHAGGY SMOKES SPEARS STIRS TEDDY THERE TOPIC UNTIED WASTE YARDS
FOR SALE: York King snowblower, 12 hp 33”, electric start, $500. Call 320-573-2329.
An Entertainer Funny
A retired man who volunteers to entertain patients in nursing homes and hospitals went to one local hospital in Brooklyn and took his portable keyboard along. He told some jokes and sang some funny songs at patients bedsides. When he finished he said, in farewell, “I hope you get better.” One elderly gentleman replied, “I hope you get better, too.”