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Use passion to drive you past discouragement
Over the holidays I was watching the classic movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” for the umpteenth time, and the opening caught my attention as it always does.
Two angels are talking in heaven when they summon Clarence, the clockmaker, to go down to earth and help George Bailey. Clarence asks, “Is he sick?”
And angel Joseph answers, “No … worse. He’s discouraged!”
This reminded me of the old fable where the devil once held a sale and offered all the tools of his trade to anyone who would pay their price. They were spread out on the table, each one labeled – hatred, malice, envy, despair, sickness – all the weapons that everyone knows so well.
But off to the side, apart from the rest, lay a harmless looking, wedge-shaped instrument marked “Discouragement.” It was old and worn looking, but it was priced far above all the rest.
When asked why, the devil explained: “Because I can use this one so much more easily than the others. No one knows that it belongs to me, so with it I can open doors that are tightly bolted against the others. Once I get inside, I can use any tool that suits me best.”
Discouragement presents significant
SATURDAY, JANUARY 31
problems, impacting various aspects of life, from personal development to professional success.
Discouragement often arises when there’s a gap between our expectations and reality. It can stem from unmet goals, repeated failures or external pressures. When left unchecked, discouragement can sap your energy and enthusiasm, making it difficult to pursue goals. Persistent discouragement can erode confidence and self-worth. Feeling discouraged can lead to avoidance and procrastination, further hindering progress. It can foster a cycle of negative thinking, where one focuses more on failures than successes.
Southern Baptist pastor and author Charles Stanley said: “(Discouragement) can be temporary – or it can destroy our life. The choice is ours. If we refuse to deal with discouragement head-on, we are opening the door for it to completely dominate our life.”
Discouragement is a very real problem within all of us that can cause an attitude crash. Author Glenn Van Ekeren lists the four pitfalls of discouragement:
1. Discouragement hurts our self-image.
2. Discouragement causes us to see ourselves as less than we really are.
3. Discouragement causes us to blame others for our predicament.
4. Discouragement causes us to blur the facts.
What are the best ways to address discouragement?
Reframe your perspective. Instead of fixating on what’s not working, focus on progress by celebrating small wins and progress made.
Learn from setbacks. Treat failures
-By Harvey Mackay
as learning opportunities, not as definitive judgments of your abilities. Belgian playwright, poet and essayist Maurice Maeterlinck said: “An obstacle is not a discouragement. It may become one, but only with our own consent. So long as we refuse to be discouraged, we cannot be discouraged.”
Set realistic goals. Divide larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Be flexible with your goals and timelines to accommodate unforeseen challenges.
Seek support. Sharing your feelings with friends, family or mentors can provide new perspectives and encouragement. Engage with groups or communities that share similar goals or challenges.
Practice self-compassion. Recognize that everyone faces setbacks and that it’s okay to feel discouraged at times. Engage in activities that rejuvenate your mind
Upcoming Events
• Beat Series Chicago Tribute at 7 p.m. at the Blattner Energy Arts Theatre, Albany.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3
• Parkinson’s Support Group Meeting at 2 p.m. at CentraCare West Campus Board Room, Long Prairie.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4
• Folk & Old-Time Music & Potluck from 1-3 p.m. at the Village View Apartments, Grey Eagle. See ad on page 4.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7
• Minnesota Darkhouse & Angling Association Heartland Chapter 22nd Annual Banquet & Fundraiser starting at 4:30 p.m. at the Freeport Community Center. See ad on page 5.
• Valentine’s Banquet at 6 p.m. at Word of Life Church, Upsala. See ad on page 5.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8
• Sobieski Quilters Quilt Bingo at 1 p.m. at the Sobieski Community Center.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10
• Freeport Lions Club American Red Cross Blood Drive from 12:30-6:30 p.m. at the Freeport Community Center.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15
• Albany Legion Post 482 Smorgasbord Breakfast from 8 a.m.-noon at Church of Seven Dolors Parish Hall, Albany.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21
• Sobieski & Swanille Lions Club 33rd Annual Fishing Contest & Raffle. 12-3 p.m. on Long Lake, Swanville.
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. al-
ternating 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.
Harvey Mackay continued to pg 3
Living,
“The Good Old Days” -By Tom Kuehne
Ailments
Conversations of mature individuals invariably involve our medical issues. We discuss our aches and pains, tests and procedures and usually somewhere in the conversation we find ourselves talking about cancer, heart trouble and diabetes and whether there will be a cure for them soon. We no longer discuss the diseases which were of great concern when we were young.
One disease that was a great concern for all of us was polio. I’m sure that everyone can remember someone who was a victim of that terrible disease. Those that were not kept alive with an “iron lung” frequently carried a limp with them for life. President Roosevelt had both legs damaged by polio and spent many years of his life in a wheel chair. He needed steel braces on his legs to enable him to stand to give a speech. Dr. Salk discovered a vaccine and in a few years polio was virtually eliminated.
Another disease that was common in the past was undulant fever. Many of us from a farm background were exposed to the disease. It was discovered that an antibiotic would relieve the fever, weakness, sore joints and muscles. About the same time it was discovered that the disease in humans was actually bangs disease and primarily came from drinking unpasteurized milk. To eliminate the disease in humans, the government tested all dairy animals and any that showed positive for bangs disease had to be eliminated. Pasteurizing milk and eliminating disease infected cows solved a serious problem for humans.
Lumbago was a common ailment in past years. Anyone that had a pain in the back called it lumbago. Today pain in the back still exists, but now it is a slipped disk, pinched nerve, pulled muscle or an arthritic condition. We have a multitude of doctors and clinics to solve the problem and relieve the pain. In extreme cases a back operation is prescribed, a procedure not part of medicine that was practiced years ago.
When we were in school there were times when a disease like mumps, measles, chicken pox, colds or the flu reduced the class sizes until everyone got well and could again attend school. These occurrences were very common. The local weekly newspaper may run an article entitled, “42% of the first three grades in the local school were unable
to attend school last week due to illness.” The following week it may say “class attendance is back up to 90%.”
We are hearing reports of more cases of measles in Minnesota. Many of us mature citizens had measles and survived. I guess when it is thought a disease has been eliminated, it’s reappearance is a news worthy event.
Medicine has made great advances in our lifetime. Our life expectancy has been increased. One satisfying factor is that we no longer hear of someone dying of “old age,” which was very common in years past.
For feedback or story ideas, email Tom at kuehneins@gmail.com.
Harvey Mackay continued from pg 2 and body, such as exercise, meditation or hobbies.
Maintain a positive environment. I always try to surround myself with positive people who inspire me and lift me up.
B.C. Forbes, founder of “Forbes” magazine, said: “History has demonstrated that the most notable winners usually encountered heartbreaking obstacles before they triumphed. They won because they refused to become discouraged by their defeats.”
Very true when you consider that Thomas Edison failed 10,000 times before he made the electric light bulb.
Discouragement comes when we feel that opportunity for success is gone. Discouragement is a natural part of the journey, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent stop. By reframing setbacks and seeking support, you can transform discouragement into determination.
I’m inspired by the spirit of this little boy. A man stopped to watch a Little League baseball game. He asked one of the youngsters for the score.
“We’re behind 18 to nothing,” he said.
“Well, I must say you don’t look discouraged,” said the man.
“Discouraged?” the boy asked. “Why should we be discouraged? We haven’t come to bat yet.”
Mackay’s Moral: Discouragement is merely a pause in your journey, not the end. Use it as a catalyst to fuel your determination and resilience.
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.”
From the Desk of Pastor Bruce
I heard a catchy phrase the other day that I thought I would share with you. It said, “It’s nice to be important, but its more important to be nice.”
In my unqualified opinion, being important is way overrated. Many people think in order to be successful you must be important first. Here is what God’s Word says, Philippians 2:3-8 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!”
Our goal and purpose in life ought to be to serve Jesus, He gave us the perfect example by being a servant.
The next phrase is right in line with what our theme is this year at Swanville Bible Church. Colossians 3:12-14 “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
Thought for today: “It’s Important to be NICE.”
-Pastor Bruce Miller from Swanville Bible Church, 320-547-2916
Grey Eagle Public Library News
Two great events are coming to the Grey Eagle Library in February and March. First up is a music event on Wednesday February 4 at 4:30 pm.
Kerry Grombacher’s “Song and Stories of the American West.” The performance blends music and storytelling to explore the historical, modern, and mythic West. Kerry draws inspiration from the landscapes and cultures he encounters, transforming them into songs and tales that celebrate the West’s people and traditions. For all ages. This program was made possible with Arts and Cultural Heritage Funds from Minnesota’s Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment.
The next event runs from February 1st to March 28. Sponsored by the Library Board we present “Popcorn and a Movie.” Every Friday and Saturday pick up a movie from our selection and receive a free bag of microwave popcorn to enjoy with your movie.
The importance of maintaining a library in our community is crucial. Like any merchant or restaurant, attendance is a critical factor in staying open. We all love the convenience of digital format but we need support of people
Pub & Grill Freeport, MN • 320-836-2120
THURSDAYS • 5-9 PM
All You Can Eat • Dine In Only
spending time at the library. We offer free puzzle exchange, movies, music cd’s, large print books and computer usage. We also have book club kits available. The Grey Eagle Library hours recently changed. We are open Monday 2-7. Wednesday 10-1 and 2-6, Friday 12-5 and Saturday 10-1.
The Grey Eagle Library Association has a continuous fundraiser of selling used donated books for free will donation. We also offer the “History of Grey Eagle” book by resident Robert Kutter for a donation to GELA. We are currently raising money to replace the library desk for better service to our clients. All donations to GELA are tax deductible and greatly appreciated.
Come enjoy our library from the couch and read the paper, put a puzzle together, read a book or just enjoy the peacefulness of Grey Eagle Library.
VINTAGE RIDE • SUN., Feb. 1
Constance Harren
Constance
“Connie” Harren, age 87, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2026, following a short and courageous battle with cancer.
Connie was born on October 2, 1938, in Upsala, Minnesota, to Edward and Evelyn (Klimmek) Klug. On November 12, 1960, she married Eugene Harren in Brainerd.
Together, they shared more than six decades of marriage, building a home filled with love, kindness, and quiet devotion.
Connie was the heart of her family and found joy in caring for others. She enjoyed crafting, sewing, gardening, birdwatching, and making delicious home-cooked meals, but her most treasured time was time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Connie is survived by her devoted husband, Gene Harren; her children, Jackie (Nick) Pohlkamp, Wendell (Michelle) Harren, Brian (Diane) Harren, Sue (Rob) Polipnick, and Janice Larsen; 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Regina Hoeschen; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by their infant son, Randy, her parents; her brother, Lloyd Klug; and many brothers and sisters-in-law.
A visitation will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 5, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Upsala, Minnesota, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Private burial will take place in the spring.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Randall.
Werner L. “Tex” Bloch
Werner L. “Tex” Bloch, age 80 of Albany, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026 at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, Minnesota, with his family by his side.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 31 at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany with Rev. Julius Beckermann, O.S.B. officiating. Entombment 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 Seven Dolors Gathering Area in Albany.
Werner Lawrence Bloch was born April 21, 1945 in Albany, Minnesota to Henry and Christine (Douvier) Bloch. He grew up on a farm west of Albany and attended a local country school as well as Albany High School. Tex enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1964 and was honorably discharged in 1966. He was united in marriage to Carol Fleischhacker in 1971 and have resided in Albany since their marriage.
Tex loved gardening, yard work, and playing cards with family and friends. For many years, Tex made rosaries which he gave to area churches for children making their First Holy Communion. Remaining rosaries were sent to missions.
Survivors include his loving wife of 56 years, Carol Bloch; sons, Dean (Kimberly) and Dennie (Lotte), and Greg; daughter, Sherry; nine grandchildren; brother, Don (Bea) Bloch; sisters, Sr. Loretta Bloch, OSF, Bea Britz, Julie Fernandez, Janie (Manny) Phillip, and Eileen (Jim) Dwyer; and sister-in-law, Donna Bloch. Tex was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers and five sisters, and granddaughter, Kenleigh.
Arrangements were made with PattonSchad Funeral & Cremation Services of Melrose.
Bernie M. Ostendorf
Bernie (Bernadette) Monica Ostendorf, 79, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026, at Quiet Oaks Hospice Home, surrounded by her children. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, love, and enduring strength.
Bernie was a devoted mother to Scott (San Francisco), Mari (Santa Monica), Leo (St. Cloud), and Nicole (Guadalajara, Mexico). She was a loving grandmother to Cedar, Sage, and Sofia, and a caring mother-in-law to Jim and Rafa. Family was Bernie’s greatest joy, and she poured her heart into the people she loved most. She raised her four children with resilience, warmth, and unwavering support— values that shaped their lives and will continue to guide them. As a grandmother, she delighted in simple, joyful moments, especially making “summer snowmen” and sharing laughter with her granddaughters.
Bernie loved nature and being outdoorssnowshoeing, kayaking, hiking, and tending to her many flower gardens. She could never pass up an opportunity to deadhead a flower in need. She was especially fond of searching for cardinals and butterflies, and she enjoyed completing puzzles and crosswords.
She also found joy in life’s everyday pleasures: a good book, meaningful conversations, shared meals, a Tequila Rose, and time together with family and friends. Travel was another passion. She loved exploring the world, especially when it meant visiting and reconnecting with loved ones. Her travels often included adventures with or to see her children, including trips to England, Japan, Argentina, Mexico, New York City, New England, and California.
Bernie’s life was grounded in family, friends, faith, and of course, flowers. She opened her heart and home to others, hosting international students who became lifelong family friends. She touched many through her work, volunteering, and quiet generosity. Bernie was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, a valued part of the Paramount Theatre family, volunteered for more than four years with Adopt-a-Drain (caring for 10 drains yearround), enjoyed volunteering at the Stearns History Museum, and was a lifelong blood donor. She dedicated 27 years to St. Cloud Hospital, where she made many dear friends.
Bernie is survived by her siblings, Kathy Elfering, Jim Kerfeld, and Ann Hiltner, and inlaws Mary Ann Kerfeld, Dottie Kerfeld, Kerry Kerfeld, Kathy Kerfeld, Harry Elfering, and Mike Hiltner.
Bernie has been greeted in heaven by her parents, Joe and Bertha Kerfeld, siblings Will, Joseph, Dick, and Tony Kerfeld, and Rosie Rolfes, extended family, and dear friends.
Funeral services will be held this summer, when her children and grandchildren can attend, and the flowers will be in bloom.
Wilfred F. “Wif” Finken
Wilfred F.
“Wif” Finken, age 87 of Melrose, passed away on Sunday, January 25, 2026 surrounded by his family at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, Minnesota. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, January 30 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose with Rev. Daniel Walz officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery with military honors by the Melrose Veterans Honor Guard.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday and from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Friday at the church. Melrose Veterans Honor Guard will pray at 6:15 p.m. followed by a rosary by the Melrose Fire Department at 6:30 p.m. Thursday evening at the church.
Wilfred Fred Finken was born March 16, 1938 in St. Rosa, Minnesota to Robert and Loretta (Stueve) Finken. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1955 in Greenville, Mississippi. After serving his country, he began working at Bellanca Aircraft in Alexandria, Minnesota. In 1961, Wif started as an independent in the Water Treatment industry. In 1977, he franchised with WaterCare Corporation in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. It was then he started his own and began Wif Finken’s WaterCare in Melrose where he served as owner operator until his son, Tom took over the business and continues to run the business today.
On September 7, 1959, he was united in marriage to Alice Dufner of St. Rosa. With this union came six children and raised their family in Melrose, Minnesota. After 39 years of marriage, Alice passed away on June 29, 1998.
On August 4, 2000, Wif married Bernette Petermeier in Melrose, Minnesota. With this union came a blended family and Wif welcomed four more sons into his family. They were married twenty-five years until Wif’s passing.
Wif was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church where he served as an usher, he was the last charter member of the Freeport Lions, he received the Melvin Jones Award from the Melrose Lions, a member of the Melrose Fire Department for 20 years, member of the Melrose American Legion where he served on the honor guard, and was Grand Marshall in the Melrose parade.
Survivors include his wife, Bernette Finken of Melrose; children, Sharon (Tim) Blaskowski of Melrose, Chad (Mary) Finken of Minot, North Dakota, Julie Finken Heiber (Greg Ramler) of Albany, Tom Finken of St. Cloud, Kyle (Bernadette) Finken of Apple Valley, and Joe (Dana) Finken of Melrose; Bernette’s children, Brian (Amy) Petermeier of Hudson, Wisconsin, Michael Petermeier of St. Louis Park, Wayne (Kris) Petermeier of Browerville, and Keith (Rachel) Petermeier of Marshall; 21 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren; and sisters, Dorothy Austing of Freeport and Donna Bueckers of St. Rosa.
Wif was preceded in death by his first wife, Alice Finken on June 29, 1998; Bernette’s husband, Gene Petermeier on November 28, 1994; parents; grandson, Aaron Heiber; brother, LeRoy Finken; sister, Mary Ann Engelmeyer; brothers-in-law, Richard Austing, Eugene Bueckers, and Roger Engelmeyer, and sister-inlaw, Grace Finken.
Arrangements were made with PattonSchad Funeral & Cremation Services of Melrose.
Jason W. Bloch age 46, of Albany, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at CentraCare Hospital in Sauk Centre, Minnesota. A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany with Rev. Julius Beckermann, O.S.B. officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery.
Jason William Bloch was born August 11, 1979 in Albany, Minnesota to Norbert and Marcella (Kowitz) Bloch. Jason worked at Wacosa for many years.
He was a member of Seven Dolors Catholic Church. He enjoyed listening to music, singing, watching The Price is Right, and going on pontoon rides with Shawn and family. Jason loved being outside in the warm sun and enjoyed the days when he cooked with his mom and read books together.
Survivors include his siblings, Ruth Glenn of Albany, Diane Panek of Albany, Wanda Bloch of Waite Park, Donald (Holly) Bloch of Albany, Gregory Bloch of Sauk Centre, Sandy Skwira of Holdingford, Paula (Russell) Klaphake of Avon, and Martin Bloch of Sauk Centre; and many nieces and nephews.
Jason was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers-in-law, Gerald Panek and Gregory “Greg” Glenn.
MyrnaLane Lindeman
MyrnaLane Margaret Lindeman (Sandbrink), age 89, of Avon, passed away January 23, 2026. Service will be held at a later date.
Myrna was born May 3, 1936 in Melrose, MN. She was the second of two children born to Roman and Alma Sandbrink (Tise). Her passion in school was music and remembered wanting to become a band director. After graduating from high school, she moved to the twin cities where she went to school for bookkeeping. She also had a part time job working as a dance instructor at a Fred Astaire dance studio and also served as a nanny.
She met and later married Albert Lindemann of Sauk Centre, MN. They moved to St. Cloud, MN and together they had five children: Jennie, Jill, Keith, Greg, and Nancy.
For many years, while raising her family, she belonged to St. Mary’s Cathedral in St. Cloud, MN. While there, Myrna served in the choir, played the organ for services, taught CCD, and was a member of the Christian Mothers’ group. Additionally, she delivered meals on wheels and was a dedicated volunteer for Catholic Charities, Hospice and St. Benedict’s food shelf in Avon. She believed in leading a life of service.
Myrna spent decades working for the United States Post Office as a rural route carrier, in fact she was proud to have the largest route in St. Cloud. During her spare time, she loved gardening, hosting family gatherings, reading, making puzzles, taking pictures, and in later years, playing solitaire on her smartphone!
While working full-time and continuing to raise her family, she continued pursuing her passion for music. Not only did she instill the love of Music in her children, but she learned how to play the French horn and performed with both the St. Cloud Municipal Band and the Albany Band for many years.
Myrna loved to travel! She, and her husband Al, traveled to Alaska, China, St. Thomas, and she also traveled to Europe with two of her children. Myrna was always ready to go on the next adventure!
Survivors include Husband: Albert Lindemann; children: Jennie Harjes (Mike), Jill Halberg (Scott), Keith Lindeman (Pat), Nancy Pauley (Brad); grandchildren: Travis Harjes, Roman Lindeman (Danielle), Samantha Heyl (Tanner), Wyatt Pauley (Jackie), Brin Pauley (Dan Hansen); great-grand children: June Harjes, Ryu Harjes, Wesley Pauley, and Sadie Pauley. She was preceded in death by: Alma and Roman Sandbrink (parents), Ronayne Lee (sister) and Greg Lindeman (son).
Mitchell Scott Hillman
It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Mitchell Scott Hillman, who left us too soon on January 21st, 2026.
A memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church in Long Prairie on Friday, January 30th, 2026, at 11 am, with a visitation one hour prior, also at the church.
Mitch was born on January 21st, 1986 to Scott and Jill Hillman and welcomed home by his sisters Nikki and Heather. While growing up in Long Prairie he enjoyed playing golf, pond hockey, basketball in the driveway and video games with his friends. While in high school he worked as a lifeguard at our local beach, Cenex, and Ace Hardware. After graduating high school in 2004 he enlisted in the United States Army and served until 2007. In later years he enjoyed working out and training for marathons and triathalons and spending time with his faithful dog Ruddy.
The Army chapter of his life shaped him in many ways both visible and unseen. He carried strength, discipline, loyalty and the scars that very few truly understood. He wore an engraved bracelet on his left wrist of his best army buddy Shaun Novak, killed in action August 27th, 2006 from an IED. He also had Shaun’s and the other soldiers’ names tattooed on his arm who were killed that day. The other arm had “FAMILY” tattooed on it. Those tattoos tell his story - his determination to keep others remembered and his deep love for family.
In 2008 Mitch received his degree from St. Cloud State University and accepted a job shortly after at the St. Cloud VA in medical records. He later transferred to the Minneapolis VA and then moved on to HUD (Housing and Urban Development) in downtown Minneapolis until 2017.
During the above time he married Diandra Petron and though life had other plans, after their divorce the friendship and love always remained.
Mitch was clever and quick-witted, with a mind that moved faster than most and a humor that could cut through heaviness without trying too hard. He had a way of seeing things differently and finding the angle others missed, making life feel a little lighter in the process. He had an outrageous sense of humor, a magnetic personality, and a gift for turning ordinary moments into unforgettable memories. He lived to push limits and chase adventure and encouraged those around him to do the same. Beneath his larger than life spirit was a deeply caring heart. Mitch loved big, felt deeply and showed up for the people he cared about. He was a son, brother, and friend who mattered deeply and will be missed more than words can say.
The struggles he carried were a part of his story but it is not the whole of him. He was loved, he mattered, he still does and will forever. We will remember him, not for how he died, but for who he was and that is what will hold a place in our hearts. We will remember him for his sharp mind. He was always up for a friendly or not so friendly game of trivial pursuit and loved a good debate. His gentle heart and playful intelligence will be missed every day. Even though his life ended far too soon it was full of meaningful moments, laughter that lingered, and a love that ran deeper than he often led on.
Mitch is survived by his parents Scott and Jill, sisters Nikki (Bruce Rohde) and Heather (Mike Seminitis), nieces Hattie and Vanessa Rohde, nephew Gus Seminitis, nieces Stevie, Vayda, and Edda Seminitis, Grandma Leora Hillman, many aunts, uncles and cousins and his dog Ruddy.
Mitch is preceded in death by his grandfathers Gene Hillman and Edward Prill, grandmother Irene Prill, uncles Bill Hillman and Gordy Lien, and aunts Sheloa Hillman and Yvonne Hillman.
A Car Funny
Dad is down at the auto dealership, looking at potential choices. “Cargo space?” he asks. The salesman, slightly confused, finally replies, “Car no do that... car go road.”
Jason Bloch
Sudoku
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, I’ve owned my own live events business for five years now. We’ve started really growing over the last year, but there are so many moving parts, and I’ve begun to feel like things could spin out of control at any minute. Do you have any tips for relieving all this stress, and my fear of losing control?
-Russ
Dear Russ,
I get what you’re saying. I really do. Years ago, I went through these same feelings when my company began to really grow and pick up steam. Fanning flames, putting out fires and burning the candle at both ends can seem as necessary as breathing for most driven business leaders.
Don’t misunderstand. There’s nothing wrong with being driven to achieve your goals and build something great. But the truth is this: Your business will never grow beyond your ability to let go and delegate. That’s why, as an entrepreneur, it’s vitally important to learn how to delegate the right way.
Delegation is one of the most misunderstood—and abused—areas of leadership. It isn’t handing off tasks you hate.
It’s all about recognizing and developing your team’s abilities and skills, then trusting them to take on responsibility. Transferring the fire in your heart to the right team members (transformational leadership) sets everyone up to burn brighter. But you’ll need to intentionally shift your mindset from doing the work to leading it. You can start this by beginning to see yourself more as a catalyst, coach and consultant, instead of the muscle for all the heavy lifting.
If this sounds hard, it’s because it is. At the outset, it’ll be one of the most difficult things you’ll ever do in your business. But if you slow down just a little, and develop a great training plan and delegation process now, I promise you things will grow incredibly later. Done properly, delegation will lighten your load, and stress, so you can focus more on strategy and vision. It will also increase project ownership and company loyalty, while giving others a growth path and the motivation to learn new skills. As you activate this momentum, your whole team will become stronger, faster and better. It will also show your team that you believe in them. And in time, watching your team do tasks as good as, or better than you, will feel rewarding beyond anything you ever imagined.
-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.”
Pre-registration requested to dine daily. For more info. call 320-845-4070.
THE JUNCTION
Convenience Store • Bait OPEN 7 DAYS A
to
Ask The Motor Medics®
From the Hosts of the Under The Hood radio show.
Dear Motor Medics,
I have a 2005 Ford F150 truck with the 5.4 engine and I’ve been watching my fuel mileage drop slowly but steadily over the past five years. It’s been about 60k miles, and I’ve lost about 5 mpg over that time frame. The truck runs perfectly so I haven’t taken it in to have anything checked. Where should I start if I wanted to try and get the mileage back up where it had been?
-Dan in Sioux City, Iowa
Dear Dan,
Fuel economy degrades for many reasons, some of which can be avoided with daily habits while others need to be addressed on a more professional level. Daily you can keep the air in your tires at the level recommended by your vehicles manufacturer, and you can keep your engine oil maintained and your air filter clean. Driving at excessive speeds also is a big waste of fuel and with many places raising the speed limits we have seen mileage fall accordingly. Some of the more in-depth end tune up items such as spark plugs and wearing oxygen sensors can degrade economy. These things can be checked by your mechanic. Finally but not all is the fuel system and induction system. As the valves and injectors become carbon coated and sludge builds up on them, the engine efficiency will drop and as it does the fuel economy will as well. These are a few things you and your mechanic can talk about.
-Take care, the Motor Medics
Dear Motor Medics,
I keep developing a shake in my car’s brake system. It’s a 2006 Chevy Impala and I made it the first 80k miles before it first
happened and at that time they replaced all my car’s brake pads and rotors and it was good for about 6 months then the front rotors warped again and I replaced them a second time. Now it’s been just three months, and they are shaking again and I can only assume it’s the front rotors. What could be causing them to fail so often when the first ones lasted so long? I’m using original equipment parts.
-Peter in Sachse, Texas Dear Peter,
We suspect there may be more to the brake failure than just worn-out brake pads and rotors. When brakes are replaced, it is easy to replace just the parts you visually see worn and overlook underlying items such as calipers that are sticking and brake hardware and hoses that are causing the brakes to drag. An important part of any brake job is to thoroughly inspect these items, or you can end up with repeat failure. If a brake is not releasing completely it may not feel like there’s a problem, but it can build up heat from dragging and that heat can lead to premature wear and also brake rotors that are warped again in a short amount of time. When you find out what is wrong, inspect everything else thoroughly.
-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.
Todays Thought
Argentina is surprisingly cold. In fact, it borders on
Local Municipality Minutes
Email Minutes to htnews@icloud.com program rather than the fast pay out program.
Swanville City • December 2, 2025
Minutes of the Swanville City Council meeting held in the Swanville Center on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. with the following members present: Sandy Lange, Norm Carlson, Carter Loven, and Jim Molitor. Absent: Tony Maciej. Also present: Joe Krueger, Ben Nelson and reporter Sheila McCoy.
Minutes of the Public Hearing and Swanville City Council meeting held Wednesday, November 5, 2025 were reviewed. A motion was made by Carter Loven to approve the minutes. Jim Molitor seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.
The treasures report was given. A motion was made by Jim Molitor and seconded Norm Carlson to approve the treasurer’s report. All members voted in favor, motion carried. Floor was opened for public comment-no comments.
Joe Krueger, City Attorney, was present to discuss with council the city’s Cannabis Ordinance. Krueger explained the rules and laws about cannabis in the state of MN. Each council member gave their opinion on the cannabis change for the city. After everyone gave their thoughts, it was decided to table until the next council meeting.
Mayor Lange presented the change order for Milbank/Winwater, after discussion, Norm Carlson made a motion to sign the change order. Jim seconded the motion. All voted in favor, motion carried.
Water project: old wells need to be sealed, water tower is taken down, water lines connected, land scaping finished.
The two old well houses are loaded on a trailer. The city maintenance worker is interested in taking both houses. Carter Loven made a motion to give the worker both well houses. Norm Carlson seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried. Ben Nelson, city insurance agent, was present to go over the city’s insurance renewal. Building values have gone up as usual. Nelson presented the torte waiver. After discussion, Mayor Lange made a motion to not waive the Insurance torte. Carter Loven seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.
MN Employee paid leave begins January 1, 2026. Being the city is considered as a small employer; the premium rate is 0.66%. The city pays 33% and the employee pays 33%.
City Attorney is in the process of drawing up and then recording the deeds for the small subdivision lots for Swanville Sno-drifters/ Sandy Lange and city owned lot in the industrial park.
The final levy certification for 2025 was discussed. After discussion, Jim Molitor made a motion to raise the General Service $10,000.00. Carter Loven seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried. The final levy for payable in 2025 is set at General Service $125,000.00 and the Debt Service amounts are set at $10,041.71 and $10,000.00. For a total amount of $145,041.71. Mayor Lange passed out the 2026 budget. After discussion Carter Loven made a motion to accept the budget. Jim Molitor seconded the motion. All present voted in favor, motion carried.
Rocks have been added to the ditch on the east side of Forest Hill Lane.
PFAS settlement money receiving program council decided to go with the extend
Central MN Housing program final draw was received. Mayor Lange made a motion to pay the final draw. Jim Molitor seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.
Properties with garbage and unkept lawns were again discussed. The property at 401 Berkey Ave. did not comply with the letters sent. The city attorney sent a letter of abatement on November 8, 2025 to correct the condition of the yard. Another letter will be sent stating because of the weather conditions the council has decided the resident will have until city cleanup day in May of 2026 to clean up the yard.
The following claims were presented for payment. Members of the council were furnished with a listing. Jim Molitor made a motion to approve the claims. Carter Loven seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.
The next regular monthly meeting will be held Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 7:00 pm in the Swanville Center.
There being no further business, a motion was made by Carter Loven and seconded by Jim Molitor to adjourn. All members voted in favor, motion carried. Meeting adjourned 8:30 pm.
Julie Hollermann, City Clerk/Treasurer
Pulse on People
South Dakota State University
More than 4,100 students were recognized for their outstanding academic performance over the fall 2025 semester at South Dakota State University by being named to the dean’s list. To earn dean’s list distinctions in SDSU’s colleges, students must have completed a minimum of 12 credits and must have earned at least a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Overall, 4,147 students from 40 states and 31 foreign nations are on the list. Congratulations to these distinguished scholars on earning this academic achievement.
Students on the list include:
Faith Kalthoff of Albany, a student in SDSU’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences.
Hannah Klein of Albany, a student in SDSU’s College of Natural Sciences.
Audrey Rieland of Albany, a student in SDSU’s College of Education and Human Sciencess.
Peyton Hylla of Avon, a student in SDSU’s College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.
Tanner Tomasek of Avon, a student in SDSU’s Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering.
Isabella Harren of Freeport, a student in SDSU’s College of Nursing.
Hannah Hoppe of Freeport, a student in SDSU’s College of Nursing.
Adam Wilwerding of Freeport, a student in SDSU’s Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering.
Alex Wilwerding of Freeport, a student in SDSU’s College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.
Ayla Young of Holdingford, a student in SDSU’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences.
Madison Rosenberger of Melrose, a student in SDSU’s College of Nursing.
Leah Seanger of Melrose, a student in SDSU’s Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering.
NOTICE RESIDENTS OF ELMDALE TOWNSHIP
THE ANNUAL BOARD OF AUDIT WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2026 AT THE ELMDALE TOWNSHIP HALL FOLLOWING THE REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING OF THE SUPERVISORS, WHICH STARTS AT 7:30 PM. KIM HARREN, CLERK
GREY EAGLE TOWNSHIP NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that the Township Board of Grey Eagle Township, Todd County, Minnesota, will meet as the Board of Audit on Monday, February 2, 2026, immediately following the regular monthly Township Board meeting scheduled for 7:00 p.m., at the Grey Eagle Town Hall, 212 State Street East, Grey Eagle, Minnesota, to examine the 2025 township financial records. Christine Gagne, Grey Eagle Township Clerk/Treas.
Western Troubadour Kerry Grombacher at Long
Prairie Public Library
Award-winning western songwriter Kerry Grombacher will present his “Songs & Stories of the American West” concert for the Long Prairie Public Library at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026
Written in the spirit of the troubadours of old, Kerry Grombacher’s contemporary folk and western songs paint vivid portraits and tell fascinating stories that are set in the landscape he travels, from the bayous of Louisiana, through the desert Southwest, to the Hi-Line of Montana and the forests of the Pacific Northwest. “Range of the Buffalo,” the title track of his 2021 CD, was named Song of the Year by the International Western Music Association. Kerry, who is sponsored by Elixir Guitar & Mandolin Strings, logs as many as 40,000 miles each year driving from show to show.
“I’m looking forward to performing at the Annandale Public Library,” Kerry Grombacher said recently. “This will be the first of seven programs I’m doing for the Great River Regional Library system, and I am honored that these concerts are supported by Minnesota’s unique Historical and Cultural Heritage Legacy grants.”
In the course of his nationwide tours, Kerry has sung his songs on stages as varied as the Newport Folk Festival, the Arizona Cowboy Poets Gathering, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and the Gene Autry Museum of Western Heritage. In addition to appearing at Cowboy Gatherings and Folk Festivals, he performs regularly at concert halls and other music venues. He was featured on “Born to Explore,” the ABC Television adventure travel program, and there’s a room named for him at the Sands Motel on Historic Route 66 in Grants, New Mexico.
A native of Kansas, Grombacher makes his home in New Orleans now, but he lived in Austin, Texas for many years. A self-taught musician who plays guitar and mandolin, Kerry Grombacher has fought forest fires in Oregon, worked as a field archaeologist in New Mexico, done day work on ranches in New Mexico, Colorado and California, and worked with an outfitter in Yellowstone National Park and in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
Kerry Grombacher’s recordings are “Range of the Buffalo,” “It Sings in the HiLine,” “Sands Motel,” “Riding for the Brand,” “Dreams of New Orleans,” and “Home to the West.” Kerry’s songs have been recorded by other artists, including Belinda Gail, Jim Jones, Aspen Black, Ed Stabler, The Texas Trailhands, Duke Davis, Gary Prescott, Trails & Rails, and Earl Gleason.
Nalini Jones, of the Newport Folk Festival, says “Kerry Grombacher is the best kind of songwriter, with lyrics that take us on journeys to places we’ve never visited before, and melodies so pure and true that they seem to rise up from the plains...”
Cowboys & Indians Magazine said songwriter Kerry Grombacher “…is one of the West’s new breed, who builds on, embellishes, expands, and updates traditional Western themes.”
The 2:00 p.m. concert on Friday, February 6, 2026, is free to the public, and all ages
are welcome. The Long Prairie Public Library is located at 42 Third Street North, Suite 1, in Long Prairie. For more information, please phone the library at 320-732-2332. This concert is supported by Minnesota’s Historical and Cultural Heritage Legacy Grant program. A concert will also be held at the Grey Eagle Public Library on Wednesday, Feb. 4 from 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Loren Charles Kleinschmidt
Loren Charles Kleinschmidt, 75 years of Long Prairie, passed away on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at CentraCare Hospital in Long Prairie, surrounded by his family, after a short battle with cancer. Loren was born in Long Prairie in 1950 to Hubert and Beverly (Awe) Kleinschmidt. He moved many, many times before graduating from high school, but most of his youth was spent in Long Prairie and Glenwood, MN. He graduated from Long Prairie High School in 1968 and went to Bemidji State University, where he graduated in 1972 with his teaching degree.
Upon graduation from BSU, Loren married his loving wife, Jane (Clasemann), and they lived in Long Prairie all 53 years of their marriage. They had two girls, Beth and Mary, and he was the best “girl dad.”
Loren taught 4th & 6th grade in Sauk Centre, MN, for 10 years before being laid off in 1983. He then went to work as a corrections counselor at the Home School in Sauk Centre until it closed in 1999. He spent his last five years of work as a sergeant at the prison in Rush City, MN, and commuted home on the weekends to be with his family.
Loren will be remembered by so many for his kindness and loving heart, his amazing hugs, his love for Jane, and his love of children (especially his own). He will also be remembered for his amazing Christmas light displays (which won he and Jane a trip to Disney World), his love of bright colors, all things tie-dye, Hawaiian shirts, classic cars, Crocs, and his general joy for life. He was a voracious reader and enjoyed watching the Vikings, Twins, and the Wild.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert and Beverly Kleinschmidt; his in-laws, Francis and Lorraine Clasemann; his brother, Randy, and sister, Joanne; his uncle Ralph (who was his best friend); his dear cousin Sharon; and many other loved ones.
He is survived by his wife, Jane; daughters Beth of Alexandria, MN and Mary of Fargo, ND; several “bonus kids and grandkids” (friends of the family); his siblings, Rick (Sharon) Kleinschmidt, Kevin (Jan) Kleinschmidt, and Karla (Blaine) Pederson; Jane’s siblings; many nieces, nephews; great-nieces and greatnephews; and neighbors & friends who became family.
