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Imitation is a great way to learn, grow -By Harvey Mackay
A man had a Chinese plate he valued very much. One day it fell and cracked down the middle. He ordered six more made and to ensure the exact pattern, he sent his broken plate to copy. When he received the finished product from China months later, he was astonished to find the Chinese crafter had so faithfully followed his copy that each new plate had a crack right down the middle.
If we imitate even the best of people, we are bound to follow some of their imperfections.
“We are creatures of imitation,” said Napoleon Hill, one of my favorite authors. “We find it hard to resist the temptation to do that which we see others doing.”
Imitating behaviors and styles can be a double-edged sword. On the positive side, imitation can be a powerful way to learn. By observing successful behaviors, you can adopt effective habits and strategies that might benefit your personal and professional life. It shows admiration for what works and a desire to improve.
Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw
SATURDAY, AUGUST 1
said, “Imitation is not just the sincerest form of flattery – it’s the sincerest form of learning.”
Imitation inspires us to innovate and build on ideas. This involves taking an existing idea and improving or adapting it to suit your unique context. For example, many tech companies build upon existing technologies to create new applications or services.
In a tech startup, software developer Lisa admired her colleague, Tom, for his knack for solving complex coding problems. Tom had a unique way of working: he always wore noise-canceling headphones and hummed classical music while coding.
Inspired by Tom’s success, Lisa borrowed a pair of noise-canceling headphones and started humming Beethoven as she tackled a particularly tricky bug in her code. But she soon realized that was more of a distraction than a help. Her humming was off-key and loud enough to draw stares from her coworkers.
One day, as Lisa was deep in her off-key symphony, Tom tapped her on the shoulder and said with a grin, “Lisa, I think Beethoven just rolled over in his grave. Maybe try Mozart next time?”
The business world is full of companies that cloned others and made millions, such as Instagram and Snapchat, Google Home and Amazon Echo, Sega and Nintendo, and FedEx and UPS.
Imitating experts in a field can also help you develop new skills. For instance, musicians often learn by playing pieces from
great composers, and artists might study the techniques of masters. It is crucial to give credit where it’s due and ensure that imitation does not cross into plagiarism or intellectual property infringement.
“We learn by observation, imitation and repetition,” said Denis Waitley, motivational speaker and writer.
On the cautionary side, imitation can result in a loss of authenticity. Over-reliance on imitation can lead to a loss of your unique identity. It’s important to balance learning from others with maintaining your personal brand.
Mimicking others too closely might lead to relationships that are not genuine, as people might sense that you are not being true to yourself.
Upcoming Events
Falls.
• Upsala Lions 36th Annual Hog Roast & Corn Boil from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at the Upsala Recreation Building.
SAT.-SUN., AUGUST 1-2
• 77th Annual Barley Days. Sat. Polka Mass at 7:30 p.m. Sun. Parade at 11 a.m.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 4
• Parkinson’s Support Group Meeting at 2 p.m. at CentraCare West Campus Board Room, Long Prairie.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5
• Folk & Old-Time Music & Potluck from 1-3 p.m. at the Village View Apartments, Grey Eagle. See ad on page 5.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
• The Art of Conversation Music Jam from 5-7 p.m., Upsala.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
• 5th Annual Sweet Corn & Sausage Feed from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at the Melrose American Legion. See ad on page 7.
• St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Pulled Pork & Corn Feed from 4:30-7 p.m. at the Swanville Lions Park. See ad on page 2.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 8
• Upsala Heritage Day. Parade at 4 p.m. See ad on page 8.
• Upsala’s Community Cruisers Car Show following the 4 p.m. parade. See ad on page 8.
• 38th Annual Grey Eagle Fire Dept. Corn on the Cob & Pork Feed from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at the Grey Eagle Fire Hall. See ad on page 5.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 9
• Seven Dolors Church Bazaar in Albany. Polka Mass at 10 a.m.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 11
• Freeport Lions Club sponsored American Red Cross Blood Drive from 12:30-6:30 p.m. at the Freeport Community Center.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 13
• Journey with St. Francis starting at 8:30 a.m. at the Franciscan Sisters Campus, Little
TUESDAY, AUGUST 25
• Avon Women of Today sponsored American Red Cross Blood Drive from 12-6 p.m. at the Avon Community Church.
AL-ANON • AVON
• Meets every Monday from 5-6 p.m. at the Avon City Hall.
ALBANY FARMERS MARKET
• Meets every Thursday through October 1 from 3-6 p.m. Corner lot on Railroad St. and 3rd Ave.
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.
CHAIR YOGA EXERCISES
• Meets Mondays & Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. at the Community Center, Upsala.
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.
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 8 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.
UPSALA FARMERS MARKET
• Meets every Saturday through Sept. 26 from 8-11 a.m. at Buffy’s parking lot.
Weekend Weather
Harvey Mackay continued to pg 3
“The Good Old Days” -By Tom Kuehne
Cottage Cheese 2
Sometimes one will have a dream about something that was a part of your life many years ago. The subject of the dream may have been very different from the part you remember. This happened to me recently.
My dream seemed to be about coming into the house in the winter after finishing the chores. I remembered looking at the table and seeing a large bowl with a dish towel over it. At the time I really didn’t notice the bowl, but afterwards, I remembered that bowl being on the table many times. It was a bowl of skim milk that was turning into cottage cheese.
I believe that at that time the creamery paid the farmer based on the butterfat content of his milk. However a little more was paid when the farmer separated the cream from the skim milk, he sold the cream and kept the skim milk. The skim milk was primarily added to the pig slop, thereby giving the pigs a nutritious boost. The cream separator was operated by turning the crank, which caused a circular motion separating the cream. This was a job that was especially made for a young kid that wanted to help with important jobs in the barn. (Guess who?)
Farm wives used part of the skim milk to create cottage cheese. As I recall, the process of turning the skim milk into cottage cheese involved adding a small amount of vinegar and two shakes of salt to about 3 quarts of skim milk. This was allowed to set at room temperature until the solids separated from the skim milk. It was then put into a cheese cloth and drained to separate the solids from the liquids. I think this is how my mother did it. Other recipes require heating the skim milk and adding cream to the finished product.
My Grandmother, who was responsible for making family meals during the 1930’s, made cheesecake (casa kuchen) with cottage cheese. Many of the country ladies in the area added it to jello to make salads. It was mixed with lettuce and cabbage to add flavor to the green salad. My Mother would make a sauce
with prunes and raisins, which we put on a bed of cottage cheese and rice. There were many recipes using it mixed with various meats and salad dressing for a sandwich spread.
The most unusual recipe for cottage cheese belonged to my Grandmother. She took tennis ball sized balls of cottage cheese, put them on a breadboard, covered them with a dish towel, and put them in the cellar for a month. When my Dad had them in sandwiches for school lunch, the teacher made him eat them in the entry. The smell, similar to limburger cheese, was nauseating to the rest of the kids. He said that after you got past the smell they tasted pretty good.
For feedback or story ideas, email Tom at kuehneins@gmail.com.
Imitation can be a compliment, but true flattery lies in taking inspiration and transforming it into something uniquely your own. It’s crucial to recognize your own strengths and values. Don’t bypass the creative process.
In a bustling office, there was a young intern named Tim who admired his boss, Mr. Jenkins, for his impeccable style and leadership. Tim was eager to make a good impression and thought that imitating Mr. Jenkins might be the key to success.
One day, Tim decided to dress exactly like Mr. Jenkins, down to the same color tie and pocket square. He even mimicked Mr. Jenkins’ habit of twirling a pen while thinking. Feeling confident, Tim strutted into the office, ready to take on the world.
As the day progressed, Tim noticed that people were giving him amused looks, and some even chuckled as he passed by. Confused but undeterred, he continued his imitation routine, convinced he was nailing it.
Later that afternoon, during a team meeting, Mr. Jenkins couldn’t help but notice Tim’s uncanny resemblance to himself. With a twinkle in his eye, Mr. Jenkins said, “Tim, I see you’ve got the look down. Now, if only you could imitate my coffee order, we’d be in business!”
Tim realized that while imitation might be flattering, authenticity and a good sense of humor are what truly stand out.
Mackay’s Moral: Imitation can open doors, but being true to yourself is what keeps them open.
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 used a text in my sermon last week that I haven’t used in a very long time. Micah 6:8
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
In the verses right before this, the people of Israel are asking how big their sacrifices should be… and they list some enormous quantities of sacrifices, then they ask, “Should I offer my firstborn?” In today’s world we might ask, how much more can I do for you Lord? I have done this and given that, is that enough?
So, how does the Lord answer? Micah 6:8 “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you?” The people know already what God requires but sometimes it’s easier to do things our way. How does God answer? “To act justly,” (Know the difference between right and wrong and living by those standards!) “To love mercy,” (Both of these are God’s characteristics working together for His people.)
1 John 3:16-18 explains this very well. “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and
BERSCHEIT FLOORING,
sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
Loving God and loving people in the same way He loved us, sacrificially. “Walk humbly with your God,” (This is a heart issue, to put God first in everything you do with total trust.) Philippians 2:5-7 “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.”
I love this verse! And the implication can be so enormous and mindboggling, that you might want to sit back and read it again and then take a closer look at your own life.
-Pastor Bruce Miller from Swanville Bible Church, 320-547-2916
Harvey Mackay continued from pg 2
Paul J. Boeckermann
Paul J. Boeckermann, age 61, of Pequot Lakes, formerly of St. Rosa, passed away peacefully, Friday, July 24, 2026, surrounded by his family, at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota, due to complications from a motor vehicle accident in April of 2026.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, August 8 at Mill Creek Barn, 25772 County Road 17, Freeport, Minnesota.
Paul Jon Boeckermann was born on November 19, 1964, in Melrose, Minnesota, to Frank and Joyce (Renneker) Boeckermann. He graduated from Melrose High School with the class of 1983. After high school, Paul worked a variety of jobs before beginning his career as a truck driver. He spent the next 40 years on the road, taking pride in his work and the people he met along the way.
Paul loved spending time outdoors, especially hunting, with bear hunting ranking among his favorite hobbies. Above all, he treasured the time he spent with his sons, creating memories they will always cherish. Paul was known for his outgoing personality and could strike up a conversation with just about anyone. His kind heart, friendly spirit, and genuine interest in others left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Survivors include his sons, Ben and Eric Boeckermann of Pequot Lakes; siblings, Earl (Michelle) Boeckermann of International Falls, Glen (Jannell) Boeckermann of Albany, Kim (David) Krippner of Stewart, and Joel Boeckermann of Freeport; and many nieces and nephews.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Joyce Boeckermann.
Arrangements were made with PattonSchad Funeral & Cremation Services of Melrose.
Todays Thought
I like some peace and quiet while I’m cooking, so I took the battery out of the smoke detector.
Margaret Ann Thull
It is with deep love and great sadness that we announce the passing of Margaret “Marge” Ann Thull, age 81, who passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the St. Cloud Hospital, surrounded by her family.
Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 31, 2026, at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Greenwald, Minnesota with Rev. Mitchell Bechtold officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date at St. Andrew’s Cemetery in Greenwald.
Visitation will be from 9 to 10:45 a.m. Friday at the church.
Marge was born on April 7, 1945, in Melrose, Minnesota to Alfred and Caroline (Dueker) Liebel, the fourth of five children. She was united in marriage to Erhard “Art” Thull on August 5, 1967, in Greenwald, Minnesota. Together they made their home in Greenwald, where they were blessed with two daughters. In October 2025, Art and Marge moved from their home in Greenwald to Benedictine – Mother of Mercy Senior Living in Albany.
Marge worked various jobs throughout her years including being a bus driver, working for the Melrose Beacon, and the Apollo Insurance Agency among others.
In life, she was devoted Christian. She loved to read, cook, and was an amazing baker. She loved sharing her baked goods with others, and any time her daughters would send her a recipe stating: “These look good,” she always made a point of trying the recipe for them.
Most importantly she was a wife, a mom, a grandma, a sister, and a friend to many. To know her was to love her.
Survivors include her husband, Artie, of 59 years; her children, Lisa Schreifels of Sartell, Lori (Brad) Johannes of Rice; granddaughter, Kallie Schreifels of Denver, Colorado; and her sister, Sharon (Al) Cardinal of Vadnais Heights. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Caroline Liebel; siblings, Bob Liebel, JoAnn Deters, and Joan Meyer.
Arrangements were made with PattonSchad Funeral & Cremation Services of Melrose.
Norbert Andrew Brown
Norbert
Andrew Brown, our beloved brother, age 66 of Grey Eagle, transitioned to heaven on July 17, 2026 from the Mother of Mercy Nursing Home in Albany, Minnesota. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Grey Eagle with Rev. Gabriel Walz officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery.
Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the church in Grey Eagle.
Norbert was the 12th of 13 children born to George and Catherine (Williams) Brown. He grew up in Wykoff, MN on a farm driving tractor doing a man’s chores at a young age. At Wykoff High School he lettered in track and football. As running back he rushed for almost 1,000 yards during the senior year season and graduated in 1978. In 1979 he moved with his parents to Grey Eagle where he farmed for 45 years. He earned spots on the MN Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA) Top 100 list for 8 years with low somatic cell count (scc). In 2002 and 2009 he was recognized for having the lowest scc herd in the state. His days revolved around the land, livestock, and the seasons. After selling off two Holstein dairy herds in 2007 and 2011, he raised Angus through January 2024.
Norbert believed “every day is an adventure” and that the key is problem solving. Norbert loved his cows, was kind-hearted to all animals, enjoyed birdwatching and sharing stories and jokes. He especially enjoyed western movies, “Open Range” – a favorite, and WWII movies and books. Norbert honored D-day (June 6) coincidently also the feast day of St. Norbert.
Norbert’s jack-of-all-trades skills, qualities of resilience, fortitude, work ethics, and honest decency kept him going until health issues changed retirement plans.
Preceded in death by his parents; sister, Bernadette House; and brother, Kimmitt Brown.
He is survived by siblings, Ann Brown, Theresa Springer, Lorna Taketa, William Brown, Helen (Trygve) Larsen, Cheryl (Robert) Olsen, Alice Hart, Stephanie (Wayne) Foster, Sandra (Martin) Flory, and Felicia (James) Hunt; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Donations can be made to charities of your choosing.
Arrangements were made with PattonSchad Funeral & Cremation Service of Grey Eagle.
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Royal Loven
Royal Loven,
81 year old resident of Swanville, MN passed away Sunday, July 27, 2026 at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, MN. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, July 31, 2026 at the Con Natvig Field in Swanville, MN with Rev. Tim Sumner officiating. Burial will take place in the Springbrook Cemetery in Swanville, MN. A visitation will be held from 4-7 P.M. on Thursday, July 30, 2026 at the Swanville Lions Park in Swanville, MN and from 1:00-2:00 P.M. on Friday, July 31, 2026 at the Con Natvig Field in Swanville, MN. Caring for Royal and his family is the LeMieur Funeral Home in Swanville, MN. Royal was born on April 25, 1945, in Seattle, Washington, to the late Raymond and Delila (Johnson) Loven. He grew up in Swanville, Minnesota, where he attended school and graduated from Swanville High School with the Class of 1963. On Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 1966, Royal was united in marriage to the love of his life, Sandee Tabatt, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Little Falls, Minnesota. Together they built a life centered on family, hard work, and service to their community. Royal began working alongside his parents at Loven’s Auto Center in Swanville and proudly purchased the business from them in 1983. For many years, he owned and operated the station with his wife, Sandee, and later his son, Jay. In 2016, he proudly passed the business on to Jay, continuing the family tradition. Although ownership changed hands, Royal’s passion for the station never faded. He continued coming to the shop nearly every day, right up until the time of his passing, enjoying the opportunity to visit with customers and lend a helping hand. He genuinely loved caring for the people who walked through the doors and treasured the friendships he built over the years.
A lifelong advocate for his hometown, Royal was deeply committed to the Swanville community and took great pride in helping it grow and prosper. He was a dedicated member of the Swanville Lions Club for an incredible 60 years and faithfully served as Mayor of Swanville from 1974 until 1988. In 1987, he co-founded Swanville Dollars for Scholars and remained an enthusiastic supporter of education. He also served on the Innovative Classroom Project, helping raise funds so teachers could purchase classroom materials and enhance learning opportunities for students. Royal was especially passionate about Swanville School and believed deeply in investing in future generations. Above all else, Royal’s greatest joy was his family and the service station that had been such an important part of his life for decades. He rarely ventured far from the place he loved, where he found purpose in his work and joy in visiting with friends, neighbors, and customers. His kindness, generosity, unwavering work ethic, and commitment to his community left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. Royal was greatly loved and will be deeply and dearly missed by his family, friends, customers, and the Swanville community he so faithfully served.
Royal is survived by sons, Kyle (Kari) Loven of Fort Meyer, FL and Jay (Heidi) Loven of Swanville, MN; special friend, Jeanette Macklin; sister, Amber Brown of Little Falls, MN; grandchildren, Alexis Loven, Kelsey (Jordan) Sales, Carter (Tayiah) Loven and Kameron Loven; great-grandchildren, Ayla, Henry, JJ, and Sandee and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Delila Loven; and wife, Sandee Loven.
Lyle J. Uhlenkamp
Lyle J. Uhlenkamp, age 87 of Sauk Centre, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Monday, July 27, 2026 at the VA Medical Center in St. Cloud, Minnesota.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, August 3 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Sauk Centre with Rev. Kevin Soenneker officiating. Interment will be held in the parish cemetery with military honors by the Sauk Centre United Veterans Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Sauk Centre and from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Monday at the church. Parish prayers will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday afternoon at the funeral home. To honor Lyle, please wear golf attire to the visitation and the funeral Mass.
Lyle James Uhlenkamp was born January 21, 1939 in Westport, Minnesota to Charles “Carl” and Catherine “Kate” (Laumeyer) Uhlenkamp. He served in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1963. He was united in marriage to Marilyn R. Bromenshenkel on April 23, 1966 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Sauk Centre, Minnesota. Lyle farmed a dairy operation southwest of Sauk Centre for many years. He sold his dairy herd in 2000 and continued farming until selling the family farm in 2016, when he and his wife moved to the Lynx National Golf Course, Sauk Centre.
He was a member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Sauk Centre, former Ashley Township board member, 4-H leader, Sauk Centre Historical Society, Holy Family School, and a 1-year outstanding senior citizen of Stearns County.
Lyle was an avid golfer who achieved a hole-inone four times in his golfing career. He enjoyed woodworking, baking Christmas cookies, and was known as the Mr. Fix-It in the neighborhood.
Survivors include his loving wife of 60 years, Marilyn Uhlenkamp of Sauk Centre; children, Kathy (Jeff) Provance of Ramsey, Brian (Natalie) Uhlenkamp of St. Cloud, and Stacy (Tim) Kampsen of Sauk Centre; eight grandchildren, Aaron, Joshua, Gabriel, Lukas, Julia, Jamine, Kallie, and Riley; five great-grandchildren, Landon, Kinley, Hazel, Rudy, and Amelia; brothers and sisters, Alice Wanderscheid, Bob (Lois) Uhlenkamp, Roger (Cindy) Uhlenkamp, and Pat Uhlenkamp; and sisters-in-law, Irene Uhlenkamp, Joyce Uhlenkamp, and Marlene Uhlenkamp.
Lyle was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Ernie (Bernice) Uhlenkamp, David (Hazel) Uhlenkamp, Cora (Julian) Wiener, Donald Uhlenkamp, and Vernon Uhlenkamp; and sisterin-law, JoAnn “Joni” Uhlenkamp.
Memorials can be made to Holy Family School, CentraCare Sauk Centre Hospice, and the VA Medical Center in St. Cloud.
Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Sauk Centre.
Pulse on People
The following students graduated after the spring 2026 semester at South Dakota State University. More than 1,600 students completed all requirements for a degree and/ or certificate program.
Overall, students from 32 states and 27 nations graduated, and more than 90 students received two or more degrees or certificates from a college.
Peyton Hylla of Avon, Minnesota, graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from SDSU’s College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.
Lauren Kulzer of Melrose, Minnesota, graduated with a Bachelor of Science from SDSU’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences.
Sobieski, Swanville, Holdingford, Pillsbury, Lake Beauty, Little Falls and Surrounding Areas
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, My wife and I are on Baby Step 2 of your plan, and we’re paying off our debt as quickly as possible.
I’ve even put my motorcycle up for sale for $5,000 to help us get out of debt faster. The other day, a guy offered me $500 cash and a fishing boat for the bike.
I’ve always really wanted a boat, but picking up a toy feels weird when we’re trying to get out of debt. Plus, the money portion of the deal would only make a tiny dent in what we owe. What do you think about this?
-Gordon
Dear Gordon,
I’m proud of you two for working to get control of your finances. And I’ve got to admit, the deal this guy offered is kind of interesting. Odd, but interesting!
At this stage of the game, though, I think you and your wife should sit down together and ask yourselves what your real goal is. If the goal is to own a boat, then you could
accomplish that easily. If your goal is to get out of debt and get control of your finances, then this deal isn’t really the best way to go. It seems like a cool transaction on the surface, especially if you like being on the water. But the upkeep and maintenance on boats can really add up. And that means more hassles and expenses in your lives.
I think you already knew this, Gordon, but in my mind getting out of debt as quickly as possible comes first. There’s plenty of time later for you to save up and buy a nice boat after you get control of your money. In this scenario, you’re really just trading one recreational vehicle—and the accompanying expenses—for another.
If you’re on Baby Step 2, it means you’ve already got $1,000 in the bank for emergencies, and you’ve moved on to paying off all your debt, except for your home. This tells me you two are motivated, but the idea of a boat has caused your resolve to get a little shaky.
So, if you’re looking for someone to tell you forget the boat, and stay on track with getting control of your lives and money, I’m your guy. Don’t do the deal!
-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.”
Lawn Care Services
Ask The Motor Medics®
From the Hosts of the Under The Hood radio show.
Dear Motor Medics,
I have a car that needs a timing belt, and it is going to cost over $1000.00 to change. That sounds crazy to me. I have had belts changed before on my cars and they have never been more than $50.00 but none of my cars have had timing belts. It is a 2005 Lexus so I know it might run a little more than some of the other domestic cars I have had but come on, 1k is just way over the top and I think I may be getting taken. Can I just let it go?
-Ben in Portland, Maine
Dear Ben,
Many cars have expensive timing belts. When we give purchase advice, we will tell buyers to take the cost of regular timing belt service into account when they purchase a car. It is a Must-do item that if let go will eventually break and in the case of an interference engine “which most are” will destroy the engine or severely damage it at the very least and that can cost thousands to repair. The timing belt takes the place of the timing chain and it times the movement of the valves and pistons so that the valves are closed when the pistons get to the top. If the valves are open, then they will collide, and parts will break. Timing belts are typically in the range of $600.00 to well over $1000.00 to do the job on some cars.
-Take care, the Motor Medics
Dear Motor Medics, I was filling up my washer bottle in the dark so that I could keep my windows clean and wanted to use the kind that cleans bugs off and de-ices, you know the kind that’s orange. Well, it is also the color of engine antifreeze so if you haven’t got it yet I poured engine antifreeze into my windshield washer bottle. Antifreeze really makes a mess on the window and I cannot see a thing. How do I get it out? The bottle is buried deep in the fender.
Mark in Bennington, Vermont
Dear Mark, You are not the first or the last one to do this. We take this question several times a year and it can be fixed. You need to get all the coolant out of the bottle and clean the glass well to get rid of the streaks the coolant leaves. If you have not run the pump then get a suction gun from a parts store and remove all the coolant you can then flush with water, suck out the water with the suction gun and repeat until free of antifreeze then add
new washer fluid. If you have run the pump, you will need to do the previous steps then run the pump to clear the lines of antifreeze. You can also have your local mechanic do this for you. Mixing fluids is never good but mixed-up washer fluid is easier to fix than other fluids.
-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.
Albany Senior Dining
Volunteers Needed! Call 320-845-4070
Mon., Aug. 3: Chicken, egg & cheese burrito, hashbrowns, fruit cocktail, danish. Tues., Aug. 4: Scalloped potatoes & ham, California Normandy, watermelon, dinner roll/bun.
Fri., Aug. 7: BBQ chicken, coleslaw, green beans, cake.
Pre-registration requested to dine daily. For more info. call 320-845-4070.
Card of Thanks
The family of Bernard Bussmann is so very grateful for the wonderful family & friends who shared so much love & kindness with Bernard’s passing. Thank you, Dr. Beste & all the nurses at Centracare, Cura, and Hospice for the loving care for Bernard, and the support for the family. For Deacon Ernie Kociemba for the heartfelt memories and intercessory prayers. For Father Mitchel Bechtold of St. Mary’s Catholic Church for a loving and memorable funeral mass. For PattonSchad Funeral Home, Austin Floral, D’lish Catering, The American Legion with the cooks, and servers. For kind gifts, thoughts, prayers, attendance of the visitation and funeral from so many. We are truly blessed.
The Bernard Bussmann Family
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.
Local Municipality Minutes
Email Minutes to htnews@icloud.com
Grey Eagle Township • July 6, 2026
Call to Order: Mike Rohe called the meeting to order at 8:00 pm. The pledge of allegiance was recited.
Present Board: Mike Rohe, John Young, Alan Roering and Christine Gagne. Also Present: Erv Herdering and John Schriver.
Agenda Approval: Mike presented a preliminary agenda and asked for additions or corrections. John moved to approve the agenda, seconded by Alan. Mike called for a vote. Motion carried unanimously.
Approval of Minutes: Mike presented the minutes from June meeting and asked if any corrections. John moved to approve the June 1st, 2026 minutes, seconded by Alan. Mike called for a vote. Motion carried unanimously.
Grey Eagle Township residents: John Schriver, appeared before the board as required by Todd County Planning and Zoning in regards to his request for a permit and variance to replace lost sand on his beach due to erosion. Property located at 30251 122nd Street, Grey Eagle.
John made a motion to sign an acknowledgement that John Schriver appeared before the board meeting as fulfillment of the requirement by Todd County Planning and Zoning, seconded by Alan. Mike called for a vote. Motion carried unanimously.
Mike Kloos, presented to the board for discussion, as required by Todd County Planning and Zoning in regards to his request for a permit and variance to increase the width of his existing deck by 2 feet. Property located at 10491 Highway 47, Grey Eagle.
John made a motion to sign the township acknowledgement letter, confirming compliance of the Todd County P&Z requirement, seconded it by Alan, Mike called for a vote. Motion carried unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report: Christine reported for the month of June, 2026:
John moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report-Cash Control Statement, seconded by Alan. Mike called for a vote. Motion carried unanimously.
Town Clerk Report: Christine presented June claims totaling $28,985.12. John moved to approve the claims, seconded it by Alan. Mike called for a vote. Motion carried unanimously. Correspondence (mail and emails) were reviewed.
Board of Canvass meetings: John moved to set the upcoming Board of Canvass meeting for Monday, November 9th at 7:00PM following the State General Election. seconded it by Alan. Mike called for a vote. Motion carried unanimously.
Road and Bridge Report: The board reviewed progress on various road jobs with Erv Herdering. The board discussed potential options in regards to 295th and will continue to gather more information to continue discussion at the August 3rd board meeting.
Public Comments: Mike asked for public comments.
Adjournment: John moved to adjourn, seconded by Alan, Mike called for a vote. Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM.
Next meeting August 3rd at 8:00 PM
Minutes pending approval as of July 6th, 2026
Christine Gagne, Clerk/Treasurer
American Red Cross Coming to Freeport
The Freeport Lions Club is sponsoring the American Red Cross Blood Drive on August 11, 2026 at the Freeport Community Center from 12:30 PM to 6:30 PM. Give the precious gift of life. Appointments are needed. We are always in need of people with type “O” blood.
Schedule your appointment online at redcross.org or call Janet Butkowski at 320-8362837 or 320-282-2904.
MILLWOOD TOWNSHIP NOTICE
Notice is hereby given: The public accuracy test of the Express Vote and DS200 voting machines for the State Primary Election will take place on Wednesday, August 7th, 2026, at 4:30 p.m., in the the City of St. Rosa Park. The State Primary Election will be held in the same location on Tuesday, August 11, 2026; polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Kallista Sprenger • Clerk, Millwood Township
MELROSE TOWNSHIP: NOTICE OF PUBLIC TESTING OF VOTING EQUIPMENT
NOTICE is hereby given that a public accuracy test of the election equipment to be used at the August 11, 2026 Primary Election will be held Friday, August 7th at 3:00 PM. The test will be conducted at the Melrose City Center, 225 1st ST NE, Melrose, MN.
er tools, woodworking tools, misc. other tools, clothes, garden tiller, lots of must see items! Aug. 6-8: Thurs.-Fri.: 8am-4pm; Sat.: 8am-12pm. Melrose, 519 1st Ave. SW.
WANTED TO BUY: Butcher cows, bulls, fats & walkable cripples: also horses, sheep & goats. 320-235-2664. SC-odB
WANTED: Original radiator, new or very good condition for a 1930 Ford Model A Coupe. Call/text 320-249-7694 with details.
tfn-WD
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: Pull type camper with slide out, reasonable price. Call 320-267-5632.
RB-tfn
FOR SALE: 1991 Dodge van, has bed, TV, 318 engine, $6,800. Call 320-267-5632.
RB-tfn
FOR SALE: Never used, like new Coleman Connectable Tent System, main hub tent is 6 person, smaller 2 person tent can be separate or attach to the main tent. Have 2 sets available. Call 612-597-4477.
FOR SALE: Hay. Call 320-249-5047.
FOR SALE: New potatoes organically grown $1 a pound, dill 25¢ a head. Call 320632-3336.
FOR SALE: Reese 5th wheel hitch 16K w/ slide. In Burtrum 970- 518-9087. 8/13
FOR SALE: Yamaha 9.9 HP 4 stroke w/ shift, speed control, manual start, $1,000 or b/o. In Burtrum 970-518-9086. 9/24
JUNCTION
MUST SELL: 2015 moped trike, $1800 or b/o. Call 320-248-6519.
FREE: Kenmore freezer 43” long, 28” across, 36” high. Old but works. Call 320808-8631.
FOR RENT: Upstairs 1 bedroom apartment in Pierz, MN, all utilities included. Call 320260-2566 or 320-468-2221, Herb. tfn-RPC
Local Library Events
Albany Library • 320-845-4843
LEGO Time: Join us to imagine, design and create with LEGOs. Build your creativity and let your imagination do the rest. For ages 5 to 10. Limit 12. Registration required. Monday, Aug. 3: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Long Prairie Library • 320-732-2332
Learn Wool Painting: Join fiber arts teacher Suzanne Fairchild and learn a new technique! Each participant will create their own wool painting. For children and teens ages 10 years and up. Saturday, Aug. 8: 10:00 a.m. to Noon
Sauk Centre Library • 320-352-3016
Tech Time: Thursday, Aug. 6: 4-5:00 p.m.
Journey with St. Francis in Little Falls
By Pat Kasella, St. Cloud DCCW
Publicity Chair
Everyone is welcome to participate in the mini pilgrimage at the Franciscan Sisters Campus, 116 8th Ave. SE, Little Falls, MN on Thursday, August 13, 2026. Registration at 8:30 a.m., then get a tour and history of Franciscans from 9-10:30, followed by Mass at 11. Stay and have lunch with the Sisters at noon and continue your visit. There is no fee but pre-registration is required. Call Linda Borgerding at 320-293-1839 to register. Sponsored by St. Cloud Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. (No bus, carpooling encouraged.)
ADVICE
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DOCTOR
DRAMA DREADFUL ENABLES ERROR ESTATE FIERY FILMING FROWNED FUNDS
