Hometown News February 9, 2017

Hometown News

Thursday, February 9, 2017

FREE Publication

Vol. 16: Issue 41

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Email: brandon@centralmnrealty.com www.brandonkellymn.com www.lakehomesbybrandon.com

Equal Housing Opportunity

320-285-4318 Mon-Thurs: 3 pm-1 am • Fri-Sun: 10 am-1am

Long Lake Fishing Contest

Weddings, Banquets, Anniversaries, Meetings & Much More!

One of two Bald Eagles by Little Birch Lake on Sunday. Photo by Amy Rieland.

On The Inside...

Harvey Mackay Page 2 Tom Kuehne Page 3 Obituaries: Bayer, Stuckel, Sukke, Levendowski, Pages 4-5 Funk, Blommel Dave Says Page 5 Notes from the Capitol Page 8 Local Municipality Minutes Page 9 Burtrum City, Swanville City, Grey Eagle Township

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Page 2 • Hometown News • Thursday, February 9, 2017

Hometown News 29442 120th St. Grey Eagle, MN 56336 Phone: 320-285-2323

Website: www.hometownnews.biz Email: htnews@meltel.net www.facebook.com/hometownnews Published By

John and Lori Young

The Hometown News is a weekly publication, which is published and distributed every Thursday.

Ad & News Deadline

The deadline for news and advertising in the Hometown News is 5 P.M. MONDAY.

Sales Staff

• Jan Theisen Cell: 320-333-9774 Email: htnews2@albanytel.com • Lori Young Office: 320-285-2323 Cell: 612-597-2998 Email: htnews@meltel.net Website Hosting - John Young Office: 320-285-2323 Cell: 612-597-4499

Classified Ads

Personal Classifieds: Garage Sales, For Sale Items, Wanted (Personal) Free up to 20 words; 25¢ for each additional word. 20 words or less can be emailed. Classifieds over the word limit must be prepaid. Business Related Classifieds: Wanted (Items for Profit), Help Wanted, For Rent $5.00 for the first 20 words, 25¢ per each additional word. Mail to: Hometown News, 29442 120th St., Grey Eagle, MN 56336. email: htnews@meltel.net

Card of Thanks

Cards of Thanks is $3.00 for the first 50 words, 10¢ per each additional word. Must be prepaid. To be billed: a $5 minimum applies.

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Press releases are welcome. They MUST be emailed to: htnews@meltel.net.

Letter to the Editor

Letters and articles of opinion are welcomed. Letters should be short and to the point. We reserve the right to edit lengthy letters. Email to: htnews@meltel.net.

Announcements

Anniversary open house, births, birthday open house, engagements, weddings and obituaries are free of charge for one publication. To have it published twice costs $10. A prestamped, self addressed envelope is required to return photos.

Subscriptions

The subscription rates for 13 weeks is $16.50 26 weeks is $33.00 52 weeks is $66.00 Mail to: Hometown News, 29442 120th St., Grey Eagle, MN 56336

Your vision shapes your reality -By Harvey Mackay

A railroad crew was making repairs to a section of track when a train rolled up on a parallel track. Several men in suits disembarked from one of the passenger cars and began inspecting the work that was being done. A tall man in a blue suit looked over at the crew and nodded. He began to smile and walk toward them. “Ted, is that you?” he asked of the crew’s chief. “Yes, it is,” the chief replied as he shook hands with the visitor. “It’s good to see you, Dale!”

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The two men chatted briefly, inquiring about each other’s health and families. Before they parted, they shook hands again and promised to keep in touch. When the man in the suit walked away, a member of the crew asked the chief, “Was that Dale Willis, the head of the railroad?” “Yes, it was,” the chief replied. “It seems like you two are old friends,” the man said. “We are,” the chief replied. “We started out together on this job on the same day 20 years ago.” “So how is it that you’re here laying track with us?” someone asked. “Well,” the chief replied, “I had a vision of working for the railroad, while Dale had a vision of running the railroad.” And if Ted is content working for the railroad, his vision was realized. Dale’s vision, on the other hand, set him on a path that he could accomplish only through a step-by-step plan to move ahead. This story from “Bits & Pieces” perfectly illustrates the importance of vision. A study done by Fortune magazine examined 120 entrepreneurs over a threeyear period. They were asked, “What do you need most to be a success?” The study, headed by Robert Baum, an assistant professor of entrepreneurship at the University of Maryland’s Robert

H. Smith School of Business, pointed to the need to have vision in order to reach goals. Baum said that 60 percent of people he talks to have wanted to start their own businesses, but that most of what he hears is “I wanna, I wanna.” The people who actually succeeded were the ones who had a vision and knew clearly where they wanted to go. The American Marketing Association did a study several years back and asked 500 CEOs: What do you have to do to survive the next five years? 81 percent said creativity and vision. But of the 500 CEOs, 81 percent of them said that their company is not doing a good job at it. I suspect that part of the problem is that many companies don’t know how to formulate a realistic vision. They confuse it with goals and objectives, which should come out of the corporate vision. Vision doesn’t do the planning and it doesn’t anticipate the obstacles. It gives a real idea of what is possible, if only they want it bad enough. Base your vision on principle. An effective vision isn’t about processes or products, but principles — guidelines for action and behavior. Explore the values that guide the organization. Rely on principles that are timeless and easy to grasp, even if they’re sometimes difficult to live up to. Harvey Mackay continued to pg 3

Upcoming Events

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11 • 28th Annual Valentine’s Banquet starting at 6 p.m. at Word of Life Church, Upsala. See ad on page 3. • Karrie Majeski-Feldewerd Spaghetti Dinner Benefit from 5-9 p.m. at Freeport Community Center. SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12 • Albany American Legion Post 482 Smorgasbord Breakfast from 8 a.m.-12 noon at Church of Seven Dolors Parish Hall. See ad on page 3. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14 • Melrose American Legion Post & Auxiliary Monthly Meeting at 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15 • Grey Eagle Senior Center Monthly Meeting at 11 a.m. at the center. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17 • Melrose American Legion Fish Fry, from 5-8 p.m. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18 • Grey Eagle/Burtrum Lions 12 Annual Race on Trace, Grey Eagle. See ad on page 3. SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19 • Quilt Bingo at 1 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church, Upsala. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22 • Grey Eagle Senior Center Potluck/ Bingo Party at 12 noon at the center. FRIDAY & SATURDAY, FEB. 24-25 • The Resurrected Artists Present “The Trouble With Summer People” Dinner Theatre starting at 6 p.m. at The Landing,

St. Anna. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25 • Sobieski/Swanville Lions Clubs 24th Annual Fishing Contest from Noon-3 p.m. on Long Lake, Swanville. See ad on page 12. ALBANY TOWNSHIP • Meets the fourth Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the Albany City Hall. • Planning Commission meets the second 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 first Monday of the month at 7 p.m. FEET FIRST CLINIC • Meets every 1st Tuesday morning at Holdingford City Hall. FOOD DISTRIBUTION • Ruby’s Pantry Food Distribution first 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 SENIOR MEETING • Meets the third Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m. with cards/Bingo/lunch. GREY EAGLE CITY COUNCIL • Meets the second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. GREY EAGLE SENIORS • Exercise Classes every Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 9:30 a.m. at the Grey Eagle Senior Center.

GREY EAGLE TOWNSHIP • Meets the first Monday of the month at 8 p.m. HELPING HANDS EXERCISE • Exercise & Line Dancing Every Wednesday at 9:15 a.m., Holdingford City Hall. HELPING HANDS COM. LUNCH • Meets the first Wednesday of the month at 2 p.m. at the Holdingford Legion. STEARNS CO. HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY • Meets at 7 p.m. on the 2nd Monday of the month at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Albany. SUNSHINE CLUB • Meets every Monday, weigh in at 9 a.m. at the Village View Apartments, Grey Eagle. ST. CLOUD SINGLES CLUB • Dance & Activities every third Friday from 8-12 at the Waite Park Legion. ST. ROSA CITY COUNCIL • Meets the third Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Community Park building. SWANVILLE CITY COUNCIL • First Tuesday after the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m. SWANVILLE TOWNSHIP • Meets the second Tuesday of the month at 8:30 p.m. at the Swanville Fire Hall. UPSALA CITY COUNCIL • Meets the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m. UPSALA COMMUNITY CENTER • Exercise Program every Monday at 10:15 a.m.

If you have an upcoming event or meeting, please let us know by email: htnews@meltel.net or call 320-285-2323.

Temperatures Date

2/1 2/2 2/3 2/4 2/5 2/6 2/7

High 18 12 23 32 19 28 23

Low 1 3 3 10 7 12 -2

Friday

Mostly cloudy. High: 38 Low: 27

Weekend Weather Saturday

Mostly cloudy. High: 39 Low: 23

Sunday

Mostly sunny. High: 34 Low: 21

Hometown News • Thursday, February 9, 2017 • Page 3

“The Good Old Days” -By Tom Kuehne A Farm Story

In 1911, a husband and his wife moved to Minnesota from Pittsburg, Pa. The husband was a very skilled machinist and constantly smoked a pipe He became very sick with a lung problem, was hospitalized, and was told by the Doctor that he had to move away from the polluted air in Pittsburg and his pipe smoking must stop. When he was discharged from the hospital, he left his pipe on the nightstand by the hospital bed and never smoked again. They thought Minnesota air would be much healthier, so they moved here. They purchased 120 acres with a shack and two acres of open land for $2000.00. In 1911, that was a large investment. In the years that followed, his wife gave birth to 5 girls. He wanted boys, because they would be more help on the farm. The midwife who delivered their babies charged $3.00 per delivery. However baby number 6 was a boy, so to show the midwife appreciation for the delivery of the boy, he gave her an extra $2.00 bonus. It must have been a strong incentive, since two more boys were born in the next couple of years. In the early 1930’s the husband lost his right hand in a corn shredder accident. A one handed farmer certainly has many disadvantages. He and his wife took a trip to the Twin Cities to see the wooden artificial hands which were available. He studied the details of the hand construction and went home and built his own hand from metal. After a few years his metal hand wore out, so he built a second hand, followed by a third which was able to tie shoes. He certainly overcame his disability. On their farm, the oats were stack thrashed instead of the usual method of shock thrashing. After the grain binder had created the bundles, the grain bundles were immediately loaded on a wagon and hauled to a thrashing location and stacked heads inward in

two piles. The piles were far enough apart that the thrashing machine could be located between the piles and the bundles could be placed into the thrashing machine from both sides. The main advantage for the stacking method was that the thrashing could be done later in the fall and the straw would be more fresh. As some of you can remember, when the thrashing crew was at your farm, the farmer’s wife fed them a noon meal. The meal was usually chicken, potatoes and gravy, a vegetable, cold slaw, bread and a really special dessert. The thrashers were fed very well, since the ladies seemed to try to outdo the other lady on the thrashing ring. This competition ended for this family in 1941, when his wife died. The father and his youngest son attempted to make a meal for the thrashers, but decided their attempts were not going to work. As a result, the noon meal at their farm was sandwiches and beer. The workers didn’t complain. The youngest son continued farming and after several additional land purchases has passed the farm to his son. For feedback or story ideas, email Tom at tom@swanvilleinsurance.com. _________________________________

If you need help with Health or Life Insurance or for Senior Health Solutions Contact: Tom Kuehne 320-360-0343 _________________________________

Todd County Sheriff’s Dept. February 4, 2017: At 23:15 Todd County Sheriff’s Office received a damage to property report that occurred on Lake Osakis. At approximately 2230 hours two ATVs were driving erratically when one collided with a generator. Owner of the generator identified the ATV as being red, possibly a Honda, that was with another ATV or possibly a side-by-side. Anyone with information on this incident please contact the Todd County Sheriffs Office.

Public Invitation:

28th Annual Valentine’s Banquet Saturday, February 11 • Starting at 6:00 PM

l Come & Enjoy a Wonderfu nt me ain ert Ent & al Me Family! Featuring: The Knudtson

Card of Thanks

The Roving Hillbillies Snowmobile Club of St. Rosa/Freeport, would like to thank everyone who attended our 48th annual Snowmobile Blessing on Sunday, Jan. 29th. We also thank all the businesses who so kindly donated items for our grand raffle. We really appreciate your effort in helping us make our day a success. Thanks also to all the people and club members who donated items and helped in any way. A big thank you to everyone who purchased raffle tickets! Congratulations to all the winners and we hope to see you all again next year!!

Roving Hillbillies Snowmobile Club

The family of Virginia Thompson would like to express our sincere thanks to our family and friends for the support and love shown to us during the illness and loss of our mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother. Thank you for the prayers, cards, memorials, flowers and food. Thank you Pastor CJ Boettcher for the beautiful service as well as the many visits and helping her and us prepare for her journey to heaven, Uncle B’s for making the hotdish and buns, and the ladies of Gethsemane for serving the meal after the service. Thanks you to the Upsala First Response Team, Royalton First Response Team and Gold Cross Ambulance for the wonderful care given to her on so many calls. Thank you to the staff at Riverside Assisted Living in Royalton for the care given to her while she was a resident there. Thank you to the CentraCare Hospice Team for everything in those last days and keeping her comfortable. Thank you to the casket bearers, great granddaughters Ashley Mann and Talexuis Thompson for being the cross and Bible bearers and great granddaughter Kailee Janssen for her beautiful solo. We would also like to give a huge thanks to Kyle LeMieur and the staff at Shelley Funeral Chapels for helping us through this difficult time. Virginia will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Rollie & Bev Johnson and Family Wes Thompson and Family

To Submit a Card of Thanks the cost is $3.00 for the first 50 words, 10¢ for each additional word. MUST BE PREPAID. Mail to: Hometown News, 29442 120th St., Grey Eagle, MN 56336.

Harvey Mackay continued from page 2

A vision that inspires people to action doesn’t come out of a single afternoon brainstorming session. Every member of your team needs to spend time asking questions about the organization, your industry, customers, competitors, trends – everything that affects the success of your vision. You have to build a foundation of learning before you can go forward. Don’t base your vision on where you are today, but on where you want to be in five years, or 10, or 25. Think about the direction you want to take and the obstacles you will have to overcome in order to succeed. When I speak to corporate America I tell the story of Helen Keller, who was left blind and deaf at age 19 months from a childhood illness. Yet she became a brilliant author and lecturer who graduated cum laude from Radcliffe College. She was making a speech on a college campus and during the question and answer session a mean-spirited questioner asked her the following: “Tell me Miss Keller, is losing your

eyesight the worst thing in the world that can happen to anyone?” “No,” she said. “It’s losing your vision.” You see, eyesight is what we see in front of us. Vision is all the way down the road. Mackay’s Moral: Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare. 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.”

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At the Word of Life Church in Upsala (1 Mile West of Upsala on Co. Hwy. 19)

Cost: $15.00 per Person • Payable at the Door

Grey Eagle • Burtrum Lions

A Program of Music will follow the Banquet. Meal is being catered by Uncle B’s Catering. RSVP’s would be appreciated by February 9th. Call 320-573-4450 leave a message, 320-573-2073 leave a message for Brenda, or email: wordoflife@sytekcom.com

12th Annual

RACE on TRACE

Come for a relaxing evening and share the invitation with family members and friends!

The Races will be held on Trace Lake, 1/2 mile West of Grey Eagle

Saturday, February 18, 2017 Albany American Legion Post 482 Smorgasbord Breakfast Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017 • Serving 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon At Church of Seven Dolors Parish Hall, Albany Adults: $9.00 • Children 4-10: $5.00 • 3 & under: Free

Serving: Ham, Bacon, Sausage, Liver Sausage, Blood Sausage, Scrambled Eggs, Fried Potatoes, French Toast, Fruit, Sweet Breads, Beverages

Everyo n Welcom e e!

Admission

10 - 1 Day

$

Under 12 yrs. FREE

Food & Beverage Trailer On Ice

CMPR SNOWMOBILE ICE OVAL RACES

Racing Starts: Noon 26 Vintage & Late Model Classes Bikes & Quads Mike 320-815-1888 Awards Banquet Immediately Following the Races at the

Double R Bar & Grill Grey Eagle

CROSS COUNTRY RACE

Approx. 5 Mile Course Registration: 9-11 Race starts at NOON $25 Entry - Trophies for 1st, 2nd & 3rd In the following classes: Leaf Spring 0-500cc 0-500 liquid or 0-600 fan Open Class Semi Pro 0-600 $50 Entry 100% Payback Classic IFS 0-440 (1997 & Older) 0-600 liquid Long Track (136 or Longer. No Studs) Bob 320-493-8485

RADAR RUNS Minnesota #1 Rated 2500’ Track On Shaved Ice & Groomed Snow Tracks Record Breaking Sleds Will Be Here!

Starts at 10 AM • Ending at 3 PM

Dave 320-249-2018 Fastest Speed On Ice Track 1st: $2,000, 2nd: $500, 3rd: $250 Fastest Speed on Snow Track $100 Top 3 Trophies 25 Snowmobile Classes 1 Motorcycle Class 1 Quad Class Trophies for 1st & 2nd Kids 120 Class Trophies for Participation

Page 4 • Hometown News • Thursday, February 9, 2017

Obituaries Alvina M. Bayer

Alvina M. Bayer, age 97, of Elrosa and Lake Miltona, passed away Saturday, February 4, 2017 at Pine Villa Care Center in Melrose, Minnesota. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 18, 2017 at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Elrosa with Father Peter Kirchner presiding. Visitation will be from 9 to 10:45 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18th at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Elrosa. Alvina Mary Essler was born June 27, 1919 in Padua, Minnesota, the daughter of Joseph and Theresia (Derschel) Essler. On November 25, 1941, Alvina was united in marriage to Edmund Matthew Bayer in St. Anthony Catholic Church of Padua, Minnesota and made their home in Elrosa. Alvina was the proud mother to six children and she also worked with her husband at Skeeter’s Bar in Elrosa until 1977. Soon after retirement, Alvina and Edmund moved to Lake Miltona in Leaf Valley Township, Douglas County, Minnesota. Pine Villa Care Center became her home in 2014. Alvina loved to fish and garden. Cooking for people and entertaining at her home always brought her great joy. Birdwatching and feeding the birds were some of her favorite pastimes, especially at the lake. She also enjoyed dancing whenever the opportunity arose. Alvina loved being a mom and truly enjoyed spending time

Family Restaurant

STUBBY’S TAVERN

Orrin “LeRoy” Sukke

with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Alvina was a member of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Elrosa, Saints Peter and Paul Christian Mothers, the American Legion Auxiliary of Millerville, and the Paul F. Donart VFW Post 2853 Auxiliary in Sauk Centre. Survivors include: her children and spouses, Bob and Marcia Bayer of Elrosa, Jim and Susan Bayer of Belgrade, Deb and Dan Haskamp of St. Cloud, Pam and Bob Imdieke, Jr. of Big Lake, and Bruce and Peggy Bayer of Paynesville; daughterin-law, Delores Bayer of Brooten; 15 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; sister, Delores Schmidt of Elrosa; and other relatives and friends. Alvina was preceded in death by her husband, Edmund M. Bayer “Skeeter” in 1991; son, Allen Bayer in 2005; parents, Joseph and Theresia Essler; brother, Raymond Essler; and sister, Sally Mildenberger. Casket bearers include Alvina’s grandsons, Aaron Bayer, Brian Imdieke, Paul Haskamp, Matthew Bayer, Adam Haskamp, Sam Bayer, Scott Imdieke, and Evan Bayer. Alvina’s granddaughters, Paula Froseth serves as cross bearer, Kelli Imdieke serves as scripture bearer, lectors include Amiee Thomas, Stacy Peter, and Anne Haskamp. Jenny Bayer and Patti Liebrenz will carry the communion gifts.

Donald “Don” Stuckel

Don Stuckel, 73, of Independence, MO, formerly of Melrose, MN passed away January 27, 2017. Arrangements pending for a Minnesota memorial.

Tuesday, February 14

Valentine’s Specials Join Us for Our

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Frank Levendowski

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 am Thursday, February 9, 2017 at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Avon for Frank Levendowski who died Friday at the St. Cloud Hospital. The Rev. Greg Miller, OSB will officiate. Burial with full military honors will be in the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Little Falls. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to services Thursday at the church in Avon. Frank was born in St. Cloud to Henry & Leona (Fleigel) Levendowski. He graduated from Sartell High School in 1974 and continued his education at the

Chicken Fry Steak & Shrimp Special

Evening Specials

Valentines Dinner

February 14, 2017 • 5-8 pm

Swanville, MN 320-547-0050

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Friday Night Fish Fry Starting February 17

St. Cloud Technical College with a degree in farm operations and management. He served his country in the United States Army from 1974-1977 and then the National Guard from 1977-1988. He worked in farming for his parents and local dairy farms until his retirement in 2004. Survivors include his brother and sisters, Harry (Sandy) of St. Cloud; Ruth Ann (Len) Doubek of Eagle River, AK; Laura (Bruce) Knafla of Rice. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Phyllis Leners.

BURTRUM Liquor

Monday-Thursday: 1 PM-10 PM Fri.-Sat.: Noon-12 AM

On/Off Sale • ATM • Pull Tabs Lottery • Sandwiches

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St. Rosa Jaycee’s Chili/Soup Cook Off

5-9 PM

Saturday, Feb. 18 • 5-7 PM Monday: Burger Night PRIZES: 1st- $100 • 2nd- $50 • 3rd- $25 $1.50 Burgers • $1.50 Fries Call Bar for Details! Bring your kettle or come to taste! Tuesday: Buy Any Pizza, Get Family Size Bread Sticks FREE Join Us Every Saturday for the Poker Fun Run 11 AM-11 PM Wednesday: Broasted Chicken Buffet $8.25 Saturday, Feb. 11: Last Stop for the Poker Fun Run! BUDDHA DJ • 9 PM-Close Thursday: Taco Bar $4.95 Friday: Fish All You Can Eat $7.50, Kitchen Hours: 11 am-2:30 pm; 5-10 pm 21 Shrimp $6.50, Grilled Shrimp $11.95, 12 oz. Ribeye $11.95 Saturday: Beef Philly with Fries $7.00

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He loved going to auctions and finding hidden treasures. He also loved Fords, races at the speedway, cutting grass on his Dixon lawnmower and he loved his town of Sauk Centre, MN. He was very active at First Lutheran Church. LeRoy served as head usher and on various council committees and loved working at the church Stearns County Fair booth frying hamburgers. LeRoy was also an active member of the V.F.W and served on the board. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Shirley; along with two children Lynn (Patrick) Braun of St. Paul, MN and Larry Sukke of St. Cloud, MN; 2 grandchildren Nicole Reid of St. Paul, MN and Charles C. Reid of Chicago, IL; 2 great-grandchildren Lily Link and Olivia Reid; 2 siblings Norman (Della) Sukke of Alexandria, MN and Donna (Slim) Ostendorf of St. Cloud, MN; and many other loving relatives. He is preceded in death by his parents George and Josephine Sukke. Visitation will be held Monday, February 13th from 11 am-1 pm and Memorial Service at 1 pm at First Lutheran Church of Sauk Centre. Interment following immediately at Greenwood Cemetery.

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O r r i n “LeRoy” Sukke, age 86 of Sauk Centre passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on February 3, 2017. B o r n in Kandota township on the family farm he was the oldest of 3 children. LeRoy served in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1954 in the Signal Corps during the Korean Conflict. He met Shirley Jean Dobs of Swanville, MN and they married May 12, 1959 at First Lutheran Church Sauk Centre, MN. LeRoy worked road construction and on a dairy farm. He also was employed at Frigidaire in St. Cloud for over 20 years until he retired. As anyone who knew LeRoy knew he couldn’t sit still, so he continued to work doing what he loved mowing grass at Greenwood and Oakland Cemeteries in Sauk Centre and finally retired in 2011. LeRoy enjoyed spending time with his family and sitting outside on his “hill”.

Prime Rib Dinner Pasta Bar • Shrimp Homemade Desserts *Full dinner menu also available* Reservations Preferred

St. Rosa • 320-836-2154

Busch Light - 24 pk. Cans - $14.75 +tax

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Hometown News • Thursday, February 9, 2017 • Page 5

Katherine M. Funk

The Mass of Christian burial, celebrating the life of Katherine M. Funk, age 94 years, 9 months and 7 days, will be 11:30 AM, Friday, February 10th at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Katherine died Monday, surrounded by her family at the Mother of Mercy Nursing Home in Albany. There will a visitation after 10:30 AM, Friday at the church in Freeport. Katherine was born April 30, 1922 in St. Martin to Nicholas and Rose (Kollman) Moscho. She grew up in St. Martin and married Anton “Tony” Funk on May 5, 1942 in St. Martin. The couple settled on their farm south west of Freeport. Katherine had a large garden where she grew flowers and vegetables; she was very protective of her strawberries. She

Clarence Blommel

F u n e r a l services for Clarence Blommel will be held Friday, February 10, 2017 at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Clarissa, MN. Visitation will be held Thursday, February 9 from 5-8 p.m. and Friday, February 10 from 9-11 a.m. at the church. Clarence was born December 14, 1924 in Millwood Township, Stearns County to Theodore and Theresa (Wittkop) Blommel. Clarence married Alvina Goebel on June 25, 1957. Alvina and Clarence moved to their farm in Iona Township (Clarissa) and farmed together for 24 years until retiring in 1981. They then lived in the city of Clarissa for a short time and later moved back to the country across the road from their farm. Alvina and Clarence moved to the Colonial Terrace Apartments in 2006. Clarence currently was a resident of the Clarissa Care Center. At the age of 92 he passed away Sunday, February 5, 2017, at the Lakewood Health System in Staples.

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also loved to bake and cook for her 11 children. Katherine enjoyed visiting with people, playing cards, bowling and she especially loved spending time with her family. She was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Sacred Heart Christian Mothers. Katherine is survived by her children; Eldred Funk, Brooklyn Park; Ardell (Donald) Loehr, Prior Lake; Gerald (Susan) Funk, Long Prairie; Joyce (Roger) Schoenberg, Greenwald; Joan (Roger) Stradal, Sauk Rapids; Richard (Bonnie) Funk, Avon; Isadore “Butch” Funk, Cold Spring; Lee (Rick) Passek, Savage; Cindy (Roger) Stephanson, Mound; Daryl (Karen) Funk, Coon Rapids, 19 grandchildren and 25 greatgrandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Virginia (Virgil) Fuchs and Rose Hinnenkamp. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Tony on December 4, 2006, and her son, Donald “Peter” Funk on March 23, 2001 and her brothers and sisters; Wilfred Moscho, Joe Moscho, Nicholas Moscho, Marie Klassen and Irene Schulzetenberg.

Clarence was a farmer his entire life until retirement. He enjoyed bowling, fishing, golf and playing cards. Clarence was a member of the Knights of Columbus- 4th Degree Knight and a past Grand Knight. He was also a member and usher of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and a former member of the Eagle Bend Lions, The Creamery Board and NFO. Clarence is survived by his children: Duane (Susan) Blommel of Clarissa, Allen (Charlet) Blommel of Clarissa, Jonell (Duane) Asfeld of Wadena, Geralyn (Tim) Petersen of Coon Rapids, Denise (Dale) Olson of Eagle Bend, Ione (Eric Johnson) Gustafson of St. Cloud, Kenneth (Melissa) Blommel of Coon Rapids; 21 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren; siblings, Robert “Bob” Blommel, St. Paul, sisters-in-law, Dorothy Blommel, Grey Eagle, Mary Jo Blommel, Freeport. He is preceded in death by his wife, Alvina, parents, Theodore and Theresa, siblings, Teddy Skubic, Irene Seibert, James Blommel, Leo Blommel and John Blommel; brothers-in-law, Ed Skubic and Dick Seibert; sisters-in-law, Eleanor Blommel and MaryAnne Blommel.

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retirement, too. My girlfriend and I plan to get married in the next couple of years, and she has about $90,000 in debt. I’m not paying on her debt yet, but I think together we can save up enough to pay it off by the time we’re married. Should I temporarily slow down saving for a house and start saving toward paying off her debt? -James Dear James, Yes, I would have a “girlfriend debt” account. That way when she becomes your wife, you two can write a check the moment you get back from the honeymoon and be debt-free — or at least knock out a huge portion of the debt. After that, the two of you — as in WE — resume saving for retirement, a house and so on. That, James, is exactly what I would do. You’re right in line with my thinking on this, brother. Best of luck to you both! -Dave * Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business, and CEO of Ramsey Solutions. He has authored seven best-selling books. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 11 million listeners each week on more than 550 radio stations and digital outlets. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey.com.

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Page 6 • Hometown News • Thursday, February 9, 2017

Community Snapshots

The Grey Eagle/Swanville Knights of Columbus Council donated $1000.00 to the Grey Eagle Fire Department to help purchase a new LUCAS Chest Compression System. This system is designed to deliver uninterrupted compressions at a consistent rate and depth to facilitate ROSC. Bill Berscheit (middle) and Joe Arnzen (right) accepted the check from Ken Sinclair (left). Submitted by Ken Sinclair.

EMAIL US YOUR PHOTOS! • htnews@meltel.net

​ his winter the Coffield’s garage in Holdingford burned, which was a total T loss. On Monday, Jan. 23 around 9:00 a.m. they were surprised with pickups, cars, and dumpsters. Soon they heard the cling clang of debris b ​ eing thrown into piles and into dumpsters; the burned tin and framework was being ripped down. Next there was a tractor and a truck with a 40 yard dumpster coming up the driveway. Ladies came with food, while friends and neighbors came to work. Within six hours the old burned garage was gone except for the concrete. What a wonderful day we had, for many loving hands made light work. Submitted by Celia and Don Coffield.

Coffield’s garage after the fire.

Upsala Jr. High School December Student of the Month Swanville 5/6th grade Bulldog Girls are on a roll. They took 1st place at the Royaton tournament last weekend February 4th and 1st place in the Holdingford tournament on January 21st. Pictured are (front from left) Madison Ehrenberg, Samantha Sobiech and Lauren Miller; (back) Mike Chuba, Kennedy Chuba, Emily Carrillo-Ledesma, Karley Loven, Amelia Hudalla, and Jennifer Hudalla. Submitted by Sandra Primus.

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Congratulations to Carter Johnson who has been chosen by Upsala High School staff as Junior High Student of the Month for December. Carter is the eighth grade son of Rollie and Joan Johnson. He has earned his place on the A Honor Roll. Johnson is also the English Language Arts student of the month for December. Last year he was also recognized in Health and ELA subject areas.

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Carter’s favorite class is Math, because “Math applies to other classes.” Renee Scholz, Math Teacher, believes that “Carter is willing to learn and help others succeed, which makes him a valuable student in my class.” His favorite activity is basketball, because “it is fun.” Basketball Coach Tom Riitters said, “Carter is a natural leader. He is a player that others look to for leadership.” Besides basketball, Johnson plays football and is also on the Knowledge Bowl team. His hobbies include playing sports, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, four-wheeling, enjoying the outdoors and hanging out with his friends. Advice for his classmates is, “Concentrate in school and good things will happen.”

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Hometown News • Thursday, February 9, 2017 • Page 7

Birth Announcements

Minnesota Through The Lens:

Submitted by: Amy Rieland

Esther Rose Edin

Justin and Tamber (Gruber) Edin of Staples are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Esther Rose Edin, born Wednesday, December 28 at 11:27 p.m. at the Lakewood Hospital in Staples, MN. Esther weighed 8 pounds, 1 ounce and measured 22 inches in length. Grandparents are Rick & Irene Gruber of Melrose and Randy & Shelia Edin of Staples. Great grandparents are Kitty Gruber of Melrose, Ken and Thelma Edin of Cushing and Marie Selensky of Rugby, ND.

Eva Rowan Mendes

Rosemarie Cabral and Andrew Mendes of Melrose are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Eva Rowan Mendes, born Tuesday, January 24, 2017 at 3:54 p.m. at the CentraCare Health-Melrose. Eva weighed 10 pounds, 3 ounces and measured 22 inches in length. Welcoming Eva home is her big sister Liliana 2 years old. Grandparents are Diane and Miguel Cabral of Niskahuna, NY and Joan Jones of South Partmouth, MA.

Bald Eagle eating on Little Birch Lake

To submit a photo for Minnesota Through The Lens, email it in it’s original (large) size to htnews@meltel.net.

Upsala Sr. High School December Student Natalie Catalina Marie Concepcion of the Month Joy and Melissa Concepcion of Sauk Centre are proud to

announce the birth of their daughter, Natalie Catalina Marie Concepcion, born Sunday, January 29, 2017 at 9:21 a.m. at the CentraCare Health-Melrose Natalie weighed 7 pounds, 5 ounces and measured 20 inches in length. Welcoming Natalie home are her big brothers Fernando 11 years old, Angelo 3 years old, and Marcelino 1 year old. Grandparents are Michelle Spofford and Mike Haffner of Sauk Centre, Alberto and Carmen Concepcion of Volcan, Panama and Edgar and Renee Vejerano of Volcan, Panama.

Silas Robert Callahan

Zach Callahan and Hannah Walz of Sauk Centre are proud to announce the birth of their son, Silas Robert Callahan, born Monday, January 30, 2017 at 7:32 a.m. at the CentraCare Health-Melrose. Silas weighed 9 pounds, 4 ounces and measured 20 1/2 inches in length. Welcoming Silas home is his big brother Zane 13 months. Grandparents are Bob and Angie Walz of Elrosa and Todd Engler.

Everett John Arnzen

Brandon and Ali Arnzen of Grey Eagle are proud to announce the birth of their son, Everett John Arnzen, born Monday, January 30, 2017 at 9:39 a.m. at the CentraCare Health-Melrose. Everett weighed 9 pounds and measured 20 3/4 inches in length. Welcoming Everett home is his big sister Averi. Grandparents are John and Lillian Arnzen of St. Rosa and Ernie and Denise Kociemba of Melrose. Great grandparents are Arlene Arnzen of St. Rosa and Donna Kociemba of Melrose.

The faculty at Upsala High School are proud to name Cheryl Zimmerman as December Student of the Month. Cheryl is the tenth-grade daughter of Steve and Tracy Zimmerman. She has one older brother, Dylan. Zimmerman’s hard work in academics, service to her school and community has meant that she was nominated and ultimately selected for National Honor Society. Curtis Robertson, NHS advisor said, “Cheryl is a very reliable student and has a strong desire to help others.” She enjoys being part of NHS, because “NHS teaches you to be a better person.”

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Some of her service activities have been serving as a representative for her class on student council, cleaning up road ditches, food drives, and volunteering with Kids against Hunger. High School honors include being on the A honor roll and earning student of the month in many subject areas including Agriculture/Vocation Tech, Art, and Spanish. English is her favorite class because of her enjoyment of reading and writing. She may even make a future career out of her love of English. Her English Teacher, Jen Henry said, “Cheryl is so fun to have in class! She has a unique sense of humor that really shines through in her writing.” Cheryl works at Lange Oil. In her free time, she likes to paint, read, swim, watch movies, and spend time with her family and friends. She enjoys going to the lake and sports events. Advice for her classmates is, “Don’t procrastinate. Get your assignments done, so you don’t have to stress about it.”

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Beau Richard Scherping

Kerry and Jeremy Scherping of Melrose are proud to announce the birth of their son, Beau Richard Scherping, born Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at 2:28 p.m. at the CentraCare Health-Melrose. Beau weighed 6 pounds, 13 ounces and measured 21 inches in length. Welcoming Beau home is his big sister Blakely 2 1/2 years old. Grandparents are Donald and Kathy Dobmeier of Freeport and Rick and June Scherping of Freeport. Great grandparents are Beatrice Douvier of Melrose and Laura Hoppe of New Munich.

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Page 8 • Hometown News • Thursday, February 9, 2017

Sudoku

Word Search Answers from Feb. 2

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.

Thought for the week:

A successful man is one who makes more money than his wife can spend. A successful woman is one who can find such a man. -Lana Turner

A long-time political figure was asked, “How much power does it take to satisfy politicians?” After thinking about the question for a moment, he responded with a twinkle in his eye: “Just a little more!” And then added, “The more we have the more we want.” Politicians rise and fall, come and go, do helpful things and some things Dan

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that seem to cause confusion and chaos. Whatever they do comes from the power that we seem to give them. Or does it? Insightfully, the Psalmist said, “No one…can exalt a man...It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another.” After all is said and done, there is no power apart from God. He is Almighty. He rules. We often think of ourselves and others as being self-contained. We live, we breathe, we walk and talk, we do this and that, but - in fact - we live breath by breath and moment by moment according to God’s plan for our lives. Our physical life, and the life of those whom He allows to have power and influence over us, do so as He wills and wishes. These are days of turbulence and turmoil, fear and frustration, uncertainty and anxiety. We do not know what is going to happen before our next heart beat. But it is comforting to know that God is in control of everyone and everything. He has fixed limits on their terms and time in office. He also has a plan in place for everything. God often seems to move at the pace of a snail - but He is indeed moving. We can rest assured that all is well.

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Notes from the Capitol By State Rep. Paul Anderson

Bill aimed at creating uniform state labor laws advances in House After nearly four hours of testimony last Thursday, the Job Growth and Energy Affordability Committee passed a bill that deals with the pre-emption of locally passed employment regulations. Aspects of employee benefits covered by this bill are minimum wage standards, employee-required paid or unpaid leave, and work hour scheduling. At least two cities in Minnesota – St. Paul and Minneapolis – already have passed such regulations. Each has approved a $15 minimum wage standard, and both have also passed measures that deal with mandatory sick time and/or maternity leave. The bill we debated, H.F. 600, would prohibit local governments from adopting and enforcing laws and policies relating to the employment relationship in the private sector. The aforementioned ordinances already passed by Minneapolis and St. Paul are scheduled to go into effect July 1, and if this bill were to become law, it would preempt those local regulations and render them null and void. Testimony became heated at times, with local residents saying that cities should be allowed to enact their own labor relation laws. They spoke of local control and were against the state nullifying regulations already passed by duly-elected city officials. Testifying in favor of the bill were the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and several other business groups. The Associated General Contractors, representing some 400 construction contractors, said a patchwork of local labor regulations was “inherently unworkable” for the construction industry. A representative of the Minnesota Trucking Association said the 675 motor carriers in his group “would be negatively impacted” if local regulations were allowed. If trucks made stops in multiple cities on their daily routes, for example, keeping track of the time drivers spent in each city and the various wage scales would be a difficult bookkeeping job.

After all testifies were heard, the bill was passed on a straight party-line vote with all Republicans voting in favor. Its next stop is the Government Operations Committee. Gov. Mark Dayton recently was in Morris, where he addressed the opening session of his second water summit. I was disappointed when he announced that he would compromise no more on the buffer legislation originally passed two years ago. Clarifying language was added to the bill last year, but in my opinion more work needs to be done to address concerns brought forth about the bill by farmers and other affected land owners. There are lingering questions about public waters on the maps being produced by the DNR, and we still have no definitive word on what type of alternative practices that will be allowed in place of buffers. Counties are being asked to take on the enforcement role concerning buffer implementation, but the state so far has not allocated any funding for them to carry out such duties. In addition, counties face a quickly approaching March deadline to opt-in for local enforcement, although officials from the Board of Water and Soil Resources have talked about that date being a “soft deadline,” in that counties could opt-out at a later time. And maybe the biggest unresolved item in this whole issue is that of compensation, which has not been addressed to any great degree. The governor in his budget message called for payments of $40 per acre for five years to landowners who must install buffers. Well, that’s something, but it’s a far cry from what that land is really worth. We’re talking about a total of $200 per acre in state payments for land that’s worth thousands more. I read of one farmer who figures he’ll lose close to $100,000 worth of productive land because of 50-foot buffers being required along the entire length of both sides of a public water designation on his property. This is a constitutional issue, one that needs to be resolved, either through further legislation or through other means. Rep. Anderson can be contacted by email at rep.paul.anderson@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-4317. To receive email updates sign-up on his webpage at www. house.mn/13a.

Hometown News • Thursday, February 9, 2017 • Page 9

Boy Scout Review -By Steve Borgerding

Attending the outing were Sergio Morales, Carter Feldewerd, Spenser Norling, Luke Braun, Jacob Feldewerd, Adrian Massmann, and Hayden Wieling. Not pictured is Scoutmaster Dave Norling and Steve Borgerding. It is winter in Minnesota. That means it is time for the Boy Scouts of Melrose Troop 68 to spend a weekend at Camp Stearns for their annual winter outing. It is a tradition that began over 15 years ago. Seven members of Troop 68 attended the weekend outing near Fairhaven this year, along with two adult leaders. They left Melrose January 20th, a foggy Friday night, and returned on a much less foggy Sunday morning. The forecast for the weekend was for the weather to be damp and above freezing, which was not the best forecast for a winter activity. The Troop had reserved the Whitewater Lodge which allowed them to have a warm, dry place to sleep and relax. Their schedule would keep the Scouts outside for a good portion of the weekend. There are plenty of activities at Camp Stearns if a troop decides to take advantage of them. Once the Troop had checked in with the camp master, and the Scouts had unpacked the gear, it was time to do a little exploring. The first stop was at the quar-

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MON., FEB. 13: Chicken tetrazzini, sweet potatoes, mandarin almond salad, vanilla pudding w/bananas. TUE., FEB. 14: Parmesan chicken, baked potato/sour cream, green bean casserole, strawberry shortcake. WED., FEB. 15: Beef tips/gravy, egg noodles, cucumber salad, lettuce salad, warm fruit compote. THURS., FEB. 16: Roast turkey, whipped potatoes, gravy, country trio vegetables, mandarin orange cake. FRI., FEB. 17: Meatballs, parsley potatoes, peas/cream sauce, brownie. ~ The Lighter Side Menu ~ MON., FEB. 13: Chef’s salad w/lettuce/ meat/cheese/vegetables, vanilla pudding w/ bananas. TUE., FEB. 14: Parmesan chicken, baked potato/sour cream, green bean casserole, strawberry shortcake. WED., FEB. 15: Beef tips/gravy, egg noodles, cucumber salad, lettuce salad, warm fruit compote. THURS., FEB. 16: Sweet/sour pork, Oriental vegetables, rice cucumber salad, mandarin orange cake. FRI., FEB. 17: Baked potato w/broccoli/cheese, lettuce salad, breadstick, brownie. Albany: 320-845-4070

termaster’s building to check on gear. The next stop was the sledding hill. Camp Stearns has a great sledding hill which has lights for evening fun. The Scouts were hoping that there would be enough snow on the hillside after the warm weather we had during the past week. There was plenty of snow. The boys went back to their Lodge, changed clothes, and had fun sledding before calling it a night. The Troop had a full schedule Saturday morning which included time for older Scouts to help the newer members work on their advancement. Most of the boys participated in an orientation course and hike. Then it was back to the sledding hill for another hour of racing down the hillside. Camp Stearns has two nine-hole disc golf courses so you can probably guess where the Troop spent a portion of the afternoon. They discovered it takes longer to play a round in the winter time because it takes longer to find the thrown discs in foot deep snow. The Scouts did not mind. They were having too much fun playing the game and talking smack at each other. After supper, the boys had a short religious service and relaxed with a game of Catan and a movie. They also had a chance to surprise their Scoutmaster on his birthday with a song and cupcakes baked by one of the boy’s mother. The Troop was on their way home by 9:00 Sunday morning after a quick breakfast and cleanup of the building. Plans were already being discussed for next year’s trip to Camp Stearns.

Swanville Senior Center

TUES. NOON, FEB. 14: Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetable, roll. THURS. 5 PM, FEB. 16: Spaghetti, garlic bread. * Dessert, milk and coffee served with each meal.

Call Kim 320-630-4046 a few hours in advance. Swanville Senior Center

Upsala - All Ages

MON., FEB. 13: Ham/cheese hot dish w/broccoli, fruit, bar. TUE., FEB. 14: Baked pork chop, parsley potatoes, sauerkraut, poke cake. WED., FEB. 15: Hamburger, bun, coleslaw, lemon bar. THURS. FEB. 16: Meatballs, baked potato, mixed vegetables, applesauce. FRI., FEB. 17: Cook’s choice. Bread, milk and coffee served with each meal. Call a day before you choose to dine. Upsala Community Center: 320-573-4435

Deadline for Next Thursday’s Paper is Monday, Feb. 13

Local Municipality Minutes To publish minutes, email to htnews@meltel.net

Burtrum City February 6, 2017 These are unapproved minutes. The meeting of the Burtrum City Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 6th, 2017 by Mayor Ron Strassburg. Those in attendance included; Ron Strassburg, Kaitlynn Bollig, Kevin Rohde, Beau Krueger, Deb VanHavermaet, and Mitchell Bruggenthies. The finance report was read and approved by a motion made by Beau Krueger and seconded by Kevin Rohde. The meeting minutes from the January 9th, 2017 meeting were read and approved by a motion made by Deb VanHavermaet and seconded by Mitchell Bruggenthies. The City Council then discussed outstanding and routine bills and upon a motion made by Beau Krueger and seconded by Kevin Rohde, the bills were paid. As there was no old business to discuss at this time, the City Council moved on to new business. A resident of the City attended the meeting to request a building permit to add on to his existing garage. This request was approved by a motion made by Deb VanHavermaet and seconded by Mitchell Bruggenthies, upon vote motion carried and the building permit was granted. The resident was instructed to go to Mayor, Ronald Strassburg, prior to building to pay and collect his building permit. The local Sheriff attended the meeting to inform the City Council of possible increased drug activity occurring within the City limits. If you see any suspicious activity occurring, please report it to the Todd County Sheriff’s office. The City Council discussed Liquor License dues/fees for the local Liquor Store. Their Liquor License and other associated dues/ fees are set to expire in April of 2017. The decision was made to leave the fee amounts the same. A motion was made by Kevin Rohde and seconded by Mitchell Bruggenthies to approve the renewal, upon vote motion carried and it was approved. Please note that this is pending as the Liquor Store Owner nor an authorized representative of the Liquor Store attend this meeting to discuss. Should the Liquor Store wish to renew their Liquor License and all other associated Licenses, they should contact Mayor, Ronald Strassburg, prior to March 2017 City Council to ensure all proper documents are collected and processed accordingly. This will assist in ensuring that there are no delays in processing prior to April 2017. The City Council also discussed the option of investing in a dirt thrower for the City Snow Plow to put on the roads when plowing. This topic was tabled until further notice to investigate costs and other components. As there was no further topics to discuss the meeting was adjourned by a motion made by Deb VanHavermaet and seconded by Beau Krueger, upon vote motion carried and the meeting was adjourned. The next City Council Meeting is schedule for Monday, March 6th, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the Burtrum Town Hall. Kaitlynn Bollig, Burtrum City Clerk

Swanville City January 3, 2017 Minutes of the Swanville City Council meeting held in the Swanville Center on Tuesday, January 3, 2017. The meeting called to order 7:00 p.m. with the following members present: Sandy Lange, Norm Carlson, Tony Maciej, and Jim Molitor. Also present: Jason Murray, Mark Hallen, Deb Wood, and Lonny Hutchins. Minutes of the Swanville City Council meeting Tuesday, December 6, 2016 were reviewed. A motion was made by Tony Maciej to approve the minutes as printed. Jim Molitor seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried. The members of the council appointed Debra Wood to fill the vacant council member seat. Wood will be the appointed council member until the next general election is held in two years. Wood took her oath of office and was welcomed by the council. The treasures report was given. A motion was made by Jim Molitor and seconded by Deb Wood to approve the treasurer’s report. All members voted in favor, motion carried. Jason Murray, from David Drown & Associates, was present to explain the TIF District for the Berkey Avenue North Project should the council decide to proceed with this district. Murray presented a proposed of $145,000.00 bond proposal for 15 years. After discussion Jim Molitor made a motion to proceed with a public hearing on March 7 at 6:30 p.m. to hear public input on this project. Tony Maciej seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried. Murray will have a signature block agreement drawn up for both the Dally’s and the City to sign. The city attorney will then write up a purchase agreement with a clause that building will start on or before August 1, 2017. Mark Hallen, city engineer, was present to present to council the agreement with Widseth, Smith & Nolting for the Berkey Avenue Project. After discussion, Jim Molitor made a motion to sign the agreement with WSN for the Berkey Avenue Project. Deb Wood seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried. City maintenance worker Lonny informed the council the addition on the park building is now completed and the wiring will be completed soon. The ice skating rink warming house is in use. This being the first meeting of the year, the following organizational actions are made: 1. Jim Molitor will be acting Mayor in the absence of Mayor Lange. 2. The First State Bank of Swanville will be the designated

depository of the City. 3. The regular meeting date for the City Council meeting is the first Tuesday after the first Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Special meeting only after proper notification and publication. 4. The Bond of the City Clerk/ Treasurer will be set at $12,000.00. 5. Assigned duties to the following Council Members and Citizens of the Community: Community Center: Julie Hollermann & Deb Wood City Park: Duane Johnson and Sandy Lange Streets and Sidewalks: Tony Maciej and Lonny Hutchins Springbrook Cemetery: Julie Hollermann and Lonny Hutchins City Weed Inspector: Jim Molitor and Lonny Hutchins Rural Fire Assoc. Rep.: Sandy Lange and Tony Maciej 6. City Attorney: The law office of (revisit) 7. City Engineer: Widseth, Smith & Nolting 8. Representative on the Senior Center board: Norm Carlson 9. Planning and Zoning Committee: Sandy Lange, Jay Bartkowicz, Val Sobania, John Dragseth, Duane Johnson, Jeff Thoma and Lonny Hutchins. 10. Well Head Managers: Lonny Hutchins and Jim Molitor A motion was made by Norm Carlson to accept these actions as now listed. Tony Maciej seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried. Salaries for Employees and Council Members for 2017: 1. Mayor’s salary: $1800.00 annually + $20.00 per hour for special meetings(one hour min. pay). 2. Council Members salaries: $900.00 annually + $20.00 per hour for special meetings(1 hour min. pay). 3. Clerk/Treasurer salary: $1200.00 monthly + $20.00 per hour for special meeting(1 hour min. pay). 4. Cleaning Community Center: $150.00 monthly 5. Maintenance Worker Salary: (Maintenance worker salary will be revisited) 6. Substitute Maintenance Man Salary: new $16.00 per hour 7. Park & City Center Cleaner: $12.00 per hour 8. Summer part-time worker: $10.50 9. Mileage at present 53¢ a mile A motion was made by Jim Molitor to have all salaries as stated above. Norm Carlson seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried. A new lawn mower estimate was looked at and discussed. Decided to Table. Council member Maciej gave a report from the feedback he has received about having a noon whistle sound. From that consensus there will be no noon whistle sound. Claims were presented for

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Page 10 • Hometown News • Thursday, February 9, 2017 Continued from Pg 9

payment. Members of the council were furnished with a listing. Tony Maciej made a motion to approve the claims. Norm Carlson seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried. The next regular monthly meeting will be held Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. There being no further business, a motion was made by Deb Wood and seconded by Norm Carlson to adjourn. All members voted in favor, motion carried. Meeting adjourned 8:15 p.m. Julie Hollermann, City Clerk/ Treasurer Grey Eagle Township February 6, 2017 These are unapproved minutes. Call to Order: Ron Frericks called the meeting to order at 8:00 p.m. The pledge of allegiance was recited. Members Present: Ron Frericks, Ray Bense, Mary Ann Primus

& Mike Rohe. Agenda Approval: A preliminary agenda was presented. Ron asked if there were additions to the agenda. Ray made the motion to accept the agenda. Mike made the second. All in favor. Motion carried. Approval of Minutes: The clerk provided copies of the January 9, 2017 minutes to the board. Mike made the motion to accept the minutes, Ray made the second. Minutes approved. Town Clerk’s Report: Clerk presented the claims list for January. Claims list included 10 claims 3023-3032 for a total of $6,659.98. Ray made the motion to approve the claims; Mike made the second, Motion carried unanimously. Mail included advertising from Cutting Edge Tree Service, Todd County has set the Equalization meeting for April 18, at 1:00 at the Town Hall, MN Power sent information on a rate increase, Todd County P & Z sent a notice of a request to create a two lot plat, a

letter from the Pipeline Community Awareness Program, and a letter from the Land Stewardship Project. Ron reported that he had received a call from the DNR stating they had no objection to the vacation of a portion of the Public Beach. Ron stated the Township would need something in writing before the public hearing. Mike made a motion to allow the two CDs to renew on their maturity date. Ray made the second. All in favor. Motion carried. Road and Bridge Report: Ray reported that he noticed the ice was heaving at the Big Birch Lake access. He asked Erv to check it over the weekend. Additional agenda items: None. Public Comment: None. Adjournment: Motion by Mike to adjourn the meeting. Ray made the second. Meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m. Mary Ann Primus, Clerk/Treasurer

Letter to the Editor

To submit a Letter to the Editor, email to htnews@meltel.net

By Connie Nelson When we think of February, we probably think cold temps, Ground Hog Day, Super Bowl and Valentine Day, all which is true. I have another thought about February, it’s also Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, a time to stop and think about love, relationships, and Respect, specifically for the teens and preteens and those in early adulthood. Unconditional love and a healthy relationship is a blessing of a lifetime, and one that all men and women deserve, no matter their age. What kind of a dating partner are you? Are you kind, caring, considerate of others feelings, and respectful of your partners boundaries and right to be an individual, a good communicator and compromiser? It’s really not hard, and the reward is a loving, safe and peaceful coexistence with each other, and one that could last for a lifetime and be very rewarding. Partners should be able to go out with friends, to have their privacy, their own likes and dislikes, spend their time the way they choose, not have to share

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passwords to online accounts or phones, not have to let the partner view texts, listen to voicemails or read online posts. Lastly, your partner should Never hit or slap you or force you to have sex or do sexual things that you don’t want to do. If any of these things are happening in your relationship, you need to tell someone, a trusted adult, parent, aunt, uncle or a teacher, counselor at school, or perhaps your minister. Let someone know before it gets dangerous. Remember, you can choose what you want in a relationship, and you can also choose to be the kind of person that someone else would want to have a relationship with. You can set a good example for your friends and younger siblings. Choose Respect and talk with friends and family about healthy relationships. If you have concerns about your relationship or are concerned for a friend, you can stop in or call Hands of Hope Resource Center for free, confidential, and compassionate conversation about what’s happening. We can help with resources, safety planning support counseling. We are located in the Main Street Government Center in Long Prairie, across from Post Office, Monday - Friday, 8:30-4:30 and on Tuesdays we are in Staples at the Government Center from 10 to 3. You can call our crisis line at 1-800-682-4547 or our office number at 320-732-2319, or visit our website.

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Upsala Hosts Giant Map of Africa

Kindergarteners from Mrs. Wolbeck’s and Mrs. Peterson’s classes outlined the continent of Africa with their bodies as they studied using the Giant Map Of Africa at Upsala Area Schools. Starting at the Cape of Good Hope and moving west: Sandra Kuepers, Dawson Floan, Cassidy Ressemann, Avery Kleve, Bryce Roerick, Jackie Ainali, Nick Warner, Owen Schulte, Emmalyn Harren, Owen Klug, Emily Ripplinger, Erica Johnson, Eddie Horvath, Will Schaefer, Brooklyn Schmidt, AnnaLynn Pitcher, Lainey Tschida, Ellie MacArthur, Natalee Hoffman, Makenna Proctor, Benett Pilarski, Isaac Roerick, Owen Servatius, Riley Kerfeld, Bradon Lange, Isabella Warga, Eric Pfilpsen, Madison Goebel, Brogan Mack.

Africa is the world’s second largest continent and made up of 54 independent countries. Students at Upsala Area Schools learned these facts and much more as they interacted with a Giant Map Of Africa on loan through the Minnesota Alliance for Geographic Education (MAGE) and National Geographic. “When the Giant Map arrives, it takes two people to off-load and display,” explained Wanda Erickson, media specialist for the district. “It’s big! 26 feet by 35 feet! And it takes up half of the south gym!” Both elementary and high school stu-

Bill to Replenish Funds for Farm Loans Approved by House The Minnesota House of Representatives on Monday approved legislation that will replenish funding for a loan program that is popular among farmers working on start-ups or looking to upgrade their operations. The bill (H.F. 14) appropriates $35 million to the Rural Finance Authority for loans to eligible farmers. The norm is for RFA funding to be provided through capital investment bills but, with no bonding bill approved in 2016, the pot ran dry. “It is nice to see progress on this issue early in the session instead of waiting around for a bonding bill in May because it would allow people more time to plan before the ground thaws,” said Rep. Paul Anderson, R-Starbuck. “This program has been win-win, with thousands of loans

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having been received by farmers to make improvements and the RFA itself showing a strong record of success on the loans it facilitates.” The RFA partners with agricultural lenders to provide low-cost financing to farmers on terms and conditions not otherwise available from other credit sources. The RFA portion of the loan is carried at a reduced interest rate to improve the cash flow of eligible farmers. RFA offer loans within the beginning farmer loan and seller assisted program, agricultural improvement program, debt restructuring program, and livestock expansion programs. The bill calls for $35 million in bond proceeds to be allocated for future RFA loans. These bonds are 100-percent user-financed, meaning the state will be paid back. The bill now is in the hands of the Minnesota Senate for consideration. More information on RFA programs can be found at www.mda.state.mn.us/agfinance or by calling (651) 201-6556.

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dents used the map the three days it lived at Upsala. Sixth Grade students are no strangers to the Giant Map program, having used it for the past five years. Axel Johnson commented, “It helps to learn where the countries are on that continent and where the cities and rivers are located.” Braedan Rene agreed, adding, “It was nice to do all the walk arounds, to see how many miles were between cities.” Physical activity aids in learning and walking on a continent adds fun to the educational process. In mid-February, Upsala will also host the Giant Map Of Minnesota.

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Hometown News • Thursday, February 9, 2017 • Page 11

Online or Tax Pro: Which is Right for You? By Dave Ramsey Can you believe it’s February already? Before you know it, it will be April and you’ll be scrambling to meet the income tax filing deadline. That’s why there’s no time like right now to get ready for tax season. The IRS is already accepting individual electronic tax returns, so why not go ahead and file your return and mark that chore done for the year? If you haven’t already received tax forms from your employer and your mortgage company, those documents should show up in the mail, or by email, any day. Don’t forget to gather other documentation like childcare and medical expense receipts. As you plan to file your taxes, you’ll also need to decide if you’ll do your own taxes or hire a tax professional this year. Here are a couple of scenarios to help you figure out which could work for you. When it Makes Sense to Use Tax Software Seeking out a professional’s assistance on important financial matters is generally a wise choice. But there are instances where online tax preparation services can be a practical choice. For example, single people who have one source of earned income and don’t own any property probably won’t need a tax pro to find hidden credits or deductions. If you fall into that category and plan to take the standard income tax deduction, online tax prep sites do a good job of walking you through that process. However, you’ll still need to schedule plenty of time to gather your paperwork and fill out your forms. Depending on the value you place on your time, the potential savings may not be enough to justify the time it will take to tackle all those tasks on your own. When it Make Sense to Use a Tax Pro The IRS is in charge of income taxes, so it shouldn’t surprise you that your taxes could go from simple to complicated in the blink of an eye. You could be eligible for a slew of additional deductions and credits when: • You’re married • You have kids • You plan to itemize your deductions • You own a small business • You make donations to churches or

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charities • You have multiple sources of income • You don’t have time to devote to filling out your forms Unfortunately, however, many taxpayers miss out on important deductions by choosing the quicker, easier option of taking the standard deduction instead of itemizing their tax returns. According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, those taxpayers may overpay their taxes by nearly $1 billion each year. With that kind of money at stake, it’s clear that a tax professional’s ability to spot deductions and credits you qualify for can more than pay for their services. Plus, a tax expert’s advice is worth the extra expense for simple peace of mind. You won’t have to worry that you marked the wrong box or made an incorrect calculation. That means less stress for you at tax time. Making the Call Here’s what we’re saying: Tax software can be an inexpensive, convenient option in the right situation. But to make sure you’re getting every deduction you deserve while lowering your stress level during tax season, a tax pro is the way to go. Of course, it’s important to work with an experienced, licensed tax professional – a true tax expert. So go ahead and take the first step to getting your taxes done right this year. Make an appointment with your tax pro today! * Used with permission from DaveRamsey.com

Sauk Centre Area Cancer Support Group to meet Feb. 20

The Sauk Centre Area Cancer Support Group hosted by CentraCare Health – Sauk Centre will meet at 6 p.m. Feb. 20, in the Fanny Morse Room at the hospital. This session will focus on advanced directive planning: discussing the big questions, the hard decisions and the minor details that will simplify it all for your loved ones. Take home resources will be provided. Free and open to the public. For information, please contact Abby Henderson at 320-352-2221.

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UPSALA SALE: Feb. 17, 18; 8 am. 107 Main St. Furniture, Primitives. LOST KEYS: $50 reward. Between Basswood Avenue, Upsala and Avon going south on 238. Call 952-401-9576. LP D HE NTE A W Yardman: Involves Bailing Cardboard Sorting - Recycling Routes + More Also Driver with CDL license for routes. Please inquire by calling.

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NOW HIRING: Part time bartenders, nights & weekends, will train. Apply at Corner Pub, Freeport, 320-836-2120. WANTED TO BUY: Dairy Heifers and Cows. 320-894-7175. SC-evB FOR SALE: 40 ft. aluminum ladder, like new, $375. Call 320-267-5632. tfn FOR SALE: 5 propane tanks with new style valves, 20 & 30 lbs, $35 each. 100 30 & 55 gal. oil barrels, $8 each. Call 320-573-3939 or U.B.Lanners@hotmail.com. 2/16P FOR SALE: 1/2 hp submersible pump, new in 2015, warranted like new, have sales slip, $200. Call 320-845-2788. 3/2 FOR SALE: Die Cast pencil sharpeners. Call 320-685-4491. FOR SALE: 2003 Chevy Blazer, very good condition, 170,000 highway miles, $4,650. Call 320-845-4752, leave message.

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Email to: htnews@meltel.net or Mail to: Hometown News 29442 120th St., Grey Eagle, MN 56336

Page 12 • Hometown News • Thursday, February 9, 2017

Village View Apartments in Grey Eagle

Low Income Elderly or Disabled Section 8 Subsidized • Rent is 30% of income after medical deductions. • Electric heat. • Free cable. • Elevator and Accessible Entry door openers. • Well maintained by caretakers who care. • Raised Gardens. • Controlled Access entrance door locks. • GRRL Collection on site. • Community room with kitchen for large gatherings. •Mail delivery and pick-up in building. • Two laundry rooms, craft room, three lobby areas for visiting. • Many on-site services such as Todd County Health, housekeeping and meals from the senior center. • Air conditioned halls and public areas. • Friendly residents. • Church services. • Homemaker Meetings. • Monthly Birthday Parties.

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