FILLMORE COUNTY
JOURNAL “Where Fillmore County News Comes First”
Fall
Car Care
A special section of the Fillmore County Journal
LIKE TRUE LOVE, A PACKARD LASTS FOREVER Page 02
HOW TO HANDLE CAR TROUBLE WHILE DRIVING Page 03
MUSTANGS MAKE MEMORIES FOR DANIELSON FAMILY Page 04
ASK A TROOPER Page 05
WHAT CAR COLORS MAY SAY ABOUT DRIVERS Page 06
HANDS-FREE LAW SOLUTIONS AT MAIN STREET WIRELESS Page 07
10 PRACTICAL TIPS TO GET YOUR CAR READY FOR FALL Check the brakes and tires. Inclement weather and associated road conditions and other hazards require good stopping power. That means good brakes and tires. If the tires have wear bars showing, say the experts, you need to replace the tires. Most good brake and tire shops will inspect the brakes and tires at no charge. Also check the tire pressure, as tire pressure drops when the outside temperatures plummet. Keep the pressure at levels recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Check the lights. Walk around the outside of the car and check the operation of all lights: headlights, taillights, parking lights, brake lights and emergency flashers. Replace all broken bulbs and those that have stopped working. Make sure all lights are clean. If you own an older vehicle with sealed-beam headlamps, you might want to pony up for halogen lamps for improved visibility and safer driving. Replace wiper blades. The purpose of wiper blades is to completely clear the windshield. Cracked or worn blades won’t do an adequate job. Check the blade’s rubber to ensure it is flexible and operate the wipers to see that the blades clear the glass. Replace worn blades. Make sure heater/defroster work. Driving with an improperly working heater isn’t fun or safe. Driving with fogged-up windows is an accident waiting to happen. Check front and rear window defrosters to ensure proper working condition. If necessary, have heater and defroster systems repaired. Have the battery checked. A fully charged battery is necessary to start the car in cold weather. Have the battery and charging system inspected by a trained technician who can replace it if required. If you see signs of corrosion on the battery terminals or cable ends or if you spot loose connections, your battery needs attention. Inspect under the hood. Looking under the hood will allow you to identify any obvious signs of wear or items that need replacing or fixing. Look for leaks, cracks or loose clamps in the cooling system and squeeze the hoses and replace any that are spongy-feeling or brittle. Inspect the underside of drive belts for fraying and replace as required. If you’ve noticed any engine noises, experienced sputtering or other engine problems, have a licensed mechanic thoroughly inspect the engine and make any necessary repairs. Change oil and air filter. If the oil is dirty or you’re at your recommended oil change time, change the oil. Also check the air filter to ensure that it is clean enough to allow for proper operation. If you can’t see light through it when you hold it up to a 60-watt bulb, it’s time to replace the air filter. Refill cooling system. Experts such as AAA recommend checking the coolant level in the overflow tank when the engine is cold. If the level is too low, add a 50/50 solution of water and coolant to allow proper antifreeze capability. It may be necessary to refill the cooling system. Check all fluid levels. This includes washer fluid, along with transmission, brake and power steering fluids. Make sure they are all at or above minimum safe levels and refill as necessary. Get a good car wash/detail. It may sound crazy, spiffing up your car with an extra-special wash or even a detail, but when your vehicle is clean, it’s easier to spot any potential problems.
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FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL
Monday, October 21, 2019
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Like true love, a Packard lasts forever
Florence and Sharon Worden’s first ride as a married couple, in the 1930 Packard Roadster, at their wedding in September 1959. Photo submitte By Rich Wicks Imagine your wedding day. Now imagine that after the ceremony, a friend takes you and your spouse for a ride around town in a classic car. Now imagine that 60 years later, the same friend takes you both on a ride again, in the same car. It seems like something
that could only happen in a Hollywood film studio, but it recently happened in Chatfield. Florence and Sharon Worden were married on September 25, 1959, in Chatfield. According to Sharon, “We got married on a Friday night at 8:00. Back in those years, that’s when a lot of the weddings were.
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And when we went out after the wedding ceremony, our car was gone, and this old car sat there.” She said they quickly figured out that the groomsmen were behind this switcheroo. “So we got in, and they drove us. I think it was the third time through Chatfield, when the cop (Floyd Mohawk) finally said, ‘I think you boys have
had enough fun. It’s time to end it up now.’” The “old car” that the Worden’s rode in for their first married ride was a 1930 Packard Model 733 Roadster convertible, owned by their friend Lester Bergan. Sharon recalled that because the rumble seat compartment was small, it would not accommodate her wedding dress skirt, so she and Florence rode by sitting on the trunk, facing backward. Sharon said their wedding night, the weather was cold, so she didn’t mind the ride being cut short by the long arm of the law. The next morning, the Wordens departed for a honeymoon in Denver. Lester Bergan said that he bought the car in 1958, for a bargain price of $485. Over the years, he has maintained it without making any significant changes, and continues to drive the car in occasional parades and weddings. He’s also had it in “Packard meets” and classic car shows over the years, including in St Paul. He said the car was in good shape when he bought it, and although over the years he’s had people ask about buying it, Lester never
Florence and Sharon Worden enjoyed reliving their wedding day ride in the exact same 1930 Packard, at their 60th anniversary celebration in September 2019. Photo submitted wished to sell the car. In the 1920s and 1930s, Packard had become the leading manufacturer of luxury automobiles. The 1930 Roadster featured a 319.2 cubic inch straight-8 L-head engine capable of producing 90 horsepower. Prices at the time ranged from $2,300 to $2,775. Besides the rumble seat, Bergan pointed out that another interesting feature was that, “There were no windows in the doors, just side curtains.” Fast forwarding to the pres-
ent day, Florence said that with their 60th anniversary approaching, “At our age, Florence and I didn’t want to celebrate, because so many of our friends and the wedding party, they’ve passed. But our kids were insistent we do something, because not many people get to be wed for 60 years. Then our youngest son on the farm called and said, ‘I talked with Lester Bergan. How would you guys feel about the old car, and takSee PACKARD Page 3 ➤
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PACKARD
Continued from Page 2
ing a ride?’” “So the day of the party,” Sharon continued, “It came up to the house, and we managed to get into the rumble seat, which was interesting, because it’s not easy when you get to be our age. So we got in and rode all over town, and we went down to the church, and that’s where we had our reception.”
Sharon said the ride went smoothly, although, “One time, Lester stopped and put water in the radiator. He had a gallon jug of water sitting back in the rumble seat. But I was amazed that a car that old could run that good.” That car is a very fitting object in their lifetime of memories, because similar to the 1930 Packard Roadster, the 1959 Worden marriage has stood the test of time.
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Sudden car trouble is something no driver wants to experience, but many a driver has been driving down the highway only to feel his or her vehicle start to sputter. Such sputtering might indicate a car is running low on fuel, or it could be a sign of something more serious that requires motorists to think as quickly and safely as possible. When car trouble strikes while a vehicle is on the road, the first thing many drivers do is check their fuel gauges. A car that runs out of gas is certainly inconvenient, but if you can pull over to the shoulder or make it to the nearest filling station, then this unfortunate situation can be remedied rather easily. But when a car’s tank is full and it is still showing signs of trouble, drivers must take steps to protect themselves, their passengers and their vehicles. The following are a few simple tips motorists should keep in mind so they can safely handle any car trouble that may arise while they are out on the road.
well so your passengers can stay warm should you experience car trouble on a cold day or night. ings. Some car troubles can only be fixed by the professionals, so pay careful attention to your surroundings in case an issue arises and forces you to pull over and call for help. Always pay attention to mile markers and any landmarks that might help you describe where you are. Car troubles can strike at any time and anywhere, so be sure to pay special attention to your surroundings when driving in unfamiliar areas. issue arises suddenly. Remain calm and pull over onto the shoulder. The right shoulder is the area for pulling over on most roads, but you may also use the left shoulder on mul-
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How to handle car trouble while driving
tire and tire jack in the car at all times. Flat tires are no fun, but they are even more of a nuisance when drivers are not prepared to address them. Always keep a jack and spare tire in your car, even if the spare is a donut you can temporarily use to replace a flat tire until you make it to a filling station or automotive supply store. As an added safety measure, keep a fully stocked first aid kit in your vehicle in case you cut yourself while changing the tire or need to address another medical situation. Visit www.redcross. org for a list of items to include in your automotive emergency kit.
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FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL
Monday, October 21, 2019
A Great Read!
tilane highways with medians. Try to get as far away from traffic as possible without driving off of level ground, and always use your signals when pulling onto the shoulder. If the vehicle can’t make it to the median, put your emergency flashers on and get out of the car, moving away from both the vehicle and traffic. Immediately call for emergency roadside assistance, alerting the authorities if need be. other drivers. So long as you are not risking your well-being, you can place flares and/or warning triangles behind your vehicle so oncoming traffic knows to drive around it. The popular not-forprofit motor club AAA recommends placing the first flare or
triangle 10 feet directly behind the side of the vehicle that is closest to the road. The second should be placed between 30 and 60 feet (increase the distances as the posted speed limit increases) behind the middle of the bumper, while the third flare or triangle should be placed between 120 and 360 feet behind the vehicle’s right side. you have called for help and set up flares or triangles, stay with the vehicle, though do so at a safe enough distance so you are not in harm’s way. Sudden car troubles can be scary, but drivers who approach such issues calmly and quickly can reduce their risk for accident or injury.
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FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL
Monday, October 21, 2019
The FCJ reaches over 13,000 households each week.
Mustangs make memories for Danielson family
Ron, Ryan and Sandy Danielson proudly display their Mustangs. By Rich Wicks Ryan Danielson grew up in a car-loving family. His father, Ron Danielson, owned a body shop for many years, and also ran a car dealership, so motor oil is in his blood, so to speak. Ryan explained that in 2015, he gave up drinking, adding,
“I am a recovering alcoholic, and this (2007 Shelby GT 500 Mustang) was my one-year sobriety gift to myself.” Ryan said that for a long time, he’d been searching online for a Mustang. In early 2016, he says, “I found a red one that was in Texas, and I was
Photo by Rich Wicks pretty sure that was the one I wanted to get.” So he planned a flight to Texas to buy the car and drive it home. But in the weeks leading up to this, Ryan continued looking online, and found another car that caught his eye, in the Chicago area. It had only 2,900 miles on it, and
was priced at $38,900. As he continued checking on the car over the next few weeks, the price quickly fell to $36,900 and then $34,900. Ryan was curious, adding, “So I called the guy and asked him some questions. I wasn’t on the phone for two minutes, and I had him down to $29,750, and I told him I’d come down the next week to buy it.” Ryan brought along a friend to help check out the car before they made a decision, but when they first saw the excellent condition of the vehicle, they agreed that no detailed inspection was needed. Ryan said that for years, he had stated his intention to someday own a Shelby Mustang convertible, and he was delighted to find such a beautiful car at a great price. Ron chimed in, “It was meant to be.” Ryan said that in 2018, he bought another Mustang, a 1985 Fox body, which he now uses as his “cruise around” Mustang, to save mileage on the 2007. Ron owns a 1969 Clone Boss Mustang and Ryan’s mother Sandy owns a 2007 GT California Special. So it truly is a family love affair with these cars. There are also a few other family members that collect and enjoys classic cars. So while they are not members of any formal car club, they essentially have their own car club. They also enjoy participating in car cruises, which Ryan says he does “as often as possible,”
when his work schedule allows it. Regarding their hobby of collecting and restoring classic Mustangs, Ron stated that, “It’s an expensive hobby, but it can be very interesting. You meet a lot of nice people. Most car people are all good people, because they’re all fussy.” Ron and Ryan explained that in working on their cars, there is a lot of body work and cosmetics that go into making a car look “just right.” Ryan said he’s very picky about his car’s shine, and can’t stand even a fingerprint on the car’s finish. He grinned as he told of a time when he was at a car show, and saw a young boy walking past the Mustang, idly rubbing his shoulder along the car the whole time. Ryan recalls that he stood up and announced to his friend, “I’m going to jail!” Ryan stated that although his dad ran a body shop and car dealership for many years, Ryan himself hadn’t learned much about engines until he started working on his Mustangs. He recalled that when he found that his second Mustang had a bad oil leak, “I didn’t know anything about engines…So I backed it into my garage and started ripping her apart, piece by piece… It’s been a learning process, but it’s been good.” Ron agreed that working on cars is something a person must learn by doing, and See DANIELSON Page 6 ➤
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In addition to being vastly outnumbered by cars, bike riders are much more exposed. So, even when a rider does something boneheaded, remember—your broken headlight is easier to fix than their broken bones. Take the high road and give bicyclists the space they need to ride safely. Check our website for more road sharing tips.
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Ask a Trooper By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: I have a rather random, but seasonally appropriate question: with harvest season upon us and with slow moving farm Troy H. v e h i c l e s / Christianson implements on roadways, is it permissible to pass a slow-moving farm implement on Minnesota
Monday, October 21, 2019
highways in a delineated no-passing zone? If passing is prohibited, maybe this is something to feature in the “Ask a Trooper” segments in various media outlets. Answer: This is perfect timing going into harvest season. Chances are motorists will encounter slow moving farm vehicles in the next few months. Passing in a “no-passing zone” is not only dangerous, it’s illegal. A motorist must wait until it is legal and safe. In these cases, patience is a must! From 2016 to 2018, there were seven fatalities and 385 crashes involving at least one farm vehicle in Minnesota, according
to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s crash data. Of the seven fatalities, one was a farm vehicle rider. Of the 154 injuries, 50 were farm vehicle riders. Motorists should: when approaching farm equipment. Don’t assume the operator can see you. by trucks. It is safer to brake or drive through debris than to veer into oncoming traffic or off the road. to pass. Farm equipment operators should: make equipment more visible.
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FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL
DANIELSON
Continued from Page 4
on a car is just sitting. A lot of up… There’s a lot to take care of.” in owning and maintaining classic cars such as theirs, the more, depending on budget. Things can get really, really expensive.” He added that, “Dad likes things more original, and I basically went from
Monday, October 21, 2019
being addicted to alcohol, to being addicted to horsepower.”
What car colors may say about drivers
garage with an insulated floor, because, “The main thing on a classic car, you gotta have it in a place where it’s dry, otherwise they’ll rust.” During the winter months, all four of the Danielson’s Mustangs are kept in the
Cars and trucks may be modes of transportation, but many people see their vehicles as extensions of their personalities. The color of a vehicle can say a lot about its driver. In fact, automotive experts say color affects drivers' decisions when they're buying new vehicles. In 2015, a survey from PPG Automotive Coatings found the color palette of black, silver, gray, and white makes up 75% of new cars on the road. White has been the most popular car color for years, perhaps because neutral tones tend to look new for years, improving resale value as a result. The Pantone Color Institute periodically highlights popular trends in colors for home decorating, graphic design, fashion, and much more. Their experts know a thing about what color can say about a person. Here's a look at how drivers may perceive themselves (and how others view them) based on their color choices in vehicles, courtesy of Pantone, NerdWallet, Thrillist, and Today.com.
a lot of fun with them. A lot of times, we’ll come up and have coffee in the morning, and sit out here, and shine the cars up and visit.” It’s clear that the love of Mustangs has been a cherished family hobby for the Danielsons.
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thanks to the popularity of Apple products - can often project a persona of a diligent, hardworking person. White is a dependable color that also is sleek and modern. Many people who prefer white also like the purity of the color and its perceived cleanliness. stood the test of time as status symbols. Those who purchase black cars may view them as clasveys elegance. That's why limousines and hired cars are often black.
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futuristic connotations because vehicles also can be elegant and prestigious. A certain element of modernity is associated with silver cars and trucks. vehicles may be less concerned about status and more interested in a vehicle that blends in with the crowd. This no-nonsense hue could be ideal for cautious, evenkeeled drivers who like to go with the flow. cars convey a sense of calm and color and may indicate the person behind the wheel is friendly. Dark blue can be a confidence-booster and also signal authority, as many police cruisers and law enforcement uniforms feature deep blue. probably like flash and attention. They're likely magnetic personalities who enjoy standing out in a crowd. toned shades may indicate a person who is not pretentious, but easygoing and fiscally responsible. above flashiness for those who go brown and beige.
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Monday, October 21, 2019
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FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL
and voice activation use of the phone. A benefit to this is that it can be easily moved to other vehicles as well. Novotny noted that Verizon offers a product called HUM that has many features including hands-free phone usage. The device offers Bluetooth, roadside assistance, navigation, and more. “Almost every single car will be compatible with it,” Novotny said. Novotny, who opened Chatfield’s Main Street Wireless in 2013 with his brothers Paul and Corey, noted that all three of them along with Manager
Page 7
Chad Glaser are required to stay up-to-date on all of the latest technology via online classes. Glaser’s official title is Solution Specialist, and he lives up to it by helping each customer find what they need and matching them with the product that is best for them. The hands-free law is here to stay and to keep people safe. No matter what phone you own or vehicle you drive, there are solutions available to keep you hands-free. You can find out more by calling Main Street Wireless at (507) 8670000.
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Main Street Wireless’s Chad Glaser and Lee Novotny have solutions for Minnesota’s new hands-free law. Photo by Hannah Wingert By Hannah Wingert “It was assumed that it was coming,” Lee Novotny, owner of Main Street Wireless in Chatfield, said of the handsfree driving law that went into effect in Minnesota on August 1, 2019. According to the Governor’s Highway Safety Association, Minnesota is the 20th state in the US to pass a hands-free law. Novotny was not surprised. “I think it was an obvious one that it was com-
ing,” he said. As more people are texting rather than talking on their phones, the number of distracted drivers has gone up. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety reported that 29 people died on Minnesota roads due to distracted driving in 2018. Since August 1, Novotny has noticed an increase in customers purchasing Bluetooth devices. “Sales of Bluetooth devices have gone up because
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of the law change,” he commented. There wasn’t a big rush of people coming into the store on August 1 or right after that though. Instead, it’s been a steady stream as people slowly adapt. Some customers receive a ticket or a warning for breaking the law before they decide to take the leap and get set up with Bluetooth technology for their vehicles. Other people, mainly flip phone users, have been upgrading their phones for the newer Bluetooth technology necessary for going hands-free in the car. A few upgrade to a smart phone while others opt to replace their flip phone with a new one that has the right technology. Most newer vehicles have Bluetooth capability built in, which means that all you need to do is pair your phone with your vehicle to be handsfree, but what if your vehicle doesn’t have it or your phone isn’t compatible? Novotny recommended several different options to become compliant with the hands-free law. Bluetooth headsets that you can pair with your phone are one, with multiple versions ranging from earpieces so small they can barely be seen to full headsets with microphones. The type each person will need depends on where and how they will be using it. Truck drivers or people who drive heavy equipment would require noise canceling full headsets while an earpiece would work better for someone driving a personal vehicle. Another option is to put a Bluetooth speaker in your vehicle. Novotny cautioned people to make sure they purchase the right type though. Some speakers can only be used for listening while others have voice capability, allowing the user to take phone calls through it. “Other devices beyond just the Bluetooth include phone mounts for vents,” Novotny explained. A cradle or magnet mount allows for one-touch
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FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL
Monday, October 21, 2019
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