Great Northern News Summer 2021

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n r e great North news Summer 2021 | Volume 8 | Number 1

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Starring the unique people, businesses and entertainment in the Lakes Area and beyond!

Nothing is Impossible

For Lacey (Canfield) Luckett, nothing is impossible with God at her side. In the short span of 27 years, life has unfolded for her in a way she never imagined. Her love of music and horses has become the connecting piece; bridging the gap between Minnesota and Tennessee.

Read Lacey’s story on page 8

“

I feel like God takes people who feel they can’t do something, like me, but asks them to take a leap, and trust that HE has a plan for them.”

~ Photo by Scott Sater Photography ~

What’s

Inside...

Uncle ‘Rocket’ Page 7

Taking the Reins Page 11

Savory Recipes Page 12-13

Cass Fair Schedule Page 16

2 great northern news | Summer 2021

Summer 2021 | great northern news

Publisher’s Note

I drove through the gate as a bump nearly bottomed my motorcycle out. I hit the brakes, squinted, looked up and read a sign that said The American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Frazzled, I wiped my forehead, figured I may need to get a helmet, looked over my shoulder at the traffic, mumbled a few swear words and thought, “So, this is what a near death experience feels like.”

My heart pounded; it was my first ride to school in Los Angeles traffic. I hummed through the parking lot, my bike bounced, and I said, “You old beast - You need new shocks.” I kicked down the kickstand, stepped off, patted the seat, and said, “Good girl.” I took in some air, or was it smog? I said to myself, “People are sure grumpy; I wasn’t even close to hitting that guy’s mirror. I wish I would have though, with a baseball bat. I am definitely ‘not in Kansas anymore’.”

I looked over and noticed a Bungalow. It looked like a cabin you might see on a lake in Minnesota.

Later, I learned it was where Charlie Chaplin once lived, and this place was the Charlie Chaplin Studios.

It felt like I was on the set of one of his movies- you could almost hear the cameras. The studio was the west coast campus of the oldest drama school in America. I looked around and realized I was lost. I pulled a paper out of my pocket and read the room number. It didn’t tell me much, so I walked towards the bigger building.

I could feel excitement on one hand, and overwhelmed by the amount of civilization on the other. Constant noise, sirens, cars accelerating... it felt like I was in a beehive. I was worried. Hopefully, I could acclimate to this place. I felt like a caged animal, but not a rabbit. The other day, a guy had tried to pick my pocket, although it didn’t work out for him. It put me on edge.

I was no longer relaxed, I was ready. Alaska was my home for the last four months and I could still feel Alaska and that small town in Northern Minnesota, a place where we don’t even lock cars or doors. My homeland was on my mind.

At this time, I was at the ripe, fresh, green cucumber age of 20 years old. My 1975 Honda Gold Wing motorcycle was an asset in the art of commuting in the

hostile traffic of Los Angeles. It took my roommate sometimes an hour and me no more than 15 minutes, no matter the traffic. They thought I was crazy, but being caught in traffic felt to me like a cow being herded in a cattle drive. Not happening! I recently said goodbye to my mom on my way south and she said to be careful. As I was weaving through cars on my motorcycle, I thought of her. I figured I wouldn’t tell her, because I didn’t want her to worry. I also thought that she sure didn’t listen to the song “Don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys.”

My first class was vocal production. Vocal production? Whatever that is. I walked through the door, and it was filled with some sharp looking gentlemen and beautiful young ladies. The next class was dance. Probably not the kind I know. Shakespeare and scene study? I sat down and felt a little intimidated.

It seemed I was sitting among some the most talented kids in the country and other countries, all ready to

sing a prepared song. It was pretty much American Idol. Me, I had never sung a song sober in my life, out of a car or in the shower. I thought to myself, “How did I get in this school and get a scholarship?” Everyone had to get up to sing. I sat and waited. At first, I started to sweat, and thought to myself, “I would rather fight a grizzly bear than do this.” I hoped I wouldn’t get kicked out of this school on the first day, but it might be a relief. For some reason, I didn’t turn tail and run.

Instead, I said, “What the hell!”

I walked up and said, “This is a song I wrote a few years back when attending the moonshine still way up north in a town you never heard of.” I sang them my own murdered version of a Hank Williams classic. My teacher laughed. He liked it? I was just as shocked as when they sent me a scholarship check in the mail. I was honest, you know. I told the lady at the audition, “I am only here because I like this drama stuff and pissing girls off.” True story, they thought I was funny.

I learned this acting business, not the business but that a good performance is really telling the truth. The teacher said, “I like you; you remind me of someone.”

Whatever that meant? For the moment, it felt like five monkeys jumped off my shoulders, but although I thought I knew everything, I was getting more confused by the minute.

My next class was movement and dance, or should I call it utter humiliation? It was at this time that I learned I was the worst dancer on the planet. The other kids could pick stuff up right away. As a wrestler for the last 15 years, crossing my legs froze me up and the teacher kept screaming, “Mr. Taylor, please unclench your jaw.” I also stepped on a girl’s foot. I could hardly say “sorry,” she was so beautiful, I was tongue tied.

Yeah, me, tongue tied. She looked like she fell out of the sky, a fallen angel. I made it through the class and figured two more can’t get any worse. Shakespeare and scene study. After that, I will get the hell out of here.

So now it is time for Shakespeare? Sure, didn’t learn it in Pine River, nor did I think I would need it. So, in the

From horses to hand saws to heavy machinery

By Kate Perkins

The heritage of Sawyer Timber might have started with owner Bill Sawyer’s grandfather, Eugene Sawyer, who homesteaded north of Backus and worked in logging camps. Bill remembers that his grandfather worked all winter, which was when swamps were frozen and navigable.

“It’s in my blood,” Bill said. “The beauty of the woods, I just love it. I love trees.”

Bill’s been in the timber business for 54 years and counting, and he’s raised the fourth generation. Sawyer Timber is owned with his two sons, Justin and Tyler.

Bill learned the trade from his father Leslie Sawyer, who was also a logger. Bill says his father never encouraged him to become a logger. But Bill would skip school to go out to logging areas and load trucks.

“I never really quit,” he said.

Bill’s father, Leslie, and Leslie’s brother, Kenneth, were in business together. The two owned Sawyer Brothers and began logging with horses and one-man saws-- no machinery. Kenneth was in charge of the horses, and Leslie was on the sawmill. Kenneth sat atop the logs as the horses drug them out of the woods.

Both Bill and his cousin, Roger-- who is also a logger and has worked with Bill for many years-- know stories of the days when Kenneth ran horses on the logging operation.

“Kenneth was really in love with horses. Horses were his life,” Bill said. Both he and Roger said that Kenneth had only to say the word and the horses did as they were told. He trained horses in the barn for hours, saying it was better to train in the barn than when they were out.

“I was more lenient with mine,” Roger said. “He took them and when they came back they were different horses. He never beat them, he just talked to them.”

Bill recalls that Kenneth taught a horse to kneel so

It became necessary for Sawyer Timber to transition from horses to machinery in 1956.

Bill could climb onto it when he was in seventh grade.

At logging operations, the horses were trained to move with precision. Kenneth would say “step,” and the horses would take a single step forward.

A photo from 1956 shows the operation after the company had transitioned from horses to machinery-not because they wanted to, but because they had to in order to meet production demands. The photo shows a

Continued on page 5

great Northern news cast & crew Publisher: Doug Taylor Design/Layout: Tracy Wallin Photographer: Scott Sater Proofreading: Betsy Schroeder Guest Writers: Kate Perkins Betsy Schroeder Sue Ready Rich Engstrom William S. Weinrich Distribution: Mike Bellows & Doug Taylor Animal Wranglers: Justin Anderson, Doug Taylor & David Mitchell

For Story Ideas, Comments or Advertising Questions: (218) 839-2514 or publications.ae@gmail.com

www.greatnorthernnews.com

3

Sawyer Timber poster by Joe Tracy

John Deere with an Aitkin jammer, a device used to load logs onto a trailer.

Leslie was on one of the last logging drives on the Little Fork River, Bill said. Men rode the logs that were floated to their destinations downstream.

To Bill and Roger, carrying on the logging trade just made sense.

“It was a way of life,” Roger said. “Our parents did it and we just kind of took over where they left off.”

Leslie stuck with his work throughout his life; sawing 300,000 feet of lumber at age 83 for Bill.

The business has seen a lot of change from how Leslie and Kenneth first ran their operation. Today the business is dominated by equipment. One-man saws and horses have been replaced by giant pieces of machinery. In his father’s early days, he could cut five to six cords of wood a day, at most. Today the operation can cut up to 300 cords of wood a day.

Bill remembers loading trucks with timber, driving it to the railroad and transferring timber from the loading dock into the train car by hand. As a sophomore in high school he loaded one car a week, working every day after school.

He made a $50 investment in a single Farmall tractor in high school, and from that piece of equipment the company has grown to include, today, a large fleet of sophisticated heavy machinery.

“We modernized,” Bill said. “The markets demanded more production and we had to grow to keep up our contracts.”

There are still connections to the old ways, though.

Bill’s sister, Bonnie Yungner, pointed out that the company still uses chain saws for its production of log homes. Bill, who owns Red Pine Log Works with his wife, Rene, got into the cabin business after building his own log home.

“It was just so interesting we decided to go into it. I started into log homes because that’s what I like myself.” He believes log homes are more peaceful and cozy than other types of houses.

After 54 years, Bill shows no sign of stopping. His children, Justin and Tyler, carry on the family tradition.

Bill’s 11-year-old grandson, Logan, already knows how to operate some of the equipment. He rode in the cab with his grandfather from a young age.

“It’s just kind of right in him,” his grandpa said.

It was more than 100 years ago when Bill’s grandfather homesteaded south of Hackensack in 1905.

Today, the tradition continues with four generations and counting.

The Cow That Went To School

this episode, but this new generation still

cow to Piketon?”

from the cream would buy what the farm-

construction company would charge to put

school when I was,it.even thoughofI went So afterremy buddy’s“Easy,” parents went bed, wereplied, for emergencies. frominPiketon several years knows about Some theirtoparents my tobuddy “Sally is broke er’s wife needuated to use the kitchen plus ago sheand belts around Sally and lift her out the winschool at Waverly the episode happened a rope Sallygo along In thoselike daysathedog.” farm family livedhave off some he toldcash the school he would gladly dow. The owner of the company had gradSummer 2021 | great northern news 5 member this and episode because theyslipped were out in to the to barn, leadputand sheonwill would to putboard in her pocket 4 great northern news | Summer 2021 in Piketon. the heifer and were on our way to Piketon.

In of the farm.

Fresh milk, butter, pork, beef get Sally off of the third floor and his crew school when I was, even though I went to So after my buddy’s parents went to bed, we for emergencies. uated from Piketon several years ago and

By William S. Weinrich I said, “You live two miles from Piketon, would take their cream to town and sell it to in Piketon and they had a crane on the job Way people back the 1960sand Ihere wasthearemember junior in happened thoseand daysjust therehow wasn’t traffic because and cana Sally remember if Inyouthose hadMost a days would taketime the window out and it back school at in Waverly episode slipped outgoing to the putchicken. a ropeI on the farm family lived off he told thedecided schooltoboard he would gladly Not many around aremuch we tobarn, get your mom’s local creamery. of the the cash soputthe school board see what the in Piketon. the heifer and on ourJersey wayortoa Piketon. of the farm.

Fresh milk, butter, beef Sally off would of the third floor and his crew high school. livednew on a farm in those days night western night on were television.

Guernsey cow, morning got Sally out.

Thepork, owner remind- get company this episode, but We this generation still Friday cow to was Piketon?” fromIn theevery cream wouldwhen buythey what the farmconstruction charge to put Experience the artand and literary knows about Some their my buddy replied, “Sally broke er’s wifeinand need to use belts Sally her outfestival the and win-in back in ofthe 1960s a junior in Maverick, those days there wasn’t much traffic can remember ifprincipal youlongest-running had a the would take theliftwindow out put itsection back and discover a variety of genres, including both new and Way dadit.kept a dairy herd, hogs,parents andI was whenreShows“Easy,” like Lawsman, Cheyenne, youiseither stirredbecause the cream withchicken. milk or inedIthe the kitchen janitor andplus the she aboutaround memberbaby this episode because they were in to lead and she will go along like a dog.” would have some cash to put in her pocket dow.

The owner of the company had gradBy Sue Ready Minnesota, the Northwoods Art and Book Festival, this combooks highcalves school.

We lived on a farm in those daysand others Friday western television.

Jersey or a Guernsey got cheap, dad would feed out Sugarfoot thatnight we oldwas timers re- putnight pureon cream on your cereal.

How many brood sow hecow, and hisevery friend morning had put in the when they got Sally out. The owner remind- and sequels. Authors will be there selling and signing school when I was, even though I went to So after my buddy’s parents went to bed, we for emergencies. uated Piketon several ago and about Brainerd resident, Julie Jo Larson, is a August. festival, Artsprincipal Council their and kept a dairy hogs, when Shows like Maverick, Lawsman, Cheyenne, youthis? either stirred the cream inthewith milk orfrom edthe theNorthwoods janitor and years the thebooks. While leisurely strolling among your favorite artthe bulldad calves, of course theyherd, werehappened steers at and member very out well.

Most people watched of on you Sally readers remember doing Plus highing school, andlived howWith sowthis had piglets inthe school at Waverly and the episode slipped to the barn, put a rope In those days the farm family off he told school board he would gladly writer, story catcher, public speaker and procelebrates 26 years of “Bringing the Arts to Life” in Hackensack ists and authors, enjoy live music, food trucks, craft beer and baby calves got cheap, dad would feed out Sugarfoot and others that we old timers reput pure cream on your cereal.

How many brood sow he and his friend had put in the that point in time. These steers were sold for thesetheprograms did our too. But to-to Piketon. the farmer’sInwifeofraised big garden, andmilk, the principal’s office. But go into off of the third floor and his crew in Piketon. heiferand andI always were on way the afarm.

Fresh butter, pork, beefwe won’t get Sally fessionally trained social worker. She is also and the surrounding communities.

This FREE, one-day celea visit the bull calves, of course they were steers at member very much well. traffic Most people watched of toyou readers high had piglets in to the children’s art tent. Join us for this festival atmofreezerinbeefthe to our neighbors whena the steers in nightthose Way back 1960s I was junior was andays exception. canned vegetables everychicken. summer herremember that remember episodeifatyou thedoing present time.would AllPlus of this there wasn’t because and Ifeed can had athis? take theschool, windowand outhow andthe putsow it back the assistant director of TRIO Student SupthatWe point in1,000 time.

These were sold for night bration visitors toand browse 55out. exceptionally talented programs and did too.theBut to- orthe farmer’s was wife bigbuddy garden, principal’s office.

But remindwe won’t gosphere into on Aug. 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You’ll find something high school. lived on apounds. farm in steers those days Friday was western nightI always on family television.

Jersey a Guernsey cow, every when gotover Sally The owner weighed around My buddy andthese I were leading his mother’s through winter. toldraised to meinvites byamorning my as he was athey key the beef to our neighbors when the steers night was an exception. canned vegetables every summer to feed her that episode at the present time.

All of this port Services at Central Lakes College in artists, who will be there showcasing their award-winning and to suit everyone’s taste at The Northwoods Art and Book Festiand dad freezer kept a dairy herd, hogs, and when Shows like Maverick, Lawsman, Cheyenne, you either stirred the cream in with milk or ed the janitor and the principal about the It was in the fall of the year and corn cow to the Piketon High School. It took us a Getting back to Sally the heifer. She had witness to all of the happenings. No one ever baby calves got cheap, would feed out Sugarfoot and oldleading timers his re- mother’s put pure family cream on your unique cereal.

How many 30 brood sowwas he told andauthors hisme friend had put in weighed arounddad 1,000 pounds.

My others buddy that and Iwe were through the winter. to byinmy buddy as the he wasval. a key Brainerd, MN. art.

Meet award-winning the book arts See you there! pickin’ time was in fullthey swing.were Aftersteers school, at whilemember to get to very Piketonwell. becauseMost this young thewatched makings of a good milk readers cow. Jerseyremember and found doing out aboutthis? the cow episodehigh for several the bull calves, of course people of you Plus school, and how the sow had piglets in It was in the fall of the year and corn cow to the Piketon High School.

It took us a Getting back to Sally the heifer.

She had witness to all of the happenings.

No one ever Larson’s debut book, “100 Things to Do when I gottime home, I did thewere milking and had justprograms hadwhile a calf to about week before Guernsey cows very high butter-raised years.

Sally was and a the localand farmer foundoffice. that point in time.

These steers sold for cow these andget Ia always did too.

But tothe farmer’s wife big garden, and principal’s But the we cow won’tepisode go intofor several pickin’ was inallfull swing.

After school, to Piketon because thistested young the inmakings of aagood milkrescued cow.

Jersey out about in Minnesota Northwoods Before You Die” is freezer beef to our neighbors when the steers night was an exception. canned vegetables every summer to feed her that episode at the present time.

All of this fed the calves while dad picked corn or put and she wanted to go back to her calf.

But fat, and they were cream cows.

Sally was hauled Sally back home. when I got home, I did all the milking and cow had just had a calf about a week before Guernsey cows tested very high in butter- years. Sally was rescued and a local farmer a celebration of the Minnesota Northwoods. weighedcorn around 1,000 pounds.

My buddy and I were leading his mother’s family through the winter. was told to me by my buddy as he was inthe the calves crib. Afterwhile supperdad it was time tocorn we or keptput going. and In a little while we saw the back nowhere to be calf. found But and the alarm was out.

In a fewcream years thecows.

VietnamSally War was erupt- hauled Sally back home. a key fed picked she wanted to go to her fat, and they were was It can be considered a bucket list, a tour guide It wasdo in the fall of the toyear and corn lights cow to little the town Piketon High School.

ItAlltook us a were Getting back to Sally the She had witness to all of the happenings. No one ever homework and I hated homework. of the of Piketon. the neighbors called tonowhere see if maybe and heifer. all and of fellows werewas called to take corn in the crib.

Afterdo supper it was time to to we going.When In awelittlethis while we saw to being found the alarm out.

In a few yearsepisode the most Vietnam War was erupt-“Well put.” I was shocked at what he said, class, wethe all took reading Shakespeare and He said, Twenty years ago, I learned that all you need to do pickin’ time was in full swing.

After school, and even a cure for cabin fever - for residents while get kept to Piketon because young the the makings of a good milk cow.

Jersey andturns found out about the cow for several I would rather be coon huntin’.

But that is got to Piketon we took Sally down the alley Sally had went to one of the nearby farms to physicals for the army.

My buddy was draftdo homework and I hated to do homework. lights of the little town of Piketon.

When we All the neighbors were called to see if maybe ing and all of the fellows were called to takeI was also shocked that I got off that easy. when I got home, I did all the milking and cow had just had a calf about a week before Guernsey cows tested very high in butteryears.

Sallythe wasteacher rescuedsaid, and “Mr. a local farmer everyone was fine. After I read, and smiled. is show up sometimes, and that your biggest challenges and visitors alike. another story. toward highwanted school.

Itoforgot towe telltook you visit.

But no onethehad seen ed Taylor, andcows.

I didn’t pass thewas physical because I physicals fed the calves while dadbe picked or put I would rather coon corn huntin’.

But that andtheis she go back to her calf.

But fat, andSally. they cream Sally hauled backAmerican home. got to Piketon Sally down alley Sallywere had went to one ofwe the nearby farms to Sally for the army.

My buddy was draft- out and saddled up. As I rode home, will be speaking Standard English I walked can become your greatest accomplishments. You may The book is written in a conversational corn in the crib.

After supper it was time to we kept going.

In a little while we saw the nowhere to be found and the alarm was out.

In a few years the Vietnam War was eruptAll at once the phone rang and it was my readers that my buddy borrowed his dad’s Dad had come to pick up my buddy and was ruptured.

But all good things come to another story. toward the high school.

I forgot to tell you visit.

But no one had seen Sally. ed and I didn’t pass the physical because I at the Academy.”

I said, “As far as I know I think I do I thought I should call the school, thank them, tell have felt that way in 2020, and even now in 2021. But tone. The narrative uses concise words with do homework and I hated toin do homework. lights of the little town of Piketon.

When we All the neighbors werecome called topick see if maybe ingand andand allwas of the fellowsBut wereallcalled tothings take come to buddy from Piketon, and a little while he keys out of his dad’s coat pocket.

When we I, and the phone was ringing when we left. an end.

My buddy was killed in Vietnam All at once the phone rang and it was my readers that my buddy borrowed his dad’s Dad had to up my buddy ruptured. good speak English.”

The class laughed.

She smiled and said them they made a mistake and that they should give life is what you make it. Difficulties can turn into diseasy to follow, five clearly marked, bolded secI would buddy rather be huntin’. got he to Piketon we of took the alleyWhen Sally had I,went tothe one of thewas nearby farms to we physicals forend. the army.

My buddy was draftfrom Piketon, andBut in night? athat littleis got while keys out hisSally dad’sdown coat pocket. we andbawling phone ringing when left. an My clinic. buddy was killed inthe Vietnam and to someone else. I would ride north said, “What arecoon you doin’ tomorrow to the high school, my buddy unlocked It seems someone had heard a cow his body, or what was left of him, was flown she would be sending me to the regional Whatscholarship coveries. Your mess could become your message. You tions: Food and Drink, Music and Entertainanother story. toward the high school. I forgot to tell you visit. But no one had seen Sally. ed and I didn’t pass the physical because I said, “What arerang youthis doin’ tomorrow night? got to the high school, my buddy unlocked It seems someone had heard a cow bawling his body, or what was left of him, was flown You know, it’s Halloween weekend and the side door, opened the door and tally ho, and couldn’t believe what she was hearing. back to the states and shipped back home.

I ever that is…

Punishment? and fi nd something else to do.

As I started to pack my never know what great things you’re being prepared All at once the phone and it was my readers that my buddy borrowed his dad’s Dad had come to pick up my buddy and was ruptured.

But all good things come to ment, Sports and Recreation, Culture and HisYou know, it’s Halloween this weekend and the side door, opened theAWhen door and tally ho, the and couldn’t believe what she was hearing. back toclass the states and shippedthings, back home.

I of my roommate and remembered that for. So, put yourself out on a limb, and if you fall flat I have somethin’ planned, especially Saturaway we go, and up to the third floor of the cow in the high school.

The police were was at the funeral but I couldn’t be a pallbuddy from Piketon, and in a little while he keys out of his dad’s coat pocket. we I, and phone was ringing when we left. an end.

My buddy was killed in Vietnam and Humiliated, I walked to my last of the day: I thought tory, Shopping and Fashion. It might surprise Julie Jo Larson I have somethin’ planned, especially away we go,going and up third the was A cow thebearer high school.

The police were was at the funeral but Iwas couldn’t a pallsaid, “What areor you doin’ tomorrow night? highSaturgot to the high school, myup buddy unlocked Itofseems someone had heard a cow his body, what was left of him, flown day night maybe Friday night, depending school.

Sally took her time theto the called, and floor then the janitor called in (my because I’dbawling just surgery. scene study.

Inhad scene study, weor began to introduce I hadbemade a deal and had shaken his hand. I realized on your face, know you are not alone. “Pick yourself you to learn that right in Pine River, there’s day night or maybe Friday night, depending You know, it’s Halloween this weekend and high school.

Sally took her timedad) going up the called, and then the janitor was called (my bearer because I’d just had surgery. thebutside door, opened theit. door and tally ho, and couldn’t believe what she was hearing. back to the states and shipped back home.

I tips, “How To’s” for navigating a particular on the weather.” steps, bless her heart she made So we buddy’s to unlock the high school.

After the service my buddy’s dad and ourselves one by one. I realized I was the most inexI couldn’t leave. The Minnesotan came out in me and up. Dust yourself off. And start all over again.” You an alpaca farm. Farther up north, there’s an I have somethin’ planned, especially Satur- away we steps, go, and to the the it. A the high dad) school.

The police were was at the funeral but service I couldn’t a pall- dad and on the weather.” butup bless herthird heartfloor she of made Socow we inbuddy’s to unlock the high school.

After the mybebuddy’s destination upon arrival, food and beverage So I asked Dad, since it had rained and he tied Sally to a school desk and walked back Which he did. mother came up to where I was standing and perienced performing artist in the class.

Mr. So-and-so something in me wouldn’t give in or give up.

I also may be onto something - the adventure of a lifetime. intriguing place to explore called The Lost day night orSomaybe Friday night, depending highheschool. timedesk goingand up walked the called, and then he thedid. janitor was called (my bearer because I’dcame just had Ipick asked Dad, since itthe had rained and tiedSally Sallytook to aher school back Which mother upoftosurgery. where I wasdidn’t standing and recommendations and a few personal aneccouldn’t corn, could he do milkin’ was a state champion in speech and the star this to my buddy’s house.

What greeted him was a loud moo on the his dad shook hands with me and I gave his lie, and I thought, I am not running with tail The spirit of Great Northern News, produced by our Forty. on the weather.” steps, buttobless her hearthouse. she made it. So we buddy’s dad) to greeted unlock him the was higha school.

After the service myhands buddy’s dad and I gave his couldn’t pick corn, could he do the milkin’ my buddy’s What loud moo on the his dad shook with me and dotes.

Carefully crafted suggested itineraries show and that show.

I fi gured he could use a knuckle between my legs.

I will leave only if they kick me out, sizzling production company, Action Entertainment, on Friday anditSaturday morning. morning, calleddesk and said he walked third floor.

Up theWhich stairs went janitor and mother a hug. I hadn’t seen thismother couple for So I asked Dad,night since had rained and Ihe Saturday tied Sally to aDad school and back hethe did. came up to where I was standing and A mailing address, a phone number, and on Friday night he anddoSaturday morning.

I buddy’s Saturday morning, Dad called and saidWhat he greeted third floor.

Up the stairsmoo went the janitor and mother a in hug.

I me hadn’t seen this couple formy roommate another roomy. I decided and indoor and outdoor activities divided couldn’t pick corn, could the milkin’ to my house. him was a loud on the his dad shook hands with and I gave his sandwich.

The other kids were the best their schools, after fi nding started 12 years ago with all odds against us. We were told him I wanted to spend the night with a thought he could pick corn and he wanted guess who he found in a room?

Sally.

The quite a while and finally he asked me, did I an email address for contact purposes is intoldnight him I wanted to spend the night a thought he could pick and cornsaid andhehe wanted guess who he went found in janitor a were room?

Sally.

Thecountries. while and he asked me, try didmy I hardest. Thinking again like a Minonthe Friday and Saturday morning.

I me with Saturday morning, Dad called third floor.

Up the stairs the and mother a quite hug. Ia hadn’t seenfinally thisone couple for by the season can be found at back of the and a few from other The students I would uncertain about the future, but we just kept it up, holdbuddy of mine, and asked if he could take to put corn in the crib.

My buddy was room was in a mess but what I heard later know who put the cow in the Piketon High cluded for each destination. Interspersed of to mine, andtheasked he could take he mecould to putpick corncorn in the My buddy waswhoroom was ininaamess butSally. whatThe I heardquite latera while know who put the cow inme, thedid Piketon High toldactivities him buddy I wanted spend nightifwith a thought andcrib. he wanted guess he found room? and finally he asked I book.

There’s no shortage of and at a time bragged of all the shows and accomplishments nesotan, I thought of that lady who had auditioned me. ing our own “candle up to nature” and presenting the memine, to toPiketon and drop off atme the off high to tocome home with metheandcrib. told dad was me that was Sally calm a cucumber.

The school? throughout the book are helpful traveling Piketon andme at going theme high home and was told dadaswas was Sally calm as a cucumber.

Thewhoschool? ofme and asked ifdrop he could take putgoing corn toin come Mywith buddy room in athat mess butwas what I heard later know put the cow in the Piketon High sights to fill your itinerary -buddy no matter what they had.

I had very few at that point, none too impresIt was hard letting down someone who had believe in true culture of the North, and a little beyond, as best we school.

Dad agreed, someFriday he would So would we home went help. to with the field to and janitor haddad untiedfield Sallyto and Sally got herwas outhad ofcalm Iasdidn’t say aand wordgot and her I didn’t me to Piketon and drop offsoatnight theafter high going to he come toldto was that aSally cucumber.

The school? school.

Dad agreed, Friday night afterhelp.

Somewe went the janitor untied outhave of to. I didn’t say a word and I didn’t have to. the season. Truly, there is something for evsive. me it is a rare thing.

The next week of classes, my could in between productions. She survived at a time school, Dad dropped me off at the Piketon put corn in the crib.

We didn’t know about the room.

Sally was led to the stairs but she His dad knew.

The old gentleman said to me, school. Dad agreed, so Fridaymenight he wouldput help. field know to janitor outstairs of butI she didn’tHis saydad a word didn’t have to.said to me, school, Dad dropped off atafter the Piketon cornSoinwe thewent crib.toWethedidn’t about had theuntied room.Sally Sally and wasgot led her to the knew.and TheI old gentleman eryone.

Book Signing Aug. 14 When I introduced myself, I told them, “My name world changed, and in vocal production my partner was when businesses were contemplating not doing print school, High Dad dropped me off at the Piketon put corn in the crib.

We didn’t know about the room.

Sally was led to the stairs but she His dad knew.

The old gentleman said to me, My buddy’s dad was the at theexcitement high school. at Butthe be- high wouldn’t go down steps. Sowouldn’t the janitor’sgo down “I wouldn’t howSo many you put in “I wouldn’t care how many cows you put in HighSchool.

School.

My buddy’s dadjaniwas the theexcitement jani- the school.

Butthebethe care steps. thecows janitor’s Julie Jo Larson’s book encourages wanJulie Jo Larson will be signing and High School.

My buddy’s dad was the janiis Doug Taylor.

I am a distant relative of Paul Bunyan, a professional.

I passed the class and was able to get by the excitement at the high school.

But bewouldn’t go down the steps.

So the janitor’s “I wouldn’t care how many cows you put in ads. It may seem like things are going that way again in tortoratatthethe highhigh school.school.

Dad knew myknew buddy’smyfore we left to go home we were calledwe because raisedwas Sallycalled the high schoolshe if myhad sonraised was stillSally alive.” the high school if my son was still alive.”

Dad buddy’s fore wewith leftDad, to go home wife withwasDad, wereshe had wife because tor atbeyond the highone’s school. Dad knew my buddy’s fore we left to go home with Dad, we were wife was called because she had raised Sally the high school if my sone,was still alive.”as a singer. In dance, I was partnered up with a beautiderlust and exploring the world selling her books July 10th (Sweetand an above average marksman.

With a rifl I once the 2020s, but still we press on. In fact, we have excitdad theythey visited for a few minutes eating breakfast and my breakfast buddy’s momand wentmymom asbuddy’s a calfwent andmom could doa calf just about anything I told about hisdomother and dad anything that heI told alwayshis Imother dadsovisited so visited a fewand minutes and eating as calf and just about told hisand mother andhedadalways that he always dad they for a fewforminutes and eating breakfast and my buddy’s aswent anda could do could just anything dad spent that backyard. So, grab your copy of so “100 Things heart Days Hackensack) from 11 shot a deer running at four hundred yards, I just ful young lady who worked extra hours with me as I ing things happening behind the scenes, so stay tuned! my buddy I talked andplanned planned wewe towhat milk her cows. mom hadcows. three with Sally.

But notwith this time.

Sally wouldn’t told me he wanted to Sally be remembered myand buddy and I talked andwhat planned we to His milk her His had three good with Sally.

But not this time. wouldn’t me he to be remembered my buddy I and talked and what to milk her cows.

His momgood hadmom three good Sally.

But not this time.

Sally wouldn’t told for medohetold wanted to wanted be remembered for do- for doto Do in Minnesota Northwoods Before You a.m.-1 p.m. at the NAC tent and from four months in Alaska working on a Beefalo farm and I learned the Jitterbug, Waltz, Charlton Minuet, and Jazz.

Often silly, sometimes tragic and always timeless, the were going were going young Jersey cows. athe heifer outdown of the go down andIt he has been over young JerseyJersey cows.

Sally wasSally a heifer outSally ofa heifer gowas down ing something, and he was. It hasingbeen over ing something, were going to do.to do.to do. young cows. was out ofsteps.go steps. the steps. something, and he was. haswas. beenItover ride a motorcycle.”

I must say, I enjoyed that immensely.

In Shakespeare, I stories in our paper are now enjoyed worldwide. It’s Die” and get a move on. ThisMy is the land of 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. on August 14th at the buddy said, “We going put oneto one ofthree theone three cows.

In ‘60s could Thea meeting principal called meeting with thehappened, 50 years that since episode but it buddy said, going put ofInthe three cows.

Inyou the youcalled could The called meeting with thebut itsince 50 years thathappened, episode happened, but it MyMybuddy said, “Weareare“We goingaretotoput of the cows. the ‘60s youthe could The ‘60s principal withprincipal the 50ayears since athat episode My teacher said, “Tell us more.

What brings you to became King 10,000 Lakes and home of Paul Bunyan.

Northwoods Art and Book Festival.

Mom’s Jersey cow on the floor cream to cream a localtocreamery.

Onschool Saturday school decideseems do.

A conseems it waslike yesterday.

Those were the were Mom’s Jersey cow on floor of the local creamery.

On toSaturday school board towhat decide what to do.Those A conit was yesterday.

Those the Henry III. It was absolutely preposterous, not over! Adventures await… And as always, the best Mom’s Jersey cow on thethird thirdthe floorthird ofofthethe sell sell cream to a sell local creamery.

Ona Saturday board decide whatboard to do.toA conliketoit was yesterday. were like the seems the Academy?” and I loved it. In scene study, I was right at home. My is yet to come!

Piketon High School.” morning everyone who had a few milk cows struction company was doing some work good old days.

Leave the road; take the trails!

Piketon School.” morning who had a fewcompany milk cows was doing some work good old days.

Piketon HighHigh School.” morning everyone who hadeveryone a few milk cows struction was doingstruction some workcompany good old days.

Northwoods Art & Book Festival Aug. 14

Adventure Awaits!

Publisher’s Note - Continued from page 2

I said, “I like this drama stuff and enjoy pissing people off. I was told I was superb at it.”

first part was as Bo Decker, a cowboy from the play “Bus Stop,” and it fit me like a glove.

AlienAlien Invation Coming Invation Coming Alien Invation Coming The Last Hanging In Brainerd To Grand Rapids TheLast Last Hanging In Brainerd The Hanging In Brainerd To Grand Rapids To Grand Rapids Coming this Fall! Action Entertainment’s new 2017

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by Doug Taylor information courtesy “Old Timers” II

by Doug Taylor

by Doug Taylor The time was 1896, the setting“Old a Depot, the II main playinformation courtesy Timers” information courtesy “Old II er in this drama John Pryed.

AsTimers” a fine-looking, personable, The time was 1896, the setting a Depot, the main playwell-dressed, well-behaved of thethechurch and the The was 1896,John themember setting a Depot, main playintime this drama Pryed.

Asbeafound fine-looking, personable, YMCA,erer Pryed didn’t seem the type to in saloons in this drama John Pryed. As a fine-looking, personable, well-dressed, well-behaved member of the church and the or pool halls. well-dressed, well-behaved member of the church and the YMCA, Pryed didn’t seem the type to be found in saloons An old logger came into the Depot to cash his paycheck.

Pryed didn’t seem the typeminimal to be foundsum in saloons He notedYMCA, disappointment at its and asked orhis pool halls. or pool halls. if someone might could a job.

UnfortuAn old know loggerwhere camehe into the find Depot to cash his paycheck. nately forHe that Pryed spoke and offered to sum guideand asked An oldlogger, logger into the Depotuptoat cashitshis paycheck. noted hiscame disappointment minimal him in aHe for employment onhe the Gull River. noted his better disappointment at its minimal sum and find asked ifquest someone might know where could a job. UnfortuThe two fellows took off towards Brainerd, crossed the nately for that logger, Pryed spoke up and offered to guide if someone might know where he could find a job.

UnfortuMississippi on the old Laurel Street Bridge, and commenced him in a quest for better employment on the Gull River. nately for that up and offered though to guide Paul northwest along thelogger, GullPryed Lakespoke Road passing The twoforfellows took Brainerd, crossed the Bunyan him Arboretum.

Nearing Red off Sand Lake, Pryed pulled in a quest better employment ontowards the Gull River.

Mississippi on the old Laurel Street Bridge, and commenced a gun, shot two rounds of hot lead into the old lumberjack’s The two fellows took off towards Brainerd, crossed the back and, thinkingonthe man dead or Bridge, dying, picked his pocket northwest along the Gull Lake and Road passing though Paul Mississippi the old Laurel Street commenced and wentBunyan on his merry way.

Arboretum.

Nearing Red Sand pulled along the GulltheLake Road passing thoughLake, Paul Pryed Little northwest did Pryed know, treetoughed lumberjack had a gun, shot two rounds of hot lead into the old lumberjack’s Bunyan Arboretum.

Nearing Lake,paralyzed Pryed pulledfrom a more left in him.

Though his Red legsSand were back and, thinking the man dead or dying, picked his pocket bullet lodged in two hisrounds spine,of he dragged body along the a gun, shot hot lead into thehis old lumberjack’s and wenttoonHarry his merry way.farm. road andback made Carlson’s and,itthinking the man dead or dying, picked his pocket Littleaway did Pryed know, the was treetoughed lumberjack had With Carlson on a trip, his wife alone with their and wentleft on hisinmerry way. him. his at legs children.more Mrs. Carlson heardThough the logger thewere door,paralyzed rose out from a Little did Pryed know, lumberjack of bed, opened the door—and intreetoughed true he pioneer spirit—helped bullet lodged in histhespine, dragged hishadbody along the leftand in made him.

Though histhen legsran weretoparalyzed fromtacked a the manmore across the threshold, the barn, a road it to Harry Carlson’s farm. horse and galloped to Brainerd for the doctor. bullet lodged in his spine, he dragged his body along the With Carlson away on a trip, his wife was alone with their The logger’s last words were, “John Pryed shot me!” Back road and made it to Harry Carlson’s children.

Mrs. Carlson heardfarm. the logger at the door, rose out to Brainerd galloped the doctor to put the matter in Sheriff With Carlson away on a trip, his wife was alonethe withtracks their spirit—helped of bed, opened the door—and in true pioneer Spalding’s hands. The Sheriff rushed across into children.

Mrs.across Carlson heard the logger the door, out barn, tacked a the district, man the threshold, ran rose to the the highlife arrested Pryed andatthen put him in lockup. ofhorse bed,short opened the door—and inwas true pioneer and time, galloped to Brainerd forspirit—helped thethe doctor.

In a very a jury selected, evidence presented the verdict Guilty Homicide.

Pryed Theacross logger’s lastread: words were, “John me!” Back theand man the threshold, then ran toofthe barn,Pryed tacked ashot was hung neck until the dead. was tofrom Brainerd galloped to the putlast the hanging matter in Sheriff horse and the galloped to Brainerd fordoctor theItdoctor. in Brainerd.

Spalding’s hands. The Sheriff rushed across the tracks into

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was hung from the neck until dead. It was the last hanging in Brainerd.

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Hanging recreated by Doug Taylor and Cody Smith

The logger’s last words were, “John Pryed shot me!” Back

highlife district, arrested and put him in lockup. tothe Brainerd galloped the doctor to put Pryed the matter in Sheriff In a very short time, a jury was selected, Spalding’s hands. The Sheriff rushed across the tracks into the evidence presented and the verdict read: of Homicide. Pryed the highlife district, arrested Pryed and put Guilty him in lockup. was hung from the neck until dead.

It was In a very short time, a jury was selected, the evidencethe last hanging in Brainerd. presented and the verdict read: Guilty of Homicide. Pryed

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See you out there, Doug Taylor

and put e to ork. at is

my e he ght? and aturding

d he kin’ g. I th a take high after eton anidy’s and t we put the

cow had just had a calf about a week before Guernsey cows tested very high in buttergreat northern Summer and she wanted to go backnews to her| calf.

But 2021 fat, and theyGREAT wereNORTHERN cream NEWS cows. Sally was 6 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 we kept going. In a little while we saw the nowhere to be found and the alarm was out. lights of the little town of Piketon. When we All the neighbors were called to see if maybe got to Piketon we took Sally down the alley Sally had went to one of the nearby farms to toward the high school. I forgot to tell you visit. But no one had seen Sally. readers that my buddy borrowed his dad’s Dad had come to pick up my buddy and keys out of his dad’s coat pocket. When we I, and the phone was ringing when we left. got to the high school, my buddy unlocked It seems someone had heard a cow bawling the side door, opened the door and tally ho, and couldn’t believe what she was hearing. away we go, and up to the third floor of the A cow in the high school. The police were high school. Sally took her time going up the called, and then the janitor was called (my steps, but bless her heart she made it. So we buddy’s dad) to unlock the high school. tied Sally to a school desk and walked back Which he did. to my buddy’s house.

What greeted him was a loud moo on the Saturday morning, Dad called and said he third floor. Up the stairs went the janitor and thought he could pick corn and he wanted guess who he found in a room? Sally. The me to put corn in the crib. My buddy was room was in a mess but what I heard later going By to Kate come home with me and told dad was McEuen that Sally was calm as a cucumber. The feels lucky in that he’s gotten to perform or Perkins he would help.saySo toa the fieldfa-to janitor hadmany untied got her out of One could thatwe Johnwent McEuen, downright record with of hisSally favoriteand musicians.

He produced put mous cornmusician in the and crib.

We didn’t about room. was led to Martin, the stairs butBob she founding member know of the Nitty Gritty the a record for Sally actor/musician Steve followed the Dirt excitement atstart theworking high atschool.

Butselling be- wouldn’t go down the backup steps.for SoJohn theDenver. janitor’s Band, got his Disney Land Dylan on stage, and played foremagic we left go dress home with Dad, we she had raised Sally tricks.toHe’d up like a magician, andwere inevita- wife“Iwas can’tcalled say that because wasn’t fun.” bly abreakfast kid or parentand would pick up an itemmom and ask what it as aHis music taste is for songs that tell a story. eating my buddy’s went calf and could do just about anything did.

McEuen would start a demo, and suddenly kids and “I like a guitar, a piano and a really good singer.” to milk her cows. His mom had three good with Sally. But not this time. Sally wouldn’t parents alike would gathered around to watch. said. “Ithe like steps. to think music is played by people, not young Jersey cows.beSally was a heifer out of goHedown was one of the best times of my life,” the Gramsomething you hit F7 on your computer and your bass one of“Itthe three cows. In the ‘60s you could The principal called a meeting with the my-winning musician and musical producer said. “I was track plays.” sell working creamattoDisney a local creamery. On Saturday school board to decide what to do. A conLand. I was dressed up funny. It made The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band is now in its 48th year. In morning everyone who had a few milk cows struction company was doing some work me realize I didn’t want to have a job. I wanted to do 1977, they were the first American band to tour Russia.

years. Sally was rescued and a local farmer hauled Sally back home.

PAGE 5 In a few years the Vietnam War was erupting and all of the fellows were called to take physicals for the army. My buddy was drafted and I didn’t pass the physical because I was ruptured. But all good things come to an end. My buddy was killed in Vietnam and his body, or what was left of him, was flown back to the states and shipped back home. I was at the funeral but I couldn’t be a pallbearer because I’d just had surgery.

After the service my buddy’s dad and mother came up to where I was standing and his dad shook hands with me and I gave his mother a hug. I hadn’t seen this couple for quite a while and finally he asked me, did I know who put the cow in the Piketon High school?

I didn’t say a word and I didn’t have to.

His dad knew. The old gentleman said to me, “I wouldn’t care how many cows you put in the high school if my son was still alive.”

I told his mother and dad that he always told me he wanted to be remembered for doing something, and he was. It has been over 50 years since that episode happened, but it seems like it was yesterday. Those were the good old days.

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW with

John McEuen

of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band “I like to think music is played by people, not something you hit F7 on your computer and your bass track plays.”

something I like.”

And he did. McEuen picked up an instrument as a teenager, and it seems that ever since then, some kind of music-maker has stayed in his hands. He plays guitar, fiddle, banjo, lap steel and more.

It was with those instruments that he helped craft famous songs like “Fishing in the Dark” and “Mr BojanI gles,” one of his favorite recordings. pot, the mainAnother play- favorite recording is the “Will the Circle Be ooking, personable, Unbroken” album, which was adopted into the Library Congress the churchofand the and named by Country Music Television as of the most important albums of all time. be found inone saloons “That was a landmark, life-changing album for a lot of people, and I’m told that all the time,” McEuen said. cash his paycheck.

“Even to this day it’s in the top 20 bluegrass charts on mal sum and asked Amazon.” find a job. UnfortuMcEuen likes to get creative on the banjo, playing that capture the listener’s attention. nd offeredthings to guide “It’s the Gull River. fun to find sequences that are interesting to people,”the he said. “You want people to go ‘Ooooh!’ not ainerd, crossed ‘Ewww!’” ge, and commenced In addition to continue touring around the nation and assing though Paul playing shows in front of huge audiences, McEuen has Lake, Pryed pulledradio show on Sirius XM radio channel “The a monthly he old lumberjack’s Bridge.” It’s called “John’s Acoustic Travelling Show.”

McEuen said he’ll listen to music to find songs he’d g, picked his pocket like to play on his radio show, but after being on stage in 18-20 cities ed lumberjack had in a month, he tends to keep the stereo off.

“You don’t ride the horse into the house. You put it in e paralyzedthefrom a stall for a little while.”

Hanging In Brainerd

his body along the m. was alone with their at the door, rose out neer spirit—helped o the barn, tacked a octor. yed shot me!” Back he matter in Sheriff ross the tracks into put him in lockup. ected, the evidence of Homicide. Pryed was the last hanging

Alien Invation Coming To Grand Rapids

“(Concert goers) couldn’t stand up in their seat.

Somebody would stand up because they wanted to move to the music and everyone would look at them until someone came and told them to sit down,” McEuen said.

Such were the rules in 1977 Russia, but they weren’t necessarily followed at Nitty Coming this Fall! Action Entertainment’s new 2017 Gritty Dirt Band Halloween production Alien Invasion! We will scare the concerts. yell out of you. 7 days of terror. From the producers of “In Lenthe Epic hit shows Wolf, Troll, Zombie Apocalypse, The ingrad, at our Haunted Village and Stagecoach. Follow us on Facebook first show, or call the box office 2188392514 we came out on stage after our third encore and people were up against the stage,” McEuen said.

Their shows draw a wide variety of people.

218.999.0200 “The most encouraging thing right now is that Nitty Gritty Dirt Band is in its 48th year and seems to be drawing more avid people. People who needed to get out, or see us validate their past, as well as a lot of young people. The audience is anywhere from 12 to 82.”

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Hanging recreated by Doug Taylor and Cody Smith

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Uncle ‘Rocket’ King of the Road

Summer 2021 | great northern news

By Betsy Schroeder

When heading on your next summer road trip, watch out! You might see what looks like a motorcycle demon speeding by! With his wolverine pelt - and sheep horn-mounted helmet, Mike Navarro tends to draw attention.

Born and raised in Austin, Texas, Navarro, better known as “Rocket,” has been delighting passersby for many summers. Known for his warm smile and his custom helmet, this retired “handyman” for the rich and famous of Austin, Texas, has spent many summers on the road, exploring new territories and making new friends along the way.

Rocket’s official road gear includes his motorcycle, christened “Dirty” the bike, a tipi tent, an air mattress, and his unique headgear, created by “Badger Bob” of Howling Helmets. While he makes a point to visit as many state parks as possible, he gets regular Rocket’s advice for invites from the “beautiful people” he meets all his friends, along the open road. whether he’s met them yet or These new friends often invite him to stay in their homes and join them for a not: #1 “Take the back roads.” home cooked dinner or breakfast – or both! #2 “Don’t lose faith and don’t Sometimes he fits in so well that he’s invited give up on your dreams. – to stay for a couple of weeks. As the adopted Especially, don’t give up on “fun uncle,” Rocket helps out with yard work, your dreams.” farm animals, or other household chores.

What was the inspiration behind these summertime adventures? Rocket did the American dream. He had the house and the family (two daughters now working in the Texas oil industry). But when the marriage fell apart, he decided to pursue one of his dreams: to see America by bike, living as a free spirit. So, back around 1999, he decided to take summers off to explore and meet “the beautiful people of the United States.”

That dream has led to quite a network of friends and adopted family members over the years. He’s watched children grow up over his many summers on the road. Many of those former children still know him as “Uncle Rocket,” as he seems to fit right into the family – anyplace he goes.

“The scenery is great,” he says, “but it’s the people that make the adventure.” He notes all the interesting characters, different accents, and happy people he’s met on his travels. “The people with the least are the happiest ones,” he observes. “They take time and just live in the moment.”

His adventures have led to quite the collection of stories. Once, when he had a flat on his bike, there were cars pulling over left and right. They kept parking along the road, creating a noticeable lineup. People got out, one after another, to say “Hi” and ask if he needed any help. He even drew the attention of local law enforcement, wondering what the fuss was all about! Scenes like that are not uncommon for Rocket. He seems to attract attention on all his summer excursions – even causing traffic stops from people wanting to take selfies.

On another trip, while seeing the sights of South Dakota, Navarro made a stop at Mount Rushmore. People were crowded around taking pictures of our great Presidents of the United States – group pictures, selfies, etc. Suddenly, as though choreographed, all at once, the people stopped taking pictures of the monument and turned toward him instead.

It was like a scene in a movie – in slow motion. It was a sight to see!

Navarro laughs, thinking over the turn of events in his life. He originally went to college to become a medical technician. Then he went into the oil fields, which he found to be quite exciting at that time. Following in the footsteps of his grandfather, he then went into the building industry, where he spent most of his career. And now? He’s a celebrity biker!

In fact, there’s a local watering hole in southeast Wyoming that has an annual “Rocket Day” in his honor! Each year, as he passes through on his way to or from Sturgis, they have a great big party! There’s live music, dancing, and a crowd of people just full of joy.

426 NW 4th St. It’s become a celebration for the completion of another great year.

Grand Rapids Now, Rocket’s home base is in Backus, Minnesota. He’s been there for 5 years now, as he218.999.9008 moved north soon after retiring. Despite being a child of the South, he loves living “Up North.” In the winter, he marvels at the sparkling snow and ice. In the summer, he enjoys hearing the call of the loon across the lake and watching a bald eagle soaring over him as he rides.

How does he decide where to go next? It all depends on events and invites. Generally, he follows the summertime motorcycle circuit, goes to Sturgis and visits friends – both old and new.

Thanking Jesus and counting his blessings every day, Rocket knows that he has angels directing his path and helping him to be the right people at the right time.

Rocket’s advice for all his friends, whether he’s met them yet or not: #1 “Take the back roads.” #2 “Don’t lose faith and don’t give up on your dreams. – Especially, don’t give up on your dreams.”

“

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Uncle ‘Rocket’ pursues his dream of seeing America by bike.

7

8 great northern news | Summer 2021

Nothing is Impossible

By Sue Ready

Lacey grew up in the Twin Cities suburb of Maple Grove, but her most cherished moments include the summers and holidays spent at her grandparents’ ranch in Backus and the family cabin on Ten Mile Lake, near Hackensack. Growing up, Lacey developed a special relationship with “Papa,” her grandfather, Twin Cities radiologist, Donald D. Dahlstrom.

His DDD Ranch, which he bought in 1971, covers 220 acres of woods and hay fields, complete with horses and black Angus cattle. Over the years, Lacey and her Papa bonded over ranch life and animals, particularly horses. At age 12, Lacey saved money to buy her first horse, Forever Independence, or “Indy” which she still has today.

Lacey is fortunate to have had loving parents and grandparents who supported her creative passions for music and horses. They encouraged her to take advantage of several opportunities, which ultimately became life altering. It all began when Lacey was on the worship team of The Rock Church in the Twin Cities. She found singing gave her the confidence she needed to overcome her shyness. In her words, “Over time, I began to realize my singing was for a bigger purpose, singing to God.” Several church members recognized her natural singing ability, and one of them sent a recording of Lacey singing the National Anthem to her brother, a producer in Nashville. And from that point on, Lacey began an unexpected and exciting musical journey. She was offered an “Artist Development Deal,” where top producers would work with her for a year.

She would also receive guidance on improving her vocal and songwriting skills, as well as guitar lessons. “I feel like God takes people who feel they can’t do something, like me, but asks them to take a leap, and trust that HE has a plan for them.”

At that time, Lacey was a 17-year-old student at a private college prep school. For an entire school year, Lacey would go to Nashville every month and stay for a week.She had to work extra hard to keep up with her studies. “Right after graduation, I went right into real life, where most kids went to college. It was hard leaving my family and a secure world behind. Nashville and music and the real world now became my college.”

Lacey noted, “I had to learn to not care what other people think. It was about sharing the gift God gave me and helping to encourage young girls to be confident in themselves — to be a light in the darkness.”

Working with talented producers, artists and a wonderful manager, she recorded three albums and performed at many different venues. Her songs are her stories.

Missing her horse from Minnesota, Lacey found work at the Triple L Ranch nearby in Franklin as a horse trainer. She used a training method called Parelli Natural Horsemanship which she started studying at age 12 when she got her first horse. Lacey bought another horse in Tennessee and began teaching riding lessons as well as continuing training horses and

teaching music lessons. “I was able to use my gifts of music and horses together to bring healing hope and therapy to kids and adults who struggled with anxiety and depression.”

In 2019, the man of her dreams stepped into her life. “I always felt that God told me that my husband would be tall, have calm eyes, be like a gentle giant and sweet like a teddy bear.” Standing at 6 feet 7 inches, Collin Luckett was just that man. “He is strong, brave and protective. I’m so grateful that God gave me everything I had ever prayed for in a husband.”

For Lacey, it was a dream come true marrying Collin in 2020. It was never in their immediate plans to move back to Minnesota, though someday Lacey hoped it would happen. After her Papa passed away in 2019, a series of events were set in motion that allowed Lacey and Collin to purchase the ranch. It was really the chance of a lifetime to own more land than they ever imagined they could have. Collin was fortunate to secure a great engineering job nearby at Scamp Trailer in Backus.

Lacey shares, “I was definitely intimidated thinking about running a ranch with so much responsibilities taking care of all my animals by myself, running a full music business from my home and being a new wife. It has been a huge transition for me. But Collin and I make a good team and we make things work. My husband and I love living in a small town because we like feeling far away, peaceful in the woods with wide open spaces. You can wake up and breathe and have your animals right there when you open the door. Sweet neighbors who stop by just to say hi, maybe drop off an apple pie or share their farm fresh eggs with us. You see people at the grocery store you know and it’s a homey loving feeling.

Wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

Currently, Lacey gives voice, music and riding lessons. She was surprised to find that there’s so much interest in the area for these lessons.

Future plans for Lacey and Collin include cultivating their land, hosting kids’ pony parties with their mini petting zoo and developing a ranch-style venue for future events. “Ultimately, we want the ranch to be a place of ministry to help people, bring them joy being with animals and the great outdoors. I will continue to write songs that are from my heart. At some point, I hope to release another album under my new name, Lacey Luckett.”

For Lacey, this is all like a dream come true. “I wake up every morning with horses in my yard, a husband and a ranch I love. I feel blessed with so much gratitude to the Lord as I never thought all this could ever happen.”

Look out, world! We will be hearing more from this talented, confident young woman. Together, Lacey and Collin find nothing is impossible with God at their side.

Check out their website for more information. http://thedddranch. wixsite.com/my-site

~ Photos by Scott Sater Photography ~

Summer 2021 | great northern news

“I feel blessed with so much gratitude to the Lord as I never thought all this could ever happen.”

9

great 10 JULY/AUGUST 2017northern news | Summer 2021

GREAT NORTHERN NEWS

The Cow That Went To School

By William S. Weinrich Not many people around here remember this episode, but this new generation still knows about it. Some of their parents remember this episode because they were in school when I was, even though I went to school at Waverly and the episode happened in Piketon.

Way back in the 1960s I was a junior in high school. We lived on a farm in those days and dad kept a dairy herd, hogs, and when baby calves got cheap, dad would feed out the bull calves, of course they were steers at that point in time. These steers were sold for freezer beef to our neighbors when the steers weighed around 1,000 pounds.

It was in the fall of the year and corn pickin’ time was in full swing. After school, when I got home, I did all the milking and fed the calves while dad picked corn or put corn in the crib. After supper it was time to do homework and I hated to do homework.

I would rather be coon huntin’. But that is another story.

All at once the phone rang and it was my buddy from Piketon, and in a little while he said, “What are you doin’ tomorrow night?

You know, it’s Halloween this weekend and I have somethin’ planned, especially Saturday night or maybe Friday night, depending on the weather.”

So I asked Dad, since it had rained and he couldn’t pick corn, could he do the milkin’ on Friday night and Saturday morning. I told him I wanted to spend the night with a buddy of mine, and asked if he could take me to Piketon and drop me off at the high school. Dad agreed, so Friday night after school, Dad dropped me off at the Piketon High School. My buddy’s dad was the janitor at the high school. Dad knew my buddy’s dad so they visited for a few minutes and my buddy and I talked and planned what we were going to do.

My buddy said, “We are going to put Mom’s Jersey cow on the third floor of the Piketon High School.”

I said, “You live two miles from Piketon, and just how are we going to get your mom’s cow to Piketon?”

“Easy,” my buddy replied, “Sally is broke to lead and she will go along like a dog.”

So after my buddy’s parents went to bed, we slipped out to the barn, put a rope on Sally the heifer and were on our way to Piketon. In those days there wasn’t much traffic because Friday night was western night on television.

Shows like Maverick, Lawsman, Cheyenne, Sugarfoot and others that we old timers remember very well. Most people watched these programs and I always did too. But tonight was an exception.

My buddy and I were leading his mother’s cow to the Piketon High School. It took us a while to get to Piketon because this young cow had just had a calf about a week before and she wanted to go back to her calf. But we kept going. In a little while we saw the lights of the little town of Piketon. When we got to Piketon we took Sally down the alley toward the high school. I forgot to tell you readers that my buddy borrowed his dad’s keys out of his dad’s coat pocket. When we got to the high school, my buddy unlocked the side door, opened the door and tally ho, away we go, and up to the third floor of the high school. Sally took her time going up the steps, but bless her heart she made it. So we tied Sally to a school desk and walked back to my buddy’s house.

Saturday morning, Dad called and said he thought he could pick corn and he wanted me to put corn in the crib. My buddy was going to come home with me and told dad he would help. So we went to the field to put corn in the crib. We didn’t know about the excitement at the high school. But before we left to go home with Dad, we were eating breakfast and my buddy’s mom went to milk her cows. His mom had three good young Jersey cows. Sally was a heifer out of one of the three cows. In the ‘60s you could sell cream to a local creamery. On Saturday morning everyone who had a few milk cows

would take their cream to town and sell it to a local creamery. Most of the time the cash from the cream would buy what the farmer’s wife need to use in the kitchen plus she would have some cash to put in her pocket for emergencies.

In those days the farm family lived off of the farm. Fresh milk, butter, pork, beef and chicken. I can remember if you had a Jersey or a Guernsey cow, every morning you either stirred the cream in with milk or put pure cream on your cereal. How many of you readers remember doing this? Plus the farmer’s wife raised a big garden, and canned vegetables every summer to feed her family through the winter.

Getting back to Sally the heifer. She had the makings of a good milk cow. Jersey and Guernsey cows tested very high in butterfat, and they were cream cows. Sally was nowhere to be found and the alarm was out.

All the neighbors were called to see if maybe Sally had went to one of the nearby farms to visit. But no one had seen Sally.

Dad had come to pick up my buddy and I, and the phone was ringing when we left.

It seems someone had heard a cow bawling and couldn’t believe what she was hearing.

A cow in the high school. The police were called, and then the janitor was called (my buddy’s dad) to unlock the high school.

Which he did.

What greeted him was a loud moo on the third floor. Up the stairs went the janitor and guess who he found in a room? Sally. The room was in a mess but what I heard later was that Sally was calm as a cucumber. The janitor had untied Sally and got her out of the room. Sally was led to the stairs but she wouldn’t go down the steps. So the janitor’s wife was called because she had raised Sally as a calf and could do just about anything with Sally. But not this time. Sally wouldn’t go down the steps.

The principal called a meeting with the school board to decide what to do. A construction company was doing some work

The Last Hanging In Brainerd

Scott Sater Photography

by Doug Taylor information courtesy “Old Timers” II The time was 1896, the setting a Depot, the main player in this drama John Pryed. As a fine-looking, personable, well-dressed, well-behaved member of the church and the YMCA, Pryed didn’t seem the type to be found in saloons or pool halls.

An old logger came into the Depot to cash his paycheck.

He noted his disappointment at its minimal sum and asked if someone might know where he could find a job. Unfortunately for that logger, Pryed spoke up and offered to guide him in a quest for better employment on the Gull River.

The two fellows took off towards Brainerd, crossed the Mississippi on the old Laurel Street Bridge, and commenced northwest along the Gull Lake Road passing though Paul Bunyan Arboretum. Nearing Red Sand Lake, Pryed pulled a gun, shot two rounds of hot lead into the old lumberjack’s back and, thinking the man dead or dying, picked his pocket and went on his merry way.

Little did Pryed know, the treetoughed lumberjack had more left in him. Though his legs were paralyzed from a bullet lodged in his spine, he dragged his body along the road and made it to Harry Carlson’s farm.

With Carlson away on a trip, his wife was alone with their children. Mrs. Carlson heard the logger at the door, rose out of bed, opened the door—and in true pioneer spirit—helped the man across the threshold, then ran to the barn, tacked a horse and galloped to Brainerd for the doctor.

The logger’s last wordsthe were, “John Pryed shot me!” Back Celebrate moments of your to Brainerd gallopedchoice the doctorlocation to put the matter in Sheriff life at your or our sites Spalding’s hands. The Sheriff rushed across the tracks into featuring a rustic barn, acres of woods, the highlife district, arrested Pryed and put him in lockup. a lazy river, In a very short time,north a jury woods was selected, the evidence presented and the verdict of Homicide.

Pryed a beautiful lakeread: or aGuilty wheat grass field. was hung from the neck until dead. It was the last hanging in Brainerd.scottsmnphotography.com

in Piketon and they had a crane on the job so the school board decided to see what the construction company would charge to put belts around Sally and lift her out the window. The owner of the company had graduated from Piketon several years ago and he told the school board he would gladly get Sally off of the third floor and his crew would take the window out and put it back when they got Sally out. The owner reminded the janitor and the principal about the brood sow he and his friend had put in the high school, and how the sow had piglets in the principal’s office. But we won’t go into that episode at the present time. All of this was told to me by my buddy as he was a key witness to all of the happenings. No one ever found out about the cow episode for several years. Sally was rescued and a local farmer hauled Sally back home.

In a few years the Vietnam War was erupting and all of the fellows were called to take physicals for the army. My buddy was drafted and I didn’t pass the physical because I was ruptured. But all good things come to an end. My buddy was killed in Vietnam and his body, or what was left of him, was flown back to the states and shipped back home. I was at the funeral but I couldn’t be a pallbearer because I’d just had surgery.

After the service my buddy’s dad and mother came up to where I was standing and his dad shook hands with me and I gave his mother a hug. I hadn’t seen this couple for quite a while and finally he asked me, did I know who put the cow in the Piketon High school?

I didn’t say a word and I didn’t have to.

His dad knew. The old gentleman said to me, “I wouldn’t care how many cows you put in the high school if my son was still alive.”

I told his mother and dad that he always told me he wanted to be remembered for doing something, and he was. It has been over 50 years since that episode happened, but it seems like it was yesterday. Those were the good old days.

Taking

Summer 2021 | great northern news 11

the

Reins

Why Horses Have a Role in Preserving American History

By Mike Poppinga We hitched the horses to the old stagecoach and rumbled through town. The horses were fresh as usual. We looked at each other and said, “Yep. They are full of themselves today!” At the stage stop, they came to a fast halt. I climbed off and walked up to the front of the lead horses, looking over the tugs and harness.

As I finished my observation, I petted the neck of the lead horse, Tori, and an older gentleman we refer to as an “old timer” approached me. His face was carved with barely distinguishable wrinkles. I also noticed he had a smile and somewhat teary eyes. A faint twinkle in his eyes recalled his youth. He showed a warm feeling towards the horses, and as he talked to them gently, I knew he was an old horseman.

Not taking his eyes off the horses, He told me of the days when he was a young man and how he had owned a team very similar to the magnificent team we had in harness standing between us. He talked of

working and plowing fields and how his horses were the best friends he’d ever had.

It put me in a place of deep thought and made me feel that my job was important. I thought of technology and the decline of the great work horse. I watched kids come up and pet the horses, and I thought of the great contribution the unselfish critters have given to mankind.

In my thoughts, I came to feel a certain pride in my work. I felt good about presenting and preserving the past -- holding a candle up to what it was like many moons ago. It was a time when a human and a horse partnered together in harmony to do a job.

In many cases, a mutual respect and trust developed between man and beast.

Moreover, a while back, we had the privilege of putting on a presentation for a group of kids in Cross-

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lake. As I’m sure their parents will attest to, that hour we spent teaching them made a bigger impression than a whole school years’ worth of textbook reading.

The opportunity to ride in an 1868 stagecoach or see a team of horses that stand six feet high at the shoulders is an experience nothing else can compare to.

I was born just a little too late to experience the glory days of horses in America. However, I learned what I know about horses and other animals from my dad, who learned from his uncle, who also learned from his predecessors. I learned the same way Doug Taylor, our publisher, learned what he knows about horses. I grew up listening to stories from my grandfather and my uncle.

In this day of smart phones and hybrid cars, it would be easy to assume that horses are no longer relevant. But that would be wrong. Now is a time when they are the most important. We as a nation are at a critical point. As the old teamsters pass on to the place that all of us hope to go someday, there are fewer of us left. It leaves this generation with a much bigger load to carry. It is, however, a job we must do.

This generation, more so than any before will determine whether the horse culture, a part of the American culture, lives on or fades into history.

In the time that I have worked for Action Entertainment, I have heard many stories -- stories that I will retell to anyone willing to listen. There are many kids with a desire to learn but no one to teach them.

This is how we as teamsters of the 21st century will be judged. Not by loads hauled or miles travelled in a day. Rather, we will be judged by how well we passed on what we knew to the generation that succeeds us. I now go to work every day knowing that what I do may inspire the next generation.

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Monsieur Mayhem 2021 Update

Greetings from your favorite masked friend! It’s been a minute since I last checked in, and I’ve noticed that I seem to have been the inspiration behind the year 2020, and now even into 2021.

After all, mayhem is everywhere!

Masks are all the rage! And so is handwashing. I really think I’ve started a movement. Everyone wants to be more like a raccoon!

I’m the 2020-2021 Mask-cot, here to inspire you all. Well, you’re welcome!

As a foodie, my experience in restaurants over the past year and a half has been a bit different than it was in years past. There wasn’t as much indoor dining, that’s for sure! However, on the upside, I’ve found that getting free food is easier than ever!

People put food outside on tables for “contact free” pickup. Ha! If I’m really quick, I get to the table before

the person who ordered (and paid for) the food. I take it and run! After all, I’m still waiting on my stimulus check…

Just joking! (or am I?) But in all seriousness, you humans really need to take it easy and enjoy life. In the springtime, we focus on things growing.

We see the leaves returning, flowering blooming, and gardens beginning to grow. There’s so much ABUNDANCE all around us. There is much to be grateful for.

I’ll be even more grateful when I see bags of marshmallows sitting around campfires. Seriously: If you’re going camping, don’t forget the marshmallows!

(Just sayin’…).

Now, just a few words of wisdom in this age of takeout and social distancing: • Support your local bars and restaurants

(Many of them advertise in this paper) • Love thy neighbor.

• Focus on your blessings.

• Be optimistic: Faith over Fear • Give from your heart, however you can.

And hey, go out when you can. Meet some friends at your local restaurant, bar, or tavern. Toast each other’s health. Toast each other’s prosperity. Celebrate your wins. And please, take care of your health. (Go easy on the marshmallows!)

I will leave you with this challenge: Let’s turn mayhem into magnanimity. Be magnanimous for the remainder of 2021 – And thereafter!

Mag-nan-i-mous - adj. Highly moral, especially in showing kindness or forgiveness, as in overlooking insults or not seeking revenge.

Stay curious, my friends! And enjoy life to its fullness. Even in the crazy 2020s. See you next time!

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2020 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

12 great northern news | Summer 2021

Get grilling this summer with these tasty recipes Add some summer fun to your next meal with Dessert Tacos. They are a kid-friendly treat that even grownups will love. You can experiment with different ice cream flavors and topping combinations. There are lots of options.

Tex Mex Brunch Cups are perfect for your next breakfast meal or brunch. They are packed with plenty of your favorite Mexican flavors. Most of the assembly can be done ahead and the cups can be made different sizes, depending on which muffin pan you use. I used a large muffin pan but if you use a smaller pan, these cups can be used as appetizers.

The recipe makes 6-7 large brunch cups. Pair the meal with fresh fruit.

Deviled Eggs meet guacamole for a perfect appetizer for your next margarita and chip gathering. Recipe makes 12 servings and can easily be increased to serve more. Inspiration comes from Food Network Magazine April 2020.

Watermelon-Heirloon Tomato Peach Salad features seasonal tomatoes, watermelon and peaches to create a sensationally delicious side dish. This salad is vibrant in color and explodes with juiciness. Since tomatoes and watermelon both release a lot of moisture, yellow cherry tomatoes were used. They have less moisture than the larger variety.

Moroccan Grilled Chicken Kebabs with Tzatziki Sauce are a tasty, grilled, skewered chicken marinated in a Moroccanstyle spice blend. It’s easy to make, marinating the chicken in lemon juice, olive oil and a blend of Mediterranean spice flavors and then grilling it. As a timesaver, serve kebabs using a prepared box of herb couscous or Basmati Rice (try Roasted Chicken Flavor and Herbs with Orzo Pasta). Recipe adapted from closetcooking.com and serves 4.

CHUNKY GUACAMOLE DEVILED EGGS

TEX MEX BRUNCH CUPS Start to finish: 30 minutes | Servings: 6-7 Ingredients: 1 box refrigerated Pillsbury Pie Crusts 3/4 pound Italian Sausage or Mexican Chorizo 3/4 cup each sweet onion, diced, and red and yellow sweet mini peppers, diced.

Optional: 2 tablespoons green chiles 1 cup Mexican 4 Cheeses (prepared package) 6 large eggs 3 Tablespoons of your favorite salsa 1/2 teaspoon cumin Sprinkle of dried parsley flakes 3 Tablespoons heavy cream Directions: Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. In a large skillet, cook sausage with peppers and onions. Add in chiles, if using.

Drain and crumble meat. Set aside.

In a blender, mix eggs, salsa, heavy cream and cumin.

Place two sheets of wax paper on a work surface and sprinkle with a generous amount of flour.

Use one sheet of pie crusts at a time, keeping the other one chilled.

Since the diameter of the muffin cup was 3-1/2 inches, I used a 4-inch bowl for cutting out pie crust circles.

Press each round into muffin cup.You may have to re-roll scraps to make 7 cups.

Spoon into each pie crust cup a generous tablespoon of the sausage, onion and pepper mixture.

Divide the cheese mixture among the cups.

Pour or spoon liquid carefully, dividing among the cups.

Do not pour liquid over pie crust rim. Sprinkle each cup with parsley flakes.

Bake 17-18 minutes until filling is set.

Let brunch cups rest in pan for 5 minutes before removing.

DESSERT TACOS Start to finish: 30 minutes | Servings:Variable Ingredients: Waffle shells Ice cream (any flavor) Toppings (e.g., nuts, cherries, sprinkles) Whipped cream Chocolate or caramel sauce

Start to finish: 60 minutes | Servings: 12 Ingredients: 6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chilled 1 avocado, peeled and mashed 2 tablespoons red onion, minced 2 tablespoons Miracle Whip or mayonnaise Lime squeeze 3 tablespoons diced cherry tomatoes, patted dry on a paper towel Dash of sea salt and red pepper flakes Optional: cilantro Directions: Slice each egg in half and remove yolks.

In a small bowl, add yolks, mashed avocado, onion, spices, mayonnaise and lime squeeze.

Mix ingredients all together and fold in diced tomatoes.

Fill each egg white with mixture.

Refrigerate several hours before serving.

Cooking Tip: Peel hard boiled eggs right after they have been submerged in cold water for 2 minutes. Chill peeled eggs for 30 minutes which helps eggs hold shape better for slicing and filling.

Directions: Do one shell at a time. Wrap one waffle cone in a damp paper towel and microwave 15 seconds. Unwrap and press waffle bowl slightly to form a taco shape.

Hold a few seconds to cool and place on a plate. Repeat steps for the number of shells you will need.

Next, use a small teaspoon to fill each shell with ice cream.

Drizzle chocolate or caramel sauce (or even both) over ice cream. Add your desired toppings.

Another option is to build your sundae in the waffle bowl with ice cream, sauce and a variety of toppings.

Cook’s Notes: You will need a box of waffle bowls for the taco shells and a variety of toppings.

I went with a Fourth of July theme, so I used two kinds of sprinkles and mini M&M baking chips.

The shells can be made ahead and stored uncovered at room temperature. Recipe inspiration: Better Homes & Gardens.

Cooking Tip: Use chocolate or caramel sauce at room temperature for better results.

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Summer 2021 | great northern news 13

MOROCCAN GRILLED CHICKEN KEBABS WITH TZATZIKI SAUCE Start to finish: 40 minutes | Servings: 4 Ingredients: 1 pound boneless-skinless chicken, cut into chunks 2 Tablespoons lemon juice (half of a fresh lemon) 2 Tablespoons olive oil, garlic olive oil or Eureka Lemon Fused Olive Oil 1 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/8 teaspoon each cinnamon and ginger 1/4 teaspoon each turmeric, saffron or curry, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper 2 cloves garlic, minced Lemon slices 10 large wood skewers (soaked in water at least 30 minutes).

Optional veggies to thread on skewers: zucchini (green or yellow), sliced into 1/3-inch rings, medium bell peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces, 1 medium sweet or red onion, sliced into chunks, medium-sized mushrooms, rinsed and dried on paper towels Directions: Place chicken pieces in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.

Combine spices in another small bowl and sprinkle over the chicken pieces.

Place in a freezer Ziploc bag and marinate the chicken for several hours.

Drain marinade and skewer the chicken along with the veggies.

Grill over medium-high heat until cooked, about 10 minutes per side.

Serve with a Tzatziki Sauce found in the produce refrigerated section.

It’s a healthy yogurt sauce you can serve with chicken, grilled veggies, pita chips, gyros or even as a raw veggie dip.

Cooking Tip: I found grilling the kebabs on a double sheet of foil worked well.

WATERMELON-HEIRLOOM TOMATO PEACH SALAD Start to finish: 60 minutes | Servings: 6

Ingredients: 2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil or lemon olive oil 1 Tablespoon each chopped parsley and basil or 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn.

1-1/2 Tablespoons white balsamic vinegar or Lemongrass Mint Balsamic 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice 1 Tablespoon honey 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup yellow cherry tomatoes, halved 2 cups red seedless watermelon, cubed 2 cups peaches, diced 1 cup blueberries, optional 1/3-1/2 cup red onion slices 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese or fresh mozzarella cheese balls, halved Directions: Cut melon into cubes, sprinkle with a little sugar to draw out moisture and drain in a colander. Halve the tomatoes and sprinkle with salt to draw out moisture. Set them out on paper towels for 10 minutes. Proceed with recipe directions.

Whisk together olive oil, vinegar and juice.

Add in salted tomatoes, watermelon, peaches, herbs and red onion; toss to coat. Chill in refrigerator 30 minutes.

Drain salad mixture in a colander, sprinkle with cheese; toss gently before serving.

14 great northern news | Summer 2021

Summer 2021 | great northern news 15

PAGE 12

GREAT NORTHERN NEWS

by Johyn Wetsroky The timberwolf was pushing snow with its deep chest as it wove its way along the creek bottom. Frost clung to its whiskers at the sides of the long, broad nose and steam rose from the nostrils. The wolf paused at the edge of the field clearing.

She was a huge specimen and had reared many litters of pups, but now she was alone. She had purposely left the confines of the pack to seek her final resting place. She could no longer bring down a deer or gracefully leap into

the hip deep snow and bring out a mouse or vole. Her teeth, some of them now broken, could no longer tear their way through bone and sinew.

It was a crystalline night in the woods. Snow sparkled on every bough of fir and the scattered beaver ponds resembled flat, white featherbeds. Stars glistened overhead so clearly that they looked closer to the earth than normal. No hint of wind could be detected as the old wolf sniffed the air, hoping to detect the scent of an easy meal.

She snorted as she heard her pack to the northwest. The

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young pups were beginning their chorus. Then the pack leader opened his hymnal and the others of the pack suddenly became quiet. She knew the sound of the leader. She had run beside him as he threw himself into the side of a weakened deer last winter and the pack converged to eat their fill.

No trace of the deer was to be found when they had finished.

Just a hollow, red spot in the snow.

The old wolf knew the power of the pack. How each individual had a specific purpose and how they employed those instincts toward survival. She longed to run again with them. She whimpered a short answer in their direction.

The sound of the pack came closer to her as she stood alone on the edge of the field and suddenly a deer burst from the trees and lunged across the opening. She could hear the pack in close pursuit and she could not help herself and she threw her old bones into the chase.

Within seconds the big male was running close beside her as they closed on the quarry. She felt his breath and could hear his lungs grabbing for fresh air. As in past hunts, she took the left side and the big male took the right. She knew what was next.

With a lunge, the huge male grabbed a front leg of the deer and it rolled in a avalanche of powdered snow. With all her strength, she powered into the deer and within seconds all was quiet, except for the puffing of the rest of the pack as they caught up to their prey.

The leader looked on as she ate her fill. The others waited until she was sated before they took their turn. As the pack moved off after they had cleaned up, the old wolf stood and watched. The leader stopped, looked back at her over his broad shoulder, lifted his huge head and raised his deep, mellow voice to the heavens. It was his goodbye to a worthy partner. He disappeared into the darkness of the bush along with the others.

It was her final hunt.

me up, carried me across you were there all night and Tinker: the room and dropped me didn’t bite her she Dear should Dear Tinker: back in my normal tank untrust you again.

My name is Roscoe, and I am a raccoon in town on My name is Sophie, I am an orange, domestic, ceremoniously.

Sheand hasn’t business. The other night, I was enjoying the night short hair day, I went outTinker to the gapicked mecat. up The in a other few days Dear air when I spotted a dish full of food. Being the and watching name is not Sonny. I am rage toeven eat mywas midnight snack, onlyMy to find that, scrapper TV me! gone, We ALan appaloosa horse and for that I am, I went and ate it. The bowl was only without was my food but I spied a raccoon runshiny, so I decided to keep it as a souvenir from my WAYS watch Doctor Who the past three years I have ning away with my food bowl. What should I do? together, that’s our thing! led a wonderful lifetrip. as As an finished my midnight snack, I grabbed the Dearmom Sophie: My thinks I’m a bitonly horse enjoying bowl the unand was walking off. I was then approached by I think knowI that raccoon. is Monsieur May- and love er nowI and don’t know Hedivided attention an orange cat. Oh. My. Gosh… was she mad! She how show her still aI will of give my human. hem’stocousin, and I’m for $234 you his Unfortunateadthreatened legal action if I did not pay for her food good dress. snake. I just want my ly this has come to an end return the bowl. What should I do? cuddle buddy back! Please with the addition ofand a new help me, Tinker! horse into our family.

Her Dear Roscoe: name is Lovey, and I hate If there is knock at your door don’t answer it.

Dear Squiggles, her. My human is spending P.S. I know nothing.

This is a common probnearly half of the time she lem every house pet goes used to dedicate to pamthrough at one point or anpering me to consorting

16 great northern news | Summer 2021

JUNE 24-27, 2021

Thursday, June 24 8-9:30am 8-9:30am 10am-1pm 4pm - - - 4-7pm - - 5pm - - - 6-10pm - 6;30 - - 8:30pm - -

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Friday, June 25 11am - - 11am-7pm Noon - - 1pm - - - -

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Noon-Midnight 1-5pm - - - - 8pm - - - - - 8:30pm - - - -

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-4-H & Open Class Livestock Check In -Open Class Exhibit Check In -Open Class Judging -Exhibit & Commercial Buildings Open -Tiny Hands Farm Tours -Midway Opens -Midway Armband Hours -Horse Fun Show -Exhibit & Commercial Buildings Close

-Exhibit & Commercial Buildings Open -Tiny Hands Farm Tours -Midway Opens -Cass County Senior Recognition & Outstanding Senior Citizens Awards -Beer Garden Sponsored by Pine River American Legion -Midway Armband Hours -Muddy Water Band -Exhibit & Commercial Buildings Close

Saturday, June 26 10am - - - - 11am - - - - 11am - - - - Noon-8pm - Noon-Midnight 1-3pm - - - - 3:30pm - - - 5:30pm - - - 5:30pm - - - -

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5:30pm 6-10pm 7pm - 8pm - 8:30pm

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Sunday, June 27 Noon - - Noon-2pm 3pm - - - 3pm - - - 4-6pm - - -

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-Junior Livestock Jackpot Show -Exhibit & Commercial Buildings Open -Midway Opens -Tiny Hands Farm Tours -Beer Garden Sponsored by Pine River American Legion -Senior Band & Dance: Frank, Fran & Country Swingers -FREE Kids Games & Frying Pan Toss -Cass County Farm Bureau Dinner -Youth Livestock Auction Businesses & individuals invited to attend & buy!

-Announcement of Farm Family & Century Farm -Midway Armband Hours -Baja Rally Grand Stand Event -Naked Cowboys Band -Exhibit & Commercial Buildings Close

-Exhibit & Commercial Buildings Open -Tiny Hands Farm Tours -Non-Livestock Awards -Commercial & Food Vendors Released -4-H & Open Class Exhibits Released

www.theCassCountyFairMN.org

Fair schedule and events are subject to change in time or cancellation, please visit the website for notices.