Great Northern News, September 2021

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n r e great North news September 2021 | Vol. 8 | Number 2

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

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Ripley’s Hidden Gem Pages 4-5

By Betsy Schroeder There’s a new artist in town! Jessie Groeschen is an award-winning and world-renowned chainsaw carver, Hollywood stunt double, and published author with a deep passion and love for the forest.

Originally from the Pacific Northwest and a longtime resident of the Redwood Forest of California, Groeschen recently bought her dream property outside the small town of Hackensack, Minnesota.

Jessie’s story continues on page 8

~ Photo by Scott Sater Photography ~

Coffee: Awake & Alive Page 7

Honoring our Heroes Page 15

2 great northern news | September 2021

September 2021 | great northern news

Publisher’s Note

By Doug Taylor When I first met my grandfather’s first cousin, Wild Bill Brody, he looked to be in his 80s, fresh from a fight. His face sported a map of wrinkles, and he was just as rugged, like the land from which he carved a living. I knew little of Bill except that he grew up with my grandfather, was from a tough pioneer family, and once called Hackensack, Minnesota home.We met on a homestead in Alaska, not far from Cook Inlet, just out of Ninilchik. It was a land wafting with the scent offresh green grass, surrounded by snowcapped mountains, and situated next to a vast cleared field. Near us: beefalo, Bald Eagles, moose, horses, and other critters.

There were even grizzlies catching salmon in a stream just a few hundred yards away.I caught a free-ranging bay mare for a summer horse and trained her to come to me in the morning. I would call her to my front door, give her apple treats and catch her again and again.

Little did I know, she was smart and had her own ideas. I was on the other side of the field working with Bill when she pushed my cabin door open, entered, ate all the treats she could find, and, after relieving herself on the floor, went on her merry way. I didn’t see her for days. The next time she showed up, she taught me another lesson. She began by posing as a well-mannered horse, a pleasure to ride in a walk and trot. But when I put her into a run, she made such a sharp right without any notice, that she sent me tumbling with a face plant in the muddy, wet sod. Bill, normally a quiet man who showed little expression, cracked a smile and chuckled.

My next excursions involved fishing halibut, digging clams, getting coal forheat, observing monstrous moose and making hay –all with an ocean view. Everything was intriguing, but nothing more so than the company of this quiet, mysterious man. I noticed scars on his arm; one looked like a bullet hole. He would shake sometimes and mumble, “damn malaria!” The outhouse sported a helmet I have never seen the likes of. Carved on top were the names of several towns that must have been sites of major battles in World War II.

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Publisher: Doug Taylor Design/Layout: Tracy Wallin Photographer: Scott Sater Proofreading: Betsy Schroeder Guest Writers: Betsy Schroeder • Sue Ready Rich Engstrom • Kate Perkins William S. Weinrich • John Wetrosky Dick Carlson • Jonah Lazerine Mike French • Monsieur Mayhem Distribution: Mike Bellows & Doug Taylor Animal Wranglers: Justin Anderson, Doug Taylor & David Mitchell

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Bill was a solid-rock type of character of few words and something about him seemed dangerous –he was a fighting man and not one who could merely beat the tar out of you. Although he was quiet, his story slowly unfolded as we worked together, sometimes 16 hours a day, for it was always daylight. I noticed he walked in a very curious way, and then I thought, it is as if he marches a little. Bill was in his 80s and me, 20,and a college wrestler. Still, I could hardly keep up with him. We were clearing land, picking up sticks, tending animals, fixing fences, and, our main project: bailing square bales of hay for the winter. One day, I went to town, and being a tourist, I looked for postcards at the local convenience store. I soon came across a book about grizzly bear attacks. There was Wild Bill Brody!! Paging through the book, I found out he was a U.S. Marine who was awarded a Purple Heart. He was among the first to fight in many major battles in World War II, including Okinawa.It was 1955, on a moose hunt when Bill split up with his hunting partner and shortly after encountered one of the most dangerous critters nature encompasses –a large sow and her cubs – just 50 feetaway. She charged, and in a few bounds was upon Bill. Up on her hind legs with razorsharp claws out, she roared. Bill didn’t run, nor could he shoot, for his gun made nothing more than a mere click. He didn’t wait for her first move but surprised her by charging! He slammed right into her chest, dodging her outstretched arms. Placing his head in her hairy chest, he ducked under her paws and slid behind her, avoiding the deadly blow. The bear tried to bite as Bill filled his hands with bear fur. She stood again, with outstretched arms, and started coming. Again, Bill jumped against her, she grabbed at him, and again, he slid behind her. Six times he evaded her square hits, but after all his successful efforts, Bill’s speed and strength were waning. The sow finally caught him in a bear hug, but before she could squeeze, Bill slid from her grasp. At this time, her claws sliced deeply into his sides, like the hottest of coals. She threw a haymaker.

Bill ducked but caught her elbow in the eye, knocking him to the ground. The bear pounced, and Bill lashed out with his feet, but she was too fast and grabbed his foot in her mouth.As she reared up, Bill hung like curtains held by one foot. With his head swinging off the ground, his body banged against her. It wasonly because of his boot sole that his foot wasn’t crushed.

Shaking Bill, the bear dropped him, and he rolled away. But soon, she was back on top of him! Clawing

The First Automobile in the Lakes Area There came a time when people no longer heard the clippedly clop, felt an ease in the tugs and a light hand on the lines as a wagon gained momentum. Instead, the streets were filled with the rattle, pop, snort of the first automobile traveling along the wagon road in the Lakes Area.

Settlers were wide-eyed at the sight, and followed along on foot, on horse, oxen and jackass.

To see a horseless carriage for the time would have been perhaps as odd as us witnessing a spaceship from another planet today. The first tires were rock-solid rubber, rough-riding and most definitely a moving spectacle that won admiration.

O n e

Auto Chris • Home • Business Hanneken Farm • Life • Health Agent Pine River Community Resource Center

him, she pulled Bill towards her, but he rolled away, managing to free himself and get to hisfeet. Again, he slammed into her and grabbed a handful of her thick hair. The bear kept swinging, shredding most of his clothes. Bill was weak from injuries and too slow to react. The bear bit down clear to the bone, severing Bill’s radial nerve and dropping his arm, limp to his side.

In his last effort, Bill slid behind her and somehow, it worked this time. The bear lumbered off in her classic bear gait –off to retrieve her cubs. Bill, thankfully, was still on his feet. He returned home, recovered from his injuries and purchased a new gun for future hunts.

Life can be a (grizzly) bear sometimes, trying to get you down and even shred you to pieces. The trick is to outsmart the bear and never give up. Always have your next move in mind. Stand your ground, and no matter how many times you fall, always get back up again.

After all, the best is yet to come!

Former Hotel Gains Reputation as Binge Drinking Rest Stop then made a deal with a Brainerd saloon keeper, James McCabe, to see his homestead rights and stay on the place as the caretaker.

McCabe wanted the property for a new type of business. In its buildings, he planned to cater to men who liked to go on drinking binges and stay drunk for a weekend, a week, or more. The guest would arrive with a supply of liquor and stay until it was gone. McCabe’s property – informally called The Binge Hotel – acquired a reputation throughout the Minnesota Northwest and quickly became a success.

For some reason, caretaking, or life itself proved too stressful for former owner Riley. One morn-

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The Binge Hotel:

By Dick Carlson, courtesy of ‘Old Timers’ In 1894, an astute old lumberjack, George Riley – sensing that the new railroad was coming north through Nisswa to Walker – homesteaded an area that included a triangle of land between Lower Cullen and Lake Edna.

Others had tried a similar tactic to extract money from the railroad, notably Reuben Gray, who bought land at the Gull-Round connection. For Gray, who did significant development, the plan didn’t work. For Riley, it did.

The B&NM bought right-of-way through his property for $200 – a princely sum in those days. Riley promptly spent it all on liquor. He

early admirer was Nimrod Sol, who immediately made a purchase of a new automobile – perhaps the first such purchase in our neck of the woods.

It was said that the salesman offered little instruction on operating procedures and how to handle the vessel, but gave its new owner the wheel and, after a not-unreckless cruise around the barnyard, the two childlike adults headed to the bank to seal a deal. Then they went onto Brainerd for a few stiff drinks.

After the excursion to Brainerd, Nimrod Sol dropped the salesman in town and commenced for home. Upon arrival, with sizable audience of witnesses, Sol regressed to his thoroughly ingrained horse-handling habits. With a violent explosion, the sound of splitting lumber and a fair amount of profanity and the yell of Whoa!

Sol’s brand-new car had its first crash, as he drove it right through a wall.

ing, he hung himself from a tree on the property. The place went through a series of owners and sold at auction in 1918.

No one wanted the main house itself, which remained abandoned for years as the area’s “Haunted House.” It was finally razed in the mid-1920s when much of the land

was subdivided by a Twin Cities attorney named Drew. The land later became a state highway rest stop, but it remains vacant to this day, presumably to be used for the expansion of Highway 371. Listen closely as you drive by, and you may still hear the clink of bottles.

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Autumn Romance What’s the most romantic thing to do in the Brainerd Lakes Area? A stagecoach dinner ride to the Salty Dog Saloon featuring fall photos, comedy, costumed actors, and beautiful horses.

We wait while you eat.

Contact Action Entertainment 218-839-2514

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4 great northern news | September 2021

September 2021 | great northern news

By Sue Ready

Tucked away off Highway 371 lies a hidden gem, the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum at Camp Ripley in Little Falls. Here, you’ll discover the stories and contributions of Minnesotans who served and sacrificed from our state’s earliest years to the present, representing all 6 branches of service. The museum is operated by the Military Historical Society of Minnesota, a non-profit 501(c)(3) educational organization, chartered to preserve and interpret military history. It was founded in 1976.

Check their website, www.mnmilitarymuseum.org, for hours of operation.

The museum has an astounding 80,000 artifacts, stored in dozens of buildings. Exhibits range from just before the American Civil War up until the Global War on Terror.

The displays are designed to strengthen visitors’ understanding of how armed conflicts and military institutions have shaped our State and Nation from pioneer days to the present. An extensive collection of uniforms, weapons, equipment, insignia, flags, artifacts and records are on display throughout the museum. A growing collection of personal histories of Minnesota veterans and their military service takes on many forms.

Veterans or their family members are strongly encouraged to write about their military experiences and send copies to the museum. Photos and official documents can be included in these write ups. In the Vietnam section, an entire wall has stories excerpted from veterans’ interviews. The preservation of military service is also encouraged through another avenue, oral history. An interviewer from the museum can meet with a veteran, face to face,

Huey Helicopter

Vietnam Diorama

Desert Storm Diorama

and the exchange is recorded in audio or video format.

The museum’s Executive Director, Randal Dietrich, finds one of the most rewarding parts of his job is the excitement people feel telling their stories, and sharing their experiences as they relate to certain museum pieces on display.

A little-known fact is that the museum serves as the principal repository for the extensive collection of General John W. Vessey, Jr. He was Minnesota’s most decorated veteran.

Don’t forget to check out the museum’s library with over 15,000 circulating books, manuscripts, pamphlets and a large collection of historical military technical and field manuals. A must-see in the library is the 30ft. WWI Panorama America Mural. It depicts individual Americans who have helped shape, or were shaped by the war, and who had a hand in the making of modern America. It was inspired by the expansive Pantheon de la Guerre mural completed by French artists 100 years ago to memorialize World War I. Minneapolis artist, David Geister, and museum director, Randal Dietrich, teamed up to create this stunning piece of artwork for the museum. The bio for each of the 100 people featured can be found on the museum’s website.

It’s interesting to note that several times each year, the museum selects a Minnesota veteran whose military service of historical importance deserves a “shout out.” A special display is created that includes a short veteran bio with photos and artifacts.

The museum’s website is user-friendly and comprehensive. A variety of teacher resources that enhance student insights into American History from the Civil War, WW I, WWII, Korea and Vietnam with grade-appropriate material is available. Teachers are encouraged to request a traveling trunk for their

classrooms or request a living history tour guide for their classes, making their visit an in-person experience.

Outdoor exhibits include more than 60 vehicles, tanks, aircraft and artillery pieces. You can even climb in the driver’s seat of a tank turret or step inside a rare 40&8 boxcar used to transport American troops and horses in France during WWI. With so many expanding exhibits and collections, it’s no surprise the museum has outgrown its space. In the spring of 2023, a new facility of 40,000 square feet will be constructed closer to Highway 371, situated on 30 acres. The new site will increase exposure and traffic. The plan is to have a 600-by-200-foot parade grounds with a review stand and reflecting pool for each military branch. A trail called the Gold Star Trail will wind through the property. There will be a court of honor, a veteran’s plaza and space for tanks and other military equipment. Inside, the museum will offer galleries for wars from the Global War on Terror back to the Civil War — in addition to the home-front efforts. There will be an art gallery, classrooms, a theater, research library, exhibit galleries, a resource center and, of course, a welcome desk. Dietrich is looking forward to the opportunity of showcasing the stories of more than 40,000 post 9-11 veterans with a larger space.

So far, $13 million for a new museum has been approved by state legislators, ensuring the construction of this facility. They are in the process of launching a capital campaign to raise another $8 million to fully outfit this new facility with needed tools and technology.

One of the best things about visiting a military museum is the enormous amount of information they offer visitors in a myriad of ways. There’s something for everyone.

National Guard Diorama

Diorama of the Civil War

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6 great northern news | September 2021

Book Review: ‘The Old Crocodile Man Theory’

PAGE 12

GREAT NORTHERN NEWS

JULY/AUGUST 2017

young pups were beginning their chorus. Then the pack leader opened his hymnal and the others of the pack suddenbecame quiet. The She knew sound of the leader.

She had thelyconversations. story’sthe pace moves right along, and then change back into a

By Sue Ready run beside him as he threw himself into the side of a weakkeeping the reader engaged. The descriptive language regular human. Haunted by “The Old Crocodile-Man ened deer last winter and the pack converged to eat their fill. gives the sense in both Southeast Molly’s recent death, there are Theory” is an engrossing and No tracereader of the adeer wasoftoplace be found when they had finished.

Alaska Africa. to imagine many unanswered questions. intriguing novel of love and Just aand hollow, red It’s spoteasy in the snow. the sights, Theand oldsmells wolf knew thelocation. power ofLearning the pack.

How each sounds in each about Kael decides a new fork in the atonement, deceit and bribery, individual had a specific purpose and how they employed new places one may never visit is an enriching benefit road has now presented him often shrouded in African sorthose instincts toward survival. She longed to run again of with the story. evident that the author hopes readers with several unexpected opcery and black magic beliefs. A them.It’s She whimpered a short answer in their direction. will come away of with new appreciation of her a beautiful portunities. Since he will soon variety of environmental issues The sound thea pack came closer to as she stood alone on thegentle edge ofpeople the field andhave suddenly country with who had toa deer deal burst with from need a new job, he reconnects are central themes to the storythe trees and lunged across the opening.

She could hear the more than their fair share of problems. with his friend, Nick Cinzano, line. Philip Hunsicker’s debut pack in close pursuit and she could not help herself and she The alternate Kael’s story and that who is still involved in Cennovel hits a home run with his threwchapters her old bones intobetween the chase. of Bolo, a hired-to-kill elephant poacher who shows tral African Republic projects. readers.

Within seconds the big male was running close beside her they closed the quarry. feltchapters his breath and could noasmercy for hison victims.

WhileShe Kael’s appear While living in Washington Hunsicker is a writer, musihear his fresh air.

Ashumorous in past hunts, she lighter andlungs moregrabbing human, for peppered with D.C., Kael is offered a job as cian and radical environmentook the left side and the big male took the right. She knew dialogue and many one-liners, Bolo’s chilling chapters a Director of the Doli-Nagili talist – three things his pragwhat was next. are tense, robotic – with no humor.

Project in Central Africa. matic high school guidance With aviolent, lunge, and the huge male grabbed a frontReadleg of the ersdeer are and keptitguessing the novel how these The project involves elcounselor specifically told him rolled in athroughout avalanche of powdered snow.

With all her strength, she powered into the deer and within seconds ephant protection, as elephants two stories, told in different voices, are going to come not to pursue. He is a part-time all was quiet, except for the puffing of the rest of the pack as together. are being slaughtered to fuel bluegrass musician and fullPhilip Hunsicker they caught up to their prey.

Hunsicker is looked a talented writer who to- waitthe ivory helping to time expertWetsroky on aquatic invasive

by Johyn the hip deep snow and bring out a trade, mouse plus or vole.

Her teeth, The leader on as she ate herhas fill.woven The others a fascinating, heartfelt love,their compassion companies’ illegal activities.

Corruption species (AIS) in Minnesota. and hisits wife, Denise, The timberwolf was pushingPhil snow with deep chest as stop somelogging of them now broken, could no longer tear their way gether ed until she was sated beforestory theyoftook turn. As the itlive wove way lake alongoutside the creek bottom.Minnesota, Frost clung to its and through bonefrom and the sinew. pack moved off after had cleaned up, theit’s oldboth wolf stood reconnection.

Forthey the protagonist, Kael, bribery top down to local leaders are the and on its a quiet Brainerd, whiskers at the sides of the long, broad nose and steam rose It was a crystalline night in the woods.

Snow sparkled on and watched.

The leader stopped, looked back at her over a reconnection with his son, Josie, and with a counnorm for those living in the Central Africa Republic. where he continues to write and play music with his from the nostrils. The wolf paused at the edge of the field every bough of fir and the scattered beaver ponds resembled his broad shoulder, lifted his huge head and raised his deep,

band – Hans Blix and the Weapons Inspectors.

Book Synopsis Kael Husker, a fish biologist in Southeast Alaska, is on the brink of unemployment. The salmon hatchery where he works is facing a company closure. An unexpected news clipping sends Kael into a tailspin: Crocodile Man Kills American Researcher. This was shocking as the researcher, Molly McGinley, was his former Peace Corps co-worker from 10 years ago. The article listed her death as accidental drowning, and a Crocodile Man has been accused of the crime and imprisoned. As Kael knows all too well from living there, it’s a commonly held belief by Central Africans that certain individuals have the mystical power to change themselves into a crocodile, commit murder

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Besides wanting to uncover the truth of Molly’s death and rescue an innocent man in jail framed for killing Molly, Kael hopes to reconnect with his son, Josie.

Josie was left behind ten years ago, and Kael hopes to finally make things right. Throughout the story, Kael is known for devising theories that explain life’s little riddles, such as height, tide tables, elephant culling and even the validity of the Crocodile Man. His deductions are approached with subtle humor and tenacity as he searches for more answers. His Hidden Cove Theory proves to be the story’s pièce de résistance.

Hunsicker’s wealth of real-life experiences lend an authentic voice to a well-crafted story, as his experiences parallel those of the protagonist, Kael Husker. The storyline is unique, keeping the reader’s attention right down to the last page as new events unfold.

Sentences are crisp and flow easily, as the author employs a natural speaking dialogue. It helps the reader feel like he/she is right in the middle of

try he once spent a good deal of time in. Hunsicker is hoping to reconnect his readers with a love of the environment. He has dedicated his life to addressing environmental issues, and he hopes elements of the story will resonate with readers long after the book has been read. He aspires to elicit a change in behavior and thinking, ultimately, promoting the preservation of the environment for future generations.

Coffee:

By Mike French If you’re a coffee connoisseur, it’s a great time to be alive. Coffee has entered a new generation, perhaps even a paradigm shift. What am I talking about? I’m talking about the age of the micro-roastery. Micro roasters are usually small independent coffee roasters with a passion for quality and freshness.

Large roasting companies dominated the early 20th century marketplace, but most are now part of large conglomerates, such as Kraft Foods and Proctor and Gamble. The concept of centralized roasting and packaging yielded a very efficient and cost-effective way of processing large amounts of coffee as cheaply as possible. However, this effort to minimize cost and maximize profits, along with the purchasing of cheaper and lesser amounts of quality green coffees, drove the quality of the coffee experience and the amount of coffee consumed to the lowest point in recent history.

Enter the mermaid – i. e., Starbucks (along with a handful of less well-known small regional roaster retailers). These retailers ushered in a coffee revolution with the introduction of milk-based and flavored coffee drinks. This change in roasting philosophy and increased quality of product fueled a new level of popularity for coffee across the country.

Twenty years later, nearly every major food franchise is offering its own brand variation of coffee products.

Consumption is at an all-time high, but with an impending coffee shortage worldwide, the price of green coffees has been driven to new heights. With this increase in popularity and consumption, a new group of education consumers has developed, all who want the utmost in quality and freshness.

Centralized roasting (large roasting plants) and mass distribution (i. e. long times in transit) are just not scientifically compatible with high coffee quality and freshness. Coffee, especially after roasting, is a perishable food product.

Jerry Baldwin, CEO of Peet’s Coffee, said it best,

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With Angela Maria Castaño M and Jesus Armando Bedoya at El Diamante Coffee Finca in Colombia “As roasters, we are all in the same game – getting the coffee out of our roasters and into the consumer’s cups as quick as we can.”

Most people are unaware of the rapid degradation of coffee quality with exposure to oxygen, moisture, heat and ultraviolet light. Coffee will actually off-gas (lose) half of its volatile aromatics in one week at room temperature. If you increase the heat, it loses even more.

What you are losing is flavor. Your sense of smell accounts for 80 percent of what you interpret as flavor.

If you consider the long time in transit and storage on the shelves of coffees sold to the public, the effect is a greatly decreased quality of product. Another enemy of coffee that reduces its quality in the cup is oxygen.

Coffee, as it leaves the roaster, contains about six percent oxygen. One percent is all that is needed to cause oxidative rancidity in 9-10 days. Oxidative rancidity is an indication of age that can be easily identified by its somewhat sweet, yet pungent aroma. After oxidation, the coffee soon becomes stale and lifeless. Presently,

even the best packaging systems cannot protect from this phenomenon.

So, how do we get coffee that has this remarkably enticing aromatic quality with all of the flavor we are looking for? Enter the next generation: the local micro-roaster and coffee merchant who can deliver coffee fresher than any other competitor.

My advice for those seeking a truly unparalleled coffee experience and education is to visit a microroastery. The coffee will be rich and full-flavored; the aromas will be brightly alive and intoxicatingly sweet.

You may find out what you’ve been missing!

Stonehouse Coffee sets a new standard for freshness and quality. The pursuit of ethically grown quality coffee has been endless and exhaustive with travel to some of the most remote coffee growing regions of the world. To learn more about their story and passionate pursuit of excellence, visit Stonehouse Coffee in Nisswa. You can also find them online at stonehousecoffee.com.

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September 2021 | great northern news

A tour in Jinotega Department of Nicaragua.

Rows of coffee bean plants grow in Nicaragua.

8 great northern news | September 2021

Carving a Niche in a New Town Continued from Page 1 -

What inspires a young woman to pursue chainsaw carving? Groeschen always knew she wanted to work with wood. Growing up with a father who was a woodworker and a mother who was an artist (fiber arts), she had a natural inclination toward both wood and art. It was while she was in college in the 1990s, not yet knowing what she wanted to do, that she was first introduced to furniture-making by a friend. She found herself intrigued by the idea of working with her hands and creating unique pieces out of wood.

Around the same time, Groeschen was also working a college job as a barista at a local coffee shop. There, she connected with a chainsaw artist whose carvings she had seen out the window of her school bus growing up. She shared with him her interest in learning about woodworking, and he invited her to come out to his place and learn from him, one-on-one.

The wood he primarily worked with was the Western Red Cedar that was plentiful in that region. This marked the beginning of Groeschen’s journey as a woodcarver.

As she spent time working with the cedar and breathing in its sweet and comforting scent, Groeschen felt as though wood were drawing her in and speaking to her. She even thought of herself as developing a friendship or “symbiotic relationship” with the aromatic wood as she carved. It was the start of a career in chainsaw artistry and a lifelong love of cedar.

Over the years that followed, Groeschen honed her skills and developed her craft, discovering her own unique style and building a name for herself.

As word of Groeschen’s artistic talent and love for cedar spread, people kept bringing or giving her cedar wood to carve. A friend in Paradise, California lost her house in the 2018 fire, but some of her beautiful trees remained. Unfortunately, the power company (PG&E) came and cut down the trees – both those scarred by fire and those that were still healthy. The friend was devastated by the loss of the trees in addition to her home. When Groeschen learned about the tree removal, she came to town and carved a “Phoenix Rising” sculpture out of one of the trees as a tribute to her friend and the community. That carving drew many community members in to tell their stories. There were stories of tragedy, escape, and hope. Everyone was so grateful for the beautiful carving, and it brought people together during a difficult time.

The Phoenix Rising is just one example of the interesting types of work Groeschen has done. Other pieces include giant tree stumps made into chairs, carved doors, totem poles, animal sculptures, custom signs, unique home exteriors, and more. The tallest piece she’s done so far was a 35-foot totem pole. That project came about at a time when she was doing some carving in a disaster area. A coastal storm had come in and had taken out 20+ trees. These trees were about 6 feet in diameter at the base, and she was converting them into works of art. A man who lived in the area stopped by and asked if she’d be interested in carving his standing 40-foot tree. She agreed and set about working on it. After cutting it down to a more manageable 35 feet, she spent 2 months making the tree into a beautiful totem pole.

Years later, after she’d discovered her passion for art, Groeschen returned to college, but this time with a clear focus. She pursued and earned a Fine Arts degree from Humboldt State University (HSU). At that time, she was living down the street from HSU in Arcata, California, and saw an opportunity to learn bronze casting. While she was firmly rooted in chainsaw carving at this point, the great art program and bronze facility down the street were too tempting to pass up. She now knew what she was doing with her life, and the Fine Arts degree reinforced her art expertise and her years of literal “hands-on” experience.

With her career in art, Groeschen has traveled the country and the world, participating in, and judging chainsaw competitions and doing commissioned work on home and commercial properties. She has taken her chainsaw all the way to the Netherlands, the UK, and Japan. She even found time to write a book on her craft: “Art of Chainsaw Carving: An Insider’s Look at 22 Artists Working Against the Grain.” Her art became so well-known that she was pursued by Hollywood.

“Behold My Heart” (later called “Dark Was the Night”) is a 2018 movie the tells a story of overcoming and finding healing and comfort in chainsaw carving. It starred Academy Award Winner, Marisa Tomei as the main character. The story is about how pursuing an art like chainsaw carving can be a deeply healing outlet – especially in recovering from trauma. Before the filming, Groeschen was approached by the production team to do the actual carving in the movie (as a stunt double for hand close-ups) and to coach the actress in how to look like an authentic chainsaw carver.

September 2021 | great northern news

9

Recently, Groeschen has gotten interested in the aromatic elements of cedar. She started making cedar hydrosols and essential oils out of the sawdust that was previously discarded as waste. She also learned about the Japanese practice of making healing bath soaks out of cedar sawdust. Cedar is considered a very sacred tree in Japan, and since moving to Minnesota, she’s learned that it’s also sacred to the Ojibwe or Anishinaabe people who are native to Hackensack and the surrounding area.

How did a world-renowned chainsaw artist come to live in Hackensack Minnesota? A chainsaw carving contest first brought Groeschen to the Brainerd Lakes Area as a judge back in 2010 and then she’d visit for a few weeks each year. On one of her visits to Minnesota, she saw an ad for some land for sale on the side of a truck. The ad was so captivating with its description of the songbirds, trees, and natural grasses on the property, that she knew she had to see this beautiful place. Once she saw it, she was sold – and the rest is history.

Now settled in at her very own Midwest cabin, Groeschen is creating a new studio, which she refers to as “a sacred healing place.” It’s a place where she can have people come and learn the art of trees and woodwork. She’s already enjoying hearing the music of the songbirds and watching majestic swans landing on the lakes. But she’s also looking forward to the solitude of a Minnesota winter. To learn more about Jessie Groeschen, visit her website, http://www.groeschen.com/ or, find her book through your local bookstore or Amazon. The book, “Art of Chainsaw Carving,” features a few other Minnesota chainsaw artists, who likewise were inspired by a love for trees and down-to-earth artistic expression.

~ Photos by Scott Sater Photography ~

Groeschen makes cedar hydrosols and essential oils out of the sawdust that was previously discarded as waste

Jessie Groeschen

Photos by Scott Sater Photography

10 great northern news | September 2021

FRONTIER ARCHIVES

Caveman Wreaks Havoc Upon Crosslake

By Jonah Lazerine It seems as if the laundry list of prehistoric creatures still alive is growing by the day.

A caveman has officially exacted a reign of terror upon the unassuming small town of Crosslake, Minnesota. Two townsmen were strangled to death in their small cottages on the outskirts of the town square, Friday.

Though the press does not have any technology to capture still frame images at this juncture -- we are currently attempting to develop what many inventors are calling the “camera” -- there are two witnesses that were able to give a description of the suspect.

One of the witnesses, Danielle Gustavson, saw her husband strangled in cold blood as he was sawing logs in the backyard of their home.

“He just ran out of nowhere towards my dear Henry and beat him on the back with a club until he was nearly out cold,” the recently widowed witness said.

“Then he just hopped on top of him and asphyxiated him until my dear husband was dead,” Danielle noted through teary eyes. “Now I have nobody to put bread on the table. You have no idea how hard it is to find a purebred husband in this town. The amount of 100 percent Irish Catholic men who haven’t committed crimes is dang near zero. I hope someday the government creates some sort of program that will allow me to live off the riches of the snobby business owners who parade up and down the streets in their fancy horse-drawn car-

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When asked why she didn’t attempt to defend her husband, the answer was clear. “It’s almost dang near impossible to do anything as a woman these days; I can’t even own a gun, let alone vote. So, I just had to stand there and watch this hairy beast rip my dear Henry apart.”

Danielle Gustavson, now known by her maiden name Lorenson, wasn’t the only wife affected by the murderous biped’s rampage.

Two other townsmen were killed in cold blood within their icehouse on the Whitefish chain of lakes.

Both Andrea Peterson and Michelle Robinson were at Catholic Mass on Saturday when the publication spoke to them.

“Normally, James is on the lake until seven when it’s time to eat. I was inside getting dinner ready and putting the kids down for their mid-day nap after school when I knew something was fishy, Peterson cried. “I went out onto the lake and saw him just lying outside of his fish house, all bloody and whatnot. Then there was the culprit; just standing there and pounding his chest, all hunched over. He looked hungry. I woulda offered him some food, but I figured since he had just killed my husband and whatnot, that it was a little in-

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------------------------------------------------------------------------------appropriate to start seeing people again. Rest in peace, James. I know they have all the beer you drink up in Irish-Catholic heaven.”

Widow Robinson was less hesitant to reach out to the beast. “I mean, he was all hungry-looking. Had his club flailing in the air and whatnot. I shoulda offered him some cornbread, but if I woulda invited him into my home, I’d probably be stoned to death. And I was wearing a dress cut above my ankles… Man, I felt salacious.”

There have been recent sightings of the caveman, but authorities have been shying away from proceeding with any investigation, out of fear. We ask that if anybody comes into contact with the beast, stay away and notify the authorities. Even if the letter would take 4-5 days to reach the police department. We believe him to be at least four feet in height and to have a very furry torso.

But in other news… three women are now widowed and will be seeking husbands to wed immediately under the principles of Catholicism. Funerals for Henry Gustavson, James Peterson and Patrick Robinson will be held at Monday’s Catholic Mass. All men who are seeking wives to marry are asked to attend.

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12 Great Northern News | September 2021

Flavorful recipes boasting late summer produce Recipes By Sue Ready Since peaches in general (fresh or frozen) are juicy, this Old Fashioned Peach Pie won’t be as sturdy as apple pie, for example. Frozen fruit will be fine, but just make sure it is thawed and completely drained. One of the secrets to a sturdy pie filling is waiting until the pie is completely cool.

That means waiting about 2 hours before cutting a slice.

Adding a scoop of ice cream is just la pièce de résistance for a slice of this pie.

Wild rice is native to North America and has more nutritional value than oats and wheat. Did you know that even today, uncultivated Minnesota wild rice must by law be harvested in the traditional Native American way, and only by those licensed to do so? The Blueberry, Corn and Wild Rice Salad recipe serves 4 and was adapted from firstnations.org. As a timesaver, make wild rice the day before.

The Grilled Shrimp Panzanella with Asparagus works well because it takes advantage of the plentiful produce available from summer gardens and/or farmer’s markets. Roma tomatoes are firmer and hold up better for grilling than regular tomatoes. Space out shrimp on metal skewers or bamboo skewers that have been soaked in water 30 minutes. Serves 4 as a main meal or serves 6 as a side.

BLUEBERRY, CORN AND WILD RICE SALAD

Puff Pastry Tomato Tarts with Carmelized Onions are a delicious way to use all those garden tomatoes or ones from the Farmer’s Market. Any type of tomatoes works well for this recipe. Comets (yellow cherry tomatoes) make a nice contrast to the red ones.

Depending on the pastry size, these versatile tarts can stand in as an appetizer, brunch item or a light lunch.The recipe makes 6 tarts (4-1/2 inches).The recipe can easily be halved by using only one pastry sheet and half the filling ingredients.

OLD FASHIONED PEACH PIE Start to finish: 1 hour 30 minutes, plus cooling time | Servings: 6-8 Ingredients: Prepared pie crust mix (need a top and bottom crust) or homemade recipe 8 large ripe peaches 3/4 cup white sugar 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup quick cooking tapioca 2 Tablespoons cornstarch 1 Tablespoon Saigon cinnamon or 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon Dash of allspice 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon butter 2 Tablespoons sugar mixed with 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Start to finish: 45 to 60 minutes | Servings: 4 Ingredients: 7 ears sweet corn, husked (2 cups frozen corn) 2 cups cooked wild rice 1-pint blueberries, rinsed and dried 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped 1 small cucumber, finely diced, or one avocado, diced 1 cup diced grape tomatoes 4 tablespoons lime juice 4 tablespoons olive oil 2-1/2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup ½ teaspoon ground cumin Salt and pepper to taste Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro Optional: Add 1/2 cup toasted almonds Directions: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add corn. Cook covered for 5 minutes or until tender. When cool enough to handle, cut corn from cobs, or use frozen corn kernels, thawed and steamed. In a serving bowl, combine corn, blueberries, diced cucumber or avocado, red onion, cooked wild rice and cilantro, if using.

For the dressing: In a screw-top jar, combine lime juice, oil, honey or maple syrup, cumin, salt and pepper. Cover; then shake well to combine. Add to salad and toss. Cover the salad and refrigerate for several hours before serving.

Cooking Tip:The dressing makes an ample amount. Only use enough to lightly toss with salad rather than drenching it. The dressing refrigerated will last several days and can be used on a green salad.

GRILLED SHRIMP PANZANELLA WITH ASPARAGUS

PUFF PASTRY TOMATO TARTS WITH CARAMELIZED ONIONS Start to finish: 1 hour | Servings: 6 tarts

Start to finish: 1 hour | Servings: 4-6

Ingredients: 1 package (17.3 ounces/2 sheets) puff pastry, thawed 1 tablespoon each, olive oil and butter 2 cups thinly diced sweet onions 1/2 cup diced yellow mini sweet peppers 3 garlic cloves, cut into thin slivers 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan 4 ounces garlic-and-herb goat cheese or 1/2 cup grated white cheddar cheese 1 large tomato, cut into four 1/4-inch-thick slices or slice smaller tomatoes to cover the tart space Optional: 3/4 cup crumbled cooked Italian sausage Sea salt 1/2 teaspoon each dried basil, parsley, Italian seasoning Garnish: 3 tablespoons julienned basil leaves

Ingredients: 1 pound uncooked large shrimp with tails 2-1/2 cups ciabatta bread or any rustic bread, cut into 2-inch pieces 1 bunch of asparagus spears (woody stems removed) 1 small zucchini, cut in 2-inch pieces 6-8 Roma tomatoes, halved 1/2 lemon, sliced 1/2 cup each red and yellow sweet peppers, diced in 1-inch pieces 1/2 cup fresh basil, coarsely chopped 1/2 cup fresh parsley, coarsely chopped 2 cups mixed greens Submitted photo

Submitted photo

Directions: Blanch peaches for 30 seconds in boiling water; then submerge immediately in an ice water bath and remove skins.

In a large bowl, mix sugars, tapioca, cornstarch, cinnamon, allspice and lemon juice. Cut peaches into chunks; then add to sugar mixture and coat. Let peach mixture stand for 15 minutes (stir occasionally) while rolling out dough for bottom crust.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. The peach mixture will be liquidy, so use a slotted spoon or colander to drain juices before you place on bottom crust. Dot with butter. Place top crust over filling and flute edges. Add foil strips around top crust on outside edge, which will prevent over browning.

Using a pastry brush, moisten the top crust with a little milk or an egg wash. Sprinkle the crust with a mixture of white sugar and cinnamon.

Cut 5 vents about 2-1/2 inches long in top crust.

Bake at 425 degrees F for 20 minutes.Then reduce heat to 400 and bake 20-25 minutes longer.The juices should be bubbly and noticeable through pie crust vents.

Submitted photo

September 2021 | Great Northern News 13

Dressing Ingredients: 1/2 cup extra light olive oil 6 Tablespoons high quality dark balsamic vinegar 2 garlic cloves, minced 1/4 teaspoon each dried parsley flakes, oregano and thyme Directions: Mix dressing ingredients in a blender or a jar with a screw top lid.

Divide the dressing in thirds. Brush 1/3 of the balsamic dressing on bread cubes and 1/3 on the shrimp. Reserve the remaining 1/3 for the salad.

Lightly grease grill grates.

Toast bread cubes directly on grill grates, 2 minutes a side, turning over with tongs. Set aside.

Crimp up the sides of a large piece of foil. Place on foil asparagus, peppers, zucchini and lemon slices. Drizzle with a little olive oil and cook about 20 minutes.

Add in tomatoes the last 10 minutes of cooking time.

Grill shrimp about 4 minutes a side.

Cut each bread cube in half.

If using a large bowl, place grilled vegetables, toasted bread cubes, fresh basil and parsley and mixed greens in it. Toss salad with remaining reserved 1/3 balsamic dressing, topping the salad with grilled shrimp. The salad can also be individually plated.

Directions: Slice tomatoes and drain on a paper towel. Sprinkle with sea salt.

Unfold one sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and roll it lightly to an 11-inch by 11-inch square. Using a 4-inch-wide glass or another round object as a guide (a martini glass works well), cut 3 circles from one sheet of puff pastry, discarding the scraps. Repeat steps with the second pastry sheet to make 6 circles in all. Place the pastry circles on a large sheet pan lined with parchment paper and refrigerate until ready to use. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions, peppers and garlic. Sauté for 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are limp, nicely browned and almost no moisture remains in the skillet. Remove from heat.

Using a sharp paring knife, score a 1/4-inch-wide border around each pastry circle. Prick the pastry inside the score lines with the tines of a fork and sprinkle a tablespoon of grated Parmesan on each round, staying inside the scored border.

Place 1 tablespoon onion mixture on each circle, again staying within the scored edge. Crumbled sausage can be added in this step. If using, divide among pastry rounds. Add crumbled 1 ounce of goat cheese or shredded white cheddar cheese on top of the onion/meat mixtures. Place a slice of drained tomato in the center of each tart or use chopped tomatoes. Sprinkle with dried herbs and grate more Parmesan cheese over the top of each tart.

Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown. Garnish with julienned basil.

Monsieur Mayhem: Nightlife in Nisswa

Summer Greetings from your local forest-based foodie! I just wanted to check in with everyone and give you an update of my recent excursions now that restaurants are fully open. While I naturally still wear my mask and engage in frequent handwashing (I AM a raccoon, after all), I’m happy to be able to dine in local restaurants again.

It’s been a hot summer, and recently I decided a trip to Nisswa was in order. I had heard great things about Mainstreet Ale House, so on a steamy July afternoon, I headed over to enjoy a cool cocktail on the patio. I was sitting there at my umbrella-topped table, enjoying my Summer Crush (a drink they make – I haven’t found myself a lady raccoon just yet), and who joins me at the table? Doug Taylor himself.

He ordered a beer, and we had a great catch up on all our adventures. (Next time, I think I’ll stow away on his plane to Alaska). Then it was time for some food. Mmm, Mmm. This is what I’d been waiting for.

We ordered up an appetizer of an Ahi Tuna bowl, which was beautifully presented and wonderfully deli-

Submitted photo

cious. Then it was time for the main course!

Now, I’m a Minnesota raccoon, through and through, so I just couldn’t pass up our official state fish, the Walleye. My mouth watered as I read over the description: “Classic pan-fried Walleye fillet, grilled asparagus, wild rice, roasted cherry tomatoes, dried cranberries, walnuts, citrus beurre blanc.”

I was completely sold and ordered it, pronto. Doug ordered their Summer Berry Salad with shrimp. I have to say, I was also drooling over the shrimp. Here in Minnesota, all I can find in the lakes and streams is crayfish. Shrimp is a rare delicacy only to be found in restaurants.

Well, our food came, and I was in culinary heaven.

The walleye was absolutely delicious. It was perfectly seasoned and breaded and displayed on a generous wild rice pilaf with the roasted cherry tomatoes, berries, and walnuts. The beurre blanc was magnifique!

Oh, la la! When I’m in culinary heaven, my French side comes out. That’s French Canadian -- on my mother’s side.

When Doug had to head out, I decided to stick around. I went inside to enjoy the bar and mingle a bit. I ended up closing it down, I was there so late. After all, this is the time of night when I get energized!

They shut down the place, and I disappeared, hiding myself under a table in the corner.

You see… I’d noticed this huge ladder leaning against the wall behind the bar. It made all the liquor quite accessible. Especially for any creature used to climbing trees. I know I’ve been behaving myself for a long time, but every so often my wild animal side comes out. I decided to stay behind for some “clandestine operations.”

Once everyone was gone, I scaled the ladder and decided to have myself a liquor tasting. Actually… that’s the last thing I remember about the night. In the morning, I awoke to a woman screaming about a dead animal behind the bar! I shook myself awake and ran out the door, bumping into a couple of tables along the way.

Well… I’d better get back to my classy French Canadian American self again. No more falling off the wagon and engaging in these somewhat questionable activities. But it was a great night on the town in Nisswa!

14 great northern news | September 2021

September 2021 | great northern news 15

Honoring Our Fallen Heroes at Christmas

Uncle ‘Rocket’

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 hornmounted 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 invites from the “beautiful people” he meets along the open road.

These new friends often invite him to stay in their

Uncle ‘Rocket’ travels America by bike.

Photos by Scott Sater Photography

homes and join them for a home-cooked dinner or breakfast – or both! Sometimes he fits in so well that he’s invited to stay for a couple of weeks. As the adopted “fun uncle,” Rocket helps out with yard work, 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. It’s become a celebration for the completion of another great year.

Now, Rocket’s home base is in Backus, Minnesota.

He’s been there for 5 years now, as he 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.”

By Sue Ready Christmas for Vets is a locally based, non-profit organization that is preparing to place Christmas wreaths on Veterans’ graves once again this year. The purpose of this organization is to recognize veterans in local cemeteries with the placement of Christmas wreaths for the holiday season. This community event is headed by local women: Cathy Malecha, President; Shirley Robideau, Vice President; and Sharon Thurlow, Secretary/ Treasurer.

The group has expanded it’s sites to include these cemeteries: The Pequot Lakes City Cemetery, Our Savior Lutheran Church, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Kedron, Norwood Cemetery in Jenkins Township, plus Pleasant Hill Cemetery and Maple Hill Cemetery in Maple Township. This brings the total number of honored veterans to 414.

Christmas for Vets is in its sixth year. There’s a lot of history surrounding the veterans who have served their country and are buried in these local cemeteries.

The service of these veterans can be traced as far back as the Spanish American War and Civil War and up to and including the Vietnam War. Christmas for Vets initially sends letters requesting a $15 donation for the cost of the stake and wreath to surviving family members, if that information is available. Local businesses and non-profit organizations have generously supported the Christmas for Vets program for the last few years, ensuring that all local veterans will be honored.

The public is also invited to send donations. Support for this effort is greatly appreciated, whether there’s a veteran in the family or not. All contributions are tax deductible and can be sent to: Christmas for Vets, c/o Cathy Malecha, 38101 Rasmussen Road, Pequot Lakes, MN, 56472.

Stakes are put out the first Saturday in October at 11 a.m. Wreaths are put out the first Saturday in December at 11 a.m. (weather permitting). Volunteers are welcome to participate on both or either of these dates.

Meet in the west parking lot behind Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Pequot Lakes.

All wreaths are removed in February.

For more information or if any other community is interested in implementing a similar project, call Cathy at 218-568-4488 or Sharon at 218-831-1045.

Once a program is set up in an area, the yearly work is minimal.

Cathy Malecha attributes the success of the organization to “the many dedicated volunteers who assist us each year in wreath distribution.”

Supporting Christmas for Vets is an opportunity for the community to recognize those who have given service to their country.

Support Christmas for Vets All contributions are tax deductible and can be sent to: Christmas for Vets c/o Cathy Malecha 38101 Rasmussen Road Pequot Lakes, MN 56472 Submitted photos

16 great northern news | September 2021

The Old

Buck

By John Wetrosky The old buck made his bed cautiously in the midst of the thick Tag Alder thicket below the ancient beaver dam. On this small rise of land surrounded by water, he would spend most of the day. The small spot was exposed to the low circling November sun and in the afternoon, the old deer would absorb every last warm ray he could gather.

His rack was heavily beamed and boasted many points. Some tines had recently broken in a sparring bout with a new, younger buck who had ventured into his two-mile square domain.

The old stag had persuaded the youngster that it was not yet the young buck’s time to govern the territory. He licked at the shallow wound in his side, where a small trickle of blood stained his gray winter coat. The young buck had left its mark.

As he lay on his little mattress of dried grass a gust of wind brought him the news of the goings-on in the forest around him. He used the beavers behind the old dam as an alarm to his backside and he could depend on them to warn of any intruder that he could not smell. He had bedded down before sunrise having dined in the standing cornfield to the north during the night. His belly was full. He nodded drowsily and finally drifted off to sleep.

A sudden whiff of wind jarred him awake. It wasn’t a human odor that he detected, but that of a mature doe and the aroma drifted across the lowland and sifted up through the tall grass.

The old buck was in full rut, and he needed no prompting to rise from the safety of his haunt.

He moved effortlessly south to the high ground, ever testing the breeze for the location of the unseen doe. He remembered the danger that he had encountered there before, but the doe’s

scent veiled his instinct to avoid the nest-like contraptions built in the scattered red oak trees.

Building momentum the old stag trudged directly below an unoccupied human structure, never looking up. Only an hour before a being clad in blaze orange had climbed down from that platform and crunched his way back to the campfire lunch. The scent of the doe became stronger and as he turned, he saw her standing just on the other side of the blown-down snap.

He did not see the being in the platform to his north. The hunter had seen him.

As the old buck approached the doe, he heard a distinct “click.” He knew instantly what that was. All his instincts told him to bolt and run downwind, but the doe was still standing there.

He continued toward her. The forest thundered and he felt something graze the right side of his rack. He turned, tilted his head backward and crashed back the way he had come. A second shot rang out and snipped a branch above his head. And then all was quiet. He was unscathed except for a chip off one antler.

He could hear a human cursing in the distance as he headed back to the deep slough grass through knee-deep water. He was breathing hard and fast, and his heart was beating rapidly when stopped and laid down on his original bed. He would not come out of his hiding place again during the daylight for many weeks. He would beget his sons and daughters by moonlight. He would not see another season after that deep snow winter. The old buck had seen seven seasons. The young buck who had put a gash in his hide would live to see only four.

The old buck soaked up the last rays of the November sun. He was the deer I didn’t harvest that year. Somehow, I feel good about that.