“The Good Old Days” -By Tom Kuehne

Special Places

My most enjoyed times as a kid was to spend time in the woods. I don't remember any time when the trip to the woods didn't create some new experience or happening for me. I would head for the woods at least 3 to 4 times per week, sometimes by myself and other times with Shep, who enjoyed these trips as much as I. His enjoyment included chasing a rabbit, barking at a squirrel hiding at the top of a tree and excavating some hole as if he could maybe get to an imagined animal that was hiding there.

The digging that was required to expand the hole involved Shep getting a lot of dirt on his back and having his belly and four legs packed with dire. His excavations usually lasted from 10 to 15 minutes and were accompanied by barking and growling. The noise he made must have served two purposes, one was to scare what-ever was in the hole and the other was to give himself encouragement to continue the dig. After a while he had used up all of his desire to dig and decided that chasing a chipmunk was much easier, which was easy to understand.

Many of these walks in the woods were done in the 150 acres of natural and planted trees on our property. These forested areas have since been eliminated to make room for more crop production. The memories are most welcome when getting relaxed for sleep in the evening. Thinking about the woods experiences are alive in my mind, but before long, the memories and the woods will both be gone.

One can imagine the way the land looked before the white man arrived. The endless prairie and the woods of several hundred year old or older trees. An old timer told of Ironwood trees up to 4 foot in diameter, making them at least 4 to 5 hundred years old. But the white man eliminated much of the woods and the prairies to make money. He had the need to eliminate the natural resources to satisfy the needs of the ever growing population, whether it was food, housing or space. It worked, and is still happening today. These times spent in the woods allowed me the chance to see some large trees that were left by the late 1880's logging drives. Being able to examine an Ironwood tree with large lumps of wood growing on it's trunk. An 8 inch Poplar tree that had a bend in it's trunk about 8 feet from the ground, where the trunk reversed it's direction by growing toward the ground for 5 feet and then again reversing direction and growing upward. The space in the direction change loop was just big enough for a curious kid to use as a seat. Shep wasn't impressed with the unusual tree. There were several Basswood clumps of 15 inches in diameter and 8 in number that grew from a really old stump. There were several black cherry trees that were almost 2 foot in diameter. There were several Yellow Poplar trees that were more than 2 foot in diameter.

There were many chokecherry trees along with wild Plum trees. As a kid, part of my duties were to pick the chokecherries for pancake syrup, jelly and wine. The plums were harvested for sauce and kaffeekuchen (coffee cake). We did harvest many pounds of wild produce as part of our diet.

It's fun to remember how close we were to the woods.

For feedback or story ideas, email Tom at tom@swanvilleinsurance.com.

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

Pulled Pork & Corn Feed

Card of Thanks

I would like to thank the Melrose Fire Department EMT Crew, the Melrose ER Staff at CentraCare and the St. Cloud Hospital ICU; as well as, the helicopter pilots that transported me there. It is comforting to know, that in our rural area we have such well trained professions that so efficiently handle emergency situations. Thanks again.

Judy Athmann

To Submit a Card of Thanks the cost is $5.00 for the first 50 words, 10¢ for each additional word. MUST BE PREPAID. Mail to: Hometown News, 29442 120th St., Grey Eagle, MN 56336.

Groovy Goods Thrift Store

The Old Hippie Cafe

Corner Pub & Grill

Freeport, MN • 320-836-2120

Nightly Specials

Dine In Only - With Beverage Purchase

Monday: (5-9 pm) $3 Build a Burger Mayo, Lettuce, Tomato, Onions (raw/fried), Mushrooms, Jalapenos, Sauerkraut, Cheese (Swiss, American, Pepper Jack) Toppings 50¢ each; Bacon 50¢ Slice

Tuesday: (5-9 pm) Choice of:

3 Chicken Strips w/Toast & Fries $7.50

6 Drummies w/Toast & Fries $7.50

Walleye Wednesday: (5-9:30 pm)

Walleye Fingers w/Fries $8.50

Thursday: (5-9 pm) Taco Wrap $8.50

Bavarian Gardens

Lunch Specials: 11 AM-1 PM

Fri., July 28: Cheeseburger w/Fries

Mon., July 31: Philly Steak Sandwich on Hoagie w/Fries

Tues., Aug. 1: Baked Chicken Dinner

Wed., Aug. 2: Top Notch Burger

Thurs., Aug. 3: Pork Steak Dinner

Fri., Aug. 4: Cheeseburger w/Fries

Friday: (5-9 pm) Choice of:

• 6 oz. Steak $12 • Add 3 Shrimp $15

• 6 oz. Butter/Garlic Steak $12

• Add 3 Shrimp

• 6 Shrimp

Saturday:

Double “R” Bar

Weekend

Lori Karin Thomas

Lori Karin Thomas, 51, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on July 14, 2023, from a cerebral hemorrhage.

Lori was born August 12, 1971. She graduated from Red River High School, Grand Forks, ND. Lori was united in marriage to James Steven Thomas, on August 15, 1998. In 2005, Lori and Jim settled in New Munich to raise their family.

Lori worked for Trobec’s Bus Service of St. Stephen, MN, William's Bus Service, Freeport, MN, both of which she adored her student passengers, and most recently, Schmity’s Convenience Store, Freeport, MN, where she took pleasure in visiting with friends. Lori valued her faith in God and enjoyed attending mass at the Immaculate Conception Church in New Munich, where she was a member.

In her spare time, Lori liked to go target shooting with her hand gun, swimming, fishing, long walks, and anything to do with the outdoors. She was fond of traveling and had visited the 48 contiguous United States. Lori was also an avid musician and lover of music. She was often heard playing her music before being seen driving down the street in her Trailblazer.

Lori is survived by her husband, Jim; 4 children, Jessica (grandchild Abby), Ashley, Jimmy, Daniel (girlfriend Jewels); her father Steve (Odile) Streed; her brother David; sister Rachel; her sister-in-laws Susan and Debbie; and her special companion, Chewie.

Lori was preceded in death by her mother Laurel Severson, father-in-law James Thomas, and mother-in-law Sandra Thomas.

Lori was a giving person with a loving heart that will be missed dearly by all that knew her.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at New Munich Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Friday, July 28th 2023. Visitation will be at 1:00 PM, Christian Mass at 2:00 PM with burial following Mass. Meal preceding all.

Thomas Lloyd Beseman

Thomas "Tom"

Lloyd Beseman, a cherished resident of Swanville, MN, passed away on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at the age of 58 at the St. Cloud Hospital, surrounded by his devoted family after bravely battling Leukemia for seven years. His condition took a rapid and unexpected turn in the past couple of weeks.

Funeral services were held on Friday, July 21, 2023, at the Swanville High School in Swanville, MN with Rev. Kevin Zellers officiating. Burial took place at St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery in Swanville, MN. Caring for Tom and his family was the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Swanville, MN.

Tom was born to the late Lloyd and June Beseman on September 3, 1964, at St. Gabriel's Hospital in Little Falls, MN. He was a lifelong native of Swanville, MN, and dedicated his life to the city and community of Swanville. He grew up on the family farm alongside his four siblings, Connie, Carol, Jeanne, and John. Tom developed a love for sports. He was known for his athletic prowess and competitive spirit, excelling as a three-star athlete in football, basketball, and baseball. Tom's exceptional baseball and softball skills helped him earn recognition as one of the most notable softball players in the state. He was the most fiercely competitive and dependable teammate to all who played alongside him.

In his personal life, Tom held a deep and unwavering faith, as a cherished member of St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church. His spirituality shone through in his infectious smile and his genuine love for others. Tom married his first wife, Melanie (Erickson), and embraced the beautiful journey of fatherhood alongside his beloved daughters, Alyssa and Paige. His love for his children and all kids knew no bounds, and his pride in them was immeasurable. For only three years, he held the title of Grandpa to his two granddaughters, but he proudly took on this role for so many more. Tom found his soulmate and lifelong partner in Theresa (Ebnet) and were married on May 2, 1998. Their two children Levi and Emily Beseman were soon added to the Beseman family. Together, they crafted an extraordinary life on the family land in Swanville, MN, creating a haven of love and cherished memories. Most notably, building the cabin among the trees he planted as a kid, woodworking in his shop, and spending quality time on the land. For Tom, the arrival of fall held a special place in his heart. It marked the beginning of deer season, a time that stirred his soul with excitement and anticipation. Gathering his deer crew, he embarked on exhilarating deer drives, not just to fill the freezer with meat, but to create enduring bonds and unforgettable moments. Tom cherished every moment spent with his family and friends, never missing an opportunity to give someone grief. He always said he only picks on the ones he loves. He picked on everyone.

Tom dedicated countless hours to serving the Swanville School district, committing seven years to the school board. Additionally, he played a crucial role in establishing the Swanville Athletic Booster, which contributed to the development of an exceptional sports complex.

Through all of his efforts, he impacted thousands of kids through sports. Among his many accomplishments, Tom was especially proud of his career at Central Bi Products. Starting at the age of 18, and working his way up the ranks, he eventually became the Director of Rendering of one of the leading rendering facilities in the Midwest. He passed away on his 40th anniversary with Central Bi. Tom's pride in his job was evident, and his affection for his colleagues was immeasurable. He was a true advocate for his employees, always putting their well-being and interests first. His unwavering support and extensive knowledge made him a well-known figure across all Farmers Union locations. Tom’s life was filled with love, laughter, and a passion for his community. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him, and his legacy will forever be remembered in the hearts of those he touched.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Theresa of Swanville, MN; children, Alyssa (Zach) Watercott of Little Falls, MN, Paige (Andrew) Deters of Rice, MN and Levi and Emily Beseman of Swanville, MN; siblings, Connie Mosack of Motley, MN; Carol Dold of Swanville; Jeanne (Steve) Thieschafer of Swanville and John (Lori) Beseman of Swanville; grandchildren, Vivian and Teagan Deters; mother and father-in-law, Ken and Ardis Ebnet of Long Prairie, MN; sisterin-law, Linda (Jim) Conway of Sauk Rapids, MN; brother-in-law, Kevin (Angela) Ebnet of St. Cloud, MN and many nieces, nephews, greatnieces, great-nephews, relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and June Beseman; brother-in-law, Richard Mosack, and nephews, Jay Thieschafer and Kenny Thieschafer.

John S. Rose

John S. Rose, age 79 of Melrose, succumbed to Parkinson’s Disease and died on June 28, 2023 surrounded by his family and close family friends.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 29 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose with Rev. Marvin Enneking officiating. Inurnment will be in the parish cemetery at a later date. Military Honors will be provided by the Melrose Veterans Honor Guard.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 28 at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose and from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the church. Parish prayers will be held at 7 p.m. Friday evening at the funeral home.

John Sylvester Rose was born to Jack and Christina (Rau) Rose on March 29, 1944 in Freeport, Minnesota. He attended Sacred Heart School for his elementary education and then Melrose High School. He earned a business degree after 4 years at St. Cloud State College. He enlisted in the Army National Guards in 1966 and served for 6 years.

John married Sharon Schanhaar on June 18, 1966 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose, Minnesota. After John completed his basic training at Fort Polk, Louisiana, they moved to Columbia Heights and for a short time John worked for JCPenny. They then moved to Albany, MN where he worked for Albany Mutual Telephone Association (AMTA), becoming manager in 1980, holding that position until his retirement in 2006. During his time as manager, an innovative decision served to make AMTA one of the richest, per subscriber, telephone coops in the nation.

John lived in Albany until 1991, then moved to a home on Big Birch Lake, which remained their home until moving to Melrose in 2020.

John enjoyed sports, playing football, basketball, and baseball while in high school. His favorite sport was golf. He would often play 4-5 rounds per week and carried a handicap of 2-4 until Parkinson’s robbed him of abilities.

Most of all John loved family activities including camping, water-skiing, cross-country skiing, tobogganing, roasting hot dogs and s’mores, playing cards and board games. He truly cherished times spent with his grandsons, Nicholas and Nathan.

John was very civic minded. He was a member of the Albany Fire Department for 18 years, supported his community and served on various Albany area boards. John also served on numerous state telephony boards and committees including President of the Minnesota Telephone Association. John was a member of the St. Rosa Lions.

John was loved by many, known for his integrity, humility, and kind and caring nature. But, most of all, for his keen and witty sense of humor. He enjoyed a good card game, especially cribbage, eating salted in the shell peanuts while watching sports on TV, a good brandy Manhattan, and a beer or two with friends. He loved ice cream and Twinkies.

John is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sharon, daughters, Jeanne Zeinert (fiancé Matt Nelson) and Nancy (Terrence) Wahl; grandsons, Nicholas and Nathan; brother Herman (Therese) Rose; sisters, Carol (Bob Flom) Loxtercamp and Judy (Marvin) Thielen.

Preceding John in death were his parents, Jack and Christine (Rau) Rose; grandparents, Herman and Theresia (Benolken) Rose and Peter and Bertha (Hageman) Rau; many aunts and uncles; and his beloved dog, Sadie.

Donations can be made to: American Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, PO Box 61420, Staten Island, NY 10306; Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 SE 1st St; Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131; Elevate (formerly Birthline), 376 3rd St NE, Waite Park, MN 56387; or St. Mary’s School Education Endowment Fund, 320 5th Ave SW. Melrose, MN 56352.

Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral and Cremation Services of Melrose.

Stearns Co. Sheriff’s Office

Fatal Crash: July 21, 2023: At approximately 10:31 a.m., the Stearns County Emergency Communications Center received the report of a one-vehicle crash on 248th Avenue, just north of County Road 17, in Krain Township. This location is approximately seven miles west of Holdingford. It was reported that the driver and passenger were both trapped inside the vehicle. When first responders arrived on the scene, they found a heavily damaged 2007 Chevrolet Impala on its side resting against a tree. Freeport Fire and Rescue performed extraction operations to remove both occupants. The passenger, Ethan Gerads, 16, of Albany was pronounced deceased on the scene. The driver, Mason Geise, 15, of Freeport was transported to the St. Cloud Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Geise reported he had been traveling southbound on 248th Avenue when he lost control of the vehicle, over corrected when trying to regain control, went into the ditch, rolled over, and came to rest against the tree. Neither Geise nor Gerads were restrained in the vehicle.

The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Freeport Fire and Rescue, Melrose Ambulance, North Air Care, Life Link, MN State Patrol, Centre Towing, and Collins Brothers Towing.

The Minnesota State Patrol is conducting an accident reconstruction and the cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Mary Lou Brinkman

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m.

Friday, July 28 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Grey Eagle for Mary Lou (Louise) Brinkman who passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 22, surrounded by her family at the St. Cloud Hospital. Interment will be in St. Bernard’s Cemetery in Ward Springs.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m.

Thursday, July 27 and from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Friday, July 28 at the church in Grey Eagle. Christian Mothers will pray at 4 p.m. followed by parish prayers at 7 p.m. at the church Thursday evening.

Mary Louise Pierskalla was born September 16, 1935, in Avon Minnesota to Tony and Dorothy (Smith) Pierskalla. She grew up on the Pierskalla Family farm near St. Wendel. Mary Lou graduated from Holdingford High School then worked as a secretary in Minneapolis in the historic Metropolitan building. Mary Lou married Eugene Brinkman at St. Columbkille Catholic Church on May 14, 1957. She spent most of her life being a devoted wife and homemaker.

Mary Lou and Gene started their journey on a small farm south of Grey Eagle where they welcomed their first child. Soon they moved to Mount Angel, Oregon near Gene’s relatives. While in Oregon, the family grew, adding four more children. In 1963, they returned to Minnesota, purchasing the Brinkman Family farm on Little Birch Lake. Mary Lou gave birth to seven more children in the following years. There was much to do with seldom a dull moment, and through it all Mary Lou was always a loving, caring mother. With the help of her children, Mary Lou tended a large garden, canned fruits and vegetables, and made many jams and jellies. Each week she baked a dozen delicious loaves of bread. She loved to read, and most nights would read to the kids at bedtime.

Mary Lou worked at Jennie-O Foods in Melrose for ten years then helped her daughter, Peg with her family daycare. She was a devout catholic her entire life and was part of the Christian Mothers at St. Bernard’s Parish in Ward Springs, then at St. Joseph’s Parish in Grey Eagle. She and Gene spent their golden years at their Little Birch Lake home next to the family farm. Mary Lou loved to spend time with her many grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. She also enjoyed spending time with her sisters, occasionally at casinos, which she really enjoyed.

Survivors include her twelve children, Patty (Kevin) O'Konek of South Haven, Danny (Renee) Brinkman of Sauk Rapids, David (Joyce) Brinkman of Grey Eagle, Darrell (Eileen) Brinkman of Little Falls, Pam (John) Schmiesing of Avon, Margaret "Peg" (Rick) Hellermann of Melrose, Marc (Julie) Brinkman of Grey Eagle, Mike (Krista) Brinkman of Sartell, Kathy (Jeff) Boos of Sauk Rapids, Marvin (Jody) Brinkman of Pequot Lakes, Karen (Glen) Middendorf of Sartell, and Mary Jean (Morgan Wilson) Brinkman of Portland, Oregon; sisters, Joan Silbernick of Little Falls; Carol (Gary) Spoden of Foley, and Linda Stoermann of Avon; 38 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren; and brother-in-law, Philip Kostreba of Holdingford.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Eugene “Gene” Brinkman on November 15, 2015; granddaughter, Jocelyn Rae Boos; one grandson; brother, Howard; sisters, Judy Pierskalla, Doris Kostreba, and Sandra Pierskalla; and brothers-in-law, Tom Silbernick and Ken Stoermann.

Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Grey Eagle.

Valerian Roman Gertken

Mass of Christian Burial, a celebration of life, for Valerian (Larry) Roman Gertken, age 70, of Swanville, MN was held on Monday, July 24, 2023 at Church of St. Benedict, Avon, MN. The interment was in the parish cemetery. Larry passed away on July 19, 2023, at CentraCare Hospital, Melrose, MN surrounded by his loving family. Arrangements by Miller-Carlin Funeral Homes, Albany.

Larry was born on July 23, 1952, in Albany to Henry and Rosalia (Fischer) Gertken. Larry worked the land on his family farm near Avon and took care of his animals for 30 years. He married Dorothy Borgerding on August 4, 1973, in Freeport, MN. Dorothy worked alongside Larry on the farm and took care of the family. Dorothy passed away on April 15, 1989. He married Margaret (Peggy) Riddle-Gertken on December 22, 2001, in Avon, MN. Larry retired and they moved to Swanville. There he lived a life of leisure, doing what he enjoyed, hunting, fishing, gardening, and cutting wood. He also ran his “redneck” meat-cutting shop. Larry was socially active, quickly gaining friends wherever he lived. When a Johnny Cash song came on, he was heard to say, “Turn it up."

Larry is survived by his wife, Peggy, Swanville, his children, Karla (Steven) Massmann, Albany, Keith “Mooey” Gertken, Swanville, Kelly (Jerry) Backes, Albany, Kristi (Dean) Gerads, Albany, Kandi (Marcelo) Hernandez, Albany, Kari Gertken, Albany, Kayla (Temo) Hernandez, Albany, Konnie Gertken, Swanville, stepson, Jack, stepdaughter, Michelle, 15 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, stepgrandchildren, brothers and sisters, Ambrose (Kathy) Gertken, Donna Mae (Wilbert) Poepping, Annette Blonigan, Rosemary (John) Ehlinger, Lloyd (Jenny) Gertken, and Eugene (Sharon) Gertken, brother-in-law, Richard Klaphake and sister-in-law, Vera Lou Gertken.

Preceded in death by his parents, wife, Dorothy, infant son, Kevin, stepdaughter, Cheri, brothers, Elmer and Donald Gertken, sister, Bernice Klaphake, and brother-in-law, Leander Blonigan.

RJ's Country Store

28916 County Rd. 17 - St. Rosa 320-836-2583

Gas/Diesel/Premium • Propane Exchange Groceries • Pep's Pork • Schaefer's Market Harry's Pizza • Bait • ATM

Buying or Selling?

Ethan J. Gerads, age 16 of Albany, passed away Friday, July 21, 2023 from injuries sustained in a car accident near Freeport, Minnesota.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday, July 26 at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany with Rev. Daniel Walz officiating and Rev. Edward Vebelun, O.S.B. concelebrating. Interment was in the parish cemetery.

Ethan Jerome Gerads was born April 17, 2007 in Albany, Minnesota to Jeff and Melissa (Sand) Gerads. He was an active member of Seven Dolors Parish. He attended Holy Family (K-5) and Albany Area Schools and would have been a junior this fall. Ethan enjoyed hunting, fishing, hanging with his friends and was a member of the high school trap team. He looked forward to being a farmer in the future and worked at Gill Family Dairy and G&C Cattle/ Gary & Christina Geise Farm. He was hard working, reliable and took pride in everything he did. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his parents, Jeff and Melissa Gerads of Albany; sister, Emma Gerads of Avon; brother, Owen Gerads at home; grandparents, Joann Gerads of Freeport and Marvin and Marian Sand of Albany; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends; and his dog, Bella.

Ethan was preceded in death by his grandfather, Jerome Gerads.

Memorials are preferred.

Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral and Cremation Services of Melrose.

Parkinson’s Support Group Meeting

The Long Prairie Area Parkinson’s Support Group will meet August 1st at 2 p.m. at the CentraCare West Campus Board Room. Speaker will be Jessica Becker, Occupational Therapist, CentraCare Long Prairie.

Anyone with Parkinson’s, spouses, family, caregivers, or support people are invited.

Call Rona Bleess at 320-874-0222 if you would like further information.

Leander J. Hollenkamp

Leander J.

“Dick” Hollenkamp, age 93 of Freeport, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 23, 2023 at the Mother of Mercy Nursing Home in Albany, Minnesota.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, July 31 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport with Rev. Edward Vebelun, O.S.B. officiating. Entombment will be in the parish cemetery.

Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose and from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at the church. Parish prayers will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday afternoon at the funeral home.

Leander John Hollenkamp was born January 5, 1930 in St. Rosa, Minnesota to Joseph, Jr. and Bernadine (Scherping) Hollenkamp. Leander served in the U.S. Army, serving in Guam as a heavy equipment operator. On October 6, 1954 he was united in marriage to Dorothy Hoppe at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in New Munich. Dick farmed all of his life north of Freeport. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport, Dick enjoyed fishing, especially on Kings Lake, and was an avid storyteller, embellishing the story every time he told it.

Survivors include his loving wife of 68 years, Dorothy Hollenkamp of Freeport; son, Guy (Lisa) Hollenkamp of Princeton; two grandchildren, Logan (Megan) Hollenkamp and Alana (Justin) Bailey; three great-grandchildren, Calvin Hollenkamp, Rose Hollenkamp, and Emmett Bailey; and brothers, Sylvester (Nettie) Hollenkamp of St. Rosa and Ronald (Beatrice) Hollenkamp of St. Rosa.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Cory Hollenkamp and Cary Hollenkamp; brother, Virgil Hollenkamp; and sister, Marian Hallermann.

Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral and Cremation Services of Freeport.

Oh, by golly

July 18, 2023: At approximately 5:41 p.m., their office received a report of a fire at the St. Edwards Catholic Church located on Hwy. 238 in Elmdale, MN. When deputies arrived, there was smoke coming from the back corner of the church. Upsala Fire Department along with mutual aid from Bowlus Fire Department responded and was able to keep the fire from spreading throughout the church.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, a 12-year-old juvenile male from Bowlus MN, is being investigated regarding the fire. The State Fire Marshal’s Office is assisting the Morrison County Sheriff’s Office with this active investigation.

VENISON TRIMMINGS FOR SAUSAGE

TOM’S

Sudoku is one of the most popular puzzle games of all time. The goal of Sudoku is to fill a 9×9 grid with numbers so that each row, column and 3×3 section contain all of the digits between 1 and 9. As a logic puzzle, Sudoku is also an excellent brain game.

Dave Says -By Dave Ramsey

Dear Dave, My husband and I are having arguments about money where our children are concerned. They are both 16, and I think they should have part-time jobs and be learning the value of work. He feels they’re only young once and wants them to enjoy being teenagers. He also gives them money anytime they ask. I want our kids to have fun, too, but this is beginning to cause tension in our relationship. I’d love your advice.

-Kaytee

Dear Kaytee, I understand your concern. I’m sure your husband has a good heart, but by doing this he’s acting like a friend instead of a parent. In the process, he’s allowing them to be nothing but takers and consumers. He’s setting them both up for lifetimes of helplessness and ridiculous expectations without realizing it. But yes, kids should absolutely learn to work, make money and manage it wisely from an early age. My wife and I gave nice gifts to our kids from time to time, but they also worked and made money for themselves. And the nicer gifts we gave them were for special occasions. Even then we didn’t go crazy with things.

Still, the biggest problem you and your husband are experiencing is a communication breakdown. Your husband should stop being so impulsive, and grow a backbone where the kids are concerned. You’ve recognized this— and you’re right about it—so it’s up to you to take the first step in finding a solution.

Try sitting down with him, just the two of you, and sincerely explaining your feelings. Let him know you love him and how generous he is. But let him know, too, you’re worried this is having a negative impact on your children and why. Talk it out, openly and honestly, and try to agree on some changes together. There’s a middle ground here, but it’s going to take some time and effort from both of you to reach it.

Most of all, it means you two will have to communicate with each other like mature, caring adults, and pull together for the sake of your kids. It might be difficult at first, but it’ll be worth it in the long run. For you and them.

Thanks, Kaytee!

Ask The Motor Medics®

From the Hosts of the Under The Hood radio show.

Dear Motor Medics, I have a general question about air bag safety. I heard you talking on a recent episode of Under The Hood about the testing of air bags and how they were tested differently in America and Overseas markets. The difference was in America they are tested with the use of a seat belt and Overseas sometimes without. I have never had an airbag deployed in my vehicle and I don’t look forward to ever having it occur, but I want to know what to expect if it does and what I can do to prevent injury. Personally, I would rather not have airbags in my cars, but it doesn’t look like they are going away. What is your take on people who ride with their feet on the dash or a pet in their laps?

-Janet in Pittsfield, Illinois stops blowing hot air and at the same time the temp gauge increases into the red zone. If I pull over and let the engine idle for a while it will cool down and the heat will come back. It has also done this at idle before. They want to replace head gaskets, but they aren’t sure if they are bad. Is there anything I can do to find out for sure before we tear it apart and possibly don’t find anything wrong with it?

-Mark in Springfield, Missouri Dear Mark,

-Dave

* Dave Ramsey is a seven-time #1 national best-selling author, personal finance expert, and host of The Ramsey Show, heard by more than 18 million listeners each week. He has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Fox News, CNN, Fox Business, and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions.

Albany Senior Dining

Mon., July 31: Baked ham w/glaze, augratin potatoes, green beans w/almonds, wheat roll.

Tues., Aug. 1: Hot dog on bun, potato salad, watermelon.

Wed., Aug. 2: Meatloaf, whipped potatoes, gravy, glazed carrots.

Thurs., Aug. 3: Chicken tetrazzini, peas & carrots, garden salad, ice cream cup.

Fri., Aug. 4: Vegetable soup, chicken salad sandwich, tropical fruit.

Pre-registration requested to dine daily.

For more info. call 320-845-4070.

Dear Janet, Air bags are great inventions that have saved many lives but if misused can cause severe injury. Every car made has a guide for proper air bag use printed in the owner’s manual and it needs to be followed. The proper distance between you and the airbag is crucial as well as seat belt use. Follow the guidelines in the manual and never place anything between you and the airbag. Anything placed in this zone will become a projectile, including a pet, and is extremely dangerous. As for feet on the dash, an inflating air bag can cause irreparable damage to them.

-Take care, the Motor Medics

Dear Motor Medics, My car has been overheating and the shop I have been going to can’t seem to find the cause. It only seems to overheat when I drive it and I can’t seem to find a pattern with it that I can use to have the shop duplicate the problem. On occasion I will find the heater

Upsala - All Ages

BREAKFAST: Mon.-Fri. 7-10 a.m.: Walk in & dine. Take out available, call ahead. Mon., July 31: Chicken strips, country gravy, potato, vegetable, dessert.

You never want to guess with head gaskets as they are very expensive to replace but what you are describing is a failure symptom. When coolant flow is disrupted by a head gasket leak, it is the presence of exhaust gases in the coolant that is the cause. A simple test can be done to check for these gases and if any traces are found you know there is an issue with a gasket or something more severe. Once gases are detected a tear down is necessary to determine the exact cause, gasket, block, head, etc.

-Take care, the Motor Medics For entertainment only. Always consult your local shop and follow all safety procedures before repairs. Come visit the Motor Medics® online at Underthehoodshow. com.

A Sign Funny

A little boy just couldn't learn. One day his teacher asked him who signed the Declaration of Independence. He didn't know. For almost a week she asked him the same question every day, but still he couldn't come up with the right answer.

Finally, in desperation, she called the boy's father to her office. "Your boy won't tell me who signed the Declaration of Independence," she complained.

"Come here, son, and sit down," the dad said to the boy. "Now if you signed that crazy thing, just admit it so we can get out of here!"