Hometown News
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Life is a series of mid-course corrections
-By Harvey Mackay
I am a golf fanatic and was getting my fix watching the final round of the PGA Championship won by Scottie Scheffler. Scheffler struggled on the front nine to open the door for 8-9 contenders. His 3-shot lead after 54 holes was gone, and Scheffler found himself in a tie with Jon Rahm as he stood on the 10th tee.
Later in an interview on the Golf Channel, Scheffler talked about how he had to make a mid-course correction, reset his mind and calm himself down. He posted a 2-under 34 over his final nine holes to win the championship with ease.
How many times have all of us had to do our own mid-course corrections in life, whether at home or at work?
Jonas Salk, inventor of the polio vaccine, said, “Life is an error-making and errorcorrecting process.”
I’ve had to make mid-course corrections many times in my career. In one of my ventures, we were preparing to launch a new product. We invested significant time and resources into development and marketing, confident that our product would meet the market’s needs. However, during the final stages of preparation, we received feedback from a focus group that highlighted a critical flaw in our product’s usability.
We analyzed the feedback data to identify specific areas of concern and potential solutions and made necessary adjustments to the product design, to meet the recommendations. We delayed the launch so we could refine the product and conduct additional testing to ensure its readiness.
We implemented the changes and launched the product. The positive reception and strong
FRIDAY, MAY 30
sales validated our decision to make the midcourse correction.
Listening to your customers and being willing to adapt can turn potential setbacks into successful outcomes.
My good friend John C. Maxwell, the leadership guru, said, “A man must be big enough to admit his mistakes, smart enough to profit from them and strong enough to correct them.”
Making a mid-course correction involves reassessing your current path and making necessary adjustments to align with your goals. Here’s how you can approach it:
Evaluate your current situation. Take stock of where you are now. What’s working well, and what isn’t? Identify areas that need improvement.
Revisit your goals. Ensure your goals are still relevant and meaningful. Sometimes, goals need to be adjusted based on new insights or changing circumstances.
Gather feedback. Seek input from trusted colleagues, mentors or friends. They can provide valuable perspectives that you might not see yourself.
Identify obstacles. Pinpoint any roadblocks that have hindered your progress. Understanding these challenges is crucial for developing effective strategies to overcome them.
Develop a new plan. Based on your evaluation, create a revised plan of action. Set clear, actionable steps that will help you get back on track.
Implement changes. Start making the necessary changes. This might involve learning new skills, adopting new habits or changing your approach.
Monitor progress. Regularly check your progress against your revised plan. Be flexible and willing to make further adjustments as needed.
Stay committed. Change can be challenging, but persistence is key. Stay committed to your new course and remain open to learning and adapting.
Among the companies that understood the importance of making mid-course corrections
are these giants. Amazon started as an online retailer of physical books. Now that sector represents about 10 percent of its profits. Chipotle was long known for its counterservice approach. In 2020 the company added drive-thru pickup lanes called “Chipotlanes,” and the business has thrived. Netflix started as a business to rent or buy DVD movies. Now the focus is on streaming content.
Not all businesses need to make such drastic adjustments, but these examples demonstrate how being attentive to customers’ needs and market changes help companies thrive.
This urban legend is a good example of when to reset your course.
A big ship sees the bright light of what it presumes is another vessel that appears to be on a collision course with the ship. The ship makes radio contact, ordering the obstacle to divert its course to avoid a collision.
“We’re not moving,” comes the reply, and tells the ship to divert its course to avoid a collision. After a few rounds of back-and-forth and the ship’s captain making a few threats, the radio response crackled, “We’re a lighthouse. It’s your call.”
Mackay’s Moral: When you find yourself off course, don’t be afraid to adjust your sails. A mid-course correction can lead you to even greater success.
Reprinted with permission from nationally syndicated columnist Harvey Mackay, author of the New York Times #1 bestseller “Swim With The Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive,” “We Got Fired!...And It’s the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Us,” “The Mackay MBA of Selling in the Real World,” and “Use Your Head To Get Your Foot In The Door.”
Upcoming Events
• Grey Eagle Burtrum Lions American Red Cross Blood Drive from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Church, Grey Eagle.
TUESDAY, JUNE 3
• Parkinson’s Support Group Meeting at 2 p.m. at CentraCare West Campus Board Room, Long Prairie.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4
• Folk & Old-Time Music & Potluck from 1-3 p.m. at the Village View Apartments, Grey Eagle. See ad on page 5.
FRIDAY, JUNE 6
• Member Appreciation Day from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Magnifi Financial, Grey Eagle. See ad on page 7.
MONDAY, JUNE 9-AUGUST 9
• Summer Reading Challenge begins at Great River Regional Libraries for ages 0-18.
SUNDAY, JUNE 15
• Annual Freeport Fire Department Ham Bar-B-Que from 4:30-8:30 p.m. at the Freeport Community Center.
AL-ANON • AVON
• Meets every Monday from 5-6 p.m. at the Avon City Hall.
ALBANY SENIORS
• Meets 1st Tuesday of the month at 1:30 p.m. at the Albany Community Center.
ALBANY TOWNSHIP
• Meets the 4th Monday of the month at
7:30 p.m. at the Albany City Hall.
• Planning Commission meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the Albany City Hall.
BURNHAMVILLE TOWNSHIP
• Meets the last Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Burtrum City Hall.
BURTRUM CITY COUNCIL
• Meets the 1st Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. FEET FIRST CLINIC
• Meets the 1st Tuesday of the month from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at Holdingford City Hall.
FOOD DISTRIBUTION
• Ruby’s Pantry Food Distribution 1st Saturday of the Month from 10-11 a.m. at River of Live Church, Sauk Centre.
FREEPORT CITY COUNCIL
• Meets the last Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.
FREEPORT SENIOR MEETING
• Meets the 3rd Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m. with cards/Bingo/coffee/dessert.
GREY EAGLE CITY COUNCIL
• Meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.
GREY EAGLE TOWNSHIP
• Meets the 1st Monday of the month at 8 p.m. LINE DANCING
• Meets Mondays at 4 p.m. & 5 p.m. alternating Mondays at the Melrose American Legion.
MELROSE TOWNSHIP
• Meets the 1st Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at the town hall.
MELROSE VFW #7050 POST/AUX.
• Meets the 1st Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Melrose American Legion Clubrooms.
MELROSE LEGION #101 POST/AUX.
• Meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Melrose American Legion. (Aux. Sept.-May.)
STEARNS CO. HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
• Meets the 2nd Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Albany SUNSHINE CLUB
• Meets every Monday, weigh in starts at 8; meeting at 8:30 a.m. at the Village View Apartments, Grey Eagle.
ST. ROSA CITY COUNCIL
• Meets the 3rd Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Community Park building.
SWANVILLE CITY COUNCIL
• 1st Tuesday after the 1st Monday of the month at 7 p.m.
SWANVILLE TOWNSHIP
• Meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 8:30 p.m. at the Swanville Fire Hall.
UPSALA CITY COUNCIL
• Meets the 1st Monday of the month at 7 p.m.
“The Good Old Days” -By Tom Kuehne
Memorial Day: Part 3
Ray Tchida was part of the 34th Division and the 125th Field Artillery, also still being referred to as the Red Bull Division. The Red Bull Division was made up of 20,000 troops, mostly from Minnesota. After basic training, part of the group as assigned to the West Coast. Those from that part of the group became part of the Baton Death March.
After the battle for Cassino, many smaller battles occurred while moving up the of coast of Italy. The next destinations were France and Switzerland, which included many cities occupied by German troops.
Ray had two encounters where he was in extreme physical risk. One time was when a convoy was moving the forces from Salerno, Italy, their first arrival destination in Italy.
The convoy was moving at night using “cat eyes” on the front of all vehicles. The road was dusty and Ray found his vehicle was off of the trail. He stopped, pulled out his flashlight, and discovered he was on the edge of a 25 foot deep gorge. A couple more feet of travel would have been a disaster.
Another close call occurred during the bombing of Cassino. He was walking on top of a stone wall, when one of our bombers was attempting to shake loose a stuck bomb. Instead of flying over an unoccupied area, he flew over their camp when the bomb came loose. Ray looked up to see what was happening and jumped off the wall on the side that was opposite of where the bomb landed. It did explode on the other side of the wall, killing many of our troops. Ray was in the hospital for a month recovering from deafness. There were many other times when he could have been struck by bullets or shrapnel, but he was lucky.
Ray’s book relates many stories about food, sleeping on the ground, rain, mud, along with many pictures of tents that were part of their life. Both of his parents died while he was serving his country.
Most of us did not personally know Ray
From the Desk of Pastor Bruce
I am assuming that most of my readers are believers in Jesus Christ. That means that sometime in your life, you came to the realization that you were a sinner and needed saving. You then asked for forgiveness and invited Jesus into your heart and gave Him permission to live there. All believers in Jesus Christ have a relationship with the living God and will spend eternity with Him, amazing.
If you had faith enough to invite Him into your life, knowing that you will then have life after death then you will be in heaven for eternity praising God. So, let me ask, if you had enough faith for the things of eternity, which you cannot see, how come it’s hard to trust Him in the daily routine of the life we live. Is it because we can see the difficulties and not the things of eternity?
Hebrews 11 has been named the “Faith Chapter” for a good reason. There are many heroes of faith for us to look at and ponder, maybe even question our own faith. Hebrews 11:32-39 says “And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barack, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, 33who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, 34quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed
Tchida,
foreign armies. 35Women received back their dead, raised to life again. There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. 36Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— 38the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground. 39These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised,”
All of these people, heroes of faith, had many things happen in their life? Bad things, yet they were faithful to the living God, the One who promised life after death, for all who believe in Him. Please consider your faith, then recommit your life to God and live for Him.
-Pastor Bruce Miller from Swanville Bible Church, 320-547-2916
THURSDAY:
WEDNESDAY: 11 AM-9 PM
SUNDAY:
Shirley H. Laumeyer
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 on Friday, May 30, 2025 at St. Mary of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Long Prairie for Shirley Laumeyer, 89, of Long Prairie who passed away Monday, May 26 at Meadow Place Assisted Living in Long Prairie. Fr. Joe Herzig will preside. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral services at the church on Friday.
Shirley was born on the Century Farm in Round Prairie Township to Carl and Amelia (Faber) Buelow on October 1, 1935. She attended grades 1-8 in district 30 Greenwood School. She graduated from Long Prairie High School and St. Cloud State University. Her teaching career began in Stewart, MN. On January 29, 1959 she was united in marriage to Duane “Shorty” Laumeyer at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church in Long Prairie. She continued teaching in Little Sauk and Long Prairie from 1963-2003. She substituted in area schools beyond those years as well.
Shirley was a woman of service and giving to both her church and her community. She was a charter member of St Ann’s Mission Group; member and served as secretary of Christian Women; taught CCD for 8 years; life member of Todd County Historical Society; charter board member and secretary of Long Prairie Hockey Association and was also an active 10-year 4-H member. She gladly volunteered in church, schools and since 1976 was a volunteer at Long Prairie Memorial Nursing Home. She was proud of the fact that she donated 31 gallons of blood to the Red Cross over the course of her life.
Shirley enjoyed reading, cross stich, fishing and gardening. More than anything though she cherished spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. They loved making raised doughnuts with grandma.
Left to cherish her memories are her sons, David of Denver, CO, Dan (Deb) of Long Prairie and Dennis (Jennifer) of Benson, MN; sisters Lois DeWitt and Darlene Miller both of Willmar; grandchildren, Taylor (Andrew) Rentz, Sydney and Matthew Laumeyer and Kelly (Parker) Robinson and three great grandchildren, Mila, Sophie and Carter Robinson.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Shorty, brothers-in- law Everett DeWitt, Lowell Miller, Lawrence and Lloyd Laumeyer; sisters-in-law Gustie Gmeiner, Ayleen Ruzicka, Haldina Kurpiers, Mildred Kamphenkel and Devona Kurpiers.
George T. Kierzek
Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at St. Columbkille Catholic Church in St. Wendel for George T. Kierzek, age 92, of Holdingford and formerly of St. Wendel, who passed away on Friday, May 23, 2025 at the St. Cloud V.A. Medical Center. Reverend Gregory Mastey officiated. Burial, with full military honors, was in the St. Columbkille Parish Cemetery in St. Wendel.
George was born on November 8, 1932, to Thomas and Mary (Hennek) Kierzek in Avon, Minnesota. He grew up in the Avon area and graduated from Holdingford High School. After graduating from High School, he moved to Duluth to work as a deck hand on the ore ships. In 1955, he enlisted in the United States Army and honorably served his country as a Gun Crewman until his discharge in 1957. He would be united in marriage to Donna M. Hill on April 22, 1958
Beatrice B. Rademacher
Beatrice B.
“Bea” Rademacher, age 96 of Melrose, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at Fairway Pines Assisted Living in Sauk Centre, Minnesota.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 29 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose with Rev. Mitchell Bechtold officiating. Inurnment will be in the parish cemetery. The Mass will be livestreamed and can be viewed on the church’s YouTube channel: Church of St. Mary Melrose. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday at church.
Beatrice Bernadine Austing was born January 1, 1929 in Millwood Township, Stearns County, Minnesota to Joseph and Anna (Von Boken) Austing. She completed eight years of schooling and at age 15, Bea worked for people in her neighborhood helping with housework and helping care for children in their homes. She was united in marriage to Sylverius “Syl” Rademacher on June 15, 1949 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in St. Rosa. The couple lived on a farm south of New Munich until their retirement in 1989 when they moved to Melrose. In 1999, they moved to an apartment in Meire Grove for 15 years before moving into Fairway Pines in Sauk Centre.
She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose and St. Ann’s Christian Women in New Munich. Bea loved to cook and was a great cook. She loved to travel and go to casinos. Her favorite pastime was playing cards, especially 500. Bea taught her children and grandchildren how to play and played cards right up until she passed away. Bea loved spending time with her family, especially with her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.
Survivors include her children, Ruth (Ken) Kortenbusch of Albany, Allen Rademacher of St. Martin, Judy (Keith) Kaiser of St. Joseph, Jack (Rosie) Rademacher of Greenwald, Lori (Dave) Doll of St. Martin, Renee Hesse of Sauk Centre, and Loren (Shari) Rademacher of Richmond; 23 grandchildren, 52 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren on the way. sister-inlaw, Dorothy Rademacher.
Bea was preceded in death by her husband, Sylverius Rademacher on November 10, 2016; parents; brothers and sisters, Dorothy Solarz, Alice Evens, Albert Austing, Roman Austing, Norbert Austing, Clarence Austing, Elma Schumacher, and Alvina Rakotz; and three infant siblings.
Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Melrose.
at St. John Cantius Catholic Church in St. Cloud. George held numerous jobs throughout his life, but most prominently worked for WestRock as a Die Mounter, eventually retiring after 40 years of service. He was a member of St. Columbkille Catholic Church in St. Wendel, the Holdingford American Legion Frank Feia Post #211, the St. Wendel Sportsman’s Club and the St. Wendel Athletic Association where he proudly began the Association’s Little League for baseball.
George was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed going golfing (even hitting a hole-in-one at the Sartell Golf Club), fishing, doing woodwork and tending to his vegetable garden. George also loved baseball. Whether he was playing, coaching or simply mowing the outfield; George loved to be at the ballpark. He will be remembered for his even keeled nature, willingness to always lend a hand and his love of family.
He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Donna; children, Tom (Madonna) and Linda (Gary) Zapzalka; four grandchildren and nine great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Karen Kierzek; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. George is preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Amber Zapzalka; and eight siblings.
Velda Janie Brown
Velda Janie (Newcomb) Brown, age 92, passed away peacefully in Elk River, Minnesota. Born on April 22, 1933, in Randall, Minnesota, Velda lived a full and vibrant life marked by generosity, dedication, and spirited hospitality.
At 16, with her brother Red, Velda ventured to North Dakota, where she began her working life as a waitress. This chapter sparked her lifelong love of travel and deepened the connections she cherished with friends and family. After returning to Minnesota, Velda married the love of her life, Kenneth Brown, on March 17, 1951, in a beautiful ceremony at the St. Paul Cathedral. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, family, and service
Velda later studied nutrition in Duluth, which prepared her to lead the school food program at Epiphany, where she fed generations of students with both nourishment and care. A proud leader and devoted member of her community and local Catholic Church, she served as an election judge and was never one to shy away from standing up for what she believed in. Her remarkable knowledge of local roads, land boundaries, and area history made her a trusted resource and a passionate voice in community matters.
Her door was always open, her liquor cabinet always stocked, and her heart always welcoming. Whether it was a game of cards, a home-cooked meal, or a spontaneous gathering, Velda made everyone feel like family.
Velda was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Kenneth Brown; her parents, Herman and Luella Newcomb; and her siblings Marie, Jim, Floyd, Donnie, and Bonnie. She is lovingly remembered by her siblings Shirley, Richard, and Jannie.
She is survived by her children: Sandra (Gary) Svendsen, Beverly (Trevor) Walsten, Steven Brown, Kelly (Colette) Brown, and Michael (Nancy) Brown. She also leaves behind 15 grandchildren and was further blessed by many great-grandchildren who were lucky enough to experience her love, stories, and unforgettable meals.
Velda was the kind of woman who didn’t need to write her recipes down—she carried them, and so much more, in her heart and memory. Her legacy is one of strength, service, laughter, and unconditional welcome.
A visitation and celebration of Velda’s life will be held on Monday, June 2nd. Visitation starting at 9:00 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am at Christ the King Catholic Church in Browerville, Minnesota. Burial will immediately follow at the church cemetery. All are welcome to join in remembering a woman who gave so much to so many. Arrangements for Velda are with the Iten Funeral Home of Browerville, MN.
Donald Ahrens passed away Monday, November 18, 2024 at his home in Sauk Centre at the age of 67.
A Celebration of Life Event will be held on Saturday, June 7th from 1:00 to 4:00 at the Little Sauk Legion.
Curtis “Curt” J. Drager
Curtis “Curt” J. Drager, 86 year old resident of Swanville, MN, passed away Monday, May 12, 2025, at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, MN. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, June 7, 2025, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Swanville, MN, with Pastor David Strohschen officiating. Visitation will be from 10:30-11:00 AM prior to the service. A private family burial in Springbrook Cemetery will be held prior to the service.
Curt was born on March 10, 1939 at St. Gabriel’s Hospital in Little Falls, MN, to the late Herbert O. and Clara Mabel (Campbell) Drager. Curt attended Swanville High School and graduated with the Class of 1957. On July 3, 1958, he married his high school sweetheart (the only girlfriend he ever had), Lila Thompson, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Swanville. They are the parents of three children, Vicki, Steven and Scott. He served on the City Council and was a volunteer firefighter for over 20 years. Curt was a Master Electrician, Master Plumber and the owner of Swanville Electric. During the 1980s, he also raised turkeys for several years. In 1987, they moved to Waite Park and managed a large apartment complex. During this time, he and the boys started Drager Electric, Plumbing & Heating until Steven’s death in 2022. They moved back to the area and lived in the Drager Cabin by Pillsbury Lake for 20 years. After remodeling his boyhood home in town, they were able to move in before Thanksgiving, 2024. Curt is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Lila; children, Vicki Green and Scott Drager; grandchildren, Lacey (Scott) Solbro, Erin Kipka, Taylor (Mercedes) Drager, Tanner (Madeline) Drager, Autumn Drager; great-grandchildren, Isabella, Noah, Liam, Kayzlee, and Maverick.
He was preceded in death by his son, Steven; grandson, Eric Kipka; sons-in-law, Douglas Kipka and Michael Green; brothers, 3-year-old David and Lowell; parents, Herb and Mabel Drager; parentsin-law, George and Anna Thompson; brothers-inlaw, Ervin, Shirley, Milo, Alvin; sisters-in-law, Gladys and Myrtle.
“Death leaves a heartache nothing can heal, Love leaves a memory no one can steal.”
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, I own a small business, and over the years we haven’t grown quite as much as I expected or hoped. We’re doing okay, but I often find myself questioning my own decisions after the fact. Do you have any suggestions for an entrepreneur looking to improve their decision-making abilities?
-Nikki
Dear Nikki,
I’m glad you’re taking the condition of your company, and the direction it’s heading, so seriously. Believe it or not, developing your decision-making skills takes practice and hard work, just like anything else. Even the best thinkers and decision-makers look back from time to time and wonder if they really did the right thing for their businesses and their team members.
Now, you’re not wrong if you’re sweating a little at the thought of how much practice it takes to develop these skills. Developing finely-tuned decision-making skills isn’t easy. And like any process, it takes time. Here are a few ideas that may help you develop into a better decision-maker in the future:
Take an appropriate amount of time to decide - Acting on impulse, or with too little information, is foolish and dangerous. But
then, so is thinking yourself to death. If the impact of the decision is small, don’t waste too much time making the call. But if it’s big or risky, spend more time thinking it through. It also doesn’t hurt to seek the counsel of someone outside your organization you trust and respect.
Gather several options: Creativity may be problem-solving’s best friend, but options are the fruit of creative thinking that lead to amazing solutions. You’ll feel more confident when you gather information and ideas, and study what you’re dealing with.
Learn how to delegate: By doing this, you’ll free up more brain space to make decisions. And most likely, make better decisions.
Set a deadline: This will help you overcome procrastination, or freezing in fear of making the wrong decision. Put a target date on your calendar, and decide by that day. Period.
Play out the worst-case scenario in your mind: This may sound counterintuitive, but when you think through the worst that possibly happen, you’ll see that making the call probably won’t kill you—even if you’re wrong.
Remember, choosing not to decide is a decision: Sometimes, it’s the best path you can take for the short term.
Commit to your decision: Follow through!
And finally, take care of yourself physically: Get enough sleep and exercise so you can think logically and be well-reasoned.
James Clear, the bestselling author of Atomic Habits, says, “Your problems adjust to their true level of importance after a hard workout and a good night of sleep.”
Leaders lead. Always. When your team sees you taking steps to improve yourself and the company, they’ll buy-in more easily to your vision for the future. They’ll have added confidence in you. And it may just inspire them to undertake a journey of self-improvement, as well.
I hope this helps, Nikki!
Ask The Motor Medics®
From the Hosts of the Under The Hood radio show.
Dear Motor Medics,
Hi guys, I’m
the not so proud owner of a 2022 GM truck with a 6.2 engine. Here is my problem with them. I bought a 2010 Chevy Suburban that made it 105k miles and then had the camshaft lifter failure that so many have had. I paid to replace the engine, and it made it 60k more miles and it happened again. My second new purchase was a 2016 Silverado and at 90k miles the same thing. Camshaft lifter failure causing the need for complete engine replacement and I also had two transmissions fail on it. Both get 3 month 3k mile oil changes and do not tow. Now my 6.2 powered Silverado is burning oil and is under the crankshaft failure recall and does have the code p0016. What now?
-Rick in Sioux Falls, South Dakota Dear Rick,
We feel for you as a shop who sees many customers in the same situation. The other trucks are in the past so let’s talk about the 2022. Yes, GM has recalled a ton of these for crankshaft inspection. During this inspection, slated to start in June, they will change the oil and look for debris and check for the code p0016. Many will be replaced under this extended coverage warranty. This should not cost anything if you are under it. The oil will also be changed to a 0w40 Mobile Supercar oil and the cap replaced to indicate the change. See your dealer for details.
-Take care, The Motor Medics Dear Motor Medics,
want $400 to fix it. With 300k miles I’m leery if it will be worth it as they said driving it that way may have damaged the engine.
- Janice in Longview, Texas Dear Janice,
That is a lot of misfire events, but if the repairs were made and the truck still ran well you dodged the proverbial bullet. What you have now is very common as rodent damage is seen in our shop almost every month. We would be much more concerned if it was coils not working for an extended period than injectors. The reason for this is that fuel pouring into cylinders unburned can cause damage and get into the oil and cause even more damage through oil dilution. The only way to know is to repair the issue and see if it works. Maybe look into a cat too.
-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.
-Dave
* Leadership and small-business expert Dave Ramsey is the CEO of Ramsey Solutions. He has authored eight national bestselling books, including “EntreLeadership,” and he’s a host of “The Ramsey Show” and “The EntreLeadership Podcast.”
I have a 2004 Ford F150, and it has a misfire. This truck has been through so many of them that I am worried about engine longevity. The first issue was coils and spark plus and I drove it for almost a month before it was fixed running about 1k miles, and it ran fine once they replaced the parts. The next thing was cam phasers and it missed for another month and a lockout kit fixed that. Now I have a mouse that has chewed through several injector wires causing a mis and they
Local Municipality Minutes
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Swanville City • April 8, 2025
Minutes of the Swanville City Council meeting held in the Swanville Center on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. The meeting called to order 7:00 p.m. with the following members present: Sandy Lange, Norm Carlson, Carter Loven, Jim Molitor, and Tony Maciej. Also present: Ryan oden, Darrin Fellbaum, Barrett & Amanda Richardson, Bea Golombecki, Lonny Hutchins, and reporter Sheila McCoy.
Minutes of the Swanville City Council meeting held Tuesday, March 4, 2025 were reviewed. A motion was made by Norm Carlson to approve the minutes. Jim Molitor seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.
The treasures report was given. A motion was made by Jim Molitor and seconded Carter Loven to approve the treasurer’s report. All members voted in favor, motion carried.
Floor was opened for public comment-no comments
Ryan Odden, city engineer, introduced Darrin Fellbaum to council. Oden stated water treatment plant is moving right along. Mn Power is waiting until the grade is completed by the plant. Land Pride will back in the next couple of weeks to work on the grade.
The North Berkey 1st Addition is about ready for building to begin on the lots. The clerk will check with the city attorney on the next steps needed to proceed with the sale of the lots.
Bea Golombecki was present to ask the council if a curb could be put in by her house on the corner of 2nd Street on Berkey Avenue. Debris is collecting in her yard during heavy rainfalls. After discussion, council decided to remove the sidewalk in front of her house which in poor condition and put in a curb around the corner to direct water down the street instead.
There was discussion of a child day care being put in the Lutheran Church educational building. If this would take place the council discussed the need to possibly rezone the area. Tabled
The Senior Center floor is in need of striping and waxing the floor. Two bids were presented. After discussion, Mayor Lange made a motion to hire Service Master of Little Falls, which was the lower bid. Norm Carlson seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried. The Clerk will set up the date for the project. City maintenance worker Lonny stated the kitchen floor in the park building is in need of waxing as well. Council was in favor to have it done also.
There will be an open house in the Swanville Museum on Saturday, May 3 from 9:00 am-1:00 pm. The repairing the roof was discussed. Tabled
Lonny also stated the Swanville Lions would like to redo the roof on the park building and park pavilion building. The project could be done this summer.
City Clean-up Day is set for Saturday, May 10 from 9:00 to 11:00 am, by the Swanville Park. The council decided on the same fees as last year plus will add fees for couches
and bulky chairs $10.00 each and mattresses and box springs will be $15.00 each.
Carter Loven stated the D-Day Walk is scheduled for June 14. Flyers will be printed and put up.
Larry VanHeel is asking for an extension of his building permit that expires in June to build a garage. After discussion, Norm Carlson made a motion to give a three-month extension. Jim Molitor seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.
Donation Resolution #25-0408 for $4000.00 was presented from the Swanville Lions Club to help with City Park expenses. Tony Maciej made a motion to accept the donation. Carter Loven seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried. Council appreciates the Swanville Lions Club for helping support the City Park.
A noncompliance letter was read from the State of Mn stating every three years the city is required to send in a wage compliance report. The letter stated the Clerk/Treasurer’s pay needed to be increased by $1.91 an hour. After discussion, Jim Molitor made a motion to raise the Clerk/Treasurer pay $2.00 an hour. Carter Loven seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.
The Local Board of Equalization will meet on Wednesday, April 23rd-10:30 am in the Swanville Center.
The following claims were presented for payment. Members of the council were furnished with a listing. Jim Molitor made a motion to approve the claims. Carter Loven seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.
The next regular monthly meeting will be held Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 7:00 pm in the Swanville Center.
There being no further business, a motion was made by Carter Loven and seconded by Norm Carlson to adjourn. All members voted in favor, motion carried. Meeting adjourned 8:00pm.
Julie Hollermann, City Clerk/Treasurer
Pulse on People
Doctor Danielle Overman, PT, DPT of Albany, MN, proudly earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy on May 11, 2025 from the College of St. Scholastica, Duluth, MN. Danielle is the daughter of Dale and Joan Overman.
Parkinson's Support Group Meeting
Parkinson’s Support Group Meeting is for anyone with Parkinson’s, their families, and caregivers. Next meeting will be June 3rd, 2025 at 2 p.m. at the CentraCare Long Prairie West Campus Boardroom, 20 9th St. SE.
For more information contact Rona Bleess at 320-874-0222.
Albany Senior Dining
Volunteers Needed! Call 320-845-4070
Mon., June 2: BBQ pork, macaroni & cheese, broccoli, brownie, bread.
Tues., June 3: Turkey w/spaetzle, dumplings, peas, peaches, bread.
Wed., June 4: Sweet & sour chicken, rice, oriental vegetables, mandarin oranges, cookie, bread.
Thurs., June 5: Hamburger patty, whipped potatoes, gravy, beets, bread.
Fri., June 6: Tuna noodle casserole, carrots, pudding, bread.
Pre-registration requested to dine daily.
For more info. call 320-845-4070.
A Shave Funny
An old cowboy walks into a barbershop for a shave and a haircut.
He tells the barber he can’t get all his whiskers off because his cheeks are wrinkled from age. The barber gets a little wooden ball from a cup on the shelf and tells the old cowboy to put it inside his cheek to spread out the skin.
When he’s finished, the old cowboy tells the barber that was the cleanest shave he’d had in years, but he wanted to know what would have happened if he had accidentally swallowed that little ball. The barber replied, just bring it back in a couple of days like everyone else does.
Todays Thought
No one should live by the early bird policy until learning whether they classify as a bird or a worm.
Accident: May 26, 2025: At approximately 3:41 pm, their office received a report of a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of 120th Avenue and 20th Street, approximately two miles south of Bowlus, MN in Two Rivers Township. According to the Sheriff’s Office, 52-year-old Brenda Czech of Bowlus, MN was traveling south on 120th Avenue and 53-year-old Samuel Zenk of Monticello, MN was also traveling south on 120th Avenue. Czech’s vehicle slowed to make a left turn onto 20th Street and was struck from behind by Zenk’s vehicle. Czech was transported by Mayo Clinic Ambulance to St. Gabriel’s Hospital with unknown injuries, Zenk was not injured. The case remains under investigation.
The Morrison County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by Bowlus Fire Department, Bowlus First Response Team and Mayo Clinic Ambulance.
Hometown
Thursday, May 29, 2025
GARAGE SALE: May 29-30: 8-6; May 31: 8-1. 2908 Dove Rd, Bowlus.
RUMMAGE/BAKE SALE: Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Upsala, Saturday, June 7: 8:00-11:30; bag sale 11:30-12:00. Coffee, caramel rolls for sale.
WANTED TO BUY: Butcher cows, bulls, fats & walkable cripples: also horses, sheep & goats. 320-235-2664. SC-odB
WANTED: Cars and pickups from the 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s, in your weeds or sheds. 218-640-3807 or 218-756-2257.
WANTED: 1995 Dodge 1/2 ton pickup, cheap with clear title. Call 320-267-5632. RB-tfn
WANTED: Geo Tracker, good shape, reasonable price. Call 320-267-5632. RB-tfn
WORK WANTED: Local teenager looking for mowing & lawn jobs around Big Birch Lake and surrounding towns. Call/text Tyler 320-250-9815. 5/29
WANTED: Cow tank for a raised garden it can leak. Call 320-250-7331.
FOR SALE: Kayak. Call 320-250-7331.
FOR SALE: 1984 red Corvette, top comes off, 105,000 miles, automatic, $10,500 or B/O. Call 320-267-5632. RB-tfn
FOR SALE: Thor A.C.E. Class A motorhome, low mileage, 2 slide-outs, Ford F53 chassis, good condition, $52,500 O.B.O. Call/text 320-249-7694. 5/29
FOR SALE: Craftsman 6” jointer with cabinet, excellent condition, Model #10320620, $400. Call 320-766-3119. DC-tfn
FOR SALE: 1983 Ford Mustang GLX convertible, 60,000 miles, automatic, white w/ white leather interior, 3.8L, V6, kept in garage, excellent, $9,000. Call 320-766-5119.
DC-tfn
FOR SALE: Vibo boat lift, canopy cover needs replacement, $750. Call 320-7663119. DC-tfn
FOR SALE: LazyBoy leather rocker/recliner, burgundy, great condition, $275. Top grain leather 84” couch, pampas sand, excellent, $375. Call/pictures 320-285-5060.
FOR SALE: 11 month old male Mini Dachshund dog, up to date on shots. Call 320-250-7125.
FOR SALE: Crestline 14’ boat, 7 hp Johnson motor, trailer, life jackets, etc. complete. Call 320-352-6976.
FOR SALE: Zero turn lawn mower. 18 speed bike. Clean golf balls 50¢ each. Solar radio. Keyboard. Call 320-251-3133. 6/5
FOR SALE: Metal wall cars. School desk. Wooden swing set. Call 320-251-3133. 6/5
GRRL Kicks Off Summer Reading Challenge
Get ready to Level Up at Your Library this summer! Whether kids are playing with STEM concepts, gamifying their reading logs, learning to play chess or coding video games, the Summer Reading Challenge reminds us that libraries are not just spaces for knowledge; they are places for fun!
Great River Regional Library (GRRL) will kick off the annual Summer Reading Challenge (SRC) on Monday, June 9, and continue through Saturday, August 9. Registration begins on Monday, June 9, in the Beanstack app, on griver. beanstack.org, or by visiting your local library during open hours. Participants track their reading in the Beanstack app or using paper slips that they return to their library. Participants are eligible for prize drawings at the end of the challenge. In addition, each branch offers a unique assortment of prizes!
In 2024, across 32 branch locations, we had a record-breaking 13,414 babies, children, and teens participate! We anticipate another exciting summer with families in our communities. This year’s theme, “Level Up at Your Library” is based on puzzles and games, encouraging kids to play, think in new ways, and foster friendships. The challenge is open to all kids ages 0 to 18 and divided by age: pre-readers (ages 0 to 3), kids (ages 3 to 12), and teens (ages 13 to 18).
The mission of our reading challenge is simple: Encourage children and teens to read throughout the summer! Summer reading isn’t just fun; it’s extremely beneficial. Regular reading goes far in combating the “summer slide,” a term that describes the loss of academic skills during the summer break. Students who join public library summer reading programs scored higher on reading achievement tests at the beginning of the next school year than those who did not participate – in some cases, significantly higher. This reading challenge would not be possible without our generous sponsors. We are grateful for their support, which helps us bring the joy of reading to young people in our communities.
Visit your local library to discover how your children can participate this summer. Check your library’s hours at griver.org/locations and find more details on the library’s website at griver.org/summer-reading-challenge.
Photo by Lori Young.