A beautiful Dragonfly enjoying the day. Submitted by Diann Hirman.
Hometown News
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The importance of people in our lives -By
Harvey Mackay
MONDAYS • 5 PM
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I am a Charles Schulz superfan, and for more reasons than the fact we both graduated from good old Central High School in St. Paul, Minn. I often quote the “Peanuts” cartoon strip in this column, because in addition to being a gifted cartoonist, he is a deep thinker. The following quiz is based on Schulz’s philosophy:
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman Trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.
4. Name 10 people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor or actress.
How did you do? The point is few of us remember the superstars of yesterday. Applause fades, awards tarnish and achievements are forgotten.
Here’s another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who helped you in school.
2. Name three friends who supported you
through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who taught you something.
4. Who is one person that made you feel appreciated and special?
5. Picture five people you enjoy spending time with.
Isn’t that easier? The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money or the most awards. They are the ones who give the most.
Never underestimate the importance of people in your life. And always look for opportunities to improve your relationships, no matter how good they already are.
Understanding the importance of people in both personal and professional contexts is crucial for a fulfilling and successful life.
People play a vital role in our personal lives by providing emotional support. Family and friends provide a support system that helps us navigate life’s ups and downs. They offer love, understanding and encouragement.
People in our lives enrich our experiences by sharing in our joys and sorrows. These shared moments create lasting memories and deepen relationships.
Close relationships also challenge us to grow and become better people. They provide feedback, inspire change and help us develop empathy and compassion.
Finally, being part of a community or family gives us a sense of belonging and identity, which helps us feel connected and valued.
On the professional side, collaboration
and teamwork are essential for achieving common goals. Diverse perspectives lead to innovative solutions and improved outcomes.
Building professional relationships opens doors to new opportunities, career advancement and knowledge sharing. Networking can lead to mentorship and partnerships.
Colleagues and mentors can provide guidance, support and motivation, helping us overcome challenges and stay focused on our career objectives. The people we work with shape the culture of our organizations. A positive, inclusive culture fosters engagement, productivity and job satisfaction.
People are the cornerstone of our success and happiness. They provide support, challenge us to grow and enrich our lives in countless ways.
One of the most impactful people in my life was my University of Minnesota history professor and academic adviser, Harold Deutsch. He not only taught history, he lived it. He was the leading historian and interpreter at the Nuremberg Trials. Professor Deutsch taught me valuable life lessons that have
Upcoming Events
SATURDAY, SEPTEBMER 27
• 19th Annual Hog Roast from 4:30-7 p.m. at the Grey Eagle United Methodist Church. See ad on page 7.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
• St. Leo Court #786 Matching Fund Breakfast from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church basement, New Munich.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1
• Folk & Old-Time Music & Potluck from 1-3 p.m. at the Village View Apartments, Grey Eagle. See ad on page 5.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2
• Fluff-N-Puff Pillow Cleaning Service from 7 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Upsala Area Community Center. See ad on page 7.
• Fluff-N-Puff Pillow Cleaning Service from 2-6 p.m. at the Holdingford City Center. See ad on page 3.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4
• St. John’s Catholic Church 41st Annual Craft Fair from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Swanville School. See ad on page 7.
• 129th Annual Burtrum Bean Bake from 4:30-8 p.m. at the Burtrum Community Center. See ad on page 7.
• Beat Series Shaun Johnson Trio at 7 p.m. at the Blattner Energy Arts Theatre, Albany.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8
• Smart Driver Class 4 Hour Refresher Course from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Word of Life Church, Upsala. See ad on page 7.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11
• Public Square Rosary at Noon at St. Mary’s Church, Upsala.
• Ron Schmidt Benefit from 4-7 p.m. at Lucky’s Pub, Swanille.
• St. John’s Lutheran Church, Grey Eagle Annual Meatball Supper from 4:30-7 p.m.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12
• Catholic United Financial #101 of Free-
port Matching Grant Breakfast from 8:30 a.m.12 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Church Basement, Freeport.
• Knights of Columbus #9307 Chicken & Ham Dinner from 3:30-6:30 p.m. at the Pelican Lake Ballroom, St. Anna.
• 17th Annual Spud Fest from 4:30-7 p.m. at Gethsemane Church, Upsala.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19
• CUF Potato Pancake & Sausage Supper from 3-7 p.m. at St. John’s Church, Meire Grove.
AL-ANON • AVON
• Meets every Monday from 5-6 p.m. at the Avon City Hall.
ALBANY FARMERS MARKET
• Meets every Thursday, Sept. 4-Oct. 2 from 3-6 p.m. Located at the corner of 2nd Street & Railroad Ave.
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
Water
Water is definitely very important in our lives. It ranks up there with air, food and shelter. We need it to keep our bodies liquified, our bodies washed, our clothing cleaned, our home cleaned, our food prepared, our dishes washed and our coffee made. There are many more needs for water including making the bathroom flusher work. Let’s go back to the time of the original settlers. Imagine a guy who built a cabin on 160 acres. He brought his wife, two kids, a cow, 3 pigs, two horses and 5 chickens to their new home. The water supply problem was solved by a creek that was about 100 yards
Harvey Mackay continued from pg 2 stayed with me throughout my career.
He had a unique way of making history come alive, which sparked my interest and curiosity. But beyond the subject matter, he instilled in me the importance of critical thinking and the value of understanding different perspectives. His guidance helped shape my approach to business and life, encouraging me to always seek knowledge and remain open to learning from others.
Another significant influence was my golf coach at the University of Minnesota, Les Bolstad. Coach Bolstad taught me the importance of discipline, perseverance and maintaining a positive attitude, even in challenging situations. His mentorship extended beyond the golf course, impacting my approach to business challenges and personal growth.
One person who made me feel appreciated and special was my high school English teacher, Ms. Malmon. She went out of her way to nurture the unique qualities in each of her students. Ms. Malmon recognized my passion for writing and encouraged me to explore it further. Her feedback was always constructive and positive, which helped me build confidence in my abilities.
These mentors not only shared their expertise but also provided encouragement and support, helping me become the person I am today.
Mackay’s Moral: The quality of your life is greatly influenced by the quality of your relationships – nurture them, and they will nurture you.
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.”
from the house. His wife could take two milk pails and walk to the creek to get the water for drinking, cooking, washing and cleaning. He needed to drive the cow and horses to the creek each evening so they could drink. He also carried a couple of pails of water to the pigs and chickens, because he didn’t feel safe letting them go to the creek by themselves. This solution lasted for about a month, when she began complaining about carrying all that water. He found that the time spent watering the livestock was using time that would have been more productive making hay, cutting wood or building a shelter for the livestock.
One day he went to town and while at the hardware store he complained about the water problem. He said that he didn’t have men to help him dig a well, since it was a slow hard job lifting the dirt in pails from the hole that would probably need to be about 15 feet deep. Hopefully that would be deep enough to hit water.
The hardware man said that he had an easier solution and the cost would definitely be within his budget. The first thing he needed to do was to witch for water, so he would know where the well should be. The store happened to have a sand point, a driving cap, about 20 feet of pipe and a hand pump to bring the water right up in the yard. There was a post mall among his tools, so there now was an easier solution to the family’s water problem. Water still needed to be carried to the house, cattle and garden. Getting the water to these locations was better each year, since they now had “running water,” the kids were getting old enough to run for it.
In Central Minnesota, access to shallow water was usually quite easy, but in the western and northern parts of the state it is sometimes more difficult. In today’s world there are many rules and restrictions regarding use of groundwater, but there are still quite a few wells that are 15 or 20 feet deep that continue to produce clean and healthy water.
For feedback or story ideas, email Tom at kuehneins@gmail.com.
If you need help with Health or Life Insurance or for Senior Health Solutions Contact: Tom Kuehne 320-360-0343
Chris' Country Store
Hours: Wed.-Sun.: 7 AM-2 PM
105 State St. E. Grey Eagle • 320-285-2600
Order 24/7 @ www.flowershopnetwork.com or email Chris
From the Desk of Pastor Bruce -By Lori Miller
By Pastor Bruce’s Wife, Lori!
Because Pastor Bruce is recovering from shoulder re-replacement surgery, he asked me, his wife, to write his article this week. “Sure,”
I replied, “I could do that!” Then he asked me another question… “What do you think you will write about?” Well, that got me thinking… what could I write about? Since, Pastor Bruce always uses scripture to encourage and build up his reader’s faith in the Lord, how could I do the same? Or better yet… How can you, his readers, do the same”
Bruce knows, as a Pastor, his primary job is to… ”prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:12-13)
Are you an encourager? Does your life speak volumes of LOVE FOR GOD and LOVE FOR PEOPLE? Words are one way, but so is our actions, attitudes and thoughts.
Philippians 2:1-5 “Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:” Then verses 6-11 of Philippians 2, describes the humili-
ty of Christ, who He is and what He was willing to give up and become, so that He could be our TRUE EXAMPLE of “loving God and loving people.” (like you and I).
Yes, Pastor Bruce is an encourager at heart, but as his wife, I also know how often he needs encouragement from others, to affirm that his love and work for God is indeed impacting others for Christ. If that is true for you, his reader, consider dropping Pastor Bruce an encouraging word about your faith story. (PO box 272, Swanville MN 56382)
-From Lori Miller, Pastor Bruce’s wife, also from Swanville Bible Church
Your Choice: Shrimp Basket, Angus Slider Basket, 1/4 Chicken Basket, Nachos or Quesadillas w/Beverage Purchase Specials to go $1.00 charge 4-8 PM: Full Kitchen Open Home Made Pizzas • Irish Italian Spaghetti
THURSDAY: 5-9 PM
Includes Salad Bar & Choice of Potato
• Chicken & Ribs $17.95
• 8 oz. Ground Sirloin $15.95
• Creamy Sweet Chili Haddock w/Wild Rice $17.95
TUESDAY: 5-9 PM Burger Night $4.00 1/3 lb. Fresh Ground Hamburger on Brioche Buns! Dine In w/Beverage Purchase WEDNESDAY: 11 AM-9 PM Domestic Beers: 2 for $6 • 1-1/2 lb. Wings $7.00 • $7 Baskets
SATURDAY: 5-9 PM
Salad Bar & Choice of Potato
Ribeye $26.95
Teriyaki Chicken over Rice Pilaf $14.95
Deep Fried Cod $16.95 • Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo $15.95 or Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo $17.95 w/Breadsticks
Chili Chicken, Wild Rice, w/Breadsticks $14.95
Obituaries Bernard J. Meyer
Ramona Schneider
Mass of Christian burial for Ramona Schneider, age 85, of Albany, will be held on Friday, September 26, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Seven Dolars Catholic Church in Albany. Visitation held on Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM and again from 10:00 AM10:45 AM before mass at the church on Friday. Ramona passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on September 19, 2025.
Ramona was born on March 29, 1940, in Spring Hill, Minnesota, to Peter and Isabelle (Heinen) Welle. She grew up in Spring Hill, attended school in Melrose, and graduated high school from St. Benedict’s (St. Joseph, MN). Ramona then studied at St. Benedict’s Convent with the intention of becoming a nun. Prior to taking her final vows, she ultimately chose to return home to be with her family.
On April 11, 1964, she married Ambrose “Amby” Schneider, and together they built a life full of love, hard work, and devotion to family. In 1974, Ramona and Amby opened Amby’s Foods in Albany, which they proudly owned and operated for 40 years, until retiring in 2014. Through the store, she touched countless lives in the community, but her greatest joy and most cherished accomplishment was her family.
Ramona will be remembered as an extremely hard-working woman who gave her all to both her family and her community. She was unselfish and generous, always putting the needs of others before her own. Her quiet acts of kindness left a lasting impact on everyone who knew her.
She was a dedicated member of the Legion Auxiliary and active in various church organizations. Her faith, kindness, and generosity were evident in all she did.
She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Amby; her sons, Brian (Karla) Schneider and Kurt (Anne Kent) Schneider; her grandchildren, Kate, Kasy, Cole (Meghan), and Kaiya Schneider, Erin, Olivia, and Logan Harren; and her brother, Herbert (Rosie) Welle.
Ramona is preceded in death by her parents; siblings Lorraine, Victoria, Donald, infant brother John, and Earl; and her beloved grandson, Cody Schneider.
Her legacy of love, faith, and family will live on in all who knew her.
Bernard J. “Bernie” Meyer, age 90 of Alexandria, died peacefully on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Galeon Community Memorial Home in Osakis, Minnesota. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, September 26 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Sauk Centre with Rev. Mark Botzet officiating. Interment will be at St. Andrew’s Cemetery in Greenwald following the lunch.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday and from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Friday at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Sauk Centre. Knights of Columbus will pray a rosary at 6 p.m. Thursday at the church.
Bernard Joseph Meyer was born and raised on a farm in Meire Grove on April 2, 1935 to Aloys C. and Elizabeth (Nietfeld) Meyer. On June 14, 1958 he was united in marriage to Rosemary “Rosie” Welle at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Greenwald.
He began his career as a factory welder and later owned a blacksmith shop. He and his brother, Dave, purchased and operated a tire shop in Sauk Centre before Bernie returned to welding as part of a road construction crew that helped build Highway 94.
In 1973, Bernie and his wife, Rosie, purchased a farm in Parkers Prairie where they finished raising their six children. After retiring in the early 2000s, Bernie and Rosie traveled extensively with their pull trailer. In retirement, he also remained active through various entrepreneurial endeavors, including a commercial portable sawmill service, delivering commercial vehicles, to name a few.
Bernie’s faith and family were central throughout his life.
Survivors include his children, Nancy Meyer (Matthew) Foli, Karen (Tom) Docksey, Joan (Jim) Ronning, Monica (Rick) Olson, and Paul (Shannon) Meyer; 13 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; brothers, Arnold (Mary Ann) Meyer of Sauk Centre and David (Jane) Meyer of Sauk Centre; and sister-in-law, Janice Meyer of Melrose.
Bernie was preceded in death by his wife, Rosie Meyer on March 10, 2020; parents; son, Mark Meyer; brothers and sisters, Polycarp (Julie) Meyer, Marcella (Frank) Lawler, Al (Fern) Meyer, Leo Meyer, Aloys “Red” (Arlene) Meyer, Anna Meyer, and Jimmy Meyer.
Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Sauk Centre.
Dennis F. Deters
Dennis F. “Farm Kid” Deters, age 82 of Elrosa, died peacefully after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease on Monday, September 22, 2025 at the CentraCare Hospital in Sauk Centre, Minnesota. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, September 26 at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Elrosa with Rev. Kevin Soenneker officiating. Inurnment will be in the parish cemetery at a later date.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday and from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Elrosa.
Dennis Frank Deters was born October 4, 1942 in Lake George Township, Stearns County, Minnesota to John and Caroline (Schneider) Deters. Dennis attended country school north of Elrosa and the Catholic School in Elrosa and graduated from Belgrade High School in 1960. On September 7, 1964 he was united in marriage to Carolyn “Carol” Poepping at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Greenwald, Minnesota. After graduating high school, Dennis moved to the Twin Cities and worked at General Motors until 1971. The couple moved back to farm on the Deters family farm in Elrosa. In 2005, the couple retired and moved into town.
He was a member of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Elrosa and Catholic United Financial. Dennis enjoyed helping local farmers with fieldwork and driving his friends to their V.A. appointments. He played cards at Bucky’s in the morning, poker games with the guys, and enjoyed an occasional trip to the casino. Dennis loved spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren.
Survivors include his loving wife of 61 years, Carol Deters of Elrosa; children, Stacey Haider of Otsego, Jamie Deters (Anita Rooney) of Becker, and Robbie (Julie) Deters of Sartell; eight grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren; Vincent Deters of Roseville, David (Barb) Deters of Clermont, Florida, Andy Deters of Maple Grove, Michael (Clara) Deters of Albany, Theresa (Tom) Loxtercamp of Sauk Centre, Jim Deters of Wailuku, Hawaii, Julianna (Larry) Burg of Albany, Marylee (Jim) Welle of Monticello, Linda (Tom) Running of Cottage Grove, Judy (Charles) Canesi of Ramsey, and Mona (Jim) Athmann of Maple Grove.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; son, Scott Deters; brothers, Robert, Billy, and Tom Deters; and sisters, Diona Deters, Anna Marie Deters, and Lorraine Wander; daughter-inlaw, Heidi Deters; son-in-law, Ken Haider; and sisters-in-law, Donna Deters, Bonnie Deters, and Lillian Deters.
Arrangements were made with PattonSchad Funeral and Cremation Services of Sauk Centre.
Gerald J. Koopmeiners
Gerald Jerome Koopmeiners, age 82 of Melrose, passed away on September 22, 2025 at 10 pm with family by his side at Cura Nursing Home in Melrose. He is finally at peace after living with dementia for quite a few years. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Monday, September 29 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose with Rev. Mitchell Bechtold officiating. Interment will be in Oak Hill Cemetery with military honors by the Melrose Veterans Honor Guard. For those who are active or former military, Jerry would appreciate if you wear your respective uniform to the Mass.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose and from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Monday at the church. Parish prayers will be held at 4 p.m. followed by the Melrose Veterans Honor Guard at 6:45 p.m. Sunday evening at the funeral home.
Gerald Jerome Koopmeiners was born March 4, 1943, in St. Francis, MN to Herman and Florence (Pohlmann) Koopmeiners, the eighth of eleven children. He started his first job in fifth grade, setting pins at the bowling alley, along with his brother Jim. He also worked on the farms of his sisters, Irene and Margie. During high school he worked at Al’s Red Owl.
He graduated from Melrose High School in 1961 and joined the Marines in July of that year with basic training at Camp Pendleton. He was enormously proud to be a Marine! He was honorably discharged in 1964.
Gerald married Marjorie Ann Brang on October 16, 1965, at St. John’s Church in Meire Grove. They lived in Brooklyn Park for several years while he worked for Buckingham Freight Lines, loading trucks. In 1969 after moving back to the Melrose area, he held a variety of jobs over the years to support his family and make ends meet. He worked for Select Sires breeding cows, as a custodian at St. Mary’s Catholic School, delivering gas and fuel oil for Loxtercamp Oil, which earned him the nickname “OPEC”, as a truck driver for Jennie-O Foods while he subbed for the post office in Sauk Centre, and finally, as a full-time Rural Letter Carrier at the Sauk Centre Post Office for the final 20 years of his working life. He enjoyed being a Rural Letter Carrier and would have continued hauling mail if he could have worked only from April to November. He retired at the age of 70 in 2013.
Gerald volunteered in the community throughout his lifetime. He was a 20-year member of the Melrose Fire Department. As a member of St. Mary’s Parish, he served on the parish council and as an usher at mass. He served on the Melrose Hospital Board. He was a lifetime member of the Melrose VFW Post 7050 where he served as commander. He was also a Union Steward for the National Rural Letter Carrier Association. After retirement, he volunteered at the Melrose Food Shelf and at the St. Cloud VA, escorting Veterans to their appointments.
Gerald was blessed with the gift of conversation and could talk to nearly anyone, joking around, and laughing at his own jokes. He loved attending the activities of his grandchildren, whether a band concert or a sporting event. He enjoyed playing cards, cribbage, gin rummy, and was often quite lucky when he played pull tabs. Deer hunting, reading, especially the newspapers, and going for walks with the dog in the woods along the river were other activities he enjoyed. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Marjorie of Melrose; children, Janelle (Michael) Thell of St. Joseph, Michelle (Mark) Ettel of Melrose, Paul (Mary) of Clearwater, and Joel (Kirsten) of St. Augusta; grandchildren, Nicholas, Benjamin, and Elizabeth Thell, Zachary and Ethan Ettel, and Tyler Koopmeiners; stepgrandchildren, Patrick (Aly) Geertsema and Rachel Geertsema; step-great-grandchildren, Max and Broc Geertsema; sister, Carol (Allen”Butch”) Klaphake; brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert (Carol) Brang, Corrine Blenker, and David (Ann) Brang; and many other extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers and sisters and their spouses, Irene (Lawrence) Pohlmann, Elmer, Mary Jane (Albert/ Sonny) Austing, Bert (Verlia), Margaret (Gerald) Roering, Florentine (Marcellus/Sal) Roering, James (Cathy), JoAnn (Albin) Zenzen, and Joyce; mother and father-in-law, Alphonse and Alvina Brang; brother-in-law, Ralph Blenker; and many other relatives and friends.
Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral and Cremation Services of Melrose.
Ron Schmidt Benefit to be Held Oct. 11
Friends, family and the Lions Club are hosting a benefit for Ron Schmidt on Saturday, October 11th from 4-7 p.m. at Lucky’s Pub in Swanville, with a spaghetti dinner and silent auction to raise money for Ron’s care. Ron suffered a fall that caused paralysis and is now confined to a chair.
Ron Schmidt, a 67-year-old music lover, has spent his life bringing joy to others. Whether he was entertaining crowds with his guitar, delivering farm-fresh eggs with a warm smile, or simply playing with his grandchildren, he has always been a man of action and a pillar of his community. He is a man who loves the outdoors—the quiet of hunting, the patience of fishing, and the companionship of his beloved animals.
On December 7, 2024, Ron’s life changed in an instant. A devastating slip in the shower resulted in a C3-C4 incomplete spinal cord compression, leaving him an incomplete quadriplegic. After four months in the hospital and various rehabilitation facilities, Ron has finally returned home.
Despite the immense challenges, Ron’s spirit is unbroken. He is a fighter, an incredibly motivated man who is determined to regain his independence. He has already shown remarkable progress, with movement in his left arm and shoulders and some feeling in his hands and legs. He is currently learning to navigate a world from a motorized wheelchair while his home is being remodeled to accommodate his new needs.
Now, he needs our help.
The funds raised will go directly toward Ron’s recovery and care, giving him the best possible chance to regain more mobility. Your donation will support:
Specialized Therapy: Ron has a referral to the ABLE program, a specialized therapy program for those with spinal cord injuries. This intensive therapy is crucial for his long-term recovery.
Necessary Equipment: The funds will help cover the cost of specialized equipment needed for his continued care and mobility.
Future Surgeries: Ron has a referral for surgeries that may help him regain more mobility in his hands, which is vital for his independence and quality of life.
Ron’s ultimate goals are to walk again, to play his music for others, and to once again enjoy the simple pleasures of fishing with his grandchildren. With your support, we can help him get there.
Every donation, no matter the size, brings him one step closer to his goals. A gofundme page has been set up also: Help-ron-walk-support-his-Recovery.
Swanville 2025 Homecoming Court: Reese Jackson, Frank Meagher, Avery Douglas, Brody Kircher, Abby Bernadot and Ethan Barthel. Coronation will be held Sunday, Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. at the Swanville School Auditorium. Football game will be held Friday, October 3 at 2 p.m. in Upsala as the Patriots play Maple Lake.
The Central MN Heritage Club held their 17th Annual Heritage Days September 20-21 north of Burtrum. Photos by John Young.
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 both 25. We’ve been married just over a year. I’m a stayat-home mom, and we have one baby. Because I’m home with our son and my husband works outside the home, he believes he gets to make all the financial decisions. He eats out and buys whatever he feels like, but tells me I can’t do the same. He says getting to be at home all day and having things like television, electricity and air conditioning are my luxuries. I try to be understanding because he works hard, but this is causing real tension between us. Do you have any advice?
-Christina Dear Christina,
There’s just no other way to say this: You married a child in a man’s body. He’s treating you like a second-class citizen, and I’m truly sorry you’re finding out the hard way that your husband’s a twit. This is just about the most dysfunctional thing I’ve ever heard. I want you to really pay attention because I’m about to stack how things should be up against how they stand. When you’re married, regardless of who earns the money, you both have an income. You each have a say in where every single one of those dollars goes. My wife hasn’t worked outside the home in about
40 years. But she has an incredible income because we have an incredible income — together. And we, together, decide what to do with our income.
Are you understanding these words clearly? None of this is happening in your marriage. Just because I earn an income at my job and my wife doesn’t have an earned income personally, that doesn’t invalidate her power or right to a vote within our household. She has exactly the same rights I do — morally, spiritually and legally.
This is not okay, Christina. None of it. You are living in a majorly dysfunctional marriage, and it’s something I can’t fix within the confines of a column. Some marriage counseling is way overdue here. And if he won’t go with you as a couple, you go alone. All I can do is confirm that you’re not the crazy one here. The feelings you have about things being really messed up are 100% spoton.
At the very least, I think your whole family desperately needs to get involved with a good, strong, local church. I’m talking about a healthy church. One that doesn’t support your husband’s ridiculous, backwards ideas. One that has some real men who can teach this little boy how to be a man. Because true masculinity is service-oriented. A real man serves his wife, and he serves his children. And that isn’t happening here.
-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.”
Ask The Motor Medics®
Dear Motor Medics,
I have a 2017 Chevy Cruise, and I’ve put over 190k miles on the car.
During that time, I’ve had to replace three Turbo Chargers. One was under warranty and the other two I paid regular price for. After looking across the internet I have found many people who have had to replace them. Are these turbos no good or do I need to do other things with the car to make them last? I change the oil every 6k miles regularly.
-Johnathan in Rochester, MN
Dear Johnathan,
Well, three Turbos in 190k miles is not unheard of. We’ve seen cars with 200k with one turbo but not too many in our own shop. We do tend to see many more with early failures when the car is either driven hard such as on a long drive then shut off right away, so the turbo does not have time to cool down and when the oil is not changed often enough. 6k miles is a long time on one of these cars. We recommend around 4k miles to our customers, and they seem to have better luck. Small engines with high horsepower generate a lot of heat and the engine oil is the lifeblood of the engine. When the oil starts to break down it no longer protects itself and will start to burn on the turbo bearings. On another note, we don’t see many of these engines last over 200k miles.
-Take care, The Motor Medics Dear Motor Medics,
I’m on my second rear wiring harness and side obstacle detection sensors on my 2016 Chevrolet Impala. The first set went out when the car was only three days out of warranty, but I only had 22k miles on the car. I really thought that was low mileage for something like this to fail. It cost me almost $1500.00 to repair it. They told me both sensors in the rear bumper area had water and salt in them and that it damaged the sensor and the harness, so they had to replace them both. The second set only lasted another 10k miles and two years. Is
there any way I can just have the system shut off, so I don’t get the warning light, and why are they so cheap?
-Mary Anne in Joplin, MO
Dear Mary Anne, We work on these often in our shop. The Impala has two sensors located on the rear bumper cover and they have a weather resistant connector facing forward. Not a weatherproof connector. If we had designed it, we would have faced the connector towards the rear because the rear tires throw dirt and water directly into the connector causing the failure. The back side is usually almost clean. It is not a very good design in our opinion. As for shutting it off, it can’t be done, not legally anyways. It is a factory safety system and disabling by a shop is not allowed.
-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.
Parkinson's Support Group Meeting Nov. 4
The Long Prairie area Parkinson’s Support Group will not meet in October. The next meeting will be held November 4th 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., Sept. 29: Polish sausage, fried onions & peppers, baked potato, vegetable Normandy, bread, rice crispy treat.
Tues., Sept. 30: Chicken patty on bun, green beans, sweet potato, chocolate pudding w/whipped topping.
Wed., Oct. 1: Tilapia, rice pilaf, strawberries, bread.
Thurs., Oct. 2: BBQ ribs, potato O’Brien, corn, sugar cookie, bread.
Fri., Oct. 3: Tuna noodle casserole, carrots, pudding, bread.
Pre-registration requested to dine daily.
For more info. call 320-845-4070.
Local Municipality Minutes
Email Minutes to htnews@icloud.com
Grey Eagle Township • September 8, 2025
Call to Order: Mike Rohe called the meeting to order at 8:00 pm. The pledge of allegiance was recited.
Present Board: Mike Rohe, John Young, Alan Roering and Christine Gagne. Also Present: Erv Herdering, Stephen Neville, Douglas and Mary Quade, and Mikel Nelson.
Agenda Approval: Mike presented a preliminary agenda and asked for additions or corrections. John moved to approve the agenda, seconded by Alan. Mike called for a vote. Motion carried.
Approval of Minutes: Mike presented the minutes from August meeting and asked if any corrections. John moved to approve the August 4, 2025 minutes, seconded by Alan. Mike called for a vote. Motion carried.
Stephen Neville appeared before the board as required by Todd County Planning and Zoning in regards to his request for a permit and variance on his property located at 30139 122nd St., Grey Eagle.
John made a motion to sign an acknowledgement that Steve Neville attended the board meeting as fulfillment of the requirement by Todd County Planning and Zoning, seconded by Alan. Mike called for a vote. Motion carried.
Douglas and Mary Quade appeared before the board as required by Todd County Planning and Zoning in regards to their request for a permit and variance for some remodeling on their property located at 34004 Buckhorn Drive, Burtrum.
John made a motion to sign an acknowledgement that Douglas and Mary Quade attended the board meeting as fulfillment of the requirement by Todd County Planning and Zoning, seconded by Alan. Mike called for a vote. Motion carried.
Mikel Nelson appeared before the board as required by Todd County Planning and Zoning in regards to his request for an after the fact variance for a lean-to on an existing workshop on his property located at 33726 Breezy Drive, Burtrum.
John made a motion to sign an acknowledgement that Mikel Nelson attended the board meeting as fulfillment of the requirement by Todd County Planning and Zoning, seconded by Alan. Mike called for a vote. Motion carried.
Town Clerk Report: Christine presented July claims totaling $29,102.83. John made a motion to approve the claims, seconded by Alan. Mike called for a vote. Motion carried. Correspondence (mail and emails) were reviewed.
Treasurer’s Report: Christine reported the financials for the month of August, 2025:
-Beginning monthly balance: $157,194.39
-Receipts: $865.76
-Disbursements: $18,223.41
-Ending Balance: 140,836.74
-Investment Balance: $188,558.75
Alan made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report, seconded by John. Mike called for a vote. Motion carried.
Road and Bridge: Discussion was held regarding completion of dust control work and other upcoming and ongoing road and maintenance projects.
Alan made a motion to reimburse Don Brown for uncompleted work, seconded by John. Mike called for a vote. Motion carried.
An invoice from Mike Berscheit for disc bine mowing was presented. John made a motion to approve the invoice and add it to this month’s claims, seconded by Alan. Mike called for a vote. Motion carried.
John made a motion to approve Jim Johnson adding gravel at an approach without a culvert, with the agreement that any future water drain-
age/damage issues will be corrected at Jim Johnson’s expense, which may include installation of a culvert. Alan seconded the motion. Mike called for a vote. Motion carried.
Public Comments: Mike asked for public comments. None
Adjournment: John moved to adjourn, seconded by Alan, Mike called for a vote. Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:49 PM.
Next Township meeting is scheduled for October 6th, 2025, 8:00 PM.
Minutes pending approval as of September 9th, 2025.
Christine Gagne, Clerk/Treasurer
Grey Eagle United Methodist Church to hold Annual Hog Roast
The Grey Eagle United Methodist Church is holding its 19th Annual Hog Roast on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Grey Eagle United Methodist Church, located at the intersection of County Roads 2 and 47, 2 ½ miles south of Grey Eagle, across from the Historic Rock Tavern. Drive-up meals, inside, as well as outside dining in an enclosed tent are being offered and a free will offering is requested with proceeds going to supply warm winter coats, hats and mittens to local schools and building improvements.
GE Community Chorus Recruitment
The Grey Eagle Community Chorus is seeking singers for its annual Christmas concert scheduled for 2 p.m. on December 7 at the Grey Eagle United Methodist Church, 30422 County 2, Grey Eagle.
Rehearsal will begin September 28 at 3 p.m. at Grey Eagle United Methodist Church under the direction of Joan Wingert. All singers from the area are invited to rehearsals. Wingert has selected both secular and sacred Christmas music.
Please consider joining us this year and inviting a friend to participate. For questions and additional information, please contact Robert Kutter at 320-491-5604 or bkutter@ meltel.net
Local Library Events
Long Prairie Library • 320-732-2332
Local Author Layla Reed: Author talk and book signing with a local Minnesota author! Visit with Layla Reed as she talks about her books and writing process. Publications by Reed include The Secrets of Adley Creek, Something Good, The Princess and the Thief, and Chokecherry Drive. For adults. This program was made possible with Arts & Cultural Heritage Funds from Minnesota’s Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment. Friday, Oct. 3: 1:30-2:15 p.m.
Fantasy Pony: Step by Step Painting with Mary: Put on your creative side and join local artist, Mary, as she guides you through the painting process. Each participant will create their own canvas painting using acrylic paints. Children are encouraged to have an adult to assist. For ages 6 to 12. Limit 10. Registration required. This program was made possible with Arts & Cultural Heritage Funds from Minnesota’s Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment. Wednesday, Oct. 8: 4-6:00 p.m.
Upsala Library • 320-412-2048
Northern Minnesota Draft Field Day
The 45th Annual Northern Minnesota Draft Horse Day will be held this Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. between Swanville and Upsala, Highway #15, follow signs onto gravel road.
Horse drawn wagon rides, harnessing demonstration, horses working in the fields. For questions contact Staricka’s at 320-630-7993.
Stearns Co. Sheriff’s Office
Crash: September 20, 2025: At approximately 2:18 p.m., the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a motorcycle crash with injuries near the address of 32711 County Road 17 in Melrose Township. When officers arrived on scene, they learned Cuauhtemoc Zuniga Hernandez, 49, of Melrose, was driving a Coleman minibike westbound on the shoulder of County Road 17, west of Lake Sylvia. Two witnesses reported they saw Hernandez move from the pavement to the gravel on the shoulder while a vehicle passed him. Hernandez lost control of the minibike causing him to crash. It was estimated that he was traveling less than 20 mph at the time of the crash. Both witnesses stopped to provide medical assistance to Hernandez. Hernandez suffered a large hematoma to his head and injuries to the right side of his body. He was transported via ambulance to the Melrose Hospital.
The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office was assisted on scene by the Melrose Police Department and Minnesota State Patrol.
Crash: September 23, 2025: At approximately 5:30 p.m., the Stearns County Emergency Communications Center received multiple 911 calls regarding a vehicle that had crashed into garage in the area of County Road 12 and County Road 11, in St. Martin Township. This intersection is approximately ten miles south of the City of Freeport.
Upon arrival, deputies found a 2026 Tesla Model Y stuck halfway through the backside of an attached garage. The driver, and sole occupant, was identified as Julia Hoffman, 58, of Morris. St. Martin Rescue was able to safely extricate Hoffman
from the vehicle before being transferred to the Melrose Hospital by the Melrose Area Ambulance. It is believed that Hoffman suffered from a medical emergency while she was driving westbound on County Road 12. She had veered off the road, crossed over County Road 11, entered the ditch, and drove through a small corn field. Her vehicle came to rest at the end of the corn field but suddenly started driving forward and struck the back side of the garage. No one was inside the garage at the time of the crash.
The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the St. Martin Fire and Rescue, Melrose Area Ambulance, and Centre Towing.
Morrison Co. Sheriff’s Office
September 21, 2025: At approximately 3:28 PM, their office received a report of a horse-riding accident, approximately one mile north of Bowlus, MN in Two Rivers Township.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, a 15-yearold juvenile female of Little Falls MN, was conducting a maneuver on a horse when the juvenile was bucked off. The 15-year-old was transported by North Memorial Air Care to Hennepin County Medical Center with unknown injuries.
The Morrison County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Bowlus First Response Team, North Memorial Air Care and Mayo Clinic Ambulance.
Alcohol Ink Mugs: Alcohol inks are brightly colored dye-based paints that are most often used in creating free-flowing textures. They can be used alone in mixed media projects such as printing and stamping, jewelry making, fabric dying, and brightening up household objects. In class, you will experiment with alcohol ink and create a beautiful one-of-a-kind coffee mug to take home. This program was made possible with Arts & Cultural Heritage Funds from Minnesota’s Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment. Tuesday, Sept. 30: 4:00 p.m.
Tech Time: Trouble understanding your laptop, iPad, Kindle, or other electronic device? Would you like to download books from the library website or use eBooks but aren’t sure how to? Come to Tech Time for help! Wednesday Oct. 1: 4:30-5:30 p.m.
LEGO Hour Challenge: Inspire your creativity with our LEGO challenges. The first challenge is an alphabet challenge, featuring a different letter each month, the second challenge will be announced at the session. For ages 5 to 12. Limit 16. Sponsored by the Friends of the Sinclair Lewis Library Sauk Centre. Registration is required for each date. Wednesday Oct. 1: 3:30 -4:30 p.m.
