“The Good Old Days” -By Tom Kuehne

Helping Out

In earlier years, there was more interaction between neighbors. They were able to depend on their neighbors for visitation, information, assistance and the ability to borrow equipment that was needed.

Today we are accustomed to checking with the news media to find out what is happening in our area. It is more convenient and possibly more factual to simply push a button and turn a dial for information. We simply turn on the TV to eliminate the need for visitation.

In years past, those on farms were very dependent on their neighbors. Part of that dependence was a result of the lack of money to hire help. For instance, when a farmer butchered hogs and beef, the weight of the butchered animals was hard to handle. As a result, the neighbors came to help. Since originally they had no freezers, speedy canning, smoking, drying, sausage making and storage under lard in crock jars was needed. Not only did the neighbors help make the job easier, but it gave both the men and women a chance to have a conversation with someone other than their immediate family. Those who helped usually were able to take some fresh meet home, which was a real treat. Today, we call the butcher, who comes to the farm, picks up the animal, takes it to his butcher shop and calls to inform you that the meat is completely processed, frozen and ready to be picked up after paying the bill.

Grain harvesting was done with a trashing ring, which included one farmer with a threshing machine and the rest of

No Planting in Road Right Of Way

By Matt Zinniel, Maintenance Superintendent Stearns County Highway Department wants to remind farmers that planting crops within road right of way is illegal. State law prohibits plowing, tilling and/or planting in the right of way, driving lanes, shoulders, ditches and sight corners at intersections. We want to prevent any situation where crops block motorists’ vision, create erosion concerns or other safety issues.

Corner Pub & Grill

Freeport, MN • 320-836-2120 the neighbors helping. The best part of this arrangement was that you didn't have to invest in a threshing machine, but still could get your grain processed. As a side advantage, the noon meal was usually made by the housewife, who tried to make a more tasty chicken than the previous farm's cook.

If you needed to build a structure, it was customary for the neighbors to help. There was usually a neighbor that had enough carpenter experience to direct the other workers. Today, it is still called “barn raising” in some areas.

If concrete needed to be made, the farmer usually brought gravel to a pile by the worksite. A water tank was brought up and a clean area for working with the cement sacks. Somebody in the neighborhood had a cement mixer and with the help of neighbors, cement was mixed and moved by wheelbarrow to the required location. After troweling it smooth and keeping the dog and chickens from walking on it the job was finished.

There was usually a lady in the neighborhood that had experience helping with childbirth. If there was none, it cost less than $5.00 to help with the delivery.

If a family had a wedding, birthday or any other special occasion,the neighbors were included.

Today, if you need a new shed or a cement platform, you pay a contractor to do it. You no longer depend on the neighbors for help. In some cases, you don't even know them.

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

From the Desk of Pastor Bruce

I have a couple of simple questions for you today. How many of you have had a joint replaced and had to go to Physical Therapy? How many of you liked going to physical therapy? OK, dumb question. Someone told me that the PT’s nick name was Physical Terrorist.

I was given advice before my knee surgery, make sure you take a pain pill before therapy, good advice. One time, my wife was busy so I told her that I would just go to therapy by myself, without pain pills (so I can drive without being under the influence). Let me tell you something, I can do therapy without pain meds, but afterwards, I hurt worse than I care to remember.

Our spiritual life is very similar to pain meds. How many of you can live your life without sin? No one can! In fact, some of you have hidden sins, or habitual sins that you have tried to quit but when temptation comes you cave under pressure. Ephesians 4:26-27 says, “In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27and do not give the devil a foothold.” This principle applies to all of life, watch what you look at, make sure your thought life is pure, do not let anger continue in your mind, it will infest your heart with bitterness. Do not give the devil a foothold. Proverbs 4:27 “Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.”

God’s Word is the same as the pain meds. I cannot make it back from therapy without pain meds. I cannot keep my thought life pure with- out a daily dose of God’s instructions. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Let the Holy Spirit work in your life, to become the servant of God that He wants you to become. John 16:8 says “And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.”

Deckorators® products are backed by an industry-leading warranty. Our new 25-year removal and replacement warranty is the first of its kind. We have you covered.

-Pastor Bruce Miller from Swanville Bible Church, 320-547-2916

Weekend Specials

Includes Salad Bar & Choice of Potato

Now Hiring

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

Lunch Specials: 11 AM-1 PM

Fri., Apr. 21: Cheeseburger w/Chili or Fries

Mon., Apr. 24: Patty Melt w/JoJo's

Tues., Apr. 25: Baked Chicken Dinner

Wed., Apr. 26: Rodeo Burger w/Fries

Thurs., Apr. 27: Sausage & Kraut Dinner

Fri., Apr. 28: Cheeseburger w/Chili or Fries

Thursday Wraps: (5-9 pm) Choice of: Grilled Chicken $9.00;

MONDAY: 5-8 PM $3 Off 14" Pizza

$2 Off 12" Pizza

• Irish Italian Spaghetti w/Breadsticks & Dinner Salad $9.95

TUESDAY: 5-9 PM

Burger Night $3.00

1/3 lb. Fresh Ground Hamburger on Brioche Buns!

• Deep Fried Walleye $15.95

• Creamy Sweet Chili

Chicken, Wild Rice, w/Breadsticks $12.95

WEDNESDAY: 11 AM-9 PM

• 1-1/2 lb. Wings $8.00

• $6 Baskets

Your Choice: Shrimp Basket, Angus Slider Basket, 1/4 Chicken Basket, Nachos or Quesadillas w/Beverage Purchase Specials to go $1.00 charge

SUNDAY: 3-8 PM

• Steak & Shrimp $19.95

• 10 oz. Pork Chop $13.95

• 1/2 Chicken $10.50

• 1/4 Chicken $8.50

THURSDAY: 5-9 PM Includes Salad Bar & Choice of Potato

• Chicken & Ribs $15.95

• 8 oz. Ground Sirloin $13.95

• Creamy Sweet

Chili Haddock w/Wild Rice

$15.95