Hometown News
To succeed, you might have to try something different -By Harvey
Mackay
MONDAYS • 5 PM
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People try many things in life that just don’t work, things related to career, health or life in general. They may be doing everything right and listening to advice and counsel, but not getting results.
But others, with seemingly ordinary gifts, have become extraordinarily successful. The difference?
The secret lies in determining where your strengths lie, then focusing those strengths on your objectives. At some point you must try something different to get the results you want.
Good news: You don’t have to be “brilliant” to be successful.
Ron Wanek grew up poor on a dairy farm in my home state of Minnesota, where his grandfather and great uncle built furniture as a hobby. He never made it to college, but he worked his way up in the furniture business, starting Arcadia Furniture in 1970 with a loan from his father. He networked and studied marketing strategies and manufacturing methods. Six years later he bought the retailer Ashley Furniture and turned it into the world’s largest furniture retailer.
I love to study how successful people like Ron Wanek made it big. Their stories are case studies in soul searching, risk taking and pursuing their passions.
During a tour of Universal Studios at age 17, Steven Spielberg, American filmmaker, snuck into the filming of a live movie and was hooked. Then he was rejected by his dream school, the University of Southern California film school. But that didn’t stop him from making his dream a reality. He took every job he could to learn the film business.
Cami Tellez dropped out of Columbia
University to found Parade, a direct-toconsumer undergarments company. She says everyone has an underwear story, and hers was formed by the disconnect between Gen Z’s values of diversity and self-expression with the sexy exclusionary Victoria Secret brand. Parade celebrates all body types and has sold more than three million pairs of underwear and is currently valued at $140 million.
Many company ideas start with a problem, and in the case of Warby Parker it was that eyeglasses are too expensive. The four founders – Neil Blumenthal, Dave Gilboa, Andy Hunt and Jeff Raider – were students when Blumenthal lost his glasses on a backpacking trip. The cost to replace them was so high that he spent the first semester of grad school without them.
The quartet started the online company in 2010 to sell prescription glasses at an affordable price after graduating with their MBA degrees. The company reached its firstyear sales target in just three weeks, which is why “GQ Magazine” called Warby Parker “the Netflix of eyewear.”
One thing I’ve noticed is that many people must try different things to be successful. For example, Martha Stewart was a full-time model until she became a mom at age 25 and modeling jobs dried up. She tried her luck as a Wall Street stockbroker for five years, but then turned to her love of gourmet cooking, sewing and home decorating, skills she learned from her mother. Her billion-dollar company sets the standard for every facet of gracious living.
Jonah Peretti taught computer science at a middle school before he co-founded “The Huffington Post” along with Kenneth Lerer, Andrew Breitbart and Adrianna Huffington in 2005. Just one year later he founded BuzzFeed, the breaking news website.
Computer science was also part of Jeff Bezos’ career, as he had a lucrative Wall Street career before getting into the banking industry and then joining a newly created hedge fund. He first established an online bookstore in spring 1994 then wrote the business plan for
Amazon on a cross-country drive from New York City to Seattle in the summer of the same year. The business he started in his garage has made him one of the richest people in the world.
Vera Wang was a figure skater and then journalist, working 17 years as an editor at “Vogue” before entering the fashion industry and becoming an independent bridal wear designer at age 40. Today she is one of the world’s premier women’s designers. She has also designed many costumes for Olympic figure skaters.
There are many professional athletes who have capitalized on their popularity to transition into acting, none more than Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson who first transition from professional football to professional wrestling as “the most electrifying man in sports entertainment.”
These folks didn’t start with a foot in the door. But they just kept opening doors until they found what they were looking for. So can you.
Mackay’s Moral: Don’t be afraid to try different things.
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
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14
• 17th Annual Christmas Cookie CareO-Sell from 8-11:30 a.m. at the Community Covenant Church, Upsala.
• Wreaths For The Fallen Bus to Camp Ripley at 9 a.m. at Melrose American Legion.
• New Munich Lions Breakfast with Santa from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at Hot Shots Bar & Grill, New Munich. See ad on page 5.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 16
• Minnesota Darkhouse & Angling Association Heartland Chapter Meeting starting at 6:30 p.m. at All Stars, St. Rosa. See ad on page 7.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18
• Grey Eagle Senior Center Christmas Party at 1:30 p.m.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19
• Grey Eagle/Burtrum Lions American Red Cross Blood Drive from 12-6 p.m. at St. Joseph's Church, Grey Eagle.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22
• Cookies, Crafts, Cocoas & Christmas from 1-4 p.m. at the Burtrum Community Center. See ad on page 5.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24
• Grey Eagle United Methodist Church Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 3:30 p.m
SATURDAY, JANUARY 25
• Sacred Heart School Dine & Wine Fundraiser at 4:30 p.m. at the Freeport Com-
munity Center.
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.
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 first Monday of the month at 7 p.m.
“The Good Old Days” -By Tom Kuehne
Times Can Get Difficult
Now that the election is over, there is a lot of discussion about what our economy will be like under the new administration. Looking back in history, it's possible to see good times, but also hard times. There are still those that can remember the 1930's and what the people in the US did to keep from starving. However, the folks that were still in Europe also had additional hard times through the first half of the 1940's.
The war not only eliminated the food supply, but in many cases, the homes were destroyed and they spent their time carrying their possessions to new locations to avoid the invading armies. During the 1930's many Americans also lost their homes, but that was caused by creditors making the residents leave their homes because they were unable to make mortgage payments. No money, no food, no jobs all made life difficult.
I recall an older client telling about losing their family farm, because a loan from the bank to buy two windows and a door couldn't be paid. They took the team and a wagon with a hayrack and loaded their possessions and moved out. They found another place that was vacant and stayed there for about a month until the reposesser told them to leave. They then moved into another vacant property, in which they were allowed to stay, if they repaired and painted the buildings. They then found a property with 37 acres, a house and a shed to own for $20.00 per year payments. The father walked to Sauk Centre, which was 20 miles, with $10.00 in his pocket. He returned a couple of days later with the $10.00 still in his pocket. The deal to own the property was that each year, as payment, two hogs, completely processed, including bacon and hams, needed to be delivered to the previous owner. That property today is quite valuable, since it is on
a lake. My Grandmother said that one year during the 1930's, their total farm income was $200.00. They were lucky that her dad had some money to help with expenses. She made beer and it evidently was quite good, since some guys from a town 5 miles away would take the buggy to our farm to drink her beer on Sunday afternoons.
Those living on a farm had enough to eat, from home-grown vegetables, pigs, chickens and beef. The farm animals had little value, so the family ate well. The woods provided grapes and chokecherries for wine and jelly. Wild plums were picked and turned into sauce. Some food was given to those that had no food. With a little luck and some hard work, it's possible to live through hard times, but they aren't something any of us look forward to. It's our hope that the Good Lord will continue to look favorably on our country.
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
Albany Senior Dining
Volunteers Needed! Call 320-845-4070
Mon., Dec. 16: Shepherd's pie, green beans, peaches, bread.
Tues., Dec. 17: Taco meat, shredded cheese, corn, Spanish rice, black beans, tortilla chips.
Wed., Dec. 18: Baked chicken, O'Brien potatoes, carrots, bread.
Thurs., Dec. 19: Lasagna (meatless) roll ups, broccoli, mandarin oranges, breadstick. Fri., Dec. 20: Cheeseburger, sweet potato fries, pears.
Pre-registration requested to dine daily. For more info. call 320-845-4070.
From the Desk of Pastor Bruce
I’ve been thinking about the Christmas season, of course, since it’s my job to preach about relevant topics. Many people during the Christmas holiday season become depressed or experience severe loneliness. Some of that comes from past disappointments, maybe family issues when you were growing up or expectations were not met. There could be a multitude of reasons.
If I just described your life during Christmas, then just read carefully with the expectation that there may possibly be more to life this season. Look at Luke 2:10-14 “But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. 13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
The angel promised the shepherds that he had great news! The news was going to be full of joy and peace. One thing to remember is that the shepherds never had a Christmas disappointment, they were about to experience, however, the amazing birth of their Savior. Can you imagine how they must have felt. If we are believers in Jesus Christ, we are promised the Holy Spirit to work in our life, and the fruit of that is found in Galatians 5:22-24
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”
My thought for this season is… you may have disappointments from the past, or even right now. This year however, put Jesus first and worship and thank Him for all your blessings.
-Pastor Bruce Miller from Swanville Bible Church, 320-547-2916
We have some antique milk cans filled with birch & fresh greens ready to go or bring in your own containers for us to fill!
GUEST HOUSE
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Stop in & wonder through the shoppe with a hot cup of coffee or cappuncino!
Chris' Country Store Floral & Gift
105 State St. E. Grey Eagle • 320-285-2600
Order flowers 24/7 @ flowershopnetwork Grey Eagle, MN
Hours: Mon.-Fri.: 10:30-3:30, Sat.: 8-2 or by Appointment
Memorials
Sympathy
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James W. Kingston
Memorial Services will be at 11:00 AM, Friday, December 13, 2024 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Long Prairie for James Kingston, 92, who passed away on December 8, 2024 at Central Todd County Care Center in Clarissa. Visitation will be Thursday, December 12 from 4-7 PM at Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home, Stein Chapel in Long Prairie. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the funeral at the church on Friday. Burial will be at the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Long Prairie.
James Walter Kingston was born on June 12, 1932 to Walter and Sophia (Helmstetter)
Kingston in Rose City, MN. He was baptized at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Oak Hill, on August 7th 1932. He was confirmed July 29, 1945 by pastor R. H. Brockop. His verse was Revelation 2:10. James attended country school for 8 years. He graduated from Osakis High School in 1950. He served in the Army in 1953-1954 for 14 months in Korea as a Combat Engineer. He came home as a Corporal.
He was married to Elaine J. Sutton on April 21, 1956 at the United Methodist Church in Clarissa. They lived in Long Prairie all their married life. God blessed them with a daughter Sandra and a son Roger. James worked at Clotho Creamery, Hart Press and Banta where he was a printer and scheduler for almost 40 years.
James was an active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church where he taught Sunday School, Confirmation and was a faithful member of the men’s club. He was an ACT Counselor and held offices as a Church Elder and Trustee.
Spending time at the cabin on Lake Osakis gave him great joy. He enjoyed coaching hockey, bike riding, golfing, bowling, skating, cross country skiing, fishing and walking. Most of all James was a people person. He loved to talk and tell jokes. He shared care and concern for people, which at times, with his infectious smile, was through gentle teasing.
James is survived by his wife Elaine; daughter Sandra (Mark) Johnson of Clarissa; son Roger Kingston of Long Prairie; grandson, Chance Johnson of Long Prairie; brother, Ronald Kingston of Long Prairie and sister-in-law, Thea Sutton of Aberdeen, MD.
He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Margorie Olson; brother, Gerald Kingston and sisters-in-law Connie Kingston, Carol Kingston and Darlene Chase; brothers-in-law, Jewel Olson, Norman Chase, George, Harold, Donald, Duane and Dwight Sutton.
Norman H. Wehlage
Norman H.
“Norm” Wehlage, born March 21, 1936, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on December 8, 2024, at the age of 88.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, December 13, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Meire Grove with Rev. Marvin Enneking officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery with military honors by the Lake Henry American Legion.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose and from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Friday at the church.
Norm graduated from Melrose High School in 1954. Following graduation, he went on to serve in the United States Army and was called to active duty with the 32nd Division during the Berlin crisis. After serving in the military, he took over the family farm and was a dedicated farmer for 40 years. Alongside farming, he was involved in The Grove Mutual Fire Insurance Company, where he held various positions. He was a board member and manager of The Mutual as well as running his own independent agency. Alongside his professional career, he was a director on the Production Credit Association Board for 20 years. He also served as a lector, usher, and trustee at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Meire Grove.
Norm married Mathilda Olmscheid on September 15, 1962 and shared 62 wonderful years with her, their four children, and their families. Norm was a simple man who understood and appreciated the treasures of daily life. His favorite things were having a good home cooked meal with family, taking a drive to inspect his fields, or sitting down to play games with friends. Norm deeply valued community and connection and made great effort to look out for friends and neighbors alike. His friends and family will remember his quiet and loving nature, as well as his deep devotion to his role of father and grandfather.
Norm is survived by his wife Tillie; children, Sandra (Thomas) Dreshar, Mike (Julie) Wehlage, Jim (Jody) Wehlage, and Janice (Chad) Funk; 12 grandchildren, Katelyn, Matthew, Brandon, Emily (Ryan), Jadyn, Max, Sam, Charlie, Luke, Cole, Paige, and Morgan, sister, Pat (Stan) Rausch; brother, Vern (Jane) Wehlage; and sisterin-law, Joyce Wehlage.
Norm was preceded in death by his parents, Henry & Mary (Ostendorf) Wehlage; infant brother, Werner; brothers, Elmer and Ray (Joan); sisters, Karen and Bernice (Robert) Welters; and grandson, Issac Funk.
Arrangements were made with PattonSchad Funeral and Cremation Services of Melrose.
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Glen Royce West
Services
celebrating the life of Glen Royce West, of Albany, took place on Monday, December 9, 2024, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Albany. Interment was at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Camp Ripley, Little Falls. Glen was called to his heavenly home on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at the age of 88.
Glen Royce West began his earthly life on June 23, 1936, in Eagle Bend, MN to Ralph and Josephine (Christiansen) West. He grew up on a farm that was short on machinery and long on work. It seemed to Glen that it was hard to grow anything other than rocks. Many stories were told of climbing trees and walking through the field to their grandparents’ house or neighbors.
He asked Willmar Ellig, their milk-truck driver if he had a daughter that would like to go out on a date with him. Audrey volunteered and the rest was history. They were married less than a year after they met on December 27, 1958, at the Lutheran Church in Bertha. They started their married life in Little Falls until he was drafted into the Army and spent two years at Fort Ord in Salinas, California. After many moves, with each child being born in a different city, they settled in Sauk Centre, MN where all the kids graduated high school. They then moved to Avon and lived there until moving into assisted living at Mother of Mercy in Albany.
Glen worked at Kraft for many years as a Chief Boilerman. He also started Glen’s Plumbing and Heating in Sauk Centre and did that full time for some time until going back again to Kraft. Glen and Audrey loved to travel with their truck and camper and spent many winters in Mission, Texas, and countless other camping trips. Glen was always working on something, fixing anything and everything, helping his kids or friends with plumbing, and he especially enjoyed washing and waxing his vehicles. He loved bringing the grandkids to Middle Spunk Lake with a can of corn and a fishing rod. In his older years, his happiest time was sitting outside in the warm weather, with a bag of candy and a can of Diet Coke.
Glen is survived by his children, Richard (Sarah) West of Elk River, Kimberly (Jerry) Fritz of Avon, Glenna (Mark) Kalahar of Rochester, and Sandra (Randy) Klaphake of Albany; his grandchildren, Richard (Megan) Fritz, Mitch (Natalie) Kalahar, Andrew Fritz, Kelsi Kalahar, Brianna West, Autumn Olson, Blaine Olson, and Rikayla West. He also has one great-grandson, Ryan Fritz, along with his brother, Chandler (Alyce), and sisters, Darlene Bodle, Joyce (Willis) Ellig, and Valva (Jim) Carlson.
Glen was preceded in death by his parents, wife Audrey in July of 2020, son-in-law Todd Olson, brothers Dallas, Duane, Dean, and Winston West, sister-in-law Yvonne West, and brother-in-law Pat Bodle.
Serving Upsala, Bowlus, Flensburg, Sobieski, Swanville and
Cities, Townships get Funding for
The Stearns County Board of Commissioners approved allocating $211,842 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars to all cities and townships that applied for funds to support park and trail enhancement projects. Seven townships and small cities across the county applied for funding totaling $211,842. These one-time funds will help develop, improve, or replace parks, recreational facilities, trails, playgrounds, or open space. A 50% match was required by each applicant.
Below is information on each project.
• Meire Grove was awarded $14,750.00 for the addition of a pickleball court and a couple benches at the St. John’s Community Park.
• City of St. Rosa was awarded $8,475 for additional seating around the softball field at the St. Rosa City Park.
• New Munich was awarded $43,617 for pickleball courts, a horseshoe pit, a chess table, picnic tables, picnic shelter, sidewalk, and a warming house at Jaycees Park.
• Paynesville Township was awarded $25,000 for the Glacial Lakes Trail Extension Phase 1 Project.
• Raymond Township was awarded $20,000 for a new playground across from the Padua Pub.
• Spring Hill was awarded $50,000 to replace the grandstand and bleachers at Spring Hill Ballpark.
• Wakefield Township was awarded $50,000 to add trails, disc golf course, and playground equipment at Sportsman’s Park.
The total cost of all the projects was $491,019.21. The County Board approved $211,842.21 of ARPA funds to assist with these park and trail enhancements.
THE JUNCTION
Convenience Store • Bait OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Hours: 6 AM to 10 PM
January 2nd. See store for details. Hurry in for Best Selection! FUN Craft Gifts!
Preventing Septic System Freeze-up Problems
Minnesota winters can bring severe cold bringing on concerns about our septic systems freezing up, especially when we have little snow cover. As home owners we can reduce the risk of septic system freeze-up.
• Repair leaky water fixtures inside your home. Dripping sinks and toilets can cause ice to form in the sewer line from your house to the septic tank.
• Place straw mulch (8-12 inches thick) over your sewer pipes, septic tank and drainfield to help insulate the soils from freezing.
• Allow yourself the luxury of taking longer showers and baths during cold spells. Keeping the liquids in your septic tank warm will help alleviate some freeze-up problems.
• If your system has any cracked or missing inspection pipes or caps over the tank and drainfield, replace them. This situation delivers cold air directly into your septic system and can cause it to freeze up.
If your septic system has had a history of freezing up in previous winters, there may be some inherent problems with the septic system that should be addressed. A sewer professional should be able to trouble shoot many of these issues – including:
• Repair of sagging or settled pipes that trap water.
• Installation of insulation over shallow tanks and inlet/outlet pipes
• Regular maintenance including tank pumping and cleaning drainfield distribution lines.
• Older drainfields often become “water logged” and no longer drain efficiently creating a freeze-up potential.
Finally, here are a few more tips:
• Keep the turf over your drainfield in good shape. A thick green lawn does a terrific job of insulating your drainfield.
• Do not park cars, boats, campers etc. over your drainfield. Compaction from heavy vehicles allows frost to go deeper into the soil and parked vehicles prevent snow from making contact with the ground. Snow is a great insulator! Hopefully, we’ll get our share of snow this winter and few of us will have any problems. But if you do have issues, contact your local septic system maintainer for assistance. We hope you have a trouble free winter.
If you have any more questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Todd County Planning and Zoning Office at 320-732-4420.
The Grey Eagle/Swanville Knights of Columbus Council recently donated $500.00 to St. Mary’s School in Melrose, which made it possible to purchase Bibles for their students. Submitted by Ken Sinclair.
The Grey Eagle Knights of Columbus Council donated
Long Prairie Food Shelf. Ken Sinclair presented the check to Kris Michels.
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, A friend told me about your Baby Steps plan, and after years of living paycheckto-paycheck and running up credit card bills, I’m ready to get control of my finances. I just have one question. Baby Step 1 is saving $1,000 for a beginner emergency fund. Do you recommend getting current on past due bills before starting Baby Step 1?
-Miles
Dear Miles,
Congratulations! I’m glad to hear you’re finally sick and tired of being financially sick and tired. This is the perfect question for someone is your situation, because it gives me a chance to walk you all the way through the Baby Steps. So, let’s go!
First, make sure all your necessities are taken care of. By necessities, I’m talking about food, clothing, shelter, transportation and utilities. Then, get current on anything you owe, or make payment arrangements for past due bills. After you’ve done this, it’s time to take your very first Baby Step.
You’ve already mentioned getting $1,000 in the bank for a starter emergency fund. That’s Baby Step 1. After that comes your debt snowball, which is Baby Step 2. Here, you’ll pay off all your debts from smallest to largest—except your home. Attack the first balance on your list by paying as much as you can each month, while making minimum
payments on the other debts. When you’ve paid off the first one, add what you were paying on it to the payment on your next debt and start attacking it. As the snowball continues to roll over, you’re picking up more and more money to apply to your debts.
In Baby Step 3, you’ll save money and increase your emergency fund from $1,000 to a full three to six months of expenses. You’re going to be surprised how fast you can save money when your income isn’t flying out the door to pay off debt every month.
Now, it’s time to really start looking toward the future. In Baby Step 4, start investing 15 percent of your income for retirement. College funding is next in Baby Step 5 for any kids you have, or plan on having one day. And here’s a big one. Baby Step 6 is where you pay off your home early. How great will that feel?
But Baby Step 7 is the real deal. Now, you start building wealth and giving with outrageous generosity. When you’ve completed all the other Baby Steps, and are able to do these two things, you’ve achieved the pinnacle of smart money management. Or in other words, you’ve reached the point of financial peace.
Make it happen, Miles. You can do this!
-Dave
* Dave Ramsey is a seven-time #1 national best-selling author, personal finance expert, and host of The Ramsey Show, heard by more than 18 million listeners each week. He has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Fox News, CNN, Fox Business, and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions.
Ask The Motor Medics®
From the Hosts of the Under The Hood radio show.
Dear Motor Medics,
I have a 2014 Ford F-150 and the headlights feel poor to me. I have gone the route of brighter Led headlight bulbs and even installed an off road light bar to help. Adding these lights has only got me one thing. Well, two things, two tickets. People started flashing their lights at me all the time and I started flashing them back because I didn’t have my high beams on. I got one ticket for the off-road light bar and one for flashing a police officer. Is there anything I can do to get better lights?
-Jack in Cleveland, Ohio
Dear Jack,
Headlights are a bit of a sore spot for us because of the ever-growing number of nonroad legal lights being used. We drive to work every day and see no less than ten vehicles that have blinding non legal lights not to mention the ones who just don’t feel they have to dim their factory lights. Two cars headed for each other at speeds over 65 MPH both blinding each other is not smart. Changing bulbs to LED in a standard housing is not legal and will blind others so are the off-road light bars. To get better light and keep everyone safe look into companies like Morimoto who offer DOT Legal headlight housings. Yes, they cost good money, but you will see much better and not cause safety issues with other drivers. These lights often are better than some very high-end cars. Those cheap Amazon units tend to be poor.
-Take care, The Motor Medics
Dear Motor Medics,
I have a 2014 Toyota Prius that has been giving me issues lately. Sometimes it will die going down the road and display a Hybrid System Failure warning on the dash and other times it will fail to start. It seems like the colder it is outside the more it fails to start. It does nothing when the power button is pushed but all the lights come on normally and the light says ready on the dash. I have taken it into a shop twice, but it always starts for them. They had me replace the 12-volt battery in the back hatch area because it was low but that made no difference. Do you have any ideas of what may be wrong?
Dear Chris,
-Chris
What you are describing could be caused by many things but one of the most common issues is a dying high voltage battery. The high voltage battery is responsible for powering the electric drive motor and for starting the car. The car is not equipped with a regular type of starter. As you drive the car this battery pack is constantly being discharged and recharged and only has so many cycles in its life. A shop should be able to test the voltage with a scanner. Many independent shops can also replace the battery if necessary.
-Take care, the Motor Medics For entertainment only. Always consult your local shop and follow all safety procedures before repairs. Come visit the Motor Medics® online at Underthehoodshow.com.
A Belief Funny
Christmas was fast approaching. Mom reminded her 8-year-old that he would soon be visiting with Santa Claus. He seemed unusually resistant to the idea. So she asked, "You do believe in Santa, don't you?" He thought hard, then said, "Yes, but I think this is the last year."
Todays Thought
One snowman said to the other, "All our friends are flakes."
Local Library Events
Melrose Library • 320-256-3885
Upcycle Holiday Gnome: Join us to make a holiday gnome using recycled materials. For ages 9 to adult. Limit 10. Registration required. Monday, Dec. 16: 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Sauk Centre Library • 320-352-3016
Open Mic: Bring your ukulele, acoustic guitar and voice for a jam session with other local musicians. Beginners welcomed to sing, play, and learn from more seasoned performers! For adults and teens. Held on the 4th Thursday of the month. Thursday, Dec. 19: 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Upsala Library • 320-412-2048
Between the Covers Book Club: Join “Between the Covers” book club for adults the fourth Monday of every month. Refreshments are sometimes provided. Stop in for a copy of the book in print or audiobook (when available) ahead of time. Monday, Dec. 16: 7:00-8:00 p.m.
in Vermont
Local Municipality Minutes
Email Minutes to htnews@icloud.com
Burnhamville Township • October 29, 2024
The regular meeting of the Town Board of Burnhamville was held October 29, 2024 at the Burtrum Community Center. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Vice-Chair Bruce Johnson. Members present include Supervisors, Joe Muellner and Bruce Johnson. Mike Berscheit virtual; Clerk Shirley Hulinsky and Treasurer Pam Throener. Also present were Tom and Bonnie Dingmann, and Erv Herdering.
The minutes from the regular meeting of September 24, 2024 were approved on a motion by Sup. Johnson and second by Sup. Muellner. Motion passed.
For correspondence the township received a form from First State Bank of Swanville to be completed, notices concerning opioid county grant, water structure grant, election notices, carrier for township life insurance has changed, training for clerk and treasurer and notice of township association annual meeting in December.
Tom and Bonnie Dingmann presented their planning request to enclose the deck on their cabin. They are not enlarging the structure. The supervisors all approve of the request and the owners will now continue with county planning and zoning.
A motion was moved by Sup. Muellner to pay all bills numbered 6715 through 6727 totaling $7,656.12. Sup. Johnson seconded the motion. Motion passed.
The clerk completed the noxious weed grant requesting $1,045.15 for weed control. We will hear back next year concerning the grant acceptance.
With the General Election on November 5 the board will set up election booths on Monday, November 4 at 4 pm.
The township is awaiting training on the textmygov service.
In the road report the supervisors thought the brush cutter rental was a good idea and we should try to do it every-other year. The gravel roads are bumpy as it is very dry. The contractor is trying to blade whenever we get a little moisture to improve the roads. The board reviewed the presented snow plowing contract. Sup. Muellner moved a motion to approve the contract presented by Herdering, Inc. Sup. Johnson seconded the motion. Motion passed.
With our December meeting falling on New Year’s Eve the board would like to move the meeting. Sup. Johnson moved a motion to move the regular December meeting to Monday, December 30, 2024. Sup. Berscheit seconded the motion. Motion passed. Clerk will post change in December.
The Treasurer’s report shows balance of $25,348.56. Report approved on a motion by Sup. Muellner and second by Sup. Johnson. Motion passed.
Meeting was adjourned at 7:56 p.m. on a motion by Sup. Berscheit and a second by Sup. Muellner. Next regular meeting will be on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at 7 pm in the Burtrum Community Center.
Shirley Hulinsky, Burnhamville Township Clerk
Upsala City • December 2, 2024
Call to Order/Attendance: The City Council meeting was called to order at Upsala City Hall by Mayor Rollie Johnson at 7:00 P.M. The pledge of allegiance was said.
On roll call members present: Mayor Rollie Johnson, Council Members: Wendy Rene, Lana Bartells, Alan Gunderson and Mitch Lange. Staff present: City Clerk-Treasurer Jane Popp and Public Works Director Mike Tschida.
Minutes: Lange moved to approve the regular city council meeting minutes from November 4, 2024, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.
Rene moved to approve the budget meeting minutes from November 4, 2024, 2nd by Lange. Motion carried unanimously.
Gunderson moved to approve the special meeting minutes to canvass the election from November 13, 2024, 2nd by Lange. Motion carried unanimously.
Added agenda items: Bartells moved to approve the agenda as presented, 2nd by Rene Motion carried unanimously.
Department Reports: Fire Department Report Jay Baggenstoss reported one call for November. He stated that Steve Hansen and Jay Baggenstoss are retiring as of January 1, 2025. Jay thanked the city council for all the support. The fire department is applying for the FEMA Grant. Gunderson moved to approve the following for Fire Department Officers: Fire Chief: Nicholas Johnson, Assistant Chief: Mike Kremers, Captain: Steve Heesen, Captain: Brady Burggraff, Captain: Ron Carlson, Training Officer: Joe Trettel, Secretary: Safety Officer: Bethany Burggraff, Safety Officer: Brock Weber 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously with Lange abstaining.
First Response Team: First Response Team Vice President Danielle Haus reported six calls for November. The meat raffle and animal races went well and was a lot of fun. The next one is scheduled for December 21, 2025, at Buffy’s at 7:00 pm.
Rene moved to approve the following for First Response Team Officers: President Andrea Douvier, Vice President Danielle Haus, Secretary Clara Pflueger, Training Officer Seth Strassburg, Officer at Large Kyle Breth 2nd by Gunderson. Motion carried unanimously.
Maintenance Report: Tschida reported on water and sewer levels as well as the various tasks done throughout the city. The well inspections has been done. Tschida replaced the battery back-up in the main lift. A dump truck has been purchased. Thein Wells drilled test wells.
City Office Report: Popp reviewed the December Calendar.
Planning Commission: Gunderson moved to approve the ordinance amendment, 2nd by Rene. Motion carried unanimously.
Rene moved to approve the ordinance amendment summary, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.
Rene moved to approve a Public Hearing on January 6, 2025, at 7:20 pm, 2nd by Gunderson. Motion carried unanimously.
Heritage Days Meeting on January 8, 2025, at 7:00 pm.
New Business: Reading the minutes out loud at the beginning of each council meeting.
Temporary Liquor License for St. Mary’s Catholic Church 2-08-2025 Rene moved to approve a Temporary Liquor License for St. Mary’s
Church on 2-08-2025, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.
Temporary Liquor License for St. Mary’s Catholic Church 4-11-2025 Gunderson moved to approve a Temporary Liquor License for St. Mary’s Church on 4-11-2025, 2nd by Rene. Motion carried unanimously.
St. Mary’s Catholic Church Gambling Permit (Bingo on 2-09-2025) Rene moved to approve a Gambling Permit for St. Mary’s Church on 2-092025, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.
St. Mary’s Catholic Church Gambling Permit (Raffle on 4-11-2025) Rene moved to approve a Gambling Permit for St. Mary’s Church on 4-112025, 2nd by Gunderson. Motion carried unanimously.
Michelle Stevens did a training for the newly elected officials. She has also done grant writing and a variety of office tasks which the city is reimbursed through a Sourcewell grant.
Thank you and Acknowledgements A big thank you to Rollie for serving as mayor for 14 years and 6 years as City Council Member. Thank you to Mitch Lange and Lana Bartells for their service years of service as council members.
Financials Gunderson
Updates/FYI: Next Regular City Council Meeting will be Monday, January 6, 2025, at 7:00 pm.
Adjourn: Lange moved to adjourn at 8:17pm, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously. Jane Popp, Clerk/Treasurer
BURNHAMVILLE TOWNSHIP RESIDENTS
Notice of Meeting Change
Due to the New Year’s Eve holiday, Burnhamville Township Board will hold its next regular monthly meeting on Monday, December 30, 2024 at 7 p.m. at the Burtrum Community Center. If anyone has any questions, they may call the clerk at 320-285-2050. Shirley Hulinsky, Burnhamville Township Clerk
*Excludes: gas, diesel, kerosene, heating wood pellets, tobacco,hunting/fishing licenses, no pallet quantity discounts, snowblowers & sale items. See store for additional exclusions.
FOR SALE: Shih Tzu mix puppies, born June 25, $250, 3 males, vet checked, shots. Call first 877-243-2823, then 320-573-2631 for hearing assist. 12/12
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00am-7:00pm; Saturday 8:00am-6:00pm; Sunday 10:00am-4:00pm Little Falls: Monday-Saturday 8:00am-8:00pm; Sunday 9:00am-5:00pm
Long Prairie: Monday-Friday 8:00am-7:00pm; Saturday 8:00am-6:00pm; Sunday 10:00am-4:00pm Faribault: Monday-Friday 7:00am-7:00pm;
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. 12/12
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: People to help sew bags for the veterans at the St. Cloud VA. Fabric & supplies provided. Call Cindy 651-485-5731.
WANTED TO BUY: Butcher cows, bulls, fats & walkable cripples: also horses, sheep & goats. 320-235-2664. SC-odB
VOLUNTEERS WANTED: For Meals on Wheels in Albany for routes in Holdingford, Albany, Avon & St. Joe. Please call 320845-4070 or visit our website at ccstcloud. org and click on link Volunteer request form. We need help in our kitchen, and delivering meals.
FOR SALE: Drive hospital bed, like new, upgraded mattress, fully electric: bed itself rises and lowers along with adjustable head and legs, new $1800, b/o. Call 612-5972998.
FOR SALE: Local honey $10/pint, $20/ quart. Pickup St. Rosa 320-290-0471. 12/26
FOR SALE: Oak firewood dried 1 year $200 a cord. Call 320-632-3336.
FOR SALE: Campbell Hausfeld HD air compressor, suitable for any pneumatic tools, excellent condition. Call 320-2503874.
FOR SALE: TV 48 inch Samsung with stand $50. Grey Eagle call 320-285-5605.
FOR SALE: Concertina/Button Box/Accordion instruments: Hohner, Stradivarius, Menghini, Arno Arnold, and Arno Arnold King. Call 320-632-0493.
FOR SALE: Hardwood firewood, dried, 20-22 inches, $150 full cord. Call 320-7663119. tfn
FOR SALE: Chain saw Stihl MS 182-C, brand new, $270. Call 320-290-0924.
