Hometown News December 24, 2020

Hometown News FREE PUBLICATION

Thursday, December 24, 2020

Vol. 20: Issue 35

ROLLOFF CONTAINERS • Remodeling Jobs • Demolition Jobs Shingles • New Construction • All types of Scrap Iron • Household Cleanout (Garbage)

Great For BUSINESS, HOMES & FARMS! We handle any size commercial account!

Thank you for your business.

We look forward to serving you in the new year!

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Mon.-Fri.: 8 AM-4:30 PM; Sat.: Closed for Winter

KLM LAWN SERVICE

Merry Christmas!

Call Us for Your Snow Plowing Needs!

Snow Plowing • Mowing • Trimming Weed Control • Mosquito Control Free Estimates

Kyle: 320-630-3337 LaRae: 320-232-8029

Christmas Closed Dec. 24-27

New Year’s Closed Dec. 31-Jan. 3 HOURS:

Mon.-Fri.: 7:30-5; Sat.: 8-12

24 HOUR SERVICE Building Supplies

• Well Drilling - Residential / Commercial • Well Service / Maintenance • Pump Sales & Service (Jet / Submersible) • Water Treatment & Conditioning • Water Softeners / Salt • Irrigation / Geo-Thermal Drilling Melrose, MN

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On The Inside...

Harvey Mackay Tom Kuehne: The Good Old Days Obituaries: Kremers, Fleischhacker, Blommel,

Thieschafer, Donat, Kuklok, Edgar, Illies,

Rachey, Lackman, Schwinghammer Dave Says Ask the Motor Medics®

Page 2 Page 3 Pages 3-6

Wishing you a season filled with happiness.

Page 7 Page 7

Wishing You & Yours a Merry Christmas!

320-836-2697

After Hours: 320-267-8568

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May the warmth and joy of the Christmas Season remain with you throughout the coming year. www.freeportstatebank.com 800-252-9856

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Page 2 • Hometown News • Thursday, December 24, 2020

Hometown News 29442 120th St. Grey Eagle, MN 56336 Phone: 320-285-2323

Email: htnews@meltel.net

Website: www.hometownnews.biz www.facebook.com/hometownnews Published By John and Lori Young

The Hometown News is a weekly publication, which is published and distributed every Thursday.

Ad & News Deadline The deadline for news & advertising is 5 P.M. MONDAY

Sales

• Lori Young Office: 320-285-2323 Cell: 612-597-2998 Email: htnews@meltel.net Website Hosting - John Young Office: 320-285-2323 Cell: 612-597-4499

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Personal Classifieds: Garage Sales, For Sale Items, Wanted (Personal) FREE up to 20 words; 25¢ for each additional word. 20 words or less can be emailed. Classifieds over the word limit must be prepaid.

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Mail to: Hometown News, 29442 120th St., Grey Eagle, MN 56336.

Email: htnews@meltel.net

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Anniversary open house, births, birthday open house, engagements, weddings & obituaries are free of charge for one publication. To have it published additional weeks is $10/week.

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Subscriptions

The subscription rates for 13 weeks is $18.00 26 weeks is $34.00 52 weeks is $68.00 Mail to: Hometown News, 29442 120th St., Grey Eagle, MN 56336

The power of joy -By Harvey Mackay During the holidays we are surrounded with messages about the power of joy.

But why is joy looked at as only a seasonal thing? I think it should be lived year-round, and not just outside your professional life.

So where does joy fit in the business world?

“How we feel profoundly influences how well we perform at work and socially,” says my friend Randy Garn, managing partner at High Performance Institute. “Research shows that joy is one of the best predictors of the good life we all strive to achieve.”

Popular opinion holds that joy is a result of being happy. I think that’s backwards. Joy allows you to be happy. Happy feelings are temporary. Joy is much deeper than that.

True joy is untouched by circumstance.

“Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day,” said theologian Henri Nouwen.

Studies show joy can positively affect us physically and emotionally. The release of neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin in our brains increases feelings of elation and joy.

Poet laureate Mayo Angelou said, “We need joy as we need air.”

Brendon Burchard, another good friend and the bestselling author of “High Performance Habits,” uses notification triggers as a way to remind him throughout the day to “Bring the Joy.” When going through his work routine, his alarm reminds him to bring positivity to his day.

I couldn’t agree more. We cannot wait for circumstances to bring us joy. We must make our own joy.

Brendon says: “You have to intentionally decide to make whatever you are doing better.

People accept the energy that is in the place. Why not challenge yourself to bring good energy to that space? Why not charge it up?

“Right now there is so much negativity in the world,” he added. “People are angry and complaining. If you don’t have joy, you can generate it by the way that you think and act. We are responsible for our emotions. It’s up to you to generate positive emotions, and joy is one of them.”

To incorporate joy in your life, Brendon cites four things that I’ll expand on: 1. We have to trigger happiness. My take: Happiness is a state of mind. So are anger, sorrow, disappointment and loneliness.

The mind is the most powerful tool in the universe, but you are the one who controls it.

Happiness is a powerful, addictive narcotic.

2. Use humor. I believe life is too short to be serious all the time. How dull our existence would be without the potential to see the lighter side of situations. And how hopeless, too! Humor often represents hope, that the worst is behind us and better things are coming. It also demonstrates that we are able to handle what life throws our way. Life isn’t always funny, but a sense of humor always helps.

3. Be helpful. In my opinion, helping people not only makes them feel better, but it also makes YOU feel better. It lifts moods and gives you a high similar to the endorphins you experience when running and competing in sports. People who do volunteer work and help others on a regular basis have a healthier outlook on life. They are more inclined to be go-getters and consistently report to be

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happier in life.

4. Appreciate and honor people. Give a compliment or thank someone. We all love to receive praise. Compliments do wonders for our sense of hearing. Everyone likes a pat on the back and a hearty “well done.” Develop an attitude of gratitude.

A friend shared a wonderful message from his parish priest that helped him understand three things that might be getting in the way of a joyful life: self-pity, worry and complaining. These detractors are universal problems, not confined to any particular religion. If you recognize those tendencies in yourself, you can take action to eliminate them and make room for joy instead.

You have a choice, and I hope you can find the joy in your life not just during this holiday season but all year long. I promise you will notice the difference almost immediately. And so will those around you.

One of my favorite authors, Norman Vincent Peale, offered this gem: “Joy increases as you give it, and diminishes as you try to keep it yourself. In giving it, you will accumulate a deposit of joy greater than you ever believed possible.”

Mackay’s Moral: Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be filled with joy.

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.”

NEW YEAR’S ISSUE: Wednesday, December 30

Deadline is Saturday, Dec. 26 Email: htnews@meltel.net 320-285-2323 • Cell: 612-597-2998

HOUSE CLEANING

15 Years Experience Albany Area Call Brenda: 320-557-5722

Upcoming Events

THURSDAY, DEC. 31 • Long Prairie Chamber Orchestra: Fare Well Come VII Online Concert at 6:30 p.m. www.the lpco.org.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2 • Freeport Lions Club American Red Cross Blood Drive from 1-7 p.m. at the Freeport Community Center.

ALBANY TOWNSHIP • Meets the fourth Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the Albany City Hall.

• Planning Commission meets the second 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 first Monday 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 first 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 third Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m. with cards/Bingo/coffee/dessert.

GREY EAGLE CITY COUNCIL • Meets the second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.

GREY EAGLE TOWNSHIP • Meets the first Monday of the month at 8 p.m.

STEARNS CO. HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY • Meets at 7 p.m. on the 2nd Monday

of the month 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 third Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Community Park building.

SWANVILLE CITY COUNCIL • First Tuesday after the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m.

SWANVILLE TOWNSHIP • Meets the second Tuesday of the month at 8:30 p.m. at the Swanville Fire Hall.

TODD COUNTY REPUBLICANS • Meets second Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at St. Matthew’s Church, Clarissa.

UPSALA CITY COUNCIL • Meets the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m.

If you have an upcoming event or meeting, please let us know by email: htnews@meltel.net or call 320-285-2323.

Temperatures Date

12/16 12/17 12/18 12/19 12/20 12/21

High 27 28 32 27 32 34

Low 10 23 19 9 14 18

Friday

Mostly sunny.

High: 20 Low: 10

Weekend Weather Saturday

Mostly sunny.

High: 24 Low: 10

Sunday

Cloudy.

High: 14 Low: -3

Hometown News • Thursday, December 24, 2020 • Page 3

“The Good Old Days” -By Tom Kuehne New Holidays

The Holiday Season is here again. This year will be very different from our memories of previous Holidays.

The big change is that what was typically a time for fellowship and gatherings has become a time to avoid fellowship or gatherings.

What gatherings that do occur will probably involve few, or in some cases, only one person.

Thanksgiving this year was a new experience. Many of the Thanksgiving celebrations were extremely limited, however when sharing the new Thanksgiving experience, many people feel that it was a satisfying experience. With the limited football season, the day to give thanks offered the opportunity to take a little time to remember some of the special things we have to be thankful for. These things included our family, our health, our community, our country, our food, our faith, our home, our employment, our hobbies,

Upsala - All Ages

BREAKFAST: Take out Mon.-Fri. 7-10:30 a.m.: Eggs, meat, pancakes, French toast, pancakes, toast, biscuits & gravy, & beverage. Call ahead.

Mon., Dec. 28: Shipwreck casserole, garlic bread, dessert.

Tues., Dec. 29: Country pork chop, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetable, dessert.

Wed., Dec. 30: Chicken strips, French fries, vegetable, dessert.

Thurs., Dec. 31: Corndog, tater tots, vegetable, dessert.

Take Out only. Pick up by 11:30 a.m.

Call a day before. 320-573-4435

Obituaries

Edna Mary Kremers

A Private Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, December 21, 2020 at St. Benedicts Catholic Church in Avon for Edna M. Kremers, age 91, of St. Cloud and formerly of Avon, passed away on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at the Sanctuary in St. Cloud. Reverend Edward Vebelun, OSB officiated.

Burial was in the parish cemetery.

Edna was born on May 11, 1929 in Albany, Minnesota to Bernard and Olivia (Watercott) Peopping. She married Arnold Kremers on September 16, 1950 at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany. Edna was a homemaker all of her life, raising eleven children. She also worked at JC Penny’s, Dayton’s, and Thrift Bread Store before retiring. Edna was a member of St. Benedicts Catholic Church in Avon, the Christian Mothers, the Eagles Auxiliary Aerie #622 and the Homemakers Club.

Edna enjoyed crocheting, knitting, cooking, gardening, the casino, traveling and all the activities at the Sanctuary. She especially loved all

our weather and a multitude of other things that make our life more satisfying. Maybe just a little time to think about the positive things in our life, rather than to be constantly thinking about the negative.

We are close to Christmas and will again experience a new way of celebrating.

I personally am looking forward to the new Christmas observance. It will be much less busy. We will be able to think about the real reason for Christmas and spend time remembering past Christmas celebrations, including where we were, who was there and the warm feelings these memories create. If some are gone, we can take time to remember the sound of their voices, laughs, odors, favorite stories, clothes and remember how they viewed life. In some cases we can vividly remember the smell of their tobacco smoke. We can remember the home-made gifts we received, like a pair of hand knit wool socks or mittens and maybe a hand-carved wooden fish lure. The roasted goose, lutefisk, cookies and candy, year old fruitcake, krumkake, the various kinds of sausage and the home-made bread come to mind. It is some of the little things that were the most meaningful.

Hoping you have a very happy Christmas and a relaxing New Year.

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

Tom Kuehne Insurance Solving your insurance problems!

• Senior Health Solutions • Health Insurance • Life Insurance & Annuities 201 Degraff • PO Box 186, Swanville, MN

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the time spent with her family and friends.

She is survived by her children, Marvin (Elaine) of Avon, Dale of St. Stephen, Renee of St. Cloud, Tom (Cathy) of Avon, Kevin of Avon, Duane (Jeanne) of Holdingford, Cheryl (Paul) Raab of Avon, Joanie (Joe) Raab of Avon, Vickie (Donny) Mugg of Avon, Keith of St. Anna, and Lisa (Duane) Yurczyk of Upsala; 20 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild; brothers, Raymond, Gerald, Clarence, and Albert; and many nieces and nephews.

Edna was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Arnold in 1993; granddaughter, Rebecca in 1976; siblings, Norbert, Josephine Ruhoff, Ann Koopmeiners, Ben; and infant sister, Hilda.

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Grey Eagle/Swanville Knights of Columbus Council Raffle Drawing was held on December 15, 2020 The winners are: 1 - $500: Dom Nelson - Minneapolis 2nd - $250: Lawrence Ahrendt - Grey Eagle 3rd - $100: Jim Feldewerd - Melrose 4th - $50: Alvin Van Heel - Swanville st

5 - $50: Donna Sand - Freeport 6th - $50: Larry Feldt - Sauk Centre 7th - $50: Roger Roske - Grey Eagle th

Congratulations to the winners & a big THANK YOU to all who sold and purchased the raffle tickets. Proceeds go to fund local charitable activities of our council.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Knights of Columbus!

Card of Thanks

Thank you to the Upsala community for their generosity in giving to the recent Veterans clothing drive.

American Legion Auxiliary Unit #350, Upsala

To Submit a Card of Thanks the cost is $3.00 for the first 50 words, 10¢ for each additional word. MUST BE PREPAID. Mail to: Hometown News, 29442 120th St., Grey Eagle, MN 56336.

Cindy Mae Fleischhacker

The Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Cindy Mae Fleischhacker will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday January 7th, 2021 at St. Mary’s Church in Upsala. There will be a visitation held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the church on January 6th with Perish Prayers at 3:30 p.m. Cindy’s children will serve as her honorary pallbearers. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Miller-Carlin Funeral Homes.

Surrounded by her children, Cindy was born into eternal life on Friday, December 18, 2020 at the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis after ending her battle with many chronic illnesses that had riddled her life.

She was born on June 18th, 1962 in Albany to Linus and Doris (Tschida) Vos. She was blessed with five children who became her entire world: Michelle, Randy, Jamie, Trista, and Ashley.

Cindy was very proud of her family and enjoyed getting together to celebrate many of God’s blessings. She enjoyed attending Mass and Adoration. She loved to spend time with her grandchildren, who kept her well entertained.

Cindy will always be remembered by her children Michelle Fleischhacker, Randy (Margaret) Fleischhacker, Jamie (Scott) Goebel, Trista (Joe) Stangler, and Ashley (Adam) Stangler; grandchildren Grace Fleischhacker, Matthew Fleischhacker, Caleb Fleischhacker, Baby Fleischhacker, Benjamin Goebel, Kensi Stangler, Tori Stangler, Eli Stangler, Jaylyn Stangler, Carson Stangler, and Lincoln Stangler.

Along with her siblings, Joel (Dierdra) Vos and Tammy (Gary) Fischer.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Doris Vos.

Eve Service Lessons & Carols

Grey Eagle United Methodist Church Go to: geumc.com or the GE UMC Facebook Page Anytime on Christmas Eve.

City of Upsala

Holiday Lights Contest Winners

Prizes awarded in Upsala Bucks.

Residential Contest 1st Place: $150: Rodney Hayes 2nd Place: $100: Brady Burggraff 3rd Place: $50: Sott Taylor Business Contest 1st Place: $150: Sytek 2nd Place: $100: Upsala Farm Store 3rd Place: $50: Carrie’s Place Thank you for showing your Holiday Spirit and making Upsala bright!

Open for Take Out!

Lunch Specials: 11 AM-1 PM

Wishing You A

Merry Christmas!

Upsala Farm Store Inc.

211 S. Main St., Upsala • 320-573-2216 Open 7 Days a Week - Mon.-Sat. 8-6; Sun. 9-2

LP Gas Refill

Central McGowan

Merry Fri., Dec. 25: OPEN - Off Menu Mon., Dec. 28: Corn Chowder Soup Christmas!

w/Cheeseburger Tues., Dec. 29: Baked Chicken & Dressing Dinner Wed., Dec. 30: Ham & Scalloped Potatoes Thurs., Dec. 31: Pizza Burger w/Fries Fri., Jan. 1: Cheeseburger w/Chili or Fries

~ Evening Take Out Off Menu ~

Corner Pub & Grill Freeport, MN • 320-836-2120

Double “R” Bar & Grill Grey Eagle • 320-285-2965

TAKE OUT:

Mon.-Tues. 4-8 PM Wed.-Sat.: 11 AM-8 PM Sun.: 11 AM-6 PM

OFF SALE:

Mon.-Tues. 4-8 PM Wed.-Sat.: 11 AM-8 PM Sun.: 3-6 PM Usher Green Label Scotch 1.75 Liter $10.99 Sutter Home Wine 4 pk. $5.99

LUNCH TAKE OUT Saturday, Dec. 26: • Grilled Cheese w/Cup of Soup $5.95 • Grilled Ham & Cheese w/Cup of Soup $6.95 Sunday, Dec. 27: • 1/2 Chicken $9.50 • 1/4 Chicken $7.50, w/Choice of Potato, Cole Slaw, Toast

www.doublerbarandgrill.com

Broasted Chicken To Go! 4-20 Piece

ALL DAY: WEDNESDAYS Shrimp Basket $6.95 1/4 Broasted Chicken Basket $6.95 1-1/2 lb. Wings, Choice of Sauce $6.95 Nachos or Quesadillas $6.95

EVENING TAKE OUT

Monday: Irish Italian Spaghetti w/Breadsticks $7.95 Taco Salad on Chips $7.95 Tuesday: 1/3 lb. Burger, Choice of Potato $7.95 Add $1 Onion Rings Saturday: • Prime Rib, Choice of Potato, Cole Slaw & Toast $18.95 • Red Lake Deep Fried Walleye, Choice of Potato, Cole Slaw & Toast $13.95 • BBQ Ribs, Choice of Potato, Cole Slaw & Toast $13.95 • Teriyaki Chicken, Wild Rice, Breadsticks $10.95

CHRISTMAS EVE OPEN: 11 AM-7 PM

~ All Day Specials ~ • Hot Roast Beef Sandwich on Bun w/Swiss Cheese & Choice of Potato $7.50 • 1/4 Chicken Dinner $7.50 • 1/2 Chicken Dinner $9.50 CHRISTMAS DAY: Closed

Wishing You a Merry Christmas!

New Year’s Eve:

• Prime Rib for 2 w/Dessert $42.95 • Rack of Ribs $13.95 • Steak & Shrimp $14.95 • Walleye $13.95 • Lava Cakes $5.95 Sunday: • Steak & Shrimp, Choice of Potato, Cole Slaw, Toast $14.95 • Pork Chop, Choice of Potato, Cole Slaw, Toast $11.95 • 1/2 Chicken, Choice of Potato, Cole Slaw, Toast $9.50 • 1/4 Chicken, Choice of Potato, Cole Slaw, Toast $7.50

Page 4 • Hometown News • Thursday, December 24, 2020

Birth Announcement

Joseph H. Blommel

President of Catholic Aid for 20 years, member of Catholic Order of Foresters, life-time member of the Melrose VFW and the Albany American Legion, where he was Commander in 1976, and a 3rd Degree in the Knights of Columbus. For over twenty years, he delivered Meals on Wheels.

From a young age, Joe enjoyed the water. He barefoot water-skied; ice-skated and spent many hours in a boat or fish house waiting for fish to bite. He and Fran liked bowling and playing cards with their family and friends. He started his day with Mass, and then on the Albany Bakery for coffee, rolls, and cards. They also enjoyed travels around the United States and Europe.

He especially cherished their pilgrimage to Italy where he received a personal blessing from Pope John Paul II. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 52 years, Fran; children, Dennis (Marcy) Mareck and David (Darlene) Mareck, of Albany, Kathy (Ralph) Schmitz, of Sauk Rapids, Sharon (Ron) Spanier, of St. Augusta, and Steve (Theresea) Mareck, of St. Cloud; daughter-in-law, Kathy Mareck, of Chanhassen; 19 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and sister Marie Eilers.

He was preceded in death by his step-son, Marvin Mareck; grandchildren, Michael, and Ann Mareck; parents; brothers, Aloys, Alphonse, and Maurus; and sister, Bernadine Pohlman.

Arrangements were with Nelson-Doran Funeral Home.

Ronald A. “Ron” Thieschafer

neighbors and close friends. He enjoyed custom chopping corn, cutting and combing oats, and helping with other farm tasks as well.

Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Thieschafer of Melrose; daughters, Brenda (Melvin) Primus of Melrose, Jessica (Steven) Clear of Melrose, and Justin Thieschafer of Melrose; six grandchildren, Sarah (Mark) Katterhagen, Jacob (Kelsey) Primus, Jordan (Abby) Primus, Kendra Primus, and Landon and Lydia Clear; seven great grandchildren, Logan, Kayden, Emerson, and Bentley Katterhagen, Jackson and Kylie Primus, and Clara Primus; and sister, Terry (Ronald) Butkowski of Melrose.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Marie Thieschafer; stillborn sons, Steven on May 15, 1979 and Christopher on January 25, 1982; grandson, Mitchell Primus; brother, Harvey Thieschafer; brothers-in-law, John Klasen, George, William, Ralph, and Art Middendorf; and sister-in-law, Edna Middendorf.

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

Joseph H. Blommel, 93, of Albany passed away at Mother Derek and Samantha Pohlmann of Grey Eagle are of Mercy Fairway proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Mallory Lynn Ridge Apartments Pohlmann, born on Monday, December 14, 2020 at 6:48 a.m. on Wednesday, at the CentraCare Health-Melrose Hospital.

December 16, 2020.

Mallory weighed 6 pounds, 15 ounces and measured 20 A Mass of inches long.

Christian Burial was held Saturday, She has a big brother, Clayton at home.

December 19, 2020 Grandparents are Richard Pohlmann of Grey Eagle, at Seven Dolors Angie Harris of Sauk Centre, Lori Berg-Prichett of St. Rosa, Catholic Church in and Mike Berg of Albany. Great-grandparents are Vernice Albany for Joe’s Berg of Albany, Pat Berscheit of Grey Eagle, and Mildred Pohlmann of Grey Eagle. immediate family. Military Honors were provided by the Albany American Legion. He was interred in the parish cemetery. At a later date, the family will be hosting a Memorial Service to celebrate PRAIRIE WOODS his life with extended family and friends.

LAUNDRY Interiors, Exteriors, Joe was born December 13, 1927, in Staining, Varnishing Freeport, the son of Joseph and Elizabeth OPEN 24/7 (Koetter) Blommel. He was later raised by his Brian Middendorf 613 1st St. S. stepmother, Mary Koetter. He attended Sacred 40 Years Experience Long Prairie, MN 320-293-9939 Heart School through the eighth grade. He served in the US Army during the Korean War. He worked for many years as a I.B.E.W. Electrician.

On November 30, 1968, Joe married Frances Mareck and instantly become Pops to her six Custom Meat children.

Processing Joe was active in the community; he was

Mallory Lynn Pohlmann

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Ronald A. “Ron” Thieschafer, age 78 of Melrose, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, December 20, 2020 at his home in Melrose, Minnesota after a long battle with cancer.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m.

Wednesday, December 23 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose with Rev. Marvin Enneking officiating.

Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose.

Ronald Alphonse Thieschafer was born April 19, 1942 in Melrose Township, Stearns County, Minnesota to Joseph and Marie (Wiechmann) Thieschafer. He grew up in Melrose and went to country school and attended high school until the 9th grade. He then began working for Arvig for a couple years before moving to North Dakota to work on the oil fields. While working on the oil fields he also worked for grain farmers, Melby Brothers, for six months. Ron returned home to help his dad on the farm. On August 27, 1963, he married Elizabeth Middendorf at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose. After their marriage, they continued dairy farming on the home place north of Melrose where they raised their family. While farming, Ron worked at Arnzen Construction in St. Rosa and Dairyland Supply in Sauk Centre. Ron and Betty moved to town in Melrose in 2010.

He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose and Saint Bernard’s Society.

Ron enjoyed playing music in various bands over the years, especially his own band the Rollercoasters. He also enjoyed helping many

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Hometown News • Thursday, December 24, 2020 • Page 5

Richard “Dick” Donat

Richard “Dick” Donat of Staples, MN passed away peacefully amidst the oak trees at the Quiet Oaks Hospice House on Tuesday, December 15, 2020, at the age of 85, after spending the day holding the hands of his wife and daughters.

Richard is survived by his wife, Kerwin (Jacobson) of Staples and daughters, Kari (Donat) Kreft and husband John, and Kim Donat and husband Joshua Lipschultz and his treasured grandchildren, Hailey, Brianna and Isaac Kreft and Hanna and Elizabeth (Libby) Lipschultz. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters in-laws and extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Anna Donat; brother, Leslie and wife Lois; sister, Rosella and husband Marvin; and sister, Viola (Dolly) and husband Clifford.

Dick was born into a farming family on August 4th, 1935 in his beloved Upsala to Frank and Anna Donat. He attended St. Cloud State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from the University of Minnesota, feeling great pride in serving as both vice president and president of his classes in college. He was forever grateful for the opportunity to pursue his education, but never forgot the lessons he learned on the farm alongside his family. He was always a farmer at heart, teaching Agriculture and serving as FFA advisor first in Motley and then in Staples.

He later served as a Title 1/Federal Programs Director and then the Assistant Superintendent for Staples Schools.

Dick recalled lessons learned in Boy Scouts until the very end. Time spent with good friends, a troop canoeing trip, horseback riding at Philmont Scout Ranch and attending the Boy Scout National Jamboree all made lasting impressions upon him. He would often share with his grandchildren the lessons he learned as a football, basketball and baseball player for the Upsala Cardinals. Richard was fond of reminiscing of his days on the farm, helping his mom and dad after the rest of his siblings were grown and married.

On July 19, 1969 Dick married the love of his life, Kerwin Jacobson after being set up on a blind date at his cabin. A smile always spread across his face as he remembered how Kerwin, who not believing she would have the opportunity to go back to the cabin, water skied around the lake twenty-six times. Little did she know they would end up sharing that same cabin for fiftyone years. Dick’s daughters, Kari and Kim were his world. Dick taught them to value family, their faith and community and to be lifelong learners.

His professional sources of pride were being named to the Minnesota Teacher of the Year Honor Roll, leading the FFA Goodwill Tour to Europe, assisting in the senior high rise apartments, seeing the Community Center in Staples become a reality, attracting industry to the area and working on the Centennial Auditorium.

Former Superintendent, Jack Nelson once said,

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“Dick Donat was synonymous with economic development in Staples. If someone asked about starting a business, they were told to talk to Dick.” He was a humble man, always using we, not I, but greatly appreciated receiving the Staples Lifetime Achievement Award. It was less about the award and more about what people with a passion to work together towards a common goal, can accomplish.

He was an active and dedicated community and church member having served in just about every capacity at Faith Lutheran Church, Rotary, Jaycees, Civic and Commerce Association, Rural Minnesota CEP, the Initiative Foundation, Region Five Economic Development Board, MN Business and Finance, MN Business and Technology, the Workforce Center, the Staples Development Corporation, the Unity Bank Board, recruiting doctors to the area, FFA, Arts Council, Todd County Fair Board and Boy Scouts. He had cherished memories of Rotary Art Shows, lutefisk church dinners, Farmers Night on the Town events, the Central Lakes Irrigation Farm, and running for the House of Representatives.

Everyone who knew him understood what it was like to be questioned by Dick Donat.

He was forever curious about people and their pursuits. He valued a good question and always intently listened to the answer. One of Richard’s professors once advised him, “I know of no one who has learned more from what you do than you do. Keep that up. It is a good trait to have.” That advise always served him well.

He was most passionate about his family and never missed the opportunity to twirl Kerwin around the dance floor, read to his girls, or attend his grandchildren’s many events. He forever treasured month long June family road trips, winters at South Padre Island and summers at the cabin. Sitting on the dock, listening to the call of the loons brought him peace.

A funeral service and celebration of life will be scheduled at a later time.

Cheryl Ann Kuklok

Cheryl Ann Kuklok, age 75 of Holdingford, passed away on Saturday, December 19 at the St. Cloud Hospital.

A Celebration of Cheryl’s life will be held privately for family. Interment will be at the Minnesota Veteran’s Cemetery in Little Falls.

Cheryl was born on October 18, 1945 in St. Cloud, the daughter of Marcus and Florence (Vanderwal) Theis. She graduated from St. Cloud Tech High School and was an Office Administrator at J.C. Penny for over 40 years.

On July 28, 1978, she was united in marriage to George Kuklok and their union was blessed with a son, Jeremy.

Cheryl will always be remembered by her husband of over 40 years, George; son, Jeremy; siblings, Karen (Don), Bonnie, Sandy (Lloyd), Gary, and MaryKay (Tim).

She was preceded in death by her parents, Marcus and Florence.

Wishing You All A Very Merry Christmas and a Joyous Christmas Season!

Kenneth A. “Ken” Edgar

Kenneth A. “Ken” Edgar, age 81 of Sauk Centre, passed away on Sunday, December 20, 2020 at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, Minnesota.

A Mass of Christian will be held at 11 a.m.

Wednesday at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church in Sauk Centre with Rev. Rick Aubol officiating.

Interment will be in the parish cemetery.

A public visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Sauk Centre. Please wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Kenneth Adelbert Edgar was born September 22, 1939 in Shetek Township, Murray County, Minnesota to Horace and Josephine (Oberbrockling) Edgar. When he was a teenager, he moved to his aunt and uncles to help them farm. Ken graduated from Glenwood High School in 1959 and was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served from May 23, 1963 and was honorably discharged on May 11, 1965. Ken moved back to his uncle’s farm until his marriage to Grace Lyon on May 22, 1971. The couple moved to Sauk

Eugene “Gene” Albert Illies

Eugene “Gene” Albert Illies, age 81, of Elrosa, passed away December 19, 2020 at the St. Cloud Hospital due to COVID-19.

There will be no visitation. Graveside services will be held at St. Paul’s Cemetery in Sauk Centre on December 24 at 12:00 pm. Father Joseph Korf will officiate. Social distancing and properly worn masks are required.

Gene was born in Elrosa on January 17, 1939 to John C. and Gertrude S. (Lesser) Illies. Gene graduated from Belgrade High School in 1956.

Gene was united in marriage to Donna Nathe on February 22, 1966 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Sauk Centre. This union was blessed with five children.

After graduation, Gene went to Minneapolis and was a security guard driver for Brinks for a short time. In 1962, he moved back home to work with his dad in the shop. He also worked part time for Macey’s Construction in West Union. He then went to work as a mechanic for Tom Blais Ford in Long Prairie and Dan Welle Motors in Sauk Centre.

Shortly after marriage, Gene bought the family auto repair business where he worked until retirement in 2010. He continued to work parttime with his son, Gregory, who took over Illies Motor Company.

At the age of 13, Gene worked on his 1st transmission (it worked when he finished) and was very proud of his accomplishment. He was also very proud of his 45 years of sobriety.

He had a smile that could light up a room.

He really enjoyed family get-togethers (both Illies and Nathe). Both families were big, so there were always new family members to meet.

His hobbies were stock car races, fishing, watching baseball and football, playing cards and

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Centre and Ken started working at Ostendorf Construction. Ken then worked at the City of Sauk Centre and also started his own business, Kenny Edgar Sewer Service in 1980. He retired from the City of Sauk Centre in 2002 and eventually retired from his sewer service business in 2008.

He was a member of Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church in Sauk Centre. Ken enjoyed working, deer hunting, fishing, and having a drink or two. He was a socializer and truly had a gift to gab with anyone he met.

Survivors include his loving wife of 49 years, Grace Edgar of Sauk Centre; three daughters, Sue (Jeff) Fossum of St. Cloud, Bonnie (Kent) Barchus of Little Falls, and Becky (Eric) Pohlmann of Sauk Centre; grandchildren, Brittany and Breanna Barchus, and Jessica Fossum; one great-grandchild, Zoey Barchus; sister, Lovanna Tyra of Ramsey; and many relatives and friends.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Daniel Edgar; sister, Ivonna Halvorson; father and mother-in-law, Sidney and Rita Lyon; and many relatives.

Per Ken’s requests, serving as casket bearers will be Ken’s three daughters and their husbands, Sue and Jeff Fossum, Bonnie and Kent Barchus, Becky and Eric Pohlmann, along with Brittany Barchus and Scott Lyon. Cross bearer will be Jessica Fossum and scripture bearer will be Breanna Barchus.

Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Sauk Centre. board games, crossword puzzles and reading.

His favorite food was chicken chow mein and fried chicken. He loved cooking on Sundays or going to a KFC buffet.

He leaves behind his wife of over 54 years, 4 children, 5 grandchildren and 6 siblings. Children include Georgina Illies, Belgrade; Gerald (Shane) Illies, Edgewood, Washington; Gregory Illies, Belgrade; Jennifer Heath, Waterford, Wisconsin.

Grandchildren include Brendan (Victoria) Illies, Los Angeles, California; Amelia Heath, Waterford, Wisconsin; Dorothy Illies, Belgrade; Timothy Illies, Belgrade; and Callie Heath, Waterford, Wisconsin. Siblings include Cyril Illies, Elrosa; Mary Emslander, Sauk Centre; Ruth (Gerald) Wischnefski, Champlin; Thomas (Alyce) Illies, Andover; Kathleen (Ronald) Wischnefski, Sartell; and Elizabeth Freihammer, Sauk Rapids.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, infant son, John; sister Eleanor Maier and brothers-in law Donald Emslander, James Maier and Richard Freihammer.

Gene was baptized at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Elrosa and later joined St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Sauk Centre.

Please make memorial contributions to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Sauk Centre.

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Betty Frances Rachey

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 2, 2021 at Saint Mary of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Long Prairie for Betty Rachey, 93 of Long Prairie who passed away on December 15, 2020 at Valley View Manor Assisted Living in Long Prairie. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.

Father Omar Guanchez will officiate and burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery. The service can be observed remotely by logging on to the St. Mary’s of Long Prairie Facebook page.

There will be a “Celebration of Life” for Betty. It is tentatively planned for the summer of 2021. Family and friends will be able to gather together and share their memories.

Betty was born on July 1, 1927 to Thomas and Hattie (Kulik) Buhl in Hartford Towship. She graduated from Browerville High School and went on get her Teaching Certificate at what was commonly called Normal School in Staples, MN. She then began her career as a country school teacher. On September 3, 1947 she married Robert P. Rachey in Browerville. When starting their family in 1951 Betty quit teaching and began the role and career of being a homemaker and bookkeeper for Bob’s employment with MN Valley Breeders Association. In 1972 Betty started her career which would last over 30 years with the Long Prairie Dental Clinic. First as a dental assistant then on to being the face of the Long Prairie Dental Clinic as the receptionist where she was sure to know you by name and face and be interested in your family details.

Betty’s Catholic faith was very important to her and she was active as a member of the Christian Mother’s, volunteer server for the school lunch program and in the funeral choir at Saint Mary of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Long Prairie.

Betty was a very energetic and busy person with many interests. A game of chance or a card

game with grandchildren, friends or relatives was a daily activity for her. Many Buhl family gatherings began with the poker chips and deck of cards coming out along with tales of hard and good times of childhood on the farm. Betty being the second oldest child with ten brothers was tasked with helping with “the boys” while her mother kept up with the daily activities of keeping a large family fed. Betty was also a talented seamstress, sewing clothing and doll clothes and in later years settled into crocheting as her master craft. Whether you knew Betty as a family member, friend or possibly just crossed her path as an acquaintance it is quite possible that in your home currently, a doily dons a table or shelf, a set of placemats are neatly stacked in the linen closest or a still hard at work dish cloth sits in your kitchen towel drawer.

Betty enjoyed travel and she and Bob took many trips in and out of the country. She traveled to Hawaii twice with girlfriends as a tag-along with the MN Marching Ambassadors. Her favorite traveling though was to visit her family.

Bob and Betty and then Betty when she was able made yearly trips to visit her out of state son Paul and grandchildren Ross and Mason in the state of Washington, her daughter Julie while residing in California and her brothers as they retired to the state of Florida.

She is survived by her son Paul (Venka) of Chelan, WA; daughters, Debra (Russell) Goerger of Avon, Julie (Brian) Laverdiere of Foley and Amy (Mykel) Zimmerman of Long Prairie; sister Phyllis Kern of Alexandria; brothers, Jim (Bobby) Buhl of Ham Lake, Dennis (Ruth) Buhl of Maple Grove, Steve (Aneta) Buhl of McQueeny, TX; eight grandchildren and 5 greatgrandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Robert; parents; and brothers Jerome, Floyd, Hillary, Richard, Joseph, Mark and Ken Buhl.

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St. Rosa Lions & St. Rosa Jaycees

Twelve Days of Christmas Raffle Winners Held Saturday, December 19, 2020 $500.00 Steph Brenner $250.00 Sarah Sabrowsky $150.00 Henry Arnzen Mike Retka Jim Beuning Larry Hoeschen Emily Wiechmann Nick Arnzen $100.00 Sam Kramer Lee Uphoff Sara Williams Jeff Miller Nate Hiltner Andrew Wielenberg Carol Thelen Larry Marthaler Bob Nathe Brad Klaphake Chick Molitor Carri Zulkosk Jordan Hanan Jackie J. Atkinson Joe Wiechmann Stacy Roering Duane Hellman Dennis Hartung Jim Thielen Marlene Klasen Ben Ettle Chuck Barth

Ryan Gruber Jim Stommes Steve Wielenberg Mary Kemper Gerianne Fleischhacker Joe Hennen Sue Petermeier A.J.Olson Vince Wielenberg Gregg Wattercott Eric Donnay Jeron Theiler Tony & Nikki Middendorf Chuck Wolf Mike Laing Pam Dubiel Kyle Maus $50.00 Dave Rahn Larry Marthaler John Gilk (x2) Joe Wiechmann Leesa Moeller Judy Hennen Carrie Wiechmann Chad Hess Dan Goebel Sara Williams Brian Hollenkamp Bronte Gardner Allison Pohlmann Pam Barth Brian Elfering Rick Lemm

Brandon Welle Glen Winter Sherry Luetmer Steve Wielenberg Sarah Blake Steve & Shirley Worms Duane Hellman Wayne Tschida Andrew Primus Brent Hellermann Jim Engel Brittany Frieler Julie Gerads Justin Hinnenkamp Steve Klaphake Ryan Roelike Heidi Hollenkamp Sheri Luetmer Tiffany Ritter Mary Brickweg-Kerfeld Ben Ettle Dave Rahn Laura Revering Chuck Barth Matt Eibensteiner Lydia & Jared Butkowski Amy Pohlmann Gary Kuechle Munson Feed Company, Inc. Vickie Sadowsky Jason Seanger Griffin Thieschafer LaVonne Weihrauch Josh Thieschafer

Thank you to everyone who bought & sold tickets.

All proceeds stay at St. Rosa Community Park.

Walter A. Lackman

September 1, 1956 at Trinity Lutheran and has lived his entire life in Long Prairie. He worked at Hart Press for over 40 years, retiring in 1993. He is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, the Long Prairie VFW and American Legion. He looked forward to activities with friends such as bus rides to casinos or activities with the snowmobile clubs. After retirement, Walt enjoyed spending time in his wood shop where he repaired furniture and made cars, barns and fish decoys that he would sell at craft shows. He liked to hunt, fish area lakes and took fishing trips to Canada. Walt was a kind man who always put family as his top priority. He took every opportunity to spend time with his wife, children and grandchildren and frequently expressed his love for them. He freely expressed his appreciation and gratitude to others.

He is survived by his children, Sheryl (Dan) Karpinski of Sauk Rapids; Jerry (Tina Foote) of Browerville; John of Long Prairie; brothers, Kenneth (Grace) of Prior Lake; Richard “Dick” (Deanna) of Long Prairie; grandchildren, Micah Nelson and Amber Lackmann-Kise.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, LaVonne in 2016, sister, Carol LeMay, and grandson, Joshua Allen Lackmann.

Estelle A. Schwinghammer

and hauling it to the central collection center. Her baking skills were extraordinary and included gloriously decorated Christmas cookies, divine apple strudel, wonderful, sticky caramel rolls, and Chub’s favorite (and Grandma Kate Schwinghammer’s recipe), “kolatches.” All of Estelle’s baking results were relished and eaten with abandon.

In 1979, Estelle and Chub built their future home at Two Rivers Lake. There she enjoyed her personal passion for oil painting, quilting, fishing, and building bluebird houses. With natural talent and skill, Estelle painted beautiful landscapes, now cherished by her children and grandchildren. Estelle loved the outdoors and the lake home was a center of family fun and activities for three generations. Whether it was water skiing, paddle boating, or watching the sunset with a campfire, Estelle was the heart of the family.

Estelle believed in giving time to others in need. She was a member (and leader) of a quilting circle, with members creating wonderful quilts for the charities including Saint Cloud Mission and Albany Bazaar, as well as for her children and grandchildren. She was a volunteer at the Mother Seton, a second-hand store in Albany, and always helped those in need – whether it was a sister in law who needed an easy “knot off” quilting project to keep busy as her eyes failed or a neighbor who needed help getting to the doctor.

Estelle always gave the best of herself. She was a kind, gentle person who was always there to help one of her children or grandchildren. Estelle was completely loved and brought so much joy to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, December 22, 2020, at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany. Matthew Vebelun, OSB, officiated and the entombment was in Seven Dolors Parish Mausoleum.

Survivors include her children, Sherry Frederick of St. Louis Park, daughter-in-law, Anita Schwinghammer of Grey Eagle, Judy (Mark) Gileczek of Bloomington, Connie Larson of Oak Grove, Jackie (Ed) Atkinson of Freeport and Larry (Shelly) of Albany; 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Estelle was preceded in death by her husband, Val “Chub” in 2018, son, Randy, in 2016, son-in-law, John Ronallo, in 1975, Estelle’s brothers and sisters, Bob Thelen, Fred Thelen, Karleen Tomsche, Leon Thelen, Virginia Thelen, and Clifford Thelen.

Graveside funeral service will be 11:00 AM, Monday, December 28, 2020 at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Long Prairie for Walter Lackmann age 89 of Long Prairie who died Sunday, December 20, 2020 at Valley View Assisted Living in Long Prairie of health issues unrelated to COVID - 19. The Rev. Noah Wehrspann will officiate. Those in attendance can observe services in the warmth and safety of their car by turning their radios to FM 101.9. Visitation will be from 3-5pm Sunday at the Williams Dingmann Stein Chapel in Long Prairie.

Walter was born November 13, 1931 in Long Prairie to Walter H. & Lavinia K. (Johnson) Lackmann in Long Prairie. He graduated from Long Prairie High School. He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He married LaVonne A. Scheve on

E s t e l l e S c h w i n g h a m m e r, formerly of Albany, Minnesota, died peacefully early Thursday, December 17, 2020. Estelle was 89 years of age. As the oldest daughter of John and Anna Thelen, Estelle was born on a farm in Saint Martin, Minnesota, in 1931 and responsible at an early age to care for brothers and sisters. Estelle was born during an era where families needed to be self-reliant, and it was considered normal to have a large garden and resulting harvest of fruits and vegetables for canning and cooking meals, baking twelve loaves of bread from scratch each week, feeding farm laborers or sewing and mending clothes. Estelle could multi-task with the best of them at a young age.

Estelle met Val “Chub” Schwinghammer at the Avon Ballroom, Avon, Minnesota, and the two were immediately taken with one another.

Marrying at 18 years of age (almost 19 as she would say…), and as a young mother of six children on a farm near Albany, Minnesota, Estelle was a partner in every sense with Chub. Whether it was raising chickens or livestock, whether it was fixing a fence, or driving machinery, Estelle was there. She sewed beautiful clothes for her children, matching outfits when they were young, and as teenagers, designing new trendy clothes herself when a daughter “had a new idea.”

Estelle was always active in projects. When her children were in 4H, she started the first recycling program in Stearns County, collecting glass and aluminum every Saturday in Albany

Residents of Burnhamville Township Notice of Filing for Township Election

Affidavits of Candidacy for township board March election may be filed with the clerk at her home beginning Tuesday, December 29, 2020 until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, January 12, 2021. Offices to be elected include: - One supervisor for a 3 year term - One treasurer for a 2 year term Filing fee $2 The clerk may be contacted at 320-285-2050.

Shirley Hulinsky, Burnhamville Township Clerk

Hometown News • Thursday, December 24, 2020 • Page 7

Sudoku

Word Search Answers from Dec. 17

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

Dave Says -By Dave Ramsey

Dear Dave, I’ve been following your plan, but recently I experienced a medical emergency.

I’m about halfway through Baby Step 2 and paying off my debts using the debt snowball system.

Considering the circumstances, should I stop doing the debt snowball for now?

-Brooke Dear Brooke, That’s exactly what you should do. But make sure you’re only pressing the pause button on paying off debt. I’m talking about temporarily stopping the debt snowball, and making only minimum payments on all nonmortgage debt for now.

Cash is your umbrella when it rains, and you never know just long the rain will last.

Even if you have great health insurance, you might end up paying a chunk out of pocket.

That’s why it’s important to save up and have plenty on hand.

Things like this are often just a bump in

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the road, so don’t get discouraged. They can be expensive, and they’re part of life, but taking care of these kinds of issues doesn’t have to mean giving up on getting control of your finances. Emergency issues, especially a medical emergency, come first. Then, go back when things are better and pick up where you left off knocking out debt using the debt snowball system.

You can do this, Brooke. God bless you!

-Dave Dear Dave, My husband and I just bought a small business with cash. My sister let us live with her while we saved up the money for it, but things are starting to get a little cramped for everyone. The other day, my sister offered to co-sign on a house for us. Do you think this is a good idea?

-Cari Dear Cari, Ok, so you just bought a business. I love your entrepreneurial spirit and the fact you saved up and paid for it with cash. But at this point, you don’t know if the business is going to be successful or not. On top of that, you told me you’d need a co-signer for a home. If you need a co-signer for anything, it means you’re not financially ready for that purchase.

I know you don’t want to hear this, but you guys need to just forget about buying a house for a while. If I were in your shoes, I’d find a decent, inexpensive place to rent, and spend two or three years getting the business up and running. Pay off any debt you have, while saving as much money as you can in the process.

I want you and your husband to have a nice house someday. But right now, it would be a burden instead of a blessing.

-Dave * Dave Ramsey is CEO of Ramsey Solutions. He has authored seven bestselling books, including The Total Money Makeover. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 16 million listeners each week on 600 radio stations and multiple digital platforms. Follow Dave on the web at daveramsey.com and on Twitter at @ DaveRamsey.

Ask The Motor Medics®

Automotive Advice from The Under the Hood® Show

Dear Motor Medics, I have a 2002 Volkswagen Beetle. I got it new as a school car when I was 16 and I drove it through high school and college. After college I got married and we only drove it randomly for the next ten years and now because its in good shape we are thinking about getting it ready for our kids to drive in a few years when they are old enough. The car is a diesel and gets amazing mileage and we have never done anything to it as far as repairs and because it’s a diesel we were told it never needs a tune up. Is there anything we should do to get it back on the road and safe for kids?

- Lori in Hibbing, Minnesota Owning a diesel and therefore not needing any tune up items is far from the truth.

While these are particularly good cars, the diesel engines do take a good amount of care to avoid major problems. Timing belts must be replaced on a regular basis or the engines will fail catastrophically when the belt breaks. With the belt, the water pump and rollers get done at the same time. Fuel filters also need to be changed regularly.

Have these items checked along with a full brake, steering and suspension check over and have your shop give it a general inspection. You may find that it doesn’t need much, and the kids will enjoy.

-Take care, The Motor Medics Dear Motor Medics, I have a 2006 Ford Taurus with a rust problem. It started below the fuel door and has progressed to the rear quarter panels above the wheels. The rest of the car has

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• ϲϱ’ Bucket Truck • ^ƚƵŵƉ ZĞŵŽǀĂů • dƌĞĞ dƌŝŵŵŝŶŐ • >Žƚ ůĞĂƌŝŶŐ • dƌĞĞ ZĞŵŽǀĂů • ϭϲ LJĞĂƌƐ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ

320-351-9018 320-260-9377 Check us out on facebook!

www.pooptruck.com

LLC

Kirt Olson (owner) 320-632-8894

MPCA Licensed • Bonded • Insured New Customer & Referral Discounts

Can keep truck off most lawns (185 ft. hose)

zero rust on it. I have had my shop look it over and they say they cannot see any rust on any other part of the car. This car only has 35k miles on it, which is extremely low, but I know its not worth spending thousands of dollars to repair. Could I just have the rust cut out above the wheels and patch it in to get by another ten years. We are driving the car full time now and will be adding probably 30k miles a year to it until its worn out.

-Carry in Sheldon, Iowa That is a super low amount of miles for that year and if the car is a nice as most with those miles making repairs is a little easier to take but they will not be cheap no matter how you do it. If you expect a rust repair to last you must completely remove it. Rust is a cancer and if not completely removed it will come back quickly. The panels could be cut out and patched but most people who try this end up with rust within a short period of time so most body shops will want to completely replace the panels and that can cost several thousand dollars.

-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.

THE JUNCTION Convenience Store • Bait OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Hours: 6 AM to 10 PM

Pizzas • Cold Spring Bakery Schaefer’s Meats • T-Shirts Leanin’ Tree Gift Cards

320-285-2383 • Grey Eagle

LATE MODEL CARS & TRUCKS

Always a fresh selection of luxury, family and sports cars, pickups, vans and SUVs

You Name It!

These are clean, one-owner lease and rental returns & All are loaded with equipment!

Unlimited Mileage Warranty • 90-Day Bumper to Bumper 12-Month Internal Powertrain Coverage

Check Out The Inventory at www.upsalamotors.com NO GIMMICKS • NO HASSLE • NO PRESSURE

You'll Like Dealing With Us!

UPSALA MOTORS, INC. 320-573-2563 • 1-800-257-5871

Page 8 • Hometown News • Thursday, December 24, 2020

HELP WANTED

Entry level FT Teller/Bookkeeper position at First State Bank of Swanville.

Applicant must be personable and detail oriented. Computer and cash handling experience preferred. Pay based upon qualifications, and reviewed after 90 days.

Benefits include: 401K, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, sick time, and paid vacation.

Please forward resume to steve@fsbswanville.com.

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

In Albany: 1 & 2 Bedroom Cats Ok

Call Loreen for Details!

763-238-0616

SNOW REMOVAL

Driveways & Roof Tops

SENIOR

DISCOUNTS

HELP WANTED

Part-time to possibly a full-time position at Johnson Insurance in Upsala MN. Looking for someone with some knowledge of taxes and/or insurance.

Must have computer skills & be personable.

To inquire, call 320-573-2529 and ask for Sheila.

Mail or Email Resume & References to: Johnson Insurance, PO Box 189, Upsala MN 56384 Email: john_ins2001@yahoo.com or drop off at:

107 Museum Blvd, Upsala MN 56384

CLASSIFIED ADS

FOR SALE: 1950s German Hohner 12 base button key accordion. Call 320-8452742.

FOR SALE: Queen size mattress, box spring and frame, smoke free home, $150.

Call 612-597-2998.

FOR SALE: 3- heavy duty tricycles with a wagon, new in box, $75 each. Call 612597-2998.

FOR SALE: 1982 Yamaha Maxim 1100, 9,000 miles, excellent condition, $2,500.

Call 320-573-2355.

JA-tfn

WANTED

WANTED TO BUY: Dairy Heifers and Cows. 320-894-7175.

SC-evB

ABOVE ACRES ADDED ALLOWS ALONG ARGUE

ARRESTED AWFUL BARELY BULBS CARES CATCH

CELLAR CHEST COATS DEBTS EDITOR ENTER

Natures View Tree & Yard Care LLC

Tree Trimming • Removals Stump Grinding

Dale: 320-493-6329

A Baby Funny

Four expectant fathers were in a Minnesota hospital waiting room while their wives were in labor. The nurse comes in and tells the first man, “Congratulations, you’re the father of twins.”

“What a coincidence!” the man exclaims. “I work for the Minnesota Twins baseball team!”

The nurse returns a short while later and tells the second man, “You are the father of triplets.”

“Wow, what a coincidence!” he replies. “I work for the 3M Corporation.”

When the nurse comes again, she tells the third man that his wife has given birth to quadruplets.

“Another coincidence!” he tells her.

“I work for the Four Seasons Hotel!”

At this point, the fourth guy faints.

When he comes to, the others ask him what was wrong. He moans, “I work for Seven-Eleven!”

EMAIL YOUR PERSONAL CLASSIFIED AD TO: htnews@meltel.net

20 Words or Less Free or Mail: Hometown News, 29442 120th St, Grey Eagle, MN 56336

FLASK GENTLE GREASE HAUNTS ILLNESS INCREASINGLY

INDIA INVOLVE LAWYERS LEARN LODGE LOSES LUNAR MISSILE NEUTRAL OASIS OBVIOUSLY ONIONS PILOTS PROOF REACH RELAY RESULT ROARS ROCKED SOLAR SORTS SWALLOWED THOSE THRILL TITLE WADED WRITE

We would like to wish you

a MERRY CHRISTMAS! From All Of Us At

Village View Apartments For Details And a Tour, GIVE US A CALL!

Village View Apartments WANTED TO BUY: Dairy Heifers and Cows.

320-894-7175.

320-285-3973 • Email: cedar@meltel.net 303 Cedar Street N., Grey Eagle, MN 56336

SC-evB Equal Housing Opportunity

Jesus Is The Reason For The Season!

Wishing you a

Merry Christmas!

320-256-3680

“O Holy Night” Merry Christmas & Blessed New Year to everyone from all of us at

Update Building Supplies