Hometown News December 26, 2024

Hometown News

Thursday, December 26, 2024

FREE PUBLICATION

Vol. 24: Issue 34

Wishing You a Happy & Healthy New Year!

HELP WANTED: APPLY IN PERSON

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!

We would like to thank you for your business.

Best wishes for a wonderful year!

We will be

Closed Dec. 31-Jan. 1

Hennen

Happy New Year!

From all of us at

Buyers of all Scrap Metal Aluminum, Tin, Copper, Brass, Stainless, Batteries, Catalytic Converters, Farm Machinery, Radiators, Autos, Computer Components, Prepared & Unprepared Metals, Plus More!

Gary, Jordy & Jeremy

Floor Covering

120 Washington West, Holdingford

208 Main St. W., Freeport

320-746-2819

From320-836-2177 all of us at

www.opatzmetalsinc.com Winter Hours: Mon.-Fri.: 8 AM-4:30 PM; Sat.: Closed

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7 am-5 pm; Sat. 8 am-12 pm

May the Infant Christ bless you this Christmastide and forever.

Tyler Graves, Agent (320) 732-3659 11 Central Ave, Long Prairie tgraves@amfam.com

Happy New Year!

AUTO | VEHICLE | HOME | PROPERTY | LIFE | FARM | RANCH | UMBRELLA American Family Mutual Insurance Company S.I, & its Operating Companies, Life Insurance underwritten by American Family Life Insurance Company, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 ©2015 006441 – Rev. 2/20 – 19068357

24 HOUR SERVICE

Closed Tues.-Wed., Dec. 31-Jan. 1

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

320-256-4146

Pileated woodpecker eating at the feeder on Big Birch Lake. Submitted by Kay Johnson.

wheelswater.com

Call the Repair & Refinishing Experts!

• Bathtub Refinishing & Repair • Install Premium Acrylic Wall Liners Installs over existing tile no removal or remodeling • Install New Floors in Cracked Out Tubs & Showers • Shower & Bath Slip Resistant Floor Texturing • Bathtub Cutdowns & Door Installations • Grab Bar Installation Limited downtime, • Glass Scratch Removal ready to use the • Fiberglass Repair next day!

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Harvey Mackay

On The Tom Kuehne: The Good Old Days Inside... Obituaries: Fogel, Funk, Hanson, Dickinson,

Kleve, Chuba Dave Ramsey: Dave Says Ask the Motor Medics® Local Municipality Minutes: Grey Eagle Township

320-248-3456

Happy New Year!

Wishing you a season filled with happiness. happi ness.

Page 2 Page 3 Pages 4-5 Page 6 Page 6 Page 7

Happy New Year!

Thank you for your business this year, we look forward to serving you in 2025.

Mid-Minnesota FREE Estimates

www.surfacespecialists.com

Graduate REALTOR® Institute

Brandon Kelly Broker-Realtor

From All of Us at

320-836-2697

After Hours: 320-267-8568

Hartung Sales and Service 310 Industrial Dr. - Freeport, MN

320-836-2126 “Customer Service Is y Our Priority”

*All branches will be closed on Wednesday, January 1, 2025 for the New Year Holiday

Proud to be recognized by Bauer Financial as one of the stro strongest financial institutions in the country.

Building Supplies

320-491-6107 • 320-732-2817

www.hartungsales.com

Email: brandon@centralmnrealty.com www.lakehomesbybrandon.com www.brandonkellymn.com

Thank you for your business this past year.

We wish you a happy and healthy new year!

29033 County Road 17, Freeport www.strosalumber.com www.arnzenconstructioninc.com 320-836-2284 • 1-888-276-1751

CONSTRUCTION, INC.

AGRICULTURE • COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL

Page 2 • Hometown News •Thursday, December 26, 2024

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

320-285-2323

Email: htnews@icloud.com

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

Advertising & News Deadline MONDAYS • 5 PM

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

Free Distribution In:

Albany Avon Bowlus Burtrum Elmdale Freeport Greenwald Grey Eagle Holdingford

Meire Grove Long Prairie Melrose New Munich St. Anna St. Rosa Sauk Centre Swanville Upsala

Sales: Lori Young

Office: 320-285-2323 Cell: 612-597-2998

Email: htnews@icloud.com

Classified Ads

Email: htnews@icloud.com

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

Business Related Classifieds: Wanted (Items for Profit), Help Wanted, For Rent: $5.00 for the first 20 words, 25¢ per each additional word.

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

Email: htnews@icloud.com

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Photos & press releases are welcome.

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Obituaries

Publish one time free of charge.

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To be billed: a $5 minimum applies.

Email: htnews@icloud.com

Announcements

Birth Announcements, Anniversaries, Birthday Open House, Engagements, Weddings are free of charge for one publication.

For additional weeks $15/week.

Email: htnews@icloud.com A prestamped, self addressed envelope is required to return photos.

Subscriptions

The subscription rates for 13 weeks is $15.00 26 weeks is $27.00 52 weeks is $54.00 Mail to: Hometown News, 29442 120th St., Grey Eagle, MN 56336

None of us is as good as all of us -By Harvey Mackay This Aesop fable dramatically demonstrates how well the human body’s many complex parts work together to promote health and wellbeing.

In olden days, when a human being’s limbs did not work together as peacefully as they do now, but when each had a will and way of its own, the members began to criticize the Belly for enjoying a life of idleness and luxury, while they spent all their time working to feed it.

They decided to cut off the Belly’s supplies in the future.

The Hands were no longer to carry food to the Mouth, nor would the Mouth receive the food, nor the Teeth chew it. One by one they all started to fail, and the whole body began to waste away.

Then the Members realized that the Belly had an important function of its own. They could no more do without it then it could do without them. They realized if they wanted to keep the body in a healthy state, they must work together for the common good of all. Only through working together can the greatest good for all be achieved.

Such is the absolutely vital importance of collaboration in business. Collaboration is not just a buzzword to throw around in meetings. It is a fundamental component that can determine the success or failure of an organization. In today’s fast-paced and everevolving marketplace, the ability to collaborate effectively can set a company apart from its competitors.

But collaboration is hardly a new concept. As Henry Ford said over a century ago, “Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.” A stellar example is his creation of the moving assembly line, which enhanced

collaboration and revolutionized the auto industry and manufacturing in general. Each station along the line could add another step toward the completion of the finished product.

Beyond manufacturing processes, collaboration produces results at all levels of business, from research and development to marketing. Consider these reasons why collaboration matters.

• Innovation. When different minds come together, the fusion of ideas can lead to innovative solutions that might not have been discovered in isolation.

• Efficiency. Collaboration can streamline processes, as team members can divide tasks according to their strengths, leading to more efficient outcomes.

• Problem-solving. Two or more heads are often better than one when it comes to solving complex problems. Diverse perspectives can uncover new angles and approaches.

• Learning and growth. Individuals within a collaborative environment are exposed to new knowledge and skills, fostering personal and professional growth.

• Resource sharing. Collaboration often means sharing resources, which can reduce costs and increase capabilities for all parties involved.

• Job satisfaction. Having a team that works together to complete a project or produce a finished product provides a sense of pride of ownership and achievement.

Collaboration is not reserved solely for projects in individual departments or companies.

Innovative companies have figured out some remarkable ways to work together.

A novel example of collaboration is the partnership between LEGO and NASA, two very different organizations that came together to achieve common goals. They combined their strengths to promote education in technology, engineering and mathematics, and even to create practical applications for space exploration. This kind of collaboration not only benefits both organizations but also has the potential to inspire and educate the next generation of engineers and scientists.

Athletic brand Nike and the technology

giant Apple have been working together since the early 2000s, when the first line of iPods was released. The co-branding partnership started as a way to bring music from Apple to Nike customers’ workouts. Today, Nike Run Club connects Apple Watch users to training, expert coaching and custom brands that connect runners to a community with the latest technology to track fitness training.

I have yet to work with an organization that didn’t benefit from collaboration among the staff, either professional or volunteer.

The Chamber of Commerce, school booster clubs, charitable organizations – all depend on collaboration among the members and their communities to be successful. Do you think we could have brought the Super Bowl to the frozen environs of Minnesota twice without tremendous community collaboration?

Collaboration isn’t just about working together; it is about working smarter. It is about leveraging the collective expertise, creativity and resources of different parties to achieve something greater than what could be achieved alone.

Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much.

Mackay’s Moral: Collaboration is the multiplying factor in the equation of success.

Reprinted with permission from nationally syndicated columnist Harvey Mackay, author of the New York Times #1 bestseller “Swim With The Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive,” “We Got Fired!...And It’s the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Us,” “The Mackay MBA of Selling in the Real World,” and “Use Your Head To Get Your Foot In The Door.”

Eagle Outdoor Services

Snow Removal • Tree Trimming Lawn Care • Landscaping

Call For All Your Outdoor Needs!

Call or Text Tyler

320-247-3744

Upcoming Events

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31 • Long Prairie Chamber Orchestra Celebrate 50 Years Broadway Blast at 6:30 p.m. at LPGE Secondary School.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 7 • Parkinson’s Support Group Meeting at 2 p.m. at CentraCare West Campus Board Room, Long Prairie.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 9 • Elmdale Creamery Seed, Feed & Fertilizer Day from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Elmdale Community Center. See ad on page 8.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15 • American Red Cross Melrose Community Blood Drive from 12:30-6:30 p.m. at the American Legion, Melrose.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 25 • Sacred Heart School Dine & Wine Fundraiser at 4:30 p.m. at the Freeport Community 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.

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

Temperatures Date

12/18 12/19 12/20 12/21 12/22 12/23 12/24

High 23 21 12 18 28 27 28

Low 12 16 -8 -13 20 21 18

Friday

Cloudy.

High: 36 Low: 30

Weekend Weather Saturday

Sunday

Partly cloudy.

High: 36 Low: 25

Partly cloudy.

High: 37 Low: 20

Hometown News • Thursday, December 26, 2024 • Page 3

“The Good Old Days” -By Tom Kuehne Twenty Twenty-five

It’s here again!

A New Year. Hard to imagine that we again need to remember to date our special items as 25, rather than 24. I’m sure that most of us messed up a few times by writing 2023 instead of 2024.

Now we have to retrain ourselves

again.

The New Year is customarily the time when we take inventory of our lives and make unkempt resolutions as to how we are going to improve our lives. We have made these big decisions in years past and found that we were happier by not changing some old habits.

One of the more popular resolutions is to lose weight. That is a very good idea, but to do so, we have to do those really stupid exercises.

We have to reduce food consumption, but you are still hungry. We have to begin eating more green vegetables, but they really don’t seem to taste that good. We must reduce consumption of meat, but I really like a good steak and a cheeseburger. Losing weight is a good idea, but I like the way I fed myself before the new year and don’t really want to spoil the new year by avoiding cake, pies, cookies, bars, candy and the rest of the great variety of good stuff.

After all, it’s the New Year and everyone else

is enjoying all the sweet stuff, so I don’t really want to act like a party-pooper. And there still is that dish of Christmas Candy sitting on the counter and someone should eat it up, so that candy dish can be put away.

Maybe you know that you should do something about your habits of smoking, alcohol consumption or swearing. These three things are really hard to quit all at once, but with a little effort, it’s possible to reduce their presence. I won’t drink at home or the bar starting with one night a week. I won’t smoke in the car. I won’t cuss when I’m in the garage.

A reduction may not seem so hard and it may reduce your habits, which will make your life better and for those around you easy too.

Making a resolution that you want to be happier in 2025, is a change that is your’s to make. If your body or life situation is causing you stress and pain, try to train your thoughts to think about the good things in your life.

There are good things and good people that make you feel better. Try to be happy.

Now that I have completed my sermon, I would like to tell you that I am thankful for you, my readers. I hope that you continue to check out my stories each week and encourage your friends to do the same.

Thank you and Happy New Year!

For feedback or story ideas, email Tom at kuehneins@gmail.com.

Ring in the New Year with Us!

Tuesday, Dec. 31 • 5-9 PM Purchase a 14” Pizza, Get FREE Breadsticks!

Complimentary Champagne at Midnight Open New Year’s Day! Stop in for All Your Off-Sale Needs!

320-836-2154

God’s love for us is a FREE GIFT! He is the reason for the season.

text for info. on costs. Single submissions for the January show will not be charged.

We Are Opening The Studio Jim Flaa will offer a watercolor painting class in the New Year.

Linda Temp will offer a quilting class.

Derek Ullman will offer guitar instruction.

Times for classes to be determined after sign-up.

Registration closes January 12. Costs may apply. Text to 218-428-8010 if interested.

The Art of Conversation is located at 105 S. Main St., Suite 2 in Upsala. Hours are Friday 2-6; Saturday 10-2; Sunday noon-2.

If you have questions, you may call Steve Weihsmann at (218) 428-8010.

Albany Senior Dining

Volunteers Needed! Call 320-845-4070 Mon., Dec. 30: Chicken enchiladas, Spanish rice, black beans, bread.

Tues., Dec. 31: Egg & hashbrown bake, sausage, applesauce, pastry.

Wed., Jan. 1: Closed.

Thurs., Jan. 2: Baked pork chop, whipped potatoes, gravy, squash, bread.

Fri., Jan. 3: BBQ chicken breast, macaroni & cheese, broccoli, bread.

Pre-registration requested to dine daily.

For more info. call 320-845-4070.

We Deliver Floral Arrangements in a Sleeps 7, $100 per night 20 mile radius.

GUEST HOUSE

Pictures on Facebook @ chris' country store

Closed: Dec. 24-Jan. 2 Special thank you to all who Chris' Country Store Floral & Gift supported me and my business 105 State St. E. Grey Eagle • 320-285-2600 • Memorials over the years. You will see some exciting changes under Order flowers 24/7 @ flowershopnetwork Grey Eagle, MN • Sympathy • All Occasions our roof in 2025... Stay tuned. Hours: Mon.-Fri.: 10:30-3:30, Sat.: 8-2 or by Appointment

NEW YEAR'S EVE

Celebrating 3 Nights: Fri., Sat., & Tues.: Dec. 27-28 & Dec. 31

Special Crab & Lobster Dinner Options, Steak & Champagne Specials!

Call to book your reservation!

Lower Level Bar Hours: Thurs.-Fri.: 4-Close Sat. & Sun.: Noon-Close

Dining Room Hours: Fri.-Sat.: 4-8 PM

Have you ever wondered about some of the things written in the Bible? Some of it is written as plain as the nose on your face and at other times it is as clear as mud, controversial even. Jesus was born in the most natural way, but he was not conceived in a natural way. In fact, He was conceived in a very unnatural way, even controversial.

Who would ever believe the Holy Spirit came into Mary and she became pregnant through Him? Not to mention poor Joseph, making the decision to be united with Mary even though it appears she has been unfaithful.

Why would God do such a thing?

Listen up friends, God is perfect in all His ways. He is the first and the last, He is upright in all He does. We are not so perfect, in fact we are full of faults; sinners, every one of us. The only way to become righteous is to be perfect, and that is literally impossible. But God, in all His infinite wisdom made a way for us to be redeemed from our sinfulness. Jesus Christ, born of a virgin, was perfect in all He did and became our perfect sacrifice.

Jesus, born of a woman, conceived by the

New Year’s Eve Karaoke at 8 PM

Saturday, Jan. 4 MEAT RAFFLE @ 2:30 PM

FridayS: 8 PM Karaoke in the Bar BAR SPECIALS Thursday Saturday & Sunday

• Chicken Basket $8.95 • Burger Basket & $ • Rib Basket 8.95 Bloody Mary $13 • Chicken & Rib Basket $13 • Bloody Mary $4 Sunday Brunch: 10 AM-2 PM

320-285-3576 - 11977 County 47, Grey Eagle

PULL TABS • E-TABS

Holy Spirit, was hung on the cross to take our punishment, to pay for our sin! Adam, the first man, sinned when he ate the fruit and since that time we all have sinned. Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Many people think they need to be sinless before they enter a relationship with Jesus, but He showed us His love even while were still sinners. In the same way that Jesus is perfect we too become justified through His death on the cross. 1 Peter 2:24 “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”

Please consider putting your trust in Jesus and His work on the cross, confess your sins, repent, and put your faith in Jesus.

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

Todays Thought

It takes 2 years to learn to speak and 60 to learn to keep quiet.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

If you need help with Health or Life Insurance or for Senior Health Solutions Contact: Tom Kuehne 320-360-0343

The Art of Conversation News The Art of Conversation December show will come down at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 29. Artists may pick up their work then or by arrangement.

Call For Artists The January show will open on Friday, January 3 at 2:00 p.m. It will be an all-community show with the dual theme of “Winter” and “Resolutions.” All ages are welcome to submit pieces. Artwork may be dropped off Dec. 29Jan. 2. The gallery will be closed New Year’s Eve and Day. Any artists wishing to buy sale space (wall, half a wall, pedestals, easels for a significant number of works) are invited to email or

From the Desk of Pastor Bruce

from all of us at

Hennen

320-836-2135

Freeport www.hennenlumber.com

Lumber Company, Inc.

MELROSE AMERICAN LEGION Post 101 265 Co. Rd. 173 SE, Melrose - 320-256-3581 • Cell 320-429-4008

OPEN Mondays at 3:30 PM Bar is Open Mondays during Line Dancing.

Fridays at 3 PM Call to Book Your Event!

Friday, January 3 Serving 4:30-7:30 PM or Until Gone

TACO NIGHT $12

Dog Tag $275 PULL-TABS • ETABS • ELECTRONIC BINGO

Gambling Licence #01053-001

CLOSED: Dec. 21-Jan. 1

Happy New Year!

Thank you for your patronage.

Jan. 5: 1-4 PM Jerry & Joyce Band

Corner Pub & Grill Lunch Specials: 11 AM-1 PM Fri., Dec. 27: Cheeseburger w/Chili Mon., Dec. 30: Creamy Potato & Ham Soup w/Ham Sandwich Tues., Dec. 31: Baked Chicken Dinner Wed., Jan. 1: Off Menu Thurs., Jan. 2: Beef Stew Fri., Jan. 3: Cheeseburger w/Chili

Freeport, MN • 320-836-2120

HAPPY HOUR: Mon.-Fri.: 3-6 PM: 3 $

Saturday, January 4 BINGO @ 1:30 PM

HELP WANTED: COOKS

Us Double “R” Bar & Grill NEW Join YEAR’S EVE

www.doublerbarandgrill.com Grey Eagle • 320-285-2965 Make It a “Date” Night Kitchen Hours: Sun.: 11 AM-8 PM, Mon.: Pizzas Only: 4-8 PM Tues.-Thurs.: 11 AM-9 PM, Fri.-Sat.: 11 AM-9:30 PM Tuesday, Dec. 31 • Starting at 4:30 PM Bar Hours: Sun.: 11 AM-10 PM, Mon.: 2-8 PM • Steak & Lobster $44.95 Tues.-Thurs. 11 AM-11 PM, Fri. & Sat. 11 AM-1 AM Off Sale: Mon.: 2-8 PM, Tues.-Sat.: 11 AM-10 PM, Sun.: 11 AM-6 PM • Slow Roasted Prime Rib $26.95

Open Mondays 4-8 PM

Home Made PIZZAS! Bar & Off Sale 2-8 PM

THURSDAY: 5-9 PM

WEDNESDAY: 11 AM-9 PM Domestic Beers: 2 for $6 • 1-1/2 lb. Wings $7.00 $ • 7 Baskets Your Choice: Shrimp Basket,

Angus Slider Basket, 1/4 Chicken Basket, Nachos or Quesadillas w/Beverage Purchase

Includes Salad Bar & Choice of Potato

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

• Rack of Ribs $20.95 • Red Lake Walleye $17.95 Served w/Soup & Salad Bar Full Menu Available

Reservations appreciated, but not necessary.

Free Juke Box • Free Hats & Horns @ Midnight

SATURDAY: 5-9 PM

Includes Salad Bar &

Choice of Potato • Ribeye $26.95 • Prime Rib $26.95 • Chicken & Ribs • Teriyaki Chicken $ 17.95 • Ribs $20.95 over Rice Pilaf $14.95 • 8 oz. Ground Sirloin • Deep Fried • Deep Fried Cod $ 15.95 $ $ Walleye 17.95 16.95 • Creamy Sweet • Creamy Sweet • Chicken Fettuccine Chili Haddock Chili Chicken, Alfredo $15.95 w/Wild Rice Wild Rice, $ or Shrimp Fettuccine 17.95 w/Breadsticks $ Alfredo 17.95 Happy Hour: $ 14.95 w/Breadsticks Mon.-Fri. 3-5 PM

SUNDAY: 3-8 PM

Includes Salad Bar & Choice of Potato

• Steak & Shrimp $21.95 • 10 oz. Pork Chop $16.95 • 1/2 Chicken $12.50 • 1/4 Chicken $10.50 LUNCH SPECIALS

Fri., Dec. 27: Hot Beef Sandwich Sat., Dec. 28: French Dip Sun., Dec. 29: Sunny Side Up Burger Tues., Dec. 31: Country Fried Steak Wed., Jan. 1: Liver or $7 Baskets Thurs., Jan. 2: BBQ Ribs

Page 4 • Hometown News • Thursday, December 26, 2024

Elaine L. Funk

Obituaries

Elaine L. Funk, age 63 of Sauk Centre, passed Michael B. away peacefully, “Mike” Fogel, age 74 surrounded by her of Grey Eagle, passed family after four away peacefully, years of courageously surrounded by his and privately battling family on Friday, cancer on Saturday, December 20, 2024 December 21, 2024 at his home in Grey at her home in Sauk Eagle, Minnesota.

Centre, Minnesota.

Per Mike’s Per Elaine’s request, no services request, a celebration will be held. of life will be held in Michael Bruce the summer of 2025.

Fogel was born Elaine Leona Kunstleben was born December August 10, 1950 18, 1961 in Melrose, Minnesota to Claude and in Fargo, North Agatha (Statz) Kunstleben. She graduated from Dakota to Rueben and RoJean (Tall) Fogel. He Albany High School in 1980. She moved to graduated from Swanville High School in 1968. Minneapolis to work security for Donaldson’s He was united in marriage to Viola Pohlmann on and then at Target. She was united in marriage November 22, 1969 in Grey Eagle, Minnesota. to Francis “Fran” Funk in 1982. In 1993, they Mike served in the U.S. Marines and was moved to Sauk Centre where Elaine helped open honorably discharged in 1972. He worked for and worked at the Target store in Alexandria. She many years at Select Comfort Sleep Number worked for Target for 27 years and retired after Bed. working for seven years at Encore in St. Cloud.

In his younger years, Mike played high She was a member of Our Lady of the Angels school football and ran track. Later in life, Catholic Church in Sauk Centre. Elaine was an he enjoyed fishing, gardening, watching the active cyclist and enjoyed golf and wine with Minnesota Vikings, and watching Alaskan her ladies. She was incredibly gifted in making homesteading on YouTube. dry floral arrangements and decorating. Elaine Survivors include his loving wife, Viola loved traveling with Fran, family, and her friends.

Fogel of Grey Eagle; children, Jim Fogel of Outside of Fran, her truest love and joy came from Foley, John Fogel of Grey Eagle, and Jeff (Sarah) hugging and kissing her grand babies. Family was Fogel of Green Isle; seven grandchildren and the most important thing to Elaine. three great-grandchildren; sisters, Lin Anderson Survivors include her husband, Fran Funk of Bemidji, Kathy Natvig of Swanville, and of Sauk Centre; children, Danelle (Eric) Kline Nancy Hedin of Arden Hills; and many nieces, of Elko, Kaitlyn (Ryan) Funk of Louisville, nephews, in-laws, and friends.

Kentucky, Micala (Zach) Wolbeck of Sauk Mike was preceded in death by his parents; Centre, William (Kalli) Funk of Belgrade, Charles and brother, David Hedin.

Funk of Alexandria, and Bernie Funk of Sauk Arrangements were made with Patton- Centre; eight grandchildren, Oliver, Harrison, Schad Funeral and Cremation Services of Grey Bennett, Aiden, Savannah, Porter, Easton, and Eagle.

Thea; brothers and sisters, Diane (Jerry) Hoppe of St. Cloud, Mary Hoppe of Albany, Annette (Arnie) Roering of New Munich, Jane (Loren) Niehoff of Melrose, Jeff Kunstleben of Albany, Rick (C.J.) Kunstleben of Rockville, and Angie Moscho of St. Cloud; and many loving relatives and friends.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents; mother and fatherin-law, Edward and Beats Funk; and brothers-in-law, Alvin Hoppe, Cel Helping you live your best life... Wherever it is you call home!

Funk, Mel Kammers, Tom Ecker, and Bill Phillips.

For more information call Arrangements were made 320-352-3350 with Patton-Schad Funeral and www.alternativeseniorcare.net Cremation Services of Sauk Centre.

Michael B. “Mike” Fogel

Merry Christmas

& Happy New Year!

Natures View Tree & Yard Care LLC LARGE TREE REMOVAL & TRIMMING

NEVILLE HARDWARE

Lot Clearing • Woods Cleaning

Grey Eagle • 320-285-2000

From all of us at

SENIOR DISCOUNTS

CLOSED NEW YEAR’S DAY

Dale: 320-493-6329

Mon.-Fri.: 8 am-4:30 pm; Sat.: 8 am-3 pm

INTERNET ONLY

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Danny Joe Hanson

Danny Joe Hanson, 69, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on December 19th, 2024 at the Long Prairie CentraCare Hospital after a long and courageous battle. A celebration of life will be held at Shady’s Midway in Long Prairie on Saturday, January 11th, 2025 from

1:00-4:00 pm.

Danny was born to Billy and Delores Hanson in St. Paul, Minnesota where he spent much of his childhood. Danny met and married his ‘Angel’ Alice Theiler in February, 1976 and eventually put down roots in Long Prairie, MN where they raised their 3 children. Danny’s entire life was all about anything that was loud, fast, and inappropriate.

Danny spent his working career in the transportation industry driving over-the-road for various companies before finally finishing his career at American Foods Group where he was the trailer jockey. Danny was known for being able to move any sized trailer into the tightest of locations and could be found telling other drivers to ‘get out’ of their own trucks when they didn’t get it right the first time so he could do it himself.

As hard as Danny worked you could certainly argue that he played even harder.

Since he was young Danny loved anything with a motor and the bigger that motor, the more love he had. In his younger years if you wanted to find Danny on a weekend you only needed to check the closest racetracks, whether it was dirt or ice, odds are, you would find him. Whether he was in the drivers seat of his beloved number 7, in the pits turning a wrench, or cursing at the TV during the NASCAR season, his passion and intensity had no confines when it came to racing.

Danny also had a huge heart for his friends and family and it was rare for a day to pass that someone wasn’t sitting at his bar with him in his ‘back room’ having an adult beverage and telling some tall tales. Danny loved social interactions and always had an inappropriate joke to tell anyone who was willing to listen. The person who had to listen to all his inappropriateness was the love of his life, Alice. Alice and Danny spent 50 years together and during the later years of their lives together you could find them cruising in MISSALICE with any number of their friends or pulling up to one of their kids homes to spend an afternoon shooting the breeze.

Danny is survived by the love of his life Alice Hanson; his three children: Carrie (Aaron) Pyle in Rice, Jeremy Hanson in Minneapolis, Cory (Lori) Hanson in Avon; 3 granddaughters; Nicci (Jake) Steinhofer, Taylor (Max) Bilz, and Avery (XX) Hanson, 4 grandsons; Jacob Biskey, Carter (Bri) Hanson, Jordan (Jasmine) Hanson, and Logan Hanson, 3 great-grandchildren, mother Delores, sisters Gloria (Terry) Kuperus, Barb Herding, and Nancy Olmschenk, numerous brother & sister in-laws, nephews, nieces, cousins, aunts, and uncles across the country.

Danny is joining his father Billy, father and mother in-law Clarence & Bernice, brother Ronnie, in-laws Gene, Jim, and Audrey; grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles and many close friends in heaven for his eternal feature race.

The family would like to send our heartfelt gratitude to the exceptional care team at the CentraCare Long Prairie campus. It is impossible for us to put into words the grace that was extended to Danny and our entire family during the last few years and the affinity that was extended to us in the last week of his life, you are all beyond remarkable.

Elizabeth “Betty” Dickinson

Elizabeth “Betty” Dickinson, age 88 of Melrose, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at the CentraCare Health System in Melrose, Minnesota.

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

Monday, December 30, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose with Rev. Mitchell Bechtold officiating. Interment will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 9 to 10:45 a.m.

Monday at the church.

Elizabeth Louise Dickinson, known as Betty Lou, Betty to most of her relatives, was born to Raymond and Mathilda (Heinz) Dickinson on February 26, 1936. She was raised by Theodore and Grace Pflipsen.

Betty was a lifetime member of the Melrose community and church. She worked at Jennie-O Foods in Melrose until she retired at the age of 62. After retirement, she volunteered at Pine Villa, which she loved very much. She liked visiting with the residents and they liked her too. She liked putting puzzles together, word searches, and coloring on her iPad. Betty enjoyed when people would stop by to visit her. She especially liked it when Gary and Andy would take her fishing, she usually out-fished them both! Betty loved helping anybody, especially her sister, Donna Mae, with anything. Betty loved spending time with family, especially during holidays, birthdays, etc.

Betty is survived by her sister, Donna Mae Frank; brother, Gary (Evonne) Pflipsen; many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Mathilda Dickinson; foster parents, Ted and Grace Pflipsen; sisters, Viola, Dorothy, Beatrice, and Irene; brothers, Virgil, Bobby, Donald, Jimmy, Raymond, Paul, Elmer, and Donald Pflipsen; and her beloved furry friend, Murphy.

Arrangements were made with PattonSchad Funeral and Cremation Services of Melrose

Parkinson's Support Group Meeting

Parkinson’s Support Group Meeting is for anyone with Parkinson’s, their families, and caregivers. Next meeting will be January 7th at 2 p.m. at the CentraCare Long Prairie West Campus Boardroom, 20 9th St. SE. We will be having discussions about Parkinson’s treatment.

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Hometown News • Thursday, December 26, 2024 • Page 5

Arnold L. “Arnie” Kleve

Arnold L. “Arnie” Kleve, age 100 of Albany, formerly of St. Francis, passed away peacefully on his birthday on Friday, December 20, 2024 at the Mother of Mercy Nursing Home in Albany, Minnesota.

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

Friday, December 27 at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany with Rev. Julius Beckermann, O.S.B. officiating.

Entombment will be in the parish cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m.

Friday at the church.

Arnold Leo Kleve was born December 20, 1924 in New Munich, Minnesota to Anton and Elizabeth (Knoblach) Kleve. On October 15, 1946 he was united in marriage to Marie Van Heel at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in St. Francis. The couple farmed near St. Francis until 2004 when they moved to Freeport. He was a member of Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany and St. Francis Men’s Society in St. Francis. Arnie enjoyed playing cards and watching the Minnesota Twins and Vikings.

Survivors include his children, Robert (Nancy) Kleve of Albany, Alice Eggert of St. Cloud, Marilyn (Roger) Zimmermann of Albany, and Carol Kleve of Albany; daughter-in-law, Dianne Kleve of Freeport; 15 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren and great-greatgrandchildren; and sister, Rosie Schaefer.

Arnold was preceded in death by his wife, Marie Kleve on July 12, 2008; parents; son, David Kleve on June 29, 2023; son-in-law, Ray Eggert; an infant son; granddaughter, Jody Kleve; brothers and sister, Sylvester, Victor, Arthur, Walter, Werner, Gerald, Ray, and Herbert Kleve, and LouAnn Wensmann.

Arrangements were made with PattonSchad Funeral & Cremation Services of Melrose.

Mary Jayne Chuba

Mary Jayne Chuba passed away December 20, 2024 at the age of 84 at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born December 13, 1940. Mary Jayne graduated from Crosby High School. She attended the University of Minnesota and graduated with a dental assisting degree.

On November 26, 1960 she was united in marriage to Roger Harry Chuba, they were married 57 glorious years. Mary Jayne worked as a dental assistant, a para at the Upsala School, owned and operated a chicken barn, and traveled the states doing craft shows. Her most important job was being a mom to her four children, Rodney, Mark, Lynn, and Michael. She was a member of the Upsala Lions, city council, and a member of the St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Swanville. Her favorite pastimes were hanging out at the family cabin in Emily, MN, crocheting, watching the Hallmark channel, trips to Vegas, and watching her grandchildren play sports.

Mary Jayne is survived by her children, Rodney (Jackie), Mark (Brenda), Lynn Depa, Michael (Tracy); grandchildren: Ryan (Kristen), Angie (Travis), Jena (Tegan), Andrew (Brianna), Cody, Dylan, Haden (Mariah), Kennedee, and Delaney. Ten great-grandchildren: Benjamin, Adley, Makenzie, Grant, Madilyn, Remvi, Macie, Jackson, Marin, and Maven. Sister-in-law Shirley (Bob) Clear.

Mary Jayne is preceded in death by her husband, Roger; parents, Thurston and Julia Bjorndahl.

A private Celebration of Life will be held for immediate family at a later date. Taking care of Mary Jayne’s arrangements is the Cremation Society of Minnesota.

Swanville Senior High Student of the Month

Swanville Public School is pleased to announce the November Senior High student of the month, senior Abbigail Morris. Abby is the daughter of John and Kim Lindemann and Justin Morris. She enjoys softball, taking naps, working and shopping.

Abby’s future plans include going to college to get her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. One thing that makes her unique is that she laughs when she is nervous. She has been very active during her years at Swanville High School. She is currently serving on Student Council She was in basketball for a total of four years. She was in volleyball grades six through eight and ten through twelve. She has played softball since sixth grade. Academically she is consistently on the A Honor roll. Outside of the school day Abby volunteers her talents to Vacation Bible School and also volunteers with our local SAB. Jason Lee, Science Instructor says, “Abby is a great student to have in class. She is always prepared and ready to learn. Abby consistently proves herself in challenging courses including College Chemistry where her ability to pick up difficult topics is evident. She is an excellent team player in group projects as well. I look forward to seeing her future accomplishments.

Great job, Abby!”

Abby’s favorite thing about school is “getting to see everyone every day.” She advises other students to “work hard in your under-class years because it makes your upper-class years way easier.”

Math Instructor Liza Hasse adds “Abbi-

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She is very respectful towards staff and other students. Abbigail has a fun personality and is welcoming towards everyone around her. She has been an asset to the student council this year as she has been willing to help out wherever needed.”

The Grey Eagle/Swanville Knights of Columbus Council recently donated $500.00 to the Long Prairie Food Pantry. Presenting the check was Ken Sinclair from the local council.

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Jasmine Johnson of Swanville, MN, was named to the University of Sioux Falls Fall 2024 Dean’s List. Johnson is majoring in Elementary Education.

Johnson was among 550 students named to the Fall 2024 Dean’s List. To qualify, students must be enrolled in at least 12 semester hours and earn a term GPA of 3.5 or greater on a 4.0 scale.

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Page 6 • Hometown News • Thursday, December 26, 2024

Sudoku

Word Search Answers from December 19

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, It’s always been a dream of mine to buy and own a business.

A few weeks ago, I was approached with an opportunity that could make this dream come true.

How do I know if what I’m being offered is a good deal and if I’m ready for something like this?

-Lee

Dear Lee, Buying a business can either be one of the greatest purchases of your life, or one of the biggest mistakes you’ve made. And I’m going to do my best to keep you from making a mistake. I want you to think seriously about a few things and keep some questions in mind.

Then, at the end, if you still think buying is a good idea by the end of this article, you might be in business.

Imagine waking up on a Monday morning one year from now. Are you still enthusiastic about this line of work? Your vocation needs to be a vacation. Otherwise, running a business is too much work. If you’re only in it for the money, you’re setting yourself up for failure, because there isn’t enough money in the world to make you work as hard as you’ll have to work running a small business.

Think about spending some time around the business. Sit in there for a week to see how it operates, and learn all the ins and outs. Then, if you’re truly invested and passionate about this new business opportunity, move on to my next question—what’s the business worth?

A business is only worth the income it creates. It doesn’t matter if it’s in a really great location, or if it’s a well-known brand name.

Those things have no value if they’re not creating income, so figure out the net profit of this business.

Notice that I said net profit, not just sales. When determining the business’s worth,

Sudoku Answers from December 19

you need to focus on all three areas—gross revenue, expenses and the profit it generates as a result. Become an expert on the business’s financial performance. Ask to see their past three years of financial statements, so you know what you’d be getting yourself into.

Once you’ve done that, ask what you’ll make on your money. You can make about 12% with a good mutual fund, so if you’re going to take the risk of buying a small business, you’ll want to make at least 20% on it.

Another number to look at is the book value. If you collected all the receivables, and you sold all the equipment and the inventory and closed the business, what would you have in your pocket? That’s the book value. If the business currently has $40,000 in inventory, $30,000 worth of equipment and $30,000 in receivables, the book value of that business is worth $100,000. Somewhere in between net profit and book value is a fair price. If the net profit of this business is $60,000 and they’re asking $185,000 for it, then that’s a pretty good buy. But you need to really get into their books and make sure their numbers are real.

And even if you’re great with numbers, it’s a good idea to find a financial expert to help you through this process. It’s an extra set of eyes to review and verify all the documents and give you an unbiased opinion on the deal.

Next, what are the costs of running the business? As you’re researching what the business is worth, you’ll come across the costs of keeping the business running while you’re researching what the business is worth. But your homework doesn’t stop there.

Take time to really examine the business and understand everything that goes along with keeping it afloat. This includes employee payroll and benefits, insurance, taxes, contracts, inventory, leases, cash flow—and anything else that helps run the business.

Take time to think about the future, too. Do you want to keep the business where it’s at, or grow it? What are your five-year goals for this business? Are there any expenses you may need to factor in to get there?

Finally, what’s included? When buying a business, you need to find out exactly what’s included in the asking price. How are they deciding the value of their business? Does the price include current inventory? Office equipment? Furniture? Get a list of everything that’s included from the seller and what kind

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of condition it’s in. And don’t just take their word for it. Go check out their stuff yourself.

It’s also important to know all the baggage that might be included in this buy. Are there any debts or liens involved? You don’t want to buy a business only to find out you bought someone else’s problems.

One of the best benefits of buying an established business is that customers are included. The business should come with at least something of a reputation (hopefully a good one) and customers already in place. But be aware, many sellers will try to exaggerate

Ask The Motor Medics® From the Hosts of the Under The Hood radio show.

Dear Motor Medics, I drive a 2019 Ford Escape with a 1.6 engine.

It’s a turbo 4x4 automatic. I only put 90k miles on the vehicle before the timing belt broke and caused severe damage to the engine causing it to need to be replaced. We were hesitant to replace it with a used engine, but we did so due to the very high cost of a new engine. The replacement engine was installed with a new timing belt, spark plugs, thermostat and water pump. When we picked up the vehicle, we were told that the timing belt should be replaced at 5 years or 60k miles whichever comes first and also that the spark plugs be replaced much sooner than expected. We were under the impression that the timing belt should be done at 100k. What should we do to protect this investment?

-Dalton in Missouri Dear Dalton, We see a large number of these engines come in for replacement in our own shop and most of them have failed due to a broken timing belt. Most of these engines also have between 70 and 95k miles on them. That is a perfect indication that the belts should be replaced much sooner than you think. On belts of this type, we suggest 5 years or 60k miles and using that time frame we have not seen a failure.

The spark plugs also need to be replaced much sooner than 100k because of the high stresses caused by a high-horsepower 4-cylinder turbo engine. Follow your mechanics advice.

-Take care, The Motor Medics Dear Motor Medics, I’m trying to win an argument with my friend about four-wheel drive vs all-wheel drive. He has a jeep with a lever on the floor that says 4x4 high and 4x4 low and neutral and I have a Jeep that has a lever on the floor that says 4x4 high 2wd high and 4x4 low. He says that his vehicle is a 4-wheel drive, and I tell him

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how much their reputation and customer base are worth in finding their selling price. That’s why studying their books and knowing their customer satisfaction is so important.

So, how’re you feeling about things now, Lee? -Dave * Leadership and small-business expert Dave Ramsey is the CEO of Ramsey Solutions.

He has authored eight national bestselling books, including “EntreLeadership,” and he’s a host of “The Ramsey Show” and “The EntreLeadership Podcast.”

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mine is a 4-wheel drive and his is an all-wheel drive. Who is correct?

-Greg in Kansas City, Missouri Dear Greg, Well, this is an age-old discussion. While all all-wheel drives are 4-wheel drives. Not all 4-wheel drives are all-wheel drives. An all-wheel drive turns all 4 wheels, so they are technically 4-wheel drives. An all-wheel drive only turns the wheels with less traction through use of a differential and can’t be placed in a 2-wheel drive position. All-wheel drive vehicles don’t lock the front and rear together which gives you better traction but also prevents heavy driveline wear. As for who wins this battle over who is right, we are going to let you battle that out between yourselves. Either way you look at it, you both have very capable winter vehicles that have proven themselves to be very reliable. Make sure you properly maintain both styles of transfer case systems to keep them going longer.

-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.

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Hometown News • Thursday, December 26, 2024 • Page 7

Local Municipality Minutes Email Minutes to htnews@icloud.com

Grey Eagle Township • December 2, 2024 Call to Order: Mike Rohe called the meeting to order at 8:00 pm. The pledge of allegiance was recited.

Members Present: Mary Ann Primus, Mike Rohe, Alan Roering and John Young.

Also present were Erv Herdering, Sharon Roering, and Christine Gagne.

Agenda Approval: A preliminary agenda was presented. Mike asked if there were additions to the agenda. An addition was made to add a report of the fire board meeting.

John made the motion to approve the agenda with that addition. Alan made the second. All in favor. Motion carried.

Approval of Minutes: John asked to correct the minutes from November 4, 2024 meeting to say that Erv H. did not create a holding pond along Angler Trail as it was no longer necessary. He then made a motion to accept the minutes as corrected. Alan made the second. All in favor. Motion passed.

Town Clerk’s Report: Clerk presented the claims list for November. Claims list included claims 4034-4043 for a total of $4,913.01. John made the motion to pay the claims. Alan made the second. All in favor.

Motion carried.

Mail included a P&Z letter, letter from BBL assoc., as well as emails from the attorney and loan officer about the loan process.

The financial report was presented, John made the motion to approve the financial report, Alan made the second. All in favor.

Motion carried. Alan made a motion to move the two CD’s that are scheduled to renew in December to the money market account.

John made the second, all in favor. Motion carried.

Road and Bridge Report: Tar project – Discussion on paperwork for the Certificate of Indebtedness. Signed the resolution so that attorney can prepare his paperwork.

Tree cleanup – mostly done. John and Mike will be checking roads for needed areas to be brushed this winter.

A call was received about garbage (leaves and brush) being dumped into road ditches. Residents are reminded that road ditches are not dumping areas for leaves and brush – there are other ways to dispose of your debris.

Additional agenda item: A resolution delegating cannabis retail registration to the County was approved by motion from John and second from Alan.

Motion carried. Resolution was signed by Mike as chairman and Mary Ann as clerk.

Fire board meeting- Mike reported no changes as far as budget.

John made a motion to cover the cost for the new Clerk/Treas. to attend the annual Minn. Township Assoc. conference in St. Cloud. Also to bill the Township for the cost of the event and Alan made the second, All in favor. motion carried. The board also approved pay rates for deputy clerk/treas. to remain the same as clerk/treas. John made motion to approve the pay rates, Alan made the second. Motion carried.

Public Comments: None Adjourn: Motion to adjourn by John second by Alan. All in favor. Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 8:45 pm.

Minutes not approved.

Mary Ann Primus, Clerk/Treasurer

Library Winter Reading Challenge Begins January 2 This winter, make reading your great escape! Challenge yourself to read more this season with the Winter Reading Challenge at Great River Regional Library.

The 2025 Winter Reading Challenge, “The Great Escape,” begins Thursday, January 2, 2025, and runs through Friday, February 28.

Reading is an incredible escape, allowing you to travel to different places and times, uncover new ideas, gain fresh perspectives, and embark on thrilling adventures. Embrace the challenge and dive into the pages of a library book to make your great escape!

“The Great Escape” is primarily for teens and adults and is open to anyone in the 6th grade or older. This challenge provides prize incentives to readers to help them settle into cozy winter reading habits. Each of the 32 branch libraries in the GRRL system will have prize drawings for participants. All book lovers need to do is register for the program at a branch library, online at griver.beanstack.org, or on the Beanstack Tracker app.

Readers can track their winter reading using a paper log from their library or our tracker app, Beanstack. By downloading and using the app, readers can keep track of their books, get book recommendations, and earn online badges to help make reading a habit. Count your time

spent reading to be eligible for online badges and prizes. Branches will have drawings for special “The Great Escape” coffee mugs and winter hats at the end of the challenge.

The library’s first Winter Reading program took place in 2004, and participation has increased every year since. Many of the region’s libraries now host special events designed to support the program and promote winter reading activities.

Great River Regional Library (GRRL) provides library services at 32 public libraries and one to-go system in Benton, Morrison, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd and Wright Counties. GRRL2GO is a locker system that allows you to pick up items at the Sartell Community Center. GRRL supplies the residents of Central Minnesota with nearly 1 million books, CDs, DVDs, 250 public computers, and information services.

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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

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 31, 2024 until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.

Offices to be elected include: - Supervisor seat B for a 3 year term - Treasurer for a 2 year term Filing fee $2 The clerk may be contacted at 320-285-2050.

Shirley Hulinsky, Burnhamville Township Clerk

Morrison Co. Sheriff’s Office

Morrison County Sheriff Shawn Larsen announced that his office, in cooperation with all local police departments in the county, have recently completed the annual Predatory Offender Registration (POR) verifications for Morrison County. Each year the sheriff’s office organizes a verification check for all predatory offenders who are on the registry and residing within the county. Only those offenders who have been sentenced to prison and who were released after January 1, 1997 have been assigned a risk level. Juvenile offenders and offenders sentenced to probation are not assigned a risk level. Level 1 offenders are those deemed by Department of Corrections officials as those least likely to re-offend while Level 3 offenders are considered most likely to re-offend.

During the most recent round of checks, multiple predatory offenders were checked in Morrison County. 68 predatory offenders were checked by the Morrison County Sheriff’s Office, Pierz Police Department, Motley Police Department and Royalton Police Department.

Of that number; 20 were Level 1 offenders, 8 were Level 2, 1 was Level 3 and 39 offenders were not assigned a risk level. 41 predatory offenders were checked by the Little Falls Police Department, which are not part of the breakdown.

All but one individual was found to be compliant with conditions imposed upon them. 38-year-old Gerald Dean Bollig has pending charges for failing to register his current address, which is a felony. Sheriff Larsen stated that law enforcement worked diligently to verify the information of all registered pred-

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A customer in a department store is offered a discounted suit by a salesperson.

“But the arms and legs don’t match,” he says. “One arm and one leg is shorter than the other.”

“That’s why it’s such a bargain,” the salesperson replies. “But don’t worry, if you just raise your left shoulder, bend your left knee and walk like this, no one will notice.”

“Well...okay.”

The man then buys the suit; after putting in on in the changing room, he raises his left shoulder, bends his left knee, then proceeds to limp out of the store. As he walks down the street, two ladies notice him.

“Good Heavens,” the first lady says.

“That poor man looks like he’s in a lot of pain!”

“Yes,” the second lady says. “But his suit certainly fits well.”

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City of Upsala

Holiday Lights Contest Winners

Prizes awarded in Upsala Bucks.

• Over 97%* of Minnesota medical clinics and hospitals in network • Premiums to fit your budget • Dental included on every plan • Benefit allowances • Part D prescription drug coverage

Residential Contest

I’ll help you find the right fit

Business Contest

<broker name> <company name> <phone> [<email>] [<URL>]

1st Place: $150: Larry & Lana Bartells 2nd Place: $100: Scott & Tammy Taylor 3rd Place: $50: Joe Trettel & Dawn Janssen

Tom Kuehne Insurance

1st Place: $150: Buffy’s Bar 2nd Place: $100: Upsala Community Center 3rd Place: $50: Schultz Auctioneers Thank you for showing your Holiday Spirit and making Upsala bright!

320-360-0343

kuehneins@gmail.com

*Based on 2023 CMS data.

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent <#> organizations which offer <#> products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

UCare is an HMO-POS/PPO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in UCare depends on contract renewal. Y0120_12963_082024_M

Grey Eagle/Swanville Knights of Columbus Council Raffle Drawing was held on December 17, 2024.

The winners are:

1st - $500: Carolyn Sinclair 6th - $100: Roger Roske nd 2 - $250: Doris Frericks 7th - $50: Sara Pojar rd 8th - $50: Jason Seanger 3 - $100: Glenn Kerfeld 9th - $50: Georgie Haller 4th - $100: Carol Duke 10th - $50: Jerome Denk 5th - $100: Denise Thoma 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.

Page 8 • Hometown News • Thursday, December 26, 2024 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.

12/26 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. 12/26 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.

WANTED: Wood pellet stove, must have 2 augers. Call 320-987-3317.

TOP DOWN SILO LLC

• Take down & cleanup of silos in congested areas • Mobile Concrete Crushing • Fully Insured 507-236-9446 topdownsilo.com

FOR SALE: Drive fully electric hospital bed, twin XL like new, upgraded mattress, guard rails. Call 612-597-2998.

FOR SALE: Local honey $10/pint, $20/ quart. Pickup St. Rosa 320-290-0471. 12/26

FOR SALE: Hardwood firewood, dried, 20-22 inches, $150 full cord. Call 320-7663119. tfn FOUND: Ring. You describe it and location, I will be happy to return it. Christine 320-402-4122.

FOR SALE: Oak firewood dried, cut and split, $200 a cord. Call 320-632-3336.

FOR SALE: My book my 50 years of metal detecting, $13. Mike Revermann 320-2498708 or mikereverman56@gmail.com. 1/2 PRICE REDUCED! $320,000 33603 Breezy Drive, Burtrum, MN 56318

THURSDAY, JANUARY 9TH

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM Held at the

Private and peaceful setting on 8 acres of woods. Home has 3 bedrooms, 2 main floor baths and main floor laundry. Newer carpet.

Heated 2 car detached garage.

New 30x40 shed built in 2023. 14' side walls with 12x12 doors.

Perfect for all the toys! Septic is in compliance.

Great location close to Mound Lake and State Land for hunting.

Judy Frieler, Realtor 320-491-0024

Benchmark

Real Estate Services

Elmdale Community Center Light Lunch Will Be Served DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE!

REPRESENTATIVES ON HAND

FOR SALE: Inversion table, $100. Call 320-491-0024.

1/2

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

In Albany: 1 & 2 Bedroom Cats Ok

Call Loreen for Details!

763-238-0616

320-573-2607

Nature’s Best Ag Service

For The Party Your Guests Will Rave About For YEARS! • Reception DJ Entertainment • Master Of Ceremonies • Decor Lighting • Selfie Photo Booth • Ceremony Sound System • Ceremony Officiating • Off Grid Capabilities

Featuring Entertainers Michael Young and John Young

ANGER ARGUE ASSUMED BLEED BRASS BUNDLE CLEVER COOLS CROWD FILMED FISHERMEN FLAPS

FRONT GOVERN HARMLESS HOURLY INSTRUCTIONS LESSON LIVING LOVES LYING NATIVE OLIVE OWNER

PEEPS PRAISE PROGRAM RETIRE RIPEN ROARS RULER RURAL SCHOOL SHIPS SINCE SLEDGE

SPRAY TARTS THING THIRD THOSE THREES THUMB TIMER TOUGH TRAINS TURNED

612.597.4499 john@johnyoungweddings.com 320.630.9233 michael@johnyoungweddings.com