Hometown News
Never put off until tomorrow what you should have done yesterday
-By Harvey Mackay
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
Clifford finally decided to go to a psychiatrist to see if he could get help with his decisionmaking problem.
“I understand you have trouble making decisions. Is that true?” the psychiatrist asked him. Clifford looked at the psychiatrist, somewhat puzzled for a moment, and replied, “Well, yes –and no!”
Unfortunately, many people are like Clifford, a businessman whose problemsolving decisions was keeping him from advancing in the company.
One of the worst things you can do when faced with a difficult decision in almost any endeavor in life, is to procrastinate.
Procrastination is a thief. It robs you of the one commodity that you just can’t buy back: time. It throws off schedules. It replaces accomplishment with inaction. It turns dreams into nightmares. December is Procrastination Awareness Month.
Most of us can relate to occasional bouts of procrastination – the phone call you have been dreading to place, the project that you just can’t get excited about, the meeting that you should have scheduled two weeks ago. So why can’t we just get in gear?
To address procrastination at work, it's important to identify the underlying causes and implement strategies that can help you stay focused and productive. Here are some effective techniques to avoid procrastination:
Prioritize tasks. Not all tasks are created equally. Prioritizing helps you focus on what truly matters. Use a priority matrix to categorize tasks by urgency and importance and tackle high-priority tasks first.
Tackle your fear of failure. Too often, we put off projects because we are afraid to fail. You can’t succeed if you don’t try, and the longer you put off trying, the more daunting the task looks. Don’t sabotage your chances.
Break tasks into smaller steps. Large tasks can feel overwhelming, leading to procrastination. Breaking them down into manageable steps makes them more approachable. Create a checklist of smaller tasks that lead to the completion of the larger project. Focus on completing one step at a time.
as a short walk or a treat.
There was once a man named Bob who was notorious for his procrastination at work. His colleagues would often joke that if procrastination were an Olympic sport, Bob would take home the gold medal every time.
One day, Bob's boss gave him a simple task: to write a short report by the end of the week. Bob, true to form, decided he had plenty of time and put it off until the last minute. On Friday afternoon, with just an hour left before the deadline, he finally sat down to start the report.
As he stared at the blank screen, he thought to himself, “I work best under pressure. This is when my creativity really shines!” Just then, the office fire alarm went off, and everyone had to evacuate the building.
Standing outside, Bob realized that sometimes, even the best procrastinators can't control the unexpected. His boss, noticing his sheepish expression, simply smiled and said, “Well, Bob, I guess you can't procrastinate your way out of this one!”
Mackay's Moral: Procrastination is the thief of time; guard your moments by taking action today.
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.” 29442
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When faced with a task that you just don't want to do, many of us simply put it off until tomorrow. That’s why tomorrow is often the busiest day of the week. And one of these days becomes none of these days.
Putting off an unpleasant task until tomorrow simply gives you more time for your imagination to make a mountain out of a possible molehill . . . more time for anxiety to sap your self-confidence.
U.S. President John F. Kennedy understood that delaying a decision is itself a decision, a decision with risks.
General Geoge Patton said much the same, “To decide not to decide is a decision. To fail to decide is a failure.”
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8
Set clear deadlines. Having a specific deadline creates a sense of urgency and accountability. Assign deadlines to each task on your list, even if they are self-imposed, to keep yourself on track.
Eliminate distractions. Distractions can easily derail your focus and lead to procrastination. Identify common distractions in your work environment and take steps to minimize them, such as setting specific times to check emails or silencing notifications.
Reflect on progress. Regular reflection helps you understand what strategies are working and where you can improve. At the end of each day, review what you accomplished and plan adjustments for the next day.
Reward yourself. Incentives can motivate you to complete tasks. Set up small rewards for completing tasks or reaching milestones, such
Upcoming Events
• A Night in Bethlehem starting at 4:30 p.m. at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Albany. See ad on page 3.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14
• 17th Annual Christmas Cookie CareO-Sell from 8-11:30 a.m. at the Community Covenant Church, Upsala. See ad on page 3.
• Wreaths For The Fallen Bus to Camp Ripley at 9 a.m. at Melrose American Legion. See ad on page 3.
• New Munich Lions Breakfast with Santa from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at Hot Shots Bar & Grill, New Munich. See ad on page 5.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 16
• Minnesota Darkhouse & Angling Association Heartland Chapter Meeting starting at 6:30 p.m. at All Stars, St. Rosa. See ad on page 7.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18
• Grey Eagle Senior Center Christmas Party at 1:30 p.m.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19
• Grey Eagle/Burtrum Lions American Red Cross Blood Drive from 12-6 p.m. at St. Joseph's Church, Grey Eagle.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22
• Cookies, Crafts, Cocoas & Christmas from 1-4 p.m. at the Burtrum Community Center. See ad on page 5.
ALBANY SENIORS
• Meets 1st Tuesday of the month at 1:30 p.m. at the Albany Community Center.
ALBANY TOWNSHIP
• Meets the 4th Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the Albany City Hall.
• Planning Commission meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the Albany City Hall.
BURNHAMVILLE TOWNSHIP
• Meets the last Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Burtrum City Hall.
BURTRUM CITY COUNCIL
• Meets the 1st Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.
FEET FIRST CLINIC
• Meets the 1st Tuesday of the month from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at Holdingford City Hall.
FOOD DISTRIBUTION
• Ruby’s Pantry Food Distribution 1st Saturday of the Month from 10-11 a.m. at River of Live Church, Sauk Centre.
FREEPORT CITY COUNCIL
• Meets the last Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.
FREEPORT SENIOR MEETING
• Meets the 3rd Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m. with cards/Bingo/coffee/dessert.
GREY EAGLE CITY COUNCIL
• Meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.
GREY EAGLE TOWNSHIP
• Meets the 1st Monday of the month at 8 p.m.
MELROSE TOWNSHIP
• Meets the 1st Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at the town hall.
MELROSE VFW #7050 POST/AUX.
• Meets the 1st Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Melrose American Legion Clubrooms.
MELROSE LEGION #101 POST/AUX.
• Meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Melrose American Legion. (Aux. Sept.-May.)
STEARNS CO. HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
• Meets the 2nd Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Albany SUNSHINE CLUB
• Meets every Monday, weigh in starts at 8; meeting at 8:30 a.m. at the Village View Apartments, Grey Eagle.
ST. ROSA CITY COUNCIL
• Meets the 3rd Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Community Park building.
SWANVILLE CITY COUNCIL
• 1st Tuesday after the 1st Monday of the month at 7 p.m.
SWANVILLE TOWNSHIP
• Meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 8:30 p.m. at the Swanville Fire Hall.
UPSALA CITY COUNCIL
• Meets the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m.
“The Good Old Days” -By Tom Kuehne
Why?
Information given to a respected polling organization during a study to determine which occupations were more or less trusted by Americans showed that the medical profession was near the top, but politicians were at the bottom. In America today, somehow the least respected are making the majority of the decisions about how our lives are to be lived.
Not all politicians are bad. There are two types of politicians. Those that are usually considered the most trustworthy have had the real-life experience of running a business and experiencing the payroll, taxes, inventory, depreciation, financial issues and health issues that are part of our lives. They felt that there was a need to try to make an improvement in how the government was treating the needs of the citizens. Then there are the politicians that have made being a politician their life occupation. These politicians have spent their entire life on a government payroll. They feel that the government must supply all of the needs that people have. These needs not only involve the basic needs like food and shelter, but also include taking over raising our children. They make laws regarding what they are taught in school, sexual orientation, disciplinary practices and how parents should be treating them. They also get advancements by knowing and schmoozing the right people. They get their kicks by being the most honored person at banquets and being able to tell the audience the things the audience wants to hear.
Looking back through my lifetime, I remember school as a respected place where if the weather permitted, the class would go outside, say the Pledge of Allegiance and
Sunday, Dec. 8,
6:15-7:00
put your hand over your heart while the flag was being raised. You prayed before the noon lunch at school. If you were naughty in school, somehow your parents were informed and you would face disciplinary action at home. When you grew older and happened to get caught speeding or drinking beer, the cop would take you home and your parents would handle the situation rather than being arrested and the court system would decide your penalty. I feel that solving the problem at home is the better option.
The government today feels that they can make decisions about the children's wellbeing without the parents being informed. Should we allow the least trusted organization to make us more dependent on them? It makes you ask, why are we not thinking about what is happening?
For feedback or story ideas, email Tom at kuehneins@gmail.com.
If you need help with Health or Life Insurance or for Senior Health Solutions Contact: Tom Kuehne 320-360-0343
Albany Senior Dining
Volunteers Needed! Call 320-845-4070
Mon., Dec. 9: Swedish meatballs over noodles, mixed vegetables, pineapple, bread. Tues., Dec. 10: BBQ pork on bun, tater tots, green beans.
Wed., Dec. 11: Pizza casserole, peas, peaches, bread.
Thurs., Dec. 12: Country steak, whipped potatoes, gravy, broccoli, bread.
Fri., Dec. 13: Sweet & sour pork, rice, oriental vegetables, mandarin oranges, bread. Pre-registration requested to dine daily. For more info. call 320-845-4070.
Todays Thought
My friend David had his ID stolen. Now he's just Dav.
From the Desk of Pastor Bruce
Friends, we find ourselves in the “holiday” season. Thanksgiving is over, Advent is here, and Christmas is in a few weeks, then a new year. I don’t believe this is true, but it sure feels like the older I get the faster time goes. Last week’s message was about hope and how those that have faith also have hope in something greater than themselves. Hebrew 11:1 says, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Faith is two things, confidence in what we hope for and assurance of the unseen. Now if I tell you that you must have faith in Jesus, if you are to be a follower of His our definition would fit because we would be putting our trust in something that we have not seen, but we have the confidence that it is true, in other words, we live our lives like our life depends on it.
Wreaths For The Fallen Bus to Camp Ripley
Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024
9 AM: Bus Leaves Promptly
from Melrose American Legion & returning approx. 12:30 p.m. for a Pizza Party. Space is limited, please register early. No Fee • Donations Welcome To Register: Call/Text 320-429-4008 Arrive Early • Dress Warm
Here is my story! I have put my faith in Jesus Christ and because of that, I put my trust and hope in what Jesus did on the cross. He died, and was buried, and was resurrected, and now He lives in me, that is the hope that I base my life on. Amen.
-Pastor Bruce Miller from Swanville Bible Church, 320-547-2916
So, here is the deal… if you live your life like Jesus is real, then you think about end of life very differently. It’s not like you don’t care anymore because you care more about the lost, but it’s more like you have a different sort of hope. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 says “Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.”
Elaine R. Zenzen
Elaine R. Zenzen, age 65 of Sauk Centre, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 29, 2024 at the Cura Care Center in Sauk Centre, Minnesota.
A prayer service was held Wednesday December 4 at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Sauk Centre with Rev. Mark Botzet officiating. A private family interment followed at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery in Elrosa.
Elaine Rita Zenzen was born August 16, 1959 in Melrose, Minnesota to Sylvester and Anna (Primus) Zenzen. She was a special needs child and indeed was very special in all ways. Elaine attended school in Brooten and Sauk Centre and always said she wanted to graduate. She graduated from Sauk Centre. Elaine was a loving person who always had a hug for everyone and never wanted to hurt anyone’s feelings.
In her years after living with her mom and dad, she had also lived in several other homes throughout her life. She worked in St. Cloud, at AOC in Alexandria, and WACOSA in Sauk Centre. In 2010 after things were getting harder for her, sister and brother-in-law, Janet and Willie Boeckers took her in and took very good care of Elaine for 14 years.
Elaine loved playing cards, especially Rummy, games, bowling, and going to casinos where she would stay overnight enjoying wine and crackers. She was always happy to go on trips with friends and groups, even to Nashville and Florida. Elaine loved books and had many, and always carried some wherever she went.
Survivors include her siblings, Marcy Klaphake of Meire Grove, Delores (Ken) Jenc of Elrosa, Janet (Willie) Boeckers of Sauk Centre, Eugene (Kathy) Zenzen of Coon Rapids, and Mary Ellen (Dennis) Boeckers of Sauk Centre; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Elaine was preceded in death by her parents; brother-in-law, Sylvester Klaphake; nephew, Michael Boeckers; great-nephew, Gregory Klaphake; great-niece, Kylie Boeckers; and many aunts and uncles.
Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral and Cremation Services of Sauk Centre.
Jacquelyn S. Kuhl
Jacquelyn
S. Kuhl, 81 year old resident of Swanville, MN passed away Friday, November 29, 2024 at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, MN. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, December 5, 2024 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Swanville, MN with Rev. Tim Schmeisser officiating. A visitation will be held from 10-11 A.M. on Thursday, December 5, 2024 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Swanville, MN. Caring for Jacquelyn and her family is the LeMieur Funeral Home in Swanville, MN.
Jacquelyn was born on October 29, 1943, in Foreston, MN, to the late William and Sophie (Benoit) Emmerich. On September 24, 1960, Jacquelyn married the love of her life, Kenneth Kuhl. Together, they dedicated themselves to farming, becoming the third generation to operate the Kuhl Family Farm. In 1978, they launched J&K Farms, where they successfully produced eggs for 22 years. Jackie was also employed at Bonta in Long Prairie, MN for over 30 years. Jacquelyn was a hardworking and spirited woman who embraced life with passion and creativity. She cherished all the memories of her camping trips and traveling with family, especially on bus trips, and a memorable journey to Tennessee. Her artistic talents shone through her many crafts, most recently her beautiful diamond art creations. She loved playing games with her family, especially Farkle and Monopoly. She was a wonderful cook and an expert at canning, ensuring her family always enjoyed homemade goodness. Jacquelyn loved holidays and family gatherings, treasuring these moments as the heart of her life. Her dedication, love, and tireless spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.
Jackie is survived by sons, David (Christy) Kuhl, Ken Kuhl Jr., and Dale (Abigail) Kuhl; daughters, Lois (Steve) Bateman, Tina Kuhl, and Carol (Karl) Venske; 21 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Sophie Emmerich; husband, Kenneth Kuhl; and grandson, Justin Bateman.
Stop in & sign up for a chance to win 4 WILD TICKETS
Saturday, Jan. 25 @ 6 PM
Wild vs. Calgary Flames
Drawing January 2nd. See store for details.
Vincent L. Haider
Vincent L. "Vince" Haider, age 92 of Elrosa, passed away on Sunday, December 1, 2024 at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, Minnesota. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, December 7 at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Elrosa with Rev. Greg Paffel officiating and Rev. Joseph Korf concelebrating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery with military honors by the Lake Henry American Legion.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday and from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. Saturday at the church.
Vince was born March 24, 1932 to Henry and Rose (Fuchs) Haider. He grew up on a farm and attended school in Elrosa. Vince served in the U.S. Army from 1954 through 1956. He was united in marriage to Donna Terwey on September 1, 1958 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in St. Rosa, Minnesota. They had 5 children. They farmed for 35 years, retiring from farming in 1993 with a move to Elrosa. Vince worked at Bayer Built Woodworks for 15 years, Prairie Lakes Co-op, and drove school buses for Mayer Bus Services.
Vince was an active member of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Elrosa where he sang in the church choir for over 40 years. He served on the Baseball Association board for 40 years, retiring in 2003. In 2009 he was inducted to Elrosa Baseball Hall of Fame. He was a member of St. James Catholic United Financial for over 50 years, serving on the audit committee where he received the community service award. He was also a member of Elrosa Senior Citizens, Knights of Columbus Council, and a 50-year member of the Lake Henry American Legion Post.
Vince loved spending time with family. He especially enjoyed summer weekends at the cabin on Lake Ida where fishing and family were plentiful. His year-around activities included playing cards, bowling, and attending his grandchildren's activities.
Survivors include his loving wife of 66 years, Donna Haider of Elrosa; children, Keith (Joyce) Haider of Sartell, Ken (Stacey) Haider of Otsego, Cheryl (Pat) Fischer of Chanhassen, Gregg (Karla) Haider of Otsego, and son-in-law, Steve Peterson of Hanover; 14 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren with one on the way; sister and brothers, Rita Gregory, Gene (Jean) Haider, and Butch (Marge) Haider; and brotherin-law, Phil Meyer.
Vince was preceded in death by his daughter, Cindy Peterson; parents; brother, Leander (Dorothy) Haider; sisters, Valeria (Norbert) Bertram, Leona (Al) Bertram, and Rosie Meyer; and brother-in-law, Urban Gregory.
Arrangements were made with PattonSchad Funeral and Cremation Services of Sauk Centre.
Gloria J. Smith
Gloria J. Smith, age 76, of Avon, passed away peacefully at the CentraCare Hospital in St. Cloud, surrounded by her family, on Saturday, November 23, 2024. The Mass of Christian Burial celebrating her life will be 11 a.m. Saturday, December 14th at the Church of St. Benedict in Avon with Rev. Gregory Miller, OSB officiating. Interment will follow mass at St. Benedict’s Cemetery in Avon. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, December 14th at the church.
Gloria J. Smith was born in St. Cloud, Minnesota on April 1, 1948 to Melvin and Lorraine (Schirmers) Raden. In 1968, Gloria married the love of her life, Jerome “Pete” A. Smith, Jr. at the Church of St. Benedict’s in Avon. They welcomed their beautiful, one and only, daughter Dawn into their lives in 1969. Gloria spent many years at home raising their daughter while Pete was out on the road working. As Dawn became more independent, Gloria went into the workplace, working for Schlenner Wenner as an administrative assistant, Dinndorf Drug as a pharmacy tech and most recently the YMCA Daycare Center where she loved “her kids” as if they were her own. In retirement Gloria spent her days, together with Pete, at their home in Avon, enjoying their yard and rose bushes and spending time with their beloved pet Rio. Gloria spent her evenings talking on the phone with Dawn catching up on each other’s days. On July 27, 2024, Gloria and Pete celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary. Theirs was truly a lifetime love.
Gloria loved “her people." If you were one, you knew it! She maintained many friends from high school, who still frequently gathered together at a local restaurant to catch up and support each other. In her spare time, Gloria could be found reading, playing Words on her iPad or enjoying time in her screen porch visiting with family and friends.
Gloria is survived by her daughter Dawn (Jason) Ballard; siblings, LeRoy (Mary Lou) Raden, Diane (Terry) Pflipsen and Odie (Steve) Goward; in-laws, Margaret Budde, Joyce (Ron) Klein, Nick (Shirley) Smith, Jane (Vern) Schreifels, Rebecca (Charles) Arnold, Mike Smith, and Mary Smith; many nieces and nephews and her beloved pet, Rio.
Gloria was proceeded in death by her husband Jerome “Pete” Smith in August 2024; her parents; sisters, Elizabeth “Betty” Raden, Eileen Nathe; brothers, Ronald “Ronnie” Raden, David Raden, Danny Raden and Jeffrey Raden; in-laws, Frank “Olie” Nathe, Mary Kay Knoblach and Robert Smith.
Gloria will be dearly missed by all who were blessed to have known her.
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Local Co-op Director Achieves National Credential
Scott Dirkes, Stearns Electric Association Board of Director, received the Credentialed Cooperative Director certificate from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) in November.
An ever-changing business environment has imposed new demands on electric cooperative directors, requiring increased knowledge of changes in the electric utility industry, new governance skills, and a solid knowledge of the cooperative principles and business model. Stearns Electric has committed to work through NRECA to sharpen this body of knowledge for the benefit of its electric cooperative member-consumers.
The NRECA Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) program requires attendance and demonstrated understanding of basic competencies contained in five core courses:
• Director Duties and Liabilities
• Understanding the Electric Business
• Board Operations and Process
• Strategic Planning
• Financial Decision Making
Dirkes was elected to the Cooperative’s Board in 2023 to represent District 7, which serves Minnesota Townships Turtle Creek, Little Elk, Leslie, Reynolds, Long Prairie, Bruce, Gordon, Little Sauk, Round Prairie, Burnhamville, West Union and Grey Eagle in Todd County; and Orange Township in Douglas County.
“Stearns Electric is committed to providing training and education for both our employees and our Board of Directors,” Matt O’Shea, CEO, said. “The education that our directors obtain through NRECA’s training and education program provides a solid foundation of knowledge of the energy industry for our directors and allows them to better serve our members and lead the Cooperative.”
NRECA represents the nation’s more than 900 private, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide electric service to more than 42 million people in 48 states, including Melrose-based Stearns Electric Association.
How to Play Defense as You Build Wealth
By George Kamel
If you’re trying to build wealth, I’m going to take a wild guess and say you’d like to protect your wealth as well. That’s where our oft-forgotten friend insurance comes in.
Dave Ramsey puts it like this: “Insurance doesn’t make you money. Insurance protects the things that make you money.” Basically, insurance is your safeguard against the things that could really set you back financially, like a car accident or a hospital stay.
As you may have noticed, insurance prices have skyrocketed over the past few years. According to a report by Insurify, “The average annual [home insurance] rate increased by 19.8% between 2021 and 2023, from $1,984 to $2,377.”
And as of October 2024, car insurance premiums were up 14% year over year. Tack on the fact that health insurance premiums were 6–7% higher this year, and you might have shed a tear or three looking at what remains in your bank account.
Why Are Insurance Costs Rising?
You’re not alone if you feel like you’re getting screwed over by an insurance company you’ve been loyal to for years. Let’s zoom out for a second. When you get insurance, you’re transferring risk to the insurance company. If you file a claim that gets approved, you get a payout. The more claims an insurance com-
Grey Eagle Burtrum Lions Blood Drive
Grey Eagle Burtrum Lions are hosting their annual winter American Red Cross Blood Drive on Thursday, December 19 from 12 noon til 6 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Church, Grey Eagle. Every 2 seconds someone in the United States needs blood. Please be a part of the solution. For more information or to schedule a donation, call Linda or Jim at 320-285-2670. We hope to see you there!
pany has to pay for, the higher the premiums become. So, when America has an inflation issue and claims from 24 natural disasters in one year, insurance company costs go up. And as a result, home insurance premiums start to rise, and we all hold hands and cry.
Now let’s talk car insurance. Since the pandemic, cars have become way more expensive. Due to that and the fact that they have more features and technology than ever before, the cost to replace them has gone up, which causes premiums to be on the rise. For instance, in 2016 the average price of a new car was $34,000, and in 2023, that number rose to $47,000. Ouch!
In terms of health care, prescription drugs are getting more expensive, which is the fastest-growing reason why health insurance is going up. Inflation, the need for mental health care, and just a general increase in people with chronic conditions also affect the rise in health care insurance premiums.
What Can You Control?
Good news—you’re not doomed to be at the mercy of high premiums. Just because natural disasters are part of life and you can’t sweet talk inflation into going away doesn’t mean you can’t fight back. Here are some things you can actually control to positively affect your insurance rates.
Homeowners insurance: Where you live is something you can control. If you live in an area with more extreme weather (hello, flood zones) or in a place with a higher crime rate, you should expect higher premiums. Also, if you improve your security features at your house—like deadbolting your locks or adding Insurance continued to pg 7
Board President Eric Peterson awards District 7 Director Scott Dirkes with his Credentialed Cooperative Director certificate at the November 2024 Board meeting.
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 have $100,000 in student loan debt. Since the amount is so large, is there a special place in your Baby Steps plan for it?
-Jules
Dear Jules, I hope you have a nice, large income with which to fight that big pile of student loan debt. I’ve seen even worse situations, though. I’ve talked to people who went $200,000 into debt for a four-year degree in a field where they’ll make $45,000. Yes, that kind of thinking and behavior is out there, and it’s ridiculous.
The fact that it’s a large amount of student loan debt doesn’t change anything. Baby Step 2 is where you pay off all debt except for your home. So, don’t let this student loan debt hang around for years and years. You’ve got to get focused and intense about getting control of your money. That means living on a strict, basics-only monthly budget. After that, start throwing every nickel and dime you can scrape together, and save toward paying off those student loans as fast as possible.
Your income is your largest wealthbuilding tool, Jules. You can’t save, and plan for the future, when all your money is flying out the door to pay off debt.
-Dave
Dear Dave,
My wife and I are completely debt-free, and we’re saving up for our first house. We currently have about $140,000 in savings, and we’d like to buy a home with cash when the
time is right. Where should we put our money, so it will work for us while we save more?
-Andy
Dear Andy,
If I were in your shoes, and maybe looking at a window of three or four years, I’d just park the cash in a good money market account. You won’t make a lot off it, but your money will be safe. I mean, all you’re looking for is a smart place to stash it for a little while. When it comes to long-term investing, I’m a big fan of growth stock mutual funds. The problem with that in your situation would be the volatility of the market. By the time you’ve saved up more money, and spent time deciding on a house, the market may be down. You two are in a great place financially right now. With the path you’re on, just imagine how incredible it will be in a few years to have a new home and be debt-free!
-Dave
* Dave Ramsey is a seven-time #1 national best-selling author, personal finance expert, and host of The Ramsey Show, heard by more than 18 million listeners each week. He has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Fox News, CNN, Fox Business, and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions.
A Parrot Funny
A man entered a pet shop, wanting to buy a parrot. The shop owner pointed out three identical parrots on a perch and said, "The parrot to the left costs $500."
"Why does that parrot cost so much?" the man wondered.
The owner replied, "Well, it knows how to use a computer."
The man asked about the next parrot on the perch.
"That one costs $1,000 because it can do everything the other parrot can do, plus it knows computer programming."
Naturally, the startled customer asked about the third parrot.
"That one costs $2,000."
"And what does that one do?" the man asked.
The owner replied, "To be honest, I've never seen him do a thing, but the other two call him boss.”
Ask The Motor Medics®
From the Hosts of the Under The Hood radio show.
Dear Motor Medics, My 2006 Ram 1500 truck is having problems while accelerating. The engine power is low when the RPM gets over 4000 RPM but is fine at a steady speed or when under 4500 RPM. My husband and I have spent a lot of time looking on YouTube, including your channel checking for easier things that we can do. We found out that it did not have a fuel filter, and we have bought a good Autel scanner so we can read codes, but there are no codes in the system. This problem came on gradually over about 5k miles and seems to be getting worse. There is only slight noise we think is coming from the drivers’ side valve cover near the front. Should we pull the cover? If we do, what are we looking for?
-Everly in Yakima, Washington Dear Everly, Most people would not go as far as you have before reaching out to a repair shop. These Rams have had some cam issues we have seen in our shop. They tend to make some noise at first, which gets louder and increases as does the power loss. Pull that valve cover and look at all the rockers while you turn the engine over. If one or more doesn’t move as much as the others there is wear present. This will cause a lack of cylinder filling and low power at higher RPM. Next, look at the cam and lifters and rockers for wear and consult a
City of Upsala Holiday Lights Contest
shop for the next step.
-Take care, The Motor Medics
Dear Motor Medics, I’m trying to extend the life of my 2020 GMC 5.3 4x4 auto trans truck as long as possible, and I have started to shop for different additives which might extend its life. The truck only has 23k miles on it so it’s still in perfect shape. I have been changing engine oil every 3k miles or 3 months and want your opinions on the additives and what things to maintain. Are additives worth the cost?
-Jack in Burnsville, Minnesota Dear Jack,
With the cost of new and used vehicles being so high today many people are doing everything they can to extend the life of them. Additives are a great way to do that. While a vehicle can work just fine without them, they can last even longer, much longer when using the correct additives from good companies. The oil changes you are making are the most important but using friction reducing additives in the oil will help slow the wear process. Also, an oil system cleaner as directed will keep the engine cleaner helping to add to its life. Worn valve train components due to dirt build up are the number one cause of engine failure in our shop. Think about flushing the transmission at about 60k as preventive maintenance as well. Talk to your local shop for more information.
-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.
Sudoku Answers from November 28
Local Municipality Minutes
Email Minutes to htnews@icloud.com
Burtrum City • November 12, 2024
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M by Mayor Ulbricht. The Pledge of Allegiance was said. City Council Members in attendance: Mayor Jenae Ublbricht, Romie Gessell, Sara Macho, Irene Ehlert and Juli Scherping, and City Clerk Brooke Thieschafer.
Approval of Agenda: The Mayor added under New Business, Greg Eagle Fire Contract. Scherping made a motion to approve. Macho supported. All in favor, motion carried.
Approval of the Minutes: Gessell made a motion to approve. Scherping supported. All in favor, motion carried.
Approval of Bills: Macho made a motion to approve. Gessell supported. All in favor, motion carried.
Todd County Sheriff’s Report: City Clerk went over the monthly report.
Todd County Recycling: Mike Eberle from the County was present to give an update - Last meeting he was in attendance was July. Eberle stated the site is built and established. Next step is looking for fencing quotes. What kind of fencing would the city like? Fencing would be installed in the spring 2025. Fully operational in June 2025. No cost with the fencing from the city funds. Another thing to discuss is whether to have it locked or not. Eberle explained less issues if locked. If the city decides to go the locked route, someone has to be in charge of opening and closing. Other counties have a scheduled time it is open, options to not have it open during the weekend. If you have it locked you can have it controlled. There will be yard lights installed. Another thing to consider is remote cameras on sites. If there is a problem we have a video to look back at. If we use the camera system we will have to get internet service.
Cost would be around $10,000. Expanded the entrance to the site. Last thing is seeding and sodding. Touch base and follow up to Mike by February 2025, so we can get the containers ordered. Gessell wanted to confirm all expenses are paid through the grant program, Eberle did confirm. The monthly fee would be on the city for internet services, but not the installation.
There will be signs created with whatever needed: hours of operation and service time, etc. There will be 2 bins - Cardboard and recycling. Need to know from the council: fencing, hours of operations, and cameras. Fencing would be galvanized fencing, it is up to the city on style. Maintenance free. Keep in mind about snow removal. The council agreed to have cameras.
Council agreed to do a locked facility. The council members will get back to Mike about the signage verbiage and fencing. Another to do is to get a mailing list to all the city residents, and what is acceptable. The county will provide all the information needed for the mailers. The recycling bins are for City of Burtrum residents only. The mayor will contact T-mobile about the internet about getting internet out there.
2025 City Prosecution Contract for prosecution of misdemeanor/gross misdemeanor offenses: Romie Gessell made a motion to approve, Sara Macho supported. All in favor, motion carried. Signed contract was given to the County Attorney who was present.
City Sign Updates: Both signs installed, and project complete.
Snow Plowing for the upcoming season/ DOT: Plow truck goes in 11/13/24 for inspection. Driver is unknown at this time. Issue with the back alley behind the City Hall. If that can not get plowed Terri Velkamp will plow with her skid steer.
Loud trucks: Issue seems to have improved.
New Business
Permits: None
Approval of the Levy: The Levy was presented to the council. Sara Macho made a motion, Juli supported. All in favor, motion carried. Resolution 2024-11-15
Bean Bake: A few members of the Bean Bake Committee proposed some ideas. Selling equip-
ment to the Bean Bake directly, as the city owns most of the equipment. Burtrum and Grey Eagle Lions have donated the equipment as well. It is technically the city property, but the Bean Bake would like to own it. For upcoming construction purposes, it was discussed what all needs to be removed from the kitchen that belongs to the Bean Bake. Get a pricing list of all items. Sandy will provide a list to the city of items they are wanting to purchase. Items of the bean bake will be removed, and they will take what is theirs. Contact Seth and Sandy for all email communications about the Bean Bake. Council requested a list of items bean bake will remove that is theirs. The stoves will not be updated in the kitchen remodel project. There is a roaster missing. Sandy suggested inventory check after each rental. Debbie could take inventory after each rental when she cleans. City clerk will email the current inventory list to Seth and Sandy. Seth suggested having everything locked and having to sign in/out sheet of all equipment. The Bean Bake will be moving their meetings to a different location. Bean Bake will be the first Friday, Saturday and Sunday of October 2025. Question about the outside faucet.
The city will look at adding to any future grants programs in 2025. Terri Velkamp donated a new roaster to the Bean Bake. Someone from the Bean Bake will contact Terri directly to get the roaster. The deep freezer belongs to the Bean Bake. Someone suggested checking the well pump.
Kitchen Clean Out/Removal of Cabinets: Discussion was had on how to renovate/remove the cabinets for the upcoming kitchen model. No decision was made at this time. Table til next meeting.
Kitchen Auction Items: Table for now, no decision was made at this time.
AED Refill: The company will take responsibility for replacing them. Look to have an extra set of pads to have as a backup. Look at backup pads from other cities in case of a delay.
Santa Day: December 22nd, 2024. Hot chocolate, santa and sleigh ride at the Cabooze. Looking for vendors to bring in.
Sourcewell Match to Match Funds 20232024: Officially Closed. Looking at the future Match to Match Funds. Ideas: Speed Signs, outside faucets.
Open Floor: None
Announcements: Santa Day December 22nd, 2024.
Adjournment: Irene Ehlert made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:06 PM. Juli Schpering supporting. All in favor, motion carried.
Next City Council meeting is scheduled for December 3rd, 2024 at 7:00 PM at the Community Center. Brooke Thieschafer, City Clerk
an alarm system—you could qualify for some extra savings once it’s time to renew your policy.
Car insurance: Factors like your driving record, commute, payment history, the type of vehicle you have, plus any extra safety features in your car all contribute to your car insurance rate. But be warned: If you have a newer car with some fancy-pants tech, it’s going to be more expensive to insure. You’re quite literally in the driver’s seat here—if you want a cheaper rate, get a used (and less tech-savvy) car.
Health insurance: You can choose a high-deductible health plan. With this type of plan, you take on a little more risk by having a higher deductible (the amount you have to pay until the insurance kicks in), but that risk comes with a lower premium, which means you’ll be holding on to some extra money from month to month. As a bonus, some high-deductible health plans give you access to a Health Savings Account (HSA). An HSA is great because it’s triple-tax advantaged: You fund it with pre-tax money, that money grows tax-free, and you can make tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses. Score!
And remember, when it comes to health care, it’s simple—you’ve got to do your best to stay healthy. Avoid tobacco like the plague. Avoid plagues like the plague.
All types of insurance: Health insurance isn’t the only insurance that offers high deductibles. Choose a higher deductible for home and auto insurance plans as well. You can also look into bundling some of your insurance policies to save even more. The most important thing you can control is where you get your insurance from. Don’t forget to shop around for the best rates and the right coverage with an independent insurance broker—not a captive agent who can only sell one company’s insurance. I was recently able to save a friend $1,000 a year by getting her to do this. She ended up with more coverage for less money, essentially giving herself a raise. Win-win-win.
After all this insurance talk, you might be wondering what insurance coverage you actually need in a world full of gimmicks. (Fantasy football insurance, I’m looking at you. Yep, that’s a real thing.) The ones you really
can’t go without are auto insurance, health insurance, life insurance, homeowners or renters insurance, long-term disability insurance, and (once you turn 60) long-term care insurance.
After you see what coverage you need, go ahead and look at your current policy to understand what it does and doesn’t cover. Then, it’s time to go shopping. Again, I recommend working with an independent insurance broker who can get quotes from a variety of top-rated companies to find you the best deal.
If you’re 65 or older, don’t forget that you qualify for Medicare. I highly encourage you to talk with a Medicare advisor to sort out the best option for you or a loved one. If you qualify for Medicare’s open enrollment period, it’s about to end on December 7. So, if you’ve been procrastinating, there’s no better time than today to sign up for a new plan. (Just to clarify, this is the deadline for folks who already have Medicare to make changes to their existing plan or switch plans.)
Once you have the right coverage at the best rate, you have to budget for it. Bonus tip: You can usually get discounts if you pay for the whole year up front.
The moral of the story is that you don’t have to freak out about insurance. At the end of the day, it’s just another part of life. Budget for it and be thankful for it, because getting the right coverage is one of the most important lines of defense you can have against whatever life throws at you in your wealth-building journey.
* George Kamel is a national bestselling author of Breaking Free From Broke and a personal finance expert. Following Ramsey Solutions’ proven money plan, George went from negative net worth to a millionaire in under 10 years. Since 2013, he has served on the Ramsey team, speaking across the country, co-hosting top-ranked Ramsey Network podcasts, like Smart Money Happy Hour and The Ramsey Show. George has been featured on Fox News, Fox Business, and The Iced Coffee Hour, among other networks. On his YouTube channel, George educates and entertains, exposing the financial system designed to keep you broke. His goal is to help people spend less, save more, and avoid money traps so they can live a life with more margin, options and freedom. Follow George on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and X, or online at georgekamel.com.
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. 12/5
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. 12/6
VILLAGE VIEW APARTMENTS • GREY EAGLE
• 23 - One Bedroom Apartments: Approx. 620
• 1 - Two Bedroom Apartment
• Rent is 30% of income after medical deductions
• Electric heat included
• Free access to DISH Network
• Elevator and Accessible Entry door openers
• Well maintained by caretakers who care
• Raised gardens
• Controlled Access entrance door locks
• Community room with kitchen for large gatherings
• Mail delivery and pick-up in building
• Two laundry rooms, craft room, three lobby areas for visiting
• Air conditioned halls and public areas
• Friendly residents
• Monthly Board Meetings
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: People to help sew bags for the veterans at the St. Cloud VA. Fabric & supplies provided. Call Cindy 651-485-5731.
WANTED TO BUY: Butcher cows, bulls, fats & walkable cripples: also horses, sheep & goats. 320-235-2664. SC-odB
VOLUNTEERS WANTED: For Meals on Wheels in Albany for routes in Holdingford, Albany, Avon & St. Joe. Please call 320845-4070 or visit our website at ccstcloud. org and click on link Volunteer request form. We need help in our kitchen, and delivering meals.
FOR SALE: Drive hospital bed, like new, upgraded mattress, fully electric: bed itself rises and lowers along with adjustable head and legs, new $1800, b/o. Call 612-5972998.
FOR SALE: Vintage electric white rotary sewing machine, attachments, instruction manual dated, 10-15-36. Call 320-3526976.
