Hometown News Feb. 23, 2012

Hometown News Grey Eagle, Burtrum, St. Rosa, Freeport, Upsala, Albany, Holdingford, St. Anna, Avon, Swanville, Melrose

February 23, 2012

FREE Publication

Hennen Floor Covering

320-836-2177 800-472-9876

208 Main St W, Freeport

Albany Fleet Supply

Atkinson Well & Pump Ltd.

Mon. - Sat.: 7 AM - 7 PM; Sun.: 9 AM - 5 PM

1241 Co. Rd 10, Albany • 320-845-4321

Used Farm Machinery For Sale On Our Lot!

• GEO Thermal • Pump & Water Systems • Sales, Service & Parts

Ely Sherpa Lined Denim Jacket

State Licensed • Nationally Certified

Reg. $39.99 now only

Serving You Since 1942

$29.

99

320-836-2597 800-450-2597

320-285-4318 - Long Lake, Burtrum

www.brunosmn.com • www.gerardsmn.com New Hours Mon. Closed Tues. 3 PM-12 AM Wed.-Sun. 11 AMMidnight or Later

LENTEN FISH FRY Special All you can eat - Includes Full Salad Bar & Clam Chowder Soup - Best Deal Around! $10.99 or Gourmet Fish Dinner $7.99

Starting Wednesday: Chicken, Ribs, & March 2nd & Shrimp Buffet - Wing Ding Wed. Every Friday:

Thursday: Mexican Night Barhopping at Friday: PASTA BAR the Hub 5-11 PM • Create Your Own Bruno’s Bar & Michaela’s Red Gluten Free & Whole Wheat Pasta Available Friday & Saturday: Solo Cup Bar Slow Roasted Prime Rib Opens at 8 pm.

Lots of Fun! Sunday Brunch 2 different Bars Long Lake Fishing Contest Under One Roof.

Sat., Feb. 25 - Get Your Ticket Here!

Plus Guest Coming March 5: Swanville VFW Owner Night -

See Bruce for Details.

by Andersen® Pictured: Double Hung Window

Mon.- Fri.: 8 am - 5 pm Sat.: 8 am - 12 pm

www.benchmarkrealty.com

BRUNO’S HUB SUPPER CLUB

Rodney Atkinson • Freeport

Stop In & Check Out All The Different Window Styles

Melrose: Charming home on half acre wooded lot close to school & park. All three levels finished, main level master bedroom with large whirlpool and walk-in closet, custom oak winding stair case to loft with office / den area, three stall insulated garage, beautiful landscaping, sprinkler system. Seller Financing available. $199,900 Call Paul Kerin for more info.

320-761-5418.

Benchmark Real Estate Services

MN Lic. #2114

Grey Eagle-Burtrum Lions sponsored Race on Trace last Saturday and Sunday with oval racing and radar runs on Trace Lake. Photo by John Young.

On The Inside...

Harvey Mackay Obituaries: Scherping, Platz, Elfering Saralee Perel Notes from the Capitol Local Municipality Minutes Burnhamville Township, Melrose City

Page 2 Page 4 Page 5 Page 8 Pages 9-10

Building Supplies

320-285-8085 1-800-645-6336

Grey Eagle, MN

St. Rosa: Original Owner & Move In Ready. Home has attached single car garage, & a detached single that is heated, Also an 18x30 pole shed. Recent updates include: windows, beautiful open kitchen, flooring, & steel siding. 4 same floor bedrooms. Priced at $149,900.

To View More Listings, Visit:

www.brandonkellymn.com

Equal Housing Opportunity

Brandon Kelly

BROKER-REALTOR

320-491-6107

Email: brandon@east-westrealty.com

Annual Fish Fry 5-8 PM

We offer Business Loans

tailored to your business needs!

• Equipment Purchase • Working Capital • Real Estate Purchases, Renovations, or Construction

• SBA Financing -7(a) -SBA Express -SBA Small & Rural Advantage

“Customer Service Is Our Priority”

Freeport • New Munich • Melrose

320-836-2126

320-837-5297

320-256-7208

www.freeportstatebank.com

KKM LongLine Mats

• Unique continuous system: with proven qualities of KKM single mat • In use for more than 10 years • Installation independent of divider arrangement Come see us • Anchored only at the front edge - fast installation at the Central • Integrated slope in the rear edge promotes drying off MN Farm Show • Chamfer on the rear edge: gentle ending Feb. 28-Mar. 1 gentle on animal joints, no stumbling edges in St. Cloud • Sealing lips in the rear edge of the lower side minimize soiling

ARNZEN CONSTRUCTION, INC

320-836-2284 1-888-276-1751

www.strosalumber.com

AGRICULTURE • COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL 29033 Co Rd 17, Freeport, MN • In St. Rosa

Page 2 • Hometown News • Thursday, February 23, 2012

Hometown News 29442 120th St. Grey Eagle, MN 56336 Phone: 320-285-2323 Fax: 320-285-5264 Website: www.hometownnews.biz Email: htnews@meltel.net www.facebook.com/hometownnews The Hometown News is a weekly publication, which is published and distributed every Thursday.

Published By

John and Lori Young

Sales Staff

Jan Theisen Cell: 320-333-9774 Fax: 320-845-2067 Email: htnews2@albanytel.com Lori Young Office: 320-285-2323 Cell: 612-597-2998 Fax: 320-285-5264 Email: loriyoung@meltel.net

Ad & News Deadline The deadline for news and advertising in the Hometown News is Monday.

Subscriptions The subscription rates for 13 weeks is $15.00 26 weeks is $30.00 52 weeks is $60.00 Mail to: Hometown News, 29442 120th St., Grey Eagle, MN 56336.

Press Releases Press releases are welcome. They must be emailed to: htnews@meltel.net.

Letter to the Editor Letters and articles of opinion are welcomed. Letters must be signed and include address and phone numbers.

Letters should be short and to the point.

We reserve the right to edit lengthy letters. Email to: htnews@meltel.net.

Free Classifieds Personal Classifieds are free. Limit of 20 words; 25¢ for each additional word. 20 words or less can be emailed.

Classifieds over the word limit must be prepaid.

Business related Help Wanted, For Rent classifieds are $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@meltel.net Card of Thanks Cards of Thanks is $2.50 for the first 50 words, 10¢ per each additional word.

Must be prepaid.

Announcements Anniversary open house, births, birthday open house, engagements, weddings and obituaries are free of charge for one publication. To have it published twice costs $10. A prestamped, self addressed envelope is required to return photos.

Identify the problem, then solve it -By Harvey Mackay

Let me repeat a basic principle in the sales and marketing world: People don’t usually buy products and services.

They buy solutions to problems.

And adhering to that principle determines who succeeds at sales.

Successful salespeople and marketers learn that fundamental lesson early on. They tailor their products and services to meet a demand that is not necessarily immediately evident, but nonetheless very real. They identify problems in terms of solutions.

Solutions come from a variety of sources. One of my favorite examples eventually led to the creation of the iconic Goldfish crackers. You have Margaret Rudkin to thank for this tasty treat.

Margaret was a 40-year-old homemaker in rural Connecticut whose son had severe allergies and asthma. He had to avoid most commercially processed foods and was eventually put on a diet of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. This is not a modern-day story. These events took place in the 1930s, when ingredient lists weren’t on packages and fresh produce was only seasonally available.

So Margaret experimented with baking stoneground whole wheat bread.

Her first attempts were utter failures. In fact, she joked, “My first loaf should

have been sent to the Smithsonian Institution as a sample of Stone Age bread, for it was hard as a rock and about one inch high.”

But she didn’t have the luxury of natural foods stores, so she persisted. She eventually hit on a recipe that her son and his friends loved, as did everyone else who tasted it. And the best part? Her son’s health improved so dramatically that the doctor began prescribing the bread for other patients.

So Margaret approached a local grocer about selling her bread. He thought it would be too expensive -- 25 cents a loaf compared to the 10 cents a loaf at that time for commercially processed white bread. But rather than arguing or negotiating, she asked the grocer to taste it. He was sold. He bought all she had.

And that’s how Margaret Rudkin started Pepperidge Farm.

The story continued when Margaret’s husband took the bread to work with him in New York. Then the word really began to spread. She baked her 500,000th loaf of Pepperidge Farm bread in 1939, still working in her home kitchen. She added her line of cookies, and later marketed the famous Goldfish crackers.

Her company achieved an annual revenue growth rate of 43 percent, and eventually exceeded $1 billion in sales.

She didn’t set out to establish a baking empire. She just wanted to improve her son’s health. I suspect that most people

who eat Pepperidge Farm products today don’t choose that brand for specific health issues. But this frustrated mother identified a problem, and was smart enough to realize that others would appreciate her solution for a variety of reasons.

Let’s switch gears. My friend Brian Tracy, the author and sales guru, tells this story on himself. He took his car in for routine maintenance. But the mechanic found more than $3,000 worth of problems. At first, Brian rationalized that the repairs would cost less than a new car. But the dealership’s sales manager pointed out that when the new models come out in a couple months, his car’s value would decline about $2,000.

So the actual cost of keeping and repairing the car would be about $5,000. He offered to take the car as a down payment on a new car.

Up until then, Brian was satisfied with his paid-off car. But within a few minutes, he went from no problems, to a big problem, to a solution.

Example #3: Joe Markham’s threeyear-old German Shepherd loved to chew rocks. His teeth were ground down to one-third their normal size from his Harvey Mackay continued to pg 3

Upcoming Events FEBRUARY 24 • Freeport Youth Group Lenten Fish Fry from 4:30-8:30 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Church basement, Freeport.

FEBRUARY 25 • Sobieski & Swanville Lions Clubs 19th Annual Fishing Contest starting at 12noon on Long Lake, Swanville. See ad on page 9.

• Upsala Cooperative Telephone Assoc. Annual Meeting at 2 p.m. at the Upsala School auditorium.

FEBRUARY 26 • Catholic United Financial Matching Grant Fundraiser from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church basement. See ad on page 3.

• 1st Annual Ham Dinner from 11 a.m.1 p.m. at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Albany.

MARCH 3 • Grace Alive Church Community Chili Cook Off from 4-7 p.m. at the Albany Community Center.

MARCH 4 • New Munich Lions Pancake & Sausage Breakfast from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church basement.

• Spring Hill Baseball Team, Recre-

ation Club & St. Michael’s Parish Sausage & Ham Supper from 4-8:30 p.m. at the Spring Hill Church basement.

MARCH 5 • Swanville VFW Fish Fry from 5-8 p.m. at the Hub Supper Club.

MARCH 10 • Todd County Master Gardeners Garden Day from 8:15 a.m.-3:15 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Long Prairie.

MARCH 11 • Holdingford Firefighters Relief Assoc.

Annual Breakfast from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Holdingford Civic Center.

MARCH 17 • Holiness in Marriage and Family Spiritual Retreat from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at Holy Family Church, Belle Prairie.

MARCH 18 • St. Patrick’s Day Social, Celebration & Dinner from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Melrose.

MARCH 21 • Grey Eagle Senior Center Monthly Membership Meeting at 11:00 a.m. at the center.

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

• Planning Commission meets the second

Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the Albany City Hall.

BURNHAMVILLE TOWNSHIP • Meets the last Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Burtrum City Hall.

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

FREEPORT CITY COUNCIL • Meets the last Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.

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

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

ST. ROSA CITY COUNCIL • Meets the third Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Community Park building.

SWANVILLE CITY COUNCIL • First Tuesday after the first Monday of the month.

SWANVILLE TOWNSHIP • Meets the second 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@meltelnet or call 320-285-2323.

Temperatures Date 2/15 2/16 2/17 2/18 2/19 2/20 2/21

High 36 35 34 34 44 38 32

Low 15 19 19 7 17 31 19

Friday

Flurries.

High: 29 Low: 9

Weekend Weather Saturday

Partly cloudy.

High: 29 Low: 20

Sunday

Snow.

High: 24 Low: 15

Hometown News • Thursday, February 23, 2012 • Page 3

Senior Dining Menus: Feb. 27 - Mar. 2 gelatin.

Albany THUR., MAR. 1: Beef/broccoli stir MON., FEB. 27: Chicken casserole, mixed vegetables, peaches, pudding.

TUE., FEB. 28: Fried steak, whipped potatoes, gravy, cinnamon carrots, frosted cake.

WED., FEB. 29: BBQ pork, bun, potato salad, confetti vegetable salad, gelatin.

THUR., MAR. 1: Liver & onions or mushroom & onion steak, whipped potatoes, gravy, peas, applesauce.

FRI., MAR. 2: Fish sandwich or chicken sandwich, seasoned potato wedges, green beans, ice cream gelatin. ~ The Lighter Side Menu ~ MON., FEB. 27: Chicken chili, Italian lettuce salad, vegetable sticks, dinner roll, pudding.

TUE., FEB. 28: Chicken caesar salad, breadstick, frosted cake.

WED., FEB. 29: Turkey/bacon/ ranch wrap, cream of potato soup, fruit,

fry, rice, mandarin orange salad, applesauce.

FRI., MAR. 2: Lent. No menu. * Bread and skim milk served with each meal.

Albany: 320-845-4070

Grey Eagle & Upsala

MON., FEB. 27: Swiss steak, mashed potatoes, corn, gelatin/topping.

TUE., FEB. 28: Roast turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, squash, cake.

WED., FEB. 29: Creamed chicken w/biscuit, garden salad, fruit crisp.

THUR., MAR. 1: Pork chop, potatoes, gravy, carrots, pudding/topping.

FRI., MAR. 2: Creamed tuna/biscuit, green beans, dessert. * Bread and skim milk served with each meal.

Grey Eagle Dining Site: 320-285-4481 Upsala Dining Site: 320-573-4435

Harvey Mackay continued from page 2 habit, which was also threatening his health. Joe, who was a partner in a motorcycle shop, discovered the dog chewing on a rubber-knobbed part from a car he was working on.

He had solved his own problem, and figured other dogs would love toys like this too. So he embarked on a journey of prototypes, rejections, manufacturing issues and late-night commercials. His faith in his solution led to the Kong toy, with more than 50 million sold -- almost one for every dog in America!

Three very different industries, three completely different solutions. Ev-

eryday products -- bread, cars, dog toys -- that presented problems. Or more accurately, opportunities for improvement.

Smart salespeople sell solutions.

Mackay’s Moral: A problem is just an opportunity waiting for a solution.

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,” and the new book “The Mackay MBA of Selling in the Real World.”

Grey Eagle Medallion Hunt The Community Builders will be sponsoring a Medallion Hunt, which will begin Thursday, March 1st.

The Medallion will be hid on public property only. The winner will receive $50.00 in Eagle Dollars.

Every Thursday for 4 weeks we will post a new clue. If the medallion is not found by then, we will post a daily clue.

Upsala Parent and Teacher Conferences

High School Conferences will be held in their teachers’ classroom on Monday, Feb. 27 from 3:30-7:30 p.m., and Monday, March 5 from 3:30-7:30 p.m.

Elementary Conferences will be held in their classroom Monday, Feb. 27 from 3:30-8:05 p.m., and Monday, March 5 from 3:30-8:05 p.m.

For elementary conferencing period, we have assigned parents, kindergartengrade 5 students, to a 15 minutes conference period for each of their elementary school students. Mr. Herbes will not be in on Feb. 27th. Mr. Herbes will be scheduling his 6th grade conferences and he will be contacting each family.

Parent and teacher conferences are part of the school’s comprehensive re-

Meat

Fresh Ground Beef Chuck, Steaks, Beef Roast, Pork Loin & More at Everyday Low Prices!

Looking for Prom Dresses for our 2nd Annual Prom Dress Consignment Sale Take a look online at Jimsformalwear.com and see the New Colors for Prom 2012 and Order Your Tux Here!

Look What’s New in our Gift Shop

- Purses by Tina Handbags, Coin Purses, Wallets, Luggage and More.

Stop in and see!

• Custom Floral Arrangements • Tuxedo Rental

Call Chris at 320-267-1342 or 320-285-2600

Deadline for Next Thursday’s Paper is Monday, Feb. 27

Hours: Tues. - Fri: 11-6; Sat: 9-12

All You Can Eat!

•Add them to your First Aid Kit •Cooking •Cleaning •Air Purification •Deodorizing •Pet Care

Sausage, Scrambled Eggs, Pancakes, Toppings, Homemade Sweet Rolls, Beverages

For more detials Call Jill at Style ‘n Go

320-285-7780

Bluewave Butterfly Shrimp 10 oz. $3.95 Bluewave Imitation Crab Meat Sticks 1 lb. $2.99 Mn Gold Bone In Ham Steaks $2.99 lb.

Olsen Herring Cutlets 16 oz. $3.69 Dairy Bongards Sliced American Cheese 3 lb. $8.69 Cass Clay Orange Juice 1/2 gal. $2.59 Cass Clay Cottage Cheese 22 oz. $3.29 Cass Clay Party Dip 12 oz. $1.59 Cass Clay Ice Cream all flavors 1/2 gal. $2.99 Country Crock Margarine 15 oz. $2.39 Grocery Betty Crocker Cookie Mixes 17.5 oz. $2.59 Jell-O Cheesecake Mix 11.1 oz. $2.59

Matching Grant Fundraiser Serving 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

St. Francis of Assisi Church Basement

Use Young Living Essential Oils!

Distributor #1167438

Catholic United Financial

Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012

Adults: $6.50 • Children: $3.00 5 & Under: Free

Sponsored by St. Francis Catholic United Council #296

Grey Eagle

320-285-2600 • Grey Eagle

We accept Visa/MasterCard, EBT Card, WIC

Prices good Feb. 21-Mar. 3

Chris (Ann), Owner

porting system. Conferences are helpful for supplementing and explaining the progress report, for interpreting test results, explaining the written mid term report, and for answering questions about school programs. Please remember attending conferences is a great way to show your children you care about their progress in school.

Take the first step to living a healthier & happier life

Annie’s Corner Store Chris (Ann), Owner

Clues will be printed in the Hometown News and on the city’s website which is www.greyeaglemn.govoffice2.com.

Stop in at these businesses to stay posted: Style ‘n Go, Central MN Credit Union, Village Café, Update Building Supplies, Grey Eagle Library and Burtrum Liquor. Have fun!

Produce Fancy Navel Oranges 79¢ lb.

Braeburn Apples 89¢ lb.

Dole Cello Lettuce 99¢ Carrots 2 lb. bag $1.09 Rutabaga 89¢ lb.

Our Family Light Corn Syrup 32 oz. $3.59 Shorelunch Fish Batter 9 oz. $1.99 Bush’s Baked Beans 28 oz. $2.49 Hellman’s Tatar Sauce 9 oz. $2.29 Ragu Cheese Alfredo Sauce 16 oz. $2.99 Keebler Vanilla Wafers 12 oz. $3.99 La Banderita Whole Wheat Tortilla Shell 16 oz. $2.59 WIC Creamette Egg Noodles 16 oz. $2.49 Canoe Wild Rice 15 oz. can $2.59

Household

Cottonelle Double Roll Toilet Tissue 6 ct. $6.29 Parson Lemon Ammonia 28 oz. $1.49 X-tra Laundry Liquid 2x Detergent w/Bleach 75 oz. $3.99

Hours: Mon.-Sat.: 8 am.-5:30 pm.

Sun.: 8 am-12 Noon

A special thank you to all who support your local small town grocery store.

Chris, Annie, Kathy, Judy & Mitchell

Taking A Poll

1. How important is it to you to have our store in Grey Eagle?

_____________________________________ _____________________________________

2. What would you miss most if we were not here?

_____________________________________ _____________________________________ All comments are welcomed.

Your feedback and thoughts are very important to me, to help make some important decisions.

Please drop off your answers in the store, we will have a box for them. You may sign them or leave them unsigned.

Thanks for your past support. And for continuing to let us serve you.

Chris

February Winner Linda Gohman

Frequent Shopper

• Bush’s Baked Beans 28 oz. $1.99 w/a filled card

• FREE Cass Clay Gallon of Milk w/a filled card • FREE Cass Clay 5 qt. Pail Vanilla Ice Cream w/a filled card Ask for your card today!

Page 4 • Hometown News • Thursday, February 23, 2012

Obituaries Alvin J. Scherping

Alvin J. Scherping, 67 year old resident of Swanville, MN passed away Sunday, February 19, 2012 at St. Gabriel’s Hospital in Little Falls, MN. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 A.M. on Friday, February 24, 2011 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Swanville, MN with Father Ron Dockendorf officiating.

Burial will take place in St. John the Baptist Parish Cemetery. Friends may call from 4-8 P.M. on Thursday and from 1011 A.M. on Friday at St. John the Baptist Church in Swanville, MN. Parish prayers will be prayed at 7 P.M. on Thursday at the Church.

Alvin was born on March 9, 1944 in Freeport, MN to the late Gotthard & Gertrude (Wolbeck) Scherping. He attended Catholic school in Farming, MN. Alvin was united in marriage to Elaine R. Becker on July 7, 1964 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Long Prairie, MN. He drove milk truck for 5 years in the area along with tending to his own dairy farm at the same time. Alvin operated his dairy farm for many years north of Swanville, MN until 2005 when he began raising beef

Christopher A. Platz cows. In 1986 Alvin and Elaine built their own home on the farm from scratch and have resided there until his sudden death.

Alvin was a very crafty man, he was an excellent welder and had a great passion for fixing and collecting John Deere tractors. He enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, bowling, going on four-wheeler rides, and working with wood. Alvin was a man of many practical jokes and he would play them on any of his friends and family members. He also had a large collection of hats, pens, and watches. Alvin loved and thought the world of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Swanville, MN. Alvin is survived by wife, Elaine Scherping of Swanville, MN; children, Dianne (Dan) Fruechte of Swanville, MN, Brenda (Ken) Middendorf of Sauk Centre, MN, Connie Johnson of Knoxville, TN, Juli Anne Scherping of Swanville, MN, Alvin Jr. “Butch” (Bobbi) Scherping of Clear Lake, MN, and Karen ScherpingHagen of Swanville, MN; brothers, Lambert (Gloria) Scherping of Little Falls, MN and Victor (Linda) Scherping of Swanville, MN; 19 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Alvin was preceded in death by parents, Gotthard & Gertrude Scherping; sisters, Geraldine and Clara.

Funeral arrangements are with the Shelley-Gibson Funeral Chapel in Swanville, MN.

Upsala School 10th Annual Book Fair

Please join us for our 10th annual Upsala High School Book Fair beginning February 27, during Parent Teacher Conferences. The Fair will run from February 27 to March 5 and will be open weekdays after school until 8:00 p.m. in the Upsala School Commons. The event raises funds to purchase books for the Cardinal Media Center at Upsala High School.

The fair will feature popular titles for kids as well as parents. The fair will participate in the “One for the Books”, a Scholastic program that allows all funds donated to stay at Upsala while giving the corresponding amount in books to

national literacy initiatives.

If you can’t make it to the fair or would like more selection, please consider buying from our online fair at http://bookfairs.scholastic.com/homepage/uas. The online fair is open 24/7 from February 21 to March 12. Online fair purchases are delivered to the school and sent home with your child.

The Book Fair will get everyone excited about reading. It’s a reading celebration! We appreciate your support!

For more information, contact Marisa George or Wanda Erickson at 320-573-2175.

Dingmann’s Locker Kerzman Construction Co. Custom Processing On the Farm Butchering Upsala, MN: 320-573-2162

Building • Remodeling • Additions Windows • Siding • Roofing Jeremy: 320-250-7785 Larry: 320-285-7595

Christopher A. Platz, age 38, Sartell, MN died February 9, 2012 at his home.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, February 13, 2012 at 2:00 PM at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church, St. Stephen, MN. Burial with full Military Honors was in the St. Stephen Parish Cemetery.

Chris was born March 7, 1973 in St. Cloud, MN to Arnold and Carol (Hlebain) Platz, Jr. He grew up in Avon, MN and graduated from Albany High School and Brainerd Technical College. Chris joined the Army National Guard in 1990 and transferred to the Air Force Reserves 934th Airlift Wing Unit serving as a Technical Sergeant. He served on active duty at the

Rita Darlene Elfering

Rita Darlene Elfering, 58 of Freeport, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2012, surrounded by her family, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Rita was born in Ozark, Arkansas, the youngest of 11 children of Luther and Francess Holdar. Rita graduated from Ozark High School in 1971. She attended Ozark Polytechnic before enlisting in the United States Air Force. She served at F.E. Warren AFB in Cheyenne, Wyoming after completing the Minuteman III Missile System Course at Chanute AFB, in Rantoul, Illinois. After leaving the Air Force, Rita earned her AA from Laramie Community College in Cheyenne.

It was during her time in the Air Force in Wyoming that she met Dan Elfering, the love of her life. They were married in 1979 and moved to Minnesota in 1980 when he was released from active duty. Their son,

Village Cafe

Mon.-Sat.: 6 am-2 pm Sunday: 6 am-1 pm

1 Block off I-94 Albany Exit 1004 Shamrock Lane • Albany

320-845-2168 Kitchen Restaurant Hours: Monday - Thursday: 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Friday - Saturday: 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Sunday: 6 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Lenten Food Items

320-285-2800 Grey Eagle

• Cod Sandwich • Shrimp Poppers • Tuna Sandwiches • Egg Salad Sandwiches

BURTRUM Liquor

• WEEKLY SPECIALS •

STUBBY’S TAVERN

Joshua, was born in 1982.

After moving to Minnesota, Rita went back to school at St. Cloud State University and received a BA in Psychology in 1982 and a Masters in Psychology in 1986. Rita worked as a social services counselor for several years before moving to the optical industry, where she worked for 20 years until her retirement in 2009. She also served on the school board in Melrose, MN, for 11 years.

Rita loved the outdoors, photography, reading and traveling. She also loved her puppy Sparky, who brought her great joy after her retirement and throughout her cancer battle, even staying with her in the hospital on weekends.

Rita is survived by her loving husband of 33 years Dan; beloved son Joshua; daughter-in-law Katie; siblings MaryAnne (Paul), Eleanor, Fanny, Milli (Al), Jim (Carmen), Maxine (Bob), Bob (BJ), Fran (Al), Frank (Elise); and many nieces and nephews, friends and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Luther and Francess Holdar, and a brother, Tom. Internment was at Fort Snelling National Cemetery on Friday, February 10th, 2012 at 12:30 p.m. A memorial open house took place at the Meadowlark Country Club in Melrose, MN on Saturday, February 11th, from 1:00-4:00 p.m.

• Breakfast Specials (All Day) • Noon Specials • Fresh ground coffee • Homemade Soups

Mon.-Thurs. 11 am to 11 pm Fri.-Sat. 11 am-1 am

Family Restaurant

Ali Al Salem Base in Kuwait in 2011.

Chris married Jessica Pfeil on May 22, 2008 in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. He was employed as a Correctional Officer at the Minnesota Correctional Facility, St. Cloud, MN. Chris loved his family, the beauty of the wilderness, woods, his home and spending time hunting and fishing with his friends and family.

Survivors include his wife, Jessica Platz of Sartell, MN; stepdaughter, Tasha Smith of Sartell, MN; mother, Carol Hlebain of Avon, MN; father, Arnold Platz, Jr. of Avon, MN; siblings, Robert (Pam) Platz of Lake Elmo, MN; Cindy Swanson of Baltimore, MD; and Mary (Braneslav) Platz-Ivanovski of Macedonia; grandparents, Arnold Platz, Sr. of Avon, MN; Alice and Steve Hlebain of St. Stephen, MN. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Doris Platz.

Funeral arrangements were made by Benson Funeral Home, St. Cloud, MN.

MONDAY: VALUE MEAL $5.25 TUESDAY: CHICKEN FRY (All You Can Eat) 4:30 - 9 p.m.

320-285-2196

• Angus Cheeseburgers • Philly Cheese Steak & Rib Sandwiches

On/Off Sale • Cashless ATM • Pull Tabs • Lottery • Ice

Lange’s

320-573-2100 • Upsala

M-F: 5-10; Sat.-Sun.: 6-10

www.langeoil.com

$6.99 • Senior Price $6.50 • Kids 8 & under: $3.50

WEDNESDAY: BBQ RIBS $8.99 (All You Can Eat) THURSDAY: SPAGHETTI $6.99 (All You Can Eat) FRIDAY: FISH FRY $7.99 (All You Can Eat) SATURDAY: 8 oz. Sirloin Steak & Shrimp $13.99 SUNDAY: 3 MEAT SMORGASBORD $7.99 FULL BEEF COMMERCIAL: $5.99 1/2 ORDER: $3.25

Three Private Meeting Rooms Available Handling Groups of 20-150

Call for Info & Reservations

Friday Lenten Specials

Includes Choice of Potato, Soup or Salad

• Fish (All You Can Eat) $6.50 • 21 Shrimp.........$5.50 • Grilled Shrimp..$9.95 Also Available

12 oz. Ribeye $8.95

Sat., Feb. 25

DJ Bullet Bob Let’s Go to the WILD Game March 17th! Stop in for details.

ALL STARS SPORTS BAR & GRILL St. Rosa • 320-836-2154

Hometown News • Thursday, February 23, 2012 • Page 5

The First Step is a Cinch

By Saralee Perel “Where have you been?” a neighbor named Stacy said.

“Where have you been?” my neighbor, Robert, asked.

I was riding my three-wheeler bike down our road. The bike is made specifically for people like me who are disabled. “Well,” I said to the dozen or so neighborhood folks who asked me the same question. “I took time off to be depressed.”

I was on my bike that day because of a breakthrough. I can still visualize myself on a recent afternoon, when I debated about opening our front door and re-entering the outside world. The

breakthrough occurred because of this thought: “If I keep waiting until I want to do something, I’ll be waiting forever.”

Oddly, this new way of thinking began because of a 21-year-old movie I watched called, “City Slickers.” Mitch, played by Billy Crystal, is dreadfully depressed as he takes us through his comical mid-life funk.

During his journey of recovery, he was taught “the secret of life.” But here’s the thing: Finding that secret could never have happened until Mitch stopped waiting for happiness to come to him and instead took the first step himself.

First steps, I have learned, are nowhere near as huge as they sound.

They’re actually quite simple. They have to be.

My husband, Bob, heard me crying when the movie ended. “I thought it was a comedy,” he said.

Information meetings about UCare for Seniors Medicare Advantage plan October meetings are offered at no cost and are open to the public UCare is holding informational meetings about its UCare for Seniors Medicare Advantage plan Tuesday, March 6 at 10:30 a.m. at the Horizon Health, 26814 143rd Street, Pierz and 2:00 p.m. at the Carnegie Library, 108 3rd St. NE, Little Falls. Members of UCare’s sales staff will discuss the 2012 UCare for Seniors Classic, Value Plus, Standard D, and Value plans.

UCare for Seniors has more than 88,000 members across Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

To register for a meeting or for more information, call 1-877-523-1518 (toll free).

About UCare: UCare (www.ucare. org) is an independent, nonprofit health plan providing health care and administrative services to more than 200,000 members. UCare partners with health care providers, counties, community organizations, and other member-directed groups to create and deliver innovative health coverage plans for: Medicare-eligible individuals throughout Minnesota and in western Wisconsin.

• Individuals and families enrolled

in income-based Minnesota Health Care Programs, such as MinnesotaCare and Prepaid Medical Assistance Program.

•Adults with disabilities and Medicare beneficiaries with chronic health conditions.

• Minnesotans dually eligible for Medical Assistance and Medicare.

Think Fossils!

Come and join us for a fun filled morning learning about fossils on Wednesday, April 11. Dr. Stan Lewis will inform on what fossils actually are and how to determine the age of fossils.

He will tell us how to collect and preserve the fossils we may find. Dr. Lewis will bring fossils to share. He encourages you to bring in your fossils to share or to get assistance in identifying and aging them.

Dr. Stan Lewis is a retired biology professor from St. Cloud State University. He taught there for 40 years Additional information about this event can be obtained by calling 320253-8424.

“It was hysterical.”

“Then why are you crying?”

“Because it made me realize I’ve wasted six months of my life by settling into depression and waiting, waiting, waiting to come out of it.”

That was the instant I took that first step. I grabbed my cane and said, “I’m going to ride my trike.”

He tried to stop me. “You’ve been on your feet all day. You can hardly walk after that. And you haven’t been on your trike for ages!”

“Bob, if I don’t do this now, I am never going to do it.” I knew that. I knew that from the depths of me. I had to do something to help myself.

And it had to be now.

I’d have never done this had I thought, “I’m going to grab my cane, find the keys, check the weather, find the bike lock,” and on and on, ending with something overwhelmingly sabotaging like, “and ride every day for the rest of my entire life.”

I biked down our road, loving every minute. It’s a new me, a new life and all because of one simple decision.

And so, the secret of life that Mitch learned?

To paraphrase from the movie: “Just one thing,” Curly, the wise cowboy said.

“You stick to that and the rest is foolish detail.”

“What is that one thing?”

“That’s what you have to find out for yourself.”

For Mitch, it was not about taking an adventurous trip out West; it was merely agreeing to read the brochure.

For Mitch’s wife, it was just saying these words to him: “I want you to have

BLENKERS ROOFING, LLC

Competitive Estimates

Melrose • 320-256-5400

THE JUNCTION Convenience Store • Bait Open 7 days a week Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Cold Spring Bakery • Schaefer’s Meats Leanin’ Tree Gift Cards • DVDs

320-547-2120 Swanville

On/Off Sale

Monday's: $4.95 Dine-in 1/2 Nacho Only Tuesday’s: $1.50 6 oz. Burger Night Wednesday’s: $6.95 8 pc. Broasted Chicken Thursday’s: $5.45 Broasted Chicken Drummie Basket Music: 9 PM-2 AM w/ toast & Fries Homemade Feb. 25: Friday’s: $14.00 Pizza 12” 2 topping Pizza Myro The King Happy Hour w/pitcher of beer Mon. - Fri., 5-7 pm

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

Every Friday During Lent Serving 5-9 PM

• 7 Butterfly Shrimp • Hand Breaded Fish

Both dinners include choice of potato, cole slaw & toast

5.50

$

Lenten Specials Fish & Butterfly Shrimp w/French Fries, Toast, Coleslaw $7.50 ~ or ~ Seafood Salad w/choice of Dressing $7.95

• Open 7 Days a Week/Sunday at noon • Kitchen Opens at 11 a.m.

Wed. Feb. 29th,

LEAP YEAR DAY Specials

• Buy 1 Drink at Reg. Price Receive 2nd Drink for $1.29 • Happy Hour 1:29-7:29 p.m.

FREE SNACKS

Saturday, Feb. 25 DJ Music By

RICK’S

ENTERTAINMENT

Bar & Grill

Double R

www.doublerbarandgrill.com

Grey Eagle • 320-285-2965

Friday Night Lent Specials

Sat., Feb. 25

8 oz. Salmon....... 12.95 Broiled Shrimp...... $ 9.95 A.Y.C.E. Cod......... $8.95

PRIME RIB $ 1495

Starting Feb. 24 • 5-9 PM $

Meat Lover’s Special:

320-285-2484 • Grey Eagle ~ Nightly Specials 5-9 PM ~

that adventure and find … your smile.”

It was when Mitch realized by simply giving his wife one single kiss: “Today is my very best day!”

And for me, it was grabbing my old wooden walking stick.

Award-winning columnist/novelist, Saralee Perel, can be reached at sperel@saraleeperel.com Please click “Like” on her Facebook Fan Page: www.facebook.com/4footedcoach. Her novel “Raw Nerves” is now available as a paperback and an e-book.

20 oz. Porterhouse $16.95 Includes Potato, Soup & Salad Bar

5-9 PM

Includes Potato, Soup & Salad Bar

Noon Lunch Specials

Fri., Feb. 24: Hot Beef Sandwich or Tuna Melt Sat., Feb. 25: Turkey Melt on Cranberry

Wild Rice Bread

Sun., Feb. 26: Bar Opens at Noon; Kitchen at 3 PM

1/4 Chicken, Pork Chop, Steak & Shrimp

Mon., Feb. 27: Grilled Ham FREE POOL Tues., Feb. 28: M&O Dinner All The Wed., Feb. 29: Wieners & Alushki Time!

Thur., Mar. 1: BBQ Ribs

320-573-FOOD

320-285-4541 Formerly the Golden Eagle

Daily Lunch Specials

Restaurant and Bar Upsala, MN NEW HOURS: Mon-Wed. Open at 5 pm; Thurs.-Fri: Open at 9 am; Sat.-Sun.: Open at 8 am

THURSDAY: Create Your Own STIR FRY or PASTA Choose Your Veggies, Meats, Pasta & Sauce Watch it prepared in our dining room.

Includes Caesar Salad or Egg Rolls $8.49

Friday Lunch Special Sunfish Sandwich $5.99 Shrimp Basket $7.99 - All Day DINNER SPECIAL: Cedar Plank Salmon $13.99 Fish Fry - All You Can Eat - $9.99 Saturday: Prime Rib Special (5pm-until gone) 8oz. $11.99 - 12oz. $14.99 - 16oz. $17.99 Includes Salad Bar

Sunday Brunch Buffet $9.99 / 9:30am-1pm

D I N N E R S P E C I A L S

Monday: 1/3 lb. Hamburger Baskets $4.75 or 50¢ OFF All Burger Baskets Tues.: Taco Bar $5 Wed.: Burger Night $1.50 Thurs.: Steak Night - $1.50 OFF Sirloin Dinners Sat.: Ribeye Au Jus $12.95 Sun. (All Day): $1.50 OFF Chicken Dinners

Starting Feb. 24

FRIDAY LENT SPECIALS

9:30 am-1 pm: Chicken, Ham, Eggs, Potato Pancakes, Biscuits & Gravy, Belgian Waffles, Salad Bar.

Sat., Feb. 25

Monday: Liver & Onions $6.99 Tuesday: Broasted Chicken Buffet $7.99 Wednesday: Jumbo Taco - Beef, Chicken or Fish $6.49

HIGH OCTANE

Now Serving (Locally Raised) ELK BURGERS

9 PM-1 AM

DAYTONA 500

Sunday, Feb. 26 ALL During the Race Happy Hour Drink Specials 1/4 lb. Burger Baskets $ 4.50

Page 6 • Hometown News • Thursday, February 23, 2012

Community Snapshots

EMAIL US YOUR PHOTOS! • htnews@meltel.net

Bob Pallansch Jr. participating in the radar run, which was part of the Race on Trace. Photo by John Young.

Steve Borgerding: As seen through the eyes of a Boy Scout There will be an appreciation open house for Scoutmaster Steve’s 30 years of service on Saturday, Feb. 25 from 2-5 p.m. at the Melrose American Legion.

By Sergio Meyer You never forget someone you truly look up to. You never forget how important they were to your life. You definitely never forget how you met them, and I’ll never forget how I met Steve Borgerding.

I was only twelve years old and never met the guy, but I’d heard a lot about “Scoutmaster Steve.” My older brother had already been a Boy Scout for a couple years and I was constantly jealous of all the fun times he’d gotten to have.

The first Boy Scout meeting I went to was at a gym in Melrose. The troop was close to its biggest size, almost 40 Scouts. At the very center of the crowd was Steve. You could tell he looked a little stressed, a little tired. Who wouldn’t be after a full work day, and then coming to that many kids running around and screaming?

But at the same time you could tell he was in charge. Within seconds of him lifting his hand and showing the threefinger salute everyone was silenced.

He was in charge and we knew it. I re-

Kimmy Mrozek scored her 1000th point career in the game against Swanville Tuesday night with about 9 minutes to go. She needed 18 points to achieve it.

Photo by Nate Knudtson. member the rest of the meeting with Steve teaching us exactly what that sign meant, being introduced to new friends I’d have for life, and of course playing games! The fun was only interrupted once to do push-ups; Steve had zero tolerance for swearing.

That was just a taste of what was to come and I had plenty to look forward to, with Steve guiding us every step of the way. Most people think of camping but that was just a small part of the Boy Scout experience. The next 6 years, because of Steve, I got to travel across the

country, act in a comedy show for charity, learn how to be a better leader, and overcome more than one phobia. (Problem with heights and deep water!)

It takes a unique person to run something like a Boy Scout troop as well as Steve did. Sure, you need dedication but that’s not enough. Steve had passion. He cared about every single one of those scouts and wanted them to succeed, whether they were in the troop for a week or six years.

The problem with passion is it can Steve continued to pg 7

Kutter Insurance Agency

LAGOON TANKS & PUMPS

FOR ALL YOUR INSURANCE NEEDS!

Oldest & Most Experienced Houle Dealer in Central MN!

NEW & USED EQUIPMENT Ken & Peg Hartung 310 Industrial Dr. - Freeport, MN

320-836-COWS

After Hours: 320-267-8568

www.hartungsales.com

Follow us on Facebook News Updates Additional Photos Plus More!

Join Us Today!

www.facebook.com/hometownnews

Insuring cars, homes, boats, farms & recreational vehicles for the past 20 years!

107 Main Street, Grey Eagle

kutterinsuranceagency.com Michael W. Kutter • Janine L. Kutter 320-285-2299 • 800-955-6051

Total Agri-Business Services, Inc.

"25+ years of serving Central Minnesota Farmers & Businesses."

We prepare the following for Individuals, Partnerships, and Corporations: • Taxes (State & Fed) • Special Credits • Farm & Business Record Keeping • Estimates • Sales Tax Work • Property Tax Refunds • Payroll Taxes • Gas Tax Credits • College Financial Aid forms • Tax Planning

Year round tax preparation.

Reduce your STRESS by letting us do your tax returns for you.

Give Jim or Cindy a Call Today at: (320) 845-4795 301 Railroad Ave., Albany • Email: tabs@albanytel.com

Hometown News • Thursday, February 23, 2012 • Page 7

Minnesota Through The Lens:

Submitted by Tom Gray

Fire departments from Albany and surrounding towns were called out to a shed fire north of Albany Sunday evening. Photo by Jan Theisen

Swanville Jr. High School February Student of the Month Swanville Jr./ Sr. High is proud to announce Heidi Hohman as the February Student of the Month for 7-9th grades. Heidi is the daughter of Colette and David Hohman. She is a ninth grade

student.

Heidi has participated in theatre since seventh grade and played Junior High volleyball as a seventh grade student. Outside of school Heidi enjoys swimming, hanging out with friends and playing video games. Her future plans are living in a warmer state and going to college to become a physician. Heidi offers the following advice for fellow students, “Try your best and never give up on new things.”

“Heidi is a pleasant student to work with,” states Mrs. Liza Hasse, math teacher. Mrs. Hasse adds, “She always has a kind word and smile to share with others. Heidi is very respectful towards

Echo Dealer

her peers, the staff and herself. Heidi works hard to complete each and every assignment that is given in a timely manner. When she makes mistakes she tries hard to understand those mistakes and learn from them. I have enjoyed working with Heidi and look forward to working with her in the future.

Tom Bzdok, Social Studies teachers echoes these comments and adds, “Heidi is a wonderful person to have in class.

She comes into class everyday with a friendly smile on her face and a positive attitude. She is a very mature young lady who never complains, or makes excuses when things do not go as planned. Heidi is well liked by her classmates, is kind to everyone she meets, and is able to remove herself from negative distractions around her. Heidi is the type of student who will make the right decisions in life, and is sure to put a smile on everyone’s face. Congratulations Heidi!”

Melrose 1 Stop is Serving FREE Coffee & Cappuccino Thursday-Sunday, Feb. 23-26

To submit a nature photo for Minnesota Through The Lens, email it in it’s original (large) size to htnews@meltel.net.

Steve continued from page 6 take a toll on the heart. You could tell how much it hurt Steve when an outing was canceled because of low participation, or when the troop shrank in size from 5 patrols to just one. He pushed on though and worked harder than anyone to keep the troop alive.

Steve has done too much for me and every other Melrose Boy Scout in the past 30 years to list. Heck, he’s done too much for the whole community. It’d be impossible to know how many lives he’s influenced. The truth is he’s not just “Scoutmaster Steve” to us Scouts. He’s Leader Steve, Charity Steve, Friend Steve, Game Master Steve, and the always Cheerful Steve.

Now, even years after graduating from the troop, I still consider Steve a great friend. I know it’s the same way for many others. I can count on him to give life advice or just hang out and watch a movie. After 30 years he’s finally retired from being Scoutmaster but hasn’t left Scouting completely. You can still find him donating time and energy, primarily as Troop Treasurer. Steve Borgerding is

Sharpen Chain Saw Blades Sharpen & Balance Lawn Mower Blades

Beth Thieschafer, EA Income Tax Returns Electronic Tax Filing Corporate Tax Returns Wage Tax Returns Payroll Services Bookkeeping Services

Rebuilding Alternators, Starters & Generators

Hiltner Company Inc. 320-836-2122

320-256-7374

Hours: Mon.-Fri: 8 am-5 pm; Sat: By Appointment or Call Ahead

317 East Main St., Melrose • www.thieschaferaccounting.com

w on! e N ati c Lo Authorized Skidoo & Seadoo Can-Am Dealer

SALES & SERVICE 320-351-SNOW (7669)

www.centre-sports.com 43164 Cty Rd 112 N. Hwy 71 • Sauk Centre, MN

Beautiful year round home on Long Lake By Hub Supper Club. 3 bdr. 3 bath. Kitchen has hickory cabinets. Master bdr. has master bath & walk-in closet. Very unique landscaping to the lake with cement pillars & tiered walls. Vaulted ceilings. Great Price! $269,900.00

Beth Thieschafer

AUTO REPAIR

216 W. Main St., Freeport

FOR SALE: 40 Acre Parcel. West of Long Prairie on Cty Rd 11. Adjacent to State Land. Great hunting for waterfowl. $24,900.00

Accounting Ltd.

Small Engine Repair

Towing

one of a kind and Boy Scout Troop 68, Melrose, and I are lucky to have him.

Snowmobiles • ATVs Personal Watercraft • Docks & Lifts

WE HAVE MOVED! 119 1st Ave. N, Freeport 320-836-7194 www.uptownhairstudiomn.com

Grey Eagle: 2 bdr 1 bath home. Nice corner lot. 2 stall garage. Great Price... $49,900.00 Call Me For a Free Market Analysis!

Judy Frieler, Realtor

320-491-0024

Benchmark

Real Estate Services

Hair • Nails • Makeup • Tanning

Welcoming...

• Melanie Herkenhoff, Stylist • Janelle Schlangen, Stylist • Lu Rademacher, Stylist • Fe Buschmann, Nail Tech

Mention ad for $5 off a Color, $3 off a Cut and $3 off a Pedicure!

Page 8 • Hometown News • Thursday, February 23, 2012

Notes from the Capitol By State Rep. Paul Anderson

As this is income tax time for many residents, I thought it would be good to review how Minnesota differs from federal tax requirements pertaining to depreciation.

We get many inquiries about our state matching federal section 179 expensing guidelines. The simple answer is that Minnesota does not match up with IRS rules in this regard.

In tax year 2011 on federal tax returns, businesses (including farms) can claim up to one-half million dollars of property expenditures under what’s known as Section 179. Because of this, a business can deduct the entire amount (up to the limit) of the cost of qualifying property in the tax year the property is placed in service, rather than claiming depreciation deductions over a number of years.

As mentioned, Minnesota does not conform to the federal section 179 expensing amount. Instead, our state allows $25,000, the same amount that was in effect before tax year 2003, which is when the federal government began a series of increases to the amount allowed under section 179 expensing. Minnesota

actually matched the federal increases up through 2005, when the maximum amount allowed was $105,000. Since that time, Minnesota has gone back to $25,000 while the federal amount kept increasing. However, unless Congress acts, the maximum amount allowed next year on federal tax returns is scheduled to drop back to $138,000.

So for tax year 2011, a Minnesota business may claim up to $25,000 in expensing on its state tax return. In addition, this amount is reduced dollar for dollar by the cost of property placed in service over $200,000.

Although news reports can sometimes become self-fulfilling, we are already hearing that gasoline prices could increase to well above $4 per gallon this summer. The latest world news item to cause concern has Iran stopping oil exports to parts of Europe. This is coming at a time when our economy seems to be on a slow recovery, and since gasoline and diesel fuel affect the price of nearly everything we purchase, it’s not good news. It’s another reason why we need to produce more of our energy here at home, or at least in North America as Canada is our largest source of imported oil.

This is an important week in Minnesota as a five-judge panel releases official maps showing new boundary lines

Framing • Remodeling Roofing • Siding • Windows LATE MODEL CARS & TRUCKS

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

You Name It!

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

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

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

You'll Like Dealing With Us!

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

Lic #2063 4900

Jim Revermann (Melrose) 320-837-5286 Cell 320-250-2786

Paul (St. Cloud) 320-654-9643 Cell 320-333-9643

Melrose Main Street Repair Inc. Main Street, Melrose • 320-256-3623

• Full Service Auto & Light Truck Mechanics • Truck Accessories • Performance Products • Snow Plow Sales & Repair • Small Engine Repair • Skid Loader Tires

Thought for the week:

I think that no matter how old or infirm I may become, I will always plant a large garden in the spring. Who can resist the feelings of hope and joy that one gets from participating in nature’s rebirth? ~Edward Giobbi

for all legislative and congressional districts in the state. It’s the result of new census data that’s put together every ten years. Rural Minnesota will probably lose several seats in the legislature as the population continues its shift towards the metropolitan areas of the state.

I will provide details of the new districts in an e-mail update when they are made available during the afternoon of Feb. 21st. To receive this and other updates, my contact information is listed below.

Rep. Anderson can be contacted by email at rep.paul.anderson@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-4317. To receive email updates sign-up on his webpage at www.house.mn/13a. Mail can be sent

Art Johnson Contruction Room Additions to full Home Construction

Licensed • Insured Bonded 320-285-5430 Grey Eagle, MN

Brian’s Painting Interiors, Exteriors, Staining, Varnishing

Brian Middendorf 25 Years Experience 320-285-4403

I SK

S

LUMBER

FULL SERVICE

LUMBERYARD

Ph: 320-547-2339 • Fax: 320-547-0085

Stop in for estimates on all your building projects, big or small

2nd. & DeGraff P.O. Box 278 • Swanville

to Rep. Paul Anderson, 445 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, Minnesota 55155.

“When that bad boy threw stones at you,” said the mother, “why didn’t you call me instead of throwing stones back at him?”

“Why?” asked the boy. “You couldn’t hit the side of a barn.”

Too many throw stones instead of turning the other cheek. They lash back, they don’t love back.

You can’t get ahead of anyone if you’re trying to get even with him. The only people you should try to get even with are those who have helped you.

Has someone hurt you? Slight it, forget it and do good in return.

Our Lord said, “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.”

Hoffman Tree Service, LLC

• 60’ Bucket Truck • Tree Trimming Free • Tree Removal Estimates • Stump Removal • Lot Cleaning • Custom Brush Mowing ~ Licensed and Insured ~

320-351-9018 • 320-260-9377

Hometown News • Thursday, February 23, 2012 • Page 9

Local Municipality Minutes Burnhamville Township January 13, 2012 The regular meeting of the Town Board of Burnhamville Township was held January 31, 2012 at the Burtrum Community Center. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by chairman Mike Berscheit. Members present include Supervisors: Mike Berscheit, Louis Thompson, Bruce Johnson; Clerk Shirley Hulinsky; and Treasurer Pam Throener. Others present: Tom Kuehne, Erv Herdering.

Sup. Thompson made a motion to approve the minutes of the December 27, 2011 regular meeting. Motion seconded by Sup. Johnson . Motion passed.

Correspondence included notices about the Long Prairie Fire Department township meeting, information on a wetlands seminar, dust control supplier advertising and a letter from Minnesota State Rep. Mary Franson.

A township resident came to comment on the condition of 184th Street. This road is very rough due to winter conditions and heavy use from the fishing access on Swan Lake and more year round homes.

Several ideas were discussed for road maintenance and quotes will be discussed at the next meeting.

Motion was made by Sup. Berscheit to pay all bills numbered 4581 through 4591: Rev. $885.94, R&B $3,611.00. Sup. Thompson seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Looking forward to road improvements, a supervisor will talk to land owners along 210th Street about possible placement of washout chutes in the ditches.

The Todd County Snowmobile Trail permit was discussed. As this has been in use for several years Sup. Johnson made a motion to approve the presented permit. Sup. Thompson seconded the motion.

Motion passed.

The board heard reports of the Grey Eagle Fire Department/City Hall building needing money for roof repairs. The supervisors will look into funding for this project.

March 13, 2012 is the annual township election and meeting.

Sup. Berscheit made a motion to appoint the following for election judges. Pam Throener, Terri Holmgrem, Dorothy Strassburg and Gloria Hobbs as alternate. The motion was seconded by Sup. Thompson. Also, the absentee ballot board, if needed, was appointed as Pam Throener and Dorothy Strassburg with Terri Holmgren as alternate. Motion was made by Sup. Berscheit and seconded by Sup. Johnson. Motions passed.

Treasurer’s report showed a balance of $165,423.16 before tonight’s bills. There are two CD’s due for renewal. Board agreed to renew for same term on a motion

by Sup. Berscheit and seconded by Sup. Thompson. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Sup. Berscheit to adjourn the meeting which was seconded by Sup. Thompson. Motion passed. The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

Next regular meeting will be on February 28, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. in the Burtrum Community Center which will include auditing of the clerk and treasurer‘s books.

These are unofficial minutes.

Shirley Hulinsky, Clerk Melrose City January 19, 2012 The Melrose City Council met in a Regular Meeting on Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. at the

Melrose City Center pursuant to due notice being given thereof. Present were Council Members Joe Finken, Dick Christenson, Jenny Mayers and Tony Klasen, Mayor Tim Vogel, City Administrator/Treasurer Michael Brethorst and City Clerk Patti Haase. Mayor Vogel presided thereat. Also in attendance were several American Government students from the Melrose Area Public High School. The Council then recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

A motion was made by Ms. Mayers, seconded by Mr. Finken and unanimously carried to approve the agenda as amended.

There was no one requesting to speak at the open forum.

The following items were considered for approval under the Consent Agenda: a. the minutes from the Council’s January 5 Regular Meeting. b. list of bills in the amount of $812,920.96. c. list of investments for the month of December 2011. d. Payroll Yearend 2011 Report which includes bi-weekly (employees), monthly (Ambulance Department), and quarterly (Council, Utilities Commission, and Police Reserves), and annual (Fire Dept, Boards & Commissions). e. Bailey Vogel’s one year leave of absence from the Ambulance Department ends on March 1, 2012. Ms. Vogel has submitted a letter of resignation effective January 4, 2012. She has served on the Department from January 1, 2009 through March 1, 2011.

There are currently 17 members on the Department which Ambulance Coordinator Jenn Tschida feels is adequate. f. Dave Vogel has submitted a letter of resignation from the Fire Department effective January 5, 2012. He has served on the Department since October 1, 1995.

With Mr. Vogel’s resignation, the Fire Department roster is at 27 of a 30-member Department. A notice is posted on the City’s website. Fire Chief Jeremy Kraemer and other members of the Department are also working on recruitment. g. consideration to approval of the following renewal liquor license applications: 1) Intoxicating Liquor: (a) License #1: Scott Wiehoff DBA Scooter’s Tavern, On and Off Sale, License #5: Sunday On Sale; (b) License #2: LKMTA Inc. DBA Melrose Place Pub, On and Off Sale; (c) License #3: Melrose Bowl Inc. DBA Melrose Bowl, On Sale, and License #3: Sunday On Sale; (d) License #4: The Dam, Inc. DBA The Dam Bar, On Sale, License #3: Off Sale, and License #4: Sunday On Sale; (e) License #5: Jason Brix Properties LLC DBA Sudz Bar, Inc., On Sale, and License #4: Off Sale; (f) License #5: LQR, Inc. DBA SPIRITZ Off Sale Liquor, Off Sale; (g) License #6: Meadowlark Country Club, On Sale, and License #2: Sunday On Sale; (h) License #7: Ana Hernandez DBA El Portal, On Sale, License #6: Sunday On Sale; (i) License #6: Coborn’s Inc. DBA Coborn’s Liquor, Off Sale 2) Club and Sunday On Sale: (a) License #1: American Legion Post #101, Club On Sale License, and License #1: Sunday On Sale.

3) Wine License: (a) License #1: John Dough’s Pizza, Wine License & 3.2% On Sale Malt Liquor.

4) 3.2% Off Sale Malt Liquor License: (a) License #1: Martinez Meat & Grocery 3.2% Off Sale Malt Liquor.

All applications must be executed, fees paid, and certificates

HOME OF PIONEER FEEDS

ALBANY

ROLLER MILLS, INC.

320-845-2303 Mon.-Fri. 8:00-5:00, Sat. 8:00-12:00 730 Church Ave • Albany, MN 56307

of insurance as to liquor liability coverage obtained for Council approval. Minnesota law requires cities to obtain proof that all licensees provide workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. The City must also obtain licensees’ social security numbers, and Minnesota and federal tax identification numbers for the Department of Revenue’s use.

All of the Off Sale Intoxicating Liquor License applications must be signed by the Police Chief. There are no delinquent taxes on any of the properties as verified on the Minnesota Alcohol licensing website, and Stearns County website.

The licenses to be effective March 1, 2012 to February 28, 2013.

Due to the revised Council meeting schedule and the insurance renewal process all necessary documentation was not available at the time of the meeting. Therefore, staff recommended that Council approval be contingent upon the City receiving the necessary documents.

Resolution No. 2012-2, Resolution Approving Gambling License to St. Mary’s Church for an exemption from lawful gambling license to hold bingo on March 25, 2012 at St. Mary’s Church. A motion was made by Mr. Christenson, seconded by Mr. Klasen and unanimously carried to approve the consent agenda.

The Council recognized Dave Rodahl for his sixteen years of service on the Planning and Zoning Commission. The Council also recognized Tim Gillet for his six years of service on the Commission. Mr. Gillet resigned his position on the Commission due to his relocating to St. Cloud. Mr. Gillet’s term would have expired in January of 2014. The Council will make an appointment to the Planning and Zoning Commission filling the vacancy later in the meeting.

Police Sergeant Craig Maus presented the Police Reserve Department Semi Annual Report. He noted that the Police Reserve unit is currently at one member. In the second half of 2011, the Police Reserves provided assistance with the parade for Riverfest. The reserves also provided security at the home football games. The Police Reserves continue ride along with the officers on a regular basis to maintain their required hours.

Ambulance Coordinator Jenn Tschida presented the Ambulance Department Semi Annual/Year-End Report and the 2013 proposed budget. She noted that there were 636 runs in 2011, 611 runs in 2010, and 578 in 2009. At year-end 2011, there was a net income of $36,589.43 compared to $60,274.17. The accounts receivable balance at year-end 2011 was $131,029.61 compared to $108,939.72 at yearend 2010 which is an increase of $22,089.89.

The proposed budgeted expenses for 2013 total $465,466, which includes $17,454 for building rent. The rental amount is based on total square footage of the lower level plus the upstairs living quarters for Ambulance Members on call, resulting in a 33% Ambulance/67% Fire Department share of the annual rental costs of $52,257. The projected revenues are $459,000, resulting in a deficit of $6,466, which would be taken from reserve funds. However, ambulance charges are continually monitored to meet operating costs.

Fire Chief Jeremy Kraemer next presented the Fire Department Semi Annual/Year-End Report and

Richard Horn, LTD

Certified Public Accountant • Corporate, Partnership, Farm and Individual Tax Consulting and Preparation • Computerized Bookkeeping • Payroll Accounting

312 East Main Street, Melrose

320-256-3917

the 2013 proposed budget. He stated there were 102 runs in 2011, compared to 74 runs in 2010, and 86 in 2009. Fire charge revenue totaled $19,200 compared to $16,920 in 2010. There was a total net income of $33,437; of which $17,000 is recommended to be added to clothing & equipment set-aside, and the remaining $16,437 be applied against the 2013 contract charges. There were also excess funds in the amount of $14,679.62 remaining at year-end 2010 which are being applied against the 2012 charges.

Fire #2 also includes the information on set-aside funds. A balance of $358,119.47 is available for vehicle equipment replacement set-aside at year-end 2011. For 2012, $35,100 is budgeted which would result in available funds of $393,219.47. (This includes the $134,505 in donations received for the purchase of the ladder truck in 2008 which the Fire Department stated was to be financed solely from donations and contributions.)

The Department is in the process of purchasing a 2007 Sutphen pumper truck at a cost of $322,000. It is anticipated that the 1977 Luverne pumper will be placed for sale. This will leave about $71,219 remaining in vehicle set-asides.

There are protective gear/ clothing/equipment set-aside funds of ($17,681.98); however, the Department will be receiving grant funding of $65,075 to offset this deficit. For 2012, $9,310 is being budgeted, which would result in $56,700 available for equipment/ clothing purchases.

Police Chief John Jensen presented the Police Department’s December monthly report. He stated there were 239 calls for services during this period, compared to 231 in December 2010. The yearly total of calls was 3149 in 2011 compared to 2538 in 2010. The

Department issued 236 traffic tickets in 2011. On January 20, 2011, a search warrant was issued which resulted in an arrest on possession of stolen property. On April 13, 2011 a search warrant was issued which resulted in an arrest on first degree controlled substance charge.

Melrose residents are encouraged to contact the Melrose Department to report any suspicious activity.

City Attorney Scott Dymoke reported that he has worked on the following items for the City: • Worked with City staff preparing summary of Flood Plain Regulation amendments to City Zoning Ordinances for publication.

• Worked with City staff preparing resolutions approving plat, vacating easements, and amending lease agreement for the CentraCare Plat.

• Worked with City Administrator reviewing terms of the new collective bargaining agreement regarding calculations of hours worked for determining overtime.

Planning and Development Director Gary Walz and Council/ Commission Member Klasen reported on the Commission’s January 12, 2012 organizational meeting. At the Commission’s meeting, Henry Ahrens and Jeanne Kraemer were reappointed as the Chair and Vice-Chair respectively. The meeting focused on a review of potential projects, actions and requests which the Commission may be expected to address in 2012. Also held was a preliminary discussion on updating the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances.

Mayor Vogel noted that bid opening for the City of Melrose Street Signs was held on Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at the Melrose City Center. The lowest bid was received from Gopher Sign Company in the amount $9,054.07 which includes tax and freight. The funds have been set aside and the

WALLEYE

CRAPPIE

BASS $

PERCH

Fish Prizes: 200 for Largest Fish

project was included in the Five Year Capital Improvement Plan.

The sign replacement will bring the City into compliance with the 2012 traffic sign requirements. A motion was made by Mr. Klasen seconded

by Ms. Mayers and unanimously carried accepting the low bid from Gopher Sign Company in the amount of $9,054.07.

Mayor Vogel noted that Streets/Parks Supervisor Mark Maus and his staff have done an extensive amount of research on different snow plow options. After researching all the different truck and equipment options staff has come to the conclusion that the 2011 demo from Nuss Truck & Equipment meets the City’s needs and would be the best value. The truck and equipment will cost $177,978.91 with a $6,000 allowance for the 1973 International.

A comparable new unit would be $16,463 more or $194,441.99. Depreciation per year on a 30-year schedule would be $5,932.63. The purchase is identified in the Five Year Capital Improvement Plan as a 2011 purchase. The equipment fund has adequate funds available.

Staff had researched the purchase of a used vehicle. A used truck in excellent condition that is 10 years old with approximately 80,000 miles would cost approximately $90,000. If the City is able to retain such a vehicle for an additional 15 years, the depreciation would be $6,000 per year plus the additional repairs due to the high miles.

Nuss Truck & Equipment had brought the snowplow truck to the Melrose Public Works building prior to the Council meeting for viewing and to answer questions.

All members of the Council had an opportunity to inspect the vehicle.

A motion was made by Mr. Finken, seconded by Mr. Christenson and

Continued to Pg 10

SUNFISH

NORTHERN

Each Species of Fish: $50 for Largest - $25 for 2nd Largest - $10 for 3rd Largest

1st 100 kids under 12 entered on lake will receive a FREE JIGGLE STICK Drawing on lake for kids 12 & under 2-$100.00 Kid’s Fishing Packages Donated by: Mark’s Lil’ Dipper

Page 10 • Hometown News • Thursday, February 23, 2012 Continued from Pg 9

unanimously carried to approve the purchase of the snow plow vehicle from Nuss & Equipment in the amount of $177,978.91, less the $6,000 allowance for the 1973 International.

Mayor Vogel noted that the Planning and Zoning Commission has a vacancy created by the resignation of Commission Member Gillet. Mr. Gillet’s term would have expired in January of 2014.

On Thursday, January 5, Mike Klaphake submitted his letter of interest followed by an application. An application has also been received from Josh Thieschafer. A motion was made by Mr. Klasen, seconded

by Ms. Mayers appointing Mike Klaphake to the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Mayor Vogel reported that the GAPP German Students from Bühl, Germany will be arriving in Melrose on February 15 and will be attending the Council’s February 16 meeting. Visiting students and teachers will be hosted by teachers and families of students attending the Melrose Area Public Schools.

Students will be integrated into classrooms, participate in community activities, and partake in field trips in Central Minnesota and the Twin Cities. A request has been made that a proclamation be adopted proclaiming February 19-25 as Bühl Week. A motion was made by Mr. Christenson, seconded by Mr. Finken and unanimously carried to adopt a proclamation proclaiming February 19-25 as Bühl Week.

Mayor Vogel reported that Ambulance Coordinator Jenn Tschida and Human Resources Technician Diane Gruber have reviewed the Volunteer Ambulance Department Policies and Procedures. The Policies and Procedures have been updated with only minor changes.

A motion was made by Ms. Mayers, seconded by Mr. Klasen and unanimously carried adopting the 2012 Volunteer Ambulance Department Policies and Procedures.

Mayor Vogel next reported that Fire Chief Jeremy Kraemer

and Human Resources Technician Gruber have reviewed the Volunteer Fire Department Policies and Procedures. A motion was made by Mr. Klasen, seconded by Mr. Christenson and unanimously carried adopting the revised 2012 Fire Department Policies and Procedures.

Mayor Vogel noted that the Council, at its August 25 meeting, approved continuing the publication of the Council agenda and recommended that this matter be reviewed again in January of 2012. Ms. Mayers stated that she believes it is an affordable public service to the community and a means in which to keep the residents informed. A motion was made by Ms. Mayers to continue publication of the agenda.

The motion was seconded by Mr. Christenson with a roll call vote recorded as follows: For: Council Members Mayers, Christenson, Finken, and Mayor Vogel; Against: Council Member Klasen.

Mayor Vogel noted that the Council, at its December 15, 2011 meeting, authorized staff to seek proposals for the Sauk River Park - Splash Pad/Skate Park Study. Proposals were due on Thursday, January 10, 2012 no later than 2:00 p.m.

Two proposals were received. One proposal from EAPC Architects from Bemidji and another from Stantec.

WSB has contacted the City and is interested in submitting a proposal. Staff obtained consent from the engineering firms allowing the City to consider allowing WSB to submit a proposal. It was the consensus of the Council to table this item until February 16 meeting allowing WSB to submit a proposal.

Mayor Vogel reported that the Council, at its October 20, 2011 meeting, authorized the Police Department to obtain quotes for a 2012 vehicle. It was noted at the meeting that the Department would be trading in the 2006 Crown Victoria for a 2012 all-wheel drive vehicle that would be the Chief’s vehicle, but would be used by the Officers during inclement weather.

Administrator Brethorst stated that

Word Search Answers from Feb. 16

THE FINISHING TOUCH

CUSTOM CABINETS & FURNITURE

Kitchen Cabinets • Bathroom Cabinets • Bedroom Sets • Pre-Finishing of Trim • Free Estimates

Corey Miller, Owner, Albany

320-492-7808

R.G.S. Masonry, Inc. Block, Brick, Natural Stone Cultured Stone, Sidewalks, Driveways Exposed Aggregate, Acid Staining

Randy Servatius 320-256-3039 • 320-260-1295

22 East Third Street South, Melrose

the Department is starting a 5.3 year per vehicle average replacement schedule, with the Police Chief’s vehicle being kept for eight years, and the squad cars being replaced after four years. Quotes have been obtained from John Weiss Ford for a 2013 Ford Taurus and 2013 Ford Explorer. The Ford Explorer vehicle equipment transfer expenses are listed and, with the exception of the rear cage, should be comparable to the sedan model. Gas mileage is not estimated for the Ford Explorer; however, Ford estimates the mileage to be approximately 20% above the Crown Victoria currently in use.

The Police Department averages approximately 12 mpg with the current vehicles. The Explorer comes equipped with AWD/FWD which is a feature that the current squad cars do not have. The ability to operate efficiently in adverse weather conditions would be a welcome addition in a normal winter weather scenario. Gas mileage is estimated at 17 mpg. It was staff’s recommendation to purchase the 2013 Ford Explorer. A motion was made by Mr. Finken, seconded by Mr. Klasen and unanimously authorizing Police Chief Jensen to purchase the 2013 Ford Explorer in the amount of $27,497 plus tax and license.

Ms. Mayers reported that the Melrose Community Park is still in disrepair, i.e. road repair as well as storm water rain water issues and dilapidated trailers. The streets are in violation of the City Code nuisance ordinance due to the water collection on the road. There are also numerous pot holes. The Police Department has been informed that the FEMA storm shelter grant for the mobile home parks in Melrose has been denied. This provision had not been included in the Stearns County Hazardous Mitigation Plan; therefore the grant applications were denied. The County will be updating the plan to include provisions for storm shelters. Stearns County will be hosting a meeting on Tuesday, February 28 at 5:00 p.m. to discuss the Stearns County Hazardous Mitigation Plan. Staff has been asked to continue monitoring the park and receive updates from the park owner on these conditions and request that these issues be resolved in a timely manner.

Mayor Vogel noted that according to the Ambulance Department Policies and Procedures, the Assistant Ambulance Coordinator term expires every two years. The current term will expire on February 1, 2012.

Minimum qualifications require that applicants have a minimum of one year as an Emergency Medical Technician on the Melrose Ambulance Department; therefore, this position has been posted internally at the Fire and Ambulance Station. Applications are being accepted through January 26, 2012.

A recommendation on the Assistant Coordinator appointment will be made at the Council’s February meeting. Staff recommended that in the future, this position have a January 1 start date versus February 1.

A motion was made by Ms. Mayers, seconded by Mr. Klasen and unanimously carried to approve changing the start date of the Assistant Ambulance Coordinator position to

Central Lakes Landscape & Construction Ken Frieler

320-285-5715 Grey Eagle

Patios, Decks, Retainer Walls, Ceramic Tiling, Remodeling

Peat Pots

3 in. 22 pk.

1.50 Central McGowan $

January 1.

The following informational items were then discussed: a. The Police Department has renewed the Patrol Subscription Agreement with the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust (LMCIT). This Agreement allows the named law enforcement officers to participate in PATROL training.

This is an accredited online training program offered by the LMCIT. b. Planning and Zoning Commission’s December 1, 2011 Regular Meeting minutes. c. The following are schools and/or conferences where registrations were made: 1) Defensive Tactics Training: Nov. 28 - Dec. 2, 2011 in Waite Park. Registration fee: $200 per person. Attending: Police Chief Jensen; 2) Supervision & Management: Supervisor Survival For Public Safety Managers, January 30-31 at the BCA in St. Paul.

Registration fee: $175 per person.

Attending: Police Sergeant Craig Maus; 3) Supervision & Management Miens and Morals in Public Safety Management, February 1-2 at the BCA in St. Paul. Registration fee: $175 per person. Attending: Police Sergeant Maus; 4) Supervision & Management: Project Pathways for Public Safety Managers, February 15 at the BCA in St. Paul.

Registration fee: $90 per person.

Attending: Police Sergeant Maus; 5) Supervision & Management: Strategies for Stress, A Manger’s Guide, February 16-17 at the BCA in St. Paul. Registration fee: $175 per person. Attending: Police Sergeant Maus. d. The total number/value of building permits issued in the fourth quarter for the past five years were: 2011 * 2010 * 2009 * 2008 2007 25 24 25 24 40 $790,908 $350,501 $481,136 $780,887 $918,000 The total number/value of building permits issued for each of the past five years were: 2011 * 2010 * 2009 * 2008 2007 150 105 135 148 136 $3,724,081 $9,402,060 $10,688,848 $11,314,433 $2,391,084

e. Correspondence has been received from Stantec stating their 2012 rates. Stantec will hold their

Kimmy Mrozek shooting a layup against Swanville Tuesday night. Photo by Nate Knudtson.

Upsala Cardinals Girls Basketball

February 16: Upsala 73 • West Central 33 Name: Pts Rebs Steals Assists Aimee Pelzer 14 4 5 11 Kimmy Mrozek 15 4 5 3 Tracy Herzog 16 8 2 2 Kaitlyn Wuebkers 14 8 4 3 Brianna Westrich 0 0 0 0 Donna Ripplinger 7 3 1 2 Sadie Welinski 3 0 2 0 Dawn Evoniuk 2 3 1 0 Melissa George 2 1 4 1 Katie Ripplinger 0 0 0 0 Sara Herzog 0 0 0 0 Alissa Zehrer 0 1 0 2 Kaelin Smieja 0 0 1 0 Full Team 73 32 25 24 February 17: Upsala 86 • Bertha Hewitt 48 Name: Pts Rebs Steals Assists Aimee Pelzer 28 4 3 8 Kimmy Mrozek 26 6 5 5 Tracy Herzog 8 8 2 1 Kaitlyn Wuebkers 9 8 2 4 Brianna Westrich 0 0 0 0 Donna Ripplinger 7 3 3 4 Sadie Welinski 2 3 0 0 Dawn Evoniuk 2 2 0 1 Melissa George 0 0 0 0 Katie Ripplinger 0 0 0 0 Sara Herzog 0 0 0 0 Alissa Zehrer 4 2 1 0 Kaelin Smieja 0 2 0 1 Full Team 86 38 16 24 February 20: Upsala 67 • ST. John’s 27 Name: Pts Rebs Steals Assists Aimee Pelzer 26 2 2 7 Kimmy Mrozek 16 2 5 2 Tracy Herzog 10 11 0 3 Kaitlyn Wuebkers 8 8 5 0 Brianna Westrich 0 0 0 0 Donna Ripplinger 0 4 3 3 Sadie Welinski 4 1 3 0 Dawn Evoniuk 3 4 0 0 Melissa George 0 1 0 0 Katie Ripplinger 0 0 0 0 Sara Herzog 0 0 0 0 Alissa Zehrer 0 5 2 1 Kaelin Smieja 0 1 0 0 Full Team 67 39 20 16 February 21: Upsala 88 • Swanville 49 Name: Pts Rebs Steals Assists Aimee Pelzer 21 2 2 7 Kimmy Mrozek 18 7 7 6 Tracy Herzog 15 6 4 0 Kaitlyn Wuebkers 18 3 3 5 Brianna Westrich 0 0 0 0 Donna Ripplinger 4 4 3 1 Sadie Welinski 3 1 2 2 Dawn Evoniuk 4 0 0 0 Melissa George 2 0 2 1 Katie Ripplinger 0 0 0 0 Sara Herzog 0 0 0 0 Alissa Zehrer 3 4 0 1 Kaelin Smieja 0 1 0 0 Full Team 88 28 23 23 Kimmy Mrozek scored her 1000th career point with about 9 minutes to go. She needed 18 pts Tuesday night to achieve it. She joins teammate Aimee pelzer as active 1000 pt scorers and 5 other lady Cardinals to reach that milestone. What a great accomplishment!

Rent Is Based on Income & Includes:

•All Utilities, except Phone & Cable •Free Laundry •Free Computer w/On-Line Access •Exercise Equipment •Use of Two Entertainment Rooms Smoke Free •On-Site Customized Living Service Office Building •“Crime Free Housing” Unit •and Much More.

8 qt. $3.99

LP Gas Refill

Stop in or call for an application and more information.

Upsala Farm Store Inc. 211 S. Main St., Upsala • 320-573-2216 7 Days/Week: Mon.-Sat. 8-6; Sun. 9-2

A motion was made by Mr. Finken, seconded by Mr. Klasen and unanimously carried that the meeting be adjourned at 7:40 p.m.

Patricia Haase, City Clerk

FOR RENT: 1 BR APARTMENTS

Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix Live Bait & Tackle

rates at their 2009 level. Rate schedules are on file at the City Offices. f. The Public Utilities Commission January 9 Regular Meeting minutes.

Equal Housing Opportunity

ROSE VIEW MANOR 16 E. First St. S., Melrose

320-256-4600 Mornings

Hometown News • Thursday, February 23, 2012 • Page 11

Representative LeMieur’s Gun Sale Bill Headed to the Floor Representative Mike LeMieur (R - Little Falls) is the chief author on a forfeited gun sale bill that will soon be heard on the House floor. H.F. 1468 passed through the House Public Safety and Crime Prevention Policy and Finance Committee on Wednesday, the first of February.

This bill will authorize law enforcement agencies to sell forfeited firearms to federally licensed firearms dealers.

Current law requires that, upon summary forfeiture, any contraband weapons must be destroyed, unless they are used by the appropriate agency for law enforcement purposes. HF 1468 will add the one additional permissible disposition for the weapons, by authorizing the agency to sell the weapons to federally licensed firearms dealers, as defined in Minnesota Statutes.

“This is a common sense solution for increasing revenue,” said Rep. LeMieur.

“This bill is a simple and very practical way to help out our law enforcement agencies.”

For a retail store to sell firearms, at least one staff member must be federally licensed as a firearms dealer to personally handle and be legally responsible for the transfer by: determining the identity of the buyer; requiring the buyer to complete federal form 4473, an affidavit stating that the purchaser is eligible to purchase firearms under federal and Minnesota law; contacting the FBI’s National Instant Check System (NICS) by phone, to quickly determine whether the

Fishing

A wife returning from a fishing trip with her husband was telling her troubles to a neighbor. “I did everything all wrong again today,” she said.

“I talked too loud, I used the wrong bait, I reeled in too soon, and I caught more fish than he did.”

buyer is listed as a firearms-prohibited person; and if not to take payment and transfer the firearm to the applicant; and keeping the record of the sale for the prescribed period of time.

Local Library Events

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

In Albany: 1 & 2 Bedroom Cats Ok

Call Loreen for Details!

763-238-0616

We also do clear cuts.

Baum’s Custom Logging & Firewood Sales Office: 320-285-3565 • Cell: 320-815-1863

FIREWOOD FOR SALE · Oak, $200/cord · White Birch, $250/cord · Basswood, $150/cord · Delivery Available

For more info, call Steve at Office • 320-285-3565 Cell • 320-815-1863

Classified Ads

WANTED TO BUY: Good slaughter cows, big bulls, also lumpjaw, foundered, lame steers, etc. (Pay with green.)

Henry Kasper, 320-547-9913.

3/8P WANTED: Unwanted chain saws, will pick up. Call 320-360-1694.

ONE MONTH FREE*

FREE: 52 in. RCA projection television, works perfectly. Call Bob Zollar at 320-630-1844.

Spacious 1 & 2 Bedrooms *with qualifying lease

• Elevators • Community Room Tuck-Under Garages • Walk-In Closets • Washer/Dryer Hook-Ups

Townhomes For Rent

For Info. Call 320-749-2611

Looking for an apartment that will allow you to remain independent? ...yet have some assistance from the caretakers and the help available to you from social services and public health?

Check out Village View.

“Care Free Living” Contact Harry Grammond,

Village View Apartments, Grey Eagle 1-320-285-3973 or 1-320-285-2752 (H)

Village View Apartments are a Section 8 subsidized project for low income elderly and the disabled.

Complete Auto Repair

Plus Many Other Tire Brands 31 Yrs. in Business • BBB Approved

320-836-2130

Freeport

HOESCHEN AUTO REPAIR

FOR SALE: Diamond Willow walking stick. Call 320-547-0009.

FOR SALE: Proform exercise bike, good condition, has controls, $75 or B/O. Call 320-356-7794 leave message, cell 320-267-0629, Dave.

FOR SALE: Boys brown leather jacket, pile lining, size 38; service for 6 table ware, $10 each item. Call 320-5472982.

FOR SALE: Big square & round bales of hay. Call Josh, 320-761-0778. tfn

FOR SALE: LP gas non-vented utility heater 168,000 BTU; L.B. White model 408F; w/regulator. Call 320-547-2974, Swanville.

FOR SALE: Complete set of Funk & Wagnalls Standard Reference Encyclopedias, excellent condition, like new.

Call 320-285-8163.

FOR SALE: Hewitt 3,000 lb. boat lift with a power lift and a 22 ft. canopy.

Call 320-232-3826, Grey Eagle.

FOR SALE: Firewood, cut, split, dry, also boiler wood, $100 cord. Call 320845-2043, leave message. tfn

Long Prairie: Terrace Townhome

Melrose: Village Townhome

East Village Townhome Glenwood: Gables Townhome Sauk Centre: Centre Crossing Townhome

Centre Village Townhome Little Falls: Edgewater Townhome

Courtyard Townhome Royalton: Platwood Townhome

2 Bedrooms • No Steps Community Room All Maintenance Included Attached Double Car Garage Available

Equal Housing Opportunity

Our Mission is to help create a healthy community where older adults and adults with disabilities want to live and be a vital part of the community.

WANTED TO BUY: One or two pickup loads well aged cow manure for garden. Call 320-630-8857.

Under new managment.

Burtrum, MN

Mail letter of interest and resume to: Executive Director, Helping Hands Outreach, PO Box 293, Holdingford, MN 56340-0293 or send electronically to info@holdingfordhelpinghands.org.

Equal Opportunity Employer.

OAK GROVE LIVING APARTMENTS

Call Today 320-258-4000

Standing Timber: All Species Specialize in Selective Harvesting.

Helping Hands Outreach, a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to Healthy Aging in northeast Stearns County, is seeking a Program Assistant half-time. Tasks include developing publicity, providing fundraising & donor support, organizing monthly group educational, social, and recreational activities, maintaining the office, and perform clerical duties. Full position description is available upon request. Prefer creative, technologically-savvy person with nonprofit community-development experience.

Albany Library Steampunk Jewelry Workshop: Thursday, March 1 from 5-8:00 p.m. for adults and teens 15 and older. Artist Rhonda Smith will teach techniques and provide tools and supplies.

Participants will create steampunk jewelry applying basic jewelry making techniques to old costume jewelry, keys, watches, chains, beads and charms. Steampunk jewelry pairs mechanical found objects with old-world Victorian-style filigree, charms, chains, gems and beads to create one-of-a-kind pieces. Bring items of your own you may want to incorporate to make your own unique jewelry item. The workshop will begin with some basics for the less experienced.

The attendance limit is 12 and preregistration is required.

Rent Starting at $560 & $650 a Month

WANTED TO BUY

• Program Assistant •

Classified Advertising

Personal For Sale, Personal Wanted, or Giveaway type ads are FREE up to 20 words. 25¢ For Each Additional Word. Pre-Paid.

Business Ads: For Rent, Help Wanted, Business Wanted, or Service type ads are $5.00 for 20 words. 25¢ For Each Additional Word. Pre-Paid.

*We Do Not Accept Classified Ads Over the Telephone.

____________ 2____________ 3____________ 4____________ 5_________ 6_____________7____________ 8____________ 9___________ 10_________ 11____________ 12___________ 13___________ 14____________ 15_________ 16____________ 17___________ 18___________ 19____________ 20_________ $.25___________ $.50___________ $.75___________ $1.00_________ $1.25_________ $1.50__________ $1.75___________ $2.00__________ $2.25_________ $2.50_________ $2.75_________ $3.00_________ $3.25_________ Did you remember your phone number?

1

Email to: htnews@meltel.net or Mail to: Hometown News 29442 120th St., Grey Eagle, MN 56336

Page 12 • Hometown News • Thursday, February 23, 2012

Bring Fun To Your Party!

A photobooth is a GREAT party addition!

Unlimited photos • Glossy prints • Dye Sub Printing!!

The Photobooth by DJ John Young

320.285.5263 office • 612.597.4499 cell/text

ACCENT ACTS AIMS ASHES ASSUME AUNTS BABIES BARKS BEDS BEING BULL CAGE CHERRY CLAM

DARK DATA DEAR DEBTS DOES DRILY EASEL EAST EDITOR EVER EYES FALL FRAME GIDDY

GLAD HIDDEN IRISH LAME LEAF LEFT LESSON LISTENS LODGE MALES MEALS MEND MESS NAMED

NAVAL NEAT NESTS NETS PEELS PIRATES POETRY REAL RIVAL ROAR SACRED SEEM SEND SILKY

SMELLS SPIT SWEAR TAPE TOOL TRAVELER TUSKS VAIN WASH WAVE YOGA

http://www.djjohnyoung.com • http://www.facebook.com/djjohnyoung

www.facebook.com/hometownnews

Pick Up Your Copy of the Hometown News at These Locations:

Subscribe Today!

Get Your Subscription to the Hometown News!

Makes a Great Gift Too! Subscription Rates for the Hometown News: 13 Issues $15.00 26 Issues $30.00 52 Issues $60.00 U.S. Addresses Only

Name: Address: City: Gift From:

State:

Zip:

[ ] 13 Issues $15.00 [ ] 26 Issues $30.00 [ ] 52 Issues $60.00 Make Check Payable to: Hometown News • 29442 120th St., Grey Eagle, MN 56336

Albany A&W Albany Fleet Supply Albany Oil Amby’s IGA Central MN Credit Union Don’s I-94 Hillcrest Family Restaurant Holiday Stearns Bank Tesoro Avon Avon State Bank Dahlin’s Market Quick Mart Texaco Burtrum Burtrum Liquor Hub Supper Club Shipwrex Freeport Central MN Credit Union Charlie’s Cafe Corner Pub & Grill First Stop Cenex Freeport Gas & Grocery Freeport State Bank

Grey Eagle Annie’s Corner Store Bitz Hardware Central MN Credit Union Double R Bar & Grill First State Bank Grey Eagle Gas & Grocery The Junction Update Building Supplies Village Cafe Holdingford Holdingford Gas & Grocery Moonshiners Still & Grill Stearns Bank Melrose Burger King Central MN Credit Union Coborns/Snyder Drug Freeport State Bank Melrose City Center Melrose Meat Shoppe Rondezvous Grille Tesoro

Sauk Centre Java Jitters Trucker’s Inn Truck Stop St. Anna St. Anna Store St. Rosa All Stars Sports Bar & Grill Linda B’s Rudy’s Country Store Swanville Bob & Frans Grocery First State Bank Granny’s Cafe Kamps Korner Loven’s Auto Center Shooters Pub Upsala Lange Oil Molly’s On Main Paul & Kathy’s Supermarket Stearns Bank Upsala Farm Store