Hometown News February 23, 2023

Hometown News

29442 120th St.

Grey Eagle, MN 56336

320-285-2323

Email: htnews@icloud.com

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Published By John and Lori Young

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

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Employee Retention demands attention -By Harvey Mackay

An estimated 50 million Americans quit their jobs last year, causing massive headaches and a tremendous amount of lost productivity and revenue for companies. The reasons vary. A good salary is no longer enough. Work conditions and other factors are more important than ever. In addition to compensation, employees also want to have a sense of purpose, opportunities for career advancement, recognition, a culture of trust and flexibility to work from home where possible.

Every employee is different. That’s why companies need to start conducting “stay” interviews more than “exit” interviews to find out what matters most to employees.

When I started Mackay Envelope Company many years ago, I created a program we call “One-On-One” where I spent 20-30 minutes yearly with every employee and asked them what was on their mind. They were free to share any thoughts or concerns with no repercussions.

It was much easier when I was building the company, and we had fewer employees. When my partner Scott Mitchell came on board as president in the early 1990s, he kept the program going, even though we had grown to 400 employees. This program has been invaluable for our company in retaining employees at an extremely high rate. It’s important to get out from behind a desk and visit with every employee.

As author John le Carre said, “A desk is a dangerous place from which to view the world.”

FRI.-SUN., FEB. 25-26

We also have an open-door policy where employees can come in and talk with Scott, me or any manager about anything without ramifications. Remember, employees don’t leave companies; they leave managers.

I believe strongly in recognition and appreciation. Prompt, sincere and public recognition is so important in retaining and attracting employees. It’s human nature for everyone to want to be appreciated for doing a good job. When people humbly respond “I was just doing my job,” it’s fine to remind them they were doing their job well, and you are grateful for their effort.

I’ve always tried to give recognition in front of a group, and single people out among their peers. Why not give others something to strive for and show them how you value good performance?

Recognition programs create a positive work environment by reinforcing desired behaviors, motivating high performance, increasing morale and supporting organizational mission and values.

I am convinced that T-R-U-S-T is the most important five-letter word in business – not sales or money or any other replaceable commodities. Trust can be fragile, especially in the workplace.

At every level of every organization, workers need to understand the importance of keeping their word. Employees want to know they can depend on management. Trust between managers and employees is crucial to the longterm enthusiasm, loyalty and productivity of the company. For any successful working relationship, trust is a must.

Employees want to feel that they are part of a team on a mission and that they have a purpose in achieving company goals. I recently wrote a column about Alan Mulally, the former CEO of the Ford Motor Company and his “Working Together” leadership and management system that states employees must have a clear sense of

purpose in any organization.

It’s important to know where you want to go; to have a purpose. Finding that purpose is among life’s biggest challenges. Discovering what is important to you, what you are passionate about and where you can make a difference –those are the factors that drive your purpose.

Career advancement is another factor for many in retaining employees because they feel undervalued and underdeveloped. Managers need to let employees know that there is room to grow and develop and progress in the organization. Managers must take a personal interest in an employee’s career goals and promote training and development. That could mean rotating employee roles or suggesting a mentor or advisor.

No one wants a dead-end job. A 2021 report by Monster states that 45 percent of employees surveyed would have stayed at their current jobs if they were offered more training.

Employees who participate in professional development are more productive. Employee development also boosts profitability. Research from the MIT Sloan School of Management showed that an employer’s year-long soft skills training program led to a roughly 250 percent return on investment within eight months.

Bottom line: It is infinitely more productive to retain good employees in whom you have invested and who are invested in you. Nurture that relationship carefully to keep your business thriving.

Mackay’s

Moral: Take care of your employees if you want them to take care of you.

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

Upcoming Events

• The Resurrected Artists Present 'Play On' Dinner Theatre at Shady's Sunset Bay, St. Anna. Fri. & Sat. 6 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25

• 30th Annual Sobieski & Swanville Lions Club Fishing Contest & Raffle from 12-3 p.m. on Long Lake, Swanville. See ad on page 8.

• Monroe Crossing at 7 p.m. at the Blattner Energy Arts Theatre, Albany.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26

• Catholic United Financial Matching Grant Fundraiser Breakfast from 9 a.m.12:30 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church Basement. See ad on page 4.

• Confirmation Bingo Fundraiser starting at noon at Sacred Heart Church Basement.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1

• Folk & Old-Time Music & Potluck from 1-3 p.m. at the Village View Apartments, Grey Eagle. See ad on page 5.

FRIDAY, MARCH 3

• Upsala Area Schools Kindergarten Round up at 8:30 a.m.

SUNDAY, MARCH 5

• New Munich Lions Pancake & Sausage Breakfast from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church Basement, New Munich. See ad on page 7.

TUESDAY, MARCH 7

• Swanville School Kindergarten Roundup at 8:30 a.m.

If

ALBANY SENIORS

• Meets first Tuesday of the month at 1:30 p.m. at the Albany Community Center.

ALBANY TOWNSHIP

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

• Planning Commission meets the second Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the Albany City Hall.

BURNHAMVILLE TOWNSHIP

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

BURTRUM CITY COUNCIL

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

FEET FIRST CLINIC

• Meets the 1st Tuesday of the month from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at Holdingford City Hall.

FOOD DISTRIBUTION

• Ruby’s Pantry Food Distribution first Saturday of the Month from 10-11 a.m. at River of Live Church, Sauk Centre.

FREEPORT CITY COUNCIL

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

FREEPORT SENIOR MEETING

• Meets the 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 first Monday of the month at

8 p.m.

MELROSE TOWNSHIP

• Meets the first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at the town hall.

MELROSE VFW #7050 POST/AUX.

• Meets the first 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 at 7 p.m. on the 2nd Monday of the month at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Albany.

SUNSHINE CLUB

• Meets every Monday, weigh in starts at 8; meeting at 8:30 a.m. at the Village View Apartments, Grey Eagle.

ST. ROSA CITY COUNCIL

• Meets the 3rd Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Community Park building.

SWANVILLE CITY COUNCIL

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

SWANVILLE TOWNSHIP

• Meets the 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

Guns at School

Sometimes we hear about an incident that occurred in some school and it causes us to remember some incident at school when we were a student there. We didn't consider it to be criminal at that time but under today's laws, it is.

I remember a time when one of the boys was showing off a large bruise, the dark black and blue area included his upper arm and the front of his shoulder. He said it was from his shotgun kicking when he was duck hunting. Not everyone was convinced that a shotgun could kick that bad, so he decided to bring the gun to school and show us. It was a 12 gauge single shot with a plastic stock and forearm and he brought it to school the next day to show us. When the principal found out that he brought the gun to school, he was told that he should keep it in his locker until the schoolday was over and then take it home. There were no problems, no crisis and no disruption of the school day.

Another situation occurred during duck season for several years. Two of the teachers went duck hunting in the morning before school began and went to the office in the boy's shower room to change cloths and leave their guns. After classes were over they again went to the shower room, changed clothes, picked up their guns and went hunting. It was simply another happening at school and noone worried about it.

There was also a situation where a student brought a 32 revolver to school because

someone wanted to buy it. Several of the students discussed the price and the buyer paid $8.00 for it. The buyer's parents had a woodchuck making a hole under the shop and his dad wanted to dispose of it.

There was a time when we would take a couple of aspirins to school to help relieve symptoms of a cold. This is considered illegal today and may be grounds for being expelled from school.

In today's world, if a student forgot to take his shotgun out of the pickup before he went to school, he would probably get a week of detention. If the law was brought in, the school could be on lock down, the gun could be confiscated and the student would be subject to serious questioning.

There have been laws created in the time since some of us were in school, which have taken common occurrences and made them criminal acts. Was it to protect students, make parents and students more anxious and worried or was it to make it more difficult to have school shootings? There are a variety of reasons for the new laws to be enacted.

Are additional laws working? Have we reduced school shootings? I feel that a lot of the mass shootings are a result of developing minds being exposed to movies that glorify the killing of groups of adversaries with rapid gunfire or buying games for the laptop that require the player to shoot as many of the

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

opposition as possible to win the game.

Sometimes it is hard to understand the thinking of the movie producers and game manufacturers. I think the only justification is money. Is this a good enough excuse?

For feedback or story ideas, email Tom at

tom@swanvilleinsurance.com.

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

Dynamic Speaker featured at Women’s Retreat

Submittted by Pat Kasella, PR Chair

Don’t miss Dana Webskowski, a dynamic speaker who will be featured at the Women’s Lenten Retreat to be held at St. Paul’s Parish in St. Cloud on Saturday, March 18, 2023, starting at 8:30 a.m. “Be Still and Know that I am God” is the theme of the day and Dana will guide the attendees to do just that during her morning presentation and again, through musical adoration following lunch.

Dana was a lukewarm “cradle Catholic” who found church boring and contemplated leaving the church but is now in love with God, the Catho-

lic faith and the Eucharist. Her mission is to help fallen away Catholics come back to His church, light a fire for the lukewarm Catholics out there, and help other Christians to see that the Catholic church has absolute truth and everything they need to grow in holiness. Dana grew up on a farm near Millerville, MN and now resides in Sioux Falls, SD.

Contact Lora Knafla at 320-393-2701 to register. This event is open to anyone and is sponsored by the St. Cloud Diocesan Council of Catholic Women.

Friday

YOU CAN EAT FISH (BAR) $15.95

• Lobster Roll $16.95

MONDAYS

Fri., Feb. 24: DOG

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Melrose American Legion Post & Aux. Meets the 2nd Tuesday of the Month at 7 pm.

Family Restaurant STUBBY’S TAVERN

BOOK YOUR EVENT!

Three Private Meeting Rooms Available Handling Groups

Greenwald, MN 320-987-3100

Hours: 9:30 AM-1 AM • 7 Days a Week

MEAT RAFFLES:

Owners: Jeff & Wanda Ahrens & Kyle Leiser www.GreenwaldPubMN.com Call

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

Friday Night Lent Special

Dine In Only • Serving 5-9 PM 4 Pc. Fish Dinner with JoJo's... $9.50 Extra Fish $2.00 Ea.

Lunch Specials: 11 AM-1 PM

Fri., Feb. 24: Cheeseburger w/Chili or Fries

Mon., Feb. 27: Chicken Noodle Soup w/Chicken Burger

Tues., Feb. 28: Baked Chicken Dinner

Wed., Mar. 1: Patty Melt w/Fries

Thurs., Mar. 2: Pork Roast Dinner

Fri., Mar. 3: Fish Burger or Cheeseburger w/Chili or Fries

HAPPY HOUR:

Mon.-Wed.: 4:30-6:30 PM...$3.00

Thursday: All Day/Night...$2.50

Monday: (5-9 pm) $3 Build a Burger

Mayo, Lettuce, Tomato, Onions (raw/fried), Mushrooms, Jalapenos, Sauerkraut, Cheese (Swiss, American, Pepper Jack)

Toppings 50¢ each; Bacon 50¢ Slice

Tuesday: (5-9 pm) Choice of:

3 Chicken Strips w/Toast & Fries $7.50

6 Drummies w/Toast & Fries $7.50

Walleye Wednesday: (5-9:30 pm)

Walleye Fingers w/Fries $8.50

Thursday Wraps: (5-9 pm) Choice of:

Grilled Chicken $9.00; Crispy Chicken $8.50; Buffalo Chicken $8.50; Taco $8.50; Philly Steak $8.50

Saturday: (4-8 pm) 1/4 lb. Hamburger $2.50

Toppings 50¢ each; Bacon 50¢ Slice

320-845-2168

KARAOKE

Friday Nights 8-10 PM BAR SPECIALS 4-9 PM

Wednesdays: Build Your Own Burger Basket starting at $6.50

Thursdays: Rib Basket $8.50 Chicken & Ribs $13 1/4 Broasted Chicken Basket $8.50 HAPPY HOUR: Wed.-Fri.: 4-6 PM

Jeanette Dorothy Barth

Jeanette

Dorothy Barth, age 91 of Melrose, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at Tree of Life Assisted Living in New Munich, Minnesota. A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose with Rev. Marvin Enneking officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery.

Jeanette Dorothy Petermeier was born August 28, 1931, the daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Petermeier. She married in 1953 and had two children, Chuck and Cindy. She later moved to the family farm to raise her children. She farmed with her brother, Steven, for many years.

Jeanette loved her time spent with her family. She adored her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. She was a loving, kind-hearted, and compassionate mother, grandmother, and caregiver. Quilting, gardening, and cooking were some of her passions.

She leaves behind her children, Chuck (Pam) Barth of Melrose and Cindy Bertram of St. Michael; grandchildren, Chris, Amber, Jennifer, Tom, and Nathan; great-grandchildren, Jordan, Adley, Jackson, Cole, Clara, Wyatt, Ethan, Olivia, and Nora; brothers, Bill Petermeier and Tom Petermeier; sisters, Joanne (John) Welle and Betty LaFriniere; and sister-in-law, Delores Petermeier.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Elizabeth Petermeier; sisters, Marie Meyer, Eunice Casey, Lucille Petermeier, Carmella Worms, and Lyola Vick-Jensen; brothers, Joe Petermeier, Richard Petermeier, George Petermeier, Delbert Petermeier, Steven Petermeier, and Tony Petermeier.

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

SAUSAGE

Karen Jane (Koester) Baxter, age 76, of St. Cloud and formerly Grey Eagle, MN, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Saturday, January 21, 2023. She blessed our lives as our wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.

Karen was born March 26, 1946 and was raised on a dairy farm near Long Prairie, MN. She graduated from Long Prairie High School. Karen had two sons with former husband Robert Dinkel, of Long Prairie, MN. Karen later reconnected with, and married, the love of her life, Jerome (Jerry) Baxter, also of Long Prairie, MN. Karen and Jerry spent most of their 43+ years together in Grey Eagle, MN. She loved their home on Mound Lake, hosting the occasional get together, playing cards with friends, heading to the casino, and visiting with friends around town.

Karen loved to spend time with family and friends, making treats for those she loved, reading books, watching game shows, and shopping. She enjoyed gardening, taking care of her household plants, was an avid sports fan, especially for the MN Twins, and she adored all of her kitties she had throughout the years.

Those who shared in her life include her children, Jeff (Amy) Dinkel of Isanti, MN, Greg (Jody Wandersee) Dinkel of Lakeville, MN, granddaughter Haley Dinkel, and grandson Jack Dinkel; all of whom she loved and cherished with all of her being. If there was one place Karen would ever wish to be, it was with her family.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Otto and Inez Koester.

Our hearts will forever have a void with her gone, but knowing she is in a better place and free of pain brings us all peace.

A gathering of family and friends celebrating the life if Karen will be held in the Spring of 2023.

Patience Josephine Kniep Patience

Josephine Kneip, age 16 months of Holdingford, MN passed away on February 7, 2023, at St. Cloud Hospital, St. Cloud. Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, February 10 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, Opole, MN.

Patience was born on September 21, 2021, in St. Cloud, MN to Joseph and Billie (Davis) Kneip. She touched the lives of many people, brought a community together, and taught everyone about love.

Patience is survived by her parents, Joseph and Billie Kneip, Holdingford, brothers and sisters, Nicholas, Steven, Thomas, Andrew, Aaron, Gabriel, Autumn, Matilda, Gideon and Noelle, all of Holdingford, paternal grandparents, Nicholas and Linda Kneip, Richmond, maternal grandparents, Steven and Jacklin Davis, St. Cloud.

Preceded in death by her brothers and sister, Boaz, Madalyn Jayne, Jesse Jude, and Isaiah.

Notes from the Capitol By State Rep. Paul Anderson

Proposed ban on gas-powered lawn equipment is overreach

There is a feeling among some that our state is trying to follow California's lead in many ways, especially in terms of environmental legislation and rule-making regulations. The latest example is a bill introduced this past week in the Minnesota House that bans the use of gas-powered lawn equipment in Minnesota in less than two years. It's H.F. 1715, which states that all new lawn and garden equipment sold or distributed in Minnesota after Jan. 1, 2025, be powered solely by electricity.

We aren't making this up. The proposed ban affects lawn mowers, leaf blowers, hedge clippers, chain saws, lawn edgers, string trimmers, and brush cutters. The ban on lawn mowers would include any model whose engine rates less than 25 horsepower. Many riding mowers are in that 20 to 25 horsepower range, and they are used to mow lawns that, in many cases, are quite large. Especially here in Greater Minnesota, keeping our lawns neatly mowed and trimmed can be a big job, one that many folks enjoy. And to legislate that they can't go to their favorite hardware store and buy a new gas-powered Lawn Boy or Simplicity is a stretch an overreach.

Once again, we are setting ourselves up to be an island where stores in our neighboring border cities in the Dakotas – such as Fargo, Wahpeton and Milbank – will have those models for sale. And it's not so much the fact that electric lawn mowers are bad, it's that Big Government is telling us what we must do.

Full disclosure here. I have an electric chain saw and I really like it. Especially nice is the fact that, so long as the battery is charged, it will start every time! I've spent too much time

pulling on the starter rope of a gas chain saw that hasn't been used in a while. But the electric chain saw, at least the one I have, has its place, and it's not for felling big, three-foot diameter ash trees. Its chain isn't as heavy, and it's meant for smaller jobs, such as trimming branches or cutting down small-diameter trees.

The point is that I bought the saw because I saw the need and wanted to, not because someone said I had to. If the electric models of any of this type of equipment are good and they make sense, people will buy them. But let the market take us there, and don't eliminate certain models that, for some, make the most sense.

The speed with which legislation is being passed so far this session is concerning. We have worked on several major bills, and each has been passed with no Republican amendments being added to them. What that means is the minority party has had little to no input when putting these bills together.

The latest example is the Earned Safe and Sick Time bill that was passed after nearly seven hours of debate last Thursday. This legislation will affect every employer in the state, even those with as few as one employee. At least three cities in Minnesota, including Minneapolis, Duluth and Bloomington, have similar plans already in place. However, all three exempt employers with fewer than five workers from the mandate of having to offer paid time off for sickness. Republicans offered several options to amend the bill so it would have less impact on these small businesses. None were accepted and the bill passed on a straight party-line vote.

It was the same story when the abortion bill was passed. It was also the same for the energy bill, the drivers licenses-for-all bill, and the fully paid school lunch bill. So far, at least, there has been very little in the way of compromise as major legislation is put together and passed here in Minnesota.

You can always call my office at (651) 296-4317, my home phone at (320) 239-2726 or email me at rep.paul.anderson@house.mn if you need additional information.

From the Desk of Pastor Bruce

How many of you have bought a new cell phone lately? Or any device as far as that goes. I looked at new phones a few months ago, but the technology changes so fast I have no idea what I am buying. I was talking to a friend of mine (actually from Nigeria, Africa) asking him what it all means. He tried to help me but I could not figure it out. He told me, the best thing for me to do was to go to a store and ask the questions directly to those who sell phones.

I asked my son to buy two new phones for me, one for mom and one for me. I asked him to get the exact phone I had so I do not have to figure out a new phone. After the phones came, I could not figure out how to get them to work, so I called my son up (by this time he is probably getting tired of me calling). I was also switching providers. I learned one thing. I am never buying another phone. Haha.

I need to encourage all you readers. Jesus Christ never changes! Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” For all you techy people out there, this

actually might be a disappointment. But for everyone else, God’s technology or His form of communication never changes. He wants a relationship with us! He wants to talk to us, and He wants us to talk to Him. He cares about our lives and He wants to help. In fact, Jesus is at the right hand of God interceding for us. (Romans 8:34) But Jesus promises us that He will return for us, are you waiting for Him?

Hebrews 9:27-28 “Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.”

You don’t have to look for new ways to meet Jesus, If you refuse to meet Him now, the next time you meet Him will be on Judgment day. You will want to have Jesus in your life before that happens.

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

End of Life Decisions from a Catholic Perspective

A FREE workshop for everyone sponsored by Catholic United Financial. February 28th at 7 pm, St. Mary's Catholic Church, Upsala, MN Gregory Gall will talk about financial decisions involved with the end of life, including probate, asset protection, wills, trust and more. Fr. David Grundman will address end-of-life questions and the importance of a having a health directive.

Orders can be done 24/7 at www.flowershopnetwork.com

320-285-2600 www.chriscountrystore.com

105 State St. E., Grey Eagle • Email: tcjr5933@gmail.com

Flowers • Thrift & Gift

New to You Clothing

Coffee/Gathering

Guest House Rental

After a quarter of a century running a small town business I have seen many changes. As of March 1st, I will no longer have any retail grocery. I will not have fresh meat in my counter for sale, but will still welcome orders.

New for 2023: I will pursue my true passion of becoming a full service florist. Weddings, Sympathy and All Occasions. We will continue to build our Thrift & Gift, New to you clothing. Ideas to expand the coffee/gathering are also in the works. Guest house for rent. Stay tuned, I will keep you posted.

A huge thank you to all of you who have supported me over the years, I love you all and look forward to being a vital part of this community. -Chris

Sunday, February 26, 2023

Serving 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Menu Includes:

Swanville Senior High Student of the Month

Swanville

Public School is pleased to announce the January Senior High Student of the Month, senior Nicholas Kedrowski. Nick is the son of David Kedrowski and Melinda Spieker. Nick enjoys a wide variety of activities, including playing sports of all types, spending time with friends, hunting and fishing. He is unsure of future plans at this point but is leaning toward going to college for either law enforcement or nursing.

Nick has been playing basketball since fourth grade, and has been playing football since seventh grade. Football is easily his favorite sport. Outside of school, he participates in youth group and volunteers with Swanville Athletic Boosters. Nick is consistently on the A Honor Roll and has been honored with the All Conference Academic Award in Football, has been Athlete of the Month and is a former

Student of the Month. His advice for other students is to “get your work done and make sure to be nice to others. Stay positive!”

Instructor and Football Coach Adam Gerads says, “Nick is an excellent choice for student of the month. Nick is a hard worker who does anything asked of him. Nick is well respected within the school where he gets along with everyone. I had the privilege of being able to coach Nick where he was one of the hardest working kids on the field at all times. He carries that same work ethic into the classroom where he pushes himself to do the best he can. Congratulations Nick!”

Physical Education instructor Chad Brever says this about Nick, “Nicholas is a hard worker that puts effort and hard work into everything he does inside and outside of the school. He is very polite to others and works well in a team or group setting. He puts others before himself for the benefit of the group or team. Nicholas is a positive role model for his classmates, teammates and younger students. I have enjoyed working with Nicholas in my classroom and he has been a great asset as a teacher’s assistant. He is responsible, respectful, honest, helpful and hardworking. Nicholas is well-deserving for the student of the month award.”

Swanville Junior High Student of the Month

Swanville Public School is pleased to announce the January Junior High Student of the Month, eighth grade student Ronelle Hasse. She is the daughter of David and Liza Hasse. She enjoys hanging out with family and friends and doing pretty much anything outdoors, but especially enjoys riding ATV or snowmobiles. She plans to go onto post-secondary education but is unsure of her career avenue just yet.

Ronelle has participated in volleyball and theatre since seventh grade, softball since sixth grade and this year was elected to student council. She is consistently on the A Honor roll. Ronelle’s favorite thing about school is being

with her friends. Her advice to other students is “always do your best and try to succeed.” Outside of school Ronelle volunteers at her church and has gone on a number of mission trips and has one planned for this summer. Social Studies instructor Tom Bzdok says, “Ronelle is a wonderful student to have in class. She is a gifted student who will always give you her best effort no matter what the situation is. Ronelle is extremely mature and is always willing to sacrifice her time to help her classmates. She is well liked by her peers as well as adults and has emerged as a leader amongst her classmates by setting positive examples to follow. Congratulations Ronelle!”

Gas/Diesel/Premium

Card of Thanks

Our family would like to express our sincere appreciation and thanks for the kindness shown to us after the passing of our sister, Mary Eveslage.

Thank you to Fr. Dan Walz, Sarah Eveslage, and Bob Niehaus for the beautiful funeral mass. Thank you to the Sacred Heart Christian Mothers for serving the lunch after the internment, and to all who brought cake and bars.

Thank you for the flowers and memorials in her memory.

Carol and Tony Niehaus, Leo Eveslage, John Eveslage, Kathy Eveslage, and her many nieces and nephews

To Submit a Card of Thanks the cost is $5.00 for the first 50 words, 10¢ for each additional word. MUST BE PREPAID. Mail to: Hometown News, 29442 120th St., Grey Eagle, MN 56336.

Stephanie Panek caught this nice Northern Pike on a lake near Grey Eagle.

Sudoku

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’m an anesthesiologist, and I make between $260,000 and $270,000 a year. My wife is a stayat-home mom who takes care of our preschoolage kids. We have about $50,000 in a retirement fund, $50,000 in consumer debt, $220,000 in student loan debt, and we owe $280,000 on our house, which is worth around $500,000. We’re thinking about using our retirement fund to pay off credit cards and such, then selling the house and using the money to pay off the student loans. After that, we’d live in an apartment for a while, save up 20% or more for a down payment on the next home, and do things right financially moving forward. What do you think about this game plan?

-Jake

Dear Jake, Wow, I really appreciate your motivation, man. You’re willing to do whatever it takes, and that’s pretty cool. Not many people have the determination to do the kinds of things you’re talking about.

I almost never tell people to sell their homes. If you actually can’t afford it, that’s one thing—and in that case, we’d sell the house. If it’s the only way to avoid bankruptcy, we’d get rid of it in a heartbeat. But in your case, things are a little different. You’re in a pretty deep hole, but your income as an anesthesiologist gives you a really big shovel you can use to carve out some steps, get up out of that hole, and fill it in so you never fall in again.

Now, this is going to mean some real lifestyle changes for a few years. I’m talking about beans and rice, and no vacations. There’s no more living like a rich doctor, because you’re not a rich doctor—you’re a broke doctor. We’re going to temporarily stop adding to your retirement fund, not cash it out,

and we’re going to start living on a written, monthly budget where every single dollar is given a name and a purpose.

Cleaning up $270,000 of debt sounds scary. But with a $260,000 income and the other changes we talked about, you could put $90,000 a year toward all this and have it completely cleaned up in just three years. That’s what I’d do if I woke up in your shoes. It will set you free for the rest of your lives to invest and save.

Get on it, doc. You can do this!

Ask The Motor Medics®

From the Hosts of the Under The Hood radio show.

-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.

Albany Senior Dining

Mon., Feb. 27: N/A

Tues., Feb. 28: N/A

Wed., Mar. 1: Chicken breast, whipped potatoes, gravy, green beans, bun, pie.

Thurs., Mar. 2: Breakfast frittata on croissant, sausage patty, fruit.

Fri., Mar. 3: Tuna noodle hot dish, lettuce salad, peas, roll.

Pre-registration requested to dine daily. For more info. call 320-845-4070.

Upsala - All Ages

BREAKFAST: Mon.-Fri. 7-10 a.m.: Walk in & dine. Take out available, call ahead.

Mon., Feb. 27: BBQ ribs, potato, vegetable, dessert.

Tues., Feb. 28: Tater tot hot dish, salad, garlic bread, dessert.

Wed., Mar. 1: Cook's choice.

Thurs., Mar. 2: BBQ chicken breast, potato, vegetable, dessert.

Fri., Mar. 3: Breaded cod, potatoes, vegetable, dessert. Pick up or eat in by 11:30 a.m.

For meals, call a day before: 320-573-4435.

Dear Motor Medics, Please help me out with Cabin Air Filters. I have a 2009 Honda Accord with one and I have to replace it about every six months when the air starts to blow slowly because it gets so clogged with dirt from my gravel road and being parked outside. Do I really need one? None of my cars over the past 30 years had one and they were just fine.

-Gale in Ozarks, Missouri

Dear Gale, Yes, if your vehicle was equipped with one when it was made. Sure, we have seen some people come into our repair shop with a missing filter and their air is working just fine but we have also had some in for repairs that cost as much as $1000.00 because they decided to run without one. When a system is designed it's either made for one or not. If it's not designed for one, then the sensitive components like air temp sensors and even the moving air doors are made differently so they can handle the dirt load. Adding a bunch of dirt to the system by not having a filter in place just invites trouble so make sure you keep a filter that's clean in place. It's cheap insurance for an expensive system. For others that don't know if they have a filter make sure to find out. A good indication you have one and it's dirty is a foul smell or reduced air flow.

-Take care, the Motor Medics

Dear Motor Medics, I have a 2020 Chevy and a 2018 Honda, and both have recalls on them. Both cars are running just fine, and I have not experienced any of the issues in the recall that they want to fix because they're crash related, and I've never had a wreck. I did Google one of the recalls and only 2 people have had a problem out of thousands of vehicles so do I really need to get them done or can I just wait and do them if I

ever get the time to go to the dealership?

-Mark in Iowa City Dear Mark,

Go make that appointment right now and get the recalls done! The manufacturer would not take the time and spend the money (sometimes millions) to get the vehicle back in to perform a safety recall unless they felt strongly that something could cause you harm. Many recalls for safety are for things that can happen in a crash situation such as air bag recalls and seat belts but even if you are a great driver the other person not always is, and we don't want to see you injured by something you don't have repaired. All safety recalls we have ever seen are done at no cost to you and must be done at the dealership. They do a pretty good job at making the public aware of the recall but getting it in is your part.

-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.

Local Municipality Minutes

Swanville City • January 3, 2023

Minutes of the Swanville City Council meeting held in the Swanville Center on Tuesday, January 3, 2023. The meeting called to order 7:00 p.m. with the following members present: Sandy Lange, John Dragseth, Norm Carlson, Tony Maciej and Jim Molitor. Also present: Clif Allen, Holly Wilson, Tyrel Clark, and Brett Rupulske, and reporter Terry Lehrke all via zoom.

Minutes of the Swanville City Council meeting Tuesday, December 6, 2022 was reviewed. A motion was made by John Dragseth to approve the minutes. Norm Carlson seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.

The treasures report was given. A motion was made by Tony Maciej and seconded by John Dragseth to approve the treasurer’s report. All members voted in favor, motion carried.

Clif Allen, Holly Wilson, Tyrel Clark from Moore Engineering, were present via zoom to discuss with council the letter Mayor Lange received from MN Dept. of Health stating the presence in the city’s water, Well#1 of Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The new wells that have been drilled were not tested for PFAS which council agreed the testing needs to be completed. The fees for testing will be about $10,000.00 to $20,000.00 and could be completed anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks depending on how busy the well drillers are. The City will have available for the public the test results and email addresses where they can find information on PFAS. This will put a hold on funding for the water project until tests come back for the new wells. Brett Repulske from Rural Development was present via zoom also. Rupulske stated the extra funding needed for the testing can be added to the funding from Rural Development. Questions and comments were made by council with the zoom meeting. Allen presented to council Amendment No. 3 to Task Order No.4 for additional services as stated on the order. Norm Carlson made a motion to approve Amendment No. 3 to Task Order No.4. Jim Molitor seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.

Mayor Lange presented to council the Cannabis license policy. This will be sent to the city attorney for his approval.

Mayor Lange presented to council the Central MN Housing Partnership (CMHP) grant contract agreement for funding with eligible housing and business repairs. After discussion, Jim Molitor made a motion to sign the CMHP grant contract agreement. John Dragseth seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, except Norm Carlson abstained from voting, motion carried.

Water, sewer, refuse, and recycling rates and licenses and permits were looked at by council members. After discussion, Tony Maciej made a motion to raise the water rate $1.07 for a total of $6.59 per thousand gallons and leave the rest of the rates for now. Jim Molitor seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.

Mayor Lange was contacted from the Dollar General asking if the city would be willing to have the store be built in the city limits. After discussion, council was not in favor of having the store in the city.

Resolution #23-0103 was presented to council, stating the Swanville Sportsmen Club would like to donate to the city $11,500.00 for work on Pepin Lake access. John Dragseth made a motion to accept Resolution #23-0103. Jim Molitor seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried. Council appreciates the Sportsmen Club for all the work that has been done on Pepin.

Resolution #23-0103 was also presented to council stating the city designates Morrison County and Todd County Auditors as the Official Polling Place for the City of Swanville. Jim Molitor made a motion to accept Resolution #23-0103. Tony Maciej

seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried. The 2023 legal services contract with Quinlivan & Hughes PA was presented to council. Mayor Lange made a motion to accept the contract. Norm Carlson seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.

This being the first meeting of the year, the following organizational actions were made:

1. Jim Molitor will be acting Mayor in the absence of Mayor Lange.

2. The First State Bank of Swanville will be the designated depository of the city.

The Morrison County Record will be the designated official newspaper of the city.

3. The regular meeting date for the City Council meeting is the first Tuesday after the first Monday of each month at 7:00 pm. Special meeting only after proper notification and publication.

4. The Bond of the City Clerk/Treasurer will be set at $12,000.00.

5. Assigned duties to the following Council Members and Citizens of the Community: Community Center: Julie Hollermann & John Dragseth; City Park: Lonny Hutchins and Sandy Lange; Streets and Sidewalks: Tony Maciej and Lonny Hutchins; Springbrook Cemetery: Julie Hollermann and Lonny Hutchins; City Weed Inspector: Jim Molitor and Lonny Hutchins; Rural Fire Assoc. Rep: Sandy Lange and Tony Maciej

6. City Attorney-The law office of Quinlivan & Hughes

7. City Engineer-Moore Engineering

8. Representative on the Senior Center BoardNorm Carlson

9. Planning and Zoning Committee-All of City Council Members and Lonny Hutchins.

10. Well Head Managers-Lonny Hutchins and Jim Molitor

A motion was made by Jim Molitor to accept these actions as listed. Norm Carlson seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried. Salaries for Employees and Council Members for 2023:

1. Mayor’s salary-$1800.00 annually+$20.00 per hour for special meetings (1 hour min pay).

2. Council Members salary-$900.00 annually+$20.00 per hour for special meetings (1 hr min pay).

3. Clerk/Treasurer salary-$1350.00 monthly+$20.00 per hour for special meeting (1 hr min pay).

4. Maintenance Worker Salary -$44,000.00 Annual wage+60% health care+disability ins & 2 weeks paid vacation and cell phone monthly fee.

5. Substitute Maintenance Man Salary-$16.00 per hour

6. Park & City Centers Cleaner-$12.00 per hour

7. Summer part-time worker-$12.00

8. Mileage $.65 a mile

A motion was made by Tony Maciej to approve all salaries as stated above. Jim Molitor seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.

Mayor Lange informed the council that $500.00 in visa award money was received by the city. Jim Molitor made a motion to give the city maintenance man $300.00 and the city clerk $200.00 in visa card reward money. Tony Maciej seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.

The following claims were presented for payment. Members of the council were furnished with a listing. Jim Molitor made a motion to approve the claims. Norm Carlson seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.

The next regular monthly meeting will be held Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at 7:00 pm in the Swanville Center.

There being no further business, a motion was made by Tony Maciej and seconded by John Dragseth to adjourn. All members voted in favor, motion carried. Meeting adjourned 8:55 pm.

Julie Hollermann, City Clerk/Treasurer

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Freeport 320-836-2135

Annual Todd County Feedlot Meeting

In 2022, after a two year hiatus due to covid, the Todd County Annual Feedlot Meeting and Farmer Appreciation was back in action with Carbon, Cowboys and Cow Pies! There were 163 people in attendance for the meeting that was held at Central Lakes College in Staples.

This year’s meeting will be at the Clarissa Ballroom on March 15, 2023. Our meeting is entitled This Little Piggy Went to Market! Feedlot topics this year will pertain to on the ground options for better farm and nutrient management, feedlot program updates, and marketing tips and tricks for feedlot owners. We have two County Feedlot Officers giving presentations, one will present on Feedlot Program Updates, Registrations, and Permitting and the other on Stockpiling of manure in regards to location, groundwater, soil, and slope requirements. Woven throughout the day will be mini presentations on restricting cattle from surface waters, tiling and wetland concerns, local cost share opportunities, nutrient management and manure storage and feedlot fixes.

Keynote “WOW” presenters will be Ross Nadgwick from Van Ahn & Company out of Alexandria discussing livestock futures mar-

kets for feedlot owners, and Jerry Jennissen and Alise Sjostrom from Redhead Creamery located in Brooten who will talk about transitioning their farm, feedlot improvements, value added enterprise, and the ups and downs of marketing their product directly off the farm. Local dairy farmer, Pat Luneman, who also serves on the Governor’s Climate Advisory Council will be discussing the greenhouse gas report and Minnesota’s Climate Action Framework. The end goal will be to get producers to think about long term agricultural land resiliency and adaptation.

Meal will consist of roast beef tips in gravy, ham, mashed potatoes, cole slaw, green beans and a dinner roll. Call 320-732-2644 to RSVP by March 8, 2023, hope to see you there!

Brian’s Painting

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING FOR GREY EAGLE TOWNSHIP

Notice is given to residents of Grey Eagle Township, Todd County, that the Annual Meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 14, 2023. In case of inclement weather, the meeting will be postponed to the third Tuesday, March 21, 2023 and if inclement weather also postpones the meeting on the third Tuesday, March 21, 2023, then the meeting will be scheduled for March 28, 2023. The Annual Meeting will be held at 8:00 PM to conduct any necessary business prescribed by law.

The Annual Meeting will be held at the Grey Eagle Town Hall, 212 State Street East, Grey Eagle, Minnesota.

Mary Ann Primus, Grey Eagle Township Clerk

BURNHAMVILLE TOWNSHP RESIDENTS

Notice of Annual Meeting & Election of Officers March 14, 2023

Notice is hereby given to qualified voters of Burnhamville Township, County of Todd, and State of Minnesota, that the Election of Officers and Annual Town Meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at the Burtrum Community Center. The election hours will be from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Offices to be voted on include:

One supervisor seat A for a three year term and

One treasurer for a two year term.

The Annual Meeting will begin at 8:20 p.m. to conduct all necessary business. The Board of Canvas will be held after the meeting.

In case of inclement weather the election and meeting will be held March 21, 2023, same time and place.

Shirley Hulinsky, Burnhamville Township Clerk

MELROSE TOWNSHIP NOTICE OF ELECTION AND ANNUAL MEETING

Notice is hereby given to qualified voters that the Annual Township Election and Meeting will be held at the Town Hall, 41248 County Road 13, Melrose, MN on Tuesday, March 14, 2023. The election polls will be open from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. for the purpose of electing:

-One Supervisor, seat 3, for the term of 3 years

-One Town Clerk for the term of 2 years

The Annual Meeting will begin at 8:15 p.m. after the polls close.

The Board of Canvass will convene following the Annual Meeting to certify the official election results.

In the event of inclement weather, the election and Annual Meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at the above time and location.

The Town Hall will be open on Saturday, March 11, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for absentee voting.

Cecilia Tylutki, Melrose Township Clerk • 320-256-7173

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CLASSIFIED ADS

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

WANTED: Family looking for a dairy farm in Minnesota. Call 320-360-6589, if no answer, leave a message. 2/23

FOR SALE: 1997 Ford pickup, 2 wheel drive, needs work, $1000. Call 320-2675632. RB-ftn

FOR SALE: Dining room table with two leaves and six chairs, $225. Call 320-2559519. 3/2

FOR SALE: Matching China cabinet and hutch, $350. Call 320-255-9519. 3/2

FOR SALE: Round dining table with 4 chairs, like new, $150, Long Prairie. Call 320-732-2673.

FOR SALE: Bedroom set, $250. Call 320255-9519. 3/2

FOR SALE: Hand embroidered dish towels. Call 320-250-7001.

FOR SALE: Floe V2000 electric boat lift with canopy/cover/battery tray/rod holders/ remote, excellent cond., $3,500. Grey Eagle 612-709-8918. 3/2

FOR SALE: Polaris Ranger 2017, XP 1000 EPS Hunter, camo color, powerwinch, closed cab, wipers, rearview mirror, high output heater, $17,775. 218-760-8266 tfn

FOR SALE: WLP primers $5/100, 45 cal bullets $12/100 JHP. Call 320-260-4551.

Submit your Free personal classified. Up to 20 words. Email: htnews@icloud.com