Hometown News February 8, 2024

Hometown News

Thursday, February 8, 2024

FREE PUBLICATION

Vol. 23: Issue 40

HELP WANTED: APPLY IN PERSON

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www.opatzmetalsinc.com Mon.-Fri.: 8 AM-4:30 PM; Sat.: Closed (due to staffing)

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

HAYFIELD WINDOW REPLACEMENTS

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Windows that look like they were meant to be there.

American Family Mutual Insurance Company S.I, & its Operating Companies, Life Insurance underwritten by American Family Life Insurance Company, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 ©2015 006441 – Rev. 2/20 – 19068357

Building Materials and Custom Designing

320-285-8085

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

Building Supplies

With a traditional winter, the Double R sponsored a Vintage Snowmobile Ride the end of January. This year with no snow, Bobby Pallansch decided to hold a Vintage Snowmobile Show on Sunday, February 4 in Grey Eagle with judging and prizes.

There were 80 sleds registered in the show. Photo by Bobby Pallansch.

Melrose, MN

320-256-4146

Harvey Mackay

wheelswater.com

Call the Repair & Refinishing Experts!

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On The Tom Kuehne: The Good Old Days Inside... Obituaries: Raschke, Ostendorf, Knapp

Dave Ramsey: Dave Says Ask the Motor Medics® Local Municipality Minutes: Burtrum City, Burnhamville Township

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Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 6 Page 6 Page 7

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Let St. Rosa Lumber help you with your next custom project! www.freeportstatebank.com

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Page 2 • Hometown News •Thursday, February 8, 2024

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

320-285-2323

Email: htnews@icloud.com

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

Advertising & News Deadline MONDAYS • 5 PM

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

Free Distribution In:

Albany Avon Bowlus Burtrum Elmdale Freeport Greenwald Grey Eagle Holdingford

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

Sales: Lori Young

Office: 320-285-2323 Cell: 612-597-2998 Email: htnews@icloud.com

Website Design: John Young

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

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

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

Email: htnews@icloud.com

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Action is life’s prerequisite -By Harvey Mackay I learned about the significance of taking action at a very young age.

Being from the wintry wonderland of Minnesota provided ample opportunity for any youngster willing to work. After a heavy snowfall, we would grab our shovels and go in search of adults discouraged by nature’s actions.

We came across a lot of half-shoveled walks and driveways. These people would usually turn over their money to our ambitions and willingness to finish the job.

We were mostly looking for a little extra spending money. Along the way we learned a life lesson that would make the difference between mediocrity and success.

American businessman and politician Ross Perot hated bureaucracy. When he ran for the U.S. Presidency he said: “I come from an environment where, if you see a snake, you kill it. At General Motors (where he was a director), if you see a snake, the first thing you do is go hire a consultant on snakes.

Then you get a committee on snakes and then you discuss it for a couple of years. The most likely course of action is – nothing. You figure, the snake hasn’t bitten anybody yet, so you just let him crawl around the factory floor. We need to build an environment where the first guy who sees a snake kills it.”

T Boone Pickens, the highly successful entrepreneur and corporate raider, said in commencement remarks at George Washington University, “Be willing to make decisions. That’s the most important quality

in a good leader. Don’t fall victim to what I call the ‘ready-aim-aim-aim-aim syndrome.’

You must be willing to fire.”

Taking action is the cornerstone of success because without it, ideas, dreams and goals remain dormant. It is one thing to have a vision or a plan, but it is the execution of that plan that turns it into reality. Success is not a spectator sport; it is an active pursuit.

It requires not just thought, but also effort, determination and often a bit of courage.

Here is why action matters: • It transforms ideas into reality. Every great achievement starts with an idea.

Without action, ideas are just that – ideas.

Action breathes life into them.

• It builds momentum. Once you start taking action, even in small ways, you build momentum that can propel you forward, making it easier to take further steps towards your goals.

• It creates opportunities. Opportunities often arrive from being amid action. People notice your efforts and chances come your way that wouldn’t have happened if you remained inactive.

• It overcomes procrastination. Taking action is the antidote to procrastination. It is easy to put things off until someday, but action demands the now and pushes past the inertia of delay.

• It fosters learning and growth. Through action, you learn what works and what doesn’t, allowing you to adapt and grow.

Success often comes after a series of actions, adjustments and improvements.

• It demonstrates commitment. Action shows that you are serious about your goals.

It is a clear indicator of your commitment, not just to others, but to yourself as well.

Remember the story of the five birds on a wire? If three decide to fly but don’t, all five remain. Deciding isn’t enough; action is

required to make something happen.

As Pablo Picasso said, “Action is the foundational key to all success.” To be successful, one must not only decide to do something but actually do it.

A group of animals and insects decided to organize a football game. Somehow, the teams were organized according to size with all the big animals such as bears, lions and elephants on one team. Rabbits, squirrels, gophers and insects formed the second team.

The score after the first half was 56-0 for the big animals.

The second half began, and the lion was tackled at the 20-yard line after the kick-off.

Then the bear ran up the middle for only a few yards. The cheetah attempted to run around the end and was tackled for a loss.

The cheetah then looked at the bottom of the pile and noticed a centipede smiling. He asked, “Did you tackle me? This is the first time I’ve been tackled all day.”

“I sure did,” the gutsy, multi-legged critter replied. “I also tackled the lion and the bear.”

One of his rabbit teammates asked, “Where were you in the first half?

The centipede replied, “I was tying my shoes!”

Nothing is accomplished on the sidelines.

Mackay’s Moral: “I must do something” will always solve more problems than “Something must be done.”

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

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8 • Avon Women of Today Red Cross Blood Drive from 12:30-6:30 p.m. at Avon Community Church.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11 • Albany Legion Post 482 Smorgasbord Breakfast from 8 a.m.-noon at Church of Seven Dolors Parish Hall, Albany. See ad on page 3.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13 • Elmdale Creamery Seed, Feed & Fertilizer Day from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at the Elmdale Community Center. See ad on page 4.

• Freeport Lions Club American Red Cross Blood Drive from 12:30-6:30 p.m. at the Freeport Community Center.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17 • Valentine's Banquet at 6 p.m. at Word of Life Church, Upsala. See ad on page 5.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21 • Swanville Kindergarten Round Up from 8:30-11 a.m. at the Swanville School.

• Grey Eagle Senior Center Meeting at 10:45 a.m. Potluck & Bingo to follow.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24 • Sobieski & Swanille Lions Club 31st Annual Fishing Contest & Raffle from 12-3 p.m. on Long Lake, Swanville.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 25 • Catholic United Financial Matching Grant Fundraiser Breakfast from 9 a.m.12:30 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church Basement.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27 • Western Stearns DFL Caucus Night at

6:30 p.m. at the Melrose High School Media Center.

FRI.-SUN., MARCH 1-3 & FRI.-SUN., MARCH 8-10 • The Resurrected Artists Present 'Murder Gone Wrong' Dinner Theatre at Shady's Sunset Bay, St. Anna. Fri. & Sat. at 5:30 p.m. Sun. at 2 p.m.

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

ALBANY TOWNSHIP • Meets the 4th Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the Albany City Hall.

• Planning Commission meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the Albany City Hall.

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

BURTRUM CITY COUNCIL • Meets the 1st Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.

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

FOOD DISTRIBUTION • Ruby’s Pantry Food Distribution 1st Saturday of the Month from 10-11 a.m. at River of Live Church, Sauk Centre.

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

FREEPORT SENIOR MEETING • Meets the 3rd Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m. with cards/Bingo/coffee/dessert.

GREY EAGLE CITY COUNCIL • Meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.

GREY EAGLE TOWNSHIP • Meets the 1st Monday of the month at 8 p.m.

MELROSE TOWNSHIP • Meets the 1st Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at the town hall.

MELROSE VFW #7050 POST/AUX. • Meets the 1st Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Melrose American Legion Clubrooms.

MELROSE LEGION #101 POST/AUX. • Meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Melrose American Legion. (Aux. Sept.-May.) STEARNS CO. HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY • Meets 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 • 1st Tuesday after the 1st Monday of the month at 7 p.m.

SWANVILLE TOWNSHIP • Meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 8:30 p.m. at the Swanville Fire Hall.

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

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

Temperatures Date 1/31 2/1 2/2 2/3 2/4 2/5 2/6

High 52 43 37 32 34 37 43

Low 30 28 25 28 27 25 32

Friday

Snow.

High: 29 Low: 20

Weekend Weather Saturday

Sunday

Cloudy.

High: 28 Low: 17

Partly cloudy.

High: 33 Low: 20

Hometown News • Thursday, February 8, 2024 • Page 3

“The Good Old Days” -By Tom Kuehne Berlin

Most of us recall the Berlin Wall. It was a wall built by the Soviets in 1961.

The purpose was similar to earlier walls in Berlin.

The wall was not primarily erected to create a defensive position, but to keep the locals from escaping to an area that had more jobs, food and housing than their present location offered.

The Soviets took possession of Berlin at the end of WWII. The division of the “spoils” after the war included a decision to allow the allies to occupy the western part of Berlin and the Soviets the eastern part. The Soviet method of occupation was to make the people they controlled live with bad housing, food shortages, lack of residential heating, sweatshop type jobs and a constant harassment by the Soviet military. In 1989, the Soviet Leaders decided that opposition to their form of containment and harassment was beginning to create a strong popular movement to create the freedom of the people, which would result in a military conflict. The Soviets opened the wall allowing movement to and from the Eastern and Western zones and the wall began to get torn down.

A wall is not an unfamiliar item in Berlin. In 1735 a wall was constructed in Berlin which was 20 feet high and over 8 miles long. It's purpose was for defense, but primarily it was to keep the soldiers from leaving Berlin to escape the harsh discipline they were subjected to. It also forced those wanting to sell their goods in Berlin, to pay a tax to bring their goods into the city through openings in the wall and to pay another fee after the goods were sold and the merchants wanted to leave Berlin. Similar to taxing in the US today?

Berlin became a location for trade and manufacturing and the population grew.

THE JUNCTION Convenience Store • Bait

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Hours: 6 AM to 10 PM Pizzas • Cold Spring Bakery Schaefer’s Meats • T-Shirts Leanin’ Tree Gift Cards

320-285-2383 • Grey Eagle

Humans from all over Europe traveled to other countries due to war, unhappiness with their ruling class, lack of food and housing or a need for employment. Since Berlin offered some of these solutions, it became home for many of these immigrants. This made it difficult to find land to erect more housing.

In 1802 the wall was destroyed and a new wall built further away from the city center to allow more space for housing construction.

To financially support the expansion of the city, new methods of taxation needed to be created. At one time there was an excise tax placed on tobacco, coffee and salt.

This made these items very expensive and shoppers avoided them. However, citizens were required to purchase salt and a book must be kept showing hand amounts, to avoid improper disposal of it. The population created new ways to use the salt. They began to put gherkins in salt water for pickles.

Shredded cabbage had salt added to make sauerkraut. More salt usage was used in the preservation of meat and fish.

In 1800 postal service began. This involved 8 deliveries per day and 4 mail pickups per day. In winter the deliveries were reduced to 6 per day. There was a charge to mail an item and also a charge to receive an item.

Due to the movement and relocation of people throughout Europe, saying you are originally from Sweden, Germany, France or Russia may not be true, since those beings traveled to different areas for thousands of years, so you can't be sure where your ancestors came from. You usually have only the last country of residence to say what your nationality is.

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

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

Ash Wednesday & Valentine's Day Feb. 14 • 5-9 PM

Stop in to Buy Your RAFFLE TICKET

For • Fish Dinner $11.50 St. Mary's School • 21 Shrimp $9.50 • Grilled Shrimp $15.95 Win up to $20,000

STOP IN FOR ALL YOUR OFF SALE NEEDS! Busch Light $21.00 +tax

Order Your VALENTINES ARRANGEMENT!

We Deliver Floral Arrangements in a 20 mile Get your orders in early to guarantee radius. Memorials, Sympathy, speedy pick ups & deliveries!

All Occasions Chris' Country Store Floral & Gift THRIFT SHOP 105 State St. E. Grey Eagle • 320-285-2600 13 Vendors Order 24/7 @ www.flowershopnetwork.com Clothing & More Hours: Mon.-Fri.: 10:30-2:30, Sat.: 8-2 or by Appointment Always something new!

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

HAPPY HOUR: Mon.-Wed.: 4:30-6:30 PM $3.00 Thursday: All Day/Night $3.00 Nightly Specials

Dine In Only - With Beverage Purchase

Monday: (5-9 pm) $3.50 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: (5-9 pm) Taco Wrap $8.50

Sat., Feb. 10: Last Stop Poker Fun Run Sun., Feb. 11: SUPER GAME POTLUCK $1 Off All Adult Beverages Ash Wednesday, Feb. 14 • Walleye Fingers Basket $13 All you can eat • 2 Fish Tacos w/Fries $10 Friday: (5-9 pm) Choice of:

• 6 oz. Steak $12 • Add 3 Shrimp $15 • 6 oz. Butter/Garlic Steak $12

• Add 3 Shrimp $15 • 6 Shrimp $9.00 • Served w/Baked Potato Saturday: (4-8 pm) 1/4 lb. Hamburger $3.00 Toppings 50¢ each; Bacon 50¢ Slice

LUNCH SPECIALS

Monday-Friday: 11 AM-1 PM • Wednesday Chicken • Thursday, Feb. 15: Liver & Onions HELP WANTED: COOKS & BARTENDERS

• Steel Siding • Vinyl Siding • Steel Roofs • Soffit & Fascia

Hennen

320-836-2135

Lumber Company, Inc.

Freeport, MN www.hennenlumber.com

From the Desk of Pastor Bruce

Ephesians 6:10 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.”

Have you ever considered the power of God? If you have not, I’m asking you to right now. For most of us God’s power is just sort of there. I mean, like grace and peace and hope they are ours as Fruit of the Holy Spirit when we put our faith in Jesus. It’s the same with God’s Power, its there for us to observe and experience, but normally we don’t go out and intentionally seek it. Consider the thunderstorm and all that power! The wind, and lightning, tornadoes; all packed with power.

Do you believe in God’s power? If not look at Romans 1:18-20 says “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are

without excuse.

Ephesians 6 tells us that we need to put on armor if we are to be strong enough to fight against the devil. The armor consists of things like truth and righteousness, and the gospel of peace, salvation, and God’s Word. One thing for us to remember is that our battle is a spiritual battle. We can see God’s power all around us, so we know its available, but we actually need to pursue Him and ask for His help, to be ready for the attacks of Satan and his deception.

Put on the Armor of God, so that you will be able to stand your ground against Satan.

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

RJ's Country Store 28916 County Rd. 17 - St. Rosa

320-836-2583

Gas/Diesel/Premium • Propane Exchange Groceries • Pep's Pork • Schaefer's Market Harry's Pizza • Bait • ATM

Albany American Legion Post 482

SMORGASBORD BREAKFAST Sunday, February 11

Serving 8:00 a.m.-12:00 Noon

At Church of Seven Dolors Parish Hall, Albany

Serving: Ham, Bacon, Sausage, Blood Sausage, Liver Sausage, Fried Potatoes, French Toast, Scrambled Eggs, Fruit, Sweet Breads, Beverages

Adults: $14.00 • Children 4-10: $5.00 • 3 & under: Free

Everyone Welcome!

MELROSE AMERICAN LEGION Post 101

265 Co. Rd. 173 SE, Melrose - 320-256-3581 • Cell 320-429-4008 OPEN: Mondays: 3-8 PM Fridays: 3-9 PM

Friday, February 9 4:30 -7:30 PM

Monday: Line Dancing Monday: Lunch @ 5:30 PM: Hot Sandwich, Chips & Treat for $5 6:30 PM: BARGO Blackout $200

BURGER NIGHT

Call to Book Your Event!

Tue.-Thur., Sat. & Sun.

ASH WEDNESDAY Feb. 14 • 4:30-8 PM

FISH FRY $13

All You Can Eat

Feb. 16: Fish Fry Dog Tag $475 HORSE RACES • PULL-TABS • ETABS • ELECTRONIC BINGO

Gambling Licence #01053-001

VALENTINE’S • Double “R” Bar & Grill Buck Off Adult BeverageDuring SPECIALS Grey Eagle • 320-285-2965

www.doublerbarandgrill.com

SUPER SUNDAY

Starting at 4 PM

SATURDAY, FEB. 10

Nachos • Tacos • Brats Chili • Pizza $7.50

• Slow Roasted Prime Rib $22.95 • Steak & Lobster $36.95 • 2 Lobsters $39.95 • Rack of Ribs $18.95 • Red Lake Walleye $15.95

STADIUM FOOD BUFFET Pre-Game Happy Hour • 4 PM til Kick-Off February 11

BUCK OFF! All Adult Beverages Sign Up Every Quarter for Door Prizes!

Drawing 1/2 Time & Final

TUESDAY: 5-9 PM

Burger Night $3.00 ASH WED. FEB. 14: 11 AM-9 PM

• 1-1/2 lb. Wings $6.00 Shrimp Burger • $6 Baskets

THURSDAY: 5-9 PM (Salad Bar)

• Chicken & Ribs $15.95 • 8 oz. Ground Sirloin $13.95 • Creamy Sweet Chili Haddock w/ Wild Rice $15.95 FRIDAY: 5-9 PM (Salad Bar)

• Ribeye $22.95 • Teriyaki Chicken over Rice Pilaf $12.95 • Deep Fried Cod $14.95 • Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo $13.95 or Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo $15.95

All You Can Eat

SUNDAY: 3-8 PM (Salad Bar)

• Steak & Shrimp $19.95 • Pork Prime Rib: 1-Bone $13.95; 2-Bones $16.95 • 1/2 Chicken $10.50 • 1/4 Chicken $8.50

NOW HIRING Bartender/Servers HAPPY HOUR Mon.-Fri. 3-5 PM BUCK OFF Adult Beverage KITCHEN HOURS Sun.: 11 AM-8 PM • Mon.: CLOSED Tues.-Thurs.: 11 AM-9 PM Fri.-Sat.: 11 AM-9:30 PM

Starting at 4:30 PM

ASH WED., FEB. 14: Shrimp Burger • $6 Baskets

LUNCH SPECIALS Fri., Feb. 9: Hot Beef Sandwich Sat., Feb. 10: Prime Rib Burger Sun., Feb. 11: Sunny Side Up Burger Tues., Feb. 13 : Turkey Dinner Mashed Potatoes, Veg. Wed., Feb. 14: Shrimp Burger or $6 Baskets Thurs., Feb. 15: BBQ Ribs OFF SALE HOURS Mon.: 2-7 PM Tues.-Sat.: 11 AM-10 PM Sun.: 11 AM-6 PM BAR HOURS Sun.: 11 AM-10 PM • Mon.: 2-7 PM Tues.-Thurs. 11 AM-11 PM Fri. & Sat. 11 AM-1 AM

Page 4 • Hometown News • Thursday, February 8, 2024

Larry John Ostendorf

Obituaries

Eagle.

On October 21, 1934, a son was born to William and Mary (Hinman) Raschke of rural Long Prairie. William “Bill” Roger became the brother to sisters, Phyllis and Joan. After graduating from Long Prairie High School, Bill took a position as a teller at the local bank. This would be the first day of an entire career in the banking industry. Bill worked the next 40 plus years at the bank, with the majority of his career working as an Agricultural Loan Officer until he retired. On July 9, 1966, Bill married Linda Lowe, and they were blessed with four amazing children, Cheryl, Renee, Brian and Kelly. They lived on Bill’s home farm in rural Long Prairie where he raised beef cows and farmed his tillable land. Bill’s outgoing and jokester personality made him unforgettable. His work ethic was never ending, with farming and banking full time. When he was not working, he made family a priority.

Every Sunday was reserved for family time at the cabin he built on Long Lake near Burtrum, MN. He served his country in the Minnesota National Guard and was a member of the American Legion in Long Prairie. He enjoyed snowmobiling, car racing, deer hunting, bowling, and he would often show his skills to family on water ski’s during their lake time. After retirement, Bill enjoyed traveling and took many cruises. Bill also enjoyed playing bingo at the Legion. Bill was co-owner of a timeshare in Northern Minnesota called Kinmount Kreek Kamp, where the family had a reunion every summer, pausing their chaotic life and making memories.

On Sunday, January 28, 2024, Bill took his last breath here on earth and entered heaven. He was 89 years old. He leaves behind his children, Cheryl Meyers, Renee (Gary) Johnson, Brian (Heather) Raschke, and Kelly (Mike) Mingo; sister, Phyllis Tesch; 10 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many friends.

He was welcomed in heaven by his parents, William and Mary Raschke; sister, Joan Faust; brother-in-law Harlan Faust, brother-in-law Wilbur Tesch, and former wife, Linda Raschke.

Ostendorf, Larry John age 91, formerly of Freeport, Eagan and Glencoe passed away peacefully February 5, 2024. He was born December 13, 1932 in Krain Township, Stearns County, MN and grew up in St. Francis of Assisi, St. Francis, MN to parents Ben and Mary (Thielen) Ostendorf. In 1953 he married Dorothy Thelen. Together they raised six children before her passing. In 1993 he found love again and married Phyllis (Wosmek) Sopkowiak. Their union brought 30 years of companionship and adventures to Alaska, Texas and Mexico.

Larry held a variety of jobs such as bus driver, police chief, fire fighter, and his favorite; a heavy equipment operator building roads with the 49ers.

Larry was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus. He reveled in the simple pleasures of life enjoying dancing, fishing, playing cards, polka fests, and laughing with everyone he greeted. At their Texas home, Larry enjoyed purchasing meals for families in need during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. He was known for restoring bicycles and donating them to children in need. He and Phyllis coordinated the weekly senior dances in their park, spending nearly 20 winters greeting friends and together dancing countless polkas and waltzes.

Larry is survived by his wife Phyllis Sopkowiak; children Sue (Chuck) Walz, David (Sue) Ostendorf, and Keith (Marina) Ostendorf and stepchildren Jerome (Lisa) Sopkowiak, Lyle (Jaye Ann) Sopkowiak, Joyce (Ron) Wohler, Joanne (Richard) Foust, and Lois Reishus; 17 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Preceding Larry in death were his first wife Dorothy in 1985; children Michael Ostendorf in 1992, Joanne Ostendorf in 2002, and Sharon Ostendorf in 2020; his parents; and all nine siblings and their spouses Richard (Edna) Ostendorf, Mary Ostendorf, Gilbert (Monica) Ostendorf, Leona (Cecil) Prokop, Veronica (Walter) Morgel, Clarence (Marcella) Ostendorf, Roman Ostendorf, Herbert (Delories) Ostendorf, and Glorine (Eugene) Raeker.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be at 12:30 PM on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at St Pius X Catholic Church in Glencoe, Minnesota.

Visitation will be held two hours before Mass at the church. Inurnment will take place at Holy Family Cemetery, Silver Lake, MN. Memorials are preferred.

Maresh Funeral Home, Silver Lake, MN assisted the family with funeral arrangements.

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Donna R. Knapp, age 60 of St. Anna, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family after an eightmonth battle with cancer on Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at the Quiet Oaks Hospice House in St. Augusta, Minnesota.

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

Saturday, February 10 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Anna with Rev. Gregory Mastey officiating.

Interment will be held in the parish cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Saturday at the church in St. Anna. The Christian Women will pray at 4 p.m. Friday evening at the church.

Donna Renee Young was born November 26, 1963 in St. Cloud, Minnesota to LeRoy

and Eileen (Bauer) Young. She graduated from Holdingford High School in 1982. She was united in marriage to Kenneth Knapp on May 2, 1987 at All Saints – St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Holdingford. Donna started her working career at Fingerhut, then at Two Rivers Enterprises, and lastly at Gilleland Chevrolet. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Anna and the Christian Women. Donna loved being a mother and grandmother, gardening and canning, cooking and baking, mowing the lawn, being a fan at her son’s sporting and school events, and visiting with family and friends.

Survivors include her husband, Ken Knapp of St. Anna; sons, Adam (Genny) Knapp of Sartell, Jacob Knapp of Holdingford, Marc Knapp of St. Anna, and Alex Knapp of St. Anna; two granddaughters, Brynlee and Brenna; brothers and sisters, Diane Young of Holdingford, Deb (Dan) Knapp of Holdingford, Doris (Allan) Pilarski of St. Augusta, Delroy Young of Holdingford, Duane Young of Holdingford, and Ed (Dani) Young of Holdingford.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, LeRoy and Eileen Young.

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

A Connection with a Great Basketball Player

By David Hinman game. That is a Minnesota state record, and Grey Eagle is a small town certainly well Tori is the youngest player to reach 3,000. known for the many beautiful lakes surroundTori scored 456 points as a seventh grader, ing the town, beautiful countryside, and many 826 as an 8th grader, 998 as a freshman, and a farms with rich soil, but Grey Eagle is also total of 3,070 currently as a sophomore with known for its people. several games left in this season.

For a small town, we have more than our My wife and I have seen her play severshare of great farmers, creative business own- al times, and people in the stands say she is a ers, teachers, and athletes. I won’t mention any wonderful person. names because inevitably I would omit someAs a player she is a generational scoring one and maybe hurt someone’s feelings. machine and rebounder who is more interested As with any town, some people relocate in getting an assist than scoring. for any number of reasons.

We plan to attend her games the next two Three years ago I heard about a seventh seasons and hopefully have an opportunity to grade girl starting for the Crosby-Ironton girls see her play college ball. basketball team. I didn’t know her name, but she proved she earned a starting spot by recording a massive triple double in her first game.

Later in the year I heard her name was Tori, but that was all I knew until a year later I heard that Tori Oehrlein scored a total of 1,000 career points.

Now I became very TH interested in her amazing basketball career, and wondered if she was related to a family that moved out of Grey Eagle, but not too far Held at the away.

Al and Harriet Oehrlein owned a farm just east of Bass Lake, and I remember Patsy Oehrlein was a year younger than me in grade school.

Al and Harriet moved DISCOUNTS to Sauk Centre. There are AVAILABLE! still Oehrleins living there.

Two years ago one of the Twin City news channels featured Tori on the 10:00 news when she scored 1,000 points and last year when when she scored 2,000 in just 67 games. On January 30th this year Tori Nature’s Best Ag Service scored 3,000 in her 101st 320-573-2607

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REPRESENTATIVES ON HAND

Hometown News • Thursday, February 8, 2024 • Page 5

Local fourth graders learn about energy efficiency, electrical safety Stearns Electric Association presented Energy Education and Safety Demonstrations to fourth graders at Avon Elementary and Upsala Elementary schools on Feb. 1 and Holdingford Elementary School on Feb. 5.

As part of Stearns Electric’s commitment to safety and community, the Cooperative presents an annual one-hour energy efficiency and safety demonstration to fourth grade classrooms throughout its service territory.

Stearns Electric’s live, energized home and farm model serves as the highpoint of each presentation. Used as a tool to show students

what can happen when they get too close to electrical equipment, students were fascinated with the electrical sparks and arc flashes demonstrated on the model.

The most important piece of safety information students walk away from the presentation with is the knowledge of how to react in a vehicle accident involving any electrical equipment. As these fourth graders can tell you, you should always stay in your vehicle if it hits a power pole, unless your vehicle is on fire. If your vehicle is on fire near a power pole or other electrical equipment, you should jump

out of your vehicle, keeping your feet together and your arms crossed, and shuffle as far away from the accident as you can.

Following each demonstration, one lucky student was selected to dress up as a line worker. Donning a hard hat, rubber gloves, pole climbers, safety glasses and a utility belt, these students got to experience the real-life equip-

ment line workers use daily.

Prior to the presentations, students learned about basic electricity principles as part of their school curriculum. Throughout the one-hour sessions, students reviewed the things they had learned, including the different types of electricity, conductors and insulators, and sources of energy.

Stearns Electric Association lineman Blake Thompson presents the Energy Education program to Holdingford Elementary School.

Stearns Electric lineman Matt Pieper demonstrates what to do if you need to exit your vehicle after an accident with electrical equipment at Avon Elementary School.

Get Answers!

Does God exist? How can anyone believe in religion when science has neither a need nor a place for God? Is evolution happening today? If God is a God of love, why do we suffer and die?

Creation Ministries International is coming to your area soon with answers to these important questions. Come and hear Dr. Robert Carter expose the bankruptcy of the evolutionary myth. You’ll be amazed to see how weak the scientific evidence for evolution is.

This is an issue that affects everyone.

Evolution teaches us there is no need for God, there is no spiritual realm, and there is no afterlife. According to the theory, spirituality is just an evolutionary trick of the mind!

The Bible gives a very different picture about the nature of these things. At this presentation, you will learn how the scientific evidence, when properly understood, confirms the details of the biblical account. At the same time, we will answer many of the Big Questions.

Find out more Saturday, February 17 and Sunday, February 18, 2024 at Community Covenant Church, 122 Main St., Upsala, MN

56384. Saturday at 7:00 p.m. The Alternative: Creation’s Competitive Edge. Then Sunday at 10:15 a.m. Biblical Worldview as it Relates to Science.

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Wild Tickets Giveaway Stop in & sign up for a chance to win 4 WILD TICKETS Sunday, March 10 @ 2:30 PM Wild vs. Nashville Predators

Drawing March 1st. See store for details.

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Page 6 • Hometown News • Thursday, February 8, 2024

Sudoku

Word Search Answers from Feb. 1

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, Our 21-yearold son is in college, and we’ve always warned him to stay away from credit cards.

Despite our warnings, we recently learned he got a storebranded credit card. The good news is he has stayed under the credit limit. The bad news is he has never made any payments on the purchases he made, and now he owes about $3,800. He’s a good student, and my husband and I want to look at this as a young person’s one-time mistake. Do you think we should pay off the card for him just this once?

-Melinda Dear Melinda, Believe me, I understand you wanting to help him out. It means you’ve got a good heart, and you love him. No parent likes seeing their child in a bad situation.

There’s a reality here, though, I hope you won’t overlook. It’s his debt, not yours.

He knew what he was doing when he signed up for that credit card. He knew what it meant, what was expected, and he’s the one who should make good on the repayment.

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Ask The Motor Medics®

There’s nothing unfair about that.

Now, you’re right. This is a typical young person’s mistake. And like a lot of mistakes our kids make, it’s one that’s bad and wonderful at the same time. It’s bad because if he had just listened to you and his dad, he would’ve avoided the whole mess.

It’s wonderful, though, because it gives you two the opportunity to provide him with a real world, teachable moment.

At this point, my advice is for both of you to give him a great big hug, and lovingly explain where he went wrong and why it was a bad idea. If you want, you can even go a step further, and help him find a part-time job if he doesn’t have one right now, so he can pay off his debt and get out of this mess. It’ll take some planning and discipline on his part, but leave the payments to him. Hopefully, by the time he finishes working his tail off—and scrimping and saving to pay this debt—he will have learned a lesson he’ll remember for the rest of his life.

-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.

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Sudoku Answers from Feb. 1

7 Days/Week: Mon.-Sat. 8-6; Sun. 9-2

From the Hosts of the Under The Hood radio show.

Dear Motor Medics, I have a 2008 jeep compass and I purchased a simple Bluetooth system that I want to install in it. It’s a stand alone system that has an FM transmitter so I can play it over the radio. Well, I was trying to install it and my original idea was to wire it to the fuse box with one of those add a circuit connector until I found out that the fuse box is under the hood and not located under the dash. I want to splice it into the vehicle wiring with proper fuses of course but I need one wire that's always hot and one that's hot only when the ignition is on. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

-Steve in Van Nuys, California Dear Steve, Many people find themselves wanting to add an accessory to their vehicle and nowhere to draw power from. The add a fuse kit you mentioned is one way to do it if the current draw is very low. The second would be to take power from the radio circuit. They have harnesses available to tap into the wires at many car stereo shops. The first thing you will need to do is find out how much current the device will use. Too much of a draw can damage the vehicle. Consulting with the folks at the stereo shop will help you to determine draw as it is something they often must do.

-Take care, the Motor Medics Dear Motor Medics, I’m a new listener and column reader and I have a 1993 Ford Ranger with a 4.0 engine. When I first start the engine the hydraulic valve lifters make a lot of noise.

The lower the outdoor ambient temperature the worse the noise seems to be. When the engine reaches full operating temperature, the noise goes away. Could this be an issue with the engine oil passages being gummed up? If this was the issue, do you recommend a product that could clean it up?

-John in Rapid City, South Dakota Dear John, Many of the Rangers with the 4.0 engine develop this noise. Some are caused

by lifters that are gummed up while others have excessive valve train wear caused by either high miles or lack of proper lubrication due to long oil change intervals or the use of lesser quality oils at some point. Without taking the engine apart for inspect you could eliminate the possibility of the engine sludge issue by cleaning the oil system and using an additive. We use engine oil cleaner than the engine tune up from Justice Brothers. They seem to work very well for us. You need to add the cleaner then run the engine for ten minutes, change the oil, and then add the engine tune up. If it’s not an excessive wear issue this should help. You may need to repeat the process down the road if it occurs again.

-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.

Albany Senior Dining

Mon., Feb. 12: Tater tot hotdish, glazed carrots, cookie, roll.

Tues., Feb. 13: Scalloped potatoes & ham, peas, granola bar.

Wed., Feb. 14: Breaded pollock, red potatoes, baked beans, fruit salad.

Thurs., Feb. 15: Shepherd's pie, green beans, applesauce.

Fri., Feb. 16: Lasagna roll ups, 7 layer salad, oranges, breadstick.

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. 12: Tater tot hotdish, vegetable, dessert.

Tues., Feb. 13: Chicken enchiladas, rice, corn, dessert.

Wed., Feb. 14: Cook's choice.

Thurs., Feb. 15: 5:30 PM: Meatloaf, cheesy potatoes, corn, dinner roll, dessert.

Fri., Feb. 16: Chicken alfredo, garlic bread, vegetable, dessert.

Pick up or eat in by 11:30 a.m.

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

Upsala, MN

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Hometown News • Thursday, February 8, 2024 • Page 7

Local Municipality Minutes Email Minutes to htnews@icloud.com

Burtrum City • January 2 Members Present: Mayor Jenae Ulbricht, Romie Gessell, Irene Ehlert, Juli Scherping.

Staff Present: Brooke Thieschafer. Quorum was met and Mayor Ulbricht called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM, and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Approval of Agenda: Mayor Ulbricht added Christmas Day to the agenda. Romie Gessell made a motion to approve the agenda. Irene Ehlert supported. All in favor, motion carried.

Approval of the Minutes: Irene Ehlert made a motion to approve the minutes from December 4th, 2023. Juli Scherping supported. All in favor, motion carried.

Approval of the Bills: Juli Scherping made a motion to approve the bills from December 2023. Romie Gessell supported. All in favor, motion carried.

Old Business: Source Well Update - The City Clerk and Mayor have purchased a few items. More to come as we move forward in the year. No Permits at this meeting. Road Signs No update at this time.

We will send a follow up email. Digital sign is not currently working. Bollig Engineering Update - Kris with Bollig Engineer gave a presentation and gave information/update about the following: Examples of locations of the sewer systems.

All data presented is a range. Pumps are expensive and talked about lift stations. Gave examples of where man holes would be potentially.

Various treatment options. Kris discussed there are current grants available right now to fund the project. The City of Burtrum meets all the requirements for the grants. Projects can take up to 3-5 years to complete. PSIG grant that is available opens up and is due July 2024, and more funds available then ever right now. Which would allow for a sooner completion date. Bollig Engineer will try to utilize as many grant funding options as possible. Water for the city is not recommended right now. Kris discussed the street and stated it must be like and kind.

An estimate for the streets was given, anywhere from $900,000 to $1.2 million. Updating the pavements are not cheap, stated Kris. Preliminary reports are needing to move forward on this project to dial down and get more in depth data.

Cost do this report is $30,000. Bollig will work for the city and help with funding. The council suggested a special meeting be held to get more resident input. Flyers will be handed out. Special meeting to be scheduled January 15th, 202 at 7 PM at the Community Center. Meeting will be posted out front of the CC, posted on Facebook and put in the Hometown News.

New Business: Lock box is not opening at this time. May be frozen shut. Will work to get it opened.

Office hours are potentially looking to be Tuesday mornings: 8:30-10:30 AM. More to come.

Designated Newspapers Locations - Hometown News and Long Prairie Leader. Gessel made the motion to keep the newspaper locations the same. Ehlert seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Official depository - Magnifi Financial.

Scherping made a motion to keep the same. Gessell seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

City Bonds - $5000 currently in First State Bank of Swanville. Protection of funds. Gessel made a motion to leave the same. Scherping seconded. All supported, motion carried.

Corporate signers are the following: Mayor Jenae Ulbricht, City Clerk Brooke Thieschafer, and City Council Member Romie Gessell. Ehlert made a motion, Scherping seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

City Attorney - Currently Quinlivan & Hughes. Gessell made a motion to keep the same. Scherping seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Committees - No committees at this time.

No vote at this time. Discussion was had. Table conversation for the next meeting.

Meeting Minutes - Currently working on scanning all minutes to our new website. There are a bunch of minutes that are missing, and we are unable to locate them. Missing some from 2019.

Missing 5 months (August to December) from 2022, missing 2 months (August & September) from 2020.

Rick’s Painting

Election Judges - Head Judge Debbir Stassburg has selected her primary judges for March Primary. Carol Duke, Mark Larsen, Sherry Larsen, Tonya Landowski, Dana Gallus, Juli Scherping also showed interest in being a judge as well.

Training dates are to come. More information to come. Ehlert made a motion to approve the judges. Scherping supported. All in favor, motion carried. Open Vacancy - Term expires 12-242024 for open seat. If anyone is interested, please reach out to a city council member or email the city. No decision was made at this time.

Christmas Event - Roll over the funds left from the Christmas event and keep it for Easter.

Roll over amount is $164.00.

Open Floor: Christmas decorations can be taken down at any time now.

Adjournment: Irene Ehlert moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:44 PM. Romie Gessell seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Next City Council meeting is scheduled for February 6th, 2024 at 7:00 PM at the Burtrum Community Center.

City Clerk, Brooke Thieschafer Burtrum City • January 15 Members Present: Mayor Jenae Ulbricht, Romie Gessell, Irene Ehlert, Juli Scherping.

Staff Present: Brooke Thieschafer. Quorum was met and Mayor Ulbricht called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM, and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Bollig Engineering: Mayor Ulbricht introduced a representative from Bollig Engineering, Kris. Mayor also wanted to acknowledge Bobby Velkamp Jr for passing out flyers to local residents about the Special Meeting. Kris started off the meeting by explaining who and what Bollig Engineering specialize in. Bollig specializes in working with Cities with 1000 or less population. Projects include the following but not limited to: water, sewers, roads, etc. for smaller cities.

The city of Burtrum is looking to bring sewer to the city’s residents.

Kris explained water is not a good option at this time. Kris stated projects could take about 2-5 years to complete. The grant funding available right now has been the best Bollig has seen.

One grant that is available to get a sewer could potentially fund up to 80% of the project. There are multiple grant funding options that are available to the city that Bollig will work intensely to help offset the cost of this project. The funding will also include replacing and fixing any streets in poor condition, “like & kind”. MNDOT is scheduled to resurface the roads in 2029.

A preliminary report is needed to go into extensive detail to gather all the information about bringing sewer to the city. Bollig is willing to help cover the cost of the preliminary report of $25,000, the cost the city would have to contribute is $5,000. Bollig has never paid to help a city get the preliminary report going. The following questions were asked. If ponds were the route to go, where would they be? Kris explained he does not know anything until a preliminary report is completed. Does the city get to vote on this project? The Mayor has a call out to the League of Mn to help answer that question. No definite answer at this time. The preliminary reports take anywhere from 3-6 months to generate. Report ideally needs to be completed by July 2024. The city council can hold this preliminary report at any time. Further discussion went on about the projects and great questions were asked. Kris explained there is no exact data that can be given out or known for sure until the preliminary report is completed. City Council Member Ehlert made a motion to hire Bollig Engineer to conduct a preliminary report for $5,000. City Council Member Scherping supported. All in favor, motion carried.

Mayor Ulbricht adjourned the meeting at 8:28 PM. Next regular scheduled City Council meeting is February 6th, 2024 at 7:00 PM at the Burtrum Community Center.

Brooke Thieschafer, City Clerk Burnhamville Township • December 26, 2023 The regular meeting of the Town Board of Burnhamville was held December 26, 2023 at the Burtrum Community Center. The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. by Vice-chair Bruce Johnson. Members present include Supervisors Bruce Johnson, Joe Muellner and Mike Berscheit (virtual); Clerk Shirley Hulinsky. Treasurer Pam Throener was absent. Also present was Erv Herd-

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ering.

The minutes from the regular meeting of November 28, 2023 were approved on a motion

by Sup. Johnson and second by Sup. Muellner.

Minutes of the special meeting held December 14 were approved on a motion by Sup. Johnson and seconded by Sup. Muellner. Motions passed.

For correspondence the township received letters from Todd County Planning and Zoning sewer and feed lot updates at next hearing on Jan. 4, liquor license application, Noxious Weed Grant was denied, November taxes received, notice from county of requirement to publish absentee voting hours, notice from Todd Co about VOTER Account funds which township will let county handle as stated in Resolution 2023-2 at the December 14 meeting.

A motion was made by Sup. Muellner to pay all bills numbered 6553 through 6563 totaling $5,890.70. Sup. Berscheit seconded the motion.

Motion passed.

Sup. Berscheit made a motion to approve the liquor license request from the Swanville/Sobieski Lions for the fishing contest for February 24, 2024 on Long Lake. Sup. Muellner seconded the motion. Sup. Johnson abstained due to involvement. Motion passed.

Minnesota State Legislature passed an Earned Sick and Safe Time law in 2023 session. Since Burnhamville Township does not have any employee that works 80 hours the board feels this rule does not apply to our township.

In the road report with the recent rains and

warm weather the contractor will grade roads as weather allows. The contractor put in a request to get dumpster on Flicker Trail turn around moved to east side of driveway to make it easier to plow snow. Supervisor Johnson will contact Long Prairie Sanitation to get it moved. There was a complaint of logs or poles on Dunlin Road ditch drainage to Long Lake. The board stated the lake association should help pay to remove logs.

A new rule states that all voting precincts must post Absentee Voting Hours. Clerk stated she will be available at her house upon appointment from February 12 until March 11 for early voting.

The Treasurer’s report shows balance of $98,967.55. Township received payment for November taxes. Report approved on a motion by Sup. Berscheit and second by Sup. Muellner. Motion passed.

The board discussed using a credit card to purchase necessary supplies for the township.

Sup. Johnson made a motion to approve getting a credit card from Magnifi Financial in Grey Eagle with a credit limit of $3,000. Sup. Muellner seconded the motion. Upon unanimous vote motion passed.

Meeting was adjourned at 7:32 p.m. on a motion by Sup. Johnson and a second by Sup. Muellner. Next regular meeting will be on Tuesday, January 30, 2023 at 7 pm in the Burtrum Community Center.

Shirley Hulinsky, Burnhamville Township Clerk

Your Excitement for 2024 Soil and Water Conservation Can Be a Reality By: Leland Buchholz, Todd SWCD Board Chairperson The Todd County SWCD Mission Statement is “Conservation, Protection, and Enhancement of Todd County’s Natural Resources."

How can these exciting times in conservation help you and your conservation dreams, ideas, and goals for your property?

Exciting times in soil and water conservation.

It’s voluntary, so it’s up to you to Conserve, Protect and Enhance your Natural Resources.

As a Todd County SWCD Supervisor, it is an exciting time to be a Todd SWCD Board Supervisor in 2024. The SWCD Board’s role is in the development of direction, goals, and policy to facilitate the implementation soil and water conservation for its citizens, and for a clean land and water landscape.

Your Todd Soil and Water Board is proactive by: 1. Annual work sessions to set goals, best practices, and consider long term impacts across the landscape for all peoples, lands, and to develop a work plan.

2. Incorporation of resources, technical and fiscal, to meet needs and goals.

3. Accountability in providing process, technical and fiscal resources documenting outcomes.

What is Exciting in conservation resource planning?

The clean water planning and funding up for adoption has been enhanced and brought closer to the local level by cooperative water plans that are watershed based and implemented by SWCDs through One Watershed One Plan (1W1P). 1W1P is an effort to employ enhanced funding by watershed for clean water to conserve, protect, and enhance.

All this to Conserve, Protect, and Enhance our Natural Resources.

Exciting conservation opportunities!

What are your soil and water goals?

Is it soil water erosion nutrients? Livestock related?

What’s your soil and water dream or idea?

Is it small or big? Or you are not sure and can’t figure it out? Do you need technical assistance to make the soil and water health, safety, management, and conservation happen?

What other improvements have you been considering in soil and water conservation on your property, residence, or farm? Is it soil health, water conservation, water flow, water containment, nutrient and irrigation management? Is it grazing, livestock or feedlot man-

Brian’s Painting Interiors, Exteriors, Staining, Varnishing

Brian Middendorf 40 Years Experience 320-293-9939

agement?

Might it be a raingarden or shoreland buffer? Or native grassland and forestry, forestry plans, wildlife habitat, or a pollinator planting?

It could be health, safety, and prevention with well sealing, recovery of unused feedlots, or closing old manure pits or it could be purchasing trees through the Todd SWCD Tree Sale program.

Todd SWCD has the exciting answers and resources. Your exciting idea has technical assistance available through the SWCD & may have funding to make it happen!

Todd SWCD has what it takes for your conservation management. Your conservation opportunities can be a reality.

Your excitement for 2024 soil and water conservation can be a reality. Share it with your Todd SWCD by calling 320-732-2644.

Annual Women’s Lenten Retreat to be held March 9

Join Deb Rudolph, Retreat Leader, on a “Journey of a Woman’s Life: Using the Sacraments to Grow in Our Faith." That is the theme of the annual Women’s Lenten Retreat to be held Saturday, March 9, 2024 at St. Martin’s Parish in St. Martin.

Following registration at 8:30 a.m., Deb will kick off the Retreat at 9:00 a.m.; Mass will be celebrated at 11:00; followed by lunch/ social, and conclusion of presentation.

Registration is due by March 1. Sponsored by St. Cloud Diocesan Council of Catholic of Catholic Women. See stclouddccw.org for more information.

For more information, contact Pat Kasella, DCCW Publicity Chair at 320-584-5120.

A Study Funny

Every time a little boy went to a playmate's house, he found the friend's grandmother deeply engrossed in her Bible. Finally his curiosity got the better of him.

"Why do you suppose your grandmother reads the Bible so much?" he asked.

"I'm not sure," said his friend, "but I think she's cramming for finals."

Todays Thought

Do twins realize that at least one of them is unplanned?

DK’S Tree & Landscaping, LLC. Trim & Remove Trees, 70 ft. Boom, Brush Removal, Stump Grinding & Removal,Hedge Trimming, Firewood Available Including Delivery, Residential Landscaping & Bobcat Work

320-630-0670 - David Kuhl

Free Estimates, Fully Insured Swanville • www.dkstree.com

Accept VISA, Discover or Master Card

Page 8 • Hometown News • Thursday, February 8, 2024

INTERNET ONLY

Visiting Family?

Distant Learning?

HIGH SPEED FIBER RESIDENTIAL BUSINESS Working From Home?

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Help Wanted: Twardowski Excavating

(FTTH)

Get the latest and the greatest Fiber To The Home high speed internet service!

• Includes a modem with a wireless router.

• No required contract. No data limits.

• Billing through ebill. A $2/month surcharge will apply if invoice is mailed.

One-Time Installation Fees: Owned by UCTA

320-573-1390 • 888-573-1390 117 South Main Street PO Box 277, Upsala, MN 56384

www.sytekcom.com

• $100 existing fiber customer - or free with 12-month contract • $1200 new fiber customer or free with 24-month contract • A $100 deposit is required and will be refunded after 12 months of on time payments, this in addition to the non-refundable install fee • If your computer does not have wireless capabilities, additional equipment may need to be purchased.

Serving Upsala, Bowlus, Flensburg, Sobieski, Swanville and Surrounding Areas

You may qualify for a discount on your telephone or internet bill.

Visit https://www.usac.org/lifeline/consumer-eligibility/ to see if you qualify!

is seeking a motivated individual for full time or part time employment.

Must have class A CDL, with a clean driving record. Job description is truck driver, machine operator, and laborer.

Willing to train to operate excavating equipment. Wages and other compensation is based on experience.

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

320-428-5611

ccsgstcloud@gmail.com

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

SC-evB

FREE: Piano for pickup. Call Mary 320630-1121.

HELP WANTED: Apply in person at Elmdale Creamery & Locker or call for details, 320-573-2607.

FOR SALE: 10" table saw, 7-3/4" miter saw, jointer planer, air compressor w/75 ft. hose, air impact wrenches, 3 CBs. 320-2602159 MT-tfn

WANTED: Does anyone know who sharpens ice saw blades? Call 320-290-0924.

FOR SALE: 2017 Polaris Ranger 1000XP, VG cond., new tires, windows, lights, fluids changed, ready to go. Details & pics. 320815-8922. tfn

FOR SALE: Pro4 propane ice auger, works, runs great, $200 or best offer. Call 320-2505511.

FOR SALE: Chain saw with case & extra chains, $50. Call 612-283-2718.

2015 BUICK ENCLAVE Mint Condition • 107,500 miles ALL Options • Warranty $ 14,995 Loven’s Auto Center Swanville, MN 320-547-2465

Please call Chad at (320) 760-1127.

Natures View Tree & Yard Care LLC

Todd County HHS

LARGE TREE REMOVAL & TRIMMING

TOP DOWN SILO LLC

Discounts for Seniors & Veterans

Check This Out...

HELP WANTED

Construction operators, are you tired of being away from your family and friends?

Employment Opportunities Todd County HHS is looking for reliable, service oriented individuals to serve the citizens of Todd County for the following positions:

Lot Clearing • Woods Cleaning

SENIOR DISCOUNTS

Dale: 320-493-6329

**Social Worker – Care Coordinator (full-time)

**Registered Nurse – Care Coordinator (full-time) **Social Worker – Child Services

FOR SALE: Small square bales of meadow hay, approximately 55 bales, shedded. Call 320-250-3874, leave voicemail or text message.

(full-time)

**Accounting Specialist (full-time) **Eligibility Worker (full-time)

A Girl Friend Funny

When I was younger, my dad found out I had an imaginary girlfriend.

He said, "You know, you could do better."

"Thanks dad, that means a lot," I replied.

He said, "I was talking to your girlfriend."

To learn more about these openings and how to apply visit the official Todd County website at https://www.co.todd.mn.us Questions may be directed to Todd County Administration: (320) 732-6155.

EOE

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YOUR COMPLETE FARM & HOME STORE

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:00am-7:00pm; Sat. 8:00am-6:00pm; Sun. 10:00am-4:00pm Little Falls: Mon.-Sat. 8:00am-8:00pm; Sun. 9:00am-5:00pm Long Prairie: Mon.-Fri. 8:00am-7:00pm; Sat. 8:00am-6:00pm; Sunday 10:00am-4:00pm Faribault: Mon.-Fri. 7:00am-8:00pm; Sat. 8:00am-6:00pm: Sunday 10:00am-4:00pm

www.fleetsupplymn.com

SAUK CENTRE 1050 Centre St. 320-352-5261

GLENWOOD

LONG PRAIRIE Hwy. 71 South 320-732-6195

Hwy. 28 & 55 • 320-634-5209

LITTLE FALLS 1800 1st Ave. NE. 320-632-9240

GLENCOE

Hwy 212- 3105 10th St. E. • 320-864-4304

PAYNESVILLE Hwy. 55 West 320-243-3556

FARIBAULT

80 Western Ave. • 507-334-3232