Hometown News January 11, 2024

Hometown News

Thursday, January 11, 2024

FREE PUBLICATION

Vol. 23: Issue 36

HELP WANTED: APPLY IN PERSON

ROLLOFF CONTAINERS

Pays Attention to Detail.

• Remodeling Jobs • Demolition Jobs Shingles • New Construction • All types of Scrap Iron • Household Cleanout (Garbage)

Great For BUSINESS, HOMES & FARMS! We handle any size commercial account!

Call Us Today for your Demolition Estimate!

320-836-2177

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

Gary, Jordy & Jeremy

Hennen Floor Covering

Buyers of all Scrap Metal

120 Washington West, Holdingford

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

320-746-2819

www.opatzmetalsinc.com

208 Main St. W., Freeport

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

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

Fusion Hybrid Floor Unmatched performance & beautiful decors. Perfect flooring choice for any home.

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

Building Materials and Custom Designing

320-285-8085

24 HOUR SERVICE

Building Supplies

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

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Melrose, MN

Pileated woodpecker. Photo by Lori Young.

320-256-4146

Harvey Mackay

wheelswater.com

Call the Repair & Refinishing Experts!

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• Vinyl Window Frame Repair All work is • Countertop Refinishing guaranteed.

• Tile Refinishing

On The Tom Kuehne: The Good Old Days Inside... Obituaries: Hoeschen, Mortensen, Tepley

Veldkamp, Doroff, Lewerke, Czech, Park, Kuehne Dave Ramsey: Dave Says Ask the Motor Medics®

NEW & USED TMRs All Sizes On Hand

FREE Estimates

www.surfacespecialists.com

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

LOOKING TO SELL?

320-836-2697

After Hours: 320-267-8568

Give Brandon a Call Today!

310 Industrial Dr. - Freeport, MN

www.hartungsales.com

Vice President

Vice President

Derrick Meyer Vice President

Brittney Zimmer Loan Officer

Graduate REALTOR® Institute

REALTOR®

“Customer Service Is Our Priority”

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

Freeport State Bank will be CLOSED on Mon., Jan. 15 to observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

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

Your #1 source for Owens Corning Insulation!

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Page 2 • Hometown News •Thursday, January 11, 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

Classified Ads

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

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

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

Email: htnews@icloud.com

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For additional weeks $15/week.

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Subscriptions

The subscription rates for 13 weeks is $22.00 26 weeks is $39.00 52 weeks is $78.00 Mail to: Hometown News, 29442 120th St., Grey Eagle, MN 56336

Chase perfection to catch excellence -By Harvey Mackay A young American singer taking a bow at La Scala in Milan, Italy, was flattered when the discerning Italian audience forced him to return and sing an aria for the fourth time. Completely winded, he finally begged off, saying it was physically impossible to sing it a fifth time.

A voice boomed from the gallery, “You’ll keep on singing it until you sing it right.”

Setting high standards can inspire others and elevate the performance of your entire team, which is why you want to aim for perfection.

Perfection is not about never making mistakes; it’s about learning from them.

Each mistake is an opportunity to refine your approach.

Continuous improvement means to continually improve your skills and processes. It’s about getting better every day.

Legendary pro football coach Vince Lombardi said, “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.”

Perfection is an aspirational goal, but mostly unattainable. Our pursuit of perfection can drive us to achieve excellence.

In the context of sales and business, striving for perfection means constantly improving, learning from mistakes and setting high standards for your work and yourself.

When I think of perfection in sales, it is all about being detail-oriented, preparation and follow-up. Paying attention to the details can make a big difference in any

sales process. It shows clients that you care and are thorough in your work. The more prepared you are, the closer you get to that ideal of perfection in your pitches, presentations and negotiations.

In sales, follow-up is where many opportunities are won or lost. Striving for perfection in staying connected with clients can lead to more closed deals.

The trick is to balance perfection and practicality. You need to set realistic goals, be flexible and be satisfied with excellence.

While perfection is the goal, it’s important to set realistic and achievable targets to avoid burnout and frustration. Flexibility is about adapting. Sometimes the pursuit of perfection can lead to rigidity. Flexibility allows you to respond to the unexpected and still deliver quality results. Recognize and celebrate excellence. Perfection might be the goal, but excellence is an achievement worth acknowledging.

In essence, while achieving perfection is a lofty goal, it is the journey toward that ideal that truly matters. It’s about striving to be the best version of oneself, delivering the best possible service to clients, and not being discouraged by the fact that perfection might be out of reach. It is in our striving that we find growth, success and fulfillment.

Winston Churchill said, “To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.”

Regularly ask for constructive feedback from your peers, mentors and supervisors.

Use this information to make adjustments and grow.

Embrace learning and accept that mistakes are part of the learning process.

Each error is an opportunity to improve and refine your skills. A mistake is only a mistake if you don’t learn from it!

Adopt a mindset of continuous improvement. Small, incremental changes can lead to significant advancements over time.

Maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Rest and rejuvenation are essential for sustained high performance. My formula is this: work as hard as you can, then give yourself permission to have some downtime. Then do it all over again.

Of course, loving what you do makes hard work much more rewarding. As Aristotle said, “Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.”

Two men met on an airplane and began to talk. They asked each other the usual questions, and as it happened, one of the men was married and the other man was not. After a while the married man asked, “Why is it that you never married?”

The single man looked pensive then said, “Well, I think I just never met the right woman.”

“Oh, come on,” the married man replied, “surely you’ve met at least one girl during your lifetime that you wanted to marry.”

The single man once again thought about the man’s statement. “Well, yes, that’s true,” he said. “There was one girl once.

The perfect girl. Actually, she was the only perfect girl I have ever met. Everything she did was absolutely right on. She really was the perfect girl for me.”

“Well, why on Earth didn’t you marry her?” the married man asked.

“She was looking for the perfect man,” the other replied.

Mackay’s Moral: Nobody is perfect, but we are all perfectly capable of being awesome.

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

FRI.-SUN., JAN. 12-14 • Upstage Players Presents Bingo Spells Murder/Dinner Theatre at St. Mary's Church, Upsala. Fri. & Sat. at 6:30 p.m. Sunday at 2 p.m.

MONDAY, JANUARY 15 • City of Burtrum Special Meeting at 7 p.m. at the Burtrum Community Center.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17 • Grey Eagle Senior Center Meeting at 10:45 a.m. Potluck & Bingo to follow.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 19 • Melrose American Legion Fish Fry from 4:30-8 p.m. See ad on page 3.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 20 • Holy Family School's 9th Annual Snow Ball starting at 4 p.m. at Seven Dolors Church, Albany.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4 • Sauk Centre Lions 63rd Annual Pancake Day from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at Sauk Centre High School Cafeteria.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13 • Freeport Lions Club American Red Cross Blood Drive from 12:30-6:30 p.m. at the Freeport Community Center.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MELROSE LEGION #101 POST/AUX. • Meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Melrose American Legion. (Aux. Sept.-May.) STEARNS CO. HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY • Meets 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 1/3 1/4 1/5 1/6 1/7 1/8 1/9

High 30 23 30 30 16 23 21

Low 18 16 23 16 3 9 16

Friday

Cloudy.

High: 14 Low: -2

Weekend Weather Saturday

Sunday

Frigid.

High: 1 Low: -16

Frigid.

High: -7 Low: -15

Hometown News •Thursday, January 11, 2024 • Page 3

“The Good Old Days” -By Tom Kuehne Winter Evening

We all can remember a time when it was really fun and relaxing to spend some time outdoors on a cold winter night. A night when it was 20 below zero, there was a full moon, no wind and the whole world seemed to be protected by total silence. The foot of snow covering everything seemed to absorb any noise. The sky was a ceiling of dark blue, holding a mass of stars not seen at any other time of the year.

After a few minutes of silence, there is a sharp, short screechy sound. It is almost welcome to the listener, because although we appreciate the silence, we need to have our sense of hearing add another dimension to our enjoyment. After trying to locate the sound for a couple of minutes, it repeats it's sound again and we locate a small dark spot on a limb and after a couple of minutes we identify it as a Screech Owl. We don't know if the noise is to scare us from his territory or just to let us know that it is there. Now we have another discovery to share with the house dwellers that didn't want to leave the warmth of the dwelling. Because it was “too cold to go outside.”

The time spent outdoors really made us feel relaxed and after a couple of evenings we want to make the evening outdoor times more enjoyable, so we go back to the corner of the shed and take out an old pair of snowshoes. Although they are old and dirty, the leather bindings still work and we attach them on our boots, followed by a couple of steps to see if we can make them work.

They make clapping and grinding sounds on the shed floor, but after getting outside they seem to create a squeaky-crunchy

sound when traveling through the snow. It is surprising to notice that you don't sink knee-deep in the snow as you did without snow-shoes.

I wonder how it would feel to walk across the yard in snow-shoes. This works pretty well, but you did lose your balance walking over that snow covered pail. Tipping over on your side was sort-of fun, since the layer of snow on the ground created a soft cushion. The process of trying to right yourself back on the snow-shoes, standing upright, did require the use of technique that you weren't using on a regular basis. It did teach you to use balance sticks, like ski poles, to assist with balance and recovery from a fall. This is really fun, now I wonder how it would work in the open woods.

The moon is no longer completely full, but the white snow still allows a pretty good eyesight. When this walk started, the cool air was being felt on your arms and shoulders, but as the walk continued the whole body really feels warm. I might have to open up some ventilation.

There goes a cottontail rabbit. It seems to be able to live comfortably at 20 below and there are some brush stubble that the bunny has been eating. Among the brush stubble are some small brown balls that are no longer the same color as the brush. Many footprints! Either that bunny makes a lot of footprints, or there are more rabbits than one.

More paw-prints that just seem to be passing by. Those tracks are either a fox or a small coyote. Over by that stick there are some rather fresh deer tracks.

A lot of activity is happening very close to the house, but if we stay indoors, we won't be aware of it.

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

Lower Level Bar Friday: OPEN 4 pm-close

4-9 PM: All You Can Eat

FISH $15.95

8 PM: Karaoke Saturday: OPEN 12 pm-close 4:30 PM: Meat Raffle every Sat.

Interior Doors by Bayer Built Interior doors do more than separate rooms & provide privacy, they provide warmth and beauty.

Hennen Available at:

Lumber Company, Inc. 320-836-2135 • Freeport, MN

New Homes Remodeling Ag Buildings

www.hennenlumber.com

From the Desk of Pastor Bruce In my office I have eight memory sticks. I tell people that I have a “good forgetter.” LOL, Some of them are for storing information for reference only, and others I use just to transport information from my office to another computer. On Amazon you can buy them in bulk.

I have a problem forgetting things, so I write things down or store them on a memory stick.

In our Christian walk we know that God forgives us if we ask Him. In fact, He commands us to forgive others in the very same way that He forgives us. Matthew 6:9-15 our Lord’s Prayer and example says “This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

11 Give us today our daily bread. 12And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. 14For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

Here is a question and encouragement, why do we forget things and yet we cannot forget the sins others have done against us? We ought to have an attitude of gratitude in all areas of our life. So, let go of your bitterness of the past and put on love and compassion for God’s children.

Colossians 3:12-14 “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

FYI: When God forgives, He choses not to remember! There are no memory sticks in Heaven.

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

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

HORSE RACES

& Meat Raffle

Friday, January 12 Starting @ 7 PM

Proceeds go to Sacred Heart School, Freeport

STOP IN FOR ALL YOUR OFF SALE NEEDS!

HELLO JANUARY!

We Deliver Floral

If your birthday is in January your flower is a Arrangements carnation, it stands for Love, Admiration and in a 20 mile Devotion. Order flowers for special someone today! radius. Memorials, Sympathy,

Dining Room Friday & Saturday: OPEN 4 pm-8 pm

Chris' Country Store Floral & Gift 105 State St. E. Grey Eagle • 320-285-2600 Order 24/7 @ www.flowershopnetwork.com

Sunday Brunch OPEN 10 am-2 pm

Hours: Mon.-Fri.: 10:30-2:30, Sat.: 8-2 or by Appointment

Closed: Monday-Thursday

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

All Occasions THRIFT SHOP 13 Vendors Clothing & More Always something new!

MELROSE AMERICAN LEGION

265 Co. Rd. 173 SE, Melrose - 320-256-3581 • Cell 320-429-4008

Friday, January 19 • 4:30-8:00 PM $ All You Can Eat!

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

Mondays: 3-8 PM Line Dancing 6:30 PM: BARGO Lunch @ 6 PM: $5

Friday, January 12

Fridays: 3-9 PM Bartenders Needed!

Call Jason @ 320-429-4008

Gambling Licence #01053-001

4:30 -7:30 PM

BURGER NIGHT

Event!

Tue.-Thur., Sat. & Sun.

Dog Tag $ 375

HORSE RACES • PULL-TABS • ETABS • ELECTRONIC BINGO

Corner Pub & Grill

Closed for Renovations January 15-17

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

HELP WANTED: BARTENDERS DAY COOK to Start in April

Freeport, MN • 320-836-2120

Nightly Specials

Thursday: (5-9 pm) Taco Wrap $8.50 Friday: (5-9 pm) Choice of:

Dine In Only - With Beverage Purchase

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

• 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 $2.50 Toppings 50¢ each; Bacon 50¢ Slice

LUNCH SPECIALS: Monday-Friday: 11 AM-1 PM Featuring Monday Bread Bowls & Soup Wednesday Chicken • Friday Chili

FISH FRY Meat Raffle

Dog Tag

Proceeds for Veterans Programs

13

Gambling License #01053-001

• NOW HIRING! Double “R” Bar & Grill Buck Off Adult BeverageDuring Bartender/Servers Grey Eagle • 320-285-2965

TUESDAY: 5-9 PM

Burger Night $ 3.00

www.doublerbarandgrill.com

WEDNESDAY: 11 AM-9 PM

• 1-1/2 lb. Wings 6.00 • $6 Baskets $

THURSDAY:

5-9 PM Includes Salad Bar & Choice of Potato

Buck Off Adult Beverage

• Chicken & Ribs $15.95 During Happy Hour: • 8 oz. Ground Sirloin Mon.-Fri. 3-5 PM Angus Slider Basket, $ 13.95 1/4 Chicken Basket, LUNCH SPECIALS • Creamy Sweet Chili Nachos or Quesadillas Fri., Jan. 12: Hot Beef Sandwich w/Beverage Purchase Haddock w/Wild Rice Dine In w/Beverage Sat., Jan. 13: Prime Rib Burger $ Specials to go $1.00 charge Purchase 15.95 Sun., Jan. 14: Sunny Side Up Burger FRIDAY: 5-9 PM SATURDAY: SUNDAY: Tues., Jan. 16: Chicken Strip Includes Salad Bar & 5-9 PM 3-8 PM Melt Choice of Potato Includes Salad Bar & Includes Salad Bar & Wed., Jan. 17: $6 Baskets Choice of Potato Choice of Potato • Ribeye $22.95 Thurs., Jan. 18: BBQ Ribs • Prime Rib $22.95 • Steak & Shrimp • Teriyaki Chicken

1/3 lb. Fresh Ground Hamburger on Brioche Buns!

Your Choice: Shrimp Basket,

over Rice Pilaf $12.95 • Deep Fried Cod $ 14.95 • Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo $13.95 or Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo $15.95 w/Breadsticks

• Ribs $18.95 • Deep Fried Walleye $15.95 • Creamy Sweet Chili Chicken, Wild Rice, w/ Breadsticks $ 12.95

19.95 • Pork Prime Rib 1-Bone $13.95 2-Bones $16.95 • 1/2 Chicken $ 10.50 • 1/4 Chicken $ 8.50 $

KITCHEN HOURS Sun.: 12 PM-8 PM • Mon.: CLOSED Tues.-Thurs.: 11 AM-9 PM Fri.-Sat.: 11 AM-9:30 PM BAR HOURS Sun.: 11:30 AM-10 PM • Mon.: 2-7 PM Tues.-Thurs. 11 AM-11 PM Fri. & Sat. 11 AM-1 AM OFF SALE Mon.: 2-7 PM • Tues.-Sat.: 11 AM-10 PM Sun.: 11:30 AM-6 PM

Page 4 • Hometown News • Thursday, January 11, 2024

Lester Mortensen

Obituaries

Robert B. Hoeschen

Robert B. “Bob” Hoeschen, age 88, of Freeport, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, January 7, 2024 at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, Minnesota.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, January 12 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport with Rev. Daniel Walz officiating and Rev. Eberhard Schefers concelebrating.

Interment will be in the parish cemetery.

Visitation will be from 9:45 to 11:15 a.m. Friday at the church.

Robert Benedict Hoeschen was born March 22, 1935 in Freeport, Minnesota to Hubert and Mary (Barhorst) Hoeschen. He was united in marriage to Donna Winter on August 5, 1959 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Sauk Centre. Bob and Donna lived in Freeport and were members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Bob worked at Franklin for many years as a union laborer until his retirement.

Bob enjoyed fishing, going on camping trips up north, including to Canada, shaking dice, making occasional trips to the casino, and tending to his many gardens. He was so proud of how big his vegetables would get and he loved sharing the fruits of his labor with his family and friends. In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting and spending time at the hunting shack, bowling, and playing fastpitch softball.

Survivors include children, Roxane Hoeschen of Sauk Centre, Keith Hoeschen of New Munich, and Jason (Heather) Hoeschen of Freeport; 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and one greatgreat-grandson; and brother, Walter “Dick” (Alice) Hoeschen of Freeport.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Donna (Winter) Hoeschen; daughters, Sandy and Deb Hoeschen; son, Kenny Hoeschen; brothers, Elmer “Porky” and Arnie Hoeschen; sisters, Dorothy Brodie and Rose “Girlie” Groen; and inlaws and many friends.

Memorials are preferred.

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

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

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Accept VISA, Discover or Master Card

L e s t e r Mortensen, 98 year old resident of Long Prairie, MN formerly of Swanville, MN, passed away Saturday, January 6, 2024 at the CentraCare Long Prairie Hospital.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Swanville, MN with a visitation one hour prior to the service at church. Burial will be at Springbrook Cemetery in Swanville.

Military Rites will be provided by Swanville American Legion Post #313 and V.F.W. Post #6037. Caring for Lester and his family is the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Swanville.

Lester Ralph Mortensen was born on June 7, 1925 in Burnhamville Township, Todd County to the late Arthur and Alvina (Beseman) Mortensen. He was baptized on July 12, 1925, confirmed on May 21, 1939 and was united in marriage to Grace Meyer on May 4, 1947 all at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Swanville. Lester attended the Swanville High School through the 11th grade and he was then needed to work on the family farm. He entered into the U.S. Marine Corps and served from February 1945 to October 1946, overseas in Japan during WWII. Lester worked at Little Falls Machine Shop for 27 years and also farmed near Pillsbury, MN, before farming near Lake Beauty for many years. He enjoyed fishing and hunting. He was a member of the Swanville American Legion Post #313, VFW Post #6037, Swanville Sportsman's Club and was on the Senior Citizens Board in Swanville for 10-12 years.

Lester is survived by his son, Mark (Gayle) Mortensen of Brainerd, MN; daughters, Marcia (Jim) Gilman of Willmar, MN and Sandra ( Bill) Lemcke of Laporte, MN; brother, Art Mortensen of Long Prairie; sister-in-law, Betty Meyer of Long Prairie; grandchildren, Shannon (Jeremy) Sharp, Angela (Jean) La Valley, Sara (Jason) Roos, David Gilman, Stacey (Chad) White, Kevin Mortensen, Brooke (Dustin) Helquist, and Erica (Mike) Ramthun; 9 greatgrandchildren and many nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Grace Mortensen; parents Arthur and Alvina Mortensen; brothers, Charlie, Howard (Margaret) and Elmer Mortensen; sisters, Lucille (Wendell) Olson, Helen (Kermit) Swenson and Hazel Wilson.

Memorials are preferred to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church or the American Heart Association.

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J e a n n e (Olson) Tepley of Swanville MN, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at the St. Cloud Hospital on January 7th, 2024 at the age of 78.

An Open House Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 20th from 2-5pm with a tribute to Jeanne at 3 p.m. at the Burtrum Community Center.

Jeanne was born in Little Falls, MN on September 2nd, 1945 to Alvin and Marian (Anderson) Olson of Upsala. She graduated from Upsala High School in 1963. After graduation she moved to Minneapolis and worked for Northup King. She married Curtis Tepley on July 8th, 1967. They started their married life together in Seattle, WA where they both worked for Boeing Aircraft. They then returned to Minnesota in 1971 where they settled in Swanville.

Jeanne enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom while working at their self employed businesses, Tepley’s Lunch Wagon and the Corner Cafe. She then went to work as a cook at the Upsala Senior Citizen Center until retirement.

Throughout the years, Jeanne enjoyed playing piano, bowling, jigsaw puzzles, reading, cooking, playing cards and boardgames. After becoming a grandmother, she enjoyed spending any minute she could with her grandkids.

Jeanne will be held in the hearts of her husband of 56 years Curtis of Swanville, son Andrew (Elly) Tepley of Swanville, daughters Brenda (Tim) Orness of West Fargo, Denise (Jason) Kowalzek of Pierz, along with her beloved grandchildren Alic, Chloe and Lydia Tepley, Evan and Harper Orness. She will also be lovingly remembered by her brother-in-law Martin Strom of Upsala, brother-in-law Douglas Tepley of Browerville and her nieces, nephews and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents Alvin and Marian Olson, her sister Janet Strom, her infant baby sister, father-inlaw and mother-in-law Robert and Margaret Tepley, brother-in-law Donald Tepley and many beloved aunts and uncles.

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Ronald G. Veldkamp

R o n a l d "Ronnie" G. Veldkamp, 62 year old resident of Melrose, MN passed away Saturday, January 6, 2024 at CentraCare Health in Long Prairie, MN. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at the Brighter Days Family Church in Burtrum, MN with Rev. Anna Payne officiating. Burial will be in the Moses Dane Cemetery at a later date.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 PM on Friday and from 10 to 11 AM on Saturday at the Brighter Days Family Church. Caring for Ronnie and his family is the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls, MN. Ronnie was born on December 1, 1961 in Little Falls, MN to the late Engbert “Bert” and Joyce (Krebs) Veldkamp. His parents were long-time residents of Burtrum, MN where they raised their family. Ronnie was currently employed at New Flyer in St. Augusta, where he worked for 25 years.

He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially picking on all his nieces and nephews, taking pictures, videotaping, setting up his speakers and equipment for the Memorial Day program at Moses Dane Cemetery for many years, making jokes about Ford and Chevy’s, and putting together music CD’s. Ronnie’s pride and joy was his 2005 F150.

Ronnie is survived by his siblings, Arnold (Cheryl) Veldkamp of Hawick, MN, Cheryl Johnson of Swanville, MN, Diane Meagher of Burtrum, MN, Karen (Frank “Coot”) Wardarski of Little Falls, MN, Sandra Posterick of Long Prairie, MN, Robert (Theresa) Veldkamp of Burtrum, MN; 26 nieces and 69 great-nieces and nephews.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, Engbert “Bert” and Joyce Veldkamp; brothers-in-law, Robert Woidyla, John Johnson and Frank (Cliff) Meagher, Sr.; nephew, Frank Meagher, Jr. and Jeff Meagher.

Special Meeting for Burtrum Residents

The City of Burtrum will be holding a special meeting on January 15th at 7:00 p.m. at the Burtrum Community Center.

The purpose of this special meeting is to discuss the possibilities of bringing sewer, water and updating paving of the roads.

This meeting is strictly informational. Bollig Engineering will have their team there to answer any questions and/or concerns the residents of the city of Burtrum may have.

American Red Cross Blood Drive

The Freeport Lions Club is sponsoring the American Red Cross Blood Drive on February 13, 2024 at the Freeport Community Center from 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Give the precious gift of life. Appointments are needed.

We are always in need of people with type “O” blood.

Schedule your appointment online at redcross.org or call Janet Butkowski at 320-8362837 or 320-282-2904.

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Hometown News • Thursday, January 11, 2024 • Page 5

Lorraine Doroff

L o r r a i n e Doroff, 105 year old resident of Upsala, formerly of Long Prairie passed away at Upsala Senior Living. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, January 17 at 11:00 AM at St. Mary of Mount Carmel in Long Prairie. The burial will be held in the parish cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday, January 16 at Emblom Brenny Funeral Service in Little Falls, and from 9:30 A.M. until the hour of the service on Wednesday at the church.

Lorraine Doroff was born in a log cabin on December 5, 1918 in Iona Township west of Long Prairie. Her parents were Eva (Arnold) and August Bruder. Lorraine joined the Women's Army during World War II. She served as a driver for the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. When the war ended, she went to St. Cloud State to get her degree in Elementary Education. She taught in Swanville, Little Falls and Elk River districts.

While teaching in Little Falls she married Sylvester Doroff on June 23, 1959. They had a daughter, Maryrose. After retirement they moved from the cities to Long Prairie. In her spare time Lorraine enjoyed playing her piano, golfing, gardening, traveling and polka dancing with Syl. She was blessed with two fun loving grandsons and loved spending time with them.

Her memory will be cherished by her daughter Maryrose Capko (Jerry), a grandson Jared Capko (Renee) and her great-grandson Jaxtin Jerome, known as JJ. Many family and friends, especially Ruth Rahn.

Lorraine will be met in Heaven by her husband, Sylvester Doroff and grandson, Jack Capko and her brother, Gerald Bruder along with many family and friends.

Michael John Lewerke

Michael John Lewerke, 57 year old resident of Bowlus, passed away January 4 at St. Gabriel's Hospital in Little Falls. A private family service is being planned for a later date.

Michael John Lewerke was born on March 28, 1966 at the University of Minnesota Hospital in Minneapolis, MN to Paul and Linda (Bahr) Lewerke. Michael grew up in the Annadale, MN area. He graduated from Annadale High School with the class of 1985.

After high school he attended the Minnesota School of Business for Law Enforcement. He was united in marriage to Cindy Lincoln and the couple later divorced. Michael owned and operated Country Side Decorating for several years. He was given the name "Painter Mike" by family and friends. Michael was always willing to help others and participating in AA for many years. He enjoyed camping trips with his children, Austin and Lexi and refurbishing Schwin bicycles. He was in his happy place feeling the wind in his hair riding his motorcycles with family and friends.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Austin Lewerke of Bowlus, Alexandra Lewerke of Glencoe; mother, Linda (Harvey) Olson of Buffalo; sibilings, Robert Lewerke of MN and Tammy (James) Jensen of Buffalo; grandchildren, Alana, Kaison, Graceson and Carter and his dogs, Soboka, Sage, Junior and Peanut and his cat, Peppin.

He was preceded in death by his father, Paul Lewerke; aunt, Debbie Lewerke and maternal and paternal grandparents.

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Wallace "Wally" Czech

W a l l a c e "Wally" Czech, 91 year old resident of Royalton passed away on Wednesday, January 3 at the Long Prairie Hospital. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 12 at 11:00 A.M. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Royalton with Father Greg Sauer and Laurn Virnig officiating. The burial will be held in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. on Thursday, January 11 and from 9:30 A.M. until the hour of the service on Friday all visitation times will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Royalton, MN. A rosary will be said at 4:30 P.M. on Thursday evening at the church.

Wally Czech was born June 25, 1932 on the family farm East of Royalton to the late Robert and Emma (Schlichting) Czech. He graduated from Royalton High School with the class of 1950. He served his Country in the United States Army from 1953-1956. After his honorable discharge he returned to Royalton where he bought a farm southeast of Royalton. He was united in marriage to Marcia Ritter on August 20, 1956. The couple made their home on the farm where they worked side by side. He was always expanding and growing his operation by building barns, sheds and a new house. In, 1972, he bought the neighbor's farm and doubled his acreage, he was finally "A Big Farmer." But while farming was his passion, he was never too busy to give back! He was a township supervisor for 18 years, serving from 1974-1991. He didn't miss a wedding, graduation or family funeral, his family and friends were is greatest priority.

Wally's and Marcy's children's friends were always welcome in their home. Many times, visiting them when the kids were away, because they indeed become part of the family.

He enjoyed going to tractor shows, reading, especially books about the history of the common man. Wally was the greatest gift receiver, treating each gift he was given as a small treasure, this surely made the giver of the gift feel very special.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 67 years, Marcia Czech; children, Steve (Deb) Czech, Em (Steve) Smith, Dee (Dave) Kirchner, Larry Czech, Joe (Jenny) Czech, Bernie (Marne) Czech, Jan (Marty) Egan and Gerald Czech; 17 grandchildren and 16 greatgrandchildren and a sister, Marie Raun He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Clarence and sister, Loretta (Bob) Demarais and a great-grandson, Liam.

Emblom Brenny Funeral Service is Cherishing the Memory and Celebrating the Life of Wally.

Rosalie Mae Smith

Ethan and Kayleah Smith of Avon are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Rosalie Mae Smith, born on Monday, January 1, 2024 at 2:45 a.m. at CentraCare-Melrose.

Rosalie weighed 8 pounds, 2 ounces and measured 20 inches long.

She has a big brother Bennett 6 years old at home.

Grandparents are Lloyd and Diane Smith of Avon, and Andy and Jill Keehr of Little Falls.

Keep the ice clean

Big changes are coming for all ice anglers this winter! A new law is in effect related to storing garbage and other waste (in all its forms) left on the ice. While the impetus for the law was increased dumping of sewage from permanent fish houses, it will affect all ice anglers, regardless of the type of shelter they use. Specifically, people using an ice shelter, vehicle or other conveyance on the ice may not deposit “garbage, rubbish, cigarette filters, debris from fireworks, offal, the body of a dead animal, litter, sewage or any other waste outside the shelter, motor vehicle or conveyance, unless the material is placed in a container that is secured to the shelter, motor vehicle or conveyance, and not placed directly on the ice or in state waters.”

The law is aimed at ensuring everyone who uses the ice can do so without encountering garbage and other substances that are

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Local Library Events

Melrose Library • 320-256-3885 Toddler Time: Join Miss Jennifer for a funfilled toddler storytime. We will read stories, have fun, and learn. For ages 1 to 4 and their families. Registration required. Sponsored by Melrose Area Community Education and the Melrose Friends of the Library. Tuesdays, Jan. 16 and Feb. 27: 10:00 to 10:30 a.m.

Sauk Centre Library • 320-352-3016 Mystery Craft: Join us on the third Tuesday of the month for a fun mystery craft. Limit 12.

For adults and teens. Registration is required for each date. Tuesdays, Jan. 16 & Feb. 20: 6:00 p.m.

Winter Storytime: Join Miss Jennifer for a storytime about the many wonders of winter. We will read some stories, make a craft snowman, play with fake snow, and learn about the letter W for winter. Our storytimes teach listening comprehension, letter recognition, and vocabulary. Enjoy time with your child while building a foundation for reading success while having fun! For ages 3 to 8 and their families. Limit 24.

Registration required. Thursday, Jan. 18: 6:00 to 6:45 p.m.

Upsala Library • 320-412-2048 Crafternoon: Join us for a fun craft project led by librarian Gwen. All supplies will be provided. Limit 12. Registration required for each date. Fridays, Jan. 12 and Feb. 9: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Winter Storytime: Join Miss Madelyn for a storytime about the many wonders of winter. We will read some stories, make a craft snowman, play with fake snow, and learn about the letter W for winter. Our storytimes teach listening comprehension, letter recognition, and vocabulary. Enjoy time with your child while building a foundation for reading success while having fun!

For ages 3 to 8 and their families. Registration required. Tuesday, Jan. 16: 3:30 to 4:15 p.m.

not only a potential environmental concern, but an eyesore that takes away from a quality experience for winter recreationists of all kinds. During the winter, complaints about litter left on the ice are among the most common that DNR conservation officers receive.

They take these complaints seriously and work to locate violators. The penalty for a violation is a petty misdemeanor and carries a fine of $100.

Make a plan to store your garbage when you head out ice fishing. If you can’t store it inside your vehicle, bring colored garbage bags, a sturdy waste receptacle that won’t break in cold and the proper tools to secure them to your shelter, motor vehicle, snowmobile, trailer or other vehicles you drive out on the ice. Garbage and human/pet waste do not belong on the ice. Take off what you take on!

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Page 6 • Hometown News • Thursday, January 11, 2024

Sudoku

Word Search Answers from Jan. 4

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, My wife and I have started teaching our fiveyear-old son about money. Do you feel we should step in and fix things when he makes mistakes, or let him experience the consequences of his actions? It’s so hard on my wife, especially, to see him disappointed when he makes a mistake, and his plans don’t work out.

-Lane Dear Lane, I know this might sound mean to some folks, but sometimes a good financial disappointment when you’re young is the best thing that can happen to you. They’re hard to watch happen, or to experience, but often they’ll teach life-long lessons. No decent parent wants to see their child sad or hurt, but reality is a pretty good teacher when it comes to learning how the world really works.

One of the jobs of a parent is to look for teachable moments with their kids. Of course, when it comes to teaching there’s always a chance the student won’t learn the lesson well enough the first time around.

I’m not sure how you’re doing things, but if I were in your shoes, I’d follow these steps. First, give him a chance to earn some

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money. In my book, that means work. No allowances! There’s a lot of self-esteem and value to be found in accomplishing a given task successfully. Then, once you pay him for the work he does, you have another perfect chance for teachable moments, because you can help him learn about saving, spending and giving, and how to do all three wisely.

It’s always hard on parents when they see their kids unhappy. I know we went through it with ours. As a parent and protector, you want to jump in and make everything okay. But the hard truth is that fixing or doing everything for them is the easy way out. And in the process of doing that, a child will begin to develop a sort of learned helplessness.

Sometimes, Lane, you need to love kids enough to not do things for them. Let them make some mistakes, experience the consequences and fix things themselves.

And it’s better for them to do all this while they’re still under your guidance and protection.

-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., Jan. 15: Hamburger tomato casserole, garden salad, corn.

Tues., Jan. 16: Chicken ala king over biscuit, peas & carrots, mandarin oranges.

Wed., Jan. 17: Salisbury steak, paprika potatoes, broccoli.

Thurs., Jan. 18: Special of the day.

Fri., Jan. 19: Sloppy Joe on bun, sweet potato, chuckwagon corn, apple slices.

Pre-registration requested to dine daily.

For more info. call 320-845-4070.

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

Dear Motor Medics, I’m thinking about purchasing a “green” vehicle, either a Hybrid or totally electric design but I don’t know where to begin. I’ll be using this as a second car, but hope to use it as much as possible and I will likely purchase one that is new or less than a year old. Can you help me understand some of the differences between the two and give me ideas on what to consider?

-Gary in Lincoln, Nebraska Dear Gary, The first thing to consider when purchasing either one is how it will be used. As a second car you have the luxury of using your other car for long trips. With the Hybrid this would not be a problem, but with a fully electric car this would be a showstopper. Hybrid Vehicles all have an internal combustion engine combined with an electric motor that shares the load in part to save fuel while Electric Vehicles must be recharged when exhausted. If the Hybrid runs low on electricity it can rely on the engine, which if low on fuel can easily be refilled at the gas station. If you run out of juice on the Electric Vehicle it means a tow.

Before purchasing either model we suggest you spend considerable time researching both options. There are many people who swear by their “green” vehicles and would

Upsala - All Ages

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

Mon., Jan. 15: Sloppy Joes, potato, vegetable, dessert.

Tues., Jan. 16: BBQ chicken, potato, vegetable, dessert.

Wed., Jan. 17: Cook's choice.

Thurs., Jan. 18: 5:30 PM: Hamburger gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, dessert.

Fri., Jan. 19: 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.

never go back to a conventional car, others swear at them. Research is crucial.

-Take care, the Motor Medics Dear Motor Medics, My Dodge Caravan is five years old, and I just don’t seem to be able to see the road like I used to. The lenses are still clear, and I’ve had them adjusted but I don’t see well at all. We also have a Cadillac that has those tiny round headlights, and I can see great while driving it. Is there anything I can do to my van to get the same light out of it that the car has? I see cars with those bright lights that blind me when I drive. Can those be legal? I don’t want to blind people, I just want to see well.

-Glenna in Illinois Dear Glenna, There is a major difference in lighting systems between your two vehicles. The van uses headlight technology that has been used since the Model T; it has been refined a bit with better reflectors and bulbs but still has limits. The Cadillac uses H.I.D lamps. High intensity discharge comprised of special ballasts and bulbs, and a focusing projector lens to send the high-power light to the road immediately in front of you and not into oncoming vehicles eyes. You can upgrade to a better conventional bulb in the van but legally you can’t use H.I.D bulbs without the projector type lens because it will blind other drivers. Aftermarket projector lenses are available for some vehicles but not the van as far as we know.

-Take care, the Motor Medics For entertainment only. Always consult your local shop and follow all safety procedures before repairs. Come visit the Motor Medics® online at Underthehoodshow. com.

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Hometown News • Thursday, January 11, 2024 • Page 7

Dorothy Park

D o r o t h y Park passed away on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at Meadow Place Assisted Living in Long Prairie at the age of 93. A Funeral Service was held Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at First Baptist Church.

Interment was at Evergreen Cemetery.

Evelyn Dorothy (VanHovel) Park was born on February 2nd, 1930, in Kansas City, Missouri. She was adopted and welcomed into the home of John and Ouda Vanhovel. She was the middle child of 3 adopted children, Vernon, Dorothy, and Ruthie. Her adoptive mother went by train from Huntley, MN, to pick up each of her 3 adopted children at The Willows Home for unwed mothers in Kansas City, MO. She attended a country school and graduated from Huntley High School.

Being raised during the great depression and WWII, she remembers riding in a horse drawn sleigh to and from school in the winters and told stories of food rationing. It was the third grade she met Maurice Park, the pesty neighbor boy that sat behind her. Little did she know that he would end up being the love of her life, and the soul mate she would build a family with. The two attended Northwestern Bible College in the twin cities. Dorothy graduated with a degree in Biblical Studies. The two were married on August 31st, 1950, in her parent’s home. She borrowed her sister-in-law's wedding dress. The young couple made their first home on the edge of Granada, MN, but soon moved to a small farm outside of Winnebago, MN. As their family started to grow, they were wanting more farmland, but prices were high in southern, MN. Maurice spotted a 200-acre farm for sale near Browerville, MN in a newspaper ad. In January 1959, they moved their young family to rural Browerville, MN. In 1965 the barn burned to the ground. The family then purchased a farm outside of Long Prairie, MN. At that time, they switched from milking cows to a beef cattle operation. They stayed in the farming business until retirement.

Dorothy was a full-time homemaker and was busy with the 5 children, raising a big garden of vegetables and flowers and helping with the farm work. She loved her hollyhock flowers and taught her daughters how to make dolls out of the flowers. The children’s involvement in piano lessons, band, and sport activities kept Dorothy on the go. Dorothy was an excellent seamstress and spent countless hours making clothes for her family, including wedding dresses, flower girl dresses for her daughter’s wedding. Dorothy’s faith was a huge part of her life. She was a Sunday School teacher, a Bible School teacher, sang in the choir and led a women’s Bible study for 47 years.

Her family fondly recalls her patient, loving, wise, calm and faith focused personality. She was a natural selfless caregiver and a prayer warrior for family, loved ones and friends. Later in life, she loved to assemble puzzles, she learned to paint, and learned to make ceramics.

On Wednesday, December 27th, 2023, Dorothy took her last breath, with her daughter Sandy by her side, listening to the song, “I Can Only Imagine."

She was preceded in death by her husband, Maurice; daughter-in-law, Joni Park and brother, Vern VanHovel.

She is survived by her children, Kevin, Glenn (Donna) Park, DeeAnna (Brad) Larson, David, and Sandy (Scott) VanNorman; 17 grandchildren, 41 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild; sister, Ruthie Smallidge; sister-in-law, Ruth VanHovel; biological siblings, Faye Wright, Virginia Personious, Howard Cranson, Wayne Cranson; and many nieces and nephews.

Todd County HHS

Employment Opportunity

Todd County HHS is looking for a reliable, service oriented individual to serve the citizens of Todd County in the following position:

**Social Worker – Child Services

(full-time) To learn more about this opening 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

Glynis Raye Kuehne

Glynis Kuehne, passed away on Sunday, December 31, 2023, at her home under the care of hospice. She was 75 years old.

A memorial service took place on Friday, January 5, 2024, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Long Prairie. Burial was at the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in rural Long Prairie.

Glynis Raye, was born on April 8, 1948 the daughter of Adolph and Patricia (Tufts) Lemke.

She was one of three children born to the Long Prairie couple. She graduated from Long Prairie High School, and then attended Alexandria Technical College earning a diploma in Women in Agriculture & Administrative Office Management.

Glynis married her childhood classmate David Kuehne on August 21, 1971, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Long Prairie. Their marriage combined households, and created the family which included Ammy, Leah, and soon to come after Chad, Cindy and Craig. The couple lived in Hadley and Slayton before moving back to Long Prairie for good in 1976. Together David and Glynis milked cows and worked the land. Glynis also worked outside the farm and spent time at Dairyridge, Stearns Manufacturing and Coleman.

Her favorite job was taking care of her family and making memories. Glynis was an active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, the Minnesota Limousin Cattle Association, she volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and was a 4H leader. She had a successful green thumb growing plants inside and out, flourishing under her care. She kept a full garden in the summer, and made sure her bird feeders were full, so that she could sit and watch them flutter around. Glynis started each day walking her dogs, then followed that by feeding them, and their sheep and feline friends.

In her downtime she would hunker down with a good book and was an avid photographer, she loved capturing memories. Glynis rarely missed an activity or group event for her grandchildren, and you could find her smiling face at the local festivals enjoying the time with family and friends. She had moments of orneriness, but her compassion and thoughtfulness that she showed for others far outweighed it.

Glynis joined her parents and son Craig in heaven on December 31, 2023.

She leaves behind her husband, David, Long Prairie; children, Ammy (Rob) Rasmusen of Burnsville, Leah (Steve) Lymburner of Osage, Chad (Teri) Kuehne of Long Prairie and Cindy (David) Durheim of Askov; grandchildren, Heather (Korben Palmer) Jager, Michael (Katy Wiener) Durheim, Caroline (Travis), Caylee, Cierra and Chad Kuehne Jr.; great-grandchildren, Thomas, Wesley, Bennett, Henry Becker, Reid, Eleanor, Ty Lymburner and baby Durheim; siblings, Paula Lemke and Mike (Micki) Lemke many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Can You Trust What You Read? Probably Not

By John Young We live in a world where many of us like to base our purchases on online reviews.

It might be a search for reviews on popular shopping websites like Amazon or even a page from Walmart or Target’s online shopping experience. Even ads on Facebook have positive comments posted that encourage one to click to buy the sponsored post’s products!

Yet, can you really trust reviews in 2024?

I have really wondered recently how legitimate those reviews are. I see a post or a listing for an item online, and there seems to be a lot of positive feedback on some items that just don’t look all that great. Let me share a few I have seen.

For a jacket: “Just got my hands on this amazing jacket, and I’m obsessed! The perfect blend of style and warmth – I can’t wait to rock it all season long. #FashionFavorite #CozyChic” For a lawnmower: “I recently invested in the Toro 60-volt battery-powered lawnmower, and it has truly exceeded my expectations. Its powerful performance effortlessly tackles my lawn, providing a clean and precise cut every time. The convenience of the cordless design, coupled with the long-lasting battery life, makes mowing a breeze, and the adjustable cutting height ensures versatility for various lawn conditions. Toro has truly hit the mark with this eco-friendly and efficient lawnmower – a game-changer for anyone seeking a hassle-free and high-performance mowing experience. #ToroLawnCare #EffortlessMowing” For socks: “I can’t help but sing praises for my new Darn Tough socks – they’re an absolute game-changer! The comfort level is off the charts, and I’m convinced they’re made with some kind of magic blend because they keep my feet cozy without overheating. The durability is no joke either; these socks seem indestructible, living up to the brand’s name.

If you’re on the fence, do yourself a favor and make the switch – your feet will thank you! #DarnToughLove #HappyFeet” For a truck: “I recently got my hands on the new Dodge Ram 2500 pickup truck, and let me tell you, it’s become an indispensable part of my daily life. The sheer power and performance of this beast are mind-blowing – from effortlessly towing heavy loads to handling rugged terrains with ease, it’s a game-changer for any truck enthusiast. The interior is a

A Crackers Funny

When the mother returned from the grocery store, her small son pulled out the box of animal crackers he had begged for, then he spread the animal-shaped crackers all over the kitchen counter.

"What are you doing?" his Mom asked.

"The box says you can't eat them if the seal is broken," the boy explained. "I'm looking for the seal."

luxurious haven with its spacious cabin and high-quality materials, making every drive a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

What truly sets the Ram 2500 apart is its innovative technology and safety features.

The advanced infotainment system, responsive touch screen, and smart connectivity options make every journey a tech-savvy delight.

The truck’s robust safety suite provides peace of mind, with features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. Owning the Dodge Ram 2500 has not just been about having a reliable mode of transportation; it’s become an integral part of my lifestyle, offering both power and sophistication in one remarkable package. I can’t imagine life without my Ram 2500 – it’s not just a vehicle; it’s a statement of strength and style on the road.”

Now, all four of those reviews are positive and would encourage one to check out those products or make a purchase.

Now, the kicker is that those are all bot-created reviews. Those are created by ChatGBT AI (artificial intelligence) with a prompt to ‘write a positive review about (item).’

With a bit more programming, a dishonest business can have computers follow their ads and post reviews or positive comments on their listing at any hour of the day, all day long, to lure prospective customers into buying their products.

We have moved into a time when text online reviews MIGHT be real... or they might be created by a computer sitting in some other part of the world that has never even seen that product or service to offer a legitimate opinion.

It’s kind of scary. It may be best to do more research on an item verses basing a purchase decision on all the good reviews.

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Page 8 • Hometown News • Thursday, January 11, 2024

Todd County Planning and Zoning News Todd County has two components that regulate feedlots, the Todd County Planning and Zoning Ordinance and MN Chapter 7020. MN Chapter 7020 Animal Feedlot Rules are State of Minnesota Rule that are implemented by the County. Todd Soil and Water Conservation District operates the feedlot program on behalf of Todd County. These rules are mainly focused on permitting, registration, and are environmentally based. The Todd County Planning and Zoning Ordinance are local regulations. Ordinances can consist of a wide variety of things related to land use.

During the December 7th Commissioner’s Work Session, a discussion was held about the Todd County Feedlot Ordinance. From the work session came the direction to conduct a thorough review of the existing ordinance.

On January 4th, the general topics were presented to the Planning Commission for consideration to review or update the Todd County Planning and Zoning Ordinance. The following is a generalized list from the presented staff report: setback requirements, animal unit cap on

feedlots, livestock animals in residential zones, permit duplication for Construction Short Forms, livestock building expansion, review allowed animal units for each zoning district, review of/ additions to definitions, and existing feedlot expansion in shoreland.

The following three findings were part of the staff report presented. 1.) 36% of all complaints that come from small hobby farms- about ½ were under 10 AU. 2.) With the second highest percentage of complaints surround family farms sized 100-499 AU at 28%. 3.) Large CAFOS (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations) have received the least number of complaints at 10%.

The meeting is available through the Todd County YouTube page @toddcountyminnesota9215. The staff report is available upon request from the Planning and Zoning Department.

This item was tabled to be addressed at the next Planning Commission meeting which will be held on February 1st, 2024 at 6:00 PM in the Commissioner’s Boardroom, Historic Courthouse, 215 1st Ave South, Suite 301, Long Prairie, MN.

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