HTNewsJan6

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

208 Main St W

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White Milk $2.44/gal.

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Melrose: 15 Acre Hobby Farm

Benchmark

1-800-645-6336 • 320-285-8085

Photo submitted by Michael Pangrac.

Mon.- Fri.: 8 am - 5 pm

320-285-4318

On The Inside...

- Overlooking Long Lake -

www.brunosmn.com • www.gerardsmn.com

Newly Engaged Over the Holidays?

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Great Location • Great Atmosphere Great Pricing Check Out Our Weekly Specials

•Homemade Chimichangas, Shredded Beef or Chicken, served with Beans & Rice.

2 lbs. of Delicious Food $8.99

Slow Roasted Prime Rib Available on the Weekends!

Building Supplies

Burtrum

HUB SUPPER CLUB

Thursday

Harvey Mackay Obituaries: Ludwig, Welters, Hinnenkamp John C. Maxwell Saralee Perel Notes from the Capitol Local Municipality Minutes Swanville City

Sunday Brunch Noon Specials Welcome Snowmobilers!

Page 2 Page 4 Page 5 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9

Grey Eagle, MN

625 North 3rd Ave. E.: Modified 2-story in Highland Addition. Heavily wooded with a variety of trees and meticulously maintained plant and flower beds. Additional 20x24 detached garage with storage trusses. Oak millwork and cabinetry. Cambria countertops, etc. All for $199,900 Seller would entertain finished lower level to buyers specs.

Scott Reinert Broker, ABR, CRS, GRI, CDPE, SFR 320-333-2000 www.scottreinert.com

Agriculture is YOUR business... and OURS.

Steel Siding

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Lakeview Medical Clinic

Hours: Monday-Friday 8 am-5 pm; Saturday 8 am-12 pm

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Page 2 • Hometown News • Thursday, January 6, 2011

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

Published By

John and Lori Young

Sales Staff

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

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

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

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

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

Letters should be short and to the point.

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

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

Classifieds over the word limit must be prepaid.

Business related Help Wanted, For Rent classifieds are $5.00 for the first 20 words, 25¢ per each additional word.

Mail to: Hometown News, 29442 120th St., Grey Eagle, MN 56336. email: htnews@meltel.net Card of Thanks Cards of Thanks is $2.50 for the first 50 words, 10¢ per each additional word.

Must be prepaid.

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

Celebrate The Child In You -By Harvey Mackay

Throughout the holidays, a lot of emphasis frequently falls on children. Why? Because children bring such a marvelous perspective to events that many of us take for granted.

Kids get excited about life in general. They see everything with fresh eyes, knowing they will find something new and different every time they look. Adults, on the other hand, look for things they know and expect. Imagine what we grownups are missing!

My friend, the late Jim Rohn, was a master speaker and motivator. He encouraged folks to “practice being like a child.” This time of year, when the wonderment of the holidays shines through, reminds me of his fine advice. Jim said there are four ways to be more like a child, no matter how old you are.

First, he suggests that we become curious. “Learn to be curious like a child ... Kids can ask a million questions.

You think they’re through. They’ve got another million ... Kids use their curiosity to learn. Have you ever noticed that while adults are stepping on ants, children are studying them? A child’s curiosity is what helps them to reach, learn and grow,” he said.

Truer words were never spoken.

Have you ever heard a little kid look at

a challenge and say “but we’ve always done it this way?” Of course not. They let their imaginations run wild and aren’t afraid to try unconventional ideas. Children don’t have to be taught to “think outside the box.” Most kids I know hate being confined. They are experts at pushing the envelope!

Jim next recommended that we “learn to get excited like a child ... so excited you hate to go to bed at night.

Can’t wait to get up in the morning. So excited that you’re about to explode.”

Then he takes it a step further: “If you’re too old to get excited, you’re too old.”

That reminds me of a story about a friend’s mother, a sweet Irish grandmother who loved the holidays because she looked so forward to shopping for toys. She would get so excited playing with the grandkids and their new toys that even she didn’t like to stop long enough for the holiday dinners. “Put me at the ‘kids’ table,” she would say, so that she could eat fast and get back to the fun and games. “Kids are so much more interesting than adults,” she would say.

Faith is Jim’s third childlike quality.

Faith is childish, he said. “Adults too often have a tendency to be overly skeptical. Some adults even have a tendency to be cynical.” He said that adults need proof that something is good before they will believe it. Kids aren’t that way, according to Jim. “Kids think you can get anything. They are really funny. You notice the difference?”

I’m afraid I fall into the adult category all too often. Sure, I take plenty of risks, generally guided by past experience and gut instincts. I’m sort of a “show-me” guy.

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Finally, Jim cited trust as a childish virtue that many adults have forgotten.

“Have you heard the term ‘sleep like a baby?’ That’s it. Childish trust. After you have gotten an A+ for the day, leave it in somebody else’s hands,” he said.

Trust is in short supply in the business world. Can you trust that your customers will pay for their orders? Can you trust your vendors to come through on time? Can you trust your employees to show up ready to work every day?

Those are big questions that any responsible manager must be able to answer, yet we know deep down that most people want to do what’s right. They will do what they have to do in order to stay in business.

I’m not suggesting for a moment that we all become gullible and naïve.

But I am encouraging adults to take a closer look at their world and take in the details that they have been missing.

How does this relate to business?

Every successful operation can find ways to be better. Want to take a really big risk? Ask your staff to join you for a brainstorming session, but only if they agree to embrace their inner child. Escape from the familiar and see what else is out there.

“Curiosity, excitement, faith and trust,” Jim Rohn said. “What a powerful combination to bring back into our lives.”

Mackay’s Moral: Grow up and think like a kid again.

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,” and the new book “We Got Fired!...And It’s the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Us.”

320-285-4541 Burtrum, MN

Coming Saturday, Jan. 15 9 PM1 AM

KODIAK

Deadline for Next Thursday’s Paper is Monday, Jan. 10

Upcoming Events JANUARY 13 • Grey Eagle Senior Center Monthly Membership Meeting at 12:45 p.m.

JANUARY 16 • St. Rosa Youth Group Lasagna Supper from 4-8 p.m. at St. Rose of Lima Church, St. Rosa.

FEBRUARY 6 • Albany Legion Smorgasbord Breakfast 8:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

FEBRUARY 10 • American Red Cross from 1-7 p.m. at the Freeport Community Center.

ALCOHOL ANONYMOUS • Meets every Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Grace Alive, Albany.

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

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

COMMUNITY BUILDERS • Meets the second Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m. at Eagle’s Crossings.

FREEPORT CITY COUNCIL • Meets the last Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Temperatures Date

12/29 12/30 12/31 1/1 1/2 1/3 1/4

High 34 34 11 5 7 10 8

Low 24 10 3 -2 -10 -10 -16

Friday

Flurries.

High: 14 Low: -8

Weekend Weather Saturday

Partly sunny.

High: 9 Low: -14

Sunday

Mostly cloudy.

High: 13 Low: -4

Hometown News • Thursday, January 6, 2011 • Page 3

Basketball Free Throw Competition

Birth Announcement Megan Alexis Thomes

Doug and Jennifer Thomes of Paynesville are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Megan Alexis Thomes, born December 27, 2010 at CentraCare Health System, Melrose.

Megan weighed 7 pounds, 14 ounces and measured 21 inches in length.

Welcoming Megan home are her sisters Emily, Grace and Christina.

Grandparents are Donald and Helen Thomes of Paynesville and Albert and Brenda Mueller of Melrose. Great grandparents are Wilfred and Dorothy Middendorf of Melrose, Loretta Thomes of Paynesville, Leona Willenbring of Richmond and Marrietta Mueller of Upsala.

Senior Dining Menus: January 10-14 Albany

MON., JAN. 10: Swiss steak, baked potato/sour cream, beets, peaches.

TUE., JAN. 11: BBQ turkey, bun, potato salad, corn, gelatin.

WED., JAN. 12: Pork roast, potatoes, gravy, steamed cabbage, fruit cocktail.

THUR., JAN. 13: Hearty stew, French bread, 7-layer salad, cereal bar.

FRI., JAN. 14: Meatloaf, scalloped potatoes, carrots, lemon chiffon. ~ The Lighter Side Menu ~ MON., JAN. 10: Chicken stir-fry w/ vegetables/rice, garden salad, peaches.

TUE., JAN. 11: Chef’s salad w/ lettuce/meat/cheese/vegetables, breadstick, gelatin.

WED., JAN. 12: Chicken vegetable pasta toss, romaine salad, fruit cocktail.

THUR., JAN. 13: Sausage quiche,

fried potatoes, fruit, muffin, cereal bar.

FRI., JAN. 14: Fish fillet sandwich, seasoned potato wedges, peas, lemon chiffon.

Albany: 320-845-4070

All boys and girls ages 10-14 are invited to participate in the local level of competition for the Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship. The local competition will be held Sunday, January 16th at the Swanville High School gymnasium. Registrations starts at 12-noon with the competition starting at 1:00 p.m.

The Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship is sponsored annually with winners progressing through local, district and state competitions.

International champions are announced by the K of C international headquarters based on scores from the state-level competitions. All boys and girls 10-14 years old are eligible to participate and will compete in their respective age divisions. Last year, more than 151,000 sharpshooters participated in over 3,100 local competitions.

All contestants on the local level are recognized for their participation in the event. Participants are required to furnish proof of age and written parental

consent. For entry forms or additional information contact Ken Sinclair at 320285-5670 or Tom Defrance at 320-5472921.

The Knights of Columbus is an international Catholic family fraternal service organization with nearly 1.7 million members in over 13,000 local councils.

Last year, Knights donated 68 million volunteer hours and $150 million to charitable and benevolent causes, sponsoring projects to benefit their church, councils, communities, families and youth.

This event is sponsored by Msgr.

Lorsung Council 14616, Grey Eagle/ Swanville.

Central Lakes Landscape & Construction

Grey Eagle & Upsala

MON., JAN. 10: Pork chop, mashed potatoes, gravy, Calif. vegetables, pudding/topping.

TUE., JAN. 11: Baked fish, au gratin potatoes, coleslaw, bar.

WED., JAN. 12: Roast turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, mixed vegetables, baked apple.

THUR., JAN. 13: Tator tot hotdish, mandarin orange, starburst cake.

FRI., JAN. 14: Burger, baked beans, fruited gelatin, dessert.

Grey Eagle Dining Site: 320-285-4481 Upsala Dining Site: 320-573-2335

Ken Frieler

Fri: 5 PM - 9 PM Sat: 11 AM - 5 PM; 5 PM - 9 PM Sun: 11 AM - 5 PM

Browen’s Country Market

Central McGowan

Open 7 Days a Week

Eagle Mountain Snow Tubing Only $10 for 2 Hours of Tubing Fun!

Grey Eagle

Patios, Decks, Retainer Walls, Ceramic Tiling, Remodeling

EAGLE MOUNTAIN REGULAR HOURS

Martin Luther King Day: Mon., Jan. 17 • 11 AM-5 PM President’s Day: Mon., Feb. 21 • 11 AM-5 PM

320-285-5715

33861 Breezy Drive Burtrum, MN 56318

320-573-2222

www.eaglemountainge.com

Upsala Farm Store Inc. 320-573-2216

211 S. Main St., Upsala

Mon.-Sat. 8-6; Sun. 9-2

Grey Eagle, MN (320) 285-2600 We accept Visa/ MasterCard, EBT Card, Wic

LP Gas Refill

Live Bait & Tackle

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

Sun. 8 am-12 noon Januaryshopper January Frequent FrequentWinner!!!

Shopper Winner Dawn JoAnn Boecker Heffron

~ Prices good Dec. 28 - Jan 8 ~

Custom Floral Arrangements Prior notice appreciated.

Great selection of greeting cards Including “Leanin Tree” $1.49 ea.

Dairy

Cass Clay Orange Juice 1/2 gal. $2.49 Cass Clay Party Dips 12 oz. $1.49 Cass Clay Egg Nog $1.89 qt.

Country Crock Margarine 15 oz. $1.99 Crystal Farms Pepper Jack or Marble Jack Sliced Cheese 8 oz. $2.99

Produce

Cameo or Granny Smith Prem.

Apples 99¢ lb.

Fancy Navel Oranges 99¢ lb.

Texas Red Grapefruit 49¢ lb.

Weatherby Fresh Cranberries $1.59 Washington Anjou Pears 85¢ lb.

Dole Cello Lettuce $1.05 head

Wanted:

Help us hold our First Annual PROM Dress Consignment Sale!

Have a formal hanging in your closet you’d like to sell? Call us for details. We will only charge a small fee to have them displayed.

Frozen

Mr. Dells Shredded Hash Browns 30 oz. $2.50 Meat Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa Mix 10 ct. $1.99 WEDDING PACKAGES AVAILABLE Jacks Pizza 15-18 oz. $2.99 “We have a nice selection of fresh Cruz Flour Tortilla 8 ct. 12 oz. $1.99 TUX & FLORALS Prairie Pantry Chocolate Chip meat at everyday low prices!”

Hidden Valley Party Dip Mix 1 oz. $1.29 Cookie Dough 24 oz. $3.69 Fully Cooked BBQ Ribs $3.09 lb.

Hormel Chili w/no Beans 10.5 oz. $1.59 Coles Garlic Bread Sticks 10.5 oz.

Plumrose Black Forest Ham 9 oz. tub $1.99 Bush Black, Kidney or Chili Beans $2.59 Blue Wave Imitation Crabmeat 16 oz. $2.59 15-16 oz. 89¢ Household/Pets Bush Baked Beans 28 oz. $1.99 Grocery Supreme Cat Combo 16 lb. $9.99 Our Family Saltine Crackers 16 oz. $1.39 Uncle Ben’s Long Grain & Wild Rice Check Out the Puffs Facial Tissue w/Vicks Old Dutch Potato Chips 10-11 oz. 2/$6.00 6 oz. $1.99 Tux Website @ 88 ct. $1.89 Shorelunch Chicken Noodle Soup Mix Creamette Long Spaghetti 16 oz. $1.49 Jimsformalwear.com The Works Opener 32 oz. $1.99 9.2 oz. $2.99 Lipton Rice or Pasta Side Dishes “Build a Tux” Parson Lemon Ammonia 28 oz.

Gedney Reg. or Kosher Dill Pickles 4-5.7 oz. $1.49 $1.29 32 oz. $2.79 Canoe Cooked Canned Wild Rice Our Family Tuna in Water WIC 15 oz. $2.49 Frequent Shopper Call 5 oz. 89¢ Quaker Instant Reg. Oatmeal 11.8 oz. $3.69 FREE Cass Clay Gallon Milk For A Price Shorelunch Fish Batter 9 oz. $1.59 Kellogg’s Crispix WIC 12 oz. $3.59 w/a filled card Betty Crocker Cookies Mix 17.5 oz.

Quote!

Old Orchard Ruby Red Grapefruit or $1.99 Ask for your card today!

Apple Juice 64 oz. $1.99

Tux Rental

Page 4 • Hometown News • Thursday, January 6, 2011

Ernest B. Hinnenkamp

Obituaries Vincent P. Ludwig

Mass of Christian Burial for Vincent P. Ludwig, age 87 of Avon, will be 11:00 AM Thursday, January 6, 2011 at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Avon.

The Rev. Blane Wasnie, OSB and Rev. Ronald Weyrens will officiate and burial will be in the parish cemetery. Vincent died January 2, 2011.

Friends may call 1 hour prior to service Thursday at the church in Avon.

Vincent was born in Albany to Henry & Stella (Keppers) Ludwig on August 11, 1923. He worked as a farm laborer for mos of his life as well as for the Avon Elevator and Avon Lumber Yard for many years. He moved to

Sauk Rapids in 2003. He is a member of St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Avon, and was also a member of the Catholic Aid/ St. Joseph’s Society.

Vince enjoyed old time music and dancing as well as attending area church bazaars and playing bingo.

Survivors include his sisters and brother, Lucy (Fendell) Carlson of Marshall; Rita Gottwald Lenzmeier of Paynesville; Theresa Evens of Albany; Mary (Ron) Sadlowsky of Avon; Dan (Mary) of Red Wing; nephew, Jerry (Jeanette) Hansen of Sauk Rapids who gave very special care and attention to Vince. He is also survived by many other nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, stepmother, Marie, sister, Margaret Hansen, brothers, Francis, George, and John.

Arrangements were with the Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in Avon.

Bernadette M. Welters Bernadette M. “Boo” Welters, age 83 of Melrose, died unexpectedly Saturday, January 1, 2011 at Pine Villa Care Center in Melrose, Minnesota.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, January 7 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose. Interment will be in the parish cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m.

Thursday and from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose. Parish prayers will be at 5:30 p.m. followed by the Christian Mothers and Sts. Bernard & Elizabeth Council at 6 p.m. Thursday evening.

Bernadette Marie Springer was born March 23, 1927 in Melrose Township, Stearns County, Minnesota to John and Marie (Kunkel) Springer. Bernadette was born and raised on the family farm north of Melrose. On October 1, 1946 she married Albert Welters at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose.

The couple took over the family farm where they resided for many years. Boo enjoyed gardening, canning, playing

cards, watching the birds, helping Albert on the farm, and spending time at the lake cabin.

Bernadette was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose, Christian Mothers, and the Sts. Bernard & Elizabeth Council.

Survivors include her husband, Albert Welters of Melrose; children, Joni Eiden of Bellingham, WA, Kay Welters of Sauk Rapids, Marcus (Rita) Welters of Bellingham, WA, and Janet (Ron) Zitzow of St. Cloud; 14 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren; sister, Viola (Dick) Hammond of San Marcus, TX; brother, Edward (Yvonne) Springer of Avon; and sister-in-law, Dorothy Springer of Sauk Rapids.

Bernadette was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Irene Roden, Evelyn Grundy, Ann Springer and Alice Hasselbring; brother, Albert Springer; great-grandchildren, Angelo and Michael Kapsner.

Serving as casket bearers will be Roger Gregory, John Gregory, Troy Knafla, Tom Eiden, Brad Kapsner, and Joe Schmidt. Cross bearer will be Michelle Hinnenkamp and scripture bearer will be Naomi Knafla. Honorary bearers will be Tamara Zitzow, Angela Zitzow, Cortney Thyen, Brianna Hinnenkamp, Tyler Hinnenkamp, Daniel Kapsner, and Amber Schmidt.

• WEEKLY SPECIALS •

Family Restaurant

STUBBY’S TAVERN 1 Block off I-94 Albany Exit 1004 Shamrock Lane • Albany

320-845-2168 Kitchen Restaurant Hours: Sunday - Thursday: 6 a.m. - 9 p.m.

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

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

E r n e s t B. “Ernie” Hinnenkamp, age 85 of Melrose, died unexpectedly on Monday, January 3, 2011 at the Melrose Area Hospital in Melrose, Minnesota.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, January 6 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose. Interment will be in the parish cemetery.

Visitation will be from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose.

Ernest Bernard Hinnenkamp was born April 26, 1925 in Melrose, Minnesota to Frank and Elizabeth (Schmeising) Hinnenkamp. Ernie attended the Hellermann School which was located 4 miles north of Melrose on County Road 13 thru the 8th grade.

He was united in marriage to Marcella Ann Gruber on September 27, 1948 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Belgrade. He was a dairy farmer for many years. He was a true to heart John Deere farmer. Ernie retired to their lake home on Lake Sylvia in 1984 and truly enjoyed the serenity that it provided.

Ernie was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose and St. Bernard’s Society. Ernie enjoyed playing cards and spending time at the

local businesses with his card playing buddies. Ernie loved spending time with his family and he was a great story and joke teller. He also enjoyed watching the Minnesota Twins, old time dancing, barn dances and traveling.

Ernie was a talented musician playing the accordion, concertina, harmonica and drums. He was an avid fisherman who loved fishing for pan fish, walleyes, and northerns.

Survivors include his wife, Marcella Ann Hinnenkamp of Melrose; children, Marc (Annette) Hinnenkamp of Sauk Centre, Ken Hinnenkamp of Melrose, Tom (Deb) Hinnenkamp of White Bear Lake, Sharon Uphoff of Melrose, Fran (Patsy) Hinnenkamp of Melrose, Steve (Margie) Hinnenkamp of Melrose, and Melissa (Ray) Herrington of St. Cloud; 19 grandchildren and nine greatgrandchildren; sisters, Leona Blenker of Melrose, Lydia Beuning of Melrose, Mary Ann Tooley of Prineville, Oregon, Ida (Frank) Pung of Alamo, Texas and Jeanette Zehrer of Melrose.

Ernie was preceded in death by his father, Frank Hinnenkamp on November 21, 1980; mother, Elizabeth Hinnenkamp on January 22, 1975; brothers and sisters, Lillian, Sylvester, Monica, Hubert, Fred, Jim, and Irene; and son-in-law, Gary Uphoff.

Serving as casket bearers will be Jon Hinnenkamp, Ben Hinnenkamp, Adam Hinnenkamp, Josh Uphoff, Skylar Uphoff, and Justin Hinnenkamp.

Cross bearer will be Jacob Hinnenkamp and scripture bearer will be Shelby Uphoff.

Local Library Events

ties and materials are included. The attendance limit is 60 and preregistration is required.

For more information, contact the Albany Public Library at 845-4843.

Melrose Library Make Funky Chunky Sweater Mittens: Wednesday, January 12 from 4-7:00 p.m., for teens and adults. If you have a sweater you love but never wear, or if you shrank your favorite wool sweater, take this opportunity to convert it into warm mittens. Kathie Harris, a creative artist and manager of the Belgrade library, will provide the know-how.

To register and for a list of supplies needed call 320-256-3885. The class is limited to 12.

Albany Library Winter Storytime: Thursday, Jan. 20 from 3-3:45 p.m. for preschoolers ages 3-6. Children will hear snow filled stories and do a special winter craft. The attendance limit is 20 and preregistration is required.

Minnesota Wolves: Friday, Jan. 21, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. for ages 3-12. Staff from the St. John’s Arboretum will explain how wolves and dogs are similar and different, and describe the history of wolves in Minnesota. Hands-on activi-

Monuments

Honor a friendship - Remember a loved one

Create a legacy

Rich Koska kar@willmar.com 320-697-5679 Belgrade 34 Years Experience Helping Families Designed In Your Home On Our Laptop Computer Delivery To All of Minnesota

THE FINISHING TOUCH

CUSTOM CABINETS & FURNITURE

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

Corey Miller, Owner, Albany

320-492-7808

$6.50 • Senior Price $6.00 • Kids 8 & under: $3.00

WEDNESDAY: BBQ RIBS $8.99 (All You Can Eat) THURSDAY: SPAGHETTI $6.50 (All You Can Eat) FRIDAY: FISH FRY $7.25 (All You Can Eat) PRIME RIB $14.99 SATURDAY: 14oz. PRIME RIB $14.99 SUNDAY: 3 MEAT SMORGASBORD $7.50 FULL BEEF COMMERCIAL: $5.99 1/2 ORDER: $3.25

Three Private Meeting Rooms Available Handling Groups of 20-150

Call for Info & Reservations

Saturday, Jan. 8th

POKER FUN RUN LAST STOP Starting at 9 PM

Prizes: 1st Place $50, 2nd Place $30, 3rd Place $20

Big T DJ

Starting Friday, Jan. 7 Meat Raffle Every Friday Night Starting at 7 PM

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

Hometown News • Thursday, January 6, 2011 • Page 5

Five Ingredients of Personal Growth -By Dr. John C. Maxwell

As any farmer knows, the growth of a crop only happens when the right ingredients are present. To harvest plentiful fields, the farmer has to begin by planting the right seed in rich topsoil where sunlight and water can help the seed to sprout, mature, and bear fruit. If any of the ingredients (seeds, topsoil, sunlight, or water) are missing, the crop won’t grow.

Growing as a leader also requires the proper ingredients. Unless the right attitudes and actions are cultivated an aspiring leader will sputter and fail rather than growing in influence. Let’s look at five basic qualities essential for growth in leadership.

1) Teachability Arrogance crowds out room for improvement. That’s why humility is the starting point for personal growth.

As Erwin G. Hall said, “An open mind is the beginning of self-discovery and growth. We can’t learn anything new until we can admit that we don’t already know everything.”

Adopting a beginner’s mindset helps you to be teachable. Beginners are aware that they don’t know it all, and they proceed accordingly. As a general rule, they’re open and humble, noticeably lacking in the rigidity that often accompanies experience and achievement. It’s easy enough to have a beginner’s mind when you’re actually a beginner, but maintaining teachability gets trickier in the long term especially when you’ve already achieved some degree of success.

2) Sacrifice Growth as a leader involves temporary loss. It may mean giving up

familiar but limiting patterns, safe but unrewarding work, values no longer believed in, or relationships that have lost their meaning. Whatever the case, everything we gain in life comes as a result of sacrificing something else.

We must give up to go up.

3) Security To keep learning throughout life, you have to be willing, no matter what your position is, to say, “I don’t know.” It can be hard for executives to admit lacking knowledge because they feel as if everyone is looking to them for direction, and they don’t want to let people down their people.

However, followers aren’t searching for perfection in their leaders. They’re looking for an honest, authentic, and courageous leader who, regardless of the obstacles facing the organization, won’t rest until the problem is solved.

It took me seven years to hit my stride as a communicator. During those seven years I gave some boring speeches, and I felt discouraged at times. However, I was secure enough to keep taking the stage and honing my communication skills until I could connect with an audience. Had I been insecure, then the negative evaluations of others would have sealed my fate and I never would have excelled in my career.

4) Listening Listen, learn, and ask questions from somebody successful who has gone on before you. Borrow from their experiences so that you can avoid their mistakes and emulate their triumphs.

Solicit feedback and take to heart what you’re told. The criticism of friends may seem bitter in the short-term but, when heeded, it can save you from falling victim to your blind spots.

5) Application Knowledge has a limited shelf life.

Unless used immediately or carefully preserved, it spoils and becomes worthless. Put the lessons you learn

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Senator Bill Ingebrigtsen (R-11) was sworn in Tuesday as Minnesota’s 87th legislative session began. Joined by 36 fellow Republican senators, Republicans are now in the Senate majority for the first time in over thirty years.

“I am truly honored to serve the residents of District 11 for another term,” remarked Senator Ingebrigtsen. “I look forward to working for the constituents of my district and using common-sense goals that all Minnesotans want and expect: an improved business climate, a balanced budget and a government that is more efficient and more effective.”

Previously the Senate’s ranking minority member on the Finance-Public Safety Budget Division, Senator Ingebrigtsen will serve as Chair of the Environmental and Natural Resources Budget and Policy Committee in the new majority.

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Page 6 • Hometown News • Thursday, January 6, 2011

Community Snapshots

EMAIL US YOUR PHOTOS! • htnews@meltel.net

Debbie Vogel hosted a bingo party at the Village View Apartments on December 18th. Photo submitted.

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Firefighters from Freeport and Melrose responded to a pole shed fire Friday, December 31 just north of St. Rosa. Photo by Lori Young.

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December 17, 2010: The Todd County Sheriff’s Office received information which led to a search warrant of a property in Villard Township. Numerous items of stolen property were recovered from Cass and Todd Counties.

In addition, controlled substances were also found. An adult male and female were arrested. Arrested were 26 year old Joshua Eugene Schmidt of rural Motley and 23 year old Calli Diane Gangestad of rural Brainerd. Information led to additional search warrants in other coun-

ties and the recovery of more property and additional arrests. The investigation is ongoing.

December 30, 2010: At 7:20 a.m.

Paul Hellman was west bound no County Road 6, just west of County Road 8, when he lost control of a 2008 Chev. van, “Direct TV Service Van” slid off the roadway right and over turned. Paul was alone at the time and was not hurt.

The van received moderate damage.

Road conditions were icy covered at the time.

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Hometown News • Thursday, January 6, 2011 • Page 7

The Festering Wonders Of Winter Minnesota Through The Lens: -By Saralee Perel

As we settle cozily into our homes, we spend this blessed time contemplating the most meaningful part of winter: bacteria.

We’re past the endless holiday debate - do we cook the microbe-laden stuffing inside or outside the turkey? Mention giblets and I have a slight problem with projectile vomiting. At least they’re called “giblets.” That’s more appetizing than their technical names: big red icky things.

This year, bacteria has a fresh meaning to me. One morning my husband, Bob, was terribly sick. The doctor said he had a bacterial infection of non-specific origin.

“NON-SPECIFIC ORIGIN?” I screamed at Bob. “Yes.” He took antibiotics and fell asleep. I straddled his back and slammed his shoulders repeatedly into the pillow. “WHAT IS THIS BACTERIA FROM?” He didn’t know.

I trashed everything in the fridge that was blue or yellow, including cheese. “That’s blue cheese,” Bob said.

“The blue in blue cheese is mold, as in bacteria. Besides, it was cheddar.” I ran my finger around the lip of the spaghetti sauce jar to remove the blue ring of moldy fur. Then I put the jar back. “Red is fine.”

“What’s wrong with yellow?” he asked, as I smelled the butter.

“Hellooo?” I said, incredulously.

“Picture something rancid. Old bacon, infected skin - what color is it?” He ran to the bathroom.

I had our moldy heating ducts cleaned and found an unfortunate answer to my question, “Where did the frogs go that lived in our fish tank?”

Thankfully the antibiotics worked.

But the infection caused Bob to lose his ability to smell and taste.

We tested his senses daily. We (I couldn’t let the poor guy go it alone) ate all the leftover holiday choco-

late. We had pizza with the “works” - a lovely generic term coined by the guys in the kitchen for, “Who knows what these chunks are? If they’re red, they’re good to go.”

I held strong-smelling things (don’t ask) under his nose. While he was sleeping, I held up a bottle of maple syrup. Startled, he woke up and knocked it on the floor. Our cats licked the syrup.

To prevent further syrup lapping, OK, I’m referring to myself at this point, Bob got the Lysol. He sniffed it.

“I can smell!” he cried.

I shared his profound joy and said, “Now you can cook!”

“Why can’t you cook?”

“I have seasonal affective disorder.”

“What about spring, summer and fall?”

“That’s why it’s called seasonal!”

Now, Bob has phantom smells. He smells things that aren’t there. “Did you light a match?” he’ll ask all day.

Or, “Is the oven on?” This makes my “something’s burning” phobia skyrocket. “Bob,” I finally said after smelling the cold oven for the millionth time. “Please get a different smell.”

“Did something die?” he now asks, looking behind furniture for decomposing mice or escapee angel fish.

And so, in winter, germs become cryogenically dormant, only to awaken one fine spring day when crocuses rise and all species fall madly in love.

Itsy bitsy bacteria open their sleepy eyes, yawn and stretch their tiny hands while looking around for the nearest human body orifice to crawl into with their loved ones in order to procreate.

Just remember my motto: Never eat anything yellow or blue. But any color of ice cream, since it’s frozen and the bacteria is dead, is A-OK. Award-winning columnist/novelist, Saralee Perel, welcomes e-mails at sperel@saraleeperel.com or via her website: www.saraleeperel.com. She also welcomes friends on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SaraleePerel.

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

Kringen’s Korner - By Jon Kringen, LPGE Superintendent Challenges for 2011: The New Year always brings a renewed sense of hope for a better year than the last one.

I believe that 2010 will be remembered as a difficult one for most people and yet some very positive things happened. As I look forward to 2011, there are several challenges that will face the LPGE School District this year; this week’s column will address what I perceive to be the top three challenges facing the District.

1. Need to Increase Student Achievement: Your school district has been and will continue to work on new approaches in several areas in an effort to improve student achievement; there is no “magic bullet” and improvement takes time. A team effort between the school, our students and their parents is needed to improve our test scores.

2. Financial Issues: The financial issues facing the State of Minnesota and your local school district have been well documented and readers of this column understand the difficulties facing the district. The Board has been studying the issues, asking questions, reviewing information and listening to students, staff, and parents on topics such as three

sections, reconfiguration and opportunities for students. We will have to make decisions in the next couple of months that will have a dramatic impact on the school, the lives of those we serve and our employees.

3. Declining Enrollment: We will continue to experience declining enrollment, as is almost every district across the state. We have been looking at ways to restructure our school district and will continue to examine all academic and extra-curricular programs for their viability in the future. Ultimately, as our school gets smaller, we will be unable to continue to support the same level of academic and extra-curricular programming that we did five or ten years ago.

While the challenges are difficult, we will do our best to develop solutions that balance the needs of students, parents, employees and taxpayers.

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Page 8 • Hometown News • Thursday, January 6, 2011

Notes from the Capitol By State Rep. Paul Anderson Realizing that we are talking about big numbers that may be hard to fully comprehend, let’s take this time at yearend to discuss some of the lesser-known details of Minnesota’s budget.

Most have heard the big-picture number, namely the $6 billion deficit facing the state as we look ahead to the new two-year biennium starting July 1, 2011. If we first study the current numbers, we can see where these new projections come from.

Minnesota is projected to take in $30.5 billion in revenue during the current two-year budget cycle. That figure is .1 percent less than was forecast just a few months ago, with the largest decrease coming from individual income taxes (down 2.2 percent). That number

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was partially offset by larger-than-expected figures in corporate income tax and sales-tax collections.

State spending for the current biennium is expected to come in some $255 million less than earlier estimates.

Somewhat lower costs for Medical Assistance and the close-out of the General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC) program, along with lower interest rates from a bond refinancing program and this summer’s bond sale, were the main components that allowed the state to lower its overall spending.

When everything is added up, Minnesota is expected to end the current biennium June 30 with a surplus of nearly $400 million. That money will be carried directly forward to partially offset the nearly $6.6 billion deficit projected for the coming two-year period.

The recently released November forecast illustrates why our projected deficit is so large. State revenue for the Fiscal Year 2012-13 budget cycle is expected to grow by about 5 percent and total $32 billion. The problem comes on

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the spending side where expenditures, under current law, are forecast to grow by 27.5 percent and total $38.6 billion.

The two largest components of the increase in spending are the nearly $2 billion K-12 education shift and the onetime infusion of $2.3 billion in federal stimulus money last year, which allowed the state to substitute federal money for state dollars.

The education shift, where the state withheld a portion of local schools’ state aid funding, is scheduled to be paid back this coming year. However, I don’t see how that’s going to be possible. When shifting was done in previous years, it has always been paid back to the schools, but it took several years to do it. I would expect the same this time.

Education funding makes up the largest portion of the state budget. After the next forecast comes out at the end of February, spending targets will be set and finance bills crafted. It’s usually late in the session before these huge bills make it onto the House floor for debate and eventual passage. It’s my hope that

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the education funding bill can be finished earlier to allow our schools more time to make their own budget decisions. The Education Finance Committee, of which I’m a member, has an aggressive schedule and hopes to get an early start on bill passage. You can look for some major education reform ideas to come out of the Legislature this session.

Here’s hoping that you enjoy (or have enjoyed) a safe and happy New Year. We all hope for an improved economy in the coming months and that we work our way out of the recession.

Rep. Anderson encourages constituents to contact his new office with input regarding any state legislative issue. He can be reached on the web at www.house. mn/13A and via email at rep.paul.anderson@house.mn. To contact Anderson by phone, call (651) 296-4317. Mail can be sent to Rep. Paul Anderson, 239 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, Minnesota 55155.

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Hometown News • Thursday, January 6, 2011 • Page 9

Local Municipality Minutes

Swanville City December 7, 2010 Minutes of the Swanville City Council meeting held in the Swanville Community Center on Tuesday, December 7, 2010. The meeting called to order 7:30 p.m. with the following members present: Sandy Peterson, AJ Johnson, Diane Cornell, and Jim Piekarski.

Absent: Tim Grittner. Also present: Mark Hallen, Jim Molitor, Brian Zapzalka and reporter Tina Snell.

Minutes of the Swanville City Council meeting held November 3, 2010 were read. Diane Cornell made a motion to accept the minutes as read. AJ Johnson seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.

The treasures report was given. A motion was made by Jim Piekarski and seconded by Diane Cornell to approve the treasurer’s report. All members voted in favor, motion carried.

Mark Hallen, City Engineer, reported that Rhoda Avenue will continue to be on the Project Priority List for the water line repair. The sewer plant could be in need of repairs because of the phosphorus levels. The city will find out what will need to be done at the time of the wastewater permit renewal. Mark feels the City should go on a Project Priority List with the PFA to help with the modification of the sewer plant. Mayor Peterson made a motion to have WSN write up a letter for the City to go on the PPL with the Public Finance Authority. Diane Cornell seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.

Mayor Peterson made a motion to have a street light installed in front of 507 DeGraff Avenue. AJ Johnson seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.

Small Cities Development Program full application has been approved. A public meeting is set for January 4, 2011 at 7:15pm before the regular monthly meeting at the Community Center. This hearing is to inform residents of the grant program.

There have been complaints about sidewalks in

front of vacant businesses in Swanville. Council decided to first contact the owners of the buildings and inform them of the problem. If no action is taken the city will have the snow removed and bill the owners for the service.

The Swanville Lions would like to build a 6’ high x 3’ wide showcase in the park building. Council did not have a problem with it.

Election results from the November 2, 2010 general election were received from the Morrison County Auditor for City Offices. Total number of persons voting in the City: 125; Registered voters: 178.

For Mayor: Sandy Peterson: 108 votes; Write-ins 8. Sandy Peterson was declared Mayor for 2 years For Council Member: Tim Grittner: 106 votes; Jim Molitor : 73 votes; Write-ins: 25. Tim Grittner and Jim Molitor were declared Council Members for a 4 year term each.

Council Member Diane Cornell is retiring after serving 16 years on the Council. Council thanked Diane for her many years of service and hopes she enjoys her “extra time” she will now have.

There was a complaint about the grain bin fans running late into the night. In the agreement when the bin was built it stated the fans would only run from 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Council will monitor how late the fans run.

The following claims were presented for payment.

Members of the Council were furnished with a listing.

Jim Piekarski made a motion to approve the claims. AJ Johnson seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.

The next monthly meeting will be held January 4, 2011 following the public hearing meeting taking place at 7:15 p.m.

There being no further business, a motion was made by Jim Piekarski and seconded by Diane Cornell to adjourn. All members voted in favor, motion carried.

Meeting adjourned 8:30 p.m.

Julie Hollermann, City Clerk/Treasurer

‘Monkey kit’ helps children with lengthy illness cope with lost school time

Along with a diagnosis of a serious illness for children, comes time away from school. Whether it is just a few days, weeks or months at a time, this can be hard for the child and their classmates to understand. To help children stay connected with school, St. Cloud Hospital Children’s Center is providing “There’s a Monkey in My Chair” kit to young patients.

Each child is provided with a “monkey kit” to help them and classmates cope with lost time. Kits contain a big stuffed monkey that sits in the child’s place in school while the child is unable to attend. Also included is a smaller monkey with a backpack that stays with the child, a journal and book, as well as a disposable camera that classmates or the child can use to take pictures of what is happening in and out of the classroom.

There is no cost to the family.

The “There’s a Monkey in My Chair” program developed by the Love, Chloe Foundation and was created by Heidi Feyerherm in memory of her daughter, Chloe, who died from brain cancer in 2007. For more information about the program, visit www.lovechloefoundation.org or www.monkeyinmychair.org/ or call the Women & Children’s Center at 320-229-5139 and ask to speak with a child life specialist.

a dead carcass. That’s what he looks for.

The hummingbird was in our garden, sucking the sweet nectar of the honeysuckles. That’s what he looks for.

What do you look for in life? Setbacks or successes? Your expectations determine your events.

Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God. Then your shadows will fall behind you, joy will Yesterday I saw two birds – a buz- walk beside you, opportunity will rise before you, and victory will be yours! zard and a hummingbird.

The buzzard was on the road, eating

Development of a hazard mitigation plan update for Todd County The Todd County Emergency Management Department was recently awarded a grant from FEMA to update its Hazard mitigation plan. Region Five Development Commission has been contracted to assist in the planning process. Region Five has completed Hazard Mitigation Plans for Cass, Crow Wing, Wadena, and Morrison Counties.

Public input and participation is an important part of the planning process.

In the coming weeks and months Todd County residents will have several opportunities to participate in the planning process. The first opportunity will be a public informational open house on Hazard Mitigaton held on Monday February 7, 2011 at the Todd County Board Room at 6:00 p.m.

If you are unable to attend the informational open house, county residents will have the opportunitie to participate throughout the planning process through surveys and other planning meetings.

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Purpose: The purpose of a Hazard Mitigation Plan is to protect the health, safety, and economic interests of residents by reducing the impacts of natural, technological and human-related hazards through hazard planning, awareness and implementation. Plans serve as the foundation for hazard mitigation activities within a jurisdiction, and provide a path toward continuous, proactive reduction of vulnerability to the most frequent hazards that result in repetitive and often severe social, economic, and physical damage.

If you would like more information or have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact: Region Five Development Commission Tad Erickson at 218-894-3233 or, Todd County Emergency Management Director Michael Wisniewski at 320-533-4697.

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We lost our beloved black & white kitty when the pet carrier broke while moving him home Oct. 5. He was lost by 227th Ave. just north of Cty Rd. 2 near Diamond Point.

He ran faster than we could and doesn’t know it was his new home yet. He may be heading for Big Birch Lake where he was kept the last few weeks at a cabin on the east shore just south of The Rock Tavern. His name is Ralphy but he responds to being called Honey or “kitty”.

He is very friendly yet very shy, & was recently adopted from the Humane Society. He is an indoor cat so he was not wearing a collar but DOES have ALL his shots and is healthy. He has an embedded pet I.D. chip if found that any vet can identify as well.

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If you catch him or see him.

Thank you.

Page 10 • Hometown News • Thursday, January 6, 2011

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Grace Alive! Evangelical Free Church of America Albany Pastor Joe Williquette 209 Co Rd 156 (Rocky Ridge Outlet) • 320-845-7676 Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. Nursery provided.

Immanuel Lutheran Church (Missouri Synod) Albany Reverend Fred Kutter 23845 Co. Rd 40 • 320-845-2620 Sunday Worship 9:30 a.m. Sunday School & Bible Study 10:35 a.m.

Our Saviors Lutheran Church-ELCA Albany Pastor Bradley Pearson 840 Lake Ave • 320-845-2405 Sunday Worship 8:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. 9:15 a.m. Education Hour.

Seven Dolors Catholic Church, Albany Father Michael Naughton, OSB 151 2nd St S • 320-845-2705 Mon.-Wed. Mass 7:30 a.m. Wed. 9 a.m. HFS. Fri. 7:30 a.m. Sat. 7:30 a.m. & 5 p.m. Sun. 10:30 a.m.

Avon Community Church Pastor Chuck Pelkey 204 Avon Ave. N • 320-356-9001 Sunday School 9:00 a.m. Worship Service 10:30 a.m.

St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, Avon 320-356-7121 Saturday Mass 5:00 p.m. Sunday Mass 8:00 & 10:30 a.m.

Brighter Days Family Church, Burtrum Pastor Anna Payne 320-285-7262 Sunday Worship Service 10:30 a.m. Midweek Service, Wednesday, 7 p.m.

Faith Community Church, Burtrum Pastor Allen Travaille 320-285-3390 • 320-763-4671 Sunday Fellowship 9:30 a.m. Sunday Service 10:00 a.m. Bi-weekly Bible Study.

St. Edward’s Catholic Church, Elmdale Father Michael A. Kellogg 8550 Hwy 238 • 320-573-2975 Sacrament of Reconciliation Sunday 7:30 a.m. Sunday Mass 8:00 a.m. Thursday 8:00 a.m.

St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church, Bowlus Father Michael A. Kellogg 104 Main St. • 320-584-5313 Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturday 4:30 p.m. Saturday Mass 5:00 p.m. Friday Mass 8:00 a.m.

Community Country Church Chaplain Rev. Gregg Valentine Pastor Emeritus Reverend Jesse W. James 3 mi N of Holdingford • 320-573-2968 Sunday School & Adult Bible Study 8:45 a.m. Worship Service 10 a.m. (nursery available). Wednesday AWANA at 6:30 p.m.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Freeport Father Roger Klassen 106 3rd Ave NE • 320-836-2143 Sunday Mass 9:15 a.m. Weekday Mass: Wed. & Fri. 8:15 a.m.

Sacrament of Reconciliation 8:00 a.m. or by appt.

Tri-City Christian Center, Freeport Pastor Bob Bernard 338 W Main St • 320-836-2542 Sunday Worship 9 a.m. Sunday evening Worship 7 p.m. (2nd & 4th Sunday). Wednesday Family Night: nursery, graded classes, teen Bible study and Marriage & Family class.

St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Grey Eagle Pastor Ron Tibbetts • Missouri Synod 219 Cedar St • 320-285-2902 Sunday Service 9 a.m.; Sunday School 10 a.m. Holy Communion 1 & 3 Sunday.

St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Grey Eagle Father Mark Willenbring Associate Father Ron Dockendorf MN & Bovee Sts • 320-285-2545 Saturday Service 4:30 p.m. Sunday Service 9:00 a.m.

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United Methodist Church, Grey Eagle Pastor Gary Taylor 30422 Co Rd 2 • 320-285-8013 Sunday Worship & Sunday School 9:00 a.m.

St. Hedwig’s Catholic Church, Holdingford Father Mark Stang 320-746-2231 Sunday Mass 8:00 a.m.

St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Holdingford Father Mark Stang 311 River Street • 320-746-2231 Weekday Mass: Tues. 7 p.m., Wed. 8 a.m., Thurs. 8 a.m. Fri. 8 a.m.

St. Mary's Catholic Church, Melrose Father Vincent Lieser 211 S 5th Ave E • 320-256-4207 Saturday Mass 5:00 p.m. Sunday Mass 8:00 & 10:30 a.m. Monday 7:30 a.m. communion service. Tuesday 7:30 p.m. communion service.

Wednesday & Thursday 7:30 a.m. Friday All School Mass 8:30 a.m. www.stmarysofmelrose.com St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Melrose Pastor Kevin Mann 207 E 5th St N • 320-256-3847 Sunday Worship 9:00 a.m. Wednesday Service 6:30 p.m.

Immaculate Conception Church, New Munich Father Roger Klassen 106 3rd Ave NE • 320-836-2143 Saturday Mass 4:00 p.m. Sunday Mass 10:30 a.m. Weekday Mass: Tues. & Thurs. 8:15 a.m. Sacrement of Reconciliation 8:00 a.m. or by appt.

Immaculate Conception Church, St. Anna Father Mark Stang Co Rd 9 • 320-356-7313 Sat. 8:00 p.m.

St. Anthony Catholic Church Father Michael Naughton, OSB 24328 Trobec Street • 320-845-2416 Thurs. Mass 8:30 a.m. Sunday Mass 8:30 a.m.

St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Father Michael A. Kellogg 44055 State Hwy 238 • 320-573-2975 Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturday 7:30 p.m. Saturday Mass 8:00 p.m. Wednesday Mass 8:00 a.m.

St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, St. Rosa Father Roger Klassen 28905 Co Rd 17 • 320-836-2537 Saturday Mass 8:00 p.m. Sunday Mass 9 a.m. Weekday Mass: Mon. Thurs. 8:00 a.m.; Fri. 8:00 p.m. Sacrament of Reconciliation 15 min. before weekday Mass or by appt.

St. John’s Catholic Church, Swanville Father Mark Willenbring Associate Father Ron Dockendorf 22nd 1st St • 320-547-2920 Saturday Service 7:30 p.m. Sunday Service 10:30 a.m.

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church (LCMS), Swanville Pastor John O. Grein 505 Berkey Ave • 320-547-2928 Sunday Service 9:00 a.m. Sunday School & Bible Class 10:15 a.m.

Swanville Bible Church Pastor Dave Packo 301 Berkey Ave • 320-547-2916 Sunday Service 10:30 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Community Covenant Church, Upsala Pastor Craig Johnson Nathan Hillman, Director of Youth & Family Ministries Main Street • 320-573-2672 Sunday School 9:00 a.m. Worship Service 10:15 a.m.

Gethsemane Lutheran Church ELCA, Upsala Pastor Trish Jorgenson 418 S Main St • 320-573-2001 Sunday School 9:00 a.m. Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.; Holy Communion every Sunday. Fellowship following worship.

Mt. Olive Evangelical Lutheran Church, Upsala Pastor Fred Kutter 201 Johnson St • 320-573-2630 Sunday Service 8:00 a.m.

St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Upsala Father Michael. A. Kellogg 402 Main Street • 320-573-2975 Sacrament of Reconciliation Sunday 9:30 a.m. Sunday Mass 10:00 a.m. Tuesday Mass 7:00 p.m.

Word of Life Free Lutheran Church, Upsala Pastor Jon Benson 3328 1st Ave W • 320-573-4450 Wednesday Kid’s Club, Youth Group & Adult Bible Study 7:00 p.m.

Sunday School 9:15 a.m. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 a.m.

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Mike LeMieur officially sworn in as State Representative St. Paul – Minnesota’s 2011 Legislative Session officially began January 4 with Mike LeMieur (R-Little Falls) and 133 other state representatives being sworn into office during a ceremony at the State Capitol.

“It is an honor to be elected by the people of District 12B,” LeMieur said. “We have a lot of work ahead of us in the Legislature to make Minnesota a place where businesses will want to create jobs.”

Most of Rep. LeMieur’s work during the first months of session will take place in House Committees. LeMieur said he was pleased with his recent committee assignments, as he will serve on the Jobs and Economic Development

and Agriculture and Rural Development Policy committees.

“Serving on these committees will be a great opportunity to promote job growth in our area by bringing our permitting fees in line with surrounding states and by getting rid of job-killing regulations,” LeMieur said.

LeMieur will also serve on the Property and Local Taxes and Veterans Services committees.

LeMieur has moved into his new legislative office, which is Room 567 of the State Office Building adjacent to the Capitol. All state representatives are housed in this building.

“I hope my constituents will feel free to stop by my new office if they are visiting the area,” LeMieur said. “I also encourage anyone to contact me if they have questions or concerns.”

LeMieur can be reached by phone at (651) 296-4247. He can also be contacted via e-mail at rep.mike.lemieur@ house.mn, or via U.S. Mail at 567 State Office Building, St. Paul, MN 55155.

Hugo man charged with poaching trophy buck The story and evidence just didn’t add up for a Hugo man who is facing $10,000 in fines and restitution - and loss of his hunting privileges - for allegedly poaching a 10-point trophy buck in early November.

After receiving a Turn-In-Poacher (TIP) call, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) conservation officer Robert Haberman of Little Falls recovered a deer from a central Minnesota taxidermist. The deer tag had not been validated, nor had the deer been registered. The buck scored 146 2/8 inches under Boone and Crockett, which records trophy animals.

Christopher C. Mogren, 43, said he had legally taken the buck by archery.

However, an inspection of the carcass revealed a clean arrow wound behind the left shoulder and a large wound on the right shoulder consistent with firearm trauma. A forensics analysis found multiple metal fragments similar to those from a bullet fired from a highpowered rifle.

Mogren eventually admitted using a firearm to shoot a “severely injured” deer that had wandered onto his property. Using a skid loader, he transported the deer to his home where he later arrowed the deer. He purchased an archery tag, waited a couple of days, and tried to claim the deer was taken by archery.

Mogren said a family member subsequently dropped the deer off at the taxidermist.

State conservation officers seized the skid loader, a Remington model 700 rifle with scope, and 21 packages of deer venison. They also collected photos of Mogren posing with the deer and the arrow used.

Mogren has been charged with a gross misdemeanor for taking big game out of season ($3,000 fine), taking a big game animal without a license ($1,000 fine), gross misdemeanor transporting an illegally taken big game animal ($3,000 fine), failure to validate a deer tag ($1,000 fine), and failure to register a big game animal ($1,000 fine). Restitution for a trophy buck is $1,000.

A trial date has not been set in Washington County. If convicted, Mogren could also lose his hunting privileges for three years.

Anyone witnessing wildlife or fishing code violations is encouraged to contact the nearest conservation officer, law enforcement agency or the tollfree TIP hotline at 800-652-9093. Also, #TIP is available to most cell phone users in Minnesota.

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Hometown News • Thursday, January 6, 2011 • Page 11

The Blessing of Thorns

Sandra felt as low as the heels of her shoes as she pushed against a November gust and the florist shop door. Her life had been easy, like a spring breeze. Then in the fourth month of her second pregnancy, a minor automobile accident stole her ease.

During this Thanksgiving week she would have delivered a son. She grieved over her loss. As if that weren’t enough, her husband’s company threatened a transfer. Then her sister, whose annual holiday visit she coveted, called saying she could not come.

What’s worse, Sandra’s friend infuriated her by suggesting her grief was a God-given path to maturity that would allow her to empathize with others who suffer. “She has no idea what I’m feeling,” thought Sandra with a shudder.

“Thanksgiving? Thankful for what?” she wondered aloud. For a careless driver whose truck was hardly scratched when he rear-ended her? For an airbag that saved her life but took that of her child?

“Good afternoon, can I help you?” The shop clerk’s approach startled her.

“I...I need an arrangement,” stammered Sandra, “for Thanksgiving?”

“Do you want beautiful but ordinary, or would you like to challenge the day with a customer favorite I call the Thanksgiving Special?” asked the shop clerk. “I’m convinced that flowers tell stories,” she continued. “Are you looking for something that conveys gratitude this Thanksgiving?

“Not exactly!” Sandra blurted out. “In the last five months, everything that could go wrong has gone wrong. “ Sandra regretted her outburst, and was surprised when the shop clerk said, “I have the perfect arrangement for you.”

Then the door’s small bell rang, and the shop clerk said, “Hi Barbara...let me get your order.” She politely excused herself and walked toward a small workroom, then quickly reappeared, carrying an arrangement of greenery, bows, and long-stemmed thorny roses.

Except the ends of the rose stems were neatly snipped...there were no flowers.

“Want this in a box?” asked the clerk.

Sandra watched for the customer’s response. Was this a joke? Who would want rose stems with no flowers!?! She waited for laughter, but neither woman laughed.

“Yes, please.” Barbara replied with an appreciative smile.

“You’d think after three years of getting the special, I wouldn’t be so moved by its significance, but I can feel it right here, all over again,” she said as she gently tapped her chest.

“Uh,” stammered Sandra, “that lady just left with, uh... she just left with no flowers!”

“Right...I cut off the flowers. That’s the Special... I call it the Thanksgiving Thorns Bouquet.

“Oh, come on, you can’t tell me someone is willing to pay for that?” exclaimed Sandra.

“Barbara came into the shop three years ago feeling very much like you feel today,” explained the clerk. “She thought she had very little to be thankful for. She had lost her father to cancer, the family business was failing, her son was into drugs, and she was facing major surgery.”

“That same year I had lost my husband, “continued the clerk,” and for the first time in my life, I had to spend the holidays alone. I had no children, no husband, no family nearby, and too great a debt to allow any travel.

“So what did you do?” asked Sandra.

“I learned to be thankful for thorns,” answered the clerk quietly. “I’ve always thanked God for good things in life and never thought to ask Him why those good things happened to me, but when bad stuff hit, did I ever ask!

It took time for me to learn that dark times are important. I always enjoyed the ‘flowers’ of life, but it took thorns to show me the beauty of God’s comfort. You know, the Bible says that God comforts us when we’re afflicted, and from His consolation we learn to comfort others.”

Sandra sucked in her breath as she thought about the very thing her friend had tried to tell her. “I guess the truth is I don’t want comfort.

I’ve lost a baby and I’m angry with God.” Just then someone else walked in the shop.

“Hey, Phil!” shouted the clerk to the balding, rotund man.

“My wife sent me in to get our usual Thanksgiving arrangement... twelve thorny, long-stemmed stems!” laughed Phil as the clerk handed him a tissue-wrapped arrangement from the refrigerator.

“Those are for your wife?” asked Sandra incredulously. “Do you mind me asking why she wants something that looks like that?

“No...I’m glad you asked,” Phil replied.

“Four years ago my wife and I nearly divorced. After forty years, we were in a real mess, but with the Lord’s grace and guidance, we slogged through problem after problem. He rescued our marriage. Jenny here (the clerk) told me she kept a vase of rose stems to remind her of what she learned from “thorny” times, and that was good enough for me. I took home some of those stems. My wife and I decided to label each one for a specific “problem” and give thanks to Him for what that problem taught us.”

As Phil paid the clerk, he said to Sandra, “I highly recommend the Special!”

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WANTED TO BUY: Good slaughter cows, big bulls, also foundered steers, etc.

Will pick up (pay cash). Henry Kasper, 320-547-9913.

1/13P WANTED: Work on farm, with house included or to rent, Melrose School District, no dairy. 320-837-5432.

1/13 FOR SALE: 54” snowplow, hydra- turn, mounts on compact tractor, skidloader or SUV, $400; LOPI wood heating stove, $450. Call 320-732-2272 evenings.

FOR SALE: Grass hay, small squares, no canary grass, ideal for horses, no rain, stored under roof. Call 320-250-3874, Melrose.

FOR SALE: Upland grass hay with clover, stored inside. Call Lee at 320-2173449.

FOR SALE: Pieced quilt tops, full, queen, baby size, tops only. Call 320-836-2856, leave message.

FOR SALE: Sofa, blue plaid, wood trim, approx. 72” long, coaster wheels for legs, good condition. Call 320-987-3540.

FOR SALE: Boiler wood, 10’ lengths, can load, make offer. Call 320-746-2613.

FOR SALE: Snapper snow blower, 20”.

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FOR SALE: Firewood, cut, split, dry, also boiler wood, $100 cord. Call 320845-2043, leave message. tfn FOR SALE: 3x3x8’ square grass hay, 4’x5’ rounds, net wrapped, stored inside, also corn and wheat straw, delivery available. Call 320-761-0734. tfn FOR RENT: 2 bedroom apartments in Albany, $425/mo., $100 deposit, cats ok, $20/mo. Call Loreen at 763-238-0616. tfnB-AA FOR RENT: 2 bdrm in quiet 4-plex in Upsala, $465 per month. Call 320-2410586. tfnB-GS

WANTED TO BUY Scrap iron any kind any amount will pickup. Also old buildings.

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Classified Advertising

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“Thank you. What do I owe you?” asked Sandra.

“Nothing.” said the clerk. “Nothing but a promise to allow God to heal your heart. The first year’s arrangement is always on me.” The clerk smiled and handed a card to Sandra. “I’ll attach this card to your arrangement, but maybe you’d like to read it first.”

It read: “Dear God, I have never thanked you for my thorns. I have thanked you a thousand times for my roses, but never once for my thorns. Teach me the glory of the cross I bear; teach me the value of my thorns. Show me that I have climbed closer to you along the path of pain. Show me that, through my tears, the colors of your rainbow look much more brilliant.”

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“I don’t know if I can be thankful for the thorns in my life.” Sandra said to the clerk.

“It’s all too... fresh.”

“Well,” the clerk replied carefully, “my experience has shown me that thorns make roses more precious. We treasure God’s providential care more during trouble than at any other time. Remember, it was a crown of thorns that Jesus wore so we might know His love. Don’t resent the thorns.”

Tears rolled down Sandra’s cheeks. For the first time since the accident, she loosened her grip on resentment. “I’ll take those twelve long-stemmed thorns, please,” she managed to choke out.

“I hoped you would,” said the clerk gently. “I’ll have them ready in a minute.”

Business Ads: For Rent, Help Wanted, Service type ads are $5.00 for 20 words. 25¢ For Each Additional Word. Pre-Paid. **We Do Not Accept Classified Ads Over the Telephone.**

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Page 12 • Hometown News • Thursday, January 6, 2011

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