Painted turtle made a nest
Hometown News
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Customer service keeps the doors open
-By Harvey Mackay
Nordstrom’s department store built its legendary customer service reputation on the story of a man who returned a set of tires to a store and received a refund, even though Nordstrom doesn’t actually sell tires. True or not?
According to Nordstrom’s own podcast, “The Nordy Pod,” it is not just a myth. Podcast host Pete Nordstrom did some research and found that 40 years ago, a customer in Fairbanks, Alaska, did come in and return a set of tires. An associate checked and found that Nordstrom had recently purchased three stores from a local company that did sell tires.
Although Nordstrom had revamped the stores and eliminated tire sales, the associate decided to honor the stores’ terms. After all, the customer had driven 50 miles for his refund. So the associate called some local tire stores to come up with an estimate of the tires’ value and gave the customer his refund.
You can’t put a price on such a good customer service reputation.
Now compare that to the salesclerk who was giving change to a customer one day and mumbled something.
The customer said, “I’m sorry, but I didn’t hear what you said.”
The clerk snapped back, “I said have a great day. What are you, deaf or something?”
Ouch! That customer may never return, and the clerk should never work in a service position without a lot of further training. A whole lot.
THURSDAY, JULY 11
Good customer service is absolutely critical. It is the lifeblood of any business. I have always emphasized that without customers, a business simply cannot survive.
Walmart founder Sam Walton said: “There is only one boss – the customer. And he can fire everybody in the company from the chairman on down, simply by spending his money somewhere else.”
Let me share with you some insights that highlight the importance of good customer service:
• Preference for personal touch. Research shows that a whopping 80 percent of consumers prefer customer service from a human being rather than an automated system. Whether on the phone or in a store, 83 percent of consumers say that interacting with a customer service rep is important. It’s easy enough to shop online, but when issues arise, dealing with an automated system is woefully lacking the personal touch.
• Negotiation and deals. Nearly 70 percent of consumers believe they are more likely to get a better deal when negotiating in person rather than online.
• Customer loyalty. Almost 20 percent of consumers indicated they would renew products or services because of good personal customer service, even if they were more expensive. Customers have long memories. They will remember how you made them feel long after the price is forgotten.
These statistics underscore that while we may be moving toward a more automated world, the human element in customer service remains invaluable. People crave the personal connection and the assurance that their needs are being understood and addressed by another human being.
By providing stellar customer service, you are not just solving a customer’s issue; you are building a relationship that can withstand the pressures of competition and price wars. In
essence, good customer service is not just about the immediate transaction; it is about creating a lasting impression that turns customers into loyal advocates for your brand. In short, customer service is not a department; it is an attitude.
We all have horror stories about being treated poorly for no apparent reason. We also have stories about never returning to that business as a result. Online complaints are all over social media, and sharp businesses take notice. Enough bad reporting can outweigh the finest products if customers believe those negative reviews.
J.C. Penney, the department store founder, said, “Every great business is built on friendship.”
Losing sight of this important fact can cost a business dearly, as this drowsy executive discovered.
A lady phoned the president of a large furniture store at 2 a.m. After several rings, a sleepy, gruff voice answered. “This is Miss Gruntled,” said the lady in sugary tones. “I just had to call you personally to tell you that the couch I bought at your store last week is simply stunning.”
“I’m delighted to hear that,” yawned the president. “But may I ask why you called me in the middle of the night about a couch you bought last week?”
“Because,” she replied sweetly, “your truck just delivered it.”
Mackay’s Moral: Make your customers #1 and they will make you #1.
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
• Concert in the Park: Country Roads: Dennis Curley at 7 p.m. Long Prairie.
SATURDAY, JULY 13
• Todd County Breakfast on the Farm: Katterhagen Farm from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Parking at Browerville South Business Park.
SUNDAY, JULY 14
• Church of St. Benedit Parish Festival starting at 10:30 a.m. on the church grounds, Avon.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 17
• Grey Eagle Senior Center Meeting at 4 p.m. Potluck & Bingo to follow.
JULY 17-18 & 20-22
• Melrose Stages Musical Theatre presents "The Adams Family" at the Marit Elliott Performing Arts Center, Melrose. July 17, 18, 20, 22 at 7:30 p.m. July 21 at 2 p.m.
THURSDAY, JULY 18
• Concert in the Park: Mitchell Hall & The Tennesee Trio at 7 p.m. Long Prairie.
SATURDAY, JULY 20
• Grey Eagle United Methodist Church Annual BBQ Luncheon from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Bake Sale from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. See ad on page 7.
• Grey Eagle/Burtrum Lions Garden Tractor Pull starting at 12-noon at the Lions Park, Grey Eagle. See ad on page 7.
• Grey Eagle/Burtrum Lions Community Appreciation from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at the Fire Hall, Grey Eagle. See ad on page 7.
SUNDAY, JULY 21
• 43rd Annual Sacred Heart Parish Festival & Parade starting at 9 a.m. Parade at
10:30 a.m., Freeport. See ad on page 7.
• Grey Eagle/Burtrum Lions Tractor Pull starting at 11 a.m. at the Lions Park, Grey Eagle. See ad on page 7.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 1
• Concert in the Park: Ron Kanutski at 7 p.m. Long Prairie.
SUN.-THURS., AUG. 4-8
• Our Savior's Lutheran Church Vacation Bible School from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
ALBANY SENIORS
• Meets 1st Tuesday of the month at 1:30 p.m. at the Albany Community Center.
ALBANY TOWNSHIP
• Meets the 4th Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the Albany City Hall.
• Planning Commission meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the Albany City Hall.
BURNHAMVILLE TOWNSHIP
• Meets the last Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Burtrum City Hall.
BURTRUM CITY COUNCIL
• Meets the 1st Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. FEET FIRST CLINIC
• Meets the 1st Tuesday of the month from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at Holdingford City Hall.
FOOD DISTRIBUTION
• Ruby’s Pantry Food Distribution 1st Saturday of the Month from 10-11 a.m. at River of Live Church, Sauk Centre.
FREEPORT CITY COUNCIL
• Meets the last Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.
FREEPORT SENIOR MEETING
• Meets the 3rd Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m. with cards/Bingo/coffee/dessert.
GREY EAGLE CITY COUNCIL
• Meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.
GREY EAGLE TOWNSHIP
• Meets the 1st Monday of the month at 8 p.m.
MELROSE TOWNSHIP
• Meets the 1st Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at the town hall.
MELROSE VFW #7050 POST/AUX.
• Meets the 1st Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Melrose American Legion Clubrooms.
MELROSE LEGION #101 POST/AUX.
• Meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Melrose American Legion. (Aux. Sept.-May.)
STEARNS CO. HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
• Meets at 7 p.m. on the 2nd Monday of the month at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Albany.
SUNSHINE CLUB
• Meets every Monday, weigh in starts at 8; meeting at 8:30 a.m. at the Village View Apartments, Grey Eagle.
ST. ROSA CITY COUNCIL
• Meets the 3rd Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Community Park building.
SWANVILLE CITY COUNCIL
• 1st Tuesday after the 1st Monday of the month at 7 p.m.
SWANVILLE TOWNSHIP
• Meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 8:30 p.m. at the Swanville Fire Hall.
UPSALA CITY COUNCIL
• Meets the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m.
“The Good Old Days” -By Tom Kuehne
New Ulm Good Old Days. Good doesn't always describe how the days were, but Old does seem to fit, since as time passes, the happenings do become older.
An example is the Indian War of 1862.
Prior to 1862, many immigrants moved to Minnesota. Many of these people began farming in the area near New Ulm. This was due to large areas of prairie land that didn't require the removal of a forest before the land could become cropland. The soil seemed to be the perfect fertility to grow grain crops.
In July of 1862, the Indians became unhappy with the immigrants occupying the land that they considered “Indian land.” There were several tribal meetings to solve the problem and the best solution seemed to be the elimination of the immigrants from their lands. Various small parties of Indians began their atrocities on August 17th, by killing the farmers, taking from the farms anything of value and burning the homes. About 1000 died from this treatment. About 60 fled to Hutchinson and were saved. On August 18th most of the Indian agencies in the area were destroyed by the Indians. This was followed by attacks on Fort Ridgely and New Ulm, which began about August 19. After about a day, the Indians headed toward New Ulm.
The defenders at New Ulm built barriers to keep the Indians out. They were created by burning rows of wood supplies, followed by the firing of the homes and businesses on the outskirts of town. It appeared that they needed to draw the Indians into close range, since almost all of the firearms in New Ulm were shotguns of short range. Of the 200 guns in town, 188 were shotguns. The Indians also used fire to take out the remaining buildings in town, which were saved by brave men that splashed water on flammable roofs that were hit by burning arrows. There were about 1500 women and children in town and about 200 men to defend them.
When it was decided that they would not be able to maintain a defense for longer
than 2 hours, a group of about 50 men were organized. These men were armed and crept toward the most forward Indian stronghold and when they were within 100 feet, began screaming, yelling and shooting. The Indians were so surprised that they began to run out of town. However, when the Indians realized that they were no longer being chased, they took cover and began to return fire. On the 25th, the defenders of New Ulm realized that their munitions and supplies were running low and that the Indians had retreated. They formed a wagon train of 150 wagons and headed to Mankato, about 30 miles away. After one day they camped about 15 miles from Mankato and most of the fighting men from New Ulm decided to return to New Ulm and wait for reinforcements, which began arriving on August 28th. During the following months some of the previous residents of the New Ulm area began to move back into the mess which was New Ulm.
Battles with the Indians occurred at many locations until 38 Indians were declared guilty of crimes at a court martial. They were hung as a group. There were 300 others that were also found guilty and were confined until their relocation could be determined.
When visiting the New Ulm area, it is quite difficult to envision the war that occurred in the settlement of the area.
For feedback or story ideas, email Tom at kuehneins@gmail.com.
If you need help with Health or Life Insurance or for Senior Health Solutions Contact: Tom Kuehne 320-360-0343
From the Desk of Pastor Bruce
I have a small picture on my desk that someone from church gave me. It is small and somewhat simple but very profound and thought provoking. I wish I could show all of you the picture, but it would be like me taking a picture of the sunset, I wouldn’t do it justice. The picture is set in the clouds, and it is of Jesus hugging a saint as he enters heaven.
When I write these articles, I have no idea who will read them, if anyone. But I just need to share with everyone who will read these words. God is not going to welcome you because you were a good person! He isn’t even going to welcome you if your good outweighed your bad! Ephesians 2:8-9 says that the only way to heaven is through faith in Jesus. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast.” Grace is a gift, not something earned like a paycheck. Grace is given to us from a very gracious God who sent His Son because He loved us.
1 Corinthians 15:3-5 “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised
on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve.” This is what we are to believe in. Jesus came to earth as a baby, grew up sinless, was not received as the Christ but was sacrificed on our behalf, was buried, and raised on the third day, and is now at the right hand of the Father interceding on our behalf. Please, consider faith in Jesus, He wants a relationship with you!
-Pastor Bruce Miller from Swanville Bible Church, 320-547-2916
D. Edin
Aleta D. Edin, 74 year old resident of Upsala, MN, passed away Monday, July 1, 2024 at Centra Care in Long Prairie, MN. A Funeral Service was held Monday, July 8, 2024 at the Word of Life Free Lutheran Church in Upsala, MN with Rev. Brian Lunn officiating. Interment was at Gethsemane Lutheran Cemetery in Upsala, MN. Caring for Aleta and her family is the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls.
Aleta Dawn Edin was born April 13, 1950 in Colorado to Walter and Patricia (Chart) Kolashefsky, the third and youngest child to be welcomed home by the World War II Vet and his British war bride. Aleta grew up in Brighton, CO. The family summered in Minnesota where she developed her love of country life. Aleta graduated from Brighton High School in 1968, and moved to Minnesota where she met Walt Edin on a blind date that summer. Aleta and Walt were united in marriage a year later on June 1, 1969. They initially made their home in Hutchinson but soon moved back to Walt’s hometown of Upsala, where she resided for the remainder of her life. Aleta suffered with numerous ailments, enduring many surgeries, and faced each trial in stride. She ultimately passed with her family at her side after suffering a sudden unrelated health issue. Aleta cared for their two daughters, Heather and Heidi, and a menagerie of animals with a warm heart and gentle hands. She cherished and found value in the world around her and all things in it. Although she was born a city kid, she quickly took to farming life. She was well-spoken, writing a poem for many occasions including her annual Christmas letter. She was also not afraid to voice her opinion on topics she was passionate about in an effort to make the world a better place by going so far as running for Congress, with full endorsements of the Republican Party. Aleta was a frequent contributor to the Letters to the Editor of the local paper. She volunteered for many service organizations including the Lions Club, Upsala First Response Team, served as Chair of the Morrison County Republican Party, Central Minnesota Republican Women and held offices at Word of Life Church and Lone Eagle Auto Club.
Aleta is survived by her husband of 55 years, Walt, daughters; Heather (William) Edin of Brainerd, Heidi (Dave) Edin of Burtrum; 7 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; brothers; Terry Kole of Bertha, MN and Tim Kole of Northglenn, CO and one niece, Jessie. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents; Walter & Patricia; mother-in-law, Violet Edin; brother-in-law, Wesley Edin; sister-in-law; Gladys Edin; son-in-law, Ric LaCoursiere; and nephew, Ryan Kole.
David “Dave” Ostendorf
David
G.
“Dave” Ostendorf, age 78, passed away on Friday, June 28th, 2024 at his home in Grey Eagle, Minnesota.
Dave was a father, son, brother, grandfather, uncle, godfather, racer, builder, engineer, inventor, avid gardener, caretaker, hunter, card player, teacher, and friend.
Dave was a huge fan of racing, and exceptionally skilled at designing and building any number of mechanical devices, including custom-made sleds and race cars. If he didn’t have the tool needed for something, he would invent his own. In prior years he channeled these passions and skills into business ventures, including Ostendorf Fireplace Furnaces and Davco Racing.
In January 1972, at the age of 25, Dave competed in the renowned four-day International 500 snowmobile race from Winnipeg, Canada to St. Paul, Minnesota. Of the 308 entries, Dave placed 29th, with a total of just over 17 hours. He walked away with a bit of frostbite to accompany his huge smile. This was one of his proudest stories to tell his children.
Dave loved to spend time at the family farm outside of Grey Eagle. He enjoyed sitting in his green chair near the garden watching for deer, finding peace in the sound of the wind blowing through the trees. Dave was proud to share the progress on the Plymouth Coupe he had been building. He also loved Old-Time and Tejano music, as well as visiting all kinds of museums.
Dave enjoyed traveling with his family: California, Vegas, North Carolina, New England, and Mexico. Time with his sisters was special for him, as the oldest child and only son in the family. Together they visited Florida, the Grand Canyon, Arizona, Ohio, and Nevada.
Dave is survived by his children, Scott of San Francisco, Mari (Jim) of Los Angeles, Leo (Diane) of St. Stephen, Nicole (Rafa) of Guadalajara, Mexico, their mother Bernie Ostendorf of St. Cloud, daughter Jade of Minneapolis and her mother Turea Sam; granddaughters Cedar, Sage, and Sofia; sisters, Ermina Blaeser, Sharon Maciej, Noreen Zollar, Alice Weibye, and Debbie Vogel; aunt Lorraine Folta, and countless nieces, nephews, and cousins. Dave will be greeted in heaven by his parents, Wilfred and Juletta Ostendorf, and other loved ones who passed before him.
Dave was a man ahead of his time. His wisdom lives on in all of us. He will be missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Parish Hall of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Grey Eagle on Saturday, July 13th, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. All will be invited to share memories of Dave, followed by a luncheon. Casual attire; feel free to wear a hat or shirt that reminds you of Dave. Memorials are preferred.
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John M. Arceneau
John M. Arceneau, age 63 of Sauk Centre, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully in his sleep on July 4, 2024 at his home in Sauk Centre.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 11 at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Elrosa with Rev. Mark Botzet officiating. A private inurnment will be held at a later date.
John Martin Arceneau, the son of Clarence and Joan (Shay) Arceneau, was born on October 24th, 1960 in Sauk Centre, Minnesota. John was one of eight children who grew up on the family farm near Elrosa. He was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church. He attended Elrosa Elementary and later graduated from Belgrade High School in 1979. Following high school John worked at Jennie-O in Willmar, and then traveled south to Texas to work in custom harvesting. John then returned to Minnesota where he worked with Steve Khul on a farm near St. Martin, and then worked with his dear friend Gene Illies, at Illies Motors. John would eventually buy his first farm from Bernard Arceneau in 1987.
John met the absolute love of his life, Starla Wilkens, in 1986. They married on May 20th, 1989 and were soon blessed with two daughters, Santana and Shania. John and Starla raised their girls on their family farm where John raised laying hens and farmed the land with his brother, Fred, until he retired in 2013. Following retirement John and Starla moved off the family farm and moved into their new home in Sauk Centre.
In retirement John was able to fill his time with activities that he truly loved, auctioning with his brother-in-law Mark Quade. On a good day you would find John at a sale, in his natural habitat. Even more than auctioning, John loved his family. Starla and John were married for 35 years, Starla said the first 25 years John spent working hard to provide for their family, the next 25 years was for the two of them to travel and go on adventures together. They were able to enjoy many places including Hawaii, Maine, and many trips to Mexico.
John was filled with true pride and pure joy by his grandchildren, Dawson (15), Charlie (9), Annalise (5) and Tae (2). Nothing was too good, or off limits, for his grandchildren, regardless of what their parents said. John was their papa and they loved him dearly.
John was a man who others could rely on, no questions asked. He would be there if you called on him. His unwavering love, steadfast faith, and profound loyalty made John a one-of-a-kind child of God.
John is survived by his wife, Starla Arceneau of Sauk Centre; daughters, Santana (Simon) Uphus of Sauk Centre and Shania (Alex) Chase of Glenwood; four grandchildren, Dawson, Charlie, Annalise and Tae; mother, Joan Arceneau of Elrosa; siblings, Dean (Betsy) Arceneau of Belgrade, Fred (Jan) Arceneau of Belgrade, Paul (Sandy) Arceneau of Melrose, Mark Arceneau of Elrosa, Peter (Lora) Arceneau of Cold Spring, Joel (Lisa) Arceneau of Alexandria, and Ann (Dale) Schleper of Melrose; sisters-in-law, Jana (Mark) Quade of Sauk Centre and Darla Stanford of Texas; brother-in-law, Wesley (Sheila) Wilkens of North Dakota; Godchildren, Brett Wilkens and Anthony Arceneau; and many beloved extended family members.
John was preceded in death by his father, Clarence Arceneau; uncle, Bernard Arceneau;
WEDNESDAY NIGHTLIVE
father-in-law and
and
Arceneau; and nephew, Beau Wilkens. Arrangements were made with PattonSchad Funeral and Cremation Services of Sauk Centre.
Rodney Harold Carlson
Rodney Harold Carlson passed away on June 29th, 2024 as the result of a car accident. He was born on January 15, 1946 in Little Falls Minnesota. He attended elementary school and high school in Upsala, Minnesota. He was an outstanding athlete lettering in football, baseball track and basketball.
He graduated in 1964. After graduation he attended Bemidji State College. In 1966 he moved to the Chicago area and worked as a carpenter on many large projects in the Chicago area. He eventually became a construction supervisor for Ceco Concrete Construction Company. He had a passion for fishing and never turned down an opportunity to fish either on the ice or open water. Grandpa Rodney patiently taught his grandson Caleb to fish throughout his childhood. He also enjoyed playing golf especially with his brother Gerry. His family enjoyed his grilling skills but did not enjoy losing to him in Cribbage. His son Steve’s family will miss the many beef stews, chilis and really hot salsas he made for them.
He married Susan “Susie” Mech on November 2, 1968. They divorced in 1999, but continued to be close friends except when the Vikings were playing the Packers.
He is survived by Susie, a daughter Sandy (Mike) Baggio, Columbia, Tennessee, a son Steve (Christine) Carlson, Schaumburg, Illinois, grandsons Caleb Carlson and Nicholas Baggio and granddaughter Chloe Carlson; brothers Ricky Carlson, Upsala, MN, Gerry (Peggy) Carlson, Decorah, Iowa; sisters Rosie (Chuck) Williams, Evansville, Indiana, Peggy (Roger) Beuning, Annandale, MN, Delphine (Don) Marty, Little Falls, MN, Carol (Danny) Welinski, Elmdale, MN and brother-in-law Kevin Solarz, Upsala, MN, and many nieces and nephews and even more great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Angie Carlson, sisters Betty (Larry) Harren and Marlene (Bud) Hutchins and brothers Harold Carlson Jr. and Byron Carlson.
The family will have a private service at a later date.
Aleta
mother-in-law, John and Beverly Wilkens; brothers-in-law, Michael Salveson
John Stanford; niece, Chantell
Linda Lee Day
Birth Announcement
Carter Joseph Westbrock
Travis and Dacia Westbrock of Sauk Centre are proud to announce the birth of their son, Carter Joseph Westbrock, born July 6th, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. at CentraCare Sauk Centre, delivered by Dr. Stepan.
Carter weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces and measured 20-1/2 inches long.
He was welcomed home by big brothers Axton, 5 years old and Hudson, 3 years old.
Grandparents are Tom and Joy Westbrock of Sauk Centre, Roger and Lisa Gregory of Sauk Centre and Joe Marthaler of North Branch. Great-grandparents are Hilda Westbrock of Sartell, Gene Ebert of Sauk Centre, Duane and Rita Frieler of Elrosa, and Art and Darlene Marthaler of Sauk Centre.
Linda Lee Day, 56 of Upsala, Minnesota had her last earthly adventure and tragically passed away on June 12, 2024 while whitewater rafting the Kicking Horse River in British Columbia, Canada. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, July 20 at 11:00 A.M. at Living Hope Church in Little Falls with Chaplain Gregg Valentine officiating. A visitation will be held on Friday, July 19 from 4:00-8:00 P.M. at Emblom Brenny Funeral Service and from 9:30 A.M. until the hour of the service on Saturday, July 20 at the church. A link to view the service is provided on Linda’s obituary page on the Emblom Brenny Funeral Service website.
Linda was born September 25, 1967 to Bernard “Bunny” and Kay (Hoff) Day in Stillwater, Minnesota. She grew up in Lake Elmo with her siblings Lori, Kevin, and Lisa and graduated from Stillwater High School. She studied youth ministry at the University of Northwestern-St. Paul where she made lifelong friends in Party Quad 9. After graduating in 1992 she moved to Upsala, MN and began working as Program Director at Camp Lebanon where she mentored numerous young adults and touched many lives. During this time, she also served her community on the Upsala First Response team which opened up another career in emergency medicine. Linda became an EMT and then paramedic with Gold Cross (Mayo) serving in the St. Cloud and Little Falls areas. After an injury ended her paramedic career, Linda—never one to sit and sulk—combined her gift of being a calm voice in the storm and servant’s heart and joined the Morrison County Sheriff’s office as a full-time 911 dispatcher. No matter what Linda did or where she worked, she brought her sense of humor and adventure. When she wasn’t working, she was often still thinking of others while she quilted and made baby blankets and homemade gifts for friends and coworkers. Always up for a party or celebration, Linda also remembered everyone’s favorite birthday treat and would bake it for that special person. She loved spending time with family and friends, especially if it involved being on the water, playing games, hiking, traveling, scuba diving, camping, and attending concerts. In her lifetime Linda traveled to over thirty countries on five different continents. She loved the ocean, the Minnesota North Shore (especially those fall colors and hikes), and anything to do with being outside in the summer time. She would say she didn’t have a “talent” beyond her handwriting, but her creativity in coming up with camp themes, the way she always brought the fun wherever she went says otherwise. Her sense of humor and sarcasm will be missed, especially when she laughed so hard, she would snort. One of her greatest joys was to spoil her nieces and nephews (biological and adopted alike) and take them on “bentures.” The spoiling carried over to her furry companions Lola and Rory Lu too.
Left to cherish Linda’s memory are her many friends and family especially sisters Lisa Day and Lori Day (Benny Robertson), brother
Kevin (Jackie) Day; nieces and nephews Brittany (Tyler) Sabby, Alexandra (Jalen) Timm, Raelin Robertson, Mitchel Day, Hunter Robertson, Jacob Day; great nieces and nephews Kaleb, Kingston, Wesley, Kentlee, and Clayton; aunts and uncles Richard (Cheryl) Hoff, Richard (Pam) Day, Joanie Day; and many beloved cousins.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Bunny & Kay, uncles John (Eva Mae) Day, Robert (Barbara) Day, Jerome Day, and aunts Sister Mary Jeroma Day, and Margaret (Tony) Schmidt. Live like Linda. Love like Linda.
Ardell E. Koehn, age 77 of Little Falls, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at her home in Little Falls, Minnesota.
A funeral service was held Tuesday, July 9 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Farming with Rev. David Steege officiating. Interment was in Our Savior’s Lutheran Cemetery in Albany.
Ardell Eileen Cigelske was born March 3, 1947 in Collegeville Township, Stearns County, Minnesota to Adolf and Olive (Lemke) Cigelske. She was united in marriage to Roger Koehn on June 19, 1965 at Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Albany, Minnesota. Ardell worked at St. John’s University in housekeeping for 26 years. Ardell and Roger lived in various towns over the years but most of their married life lived on a farm near Elmdale. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Farming. Ardell enjoyed traveling, playing cards and dice, and loved planting marigolds in her flower gardens.
Central Minnesota Human Trafficking Task Force
From 6/25/24 to 6/27/24, the Central MN
Human Trafficking Task Force, with the assistance of the St. Cloud Police Department, Stearns County Sheriff’s Office, and Sartell Police Department, conducted a proactive enforcement detail in the St. Cloud area.
The enforcement detail resulted in eight arrests. Seven individuals were arrested for gross misdemeanor crimes related to attempting to purchase sex and one individual was arrested for felony level electronic solicitation of a child. All eight individuals were charged via complaint by the Stearns County Attorney’s Office and have appeared in court. There are also several active and ongoing electronic solicitation of a child investigations resulting from the detail. Additional arrests are anticipated. As these investigations remain ongoing,
no further comment is available. Additionally, during this proactive detail three adult victims were recovered and referred to services.
Freeport Blood Drive
The Freeport Lions Club is sponsoring the American Red Cross Blood Drive on August 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.
Survivors include her husband, Roger Koehn of Little Falls; children, Sheila (Kyle) Thieschafer of Long Prairie, Dave (Ella) Koehn of Alexandria, and Darren Koehn of Little Falls; grandchildren, Dustin, Brandon, Aaron, Kayla, Lucy, Coltan, Jared, and Dylan; 16 greatgrandchildren; and sister, Erna Radtke.
Ardell was preceded in death by her parents; son, Dale Koehn; brothers, Alvin, Allen, Lester, Virgil, Junior, Lavern “Vernie”, and Delroy; sisters, Wilma Scheid, Jill Sabrowsky, Darlene Cigelske, and Valeria “Tutti” Christen; and father and mother-in-law, Waldemar and Verna Koehn. Arrangements were made with PattonSchad Funeral & Cremation Services of Melrose.
OPEN HOUSE
WEDNESDAY JULY 17 4P-7P
Apartment size ranges from 550 sq. ft to 935 sq.ft.
One & two bedroom Independent and Assisted Living apartments available.
Pricing ranges from $1125-$2445. Monthly rent includes utilities, cable tv, secured building, 24 hours awake staff, organized activities, and on-site laundry.
Jennifer Olmscheid, LALD 320-256-1769
Jennifer.olmscheid@curamn.org
Ardell E. Koehn
Sudoku is one of the most popular puzzle games of all time. The goal of Sudoku is to fill a 9×9 grid with numbers so that each row, column and 3×3 section contain all of the digits between 1 and 9. As a logic puzzle, Sudoku is also an excellent brain game.
Dave Says -By Dave Ramsey
Dear Dave, I’m beginning to feel some bitterness and resentment towards my parents for their recent decisions and financial irresponsibility.
Fifteen years ago, while I was still in school, they left good-paying jobs to enter the ministry. They both took pay cuts when they made this decision, and they’ve been regularly asking for money for living expenses from my husband and I ever since. Sometimes, they even try to make us feel guilty if we can’t give them the amount they ask for. My mom, especially, constantly brings up their call to the ministry, adding that we should want to help them. We believe in their calling, but we also feel they knew they would have to live on less money, and they’re being irresponsible with the money they make. What should we do?
-Abigail
Dear Abigail,
What I’m hearing is giving money to your parents isn’t necessarily a financial hardship for you and your husband, but that by consistently giving or loaning your parents
money you’re losing respect for them. This is not a healthy situation. Your relationship has become strained, and that’s a tough thing for anyone to deal with—especially in a parentchild scenario.
Make no mistake, going into the ministry with the right heart is an admirable thing. However, in the Bible, Paul made tents while he conducted his ministry. I’m paraphrasing, of course, but his line was to the effect of, “If you don’t work, you don’t eat.” He had a job. So, I don’t think suggesting your folks think about working outside the ministry while trying to do God’s work is unfair in a situation like this.
I’m sure your mom is a good person, but no one should do this to their child. On top of it all, she sounds like a travel agent for guilt trips—like she’s working you over while implying it’s all really for God. That’s not only toxic, it’s just plain wrong.
It’s going to be hard to unravel it all and turn this into a respectable situation where they’re not constantly asking for money, and you’re not feeling pressure and falling victim to the guilty feelings that enable this behavior. I hope all of you will consider sitting down with a reasonable, objective third party and talking things through. I also hope you’ll take some time to read a book called Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud. It will open your eyes to a few things.
God bless you and your family, Abigail.
-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.
Dear Motor Medics, I have a 1999 Ram 1500 truck with a V8 engine. The truck started to make a squealing noise after I would start the engine and let it run for about 30 seconds. The noise is always there and sounds more like a whistle than a squeal. I tried two different shops but neither one has found the cause. It does it with the belts removed from the front but does go away if you take off the engine oil cap while its running. They can’t seem to find the cause of why that would happen. Do you have any ideas? It’s a clean old truck with only 90k miles on it.
-Herbert in Sioux City, Iowa Dear Herbert, Sounds to us like it is a case of failed intake manifold gaskets. Even if the truck does not leak coolant or leak on the top of the intake it can still pull air from underneath. This can lead to oil usage and a noise caused by extra suction inside of the engine due to the intake ports being open to the crankcase. If there is internal suction with the PCV valve removed, then you can bet that there is an intake leak. It would need to be torn down for further inspection. Talk to your local shop about this and see if they agree. If it is leaky intake gaskets, make sure to flush the coolant and replace the thermostat while doing the job.
-Take care, the Motor Medics Dear Motor Medics, I have a 2014 GMC Acadia with a 3.6 engine. The vehicle has 95k miles on it and has always run great and has been well maintained. We take it in for oil changes every time the light says its due and we have it looked over at that time. It started making a noise about 200 miles ago and the check engine light then started flashing as we drove, and it has become underpowered. We stopped at a local auto
parts store, and it had several misfire codes and a crank/cam correlation error. What do these things mean and is it expensive to repair?
-Clark in Williamsport, PA Dear Clark,
You have a problem here Clark. The codes you have combined with the noise and the flashing check engine light almost always lead us to failure of the engine timing system or what are called timing chains. They will become loose over time and jump teeth, so the cam and crank shafts are no longer in sync which causes misfire, noise and engine damage. The most important thing is to stop driving the vehicle immediately and seek help from a qualified repair shop. If the timing has not jumped too far it can be repaired with new timing components. It’s not cheap but it is cheaper than a new vehicle. The cause of almost all failures of this type is lack of oil changes. These like 3mo or 3k miles.
-Take care, the Motor Medics For entertainment only. Always consult your local shop and follow all safety procedures before repairs. Come visit the Motor Medics® online at Underthehoodshow.com.
Albany Senior Dining
Mon., July 15: Hamburger tomato casserole, peaches, corn, bread.
Tues., July 16: Chicken ala king over biscuit, peas & carrots, mandarin oranges.
Wed., July 17: Salisbury steak, paprika potatoes, broccoli, bread.
Thurs., July 18: Meatloaf, whipped potatoes, gravy, carrots, bread.
Fri., July 19: Egg & hashbrown bake, sausage, applesauce, cinnamon roll.
Pre-registration requested to dine daily.
For more info. call 320-845-4070.
Frederick Overman
The Mass of Christian Burial, celebrating the life of Fred Overman, age 79 of Freeport, will be 11:00 AM, Wednesday, July 17 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport, burial will be in the parish cemetery. There will be a visitation from 4-7:00 PM, Tuesday, July 16 at the Sacred Heart Catholic church in Freeport. Parish prayers will be at 4:00 PM, Tuesday, at the church in Freeport. Fred died on July 8 at the Assumption Home in Cold Spring after a battle with dementia.
Fred was born August 28, 1944, in St. Cloud to Joesph and Hilda (Borgerding) Overman. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam conflict and then in the Army Reserves. He married Mary Arceneau in 1987. Fred grew up in the Freeport area and lived there until 1986 when he moved to Willmar. He moved into the Assumption Home in 2021. Fred worked as a small engine mechanic for over 50 years. He worked with Hiltner Company and then Ed’s Small Engine Repair. He enjoyed snowmobiling and was a member of the MNUSA Snowmobile Club. He was an active member St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Willmar and Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport, the Freeport Volunteer Fire Department, the Willmar American Legion and he was a Fourth Degree Knight with the Willmar Knights of Columbus.
THE JUNCTION
Fred is survived by his daughters, Pamela (Ronald) Luckey, St. Cloud; Melissa (Scott) Welle, Avon; Kimberley Overman, Jackson, MI and Jenna (Derek) Henning, Miltona. He is also survived by seven grandchildren; 5 greatgrandchildren and his sisters and brothers; Genevieve Hiltner, Melrose; Edward Overman, Freeport; Teresa Chamberlin; Champlin; Norbert (Audery) Overman, Albany and Ruth (George) Traeger, Melrose. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Mary, and his brothers and sisters, Joseph Overman, Raymond Overman, Doreen Robillard, Bernice Muske, Mary Harren, Celine Overman, and James Overman. Memorials are preferred to the “Eagles Healing Nest” for veterans in Sauk Centre.
Rick’s Painting
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!
Featuring: Barbecue on Bun, Potato Salad, Chips, Pickles, Pies, Beverages Take-out Available - Call 320-285-8013
Grey Eagle/Burtrum Lions Club GARDEN TRACTOR PULL
Saturday, July 20, 2024
Registation @ 10 AM Pull Starts at 12-Noon
At the Lions Park Grey Eagle
COMMUNITY APPRECIATION
Live Music by Darrell Vogel • 4:30-6:30 PM Complimentary Food & Refreshments Saturday, July 20, 2024 • 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Donate Used Eye Glasses, Cell Phones & Hearing Aids!
Proceeds go back to community projects.
TRACTOR PULL
BURNHAMVILLE TOWNSHIP
SPECIAL MEETING
Burnhamville Township Board will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. at the Burtrum Community Center. The purpose of this special meeting is to discuss road improvements for Dunlin Road. All residents and land owners of Dunlin Road are encouraged to attend.
Shirley Hulinsky, Burnhamville Township Clerk
Local Municipality Minutes
Email Minutes to htnews@icloud.com
Grey Eagle Township • July 1, 2024
Call to Order: Mike Rohe called the meeting to order at 8:00 pm. The pledge of allegiance was recited.
Members Present: Mary Ann Primus, Mike Rohe, Alan Roering and John Young. Also present were Erv Herdering and Sharon Roering.
Agenda Approval: A preliminary agenda was presented. Mike asked if there were additions to the agenda. John made the motion to approve agenda. Alan made the second. All in favor. Motion carried
Approval of Minutes: John made the motion to accept the June 3, 2024 minutes. Alan made the second. All in favor. Motion passed.
Town Clerk’s Report: Clerk presented the claims list for June. Claims list included claims 3972-3986 for a total of $22,950.75. John made the motion to pay the claims. Alan made the second. All in favor. Motion carried.
Mail included a request for tree trimming on West Arbor, voicemail from a company that would help Townships track and manage backflow prevention.
The financial report was presented, John made the motion to approve the financial report, Alan made the second. All in favor. Motion carried. CD was cashed in and put into a money
market account. Loan information was shared and will be discussed next month.
Road and Bridge Report: Tar project – should be starting soon, contracts were signed. John had no new information on the tree policy. Ditch mowing bids were discussed and Alan made the motion to accept the bid from Mike Berscheit at $100.00 per hour. John made the second, all in favor. Motion carried. John created a map for him to follow. New signs for the beach and lake access will be put up by Hinman Lawn Service. Discussion was again had about how to repair the Angler Trl issue, board members may need to do road check to look it over. Chippewa Rd-with new construction, will dust control be ok or will property owners be reimbursed?
Additional agenda item: District Meeting will be held in Clarissa on August 22, more info to follow. Resolution for election judge was presented with a list of potential judges. John made the motion to approve, Alan made the second. All in favor, motion carried.
Public Comments: None
Adjourn: Motion to adjourn by John second by Alan. All in favor. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm.
Minutes not approved.
Mary Ann Primus, Clerk/Treasurer
Freeport, MN
July 21, 2024
ESTATE SALE: 209 Elm Ave. E., Upsala. Thurs.-Fri., July 11-12: 9-5. Tools, snowblower, household, freezer, table/chairs, dressers, lawn mowers, sewing machine, adjustable queen bed.
GARAGE SALE: July 19-20: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.; Grey Eagle United Methodist Church. Bake sale and luncheon on Saturday.
GARAGE SALE: 210 Pearl Street, Grey Eagle. July 19: 1:00-5:00 and July 20th 7:00 -12:00.
WANTED TO BUY: Dairy Heifers and Cows. 320-894-7175. SC-evB
WANTED: Maytag wringer washer, must be in working condition. Call 320-584-5608.
JET SKI RENTALS: Seadoo Spark TRIXX. Text or call 320-200-0300. tfnB
FOR SALE: Air impact wrenches, 3 CBs: 1 Cobra 19, 1 Galaxy 959, 1 General Lee, 1 set of 17" tire chains, new in the box. 320260-2159 MT-tfn
FOR SALE: Vibo boat lift, holds 2400 lbs., needs new canopy, $750. Call 320-2854495. tfn
FOR SALE: 2017 Prime Time Crusader Lite 5th wheel RV, 32-ft., 2 slides, excellent cond., $24,500. 320-249-7694 between 8am-7pm. tfn
FOR SALE: 1926 restored Model T Roadster. 1920 GMC 3/4 ton truck. Call 320-2513133.
FOR SALE: Children's 4 piece wooden kitchen set with accessories. Graco car seat. Call 320-251-3133.
FOR SALE: 1984 Corvette, 102,000 miles, top comes off, $8,000. Call 320-267-5632. tfn-RB
FOR SALE: 1986 Kawasaki Voyager XII 32,000 miles, rebuilt carburetors, good tires, $1,600. Call 320-267-5632. tfn-RB
HELP WANTED
Holtz Tree Service and Firewood Bowlus, MN; is seeking individual interested in Full Time Employment. Duties include outdoor work pertaining to firewood/tree work. Day shift work Monday thru Friday, no weekends. Paid weekly wage based on performance. Will train.
Must have a valid driver’s license. Call or text 320-360-3512
Holdingford Public School Employment Opportunities
Positions Available:
Two Food Service Assistants
1) 5.75 hours per day 1) 3 hours per day
Salary Range: $15.77-$18.22
Depending on experience. Applications can be picked up in the District Office or found online @ http://www.isd738.org/employment.html.
For more information please check out the School Webpage https://www.isd738.org/employment.html. If you have questions, please contact Linda Zapzalka at 320-746-4307 or linda.zapzalka@isd738.org.
FREE: Sofa, 7'6" blue stripes, clean, like new. Call 517-512-3342.
FOR SALE: Box of misc. romance and mystery books, approx 70+ $10. Call 320285-4577. 7/11
FOR SALE: 1994 Corvet, 60,000 miles, new tires, car is like new, $16,000. Call 320-290-0924.
FOR SALE: $75 Queen Anne style dresser over 6 feet tall, very beautiful, pick up by St. Rosa. Call/text 320-290-0471.
FOR SALE BY OWNER: Cabin 2 bedroom, 1 bath on Big Birch, 11594 Arctic Drive. Grey Eagle. Zillow.com or 763-4421535. 7/25
FOR SALE: Leg exerciser. Call 320-3805722.
FOR SALE: Cabbage 50¢ a pound, organically grown. Call 320-632-3336.
FOR SALE: Silver service set $25. Call 320-815-1768.
FOR SALE: Shop stool on wheels with tool tray, adjustable height, $20. Call 320894-9118.
FOR SALE: Craftsman lawn mower, 16 HP with 44 inch deck. Call 320-290-0924.
FOR SALE: 2017 Prime Time Crusader Lite 5th wheel RV, 32 ft., 2 slides, excellent cond., reduced $22,500. 320-249-7694 between 8am-7pm. tfn
FOR SALE: 2019 John Deere X390/lawnmower, mowerdeck, 44 hours, includes bagger, snowblower w/chains, weights, X300 weather enclosure. $7,800. 320-845-7801
