Sudoku

Sudoku is one of the most popular puzzle games of all time. The goal of Sudoku is to fill a 9×9 grid with numbers so that each row, column and 3×3 section contain all of the digits between 1 and 9. As a logic puzzle, Sudoku is also an excellent brain game.

Dave Says -By Dave Ramsey

Dear Dave, I’m 61, and I hope to be able to retire soon, but I’m watching my retirement savings completely eroding away day after day. The only place I’m not losing money is $180,000 I have sitting in the bank earning almost zero interest. What should I do?

-Jesse

Dear Jesse, Come on, man. “Completely eroding away day after day?” That’s a little dramatic. One of the things you have to understand, and coming to grips with it has helped me since I began doing research on things like this 30 years ago, is we all have a drama queen living in our brain that exaggerates things— especially when it comes to investing. So, take a deep breath and calm down. Everything’s going to be okay.

Studies have shown us it takes $3 of gain in an investment to emotionally offset $1 of loss. Our brains record negative things at a much greater rate than they do positive things, and it takes a lot of emotion to recover from that. Your investments may be down a little. If you’ve got $1 million in there, it may be worth $900,000 right now. Next year, it’s liable to bounce up to $1.1 million. In other words, your entire retirement savings is not “eroding away.”

Have you ever heard people say they lost all their money in the stock market? Well, that’s mathematically impossible, unless you put all your money into one company, and that company completely closed and was worth zero. Remember Enron? What most people really mean when they say that is they lost a bunch of money because they freaked out and went into hyper-drama mode, then pulled all their money out while the market was down.

Jesse, did you know that in the last 20 years, every down year in the stock market was followed by two years of record gains? Facts and mathematics are your two best friends when it comes to telling your inner drama queen, “Shut up, we’re going to continue to invest!”

-Dave

* Dave Ramsey is a seven-time #1 national best-selling author, personal finance expert, and host of The Ramsey Show, heard by more than 18 million listeners each week. He has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Fox News, CNN, Fox Business, and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions.

Albany Senior Dining

Mon., June 5: Salisbury steak, whipped potatoes, gravy, green beans, fresh fruit, roll.

Tues., June 6: Chicken strip fritters, coleslaw, baked beans, apple slices.

Wed., June 7: Apple bourbon pork tenderloin, sweet potato, Calif. vegetables, peaches.

Thurs., June 8: BBQ chicken, scalloped potatoes, glazed carrots, cucumber salad, roll.

Fri., June 9: Special of the day. Pre-registration requested to dine daily. For more info. call 320-845-4070.

Upsala - All Ages

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

Mon., June 5: Cheesy hot beef sandwich, vegetable, dessert.

Tues., June 6: Smoked sausage alfredo bake, garden salad, garlic bread, dessert.

Ask The Motor Medics®

From the Hosts of the Under The Hood radio show.

Dear Motor Medics, I have a 2004 GMC Yukon and I'm having a 4x4 problem. The system will work one time then not the next. When I take it to the shop it seems to be the time that it is working correctly. The problem it has is when I switch to 4x4 high the light just blinks then is stays in the 2wd position. Sometimes when I switch to low 4x4 then back to high it will work just fine until I put it back in the 2wd position.

-Jack in Charleston, West Virginia

Dear Jack, Problems with systems that seem to always work when you have it in the shop are as big a pain for the mechanics as it is for you as the driver. The systems have computers that can often give codes which can help with the diagnostics, but they don't always indicate the exact cause and without the system actually failed at the moment it's being inspected makes it hard to diagnose and confirm repairs. The most often found issue we see when a 4x4 system in a GM truck of your model year fails like this is a failed shift motor or shift module. Both parts can be expensive so if you can get it to happen while at a shop so they can give a 100% accurate diagnosis it will go a long way to helping you save money and get it repaired right on the first visit.

-Take care, the Motor Medics

Dear Motor Medics, I m a long time Under the Hood listener and I want to thank you for the great advice you guys give. I have a problem with my headlights. I drive a 2007 Chevy Impala and when I'm driving my headlights sometimes just shut off by themselves. If I pull the headlight switch out, they stay off but switching to the high beams does work but only for about two minutes then they start to blink and fail too. I tried a switch that I installed myself and It did not help.

Dear Steven,

-Steven in Lindsay, Oklahoma

We have experienced headlight failure ourselves and it can be a scary thing. At least you have high beams so you can get off the road safely. This is actually becoming a common issue on this body style car. The headlight switches do fail quite often and your replacing of the switch may have been needed as well as the further repairs needed now. The switch connector needs to be checked during the installation of the switch. The pins in the connector tend to become burnt and fail due to high resistance and heat build-up. Make sure the pins are clean and in good shape and are not loose and replace any that are questionable. The pins can be found at a GM dealership parts department and the tool to install them at most auto parts stores. Also check your headlight socket connections.

-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.

Discounts for Seniors & Veterans

320-428-5611 ccsgstcloud@gmail.com

Wed., June 7: Pork stir fry, rice, eggroll, dessert.

Thurs., June 8: Creamy chicken casserole, rice, vegetables, dessert.

Fri., June 9: Swedish meatballs over pasta, vegetable, garlic bread, dessert.

Pick up or eat in by 11:30 a.m. For meals, call a day before: 320-573-4435.

911, Hello...Hello

By Stearns County Sheriff Steve Soyka

Technology can be a great help in times of need. Cell phones offer a wide array of methods for contacting assistance when you need help. A direct call, text to 911, and sometime in the future I’m sure, video to 911. Technology can at times also present challenges. From May 1 to May 24 our Emergency Communications Center has received 2000 unintentional 911 calls. There are a wide variety of euphemisms for these calls: mistake call, misdial, pocket dial, butt dial, and maybe just “dang it”. If you are a member of a generation that lived without cell phones, like me, some of this technology can be, shall we say, dicey. To that we add shortcuts to calling 911 and automatic crash detection and the potential for a mistaken call only increases. I don’t know about other cell phones, but I know that on the rare occasion I power mine off it provides two options; power off or contact emergency services. One must be careful with that swipe.

Card of Thanks

Don’t even get me started on the number of inadvertent home screen photos I have had to delete. A lot of the calls that our center receives we are able to hear audio and most of the time determine that there doesn’t seem to be an emergency. One recent example from our center is of an individual that was out working and using a chainsaw. His phone dialed 911. Obviously with the chainsaw running he couldn’t hear much. Unfortunately, that occurred a total of 20 times. Each of these calls must be answered and some attempt to speak to the caller made. If no contact is made, we try to utilize GPS coordinates and then send a deputy or officer. So, from our office, just a reminder to be mindful of your phones and their capabilities. If a call is made mistakenly, please stay on the line, and let the telecommunicator know that there is no problem. It will save some time, and perhaps a surprise visit from law enforcement to see if you are okay.

Men’s Health Webinar: Erectile Dysfunction

Is erectile dysfunction (ED) interfering with your life?

Urologist Elizabeth Phillips, MD, will share signs, symptoms and latest treatment options for ED at an online event Tuesday, June 6, from 6-6:45 p.m. If you’re experiencing ED, we can help. The first step is up to you. You can watch this free, CentraCare -

Urology Clinic webinar in the comfort of your home and get your questions answered with complete privacy.

Registration required at: vs.centracare. com/events/ or qrco.de/bdvUos. For more information, call 320-259-1411. Register today and learn about ED treatments that go beyond medication.

Summer is upon us, Can I leave my children home alone?

By Kimberly Cook, General Crime & Child Abuse Services Coordinator. Hands of Hope Resource Center – Long Prairie Office

Have you ever wondered what the rules are for when a child can stay home alone? Here is a helpful way to know if your children are old enough and most importantly if they are ready to do so.

The guidelines from this study were adopted by The MN Department of Human Services and added to the statewide Maltreatment Screening Guidelines. These guidelines are:

• Children under age 8 should not be left alone for any period of time.

• Children ages 8, 9, and 10 may be left alone for no longer than three hours.

• Children under the age of 11 should not provide childcare (babysitting).

• Children ages 11¬ to 13 may be left alone for no longer than 12 hours.

• Children ages 14 and 15 may be left alone for no longer than 24 hours.

• Children ages 11 to 15 that are placed in a childcare role are subject to the same time restrictions of being left alone.

• Children ages 16 and 17 may be left alone for over 24 hours with a plan in place concerning how to respond to an emergency and have adequate adult back-up supervision.

Is your child ready?

• Is your child physically and mentally able to care for him- or herself?

• Does your child tend to obey rules and make good decisions?

• How does your child respond to unfamiliar or stressful situations?

• Does your child feel comfortable or fearful about being home alone?

• For how long will you be gone?

• Will you be gone during daylight hours or at night?

• Will older siblings or kids be with your child?

• How safe is your neighborhood?

• Does your child know how to reach you when you’re away? Rules to consider:

• When to open the door to a stranger or neighbor.

• Can a friend come over or the child leave the house?

• What to do in an emergency & which neighbor to turn to if necessary

• Whether or not it is appropriate for your children to cook/use stove

• What restrictions are expected in terms of internet use or TV watching

• Make sure your child knows how to lock doors and windows in order to increase safety

If you would like more information or have questions, you can contact your local social service agency or contact Hands of Hope Resource Center. Our business hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, or give us a call at (320) 732-2319 or our 24/7 crisis line at 800-682-4547 for more information (320) 732-2319 or (888) 682-4547.

Thank you to family and friends for all the visits, prayers, food, cards and memorials for Tony. Thank you to the Coborn's Cancer Center and the St. Cloud Hospital. A special thank you to Joanie and Eileen for the wonderful care at home. Also thank you to Moments Hospice team for your great support. Thank you to Father Julius and Father Edward for the beautiful service, the musicians and the people who served lunch.

The Family of Tony Cherne

My time in Minnesota has been brief, my impact minimal, but the experiences will be remembered.

To the thousands and thousands that I prepared meals for, thank you for supporting and providing for my family. To the regulars I had, I apologize for not being able to say goodbyes in a proper fashion. Thank you for everything or just lending an ear.

Thank you to the entire Valencia family. You all made me feel welcome and wanted, unlike others who pushed me away or excluded me. Special thanks to Ricky, Randi, and Ernie. Thanks for enduring my many mood swings. We may have had our differences at times, but we were able to put them aside and take case of the business at hand.

So, if anyone is ever wanders out my way, feel free to stop by the Antelope Creek and have a drink on this old line cook.

Thanks to all.

Adam Rode

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

Caring for Newly Planted Trees

Water Your Tree

Newly planted trees need 15-25 gallons of water once a week for the first 3 to 5 year when the ground is thawed. You can skip watering if it has rained more than 1 inch in a week. Weekly watering sounds expensive but costs less than a cup of coffee.

Mulch Your Tree

Mulch that cover a trees roots provides numerous benefits. It keeps the roots cool and moist in the summer. It protects tree roots from freezing in the winter. Mulch adds nutrients and organic matter to the soil, and reduces competition with weeds. Mulch also keeps weed whips and lawn mowers away from a tree’s trunk.

Prune Your Tree

Trees should be pruned when they are young so they grow strong branch attachments and good structure, which reduces damage a tree experiences during storms. Proper pruning techniques speeds up the time a pruning wound heals and decreases the formation of rot in a tree. Consider hiring a trained tree care professional to prune your trees.

Source: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/ treecare/caring-pruning.html

Todd County Soil and Water has a tree sale program, please contact their office at 320-732-2644 for more information regarding their tree sale.