Hometown News March 17, 2022

Hometown News FREE PUBLICATION

Thursday, March 17, 2022

Vol. 21: Issue 47

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

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Building Supplies

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Photo by Beth Ramacher.

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On The Inside...

Harvey Mackay Tom Kuehne: The Good Old Days Obituaries: Holm, Gramke, Fichtinger, Bierschbach Dave Ramsey: Dave Says Ask the Motor Medics® Local Municipality Minutes: Burnhamville Township, Grey Eagle Township

Mid-Minnesota 320-248-3456

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

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After Hours: 320-267-8568

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Page 2 • Hometown News •Thursday, March 17, 2022

Hometown News

Win more friends with your ears than your mouth -By Harvey Mackay Listening is in danger of becoming a lost art. This dated anonymous anecdote just about sums it up.

When I ask you to listen to me and you start giving advice, you have not done what I asked.

When I ask you to listen to me and you begin to tell me why I shouldn’t feel that way, you are

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trampling on my feelings.

When I ask you to listen to me and you feel you have to do something to solve my problems, you have failed me, strange as that may seem.

All I ask is that you listen. Not talk or do, just hear me. Advice is cheap: 50 cents will get you both Dear Abby and Dr. Spock in the same newspaper. And I can do for myself, I’m not helpless. Maybe discourage and faltering, but not helpless.

When you do something for me that I can and need to do for myself, you contribute to my fear and weakness. But when you accept as a simple fact that I do feel what I feel, no matter how irrational, then I quit trying to convince you and can get about the business of understanding what’s behind this irrational feeling.

And when that’s clear, the answers are obvious, and I don’t need advice. So, please listen and just hear me, and if you want to talk, wait a minute for your turn, and I will listen to you.

To remind us all, March is International Listening Month.

Listening is just as important to business.

When Charles Wang’s family arrived in America, they had only two suitcases. Wang, now a multibillionaire, said his company grew because they listened to their clients. While most computer companies sell people what they need, Wang decided to ask customers what they wanted.

Sam Walton, founder of Walmart, said:

“The key to success is to get out into the store and listen to what the associates have to say. It’s terribly important for everyone to get involved.

Our best ideas come from clerks and stockboys.”

Walton once took his corporate plane to Mt. Pleasant, TX, and told the pilot to pick him up 100 miles or so down the road. He jumped in a Walmart truck and rode the rest of the way to “chat with the driver.” I suspect he let the driver do most of the talking.

Norman Brinker, the former chairman of the restaurant chain Chili’s, said responsive communication is the key to good relations with both employees and shareholders. It pays huge dividends. Almost 80 percent of Chili’s menu came from suggestions made by unit managers.

Too many salespeople talk when they should listen. Ben Feldman was the first salesperson to crack the $25 million mark in a calendar year. And then doubled that figure. He was New York Life’s leading sales rep for more than two decades, and he did this in the small town of East Liverpool, Ohio. When asked his secret, he said: 1. Work hard.

2. Think big.

3. Listen very well.

The Healthline website shares these tips for learning active listening: Give people your full attention. Concentrate on their words to the exclusion of everything else. Don’t plan your response while they’re still speaking, and don’t use a pause to steer the conversation around to another topic.

Use positive body language. Your body communicates just as much as your words do,

if not more. Make sure you’re fully facing the other person. Relax your body but lean in slightly to show interest in what they’re saying.

Make eye contact. Nod to show you’re listening and you understand.

Don’t interrupt. You may be tempted to jump in with an idea or solution. Restrain the impulse. Instead, wait to start talking before asking questions or offering your point of view.

The story is told of Franklin Roosevelt, who often endured long receiving lines at the White House. He complained that no one really paid any attention to what was said. One day, during a reception, he decided to try an experiment. To each person who passed down the line and shook his hand, he murmured, “I murdered my grandmother this morning.” The guests responded with phrases like, “Marvelous!

Keep up the good work. We are proud of you.

God bless you, sir.” It was not until the end of the line, while greeting the ambassador from Bolivia, that his words were actually heard.

Nonplussed, the ambassador leaned over and whispered, “I'm sure she had it coming.”

Mackay’s Moral: If you want people to listen to you, you must listen to them.

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.”

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320-573-2216

Accept VISA, Discover or Master Card

211 S. Main St., Upsala

OPEN 7 Days a Week Mon.-Sat. 8-6; Sun. 9-2

Upcoming Events

SUNDAY, MARCH 20 • Catholic United Financial Matching Grant Fundraiser Breakfast from 9 a.m.12:30 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church basement. See ad on page 4.

• St. Joseph's Mens Society Annual Meeting at 9 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church basement, Freeport.

SATURDAY, MARCH 26 • Todd County Garden Day from 8:15 a.m.-3:15 p.m. at Long Prairie Baptist Church.

• Fish Fry from 4-7 p.m. at Word of Life Church, Upsala. See ad on page 4.

SUNDAY, MARCH 27 • St. Rosa Lions Breakfast from 8:3012 p.m. at St. Rosa Lima Church basement, St. Rosa. See ad on page 7.

• Knights of Columbus #12604 Breakfast & Raffle from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at St. Stanislaus Church, Bowlus. See ad on page 7.

• Bingo at 6:30 p.m. at St. Mary's Church, Melrose.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6 • Folk & Old-Time Music & Potluck starting from 1-3 p.m. at the Village View Apartments, Grey Eagle.

MONDAY, APRIL 11 • Grey Eagle Housing Association

Annual Meeting at 4:30 p.m. at the Village View Apartments. See ad on page 7.

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

• Planning Commission meets the second 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 first Monday 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 first 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 third Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m. with cards/Bingo/coffee/dessert.

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.

MELROSE VFW #7050 POST/AUX. • Meets the first Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the Melrose American Legion Clubrooms.

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 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 at 7 p.m.

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

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

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

Temperatures Date 3/9 3/10 3/11 3/12 3/13 3/14 3/15

LP Gas Refill

High 16 19 12 25 34 34 43

Low 0 -6 -4 -12 25 14 12

Friday

Partly cloudy.

High: 39 Low: 22

Weekend Weather Saturday

Mostly sunny.

High: 45 Low: 24

Sunday

Partly cloudy.

High: 52 Low: 35

“The Good Old Days” -By Tom Kuehne Garter Snakes

Those of us that grew up in central Minnesota remember some special memories about Garter Snakes.

In years past, their population was much greater than it is today. I'm not able to give the single reason for their population reduction, but it seems to coincide with the reduction of frog numbers. Another factor may be our inherited dislike for snakes and how we treated them.

They scare us. While walking across the yard, a snake appears in front of your foot, doing it's best to escape from the monster walking across it's private hunting ground. You are weeding your cucumber plants, when very unexpectedly, your eyes see a snake right by your hand. It's a shock to your system.

First, you resent the snake, because you did not have a shock to your system on your mental schedule for the day. They are usually trying their best to get away from you. Memories of Ma telling that she “took da hoe and shopped dat ting into klein pieces,” her solution to the snake scare. We had a dog that felt there should be no snakes and his solution was to bite it in the middle and vigorously shake the snake until it either slid out of his mouth or he simply let it go. While he was walking over to where the snake had landed, he would be shaking his head and trying to make enough slobber to wash the ugly taste of the snake out of his mouth. Upon reaching the wounded snake, there would be several more shakes, throws and mouth washings. I guess he felt that was the most efficient method.

Everyone living on our home farm had

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a dislike for snakes. I remember, as a little toddler, going down to the slew and trying to catch frogs. Occasionally I would be attracted to the cries for help from a frog that had a snake attached to it's leg. I realized that the frog was in trouble, so my choice was to get a stick and swat the snake a few times to get it to release the frog. I didn't think about how I had messed up the snake's banquet.

When loading oat bundles unto the bundle wagon, it seemed that there was a snake appearing or falling out of about 10% of the bundles. Evidently they were looking for a mouse nest filled with baby mice.

We had a quonset hay shed that allowed hay to be stacked about 20 layers high. Dad needed to climb up the end of the bales to the very top. As he reached his hand over the top bale, he put it on a large garter snake. He almost lost his grip with the other hand, which would have been disastrous, since the fall would have been about 20 feet. His reaction was to grip the snake and give it a flight through the air.

I have heard stories of snakes being mowed by a real-type push lawn mower. Sort of an unexciting job, but chasing the snakes and waiting for the frogs to hop away made it more fun.

Some of us remember snakes on the road.

They at times created a target for a front tire.

We at one tine bought a house that had been built over a snake pit. The snakes would go to an underground gathering place to spend the winter. In spring they would again go to the surface and when the house offered a possible path, they crawled through it to get where they were going. The queen of the house offered options as to what to do with that house. We moved in a couple of months.

Garter Snakes are actually beneficial to our lives, but we inherited a fear of them, even if they supposedly don't bite.

For feedback or story ideas, email Tom at tom@swanvilleinsurance.com.

If you need help with Health or Life Insurance or for Senior Health Solutions Contact: Tom Kuehne 320-360-0343

The Old Hippie Cafe

Located on Main Street, Grey Eagle Check out our: Thursday-Tuesday • Great Daily 8:30 AM-1:30 PM Breakfast Specials at ** NEW HOURS ** Affordable Prices!

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Dining Room Hours: Thurs.-Sat.: 4 PM-8 PM • New Sunday Breakfast: 9 AM-3 PM

FRIDAY LENTEN SPECIALS

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• Breaded Pollock Basket (bar) $7.95 $ 8.50 • Popcorn Shrimp Basket (bar) $7.95 • Lemon Pepper Mako Shark Fillet (dining) $23.90 • Crab Cakes w/Ancho Aioli (bar & dining) $13.95 • Lobster Roll: Fresh Lobster Salad in Soft Toasted Roll (bar & dining) $16.95 Bar • Birch Lake Platter: Flounder, Scallops & Shrimp Hours: $

Seasoned & Breaded (bar & dining) 17.95 Fri. & Sat. 4 PM-Close • Soup: New England Clam Chowder $5.95 MONDAY: 4:30-9 PM

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Call for Info & Reservations.

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Thursday: RIB BASKET

Buffet Winners Sunday, March 20: - Vern Mehr - Casey Smith - Kaylee Salzl Tuesday, March 22: - Andy Higgins - Becky McCabe - Ashley Magney

TUESDAY: 4:30-8 PM

• 6 oz. Hamburger Steak • 1/4 Chicken $ 7.99 • 5 oz. Ham Steak

Wednesday

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Hometown News •Thursday, March 17, 2022 • Page 3

More Minnesotans than ever qualify for the Energy Assistance Program

Energy Assistance Program: there is still time to apply. Funds are still available.

The Energy Assistance Program helps Minnesota households pay for current and past-due bills for electricity, gas, oil, biofuel and propane, emergency fuel delivery, and repair/replacement of homeowners’ broken heating systems, and could also cover water and sewer bills by submitting one application through the Todd County Energy Assistance Program.

Commerce raised the income eligibility limit to 60% of Minnesota’s median income levels ($46,080 per year for a family of two) and has significantly increased the benefit

amounts to reduce energy burdens more than ever, including up to $2,000 for energy bills, plus up to $1,200 for past-due energy bills.

How do you apply? Call Todd County Energy Assistance 888-838-4066 or 320-7324516 Search online for “Minnesota energy assistance” /Go online: mn.gov/energyassistance for a printable application

FISH FRY

Every Friday thru Good Friday Serving 5-8 PM Adults $12 • Children 10 & Under $5 Take Outs Available • CASH BAR Grasshoppers Available

HOESCHEN AUTO REPAIR Ted

Complete Auto Repair

Plus Many Other Tire Brands

Bar is open Sundays 11 am-6 pm

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Freeport

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Nice selection of Cement Angels, Plaques & Benches for a

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Thrift Shoppe

Order 24/7 - We deliver.

Store Hours: Mon.-Fri: 10:30-4:30; Sat.: 8-2; Appointments Available

We have Grocery, Fresh Cut Meat, Ground Beef, Steaks, Roasts, Boneless Pork Loin Chops, Roasts & more!

We Grind Lean Ground Beef.

Chris’ Country Store

320-285-2600 105 State St. E., Grey Eagle

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

Nightly Specials

Dine In Only - With Beverage Purchase

Monday: (5-9 pm) $3 Build a Burger

Mayo, Lettuce, Tomato, Onions (raw/fried), Mushrooms, Jalapenos, Sauerkraut, Cheese (Swiss, American, Pepper Jack) Toppings 50¢ each; Bacon 50¢ Slice COOKS WANTED

Tuesday: (5-9 pm) Choice of:

3 Chicken Strips w/Toast & Fries $7.50 6 Drummies w/Toast & Fries $7.50

Walleye Wednesday: (5-9:30 pm) Walleye Fingers w/Fries $8.50

Thursday Wraps: (5-9 pm) Choice of:

Grilled Chicken $9.00; Crispy Chicken $8.50; Buffalo Chicken $8.50; Taco $8.50; Philly Steak $8.50

Saturday: (4-8 pm) 1/4 lb. Hamburger $2.50 Toppings 50¢ each; Bacon 50¢ Slice

BAR HOURS Mon.: 2 PM-6 PM Tues.-Thurs. 11 AM-11 PM Fri. & Sat. 11 AM-1 AM Sun.: 11 AM-11 PM KITCHEN HOURS Mon.: Closed Tues.-Sun: 11 AM-10 PM OFF SALE Mon.: 2 PM-6 PM Tues.-Sat.: 11 AM-10 PM Sun.: 11 AM-6 PM

OFF SALE Busch & Busch Light 24 pk. cans $19.10 E&J Brandy 1.75 Liter $17.79

Happy Hour: Mon.-Fri.: 3-5 PM

1 Off Adult Beverage

$ 00

LUNCH SPECIALS

RENT OUR GUEST HOUSE Sleeps 5-6 Guests

Friday Night Lent Specials Dine In Only • Serving 5-9 PM

• 6 Shrimp $9 Served with • 6 oz. Steak $12 Coleslaw, $ Toast, French • 6 oz. Garlic Steak 12 • Garlic Steak w/3 Shrimp $15 Fries or Baked Potato • Reg. Steak w/3 Shrimp $15 • 4 Pc. Fish Fillets w/Chips $10 No substitute

Lunch Specials: 11 AM-1 PM Fri., March 18: 21 Shrimp w/Fries Mon., March 21: Top Notch Burger w/Fries Tues., March 22: Chicken & Dressing Dinner Wed., March 23: Hamburger Steak w/Baked Potato Thurs., March 24: Roast Beef Commercial Fri., March 25: Fish Sandwich or Cheeseburger w/Fries

HAPPY HOUR: Mon.-Wed.: 4:30-6:30 PM $3.00 Thursday: All Day/Night $2.50

Double “R” Bar & Grill • Grey Eagle • 320-285-2965

www.doublerbarandgrill.com

FRIDAY LENT SPECIALS

• Pan Fried Sweet Chili Haddock w/Wild Rice or Potato $15.95 • Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo w/Breadsticks $13.95 • Teriyaki Chicken over Rice Pilaf $11.95 • 4 Pc. Deep Fried Cod $10.95 (Extra Fillets $1.50 ea.)

• Ribeye $21.95

TUESDAY: 5-9 PM

Burger Night $3.00

Dine In w/Beverage Purchase

WEDNESDAY: 11 AM-9 PM

1-1/2 lb. Wings 8.00 $ 6 Baskets $

Serving 5-9 PM Includes Choice of Potato, Soup & Salad Bar

ST. PATRICK’S DAY BASH Thurs., March 17 11 AM-9:00 PM

Reubens & Rachels 4:00-9:00 PM

Corned Beef & Cabbage SATURDAY: 5-9 PM

Salad Bar & Choice of Potato

Prime Rib $21.95 Ribs $18.95 Deep Fried Walleye $13.95 Teriyaki Chicken, Wild Rice, Breadsticks $11.95

Fri., March 18: Hot Beef or Cod Your Choice: Shrimp Basket, Angus Slider Basket, 1/4 Chicken Basket, Sat., March 19: Grilled Chicken Nachos or Quesadillas Salad Melt w/Beverage Purchase Sun., March 20: Sunny Side Up Burger SUNDAY: 3-9 PM Specials to go $1.00 charge Tues., March 22: Country Fried Steak Includes Salad Bar & Choice of Potato THURSDAY: 5-9 PM $ Wed., March 23: 6 Baskets Steak & Shrimp $18.95 Salad Bar & Choice of Potato Thurs., March 24: BBQ Ribs 10 oz. Pork Chop $11.95 Chicken & Ribs $15.95 8 oz. Ground Sirloin $11.50 1/2 Chicken $9.50; 1/4 Chicken $7.50 NOW HIRING COOKS!

Page 4 • Hometown News •Thursday, March 17, 2022

Norbert J. Gramke

Obituaries

Betty L. Holm

Betty L. Holm, age 96 of Sauk Centre, passed away on Thursday, March 10, 2022 at the CentraCare Care Center in Sauk Centre, Minnesota.

A Funeral Service was held Wednesday, March 16 at First Lutheran Church in Sauk Centre with Rev. Michael Carlson officiating. Interment was in the Svea Lund Cemetery near Little Sauk.

Betty Lorraine Lyon was born July 3, 1925 in Breckenridge, Minnesota to Arthur and Mildred (Palmerton) Lyon. Betty graduated from Grey Eagle High School. She was united in marriage to Gordon Holm on July 19, 1947 at the Grey Eagle United Methodist Church in Grey Eagle. Betty worked at Diamond Point for a number of years, but primarily stayed at home raising her family.

She was a member of First Lutheran Church in Sauk Centre. Betty enjoyed baking, especially wedding cakes, tooling leather, sewing, crocheting, gardening, and will always be remembered for having a pot of coffee ready.

Survivors include her children, Rev. Jill Holm of Sauk Centre, Bonnie Engle of Sauk Centre, Lynn Holm of Sauk Centre, Sharon “Sherry” Holm of Pillager, and LaBeth Holm of Cushing; daughter-in-law, Roxy Holm of Sauk Centre; eight grandchildren and many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and brothers, Robert Ball of Fosston, and Leonard Ball of Fosston.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon Holm on February 14, 2004; parents; son, Norbert “Norby” Holm in 2010; sister, Joyce Kutzler; and brothers, Sidney Lyon and Allen Coats.

Serving as casket bearers were Eric Engle, Brent Engle, Dr. Tara Zehrer, Holly Engle, Camren Blank, Amber Lenz, Jesse Holm, and Derek Holm. Honorary bearers were all of Betty’s greatgrandchildren.

Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Sauk Centre.

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

320-836-2583

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

Norbert J. “Norb” Gramke, age 92 of Meire Grove, passed away on Sunday, March 13, 2022 at the Hilltop Health Care Center in Watkins, Minnesota.

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

Saturday, March 19 at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church in Meire Grove with Rev. Marvin Enneking officiating. Interment will be in parish cemetery with military honors by the Melrose Veterans Honor Guard.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m.

Friday and from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Sauk Centre.

Parish prayers will be held at 6:30 p.m. Friday evening at the funeral home.

Norbert John Gramke was born July 3, 1929 in Meire Grove, Minnesota to Henry and Mary (Zenzen) Gramke. Norb worked construction and was a farm hand until the age of 25. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He was united in marriage to Ruth Zumwalde on May 1, 1965 at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Richmond. Norb was a milk hauler in Meire Grove and later became a partner at the creamery in Richmond. He managed the Meire Grove Coop Creamery for nine years. His next endeavor was at Breitbach Construction where he worked until his retirement in 1994. Norb was a lifelong mechanic and welder who could fix anything.

He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Meire Grove, St. Joseph’s Men’s Society, and the Knights of Columbus.

Norb served as Mayor of Meire Grove, Chairman of G.E.M. Board and spearheaded the sewer installation, and served on the school board when Meire Grove and Greenwald schools combined.

Norb enjoyed cutting wood, working in his shop, and gardening.

Survivors include his loving wife of 56 years, Ruth Gramke of St. Joseph; children, Mary (Thomas) Orth of Sauk Centre, Jim (Patty) Gramke of St. Cloud, Joan (Nathan) Eisenbacher of Sartell, Mark (Carrie) Gramke of Sartell, and Julie Gramke of Minneapolis; 11 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

Norb was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Raymond Gramke; and sister, Erma Ruprecht.

Arrangements were made with PattonSchad Funeral & Cremation Services of Sauk Centre.

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Gary R. Fichtinger

Gary R Fichtinger, age 71, of Hazel Green, WI, died peacefully on March 7, 2022, in his home surrounded by his loving family. To honor Gary’s life, a private family service will be held in New Munich, MN, and a Celebration of Life will be held in the Dubuque area at a later date.

Gary was born in Sauk Centre, MN, on January 28, 1951, the first child of Ralph and Marcella (Sand) Fichtinger. He enjoyed growing up on a dairy farm with his siblings that followed, Pat, Gayle, and Mark. One of his greatest thrills was tinkering with and building gadgets from the scrap metal and old machine parts he found around the farmstead. In his high school years, he became interested in cars and car engines. To the amazement of friends and family, he managed to completely restore a 1950 Ford. When it was time to paint the car, the only color available on the farm was John Deere green (so fitting!) His interest in engines and mechanics led him to enroll at St. Cloud State University to study engineering, eventually completing his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Minnesota.

After being hired by John Deere, Gary, wife, Ann (Ohmann), and young son, Michael, moved to Dubuque in 1974. He enthusiastically began work on the forestry line, designing components for log skidders. He was a talented and well-respected engineer, colleague, and friend to many at John Deere.

In 1976, the growing family moved across the river to Wisconsin with a new son, Paul, and twins, Leah and David, on the way. They purchased a 5-acre wooded lot and started building a selfdesigned geodesic dome house. Gary spent nearly two decades building the dome with everyone in the family spending evenings, weekends, and summer breaks pitching in. In 1999, Gary had an opportunity for a work assignment in Germany, helping to design a new machine for Deere. He and Ann moved to Jaegersburg, where they lived for two years enjoying the German culture and traveling around Europe with their dogs, Schatzi and Woody. Gary retired from John Deere in 2012 and turned his focus to the many projects he had dreamed of over the years. He and Ann purchased his great aunt and uncle’s house which was part of the original Fichtinger homestead farm near New Munich, MN. The old farmhouse needed a lot of remodeling work to bring it back to life, which Gary dove into with enthusiasm.

Gary’s favorite pastimes were fishing and camping.

He always looked forward to the annual Boundary Waters trip which he and his sons, and later grandkids, would take. He loved getting away in the wilderness, catching and frying fish, and laying out under the stars. Gary loved learning new things, including baking. He mastered a recipe of no-knead bread that is fondly called “Opa Bread” by his family and “Gary Bread” by his friends. Gary had a passion for life, talking shop, solving problems (often other people’s), and having a good laugh at the end of the day. He will be deeply missed by his loving family and many friends, for whom life has grown dimmer with his passing. We love you Gary, Dad, and Opa! Gary is survived by his loving wife, Ann Fichtinger, Hazel Green, WI; his children, Michael (Yuka Veda of Osaka, Japan) Fichtinger, Hazel Green, WI, Paul (Jessica Montez) Fichtinger, Fall River, WI, David (Melissa) Fichtinger, Rochester, MN, and Leah (Orel Stringa) Fichtinger, Pleasanton, CA; his grandchildren, Maria, Raymond and Greta Fichtinger, Nora, Ana, and Genc Stringa, and Franklin Fichtinger; his siblings, Patricia (Gordon) Gillesby, Andover, MN, Gayle (Paul Lafreniere) Fichtinger, New London, NH, and Mark (Michelle Levinski) Fichtinger, Glenside, PA; along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Marcella Fichtinger.

Please consider donating to the Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer research foundation.

Online condolences for Gary’s family may be left at www.tristatecremationcenter.com

Lorraine D. Bierschbach

Lorraine D. Bierschbach, age 92 of Melrose, passed away Wednesday, March 9, 2022 at her home in Melrose, Minnesota.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, March 15 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose with Rev. Marvin Enneking officiating and Rev. Dan Walz concelebrating. Interment was in the parish cemetery.

Lorraine Dorothy Van Heel was born April 9, 1929 in Freeport, Minnesota to Frank and Agnes (Notch) Van Heel. She graduated from Melrose High School in 1947; attended St. Cloud Beauty College and worked as a beautician in Morris, then Rochester. She married Raymond Bierschbach on June 17, 1952 in Freeport. They farmed in Long Prairie until 1972, moved to Melrose in 1976, and worked as a nursing assistant at Pine Villa from 1976 to 1994.

She enjoyed volunteerism with St. Michael’s Hospice, Melrose VFW Auxiliary, Pine Villa Care Center, St. Mary’s Funeral Choir, and making many social calls to community members. Lorraine also spent much time with children, grandchildren, siblings, and going to music events with family and friends. She prepared many wonderful meals to share with others. Among the highlights of her life was a trip to the Holy Land in 1999. Exercise, maintaining good health, and faith were very important to her as she enjoyed reading on these topics and was a self-educator using the library often as one of her sources. For several years, she was a member of Curves and then Snap Fitness.

She passed peacefully in her home after being cared for by her family and hospice. It was a special time filled with love and laughter. The day of her passing was significant as it was her mother’s birthday 122 years ago. Also, Lorraine was exactly one month short of her 93rd birthday.

Survivors include her children, Jerry Bierschbach (Joyce) of Melrose, Allen Bierschbach (Linda) of Melrose, Mary Hollenkamp (David) of Burtrum, Jim Bierschbach sof Albany, Linda Morton (Mark) of Melrose, and David Bierschbach (Jessie) of Melrose; grandchildren, Michael Bierschbach, John Bierschbach, Jodi Marquez Bierschbach, Judy Bierschbach, Jason Bierschbach, Brian Hollenkamp, Vicki Hemmesch, Adam Bierschbach, Ashley Bierschbach, and Lydia Butkowski; several great-grandchildren; and sisters and brothers, Marian Huschle, Art Van Heel, Fran Van Heel, Virgil Van Heel, and Bernie Roering.

Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Agnes (Notch) Van Heel; spouse, Raymond Bierschbach on January 26, 1992; children, Joan Bierschbach on November 5, 1979 and Robert Bierschbach on August 22, 2005; and brothers and sisters, Elmer Van Heel, Leona Schloegl, Val Schrantz, Louise Minette, and Bob Van Heel.

Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Melrose.

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Hometown News •Thursday, March 17, 2022 • Page 5

Albany Senior Dining

100th Birthday Open House

Mon., March 21: Cheeseburger on bun, parslied potatoes, baked beans, dessert.

Tues., March 22: Cook's choice.

Wed., March 23: Ham slice, creamy potato bake, cinnamon carrots, dinner roll, dessert.

Thurs., March 24: Roast beef, whipped potatoes, gravy, corn, dessert.

Fri., March 26: Chicken alfredo, egg noodles, lettuce, applesauce, dessert.

Pre-registration requested to dine daily.

For more info. call 320-845-4070.

Upsala - All Ages

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

Mon., March 21: Beef & broccoli over rice, egg roll, dessert.

Tues., March 22: Chicken ala king over biscuit, dinner salad, dessert.

Wed., March 23: Pork chop, scalloped potatoes, vegetable, dessert.

Thurs., March 24: Chicken chow mein over rice, egg roll, dessert.

Fri., March 25: Broiled fish, baked potato, vegetable, dessert.

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

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

Marie Kampsen

Marie Kampsen of New Munich will celebrate her 100th birthday with an open house at the Sacred Heart Parish church basement in Freeport on Sunday, March 20th, 2022 from 1:00-4:00 p.m.

Todays Thought

From the Desk of Pastor Bruce Last week Lori and I were on vacation and came home on Friday morning. On our way home we stopped for fuel, and I made a trip to the restroom. On the wall was a plaque that read, “Today would be a good day to have a good day.” Now, I read it a couple of times because it intrigued me.

The statement requires something of its reader. There are many people who naturally have a bad day, in fact when they are asked how they are, they don’t know how to answer in a positive note.

So the plaque requires its reader to actually think about what it would take to have a good day.

Happiness comes from things that happen to us. Joy on the other hand come from within. So, if I may ask a question. Are you naturally unhappy, or do you have a joy that naturally bubbles up to the surface?

John 15:9-12 says “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.

10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”

I could go so many directions with this but just let me say, Jesus loves us so much that He gave up being with His Father in Heaven to come to earth, to die! Interesting, why would He do that?

Because He loved us. Jesus showed us how to love and then told us to love people in the same way.

He told us all about it so that “your joy may be

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The family of Loretta Renneker would like to express our deepest gratitude for all who have shown their kindness and loving gestures. We would like to thank: Fr. Dan Walz for the funeral mass, bringing her communion and visiting with her. Fr. David Grundman for blessing Loretta. Mark and Ralph at Patton Schad Funeral Home. Steve Danzl for delicious food. Steve Mages for the beautiful music, and everyone who sent food, cards, memorials, and prayers.

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Page 6 • Hometown News •Thursday, March 17, 2022

Sudoku

Word Search Answers from March 10

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.

Ask The Motor Medics®

Dave Says -By Dave Ramsey Dear Dave, I just started Baby Step 3 of your plan. It took me about 12 months to pay off $8,000 in debt during Baby Step 2. I am 50, and I work in the printing industry making about $38,000 a year in a city with no local or state income tax. I have not done a lot about retirement yet, and that worries me now that I am learning to manage money in a smarter way. How can I stay on track with the Baby Steps and still do something about retirement?

-Blake Dear Blake, I generally look at a timeframe of six months to a year for saving a fully funded emergency fund. So, if it took you about a year to pay off $10,000 in debt, you’re probably looking at about the same length of time—or less, since the debt is gone—to save up an emergency fund.

Keep in mind that an emergency fund is three to six months of expenses, not income.

But here’s the thing. If you start building retirement right now and have an emergency, do you know what you’ll use? Yep, you’ll use your retirement. That’s why an emergency fund comes before retirement in the Baby Steps.

The median household income in America is around $68,000, and that’s often two incomes.

You’re probably working pretty hard for that $38,000, so I would challenge you to think about and work toward something you could be doing in the near future to make that much money or more.

I want you to open your mind and imagination, and start thinking fresh again.

Don’t do something silly like quit your job today, but if you’re going to be making $38,000 five or 10 years from now it’s time to aim at something else.

I’m trying to speak to your retirement fears, as well as warn you against addressing retirement without having an emergency fund in place. Save up a solid emergency fund over the next year, while at the same time doing some serious thinking and goal setting.

Maybe you’d like to do something completely different, or even own a printing company by that time. Who knows? The cool thing is you can make it happen, and the choice is all yours!

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

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Sudoku Answers from March 10

Dear Motor Medics, I recently witnessed a vehicle fire on the highway. As I passed by in the far lane, I could not even tell what kind of car it was because it was so intense. Even in the far lane I could feel the heat of the fire. When I first saw the smoke, I must have been about two miles away but saw no flames. As I got closer, I started to see the fire bellowing from the car and by the time I passed as I said I could not even tell what kind of car it was. All this occurred in the period of less than two minutes. I was amazed how fast the fire spread. Are vehicle fires common and what should I do if my vehicle ever catches fire?

-David in Montrose, Colorado Dear David, First and foremost don’t panic. Think safety first, pull over and stop as fast as you can, as you witnessed vehicle fires spread extremely fast. Get the passengers out and move to safety.

If there is smoke coming from a closed compartment do not open it. The fresh air can cause a fast flare up. The many different materials in a vehicle will emit gasses when burning that can quickly overcome you so even if all you see is smoke stay away from it. If you try to recover objects from the vehicle you could be harmed.

Call the authorities and stay far away.

- Take care, the Motor Medics Dear Motor Medics, I’m getting ready for a trip across country

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and would like to get the best mileage possible.

I will be traveling about 6000 miles round trip so even one or two miles per gallon would make a noticeable difference in cost. Is there one thing I can do that will save me fuel that does not cost more than the fuel I will save by doing it? I have not done anything to my vehicle other than oil changes and air filter and I now have about 40,000 miles on the van. I used to get about 28mpg when new and now get about 24.

- Melanie in Fisher, West Virginia Dear Melanie, There are many things that could be contributing to your mpg loss but with only 40,000 miles you are probably in better shape than someone with many more. Spark plugs on newer vehicles usually will last more miles than you have before a major loss in mileage is noticed and you’ve had the air filter changed. Make sure the tires have proper pressure and if you have never had a professional fuel system cleaning having one done may gain a couple mpg in your case if all other tune up items are in good shape.

As a vehicle builds up contaminants in the fuel system efficiency goes down and mileage suffers. A cleaning can restore the lost mpg and is affordable. Cleanings every one to two years is what’s recommended.

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

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Hometown News •Thursday, March 17, 2022 • Page 7

Local Municipality Minutes Email Minutes to htnews@meltel.net

Burnhamville Township • January 25, 2022 The regular meeting of the Town Board of Burnhamville was held January 25, 2022 at the Burtrum Community Center. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair Mike Berscheit. Members present include Supervisors Bruce Johnson, Mike Berscheit and Joe Muellner; Clerk Shirley Hulinsky; and Treasurer Pam Throener. Also present was Carol Herdering.

The minutes from the regular meeting of December 28, 2021 were approved on a motion

by Sup. Muellner and second by Sup. Berscheit.

Motion passed.

For correspondence the township received letters from Todd County about taxes received, Sytek requesting a letter of support for internet improvements, a Census update, election reminders and a tree trimming quote. Sup. Berscheit made a motion to approve quote from DK Tree & Landscaping, LLC to trim trees on 331st Ave in Pillsbury. Motion was seconded by Sup. Johnson.

With all voting in favor motion passed.

A motion was made by Sup. Berscheit to pay all bills numbered 6189 through 6199: Rev. $949.46; R& B $7,400.00. Sup. Muellner seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Sup. Berscheit made a motion to approve election judges for the March 8 township election as Janice Lind, Brenda Schwanke and Bonnie Alsleben with Nancy Hillman as an alternate.

Janice Lind and Brenda Schwanke will be the absentee ballot board. Motion was seconded by Sup. Johnson. Motion passed.

Sup. Berscheit informed the board the skid steer trailer has not come in yet.

In the road report all the roads were plowed last week and looking good.

The board was informed that townships can use ARPA funding for road improvements.

Sup. Johnson will be attending a board meeting of the Swanville Relief Association.

Treasurer’s report showed a balance of $76,801.69. Sup. Berscheit motioned to approve and Sup. Johnson seconded the motion. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Sup. Berscheit. to adjourn the meeting which was seconded by Sup. Johnson. Motion passed. Meeting was adjourned at 7:18 p.m. Next regular meeting will be on Tuesday, February 22 at 7 pm in the Burtrum Community Center when the books of the clerk

Todd County HHS

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and treasurer will be audited.

Shirley Hulinsky, Burnhamville Township Clerk Grey Eagle Township • March 7, 2022 Call to Order: Ron Frericks called the meeting to order at 8:00 pm. The pledge of allegiance was recited.

Members Present: Ron Frericks, Ray Bense, Mary Ann Primus, Mike Rohe and Erv Herdering.

Agenda Approval: A preliminary agenda was presented. Ron asked if there were additions to the agenda. Ray made the motion to accept the agenda. Mike made the second. All in favor. Motion carried.

Approval of Minutes: Ray made the motion to accept the February 7, 2022 minutes.

Mike made the second. All in favor. Motion carried.

Town Clerk’s Report: Clerk presented the claims list for February. Claims list included claims 3658-3664 for a total of $10,208.52. Mike made the motion to pay the claims. Ray made the second. All in favor. Motion carried. Mail included an email about the class action lawsuit against Zoom, a Todd County Broadband survey, P&Z letter, short course information and a letter from Minnesota Local Transportation- snow and ice handbook for plow operators. Ron had a letter from M&R signs out of Fergus Falls.

An error was noted on the Treasurer’s report and will be corrected for next meeting.

Road and Bridge Report: Ray stated he had contacted the crack filling company and got on the list for this summer. Erv did say he had pushed snow back on some of the roads. On the tractor rental- we could add the tractor to the township’s insurance, however, the operator we hire would still need to carry liability insurance. Ron will meet this week with the contractor about repairs to the back room and will report next month.

Additional agenda item: Mary Ann contacted our general counsel at the Township Association and Steve Fenske said there is no need for a comprehensive plan if the Township is not doing it’s own Planning and Zoning.

Ray made a motion to approve the resolution

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Brian Middendorf 40 Years Experience 320-293-9939

BLENKERS ROOFING, LLC

Todd County HHS is looking for reliable, service oriented individuals to serve the citizens of Todd County in a full-time capacity for the following positions:

**Financial Support Services Supervisor (full-time) **Home Health Aide (part-time)

Gutters • Soffits Fascia • Siding

EOE

Licensed Bonded Insured

Brad Becker, Owner • 320-760-0424

Come See What Makes Alternative Senior Care a Rewarding Place to Work!

Alternative Senior Care is seeking caregivers to assist with one on one in home care for clients.

We provide excellent home and personal cares for individuals from 2 to 24 hours a day.

Why do our caregivers love working for Alternative Senior Care?

"It is so rewarding to be able to keep our clients home, safe, and for them to have their own routine"

"It's nice to be part of a positive team taking care of people who really need it"

"The office staff is so respectful and always say thank you and that means so much."

"I enjoy making a difference in the lives of my clients each time I go to see them, to bring a smile to their face, make them laugh or give them encouragement when they are having a rough day."

• We provide paid training: CNA experience is a plus but not required • We offer competitive wages up to $17.64 an hour with a Monthly bonus • Some of the many benefits include Aflac and a retirement plan • Many opportunities to grow with our career ladder including college scholarships!

• Exceptional office team with 24 hour/ on call support • You can work with our schedulers to build a schedule that works with your lifestyle!

• Requirements: TB test, clean driving record, valid driver's license and background clearance, must be able to help with light housekeeping, transportation and personal cares

Apply online at: www.alternativeseniorcare.net or call 320-352-3350

Join the team that has helped Central Minnesota Seniors for over 16 years!

A Doctor Funny

The seven-year-old told her mom that a little boy in her class asked her to play doctor.

"Oh,dear," the mother nervously sighed.

"What happened, honey?"

"Nothing, he made me wait 45 minutes and then double-billed the insurance company."

Millwood Township

Notice is hereby given: The reorganization meeting for the board of Millwood Township will be held at 8:00 p.m. on Monday, March 28, 2022, at the City of St. Rosa park.

Joseph A. Wiechman Clerk, Millwood Township

Millwood Township

Board of Appeal and Equalization: Important Information Regarding Property Assessments; this may affect your 2023 property taxes. The Board of Appeal and Equalization for Millwood Township will meet on 4/13/2022, 11:30 am, at the City of St. Rosa park. The purpose of this meeting is to determine whether property in the jurisdiction has been properly valued and classified by the assessor. If you believe the value or classification of your property is incorrect, please contact your assessor’s office to discuss your concerns. If you disagree with the valuation and classification after discussing it with your assessor, you may appear before the local board of appeal and equalization. The board will review your assessments and may make corrections as needed. Generally, you must appeal to the local board before appealing to the county board of appeal and equalization.

Joseph A. Wiechman Clerk, Millwood Township

ATTENTION! Grey Eagle Housing Association Members

The annual meeting of the Grey Eagle Housing Association will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, April 11, 2022, in the Menge Community Room at Village View Apartments in Grey Eagle. (Our Monthly Meeting will be held at 3:45 p.m.)

If you qualify as a member of Grey Eagle Housing Association and live in the area, you may nominate yourself, or another member of the association, to the Board of Directors either at the meeting or in writing before the meeting.

This year we will elect 3 people to three-year terms.

Please submit the names you wish to nominate to Margaret Newberg, 303 Cedar Street North, #25, Grey Eagle, MN 56336.

For more information, please call 320-285-3973.

Grey Eagle Housing Association is an Equal Housing Opportunity Provider

Equal Housing Opportunity

St. Rosa Lions Breakfast Sunday, March 27 • 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

St. Rose of Lima Church Basement Menu: Sausage, Ham, Scrambled Eggs, Potatoes, Bread, Fruit & Beverages

Melrose • 320-256-5400

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

Establishing the precincts and polling place for Grey Eagle Township. Mike made the second.

All in favor. Motion carried.

Adjournment: Motion by Mike to adjourn the meeting. Ron made the second. Meeting adjourned at 8:50 pm.

Minutes not approved.

Submitted by Mary Ann Primus, Clerk/Treasurer

Advance: $10.00 • At the Door: $10.50 Children Ages 5-12 $5.00 Ages 0-4 Free Proceeds to Lions Eyesight, Hearing, and other Local Community Projects

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

IN SERVICE TO ONE, IN SERVICE TO ALL.

St. Gregory the Great Council #12604

Knights of Columbus Breakfast & Raffle Sunday, March 27, 2022

St. Stanislaus Church, Bowlus, MN Serving 9 AM - 12:30 PM Raffle Drawing at 12 Noon (60+ Prizes) Menu: Sausage from Paul & Kathy's in Upsala, Ham, French Toast, Hash Browns, Scrambled Eggs, Fresh Fruit, Rolls, Bars, & Beverages.

Proceeds to benefit council activities.

All You Care To Eat Free Will Offering

Page 8 • Hometown News •Thursday, March 17, 2022

CARETAKER WANTED at Pondview Estates

Looking for a Caretaker individual or couple for Pondview Estates, an independent senior housing facility which is part of the Mother of Mercy Campus in Albany, MN. Caretaker lives onsite and duties include cleaning the common areas of the building, and cleaning apartments as they are vacated. Caretakers also answer emergency pendant calls.

In exchange for services, Caretaker lives in a 2 bedroom apartment, rent-free.

If interested, call Housing Manager, Darcy at 320-470-0963.

CLASSIFIED ADS SMALL ENGINE REPAIR: Located by Holdingford. Call or text Neil 320-3609012.

MP-4/7P WANTED TO BUY: Butcher cows, bulls, fats & walkable cripples: also horses, sheep & goats. 320-235-2664.

SC-odB WANTED TO BUY: Old metal lawn chair.

Call 651-739-2715.

3/17

FOR SALE: Truxedo tonneau cover, 6 1/2 ft. Chevy or GMC pickup, used 3 months, all accessories. Call Marvin 320-260-2159.

OWNER MOVING: Need to find a loving home for a 5 year old Australian Blue Healer, Fox Terrier mix, 26 lbs. Indoor dog with fenced in yard. Good with kids and likes walks. 320-224-9958

TOM’S AUTO BODY

FOR SALE: A brown couch with recliners on the end, $100. Call 320-224-9600.

ALLOWS ARGUE BLOOD BLOOM COLOR CRADLES DIRECT

DRAMA DUMPED EXITS EXPERIMENT FIFTH FOCUS FORCE

FORTH FOURS FRESH FRIDAY GUARD HANDFUL HUNTED

LOOKS LUMPS LUNGS MARRY MEETS MINED MIRROR MOIST OUGHT OUTPUT OVENS PATHS PAUSED PEERED PIGGED PORTS RADIO REGULAR SHAFT SHIVER SHRUBS SIRUP SMASH STOUT STRICT SUPPOSED TESTS THIEF VIBRATIONS

Complete Auto Body & Paint Repair Free Estimates

FOR SALE: Canning jars. Call 320-836-2640.

320-266-4935

34741 Cty Rd 2 • Grey Eagle

FOR SALE: (5) 2657017 Goodyear Wranglers, like new. Call Marvin 320-260-2159.

Don’t just thank a farmer...

Thank his wife for cooking, delivering meals, going for parts, or helping in the fields all while taking care of her usual jobs.

Thank his hired man for working endless hours on sleepless nights caring for the animals and planting the crops.

And Thank his children who are OK with seeing him if just for a brief moment while he eats his meals in the field.

Farming is a family business and it takes a sacrifice from all...

So when you thank a farmer- Thank the family team!

Serving Central Minnesota!

320-256-3680 • www.rahnfuels.com

God Bless Our Farming Families!