Hometown News March 23, 2023

Hometown News

29442 120th St.

Grey Eagle, MN 56336

320-285-2323

Email: htnews@icloud.com

Website: www.hometownnews.biz www.facebook.com/hometownnews

Published By John and Lori Young

The Hometown News is a weekly publication, which is published and distributed every Thursday.

Advertising & News Deadline

MONDAYS • 5 PM

Sales: Lori Young

Office: 320-285-2323

Cell: 612-597-2998

Email: htnews@icloud.com

Website Hosting - John Young Office: 320-285-2323

Cell: 612-597-4499

Classified Ads

Email: htnews@icloud.com

Personal Classifieds:

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

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

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

Email: htnews@icloud.com

Photos • Press Releases

Photos & press releases are welcome.

Email: htnews@icloud.com

Letter to the Editor

Letters and articles of opinion are welcomed. Letters should be short and to the point. We reserve the right to edit lengthy letters.

Email: htnews@icloud.com

Obituaries

Publish one time free of charge.

Email: htnews@icloud.com

Card of Thanks

Cards of Thanks is $5.00 for the first 50 words, 10¢ per each additional word. Must be prepaid.

To be billed: a $5 minimum applies.

Email: htnews@icloud.com

Announcements

Birth Announcements, Anniversaries, Birthday Open House, Engagements, Weddings are free of charge for one publication.

For additional weeks $20/week.

Email: htnews@icloud.com

A prestamped, self addressed envelope is required to return photos.

Subscriptions

The subscription rates for

13 weeks is $20.00

26 weeks is $36.00

52 weeks is $72.00

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

Dreams are the stuff of progress -By

This year’s Academy Awards proved that dreams can come true.

It started with Ke Huy Quan winning Best Supporting Actor for the movie “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” He was so excited that he wept as he accepted his Oscar, saying: “My journey started on a boat. I spent a year at a refugee camp, and somehow I ended up here on Hollywood’s biggest stage. They say stories like this only happen in the movies. I cannot believe it is happening to me. This is the American dream.”

He credited his wife, who told him that … “one day my time will come. Dreams are something you have to believe in. I almost gave up on mine. To all of you out there, please keep your dreams alive.”

Michelle Yeoh made history becoming the first actress of Asian descent to win the Oscar for Best Actress for the same movie, which also won Best Picture. During her acceptance speech, Yeoh held her Oscar and said, “This is proof that ... dream big, and dreams do come true. “

Actor Kevin Costner said, “I’m a big fan of dreams. Unfortunately, dreams are our first casualty in life – people seem to give them up, quicker than anything, for a ‘reality.’”

Making dreams come true is not confined to the Academy Awards. It’s in competitions from sports to moving up the corporate ladder.

I often joke that it takes years to become

Harvey Mackay

an overnight success. But it starts with a dream. My dream was to own a factory. I wasn’t even sure what kind of product I’d make, or exactly where it would be. But I pictured myself walking the factory floor, talking to co-workers. The pile of broken-down machines I bought might have looked more like a nightmare at the time. But dreams come true – with a lot of wide-awake work.

Jimmy Carter was a peanut farmer who dreamed of becoming governor of Georgia and president of the United States. And he did. But his dreams were shattered by world events and the Iran hostage crisis, ending his one-term presidency on a sour note. When things take a turn like that, you often must reconstruct your dreams.

Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter devoted themselves to helping others. They immersed themselves in building low-cost housing, teaching Sunday school, writing books and establishing the Carter Center to improve life for people in 80 countries by resolving conflict, advancing democracy and human rights, preventing diseases and improving mental health care.

Dick Clark listened to the radio to ease his painful loneliness after his older brother was killed in World War II and dreamed of having his own program. His dream turned into “American Bandstand.” He became synonymous with December 31 celebrations with his New Year’s Rockin’ Eve well into his 80s.

Ski instructor Pete Seibert stood on the summit of a mountain in the Gore Range of Colorado and dreamed of starting a ski resort. Seibert’s dream in Vail is now a reality.

Two brothers-in-law started their own business that advertised a single product served 31 different ways. Burton Baskin and Irvine Robbins saw their dream come true to the delight

of ice-cream lovers.

A.G. Giannini dreamed of starting a financial institution for “the little guy” by providing car and appliance loans. Who knew that his dream would become Bank of America?

As author C.S. Lewis said, “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”

A class of college seniors filed into a room for their final exam. The professor announced that she had divided the questions into three categories and explained that students were to choose only one of the categories. The first category of questions was the most difficult and worth 50 points. The second set was somewhat easier and worth 40 points. The third group, the easiest, was worth 30 points.

The professor graded the papers as follows: the students who chose to answer questions in the hardest category were given As. Students who chose category two were given Bs, and those settling for the easiest were given Cs.

Naturally, some of the students were frustrated with the professor’s grading. The professor simply explained: “I wasn’t testing your knowledge. I was testing your aim.”

That’s why it’s important to aim high … to have dreams that inspire you to go beyond your limits.

Mackay’s Moral: A dream is a very exclusive production, played for an audience of one.

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

THURSDAY, MARCH 23

• Upsala Area Historical Society Hosting Story Time at 6:30 p.m. at the Upsala Community Center.

FRIDAY, MARCH 24

• Farming Lions 18th Annual Fish Fry from 4:30-8:30 p.m. at Trappers Pub & Grub, Farming.

SATURDAY, MARCH 25

• Morrison County Master Gardeners Horticulure Day from 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Little Falls Community High School.

• Fish Fry from 4-7 p.m. at Word of Life Church, Upsala. See ad on page 5.

• BEAT Series: Michael Shynes & David Gerald Sutton at 7 p.m. at the Blattner Energy Arts Theatre, Albany. See ad on page 5.

• Long Prairie Chamber Orchestra Presents "A Grand Night At The Movies" at 7:30 p.m. at LP-GE Secondary School, Long Prairie.

SUNDAY, MARCH 26

• Spaghetti Dinner from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at St. Michael's Church basement, Spring Hill.

• Bingo at 5:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church, Melrose.

• Melrose Boy Scout Troop 68 Presents "Laughs For Lunch" at 6:30 p.m. at the Melrose High School Auditorium.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29

FRI.-SUN., MAR. 31-APRIL 2

• "Journey With Jesus to Calvary" Play at St. Francis of Assisi Church. Wed., March 29 at 7 p.m., Fri.-Sat., March 31-April 1 at 7:30 p.m., Sun., April 2 at 1 p.m. See ad on page 4.

THURSDAY, MARCH 30

• Stearns Electric 86th Annual Meeting at 7 p.m. at the Melrose High School Auditorium.

FRIDAY, MARCH 31

• Smelt & Fish Fry from 4-8 p.m. at St. Mary's Church, Upsala. See ad on page 4.

SUNDAY, APRIL 2

• Matching Grant Breakfast from 9 a.m.12:30 p.m. at Church of All Saints, St. Mary's Hall, Holdingford.

ALBANY SENIORS

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

ALBANY TOWNSHIP

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

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

BURNHAMVILLE TOWNSHIP

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

BURTRUM CITY COUNCIL

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

FEET FIRST CLINIC

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

FOOD DISTRIBUTION

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

FREEPORT CITY COUNCIL

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

FREEPORT SENIOR MEETING

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

GREY EAGLE CITY COUNCIL

• Meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.

GREY EAGLE TOWNSHIP

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

MELROSE TOWNSHIP

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

MELROSE VFW #7050 POST/AUX.

• Meets the 1st Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Melrose American Legion Clubrooms.

MELROSE LEGION #101 POST/AUX.

• Meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Melrose American Legion. (Aux. Sept.-May.)

STEARNS CO. HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

• Meets at 7 p.m. on the 2nd Monday of the month at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Albany.

SUNSHINE CLUB

• Meets every Monday, weigh in starts at 8; meeting at 8:30 a.m. at the Village View Apartments, Grey Eagle.

ST. ROSA CITY COUNCIL

• Meets the 3rd Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Community Park building.

SWANVILLE CITY COUNCIL

• 1st Tuesday after the 1st Monday of the month at 7 p.m.

SWANVILLE TOWNSHIP

• Meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 8:30 p.m. at the Swanville Fire Hall.

UPSALA CITY COUNCIL

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

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

Weekend Weather

“The Good Old Days” -By Tom Kuehne

Spear Fishing

Using a spear to get a family’s supply of fish was the accepted method. The original spears were made in blacksmith shops. They were of varying quality from being actually well formed and attractive to a haphazard gathering mixture of tines with barbs, which kept the speared fish on the spear. Spears used in the fish houses were usually formed with greater precision and more temper in the metal, which kept their sharp points for a longer period of time. A spear used in the creeks usually was of lesser quality, with less temper, so it would bend and not break when banged into a rock on the bottom of the river. Spears used in the fish house usually had about a 5 foot handle and those made for the creeks had a handle of 8 or more feet.

The fish harvested with a spear were used for fresh eating, along with smoking and canning. Fish obtained from creeks were usually salted and smoked, since they were referred to as rough fish. The taste and quality required additional processing in order to be made more eatable. After the smoking was complete some households canned the fish, which made them taste like smoked salmon.

My grandfather walked to his fish house 6 days per week. It was ¾ of a mile across a field and through a wooded area. The snow depth varied with the winter and it was frequently well below zero. He wore a long sheepskin coat, felt shoes and 4 buckle overshoes. The coat and boots were heavy, but they kept him warm. He usually carried at least one fish home every day. They were either Northern Pike for us to eat or

they were Dog Fish for the chickens to enjoy. The best week that I recall him having included a 17 pound Northern on Monday, a 21 pound Northern on Wednesday and on Saturday he speared a Northern which wouldn’t fit through the hole in the fish house. He thought it was about 35 pounds.

Spearing Suckers in the spring usually involved cleaning, salting and smoking about ½ a gunny sack of fish. That was the desired number, since that is about all that the family could smoke, eat and can without spoilage. I must comment that the farm cats and yard chickens really enjoyed the abundance of fish guts. They spent a lot of time chasing each other around the yard thinking that the one they were chasing had a better looking treat than they could pick up off of the pile. They were fun to watch.

My grandfather and his brother, Hugo had a continuing contest to see who could spear the largest fish each week. Hugo had the advantage of living about 150 feet from his fish house. Each Sunday before the noon meal, they sat in their easy chairs, smoking their curved pipes, filled with Prince Albert Tobacco and spoke of their past week’s success. It went like this: “got a 7 pounder this week and missed two.” “Ya, I got two.” “Hmmm,” puff, puff, “been cold.” “Ya, looks like snow,” puff, puff, silence. 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

Card of Thanks

Thank you from the Arlene Arnzen family to Father Dan, the musicians and church volunteers for the wonderful mass, meal and desserts. We would also like to extend our appreciation to Patton Schad Funeral Services and the hospice care team. May God bless everyone who called or visited Arlene at home, she enjoyed each visit. God

Arlene Arnzen Family

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.

Every Friday Night

Greenwald, MN

320-987-3100

Hours: 9:30 AM-1 AM • 7 Days a Week

Owners: Jeff & Wanda Ahrens & Kyle Leiser www.GreenwaldPubMN.com

Friday Night Lent Special

Dine In Only • Serving 5-9 PM 4 Pc. Fish Dinner with JoJo's... $9.50

Extra Fish $2.00 Ea.

Lunch Specials: 11 AM-1 PM

Fri., Mar. 24: Fish Burger or Cheeseburger w/Chili or Fries

Mon., Mar. 27: Navy Bean & Ham Soup w/Ham Sandwich

Tues., Mar. 28: Baked Chicken Dinner

Wed., Mar. 29: Spaghetti Dinner

Thurs., Mar. 30: Meatloaf Dinner

Fri., Mar. 31: Fish Burger or Cheeseburger w/Chili or Fries

Double “R” Bar

HAPPY HOUR:

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

Dine In Only - With Beverage Purchase

Monday: (5-9 pm) $3 Build a Burger Mayo, Lettuce, Tomato, Onions (raw/fried), Mushrooms, Jalapenos, Sauerkraut, Cheese (Swiss, American, Pepper Jack)

Toppings 50¢ each; Bacon 50¢ Slice

Tuesday: (5-9 pm) Choice of:

3 Chicken Strips w/Toast & Fries $7.50

6 Drummies w/Toast & Fries $7.50

Walleye

Wednesday: (5-9:30 pm)

Walleye Fingers w/Fries $8.50

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

HOURS:

Debra A. Gieske

Debra A.

“Debbie” Gieske, age 53 of Melrose, passed away surrounded by her family and nursing home family on Friday, March 17, 2023 at the CentraCare Care Center in Melrose, Minnesota.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 23 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose with Rev. Marvin Enneking officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. The Mass will be livestreamed and can be viewed on the YouTube channel: Church of St. Mary Melrose.

Visitation will be held from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Thursday at the church.

Debra Ann Gieske was born November 1, 1969 in Melrose, Minnesota to Valentine and Louise (Tiemann) Gieske. She graduated from Melrose High School in 1988. She lived and helped on the family farm north Melrose for many years. She then moved to Pine Villa Care Center in Melrose where she was a resident for the last 16 years. She became family to those that work there and will be greatly missed. Debbie enjoyed playing cards, watching the Twins in person and on TV, driving around, and shopping.

She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and Catholic United Financial.

Survivors include her brothers, Randy (Lynn) Gieske of Sauk Centre, Ron (Kristi) Gieske of Sauk Centre, and Bob (Cheri) Gieske of Melrose; 11 nieces and nephews; and eight great-nieces and nephews.

Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, Valentine and Louise Gieske; infant brother, Billy Gieske; sister, Judy Gieske; and brother, Donnie Gieske.

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

Frances "Fran" Blommel

Frances “Fran”, (Mareck) Blommel, 98, lifelong resident of Albany, passed away peacefully, Sunday, March 12, 2023, at St. Cloud Hospital surrounded by her loving family. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, March 18, 2023, at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany. Interment took place at Seven Dolors Parish Cemetery.

Fran was born June 1, 1924, in Albany, the daughter of John and Eleonora (Stueve) Stangler. Fran was raised and educated in Albany. During WWII, Fran assisted with the war efforts by making parts for planes at Cargill in St. Cloud. On June 26, 1945, she was united in marriage to Stephen Mareck. The couple was blessed with six children, unfortunately, Steve passed away on October 5, 1958, before the birth of their last child. On November 30, 1968, Fran married Joe Blommel.

In addition to raising her family and working on the farm, Fran was employed by Stearns Industries for a year before she dedicated 20 years to the Albany Area Senior High School. She retired in 1990.

Fran’s faith was very important to her - she was a member of the St. Francis Cabrini Mission Group for over 50 years. She also volunteered her time with the Christian Mothers, St. Ann’s, American Legion Auxiliary, VFW Auxiliary, Mother of Mercy Nursing Home Auxiliary, and Meals on Wheels. For more than 20 years, Fran co-chaired the Quilting Group.

Fran used her talent to create many quilts and embroidery items, many family members were gifted and blessed to have a quilt made by her. She also liked to paint ceramics and read. She and Joe spent many nights bowling and playing cards. Fran was known for her apple pies and homemade jellies.

Nothing was more important to Fran than her faith and her family. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially when travel was involved. She was grateful for her time spent on trips across the USA and Europe, specifically her pilgrimage to Italy.

She will be missed by her children, Dennis (Marcy) Mareck and David (Darlene) Mareck, both of Albany, Kathy (Ralph) Schmitz, of Sauk Rapids, Sharon (Ron) Spanier, of St. Augusta, and Steve (Theresea) Mareck, of St. Cloud; daughter-in-law, Kathy Mareck, of Chanhassen; 21 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren; three (and a half) greatgreat-grandchildren; and sisters-in-law, Alice, and Judy Stangler. She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Stephen Mareck (1958) and Joe Blommel (2020); son, Marvin; grandchildren, Michael, and Ann; siblings, Magdalene, Edmund, Lorraine, Jerome, Ambrose, John, Rosemary, Sylvester, Al, and Elmer.

Nelson – Doran Funeral Home

“Best Smelt & Fish in Central MN”

Adults $15

Ages 5-12 $8

4 & under Free

Dine-in or Carry-out

Jeanette O. Pangrac

Jeanette O. Pangrac, 95 year old resident of Upsala, MN passed away

Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at Upsala Senior Living in Upsala. A Funeral Service was held

Saturday, March 18, 2023, at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Upsala, MN with Mavis Buker officiating. Burial was in the Church Cemetery. V

Jeanette Olive Holmen was born on August 12, 1927, to the late George and Olive (Johnson) Holmen. She grew up near Upsala by Cedar Lake. Jeanette graduated with the class of 1945 from Upsala High School. After graduation, she attended the Minnesota School of Business and became a secretary and worked in Minneapolis. Jeanette married Vernon Pangrac on September 18, 1948 at the Community Covenant Church in Upsala and they were married for 72 years. They spent the majority of their time farming near Upsala where they raised three boys. In 1966 she became the High School Secretary in Upsala and retired from there in 1992. Jeanette always enjoyed outdoor activities including swimming and fishing, as well as watching her boys and grandchildren play sports. She spent a lot of her time cooking and baking for family and friends. She enjoyed the many travels she and Vern were able to do during their married years. Jeanette will be remembered as a loving, caring person. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother and friend.

Jeanette is survived by her three sons and their families, Dale (Carmene) Pangrac of Lewiston, Dewey Pangrac of Grey Eagle, Dan (Vicki) Pangrac of Bowlus; brother, David (Shirley) Holmen; sisters-in-law, Fran Holmen, Carolyn Holmen, Marlene Anderson and Pat Pangrac; grandchildren, Kimberly Olson, Kristi, Adam, Michael, Jessie and Jorden Pangrac; great-grandchildren, Mallory, Gavin, Amelia Olson, Mae and Brooklyn Pangrac.

Jeanette was preceded in death by her parents, George and Olive Holmen; husband, Vernon; brothers, Dennis, James, Leonard Holmen; daughter-in-law, Judy Pangrac; brothers-in-law, LeRoy and Gaylord Pangrac, Jim Anderson; sisters-in-law, Peggy Holmen, Ardie Pangrac.

David "Dave" A. Huls

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at St. Columbkille Catholic Church in St. Wendel, MN for David “Dave” Arthur Huls age 80. He died peacefully at home with family by his side in Avon Township near St. Wendel, MN on Sunday, March 12, 2023. Fr. Greg Mastey officiated and burial followed in the parish cemetery.

Dave was born on October 23, 1942, to Arthur and Sophie (Skaj) Huls at home in Holdingford, MN. He was raised alongside his sister and four brothers on the family farm in St. Wendel. After graduating from Holdingford High School in 1960, he joined the United States Army Reserves.

Dave married Darlene Jarnot on June 8th, 1964 at St. Hedwig’s Catholic Church in Holdingford, MN; they lived in St. Wendel where they raised their four daughters. Their love and devotion to each other is one for the record books.

Dave worked in the construction field as a Superintendent for numerous companies leading many commercial jobs during his career and was always proud of his work he led. He is a member of the St. Columbkille Catholic Church where he served on the council for 12 years and was an usher.

Dave enjoyed playing baseball (was a pitcher and first baseman), golfing, hunting, fishing, and watching sports on TV. After retirement he enjoyed his Wednesday afternoon poker games with his friends. If you didn’t find him out doing one of these activities, you would find him sitting on his office chair in the garage, watching the cars go by and making sure they were stopping for the stop sign. He always loved spending time with his family and friends. He was a true gem and a big softie, a great man that will be truly missed.

Dave is survived by his wife of 58 years, Darlene of Avon; four daughters, Charlene Warga of Holdingford, Cynthia Kremers of Upsala, Christy (Jeff) Mohrman of Becker, and Channon (Dustin) Bristlin of Rice; 7 grandchildren, Chelsea (Scott) Posch, Candace Warga (Shane Carrender), Jolene Kremers, Madelyn Mohrman (fiancé Travis Rotzien), Jonathan Mohrman, Alexis Bristlin, and Brady Bristlin; four great grandchildren, Dalton, Peyton, Weston and Ashton Posch; his siblings, William “Bill” (Marcia) Huls, Cold Spring; Judy (Lenny) Heitzman, Avon; Mel (Roxie) Huls, Cold Spring; Glen (Jan) Huls, Avon; many nieces and nephews as well as other family and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Benny Kremers; his brother James, Jill Walker; and his niece Tina Huls.

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

Eat with us, then see the play “Journey with Jesus to Calvary” in St. Francis at 7:30!

320-248-0731

13th

Journey with Jesus to Calvary

Wednesday, March 29: 7:00 PM

Friday, March 31: 7:30 PM

Saturday, April 1: 7:30 PM

Free will offering to help

support

Free Plowing to those in the Sytek service area. If you have internet by a different provider, Sytek will double their speed & match their price - AND guarantee that price for 10 years.

Trash Being Dumped in the Ditches

Weber Presents Book Talk on Sixth True Crime Thriller Award-Winning True Crime

Author Frank F. Weber will present a book talk on his latest release, “Black and Blue’’ at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 30 at the Great River Regional Library in Sauk Centre. The book is Weber’s sixth book in the Jon Frederick True Crime Book Series.

“Black and Blue” is the true story of the search for 19-year-old Sadie Sullivan’s killer. A chance meeting between Officer Xavier—Zave—Williams and Sadie changed his life and ended hers.

By Lori Young

Someone has been dumping garbage in the ditch (281st Ave.) near Grey Eagle and local residents are requesting that they come back to pick it up.

Area residents try to keep the ditches clean and find this very disrespectful. In the photo above, it started as a neat little pile until people started rummaging through it. There is also a bag of garbage under the snow.

It is bad enough to have pop bottles, beer cans and beer bottles in the ditches, along with other debris flying out of boats, trailers, etc., but intentionally dumping garbage and making it other people's problems is not the right thing to do.

Others have shared stories of trash being dumped into the ditches. On County Road 2, west of Lakeview Cemetery, local residents had the ditches cleaned up before Memorial weekend to find several large black bags filled with grass clippings dumped in the ditch. Once the grass was tall, the bags were hidden and were hit by the highway department when they mowed the ditches.

In the past, Grey Eagle Township had to

hire services to remove garbage, appliances, and furniture from the ditches on Ascot Road. Many townships and organizations end up paying the price to remove the items. This past fall, the DNR reported tree stumps that were dumped in the boat landing down on Hunter's Bay, creating a hazard to anyone using the landing until they were removed.

Those who are littering do not realize the effects it has on others.

As farmers head out to the fields in the spring, debris has to be picked up or it can damage their equipment. Same goes for the highway department. It takes time to clean up behind others and can become very costly.

It also becomes a safety concern for those who like to recreate by snowmobiling, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, etc. Soon spring will be here and more people will be out walking and biking, broken bottles can be found on a number of area roads.

Instead of dumping garbage or throwing items out of your vehicle, think of others and help by picking up trash along the roads and in the ditches. Let's keep our areas clean and safe for everyone to enjoy.

Swanville Junior High Student of the Month

Swanville Public School is pleased to announce the February Junior High Student of the Month, eighth grade student Delaney Chuba. Delaney is the daughter of Michael and Tracy Chuba. She enjoys playing sports, reading, listening to her sister sing, spending time with family and friends, and really enjoys going to the gym with her family. She plans on going to college and is most interested in pursuing a career in the medical field. Delaney plays volleyball, softball and basketball participating since sixth grade to the present. She is also in the band and this school year was elected to the student council. She is a student that is consistently on the academic Honor Roll. She was recently awarded

Athlete of the Month for the month of December for basketball. Delaney’s favorite thing about school is seeing her friends, learning new things and participating in sports. Her advice to other students is “Even if people aren’t your friends, treat them with respect and kindness; you don’t know what they are going through.” Delaney strives to a role model for the younger students.

Mathematics teacher Liza Hasse says, “I thoroughly enjoy working with Delaney in class. Even though she is involved in several school activities she manages to keep her grades up in all of her classes and does quite well. She strives to always give her best effort. Delaney is willing to seek help when needed but she always tries to solve the problem on her own first. Delaney maintains a positive attitude in class towards the teacher and her peers. Delaney has developed into a positive leader in her class. She encourages others to do what is right and to always do their best. Delaney is very deserving of this honor.”

Outside of school Delaney volunteers for Swanville Athletic Booster Club and volunteers at her church.

Zave joins Investigator Jon Frederick as a black and white team reopening a cold case with a lot of gray - contaminated evidence, questionable court decisions, and two opposing hardened suspects. In the backdrop of modern-day Minneapolis, investigators are left to sort through the chaos, shootings, and political outrage to deliver justice to Sadie’s family. Black and Blue is an intense thriller about tenderness, passion, and resilience in an

era when it’s easy to be callous. A true crime of Lover vs. Psychopath. Was the murder racially motivated? What uniform did the killer wear? Prison or Police… Weber is a forensic psychologist specializing in homicide, sexual assault, and domestic abuse cases. He uses his unique understanding of how predators think, knowledge of victim trauma, and expert testimony in writing his true crime thrillers. He has profiled cold case homicides and narrated an investigative show on Oxygen. He has been the recipient of the President’s Award from the Minnesota Correctional Association for his forensic work. His Award-Winning books include “Murder Book” (2017), “The I-94 Murders” (2018), “Last Call” (2019), “Lying Close” (2020), “Burning Bridges” (2021), and “Black and Blue” (2022).

For more information on Weber and his books, visit www.frankweberauthor.com

The event is free and open to the public. Weber will be there from 5:00 to 8:00 pm.

From the Desk of Pastor Bruce

This is a day of “cogitating” (a word from a Sackett western movie that we have. It means to deliberate or ponder.) So, I was wondering what kind of a man or pastor I am. Do I honor God in every thought and deed? The Psalmist, I believe, asks the same sort of question. Psalms 139:1-6 “You have searched me, LORD, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.” And then as if the Psalmist is wondering he says in verses 23-24 “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.”

We see this same sort of encouragement from the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:27-29 “So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves.”

If you are brave

enough, take time today and ask God, maybe in a quiet room, “Who am I?” “Am I God honoring?” “Am I following you?” Seek Him with all your heart! Jeremiah 29:12-13 “Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

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

BLENKERS ROOFING, LLC

Gutters • Soffits Fascia • Siding

Melrose • 320-256-5400

Recent trash dumped in the ditch on 281st Ave., Grey Eagle. Photo submitted.

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’ve having some problems with my parents, and I’m hoping you can help. Last summer I borrowed $2,500 from them, and it is taking me longer to pay them back than we agreed. Since the pay back date passed, they have made several comments about money when we’re together, and our relationship seems strained. I have taken steps in the last couple of months to become more financially responsible. I am now doing things like living on a budget, and putting something from each paycheck into a savings account. How should I approach this issue with them?

-Remi

Dear Remi, Loaning money to, or borrowing money from, relatives or friends often leads to bruised feelings. I’m sorry you’re going through this, but I hope it will teach you and your folks a valuable lesson going forward. There’s nothing wrong with giving money in a situation like this, as long as you’re not enabling bad behavior by doing so. But a loan between friends or family is something I never recommend.

If they choose to hold a grudge there’s really not a lot you can do, especially if you took longer than agreed upon to pay them back. It just takes more time with some people—and in some cases even parents—for those kinds of things to heal. You have to remember, in their minds there’s an element of responsibility and trust involved here. But considering it’s your mom and dad we’re talking about, I’d say they’ll lighten up and become a little easier to be around with time.

Until that happens, though, maybe you could look for chances to mention your new approach to finances during conversations with them. Even something as simple as an

Sudoku Answers from March 16

off-hand remark about how much you were able to put into savings from your recent paychecks may encourage them to see things in a different light. Letting them know you’re actively working to change your ways and gain control of your finances could mean a lot to them.

Give it a try!

-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., Mar. 27: Goulash, peas, pineapple tidbits.

Tues., Mar. 28: Pork roast, baked potato, applesauce, broccoli.

Wed., Mar. 29: Baked chicken, whipped potatoes, gravy, garden salad, fruit cocktail, dinner roll.

Thurs., Mar. 30: Cheeseburger on bun, coleslaw, sweet potato French fries, banana.

Fri., Mar. 31: Cheese roll-up, California Normandy veg., peaches, garlic bread. 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., Mar. 27: Polish sausage, kraut, potato, vegetable, dessert.

Tues., Mar. 28: Meatloaf, potato, vegetable, dessert.

Wed., Mar. 29: Country fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, dessert.

Thurs., Mar. 30: Ham, potatoes, vegetable, dessert.

Fri., Mar. 31: Tuna noodle casserole, garden salad, dessert.

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

Dear Motor Medics, If cars could talk, what would they say?

-Darin in Freemont, Nebraska

Dear Darin, We've often wondered what cars would say if they could speak, they certainly have personalities. As we walk through our auto recycling yard there are thousands of cars, trucks and vans all gathered together on the way to their automotive afterlife. Just like people, some will donate their parts to others so that they may continue to live, others are just so worn out that there is nothing left to give. Some have had an easy life while others were abused and had their days filled with strife. Some have had their fluids well taken care of and have no build up of sludge inside their engines, while others have very clogged passages. We as humans really do have a lot in common with our vehicles. As for what they would say exactly... that's hard to say. We think they say more than we care to hear. Just like people, we often don't listen to each other. They speak through their body language showing us signs of poor running, just like when we are sick and feeling poorly. They leak oil like we bleed and need repair. Yes we really do have a lot in common with our cars. If only people had something as noticeable as a check engine light on their face maybe we would all communicate with each other as well as our cars communicate.

-Take care, the Motor Medics

Dear Motor Medics, I've had more than a dozen vehicles with a rear wiper on them over the past twenty years

Eagle Outdoor Services

or so and as far as I can remember all of them didn't work worth a hoot. They would go for the first year then they all would leave that streak in the center of the glass and it seemed like no matter how many times I changed the blade it would only work for a couple months and would then go right back to the same old streak. I see others on the road the same way. What's up with all these wiper failures?

-Terry in Dayton, Ohio Dear Terry,

Rear wipers take a beating compared to front. They get a lot of road grime and exhaust up on them that takes its toll on both the blade and the arm and sometimes even the motor itself. When the blade starts to break down it will affect the wipe pattern but also very important is how much down force the arm has on the blade. As the arm is used or even just rests on the glass it loses its pressure while at the same time it's deforming the blade. Many parts stores now carry a complete assembly of blade and arm and we often replace both to make sure they give a good wipe. If you have been replacing the blade only that may be why they seem to fail so soon.

-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.

Local Municipality Minutes

Email Minutes to htnews@icloud.com

Upsala City • March 7, 2023

Call to Order/Attendance: The City Council meeting was called to order at Upsala City Hall by Mayor Rollie Johnson at 7:00 P.M. The pledge of allegiance was said.

On roll call members present: Mayor Rollie Johnson, Council Members Lana Bartells, Mitch Lange, and Wendy Rene. Absent: Alan Gunderson. Staff present: Public Works Director Mike Tschida, and City Clerk-Treasurer Jane Popp.

Minutes: Lange moved to approve the regular city council meeting minutes from February 6, 2023, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.

Added agenda items: Bartells moved to approve the agenda as presented, 2nd by Rene. Motion carried unanimously.

Presentations, Citizen Appeals/requests: None

Department Reports: Fire Department Report: Chief Nick Johnson updated the new members are going through training. Nick Johnson also attended State software training for monthly reports to send to the city and townships.

First Response Team: First Response Team Vice President Danielle Haus was absent, so Nick Johnson reported eleven calls for February. One member is resigning, and two members are taking a leave of absence. The First Response would like to hire up to six new members.

First Response Hire of New Members: Rene moved to approve the First Response to hire up to six new candidates, 2nd by Lange. Motion carried unanimously.

Maintenance Report: Tschida reported on water and sewer levels as well as the various tasks done throughout the city. The city had a main water break that has been repaired. A huge appreciation to Mike for everything he did to make that happen.

City Office Report: Popp reviewed the March calendar. Popp stated that she will be going to clerk training in St. Cloud March 21-23, 2023.

Planning Commission: Rollie Johnson reported that one building permit was approved at the Planning Commission’s meeting.

Heritage Days: A meeting is scheduled for March 8, 2023. The committee is still looking for a DJ.

Unfinished Business: None

New Business: Fire & EMS Ledgers, Allocations and Contract: The council needs more time to review the Fire & EMS Ledgers, Allocations and Contract. Sourcewell Grant for Plow Truck Resolution 3-7-2023-1 This was tabled at this time.

Approve Lions Club Donation of $5,260 for Fire Department Resolution 3-7-2023-2: Rene moved to accept resolution 3-7-2023-2, accepting $5,260 from the Upsala Lions Club for the Fire Department, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously. Liquor License for Buffy’s Bar LLC Bartell’s moved to approve the Liquor License for Buffy’s Bar LLC, 2nd by Rene. Motion carried unanimously.

Liquor License for Upsala Ball Park Association Rene moved to approve the Liquor License for Upsala Ball Park Association, 2nd by Lange. Motion carried unanimously.

Upsala First Response By-Law changes: The City Council reviewed the changes but are waiting for a response from the letter the city sent to the Upsala First Response in December.

Acknowledgements: To the Upsala Lions Club for donating $5,260 to the Fire Department. Financials Rene moved to approve the bills as presented, 2nd by Lange. Motion carried unanimously.

Coffee with a Council Member: It will be the second Thursday of the month starting Thursday, April 13th from 9:00-9:30 at the Community Center. Residents are welcome to engage with the council for any questions or concerns.

Adjourn Rene moved to adjourn at 8:42 pm,

2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously. Jane Popp, Clerk/Treasurer

Grey Eagle Township • March 6, 2023

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. Erv Herdering and Mike Rohe’s daughter, Ray Bense, Ruth Ann and grandson were also in attendance.

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

Approval of Minutes: Alan made the motion to accept the February 6, 2023 audit meeting minutes. John made the second. All in favor. Motion carried. John made the motion to accept the February 6, 2023 Township minutes. Alan made the second. All in favor. Motions passed.

Town Clerk’s Report: Clerk presented the claims list for February. Claims list included claims 3792-3800 for a total of $7,847.73. Alan made the motion to pay the claims. Mike made the second. John needed to abstain from Hometown News claim. All in favor. Motion carried. Mail included a letter from P&Z and credit card offers. Also, notice of upcoming Equalization meeting.

The financial report was presented, Alan made the motion to approve, John made the second. All in favor, motion carried. CD that was up for renewal- John made the motion to renew within the same time frame and to check on a better rate. Alan made the second. All in favor. Motion carried.

Road and Bridge Report: John had a call about the Big Birch Lake access, he notified Erv and repairs were done to the plank that was pushing up. After the frost goes out, may need to follow up with repair work. Mike stated the crack filling contractor needs to be contacted to get on the list for this year. John will make that contact. Some discussion on tar projects, John will contact Loren F. at the County.

Additional agenda item: Donation request from the Crisis Center, it was decided not to send a donation. Weed meeting is set for March 29th, Alan will attend. Levy discussion for the Annual meeting- Dennis Bacon gave direction that also stated the board should look at the R&B fund as well as the Fire fund.

Public Comments: None

Adjourn: Motion to adjourn by John, second by Alan. All in favor Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:45 pm.

Minutes not approved.

Mary Ann Primus Clerk/Treasurer

Notes from the Capitol By

State Rep. Paul Anderson

Numerous aspects of education funding to consider this session

Expectations are high that a significant increase in education funding will be passed during this legislative session. The per-pupil funding formula is the most common way to raise money for education, and it most likely will happen.

But, there are other bills floating around and, if any or all of them also pass, it could account for a significant portion of the state budget.

I met with area school officials last week, and there was discussion concerning all the mandates being proposed this year that would affect pre-K to 12 education. Each of them represents a good idea and would be nice to have, but each contains a cost, some a significant cost. And taken together, they represent a large operating increase for our school districts. For example, there is a bill mandating minimum health insurance contributions, another that sets a $25 per hour minimum wage for all non-licensed school personnel, and one that increases prep time for teachers.

Those are in addition to legislation that will probably pass this session mandating paid family leave. This would impact all employers in the state, even those with as few as one employee. Our schools would also be affected by this proposed law, which would be funded by contributions from employers and employees. For school districts, that means an acrossthe-board increase of up to .35 percent of their payroll. And that's not counting the additional expense of hiring long-term substitute teachers and other workers for up to 24 weeks.

We have already spent several hundred million dollars on school lunches for all, and there are also discussions of fully funding special education, in addition to revisions to teacher pensions. And we haven't even gotten to the main funding tool, which is the per-pupil formula. Numbers being discussed include five percent increases in each of the two years

of the coming biennium. Those are the highest numbers I've seen and, if enacted, would represent the largest increase to the formula in recent memory.

Our schools, like everything else, have been impacted by inflation. And, depending on just what bills pass this session, even that 5-and-5 percent increase in the formula may not be enough. Items will need to be prioritized. Reforming teacher pensions is one of them, and it should be on the list. Teachers play a huge role in the development of our children, and we need to encourage more students to enter the teaching profession.

Language establishing a "Grain Indemnity Fund" has been passed in the agriculture committees in both the House and Senate. Main difference between the two bills is the level of state funding to jump-start the fund on the way to its maximum of $15 million. The Senate version fully funds the program from the start with state money, while the House version puts $5 million into it.

The idea for such a fund is to protect farmers who sell grain to an elevator that goes bankrupt before issuing payment for the grain. This situation has occurred several times in recent years, with the elevator at Ashby being one such example. An assessment collected when grain is sold by farmers would be used to bring the fund up to $15 million if the state contribution is less than that. It would then blink off until the balance got down to $9 million. It also contains an opt-out feature, where a farmer could request a refund of the money contributed to the fund. The farmer could re-enter at a later date but would have to re-pay money back to the fund.

If both chambers pass the bill, a conference committee would work out the differences, with the major item being the size of the state contribution.

You can always call my office at (651) 296-4317, my home phone at (320) 239-2726 or email me at rep.paul.anderson@house.mn if you need additional information.

Painting

ASSESSMENT NOTICE

Important Information Regarding Property Assessments

This may affect your 2024 property taxes

The Board of Appeal-Equalization for Grey Eagle Township is scheduled for Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at the Grey Eagle Town Hall. 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 or 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 make corrections as needed. Generally, you must appeal to the local Board before appealing to the County Board of Appeal-Equalization.

You must make an appointment to appear before the board of appeal and equalization. For appointments, contact Todd County Assessor's Office at 320-732-4431.

Mary Ann Primus, Grey Eagle Township Clerk - March 21, 2022

ATTENTION! Grey Eagle Housing Association Members

The 43rd annual meeting of the Grey Eagle Housing Association will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, April 10, 2023, in the Menge Community Room at Village View Apartments in Grey Eagle. (Our Monthly Meeting will be held at 3:45 p.m.)

Nominations & Elections of 2 Directors: 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 2 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.

Snowmobile Crash: March 18, 2023: At 2:14 p.m., the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call reporting a snowmobile crash east of the County Road 17 and 147th Avenue intersection in Holding Township. Initial information provided was that the operator of the snowmobile struck a fence post and sustained a lower leg injury. Stearns County Deputies along with Holdingford Fire and Rescue and Mayo Ambulance were dispatched to the incident location.

Upon arrival deputies located a 2011 SkiDoo Back Country snowmobile in the south ditch of County Road 17. The operator, Clayton Dobmeier, 27, of Holdingford, was lying nearby. Dobmeier had a substantial lower left leg laceration from the metal fence post. Numerous fence posts in the area were partially snow covered with only about 8 inches exposed. The fence post came through the bot-

CLASSIFIED ADS

WANTED TO BUY: Dairy Heifers and Cows. 320-894-7175. SC-evB

WANTED: International tractor, 606 Industrial, reasonable price. Call 320-267-5632.

RB-ftn

WANTED: The Grey Eagle Library is accepting donations of your used books that are in good condition. 4/6

WANTED: Tilt down antenna tower to be used for birdhouse. Call 320-260-4551.

FOR SALE: 1997 Ford pickup, 2 wheel drive, needs work, $1000. Call 320-2675632. RB-ftn

FOR SALE: Polaris Ranger 2017, XP 1000 EPS Hunter, camo color, powerwinch, closed cab, wipers, rearview mirror, high output heater, $17,775. 218-760-8266 tfn

FOR SALE: 2005 Buick LaSabre, 206k. Call 320-285-2640. 3/23

FOR SALE: Floe V2000 electric boat lift with canopy/cover/battery tray/rod holders/ remote, excellent cond., $3,500. Grey Eagle 612-709-8918. 3/30

tom of the snowmobile and struck Dobmeier’s leg causing the laceration. After being treated on scene, Dobmeier was transported to the hospital by a private party. Automobile Crash: March 18, 2023: At approximately 1:35 a.m., the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Center received a call from a party reporting that they had been involved in a rollover crash on County Road 10 near Orchard Road in Albany Township. The driver, identified as, Stephanie Lyn Jacobs, 41, of Albany, reported that she lost control of her 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe after hitting a snow drift while travelling south on County Road 10. The Tahoe then rolled into the ditch.

The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office, Albany Fire Department, and Melrose Ambulance responded to the scene. Jacobs sustained minor injuries in the crash and was privately transported from the scene.

A Sibling Funny

When my now 14-year-old daughter was 3 and her younger brother was getting into everything, she asked, "Mommy, can we put him back, now?"

Deciding to take this opportunity as a teaching moment in how siblings should treat each other, I explained to her that we could not put him back - that her brother was a gift from God.

She looked up at me with her big blue eyes and responded, "I understand, Mommy. God didn't want him either."

Todays Thought

Anyone remember the good ol day, before Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter? When you had to take a photo of your dinner, then get the film developed, then go around to all your friends houses to show them the picture of your dinner. No? Me either.

FOR SALE: Beautiful Purebred German Shepard puppies for sale! Born Jan. 28th and ready for their forever homes March 25th. $700 Both parents on site. Call for details 320-360-3512. 3/23p

Email your Free 20 word personal classified to: htnews@icloud.com

By Shirley Hulinsky, Todd Co ADA

Todd County American Dairy Association

crowned new royalty on Saturday, March 18 at Thunder Lodge in Long Prairie. 2023 Dairy Ambassadors are Gracei Current, Alexis Groetsch, Haylie Wielenberg and Alexis Woeste. 2023 Dairy Princess is Dannielle Berscheit.

Gracei Current is the daughter of Dale & Melissa Current of Verndale and her sponsor was Aldrich Tractor.

Alexis Groetsch is the daughter of Shannon and Jamey Groetsch of Sauk Centre and her sponsor was Bruder Dairy.

Haylie Wielenberg is the daughter of Mike & Rachael Wielenberg and Sarah & Lucas Maland of Long Prairie. Haylie's sponsor was Wielenberg Family Farm.

Alexis Woeste is the daughter of Tim & Ammy Woeste of Long Prairie and her sponsor was Nathan & Nikke Deyle, Oak Crest Farm.

Dannielle Berscheit is the daughter of Mark & Jessica Berscheit of Grey Eagle and her sponsor was Arnzen Trucking.

These young ladies were judged on their speaking ability and their knowledge of the dairy industry by Kim Czech, Hannah Molitor and Susanne Hinrichs.

For the next year, they will travel speaking to school children and general public at events around the county and posting social media about the good things of dairy! Look for them sharing cheese at parades. They will also have the opportunity to attend the Midwest Dairy May Event for more training and networking with other dairy royalty. Congratulations to you all!

Pictured are (from left) Dairy Ambassadors Haylie Wielenberg and Alexis Woeste, Dairy Princess Dannielle Berscheit, Dairy Ambassadors Gracei Current, and Alexis Groetsch.