Htnewsmarch6

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

March 6, 2014

FREE Publication

FREEPORT LIONS CLUB

BREAKFAST Sunday, March 9

Family health care where you need it

Serving 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Church basement, Freeport.

Long Prairie Melrose Sauk Centre

Serving: Pancakes, Sausage, Scrambled Eggs, Beverages, Etc.

Hennen Floor Covering

320-836-2177

208 Main St. W. Freeport

www.centracare.com

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7 am-5 pm; Sat. 8 am-12 pm

Albany Fleet Supply

Atkinson Well & Pump Ltd.

Mon. - Sat.: 7 AM - 7 PM; Sun.: 9 AM - 5 PM

1241 Co. Rd 10, Albany • 320-845-4321

Used Farm Machinery For Sale On Our Lot!

• GEO Thermal • Pump & Water Systems • Sales, Service & Parts

Charmin Ultra 16 Roll

State Licensed • Nationally Certified

Serving You Since 1942

$9.88

320-836-2597 800-450-2597

OPEN HOUSE • MELROSE 313 West Main St. (2 Blocks East of Hospital)

Benchmark

Real Estate Services

www.benchmarkrealty.com

320-285-4318

Tues.-Thurs.: 11am-Close; Fri.-Sun.: 10am-1am

THURSDAY BINGO at 6 PM

Swanville Dollar for Scholars License #31494

Reserve Our Event Center for All Your Banquet, Party & Meeting Needs!

- LIVE MUSIC -

Sat., March 8th KODIAK

On The Inside...

Harvey Mackay Obituaries: Sether, Raeker, Varner Dave Says Sheila Ripplinger Notes from the Capitol Local Municipality Minutes

We have a State Certified Indoor Scale for your convenience!

Buyers of All Scrap Metal:

Aluminum • Tin • Copper • Brass • Stainless • Batteries • Autos • Catalytic Converters • Radiators • Farm Machinery • Computer Components • Prepared & Unprepared Metals

Rolloff Containers available for Demolition Jobs.

Gary & Jordy Opatz, Owners 120 Washington West, Holdingford, MN

Phone: 320-746-2819 • Toll Free: 800-510-2819 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 am - 4:30 pm; Sat. 8 am-noon. www.opatzmetalsinc.com • Email: opatzmetalsinc.com

ATM Available at Eight Convenient Locations

Freeport • 320-836-2126 New Munich • 320-837-5297 Melrose • 320-256-7208 Greenwald • 320-987-2265

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

Melrose City

4:30 PM DAILY DINNER SPECIALS HAPPY HOUR: 3:30-5:30 PM • SUN.-THURS.

www.freeportstatebank.com

Rodney Atkinson • Freeport

Photo submitted by Judy Van Heel.

8:30 PM-12:30 AM April 12: Bean Bag Tournament - 3 PM Sign Up at The Hub!

Taco Tuesday: 75¢ Tacos, $3 Coronas, $2 Light, $3 Craft Taps Wing Wednesday! $5.00/1 lb. or $9.50/2 lbs.

Thursday: All You Can Eat Chicken & Ribs $12.95 w/full salad bar.

Friday: All You Can Eat Fish & Shrimp $11.95 Friday & Saturday: Prime Rib Sunday Brunch: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

MN Lic. #2114

Now is the Time to Plan your Spring Remodeling & Building Projects!

Saturday, March 8 • 10 am-12 pm

Updated 4 Br 2 bath with 4 garage stalls, fenced yard, updated kitchen & baths, great location near hospital and shopping.

Reduced to $109,900 Paul Kerin, 320-761-5418

(320) 732-2131 (320) 256-4228 (320) 352-6591

• Freeport State Bank, Melrose Branch Entrance • All Stars Sports Bar & Grill, St. Rosa • Brasky’s Bar & Grill, Meire Grove • Corner Pub, Freeport • Hillcrest Family Restaurant-Stubby’s Tavern, Albany • Melrose Bowl, Melrose • New Munich Hofbrau, New Munich • Spiritz Liquor, Melrose

320-285-8085 800-645-6336 Building Supplies

HOURS: M-F: 7:30-5; Sat.: 8-12

Grey Eagle, MN

NEW LISTING FREEPORT

Immaculate 2 Story with 6 BR’s & 5 BA’s on 13 Acres Of Organic Land.

Hardwood floors, open staircase, vaulted ceilings. Abundance of Wildlife, Private Pond, In floor heat in LL & garage stubbed in. Master Suite Walks Out To Private Patio, 4400 Finished Square Feet. Amazing Must See Property!

Brandon Kelly, BROKER-REALTOR 320-491-6107 or 320-285-3222 Email: brandon@east-westrealty.com www.brandonkellymn.com

Equal Housing Opportunity

Built to stand up to just about anything the weather can produce!

Excellent wind uplift and snow load ratings.

ST. ROSA

LUMBER INC.

www.strosalumber.com

320-836-2284 • 1-888-276-1751 29033 Co Rd 17, Freeport, MN 56331 • In St. Rosa

Page 2 • Hometown News • Thursday, March 6, 2014

Hometown News 29442 120th St. Grey Eagle, MN 56336 Phone: 320-285-2323

Website: www.hometownnews.biz Email: htnews@meltel.net www.facebook.com/hometownnews Published By

John and Lori Young

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

Ad & News Deadline

The deadline for news and advertising in the Hometown News is 5 P.M. MONDAY.

Sales Staff

• Jan Theisen Cell: 320-333-9774 Email: htnews2@albanytel.com • Lori Young Office: 320-285-2323 Cell: 612-597-2998 Email: htnews@meltel.net Website Hosting - John Young Office: 320-285-2323 Cell: 612-597-4499

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

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Mail to: Hometown News, 29442 120th St., Grey Eagle, MN 56336. email: htnews@meltel.net

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Anniversary open house, births, birthday open house, engagements, weddings and obituaries are free of charge for one publication. To have it published twice costs $10.

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

Subscriptions

The subscription rates for 13 weeks is $16.50 26 weeks is $33.00 52 weeks is $66.00 Mail to: Hometown News, 29442 120th St., Grey Eagle, MN 56336

Great stories make great management lessons

By Harvey Mackay President A b r a h a m Lincoln was once criticized for referring to the Confederates in kind terms.

A woman critic asked the President how he could speak generously of his enemies when he should rather destroy them.

“Why, Madam,” replied Lincoln, “Do I not destroy them when I make them my friends?”

The moral of the story: Keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer.

Few people have had the ability to tell stories to illustrate points like our 16th president. I love good stories that teach a lesson. Here are a few of my favorites.

Lesson 1: A sales rep, an assistant and their manager are walking to lunch

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when they find an antique oil lamp.

They rub it and a Genie comes out. The Genie says, “I’ll give each of you just one wish.”

“Me first!” says the assistant. “I want to be in the Bahamas, driving a speedboat, without a care in the world.”

Poof! She’s gone.

“Me next!” says the sales rep. “I want to be in Hawaii, relaxing on the beach with my personal masseuse, an endless supply of piña coladas and the love of my life.” Poof! He’s gone.

“OK, you’re up,” the Genie says to the manager. The manager says, “I want those two back in the office after lunch.”

Moral: Always let your boss have the first say.

Lesson 2: An old man, a boy and a donkey were going to town. The boy rode on the donkey and the old man walked. As they went along they passed some people who remarked it was a shame the old man was walking and the boy was riding. The man and boy thought maybe the critics were right, so they changed positions.

Later, they passed some people who remarked, “What a shame; he makes that little boy walk.” They then decided they both would walk!

Soon they passed some more people who thought they were stupid to walk when they had a decent donkey to ride.

So they both rode the donkey.

Now they passed people who shamed them by saying how awful to put such a load on a poor donkey. The boy and man said they were probably right, so they decided to carry the donkey. As

they crossed the bridge, they lost their grip on the animal, and he fell into the river and drowned.

Moral: You can’t please everyone, so don’t try.

Lesson 3: A frog asked two geese to take him south with them. At first they resisted; they didn’t see how it could be done. Finally, the frog suggested that the two geese hold a stick in their beaks and that he would hold on to it with his mouth.

So off the unlikely threesome went, flying south over the countryside. It was quite a sight. People looked up and expressed great admiration at this demonstration of creative teamwork.

Someone said, “It’s wonderful!

Who was so clever to discover such a fine way to travel?” Whereupon the frog opened his mouth and said, “It was I,” as he plummeted to the earth.

Moral: There is no “I” in team.

Lesson 4: An empress with no children decided to hold a competition to determine who would succeed her when she died. She summoned all the Harvey Mackay continued to pg 3

Upcoming Events

THURSDAY, MARCH 6 • Community Builders Meeting at 7 p.m. at Double R, Grey Eagle.

FRIDAY, MARCH 7 • Upsala Area Schools Kindergarten Roundup at 8:15 a.m.

SATURDAY, MARCH 8 • Central MN Heritage Club Winter Fun Day starting at 11 a.m., Heritage Grounds, Burtrum. See ad on page 9.

SUNDAY, MARCH 9 • Holdingford Firefighters Relief Assoc. Breakfast from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Holdingford Civic Center. See ad on page 5.

• Freeport Lions Club Breakfast from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church basement, Freeport.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12 • Swanville Elementary School Kindergarten Roundup from 8:30-11:15 a.m.

SUNDAY, MARCH 16 • St. Patrick’s Day Social, Celebration & Dinner from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church, Melrose.

MONDAY, MARCH 17 • Annual Swanville VFW Fish Fry from 5-8 p.m. at Red’s Irish Pub, Swanville.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19 • Grey Eagle Senior Center Monthly Membership Meeting at 11 a.m. at the Center.

• Freeport Community Center Chicken Fry from 4:30-7 p.m. at the Freeport Community Center.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26 • Grey Eagle Senior Center Potluck/ Bingo Party at 5 p.m. at the Center.

THURSDAY, MARCH 27 • Albany Area Schools’ Kindergarten Registration Night at 6:30 p.m. at the Avon Elementary cafeteria.

SATURDAY, MARCH 29 • Catholic Women & Men Spiritual Retreat at 9 a.m. at St. Joseph Church, St. Joseph.

SUNDAY, MARCH 30 • Bingo at 7:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church basement, Melrose.

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.

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

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

GREY EAGLE SENIORS • Exercise Classes every Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 9:30 a.m. at the Grey Eagle Senior Center.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Temperatures Date

2/26 2/27 2/28 3/1 3/2 3/3 3/4

High 15 -3 12 -7 -2 7 13

Low -9 -20 -9 -17 -18 -12 5

Friday

Partly cloudy.

High: 26 Low: -7

Weekend Weather Saturday

Sunday

Partly sunny.

High: 21 Low: 0

Partly sunny.

High: 35 Low: 23

Hometown News • Thursday, March 6, 2014 • Page 3

Card of Thanks

The family of Barbara Breth extends a warm and heartfelt thank you for all the prayers, love and support shown to us at the loss of our dearly loved mother.

Birth Announcements Andrew Gabriel Niedzwiecki

Family of Barbara Breth

Brian and Rebecca Niedzwiecki of Pierz are proud to announce the birth of their son, Andrew Gabriel Niedzwiecki, born February 26, 2014 at 5:58 p.m. at CentraCare HealthLong Prairie.

Andrew weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces.

Grandparents are Steven and Rebecca Neidzwiecki of Long Prairie and Edwin and Kelly Oldakowski of Little Falls.

To Submit a Card of Thanks the cost is $2.50 for the first 50 words, 10¢ for each additional word. MUST BE PREPAID. Mail to: Hometown News, 29442 120th St., Grey Eagle, MN 56336.

To be billed: a $5 minimum applies.

Harvey Mackay continued from page 2 children in the city to her palace and gave each one a seed. “Plant this seed, care for it, and in one year bring back the flower that grows from it. Whoever brings me the most beautiful flower will be the next empress.”

One young girl planted her seed in a pot and watered it every day, but nothing grew. At the end of the year she was devastated, but on the day set for inspection of the flowers she picked up her pot and carried it to the palace.

All the other children brought colorful, vibrant flowers, but the empress only glanced at them. She walked straight to the young girl and smiled. “All the seeds I gave you had been boiled and were dead. Only you were honest enough to bring back the original seed I gave you. You will be a

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just and wise empress.”

Moral: Tell the truth, even when it seems easier not to.

Great stories bring real life to essential lessons.

They illustrate difficult situations. With practice, you might be the next Aesop!

Mackay’s Moral: The real moral of this fable is that stories are a “fabulous” way to teach and learn!

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.”

Deans Heating & Cooling 320-573-4328

Kaylie Frances Bueckers

Randi Robasse and Dustin Bueckers of Melrose are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Kaylie Frances Bueckers, born Wednesday, February 26, 2014 at 6:09 p.m. at the CentraCare Health-Melrose Kaylie weighed 5 pounds, 8 ounces and measured 18 inches in length.

Welcoming Kaylie home is her big brother Landon Bueckers, 3 years.

Grandparents are Paula and Todd Roberts of Monticello, The Late Micheal Robasse of Annadale, Rita and Gerald Wiechmann of Freeport and Glen and Jennett Bueckers of Burtrum. Great grandparents are Nita and the late John Robasse of Buffalo, Dave and Sherry Larson of Monticello, Frances and the late Alphonse Borgerding and Bertilla and the late Edwin Bueckers.

Art Johnson Contruction Room Additions to full Home Construction

Licensed • Insured Bonded 320-285-5430 Grey Eagle, MN

Chris’ Country Store Tuxes

Get Ready For Prom!

New for 2014 CAMO JACKET

BOOK YOUR WEDDING NOW!

Let Chris Help You With Your Fresh or Silk Flowers & Tux Rentals!

GROOM’S TUX FREE WITH 5 RENTED TUXES.

Call 320-267-1342 or 320-285-2600

320-285-2600 • Grey Eagle Prices good Feb. 27-Mar. 8 Meat

From Our OWN Meat Room: Beef Chuck Beef Roast $3.89 lb.

Beef Chuck Steak $3.99 lb.

Olsen Herring Cutlets 16 oz. $3.99 Green Peak Chicken Breast 3 lb. $5.99 Frozen Mr. Dee’s Southern or Shredded Hash Browns or French Fries 24 oz. $2.59 Shurfine Mixed Vegetables, Peas, Green Beans or Corn 16 oz. $1.49 Fettings Frozen Bread 4-1 lb. Loaves $3.99 Swanson Chicken Pot Pie 7 oz. 99¢ Dean Country Fresh Ice Cream Bars 12 pk. $3.89 Land O Lakes Vanilla or New York Ice Cream 4 qt. $6.99

Dairy Bongards Sliced American Cheese 12 oz. $2.79 Country Crock Margarine 15 oz. $2.39 Shurfine Shredded Cheese Mozzarella & Cheddar 8 oz. $1.99 Produce Lg. Red Seedless Grapes $1.59 lb.

Dole Strawberries 1 lb. $2.49 Fancy Navel Oranges 89¢ lb.

Romaine Classic Lettuce 9 oz. $1.39 Grocery Shurfine Ketchup 24 oz. $1.29 Folgers Coffee for all coffee makers 11.3 oz. $4.09 Creamette Elbow Spaghetti or Macaroni 32 oz. $3.89

OPEN 7 DAYS: 6 AM-1 PM

Village Cafe

• Breakfast Specials (All Day) • Homemade Soups

• Fresh Ground Coffee

320-285-2800 • Grey Eagle

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

Sun.: 8 am-12 Noon

We accept Visa/MasterCard, EBT Card, WIC Household/Pet Best Value Toilet Paper 2 ply 4 rolls 99¢ Best Value Paper Towels 1 ct. 79¢ Best Value Facial Tissue 2 ply 160 ct. 99¢ Frequent Shopper Card

Get Your Card Today & Start Stamping!

Get a Stamp for each $5 spent!

When the card is full, redeem for the items below. Filled Cards are put in a monthly drawing for the Frequent Shopper Winner who receives a $20 Certificate to our store!

Frequent Shopper Items

Land O Lakes Vanilla or New York Ice Cream $5.99 w/a filled card

Green Peak Chicken Breast 3 lb. $4.99 w/a filled card

March Winner Steve Ahrens

Page 4 • Hometown News • Thursday, March 6, 2014

Lucille S. Raeker

Obituaries Agnes Elizabeth Sether A g n e s Elizabeth Sether was born April 2, 1924 to Carl Oscar and Anna Anderson on a farm in Antrim To w n s h i p , Watonwan County Minnesota. She grew up in the country there attending country school at age 6. When she was 7 they moved to a farm near Petersburg, MN where she attended country school again. When they moved back to the city of Jackson she attended the Jackson Public School in 1933, graduating in 1942. She was proud of her schooling and often talked about the small number of classmates and her long walks to and from the country schools as a small child.

When she graduated school she started working in the Rations Office for Jackson County. On October 5, 1942 she married Milton G. Schlager in the St. Wenceslaus Catholic church, now Church of the Good Shepherd, in Jackson. Milton and Agnes moved to Massachusetts from 1946 to 1947 where Milton was stationed with the Army, where she worked at H.H. Proctor as a sales clerk. They returned to Jackson and Agnes was a stay-at-home mom with two children. They continued to build their family. Milton and Agnes had 6 children they loved very much. She lost the love of her life when Milton died in 1959 and Agnes continued to live in their home with their six small children.

Agnes worked many jobs during her life in Jackson. Among them, she was a line worker at the Jackson Hemp Plant, sales clerk at JC Penney, bookkeeper at Kable Motor Company, secretary for Judge Kreger, Probate Court and clerk-typist for Jackson County Social Services. In most recent years she worked as a housekeeper for SMOC which she enjoyed immensely because of the friendships and camaraderie with her clients. Agnes was a member of the VFW Women’s Auxiliary, American

Legion Auxiliary and Jackson County Historical Society for many years.

On November 4, 1966 she married Clarence H. Sether, Jr. They and the four youngest of her children lived on the Sether family farm until he retired from farming due to health issues in about 1984.

Agnes and Clarence then moved back to Agnes’s home in Jackson. Clarence passed away in 1987 and Agnes continued to live at 401 Dewey Street until recently when she moved to Fairway Pines Assisted Living in Sauk Centre, MN. Although her stay there was short, she loved living there and enjoyed playing cards, bingo, puzzle books and dancing to the music entertainers provided there.

Agnes passed away peacefully Saturday, February 22, 2014 in hospice care at the Centra Care Hospital in Sauk Centre. She was proud of her family and looked forward to their visits. She loved life and especially spending time with her grandchildren as they grew up. Agnes kept every picture of every one of them she had ever received.

She is survived by her 6 children and their spouses: Mary (Robert) Packman, Lake City, MN, Barb (Richard, deceased) Edwards, Stewartville, MN, Janine (Michael) Kutter, Grey Eagle, MN, Janice (Alan) Oberloh, Worthington, MN, Betty (Kenneth) Herrig, Stewartville, MN and Robert Schlager, Spencer, IA, 13 grandchildren, 20great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren and one sister, Nancy (Charles) Frank, Montgomery, OH. She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, four sisters and three brothers. Mom, you will remain in our hearts forever.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2014 beginning at 1:30 pm at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Jackson with Father Brian Sutton officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services at the church.

Burial will take place at a later date in the Good Shepherd Cemetery in Jackson.

Lucille S. Raeker, age 88 of Melrose, died peacefully on Monday, March 3, 2014 at her home in Melrose, Minnesota.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 22 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose with Rev. Marvin Enneking officiating.

Inurnment will be at a later date at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls, Minnesota.

Friends and family may gather one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church in Melrose.

Lucille Sophia Humbert was born October 19, 1925 in Eden Valley, Minnesota to Herman and Pauline (Nathe) Humbert. She married John “Clarey” Raeker on October 1, 1946 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport. Lucille helped her husband at Raeker’s Grocery in Melrose. The couple has been a resident

Mark K. Varner

Mark K. Varner, age 48 of Sauk Centre, died unexpectedly on Thursday, February 27, 2014 at the Essentia Health St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, Minnesota.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 22 at the PattonSchad Funeral Home in Sauk Centre with Rev. Kyle Peterson officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date at Bear Head Union Cemetery in Pillsbury, Minnesota.

Friends may gather one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the funeral home.

Mark Kenneth Varner was born August 23, 1965 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was raised by Frederick and Marjorie

of Melrose since 1954. Prior to living in Melrose, they lived in Freeport for three years and in Rice for five years. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 101 and the Christian Mothers.

Lucille enjoyed cooking, gardening, playing cards, sewing, and spending time with family. She also enjoyed watching sports, especially, Twins baseball, basketball, and football.

Survivors include her husband, John “Clarey” Raeker of Melrose; daughter, Carol Lagermeier of Elk River; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; and daughter-in-law, Anne Raeker of Waite Park.

Lucille was preceded in death by her parents; son, Thomas Raeker, sisters, Rosemary Atkinson and Marcelle Ricker; and brother, Wilfred Humbert.

(Weaver) Varner. Mark was an over-theroad truck driver for many years; working for a few companies including St. Cloud Auto Transport. He also worked for Universal Construction Company in St. Cloud.

Mark enjoyed driving truck and giving Anita’s father a ride in the semi. He also enjoyed spending time with his fiancé and family.

Survivors include his fiancé, Anita Baumgard of Sauk Centre; children, Christopher and Dakota, both at home; parents, Fred and Marge of Alamo, Texas; brother, Bradley Varner of Fargo, North Dakota; sister, Tamara (Paul) Hamann of Wheaton; and Anita’s mother, Joyce Doege of Sauk Centre.

Mark was preceded in death by his grandparents; and Anita’s father, Virgil Doege.

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

BURTRUM Liquor On/Off Sale • Cashless ATM Pull Tabs • Lottery

Lenten Herbie’s Bar Fish Fry We Do Catering!

Sobieski, MN • 320-632-3442

Starting Friday, March 7 4:30-8:00 PM Fish, Shrimp, Aluski & All the Trimmings

$

9.50

Mon.-Thurs. 11 am-11 pm Fri.-Sat. 11 am-1 am; Sun. 3-8 pm

320-285-2196

Friday Lenten Specials

Corner Pub & Grill

• Weddings • Graduation • Special Occasions

• 6 Butterfly shrimp

Sat., March 8th

Special Food Orders To Go!

• Walleye Sandwich

serving 5-9 pm

includes choice of potato, coleslaw & toast with fries

Freeport, MN • 320-836-2120

Bar bingo at 1:30 pm jackpot is $699

Steak night will be back on Fridays after lent

poker run from 11 am - 11 pm

• WEEKLY SPECIALS • MONDAY: VALUE MEAL $5.25 TUESDAY 4:30-9 PM : CHICKEN FRY

Family Restaurant

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

320-845-2168 Kitchen Restaurant Hours: Monday - Thursday: 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.

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

Sunday: 6 a.m. - 9 p.m.

(All You Can Eat) $7.50 • Senior Price $7.00 • Kids 8 & under: $4.00

WEDNESDAY: (All You Can Eat) BBQ RIBS $8.99 THURSDAY 5-9 PM: Spaghetti $7.50 FRIDAY: (All You Can Eat) FISH FRY $7.99 (All You Can Eat) SHRIMP SPECIAL $8.99 SATURDAY 5-Close: 14 oz. PRIME RIB $15.99 8 oz. SIRLOIN STEAK & SHRIMP $13.99 SUNDAY: 3 MEAT SMORGASBORD $8.50 10:30-1:30 PM 2-Close: FULL BEEF COMMERCIAL $5.99 1/2 ORDER: $3.25 5-Close: 14 oz. PRIME RIB $15.99

Three Private Meeting Rooms Available Handling Groups of 20-150

Call for Info & Reservations

On/Off Sale • 320-547-2120 • Swanville, MN

Mon. - Fri.: 10 am - 2 am; Sat.: 9 am - 2 am; Sun.:11 am - 2 am

Live Music 9 PM - 1 AM

Sat., Mar 8: Loss 4 Words

Sat., Mar 15: St. Patty’s Day

Party & Costume Contest

Friday Lenten Specials: All You Can Eat Fish $9.95 -Or21 Shrimp Basket w/toast & Fries $6.45

Monday, March 17: Swanville VFW Fish Fry from 5-8 pm

Music by Country Crossing

Sunday Funday March 16: 2-4 pm Loss 4 Words (unplugged)

Monday, March 17: 5-8 pm

Honkey Tonk Healers

Hometown News • Thursday, March 6, 2014 • Page 5

Dave Says -By Dave Ramsey Dear Dave, How do you feel about gambling at a casino, as long as you limit your spending and don’t expect to win big money?

-Brian Dear Brian, I don’t really have a moral problem with it, but I don’t understand the concept. Call me crazy, but I do not get a thrill from losing money I’ve worked hard to earn. That’s not my idea of entertainment.

When someone tells me they gamble for fun or recreation, my first thought is they’re delusional enough to believe that they’ll actually win— that they think they’re the exception to the rule. Otherwise, there would be no thrill. You may see a news story once in a while about someone winning big money in a casino, but that rarely happens. Think, too, about how much money those people had flushed down the toilet previously while gambling.

There’s a really good chance they didn’t really “win” anything. In most cases, they probably just recouped a small portion of their previous, substantial losses.

My advice is don’t waste your time and money on that stuff. One way or another, the house always wins. That’s how they’re able to build those giant, billion dollar places called casinos. Did you know that some of those companies are so big and expansive that they’re publicly traded entities? And guess what? The profits they make off people who are foolish enough to gamble their

THE JUNCTION Convenience Store • Bait Open 7 days a week Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Cold Spring Bakery • Schaefer’s Meats Leanin’ Tree Gift Cards • DVDs

money away inside their fancy halls— and call that entertainment—drives their stock prices!

Think about it, Brian. Why do all the folks sitting at slot machines and card tables look like they can’t afford to lose money? Most of them look like sad, broken, lonely people. Maybe they change when they sit down. Maybe they were winners in life and with money before they walked through the doors, and their slumped body language and the look of stress and hopelessness they carry is just a coincidence or the indoor lighting. But I don’t think so.

-Dave Dear Dave, What happens to the money in an ESA if the child gets a scholarship and no longer needs the money?

-Jonathan Dear Jonathan, In an Educational Savings Account (ESA), and in a 529 Plan, you are allowed to pull out money tax free in the amount of the scholarship. But very rarely do you find someone going to college completely free and clear. Often tuition is covered, and even tuition and a dorm room in some cases, but zero-cost college is almost unheard of. There are always living expenses, books and other miscellaneous items, and you can use the money in an ESA for any educationrelated expenses.

The chances of your money getting trapped and you as parents winding up in a situation where you’ve actually saved too much and a child has leftover money just doesn’t happen. This is a bunch of drama found only in the nightmares of nerds. Real human beings don’t have this problem, Jonathan, because nobody ever saves enough!

-Dave * Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business.

He’s authored four New York Times best-selling books: Financial Peace, More Than Enough, The Total Money Makeover and EntreLeadership. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 6 million listeners each week on more than 500 radio stations. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey.com.

320-285-2484 • Grey Eagle

Historic Rock Tavern & Eatery The Last Great Tavern Since 1937!

320-285-3576 Located on Big Birch Lake, Grey Eagle

Make your St. Patrick’s Weekend Reservations Now! Saturday Tuesday: Rib Basket $ 7.00

Wednesday: Wings Special $ 5.95

Thursday: Bruno’s Chef Special

Friday Fish Fry Buffet $ 8.95

Mon. Closed • Tues.-Fri. Open at 3 PM • Sat. & Sun. Open at Noon

Friday Lenten Specials Serving • 5-9 PM All You Can Eat Fish.... $6.50 21 Shrimp...................... $5.50 Grilled Shrimp.......... $9.95 12 oz. Ribeye............ $8.95

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

Chicken Buffet

Sunday

Taco Buffet

Voted Best Dining View The Fireplace Is Always On! Full Menu Available

Saturday, March 8

St. Rosa Jaycee’s Chili Cook Off

5-7 PM: 1st Place $100 2nd Place $50 • 3rd Place $25 Call for details!

Last Stop Poker Fun Run!

BIG T

March: Drink of the Month Kinky Blue or Kinky Pink for $3.00 Busch Light 24 pk. cans $14.00 + tax

Nacham and Shub (Repentance)

By Sheila Ripplinger True repentance begins with acknowledging that we have done wrong and we are genuinely sorry for our sins and our wrongdoings.

Nacham is a Hebrew word that means to be sorry, coinciding with the word Shub, which means to turn back and return to God. Metanoeo is the Greek word for repent which means to change one’s mind for better, heartily to amend with abhorrence of one’s past sins.

Today, we struggle with perceiving the true definition of repentance not because we do not know Hebrew or Greek, but because we are taught to put the blame for our sinful behaviors on our life circumstances, or on others.

We are not taught to take responsibility for our own actions and bad choices. When we play along with that false rationale, we cannot fully realize our need to repent. We cannot be sincerely sorry for our wrongs we have committed, or grasp our actual need to repent and receive forgiveness.

We think we are somehow excused from our personal part in the bad decisions which led to our sin and our troubles. We are then given permission to not make any changes and stay stuck in the miserable condition of regrets and self pity.

Authentic repentance means to go on a journey to Calvary. Kneel at the foot of the cross, look up at the Savior who hung there in your place, bleeding and dying with open arms because of your sins, and be remorseful for what you have done. Jesus has open arms yet today; although He is very much alive!

Accept His love and His forgiveness and change direction- turning away from sin and toward a Holy and Just God!

Not one of us can honestly appreciate and have a true love for Jesus until we personally comprehend His purpose for coming to save us. We cannot compare ourselves with others when we stand before Jesus -Not now and not when He returns at the sound of the trumpet! If you have not acknowledged that you are in need of a Savior, possibly because you have not done anything that bad, maybe you should learn about the pharisees and religious leaders of Jesus’ day. He called them hypocrites and whitewashed tombs because they prided themselves in their goodness and loftiness and fancy robes. Our Lord Jesus is not impressed with outward show.

Not one of us will escape the coming Judgement. Will you be freed on that Day because you faithfully repented and accepted Jesus’ forgiveness? Or will you stand condemned because you listened to the world instead of God’s Word?

We must quit making excuses, change our minds for the better, and return to God! A true repentance! Be ready!

Acts 3:19~ ‘Repent, then, and turn to God, so your sins may be wiped out.’

Job 42:6~ ‘Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.’

Holdingford Firefighters Relief Association

BREAKFAST

Sun., March 9 • 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM

At the Holdingford Civic Center Menu includes: Eggs, Ham, Sausage, Hashbrowns, Pancakes, Fruit, etc.

- Free Will Donation -

Saturday, March 8

SHOCKWAVE DJ

1st Annual

2 Miles North of Grey Eagle on Hwy. 28, then Right on Co. Rd. 103 on Mound Lake • 320-285-4541

Friday Night Happy Hour

Lent Menu Starts Friday, March 7th

9-11 PM: $2.50 Bottle of Beer

2 Busch Light - Tap $ 2 Rail Drinks • FREE Jukebox! $

Linda B’s St. Rosa • 836-2152 MONDAY: PIZZA & Pitcher of Beer/Pop TUESDAY (Free Coffee for Seniors) CHICKEN FRY w/Real Mashed Potatoes, Gravy & All the Extras!

WEDNESDAY PASTA NIGHT THURSDAY Delicious BBQ RIBS & CHICKEN

CROW HUNT Saturday, March 15 Sign Up @ Shipwrex!

Jaycees Chili Cook-Off March 8th 5-7 PM. Call or Stop In for Details!

Serving 5-10 PM • EVENING

Friday Lenten Specials

SPECIALS

Saturday

PRIME RIB BAKED & DEEP FRIED PAN FRIED FISH & SHRIMP SMORGASBORD CHICKEN WALLEYE & RIBS w/Soup & Salad Bar (Free Coffee for Seniors)

Back Room Available For Parties!

Double R

Bar & Grill

Serving 5-9 PM • Includes Choice of Potato & Salad Bar THURSDAY CHICKEN & RIBS $ 10.95 8 oz. Ground Sirloin $9.95

Grey Eagle • 320-285-2965 www.doublerbarandgrill.com

Noon Lunch Specials Fri., Mar. 7: Grilled Tuna Melt or Hot Beef Sandwich Sat., Mar. 8: Prime Rib Burger Sun., Mar. 9: Bar Opens at Noon; Kitchen at 3 PM Porterhouse, 1/4 or 1/2 Chicken, Pork Chop Mon., Mar. 10: Potato Pancakes & Ham Tues., Mar. 11: Meatball Dinner Wed., Mar. 12: $5 Menu 11 AM-9 PM Thurs., Mar. 13: BBQ Ribs

St. Patrick’s Day Specials March 17

Pan Fried Walleye

Serving 5-9 PM

MONDAY Taco Bar $5.75 or Irish Italian Spaghetti $7.95 TUESDAY BURGER NIGHT $1.50 Serving 11 AM-9 PM

FRIDAY LENTEN SPECIALS

8 oz. Salmon Filet w/Rice Pilaf.... $13.95 Cod Deep Fried or Broiled................. $8.95 Broiled Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo.. $9.95 20 oz. Porterhouse................... $16.95

SATURDAY PRIME RIB.................... $15.95 Sirloin & Shrimp............. $14.95 Ribs............................ $12.95 Walleye Broiled or Deep Fried..... $12.95

5 WEDNESDAY

$

SUNDAY 20 oz. Porterhouse.... $16.95 10 oz. Pork Chop....... $11.95 1/2 Chicken.............. $8.95 1/4 Chicken.............. $6.95

5 Hamburger, 1/4 Chicken or Shrimp Baskets, $ 5 Wings, $5 Nachos or Quesadillas

$

Page 6 • Hometown News • Thursday, March 6, 2014

Community Snapshots

On Friday, February 28, Long Prairie-Grey Eagle Elementary held its final event for I Love To Read Month. Parents, grandparents and special friends were invited to Long Prairie-Grey Eagle Elementary School to read and enjoy donuts with their students. The First Annual Breakfast and Books Event attracted about 250 adults into the elementary school to listen to and read to the elementary children. Other events held during the month of February were dress up days which included shirts with words and dressing like your favorite book character, all day reads, mystery readers, mystery authors, Drop Everything and Read time and a special video created with staff members reading a children’s book. Submitted by Tammy Cebulla.

EMAIL US YOUR PHOTOS! • htnews@meltel.net

The Upsala 9th grade knowledge bowl team “Vague Ideas” took third place in the 2014 round robin competition. They competed at three meets in January and February against 57 teams from 14 schools. They were presented the third place trophy on February 28 in Staples. Pictured are (front from left) Noelle Kedrowski and Rachel Prom; (back) Ben Blonigen, Joshua Schlumpberger, and Parker Barth. Submitted by Jennifer Henry.

Are you stressed? Mindful meditation can change your life Learn ways to manage the demands and stress you face in life by participating in an eight-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction course from 6-8:30 p.m. Tuesday evenings, March 18 - May 6 in the Meditation Chapel at CentraCare Health Plaza. Use the Woodlands entrance. There will be an all-day retreat from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday, April 26.

This clinically proven program, designed to help you live life with in-

creased contentment, can be especially helpful to those who experience: anxiety and depression, attention deficits, chronic pain and illness, cardiac disease, the demands of care-giving, grief, life transitions, spiritual emptiness and all who find it difficult to establish balance in their everyday lifestyles.

For more information or to register, call Patsy Murphy at 320-290-2155 or email patsymurphy@mac.com.

Kutter Insurance Agency FOR ALL YOUR INSURANCE NEEDS!

Insuring cars, homes, boats, farms & recreational vehicles for the past 20 years!

107 Main Street, Grey Eagle

kutterinsuranceagency.com Michael W. Kutter • Janine L. Kutter 320-285-2299 • 800-955-6051

Village View Apartments in Grey Eagle

Low Income Elderly or Disabled Section 8 Subsidized • Rent is 30% of income after medical deductions.

• Electric heat.

• Free cable.

• Elevator and Accessible Entry door openers.

• Well maintained by caretakers who care.

• Raised Gardens.

• Controlled Access entrance door locks.

• GRRL Collection on site.

• Community room with kitchen for large gatherings.

•Mail delivery and pick-up in building.

• Two laundry rooms, craft room, three lobby areas for visiting.

• Many on-site services such as Todd County Health, housekeeping and meals from the senior center.

• Air conditioned halls and public areas.

• Friendly residents.

• Church services.

• Homemaker Meetings.

• Monthly Birthday Parties.

On Site Hair Salon for Tenants!

Equal Housing Opportunity

Garages when available

A brave group of teachers from Long Prairie Elementary endured the frigid temperatures on February 23rd to participate in the Minnesota Polar Bear Plunge in Alexandria, MN. Chelsea Swenson, Maressa Rousslange, Mike Evans, and Merrie Breitenfeldt raised over $1500 for Special Olympics. This program supports LPGE students with mental or physical disabilities and gives them a chance to participate in a range of sporting competitions. The Polar Bear Plunge, presented by Minnesota law enforcement as part of the year-round Law Enforcement Torch Run® events to benefit Special Olympics, is a unique opportunity for individuals, organizations and businesses to support Special Olympics athletes by jumping into frigid Minnesota waters. It consists of 16 different events that take place across Minnesota during the coldest months of the year. From January through March, the Plunge crew travels around the state to 16 different communities with one goal in mind: raise funds for Special Olympics Minnesota!

Melrose City Meat Market Recycle Aluminum Cans at the Grey Eagle Senior Center.

Call Harry Grammond 1-320-285-2752 or grammond @meltel.net or 308 Cedar Street N., Grey Eagle, MN 56336

Grey Eagle Housing Association is an Equal Housing Opportunity Provider

315 Main St. • Next to the Dam Bar Under New Ownership: George Kuhlmann & Marilyn Gaebel

Venison & Beef Processing

Summer Sausage, Breakfast Links, Smoked Bacon, Ham, Sirloin, Flat Iron, T-Bones ... All the Specialty Steaks!

320-256-3750

See Us for All Your Venison Processing Needs Mon.-Fri. 8-5:30 Sat. 8-Noon

Beth Thieschafer Accounting Ltd. 320-256-7374

Beth Thieschafer, EA

Income Tax Returns Electronic Tax Filing Corporate Tax Returns Wage Tax Returns Payroll Services Bookkeeping Services

317 East Main St., Melrose • www.thieschaferaccounting.com

Hometown News • Thursday, March 6, 2014 • Page 7

Minnesota Through The Lens:

Albany 6th grade purple takes 1st place in the St. Cloud SCAYBA tournament on Feb. 22-23, 2014. Pictured are (front from left) Kily Kotzer, Brooke Schleicher, Olivia Haakonson, Jennifer Goehring and Coach Sherry Schneider; (back) Coach Chad Davey, Rachel Neu, Abby Davey, Becca Ostendorf, Kaiya Schneider and Alexis Studniski.

Swanville January Athletes of the Month Swanville She has been a High School is consistent repleased to an- bounder for our nounce its Janu- team, leading ary Athletes the team in this of the Month: category.

She Cody Moll- has also played ner for Boys’ solid defense in Basketball and the post for us.

Nikki Primus Nikki is a true for Girls’ Bas- team player and ketball. will do whatever C o a c h e s ’ it takes to see the C o m m e n t s : team succeed. “ S w a n v i l l e Congratulations Boys’ Basket- Nikki!” - Coach ball is pleased to announce Cody Moll- Aaron Gapinski ner as January’s Athlete of the Month.

Congratulations Cody and Nikki!

Cody is 1 of 3 seniors on the squad this season and is a 2 year starter for the Bulldogs.

Cody is a ‘quiet’ leader, averaging 9.3 points and 7 rebounds on the year.

One of the best qualities Cody has, is that he lisBETTER SERVICE. BETTER SAVINGS. BETTER VALUE. tens to whatever we ask him to do, and he does Come to American Family Insurance and take advantage of our new lineup of discounts. it without question. He Contact me today for a competitive insurance quote. proves to be a huge facYour dream is out there. Go get it. We’ll protect it. tor in the playoff run for the Bulldogs at the end Cori Ahles Agency, Inc. of the year. Congratula161 4th Street tions to Cody Mollner, Albany, MN 56307 Boys’ Basketball Athlete (320) 845-4447 of the Month. - Coach www.coriahlesagency.com Jay Loven “My January Athlete of the Month is Senior Nikki Primus. Nikki was American Family Mutual Insurance Company, American Family Insurance Company, named captain and is a American Standard Insurance Company of Ohio, American Standard Insurance Company of Wisconsin.

6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 ©2013 007390 – 6/13 true leader for the girls.

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Oldest & Most Experienced Houle Dealer in Central MN! www.hartungsales.com

Submitted by: Richard Ohmann

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

Deadline for Next Thursday’s Paper is Monday, March 10

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Echo Dealer

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• Tire Changes • Oil Changes

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Page 8 • Hometown News • Thursday, March 6, 2014

STRANGE BREED by Steve Langille

Notes from the Capitol By State Rep. Paul Anderson

Thought for Surplus should be used to repeal taxes, the week:

bolster reserves

The muchanticipated February budget forecast was released last Friday, and state officials were clearly impressed with the strength of Minnesota’s economy.

All three major areas of tax revenue personal and corporate income, along with the sales tax, came in above forecast. Our unemployment rate of 6.4 percent is also markedly below the national average. The surplus in state coffers surged over $400 million in the past few months to stand at roughly $1.2 billion.

As could be expected with such a surplus, a variety of methods to spend our new-found wealth have surfaced.

Many of the ideas are good, but we shouldn’t go on a wild spending spree just because our economy is on the upswing. First and foremost, should be the retroactive repeal of the sales tax on commercial repairs, including those of farm equipment. Put into effect last July, the tax on the labor portion of equipment repairs has been costly for those who have had to make use of those services.

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businesses or younger farmers who may not be able to afford shiny new equipment that breaks down less often and is under warranty.

Repealing the three “business-tobusiness” taxes, along with moving our state to conformity with federal income tax laws, would cost around $600 million in lost revenue. That lost revenue must be booked as expenditure, so it appears to be new spending. It’s really just returning money back to Minnesota taxpayers that had been collected though those aforementioned taxes, which shouldn’t have been put in place anyway.

I also think we should raise the amount we have set aside in reserve.

Currently, the state’s cash flow reserve and rainy day funds account for about $1 billion, an amount that hasn’t been raised in at least the past ten years. And with our state budget increasing during that same time, the percentage of reserve funds has actually decreased somewhat.

Some economists call for a doubling of the size of our reserve funding. I don’t think we should go that far, but a more moderate increase is warranted.

I think all Minnesotans would agree that winter can release its grip anytime.

Starting with cold weather in December that led, in part, to the propane shortage,

Love is a force more formidable than any other.

It is invisible - it cannot be seen or measured, yet it is powerful enough to transform you in a moment, and offer you more joy than any material possession could.

-Barbara de Angelis

extremely cold and windy conditions have persisted throughout the winter.

Both January and February were colder than normal, and the count of belowzero days is still increasing. It sounds as if we’ll get some relief from the brutally cold conditions of this past weekend, and it will arrive none too soon.

The Twin Cities area has more snow than we do. The last storm a couple of weeks back really hit the metro area and points to the east and south with, first rain, and then heavy snow followed by plummeting temps. It took days to remove most of the compacted ice from road surfaces. Around these parts, the consistently high winds have been more of a problem. Many stretches of our roads are lined with high ridges of drifted snow, and when those winds are blowing, drifting snow and low visibilities are problems in those areas.

Rep. Anderson can be contacted by email at rep.paul.anderson@house. mn or by phone at 651-296-4317. To receive email updates sign-up on his webpage at www.house.mn/13a.

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Fear comes from many different sources. It can be a person or a place.

Sometimes it erupts when everything seems calm and serene. Often it seems to grip us when we know we are in the center of God’s will, doing God’s work and trusting that we are doing it in His way. All of us have those moments of being jolted by uncertainty and feelings of insecurity.

It was no different with David. In Psalm 6 it begins with a statement that suggests that he is trying to deflect God’s wrath. “Oh Lord,” he cries, “do not rebuke me in your anger!” Does this suggest that he is afraid of being punished for some sin he has committed? Or might he fear God’s judgment for something he did in the past while he was still a sinner? Could it be that he is afraid to ask for healing as he was going through a time of sickness?

He admits to “being weak,” his “bones being troubled” and his soul being “greatly troubled.” He really needed help as all of us do from time to time.

But notice what he did: he did not focus on his pain and problems, he focused on the mercy of God! “Have mercy on me!” he cried. He needed God’s help! And in the midst of his fear - whether it was his sickness or some sin from the past that haunted him - he had full confidence in God’s mercy and believed that He would hear him and heal him.

When we are overwhelmed by the issues of life, only our faith in God’s mercy and power can restore us.

Hometown News • Thursday, March 6, 2014 • Page 9

Local Municipality Minutes Melrose City January 23, 2014 The Melrose City Council met in a Regular Meeting on Thursday, January 23, 2014 at 6:00p.m. at the Melrose City Center pursuant to due notice being given thereof. Present were Council Members Jenny Mayers, Dick Christenson, Joe Finken, and Tony Klasen, Mayor Tim Vogel, City Administrator Michael Brethorst, and HR Coordinator Diane Gruber. Mayor Vogel presided thereat.

The Council then recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

A motion was made by Mr. Finken, seconded by Mr. Klasen and unanimously carried to approve the agenda as amended.

Mayor Vogel stated that he had received a text from a Melrose resident complimenting City staff for the good job of snowplowing.

Council Member Christenson expressed his thanks to Christy Berscheit for her years of service with the City of Melrose.

The following items were considered for approval under the Consent Agenda: a. the minutes from the Council’s January 2 Regular Meeting. b. list of bills in the amount of $1,051,763.50. c. list of investments for the month of December 2013. d. Gambling Resolutions: 1) Resolution No. 2014-6, Resolution Approving Gambling License to the Church of St. Mary’s for an exemption from lawful gambling license to conduct a bingo on Sunday, March 30, 2014 at 211 5th Avenue SE in Melrose; 2) Resolution No. 20147, Resolution Approving Gambling License to the Church of St. Mary’s for an exemption from lawful gambling license to hold a raffle on June 28, 2014 at the Sauk River Park, 206 5th Avenue NE in Melrose; 3) Resolution No. 2014-8, Resolution Approving Gambling License to the Church of St. Mary’s for an exemption from lawful gambling license to hold a raffle on December 31, 2014 at 211 5th Avenue SE, Melrose.

A motion was made by Mrs. Mayers, seconded by Mr. Christenson and unanimously carried to approve the Consent Agenda items.

Mayor Vogel called the Public Hearing to order at 6:05 p.m.

He reported that, consistent with the Wellhead Protection Rule (part 4720.5330, subpart 7), a Public Information Meeting was scheduled for this evening to discuss issues and concerns with this portion of the Plan. He stated that the public hearing was for the purpose of gathering input and taking testimony relating to the process of amending the Wellhead Protection Plan for its drinking water supply wells. As required by the Minnesota Wellhead Protection Rule (part 4720.5330, subpart 6), the Minnesota Department of Health has recently approved the amended Part 1 of the Wellhead Protection Plan for our system. This portion of the plan includes information pertaining to: 1. The delineation of the wellhead protection area; 2. The drinking water supply management area boundary, and 3. The well and drinking water supply management area vulnerability assessment.

City Administrator Brethorst presented the Affidavit of Publication of the Hearing Notice which was published in the Melrose Beacon on January 8, 2014.

There was no public input at the public hearing; the hearing was closed at 6:07 p.m.

Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) Executive Director Ernie Kociemba reported that the Authority continues to be in good financial health.

Mel Roehrl, HRA Chairman, presented the Public Housing Assessment System Score Report of which 100 out of 100 points were received.

Fire Chief Jeremy Kraemer reviewed the Fire Department Semi- Annual/Year-End Report and presented the 2015 proposed budget that will be presented to Area Township and City Officials on February 20.

Ambulance Coordinator Jenn Tschida presented the Ambulance Department Semi-Annual/YearEnd Report noting that there were a total of 660 runs in 2014 which is an increase of 65 runs from 2013.

She reported that the net income is up from prior years. Over $130,000 was not collected because of Medicare/Medicaid adjustments. Ms. Tschida also noted that for individuals not subject to Medicare/Medicaid assignment, we are able to collect some funds through the Revenue Recapture Program.

Police Sergeant Craig Maus presented the Melrose Police Reserves Semi-Annual Report noting that the Reserves continue to do ride along on a regular basis to maintain their required hours. He reported that the Reserves assisted with traffic control during the Minidazzle parade. There were no home football games, therefore, no activity at the school. The Reserves currently have two members. Recruitment efforts are being pursued.

Police Chief John Jensen presented the Police Department’s December report. He noted that a total of 21 citations were issued in the month of December. There were 109 verbal warnings and five written warnings. Chief Jensen stated there were 158 calls for service during this month compared to 170 for December of 2012. The year-to-date number of calls is 2680 compared to 2743 in 2012. For the month of December 2013, the Department received nine agency assist calls.

Planning and Development Director Walz reported on the Commission’s January 16 Regular Meeting. He noted that the Commission had reviewed the Fourth Quarter/ Year End Building Permit Summary Log, again discussed its desire to be entrusted with the City’s parks and recreation-related responsibilities, addressed without recommendation the residential encroachment matter on 1st Street SE appearing later on the Council’s agenda, and heard an update by Director Walz on the progress for the provision by park owners of storm shelters for the City’s two privately-owned home parks. The Commission also heard Director Walz’s update on a reader board sign request expected to be received in the near future from St. Mary’s Church and School and a potential pending conditional use permit request anticipated from Verizon Wireless LLC. It presented recently retired former Commission Member Henry Ahrens, who was in attendance, with a certificate of appreciation for his 20 years of service.

City Attorney Scott Dymoke reported on projects he has been working on for the City.

• CentraCare: Park Lease. Reviewed amendment to park lease from CentraCare. Forwarded to City staff with recommendation to execute amendment and return to CentraCare.

• Verizon Tower Lease. Participated in conference call with City staff and Verizon representatives to review and discuss terms of lease on north tower site.

• Rose Park. Mr. Dymoke re-

HOME OF PIONEER FEEDS

ALBANY

ported that he participated in negotiations with City staff, County staff, and Jeff Bonner of stipulated agreement concerning improvement of conditions at Rose Park. Also attended hearing on stipulation to obtain approval by District Court.

Consideration was given to approval of the following renewal liquor license applications: 1) Intoxicating Liquor: (a) License #1 Scott Wiehoff DBA Scooter’s Tavern, On and Off Sale, License #5 Sunday On Sale; (b) License #2 LKMTA Inc. DBA Anthems @ MP’s, On Sale; (c) License #3 Melrose Bowl Inc. DBA Melrose Bowl, On Sale, and License #3 – Sunday On Sale; (d) License #4 The Dam, Inc. DBA The Dam Bar, On Sale, License #2 Off Sale, License #4 – Sunday On Sale; (e) License #5 Melrose Place LLC DBA Middy’s Bar, On Sale, License #3 Off Sale, License #7 Sunday On Sale ; (f) License #4 LQR, Inc. DBA SPIRITZ Off Sale Liquor, Off Sale; (g) License #6 Meadowlark Country Club, On Sale, and License #2 Sunday On Sale; (h) License #7 Ana Hernandez DBA El Portal, On Sale, License #6 Sunday On Sale; (i) License #5 Coborn’s Inc. DBA Coborn’s Liquor, Off Sale.

2) Club and Sunday On Sale: (a) License #1 American Legion Post #101, Club On Sale License, and License #1 Sunday On Sale.

3) Wine License: (a) License #1 John Dough’s Pizza,Wine License & 3.2% On Sale Malt Liquor; (b) License #2 Martinez Meat & Grocery, 3.2% On Sale Malt Liquor.

4) 3.2% Off Sale Malt Liquor License: (a) License #1 Martinez Meat & Grocery, 3.2% Off Sale Malt Liquor .

All applications must be executed, fees paid, and certificates of insurance as to liquor liability coverage obtained for Council approval.

Minnesota law requires cities to obtain proof that all licensees provide workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. The City must also obtain licensees’ social security numbers, and Minnesota and federal tax identification numbers for the Department of Revenue’s use.

All of the Off Sale Intoxicating Liquor License applications must be signed by the Police Chief. There are no delinquent taxes on any of the properties as verified on the Minnesota Alcohol licensing website and Stearns County website.

The licenses will be effective March 1, 2014 to March 1, 2015.

A motion was made by Mr. Finken approving the liquor license renewal applications contingent upon receipt of all necessary documentation and payment of all necessary fees. The motion was seconded

by Mrs. Mayers with a roll call vote recorded as follows: For: Council Members Finken, Mayers, Christenson, and Klasen; Against: None; Abstain: Mayor Vogel due to a potential conflict of interest.

City Administrator Brethorst reported that the City of Melrose leases it copiers from Marco on five-year contracts. They also provide service and maintenance for all of the printers and copiers in the office. There is currently one color printer in the office that is approximately nine years old which cost upwards of $1,800 for cleaning, ink and paper. The total monthly copier and ink is approximately $790 a month under current budget. City Administrator Brethorst proposed that the City amend its current contract with Marco and eliminate the use of three stand-alone printers and replace it with one larger col-

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of $31,000. The remaining funds will remain in the vehicle set-aside funds.

The Utilities Commission, at its January 13 meeting, approved the purchase of the 2014 Ford Edge K4G from John Weise Ford. A motion was made by Mr. Finken, seconded by Mrs. Mayers and unanimously carried concurring with the Commission to purchase the 2014 Ford Edge K4G from John Weise Ford.

Mike Nielsen of the City’s engineering firm WSB presented a proposal for the City’s participation in the WSB Pavement Management Work Plan program. If implemented by the City, the Plan would assist it in properly phasing the City’s street maintenance program. The Plan would contain an Overall Condition Index of all streets and trail segments, a recommendation for street maintenance intervals, and a budget analysis associated with that maintenance.

In addition, the Plan would be used to update the Five Year Capital Improvement Plan and assist in scheduling street projects within budgeted cash balances. According to Mr. Nielsen, this balanced approach would allow the City to determine the best time lines to follow for future maintenance and possibly total reconstruction projects. Mr. Nielsen estimates the development cost for the Plan to be

$23,745 which does not include the collection of maps and similar data.

This collecting of map and similar data can be performed by staff to curtail additional Plan-related costs.

He also noted that for the Plan to be utilized effectively an annual update at an approximate cost of $2,000 is necessary.

It was the consensus of the Council to table action until additional information is gathered.

City Administrator Brethorst reported that in conjunction with the proposed City of Melrose Pavement Management Plan, a map review and data analysis needed to be conducted. It is anticipated that this data collection and map creation will take anywhere between 50 to 100 hours to complete. Due to current workloads, City staff is unable to perform the duties. He also reported that due to the estimated labor cost by WSB, it is cost-prohibitive to contract this out to them. City Administrator Brethorst recommended that the City partner with St. Cloud Technical and Community College (SCTCC) to secure an intern to perform this work. The intern would gather the data and create a map set for this project. Most of the work would be completed via web; however, some paper reviews will be needed. City Administrator Brethorst reported that the estimated cost for this is

Continued to Pg 10

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NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING FOR GREY EAGLE TOWNSHIP

Notice is given to residents of Grey Eagle Township, Todd County, that the Annual Meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 11, 2014. In case of inclement weather, the meeting will be postponed to the third Tuesday, March 18, 2014. The Annual Meeting will be held at 8:00 PM to conduct any necessary business prescribed by law.

The Annual Meeting will be held at The Grey Eagle Town Hall, 212 East State Street, Grey Eagle, Minnesota.

Mary Ann Primus, Clerk, Grey Eagle Township

Burnhamville Township Residents Notice of Annual Meeting and Election of Officers March 11, 2014

Notice is hereby given to qualified voters of Burnhamville Township, County of Todd, and State of Minnesota, that the Election of Officers and Annual Town Meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 11, 2014 at the Burtrum Community Center. The election hours will be from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Offices to be voted on include: One supervisor for a three year term and One clerk for a two year term.

The Annual Meeting will begin at 8:20 p.m. to conduct all necessary business. The Board of Canvas will be held after the meeting.

In case of inclement weather the election and meeting will be held March 18, 2014, same time and place.

Shirley Hulinsky, Clerk

The City of Upsala is seeking candidates

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or copier/printer. He reported that Marco is proposing to provide this copier as part of the City’s monthly budgeted cost of $833 a month; this is an increase of $43 a month above the current budget, or a 5% increase.

The City will save on the cost of energy used throughout the year plus be able to produce color copies in the office at $.17 a page versus approximately $.50 a page when contracted outside of the office.

A motion was made by Mr. Christenson, seconded by Mr. Klasen and unanimously carried to approve amending the contract and leasing the color copier.

City Administrator Brethorst reported on the replacement of the 2000 Dodge Dakota pickup truck.

The Dodge is in need of a new transmission. Due to the estimated cost for repair, it was recommended to be replaced. The Dodge is still drivable so it will be reassigned to the Fire Department to use as a temporary command vehicle.

City Administrator Brethorst reported that after reviewing the state bid for vehicles, it is recommended to purchase a 2014 Ford Edge K4G for a cost of approximately $28,393. This would be paid from both the 30% General Fund and 70% Utilities Funds. He reported that a second bid was received from John Weise Ford for the same vehicle at a cost of $27,691 which is $3,309 under the budgeted amount

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Page 10 • Hometown News • Thursday, March 6, 2014

Upsala Girls Basketball

February 27: Upsala 65 • St Johns 59 Name Pts Rebs Blocks Steals Brooke Westrich 15 7 1 1 Kendra Lange 0 0 0 0 Katlin Welinski 9 6 1 1 Katie Ripplinger 6 4 0 3 Danica Cheney 3 1 1 1 Kristen Wuebkers 0 0 0 0 Sara Herzog 8 2 0 1 Jessie Evoniuk 0 0 0 0 Kiley Smieja 7 5 0 2 Mariah Prokott 2 4 0 0 Lacey Brezinka 0 0 0 0 Alyssa Kulla 0 0 0 0 Kaelin Smieja 15 2 0 0 February 28: Upsala 66 • LPGE 63 Name Pts Rebs Blocks Steals Brooke Westrich 9 5 0 5 Kendra Lange 0 0 0 0 Katlin Welinski 6 2 0 1 Katie Ripplinger 6 6 0 9 Danica Cheney 2 4 0 1 Kristen Wuebkers 0 0 0 0 Sara Herzog 14 8 0 3 Jessie Evoniuk 0 0 0 0 Kiley Smieja 15 10 0 0 Mariah Prokott 2 0 0 0 Lacey Brezinka 0 0 0 0 Alyssa Kulla 0 0 0 0 Kaelin Smieja 13 6 0 0 March 3: Upsala 52 • Parkers Prairie 56 Name Pts Rebs Blocks Steals Brooke Westrich 4 4 0 1 Kendra Lange 0 0 0 0 Katlin Welinski 8 7 0 0 Katie Ripplinger 6 1 0 1 Danica Cheney 6 1 0 1 Kristen Wuebkers 2 1 0 1 Sara Herzog 5 2 0 4 Jessie Evoniuk 0 0 0 0 Kiley Smieja 6 6 1 1 Mariah Prokott 0 3 0 0 Lacey Brezinka 0 0 0 0 Alyssa Kulla 0 0 0 0 Kaelin Smieja 15 3 1 0

Assists 2 0 4 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Assists 4 0 2 10 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 2 Assists 1 0 3 5 1 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 1

Word Search Answers from February 27

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a rate of up to $14.00 per hour for 600 hours. The intern would report to the City Administrator and work closely with the City Engineer, Community Development Director and Streets/Parks Supervisor.

A motion was made by Mr. Christenson, seconded by Mrs. Mayers and unanimously carried to enter into an agreement with an intern and/or SCTCC to secure an intern to perform these duties at a maximum rate of $14.00 per hour and authorizing the City Administrator, in cooperation with the City Engineer, to select the intern and perform said work.

Mayor Vogel reported that according to the Ambulance Department Policies and Procedures, the Assistant Ambulance Coordinator term expires every two years. The current term will expire on February 1, 2014. Minimum qualifications require that applicants have a minimum of one year as an Emergency Medical Technician on the Melrose Ambulance Department; therefore, this position has been posted internally at the Fire and Ambulance Station. Applications are being accepted through January 27, 2014.

A recommendation on the Assistant Coordinator appointment will be made at the Council’s February meeting.

Director Walz presented to the Council the concerns, raised by a homeowner residing on 1st Street SE and her realtor, regarding the encroachment of the homeowner’s house onto the road right-of-way of 1st Street SE. The homeowner has entered into a purchase agreement to sell the home but the pending sale is at a standstill because the lender for the proposed buyer is requiring some type of assurance or guaranteed future permission from the City that the house’s existing encroachment can remain indefinitely if it is to finance the home.

Director Walz reported that according to various maps and information within the City and presented to it by outside agencies, it is apparent that in Blocks 22 and 23 of Townsite, now City, of Melrose along the south side of 1st Street SE between 2nd Avenue SE and 4th Avenue SE (south across from the Arvig parking lot) there are three homes and two detached garages which encroach into the road rightof-way of 1st Street SE (previously identified as Trott Street, Twelfth Street, and 1½ Street S). In addition, there are two other homes on the north sides of these two blocks which appear to touch the road right-of-way. The five structures which are constructed over their north lot lines and encroach onto the road right-of-way are located a distance ranging from approximately five feet to 19 feet from the south curb line of 1st Street SE. The extent of the individual encroachments, which varies per structure, has not been determined. Although the garage encroachments were likely constructed in the 1970s and/ or 1980s, some of the houses which encroach onto the road right-of-way were constructed as long ago as 1900 and 1914 according to Stearns County records and apparently have

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been allowed to encroach continuously for more than a century.

In 2008, this homeowner expressed a similar concern about this encroachment when attempting a mortgage refinancing. In response to the homeowner’s concern and at the suggestion of her and the lender’s attorney, the Council, at that time, agreed to enter into an Encroachment Agreement with the property owner whereby the City would allow the encroachment to continue to exist provided that the homeowner did not expand the encroachment.

Furthermore, if the structure were damaged beyond 50 percent, it could not be repaired or rebuilt.

The homeowner did not enter into the agreement for reasons still unknown since the agreement was approved by the attorney representing the homeowner and the lender.

The proposed lender is unwilling to proceed under the terms of the approved, but unexecuted, Encroachment Agreement presented in 2008 which prohibited the rebuilding of the structure if it was damaged beyond 50 percent. The language contained in the Encroachment Agreement proposed in 2008 was based on Minnesota statute language addressing nonconforming uses. That language has since been modified by the State to allow the repair or reconstruction of nonconforming structures, regardless of the extent of damage/repair necessary, provided a building permit is applied for within 180 days of the destructive event. Director Walz noted that early on staff had met with both the City Attorney and the City Engineer regarding this encroachment situation but had not arrived at a recommended resolution largely because of a concern for maintaining road right-of-way width.

Director Walz stated that this matter was presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission at its meeting on Thursday January 16, 2014. Following its discussion, a motion was made and seconded to recommend to the Council to revise the Encroachment Agreement approved by the Council in 2008, but which was never entered into or recorded, by eliminating the 50 percent damage/rebuild restriction thereby allowing the encroaching structures to be rebuilt on their existing footprints regardless of the amount of damage incurred even if it were 100 percent. On a roll call vote the motion failed with the vote tally consisting of two in favor, three opposed, one abstention and one absent. The Commission then referred the matter without recommendation to the Council.

Nearing the end of his presentation, Director Walz outlined these four staff-prepared alternatives for Council consideration if it wished to address this situation at this time: 1. Revise, with City Attorney assistance, the encroachment language of the Council-approved 2008 Encroachment Agreement to allow these existing encroachments to continue indefinitely including through repair, replacement, restoration, reconstruction, maintenance, or improvement, but not expansion into the road right-of-way, unless: a) the encroachment is discontinued for a period of more than 180 days; b) the encroachment is destroyed by fire or other peril to the extent of greater than 50% of its estimated market value, as indicated in the records of the county assessor at the time of damage, and no building permit has been applied for within 180 days of when the property is damaged.

2. Adopt an ordinance allowing the encroachments of these identified structures to continue to remain indefinitely and permitting the repair, replacement, restoration, reconstruction, maintenance, or improvement, but not expansion into the road right-of-way, of the strucBen

tures.

3. Initiate the required proceedings to vacate enough of the southerly portion of the road right-of-way of 1st Street SE from 2nd Avenue SE to 4th Avenue SE to eliminate the encroachments.

4. Delay action on the matter to a definite or indefinite time.

Following its discussion, a motion was made by Mayor Vogel to revise, with City Attorney assistance, the encroachment language of the Councilapproved 2008 Encroachment Agreement to allow these existing encroachments to continue indefinitely including through repair, replacement, restoration, reconstruction, maintenance, or improvement, but not expansion into the road right-of-way, unless: a) the encroachment is discontinued for a period of more than 180 days; b) the encroachment is destroyed by fire or other peril to the extent of greater than 50% of its estimated market value, as indicated in the records of the county assessor at the time of damage, and no building permit has been applied for within 180 days of when the property is damaged.

The motion was seconded by Mrs. Mayers with a roll call vote recorded as follows: For: Council Members Finken, Mayers, Christenson, and Mayor Vogel; Against: Council Member Klasen.

City Administrator Brethorst reported that Police Chief John Jensen has submitted his letter of retirement effective May 16, 2014. He went on to note that in accordance with the City’s organizational structure, this position is to be filled upon a vacancy. He also stated that a review of the job description had been completed by Chief Jensen and himself. In addition, there was a review of the compensation range by staff. The City’s pay range for this position for 2014 is: $53,990 - $72,959; the average pay range for similar sized cities in Stearns County for 2014 is: $52,640 - $70,315. According to Administrator Brethorst, the Ad Hoc Personnel Committee had considered posting the position internally only versus performing both an internal and external search but that it is their recommendation to post the position internally and externally because it is a Department Head position. City Administrator Brethorst reported that the intent is to have a new Police Chief designated and working alongside Chief Jensen prior to his retirement date.

This would allow for a “right-seat/left-seat” training opportunity.

After a lengthy discussion on the merits of a combined internal and external posting as proposed by Mrs. Mayers, who serves on the Ad Hoc Personnel Committee, a motion was made by Mrs. Mayers to post the position both internally and externally. The motion did not receive a second and, therefore, died due to that failure. During the course of the posting discussions, there occurred numerous comments regarding the benefits of an internal only posting. In addition, each of the Council Members, along with the Mayor, stated their recognition of the excellent job being done by Sergeant Maus and their support for his ability to become the successor to Chief Jensen upon his retirement.

A motion was made by Mr. Christenson to post the Police Chief vacancy internally and not to post it externally. The motion was seconded by Mr. Finken with a roll call vote recorded as follows: For: Council Members Christenson, Finken, Klasen, and Mayor Vogel; Against: Council Member Mayers.

Administrator Brethorst reported that at its January 21 meeting, MADA, after reviewing the success of the previous two years, has requested, with Council and Utilities Commission assistance, to reintroduce for 2014 the City of Melrose New Single-Family Home Construction Incentive Program.

The public incentive portion of this program is proposed to include: Sewer Access Charge Waiver of $500 reducing the SAC fee of $1,141, $500; Water Access Charge Waiver of $500 reducing the WAC fee of $1,181, $500; Building Permit Fee Credit, City Council $500; Building Permit Fee Credit, Melrose Area Development Authority $500. Total public incentive $2,000.

In addition, he noted that, as with previous programs, an effort will again be made to formulate a private sector portion of this program with the participation of private material and service providers.

A motion was made by Mrs. Mayers, to concur with the recommendation of MADA to support and fund the 2014 City of Melrose New SingleFamily Home Construction Incentive Program by contributing $500 towards reducing the cost of each building permit taken out in 2014 for a new singlefamily home and to request that the Utilities Commission support the program as it did in 2013.

The motion was seconded by Mr. Klasen with a roll call vote as follows: For: Council Members Mayers, Klasen, Christenson and Mayor Vogel; Against: None; Abstain: Council Member Finken.

The following informational items were then reviewed: a. MCFOA Conference held at the Rivers Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud on March 18-20. Attending: City Clerk Patti Haase. Registration fee: $220. b. Planning and Zoning Commission’s November 7, 2013 Regular Meeting minutes. c. The 2nd Annual City of Melrose Golf Scramble is scheduled for Friday, June 20 at the Meadowlark Country Club. All proceeds for the golf scramble will be dedicated to the City of Melrose Parks and Recreation. d. The total number/value of building permits issued in the fourth quarter for each of the past five years are: 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 30 30 25 24 25 $3,626,390 $242,187 $790,908 $350,501 $481,136 The total number/value of building permits issued for each of the past five years were: 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 134 148 150 105 135 $5,512,414 $3,408,154 $3,724,081 $9,402,060 $10,688,848 e. On January 15, both of the tires on the front end loader were damaged which caused them to be required to be replaced. While pushing snow into a “shared” snow pile, the front end loader ran into buried skids that fell off another non-City snow plow causing the tires to deflate. A claim has been submitted to the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust (LMCIT).The estimated cost to replace the tires and balance them is approximately $4,000.

Due to the time of year and need for the replacement of the tires, the City Administrator granted an exception to policy and authorized the repair of the front end loader. f. Fire Department resignation effective January 23, 2014: Andrew Wirtz Fire Department Leave of Absence effective January 23, 2014: Scott Schmiesing A motion was made by Mr. Finken, seconded by Mr. Christenson and unanimously carried that the meeting be adjourned at 8:20 p.m.

Patricia Haase, City Clerk

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When did we lose “Minnesota Nice” in St. Paul? -By State Rep. Ron Kresha My primary responsibility as your Representative is to craft and debate policy that advances our District’s economic growth, educational opportunities, and quality of life in rural

Dining Menus

Albany Senior

MON., MAR. 10: Hamburger, bun, oven roasted potatoes, broccoli w/cheese sauce, pineapple chunks.

TUE., MAR. 11: Pork roast, potatoes, gravy, creamed corn, gelatin.

WED., MAR. 12: Chicken/cream sauce, parsley potatoes, garden salad, dinner roll, cinnamon bread pudding w/topping.

THUR., MAR. 13: Lasagna, green beans, lettuce salad, garlic bread stick, raspberry parfait.

FRI., MAR. 14: Baked fish or roasted chicken, creamy potato bake, Scandinavian blend vegetables, dinner roll, rosy applesauce. ~ The Lighter Side Menu ~ MON., MAR. 10: Sweet/sour pork, rice, mandarin oranges, pineapple.

TUE., MAR. 11: Stuffed green pepper, fruit, dinner roll, gelatin.

WED., MAR. 12: Turkey/bacon/ ranch wrap, vegetable barley soup, fruit.

THUR., MAR. 13: Chicken spinach salad, breadstick, raspberry parfait.

FRI., MAR. 14: No menu. * Bread and skim milk served with each meal.

Albany: 320-845-4070

Minnesota. I touch on these issues daily in the committees that I serve: Agriculture Policy, Education Policy, and State Government and Veteran’s Affairs.

There is not a day that goes by that I am not honored to serve, but I have noticed a disturbing pattern in the recent policy creation. The tone of St. Paul policy has become more punitive rather than providing a framework for success.

Agriculture is a key industry to District 9B and the farming lifestyle has provided for many, many families in our area. Farmers are stewards of the land and the resources they manage. However, the recent policy coming from the Environment Finance committee continues to fine first and ask questions later.

Water appropriations are a big deal to our farmers, and I continually am advocating that policy must help our farmers be successful and not punish them for tying to manage the ever-complex punitive policies coming from St. Paul. I

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FRI., MAR. 14: Vegetable stir-fry, white rice, egg roll, mandarin oranges. * Bread and skim milk served with each meal.

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have worked with too many dairy farmers this year who are fighting Minnesota Department of Agriculture inspectors who are intent on fining rather than helping. We need to look for ways to help make our farmer’s lives easier - not more difficult and expensive.

Education is key for our future generations, and we are fortunate to have excellent school boards, administrators, and teachers in our area. Yet, St. Paul liberals are pushing hard for a statewide anti-bullying bill that is punitive first and proactive second. As required by state law, all of our schools have local policies and procedures designed to provide a safe learning environment. Instead of pushing legislation on our local schools that creates additional unfunded burdens, why don’t we work with them and continue to be involved with our schools to provide a successful climate?

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Laura:

Our school employees are professionals, it is time we treated them as such.

Our veterans have been asked to do the job that most of us would not do.

They sacrifice their family time, personal gain, and dedicate their lives to our country. Yet too often, I have to debate policy that looks to reduce military pensions or the St. Paul liberals won’t consider exempting military pensions from MN income tax. When did we lose our sense of respect and duty? When did we lose the “Minnesota Nice” that was a staple of our state?

You can count on me to continue fighting for our shared common-sense, “Minnesota nice” values. Again, it is an honor to serve District 9B and to advance the opportunities for our area.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me at my office with your concerns. Ron.kresha@ house.mn or 651-296-4247.

Business Ads: For Rent, Help Wanted, Wanted (For Profit), or Service type ads are $5.00 for 20 words. 25¢ For Each Additional Word. Pre-Paid.

*We Do Not Accept Classified Ads Over the Telephone.

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Email to: htnews@meltel.net or Mail to: Hometown News 29442 120th St., Grey Eagle, MN 56336

Page 12 • Hometown News • Thursday, March 6, 2014

Central Minnesota Credit Union’s 75th Annual Meeting will be held on

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