Hometown News March 9, 2023

An Eagle's nest just north of Little Birch Lake, near Grey Eagle & full moon in January. Submitted by Ron Lahr.

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

Character is easier kept than recovered -By Harvey Mackay

An Irish missionary once described how character is formed:

“Consider the walnut: If you compare a walnut with some of the beautiful and exciting things which grow on our planet, it does not seem to be a marvelous creation.

It is common, rough, not particularly attractive and certainly not valuable in any monetary sense. Besides, it is small. Its growth is limited by the hard shell which surrounds it. The shell from which it never escapes during its lifetime.

“Of course, that’s the wrong way to judge a walnut. Break one open and look inside. See how the walnut has grown to fill every nook and cranny available to it? It had no say in the size or shape of that shell but, given those limitations, it achieved its full potential of growth.”

How lucky we will be if, like the walnut, we find ways to blossom and bloom in every crevice of the life that is given us.

Character is not an inheritance; each person must build it for themself. Character is comprised of many positive traits, as well as moral principles such as caring, cooperation, diligence, fairness, honesty, loyalty, patience, positivity, responsibility, reliability and unselfishness, to name a few.

It is how you conduct yourself as a person, demonstrating empathy and compassion, being accountable, giving credit where it is due, forgiving others, apologizing when you are

SUNDAY, MARCH 12

wrong and just being helpful.

Let’s look at just a few others: Dependability. You are there to support others and keep your promises. People can trust you to listen attentively and make rational decisions, while taking responsibility for your actions.

Kindness. Kind words and kind actions start with kind thoughts. In a hyper-competitive world, we might be tempted to take a dramatically different approach. But that tactic doesn’t produce any winners. Funny thing about kindness: The more it’s used the more you have of it.

Respectfulness. I learned long ago to be respectful or be regretful. There are four very important words in life – love, honesty, truth and respect. Without these in your life you have nothing.

Courage. It’s easy to be ordinary. Courage is what sets you apart from the crowd. Courage is one of the major human virtues. Courage is bravery, valor, standing up to danger, guts and nerve all rolled into one. I’m not a soldier, a policeman, a doctor or a relief worker. I’m a businessman. So what does courage have to do with running a business?

Plenty. I admit that most folks’ daily lives are not filled with such dramatic challenges. We all face situations that require us to reach deep down within ourselves to do what is right and brave and occasionally difficult. Courage can involve making decisions that are unpopular or time-consuming or even expensive.

Integrity. Doing the right thing is never the wrong thing to do. We have an epidemic of blaming others for mistakes, or worse, attempting a cover-up, rather than taking responsibility and swallowing a few bitter pills. We need to teach kids that their actions

have consequences, and then apply those consequences. And we need to be prepared to forgive those who are truly sorry for their behavior, and not just because they got caught.

As I have said so many times before: If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don’t have integrity, nothing else matters.

Legendary college basketball coach John Wooden said: “Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.”

I like to say that reputation is precious. Character is priceless. Reputation is for time; character is for eternity.

The Lakota tribe of Native Americans believed there was a spirit of creation, an awesome force they called “Wakan Tanka,” the Great Spirit. The Lakota have a story they call “The Seventh Direction,” and it goes like this:

After Wakan Tanka arranged the other six directions – East, South, West, North, Above (the sky) and Below (the earth), one direction was still left to be placed – the Seventh Direction. This was the most powerful, the one containing the greatest wisdom and strength, so Wakan Tanka wished to place it somewhere it could not easily be found. So the Seventh Direction was hidden in the last place humans usually think to look – in each person’s heart.

Mackay’s Moral: Good character is like good soup – it is usually homemade.

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

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

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15

• Grey Eagle Senior Citizens Meeting at 10:45 a.m. followed with potluck & Bingo.

• Todd County Broadband Coalition Community Meeting at 7 p.m. at the Browerville School Commons. See ad on page 5.

SUNDAY, MARCH 19

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

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

• Mega Cash Bingo at 1 p.m. at Schatucks Hub Supper Club, Burtrum.

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.

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.

ALBANY SENIORS

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

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 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 first Saturday of the Month from 10-11 a.m. at River of Live Church, Sauk Centre.

FREEPORT CITY COUNCIL

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

FREEPORT SENIOR MEETING

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

MELROSE TOWNSHIP

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

MELROSE VFW #7050 POST/AUX.

• Meets the first 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

• First Tuesday after the first 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.

Weekend Weather

“The Good Old Days” -By Tom Kuehne

The Pan Am Clipper

Recently, I ran across some articles about The Pan Am Clipper. I think it was the name that grabbed my interest. There was something familiar about the name and I had to discover why. I'm sure that there are probably some folks that can remember hearing about some of the accomplishments of this plane.

The clippers were built between 1938 and 1941. They were quite unique, even today, when one considers that they didn't use a typical airport, but did their takeoffs and landings in the water. They were actually a flying boat. The Clippers were built by Boeing and they were all purchased by Pan Am, which was a big airline travel company at that time. They were in service for shortly more than 10 years, which included WWII, when the government used them to transfer people and materials over a long distance.

One of the memorable features was it's design. It had 4 large Pratt and Whitney engines, which turned a 3 bladed 12 foot propeller. The rear of the planes body was controlled by 3 vertical fins coming out of the horizontal tail, which was the most noticed and remembered feature. It was large. The wingspread was about 50 feet longer than the Boeing 757. It was capable of moving 104 passengers and crew. The plane was used to make the route from San Francisco to Hawaii. This journey lasted 16 hours and there were no in flight fueling connections, however the plane had a cruising range of 5200 miles. The passengers had access to separate washrooms with hot and cold running water. The toilets were

flush-type which discharged the contents outside of the airplane into the air. Sleeping bunks were also part of the passenger convenience package along with food available in the dining room, which served 14 passengers at a time.

The last of the 12 Clippers that were built sank in a storm in 1951. There are no Clippers to be seen in any museum. It would be enjoyable to be able to walk around one of these famous planes and examine the size and capabilities of this great machine.

The safety record of these 12 planes is remarkable, since there was only one crash that caused death to any occupants. In 1943 the only crash involved 39 passengers with 24 casualties.

The remarkable part of this plane's history is the change and development of aircraft that occurred between December 1903 when the Wright Brothers were able to get the first flying machine off the ground and 36 years later we were able to see how things have changed. It's definitely a sign of engineering accomplishment to see the progress. We went from a framework covered with canvas to airplanes that can travel 5200 miles and fighter planes that can go 350 miles per hour in less than 40 years.

It makes it easier to understand the progress of technology in recent years.

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

MELROSE AMERICAN LEGION - Post 101 265 Co. Rd. 173 SE, Melrose 320-256-3581 • Cell 320-429-4008

Let

H ennen Lumber Company, Inc. √ Lumber & Building Supplies √ Drafting & Blueprint Services √ Estimates for Labor/Installation √ Work with Area Contractors to Get the Job Done! BRINGING YOUR IDEAS TO LIFE

Pulse on People

Katelyn Hartwig of Albany graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in SDSU's College of Education and Human Sciences.

Kallie Linn of Avon graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in SDSU's College of Nursing.

Madalyn VonWahlde of Grey Eagle graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in SDSU's College of Education and Human Sciences.

TOM’S

BODY

& Wanda

Corner

• Lobster Roll $16.95

Pub &

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. 10: Fish Burger or Cheeseburger w/Chili or Fries

Mon., Mar. 13: Creamy Sausage Potato Soup w/Cheeseburger

Tues., Mar. 14: Baked Chicken Dinner

Wed., Mar. 15: Pulled Pork Sandwich w/JoJo's

Thurs., Mar. 16: Liver & Onions

Fri., Mar. 17: Fish Burger or Cheeseburger w/Cream of Potato Soup, Chili or Fries

Chicken

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

COOKS WANTED Nightly Specials

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

www.doublerbarandgrill.com Grey Eagle • 320-285-2965 THURSDAY: 5-9 PM Includes Salad Bar & Choice of Potato Chicken & Ribs $15.95 8 oz. Ground Sirloin $11.95 SATURDAY: 5-9 PM Salad Bar & Choice of Potato Prime Rib $22.95 Ribs $18.95 Deep Fried Walleye $13.95 Creamy Sweet Chili Chicken, Wild Rice, w/Breadsticks $12.95 SUNDAY: 3-8 PM Includes Salad Bar & Choice of Potato Steak & Shrimp $19.95 10 oz. Pork Chop $13.95 1/2 Chicken $10.50 • 1/4 Chicken $8.50 LUNCH SPECIALS BAR HOURS Sun.: 11:30 AM-10 PM Mon.: 11 AM-10 PM Tues.-Thurs. 11 AM-11 PM Fri. & Sat. 11 AM-1 AM KITCHEN HOURS Sun.: 12 PM-8 PM Mon.: 11 AM-8 PM Tues.-Thurs.: 11 AM-9 PM Fri.-Sat.: 11 AM-10 PM OFF SALE Mon.-Sat.: 11 AM-10 PM Sun.: 11:30 AM-6 PM Busch & Busch Light 24 pk. cans $19.98 E&J Brandy 1.75 Liter $18.79 OFF SALE Fri., Mar. 10: Hot Beef or Shrimp Basket Sat., Mar. 11: Pizza Burger Sun., Mar. 12: Sunny Side Up Burger Mon., Mar. 13: Potato Pancakes & Ham Tues., Mar. 14: Barbacoa Tacos w/Red Rice Wed., Mar. 15: $5 Baskets Thurs., Mar. 16: BBQ Ribs FRIDAY NIGHT LENT SPECIALS Serving 5-9 PM • Includes Soup, Salad Bar & Choice of Potato • Creamy Sweet Chili Haddock w/Wild Rice $15.95 • Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo w/Breadsticks $15.95 • Teriyaki Chicken over Rice Pilaf $12.95 • 4 Pc. Deep Fried Cod $14.95 • Ribeye $22.95 ST. PATRICK’S DAY Fri., March 17 11 AM-9 PM: Reubens & Rachels 4-9 PM: Corned Beef & Cabbage NOW HIRING Part-time/Full-time Servers Part-time Cook 34741 Cty Rd 2 • Grey Eagle 320-266-4935

•

Obituaries

Donald Vernon Voller

Mass of Christian Burial for Donald Vernon Voller, age 64, of Holdingford, will be Thursday, March 9, 2023, at 11 am at Church of All Saints St. Hedwig Catholic Church, Holdingford with visitation from 9-11 AM on Thursday, March 9, also at the church. Interment at the parish cemetery.

Don was born on April 9, 1958, in Melrose to Robert and Evelyn (Stroeing) Voller. He graduated from Albany High School in 1976. Don worked at various jobs, and at Polar Tank, Opole. Don was very proud of being able to live and work around Holdingford.

Don is survived by his brothers and sisters, Gerald (Karen) Voller, Albany, James (Mary) Voller, St. Joseph, Thomas (Sandy) Voller, Long Prairie, David (JoAnn) Voller, Bertrum, Janet (Tom) Nierenhausen, St. Stephen, Bonnie Sitte, Crystal, Brian (Paula) Voller, Royalton, and many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Evelyn Voller.

Robert H. Reith

Robert H. Reith, 51 year old resident of Randall, MN, passed away on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Little Falls, MN. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Swanville, MN, with Fr. Ron Dockendorf officiating. Burial was at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery north of Little Falls. Caring for Robert and his family is the Shelley-Gibson Funeral Chapel in Swanville.

Alvin "Pretzel" Sobania

Marlene Scepaniak

Marlene

James G. Herding

James G. Herding, 91, of Long Prairie passed away at St. Otto’s Care Center in Little Falls on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Long Prairie. The Rev. Noah Wehrspann officiated and burial will be at a later date in the church cemetery.

Robert was born on March 27, 1971 in Slayton, Minnesota. He lived with his parents on a dairy farm west of Fulda, Minnesota. Robert enjoyed helping mom and dad, especially in the dairy barn. He also loved all the tractor rides and animals. He moved with his family to a dairy farm near Long Prairie in 1978. Robert entered the Mid State Education program for special needs students and he graduated from Little Falls High School in 1992. He was always in all the Special Olympic athletic games and won a lot of metals. His favorites were bowling and swimming. He also spent a lot of time riding his Polaris four-wheeler all around the farm. Robert really loved music, singing and dancing. He especially liked the song International Harvester and wearing his International Harvester hat. After high school, he got a job at Employment Enterprise in Little Falls and worked there for 31 years. There he was able to work out in the communities. He loved his job and all his friends. On December 5, 2022, he moved into Jo-Jo's Adult Foster Home in Little Falls and loved the staff and all the residents. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Swanville and also was a member of the Knights of Columbus. On March 2, 2023, he passed away at Jo-Jo Adult Foster Home with his parents, special friends and wonderful staff by his side.

Alvin "Pretzel" Sobania, 79 year old resident of Flensburg, MN, passed away Friday, March 3, 2023, at the St. Cloud Hospital. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Flensburg, MN with Father Jimmy Joseph officiating. Burial will take place in the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery north of Little Falls, MN on Monday, March 13, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. A visitation will be held from 4-7 P.M. on Friday and from 10-11 A.M. on Saturday all at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Flensburg, MN. Military rites will be performed by the Flensburg American Legion Post 136. Caring for Pretzel and his family is the Shelley Funeral Chapel of Little Falls.

Scepaniak, 88-yearold resident of Upsala, MN died March 5, after a brief battle with glioblastoma, at Upsala Senior Living. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, March 13, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Upsala with Father David Grundman officiating. A visitation will be held on Sunday, March 12, from 4:00-7:00 P.M. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Upsala and from 10:00 A.M. until the hour of the service on Monday at the church. Burial will be at St. Hedwig’s Cemetery in Holdingford.

Arrangements by Miller-Carlin Funeral Home, Holdingford, MN. SNOW

Left to cherish his memory are his parents, Harold and Patricia Reith of Randall; brother, Steven and his daughter, Isabella; brother, Joshua and his wife, Jessica and their two sons, Mitchell and Avery.

Robert was preceded in death by his grandparents, George and Mildred Greiner and Norbert and Dorothy Reith.

Alvin was born on August 31, 1943 to the late Roman and Marion (Super) Sobania in St. Cloud, MN and grew up in Opole, MN. He moved to Flensburg, MN with his family when he was two years old. Alvin grew up on the family farm with one brother and three sisters. He graduated from Little Falls High School in 1963. Shortly after that, he joined the U.S. Army where he spent time in Missouri and then on to Hawaii for six months. Alvin served a year as a Reconnaissance Scout in Vietnam until he was honorably discharged in January of 1971. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Volunteer Fire Department, Flensburg American Legion Post #136, Randall VFW Post 9073 and Morrison County Disabled American Veterans Chapter 12. A short time later, Alvin met his bride-to-be Patricia Poser and the couple was united in marriage on May 30, 1969 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Little Falls, MN. After their marriage, the couple lived in Minneapolis, MN for eight years before moving back to his family farm in Flensburg. Alvin loved his chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys and his beef cattle. He enjoyed fishing, gardening (especially his Holly Hocks), picking mushrooms and watching Minnesota Sports on TV.

James Gregory Herding was born on February 1, 1932 in Hankinson, North Dakota to Hubert and Rose (Faust) Herding. He married Arlene Muehler on November 27, 1955 in Hankinson. Jim farmed in Hankinson and Fergus Falls, MN before moving to Long Prairie. He was employed by Long Prairie Packing Company until retiring. In retirement

Jim enjoyed spending time with Arlene and his family at their cabin on Ottertail Lake near Fergus Falls, fishing and searching for a good deal at local garage sales. He enjoyed hunting for deer and pheasants in both North and South Dakota. Jim especially appreciated Arlene’s baking and cooking skills.

Jim is survived by his sons; Michael, Jamie (Pamela), and Rick (Donna) all of Long Prairie his sister Bernadine Muehler of Wahpeton, ND, eight grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Arlene on June 3, 2022 and three brothers and four sisters.

Dale: 320-493-6329

Alvin will be greatly missed by his wife Patricia Sobania of Flensburg, MN; daughters, Pamela (Thomas) Voigt of Clear Lake, MN and Debra (Samuel) Seifert of Becker, MN; grandchildren, Nathan, Heidi, Claire and Travis Voigt and Roman, Evelyn and Elijah Seifert; brother, David (Valerie) Sobania of Swanville, MN sisters, Elizabeth (Marcel) Frank of Becker, MN and Louise (Michael) Frank of Flensburg, MN.

He was preceded in death by parents, Roman and Marion Sobania and sister and brother-inlaw, Joan and Lawrence O’Hotto.

Marlene Frances Scepaniak was born on July 2, 1934, in St. Cloud, MN; she was adopted by George and Clara (Hadrich) Rapp. She attended school in Holdingford and graduated from Holdingford High School. Marlene graduated from St. Cloud State University in 1954 with a degree in Elementary Education; she went on to earn a degree in Special Education. She married James Scepaniak on November 25, 1954 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Holdingford. Marlene and James first lived in St. Cloud, moved to Holdingford in the late 1950’s, and bought a farm near Upsala in 1963. Marlene lived at the farm until December of 2022, when she moved to Upsala Senior Living.

Marlene taught elementary school in Circle Pines, MN, for one year. Beginning in 1955, she taught for many years in rural country schools. Marlene taught Special Education for 21 years, and first grade for 5 years in Holdingford. Marlene retired in 1993 after 39 years of teaching. Marlene crocheted many intricate doilies and enjoyed quilting with her quilting group. She liked to read, play cards, do puzzles, and was a Jeopardy whiz. She was faithful in praying the Rosary. Most of all, she loved her family. Marlene was a longtime member of St. Hedwig’s Catholic Church in Holdingford and was a current member of St. Mary’s Parish in Upsala.

Marlene is survived by her children: Tom (Eda) Scepaniak of Bowlus, Jane (Rich) Stiller of Swanville, Mary Jo (Mike) Peterson of Upsala; grandchildren: Jared, Shannon, Rachel, Rebecca, Nick, Laura, Danielle, Kelsey, Jack, Aaron; great-grandchildren: Madison, Cassidy, Cienna, Emma, Lucy, Addie, Levi, Hailey, Cohen, Leah, Noah, Myra, Hudson; and brother John (Joann) Zumwalde of Arlington, VA.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and son Timothy.

Emblom Brenny Funeral Service is Celebrating the Life and Cherishing the Memory of Marlene.

Hands of Hope Resource Center Celebrates National Consumer Protection Week

By Kimberly Cook, General Crime & Violence Prevention Coordinator, Hands of Hope Resource Center

Looking to protect yourself from fraud, identity theft, and scams? Wondering about the best way to improve your credit, shop for a used car, or how to maximize your security online?

Hands of Hope Resource Center has information for you during National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW): March 5-11, 2023 - and anytime of the year. NCPW is a time when government agencies, consumer protection groups, and organizations like ours work together to share information about consumer rights and help people learn to spot, report, and avoid scams.

For the year 2022, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports having received 49,419 consumer reports for total fraud, identity theft, and other reports. The total

number of fraud reports were 27,508, with a total consumer loss of $80.4 million dollars. Visit ftc.gov/ncpw to learn how to get free consumer education materials and read the latest from consumer protection experts. Hands of Hope Resource Center provides free community education resources and/or presentations to organizations, on a variety of topics, through our Violence Prevention Program. If you would like more information, please call the Long Prairie Office at (320) 732-2319 or 800-682-4547.

Rick’s Painting

320-248-0731

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.

Local fourth graders learn about energy efficiency, electrical safety

From the Desk of Pastor Bruce

At the end of this month, I will be having my left knee replaced. Why? Because it’s wore out! Sorry, there is no better or more profound way of saying it. Now some might say, “Pastor

Bruce you’re just getting older," haha. The fact that I am getting older, may have something to do with it, but more than that I was not kind to my body. I landscaped for 10 years, starting at age seventeen. Then, most of my jobs had to do with carpentry or building. I have been a pastor for about 18 years and every church I have been in, there was building that needed to be done. I didn’t wear knee pads, I just did whatever it took to get the job done, and as soon as possible. I didn’t think that one day, I would be nearly deaf and have bad joints because I did not think about the future, only the present.

So, I need to warn everyone reading! We need to think about the future. I am not talking about 5, 10, or even 50 years down the road, I’m talking about eternity. Where are you going to spend eternity? Someone asked the other day, “Have you considered the fate of the thief on the cross, next to Jesus? Luke 23:3943 “Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when I come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” There were two thieves, but one had turned his life around at the last minute. Jesus told him that he was going to be with

Horticulture Day 2023

Stearns Electric Association presented Energy Education and Safety Demonstrations to fourth graders at Long Prairie Grey Eagle Elementary and Swanville Elementary on February 9 to provide interactive presentations on energy efficiency and electrical safety.

Throughout the one-hour sessions, students learned about the different types of electricity, conductors and insulators, and sources of energy. Students also participated in an allclass knowledge check and provided ideas on how they can conserve more energy at home.

Stearns Electric’s live, energized home and farm model was the highlight of the presentation. Used as a tool to show students what can happen when they get too close to electrical equipment, students were fascinated with the electrical sparks and arc flashes demonstrated on the model.

The most important piece of knowledge students walked away with was information on how to react in a vehicle accident involving any electrical equipment. As the fourth grade students can tell you, you should always stay in your vehicle if it hits a power pole, unless your vehicle is on fire. If your vehicle is on fire near a power pole, you should jump out of your vehicle, keeping your feet together, and

shuffle as far away from the accident as you can.

Following the live demonstration, one lucky student from each presentation was selected to dress up as a lineworker. Donning a hard hat, rubber gloves, pole climbers, safety glasses and a utility belt, these students got to experience the real-life equipment line workers use on a daily basis.

The Morrison County Master Gardeners present a day of learning for all gardeners. This event will take place at the Little Falls Community High School on Saturday, March 25th from 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Up-to-date information on a variety of gardening topics will be discussed.

Topics Include: Building Soil Health, New Perennials and Annuals for 2023, Pruning Trees & Shrubs, Native Plants - What’s all the

Him in paradise, that very day!

Now, not every one is going to get a last minute chance like that to receive Jesus as Lord. In fact there are no guarantees in life. One minute we can be happy, making lots of money, and the next we could be on our death bed.

I would like to leave with you a scripture that says it all. If you have any questions about eternity, please call me at the church. 2 Peter 3:9-13 “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.” Now, that is something to look forward to!

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

formation, contact the U of M Extension office in Morrison County at 320-632-0161.

Community Meeting

Todd County Broadband Coalition

Wednesday, March 15, 2023 @ 7:00 PM

Browerville School Commons Area (Use Door 11)

We will be presenting the results of our county wide survey. Survey analytics will be presented by Ben Winchester of the University of Minnesota Extension.

Coalition members will speak on who we are, what we are doing, what our goals are, and what our next steps will be.

Other speakers may be presenting.

Time will be allotted for community input.

If you have an interest in broadband access for all Todd County residents, please attend this meeting.

Questions please call Ken Hovet, Coalition Chairman 320-491-8928

Tomas Ambriz, 4th grader at Long Prairie Grey Eagle Elementary, dresses like a lineworker.

Brisa Juarez, 4th grader at Swanville, dresses like a lineworker.

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,

How do you handle a situation where someone needs financial help, but has misspent money you’ve given them in the past? My wife and I have been trying to help a young man we recently met. He told us he was trying to get his life together after a divorce and job loss, and he just needed a little money for groceries and household items. He has asked us a couple of times since for more money, but we discovered he was buying alcohol with most of the cash we gave him. We learned from friends what he said about losing his job and being divorced was true, but we are unsure what to do next.

-Andrew

Dear Andrew,

This young man’s problem sounds as much like a mismanagement of money as it is a lack of money. He seems to have an issue with lying, and possibly an addiction problem, too.

I’ve never been against helping people who have good hearts and just need a break. But if someone is bold enough to ask for your money, you have every right to attach requirements to the help you give—especially when it’s for their own good. If he really needs food or household things, you can just buy them for him. At least that way, you’d know you were providing necessities.

But in many cases, truly helping someone

is a lot more work than just giving them money. Sometimes, you have to get down in their mess, get real with them and walk with them. If you haven’t been put off by what has already happened, and you still really want to help, I’d suggest getting to know this young man and his situation a little better. Be straight with him, and let him know you’ve learned he hasn’t been honest with you in the past. Hopefully, as a result he’ll apologize and start making better choices. If he does, you might even offer to arrange for him to talk to a good pastor or counselor.

This whole situation is much bigger than helping someone with a little cash. This guy needs someone who cares enough to help him get his life back together.

-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. 13: Tater tot hot dish, garden salad w/bleu cheese dressing, pears, roll.

Tues., Mar. 14: Soup, 1/2 sandwich, tomato slices, coleslaw, grapes.

Wed., Mar. 15: Chicken alfredo, California vegetables, mandarin oranges, breadstick.

Thurs., Mar. 16: Pork chop, scalloped potatoes, peas/carrots, fruit cocktail.

Fri., Mar. 17: Crab cake, baby red potatoes, broccoli/cauliflower, peaches. 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. 13: Breaded chicken sandwich, potato, vegetable, dessert.

Tues., Mar. 14: Swedish meatballs over noodles, vegetable, dessert.

Ask The Motor Medics®

From

Dear Motor Medics, My car is giving me problems but they don't always occur. I have a starting problem that sometimes won't let the car crank and also an ABS lamp that comes and goes. My shop can't seem to find the cause and even though they have not charged me for looking at the car I'm very frustrated by the situation and my shop seems to be as well. I have been going there for a number of years and they have always taken care of me but I wonder if I should try somewhere else to get this fixed.

-Mark in Oklahoma City Dear Mark,

You have what many folks have and it's called an intermittent problem. These are the ones that give the customer frustrations and also the mechanics. It is nearly impossible to find a problem if it is not occurring while it is trying to be found. They do what they can to scan for codes and observe data to see if anything is out of specs but in the end, if it's not broke... you know the saying. The shop can get frustrated because their time is worth money. Every minute they spend looking at your vehicle they lose money if they can't fix your car but they are looking at it and not charging you because they value your past and continued business. It may be time to wait until it is worse so they can find it.

-Take care, the Motor Medics Dear Motor Medics, I have a problem with my tires. They leak air on a regular basis and I have taken the car in several times to have them repaired but they can't seem to get them fixed. The tires and valve stems have been replaced with new ones and they just can't seem to get them to stop leaking. they lose about 2 pounds a week. The

Brian’s Painting

Sudoku Answers from March 2

Wed., Mar. 15: Cook's choice.

Thurs., Mar. 16: 5:30 PM: Pulled pork & gravy, mashed potatoes, dessert.

Fri., Mar. 17: Shrimp alfredo, corn, dessert.

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

car is a 2011 Chrysler 300.

-Peter in Rice Lake, Wisconsin Dear Peter,

We experience many vehicles that leak air in this fashion. It's no fun having to add air every week to keep your tires from going flat. You have done the things that you should to try and fix the issue but there may be more to it than the tires or valve stems. The actual metal of the wheels themselves can leak air right through them like a screen door. The metal becomes so porous over the years from the element breaking them down that the air escapes right through the wheels. Once this occurs the only fix that we have found is to replace the wheels. There are a couple of options for repair. You could look for a good set of used wheels at your local auto recycler or you could look into a set of aftermarket wheels available at wheel and tire shops. Going the aftermarket route will let you choose an option that will give your vehicle a unique look.

-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

Grey Eagle City • January 10, 2023

The regular meeting of the Grey Eagle City Council was called to order by Mayor Joseph Arnzen at 7:00 pm, on the 13th day of December 2022 in council chambers. Council members present were Brad Johnson, Roland Ahrendt and Brian Hollenkamp. There were no council members absent. Also in attendance were Lori Hellmann and Beth Ramacher, and guests Jeff Vosburgh and Bobby Pallansch, Jr.

A motion was made by Brad Johnson to approve the amended agenda. A second was made by Brian Hollenkamp and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.

A motion was made by Brad Johnson to approve the minutes of the December 13, 2022 Truth in Taxation meeting as written. A second was made by Roland Ahrendt and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.

A motion was made by Brad Johnson to approve the minutes of the December 13, 2022 meeting as written. A second was made by Roland Ahrendt and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.

Jeff Vosburgh discussed the city well. A motion was made by Brian Hollenkamp to approve future exploration and well costs. A second was made by Roland Ahrendt and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.

Bobby Pallansch, Jr. requested having two blocks of Main Street shut down on the Saturday of Labor Day Weekend 2023 for a car show. The City will check with the State of Minnesota regarding this and will move forward accordingly. Race on Trace was briefly discussed as the Grey Eagle Fire Department will need to be present for this event on February 18, 2023.

The Council discussed replacing the Dodge Dakota with a half-ton pickup.

The Council discussed snow removal. Any snow removed from your property must be placed on your property. It is against State Statute to push this snow into the street. If a resident or business does not have room for the snow to be piled on their property, they can haul it to the City Park at their own expense.

Discussion was held to remind all residents that fire hydrants must be accessible in case of an emergency. Make sure to remove the snow from around them so they can be found and used, if needed. A note will be included as a reminder on the next utility billing.

Discussion was held on security at the City Hall and Water Plant; quotes will be obtained.

A motion was made by Brian Hollenkamp to approve Resolution No. 2023-01: A Resolution Adopting 2023 Appointments. A second was made by Brad Johnson and upon vote, with all voting in favor, motion carried. The resolution is as follows:

RESOLUTION NO. 2023-01: A Resolution

Adopting 2023 Appointments

WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council members can only act collectively as one unit, Streets, Parks, Utilities, Hall, Health & Welfare, Building Permits, Library and Community Builders will be the responsibility of the entire Council. The other official designations are as follows:

Streets: Brian Hollenkamp, Roland Ahrendt

Parks: Brad Johnson, Brian Hollenkamp

Utilities: Joe Arnzen, Brian Hollenkamp

Cemetery: Brad Johnson, Joe Arnzen

Hall: Roland Ahrendt, Brad Johnson

Personnel Committee: Brad Johnson, Joe Arnzen

Building Permit Administrator: City Clerk

Building Permit Committee: Joe Arnzen, Brad Johnson

Acting Mayor: Brad Johnson

Revolving Loan Fund Committee: Mayor

Joe Arnzen, Brian Hollenkamp

Official Depositories: Magnifi Financial

Grey Eagle Office and First State Bank of Swanville

Official Newspaper: Long Prairie Leader

Official Auditor: Brian Koehn, CPA

Official City Attorney – Civil: Quinlivan & Hughes – Joe Krueger

Official City Attorney – Criminal: Todd County Attorney

Adopted by the City Council of the City of Grey Eagle this 10th day of January 2023.

A motion was made by Brian Hollenkamp to De-Obligate General Obligation Sewer Revenue Bond #2020B. A second was made by Roland Ahrendt and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.

A motion was made by Brad Johnson to approve the City Attorney Contract for 2023. A second was made by Roland Ahrendt and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.

The Council discussed the vacant Council seat. A motion was made by Brian Hollenkamp that all new council members going forward will be required to attend new council member orientation. A second was made by Roland Ahrent and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.

The Council discussed THC Moratorium. Further discussion will be tabled for the time being.

A motion was made by Brian Hollenkamp to approved moving froward with computer backup through Cove for approximately $30 per month. A second was made by Roland Ahrendt and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.

A motion was made by Brian Hollenkamp to approve upgrading to Office 365. A second was made by Brad Johnson and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.

A motion was made by Brian Hollenkamp to add Brad Johnson and Beth Ramacher to the City’s bank accounts. A second was made by Roland Ahrendt and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.

A motion was made by Roland Ahrendt for Beth Ramacher to attend the upcoming Clerk Conference. A second was made by Brian Hollenkamp and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.

A policy for credit card use was discussed and will be tabled until the February 2023 meeting.

A motion was made by Brian Hollenkamp to approved Resolution No. 2023-02: Policy to Allow Payment Before Council Authorization. A second was made by Roland Ahrendt and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.

RESOLUTION NO. 2023-02: Policy to Al-

low Payment Before Council Authorization

WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Grey Eagle is required to review expenditures before payments are made, and

WHEREAS, business and contractor billing cycles are not always in step with the City payment schedule, and

WHEREAS, some businesses and contractors demand payment upon job completion, and

WHEREAS, some businesses and contractors include finance charges for bills not paid within 10, 15, 20 or 30 days, and

WHEREAS, it is in the City’s best interest to pay just debts in a timely manner.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Grey Eagle authorizes the City Clerk-Treasurer to make payment of regular payroll expenditures, regular cyclical payments such as, but not exclusively, and sales & use tax, payments to Minnesota Power with-

MILLWOOD TOWNSHP

Notice of Annual Meeting & Election of Officers

Notice is hereby given: To the qualified voters of Millwood Township, the annual election will be held on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at the City of St. Rosa Park. In case of inclement weather, the meeting and election may be postponed until the third Tuesday in March.

The annual meeting will commence at 3:00 p.m. to conduct all necessary business prescribed by law. The election polls will open immediately following the annual meeting, and close at 8:00 p.m. Voters will elect the following:

One Supervisor: 3-year term;

One Treasurer: 2-year term.

The ballot will also include the following question: Beginning with the 2024 election cycle, shall the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, of even number years, be designated as the date of the Millwood Township general election?

The board of canvas will certify the election results on March 14, 2023, immediately following the counting of votes.

Kallista Sprenger Clerk, Millwood Township

out prior approval by the City Council.

Adopted by the City Council of the City of Grey Eagle this 10th day of January 2023.

A motion was made by Brian Hollenkamp to approved Resolution No. 2023-03: Resolution Allowing Wire/Automated Bank Payments. A second was made by Brad Johnson and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.

RESOLUTION NO. 2023-03: Resolution

Allowing Wire/Automated Bank Payments

WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Grey Eagle, County of Todd, State of Minnesota, acknowledges the need for wire and automated bank payments for such things as payroll withholdings, sales tax, Rural Development Bond payments and other required payments.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council shall allow the Clerk to make such payments by wire/automation instead of paper checks. These payments will be approved at the appropriate council meeting.

Adopted by the City Council of the City of Grey Eagle Minnesota this the 10th day of January 2023.

A motion was made by Brad Johnson to approve the purchase of investments for 2022 ($30,000 Fire Department, $3000 Streets and $3000 Sewer). A second was made by Brian Hollenkamp and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.

A motion was made by Roland Ahrendt to transfer $4468 from the Sewer Funds to the Sewer Rehab Fund for 2022. A second was made by Brad Johnson and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.

A motion was made by Brian Hollenkamp to have ACI Welding fix the telephone vault cover in front of the Fire Department. A second was made by Roland Ahrendt and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.

A motion was made by Brad Johnson to approve payment of Claims #2619-2638, totaling $100,123.77. A second was made by Roland Ahrendt and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.

A motion was made by Brian Hollenkamp to adjourn the meeting at 9:01 pm. A second was made by Brad Johnson and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.

The next regular meeting of the Grey Eagle City Council will be held on Tuesday, February 14, 2023 in Council Chambers.

Beth Ramacher, Assistant Clerk

Grey Eagle City • February 7, 2023

The special meeting of the Grey Eagle City Council was called to order by Mayor Joseph Arnzen at 7:00 pm, on the 7th day of February 2023 in council chambers. Council members present were Brad Johnson, Roland Ahrendt and Brian Hollenkamp. There were no council members absent. Also in attendance was Beth Ramacher.

A motion was made by Brian Hollenkamp to approve the purchase of a 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 for $12,963.94, including the trade-in of the 2002 Dodge Dakota, from David Motors. A second was made by Brad Johnson and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.

A motion was made by Roland Ahrendt to approve PJ Signs placing the City logo on the Dodge Ram 1500 for $150-175. A second was made by Brian Hollenkamp and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.

A motion was made by Brad Johnson to adjourn the meeting at 7:04 pm. A second was made by Brian Hollenkamp and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.

Beth Ramacher, Assistant Clerk

BLENKERS

Melrose • 320-256-5400

St. Rosa Lions Breakfast

Sunday, March 19 • 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. St. Rose of Lima Church Basement

Menu: Sausage, Ham, Scrambled Eggs, Potatoes, Bread, Fruit & Beverages

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

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

IN

St. Gregory the Great Council #12604

Knights of Columbus Breakfast & Raffle

Sunday, March 19, 2023

St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, Bowlus, MN Serving 9 AM - 12:30 PM

Raffle Drawing at 12 Noon (60+ Prizes)

Menu: Sausage from Paul & Kathy's in Upsala, Ham, French Toast, Hash Browns, Scrambled Eggs, Fresh Fruit, Rolls, Bars, & Beverages.

Proceeds to benefit council activities.

All You Care To Eat Free Will Offering

Notes from the Capitol By State Rep. Paul Anderson

Factors to consider as state shifts to carbon-free power

With Gov. Tim Walz signing legislation putting Minnesota on the track to totally carbon-free electric generation by the year 2040, it's becoming more evident the cost of this mandate is going to be high. In addition to the fact that green energy, itself, is more expensive because additional back-up power has to be figured in, there are other less-known factors that will also impact the price tag when all is said and done.

For starters, there will be a need for more transmission lines to bring power in from further away. Our grid must grow in size so the wind will be blowing somewhere to generate electricity. If it's not blowing here, for example, hopefully it is blowing in southwest Minnesota or central South Dakota or western North Dakota. Already plans are underway for the construction of a new line from the Buffalo Ridge in southwest Minnesota toward the Twin Cities. There is excess wind capacity there, and new transmission is needed to make full use of all that potential generation.

The construction of power lines is not cheap, and most folks would prefer that they not be built in their back yard. It also takes years to bring a new line into the system, beginning with the planning and permitting process, and finally the actual construction. Estimates range up to ten years or even longer to get a new transmission line from the drawing board to completion.

I serve on the Property Tax Division, and we have already heard bills that will provide state aid to the cities set to lose fossil-fuel power generating facilities. These plants, most of them coal-fired, are all scheduled to be shut down in the years ahead. The huge Xcel plant north of I-94 at Becker is an example. Its three burners are scheduled be shut down

by the year 2030, and the city will then lose a significant portion of its tax base. They'll need assistance to make up for that loss of tax revenue, and they aren't the only municipality in that situation. The city of Cohasset in northern Minnesota, home of Minnesota Power's Boswell Energy Center, is in a similar situation. Its last two units are also scheduled to be shut down in the years ahead.

Then, there is the reliability factor. Because we are dismantling our traditional baseload sources of power and converting to intermittent renewables, interest from the public is high in back-up generating units for homes and businesses. Some electric co-ops are offering packages to their members to install these units. They range in size from 5KW and higher and will be wired to automatically switch "on" when the regular power supply goes down. In most cases, propane is the source of power for these stand-by generators.

By most accounts, this has already been a long winter. Although the storm two weeks ago didn't live up to its dire predictions, we seem to be battling difficult driving conditions on a regular basis. The upper Midwest, in some locations, has received up to three times its average amount of precipitation this winter. On the positive side, our dry weather cycle may be moderating. The latest drought map shows our state is 57 percent abnormally dry, down from 61 percent the week before. And the snow we received early this winter has kept frost levels fairly shallow and, hopefully, most of the moisture will soak in rather than run off during the spring snowmelt.

Just a couple of news notes: Emerald Ash Bore has been detected in Clay County in the city of Moorhead. That's the farthest north it's been found. And the EPA has given its approval to eight states, including Minnesota, to offer year-round sales of E-15 gasoline beginning in 2024. Nine states had applied for the waiver, with North Dakota the only one being denied.

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.

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

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

FOR SALE: Dining room table with two leaves and six chairs, $225. Call 320-2559519. 3/16

FOR SALE: Matching China cabinet and hutch, $350. Call 320-255-9519. 3/16

FOR SALE: Bedroom set, $250. Call 320255-9519. 3/16

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: Full size bunkbeds, can be used as separate beds, mattresses, ladder -step needs repair, $200. Call 612-597-2998.

A Budget Funny

Due to budget constraints, the Board of the Daily Planet advised Perry White that he had to let one of his star reporters go. He was really overwhelmed about the magnitude of the decision.

"Who should go, Clark Kent or Lois Lane?"

He actually did some praying, which he hadn't done for a long time. He asked, "Please, show me a sign."

That afternoon he was doing some shopping at WalMart, and when he went to his car he suddenly saw the answer.

The next day he called Clark and Lois into the office and said, "I'm sorry, Lois, but you have to go."

After Lois collected her things and left, Clark took Perry aside and asked, "Chief, how did you know which one of us should go?"

Perry said, "Well, that turned out to be easier than I thought. While I was parking at Walmart, I looked up and there was the sign: FIRE LANE."

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

FOR SALE: 2 tractor benches, 22 in. wide, 11 ft. long, $125. Call 612-283-2718.

FOR SALE: 2 Lund Pro Ride seats, no pedestals, good condition , $225 each. Call 320815-1768.

FOR SALE: Womens size 6 new leather roper style cowboy boots, black, ivory and soft pink, $25 each. Call 320-333-4605.

FOR SALE: Hide a bed with two matching rockers and foot stools, good condition, $500 or OBO. Call 302-285-7542.

FOR SALE: Reloading components, have a list can text or email. 320-260-2551 private party.

FOR SALE: 5th wheel camper, sleeps 6, needs work, $800 or BO. Call 320-3601048. 3/23

FOR SALE: 9x8 ft. white overhead garage door, insulated, & garage door opener. Call 320-293-0447.

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

Todays Thought

My wife and I had a long argument about whose turn it was to do the laundry. In the end, I threw in the towel.