Big Book AA: Peace Lutheran Church, door 5, New London, 6 p.m.
Monday Hand & Foot Cards: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 9 a.m.
Walking club: Atwater Community Center, 9:45 a.m.
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, noon
Mahjong: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 1 p.m.
Parkinson’s Disease support group: CCM Health Wellness Center, Montevideo, 3:30 p.m., 320-321-8240
TOPS: Assembly of God Church Encore, 3821 Abbott Drive, 6:15 p.m., 320-796-2280
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7 p.m.
Alanon: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7 p.m.
Tuesday
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7:30 a.m.
Veterans and Active Duty Military: Willmar Community Center, 9:30 to 11 a.m.; informal coffee time for veterans and spouses; 320-894-7840. All firefighters, police officers, and rescue squad members are invited to join.
SAIL exercise: Atwater Community Center, 9:45 a.m.
Parkinson’s Support Group: Bethesda, Willmar, 10 a.m.
SAIL exercise: Willmar Community Center, 10:15 a.m.
SAIL exercise: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 10:15 a.m.
Kiwanis: Kandiyohi County Historical Society Museum, Willmar, noon
Hand & Foot Cards: Willmar Community Center, 12:30 p.m.
Bingo: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 1 p.m.
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7 p.m.
Alanon: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7 p.m.
Compassionate Friends: Kandiyohi County Historical Society Museum, Willmar, 7 p.m.
Wednesday Coffee and conversation: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 9 a.m.
Hand, Knee & Foot Cards: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 9 a.m.
Mahjong: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 9:30 a.m.
Walking club: Atwater Community Center, 9:45 a.m.
Group Respite: Faith Lutheran Church, Spicer, 10 a.m.
Contact 866-787-9802 to register.
Rotary: The Oaks, noon Lions Club: Willmar VFW, Willmar, noon
Cribbage corner cards: Willmar Community Center, 12:30 p.m.
Whist: Willmar Community Center, 12:30 p.m.
Willmar Area Senior Citizens Club: Willmar Community Center, 2 p.m. entertainment by Sibling Harmony, 3 p.m. meeting.
Women’s A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 6:45 p.m.
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7 p.m.
Alanon: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7 p.m.
Thursday
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7:30 a.m.
Mexican Train: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 9
a.m.
SAIL exercise: Atwater Community Center, 9:45 a.m. Parkinson’s Support Group: Bethesda North Pointe, New London, 10 a.m.
SAIL exercise: Willmar Community Center, 10:15 a.m.
SAIL exercise: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 10:15 a.m.
Dementia care partner support group: CCM Health Wellness Center, Montevideo, 10:30 a.m., or virtually, 320-321-8240
Hand & Foot Cards: Willmar Community Center, 12:30
p.m.
500 cards: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, noon Blue Star Mothers of America: 5:30 p.m., Vinje Lutheran Church, Willmar
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7 p.m.
Friday Alanon: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 11 a.m.
Whist: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 1 p.m.
Senior Dance: Willmar Community Center, 1 to 4 p.m., $3 non-dancers, $8 dancers, both includes lunch; music by Nite Owls.
Farkle Fridays: Willmar Community Center, 1 to 4 p.m.
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 2 p.m.
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7 p.m.
Recovery Church: 516 4th Ave SW, New London, 7 p.m. Child care provided.
Saturday
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 10 a.m.
Jolly Twirlers Square Dance: Willmar Community Center, 7 p.m.
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7 p.m.
This calendar will run each week in the Sunday Reminder and as space permits in the West Central Tribune e-edition, Monday through Saturday. To have your event included please email news@wctrib.com or mail it to Kit Grode, West Central Tribune, PO Box 839, Willmar, MN 56201. Include all information and the name and phone number of the person submitting it. You will be called to confirm the information.
How FFA prepares young people for careers in agriculture
This year, Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapters nationwide will proudly celebrate National FFA Week from February 15 to 22, 2025. The event is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the impact of FFA on youth leadership and agricultural advancement.
The mission of FFA is to equip future generations with the skills needed to tackle the challenges of sustainable farming and food production. With over 700,000 members, FFA plays a significant role in youth development through agricultural education. Its goals include:
• Leadership development. FFA encourages members to organize and lead community service projects, instilling a sense of responsibility, civic engagement and resilience.
• Agricultural education. The organization offers hands-on experiences and training workshops in various areas of agriculture, including sustainable farming practices, agricultural technology, science, business management and environmental conservation. These opportunities allow members to apply knowledge directly to real-world situations.
• Career preparation. FFA facilitates internships, job shadowing and career
fairs, allowing members to gain firsthand insights into careers ranging from agribusiness and crop science to veterinary medicine and food technology. The organization also connects members with industry mentors to guide them along their professional journeys.
• Networking opportunities. FFA organizes various regional and national events where members can meet industry professionals, alumni and peers from diverse agricultural disciplines. FFA also organizes competitions in various agricultural disciplines, fostering teamwork and collaboration among peers.
By fostering these essential skills, FFA effectively prepares young individuals for successful careers in agriculture, ensuring they’re equipped to face future challenges.
Why are more and more young women pursuing careers in ag?
Future Farmers of America (FFA) Week takes place from February 15 to 22, 2025. This event provides a great opportunity to explore the increasing trend of young people, particularly young women, entering the agricultural sector. Here are some compelling reasons why women are increasingly drawn to careers in agriculture.
1. SHIFTING CULTURAL NORMS
The traditional perception of agriculture as a male-dominated field is changing. Society is increasingly recognizing that women play vital roles in the industry, not just as workers but also as leaders and innovators.
Increased encouragement for women to pursue careers in farming is dismantling outdated stereotypes and opening doors to a wider range of opportunities.
2. DIVERSE CAREER OPTIONS
Agriculture is no longer limited to traditional farming. The field has expanded dramatically, offering a wide range of career options, including agribusiness, biotechnology, food science, environmental science, and agronomy. This diversity appeals to women with various interests and skill sets.
3. DESIRE TO HELP FEED THE WORLD
Many young women are motivated by the desire to
make a meaningful impact, both locally and globally. With pressing issues such as hunger, food waste and equitable food access becoming more prominent, the agricultural sector serves as a vital arena for creating positive change.
4. SUPPORTIVE ORGANIZATIONS AND PROGRAMS
Organizations like the Future Farmers of America (FFA) play a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of agricultural leaders. By providing mentorship, resources, scholarships and a supportive community, FFA empowers young women to carve their own paths in the industry.
Through workshops, networking events and leadership training, the FFA equips women with essential skills and confidence.
One thing is certain: the next generation of women in agriculture is poised to make a powerful impact!
How FFA prepares young people for careers in agriculture
This year, Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapters nationwide will proudly celebrate National FFA Week from February 15 to 22, 2025. The event is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the impact of FFA on youth leadership and agricultural advancement.
The mission of FFA is to equip future generations with the skills needed to tackle the challenges of sustainable farming and food production. With over 700,000 members, FFA plays a significant role in youth development through agricultural education. Its goals include:
• Leadership development. FFA encourages members to organize and lead community service projects, instilling a sense of responsibility, civic engagement and resilience.
• Agricultural education. The organization offers hands-on experiences and training workshops in various areas of agriculture, including sustainable farming practices, agricultural technology, science, business management and environmental conservation. These opportunities allow members to apply knowledge directly to real-world situations.
• Career preparation. FFA facilitates internships, job shadowing and career
fairs, allowing members to gain firsthand insights into careers ranging from agribusiness and crop science to veterinary medicine and food technology. The organization also connects members with industry mentors to guide them along their professional journeys.
• Networking opportunities. FFA organizes various regional and national events where members can meet industry professionals, alumni and peers from diverse agricultural disciplines. FFA also organizes competitions in various agricultural disciplines, fostering teamwork and collaboration among peers.
By fostering these essential skills, FFA effectively prepares young individuals for successful careers in agriculture, ensuring they’re equipped to face future challenges.
Why are more and more young women pursuing careers in ag?
Future Farmers of America (FFA) Week takes place from February 15 to 22, 2025. This event provides a great opportunity to explore the increasing trend of young people, particularly young women, entering the agricultural sector. Here are some compelling reasons why women are increasingly drawn to careers in agriculture.
1. SHIFTING CULTURAL NORMS
The traditional perception of agriculture as a male-dominated field is changing. Society is increasingly recognizing that women play vital roles in the industry, not just as workers but also as leaders and innovators.
Increased encouragement for women to pursue careers in farming is dismantling outdated stereotypes and opening doors to a wider range of opportunities.
2. DIVERSE CAREER OPTIONS
Agriculture is no longer limited to traditional farming. The field has expanded dramatically, offering a wide range of career options, including agribusiness, biotechnology, food science, environmental science, and agronomy. This diversity appeals to women with various interests and skill sets.
3. DESIRE TO HELP FEED THE WORLD
Many young women are motivated by the desire to
make a meaningful impact, both locally and globally. With pressing issues such as hunger, food waste and equitable food access becoming more prominent, the agricultural sector serves as a vital arena for creating positive change.
4. SUPPORTIVE ORGANIZATIONS AND PROGRAMS
Organizations like the Future Farmers of America (FFA) play a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of agricultural leaders. By providing mentorship, resources, scholarships and a supportive community, FFA empowers young women to carve their own paths in the industry.
Through workshops, networking events and leadership training, the FFA equips women with essential skills and confidence.
One thing is certain: the next generation of women in agriculture is poised to make a powerful impact!
Sweet indulgence
Chocolate Truffle Torte for Valentine’s Day
BY PATTI DIAMOND
It’s sweets for the sweet on Valentine’s Day! Believe it or not, you only need two ingredients to create this rich, decadent chocolate torte. Yes, just two! If you’ve been following my foodie adventures, you know I love geeking out over food science, and this recipe is no exception. Variations of this cake have been making the rounds online for years, and Valentine’s Day felt like the perfect time to give it a whirl.
The best part? It’s historically wonderfully affordable, all you need are eggs and chocolate. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that egg prices won’t skyrocket between the time of my writing and you reading this. While some may hesitate at the thought of whipping egg whites into a meringue, let me assure you: If you have a mixer, you can absolutely do this.
Here’s why it works: Eggs are amazing. Separating the yolks from the whites allows the yolks to add richness while emulsifying the chocolate. Meanwhile, the whipped egg whites transform into a meringue that provides all the lift and structure this cake needs. The result? It’s like a chocolate souffle and a truffle had a baby. And yes, I ate it.
Chocolate Truffle Torte
Yield: 8 servings
Total Time: 45 minutes 10 ounces of good quality chocolate, finely chopped
4 eggs, separated Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line an 8-inch springform pan or a round cake pan with parchment paper. Cut a circle for the bottom and a sleeve for the sides. Use cooking spray to keep the paper in place (spray the pan so the paper will stick), but don’t spray the paper itself.
Separate the eggs, ensuring no yolks mix into the whites. Melt the chocolate in the microwave for 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth, and set aside to cool.
Using a hand or stand mixer, whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
By hand, whisk the egg yolks into the cooled chocolate. It may seize up at first — keep whisking, and it will smooth out. Add one-third of the meringue to the chocolate mixture and whisk it to lighten it. Using a spatula, gently fold in half of the remaining meringue to incorporate and then fold in the rest until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The cake will puff up like a souffle as it bakes but it will fall as it cools -- that’s exactly what you want!
Once cool, serve as is or dust with powdered sugar. This cake is beautifully paired with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries.
For an extra flourish, drizzle with warm chocolate ganache or add a scoop of ice cream. It’s a showstopper dessert that’s deceptively simple to make.
Chocolate tips: Since chocolate is the star here, choose wisely. Purchasing the best-quality chocolate you can comfortably
ert De Niro, now 81, never rests on his laurels, and what laurels they are: two Oscars, a Golden Globe, four Emmys, an AFI Lifetime Achievement Award, the Kennedy Center Honors, the Cecil B. DeMille Award, the Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom! He also has three exciting films that are ready for release. In the crime drama “The Alto Knights,” due on March 21, he plays a dual role of two 1950s crime bosses Vito Genovese and Frank Costello, with Debra Messing costarring. Then De Niro stars opposite Jamie Foxx, Scott Eastwood, John Leguizamo and Rita Ora in the action thriller “Tin Soldier.” He’ll follow this with Netflix’s political-thriller series “Zero Day,” which
BY DANA JACKSON
Q: I really enjoyed the first two seasons of “The Recruit” on Netflix. It’s hard to tell if there will be a third one. Will there be? — K.W.
A: It’s too soon to tell, but after the first season of the spy-adventure series “The Recruit” debuted on Netflix, it was a big streaming success. The series stars Noah Centineo (“The Fosters”) as a rookie CIA lawyer. His first assignment involved Russia, but the second season that premiered on Jan. 30 led him to Seoul, South Korea, where he’s assigned to rescue the wife of a rogue NIS agent (Teo Yoo).
Showrunner Alexi Hawley, whose previous producing credits include “The Rookie,” views Centineo’s character, Owen, as “flawed, young and selfish.” Hawley further explains that “even though Owen had no business getting involved [in the Korean
also stars Jesse Plemons, Joan Allen, Connie Britton, Dan Stevens and Angela Bassett. It was a funny thing when our two greatest actors, De Niro and Meryl Streep, made a movie together called “Falling in Love” (1984), along with Dianne Wiest, David Clennon, Jane Kaczmarek and Harvey Keitel. It cost $12 million but only grossed $11.1 million. It received 54% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 13 reviews. Their consolation?
Streep and De Niro respectively won an Italian Oscar for Best Foreign Actress and Actor. I think it’s time for a rematch!
*** Ryan Gosling may be joining the “Star Wars” universe because “Deadpool & Wolverine” director Sean Levy wants him to! And judging from the $1.33 billion grosses of “Deadpool & Wolverine,”
assignment] in the first place, this presented an opportunity for him to prove his worth — not only to the CIA but to everyone he disappointed last season, including himself.” The creative team really wanted to see him grow up this second time around and show that it’s “not all fun and games — people get killed.”
As far as a season three renewal, the show’s fate isn’t known yet. According to Forbes, Netflix typically analyzes a show’s performance over several weeks to months before deciding. Unfortunately, the streamer has also developed a reputation for canceling shows too quickly after just one or two seasons, but hopefully with its strong initial numbers, “The Recruit” will be given the green light.
Q: When is the new “Outlander” spin-off coming out? Will it also be on Starz or some-
HOLLYWOOD
Levy can probably have anything he wants. Disney’s been looking for new ways to invigorate their “Star Wars” franchise, and this untitled film that Levy has worked on for two years with Jonathan Tropper is the answer that they’ve been hoping for. Nevertheless, we won’t see it until it opens on Dec. 17, 2027. Gosling’s next film is the epic sci-fi film “Project Hail Mary” with award-winning German actress Sandra Hüller, and it is due sometime in March 2026.
***
What’s more glamorous than a movie premiere? (Except maybe the Academy Awards!) Red carpets, bright lights, screaming fans, and flashes illuminating the stars in their couture gowns and tuxedos as they arrive to thunderous applause! In London, they take their
premieres very seriously, and on occasion, their royals even attend the festivities. So, imagine the shock when Timothée Chalamet pulled up to the London premiere of his Bob Dylan biopic not in a limo but on a Lime electric bicycle that he rented for the occasion.
While some fans went wild, others were shocked and dismayed, and the City of London Police reacted by giving him a $79 fine (65 pounds) for not parking his bike properly. Sadly, his stunt only took the movie’s United Kingdom grosses to $3.2 million, while the United States grosses were $60 million against its $50-$70 million cost. There are many disadvantages to being “A Complete Unknown!”
CELEBRITY EXTRA
where else? — D.P.
A: “Outlander: Blood of My Blood” is a prequel series to “Outlander,” which recently wrapped up its seventh season (the eighth will be its last) on Starz. The prequel will have 10 episodes in its debut season, but it won’t premiere until this summer. It did, however, drop a teaser just ahead of the “Outlander” finale a couple weeks ago.
According to Entertainment Weekly, “Blood of My Blood” will tell the story of the parents of Jamie (Sam Heughan) and Claire (Caitríona Balfe), as well as their respective love stories in both 18th-century Scotland and World-War-I-era England. Matthew B. Roberts, one of the coshowrunners behind “Outlander,” will write and preside over the new series.
Q: What ever happened to Paula Patton? I remember she was married to Robin Thicke, but
Courtesy of Paramount Pictures Robert De Niro and Meryl Streep in “Falling in Love” (1984).
Ricardo Hubbs/Netflix
Noah Centineo stars in “The Recruit” on Netflix.
RUBBERIZED ASPHALT CRACK FILLING BIDS CLOSE MARCH 11, 2025 KANDIYOHI COUNTY, MN.
NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS: Electronic bids will be received by the Kandiyohi County Public Works Department, 1801 East Highway 12, Willmar, MN 56201, until 9:00 A.M. the 11 th day of March, 2025, at which time bids will be opened and publicly read.
KC CRACK FILL - 25
Furnish and apply rubberized asphalt crack filling to approximately 406,529 lineal feet of cracks on various county roads in Kandiyohi County.
Kandiyohi County will receive and accept bids ONLY through QuestCDN.com via their electronic VirtuBid online bid service. A virtual bid opening will be held at the day and time of the bid closing listed above utilizing Microsoft Teams Meeting. NO PAPER BIDS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
Complete digital bidding documents are available at www.QuestCDN. com by entering Quest #9533524 on the ‘Search Projects’ page. To be considered a plan holder, register with QuestCDN.com for a free Regular membership and download the bidding documents in digital form at a cost of $22.00. Downloading the documents and becoming a plan holder is recommended as plan holders receive automatic notice of addenda, bid updates and access to vBid online bidding via QuestCDN. Contact QuestCDN Customer Support at 952-233-1632 or info@ QuestCDN.com for assistance in membership registration, downloading digital bidding documents and vBid questions.
To access the electronic bid form, download the bidding documents and click the ‘Online Bid’ button or Online Bidding ‘Available’ button on the bid posting page. After the bid close,
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Having second thoughts could be a good thing, even if you’re determined to go through with your plans. You might find it worthwhile to take a fresh look at how things have been set up.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Financial matters could continue to be a problem until you’re able to straighten out some of the more pesky situations. Once this happens, the rest should be easier to unsnarl.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Family matters once again take center stage and should be dealt with competently and quickly. Again, insist that others take on their fair share of the responsibilities.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Your creative pursuits seem to be running into a roadblock. But rather than blame outside factors, look within to see if you might be holding back your efforts for some reason.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Your aspects continue to favor family issues, with a special emphasis this week on changes in and around your home. Get everyone to suggest what they would like to see done.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) A matter you thought had been settled still might produce surprises. Best advice: Continue to gather facts to bolster your position just in case you need to produce them quickly.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20) While your instincts are usually right when discerning ‘twixt truth and deception, you could benefit from doing more research on the new “prospect” that you’ve been pitched.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) Keep your keen Cat’s Eye focused on relevant aspects of this new situation in your life. Don’t be distracted by trivial matters. You need the pertinent facts before making a decision.
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) As much as you prefer doing things on your own, continue to accept help if you still need to resolve the problem that affects your project. Meanwhile, some cheerful news is about to come your way!
LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) While you might begrudge the added time it will take to get your project from point A to B to C, etc., you could benefit from the facts that will emerge over this expanded time span.
SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Regarding your workplace suggestions, be prepared to produce the facts to counter reactions from skeptics who feel like your approach is unreasonable or even impossible.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Savvy Sagittarians will look for workrelated answers on their own rather than relying on unproved assumptions. It might take more time to do so, but the payoff is worth it.
We are looking to add a motivated, hard-working individual to our crew starting in the spring of 2025. If you’re ready to dive into outdoor labor work, work around heavy equipment, and receive on-the-job training, this is the perfect opportunity
No experience necessary – just a willingness to work hard and grow! Like to work 50 plus hours per week Option to have winters off Must have a current Driver’s License Job locations are remote and change
Reach out for more details to the office at (320)905-8873 or direct to Mike at (320)905-8645. Join a team that values dedication and hard work. Let’s get you started this spring!
