Hometown News Jan. 10, 2013

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Hometown News

Atkinson Well & Pump Ltd.

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

State Licensed • Nationally CertifiedServing You Since 1942

320-836-2597800-450-2597 Rodney Atkinson • Freeport

MN Lic. #2114

On TheInside...

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

Harvey Mackay Page 2Obituaries: Baggenstoss, Ritter Page 4Notes from the Capitol Page 8Local Municipality Minutes Pages 9-10 Melrose City, Swanville City

Basements • Bobcat Work • Waterlines • Dozer Work Sewer Camera • Sewer Line Locator • Track Hoe

From Design to InstallationSEPTIC SYSTEMS

Licensed, Bonded, Insured

Chad Twardowski, OwnerCell: 320-760-1127 • Home: 320-732-3809

Twardowski Excavating, Inc.

January 10, 2013

Photo by Joe Lang.

FARM LENDING. WE KNOW IT. WE LIVE IT.Need a Loan for Equipment, Land, Livestock or Peace of Mind? Contact our Ag Lending Team at 320-836-2126 or 320-256-7208.

www.freeportstatebank.comFreeport . New Munich . Melrose

320-285-8085 800-645-6336

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

Grey Eagle, MN

Building Supplies

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

HennenFloor Covering

208 Main St. W.Freeport

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7 am-5 pm; Sat. 8 am-12 pm320-836-2177

Check Out Our HUGE Selection of Carpet!

ST. ROSALUMBER INC.ST. ROSALUMBER INC.

www.strosalumber.com

29033 Co Rd 17 • Freeport, MN 56331In St. Rosa

320-836-22841-888-276-1751

Saves on Heating & Cooling Costs

Maintenance Free

Replacement Windows are Custom Made for a Perfect Fit

Check Out All the Options!

Real Estate ServicesBenchmark

www.benchmarkrealty.com 320-256-8000

Mound Lake: Completely remodeled, year round cabin w/shop-potential bunk house, fireplace, granite counters, gentle slope to sandy shore, 1+ acre secluded in the woods! Furnishings, dock & Pontoon included... $270’s.

Brandon Kelly, BROKER-REALTOR320-491-6107

Equal Housing Opportunity

Email: [email protected]

Melrose: Very Nice Home & Great Location. Huge detached heated 3 stall garage 30’ x 40’, nearly 600 sq ft living quarters & bathroom. Home

Features 3 bedrooms & 1 full bath. Nicely updated, move in ready, & on the Sauk River Park. $124,900

St. RosaFreeportFreeportSOLDSOLD

SOLD

Fun Run Starts Jan. 12th

Everyone Welcome! - Cash Prizes - Cars & Trucks are

welcome to participate.

BRUNO’S HUB SUPPER CLUBLong Lake, Burtrum

THURSDAY BAR BINGO 7 PM - $900 JACKPOT

Food & Drink Specials 7-9 PM Dining Available with Full Menu

320-285-4318TO ALL!

Thank you for your business in the past - Very Much

Appreciated! Good luck in the new year & Hope to see you soon!

Wing Ding Wednesday

Wed.: Chicken, Ribs & Shrimp BuffetFri.: Fish FrySun.: BRUNCH 10 AM-1:30 PMSun.: 4-8 PM: 2 pc., 3 pc., 4 pc. Chicken, Fresh Ground Sirloin Steak, 6 oz. Steak Basket $6.99

Winter Hours: Closed on Mondays Through March 25th, Tues.-Thurs. Open 3 PM, Fri.-Sun. 10 AM til close.

Welcome Snowmobilers!

Park your trailers & hop on the trail.

DINNER SPECIALSTues.: Walleye & Steak Combo $13.99, BBQ Rib Basket $5.99

Join Us For the Super Game Feb. 3rd! Always a Great Place to Watch the Game.

Albany Fleet Supply Mon. - Sat.: 7 AM - 7 PM; Sun.: 9 AM - 5 PM 1241 Co. Rd 10, Albany • 320-845-4321Used Farm Machinery For Sale On Our Lot!

Blast Bleach$1.19

Limit 2 • Expires: 01/19/13

Clip &

Save

Hometown News29442 120th St.

Grey Eagle, MN 56336Phone: 320-285-2323

Website: www.hometownnews.biz

Email: [email protected]/hometownnews

Published ByJohn and Lori Young

The Hometown News is a weekly publication, which is published and

distributed every Thursday.

Ad & News DeadlineThe deadline for news and advertising

in the Hometown News is 5 P.M. MONDAY.

Sales Staff• Jan Theisen

Cell: 320-333-9774Email: [email protected]

• Lori YoungOffice: 320-285-2323Cell: 612-597-2998

Email: [email protected] Hosting - John Young

Office: 320-285-2323Cell: 612-597-4499

Classified AdsPersonal 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.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: [email protected]

Card of ThanksCards of Thanks is $2.50 for the first

50 words, 10¢ per each additional word. Must be prepaid.

Press ReleasesPress releases are welcome. They MUST be emailed to:

[email protected].

Letter to the EditorLetters and articles of opinion are welcomed. Letters should be short

and to the point. We reserve the right to edit lengthy letters.

Email to: [email protected].

AnnouncementsAnniversary 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.

SubscriptionsThe subscription rates for

13 weeks is $16.50 26 weeks is $33.0052 weeks is $66.00

Mail to: Hometown News, 29442 120th St.,

Grey Eagle, MN 56336

Page 2 • Hometown News • Thursday, January 10, 2013

Upcoming Events

If you have an upcoming event or meeting, please let us know by email: [email protected] or call 320-285-2323.

JANUARY 16 • Freeport Community Center Chicken Fry from 4:30-7 p.m. at the Freeport Com-munity Center. See ad on page 5.

JANUARY 19 • Grey Eagle United Methodist Church Youth Chili Cook-Off from 4:30-7 p.m.

JANUARY 20 • St. Rosa Youth Group Lasagna Sup-per from 4-8 p.m. at St. Rose of Lima Church basement, St. Rosa.

JANUARY 23 • Grey Eagle Senior Center Monthly Membership Meeting at 4:00 p.m. Pot Luck Supper/Bingo Party at 5:00 p.m. at the center.

JANUARY 26 • Sacred Heart School’s 18th Annual Prime & Wine Dinner/Auction from 4:30-8:30 p.m. at the Freeport Community Cen-ter. See ad on page 6.

JANUARY 27 • Roving Hillbillies Snowmobile Club

44th Annual Snowmobile Blessing starting at 12 p.m. at St. Rose of Lima Church base-ment, St. Rosa.

FEBRUARY 7 • American Red Cross Blood Drive from 1-7 p.m. at the Freeport Community Center.

FEBRUARY 10 • Albany Legion Smorgasbord Break-fast from 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Church of Seven Dolors Parish Center, Albany.

JULY 19-21 • Grey Eagle GEM Fest - Note: Change in Weekend.

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 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.

Weekend WeatherSaturday Sunday

Mostly sunny. High: 5 Low: -6

Snow. High: 12 Low: -6

Temperatures Date High Low 1/2 25 9 1/3 14 -1 1/4 25 5 1/5 17 4 1/6 20 3 1/7 35 14 1/8 33 9

Friday

Cloudy, snow. High: 32 Low: 7

This time of year, we of-ten start con-templating New Year’s resolu-tions. What’s at the top of the list for many people? Exercising and getting your body in shape. A noble thought, to be sure, but I have an even better

idea. How about exercising your mind so you can get the most out of it?

Resolve to try something new to keep your brain challenged. Just like do-ing the same physical exercises over and over again only works a specific part of the body, doing the same mental work repeatedly tends to narrow your focus and limit your potential.

Clearing the clutter and cobwebs out of your mind is not complicated, but it does require some practice for those who are constantly on overdrive. And you all know who you are!

One of my favorite books, “Think and Grow Rich: A Black Choice” by Napoleon Hill and Dennis Kimbro, of-fers wonderfully well-defined advice

about caring for your mind: “Assume for a moment that you have in your pos-session a million dollars in gold. Would you protect it? Would you safeguard this treasure? Would you respect its value? Of course you would. You might even hire bodyguards or install security de-vices to ensure its safety.

“In comparison, your mind and self-image are worth far more than one million dollars. They’re priceless! Your mind is the exclusive source of all you will create spiritually, financially, or ma-terially in your life. Your level of joy, happiness, and peace of mind originates from one place - your mind. Now ask yourself, do you protect your mind as carefully as you protect your physical assets?”

Beyond the oft-repeated advice to read a novel, take a walk, learn a new language, and so on, there are plenty of other options that address long-term mind exercises.

A growing trend among business professionals is meditation. Meditation clears and relaxes your mind, which can have a significant impact on your physi-cal health. And meditation doesn’t re-quire any special equipment or clothing, just an open mind and a quiet environ-ment free of distractions. Get comfort-

able and clear your mind. Be conscious of only your breathing. Don’t direct your thoughts in any particular direc-tion; let them drift freely. How long you meditate is up to you.

This is a simplified description, and there are many different meditation practices. Check online for coaching in a technique that will help you.

Back at work, learning and remem-bering new information can grow more difficult with every passing year. Here are some tips to help you stay on top of the knowledge game:

• Focus on concentrating. Distrac-tions are the bane of any learning at-tempt. If you’re attending a seminar or training session, sit near the instructor and maintain eye contact. Let your fo-cused attention do the job.

• Say it out loud. Read aloud the ma-Harvey Mackay continued to pg 3

Discover the value of your mind -By Harvey Mackay

LP Gas Refill

Upsala Farm Store Inc.211 S. Main St., Upsala • 320-573-22167 Days/Week: Mon.-Sat. 8-6; Sun. 9-2

For All Your Ice Fishing Supplies

Live Bait & TackleCentral McGowan

Central Lakes

ConstructionKen Frieler

320-285-5715

Landscape &

Grey Eagle

Patios, Decks, Retainer Walls, Ceramic Tiling, Remodeling

Hair Cuts • Colors • Perms Facials • Tanning • Pedicures

Acrylic Nails

Style ‘n GoFrom Head To Toe

Jill Kurowski Owner/Stylist

320-285-7780 Grey Eagle

Hours: Tues. - Fri: 11-6;

Sat: 9-12

Hometown News • Thursday, January 10, 2013 • Page 3

terial you’re trying to learn and repeat out loud the facts you want to retain. This way, both your eyes and your ears are delivering information to your brain.

• Tame frustration. If you’re getting frustrated over material you’re trying to learn, remind yourself that getting emo-tional will only hamper your ability to retain information. Step back and take a break.

There was once a man who wanted to gain power over his mind. He heard that there was a monk in Tibet who could make this come true for him, and so the man traveled through the Hima-layas. When the man finally met the monk, the monk replied casually, “Yes, my friend, attaining supernatural pow-ers is simple. For this you merely need a mantra. Just say “Buddham Shara-nam Gachchami, Dhammam Sharanam Gachchami, Sangham Sharanam Gach-chami” three times - and whatever you do, do not think of monkeys.”

This was going to be a cinch, the man thought. He wondered at the direction to not think of monkeys, asking himself, “why would I think of monkeys?”

Harvey Mackay continued from page 2Then he sat down to try this new

practice. But as he chanted the first words of the mantra, the first thought that came to his mind was “monkeys!” He tried chanting louder and imposing a more powerful order to not think of monkeys. Still, all he could think of was monkeys. In fact, he found that monkeys now roamed about his consciousness ev-erywhere.

The monk, seeing the struggle tak-ing place, smiled and said, “Whenever you try to force your mind to go in one direction, you can be very sure it will al-ways go the other way.”

Mackay’s Moral: Nurturing and mastering your mind is anything but monkey business.

Reprinted with permission from na-tionally 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.”

Prices good Jan. 3-12

Chris’ Country Store320-285-2600 • Grey Eagle

Hours: Mon.-Sat.: 8 am.-5:30 pm. Sun.: 8 am-12 Noon

We accept Visa/MasterCard, EBT Card, WIC

Frequent Shopper CardGet 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!

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

January WinnerRon Grove

• Russet Potatoes 10 lb. $1.89 w/a filled card • Cass Clay Swiss Chocolate Milk

$3.99 gal. w/a filled card

Frequent Shopper Items

Be Sure to Stop In & Check Out the NEW Items!

All 18” Doll Clothes on Sale -$2.50 Off Reg. Price!

ProduceBolthouse Peeled Carrots 1 lb. 99¢

Red on the Vine Tomatoes $1.19 lb.Braeburn Apples 99¢ lb.Navel Oranges 69¢ lb.

Dole Whole Mushrooms 8 oz. $1.49Russet Potatoes 10 lb. $2.39

Dairy Cass Clay White Milk $3.99 gal.

Cass Clay Chocolate Milk $4.49 gal.Cass Clay Whipping Cream 2.49 pt.

Cass Clay Cottage Cheese 22 oz. $3.29 Cass Clay 1/2 &1/2 pt. $1.39

Cass Clay Party Dip 12 oz. $1.99 Cass Clay Sour Cream 16 oz. $2.09

FrozenCass Clay Vanilla Ice Cream Reg. or New York 5 qt. $5.99

Fettings Dinner Roll Dough 15 oz. $1.99Crystal Farms English Muffins 12 oz. $1.29

MeatFrom Our OWN Meat Room:

Try our Fresh Ground Beef Chuck Lean Always Low Price $3.79 lb. Ribeye Steak $6.99 lb.

Boneless Center Cut Pork Loin Roast $2.39 lb. Boneless Center Cut

Pork Loin Chops $2.49 lb.MN Gold Cooked Sliced Ham 12 oz. $2.99

Cher Make Ring Bologna 16 oz. 3.99

John Morrell Cocktail Smokies 12 oz. $2.39

Mc Cain Redstone Season Fries 5 lb. $5.99

GroceryOur Family Graham

Crackers 14.4 oz. $2.19 Clearvalue Sandwich Cookies

Duplex or Vanilla 32 oz. $2.39 Shurfine Oyster Crackers

12 oz. $1.49Campbell’s Vegetable Beef

Soup Family Size 26.25 oz. $2.59 Pocahontas Tomato Juice 46 oz. $1.59

Campbell Spicy V8 Juice 6 pk. $3.69Old Orchard Grape Juice

WIC 64 oz. $3.59Sunny D Tangy Original Orange

Juice 64 oz. $1.99Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa Milk

Chocolate 19 oz. $4.59Creamette Elbow Spaghetti or

Macaroni 32 oz. $3.49 Giant Sunflower Seeds 6.5 oz. $1.49

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

GROOM’S TUX FREE WITH 5 RENTED TUXES.

BOOK YOUR SPRING WEDDING NOW!

Featuring Local Consigners:• New Minnesota Calendars by George Hulstrand Jr.

• Grey Eagle T-Shirts by Chris• Whimsy Works - Jewelry, Weavings & Framed Poetry by Debra Bellman

• Purses by Tina• Handmade Doll Clothing by Rose Bollin

• Fresh or Silk Floral Arrangements by Chris• Birch Lake T-Shirts

• Prairie Pottery by Carol Sanvik• Riverside Goat Milk Soap by Heather Olson

• Gift Buyer: Tanya Falzone • Plus More!

Chik-O-Sea Smoked Oysters 3.75 oz. $1.99

Kelloggs Crispix WIC 12 oz. $3.99

Malt-O-Meal Frosted Mini Spooners WIC

15 oz. $2.99

Special thank you to all who support our small town business, we look forward to seeing our old

favorite customers along with new ones in the New Year!

God Bless you all!Chris, Kathy, Judy & Debra

Helping Hands Outreach in Hold-ingford held their Christmas Party Lun-cheon at the American Legion in Hold-ingford on Thursday, December 20th. Around 80 people were in attendance at the luncheon where a meal was served and there was entertainment. Jeff and Donna Fromm performed and led a sing-along with some well-known Christmas tunes. A gift exchange was done among those who opted to participate, and fun was had by all.

The next Helping Hands Luncheon will be held on Thursday, January 30th at 2:00 p.m. at the Holdingford Legion.

We also have a mystery lunch bunch

Helping Hands Outreach News

Pictured is Jordan Ebnet telling Santa what he wanted for Christmas. Photo submitted.

this month on Wednesday, January 30th when we will take the group to a local eating establishment. You never know where we’re going to go next- until you get there!

As usual, please call the Helping Hands office to sign up for these excit-ing opportunities!

Financial Aid Night to be held in UpsalaUpsala High School will host this

year’s local Financial Aid Night on Wednesday, January 16, 2013 in the auditorium at 7:00 p.m. All Upsala & Swanville high school seniors and their parents are encouraged to attend. Valerie Knopp, Financial Aid Associate Direc-tor from St. Cloud State University will give a power point presentation on the application process for Financial Aid.

The evening will end with a ques-

tion and answer time. We hope to see you there!

Dingmann’s LockerCustom Processing

On the Farm ButcheringUpsala, MN: 320-573-2162

Framing • RemodelingRoofing • Siding • Windows

Jim Revermann (Melrose) 320-837-5286

Cell 320-250-2786

Lic #2063 4900

Paul (St. Cloud)320-654-9643

Cell 320-333-9643


Obituaries

320-285-2196BURTRUM Liquor

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

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

• Angus Cheeseburgers• Philly Cheese Steak & Rib Sandwiches

Three Private Meeting Rooms Available Handling Groups of 20-150

Call for Info & Reservations

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.

320-845-2168

1 Block off I-94 Albany Exit1004 Shamrock Lane • Albany

Family RestaurantSTUBBY’S TAVERN

MONDAY: VALUE MEAL $5.25TUESDAY: CHICKEN FRY (All You Can Eat)

4:30 - 9 p.m. $6.99 • Senior Price $6.50 • Kids 8 & under: $3.50

WEDNESDAY: BBQ RIBS $8.99(All You Can Eat)

THURSDAY: Spaghetti $7.504:30 - 8 p.m. (All You Can Eat)

FRIDAY: FISH FRY $7.99 (All You Can Eat) SATURDAY: 8 oz. Sirloin Steak & Shrimp

$13.99SUNDAY: 3 MEAT SMORGASBORD $7.99

FULL BEEF COMMERCIAL: $5.991/2 ORDER: $3.25

• WEEKLY SPECIALS •

John A. “Jack” BaggenstossJ o h n

A. “Jack” Baggenstoss, age 75 of Albany, died Friday, January 4, 2013 at the Mother of Mercy Nursing Home in Albany, Minnesota.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 8 at Seven Dolors

Catholic Church in Albany with Rev. Michael Naughton, O.S.B. officiating. Interment was in the parish cemetery. Military Honors provided by the Albany American Legion and the Melrose Veterans Honor Guard.

A soldier died 4 January 2013. He served in the United States Air Force from 9 January 1955 to 8 January 1976. He had many tours including two to Vietnam and two to Taiwan.

Jack was born 21 September 1937 in Albany, MN to Jim and Tutz (Terres) Baggenstoss. He married Josephine (Terry) Wakefield on 3 October 1958 at the Base Chapel Barksdale Air Force Base, LA. After retiring in 1977 Jack and his family remained in Albany where he worked at Paul’s Par-a-dice, Fingerhut, Albany Lumber and Home Center, Sand Mitchell Smith Inc., Frigidaire and Mitchell Przybilla Auction Company.

Jack enjoyed spending time with his family, reading, watching many old

movies over and over with his wife Terry, especially John Wayne, playing cards and his early morning trip to Albany Oil to have coffee with friends. Before Jack’s illness he enjoyed many days hunting and fishing with family. Jack and Terry also loved to take a road trip to the casino where most of the time he said they were lucky.

Jack’s memory is cherished by his sister, Jean (Bob) Kellerman a frequent visitor and comforter in his time of need. He will be remembered with respect and love by his children, Sheila (Dean) Mitchell of Albany, Rose Baggenstoss of Albany, Shirley (John) Kockler of Lacrosse, WI, Barbara (Don) Thompson of Hayfield, and John Baggenstoss, Jr. of Bismarck, ND; and grandchildren, Paul (Abbey) Mitchell, Alex Mitchell, Alyssa and Taylor Kockler, Brynlie Baggenstoss and Christopher Thompson; and aunts, uncles and cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends.

Jack was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Terry; parents; brother, Vern; sister, Mary; father and mother in-law; and grandson, David Thompson.

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

Clarence J. RitterC l a r e n c e

J. Ritter, age 88 of Melrose, died Thursday, January 3, 2013 at the Pine Villa Care Center in Melrose, Minnesota.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. Monday, January 7 at St.

Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose with Rev. Marvin Enneking officiating and Rev. Ken Thielman concelebrating. Interment was in St. Rose of Lima Cemetery in St. Rosa.

Clarence Joseph Ritter was born September 12, 1924 in Melrose, Minnesota to Joseph and Catherine (Vornbrock) Ritter. He was united in marriage to Monica Sand on June 8, 1954. Monica passed away on April 26, 1974. He then married Rita Feldewerd Stoermann on December 27, 1975 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in St. Rosa. Clarence farmed north of Melrose and was a groundskeeper at Meadowlark Golf Course for 20 years. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose and the Sts. Bernard & Elizabeth Council. Clarence enjoyed farming and spending time with his

family.Survivors include his wife, Rita C.

Ritter of Melrose; children, Carol (Jim) Frericks of Melrose, Shirley (Kenneth) Tschida of Melrose, Patricia (Daniel) Groetsch of Albany, Marlene (Mike) Tiemann of Melrose, Sandy (Neil) Bueckers of Sauk Rapids, and Pamela Ritter of Melrose; 15 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and two step-grandchildren; and sisters-in-law, Rita H. Ritter of Freeport, Vera Ritter of Melrose, and Bernadette (Vic) Koenig of St. Cloud.

Clarence was preceded in death by his first wife, Monica Ritter; parents; sisters, Ernestine Zenzen and Irene Lahr; and brothers, Roman Ritter, Gilbert Ritter, Alquin Ritter and Albert Ritter.

Serving as casket bearers were Brian Frericks, Russell Frericks, Keith Tschida, Corey Tschida, Justin Frieler, Matthew Bueckers, Christopher Frieler, and Kyle Tschida. Cross bearer was Loren Frericks and scripture bearer was Sara Haag. Honorary bearers were Cahil Tschida, Adam Frericks, Kevin Frericks, Katrina Strugar, and Nathaniel Groetsch. Gift bearers will be Jennifer Frieler, Sara Haag, and Ashley Bueckers and the lector will be Ashley Bueckers.

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

~ Evening Specials ~Friday's

21 Shrimp Basket w/toast & fries $6.45

Monday’sTaco Bar

$4.95

Tuesday’sBurger Night

$1.50

Wednesday’sChicken

Buffet $7.95

Thursday’sDrummie Basket

w/toast & fries $5.95

Daily Lunch Specials Dine-In Only

On/Off Sale • 320-547-2120 • Swanville, MNMon. - Fri.: 10 am - 2 am; Sat.: 9 am - 2 am; Sun.:11 am - 2 am

Join Us Every Saturday for the Fun Run!

Electric Pull Tabs Happy Hour: Mon. - Fri.: 5 - 7 pm

Live Music 9 PM - 1 AM Jan. 12: Whiskey Tango

Jan. 19: All Around Sound DJJan. 26: ClassX Band

ALL STARSSPORTS BAR & GRILL

St. Rosa • 320-836-2154

Saturday, Jan. 12

Drink of the Month: Busch Light $2/Bottle

Sat., Jan. 19: BIG TSat., Jan. 26: BULLET BOB

Evening SpecialsMonday: Buck Burgers/Buck FriesTuesday: Buy Any Pizza, Get Family Size Bread Sticks FREEWednesday: Broasted Chicken Buffet $7.00Thursday: Taco Bar $4.25Friday: All You Can Eat Fish $6.50, 21 Shrimp $5.50, Grilled Shrimp $9.95 12 oz. Ribeye $8.95Saturday: BBQ Ribs $8.50

Serving 5-9 PM Starting

at 9 PMBIG TUpcoming

Entertainment

By Gene Waldorf, Grey EagleSenators Franken and Klobuchar

voted “yes”. Representative Peterson voted “yes”.

The “Fiscal Cliff” bill maintained the Bush tax rates for the middle class. It extended unemployment payments and adjusted other tax provisions for the benefits of Obama friends.

It also gave billions of tax dollars to

“Fiscal Cliff” Bill Votes

Letter to the EditorTo submit a Letter to the Editor, email to [email protected]

the Hollywood Movie Industry, Nascar, Wind Energy producers, Electrical Mo-torcycle producers, Appliance produc-ers, Rum producers and Algae develop-ers to name a few.

If you voted for Obama, Franken, Klobuchar and Peterson, you have the government you asked for. The problem is the rest of us have to live with it too.

Upcoming Wellness Class scheduledA Wellness Class covering Obesity

& Weight Related Issues, Making & Keeping Healthy Habits; The HCG Fat Burning Program on Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 5:30-7:00 p.m. at the Tri-City Christian Center, Freeport.

This class is presented by Dr. Deb Proechel, chiropractic and naturopathic physician. The program is free. Please pre-register by calling 320-836-7150 or 888-827-7859 prior to 10:00 a.m. on the class date.

Upsala Area Schools Kindergarten Roundup planned for March 8

Upsala Elementary School will be holding its annual Kindergarten Round-up on Friday, March 8th, 2013. Registra-tion for the class of 2027 will begin at 8:15 a.m. for all children who are inter-ested in attending kindergarten at Upsala Elementary School starting in the fall of 2013. Parents should bring their child’s birth certificate and immunization re-cord when they come on this day.

Kindergarten Roundup is for both parents and children and will run from 8:30-11:45 a.m. Parents and children are also invited to stay for school lunch, which will be served at 11:15 a.m.

Area families or families interested in learning more about the kindergarten programming offered at UES are invited to attend.


High Octane

OPEN EVERY SATURDAY & SUNDAY

11:00 AM-5:00 PM

EAGLE MOUNTAIN

EXTRA HOURS: Jan. 21: Martin Luther King Jr. DayFeb. 18: Presidents’ Day • 11 AM-5 PM

33861 Breezy Drive Burtrum, MN 56318320-573-2222

www.eaglemountainge.com

Eagle Mountain Snow TubingOnly $12

for 2 Hours of Tubing Fun!THE JUNCTION

Convenience Store • BaitOpen 7 days a week Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

320-285-2484 • Grey Eagle

Cold Spring Bakery • Schaefer’s MeatsLeanin’ Tree Gift Cards • DVDs

www.doublerbarandgrill.com

Grey Eagle • 320-285-2965

Noon Lunch Specials

Double R Bar &Grill

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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.

Card of Thanks The family of Glen Swanson extends their heartfelt thankfulness to family and friends for their thoughtfulness, prayers, visits, hugs, food, cards, and memorials. A special thank you to Pastor Trisha Jorgenson, the musicians and the ladies of Gethsemane for serving the lunch after the Memorial Service. We thank the Shelley Funeral Chapel for their services, especially Kyle LeMieur. We also extend a warm thank you to the wonderful staff at St. Otto’s Care Center. God bless you all!

Joyce Swanson, Sharon Wunsch, David & Patti Gunderson, Mark Swanson

Thank you to the Grey Eagle Rescue Squad and the Long Prairie Ambulance for saving my life. A special appreciation to the doctors and nurses for their outstanding care while I was in the hospital. I appreciate my family and friends for their support during this time.

Donna Browen We would like to say thank you to all who came to our 60th anniversary party and for the hugs, cards and gifts we received. A special thank you to our children and families for making the day so special. God bless each one.

Lloyd and Dorothy Strassburg

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From Ancient Days, Micah 5:2

One phrase we hear a lot nowadays is “millions of years ago.” When I hear talk like that, personally I mentally clump whatever follows into the realm of

fable. Isn’t that what is happening when scientists push back events farther and farther into the past? They are distanc-ing it so far from our modern age that it becomes functionally impossible to prove or verify accurately. Then there is the real evidence that the earth just hasn’t been around all that long. My favorite is the depth of the dust on the moon. NASA actually planned for feet of dust on the moon but found only inches.

The biggest problem I have with “millions of years ago” for Christians is that the Bible very accurately provides a historical record of all of human history. There is no pre-historic world because the Bible tells the history of the world back to the very beginning. The best estimates place creation at around 4000 BC. The longest stretch for any writer in the Bible

Bitz and Piecez -By Pastor Micheal Bitzwould be for Moses and his accounts of Creation and the Pre-Flood world who wrote Genesis around 1400BC.

This raises the question of how ac-curate his records were at the time. Yet based on Genesis itself Adam very well could have told Methuselah who was around for a long time after Shem the son of Noah was born. Shem then goes on to survive the flood and surprising-ly enough he is still alive when Abram (later Abraham) becomes an adult. Abra-ham’s grandson Jacob would have been 15 when Abraham died and Jacob is the father of Joseph who gets God’s people into Egypt. Joseph lives to be 110 years old and saw his great-grandchildren. A great grand-child of Joseph’s brother Levi was Moses. It is quite possible that the events of creation only needed to be passed down through 7 or 8 people to get to Moses.

The point is that according to the Bible and even science the world is not millions of years old and the Bible re-cords all of human history from the most ancient of days. In Micah 5:2 it talks about the coming of a ruler from Beth-lehem whose coming forth was from of old, from ancient days. The ancient days Micah is referring to are the days before the flood. Genesis 3:15 is when God first

promises to Adam and Eve that he will send a Savior from sin. A common theme you can find through Genesis is the trac-ing of this promised seed from Adam, to Seth and on through to Noah and then to Abraham. The promise of Jesus is from ancient of days, as ancient as you can get.

Even looking at when the Bible was written it is an ancient document. Sitting at 1400BC the Bible is by far the oldest and most accurate sacred writing you can find. The Tao-Te-Ching (sacred writings of Taoism) date to around 600-500BC. The Sutras (sacred writings of Buddhism) date around 460BC. The last of the Old Testament dates to around 430BC. The New Testament writings are all writing

within 100 years of Jesus’ birth while the Quran (sacred writings of Islam) date to around 600AD. By far the Holy Bible (sacred writings of Christians) is the most ancient and most comprehensive of all the major religions’ sacred writings.

The Bible tells us about the Prom-ised One, the Messiah that would deliver mankind from sin. At Christmas, Jesus who comes from the most ancient of days was born. Christians celebrate every day the coming Messiah who was promised as far back as you can go.

Today we rejoice and praise God because through faith in Jesus we have been made part of this ancient and real promise. Amen.

Senior Dining Menus: January 14-18Albany

Grey Eagle & Upsala

MON., JAN. 14: Deviled pork chop, rice pilaf, mixed vegetables, peaches, ice cream.

TUE., JAN. 15: Special of the day.WED., JAN. 16: Chicken marinara,

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THUR., JAN. 17: Lasagna, green beans, lettuce salad, garlic breadstick, gelatin.

FRI., JAN. 18: Breaded fish, rose-mary roasted potatoes, broccoli Norman-dy, butterscotch bar.

~ The Lighter Side Menu ~MON., JAN. 14: Cashew chicken &

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TUE., JAN. 15: Special of the day.WED., JAN. 16: Club sandwich,

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THUR., JAN. 17: Taco salad, bread-

MON., JAN. 14: Chicken strips, tator tots, stewed tomatoes, ice cream.

TUE., JAN. 15: Pork roast, mashed potatoes, gravy, mixed vegetables, bread pudding.

WED., JAN. 16: Chicken hot dish w/biscuit, garden salad, dessert.

THUR., JAN. 17: BBQ riblet, boiled potatoes, sauerkraut, bar.

FRI., JAN. 18: Sweet/sour pork, white rice, carrots, mandarin orange.

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Dennis Harder (left) president of the Big Swan Lake Improvement Association, presents a $3,000 check to Royal Loven (center), board member of the Swanville Community Scholarship Fund, for its Dollars for Scholars program. The donation represents a portion of funds raised from pull tabs sold in 2012 at the Hub Supper Club, Burtrum. Owner Bruce Rohde (right) and the lake association, which manages the charitable gambling operation, allocate profits to local organizations, including Big Swan Lake Improvement District, Long Lake Association, Grey Eagle Fire Department and Swanville Dollars for Scholars.

The Community Covenant Women’s group of Upsala held a Christmas Cookie-O-Sell fund-raiser on December 1, 2012, to help raise funds for their Wednesday night community meal. This free meal is served to anyone in the community who needs a hot meal and good fellowship. Each week between 100 and 125 people are served. This year $2,286 was raised which includes $500 in supplemental funds from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Pictured are (from left) Wanda Erickson, Community Covenant member, and Carlyle Olsen, Thrivent Financial Associate.

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Minnesota’s 2013 legislative session officially began Tuesday, with Representa-tive Ron Kresha (R-Little Falls) officially being sworn in for his first term repre-senting District 9B.

“I’m honored to start my first

term at the legislature,” Kresha said. “I’m excited to get to work in Saint Paul, and bring the concerns of greater Min-nesota to the Capitol. I look forward to working towards a balanced budget that continues to hold spending to a reason-able level.”

Kresha will serve on four commit-tees; the Agriculture Policy Committee, the Early Childhood and Youth Devel-opment Policy Committee, the State

Kresha sworn in as State RepresentativeGovernment Finance and Veterans Af-fairs Committee, and the Education Pol-icy Committee.

Kresha hopes his assignment to the Education Policy committee will allow him to work toward education reforms to improve Minnesota’s schools, and con-tinue to find cost savings and spending reductions in other areas of the budget. “I believe with the new revenue forecast we will have a chance to address edu-cation reform and reduce spending in other nonessential areas.”

Kresha’s office will be the State Office Building, adjacent to the State Capitol in Room 329. “I hope constitu-ents will visit my office if they come to Saint Paul,” Kresha said. “I also wel-come constituent feedback and ques-tions about any of the issues going on at the Capitol.”

Kresha can be reached by phone at 651-296-4247, or by email at [email protected].

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To submit a nature photo for Minnesota Through The Lens, email it in it’s original (large) size to [email protected].

Minnesota Through The Lens: Submitted by: Richard Ohmann

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These Swanville Elementary students were “Caught Being Good” during the month of December. Of these, Amelia Hudalla’s name was drawn and she received a free book. Pictured are (front, from left) Logan Leyendecker, Andrew Notermann, Liliana Ledesma-Carillo, Karley Loven, Lakiesha Kuhl, LillyAnn Gutzkow, Logan Karnes; (back) Connor Throener, Blayne Pechan, Gabby Morris, Kennedy Allen, Brady Scherping, Hailee Schmidt and Amelia Hudalla. Not pictured: Austin Hollermann, Jase Stensrud-Eubanks.

Rocky Ridge Outlet becomes a K-Bid.com Independent Affiliate

Rocky Ridge Outlet LLC in Alba-ny has completed the process to begin online auctions in early January 2013. “We just completed an in-house 200 lot online auction before Christmas which gave us the opportunity to work out the procedures necessary for taking in con-signment items from the general pub-lic” said Rocky Ridge Outlet’s General Manager Wayne Dowell. “Our relation-ship with K-Bid.com provides us with a proven platform to conduct these auc-tions in a timely and efficient manner,” Dowell said.

K-Bid.com is an online service de-veloped to provide sellers with a new and effective system to profitably liqui-date all types of personal property and assets. The system has quickly become a better alternative to traditional public auctions. With K-Bid, all of the bidding

takes place on the internet using a highly developed real-time auction program.

Rocky Ridge Outlet will become the drop off point for people up and down the I-94 corridor and surrounding areas wishing to use the resources of the Out-let to manage the sale of their personal assets and leaving the complete process in the hands of those prepared to deal with all aspects of the auction process. Customers can stop by during regular business hours to deliver their new and gently used items for consignment. All items will be photographed and placed on an Auction Consignment Agreement and then the items will be processed for an upcoming online auction. Rocky Ridge Outlet has established an in-door auction area and will be installing an out-door secured fenced lot for larger items this coming spring. In the future, people

will be able to drop off almost any type of personal property from collectibles and household items to tools, boats, and other vehicles. The first consignment auction for 2013 will be conducted from January 21st through the 27th with a regular schedule to be published for on-going auctions throughout the year.

Roger Dowell, owner of the Outlet, wants to structure the various aspects of the Outlet’s business’ to attract more local street and freeway traffic to the Outlet and to have the Outlet become a destination point for shopping activities. The Outlet is known for its wide variety of products including hunting and fish-ing items, discount foods, gifts, Ash-ley furniture, and many other discount items. (See ad below for more details.)

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I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently? And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt; and perhaps it says “Go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again. -Lewis Carroll

Thought for the week:

Notes from the Capitol By State Rep. Paul Anderson

The new leg-islative session begins this week with the swear-ing-in ceremony set for noon on Tuesday, Jan. 8. It’s been roughly 40 years since one political par-ty has controlled both houses of the Legislature, in addition to the

governor’s office. That’s the case this bi-ennium with the DFL having majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, in addition to Gov. Day-ton’s two years remaining in his term.

When I first came to St. Paul four years ago, I was part of the Republican minority. What was different then was Tim Pawlenty in the governor’s office and the balancing threat of a veto over any legislation passed. Now, for the most part, that veto possibility has been greatly lessened with one party having control of the agenda.

One concern I have entering the new session is the large number of committee chairs from the metro area. In particular, the agricultural finance budget will now be put together in a committee chaired by a Minneapolis legislator. A group of mostly rural members has sent a letter to House leadership, urging them to re-move ag finance from the Environment

and Natural Resources Committee and place it back with the Agricultural Poli-cy Committee, where it’s been for many years. I will be serving on both of these committees and would surely appreci-ate if leadership puts the responsibility of forming the budget for the Dept. of Agriculture back where it belongs. That way both policy and finance can work together for the betterment of rural Min-nesota.

Our state is in relatively good shape heading into the new biennium, at least in comparison to the budget situation just two years ago when Republicans took control of the Legislature. At that time, the budget deficit was forecast to be more than $5 billion with cash re-serves also nearly depleted. As we start work this year, there is still a deficit fac-ing us but it’s much smaller. The figure is $1.1 billion for the 2014-15 biennium, which is still large, but a major differ-ence now is that our cash flow account and rainy day fund are both fully replen-ished. The amount in those two accounts is around $960 million, which nearly cancels out the deficit.

In addition, we’ve also made good progress in paying back the education shift to our schools. Two years ago, the shift stood at 70-30 and was widened even further, to 60-40, as part of the gov-ernment shutdown settlement. Today, af-ter paying back nearly $1.5 billion, the shift percentage stands at approximately 83-17. Our schools began receiving


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the latest payback in December, which should allow them to repay loans they had taken out earlier to maintain cash flow.

There are calls from many areas for increased funding. It’s unclear if or when legislation that would increase revenue (taxes) will be taken up. It’s important to realize that even without increased taxes, revenue coming in to the state is

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forecast to increase in the coming two years. The problem is that, under cur-rent law, expenditures are expected to increase even more, hence the projected deficit.

Rep. Anderson can be contacted by email at [email protected] or by phone at 651-296-4317. To re-ceive email updates sign-up on his web-page at www.house.mn/13a.

Gary Brever was named the 2012 Outstanding Young Farmer by the Min-nesota Jaycees for his work in advanc-ing the agricultural career, soil and water conservation practices, and contribu-tions to the well-being of his community, state and nation. Brever will advance to the national Outstanding Young Farm-er competition which will be awarded in February 2014 by the Outstanding Farmers of America Fraternity.

Since 1954, the Minnesota Jaycees has been recognizing the importance of strong young leaders in the agricultural industry throughout the state. Nominees submit information about their farm, background, and knowledge of the in-dustry and are judged by others in the agricultural industry. Minnesota has had 11 national winners with three of them being awarded in the last five years.

Brever is the owner of Ploughshare Farm in Alexandria, a family farm that he operates with his wife Jennifer and

Gary Brever named Minnesota Jaycees 2012 Outstanding Young Farmer

four sons. It is a 160-acre farm on which they grow more than 40 fruits, vegeta-bles and herbs, and raise pigs, chickens and turkeys. The farm is USDA certified organic.

The Brevers have been farming since 1998 and a part of the Community Supported Agriculture program since 2002. “Community Supported Agricul-ture connects the farmer with the con-sumer,” said Brever.

The Brevers were nominated by the New Munich Jaycees.

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Continued to Pg 10

Local Municipality Minutesson to approve the consent agenda as submitted.

Melrose Housing and Rede-velopment Authority Director Ernie Kociemba provided an overview of the Melrose HRA. Mr. Kociemba noted that Rose View Manor is a 30 one-bedroom unit apartment com-plex for lower income individuals with priority given to those who are elderly and disabled. To qualify, a single person must have an annual income of less than $37,000. The Melrose HRA is rated on the physi-cal campus, financial wellbeing, management, capital funds, and occupancy rate. In its latest audit, HUD assessed the HRA of Melrose with a score of 97 out of a possible 100 points earning the Authority a high performer rating. This assess-ment provides additional operation-al bonus funds for the Authority. Currently, they have five part-time employees.

Police Chief John Jensen pre-sented the Police Department’s November report. He noted that a total of 19 citations were issued in the month of November. There were 69 verbal warnings and 12 written warnings. Chief Jensen stated there were 240 calls for service during this month compared to 202 for No-vember of 2011. The year-to-date number of calls is 2572 compared to 2,909 in 2011.

City Attorney Dymoke stated that during the period from Novem-ber 9 through December 7, 2012, the City Attorney has not given significant attention to any projects on behalf of the City of Melrose. Mr. Dymoke noted that during the course of the year, a majority of his time was spent on land use issues, nuisance items, and personnel is-sues.

Director Walz reported on the Planning and Zoning Commission’s December 12 meeting. At its meet-ing, the Commission addressed the proposed 2013 installation of a new electric power generator at the City’s Wastewater Treatment Facil-ity (WWTF). Initial research indi-cates that the proposed installation, due in part to its undefined location at this time, will require the issu-ance of a conditional use permit, the possible rezoning of part of the WWTF area and the potential vaca-tion of part of a street and alleyway. In addition, the presence of wet-lands and the floodplain in the area will need to be evaluated. The Com-mission also reviewed the City’s Five Year Capital Improvement Plan and Levy Info for Years 2013 through 2017 as required by Min-nesota Statutes Section 462.356, Subd. 2. This review which was fo-cused on Years 2013 and 2014 will be followed by the statute-required written correspondence from the Commission to the Council regard-ing the compliance of the proposed capital improvements with the City of Melrose Comprehensive Plan

Melrose CityDecember 13, 2012

The Melrose City Council met in a Regular Meeting on Thursday, December 13, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. at the Melrose City Center pursuant to due notice being given thereof. Present were Council Members Dick Christenson, Joe Finken, Tony Klasen, Jenny Mayers, Mayor Tim Vogel, City Administrator Michael Brethorst, and City Clerk Patti Haase. Mayor Vogel presided there-at. Also in attendance were Ameri-can Government students from the Melrose Area Public High School. The Council then recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

A motion was made by Mr. Finken, seconded by Ms. Mayers and unanimously carried that the agenda be approved as amended.

Council Member Finken noted his opposition to the reduction in Police staff. He cited the incidents in Rockville, Little Falls and Cold Spring and believes that safety is becoming a prevalent issue in com-munities.

The following items were con-sidered for approval under the Con-sent Agenda:

a. The minutes from the No-vember 15 Special Meeting, the November 15 Regular Meeting, and the December 5 Special (Bud-get Workshop) Meeting

b. List of bills in the amount of $299,963.82.

c. List of investments for the month of November.

d. The Council to give consid-eration to approval of the following tobacco licenses: 1. Coborn’s Inc. – Coborn’s Store; 2. S.A.V.E. Foods; 3. Melrose 1 Stop; 4. Casey’s Gen-eral Store; 5. Total Express of Mel-rose, Inc.; 6. SPIRITZ Liquor, Inc.; 7. Coborn’s Inc. - Coborn’s Liquor. Signed applications have been re-ceived and the fee of $50 per appli-cation has been paid.

Minnesota law requires cities to obtain proof that all license hold-ers provide workers’ comp insur-ance for their employees. Also, the City must obtain licensees’ social security numbers, and Minnesota and federal tax identification num-bers for the Department of Rev-enue’s use. All documentation has been received. The licenses are ef-fective January 1, 2013.

e. Donation Resolutions: 1) Resolution No. 2012-57, donation in the amount of $250 from the Central Minnesota Credit Union toward the Tri-Cap Bus Service; 2) Resolution No. 2012-58, dona-tion in the amount of $374.06 from the Melrose Lions towards the im-provements at the Melrose Lions and Jaycee Community Park; 3. Resolution No. 2012-59, donation in the amount of $200 from Stea-rns Electric toward the Tri-Cap bus service.

A motion was made by Mr. Finken, seconded by Mr. Christen-

Update (2011).City Administrator Brethorst

noted that Scott Sobiech and Bran-don Barnes with Barr Engineering presented to the Public Utilities Commission at is December 10 meeting, the initial findings of the engineering evaluation explaining in further detail the results of the engineering analysis and presented conceptual level drawings and cost estimates for potential alternatives to meet FEMA requirements: (1) Earthen Levee, (2) Sheet Pile, and (3) I-Wall. The draft engineer of probable cost range anywhere from $400,000 - $7,800,000. Barr Engi-neering’s recommended course of action is the Earthen Levee with an estimated construction cost of $400,000 - $800,000. On average, two feet of freeboard will need to be added to the existing levee. Al-ternative 2 (Sheet Pile) has a cost estimate at $1.6 million to $2.8 million and $4.4 million to $7.8 million for Alternative 3 (I-Wall). The Minnesota DNR has given the City preliminary approval for 50/50 grant. Staff is contemplating ob-taining a second opinion.

The Council then held a pub-lic hearing on the 2013 Budget and Tax Levy. The public hearing is to allow public comment and ques-tions.

Administrator Brethorst noted that at the September 13 meet-ing, the Council first reviewed the proposed 2013 Budget. The preliminary property tax levied to the County at that time was: Gen-eral property tax: $1,000,000; Debt Levy: 2008 Fire and Ambulance Station Bonds $75,000; 2011A GO Refunding Bonds: $220,000. Total Levy: $1,295,000

Since that time, the Council and staff have reviewed the bud-get to determine where cuts could be made or revenues increased in an effort to reduce the property tax levy and arrive at a balanced budget. Based on those meet-ings and the cuts proposed, the general levy is proposed to be re-duced to $1,231,000, which is $286 more than the final 2012 levy of $1,230,714. The City’s preliminary 2012 levy certified to the County in September totaled $1,295,000. Ac-cording to the information received from the County, the proposed tax capacity (net of JOBZ) for the City is estimated at 1,823,668. The low-ered total levy of $1,231,000 would result in an estimated tax capacity rate of 70.021%. The final 2012 tax capacity rate was 65.702%, result-ing in a tax capacity rate increase of 4.319% for 2012.

Administrator Brethorst re-ported that according to law, the City now must certify the levy as set in September or it may reduce the levy. It cannot set a levy higher than the proposed levy, which was certified with the County Auditor in September. The revised general

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Word Search Answers from Jan. 3

Thursday, January 3Upsala 52 - Isle 48

Halftime score: Upsala 30 • Isle 24Stats: Pts Rebs Blocks Steals Assists Aimee Pelzer 27 13 1 10 3Danica Cheney 0 0 0 0 0Tracy Herzog 7 8 0 0 3Kristin Wuebkers 0 0 0 0 0Sara Herzog 2 0 0 1 0Sadie Welinski 5 1 0 0 0Katie Ripplinger 6 1 0 3 1Alissa Zehrer 3 6 0 0 0Kaelin Smieja 0 2 0 0 0Brooke westrich 2 8 0 2 1

Tuesday, January 8Upsala 61 - Holdingford 51

Halftime score: Upsala 23 • Holdingford 20Stats: Pts Rebs Blocks Steals Assists Aimee Pelzer 20 6 4 3 8Danica Cheney 0 0 0 0 0Tracy Herzog 17 11 0 4 2Kristin Wuebkers 0 1 0 0 0Sara Herzog 6 2 0 0 0Sadie Welinski 5 2 0 1 0Katie Ripplinger 0 2 0 1 0Alissa Zehrer 7 6 3 0 0Kaelin Smieja 0 0 0 0 0Brooke westrich 6 4 0 0 1

levy of $936,000 plus a debt levy of $295,000 results in a total levy of $1,231,000 which is $64,000 less than the preliminary tax levy. He stated that the budget and levy are to be adopted at the hearing to meet the State law requirements. After the final levies are adopted, they must be certified with the County Auditor prior to December 28.

Mr. Klasen introduced Reso-lution No. 2012-60, Resolution Adopting Tax Levy Approving 2012 Tax Levy, Collectible in 2013. The motion was seconded by Mr. Finken, with a roll call vote record-ed as follows: For: Council Mem-bers Klasen, Finken, Christenson, Mayers, and Mayor Vogel; Against: None. A copy of the resolution is on file in the City Administration Of-fice.

Administrator Brethorst next reported that as per Minnesota Statutes Section 462.356, Subd. 2, which requires that the City’s proposed real property acquisi-tions and dispositions be reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Com-mission for compliance with the Comprehensive Plan, also applies to the City’s proposed Capital Im-provements. In conformance with this requirement, the Planning and Zoning Commission, at its meet-ing on December 12, reviewed the City’s non-equipment Capital Im-provement Projects proposed for Year 2013 and 2014 as addressed in the City’s Five Year Capital Im-provement Plan and Levy Informa-tion for Years 2013 through 2017 for compliance with the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Following its review, the Commission finds that the City’s various non-equipment related Capital Improvement Proj-ects proposed for Years 2013 and 2014 are either in compliance with the Comprehensive Plan or bear no relationship to the Plan. How-ever, the Commission does point out that the proposed installation of the one megawatt generator at the Wastewater Treatment Facility will require a Conditional Use Permit and, depending on its specific loca-tion when it is determined, possibly a rezoning and the vacation of part of a public roadway.

A motion was then made by Ms. Mayers, seconded by Mr. Christenson and unanimously car-ried to adopt the 2013 Budget and the 2013-2017 Five Year Capital Improvement Plan.

There was no public input at the public hearing; the hearing was closed at 7:12 p.m.

Mayor Vogel noted that it was the consensus of the Council during the course of its budget discussion that as a cost savings measure to look towards contracting prosecu-tion services with Stearns County. This would net the City an annual savings of approximately $20,145. Since that time the City of Melrose is in receipt of a verbal Counter of-fer from Bob Pottratz for legal ser-vices of: $20,000 per year cap.

The quote for services from Stearns County based on volume of cases: 25(+-25): $3,000; 75(+-25): $7,500; 125(+-25): $12,500; 175(+-25): $17,500.

Based on past history, the City is anticipating the case level to be in the 125(+-25). On average, the City has prosecuted 100 - 125 cases per year. The City receives approxi-

mately $2,000 per year in legal ser-vices revenues from Pottratz Law office that we would not see from the County. The City budgeted $15,000 for Prosecution Services for FY 13.

Council Member Christenson noted the $4,500 difference; how-ever, was leaning towards retaining Mr. Pottratz, a resident of the com-munity.

Council Member Finken strongly supported having local representation. Council Member Mayers stated it to be advantageous to have local representation and

the importance of supporting our local businesses. Council Member Klasen noted that he believes the County could serve in this capacity; however, also noted the importance of local representation. Mayor Vo-gel also supported local represen-tation. A motion was made by Mr. Finken seconded by Mr. Mayers and unanimously carried renewing the two-year Prosecution Agree-ment with Mr. Pottratz.

Due to the Council’s decision to renew the prosecution agreement with Mr. Pottratz, a line item ad-


Continued from Pg 9justment will need to be made to the 2013 Budget; however, this will not affect the total budgeted amount. It will result in a reduction of $4,500 from the budget surplus. A motion was made by Christenson, second-ed by Mr. Finken and unanimously carried approving the revision to the 2013 Budget.

Mayor Vogel noted that Ad Hoc Labor and Personnel Com-mittee Members Jenny Mayers and Eric Seanger, City Administrator Mike Brethorst, and Human Re-source Technician Diane Gruber and Law Enforcement Labor Ser-vices, (LELS) Local 320 (Police) met for negotiations on Wednesday, November 21. It is proposed to en-ter into a two-year agreement (years of 2013-2014). The agreement rati-fies a wage increase of 3.25% as of January 1, 2013 and 2% as of Janu-ary 1, 2014.

Mr. Klasen then introduced Resolution No. 2012-61, Resolu-tion Approving Collective Bargain-ing Agreement By and Between City of Melrose and Law Enforce-ment Labor Services, Inc. Local No. 320 and authorizing the proper signatures to execute the same. The motion was seconded by Mr. Fink-en, with a roll call vote recorded as follows: For: Council Members Klasen, Finken, Mayers, and Chris-tenson; Against: None; Abstain: Mayor Tim Vogel due to a potential conflict of interest.

A motion was then made by Mr. Christenson approving the Memorandum of Understanding By and Between the City of Mel-rose and Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. Local No. 320 and authorizing the proper signatures to execute the same following re-ceipt MOU properly signed by the appropriate representatives of the union. The motion was seconded by Ms. Mayers, with a roll call vote recorded as follows: For: Council Members Christenson, Mayers, Klasen, and Finken; Against: None; Abstain: Mayor Tim Vogel due to a potential conflict of interest.

The Council next discussed the 2013 Wages and Benefits for non-union employees, and volun-teers, boards and commissions. Ad Hoc Labor and Personnel Commit-tee Members Mayers and Seanger, City Administrator Brethorst and Human Resource Technician Gru-ber met on Wednesday, December 5 to discuss final 2013 wages and benefits.

A motion was made by Ms. Mayers approving a 3.25% COLA for all non-union employees and an increase of 3.25% to the Elec-trical Supervisor on-call compen-sation for 2013. The motion was seconded by Mr. Christenson with a roll call vote recorded as follows: For: Council Members Mayers, Christenson, Klasen, and Finken; Against: None; Abstain: Mayor Tim Vogel due to a potential con-flict of interest.

A motion was then made by Mr. Christenson approving no changes to the salaries of volunteer boards and commissions and ambu-lance, fire and police reserve vol-unteers. The motion was seconded

by Ms. Mayers, with a roll call vote recorded as follows: For: Council Members Christenson, Mayers, and Klasen; Against: None; Abstain: Council Member Finken and Mayor Tim Vogel due to a potential con-flict of interest

A motion was then made by Mr. Christenson adopting the revi-sions to the 2013 Personnel Poli-cies. The motion was seconded by Mr. Klasen with a roll call vote recorded as follows: For: Council Members Mayers, Christenson, Klasen, and Finken; Against: None; Abstain: Mayor Tim Vogel due to a potential conflict of interest.

Mayor Vogel noted that the skating rink attendants from last year are not interested in return-ing to the same position. City staff has prepared and posted a notice at Melrose Area High School, City Center, Library, at the warming house, on the City’s facebook page as well as City website. Individuals must be 16 years of age or older due to the hours of operation and child labor laws. Because the Council does not meet again until January 3, 2013, staff requested authorization to move forward with the hiring process including hire. A motion was made by Mr. Finken, seconded by Ms. Mayers and unanimously carried authorizing staff to move forward with the hiring process in-cluding hire.

Director Walz reported that the City has been notified that the early November application submitted for funding through MPCA’s Min-nesota Targeted Brownfield Assess-ment Program to conduct a Phase 1 environmental evaluation of the Melrose River View site has been approved. In addition to the cost of the Phase 1 evaluation, program funding also will cover a Phase 2 investigation if Phase 1 determines it to be necessary. In addition, if the Phase 2 investigation determines the presence of contamination and identifies its location(s), program funding will cover the cost of draft-ing the specifications for any site contamination cleanup. While the program would not fund any ac-tual contamination cleanup costs, it would be a significant step forward in applying to other programs with cleanup funding available. While both staff knowledge and River View site records indicate that pos-sible contamination may have oc-curred in the past on the River View site, there are no definitive records indicating whether the site is clean.

Ever hopeful of the future development of all or part of the River View site, it appeared in the City’s interest, as recommended by MADA, to pursue a determination of the existence of any contamina-tion on this site particularly if the costs can be covered by MNTBAP fund. According to program guide-lines, MNTBAP, not the City, will select the consulting firm to con-duct the evaluation(s). This selec-tion could occur about year end.

Mayor Vogel noted that at the Council’s October 18 meeting, as part of the discussion regarding the revision to the 2013 Police Depart-ment budget, it was recommended that if the Department is reduced to

a four-officer force that each Police Officer would then be assigned a vehicle. This would reduce the re-sponse time. Police Chief Jensen is requesting authorization to obtain quotes for a new squad car for de-livery in 2013.

A motion was made by Mr. Klasen, seconded by Mr. Christen-son and unanimously carried au-thorizing the Police Department to obtain quotes for a new squad car.

The following informational items were discussed:

a. The signed engagement let-ter for accounting services between the City of Melrose and Abdo, Eick and Meyers LLP. As the City has a two-year agreement with Abdo, Eick, and Meyers LLP, City Ad-ministrator Brethorst has signed the document to authorize services.

b. The Public Utilities Com-mission’s October 8 Regular Meet-ing minutes and November 13 Reg-ular Meeting minutes.

c. At the Council’s first meet-ing in January 2013, consideration will be given to making appoint-ments to the various boards and commissions. A notice regarding same was published informing residents that those interested in seeking appointment should submit their application to the City Clerk by no later than Friday, November 16. Terms are expiring on the fol-lowing boards and commissions:

• Housing and Redevelopment Authority, one member, term to co-incide with the Council Member’s term in office. Term expiring: Joe Finken.

• Planning and Zoning Com-mission, one member (four-year term). Term expiring: Randy Duf-ner. Council Representative: this is an annual appointment, Tony Klasen is the Council Representa-tive

• Public Utilities Commission, one member (three-year term). Term expiring: Lyle Olmscheid. Council Representative: this is an annual appointment. Dick Christen-son is the Council Representative

• Melrose Area Development Authority, Council Representa-tive: this is an annual appointment, Jenny Mayers is the Council Rep-resentative.

Applications received for the various Boards, Commissions, and Committees:

• Incumbent Joe Finken is seeking reappointment to the Hous-ing and Redevelopment Authority. No other applications have been received.

• Incumbent Lyle Olmscheid is seeking reappointment to the Mel-rose Public Utilities Commission. No other applications have been received

• Incumbent Randy Dufner is seeking reappointment to the Plan-ning and Zoning Commission. No other applications have been re-ceived.

d. Correspondence from Mid-west Outdoors Unlimited Wobegon Partners regarding the change in date for the raffle. The raffle was originally scheduled for Saturday, December 1. It has been resched-uled to Friday, January 25, 2013 at the Melrose American Legion.

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e. The following are schools and/or conferences where registra-tions were made: 1) Experienced Officials 2013 Leadership Con-ference, January 11-12, 2013 in Nisswa. Registration fee: $225 per person. Attending: Council Mem-ber Joe Finken.

f. MADA/COC’s October 22 Regular Meeting minutes.

A motion was made by Mr. Finken, seconded by Ms. Mayers and unanimously carried that the meeting be adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

Patricia Haase, City Clerk

Swanville Public HearingDecember 4, 2012

A scheduled Public Hearing took place at 7:15 p.m. to accept the ordinance to annex the Swanville School softball field and newly acquired land next to the softball field in Burnhamville Township. There were no complaints and no objections to this annexation. Tim Grittner made a motion to accept ordinance #2012, AJ Johnson sec-onded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried. Pa-pers will be forwarded to the city attorney for filing with the MN Mu-nicipal Boundary Adjustments.

Mayor Peterson then closed the public hearing meeting and in-troduced two representatives from Greater MN Gas Inc. The repre-sentatives handed out maps were the proposed natural gas line will be running. They stated they would also like to serve the City of Swan-ville. Lines going to turkey barns in surrounding areas will begin in 2013 and the city lines would pos-sibly added in 2014. Questions and concerns from residents present were answered. A draft for the natu-ral gas franchise ordinance was left for council to look over and discuss.

Immediately following the informational Greater MN Gas pipeline meeting Mayor Peterson opened the regular council meeting.

Swanville CityDecember 4, 2012

Minutes of the Swanville City Council meeting held in the Swan-ville Senior Center on Tuesday, De-cember 4, 2012. The meeting was called to order at 8:00p.m.with the following members present: Sandy Peterson, AJ Johnson, Jim Molitor, and Tim Grittner. Absent: Jim Piek-arski. Also Present: Mark Hallen, Joe Maciej, Bruce Johnson, Report-er Liz Verley, and Brian Zapzalka.

Minutes of the Swanville City Council meeting held November 7, 2012 were read. Tim Grittner made a motion to accept the minutes as read. AJ Johnson seconded the mo-tion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.

The treasures report was given. A motion was made by AJ Johnson and seconded by Tim Grittner to approve the treasurer’s report. All members voted in favor, motion carried.

Mark Hallen, city engineer, was present to discuss with the council the Rhoda Avenue project. Council asked for a copy of the specifications for the project.

A work order agreement with Morrison County for plowing and sanding the city streets was pre-sented to the council. This agree-ment would be used should the snow plow brake down. Jim Moli-tor made a motion to sign the agree-ment for the winter season of 2013. Tim Grittner seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.

Bruce Johnson presented a bill in the amount of $698.73 which is for the replacement of the elec-trical plug ins in the street lights. Johnson stated that the Swanville Lions will pay half and would like the city to pay the other half. Tim Grittner made a motion to pay half of the parts. Jim Molitor seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.

A land use variance permit was presented to the council for Russell Powell to build a 24x26 garage on

his property. This permit has been approved by the P & Z Commit-tee and the fee has been paid. Tim Grittner made a motion to approve the variance for Powell to build a 24x26 garage. Jim Molitor second-ed the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.

The Swanville School super-intendent asked council to consider putting more resident only parking signs by school. After discussion, council decided to table.

Election results from the No-vember 2012 general election was received from the Morrison County Auditor for City offices.

For Mayor: Sandy Peterson 137 votes; Write-ins 2 votes. Sandy Peterson was declared Mayor for 2 years.

Council Members: Jim Piek-arski 119 votes; AJ Johnson 128 votes; Write-ins 5 votes. Jim Piek-arski and AJ Johnson were de-clared Council Members for a 4 year term each.

City of Swanville has 159 registered voters. Plus there were 16 new residents on Election Day. There were a total of 150 votes cast in the City.

Mayor Peterson made a mo-tion to accept the election results. Jim Molitor seconded the motion. All members voted in favor motion carried.

The following claims were presented for payment. Members of the Council were furnished with a listing. AJ Johnson made a mo-tion to approve the claims. Tim Grittner seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.

The next monthly meeting will be held Tuesday, January 8, 2013, at 730 p.m.

There being no further busi-ness, a motion was made by AJ Johnson and seconded by Jim Mo-litor to adjourn. All members voted in favor, motion carried. Meeting adjourned 9:00 p.m.

Julie Hollermann, City Clerk/Treasurer

Warmer weather could mean ice dangers With several days of temperatures

hovering above and below freezing, 32°F, the Minnesota Department of Nat-ural Resources (DNR) is reminding ev-eryone not to let their guard down when traveling out on a frozen lake, river or pond.

With days of warmer than normal temperatures, it doesn’t take long to make the ice brittle, said Kara Owens, DNR boat and water safety specialist. “Anglers or snowmobilers might be safe in one spot one day, but might fall through in the same place the very next day.”

So far this winter, there have been no ice-related deaths in Minnesota. Last winter, four people died after falling through the ice.

“We want people to get out and enjoy our weather, but remember ice is never 100 percent safe,” she said. “Don’t put yourself or someone else in danger by going out on thin ice. No fish is worth your life.”

DNR clear ice minimum thickness recommendations are:

• 4 inches for walking.• 5 inches for a snowmobile or ATV.• 8-12 inches for a car. • 12-15 inches for a medium-sized

truck.Owens added when the temperature

rises above freezing for six hours during

a 24 hour period, people should double the recommended minimum thickness-es. If temperatures rise above freezing for 24 hours or more, they should stay off the ice.

Owens recommends anyone head-ing out on the ice should: wear a life jacket, carry a set of ice picks, check with a local bait shop or resort - ask about ice conditions - and measure the ice.

Discover your new role as grand-parents and the latest changes in infant care, feeding methods and home, car and toy safety from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Jan. 28 at CentraCare Health Plaza - Hughes, Mathews Room. Aunts and uncles also are welcome.

Additional classes take place Feb. 25 and March 25. This is a free class. Register at centracare.com.

For more information, call St. Cloud Hospital Women & Children’s Center at 320-229-5139.

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A man once said to Mark Twain, “It is my deepest desire to go to the mount where God gave Moses the Ten Com-mandments and recite them there!” Puzzled, Mark Twain asked, “Don’t you think it would be better to stay at home and try to keep them there?”

The Lord did not give us the Ten Commandments to review, but to reveal; not to look at but to live; not to admire but to acknowledge in the way we be-have.

There are many who say one thing with their lips but show another thing with their lives. There are those who say the right things but live the wrong way. And there are some who speak the lan-guage of faith but give no evidence of it in their lives. The proof of our faith is not our words but in our works.

Some say, “I am a Christian” but if they are watched closely, there is no evidence of Christ in their lives. We are reminded by James that we are not only to be hearers of the Word, but doers of the Word. A good place to start “doing” is at home.

Todd County Sheriff’s Dept800-794-5733 • 320-732-2157

January 6, 2013: At 5:56 p.m. the Todd County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a car deer accident that happened on State Highway 287 by the Dairy Ridge barns just south of Long Prairie. Nedda Zetah, rural Grey Eagle, was traveling southbound when she struck a deer in the traffic lane while driving her 2008 Jeep SUV. The Jeep received moderate damage to the front end and Nedda and her passenger were not injured.

January 6, 2013: At 9:20 p.m. the Todd County Sheriff’s Office took a report of a property damage accident at the address of 19505 County Road 11 in Little Sauk TWP, Sect. 09. A 2002 Chevrolet Suburban registered to Dennis Bollin, city of Swanville, had been traveling northbound when his

vehicle left the roadway, went in the ditch, struck a culvert and damaged a 40 MPH curve sign. Nobody was at the scene.

It was later discovered that Dennis Bollin was driving on 01-05-2013 at approximately 2200 hours when the crash occurred. The vehicle received moderate damage and Dennis was not injured. The accident is still under investigation and the reports will be forwarded to the Todd County Attorney’s Office for review for charges.

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SnowOne winter morning as Ole and

Lena were listening to KFGO Fargo radio during breakfast, they heard the announcer say,”We are going to have 8 to 10 inches of snow today. You must park your car on the even-numbered side of the street, so the snowplows can get through.” So the good Lena went out and moved her car.

A week later while they are eating breakfast again, the KFGO radio announcer said, “We are expecting 10 to 12 inches of snow today. You must park your car on the odd-numbered side of the street, so the snowplows can get through.” Being the good wife, Lena went out and moved her car again.

The next week they are again having breakfast, when the radio announcer says, “We are expecting 12 to 14 inches of snow today. You must park...”

Then the electric power went out. Lena was finally getting very upset, and with a worried look on her face she said, “Honey, I don’t know what to do. Which side of the street do I need to park on so the snowplows can get through?”

With the love and understanding in his voice, as all men who are married to Norwegian’s, Ole replied, “Why don’t you just leave it in the garage this time?”


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Subject to credit approval. Membership qualification required. Does not apply to loans already financed wth CMCU. Promotion begins December 1, 2012. Limited time offer. Other restrictions apply. Ask for details.

Federally Insured by NCUA

888.330.8482 | myCMCU.org | facebook.com/myCMCU

Our ag lending specialists will visit your farm to discuss your needs—call us today!

CMCU offers LOW crop input RATES and FLEXIBLE TERMS!

Hometown News Jan. 10, 2013

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