I can think of the number of times I should have said “thank you” and didn't, but it is about time I do.

I want to thank our NRHEG Star Eagle paper staff for providing us with a good home town paper. I know news has to be reported in the big papers, but it so nice to be able to pick up our paper without all the tragic events one doesn't expect to see in Minnesota news, tragic events that shouldn't happen that sadden the news. I thank God for a positive newspaper. 

If I were to say thank you to all those I should, it would fill the paper and then some. It isn't that we forget to say thank you. Sometimes we take for granted the many people who do things for us. Yes, in our mind we think "thank you," but we don't always say it. I guess it is something like, "I Love You." We feel it, but we don't always express our feelings in words. "Thank you" are warm little words that most often fill another's heart and lets them know they are appreciated.  You can never say "thank you" or "I love you" enough. Never assume someone knows how much you care and appreciate them. They may know, but it is not the same as hearing those words.

I do appreciate our local paper because it is such a positive projection of the good things that are continuing to happen in our communities. It gives honor and recognition to nice things that happen. I know big papers more or less have to publicize the “nasty” things that happen in the world — but I am glad we don't.

I could never thank our local  firemen, first responders and ambulance crew members enough for being there for the many things they are called upon to do above an beyond the many volunteer things they do.

And then there are the merchants and business men and women that lending a helping hand when someone needs assistance. Their support can make such a difference. Do we always think of how many we solicit for items of goods and money?

Thank yous should also be extended to people like our local historical society too, who are thinking of the next generation and the importance of preserving artifacts from the past.

Thank you to those who govern our cities, counties and states. 

And we can't forget those who plan and execute fun things, those who welcome and are always looking for ways to enhance.

You only have to think and you will find as I did that we have wonderful people out there and some are in strange places, but they are there. Love thy neighbor.

There are always extra little things — or big things — that others do for us. There are those who give their time, money and empathy. I suppose this is true of other areas too, but it seems like these relativity small towns are like family, maybe more so. Families don't even always embrace their families like they could, or should.

I recall my Aunt Helyn. She was so grateful for those who remembered her when she was struggling with her eyesight. Ann Marie was such a great person to remember people in the community with cards and letters that pleased her ever so much. There were others too, but Ann was a perfect example.

My mother still feels guilty about not sending a note to Alex Beenken when he came to rescue her when she fell and split her forehead open. She often thinks of how fast he took charge and stopped the blood flow. Smiling, her doctor commented what a wonderful job that he had done. He was there and may have saved her life, and we will always be grateful. Thank you, Alex!

We thank those who send thank yous. I do appreciate and should thank those who are kind enough to let me know about news events that have or will be occurring that I might not have known about. I can't begin to tell you how many people come to mind, and I am sorry if I forget to say thank you.

Thanks for sharing, and for caring and for being there. I hope you know if I don't always say it, I think it many, many times over.

Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented they like to read about events such as family and school reunions, birthdays and anniversaries, and birth and wedding announcements. In order to be able to read about these important events we need our faithful readers to pass along the information tous.  Also, if you have an idea for a story that you think would be of interest for our readers, please contact me.

If you have birthdays and anniversaries you would like to include in our weekly column, or news to share please contact me via e-mail, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; by postal mail, P.O. Box 192, Geneva, MN 56035-0192, or telephone, 507-256-4405.

This week’s birthdays and anniversaries include:

• Thursday, September 10th:  Arnold Lund, his 97th; Taya RaeAnn Lembke, Emily Crabtree, Caden Jensen, Curtis Blouin, Craig Blouin, Pauline Fetterly, Steve Granowski, Kathy Kundson, Sally Utpadel Waknitz, Connie Krusemark, Charlie & Diane Marlin

• Friday, September 11th: Geoffrey Stieglbauer, Andy Arends, Dawn Misgen Meier, Craig Torgerson, Matthew Mueller, Kathy Nelson, Kathy Nelson, Mark Calverly, Paul & Jo Otto, Steve & Mary Bailey, Leanna & Jared Peterson, Tim & Angie Butler, Brian & Jodi Wayne, Rich & Linda Weckwerth

• Saturday, September 12th: Stacy Kubiatowicz, Joanne  Vanden Heuvel, Chloe Sue Walterman, David Wacek, Robert Kasper, Courtney Thostenson, Nikolas Zimprich, Eric Hunnicutt, Jennifer Wallerich, David Jepson, Tuyen Vu, Kris Klocek

• Sunday, September 13th: Jaelyn Elizabeth Mckinney, 2013; Reece Ellingworth Drinkall, 2013; Tali Wayne, Jaxon Richards, Russell Goette, Jason Ingvaldson, James Plunkett, Clifford Tufte, Sherre Utpadel, Lisa Zamora, Andrew Zinke, Korey Peterson, Amber Stohr, Lisa Ritz, Ruby Troxel, Ann & Rodney Hamilton, Rhonda & Derike Shelton, Carrie & Brian Farr

• Monday, September 14th: Rick Wangsness, Reece Breidenbach, Issac Wacek, Chris Hanson, Linda Pederson, Jill Peterson, Jack Jensen, Caleb Lunning, Ethan Lunning, Johnny White, Rick & Charlotte Miller

• Tuesday, September 15th: Korbin Wayne, Aiden McClasky, Daniel Hemingway, Ryan Johnson, Nancy Nelson, Tyrel Peterson, Wendy Schultz, Eric Nelson, Jarred Hanson, Dorothy Reichl, Roger & Patty Langlie

• Wednesday, September 16th: Evon Damon Lucas, David L. Christenson, Carmon Fetterly, Emily Laudon, Howard & Carrie Peterson, Shane & Kelly Christensen

• Thursday, September 17th: Duane Edwardson, Karen Hemingway Core, Al Routh, Kara Ladlie, Allen Brandt, Sue Tasker, Brock David Routh, Terry & Marlys Van Kampen

• Friday, September 18th: Torsten Wayne, Laura Groth, Carla  Scripture, Kevin Christenson, Ron Farr, Chris Larson, Becky Axmann, Laura Davis, Julia Spande, Randy & Cindy Horan, Andrea & Nick Miller, Todd & Mary Wayne, David & Malinda Hanson, Jill & Brian Wolff, Nicholas & Katie Wayne

• Saturday, September 19th: Vicki Hill Kress, Carol Anderson, David Deml, Ben Cerney, Dan Underland, Kristine Sorenson, Bill Hatch, Jennifer Johnson, Gerald Trandem, Cindy Morris Erickson, Scott & Tracy Tracy, Kelly & David Wacek, Jill & Dustin Johammsem

May your special day be filled with sunshine and smiles.