I really don't know how I could be more impressed with the teaching staff at our local school. We seem to always have exceptional teachers here.

When I read the resumes of the new teachers I have met so far this year, I could hardly believe we could be so fortunate to attract these great teachers. They seem to bring such high expectations and experience with them to their classrooms it excites me. I feel like I want to go back to school again.

Their enthusiasm, goals and background are commendable. They sound very eager to share what they have learned with their students.

Some of the new teachers are local residents, a couple in fact graduated from our school district. I feel that is a plus because they know the territory and the trends that are here. Yet some are from distances far enough away that they have brought many new ideas with them.

Several new teachers come from parents with educational backgrounds. In fact, Emily Dahle’s mother is also teaching in our local district.

Emily, the new Minnesota Reading Corps tutor for the 4 and 5–year-old preschool class, spent a year in Africa with a mission team, bringing morality and knowledge into the classroom of a territory unlike our own. Emily, who is also schooled in business, taught English to young children in Africa.

It wasn't just about going on a mission. Emily had to first make the decision to go and then apply. She then had to wait patiently to see if she would be accepted. Once she got the word, she had to find a way to raise the money she would need to make the trip a reality. These wonderful traits are bound to rub off on her students.

Brenda Dobberstein, another local resident, had previously taught in Blooming Prairie and Owatonna, as well as in her home, as she is a mother or three highly motivated and mature young boys. She's taught them well and one can see the same qualities in how she teaches her students. She believes that it is important to connect with each of her students.

Drew Paukert, what can I say? This remarkable young man moved in to the territory as soon as he knew he would be part of the community. He likes that small town feeling and the welcome he has received. He also believes that sports also provide an education too and his involvement is to his credit. His goal of growing as an educator makes a positive influence on all of his students.

Drew’s parents too, are in education and he credits them with being great educators and instilling in him his passion for teaching.

When Jillian Freeman was trying to decide on a career, her father laughed and said, "I  always knew you'd be a teacher. You've played school since you were a child and you always wanted to be a leader.”

And so she is with strength and experience teaching fourth grade at Ellendale. A former teacher gave her encouragement to apply at NRHEG.

Coy Hupfeld celebrates learning. He doesn't give tests but conducts "Celebrations of Learning." I for one have found that tests just did not reflect my knowledge of the subject. Others have told me that tests just make them "freeze." He believes learning should be fun and he brings thinking to his classroom with humor. His goal is to inspire his students to be lifelong learners who think outside the box and gain an overall knowledge  of what is going on in the world. His interest in history and political science is his motivation.

And I still have a couple more teachers — Molly Eckhardt and Samanatha Klukow — yet to meet, and I look forward to learning all about them too!

We have also been touched by great instructors who have retired and moved on to other things, secure in the knowledge that these new teachers are like a fresh breath of air, adding to the experiences of the former teachers.

Currently our local district is comprised of 37 instructors in New Richland, 44 in Ellendale, plus 15 office staff and three administrators.

Our teachers focus on the needs of each of the students, from those with special needs on to those with the exceptional learning abilities.

And let us not forget the community efforts. Shawn Larson, a 6th-grade teacher, is also a member of one of our local fire departments. Shawn again organized a great instructional program for Fire Prevention Week. The kids were included in hands-on activities, which makes for improved learning and remembering.

The local P.T.O. is such a plus as they help bring fun and adventure to education. They provide needs that might not be there except for their efforts.

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 read about these important things we need our faithful readers to pass along the information to us.  Also if you have an idea for a story that you think would be of interest to our readers, please contact me. 

  If you have birthdays and anniversaries you would like include, 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 or telephone, 507-256-4405.

Birthdays and anniversaries:

• Thursday, October 23rd: Jacklynn Kress, Marian Dahl, Gene Grubbish, Kimberly Kilian, Grant Ver Hey, Stewart Hatch, Rick & Lana Thompson, Dan & Tina Schmidt, Gary & Deb Nelson

• Friday, October 24th: Noelle Mae Brekke, her 4th; Jacob Keith Rigby, his 5th; Jeff Dobbertstein, Bobby Dobberstein, Joseph Bailey, Dan Willert, Eunice Hanson, Bob Wayne, Ashley Ashton, Gil & Kay Nelson, Lorna & Russell Reistad

• Saturday, October 25th: Mavis Bartsch, Jady Beenken, Dean Van Hal, Charlotte Haberman, Heidi Crabtree Owen, Mikaela Krikava, Spencer & Barb Kubat, Dean & Sandy Jensen, Breanna & Timothy Breidenbach, Heidi & Jason Owen

• Sunday, October 26th: Jannell Tufte, Jeanne Holland, Heather Hove, Reece Gabriel Routh, Jake Andrew Wiersma, Kevin Hamor, Conner Dean Phode, Jamie & Andrea Mettler

• Monday, October 27th: Jason Born, David Anderson, Bruce Yanke, James Bremer Jr., Mitchell & Amy Edwards, Donly & Joanne Cromwell

• Tuesday, October 28th: David Thompson, Jan Sorenson, Lisa Morin, Rick Horan, Randy Horan, Todd Brotizman, Rich Weckwerth, Sue Westrum, Tanner Jorge Wilson, Lyle & Darlyne Paulson, Jane & Jeff Allen, Amanda & Paul Rovnak

• Wednesday, October 29th: Ann Anderson, Scott Klocek, Mark Motl, Bob Haried, Kayli Rose Johnson, Bailey Ann Davis, Warren & Mary Torgerson, Craig & Jennifer Torgerson

• Thursday, October 30th: Lilly Jane Wacek, Gordon Goette, Angie Broskoff Klemmensen, Allen & Barb Dobberstein

• Friday, October 31st: Happy Halloween! Kyra Barbara Kotsmith, Brooke Hanson Berg, Heather Wayne, Emily Smith, Carrie Thompson, Roseann Kasper, Lorraine Lent, Kaye & Mike Cady, Vonda & Andrew Komba

Hoping that your special day puts a song in your heart to last the whole year long!

I can almost hear my friend say it: "Nothing is so bad it isn't good for something."

True, the recent controversy over Adrian Peterson and his small child has brought considerable attention to the growing concerns of child abuse. There is nothing new about child abuse except it seems to be excruciating and escalating. And when it concerns a well known individual it brings it to the news.

In a recent article that was published, Steele County reports that between 500 and 600 cases of abuse have been reported so far this year and the numbers are still growing. That is reported cases.

It is hard to understand how anyone can abuse a child, especially their own. They are children for such a short time; it seems like we should delight in every minute.

Abusers have many excuses and falsehoods about why. "My father did it," "My mother did it," "I was frustrated," "The kid was uncooperative," "He cried," and the list goes on. Yes, the list goes on, but there really is no plausible excuse. Even the child who has physical and mental disabilities that can make them hard to deal with from time to time does not cause reason to put more hurt on their young bodies.

I don't know what the circumstances were for whipping this 4-year-old child, but wouldn't it have been more adult to contain the child in their arms, telling them you love them instead? We need to tell them there are things they shouldn't do because they are not likeable acts, but it can be administered with caring, not catastrophe.

Taking time for the child and the parent to think about the situation makes more sense than making the act worse by hurting and accepting the situation.

Kids make us laugh. They make us cry. They make us proud. They can drive us crazy at times. They surprise us too and make our lives good. Moody, stubborn, abrupt - we love them anyway. After all, they are a product of their parents!

How would you feel if someone else treated your child with abuse? You would more than likely be outraged, and you should be. Why should it be any different if the act is performed by someone close to the child, like their father or mother?

Things change in a moment. It isn't worth the chance that your child’s last memory would be how you hurt him/her and not about how caring and loving you were.

Child abuse can come in many disguises. Mental abuse may not leave visible bruises or cause breaks, but it can be like a brand — burned into the mind. It is so easy to say things you may not truly mean at the time, but time doesn't erase its effect. 

Words; they aren't just words. Remember the old adage, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me?” Not true. The brain has a way of remembering things like "stupid," "dumb," "idiot," and that's just a few. Did someone tell you, "I hate you?” Did you forget it? They were probably just angry at the time, and in fact loved you very much, but it hurt you and you may always remember it.

There is a campaign on now to try to minimize bullying. Where does it come from? Bullying occurs when someone has power over someone that he/she feels is "less" than they are. But in reality it is compounding the feeling of that person’s own reality that he/she is in fact "less" so they take it out on someone they feel superior to. If parents inadvertently exercise their power over their children, does the child resist it by "getting back," not at the person who over powers them, but on someone they may feel inferior? 

That is where love should come in, positive communication, good role models and such. Everyone has their insecurities that shouldn't be magnified, even if some aspects may be true. Instead it should be reversed, in essence, by positive communication. 

By not inferring someone is different or "less than" works at building self esteem. Why? Because if a child has true self esteem he/she doesn't feel a need to bully someone else. We need to learn to bring out the good qualities they possess.

I truly think things have changed for the better, but children with problems should not be obviously treated differently because it sets them up for bullying.

I was impressed with our local school district when they gave other children a chance to learn sign language because they were "fortunate" to have a deaf child in their classroom. The kids love it and love him. What an educational experience. He is special and shares with his friends.

I was privileged to live next door to a child with Downs Syndrome when I was growing up. She was the most positive influence on my life I could know and it didn't stop there. It flowed over to my children, and their children as well.

Then there is Anne. She is one of the most beautiful people I know whose love for her child is so strong she feels his defects are a blessing to her life.

Adrian Peterson, I am sorry your father hurt you so bad you felt you had a right to discipline your small child with hurt, not love. Times have changed and though it was not right years ago, it was done. It shouldn't have been done and definitely not now, when we should understand.

If one is in the public eye, they, above all, should be a positive role model, enriching the lives of children. No matter what may be achieved on the football field, what people will remember is how that person made them feel.

Always call a child by their true name, not something derogatory. You have power to end child abuse!

— — —

Birthdays and anniversaries:

• Thursday, October 16th: Taylor Tieskotter, Kade Schember, Jenny Shaunce, Sabrina Marie Bauers, Allie Larson, Donna & Gordon Hanson, Daniel & Regina Van Kampen, Jamie & Amber Jensen, Travis & Stacy Ingnaszewski

• Friday, October 17th: Lucas Bailey, Pat Wayne, Dale Strenge, David Killian, Sherrie Dahl Shott, Dustin Wayne, Pam & Rick Cook, Sidney & David Kasper, Andy & Mary Ditlevson

• Saturday, October 18th: Gordon Jensen, Carrie Nolan Allen, Andreas Quinn Vu, Stan & Cindy Nelson, Randy & Cindy Horan, Tait & Jennifer Ingvaldson, Carol & Larry Cox

• Sunday, October 19th: Robert William Pulley, Jody Johnson, Katie Ann Carlson, Jan Klocek Louks, Roger Larson, Jeanene Reese, Kristi Nelson, Everett Thompson, Barbara Olson, Esther Rodi, Jim & Laureen Hohansee

• Monday, October 20th: Kimberly Wangsness, Matthew Beckman, Shannon Smith, Diana Beckmann, Jenny Herbst, Erick Widlund, Casey Kunkel, Nicole Larson, Doris Scripture Steele, Rick Kelly, Adam Lang, Scott & Joni Groth, Laurie & DeWayne Jensen, Jim & Nancy Bottelson, Brad & Nicole Edwards

• Tuesday, October 21st: Todd Utpadel, Brian Riley, Deb Mucha, Peter Benson, Natalie Kuehni, Steven F. Christenson, Diane & Dan Gallentine, John & Trisha Cyr

• Wednesday, October 22nd: Scott Sorenson, Jennifer Pence, Lyle Swearingen, Brian Johnson, Kelsey Wayne, Dave De Vriendt, David Polzin, Colleen Thompson, Sage Tristan Lang, Clifford Coy, Diane Gallentine Pfieffer, Kailey Ann Christensen

• Thursday, October 23rd: Jacklynn Kress, Marian Dahl, Gene Grubbish, Kimberly Kilian, Grant Ver Hey, Stewart Hatch, Rick & Lana Thompson, Dan & Tina Schmidt, Gary & Deb Nelson

• Friday, October 24th: Noelle Mae Brekke, her 4th; Jacob Keith Rigby, his 5th; Jeff Dobbertstein, Bobby Dobberstein, Joseph Bailey, Dan Willert, Eunice Hanson, Bob Wayne, Ashley Ashton, Gil & Kay Nelson, Lorna & Russell Reistad

May you find joy and pleasure all around you on your special day!

It’s nice to get feedback, so I was thrilled to have a reader write back to tell me what I didn't know about sandlot baseball. Here’s what I learned:

Like the Calvin and Hobbes cartoons, the rules were made up as you went along. 

There was usually no catcher - the batter retrieved the ball and threw it back to the pitcher. To eliminate squabbling, there were no called strikes - just “swing and a miss.” With only two on a side, if one batter hit a single, the other batter didn't drive him home, they simply switched runners on the bases so the first hitter could hit again. On defense, the pitcher played the infield, and there was only one outfielder. Home runs were adjudicated by artificial boundaries - sometimes set by stones, a jacket, or a lunch sack. The “10-run rule" applied: if one team got ahead by 10 runs, that was the end of the game. If time allowed, a doubleheader was played – but the star of the winning team had to switch sides to even out the obvious imbalance of talent.

Choosing sides or "first up" was done by the time-honored practice of throwing a bat up in the air, and the other side catching it. The non-catcher side then took a grip directly above the first - then the other side took a grip - alternating until they came to the end. Invariably, only a short section if bat was left, called "chicken claws,” the player that claimed control of the bat usually had to grasp the knob end from above - hence the name. Did he have control of the bat? The opposing team had one chance to kick the bat out of his hands - if they succeeded, they had the next pick, or "first up.”

A lot can be learned from sandlot baseball: organization of your own activity (as against having it provided for you), division of authority and labor, rules that fit the situation instead of theory, "dispute settlement," and a chance for everyone to be a star. To be sure, it isn't like today, when there are no winners, or losers, nobody even keeps score, and everyone gets the trophy.

Have you ever wondered, "Where have all the kids gone?" It used to be that small towns were crawling with kids - playing sports, “just palling around” – doing something. Usually activities of their own creation, not something invented for them by adults. There was no Little League - no coaches - not even parents to impress or disappoint - just kids having fun with each other and setting their own rules. They didn't know the term at the time, but they were learning good life lessons (and often making friends for life). They were "interacting.” 

Compare those hot and sweaty kids to those of today, who only experience life vicariously – through pre-arranged sports, non-active games, or "friends" through the Internet - "friends" they may never have met. 

Look around. Even though our small towns have increased in population, you don't see kids on the streets.

In the fall, it was football. Like baseball, there could be as few as two guys on a "team." Since you had to play both offense and defense, there was a minimum of a quarterback/linebacker, and a lineman/wide receiver on each side. The ball was snapped to the quarterback, who either ran with it or passed it to the other guy. On defense, one or both defensemen would rush - or one would rush the passer while the other one covered the receiver.

Fall is also a time for hunting. Kids hunted together, or by themselves, but a special treat was to be allowed to go hunting with Dad and his friends.

In the winter, sledding was the sport. Very few people skied. (Maybe it had something to do with the leather bindings and the home-made skis.) Kids trudged together out to the sliding hill, the little kids terrified of the long, steep drop. There were no goose-down or fiberfill jackets in those days; just a stocking cap, mittens, a wool jacket, and four-buckle overshoes. Blue jeans got wet - frozen stiff, and they were cold - but the "long-Johns" saved the day. If the snow was thin, or packed, the Flexible Flyer was the sled of choice. If the snow was loose, the wooden toboggan was best. Plastic sleds and "saucers?" They didn't come along until years later.

It was a long slog out to the hill, then to climb to the top but the exhilarating 20-second ride down the hill was worth it! Not to mention the bragging rights for having the daring to do so! 

Once in a while, adults (anyone over 20) could go sledding, but it was almost always just a kid thing. There was no worry about collisions, hitting the barbed wire fence at the end, falling off the sled at breakneck speed, or broken tailbones from sitting on the half inch of toboggan between you and the ground. How often do you see kids sledding on their own today? 

Springtime meant kids and water: Digging a ditch to drain puddles – or damming up a puddle to make it ever bigger to splash in. Fishing in a "stream" that nobody has ever seen a fish in. Throwing sticks ("boats") in the pond. Seeing who could make the biggest splash the furthest from shore with a stone. Getting the bikes out (though they were often ridden all winter through the snow).

You may have seen government Public Service announcements about “getting kids to move - to play.” We don’t need government initiatives. We just need to let kids be kids. 

Take away the electronic games and tell them to go outside and play. Yes, they’ll get bumps, bruises, and scrapes, but they’ll also learn to interact with people, to organize activities on their own, to interact with people face-to-face instead of electronically, to develop friendships - and yes, to know the consequences of acting imprudently. It’s part of child development, and years later, they’ll have stories to tell - and friends to relate those stories to – “Remember that time we...” It is far better than the sad recollection “I was playing a video game, and I got to level two!” Get kids outside!

Kids see life differently than adults. Small kids often play with boxes instead of the gift. Cardboard boxes can be transformed into all kinds of vehicles. Blankets on clotheslines become tents and forts. Any game can have the rules changed to fit the situation. Only kids could see the fun of throwing a ball over the house, being "it,” or racing each other to exhaustion - no adult supervision required. All you need is a "best friend" to do it with - and if you could come up with the one for a bottle of pop to share, it was even better. Ever get the idea that kids might be overly "sanitized" and protected? Adults might not like both kids drinking out of the same bottle, but as every kid knows, "Friends don't have cooties!” 

Sometimes, I think we do too much for our kids - for most of us, our mothers would say, "Go play outside - come home when it gets dark. I’ll turn the porch light on." We always found something to amuse ourselves.

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 read about these important things we need our faithful readers to pass along the information to us. Also if you have an idea for a story that you think would be of interest to our readers, please contact me.

If you have birthdays and anniversaries you would like include, 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 or telephone, 507-256-4405.

Birthdays and anniversaries:

• Thursday, October 9: Matt Kubiatowicz, Joshua Kasper, Cheryl Paulsen Wilson, Randy Mucha, Nancy Jo Anderson, Ashley Hove, Keith Neidermeier, Dennis Blouin

• Friday, October 10: Pat Goodnature, Trevin Stollard, Aarin Gray Pirsig, his 2nd; Eric Anderson, Nicole Anderson Loken, Luverne Hamor, Haley Hanson, LeRoy Ingvaldson, Nicole Lonning, Betty DeRaad, Elena Grace Spande

• Saturday, October 11: Alisha Moody, Reed Michael Kath, Mitchell Edwards, Ebonie Mullenmaster, Earl Klinger, Mayro Leak Kubista, Melissa Otto, Jenna Swearingen, Mike Trumble, Cory McGrath, Shawna Besco, John Cyr, Alisha Moody, Lee and Jody Loverink

• Sunday, October 12: Katilyn Olivia Crabtree, Les Shawback Jr., Christopher Wallace, Beth Spande, Marilyn Dobberstein, Terrie Mullenmaster, Maurice Mullenmaster, Vikki Pence, Roxann Ditlevson, Lewis Kelly, Denise Jensen Bronner, Charlie and Becky Phagan, Larry and Terry Jensen, Vera and Todd Fitterer

• Monday, October 13: Hunter Stephen Knutson, his 9th; Journey Lynn Utpadel, Courtney Ann Deml, Otto Nels Oquist, Mitchell Wallace, Jackie Flor, Rita Thompson, Suzanne Peterson, Becky Wallace, Mikkel and Jennifer Iverson

• Tuesday, October 14: Jim Lutgens, Reece Alexander, Chris Ritz, Janet Goette, Dan Hanson, Breanna and Tim Briedenbach, Delana and Daniel Routh

• Wednesday, October 15: Barb Kuckebecker, Madison Lynn Homuth, Corbin Brocker, Colin Matthew Felt Farr, Tony Anderson, Sandy Jensen, Ed Ver Hey, Leroy and Garnet Folie, Heidi and Tim Schaefer

May every day in the year ahead bring you something to enjoy!

I was sitting in the shade watching a most interesting game of baseball recently. Four young boys were playing four-man baseball. Yes, four-man baseball.

It was as exciting and intense as any Twins game. It got a little tricky with only two guys on each team, but they had it worked out. Though the pitcher for both teams was always the pitcher, somehow he also managed to be the catcher, first baseman and played in the outfield as well.

Did I say it was exciting? 

All was going well until someone from Park and Rec came along and told the boys they couldn’t play on the diamond because it had been chalked for a big game that night. The boys didn't protest; they quietly picked up their equipment and left - each in a different direction.

Sure, it takes time to line those fields, but I felt bad for the boys just the same. They were having so much fun.

It was early morning, and the first pitch for the big game that night was many hours away. The boys would likely never come near the chalk line - after all, there were only four of them. After the boys were gone, it seemed to me the diamond looked sad and empty.

I guess I felt the boys were cheated. How many hours would the diamond be idle before the game would begin? Couldn't the chalk have waited until later? Those boys were playing a quiet, sportsman type game. They weren't causing a disturbance, robbing a bank, shooting a friend, or messing with drugs. They weren't even drinking pop or littering.

Considering the value of land - how many years will it lie idle waiting for little boys or girls to grow up to be adult players? Where will the young kids play in the meantime?

I think we lost the game. The game was called by interference, and there were no winners! 

Talking about the number four - I feel so bad that I forgot to include Shay, Lia, Hatlie and Raegen Broskoff in my birthday column this past week. While attending the Geneva Fire Departments Pancake Breakfast on Sunday morning I saw the four little Broskoff children opening their birthday present from Grandma Diane and Grandpa Dave. They were so excited! I felt so bad when I later realized my error.

These four children always amaze me. They are the healthiest, happiest, most pleasant children anyone could possibly know. Their personalities are different but all wonderful. A lot can be said for their parents. It may not have been easy, but they made it look natural. Doesn't everyone raise four babies at once?

These kids are exceptional. I feel such closeness when I see them on walks with their Mom and Dad, and big sister, when they are at community events, at church where they are always demonstrating such good behavior - no pouts, tears or tantrums. Just all those happy smiles.

Love shows in different ways and it definitely shows here. Maybe it is a closeness shared in the womb? Could be, because I see the same trait in the Nielsen triplets and the Knudsen triplets. 

I am so happy for these four little miracles, Shay, Lia, Hattie and Raegan on the occasion of their fourth birthday. It was fun to watch them figure out how to hold up those four little fingers, and see the smiles on their faces as I took their picture.

They couldn't be more perfect. I hope they had a great day; I sure did! 

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 read about these important things we need our faithful readers to pass along the information to us. Also if you have an idea for a story that you think would be of interest to our readers, please contact me. 

If you have birthdays and anniversaries you would like include, 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 or telephone, 507-256-4405.

This week’s birthdays and anniversaries include:

• Thursday, October 2: Laurie Jensen, Taya Richards, Amanda Hullopeter, Makayla Vangen, David Lembke, Christopher Bergerson, Adrian Jensen, Andrea Zamora, Wilma Ditlevson, Dawn Hanna, Chuck & LuAnn Hanson, Amy & Alex Kromminga, Brooke & Tim Krohn, Brody & Katie Richards, Bob & Kathy Hanson

• Friday, October 3: David Bunn, Lori Neidermeier, Dawn Enzenauer, Colette Holmes, Carrie Thompson, Wendy Thostenson Bogen, Paul Wayne, Lisa Zabel, Edna Thomas

• Saturday, October 4: Susan Cornelius Wehr, Helen Jagusch Mantahei, Skyler Hanson, Clair Clausen, Michelle Lageson, Jerome Simon, Dale Waage, Jeff Waage, Lori Zabel, Matt Redmon, John & Cynthia Nelson, Krista & Randy Baana

• Sunday, October 5: Kijah Joy Mikesell, Bethany Otto, Graciela Solveig Ortiz, Larry Pence, Karen Wiersma, Julie Cornelius, Jamie Farr, Elizabeth Randall, Peggy Sorenson, Linda Harding, Karen Kasper, Ray & Bunny Jepson, Jim & Pat Lyle, Wayne & Jo Schimek, Mandi & Darren Johannsen, Doug & Deb Braaten

• Monday, October 6: Evan Matthew Beckman, Mesa Jo Grace Krause, Jackson Wyatt Lageson, Mark Plunkett, Marlin Beckman, Kaira Glienke, Melissa Horan, Aurie Brighton, Caden Reichl, Gail Turvold, Julie Born Beenken, Scott Holmes, Tait Misgen, Cindy Kasper Johnson, Jayme & Ryan Paulson

• Tuesday, October 7: Candace Lageson Baker, Carolyn Weller, Jason Huber, Todd Wayne, Debbie David, Garrett Briggs, Jill Bergdale, Kris Strenge, John & Ellen Hanson, Denise & Jerry Abbott, Jamie & Brian Riley, Pat & Barb O'Conner

• Wednesday, October 8: Mandy Moon, Lauren Olivia Sommers, Haley Hanson, Barb Hagen, Barb Dobberstein, Barb Strenge, Mary Kay Spurr, Brad Anderson, Doug Anderson, Hazel Spiering, Daniel Paulson, Kay Nelson, Julie & Brian Dahl

• Thursday, October 9: Matt Kubiatowicz, Joshua Kasper, Cheryl Paulsen Wilson, Randy Mucha, Nancy Jo Anderson, Ashley Hove, Keith Neidermeier, Dennis Blouin

• Friday, October 10: Pat Goodnature, Trevin Stollard, Aarin Gray Pirsig, his 2nd; Eric Anderson, Nicole Anderson Loken, Luverne Hamor, Haley Hanson, LeRoy Ingvaldson, Nicole Lonning, Betty DeRaad, Elena Grace Spande

• Saturday, October 11: Alisha Moody, Reed Michael Kath, Mitchell Edwards, Ebonie Mullenmaster, Earl Klinger, Mayro Leak Kubista, Melissa Otto, Jenna Swearingen, Mike Trumble, Cory McGrath, Shawna Besco, John Cyr, Alisha Moody, Lee & Jody Loverink

May all of your favorite things be within reach. Have a wonderful day!