Three Wise Men from the East decided to do a three-day pilgrimage to the West and return. (Bob Goete from Austin, Bob Hanson from Albert Lea and Paul Proft from Owatonna were the Three Wise Men.)

After leaving late in the day on a Sunday, they would stay at the halfway point, being Jackpot Junction Hotel in Morton, MN.

They had a holiday coupon that was good for a $45 hotel rate with $10 free play for each plus a B.O.G.O. (Buy One Get One Buffet Dinner Free).

Departure from Jackpot was early Monday morning, to arrive at their destination of Artie’s Fish House Rental on Big Stone Lake in Ortonville, MN by noon. The reason being, Big Stone Lake is the hottest perch fishery in Minnesota.

They had a face fish house reserved from Monday noon until Wednesday noon. The Fish House had bunk beds, LP heat, indoor plumbing, stove for cooking, six holes, TV – you name it. The only thing missing was the Three Wise Men!

The closer the departure date, the more excited the Three Wise Men were to go.

On Friday, before the Sunday departure, Artie called. He wanted to know if the Wise Men could walk on water, as there was about three inches of water on the lake plus the shore ice was gone. Their answer was, they knew a guy who could, but they couldn’t.

Artie volunteered to let them each have a jet ski to go out on the lake fishing. The wise men declined the offer; thus the pilgrimage was cancelled.

The Three Wise Men were certain that the cancellation was due to global warming.

They decided to hold a Global Warming Summit (like the Pheasant Summit held December 13 at Marshall, MN), to make global warming illegal during the hard-water fishing season in Minnesota.

The summit will be held February 29, 2015 at the Holiday Inn of Owatonna. Cabela’s of Owatonna will help host the summit, with Beaver Lake in Steele County the demonstration lake for ice-fishing-related summit programs.

For info and registration go to www.globalwarmingsummit.com.

Your input and donations will be put to the solving of global warming.

Thank you in advance, 

The Three Wise Men, 

Bob, Bob and Paul.

One of the biggest challenges in writing a column for me is trying to decide what to write about that will be informative, interesting, not offend anyone, fill enough space without rambling on forever, and most importantly, produce a completed piece that I'm confident enough with to publish. Something that can/will be read by many people, a personal creation that will be judged by people I've never met -- a column is more than just another story in the paper, it's a look into the author's mind, an analysis of his or her thoughts. 

Thinking about that makes the idea of writing one of these slightly more difficult, but it's not a good enough excuse for someone who's been writing for years to ignore her column, which is why you're reading this right now. 

(One point to me for taking the first step in following through with a commitment -- not a huge accomplishment, but hey, it's a start.)

I've been working at the Star on and off since 2011, beginning again last February when I left my previous job. In the last 11 months I've done, seen, learned, and accumulated more responsibilities here than I ever have in the past -- I've become more reliable, hardworking and serious about my job, and it's good to know I'm really contributing to the Star Eagle.

Yet despite all the people I've come to know through the Star, it's surprising to me that I still meet people frequently who don't know that I write articles/a column for the paper. Most of these people are met during the weekly paper run, such as regulars at local businesses that receive the Star, which partially explains it. I mean, why would you assume that a delivery girl is also a staff writer? 

Then again, my picture is on my column, which has caused a couple people to recognize a familiar face -- but I've only written 29 columns since my first one in July of 2011, an effort (or lack of) that I'm less than satisfied with. Perhaps if I succeed in my goal to keep writing this regularly, more people will make the connection. Just more motivation, right? I need all that I can get.

Speaking of my first column -- I'd been meaning to reread my oldest columns, and after months of avoiding it and a deadline looming I finally pulled up the archives on our website and started the walk down memory lane, hoping to find some inspiration.

The first column I wrote for the Star was short and simple, and it was interesting to see just how much my life and writing have changed since then. I've always been a shy person which is obvious as I read my 17-year-old self's words; my self-consciousness has held me back numerous times, but I've definitely made progress in the last four years. You just can't let the fear of failure suppress your potential for success.

It's a little embarrassing for me to read my old work, but I have very high expectations for myself. What's the point of doing something if you're not going to give it your all, put in the effort to make it great? But I need to cut myself some slack, too. Not everything is going to be the best, and that's okay.

It's crazy to see how much different my life was in 2011 compared to now, and because I have changed a lot since then, I decided to re-introduce myself to our readers and let you get to know the person I've come to be (or introduce myself to those who didn't see my first column).

Jessika (legally, it's spelled with a "c" instead of a "k," but I've been spelling it this way for almost ten years now) Leigh Lutgens, 21 years old, and as of recently I live in Waseca. I'm a middle child -- my older brother Nathan is 22, and Eli is 17, currently a junior at NRHEG. I graduated from NRHEG in 2012, and currently my main focus is my job here at the Star Eagle. When I'm not working, I like to draw, do nail art (fingernail polish designs), and DIY projects. Music is one of my favorite things in the world, and the best way for me to clear my head is to go on a drive and turn the volume up loud enough to drown out my thoughts. I absolutely love concerts, and go to them regularly -- I haven't gone a full year without attending a concert since before high school.

And yes, I really do enjoy writing, and have since I was very young. I consider myself incredibly lucky to be given the opportunity to do what I love at such a young age, and I plan on continuing to improve as a writer/reporter, although what I've always planned on doing is to write a book (although I figure if I can actually get a full book written, others will follow). I still plan to, and think about it almost every day, but the best writing cannot be forced. Inspiration will strike, and the words will come. Until then, I keep mental notes, and have written various pieces that I'll gather when I do finally start that project.

I'm not really sure what else to say; if you have any questions for me, please feel free to ask! I love hearing feedback on my writing, both articles and columns, and it helps me to improve and produce better items for you to read.

And on my final note, I just want to thank everyone that has supported the Star Eagle and helped make it a publication that our communities can be proud of. Our columnists, contributing writers, advertisers, subscribers, readers, and anyone else that has shown their support for this paper. We wouldn't be here if it weren't for you, and your continued contribution and support is appreciated.

A year ago I wrote a column about my New Year’s resolutions and asked you to share them and help with them in your own lives. Let’s take a look back and see what we accomplished; you can keep your own score at home! Go ahead, get a pen and paper – I’ll wait!

Ready? Okay, I was going to try to judge people less. Um, next… No, really, I did make an effort, but found it really difficult when I was confronted with foolishness at so many turns. And really, how can I not judge when I see logos and store signs either missing apostrophes or adding excessive punctuation?

I think I’ve done better with my students. I’ve tried to find out extenuating circumstances, but as I wrote recently, there also comes a point where the excuses have to stop. Do you not perform at your job and use some excuse from home? How far does that get you?

Are you ahead of me already? Okay, onward then!

I was going to try to be a better parent and husband. I’ve remained very involved in Jayna’s and Anton’s activities and have discovered just how much driving it takes to try to get to all their activities. There were too many times this summer that they both played ball on the same night, so that was impossible. And I’ve been looking at the upcoming basketball schedule – uff da! I see a night coming up where Jayna has a game in Blooming Prairie and Anton plays at halftime of the varsity game in New Richland. At least that’s not too long a trip!

I’ve really worked at listening to them more and not losing my temper at things I can’t control. It’s been tough with this freshly-minted teenager in the house. But then I think back when I’m upset about something. Not listening the first time? Okay, I did that too. Having a messy room? I had many rows with my folks on that one. Not finishing chores in a timely fashion? Well, I think I’m ahead of my dear daughter on that one!

When I think of my marriage, I think Michelle and I are stronger than ever. I’m still not great at expressing feelings, but I’m trying to pick my words more carefully. When Michelle hurt her knee, the struggle once more brought the strength of our combo to the forefront.

I love my wife and kids, and I think I’ve had some success with that resolution; hopefully you did too!

The last thing I was looking at was not being so busy. That’s tough, but I did find more time last summer to just sit back and read and relax. I turned down some education opportunities so I would feel like I had a summer. As a family, we also left 4-H. It was a tough decision, but we made it together. We just couldn’t dedicate the time to a fine organization that we thought it deserved. We didn’t want to just be half-hearted members. I’ve increased my workload with coaching by helping Anton in baseball and moving to full-time status as Jayna’s junior high coach, a much larger task than elementary coaching.

I think I can call that a wash. Two steps forward, one step back. So in reality, I was successful in one resolution and maybe stayed about the same in the other two. What’s your score?

A few other things to wrap up 2014, especially since there are lists everywhere else you look. Here are a few of my “bests”:

*Best movie: Tough one here, but Guardians of the Galaxy edged out Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

*Best book: Another close race, but The Book Thief nudges out Gone Girl. Without spoilers, the difference here was the ending. I’m not sure how I wanted GG to end, but it wasn’t like that!

*Best TV show: The Walking Dead continues to amaze me by how little it’s about the zombies, and the audience still cares! Honorable mention goes to the best NEW show this year, The Flash. You mean you’re not watching the best super-hero live action show on TV right now?

*Best sporting event: This will have to be a tie. I just can’t decide between watching the NRHEG Lady Panthers repeat as state basketball champs and seeing the Home Run Derby at Target Field!

And with that, it’s onward to 2015!

Word of the Week: This week’s word is fungible, which means interchangeable, as in, “The columnist thought two events were fungible, so they finished in a tie.” Impress your friends and confuse your enemies!

The scurs managed a less than stellar performance last week as the heater core controlled by the Weather Eye must’ve been plugged. No heat for you! Will they have to wait another year for temps to rebound or is the New Year the beginning of the end for global warming as we now know it? Starting Wednesday, sunny but at least it will be blustery with highs near - 5 and a low around – 15. Thursday, mostly cloudy, blusterier but warmer with a modest chance of snow. Highs in the low teens above zero and lows near – 5.  Mostly sunny and colder for Friday with highs near zero and lows near – 10. Temps rebounding somewhat on Saturday under partly sunny skies. Highs near 10 above with lows near – 5. Sunday, mostly sunny mostly sunny with highs in the low teens above zero and lows around zero. Similar temps Monday with a slight chance of ice and snow under mostly cloudy skies. Highs in the low teens above zero and lows around zero. Tuesday, mostly cloudy and warmer with a slight chance of snow. Highs in the mid-teens above zero and lows near 5. Yes, that’s above zero. The normal high for January 10th is 22 and the normal low is 4. After climbing back over 9 hours of daylight on the 4th, the scurs may have to re-learn the power of positive thinking. 

The days are slowly becoming longer although until about the 9th of January, sunrise is stuck at 7:48 a.m. The sun continues to set later each day and we are gaining about a minute per day of daylight as a result. That pace picks up of course as the month wears on and within a month, we will have gained over an hour of daylight. The temperature too once we get past the 20th should begin to show signs of warmth if historical averages are any indication. Typically the period from the 13th – 20th represents the coldest days of the winter. What actually happens is anyone’s guess however.

Precipitation continued to lag behind normal as we start the New Year. For 2014, our snowfall has only amounted to 14.3” at the ranch. Compared to records at the SROC in Waseca, about 6.5” below normal. At the SROC itself they are 4.8 below normal as of December 31st. For 2014, their total precip was 35.60 “, about .12” below normal. The dry month of July along with the dry autumn had an impact after the deluge experienced in June. At the ranch the precip total was very similar at 35.03”. Our dry late year pattern continues.

As pointed put by Vista’s noted Swedish astronomer, the recent clear skies in the evenings make for excellent sky watching. Many planets will be on display in January if one is away from light pollution, the moon begins to dim and one can bear the cold long enough to find them. Anti-freeze is allowed. As Dale Niedfeldt from the Steele Co. Astronomical Society wrote in his recent column, Venus is low in the western sky and can be spotted for a half hour to an hour after sunset. Mercury will be very close to it from the 10th through the 15th.  Mars is above the southwest horizon in the early evening hours. Jupiter rises in the east around 8 p.m. and a half hour after sunset at the end of the month. Saturn can be spotted in the morning sky an hour or two before sunrise. Some conjunctions include the planet Jupiter and the waning full moon on both the 7th and 8th in the eastern sky.

The end of the year marked the end of an era locally in several respects. The closing of Edna’s hardware store has made an impact. There’s no longer a place to buy assorted home repair products in town along with day to day items we often rely on. It was also the place to look for funeral arrangements on the small board placed in the store window. Now the quarantine has been lifted at the Care Center, it’s time to stop in to visit Edna. I miss those phone calls from her asking me about what the weather was going to do and when. It was one of the reasons I put NOAA weather and radar on my cell phone in the first place. 

The closing of the Village Inn at Hartland also meant a major change for us at the Mall for Men. Some who gazed at the large office calendar on my door were curious what was penciled in on the second Tuesday of each month. “What does that say?” I was often asked to which I responded, “Why Rib Day of course!” We motored many Tuesday’s to Hartland for those delicious ribs, served with choice of salad, bread, a vegetable, along with mashed potatoes and gravy. If we were feeling particularly flush we’d have dessert too. A real farmer meal if ever there was one. I suspect it was frequently followed by a real after dinner farmer nap. Thanks Judy! 

See you next week…real good then.

Area veteran Ed Jensen enjoys D.C. Honor Flight

  VISITING MEMORIALS – At the Freedom Honor Flight tour of the Washington, D.C. memorials last September were Jane Braaten and Ed Jensen, back, with former U.S. Senators Bob Dole (R-Kan.) and Elizabeth Dole(R-N.C.) Submitted photo

By KATHY PAULSEN

Staff Writer

Ed Jensen served in the U.S. Army from 1948-1952 and has continued to stay active in veterans’ activities following his tour of duty.  

In 1948, Ed signed up for the U.S. Cavalry and after basic training at Fort Knox, KY he was sent to Augusta, GA where he received training in Radio Communication.  Ed was then sent to Tokyo, and later Korea.  He had originally enlisted for three years but ended up serving one additional year in Korea.

He has many memories of his military years and has attended a number of reunions of the 304th Signal Operations Battalion group with which he served. 

Funeral services for Samuel B. Worrell were held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at the Community Lutheran Church, in Geneva.  The Reverend Kristen Venne officiating. Interment was at the Geneva Cemetery.

Samuel passed away on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at the Koda Assisted Living Center.  He was 98 years old.

Samuel B. Worrell was born on August 24, 1916 to Boyd and Gladys Worrell, just outside of State Center, IA.  He spent his childhood around that area.  He was baptized on June 11, 1932 in a Lutheran Church in State Center, IA.  He was confirmed the very next day.

Funeral Services for Paul J. Madson, of Walters, Minnesota, were held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, January 5, 2015,   at Bonnerup Funeral Service in Albert Lea,  the Reverend Don Rose officiating.  

Paul died suddenly at home on Wednesday, December 31, 2014.  He was 51.

Paul, the son of Milo and Ardis (Jensen)  Madson, was born on August 9, 1963, in Minneapolis.

Paul was baptized and confirmed at the West Freeborn Lutheran Church and attended Freeborn Schools and Albert Lea Vo-Tech.

Paul married Kerin Koziolek in 1986, they were later divorced.  Two children were born to this union, Casey and Tanya.

Marlys H. Loken, 87, Owatonna, formerly of New Richland died Monday, December 29, 2014 at Clare Bridge Cottage in Owatonna. 

Marlys was born on the Sunde Family farm on January 28, 1927 to Walter and Nora (Olson) Sunde.  She was baptized, confirmed, and married at Le Sueur River Lutheran Church.  After Marlys graduated from New Richland High School in 1944 she worked at the New Richland Star office and later at Johnsons, Herters, and the Waseca Senior Center.

On August 11, 1945 Marlys married Arnold Loken while Arnold was on leave from the U.S. Navy.

Marlys was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, the VFW Auxiliary, Waseca, and the Le Sueur River Ladies Aide and Circle, where she also taught Sunday school.  She enjoyed watching her granddaughters’ activities, especially their basketball games; she also liked doing word find puzzles.

Marlys is survived by her daughter, Sharon (Barry) Bishop, two granddaughters, Shelly (Ryan) Bormann, their children, Madelyn and Jack, and Carla (Luke) Froehle and their children, Bishop and Nora.  She is also survived by many cousins.