New Richland City Council

By JESSICA LUTGENS

Staff Writer

The New Richland City Council held its first meeting of April on Monday the 14th at 6:30 p.m. John Hullopeter and Amy Ihrke were absent.

Postponed from the last meeting, Resolution 14-07, for a hearing on the proposed assessment of County Road 12, will be determined at the next meeting. Resolution 14-08, authorizing the transfer of Fund 311 to Fund 320 and the closure of Fund 311, was approved.

Ellendale hosts forum on human trafficking in rural Minnesota

Minnesota is one of the nation’s 13 largest centers for the prostitution of children. These children are sex trafficking victims. When you know the truth, you can make the difference.

Traffickers lure victims into exploitative situations by preying on their hopes to improve their lives and the lives of their families. They often promise a chance for a better life – a good job, a loving relationship, or new and exciting opportunities. In other cases, traffickers kidnap victims and use physical and psychological violence to control them, forcing them into labor or sexual exploitation.

Still time to enter weight-loss contest

For those who don’t have the Internet in their home or haven’t heard about it yet, there’s good news. There’s still time to enter the 2014 New Richland Farm and City Days Biggest Loser Contest. As of the first weigh-in last Thursday, there were 22 people signed up. “If people are still interested they can message us on the New Richland Biggest Loser page on Facebook, or call me at 507-383-2070,” said event organizer Christina Schmidt. Cost to enter is $5, which goes toward prizes for the top three men and women. The next weigh-ins are May 8, June 12 and July 10 (the final weigh-in) from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at NR Fitness Center. Winners will be announced Friday during Farm and City Days. Check out New Richland Biggest Loser on Facebook, a closed page for people participating to encourage each other, share recipes and use as motivation.

NRHEG blanks Rebels 10-0, drops tough 1-0 loss to Waseca

By JIM LUTGENS

Editor/Publisher

How many no-hitters has Jade Schultz thrown?

Her mother, NRHEG softball coach Wendy Schultz, has no idea.

What we do know is Jade opened the Panthers’ season in grand style Thursday, throwing a no-hitter as NRHEG defeated United South Central 10-0 in five innings at Legion Field.

With Jade still recovering from a knee injury, it was uncertain if she’d even pitch this year, but Wendy said not much more damage can occur at this point. She may have surgery in May before joining the University of Minnesota basketball team in June.

By JIM LUTGENS

Editor/Publisher

The NRHEG baseball team does not have much experience at the varsity level this spring, and it showed in the season opener.

The Panthers hosted United South Central and lost 8-1 at New Richland’s Legion Field last Thursday.

USC, one of the Gopher Conference favorites, jumped on top early with three runs in the first inning and two more in the third.

The NRHEG High School golf teams opened the 2014 season at Riverview Golf Course last Thursday, hosting a triangular with Bethlehem Academy and Hayfield.

The Panther girls won both matches against incomplete squads, totaling 239 strokes for nine holes. Scoring for NRHEG: Kyra Possin 58, Jessica Nafe 59, Tali Wayne 60, Lauren Herrmann 81. Hayfield’s Sam Dahlen was the medalist at 50.

The NRHEG boys had 211 strokes to 177 for BA and 182 for Hayfield. NRHEG scoring: Kelson Titus 52, Jake Langlie 53, Macoy Schwierjohann 53, Cole Lenort 53, Luke Herrmann 61, Spencer Engen 65. The medalist was Sam Olive of Hayfield with a 43.

A long time ago, when I was in school, my home economics teacher instilled in me that to be a good cook, you must measure carefully. 

I admit to still following my teacher’s advice in that I faithfully use my measuring cups.

My grandma didn't own a measuring cup. I'll take that back; she did tell us that an ordinary coffee cup, not a mug, held the equivalent of one cup. She was right; I tested her knowledge with my measuring cups.

Now watching some of the cooking shows on television, I see the cooks are not the prudent students of measuring that I was taught to be and the experience of eyes seems to be prevalent.

Nonetheless, I still find myself using measuring cups, though I do make my own calculations at times because all brands of flour and such do not seem to be the same, and often less sugar can be used without damaging the results.

Perhaps more important, measuring should be considered when we eat. We tend to underestimate the amount of food we put on our plates and often overestimate how much we feed our children. A dietitian would probably have you measure or weigh portions to get the point across. A good idea, and I am sure it would provide an awakening, but there is the "grandma method" that isn't so far off as to the size of a serving. You have to hand it to her; she knew what she was doing.

Everyone knows a meat measure is the size of a deck of cards or the size of the palm of your hand. That is the equivalent of about three or four ounces. We just often tend to ignore that fact if the meat really tastes good.

Butter, margarine, mayonnaise etc. should be measured by the teaspoon or by the "thumb nail." Go to "thumb," or one or two tablespoons, if you are measuring dressing, sour cream, cream cheese, peanut butter or hard cheese.

The size of your fist equals one cup if it is cereal, soup, casserole, fresh fruit or raw veggies or salads.

Cup your hand for a 1/2 cup serving of pasta, rice, beans, potatoes, cooked vegetables, pudding or ice cream.

Two cupped hands, or 3-4 ounces, works for chips, popcorn, crackers and such.

Maybe if we went back to "dishing plates" instead of home style, serve yourself, we would eliminate a lot of second helpings that don't really help us, and in fact often harm us.

Everybody has their likes and dislikes, which can often be incorporated into foods like casseroles and smoothies so you are not conscious of it. Some foods we just don't get to because they weren't a part of our "growing up" or difficult to prepare or present: eggplant, brussels sprouts, kale, okra etc. Ethnic foods are no less important, so masquerade is sometimes in order.

I was really surprised recently watching the Dr. Oz show. He was game to try anything, but when it came to a zucchini dish he very nervously said, "No, I can't eat that." He gave no explanation why, but it was realistic. There are foods, for one reason or another, people dislike. I am sure if it were disguised in breads or something he would have no problem, but he didn't explain.

Back when I was in grade school in Geneva, I remember there was a student who couldn't stand to eat peas. Mena Johnson, our school cook, conceded to "just one pea" in her attempt to get the child to eat it, but to no avail.

Speaking of vegetables, if you typically start your own tomato or cabbage plants inside you should have already done so, but give it a try and a boost of good dirt with sunshine and talk to them. Also realize that lettuce seeds can't germinate when soil temperatures reach or exceed 85 degrees. Shade the soil and the emerging seeds to cool them off. It is important to get cool, season veggies like cabbage in the ground early.

Plant carrot seeds three or four weeks before the last frost. Plant a new crop every three or four weeks until midsummer. It is true; carrots are good for your eyes. Did you ever see a rabbit wear glasses?

Asparagus, once established, grows and produces for years. In the refrigerator, stand the stalks upright, like a bouquet of flowers with just a little water in the glass. They will keep longer.

Never put tomatoes in the refrigerator if you want the best flavor. Look for those nice red varieties still with a bit of a stem on them. Turn the tomatoes to that side down, "bottoms up" so to speak. They keep better, but don't resist the temptation to eat them. They’re delicious raw but even more nutritious cooked. It is the lycopene that makes them good for you.

Most vegetables are best raw or lightly steamed, both for flavor and nutrition. Low temperature and less water just make sense.

We all learn when others share their information. We all have choices in regards to what we do with it.

Oops, I forgot, bananas keep better if they are separated individually, or is it the other way around?

Remember, eating strawberries three times a week will lower bad cholesterol. I didn't say how many; let the temptation be your guide.

— — —

Birthdays and anniversaries:

• Thursday, April 17th: Mike Nesdahl, Suzanne Marcus Cory, Matthew Olson, Diane Van Riper, Kathy Paulsen, Bethany & Terry Mikesell, their 9th, Jerry & Mary Peterson

• Friday, April 18th: Ellen Hanson, Marge Leak, Peggy Wallerich, Tim Stollard, Tom Kaphers, Rebecca Lyn Peterson, her 12th; Brian Olson, Danielle Zamora, Levi Michael Den Herder, his 8th

• Saturday, April 19th: Elizabeth Rose Wallace, her 7th; Cody James Reistad, his 8th; Aaron Utpadel, James Bremmer, Jaxon Branstad, his 13th; Kaden Shaw Tonlinson, his 10th

• Sunday, April 20th: Jacob Dau, his 7th; Sara Elizabeth Hemingway, her 12th; Steve Mumm, Brenda Sorenson, Kathy Haberman, Jennie Korsbon, Paul & Jennifer Wayne, Don & Delores Glynn

• Monday, April 21st: Helen Pierce, Michael Foster, Veronica Graif, Adrian Kilian, Marilyn Reistad, Elmer Vanden Heuvel

• Tuesday, April 22nd: Noah Lowell Swearingen, his 10th; Rollie Johnson, David Purdy, Gregory Swearingen, Stacy Thostenson Harold, James Van Riper, Marilyne Dodge, Mike & Sarah Collins, Rodger & Sue Hill

• Wednesday, April 23rd: Dan McElfresh, Jayne Miller, Buffy Bergland, Alan Edwardson, Jackie Johnson Miller

May the year ahead bring you a world of pleasures.

I have been walking pretty much every morning lately trying to get back in the groove after a long winter. Each morning, as it has for many years, my walk eventually takes me past the boat landing at Frank Hall Park. While walking along the channel in early morning everything seems pretty normal for this time of year; the ducks and geese are abundant and this past week the pelicans returned which, to me, is a sure sign that we have turned the corner into the next season. The birds have returned to my feeder and robins are busily searching for building materials for their nests. The only downside to this is the eventual return of the blackbirds, which seem capable of emptying a feeder with about one day’s worth of piranha-like eating.

This year while walking along the channel, I get that empty feeling that one gets when things aren’t just quite right. This may have something to do with the sight and smell of the hundreds of dead fish that have piled up at the landing, along with debris left by those that don’t seem to care. It is disturbing to see the litter that accumulates on our shores after a winter that has left behind not only dead fish but discarded drink containers, styrofoam bait containers and other refuse. The feeling I experienced when seeing this for the first time reminded me of that old TV commercial where the elderly Indian chief had a tear trickling down his cheek as he sat atop his horse while looking down upon a valley full of litter and toxic waste. Some things like a winter fish kill are acts of nature, but there are many things man can do to help create a healthy environment. I don’t feel a true sportsman would discard his trash into our waters or parks and roadside ditches.

We really need to be responsible for cleaning up after ourselves and help preserve our natural resources and, if everyone just did their part, there probably wouldn’t be a need to put up any of those Adopt a Highway signs.

I also have to wonder if the dead fish in the channel are going to be cleaned up or will it be a “natural” cleanup over time. The sad part about all of this is we have gone through it before in past years and it is always hard to watch. Another sad part of the picture is the winter kill that took place in Pickerel Lake after that lake was just starting to flourish. I know the DNR has plans to re-stock Albert Lea Lake, but I haven’t heard anything about Pickerel as of yet. It is always tough to see our lakes take a step backwards after just coming into their own as good fishing lakes.

Luckily for us, Fountain Lake was not affected by a winter kill so there should be some good fishing when it comes to perch, crappie and sunfish. The northern pike population has been revitalized and there are also walleye, bass and catfish to be had.

If you are itching to wet a line, trout fishing opened this past Saturday so you may want to take a little drive to the east and try your luck in one of the many streams in that part of the state.

The streams of Southeastern Minnesota are very different from North Shore streams. Most rise from springs and thus are cool in summer. The limestone and alluvial soils in drainages make the streams hard, nonacidic, alkaline and very productive. Whereas the North Shore streams have relatively few aquatic insects, the Southeast streams produce frequent hatches of mayflies, caddis flies and midges — all providing food for trout.

Nonetheless, Southeast trout streams do have problems, most related to agriculture. Fence-to-fence grain farming on the uplands and pasturing of the river bottoms contribute to land erosion and sedimentation of the streambeds. This fine sediment covers the gravel runs and riffles that trout need to spawn and invertebrates need to survive. The clearing of shoreline trees takes away the underwater root wads and fallen trees in which trout find cover from current and predators.

Brown trout are the trout best suited to the Southeast streams. In the best of these rivers, such as Trout Run (in Winona and Fillmore counties), browns are self-sustaining. In other streams, such as the South Branch of the Whitewater, natural reproduction is augmented with stocking. In a few streams, spawning habitat is extremely limited, and the trout fishery is maintained entirely by stocking. Most people fishing these streams would regard a 14-inch brown as large, though some trout occasionally exceed eight pounds.

Some small Southeast tributaries support wild brook trout; other streams are stocked with brookies. Some strains of rainbow trout have been tried in these creeks. Unfortunately, rainbows tend to migrate to larger, less suitable water so success with this species has been limited.

Until next time, enjoy the more spring-like weather and make some plans for spending some time in our great Minnesota outdoors.

Please remember to keep our troops in your thoughts and prayers because they are the reason we are able to enjoy all the freedoms that we have today.

Echoes From the Loafers’ Club Meeting

"I wish I were someone else."

"Don’t wish that."

"Don’t you ever wish you were someone else?"

"No, I like myself just the way I am."

"I wish I were you."

Driving by the Bruces

I have two wonderful neighbors — both named Bruce — who live across the road from each other. Whenever I pass their driveways, thoughts occur to me, such as: exits are on the way out.

The cafe chronicles

It was a go-to place. A man seated at the table of infinite knowledge was pontificating about wives. He's had four of them and claimed they were getting better and better. He said that his current wife is a very important part of his marriage.

The manager of the co-op said that a friend of his, who is a farmer, had a few good years of farming. So good that he had to hire a bodyguard. After last year's crop, he had to lay off the bodyguard. He’s worried that if he has another year like that, he’ll be working for the bodyguard.

On May 2 of last year, we received 18 inches of snow. I asked the group if that snow went towards last winter's snowfall totals or was added to the coming winter's records. Perhaps they gave nine inches of snow to each.

A fellow meal muncher said, "I’m older now than I’ve ever been. I’m as old as my tongue and a bit older than my teeth."

I’ve been to town

I was in a hotel far from home. I needed some things because I couldn't bring everything with me. I had no car, so I walked to the nearest retail store. A store isn’t my natural habitat, but I enjoy grocery stores because I eat. The question, "Paper or plastic?" does concern me because I'm never sure that I'm giving the right answer. It was a big box store that I ventured into on this particular day. I bought a few things – $8.29 worth. I received a receipt that I thought would never end. Besides the receipt portion, there were coupons, specials, a survey, and a charitable request. The young clerk handed the pile of register tapes to me, saying, "Enjoy your novel."

Driving lessons

I approached a controlled intersection. The busy crossroads had an inordinate amount of broken taillights and headlights resting on the street. I’m sure it was from a recent accident, but maybe law enforcement officers left it there as a warning to other drivers.

A scene from a marriage

I had something I had to tell my wife.

And I hated to do it.

I had to tell her that she was right.

Customer comments

Craig Reynolds from Michigan sent this written by Michael Flanders, "Spring's a lovely season, most wonderful. Missed it last year. Was in the bath."

Emily Falenczykowski-Scott of Mankato said that she had no understanding on how health insurance worked until recently. A reminder to parents to have the "deductible talk" with your children.

Don Luben of Fremont, Neb. said that the reason there are few circuses today is because they have difficulty getting clowns. Most of them are working in Washington, DC.

Tim Engstrom of Albert Lea wrote, "Hartland is so small that the Welcome to Hartland sign and the You Are Leaving Hartland sign are on the same post."

Nature notes

Janet Eastvold of Hartland asked how to discourage cardinals from fighting with windows. Windows can be enemy territory. Birds, fueled by hormones, attack windows that make them feel territorial. Birds are unable to perceive the difference between a reflected image and a real bird. A cardinal engages in beak-to-beak combat with itself. It becomes its own worst enemy. Since the bird in the window won’t retreat, the cardinal prolongs the fight. It’s typically the male that battles the glass with the female acting as an enabler, but she’ll take a shot at her image, too. Robins and cardinals are the most likely to do battle with a Pella or a Marvin, but a diverse group of birds, including turkeys, will attack windows. I recommend patience and empathy. Give the bird time to forgive and forget by blocking the refection from the outside. Covering the inside of the window enhances the reflected image. Cover the outside with cardboard, paper, soap, painter's plastic drop cloth, or plastic cling wrap. This makes Martha Stewart shudder, but it eliminates the reflection. This doesn’t always stop the behavior. The bird may find imaginary opponents in other windows. Putting out a replica of an owl doesn’t work.

Meeting adjourned

Kind words help others realize how good they could be.