The fishing season is now open for walleye and northern with the bass and muskie openers to follow. The large and smallmouth bass seasons will open on May 26, with the muskie opener to follow on June 6th.

Locally, there are plenty of walleye swimming in our area lakes so you shouldn’t have to venture far on the opener to experience some good fishing. The one good thing about our area is that you don’t need a boat to cash in on some good fishing. There are some folks that have been catching dandy sunnies in Fountain Lake since ice-out. The secret to their success, you may ask? Worms, just plain old earth worms that we used to dig up in the garden for fishing as kids.

It’s funny how the old tried and true methods of catching fish still work in spite of all the experts telling us about the latest technology. I guess the “new and improved” methods and lures that seem to guarantee the same fish we’ve all been seeking for years isn’t totally necessary.  

Over the years, like most fishermen, I’ve been lured to the sporting goods department of a store seeking that new “sure-fire” fish catching phenom. A few years ago, I saw a commercial about this muskie bait that showed a guy asleep in his bed dreaming about catching this giant muskie. After watching that commercial numerous times, I just had to have that lure. After locating it in a store just a little ways north of here, I decided to invest and bought that sure-fire fish catcher. 

I’m still waiting for it to bring in that “lunker” like the one in that guys dream; I’m sure that it will be any year now. Funny thing is; I haven’t seen that lure advertised on TV since I made the purchase.

One thing that I am confident in is my ability to catch fish with a lure that has produced fish for me in the past. I’m sure that if you have confidence in a lure, you will tend to use it more often. 

I still have my favorite Shad Rap (shad colored). My favorite bucktail is black with a silver spinner. A black and silver Rebel has caught more fish for me than a floating Rapala of the same color and size. I first learned about the Rebel many years ago when working at Wilsons. 

A fellow worker did a lot of fishing with a well-known fisherman from Austin and he always used that particular lure when fishing for muskies. He did a little modifying of the original by replacing the original treble hooks with Mustad treble hooks because they were sharper and would hold a bite better.

After using the lure a couple of times, I was “hooked.” It has been one of my go-to lures ever since. It was the first hard plastic Rebel lure produced. At one time, I had numerous in the black and silver color and some in gold and black. 

Over the years, they had taken a beating and the ones that I haven’t lost on fish are still my “go-to” lures whenever I am casting for muskie, pike or bass. I can still picture the explosion made when a big fish hits the lure the moment it touches the water. I almost forgot to mention that my own “personal best” walleye was caught on that same lure. As I write this column, I am thinking that I will need to inventory my tackle box just in case there is a need to restock it with some last minute necessities. This is what fishermen do when starting another fishing season.

DNR expands fishing opportunities with 20

legacy-funded fishing piers

Anglers can wet their lines at 20 new and improved fishing piers across the state during this year’s fishing opener and throughout many fishing seasons to follow, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

With $592,000 in funding from the Parks and Trails Fund of the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment, the DNR replaced 15 fishing piers and installed five new ones in 2011.

The DNR installed the new fishing piers at:

Grant Lake in Beltrami County.

Big Lake in Carlton County.

Sylvan Bay on the Mississippi River in Itasca County.

Lake Shetek at Lake Shetek State Park in Murray County.

Albert Lea Lake at Myre-Big Island State Park in Freeborn County.

“Fishing piers provide a safe and convenient place to fish, instead of from bridges or steep embankments or fragile shoreland areas,” said Nancy Stewart, fishing pier coordinator for the DNR’s Parks and Trails Division. “They can be the heart of a community or a main component of a state, county or city park, and are often used to facilitate fishing clinics that help introduce new participants to fishing.”

Funding for this grant program is from the Parks and Trails Fund created after voters approved the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment in November 2008. The Parks and Trails Fund receives 14.25 percent of the sales tax revenue and may only be spent to support parks and trails of regional or statewide significance.

— — —

Until next time, get your tackle ready and do a little fishing; it’s a great way to enjoy the 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.

I don’t know where the phrase "follow the money" first originated. I first heard of it in the movie "All the President’s Men" when "Deep Throat" tells reporter Bob Woodward to "follow the money" to find information.

"Follow the money" explains a great deal on how and why many things occur. But fortunately not all things happen because of money. We think religion, morality and patriotism play a large role also. My father used to say that there are three things money can’t buy: A baby’s smile, the love of a good woman and a key to the Kingdom of Heaven. There are more, but that’s a good start.

All true, but money seems to dominate the sports scene. Not always, for there are variables in sporting events that money can’t control. But, money is used to set the scene, either through highly paid players or the venue where the sporting event takes place.

Money made the new Viking Stadium possible. The prospect of new jobs, construction spending and additional investments have all made the stadium acceptable. Looking at it objectively, the Wilfs are going to bring almost a half a billion dollars into the state one way or another, in addition to Minnesota’s contribution. 

It will be good to get some of that New Jersey money. Granted, the Wilfs are going to make a great deal of money, but in order to achieve that, they have to invest in the state. The stadium is all about money, not Christian Ponder, Jared Allen nor Adrian Peterson; not the love of the Vikings by Minnesotans, nor the demonstration by Viking fans in front of the Capitol. "Follow the money!"

The Twins have demoted Danny Valencia, Matt Maloney, Ben Revere, Liam Hendricks, Clete Thomas, Luke Hughes and Sean Burroughs. That is six out the original 25 on opening day and seven total. They were cut because they were not playing well and Terrry Ryan and Ron Gardenhire were tired of horsing with them.

Last season, wholesale demotions did not happen mostly because of two reasons. There were many injuries and players were incapacitated and unable to play or play well. So they needed warm bodies to stick out on the field. And, I believe, because the organization still adhered to a team philosophy of giving everyone a second or even third chance. Minnesota nice! That attitude has changed. Now it’s either fish or cut bait.

What has caused that change? Well, naturally the disgust at losing and an attempt to field a decent team. But there are other reasons. 

Our Twins have a beautiful new stadium being paid for partially by the Pohlads. The first couple of years the stadium was filled. In 2010 it was because of the team’s success and because of the splendid new stadium. Everybody made money. 

Last year’s attendance was a carryover from the beautiful new stadium and the 2010 team. This year the new stadium can’t carry the attendance by itself. It’s down by 5000 fans a game, the biggest drop in the Major Leagues. 

The Pohlads don’t like that, particularly with the player salaries they’re paying. All of a sudden there is a lot of pressure on Ryan and Gardenhire to right the ship. They’re trying, but the minor league cupboard is bare. 

Don’t be surprised if established players are pedaled for special prospects in order to provide reasons for fans to watch the future. So, the new Twins’ team will be the result of not only trying to win for its own sake, but also to increase revenue. Follow the money. . . .

Echoes from the Loafers’ Club Meeting

"I was just in Des Moines."

"I’ve never been to Wisconsin."

"Or, apparently, in a geography class."

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: if you have to ask how much gas costs, you can’t afford it.

I’ve learned

1. It takes people longer to leave a parking space when an automobile is waiting for it.

2. Many drivers of rural roads have the philosophy, "No cop, no stop."

3. That one of the least popular tattoos is, “Ask me about my grandchildren.”

In the barbershop

I sat in a barbershop where the only thing the barber guaranteed was that a customer’s hair would be shorter than it was before he got a haircut. We talked about a friend who was suffering from a devil called dementia and had reached the point where even his name was unfamiliar to him. By a quick vote, it was decided that if one of us ever got to the point where he couldn’t remember his name, because of where we live, Johnson would be a good guess.

I talked with a farmer. We talked of various things — mostly farm-related. We had a henhouse filled with leghorns that were prolific layers of white eggs. Heavy hens that typically became chicken dinners, such as Rhode Island Reds, produced spectacularly brown eggs. I found them more beautiful than the white eggs. One year, I bought some Araucanas from Murray McMurray Hatchery. They laid lovely blue eggs. Talk about eggcitement!

He told me that he milked 300 cows. I responded that even with modern technology, it must take him a long time to milk that many cows.

"It does. It takes an incredibly long time," he replied, "but what is time to a cow?"

I can almost taste the radish sandwich

The man from Rochester told me he lived next door to an avid gardener. The neighbor takes pride in having the first vegetables in the neighborhood. His tomatoes are always the first to the table. The neighbor told everyone he had planted his radishes early this year. The man from Rochester bought some radishes at the local supermarket. He waited for the neighbor to leave home. The man from Rochester pushed the store-bought radishes into the ground where the neighbor had planted the radishes. It was a very early crop.

Peanut butter in the what?

There was peanut butter in the toaster.

I knew because my wife told me. She likes me to keep up with current events.

She didn’t say it in so many words, but I think she was accusing me of putting peanut butter on my bread before putting it into the toaster.

Has anyone ever done that? At least anyone over the age of six?

I have never been busy or dizzy enough to make that mistake — yet.

Dandelions

I watched a rabbit eat a dandelion. I watched a groundhog eat many dandelions. I’ve eaten dandelions through the years. Not bad. The dandelion is rich in vitamins A, B complex, C, D, iron, potassium, and zinc. I’ve enjoyed the free vegetable by eating newly emerged leaves in salads and on sandwiches. The plant is named for its lance-shaped leaves. Dents-de-lion means “the lion’s tooth” in Old French. The Rolling Stones sang, “Dandelion don’t tell no lies. Dandelions will make you wise. Tell me if she laughs or cries. Blow away dandelion, blow away dandelion.” Children and newspaper columnists from Hartland, Minnesota have always been fascinated with dandelions. A legend says that if you blow on the downy seed head of a dandelion and all the seeds blow away, your wish will come true. Another says that the number of puffs it takes to blow all the seeds off the fluffy head of the dandelion indicates the time of the day.

Nature notes

“How long does it take a Baltimore oriole to build a nest?” The average time for the female to weave a nest is four to eight days. She builds a new nest each year, often in the same tree used in the past. If you put out string or yarn for nest building, make the approximately six inches long.

“Why are warblers called warblers?” Most likely because they vaguely reminded Europeans of the tiny birds they called “warblers,” the Old World Warblers to which our gnatcatchers are related.

Meeting adjourned

A kind word takes but a second to say and forget, but to someone who needed it, it can last a lifetime.

Genie and I were in charge of the program for WELCA (Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America) at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Austin for their May meeting. Our program featured our teaching in remote First Nation Villages in the far north of Canada. 

I let it be known that I’d also be talking about my hair-raising Walleye fishing experiences while at the villages. This caused six men to be WELCA temporary members so they could listen to my fishing tales. 

Genie and I have taught through LAMP (Lutheran Association of Missionaries and Pilots) at various villages of roughly 500 people.  Genie has clocked in 20 years. I’ve participated for 10 years.

We do the program for any group. The charge is up to the group with any amount up to $100, which we donate to LAMP. Anything over $100 we keep. So far, no keeper! Call us at (507) 373-8655 if you’re looking for a program of this type.

Interesting enough, when I walked in prior to the program, a lady walked up to me with her right hand held out and said, “My name is Vivian Nelson and your talk better be fact or fiction.” I promised it would be and shook her hand. Thanks, Vivian, for the great welcome.

As is the case every spring, the first few early morning walks around Beaver Lake are a bit of a struggle. It takes a little longer to walk the just over two miles than years past. I think it has something to do with age and weight!

I have noticed four for sale signs. There is one new house since this time last year. (Welcome new home owners to the Scott Crabtree family.) The red tail hawk pair are back again this year with their nest high up in a pine tree.

The lake is currently turning over. In plain English, that means the water on the bottom is coming to the top and the water on the top is going to the bottom. This is causing some green globs in greenish-colored water with a slight not so pleasant odor. This should be over after about two weeks. 

This month’s issue of Minnesota Volunteer magazine has a more elaborate explanation of lake water turnover. I also learned that subscriptions to Minnesota Volunteer are tax deductible.

The South Beaver Lake Road cabin owners have decided to blacktop their road. The problem is it takes money to do so. After much discussion we have decided on a user fee. We checked with Berlin Township supervisors to see if it was legal. 

The answer was as long as it was a private road, we could charge a user fee: A $1 fee to enter, and a $5 fee or a flat tire to leave. The fee would be for four-wheeled non-cabin owner’s vehicles only. 

Enforcement is a trail camera taking pictures of every vehicle entering and leaving by the lock box that states the user fee. For those of you who believe this road rage story, please donate $25 to the cause and you may enter and leave South Beaver Lake Road as much as you want in 2012.

Tis’ the season, the crappies and sunfish are biting. Wrens, Baltimore Orioles and Rose Breasted Grosbeaks made their appearance May 4. The first tornado came from the west with the following rain and wind from the east, thus confusing this old Norwegian. (A total of two-plus inches.) Ah yes, Beaver Lake, how sweet it is! Amen. 

— — —

Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. This is the Hanson’s 37th summer at Beaver Lake. They leave the lake in mid-October to go south — to Albert Lea — and return in April. Bob says if you enjoy his article, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of Wisdom: There is always room for God. 

The scurs were spot on with a dry forecast with seasonal temperatures. Will we continue down that path? Starting Wednesday, mostly sunny with a slight chance of an evening shower. Highs of 75 – 80 and lows around 55. Partly cloudy on Thursday with a chance of overnight showers. Highs of 80 and lows of 60. Partly cloudy on Friday highs of 80 - 85 and lows around 65. Saturday, partly cloudy with a chance of an evening shower. Highs of 85 and lows around 65. Partly cloudy on Sunday with a chance of a shower. Highs near 75 and lows of 55. Monday, mostly sunny and cooler. Highs of 70 and lows of 55. Mostly cloudy on Tuesday with highs of 70 – 75 and lows near 55. The normal high for May 19th is 70 and the normal low is 49. On the 22nd, we will have reached 15 hours of daylight. The scurs are thinking that since there is only about a month until the days start getting shorter, it’ll be a good time to check out the snow blower. 

Progress was rapid in the fields after the dry, breezy days. The remaining corn acres went in quickly and the soybean planting commenced. The only fly in the ointment was the crusting and water ponding on some of the corn acres planted just prior to the heavy rains the week before. Otherwise we are off to a tremendous start. Pre-emerge herbicides appear to be working well and most fields are remaining relatively clean. Alfalfa harvest has started in some areas and small grain has responded well to the warmer temperatures we are experiencing.

Birds are changing with the seasons as they always do. The juncos preceded them and now the white-throated, white-crowned and Harris sparrows that appear every spring at the ranch have made their way north. There were some newcomers however. On May 8th, a male redstart was picking through the foliage on the ash trees and the female orioles made their first appearance. On the 9th a male yellow-headed blackbird made himself known with his raucous call. Another couple new arrivals include the common yellowthroat and a warbling vireo. They’re old friends but seldom if ever seen. While they’re not migratory, the first Hungarian partridge I had seen in quite some time appeared when I happened by a filter strip on a field west of Bugtussle. We still hear rooster pheasants crowing in the morning although they’re not nearly as obnoxious as the robins who crank it up about 4:30 a.m. By 5:30 they must be searching for food because they’re quiet. All that can be heard is the soft cooing of the mourning doves. It’s hard to make yourself wake up once that is heard.

All five of the kestrel eggs hatched! A quick check Sunday morning revealed five fuzzy little occupants in the wood duck house. So far so good as they all look healthy and well nourished. Have been a little concerned that there has been no male seen in the area. They reputedly help with the feeding chores. Luckily we have had a target rich environment with large numbers of moths for them to feed on. The June bug supply seems to be holding its own as well. Eventually they may get to dine on small rodents that the parents tear into small pieces. Their sloppy housekeeping however sure makes for a messy dwelling by the time they’re done with it so the house will need to be taken down and thoroughly cleaned before next spring arrives.

In the evening Venus continues to reign supreme in the western sky although by month’s end it will be just above the horizon at sunset. Mars is high in the south-southwest and Saturn is likewise in the south-southeast. On the 20th there will be a partial eclipse of the sun beginning around 7:15 p.m. and continuing through sunset. Approximately half the sun’s surface will be blocked by the moon. It is never safe to stare at the sun so unless you have equipment designed for that purpose; it’s safest to view it on TV.

The garden has been on hold for a while until there is sufficient time to plant everything. Every transplant we seeded grew so will try to get them into the ground in a little more timely fashion than we did last year. Almost all the potatoes have emerged now including the Pontiacs and Norkotah’s. Recent warm temperatures have helped push the snow peas planted on March 18th into more respectable looking plants. Only about 1/3 of them grew so they have lots of space. 

The pastures have responded well since our abundant early May rains. Some of the first lambs born were weaned from their mothers on Sunday morning. The ewes were then trailered to the off-site pasture owned by our kindly neighbors to the south. Either they’re real good sports about it or the ewes get far enough away from their house so they can’t hear them. The remainder of the ewes and lambs will be weaned here soon and it never fails that we can hear the bellering for about 3 days. When we throw them out there, it always seems that the summer is long and the sheep can survive forever on the belly-deep grass. Unfortunately that’s never the case. Too soon summer is gone; we’re bringing ewes back home and feeding hay again. We need to enjoy it while it lasts. 

See you next week…real good then.

Proceeds benefit Waseca Animal Rescue

Dawn Schwartz of rural New Richland spent 12 hours during a unusually hectic week painting a flower pot for Waseca Animal Rescue's Plant and Pot Fundraiser May 18 and 19.

"I didn't have a lot of time," she said, noting it would probably have been better if she had more time. "But it was a fun project."

Schwartz, an animal lover, also believes that helping the local animal rescue group is a worthy cause. "They help people be responsible pet owners, especially in this economy when people need more help to care for their animals."

One of nine artists from Waseca Art Center who painted flower pots and donated them to Waseca Animal Rescue, Schwartz started out doing crafts years ago.  She also worked for Vikings Woodcrafts in Waseca and taught people how to paint on ceramics at the former Creative Hands in Waseca. 

Although she is basically a self-taught artist, Schwartz had classes in drawing and printing from Mankato State University. Since joining Waseca Art Center about four years ago, however, "I have really developed my fine art ability." 

The fundraiser will be held in Waseca, at 315 North State Street, May 18 and 19, with Friday hours of noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Waseca Animal Rescue a, no-kill rescue organization, was founded in 2009. Waseca Animal Rescue has found homes for over 200 cats and dogs. In addition, the Group has provided low-cost neutering and vaccinations for an additional 100 animals, including feral cat colonies.

Local artists Grace Galvin, Char Harguth, Trudi Remund, Mary Shemonek, Sue Ziegler, Schwartz and Carol Wobschall, with Waseca Arts Council Director Pat Beckmann painted 26 garden pots for the event. 

"We decided to add painted pots this year to give people who don't garden an opportunity to purchase something unique for their homes," said Nicole Lucca, cofounder of Waseca Animal Rescue. She noted the pots can be used for a variety of purposes besides flowers. "But for people with a green thumb, the pots by local artists truly enhance the beauty of what Mother Nature provides," Lucca said.

Also included in the sale are both classic and unusual perennials, native wild and prairie flowers, homemade baked goods and garden décor. Of course, the animals will be on hand, with their best paws forward, ready for adoption!

“Our Rescue Organization funding depends on the success of this annual event, and the public is always generous in their support,” said Director Mickey Tibbits. 

NRHEG Prom 2012

NRHEG High School prom goers went through an informal “grand march” in the theme of the evening, “Moonlight on the Pier,” following the traditional grand march Saturday, May 5. Above from left: Michaela Hansen, Paige Bolduan, Jenika Jongbloedt, Dana Jensen, Brenna Hagen, Brina Bergland and Jadyn Nelson-Spies. Below from left: Colton Ryg, Pete Blowers, Jared Reyant, Casey Rosacker and Ashton Hareid. Anne and Rick Feist chaired the prom committee. Michaela Hansen and McKenna Thiele served as emcees and sophomore waiters/waitresses were Jade Schultz, Carlie Wagner, Caitlin Hinz, Jarek Schendel, Alec Holland and Noah Krell. See Pages 2, 15 and 16 of this week's Star Eagle for more color photos. (Star Eagle photos by Jim Lutgens)

Sophomore fans 15 as NRHEG blanks JWP

NO HITS, NO RUNS, NO ERRORS — NRHEG sophomore Jade Schultz pitched a seven-inning no-hitter at Janesville Monday, May 7 as the Panthers defeated JWP 7-0. Her teammates backed her with errorless defense. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)

By JIM LUTGENS

Editor/Publisher

Jade Schultz delivered an early Mother’s Day present Monday.

The NRHEG sophomore threw a no-hitter as the Panthers — coached by her mom, Wendy Schultz — shut out Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton 7-0 at Janesville.

Schultz, a varsity pitcher since seventh grade, struck out 15 batters — five innings worth — and walked only three as the Panthers improved to 10-2 overall and 6-2 in the Gopher Conference.

“Here’s the thing,” said Wendy Schultz. “There’s something about it when it’s our own kid. You don’t want to say too much. If it was somebody else you may say more. But she really has been having a great season, multiple games with 14, 15, 17 strikeouts. She’s helped the team a lot. You don’t have to play quite as much defense when she does that. She’s a gamer, a strong player who just seems to get it done.”

EXCITING BASEBALL — Tyler Sorenson slides safely into home to score a run against Mankato Loyola in recent action at Legion Field in New Richland. The NRHEG baseball team went 3-0 in recent play, running its record to 9-1 in the Gopher Conference and 12-2 overall. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)

Offense, defense, pitching, baserunning. You name it, the NRHEG baseball team has done it well this spring.

The Panthers posted three more victories in recent play, improving their record to 9-1 in the Gopher Conference and 12-2 overall.

Most recently, the Panthers topped JWP 7-3 at Janesville Monday.

Mitch Akemann led the offense, hitting a home run while going 2-for-2 and scoring twice. Tyler Sorenson and Sam Lundberg were both 2-for-3 with a double, Lundberg driving in three runs. Matt Dahle was also 2-for-3.

Lundberg started on the mound and went five innings, giving up one earned run on five hits, with eight strikeouts and four walks. David Lassahn pitched two innings of two-hit scoreless relief. He struck out three.

The NRHEG track and field teams competed in the Blooming Prairie True Team Invitational Tuesday, May 1. The girls finished atop the eight-team field while the boys took fifth.

The Panther girls totaled 725 points, with WEM second at 697.7. Blooming Prairie was third with 597, followed by JWP at 572.5, Loyola/Cleveland 570.5, Medford 544.5, Bethlehem Academy 337 and Triton 302.

Carlie Wagner led the Panthers, winning the 200 and high jump and taking second in the 100. Abby Crabtree, Danielle Krueger, Raelin Schue and Wagner combined for first in the 4x200 relay. Mikayla Lindell was second in the shot put and discus.