I do believe we have finally turned the corner when talking weather; the only exception being the wind, which never seems to give us much of a break. Wind permitting, I will be taking time out to wet a line somewhere on one of our area lakes. I am talking shore fishing, which on most lakes in this area is a very good way to fish, especially early in the season. There was a time when shore fishing consisted of a can of worms, a heavy sinker and a snelled hook. Before beginning my quest for fish I would search for a tree branch with a nice “Y” so I could drive the single end into the ground and, after loading my hook with a gob of worms from said can and casting it out as far as possible, I would rest my rod in the Y and wait. In my younger years this was fishing at its finest, and it usually yielded good results.

I even tried this method while trout fishing with my family at Stockade Lake in Custer State Park in the Black Hills. We’d bought a one-day pass, which was good from noon one day until noon the next. I had talked to some folks that had fished there before and, while the method they used was a little different, it still sounded an awful lot like fishing bullheads to me. I rigged everyone’s line with a Lindy Rig and a gob of worms, then we just cast it out as far as possible and waited. It didn’t take long before we were catching trout. I was busy taking fish off everyone’s line when one of the boys yelled that my rod was being dragged into the lake. I dove for it and grabbed the handle just as it was about to disappear into the depths. On the other end of the line I found a nice largemouth bass. The boys still get a kick out of bringing up that time when Dad almost lost his rod and reel to a fish.

I have fished many different ways over the years and I can’t really say which is my favorite because each one is different and they all have their up sides. I covered how I usually bottom fished as a kid, but in those days I also liked to use a bobber or a cork as it was called way back then. I don’t really believe that there is a more peaceful feeling than watching a bobber as it drifts slowly in a slight summer breeze as the guy on the other end (me) anxiously awaits the moment that it disappears into the depths below.

Trolling is probably the method I use most when fishing out of a boat. When you troll, you cover a lot of water in a short amount of time and you catch most any species of fish using this method. There is nothing more fun than having a large pike or musky almost rip the pole from your hands when it strikes. Over the years I have definitely enjoyed some very good luck while trolling and, up until a couple years ago, I had caught my own personal best walleye while trolling at night.

Casting a jig with plastics, a spinner bait or a jerk bait can be a very rewarding way to fish. I do believe that it’s hard to match the thrill of having a lunker explode from the depths with your lure in its mouth at almost the same exact moment that it hits the water. It is always exciting when you get a follow from a big fish when you are casting. I probably have some of my fondest fishing memories while casting. One summer afternoon I was in a secluded bay on Spider Lake casting to an open area which surrounded by heavy cover when a musky hit my lure about a foot out of the water. I can still see the water exploding as that fish jumped with its tail about a foot above the surface and my lure hanging out of its mouth.

When it comes to early season walleye fishing, on most lakes I would have to say drifting with a jig tipped with a minnow or a Lindy rig tipped with a shiner or leech is your best bet. I have fished the Governor’s Fishing Opener since 1995 and have fished with many different folks and these two methods are, by far, the ones most preferred. I actually caught my personal best walleye just a couple years ago while drifting Leech Lake with a live bait rig called a “Slow Death.”

These are just some of the many memories I have from many years of fishing various waters across this great state of ours.

Until next time, it's time to get outdoors when the weather permits. Wet a line whenever the opportunity arises and if you don't want to fish, it's still a great time to take a walk or ride your bike around the lake.

Please remember to keep our troops in your thoughts and prayers, not only during the holiday season but for the rest of the year. They are the reason that we are able to enjoy all the freedoms that we have today.

Juel Richard Foss, age 67, of Pagosa Springs, Colo., passed away March 19, 2016, at Hospice House in Pueblo, Colo.

Richie was born in Albert Lea, Nov. 21, 1948. He graduated from New Richland-Hartland High School in 1967, at which time he joined the Navy. Upon discharge, he attended the University of Minnesota and received a degree in forestry. Upon graduation, Richie moved to Colorado where he lived, worked and retired.

Richie was preceded in death by his parents, Sylan and Elvira (Bangert) Foss and sister, Maxine (Foss) Berg.

He is survived by his sister, Patty Foss, four nieces and their families.

A mountain side remembrance in Colorado has not yet been scheduled.

Funeral services for Lester Wenzel will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 21, 2016 at St. Peter Lutheran Church of New Richland. Pastor Scott Williams will officiate. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, April 20 at Bonnerup-Friedrich Funeral Chapel in New Richland and again one hour prior to the service at church. Interment will be in St. Peter Cemetery, New Richland.

Lester William Wenzel died Saturday, April 16, 2016 at the New Richland Care Center. He was 86 years old. 

Stuart Arnold Miller, 73 of Waseca, MN passed away on Thursday, April 14, 2016 at his home in Waseca, MN. 

Stuart is survived by his wife, Mary (Hrdlicka); sons Jon (Amy) and Jeremiah (Jaala) and daughters Lee (Mark) Blowers and Alana Adams, all of Waseca and ten grandchildren, Belle, Libby, Maurela, Bailey, Preston, Coy, Simon, Katy, Ezra and Jude. Stuart is also survived by his brothers Gene (Bonnie) and Andy (Kathy) of Waseca and sister Marlene (Kurt) Kuehl of Ketchikan, Alaska and Bend, Oregon; and many nieces and nephews.

Stuart is preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Mildred Miller, and his niece in infancy. 

Stuart chose not to have a funeral. He will be buried at a later date. He will be deeply missed by all who loved him.

Memorial services for Barbara Blowers will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 21, 2016 at the Bonnerup-Friedrich Funeral Chapel in New Richland, MN. Interment will be in the LeSueur River Cemetery near New Richland.

Barbara Jean Blowers passed away peacefully at the New Richland Care Center on Friday, April 15, 2016 at the age of 75. Barbara was born on March 1, 1941 to Louise and Elmer Weckwerth in Waseca, MN. She graduated from Waseca High School. 

Representative Tony Cornish will visit New Richland Care Center Sunday, April 24 at 2 p.m. to speak with residents and answer questions. The public is welcome.

Jerry Rolland Millang, 67 of Bismarck, North Dakota, passed away on Friday, February 19, 2016 at CHI St. Alexius Medical Center, Bismarck, after a battle with cancer. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 23 at the Freeborn American Legion in Freeborn, MN, with Pastor Scott Williams officiating. Interment will be in the Freeborn Cemetery. Military honors will be accorded by Freeborn American Legion Post 552 and Wells VFW Post 1778.

Jerry was born on September 21, 1948 in Fort Dodge, Iowa to Irone and Eunice (Hove) Millang. He was baptized in Fort Dodge and confirmed at United Congregational Church in Freeborn. He graduated from Freeborn High School in 1967. Jerry entered the army on May 28, 1968 and served 13 months in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged on December 30, 1969.

New Richland City Council

By JESSICA LUTGENS

Staff Writer

Due to multiple reports of suspicious activity in March, the New Richland Police Department is asking the community to report anything that seems out of place around town, according to Chief of Police Scott Eads at the city council’s first meeting of the month on Monday, April 11. All members were present.

Instances reported involve vehicles’ gas tanks being opened overnight but nothing taken and “lurkers” being spotted in an area. If any local residents see something suspicious, be sure to report it to the police department.

With temperatures hovering near 40 degrees and the wind whipping, Monday was a day the NRHEG softball team was looking to go home early.

Kayley Camerer and Gabby Muri made sure it happened.

The pair combined to drive in 11 runs and the Panthers capitalized on nine walks and numerous errors to 10-run Waterville-Elysian-Morristown 22-3 in five innings.

“The girls played great defense and hit the ball well,” said NRHEG coach Wendy Schultz, whose squad evened its record at 1-1. “Kayley and Gabby hit the ball especially well.”