SKI vacation, Part 1 of 3

We looked ahead at the long-range weather forecast for Beaver lake. The forecast was for warmer than usual between Monday, July 11 and Saturday, July 23. Many of the days would be in the 90s, with records broken for high heat and high humidity. Based on that, Genie and I went on a SKI vacation during that time period. SKI is Spending Kids’ Inheritance!

Thanks to Earl and Rosemary Colstrup for checking our lake place and Harriet Starne for bringing in the mail and newspapers in Albert Lea while we were gone.

We left Beaver Lake early Monday, July 11th in the HHR Chevrolet, headed for the ELCA Ladies Triennial Convention in downtown Spokane, WA July 14-16.

As we approached South Dakota on I-90, we passed a vehicle that had Krejci on the back.  We soon spotted a second car with Krejci on the back and then, we saw a third vehicle with Krejci on the back with the words “Awesome Blossoms” on the side. We later found out there was a football camp in South Dakota that would find out about the “Awesome Blossoms” male students.

Just prior to Wall Drug, where we stayed the first night, we saw a billboard that said, “Gas now or gas can later.” We opted for gas now.

At Wall, we were lucky enough to stay at the Super 8 Motel where the former Mayor and First Lady of Rocky Hill, New Jersey were also staying. In touring Rocky City City offices of former mayors, we saw a picture of Raymond and Barbara Whitlock. The nickname “Toby” was given to Raymond because the doctor couldn’t figure out if it was going to be a girl or a boy prior to birth.

We walked into the backyard of Wall Drug to see T-Rex blow smoke and scare people, and then all of a sudden, a female voice hollers “Genie.” It was Dixie Michaelis of Albert Lea.

The second night we stayed at the Super 8 Motel in Bozeman, Montana. The dynamite duo of Tom and Taylor checked us in — they are truly “TNT.” You must stay there to see those two in the evening plus Keren, the young lady who has a great breakfast waiting for you every morning.

TNT suggested “The Garage” as a must have for the evening meal. The employee’s name badge was like a miniature car license plate from Montana. The front cover of the menu was an actual license plate as was the back cover. I had Vermont on the front and Minnesota on the back. Genie had Georgia on the front and Washington on the back. The building was an actual garage, which was converted to a restaurant with a lot of garage type items built-in for appearance.

The employees knew how to treat us like we were VIP customers. Kirsa took our drink order. Clara took our food order and Mick cooked it. Other waitstaff were Maren, Rachel and Emmy. Fred, Lewis and Steve were additional kitchen staff. All the above mentioned employees thanked us as we left. I was even given a “The Garage” T-shirt. I think they were all former residents of Minnesota as they were most certainly “Minnesota Nice.”

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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 36th 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 tracking the return of the heat wave, although the duration was nowhere near the last one. It is that time of year. This week starting with Wednesday, mostly sunny with highs reaching 80 and lows around 65. Partly cloudy on Thursday with a slight chance of rain or a thunderstorm. Highs around 80 and lows near 65. Partly cloudy and gorgeous on Friday with highs once again around 80 and lows of 65. Slight chance of rain during the day on Saturday increasing in potential by evening. Highs of 80 and lows around 65. Sunday, partly cloudy with a modest chance of rain during the day decreasing in scope by evening. Highs of 80 and lows of 60 – 65. Monday partly cloudy with a moderate chance of a shower or thunderstorm. Highs of 80 and lows of 60 – 65. Cloudy and slightly cooler for Tuesday with a good chance of a shower or thunderstorm. Highs 75 – 80 and lows dropping to 60. The normal high for August 7th is 83 and the normal low is 60. The sun will set at 8:30 p.m. on the 7th, roughly the same time as it did on May 12th. The scurs will be enjoying a Cajun wrap at the Freeborn Cty Fair. One wonders who will be enjoying them the next day?

Crop progress this past week was nothing short of phenomenal. Corn pollinated and while it wasn’t perfect with the abundant soil moisture, supply it is in good shape at the present time. Some will fret and worry but changing anything at this point is next to impossible. Soybeans keep making their move and August is generally considered when the soybean crop is made. While there are some R4 soybeans here and there as of this writing, there are few entire fields that would qualify just yet. Soybean aphid numbers are increasing although they have shown an affinity for younger, later planted fields in areas. On the weed control front as expected, waterhemp has had a banner year, popping through those soybeans not yet sprayed with the second application of glyphosate. Small grain yield reports thus far have been disappointing, with test weight on oats and wheat suffering as a result of the hot weather to finish the crop. The main thing now some old timers say is to get some rain on the straw so it’s not so slippery and is more absorbent. I’m not so sure about that one. It was always nice just to get it baled, period.

The garden has been on the emergency rescue list at the ranch so it was time to sharpen up some of the garden tools. Now I got me a sharp hoe, yeah! The tiger lilies have been about at their peak this past week and oddly enough they are what started my weed control career. After seeing Dad chop off a bunch of “kingheads” or giant ragweeds, I got out my garden set and proceeded to chop off Mom’s tiger lilies. Needless to say she was not amused as I recall. Luckily tiger lilies are pretty tough and those she still enjoys today are descendents of my victims. Obviously my weed ID still needed a little work. It has vastly improved however, and I seldom hack off tiger lilies anymore. It does make me wonder sometimes how old the tiger lilies are at the ranch. Were they planted by Teamon Ruth, one of the original settlers whose name is scrawled on the wall of our granary? More on Teamon in another episode. Oh yeah, the garden. The first zucchinis appeared late last week and the first cuke showed up Monday night. In my zeal to remove the lambsquarters from their moorings in the potato patch, it revealed a couple golf ball sized baby red potatoes. Mmmmmm!

There are beginning to be signs our summer is starting to wind down. There are places where there are some acorns starting to fall already. Leaves on the walnut tree are starting to show hints of yellow. The lavender colored wild bergamot is blooming and its sage like fragrance just smells like autumn for some reason. Toads are getting big and fat on all the insects they’ve consumed and scads of their offspring are all over the lawn when mowing it. The fall birds have started to make their presence known too. There are some young nuthatches trying out the sunflower feeders now and the blue jays are becoming more numerous and more raucous with their calling. Chickadees, who have been absent for much of the time since early last winter are suddenly setting up camp in the windbreak. And last but not least, could it be that the male goldfinches are beginning to lose a little of that ray of summer sunshine glow? Say it ain’t so!

The little fat buddies have been on hiatus much of the summer although they found some time the other day to squeeze in a rare late summer session to eat cake and donuts as well as to discuss the Great Depression. Speaking of the Depression, I had the privilege to receive a 1938 Depression era copy of Successful Farming from my brother who had found it in one of his travels. It is in pristine condition so I make sure to keep it in its plastic sleeve when not perusing the pages. All kinds of fascinating info and much of it giving one a feel for the agriculture of the day. Producing fat hogs was a source of pride and by gum there’s an article that could help you accomplish that goal. Oddly enough, there was an ad for Parmak electric fencers. The electric fencer we have at the kindly neighbors pasture is a Parmak and they’re still being manufactured to this day. A little different perhaps than the 6 volt battery powered model offered in that old magazine but still keeping livestock on their side of the fence none the less. Now if they’d just invent an electric lid to keep the little fat buddies on their side of the cake pan. 

See you next week …real good then.

Sean Ernest Stenzel, age 27, of Matawan, MN, died Sunday, July 31, 2011 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN as the result of a car accident. Funeral mass will be held Thursday, August 4, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Casimir Catholic Church in Wells, MN. Visitation will be Wednesday, August 3, 2011 from 4-8 p.m. at Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells, and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. Father Eugene Stenzel will officiate and burial will take place in St. Casimir Cemetery in Wells, MN. Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Sean was born March 13, 1984, in Winona, MN to DeAnne Stier and Todd Sievers. On April 12, 1984, he was adopted to Richard and Mary Stenzel of New Richland, MN. Sean attended school at Alden-Conger Public School and graduated in 2002 from New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva High School in New Richland, MN. Sean worked as a carpenter and was very skilled in ceramic and floor tiling. He had a quick wit and a sense of humor. Sean had a very special relationship with all of his grandparents. He will always be remembered by his beautiful smile.

Sean will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him. He is survived by his daughter, Liliana Fay Stenzel; his parents, Richard and Mary Stenzel of New Richland; his birth mother, DeAnne Sievers Reed and step-father, David Reed; grandmothers, Evangeline Stenzel and Joy Stier; brother Jesse (KC) Sievers; sisters, Amy (Travis) Kostner, Ella Reed, and Lydia Reed; nephew, Tanner Sievers, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Sean was preceded in death by his birth father, Todd Sievers; brother, Nathan Stier; grandparents, Loretta and Ernest Johnson, Dominic Stenzel, Bill Stier, and Mr. and Mrs. Curty Sievers; and many aunts, ncles and cousins.

Memorial services for Luke Alan Minter of New Richland, MN, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 1, 2011 at the Church of All Saints Catholic Church. Father Swamy will officiate. Visitation will be held Sunday evening from 4 until 7 p.m. at the Friedrich Funeral Home in New Richland, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, New Richland, MN.

Luke died Thursday, July 28, 2011 at his home in New Richland. He was 46 years of age.

Luke was born February 10, 1965 in Rochester, MN, the son of Roland and Beverly (Fuller) Minter. He graduated from high school in Zumbrota, MN, and attended college for a short time.

On November 12, 1994 he was united in marriage to Susan Wilson in New Richland. Luke had been employed by Williams Pipeline, Twin City Pipeline, Waseca Feed Mill, Corcoran Company, past owner of New Richland Railing and most recently at Lakeside Foods in Owatonna, MN.

Luke had been a member of the Army National Guard, enjoyed fishing whenever he could and spending time with his pet dogs. Luke was a welder by trade and had fixed something for almost everyone in the community.

Luke is survived by his wife Susan of New Richland, MN, mother Beverly Minter of Hudson Bay, FL, children; Jason Minter of Wanamingo, MN, Alyssa Minter of Wanamingo, MN, Ashley (Jesus) Chesley of Dodge Center, MN, Kevin Minter of New Richland, MN, Prycilla (Tim) O’Malley of Mankato, MN, Amanda (Corey) Brinkman of Brooklyn Park, MN, and Joe McGuire of New Richland, MN. There are four grandchildren, one sister Vicky (Rick) Barnes of Hudson Bay, FL, one brother Mark Minter of Zumbrota, MN, nieces and nephews.

Luke was preceded in death by his grandparents, father Roland and brother Robby.

Helen E. (Olson) Swenson, 88, of New Richland died Friday, July 29, 2011 at the New Richland Care Center. 

Helen Eleanor Olson was born October 7, 1922 in Owatonna, the daughter of Hans C. and Anna (Johnson) Olson. She was raised on the family farm south of Hope, MN and attended District 86 country school and graduated from Ellendale High School in 1942.  She was united in marriage to Raymond O. Swenson on December 14, 1946 in Minneapolis at the First Covenant Church parsonage.  

Following their marriage, Helen and Raymond started farming in the Vista community.  Helen was employed by Birds Eye in Waseca for 32 years.  She enjoyed reading, canning and playing cards.  She was a member of the Vista Evangelical Covenant Church.  Later, Helen and Raymond moved from the farm into the city of New Richland and wintered in Mesa, Arizona.  Their marriage lasted 56 years.

Helen is survived by three sisters; Myrtle Bentley, Angeline (Gary) Parsons and Marion (Joe) McDilda, all of Owatonna; brothers in law; Russell Swenson of New Richland,  Marvin (Winnie) Swenson of Waseca; Rolland (Carol) Swenson of Otisco; sisters in law; Esther Dietrich of Waseca, and Kay Swenson; and many nieces and nephews.  Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond, her parents, and a sister, Violet Christensen.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, August 1, 2011 at the Vista Evangelical Covenant Church in New Richland with Pastor Steven Thompson officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in the Church Cemetery.  Memorials are preferred to Vista Evangelical Covenant Church

NRHEG School Board

By REED WALLER

Staff Writer

The NRHEG school board last week approved a one-time $40,000 increase in the district’s Technology Capital Outlay Budget, to accommodate the costs of bringing the district schools’ computer and media technology up to competitive standards.

Planned technology purchases include one or two classroom sets of iPads (a set for each school would be about $30,000), depending on the availability of grant money; more Smartboards for $9,000 (already mostly covered by a $7,000 PTO donation); and $21,000 to make both buildings wireless enabled. Also planned are the purchase of short-throw projectors to replace the cameras in the Smartboard-equipped rooms, and about $13,000 slated for replacing books in the Media Center destroyed by the leaky roof, will be spent for technology. Some of the expenditure will be ebooks.

The technology purchases were just part of an unusual month of capital spending, in which the NRHEG board exercised their relatively new financial solvency to make a number of purchases in a general push to catch up with the district’s needs.

By JODY WYNNEMER

Staff Writer

The New Richland City Council met for the second time in July Monday evening, July 25 with everyone except council member Anthony Martens in attendance.

The agenda and consent agenda items were approved, except a pay request from the engineering firm of Bolten & Menk for work on WWTF improvements. The city is awaiting approval from Public Finance Authority (PFA) on the funding for the project, which is expected soon.

Maintenance supervisor Ryan Nissen was on hand with several items of business for the council. Nissen explained some of the American flags are in need of replacement. The council approved the purchase of six flags with poles at a cost of $167.94 plus tax. The concession stand at Legion Field needs two new doors, which was approved. Nissen also inquired about the supports on the wing for plowing snow. It is showing wear and is in need of a re-build or replacement. The council approved the purchase of a para-glide system at a cost of $4,240.

RUNNING OUT OF WALL — Dean Morgan of Morgan’s Meat Market in New Richland is quickly filling his walls with national awards. (Star Eagle photo by Jody Wynnemer)

By JODY WYNNEMER

Staff Writer

Dean Morgan of Morgan’s Meats in New Richland is starting to run out of space on his wall. Granted, the walls are large, but his collection of awards for the products he keeps bringing back from state and national conventions keeps on growing.

“This is our fifth time at nationals,” said Morgan. “We brought home five awards.”

The nationals Morgan referred to was the American Cured Meat Championships. This year Reno, NV hosted the event  June 16-18 which brought meat processors together from across the country to renew old friendships, make new ones, and exchange ideas.

“It’s always a good experience going to these events,” said Morgan. “I have a good friend from Pennsylvania. It’s the only time I get to see him. There are plenty of seminars to attend and you can learn a lot. By just going around talking to the other processors, you can get some great tips and ideas. The “old school” guys who have been in the business awhile are great to visit with.”