By JIM LUTGENS

Editor/Publisher

It wasn't a strong start for the New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva baseball team, but it didn't take the Panthers long to right the ship.

After dropping a 6-2 nonconference decision to Blue Earth Area at Legion Field last Tuesday, NRHEG took it out on Medford with a 13-3, five-inning triumph on the Tigers' field Thursday.

Junior Matt Dahle provided the offensive highlights in the opener, going 3-for-3 with a double and one run batted in.

Cody Kraay, a senior, started on the mound and pitched four innings, allowing two earned runs on three hits, with two strikeouts and six walks. Junior Mitch Akemann took the loss, going the last three innings and giving up four runs (one earned) on three hits. Akemann fanned two and walked one.

"Kraay and Akemann threw well for the opener," said Panthers coach Jeff Reese.

NRHEG summer recreation practices and games will be held in the evenings again this year.

Most practices and games start at 6:15 p.m. There will be activities in New Richland, Hartland, Ellendale and Geneva. Practices will be held the first week of each session, with a game schedule to follow.

After the first week, the practice schedule will be determined by each individual coach.

If you have a child who is a preschooler (age 4 by June 1, or was in kindergarten this year, they will be playing T-ball.

First and second-graders will be playing baseball together.

The season for preschoolers, kindergarten, first and second grade will begin on June 13 and they will be playing for at least three weeks. More practices/games will be available depending on the coach and the team members.

I don't know why that little song, "This Little Light of Mine,” keeps playing in my head. I am not complaining. It is a nice little song for all of us to consider.

But today I was reminded about a different type of light that shines to protect us all. The light I am referring to is the luminous tape we are begging to see more and more of on clothing, shoes, equipment, trains, bikes, cycles and toys.

For years, I wondered why they didn't put florescent strips on trains to catch the eye of a driver, especially at night. We are now seeing more and more of the florescent strips on things, but I feel it could be used a great deal more, including mailboxes. I am happy to see the florescent tape or vests on people who serve the public, such as firemen, police and other workers in hazardous areas.

P.S. Whoever came up with the light up shoe idea is a smart cookie. Runners in general need reflective tape on their clothing, cap, hair bands, gloves and shoes. As of late, it’s also being put on raincoats, umbrellas, and almost anything really.

As a result, it becomes easier and safer to see people with that little light. Backpacks, camping equipment, even tents will show up better in the dark. Do not forget snowmobiles, recreational carts and vehicles including golf carts, especially those being used for cheap local transportation.

Farmers will soon be working to get their equipment ready for the field work. I hope they will consider the use of florescent tape on their machinery, especially if it is going to be traveling on roads during the night. A good farmer will also make sure all safety lighting is clean and working. 

The reflective tape placed on the sides of equipment should be yellow with red or orange on the rear. It is often a good idea to have a companion car with their flashers on, traveling along with the equipment that is being moved. And of course, equipment should always have flashing lights whether it be day or night. Driving equipment with passing space between units is a good idea and so is limiting the movement of equipment during peak traffic or evening hours.

Protect yourself.  Because of farm machinery’s sheer size, many of them on narrow country roads, so take the time to be a good citizen and don't take unnecessary risks. Be patient. Slow down when you encounter a piece of large equipment, be it tractor or truck, drag, planter or what have you. 

Visibility isn't always what it should be. The driver of large equipment can see much better than someone in an automobile.  Remember farm equipment may turn at different places than an automobile such as a field or farm driveways. They also make wide turns and move out for mailboxes, standing equipment or other roadside obstructions.         

Flashing lights are not turning signals. So be aware of slow moving vehicle signs, which are used for just that purpose, not other purposes. Often that causes some confusion. Also remember that flashing amber lights indicate the far left and right of equipment. 

Take it easy passing farm machinery. Beware of turbulence or machine instability. If you pull in front of a slow moving vehicle, do not decrease your speed suddenly. Large equipment does not maneuver like an automobile, and the drivers cannot stop as quickly. Equipment drivers do not drive on surfaced roads and the loose surfaced shoulders can cause an increased risk of accidents and even overturning.

If you meet a piece of equipment on the road, be a good neighbor and look for a place to pull over to allow them to safely pass. It could mean his life or yours if the machine should overturn.  Take your time, as it is always good to offer courtesy and share the road.

If you have recreational equipment, think insurance. Cost of repair or replacement is one thing, liability is another. Innocently letting someone ride your "toy" can be disastrous.  

Hazards are always there, but with the event of spring, the joy of fresh air and fun can cause us to forget to take care. Things can happen so easily and quickly, which can take so long - with painful moments, to mend.  And remember that time and weather does take its toll on things, so some emblems that are worn or dirty should be replaced.

Farmers with a late spring have enough to think about. Please take your time. Just remember "This little light of mine" - be visible, watch for others. It is in your (and their) best interests. It only takes a minute.  Accidents can last forever.

Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented that they like to read about the "local happenings" and family events such as family and school reunions, birthday and anniversary celebrations, and birth and wedding announcements.

In order to read about these important things, we need our faithful readers to pass along the information to us, so we can then pass along the news to you.  If you have news to share, please contact me.

Also, if our NRHEG Star Eagle readers would like to share birthdays and anniversaries of your family and friends, or you know of some that should be deleted, or names have changed, please contact me via e-mail, kcp5@frontier.com>; by postal mail, P.O. Box 192, Geneva, MN 56035 or telephone, 507-256-4405.

• Thursday, April 14th: Anna Elizabeth Bailey, Tina Hagen, Jason Vogt, Rachel Oswald, Marcia Hemingway Jensen, David Jensen, Ron Huber, Butch & Gail Ottesen

• Friday, April 15th: Mason Robert Klemmensen, his 5th; Terry Jensen, Barry Troe, James Benson, Sarah Christine George, Cayla Conroy

• Saturday, April 16th: Linda Christensen, Eddie & Arlene Miller, their 60th; Terry & Cindy Vaith their 28th

• Sunday, April 17th: Mike Nesdahl, Suzanne Marcus Cory, Matthew Olson, Diane Van Riper, Kathy Paulsen, Bethany & Terry Mikesell, their 7th, Jerry & Mary Peterson

• Monday, April 18th: Ellen Hanson, Peggy Wallerich, Tim Stollard, Tom Kaphers, Rebecca Lyn Peterson, her 10th; Brian Olson, Danielle Zamora, Levi Michael Den Herder, his 6th

• Tuesday, April 19th: Elizabeth Rose Wallace, her 5th; Cody James Reistad, his 6th; Aaron Utpadel, James Bremmer, Jaxon Branstad, his 11th; Kaden Shaw Tonlinson, his 8th

• Wednesday, April 20th: Jacob Dau, his 5th Sara Elizabeth Hemingway, her 10th; Steve Mumm, Brenda Sorenson, Kathy Haberman, Jennie Korsbon, Paul & Jennifer Wayne, Don & Delores Glynn

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

• Friday, April 22nd: Noah Lowell Swearingen, his 8th; Rollie Johnson, David Purdy, Gregory Swearingen, Stacy Thostenson Harold, James Van Riper, Marilyne Dodge, Mike & Sarah Collins, Rodger & Sue Hill

Wishing you every joy as you celebrate your special day!

On April 2nd Rep. Rich Murray from Dist. 27A met with a group of area sportsmen to discuss some of the issues that concerned them. Murray told the group that he was there to listen to their ideas and learn, leaving plenty to talk about.

As of late, Murray has been meeting with various sportsmen's groups from throughout his district to hear what their concerns are. This particular session was very productive with a lot of important issues brought up, including some very good ideas on improving habitat. The sportsmen in attendance were from various outdoors organizations like Minnesota Deer Hunters, Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited, Minnesota Waterfowl Association, Fountain Lake Sportsmen's Club, Muskies Inc. and others.

Jack Adams of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association’s local chapter arranged the meeting and went over the topics the sportsmen wanted to address. Representative Murray listened intently to the many concerns and ideas, and assured the group he would follow up on a number of these issues.

This group of sportsmen was not there to complain about how things were. Instead, their mission was to find out how to get things done. One of the big concerns was land acquisition, which is a hot topic in the legislature right now. With the Lessard SAMS bill now in place, there is money available to purchase Wildlife Management land.

However, the argument in the legislature is that the DNR cannot take care of the land they already have. Jack Adams called it a two part problem, "no net gain" or "no net loss," which basically does nothing to improve wildlife habitat in our part of the state.

Discussion also centered on the land available in the southern part of the state. It was decided that action needs to be taken as quickly as possible, as there is just not that much land that becomes available in our part of the state. A question was also raised regarding how receptive the DNR acts towards volunteers from the area working on wildlife management areas such as Grass Lake.

Their efforts would in fact make it a viable and healthy WMA. Rep. Murray said he would check into that, on the thought that it was a good idea. There seemed to be a general consensus that finding volunteers to do the work would be no problem.

The group then brought up the possible increase in license fees. All present felt that if this change would help ease the crunch on the DNR budget, they were all for it. They also concurred that because the cost of an out of state license in Minnesota is much lower than in the surrounding states, they felt the cost should also be raised, in accordance to the state the resident is from. 

Of course, the counterpoint to this is that the legislature believes we need the tourist business. It was pointed out that if someone is willing to spend the money to travel up north to hunt deer, they will be willing to spend the money for a license.

One member of the group stated that he hunts deer in our area during the season, in the public land that is available. Although there are quite a few other hunters hunting the same area, he doesn't really mind because he is still able to hunt. He said he actually buys an Iowa license and also hunts during their deer season.

The out of state license costs him $500, which seems pretty spendy when compared to the $141 for a non-resident firearms license in Minnesota.  This makes a pretty good argument for raising the non-resident license fees proportionately.

Another area of concern voiced by Ray Hangge, a member of Southern Crossroads Chapter 54 of Muskies Inc., was the Minnesota DNR's decision to indefinitely postpone the stocking of muskies in Lake Tetonka in the Waterville area, due to local issues pending resolution. The main reason for opposition to this is dark house spearing, which is banned on most muskie lakes, but it’s pretty hard to practice catch and release with a spear.

The bottom line in all the issues was the preserving and improving of our habitat for future generations. The days of finding a friendly farmer who will let you hunt his land are pretty much gone. Today, there are fewer farmers, who then own more land, but the hunting land is usually spoken for well in advance. This is why WMA's are so important to the future of the outdoors. We need to make sure that our future sportsmen have a place to hunt and fish.

— — —

MUSKIE TALK

The April meeting of Southern Crossroads Chapter 54 of Muskies, Inc. was Wednesday April 13, at the Eagles Club in Owatonna at 7 p.m.

April 16 and 17 is the Cabela's kids casting event. Volunteers needed.

Our meetings are the second Wednesday of each month. Our goal is to improve muskie fishing and more opportunities in Southern Minnesota. Check out our website at michapter54.com. Anyone interested in muskie fishing is always welcome.

Until next time; think spring, camping and fishing and enjoy the great Minnesota outdoors!

Remember our brothers and sisters who are proudly serving our country so that we can keep enjoying the freedoms we have today.

It was a long winter. I think that says it all. One grew awfully tired of cold and of trying to trudge through ice and snow. Especially nasty for old guys who, should they slip, don’t bounce as well as they once did. But spring is finally here.

It’s time to go down to the local hardware store and buy a kite and string. Here is a chance to spend some quality time in spring’s sunshine with your son, daughter or grandchild away from their latest electronic gadget. Kite flying is an honored tradition. There is challenge and reward as you try to fly. First, you have to get the kite in the air. This is not always a sure thing, particularly if you and your youngster put the kite together in the basement.

Don’t forget the tail, made up of small narrow pieces of cloth totaling about four to six feet long depending on the wind. Watch out for power lines and Charley Brown’s kite eating tree. Good luck with your adventure.

Early spring is also the time to dig out the tackle box and think about upcoming stream or lake fishing, from a boat or walking a trout stream. Out on the stream in the morning catching a few trout for a riverside grill with sliced potatoes and onions, it doesn’t get any better than that, particularly if you had an early breakfast.

Another fishing adventure begins with renting a cabin, boat and motor. Get up early in the morning, putt-putt your way to the nearest island, anchor offshore and watch the sun come up turning the lake from black to blue. Start casting and hope for a walleye dinner that evening.

Spring is also the time to find your glove and baseball and enjoy a game of catch in your backyard or park with your baseball buddy. All manner of things can be discussed and problems solved. And in addition, catch is preparing for summer baseball and is therefore constructive.

All of the previous spring activities have been active. But here is an opportunity to have someone else do the work. April 16 and 17 and subsequent weekends this spring, Mystery Cave is open for touring. Come and enjoy a fun and educational tour. If you do, please say hello.

Another positive regarding spring is that the Minnesota Gopher basketball team and the Timberwolves and Wild are no longer playing and losing. Not to mention the Vikings, who were done three months ago.

The Minnesota Wild are fast approaching the status of the Timberwolves and their attendance is reflecting that. This year is the first that the Xcel Center has not been sold out for a Wild game.

The Timberwolves are continuing down their losing path. Believe me, they have not found the yellow brick road; I see no map, and the Emerald City is far far away. It must be extremely frustrating for a Timberwolves fan to see no improvement year after year, to see all the high draft picks on the roster and their continuing inability to win. But perhaps most upsetting to fans is watching their acceptance of losing along with the lack of hustle and defense.

The fifth year after the Kevin Garnett trade and the second year of coach Kurt Rambis, the Timberwolves show little improvement. Why? Some would say the answer is that they don’t play hard. It appears the Timberwolves are not motivated. What motivates a professional basketball player? Mostly it is competitiveness, pride and self-worth. But if that doesn’t do it, the coach needs to inspire motivation through any means at his disposal. Rambis doesn’t seem able to do that. Do the Timberwolves need a new coach? Might work.

However, there are more important things than the Minnesota Timberwolves. Spring is here!

Echoes from the Loafers’ Club Meeting

“I’m stiff from doing deep knee bends.”

“When did you start exercising?”

“The minute my glazed doughnut rolled under the sofa.”

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: where would Clark Kent change into his Superman costume today?

Things I’ve learned

1. It is difficult to trust people who have all the answers.

2. We want more government than we are willing to pay for.

3. You cannot hug a cactus and bill your insurance company for acupuncture treatment.

Bowling for savings

There used to be something on TV called Bowling for Dollars. It was game show in which people could win cash and prizes by bowling. An aunt of mine found a way to bowl for dollars without bowling. My uncle and aunt, Dwight and Edith Potter, lived in Emmetsburg, Iowa. They had three children, a home, and a business, but no savings account at the bank. Another uncle, Merv, convinced Dwight to join a bowling team that had “coffee frames,” pre-determined frames in which the bowler with the lowest pin count on the first ball bought coffee for the others. Any time all but one bowler in any frame got strikes, that one bought coffee for the others. When Dwight arrived home, Edith would ask him how he had bowled and he would regale her with his exploits, including any coffee buying he had done. Edith did some calculation and figured out how much Dwight was spending each night he bowled. She placed a like amount into a savings account. She did that each week and saving became a habit.

Blue cross sent me a thank you note

I burned wood for heat for many years. I sawed, chopped and split wood regularly. The wind took down some trees on our property last summer. One of the trees was a widowmaker or fool killer, named for causing fatalities to forest workers. A widowmaker is a broken limb hanging freely in a tree to be felled or in a nearby tree. This tree was propped up by a neighboring tree. I don’t mind heights. I’m a tall guy. My superpower has always been my ability to retrieve items from high shelves. I told my wife that I would tackle the troublesome tree. She asked why I didn’t contact a tree service. It was because they would charge $400 for the task. My wife hinted that $400 wouldn’t pay for my emergency room visit. I called the tree service.

Political winds

While working in Indiana, I listened to Governor Mitch Daniels speak. Daniels took office in 2005. His favorite example of how the performance of the government has improved under his leadership is that the average wait time at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles has fallen from 40 minutes in 2005 to eight minutes now.

It wasn’t wise but it’s what I did

He was a handsome Hereford bull. I named him Bullet. I was a young boy who had apparently run out of good names for farm animals. Bullet wouldn’t have been allowed into any china shops, but he was gentle for a bull. Especially when he was eating corn. I’d give Bullet an ear of corn and he allowed me to ride him. I didn’t want to be a bull rider. I wanted to be a cowboy, but I had no horse. I had convinced myself that Roy Rogers had started out riding bulls that were eating corn before he moved on to Trigger. Bullet wasn’t as fast as a spat he’d do. He’d bring acorns to me. And nuts to you.

Nature notes

During the Middle Ages, it was believed that cranes took turns keeping watch for enemies at night. The bird on duty held a stone in one foot. If the sentry fell asleep, the stone would drop and wake the crane.

Meadowlarks may be found in a meadow but they are not larks. The meadowlark is a member of the blackbird family.

Meeting adjourned

A simple, kind word can be the source of great joy.

Genie and I are leading an unusual lifestyle. We arise by 7 a.m. and head for breakfast in the dining room. (Serving is until 10 a.m. Monday through Friday and until 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday). After breakfast, our hectic day starts with all kinds of fire-related things. We should be out of the golden yellow building motel on East Main Street in Albert Lea by May 1st.

Our home in Albert Lea is a work in progress. The attic insulation is being replaced, various other things are being changed along with an entirely new kitchen (walls, ceiling, floor, plus all new appliances.)

At first we were very unhappy with our insurance company (All State.) We were later assigned to a young lady claim service adjuster by the name of Ann Hawkins. Ann jumped right in, raised cane and things are now living up to the slogan of All State. (You’re in good hands.)

The food employees have all been on the scale of one to ten with ten being the highest, and they are eleven! Food servers Pam, Lisa and Jeri can read your mind after they have taken your breakfast order once. When you return again, cooks super Steve and Kim have prepared just what we ordered and it tastes good. In case you think this is fiction, stop in for breakfast at the landmark yellow motel building on East Main Street in Albert Lea.

The maintenance guys of Little Brad and Chuck are a riot. Their appearance reminds me of Mutt and Jeff (one short and one tall.) The big difference is these two get things done.

Jeannie at RSVP of Albert Lea is a faithful reader of this article. Thanks, Jeannie.

The Mother-Daughter Banquet was held at Central Freeborn Lutheran Church (my church) with 150 attending. Of 150 attending, 145 were daughters and the other five were young boys. President Eunice and the other ladies put on a very good show. The theme was food related with Chef Ole (me) as greeter and his helpers (Swen, Lars, Thor, Arne, Nels and Little Ole) as waiters. Lena was the dining room hostess. The main dish was wood pile hotdish created by Chef Ole. The program was Janet Letnes Martin of Church Basement Ladies fame.

A big event here at the golden yellow building is the Spring Bluegrass Festival Friday, Saturday and Sunday April 15-17, 2011. Genie and I plan on attending some of it. For information call the Knights Inn at (507) 369-5210.

F.R.O.G. (Fully Rely on God) of Central Freeborn Lutheran Church has booked a 56-passenger bus plus 56 tickets for Lutheran Night at the Twins vs. Baltimore Monday, Aug. 22 and Tuesday, Aug. 23, with one bus each day. At this point we don’t know the cost or where the seats will be until the first part of May.

Question of the day at Hanson Tire in Albert Lea: “What’s wrong with employee Bob?” Answer: His grandson had his tonsils removed!

Food for thought: You know, the odd thing about rare events is that they sometimes happen.

Trivia: Liz Taylor honeymooned after her first marriage, at the Hotel Albert in Albert Lea. Ken has now joined Barbie as an AARP member. She is 52 and he is 50.

Sunday April 24, “Hosannah, He is risen.” 

 — — —

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 35th 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 have had a hard time predicting the warm weekend temperatures as of late. Does this mean from now on we’ll only see warmth on the weekend? Guess again. Starting Wednesday, cloudy with a chance of showers. Highs of 50 – 55 and lows around 35. Cloudy on Thursday with an increasing chance of rain by evening. Highs near 45 and lows of 35. Cloudy and cooler with a good chance of rain and snow on Friday. Highs of only 35 - 40 and lows of 30. Saturday and Sunday, partly cloudy, highs of 40 - 45 and lows dropping to 25 - 30. Cloudy on Monday with an increasing chance of showers by evening. Highs of 50 and lows around 35. Cloudy on Tuesday with a chance of more rain showers. Highs of 55 and lows around 40. The normal high for April 15th is 57 and the normal low is 34. On April 17th the sun will rise before 6:30 and will set at 8 p.m. The scurs will be double checking their taxes in the slim hope of getting enough money back to buy more firewood until the weather decides to change.

The Full Moon for the month of April occurs on the 17th, Palm Sunday. This moon has many names including the Full Pink Moon for the commonly occurring ground phlox in the woodlands. It also goes by the Sprouting Grass Moon, the Egg Moon and the Full Shade Moon for the fish that were running in the streams of what is now the Northeastern U.S. The Ojibwe called this the Broken Snowshoe Moon and the Sioux, the Moon of Greening Grass or the Moon of Red Grass Appearing, as particularly the warm season native prairie grasses such as the bluestems would commonly start off the spring slightly reddish in appearance. After the recent rains and warm temperatures, lawns and pastures have begun to green up, something one wouldn’t have bet on a month ago. 

Spring made some significant progress this last week as there were signs that perhaps we have turned the corner. Temperatures at the ranch skyrocketed to 78 degrees on Sunday afternoon as we dodged a weather bullet from the strong storms that developed to our east. Rains were generally lighter than forecast, so that doesn’t hurt when it does decide to dry up so field work can be accomplished.  Buds on trees are swelling and some such as the silver maples are showing signs of pollinating. Removed the protective barrier and tree wrap from the peach tree and it appears to be alive when peeling back some bark, revealing a lime green cambium layer beneath it. While the snow piles in the yard have all melted there are still some vestiges of snow banks on the north sides of fencelines and groves. By next week they should be a memory. The ice went out on St. Olaf Lake sometime on the 9th or 10th. Since it is a relatively deep lake, it takes a little longer than some in the area. The western chorus frogs are out in force now. Near Silver Lake on Thursday, they were already loud and after the weekend warmth, the noise was deafening when conditions were still. On the 5th, I saw my first striped gopher of the season. Pocket gophers had been digging for several weeks prior to this. The initial leaves are unrolling on the rhubarb and given some warm rains, a piece of warm rhubarb pie before a weekend afternoon nap seems all but assured.

The birds are coming back too. On the 6th, the first of the tree swallows was seen checking out the nesting box in the windbreak. Definitely need to get around to all the bird houses to clean them out and make sure they’re ready for occupation by our feathered friends. The goldfinches continue their change to summer plumage. Right now they’re blotchy looking with an occasional male getting closer to full power sunshine yellow. On the 10th, there were two brown creepers probing the bark on the ash trees for insects. These little guys make an appearance every year about this time but have never stayed. Too bad as there are lots of insects including those pesky multi-colored Asian ladybeetles that suddenly have sprung to life. There was a male mosquito in the pickup last week and Mrs. Cheviot swatted one in the house as well. On Monday the 11th while soil sampling near the Little Cobb River, I spied a dragonfly. Just what we need to eat up some of those early season mosquitoes. On the same journey, there were white pelicans lazily making their way north, highlighting an all too rare sunny weekday afternoon.

Tree wrap and protective coverings were removed this past weekend. So far so good. Everything came through the winter in good shape. Even the peach tree appears to be very much alive. The pruning mess from the apples was picked up and the grapevine that had become a nuisance was beat into submission for another spring. Sunday we picked up a couple pear trees so the spot still needed to be decided on, along with a spot for the winterberries and dwarf burning bush, yet to be purchased. This decision-making process makes me oh so nap-ish. Some things never change.  

Ruby has kept things amusing during the wet weather, although some of the things she does make one wonder about being man’s best friend. After the most recent rains, when we let her out for potty, rather than use the wet grass, she’s decided the sidewalk looks like a better place to keep her feet dry while doing her business. Oddly enough, when it comes to running around down by the barn at choretime, suddenly it doesn’t matter how wide or deep the puddle is, she’d rather run right through it than go around it. Go figure. 

See you next week…real good then.   

Funeral services for Janice Muriel Morstad, age 78, of Albert Lea will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at Cross of Glory Lutheran Church. Rev. Dennis Frank will officiate. Interment will be at Hartland Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, April 11th at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service. To sign the guest book, go to www.bayviewfuneral.com

Janice died Thursday, April 7, 2011 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester.

Janice Muriel Morstad was born on February 25, 1933 to Ole and Alma (Johnson) Morstad in Hartland.  She graduated from Freeborn High School and attended two years at Mankato Business School. Janice has worked in the secretarial capacity for 40 years for the meat packing plant in Albert Lea, formerly Wilson & Co., surviving two long strikes and a shutdown of 9 months due to bankruptcy.

FRYERS — Frying Abelskiver at Clarks Grove Baptist Church are, from left, Tina Leeman, Nancy Anderson, Kristy Thompson and Dawn Loverink. (Star Eagle photo by Kathy Paulsen)

By KATHY PAULSEN

Staff Writer

You know that spring is here when the Clarks Grove Fire Department members and auxiliary roll up their sleeves to roll out those little round balls called "Abelskiver."

The fire department first held this special Abelskiver supper back in the early 1950s. Area townsfolk  continue to look forward to this annual event each year.

Though the population of Danes in this fair city may or may not have changed through the years, their desire for this tasty little Danish treat has never changed. For years, they've accompanied the pancakes and sausages at this outstanding fundraiser.

As fire chief Carl Anderson said, “We mix the dough to make the ‘dough’ that replenishes the firemen’s fund, which provides security for the public. This event helps raise funds for training sessions, supplies and fire fighting equipment.”

The present 25 volunteer firemen have completed a total of 286 years of service. Jack Jensen has been on the department for 45 years. Anderson has served 38 years, 30 as chief. Dale Leeman, assistant chief, has served eight years. Aaron McCornack, 9 years, and Marvin Thompson, 11 years, serve as captains. Ten department members serve as First Responders.