Echoes from the Loafers’ Club Meeting

Do you think man descended from apes?

Not my people.

Where did they come from?

Wales.

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: My wife claimed it was an accident. The flushing of the toilet, that is. It wouldn’t have been a bad thing had I not been taking a shower at the time.

Duct-taping winter

It was cold. Minnesota cold. I was filling my car with gas. It wasn’t only cold, the wind was whipping and biting. A twenty-something woman came out of the convenience store, carrying a newly purchased roll of duct tape. She walked to the car parked on the other side of the gas pumps from me. She became busy attempting to duct tape her outside mirror back onto a red car. The mirror hung down from its wires. I’ll bet there was a story there. If you are in Minnesota, you do Minnesota things.

I considered my once long-cherished belief that red cars got more tickets than other cars. It was claimed by many that the eye-catching color caught the attention of police officers or that red cars appeared to be going faster than they really were. I was saddened to discover that there were no scientific studies to corroborate that belief.

"Do you need any help?" I asked. I have duct taped more than my share of things to other things. I always assume that people need help. We all do.

She determined that my question didn't need an answer, so she didn’t give me one. Perhaps her mind was fully occupied with her duct tape project and she had shut her ears off in order to save heat.  

I don’t know if her efforts were successful or not, but I do know that duct tape curtails snoring.

The name game

I spoke at a delightful gathering of Lions in Green Isle. While enjoying a delicious repast there, I visited with a soon-to-be grandmother about the process of naming a baby. Nicknames, initials and possible inheritances must be considered. I recalled the song "The Name Game" by Shirley Ellis that went like this, "The name game! Shirley! Shirley, Shirley bo Birley Bonana fanna fo Firley Fee fy mo Mirley, Shirley! Lincoln! Lincoln, Lincoln bo Bincoln Bonana fanna fo Fincoln Fee fy mo Mincoln, Lincoln! Come on everybody! I say now let's play a game. I betcha I can make a rhyme out of anybody's name. The first letter of the name, I treat it like it wasn't there. But a B or an F or an M will appear. And then I say bo add a B then I say the name and Bonana fanna and a fo. And then I say the name again with an F very plain and a fee fy and a mo. And then I say the name again with an M this time and there isn't any name that I can't rhyme. Arnold! Arnold, Arnold bo Barnold Bonana fanna fo Farnold Fee fy mo Marnold Arnold! But if the first two letters are ever the same, I drop them both and say the name like Bob, Bob drop the B's Bo ob. For Fred, Fred drop the F's Fo red. For Mary, Mary drop the M's Mo ary. That's the only rule that is contrary. Okay? Now say Bo: Bo. Now Tony with a B: Bony. Then Bonana fanna fo: bonana fanna fo. Then you say the name again with an F very plain: Fony. Then a fee fy and a mo: fee fy mo. Then you say the name again with an M this time: Mony. And there isn't any name that you can't rhyme."

It can’t hurt to give a prospective name a run through the name game. Not all names do well.

Customer comments

• Ric McArthur of Morpeth, Ontario, sent this, "I need to move to a place where the temperature doesn't go below my age."

• Jim Clark of Stevens Point wrote, "My wife Noni and I will be 80 this summer. I have never been this old before. For Valentine’s, I gifted her with a pedicure, as we are spending the month of March in Florida and I wanted her dogs to shine."

Nature notes

The Virginia opossum has been in Southern Minnesota for about 100 years, but its expansion into the metro and central areas of the state is more recent.

Meeting adjourned

"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." - Dalai Lama

Ecclesiastes 3:18: a time to be born a time to die.

Leslie Miller Olson, 8-21-29 born, 2-7-15 died. Per the service at the Hartland Evangelical Church on February 11, 2015, “I have called you by name, Leslie. You are mine,” read the banner on the wall.

One could say Les was a fun loving, grandpa-type, Bible-reading Hartlandite person loved by all who knew him.

“I have loved Ila with an everlasting love,” (Jeremiah 31:3) was the banner at the memorial service for Ila Joan Schmidt on Saturday, February 14 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Alden.

Ila was one great sweetheart of a lady that one had to love. Most appropriately, her memorial service was held on Sweethearts (Valentine’s) Day. Blessed be the memory of her voice and neat giggle.

A test of intelligence of the local ice fish residents. Where are there a lot of fish houses on St. Olaf Lake and only one or two on Beaver Lake? Where are the crappies biting? Are the crappies in Beaver Lake smarter or dumber than those in St. Olaf Lake? Are the fish house residents at Beaver Lake smarter or dumber than those at St. Olaf Lake? The nice fish house residents at which lake watched the movie, “Dumb and Dumber?”

Per Minnesota Outdoor News, a group of juveniles decided to ram fish houses with their truck. They rammed the first house, but it was a spear house and they ended up dropping the front end of their truk into the spear hole, in the process getting stuck. Several charges are pending, along with a hefty tow bill.

It is rumored that the law enforcement of the above incident has recommended the above juveniles star in the sequel to “Dumb and Dumber.”

The popularity of ice fishing is on the rise. For example, up 12 percent in the last five years. There were more than 11,000 at the Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza and Gull Lakes.

The deadline for the removal of fish house is March 2 in Southern Minnesota and March 16 in Northern Minnesota. A word to the wise: the conservation officer just might have marked your fish house location with GPS. If there is trash left on the ice, you are subject to a $1,000 fine.

Genie and I enjoyed this Valentine’s Day a big differently. Not only did we exchange Valentine’s cards, we also enjoyed a DQ Valentine ice cream cake with red X’s and O’s.

———

Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. 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. Bob says if you enjoy his column, 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.

You couldn’t really tell it by the cold weather we have been experiencing, but spring is not all that far away. As I had written in my previous column March too can be full of surprises. Every time I watch the news and see the amount of snow that they have been receiving back East I feel lucky because like it or not you don’t have to shovel cold.

In order to keep our sanity we must look to spring and that reminds me of the many outdoors recreation shows that will be occurring in the upcoming weeks. I can’t think of a better way to pacify our need for open water fishing and warmer weather than to attend a sportsman’s show. I also find myself looking forward to watching fishing shows that don’t involve pulling a fish through a little hole in the ice. I have nothing against ice fishing, but it will soon be time to move on.

Just the thought of hearing the sound of a lure being cast as it “plops” onto the water gets the adrenaline flowing. I long to feel the wind and mist in my face as I drive the boat across open water in search of that “hot spot” that I know will produce the fish that I seek. This is what dreams are made of and this is also what helps me get through the winter. I have not yet taken the time to inventory my tackle boxes, but I can see that day looming on the horizon. This is also a good way to get a person psyched for the upcoming season.

I don’t know of any fisherman that opens his tackle box in the spring and thinks that there is nothing that he needs. It just doesn’t happen, at least to the folks that I know and fish with. Let’s face it; there are numerous tackle companies out there that are always coming up with that sure-fire “killer bait” that we just have to have. We know that they catch fish because the commercials tell us that they do. I don’t know how many lures I have in my possession that I’ve bought because they were supposed to be the next big thing. Sadly, what hooks the fisherman doesn’t always hook the fish.

If you want to get an early start on open water fishing, the stream trout season for Southeast Minnesota opens on March 18th.

— — —

The Minnesota DNR is reminding us that the time is drawing near for the removal of what we call “permanent” fish houses. Dark houses, fish houses and portables must be off the ice no later than midnight for each of the dates given in the following categories.

Border Waters

• Minnesota–Iowa - Feb. 20

• Minnesota–Wisconsin - March 1

• Minnesota–North and South Dakota - March 5

• Minnesota–Canada - March 31

Inland Waters

Dates of removal are determined by an east west line formed by U.S. Hwy. 10, east along Hwy. 34 to Minnesota Hwy. 200, east along Hwy. 200 to U.S. Hwy. 2, and east along Hwy. 2 to the Minnesota-Wisconsin border.

• South of line - March 2, 2015

• North of line - March 16, 2015

If shelters are not removed, owners will be prosecuted, and the structure and contents may be confiscated and removed, or destroyed by a conservation officer.

After removal dates, shelters may remain on the ice between midnight and one hour before sunrise only when occupied or attended.

Storing or leaving shelters on a public access is prohibited.

It is unlawful to improperly dispose of ice fishing shacks anywhere in the state. Please clean up around your shack and check with local refuse providers or landfills for ice shelter disposal information.

— — —

Until next time, stay warm, check those tackle boxes and always take some time to enjoy the outdoors.

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

Sometimes I get something in my head and it just doesn't go away. For one thing, I keep thinking "Why did Eve bite into that apple?” There were so many other beautiful and wonderful things for her to enjoy. Then God told her not to bite into the apple and she invited her mate not to bite into the apple as well.

 I think of that when there are things I know aren't that bad but nevertheless something God just might not approve of. Forbidden fruit? How are we tempted by things that would change that rotten apple world into a Garden of Eden? I hope you think about these things when you are tempted to eat "forbidden fruit."

I am not Catholic, and it doesn't matter with all God’s children, but it hurt me just the same when I heard of the closing of two of the catholic churches that have been long standing in our area and so necessary for our way of life.

What are we telling our children?  hat our religion isn't that important anymore? What about the elderly and the children, when it is even harder for them to get to church and church activities.

My dad’s family was catholic. They were part of St. Aidens and buried in the cemetery that Anna Mae Lee so thoughtfully mapped out to the best of her ability. It was a thought-provoking day when the church at Bath was put to rest and St. Aidens came to Ellendale for convenience and better access. And now what? As our churches close their doors, what’s next for our religion and the many services they provide for others? The comfort for those "going home," the warmth of quilts made and shared, and the sharing of food and fellowship.

While on the subject of religion, I have a friend. He used to be an announcer for KATE radio. For his mother-in-law’s funeral he spoke/read, "In The Garden." I have always loved it, but never like that day when he spoke it. Hugh Hall — it was so beautiful and I will never forget it.

The first time I heard "On Eagles’ Wings" was in a little "woodsy" church in Wisconsin. It was at my uncle George's funeral. The priest was a baritone. He couldn't hit the high notes. A lady at the funeral had a beautiful high-pitched voice and she didn't sing the low notes. They sang their parts and the song was beautiful beyond compare.

I've heard it played many times, and it always beautiful, but when the young granddaughter of the Phillips family played it on her violin for her grandfathers' funerals, it was unforgettable. She also played it for her grandmothers. Norrine Jensen has also given us such an outstanding rush of beautiful music. How wonderful and even more so when compared to the shriek and scream of some of the junk that is played or sung as music today.

Remember when our churches would hold two worship services on Sunday morning — when there was standing room only — or folding chairs were placed in the aisles? When Sunday school was the favorite school" day of the week? We even had Wednesday school!

There are those who would like to take us away from God’s love. Please don't let that happen. Stand up and stop the removal of religious inscriptions that have been a part of our lives since our country began.

What is there should stay there.

God bless America. In God we trust!

Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented they like to read about events such as family and school reunions, birthdays and anniversaries, 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. Also if you have an idea for a story that you think would be of interest to our readers, please contact me.

If you have birthdays and anniversaries you would like include, or news to share please contact me via e-mail, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; by postal mail, P.O. Box 192, Geneva, MN 56035 or telephone, 507-256-4405.

This week’s birthdays and anniversaries include:

• Thursday, February 26th: Sharon Menefee, Shawn Jensen, Becky Lassahn, Ray Coxworth, Ginger Cornelius, Mary Lou Spurr, Chris Sauke, Mike Glynn, Jeff & Robin Christensen, Joel & Peg Radjenovich

• Friday, February 27th: Steve Pence, Jean Anderson, Garry Nordhorn, Doris Rasmussen, Journey Churchill-Malcolm, Erik Cooper, John Olson, Jayden Dakota Tonkins, Nancy Ingvaldson, Daryl Van Ravenhorst

• Saturday, February 28th: Troy Utpadel, Neil Pence, Jackie Miller, Steve Engel, Dan Nesdahl, Bennett Dobberstein, Atom Oquist, Sharese Lehmberg, John Marlin, Gerry Flim, Michelle Nelson, Michael Nelson, Tyler Titus, Tiffany Mischke, Michael Coy, Jim & Diane Butler

• Sunday, March 1st:  Dan Nelson, Arlen Brekke, Chet Alan Hansen, Jordon Cook, Rick Loberg, Sara Ihrke, Duane Reichl, Nicole Farr, Emily Ayers, Paula & Richard Conroy  

• Monday, March 2nd: Willard Christenson, Wilfred Christenson, Laurie Jensen, Angie Hagen Rasmussen, Joanne Kaiser, Roger Langlie, Casey Lyman, Abner Smith, Alexis Elizabeth Klocek, Ronnie & Marcia Hutchins, Paul & Kathy Underland

• Tuesday, March 3rd: Jeff Lageson, John Crabtree, Valerie Tobiason Quiring, Maurine Larson, Frank Thompson, Bill Draayer, Terri Jensen, Darlene Christensen, Charlie Hanson, Jessica Tufte, Terri Miles, David Underland, Darren & Christine Hanson, Angie & Jeff Rasmussen, Nicole & Nathan Milender

• Wednesday, March 4th: Dawn David, Teresa Hove, Larry Spear, Julia Elizabeth Neitzel

• Thursday, March 5th: Dayna Schember, Nicole Ella Schultz, Tim Toft, Vickie Haberman, Steve Van Ravenhorst, Declan Dean O'Brien, his 3rd

• Friday, March 6th: Valerie Schember, Aaron Reese, Larry Reese, Dawn Dulas, Lynda Maddox Norland, Wade Wacholz, Ryan Schimek, Marlene Peterson, Lillian Weaver, Jami Ann & Travis Marzolf

• Saturday, March 7th: Jace John Goslee, his 9th; Marlee Diane Dutton, her 11th; Jake Ortiz, Emily Horan, David Otterson, Chuck Hagen, Lorna Reistad, Kenneth Peterson, Lance Cummins, Peggy Evenson 

Wishing you quiet moments of beauty on your special day!

The Owatonna Hospital Auxiliary is accepting applications from students planning or attending a college, university or graduate health care program. In order to qualify, the student must show a financial need, pursue a career in health care and live within Steele County.

The Donald Sanford Nursing Scholarship is for applicants entering their first year or more of nursing school and the second is the Auxiliary Health Related Career Scholarship for applicants entering their second year or more of schooling in health careers. 

Scholarship applications are available at Steele County high school guidance counselor offices or Owatonna Hospital Information Desk. You can also download the application by going to www.allinahealth.org/owatonna-hospital, select About Us, then Volunteering. The completed application and other required information are due by March 20, 2015.

Funeral services for Alice B. Liane will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, February 26, 2015 at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Richland, MN. Pastor Ronald Brey and Pastor Paul Andree will officiate. Visitation will be held 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, February 25 at Bonnerup-Friedrich Chapel in New Richland, MN.

Alice passed away Monday, February 23, 2015 at the New Richland Care Center surrounded by family. She was 89 years old.

Alice B. (Rhiger) Liane was born September 24, 1925 to Holbeck and Brita (Midlang) Rhiger in Albert Lea, Minnesota. She was raised in Albert Lea and graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1943. She attended Naeve Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1947. She was in the Naeve Alumni & Nurses Club.Alice worked at the Naeve Hospital OB/GYN floor for many years. She also worked as a nurse at Waseca Hospital and finished her nursing career at the New Richland Care Center. Alice enjoyed crocheting, sewing, knitting, doing hardanger, and quilting for friends and family.

On Wednesday, March 11, Waseca County and co-sponsors will host their annual meeting known as the Farmer Forum at Farmamerica from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year’s event will feature Jason Garms, the new Agricultural Program Liaison for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Garms will discuss proposed changes by Governor Dayton regarding the implementation of the existing shoreland buffer law. Minnesota has required buffer strips on farmland for years to prevent nutrients, sediment, pollutants, manure, pesticides, etc. from entering and harming our water. However, the law is not uniformly enforced in each county. Governor Dayton announced in January that there is a need to amend the law and assign the DNR to take on this responsibility in order to make it consistent. Our public waterways bordering agricultural field have rules that affect their use and the use of the adjoining shoreland. Buffer strips have been in the drainage law since 1959 and have been included in DNR requirements for some time. Penalties for noncompliance would help provide funding for the proposed program. At the forum, Garms will provide an update on the proposed law change and provide farmers and property owners an opportunity to ask questions and get more information.

Panthers fall 41-34 to JCC in finals

RUNNERS-UP — The 2014-15 NRHEG wrestling team finished the dual-meet season with a 16-9 record, second in Section 2A and one win away from state. Front from left: statistician Makenzi Rhoades, statistician Jade Hill, Brett Kubiatowicz, Cole Lenort, Dillon Kubiatowicz, Cordell Peterson, Cole Staloch, Alex Merritt, Ross Lenort, statistician Nikita Peterson. Middle: Nate Jensen, Zeke Erickson, Palmer Peterson, Trai Wicks, Trey Hoppe, Karter Sletten, Jet Wayne, Bryce Okland, Ethan Strenge, Shawn Larson. Back: Josh Dalbec, Keith Maxon, Matt Jensen, Jon Weller, Todd Erickson, Wyatt Fitterer, Nick Bartness, Jamie Harshman, Tim Bartness. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)

By JIM LUTGENS

Editor/Publisher

According to NRHEG wrestling coach Shawn Larson, it is the goal of every team to compete at your best at tournament time.

That’s exactly what the Panthers did.

NRHEG rolled past Hayfield Thursday in the opening round of the Section 2A team tournament and, after avenging an earlier loss to Blue Earth Area in the semifinals, gave powerhouse Jackson County Central a battle before falling 41-34 in the finals Saturday at Wells. The Panthers, seeded third in the section, finish their dual-meet season with a record of 16-9. Top-seeded JCC will take a 21-7 mark to state.

The Panthers’ season is not finished, however. They’ll travel to Blue Earth this Saturday for the individual section tournament. The top two finishers at each weight advance to state Feb. 26-28.

The Panthers opened Section 2A action Thursday, Feb. 12 at home against Hayfield, posting a 66-12 victory.

By TROY THOMPSON

Sportswriter

The NRHEG boys’ basketball team will roll into Section 2AA play next week with what should be a top-four seed after surviving Gopher Conference foe United South Central in overtime on Thursday, Feb. 12. The Panthers secured a second-place finish in the Gopher-Valley Conference with the nail-biting 73-66 win over last year’s co-champion.

The overtime battle against USC followed a 64-49 non-conference win against St. Peter on Tuesday, Feb. 10. With the pair of victories, the Panthers stand at 19-4 on the season, 9-3 in the conference. Maple River, who swept the Panthers in two games this year, will take the Gopher Conference crown with a 10-2 record.