Question: Hello, I live in “cabin country” and it never fails, during the summer months with the influx of traffic, there are always arguments regarding traffic “laws” or “it’s just being Minnesota nice.” There’s been several near misses and I can see both sides of the argument and wondering if you can help clear up an ongoing discussion. At a single-lane intersection, the … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past – Dreams of Democracy Fulfilled in Houston County, America
Part two of a two-part series They wanted to relocate their family in the United States, but maybe only the three children of Stephen and Katherine Masenko might be able to make it. Fearing Stephen might not pass the necessary physical examination, they intended to send their children to America alone if that was the only way to get them there. The couple so hated and feared … [Read more...]
I was a Rarity – One of Only 17,474 People
A friend told me she loved her Pontiac Vibe. I used to drive a Vibe. The first car I ever drove was a Pontiac. It was a Chieftain. They not only don't make them like they used to, they don't make Pontiacs at all. Her comment caused me to consider other brands I once patronized that are gone: Borders, Woolworth's and A&P. Life is a series of giving up things. … [Read more...]
A Picture from the Past
Besides the picnics, parades and fireworks that typically happen on the Fourth of July, I had the opportunity to attend the program event put on by the Fillmore County Historical Society. It provided its viewers with a window into the past. On July 5, at the site of the Fillmore County Museum located in Fountain, Minnesota, nearly 100 guests crowded the landscape to enjoy … [Read more...]
I Got a Ride Home with George and Martha Washington
By Pastor Mark Woodward Maple Leaf Parish of the UMC Cherry Grove, Fountain, Preston, and Spring Valley: Faith Churches (and Lenora) It was a happy and fun night for the Cherry Grove 4th of July Cowboy Church Service. People thoroughly enjoyed the evening with upbeat music, good messages and friendly fellowship. In honor of the 250th birthday of the United States, … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past From the Russian Revolution to Houston County
It was a dinner conversation that the members of both families would never forget. Neither family had met the other before, but prayers had been answered for both as they sat down together. The Hartman family prepared the meal, which however, took place in the Masenko home, however, a house the Masenko family was seeing for the first time. The Carl and Hazel Schild … [Read more...]
Alpha, Lima, Lima, Echo, November. Bravo, Alpha, Tango, Tango.
The movie showed an Army radio telephone operator trying to communicate during a battle. The radioman used the NATO phonetic alphabet, which assigns 26 words, one each to a letter of the English alphabet. The purpose is to eliminate confusion or miscommunication when someone spells words aloud over a phone or radio. It adds clarity to the message by using A: Alpha, B: Bravo, C: … [Read more...]
FaceTime
By Mark Geselle Valley Christian Center My grandson Tate is 3 1/2 and is already a master at using his mom’s phone. My phone will go off quite regularly around 4 o’clock many afternoons while I’m at the office, showing his mom’s picture and that she’s FaceTiming me. I know it’s Tate, so I answer it and say, “Hi Tate! How are you doing?” He says, “Hi Bumpa” and goes on to … [Read more...]
Ask A Trooper
Question: I bought a boat and the width is 10 feet wide, how can I legally haul it to different lakes? Answer: The maximum length cannot exceed the width of 8 feet 6 inches. This is the maximum dimension that may be operated on Minnesota roadways without a special permit. The maximum height is 13 feet 6 inches. If you exceed the height or width, then you would have to … [Read more...]
You Cannot Put a Saddle on Slobber
We had attended a baptism. The baby was the best I'd ever seen at being baptized. My father wore a suit, tie and wingtips. He polished the shoes before taking a step and polished them again before putting them away. As an in-law, his job was chauffeuring, eating and then standing around at a relative's home, sighing deeply until it was time to leave. A fellow in-law told … [Read more...]