BENTON AG | SATURDAY, JULY 7, 2018PAGE | Page1B 1B
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Pigeon pastime An extraordinary collection Thielman raises birds for pleasure, production BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER
SAUK RAPIDS — If you follow the sidewalk up to Len Thielman’s residence in Sauk Rapids and then make your way to his backyard, you will find a small addition on the backside of his garage. Neither dogs, nor cats make their home in the enclosed shelter. Rather a kit of pigeons is housed in a coop and flying cage. Thielman, a former custodian for the St. Cloud School District, grew up in the Pantown neighborhood of St. Cloud between Veterans Drive and Third Street North. He became interested in
Thielman page 6B
PHOTO BY ELIZABETH HOAG
Ken and Charlotte (Char) Monroe stand in front of Char’s 1952 John Deere Model A tractor July 2 at their Foley residence. The couple collects and restores many kinds of tractors.
Monroes compile, restore tractors BY ELIZABETH HOAG STAFF WRITER
PHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER
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Len Thielman, of Sauk Rapids, holds a Runt pigeon outside his pigeon coop and flying cage July 2. Thielman raises Runt pigeons, a meat-producing non-flying breed.
FOLEY — Sand blasting 50 to 60 years of dirt and grime off antique tractors is exactly what Ken and Charlotte (Char) Monroe find fun. The couple started collecting toy tractors in the early 1970s after they were married, and their hobby has evolved throughout the years. The Monroes have collected toy, pedal and life-size tractors for nearly 50 years, repairing old frames into working machines. They drive and display during
their collection at parades, sharing their hard work with others. “Some people go hunting or fishing,” Char said. “We go Deere hunting.” After the couple married in 1967, Ken stumbled upon a box from his childhood filled with toy tractors, which sparked the idea to begin his collection. Together Ken and Char began driving to John Deere dealerships to collect toy tractors, buying them at a reasonable price. “We put the kids in the car on Saturday mornings and would drive around to different
dealerships,” Char said. Before the collecting of tractors became popular, the Monroes found tractors at dealerships and flea markets. “Nowadays, there are few and far between,” Ken said. “Sometimes we will stubble on a good deal when someone who is selling online doesn’t know what they have, but that is rare.” In the basement and in their bedroom, toy tractors sit on display on shelves and dressers. Over the years the couple has collected a variety
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Pedal tractors sit on shelves in a shed July 2 in Foley. Ken and Char Monroe have 75 pedal tractors.
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BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JUNE 19, 2018 The Benton County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on June 19, 2018 in the Benton County Board Room in Foley, MN with Commissioners Spencer Buerkle, Ed Popp, Warren Peschl, Jake Bauerly and Jim McMahon present. Call to order by Chair Popp was at 9:00 AM followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Peschl/Bauerly unanimous to approve the amended agenda: add item—approve construction contract for seasonal gravel crushing. Kristine Cassens (Milaca) spoke under Open Forum, stating that, yesterday, she turned in all the paperwork needed for a large exhibition permit (August Mud Run); she asked the Board to consider approving the permit today, contingent upon receiving the required county official signatures. Nadean Inman, County Auditor-Treasurer, confirmed that signatures are still needed from several county officials, as well as the township, before presenting it to the County Board for approval. Following brief discussion, Chair Popp announced that this issue will be further discussed under Commissioner Concerns later in the meeting. Buerkle/McMahon unanimous to approve the Consent Agenda: 1) approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of June 5, 2018 as written; 2) accept and file Committee of the Whole Minutes of May 29, 2018 as written; 3) approve local assessing contracts with Steve Behrenbrinker for the City of Foley and Sauk Rapids Township, covering the 2019, 2020 and 2021 assessment years, and authorize the Chair to sign; 4) approve local assessing contracts with David Vigdal for Glendorado and Maywood Townships, covering the 2019, 2020 and 2021 assessment years, and authorize the Chair to sign; 5) authorize Board Chair to sign a letter to the State Auditor indicating Benton County’s intent to use a private CPA firm for the 2019 and 2020 financial statement audits; 6) adopt Resolution 2018-#22, approving Application for MN Lawful Gambling to conduct off-site gambling—St. Lawrence Church Hall, 10915 Duelm Road NE, Foley—July 4, 2018, and authorize the Chair to sign; 7) adopt Resolution 2018-#23, approving two Applications for MN Lawful Gambling to conduct offsite gambling—Sauk Rapids Sportsmen’s Club—to hold a raffle and sell pull-tabs at the Benton County Fairgrounds, 1410 – 3rd Avenue South, Sauk Rapids, July 31-August 5, 2018, and authorize the Chair to sign; 8) approve Application for Special Event Permit requested by Steven Propf, Goodfella’s Bar & Grill—for July 7, 2018; 9) approve Application for July 14, 2018 Temporary On-Sale Liquor License for Land Stewardship Project for special event at the Mighty Axe Hop Farm, 8505 – 95th Street NE, Foley; 10) approve contract for PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) audit of the Benton County Jail, and authorize the Chair to sign; 11) approve 2018-2019 State of MN Department of Corrections Work Release Agreement, and authorize the Chair to sign; and 12) approve construction contract with Wm. D. Scepaniak, Inc. for seasonal gravel crushing, and authorize the Chair to sign. Patrick Herbst, St. George Township Chair, appeared before the Board to discuss the local assessing payment received by the township. (An audit of the records showed that very minimal work had been completed in St. George by the local contracted assessor. Benton County terminated the contract with that individual and agreed that St. George Township would not be charged their second half payment—the local assessor was not paid the second half. St. George Township subsequently decided to terminate the contract with the County and requested a refund of the $3,320 ($3,552 less $232 for the 29 parcels completed) they paid for the first half. Following discussion as a recent Committee of the Whole, there was majority consensus of the County Board to accept the termination and pay St. George Township one-half of the $3,320 they requested.) Herbst stated the township’s request to receive the full $3,320. Bauerly noted that the original contract with that local assessor did not stipulate that he was to do 20% each year; new contracts going forward will contain that 20% stipulation. Headley pointed out that the county assessor’s office did approve the work that was done at the time; whether the local assessor should have completed the 20% is debatable. He referenced the local assessor’s comments that his agreement with the former County Assessor was that he would focus on new construction. Herbst stated that the potential new local assessor is asking for extra pay to get “caught up” for the first year. Following brief discussion, McMahon/Bauerly unanimous to refund the remaining balance of the $3,320 ($1,660) to St. George Township. Chris Byrd, County Engineer, explained that MN Statutes allow for road authorities to issue annual permits authorizing a vehicle, or combination of vehicles, with a total of six or more axles to haul raw or unprocessed agricultural products and be operated with a gross vehicle weight of up to 90,000 pounds (or a vehicle, or combination of vehicles, with a total of seven or more axles to haul raw or unprocessed agricultural products and be operated with a gross vehicle weight of up to 97,000 pounds). Byrd noted that State Statutes allow these same provisions for Road Construction Materials; the statutes also prescribe what the fee for each of
BENTON AG the permits will be. Byrd stated that the road authority may identify local preferred routes; by law, bridge weight restrictions must be honored, as well as spring road restrictions. He provided a damage factor analysis of what the various axle weights do to the roads; it is conceivable that the number of trips could be reduced by up to 20% by allowing these heavier axle weights (and possible reduction in pavement damage). Byrd stated his recommendation that, if the Board desires to move forward with these new permits, the county’s fees be aligned with the statute limits; Stearns and Morrison Counties implemented these permits at the beginning of this year. Peschl stated he could support the new permits if it results in no increased road pavement damage. Bauerly commented “…to keep our businesses competitive…North and South Dakota, Iowa, Wisconsin and Canada all have this as a standard law…I think it’s about time we do something…our farmers have to compete with farmers all around the country and they can haul big loads…” Noting that the U.S. Department of Transportation does not allow overweight loads on interstate routes, McMahon inquired why the county should allow them on local roads. Buerkle asked about tracking data to determine if the number of trips/damage to pavement are actually reduced. Byrd noted that the purpose of the permits, in part, would be to gather this data. Majority consensus of the Board is to move forward with the new permits. Byrd explained that, per the Personnel Policies, exempt employees may not accumulate more than 40 hours of unused compensatory time; due to the workload in the Public Works department, the Assistant Engineer has accumulated more than 40 hours of compensatory time. Byrd stated his request for a policy change to raise the maximum number of hours of compensatory time that an exempt employee can accumulate from 40 hours to 80 hours (accrued compensatory time may not be considered for cash payment); affected (non-union) positions in the Public Works Department are the County Engineer, Assistant County Engineer, and the Maintenance Superintendent. Bauerly commented “…in this day and age, we need more flexible work rules…” Peschl/Bauerly to amend the Personnel Policies to allow for higher accruals of compensatory time (from 40 to 80 hours) for (non-union) exempt employees. Monty Headley, County Administrator, requested clarification of which exempt positions this motion applies to. Byrd noted the positions of County Engineer, Assistant County Engineer, and Maintenance Superintendent in the Public Works Department. Bauerly stated his opinion that this motion be specific to the Public Works Department only. The motion on the floor was amended to read as follows— to allow for higher accruals of compensatory time (from 40 to 80 hours) for the non-union exempt positions of County Engineer, Assistant County Engineer and Maintenance Superintendent in the Public Works Department (due to current market conditions/shortage of staff and the seasonal/weatherrelated nature of that department); this is an exception to the Personnel Policies--no end date on this exception. Motion carried unanimously. Referencing the position of Engineering Technician, which is a non-union, non-exempt position also limited to 40 hours of accumulated unused compensatory time, Byrd requested a similar policy change to raise the maximum number of hours of compensatory time that those non-exempt employees can accumulate; he also requested that these employees be allowed to carry over their compensatory time from year to year. Following brief discussion, there was consensus of the Board to discuss compensatory time for the non-exempt Engineering Technician position at a future Committee of the Whole. Byrd presented the annual report of the Public Works/ Highway Department; topics included construction and maintenance costs of CSAH roads and County roads ($6.1 million in 2017); fixed assets; equipment purchases; inventory/supplies; bridge construction projects; and 2018 proposed construction projects. Bauerly requested a report showing how much fixed assets have increased in the past 5 to 7 years. He stated that a long term strategy should be to gain more miles of State Aid roads eligible for outside funding for construction and maintenance. Bauerly suggested a survey to determine whether the public would be willing to pay an increased sales tax to have better non-State Aid roads. Buerkle requested a listing of the latest traffic counts on the various roadways (State Aid and non-State Aid) which could, in part, determine the level of service needed. Popp stated he would like to see the values associated with the equipment traded in, sold or scrapped in 2017. Engineer’s Report: 1) Should soon receive the contract for the local option sales tax study to be conducted by the University of MN Extension; 2) Road ditches cleaned thus far—CSAH 14 between CSAH 5 and TH 25—replaced some centerline pipes on CR 49—cleaned CR 43 just west of CSAH 25 on the south side of the roadway—currently cleaning CSAH 12 between CR 59 and CR 41; future ditch cleanings will include CR 53 in Oak Park—CR 67 near 100th Street— CSAH 14 by Brennyville--CR 51 south of Foley near Stony Brook Creek—CR 59 south of CSAH 13; to date, the wheelage tax budget for road ditch cleaning has been used to rent an excavator and purchase pipes. Byrd noted that the decision as to which ditches to clean are basically complaint driven at
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this point. Bauerly inquired about outsourcing ditch cleaning. Byrd noted that outsourcing would require plans and, potentially, a dedicated staff person to ensure that the contractors stay on course. 3) Status of getting regulatory approvals for the CSAH 2 project during the Little Rock Lake drawdown— approval has been received from DNR and BWSR; Corps of Engineers is requiring a cultural resource study; project will be advertised with bid opening on July 20th—a special meeting of the Board will be needed following July 20th to award the bid. The Regular County Board meeting was recessed at 10:19 AM to conduct a Human Services Board meeting. The Regular Board meeting was reconvened at 10:34 AM. Roxanne Achman, Department of Development Director, requested Board approval of the plat of “Dombrovski Acres”; this is a ten acre parcel in Maywood Township. Peschl/Bauerly unanimous to approve the minor final plat entitled “Dombrovski Acres” as recommended by the Planning Commission, and authorize the Chair to sign the final plat. Department of Development Update: 1) chart of actions January-May, 2013-2018; 2) annual septic grant program with Benton SWCD submitted to MPCA; 3) Comprehensive Plan information sent to township officials and distributed to residents at Amnesty Days; 4) Planning Commission will soon be recommending revisions to the Administrative Subdivision process; 5) five additional plats are expected in the next few weeks; and 6) Sauk Rapids Amnesty Day event—636 households served and $1,311 collected. Jim McDermott, County Emergency Management Director, reported that Langola Township is requesting that the County purchase an outdoor warning siren at Benton Beach Park. He noted that the park offers overnight camping during the summer months; there are no warning systems or shelters in the park area—currently, warnings are given to campers via a visit by a Sheriff’s deputy being dispatched to the park. McDermott distributed quotes received from a vendor for three different types of sirens; currently, there are no grants available for purchase of warning sirens. He noted that individuals may sign up for weather alerts through the county emergency management system which is tied to the National Weather Service. McMahon inquired if Langola Township park dedication fees could be used to offset the cost of a warning siren. Sheriff Troy Heck commented “…I think having the siren is a good idea…if we proceed with it, we should have some money in the budget to plan for a second way to trip this siren… be mindful that someone has to trip that siren…incrementally, things get added to the job duties of dispatchers…eventually, we are going to need to have more dispatchers…” Following brief discussion, there was Board consensus that McDermott explore this issue further, including contacting Langola Township about their possible contribution to the warning siren. Steve Stang, IT Director, presented a quote from Marco for potential audio-visual improvements to the County Board Room (a second quote from a second vendor will be forthcoming). He stated that the proposed improvements generally consist of installing large, high resolution monitors for the Board and the audience, removing the overhead projector system; add-on options include individual smaller monitors for the Board dais, a wireless presentation solution, and a wireless viewing solution for I-pads. McMahon/Peschl unanimous to move forward with the basic option only at this time (the two monitors and sound improvements), utilizing the lowest responsible quote. Board members reported on recent meetings they attended on behalf of the county. Under Commissioner Concerns, Bauerly spoke in support of lobbying for funding for an expansion of Highway 23 to Milaca, and eventually to Mora, from the standpoint of economic development and safety; there was consensus of the Board to join the Highway 23 Coalition. Peschl referenced the request of Kristine Cassens under today’s Open Forum. Nadean Inman, Auditor-Treasurer, reaffirmed that the Auditor-Treasurer’s Office received the paperwork from Cassens yesterday; she stated that department heads need time to review and sign off on the paperwork—the Mud Run event is not until August 14th. Administrator Headley stated his belief that the purpose of the “conditional” language in the ordinance was to allow for approval subject to the final inspection right before the event, not to conditionally approve an incomplete application. Peschl/McMahon unanimous to set Committees of the Whole: June 25, Spring Road Tour (rescheduled from June 21st) and July 23, Discuss Large Exhibition Ordinance/Tobacco Ordinance, Compensatory Time for Civil Engineering Technicians, and Open Forum Protocol. The County Board will hold a Special Board meeting on July 23rd at 9:00 AM to award the bid for the CSAH 2 project. Bauerly/Buerkle unanimous to adjourn at 11:40 AM. Edward D. Popp, Chair Benton County Board of Commissioners ATTEST: Montgomery Headley Benton County Administrator R-28-1B
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pigeons in 1963 when he was in seventh grade. “One of the kids brought pigeons for shown-tell,” Thielman said. “I was in town and that was about one of the only things you could have for animals. For 50 cents, I bought the pair from him and through the years I’ve been raising them.” Thielman raises Runt pigeons, a utility breed also known as Giant Runts or Romans. Fascinated with the curiosity and habits of the birds, he learned about pigeons from a booklet he received as a child. “There was a magazine called, “Raising Pigeons for Fun and Profit” – a little, thin 60page book,”Thielman said. I read that book so many times,” Thielman said. Thielman chooses the meat-producing breed because the birds can be kept within a coop at all times. The pigeons are heavy, weighing an average of 1-1.5 pounds fully grown. The 3 feet between the cement pad and the top of a perch in Thielman’s coop provides adequate distance for his 11 birds to spread their wings. Thielman said the animals are content with the containment as their size and weight prohibits them from flying great lengths. Care for the birds is minimal. Thielman maintains the cleanliness of the caged area, waters the birds twice a day and feeds them 2 cups of mixed whole grains with a bit of grit to help with digestion. The feed is a combination of wheat, barley, peas, sorghum and corn. “When I buy the feed at Heims Mill there is a winter blend, which has corn, and there is a summer blend,” Thielman said. “I buy the winter blend all year because they love the corn.” The corn, along with the animals’ size, helps the animals survive the harsh Minnesota winters sans heat lamps or extra protection. “The heat comes from the corn,” Thielman said. “When they get the corn, they will sit on that perch
PHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER
A pair of 3-week-old Runt pigeons are pictured July 2 in Sauk Rapids. The animals are born featherless.
in below zero weather.” Thielman’s pigeons reproduce quickly — some having up to seven hatchlings in a year’s time. Each pair of pigeons lays two eggs at a time. It takes 17 days before the baby birds hatch from their shells. “A chicken is different,” Thielman said. “When a chicken lays eggs it is just the hen that sits, but with pigeons they share (responsibility). The hen will sit all night and into the morning, and the male will sit on the eggs for 2-3 hours in the afternoon. When they hatch, both parents feed them.” Thielman said the baby birds are about the size of a little finger when they are born. “They are really homely when they are hatched,” he said. “They are not like a chicken or duckling. They do not have fuzz. They are completely naked.” Although Thielman keeps his birds for pleasure, he does not name his animals or become too attached. He knows in order to keep his population low he needs to either sell them for meat or for others to raise. “I know certain people who like to eat them,” Thielman said. “It’s called squab. It’s unlike a chicken because it is all red meat.” Thielman bands each of his birds with color-coded accessories signifying the year they were born. He culls the animals accordingly. The
least desirable birds under 4 years old are suitable for meat sales. Thielman does not regularly eat the meat himself, but he has tried squab and said it tastes similar to duck. About three of the 1-pound butchered birds sell for $20, or roughly the cost of one bag of feed. Thielman has raised several breeds over the years. Each bird lives for about six years and breeds for approximately the first half of its life. Thielman’s eldest pair of birds in his kit are three years. Thielman said he is unsure why the animals became his pastime but said he enjoyed bringing the farming life to his backyard. He said if it had been his choice, he would have become a fulltime farmer. In addition to his production, he has enjoyed displaying and talking about his pigeons at the Benton County Fair and various elementary schools. Yet, his true entertainment comes from being the birds’ caretaker. “I just liked them right from the beginning,” Thielman said. “I like watching them. In the winter time, I will sit out on a 5-gallon pail and watch them. They are a little different than a chicken; they are maybe a little more curious.” A curiosity that captured Thielman and created a pastime of pleasure and production.
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PHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER
Three Runt pigeons perch on a saw horse inside their flying cage July 2 in Sauk Rapids. Due to their weight, the birds can only fly a distance of about 3 feet.
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BENTON AG | SATURDAY, JULY 7, 2018 | Page 7B
Prevention is key to stop soaring somatic cell count lead to bad habits in the future. Take the Maintaining low somatic cell time to thoroughly clean alleys and stalls counts is the key to preventing and do so often. Keeping piled manure at mastitis. However, keeping numbers a minimum will help keep manure off of low can prove to be a challenge during hooves and away from teats. the hot summer months when counts In the stalls, make sure bedding is can soar along with the mercury. We getting the tender, loving care it deserves. have already experienced one short hot There will inevitably be some manure in spell, and I am sure more are headed the stall platform; take the time to scrape our way in the coming months. it out. Also, take the time to add clean, What causes SCC to rise in the summer? BY EMILY WILMES dry bedding to the back of the stall to Stop in or give us a call ensure a clean resting place for the udder. In the Midwest, high temperatures University of In addition to top-dressing, make sure are usually accompanied by high MN Extension for more information! stalls are completely cleaned out and humidity. This increase in air moisture given fresh, dry bedding regularly. leads to less evaporation so alleyways Air movement in barns helps keep cows cool, but and other barn surfaces stay wetter longer. Alleys in freestall barns will likely never be completely dry, it can also aid in drying out bedding and alleyways. 16250 HWY 10 NW and even the cleanest barn will have at least some Take advantage of free air movement from openmanure present. This combination means dirty feet, sided barns and properly placed fans. This can Royalton, MN and when a cow lays down, those wet, dirty hooves reduce the moisture level in the stalls and alleyways come in contact with teat ends. That contact can lead which will help keep cleaner feet and cleaner cows. (320) 584-5520 to contamination. An additional source of moisture Another option is to let cows on dirt exercise lots or in alleyways — and especially in the feed lane — is pastures, if available. This may allow some alleys to dry completely. In addition, it will give the cows time the use of sprinkler systems to cool cows. Another area where surplus wetness can be on dry surfaces and reduce the manure deposited in found is in stalls. Regardless of the bedding material the alleys. An added benefit to this practice may be used and whether you keep cows in tie stalls or free healthier feet and legs because the cows are off the stalls, the increased humidity will lead to wetter concrete for a few hours. In the parlor, make sure the milking routine and bedding. Moist, warm bedding creates the perfect breeding ground for mastitis-causing environmental equipment are kept at their highest quality level. bacteria. Wet alleyways and stalls lead to the same If cows are carrying even subclinical levels of result: a greater opportunity to introduce bacteria infection, it can contaminate the milking line. Poor to the teat of the dairy cow causing a potential for milking practices can lead to the contamination of higher SCC. other cows, so extra steps need to be taken to prevent There are other explanations as well. There is it. This includes thorough teat dipping of all quarters COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL EXCAVATION some thought that heat stress on the cow itself may and using a different towel for each cow. • Site grading actually lower its immune response and ability to Lastly, move cows slowly. Whether it is around fight off low level infections in the udder. Florida the parlor or around the barn, moving cows slowly • Ditch excavating research suggested the summer SCC increase may can prevent manure from getting kicked up onto the be related to decreased milk production when feet and legs. Cows moved calmly are also more • Road/driveway construction cows are experiencing heat stress. Other research, likely to remain calm in the parlor. This will help • Clearing/grubbing land however, suggest the real culprit in the summer is the them more readily let down their milk, which can • Demolition increased rate at which pathogens multiply, thereby prevent teat damage and other problems. increasing the potential for infection, mainly from Keeping somatic cell counts low and preventing • Construct building pads environmental pathogens. mastitis is important year-round but can prove the LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED How can you prevent an SCC increase in the most difficult as temperatures and humidity rise. By summer? remembering the causes of teat contamination and There are several answers to this question, and actively taking steps to prevent it, dairy farmers can no one method is enough. Rather, a series of actions avoid the dreaded SCC spike in the summer months. 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Page 8B | SATURDAY, JULY 7, 2018 | BENTON AG
BENTON AG
Celebrating 65 years of royalty Morrison County ADA hosts Dairy Princess Ball BY ABBY HOPP STAFF WRITER
LITTLE FALLS — Since 1953, Morrison County dairy royalty have spread the good news of the industry throughout the county. In celebration of 65 years, the county’s American Dairy Association hosted a princess ball June 22 at the Falls Ballroom in Little Falls. More than 70 past and present princesses were in attendance at the Morrison County Dairy Princess Ball. “It was great to get people back together and to see that the dairy industry is still alive,” said Ron Rinkel, a member of the Morrison County ADA. Rinkel and his wife,
Mary Ann, are in a partnership with their oldest son, where they milk cows on their dairy farm near Hillman. Rinkel suggested Morrison County ADA host a princess ball to celebrate 65 years of dairy royalty. “We have a great board in Morrison County and a very successful princess program,” Rinkel said. “We have to be proud of what we have accomplished.” The Princess Ball opened with a social hour, following with a dinner. After the completion of the dinner, a banquet took place which included a speech from Mary [Zahurones] Amundson, 2011 Princess Kay of the Milky Way and introduction of princesses and attendants from 65
years. The evening ended with entertainment from Devas through the Decades. Joan (Winterquist) DeDomines was crowned as a dairy maid and Marilyn (Will) Exsted and Audrey (Erickson) Peterson as attendants during the association’s first year offering a princess program. “I was 18 years old and a senior in high school,” said Peterson of the 1953 crowning. “I don’t remember much, but I do remember riding in a parade.” Janet (Rauch) Haugen, the 1954 dairy maid, agreed. “I remember riding in a convertible through a big parade,” Haugen said. Haugen grew up on a dairy farm with her parents and seven siblings near
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Pierz. “We had 150 acres and milked 15 cows,” Haugen said. “There were much smaller farms back then.” Haugen was 18 years old when she served as dairy maid and still remembers the excitement of being crowned. “The biggest change is that when I was a princess, speaking wasn’t a big thing,” Haugen added. From the start, Morrison County has been one of the most prominent dairy counties represented by royalty. “When I first started we had 40 to 50 girls compete for county princess,” Rinkel said. Many of the Morrison County princesses have gone on to serve as a Region IV Princess, Princess Kay finalist and even Princess Kay of the Milky Way. In 2011, Mary
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Mary (Zahurones) Amundson, 58th Princess Kay of the Milky Way, spoke at the Morrison County Princess Ball in Little Falls June 22. Amundson reigned from Morrison County and is the only Morrison County princess to be crowned Princess Kay.
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Current Morrison County Dairy Princesses – Elizabeth Dickmann (from left), Eliza Theis and Holly Saehr – attend Morrison County Princess Ball in Little Falls June 22. The event featured past and present princesses.
(Zahurones) Amundson was the first Morrison County representative to be crowned Princess Kay of the Milky Way. “Serving as Princess Kay was such an honor,” Amundson said. “It was filled with a whirlwind of a year filled with events where I met dairy advocates who have become lifelong friends and role models, as well as dairy farm families who stories I shared in the over 300 classrooms. Every day was a new adventure, and I feel so blessed to have had the chance to represent the genuine and hardworking community of Minnesota dairy farmers and to be a lifelong dairy advocate.” While Amundson served as the state’s official dairy goodwill ambassador, she was mindful of representing her home county. “My local community wholeheartedly supported me from the very beginning, and it was so incredible to have such an outpouring of encouragement,” Amundson said. “I hold
them close to my heart, because even when I was hundreds of miles away from Morrison County I always knew my home county was supporting me.” Amundson attended the 65-year celebration to meet former princesses and support the current royalty. “I am proud my first title will always be with a Morrison County dairy princess,” she said. “My county has shown me that all our small towns are filled with the biggest hearts. It was so wonderful to celebrate 65 years of smart, young women advocating for our small town dairy farmers and to see the ongoing support this county gives to our princess program.” As the evening quieted, Rinkel was humbled by the event’s success as it represented the county’s strong dairy industry. “[The banquet] was enjoyable,” Rinkel said. “Morrison County is very successful. We have had involvement, and it was great to see everyone together again.”
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