Star Post 09-27-2023

CentraCare transitioning ownership of local long-term facilities to Cura

Care centers, housing in Melrose, Monticello, Sauk Centre, Willmar affected

ST. CLOUD— CentraCare and Cura announced Sept. 22 they have signed a non-binding Letter of Intent to transfer ownership of the following facilities to Cura, a nonprofit leader of senior housing and care services: CentraCare-Monticello Care Center, CentraCare-Melrose Care Center, CentraCare-Melrose Park View Place, CentraCare-Sauk Centre Care Center, CentraCare-Sauk Centre Lake Shore Estates and CentraCare-Willmar Care Center & Therapy Suites

Earlier this year, CentraCare shared a new vision for long-term care and senior housing services in the region. Following a vigorous search for an organization that could continue supporting the needs of each of these communities, and to provide the best future care options for residents, CentraCare chose Cura because of its exceptional reputation and its commitment to caring for seniors in rural communities.

Cura collaborates with Premier Healthcare Management to provide operations and management support to long term care facilities throughout the state including skilled nursing and assisted living facilities in Watkins, St. Joseph, Sandstone, Paynesville, Albany, Benson, Long Prairie and Le Sueur.

“The mission of each of our facilities is to provide high quality, person-centered care with dignity, respect, compassion and integrity,” said Tom Opatz, Cura president. “We are committed to providing the best care for our seniors in the communities they call home and we’ll put the residents, families and staff first during this transition.”

“We feel very confident that Cura will provide the best possible service to residents in Willmar, Sauk Centre, Melrose and Monticello, and that they will work to sustain quality senior living services for our communities,” said Ken Holmen, MN, CentraCare president and CEO. “We look forward to building on our mutual commitment to enrich the lives of those we serve.”

Both organizations recognize the important role health care plays in keeping rural communities vibrant. This shared understanding and collaboration will help ensure the long-term success of senior living services in the region today and into the future.

“We believe this change in strategy that transfers ownership to an exceptional organization that specializes in senior services will open the door for even more services and support for residents, families and staff,” Holmen said. “This also allows CentraCare to maintain a focus on the primary and specialty care we deliver as a healthcare organization.”

In good hands in heaven

hold a homemade rosary before the living rosary is recited in memory of their son and brother, Ethan, Sept. 3 outside Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany. Ethan and Owen helped their dad assemble the rosary.

a big heart and gentle soul.

BY CAROL MOORMAN STAFF WRITER

The tip of an arrow peaks out from behind a bulletin board in Jeff and Melissa Gerads’ rural Albany home.

It is a sign to Jeff and Melissa, daughter Emma and son Owen that son and brother, Ethan, is in good hands in heaven — with God and Grandpa Jerome — their faith telling them life is eternal. They figure Ethan may have already bagged a deer with his bow.

“This time of the year Ethan would be in the deer stand,” Jeff said Sept. 12 sitting around the kitchen table

with Melissa and Owen. They share fond memories of Ethan, 16, who passed away July 21 from

injuries sustained in an accident southwest of St. Francis; tears mixed with smiles about a young man who had

Faith, family in farming community

Church of St. Rose of Lima celebrates 125 years

BY CAROL MOORMAN STAFF WRITER

As a child, Marilyn (Klasen) Bergmann remembers cooking for the Church of St. Rose of Lima parish priests and washing windows at the rectory.

“Mom used to make bread, and we had to bring a loaf of homemade bread every Saturday to the priest, and Mom got a quarter,” Bergmann, a life-long parish member, said Sept. 20.

The St. Rose of Lima Parish in St. Rosa was formed 125 years ago, in 1898, by 22 German families, most who farmed the land. Last names included Wiechmann, Butkowski, Arnzen, Boeckermann, Rohe, Herzog, Klasen, Toenies, Tschida, Hollenkamp and Bergmann, most still prominent in the parish today, which has grown to more than 200 families.

“It was the first Benedictine parish to be named after a woman saint,” Cheryl Wiechman, church historian, said sitting in the church

basement with anniversary committee members Bergmann, Bonnie Stangler, Lillian Arnzen and Julie Toenyan. Beth Arnzen is also a committee member.

Current and former members are invited to a 125th anniversary celebration of the parish Sunday, Oct. 1, starting with a 10 a.m. Mass, followed by an 11 a.m.-2 p.m. lun-

cheon. A history book of the Church of St. Rose of Lima, “An Epoch In Time. Celebrating 125 Years 1898-2023,” is in the final stages of completion.

The main body of the current church structure dates back to the late 1800s. In the early 1900s the frame building was moved from Freeport to St. Rosa.

“Sacred Heart in Freeport was going to build a new church, and they ended up moving the rectangular part of the wood church, minus the bell tower and sacristy, to St. Rosa,” Wiechman said.

St. Rose of Lima page 3

“He’s probably been on a hunting excursion with Grandpa, but Grandpa wasn’t very good at hunting,” Jeff said.

They appreciate continued prayers and support from family, friends and Harvest of Hope Area Catholic Community-Albany, Avon, St. Martin and St. Anthony parishioners. That includes praying a living rosary in memory of Ethan Sept. 3 at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany, where the Gerads family are members and where Ethan was a Mass server, Owen taking over his server duties when he became an usher.

Remembered page 3

Overcoming the stigma together

September recognized as National Suicide Prevention Month

BY HANS LAMMEMAN STAFF WRITER

People in every community across the globe have their own challenges with mental health. Facing internal battles is part of the human condition, yet the topic is often stigmatized and not spoken about openly.

The Central Minnesota Mental Health Center recently launched a campaign to raise awareness about its crisis service hotline for individuals in Benton, Stearns, Sherburne and Wright counties.

The crisis number, 320-2535555, is available to anyone seeking help, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

CMMHC wants individuals struggling with mental health to know they are not alone. The project’s tagline clearly depicts its mission: “If life is not OK, it’s OK to call. Any time. Any reason.”

Prevention page 4

PHOTO BY CAROL MOORMAN Jeff (from left), Owen and Melissa Gerads

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Ethan Gerads drives a tractor May 23, on Tractor Day, to Albany Area High School in Albany. His goal in life was to become a farmer.

Gerads remembered for big heart, gentle soul — and bear hugs

PHOTO BY CAROL MOORMAN

Anniversary committee members — Marilyn Bergmann (front, from left) and Cheryl Wiechman; (back, from left) Julie Toenyan, Lillian Arnzen and Bonnie Stangler — gather Sept. 20 in front of the Church of St. Rose of Lima in St. Rosa. The parish is celebrating 125 years in 2023. Not pictured is committee member Beth Arnzen.

Reece Arlene Arnzen

Hoppe Angela Grewe Laverne (Rassier) Woidylla

“If it wasn’t for our faith, I don’t know where we would be,” Jeff said.

They focus on the positive that has come out of this tragedy as Ethan’s death has brought people and faith communities together, including at their house following the accident. Melissa talks about one woman, a nurse, who was present when Ethan was born, April 17, 2007, at the Albany Hospital and was there for family the day he died.

“It was overwhelming,” Melissa said, “but comforting,” Jeff adds.

“From the Stearns County Sheriff’s deputy, that told me he didn’t make it, to our family and friends and Ethan’s friends,” Melissa said. “Just to know people stopped what they were doing to support us. It’s humbling.”

They draw strength from signs that Ethan is OK, like that arrow, now behind the bulletin board, Ethan shot while practicing bow hunting.

“I was in the garden and said, ‘Ethan if you are happy and safe lead me to that arrow, and there it was in the raspberry bush, the point just sticking up,” Melissa said. She has always believed when a loved one dies they send back signs from heaven that they are OK. Ethan does it on a regular basis.

It may be in the form of a phone call from someone just when she really misses Ethan’s bear hugs, butterflies landing on a friend’s shoulder or finding feathers in odd places, like at the cemetery when they were choosing Ethan’s burial plot.

On this late afternoon, Owen pulls long feathers out of a display in their home.

“So many people tell us about feathers they have found,” Melissa said. She wears a ring on her finger that has Ethan’s thumbprint on the outside with his signature on the inside.

“It came on my birthday,” she said.

Ethan would have been

St. Rose of Lima from front

The building was moved using logs on the lone main road from Freeport to St. Rosa.

For years before this, people traveled to Freeport for Mass, but Freeport pastor the Rev. Pancratius Maehren encouraged St. Rosa area Catholics to start their own parish, according to information Wiechman gathered from sources, including a book written by George Butkowski and the Monsignor Vincent Yzermans, who was the pastor from 1969-75.

Reading the history of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in New Munich, Wiechman discovered people had a deep religious devotion.

“They had three bells in New Munich, the first one dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the second one to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the third bell to St. Rose of Lima,” she said.

St. Rose of Lima is the patroness of the Americas.

In the beginning Mass was offered twice a month, with monks traveling from St. John’s Abbey in Collegeville.

Land for the church was

a junior at Albany Area High School. While school didn’t come easy for Ethan, he loved anything to do with farming.

“Ethan wanted to farm some day. I told him he better find a lady who has a farm,” Melissa said, smiling.

Since seventh grade, he worked at local farms.

“He worked during school, too,” Jeff said.

“We told him, ‘You have to be a kid,’” Melissa adds.

Ethan’s favorite tractor was used July 26 to take him to his final resting place at Seven Dolors Cemetery.

Hunting and fishing were Ethan’s passion. Melissa listens to a video on her cell phone of Ethan calling in a turkey. “His final turkey call,” she said.

Most people thought he was a shy kid, until he opened up.

“When he said something, you better listen,” Jeff said. “He was a good kid who liked to have fun.”

This year Ethan passed Jeff up in height.

“And he was proud of that,” Jeff said.

Melissa said Ethan was dedicated, a jokester and soft-hearted.

“But it didn’t faze him to shoot a deer,” Jeff said. “He always said he was

donated by four families — Fritz Herzog and John H. Klasen each donated three acres, and Herman Rohe and Moritz Hoeschen each donated one acre.

“Hoeschen stipulated his one acre had to be used for the cemetery,” Wiechman said.

The story goes that the church structure was placed on a built-up hill so it could be seen for miles around.

The town of St. Rosa was not formally formed at the time and would first be called Isabelle and Millwood before St. Rosa.

“There wasn’t even a crossroads,” Wiechman said.

Hoeschen opened the first general store, which is still a convenience store.

In 1902, a public school was built north of the church. Bergmann attended the grade school, which remained open until the 1970s.

“We went to Mass every morning and went to religion class twice a week,” she said. “We also went to church at noon to ring the Angelus bell,” calling people to pray.

In 1904, brick was added to the outside of the wooden St. Rose of Lima structure.

They were a Benedictine parish, served by Benedictine priests from St. John’s Abbey until 1923, when they became a diocesan parish. The Rev. Agatho Gehret, the first of what would be 16

knowing Ethan continues to be the spiritual light in the lives of many. After the rosary, a grief counselor gave a presentation, followed by small-group sessions.

“It’s healing,” Melissa said.

It was healing for the Gerads family when they brought pizza to the Freeport firefighters, thanking them for their help at the accident scene. They also appreciate talking with other families in similar situations.

“You don’t realize how many parents have lost children,” Jeff said.

Melissa said, at times, she still thinks Ethan will walk through their front door, eager to give her a hug, which, at times, she kiddingly shrugged off.

“Now, I just wish I could get a hug from him,” she said.

Nick Arnzen and Brittany Pierce, of Freeport, are happy to announce the birth of their daughter, Reece Arlene Arnzen, at 9:56 a.m., Sept. 12, 2023, at CentraCare-Melrose Hospital in Melrose.

She weighed 7 pounds and was 20 inches long. Big twin sisters Rilee and Rory welcomed her home. Grandparents are Mike and Beth Arnzen, of St. Rosa; and Trenton and JJ Evenson, of Fargo, North Dakota. Greatgrandparents are Don and Joan Payne, of Burtrum; and Duane and Myrna Evenson, of Climax.

What’s

Sunday, Oct. 1, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. — St. Leo Court 786, Catholic Order of Foresters Matching Fund Breakfast. Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 650 Main St., New Munich.

Monday, Oct. 2, 5:30-6:30 p.m. — Mental Health Support Group. CentraCare-Albany Clinic, 30 Railroad Ave., Albany. For information call the clinic at 320-845-2157.

supporting the family.”

Like his dad, Ethan carried his rosary with him when hunting. One rosary is special, only the Gerads family did not realize how special when they were making it earlier this year for Harvest of Hope Area CC parishes. A conversation Jeff had at Seven Dolors Church with Bernice Ebnet led him to talking to Ebnet’s daughter Tricia Merdan, who was hoping to find someone to make a large rosary so the faith formation classes could recite the living rosary. Jeff designed a 360-foot rosary, with 59 large beads linked together, which Ethan and Owen helped assemble.

“You need 61 people to say this rosary correctly,” Jeff said.

Ethan’s classmates, who attended Holy Family School in Albany, decided to pray this rosary at Ethan’s wake.

“As people came or left the visitation, they stopped and prayed,” Melissa said. Holding the large wooden cross Jeff made, Jeff and Melissa led people in the living rosary Sept. 3 outside Seven Dolors Catholic Church, remembering Ethan and in support of family and each other. Family wore colorful T-shirts with the words “Be the Light,”

Melissa, who likes taking photos, pages through a scrapbook of one year in Ethan’s life. On a shelf are 15 other scrapbooks Melissa compiled for each of Ethan’s 16 years, next to Owen’s 12 years of scrapbooks.

“They started smiling before they were one because they had to,” Jeff said.

Melissa wondered what she was going to do with those scrapbooks. Ethan had a hand in her answer. She will never part with them as they are fond reminders of Ethan’s life.

For the traditional first day of school photo, Melissa snapped a picture of Owen with Ethan’s red, white and blue cowboy boots displayed.

Jeff and Melissa know Ethan is in a good place — in heaven.

“I know where he is now,” Melissa said. ‘We don’t have to worry about him.”

Ethan is the first grandson “to see Grandpa Jerome,” Melissa said. Ethan’s middle name was Jerome.

“I pictured his first day of school he was at the lake and grandpa was his instructor, … and he was taking Farming 101,” Melissa said.

The bow hunting deer opener was Sept. 16. Chances are Ethan bagged a buck — in heaven — minus one arrow.

Monday, Oct. 2, 6:30 p.m. — Avon City Council Meeting. Avon City Hall, 140 Stratford St. E, Avon.

Tuesday, Oct. 3, 1:30 p.m. — Albany Senior Center Meeting. Albany Area Community-Senior Centre, 741 Lake Ave., Albany.

Tuesday, Oct. 3, 7 p.m. — Schanhaar-Otte Post 7050 and Auxiliary meetings. Melrose American Legion clubroom, 265 County Road 173, Melrose.

Wednesday, Oct. 4, 6 p.m. — Helping Hands Outreach Annual Meeting. Helping Hands Outreach, 531 Main Street, Holdingford. The annual report will be presented, and elections held for board members.

Wednesday, Oct. 4, 6:30 p.m. — Albany City Council Meeting. Albany City Hall, 400 Railroad Ave., Albany.

Wednesday, Oct. 4, 7 p.m. — AA Meetings. Back to Basic, at Tutti Frutti Marketplace, 38914 County Road 186, Sauk Centre. For more information, call 218-240- 1076. Big Book, Melrose City Center, 225 First St., NE, Melrose. For more information, call 320-241-3909.

Thursday, Oct. 5, 7 p.m. — Bingo. Holdingford American Legion, 560 Main St., Holdingford.

Upcoming: Tuesday, Oct. 10, 7 p.m. – Melrose American Legion Post 101 and Auxiliary meetings. Melrose American Legion clubroom, 265 County Road 173, Melrose.

Crime & PUBLIC SAFETY

Burtrum man escaped from crashed vehicle before fire AVON TOWNSHIP — A Burtrum man escaped from a vehicle before it started on fire following a Sept. 18 crash in Avon Township.

According to the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office, at 11:57 a.m. a motorist reported a vehicle had crashed on County Road 9 near 363rd Street. When officers arrived the 2007 Jeep Wrangler was fully engulfed in flames.

The report said the driver, Charles Bolstrom, 63, indicated he fell asleep as he entered a curve and his vehicle went off of the road and struck a tree. Bolstrom said he was wearing his seatbelt and crawled from the vehicle before it started on fire. Bolstrom, the lone occupant, was taken by Mayo Ambulance, to the St. Cloud Hospital for treatment of injuries.

Avon police and firefighters and Albany firefighters assisted sheriff deputies.

resident priests over the 125 years, arrived in 1904. A parish house was constructed in 1906, and in 1916 the parish became incorporated. A bell tower, sanctuary and sacristy were added in 1921. A grotto was built in 1930, with major additions to the church in 1951 and 1969. In the early 1970s, following Vatican II, when Yzermans was pastor, a major interior renovation removed the ornate altars.

“Mom (Arlene Arnzen) said he wanted to modernize us,” Stangler said.

Bergmann recalls when families paid pew rent, and she still has her parent’s black book where rent was recorded.

A new parish house was built in 1989. A columbarium, for urn burials, was purchased in 2010. In 2017, a new gathering space with an elevator was added, and the interior was renovated and repainted in 2022.

Stangler said “we are fortunate”; whenever money is needed for church projects, people donate.

“Parishioners have always been generous, even in the lean years,” Wiechman said.

Bergmann said at one time people were encouraged to tithe, pledging 10% of their income to the church.

In 1999, St. Rose of Lima joined the Tri-Parish

cluster with Immaculate Conception and Sacred Heart churches. Twenty years later the Tri-Parish cluster joined the One-in-Faith Catholic Community, joining parishes in Melrose, Meire Grove, Greenwald and Spring Hill.

Four men from St. Rose of Lima Parish have become priests — The Rev. Alto Butkowski, the Rev. Alexander Schwimm, the Rev. Virgil Petermeier and the Rev. Derek Wiechmann. Religious sisters include four in one family, Sister Guntildis Peters, Sister Merwina Peters, Sister Rosalee Peters and Sister Gertrudis Peters; Sister Aaronnete Herzog, Sister Herman Tschida, Sister Rose Mary Toenyan and Sister Janice Wiechman.

Currently, the congregation is a mix of long-time parishioners with a growing number of young families, who work together, Arnzen said.

“We’re like a big family, whether you have a tragedy, death or even during joyful times,” Wiechman said.

A quilt made by ladies of the parish hangs in the gathering space, depicting milestones at the St. Rose of Lima Parish.

A parish where faith, family and farming continue to be intertwined for 125 years.

CentraCare from front

As part of the transfer of ownership process, a LOI has been signed and a management agreement should be completed in the next several weeks. A formal purchase agreement is being finalized, with a goal that the CentraCare care centers, assisted living facilities and senior housing in Sauk Centre, Melrose, Willmar and Monticello will join Cura as the new owner in early 2024.

Reece Arlene Arnzen

PHOTO BY CAROL MOORMAN Owen Gerads (middle) recites a prayer on a bead during the living rosary Sept. 3 outside Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany, while his grandpa, Marvin Sand, (right) listens and Dean Mitchell holds a microphone. The rosary was led by Owen’s parents Jeff and Melissa Gerads, in memory of their son and brother, Ethan.

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

Brick is added to the outside of the Church of St. Rose of Lima wood structure in St. Rosa in 1904. The building was originally moved from Freeport to St. Rosa.

Prevention from front

Mental health organizations across the country recognize September as National Suicide Prevention Month.

It is another reminder to check in on family, friends, neighbors and acquaintances who may be struggling.

Just over three years ago, Bill Musel and Vicki Randall received news their 28-year-old son, Cody, died by suicide while in Alaska.

Cody had struggled with mental health and depression while stationed at Fort Richardson with the U.S. Army in Anchorage for three years.

Musel said talking about Cody brings a flood of emotions. Having someone to talk to, he said, makes all the difference for individuals going through rough times.

“I can start talking about Cody, and just the littlest thing will just choke me up,” Musel said. “It’s just the emotion that’ll come over you — you have to get a hold of that somehow, and sometimes you don’t. Sometimes it’s OK to cry and for people to see that.”

While the first year was particularly difficult for Cody’s loved ones, his parents connected with Melony Butler at the Eagle’s Healing Nest, a Sauk Centre-based non-profit organization that provides housing and services for veterans and active service members in need.

Although the couple is from Crow Wing County, they quickly found a support system in Stearns County at the Eagle’s Healing Nest consisting of people from across the country who provided sympathy when needed most.

While still mourning, Vicki and Musel helped organize The Panda Project, an annual event hosted at the Eagle’s Healing Nest’s campus to help raise awareness about veteran suicide. Musel said the fundraiser honored Cody and was named after his favorite animal.

This past July marked the project’s third year, drawing in more than 300 attendees and raising about $30,000 for their cause.

With the support of friends and family, Musel said he and Vicki turned a heart-wrenching tragedy into a cause that would ultimately raise awareness and tens of thousands of dollars to help prevent others from experiencing the terrible impacts of mental health crises.

“Doing things in the community, helping in the community and doing fundraisers for different things was just like second nature to us,” Musel said. “That’s how it was born, and it was actually very therapeutic.”

The Rev. Vince Lieser, a pastor in central Minnesota since 1967, has comforted families struggling with the loss of a loved one due to suicide.

Lending an ear, Lieser said, is among the most powerful gestures one can do to a family dealing with such difficulties.

“People have come to me for different concerns and needs in the parishes where I’ve served, especially when I was in Melrose,” he said. “There were a number of suicides. Just listening to people and being with families who have experienced suicide brought me to deal more directly with that reality.”

Lieser said the topics of suicide and mental health could be challenging to discuss because of the pain surrounding the subjects. However, he and Musel said it is essential to confront the matter head-on.

“There’s a lot of stigma attached to suicide,” Lieser said. “There is a lot of dealing with the question why and no answers. There can be a lot of shame connected to it. It is a difficult reality to face.”

Musel said to look for signs that individuals are struggling — isolation or drastic personality changes. If something seems off, he said, ask them about it.

“If you have a reason to think someone is thinking about taking their own life, you don’t beat around the bush,” Musel said. “You come right out and ask that person, have you thought about taking your own life? You ask them point blank.”

Lieser said mental health was discussed even less in past decades, leaving people to endure internal suffering alone.

Now that people are generally more aware and willing to speak on the subject, communities play a vital role in helping their affected neighbors heal.

“The first step is not to just end judgment, but to listen and try to understand what’s going on with the other person and what their issues are,” Lieser said.

Editor’s note: If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or contemplating suicide, there are services to help. Call 911 for emergency services, go to the nearest hospital emergency room, or call or text 988 for 24-hour, confidential support for anyone in crisis or emotional distress.

Angela Grewe

The memorial Mass for Angela Grewe, a resident of the Mother of Mercy in Albany and formerly of Bertha, will be celebrated at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bertha with the Rev. Aaron Kuhn as celebrant. Visitation will be at the church Sept. 29 from

Laverne (Rassier)

Woidylla

Mass of Christian Burial, a celebration of life, for Laverne (Rassier) Woidylla, 91, was at Church of All Saints-St. Hedwig, in Holdingford, Sept. 26. Interment was in the parish cemetery.

Laverne passed away at Mother of Mercy Assisted Living in Albany Sept. 15, 2023, surrounded by family.

Laverne was born in 1932 to Norbert and Irene (Barrett) Rassier in St. Joseph. She grew up on the family farm near St. Wendel and attended Holdingford High School. She married Edward (Eddie) Woidylla in 1951. Laverne was a member of All Saints Parish for over 70 years, Christian Mothers, Rosary Sodality and the American Legion Auxiliary for over 50 years. She was a regular

Florence A.

“Flossie” Hoppe

Florence A. “Flossie” Hoppe, 82, of New Munich, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, Sept. 22, 2023, at CentraCare Care Center in Melrose.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was Sept. 26 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in New Munich with the Rev. Dan Walz officiating. Inurnment was in the parish cemetery.

Florence Ann Koenig was born Aug. 16, 1941, in New Munich, to George and Mary (Raeker) Koenig. She attended New Munich Elementary School and graduated from Melrose High School in 1959. She worked at Raeker’s Grocery Store

Don A. Dinndorf

Don A. Dinndorf, 92, formerly of Albany, passed away Sept. 18, 2023, at St. Benedict Senior Community in St. Cloud.

Don was born in Albany Nov. 23, 1930, to Alex and Helen Dinndorf. He attended the University of Minnesota’s School of Pharmacy, graduating in June 1953. He married Margaret Studanski in December of that year, then left for Anchorage, Alaska, to fulfill his ROTC commitment. He trained at Fort Richardson for the Army Medical Corps and came back to Minnesota in 1956. In 1960, he returned to Albany to work with his father, Alex, at Dinndorf Drug. He took over the family business in 1968 and worked there until his retirement and sale of the store. Margaret and he had four children. They later divorced. He married Floss Klapperich

Laverne (Rassier) Woidylla

member of the Helping Hands luncheon and card gathering. She loved her family and was a devoted mother, grandmother and greatgrandmother. She worked outside the home including the Holdingford Herald Newspaper, Stearns County Social Services and the Holdingford Elementary School. She also volunteered

12:30 p.m. until the time of the Mass.

Angie, 69, passed away Sept. 22, 2023, at the hospital in St. Cloud.

Arrangements are with the Schuller Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services in Bertha (www.SchullerFamilyFH.com). P-39-1B

as a CCD instructor and caretaker of the Soldier’s Shrine at St. Hedwig’s. She loved gardening and helped plant, divide and water

flowers for Holdingford’s Petals for Pedals group along the Lake Wobegon Bike Trail.

Laverne had many hobbies including quilting, embroidering, sewing and ceramics. She made hundreds of quilts for her family, friends and the church.

Laverne loved baking, especially coffee cakes, rolls, pies and cookies. Favorite pastimes included playing card games, board games and jigsaw puzzles. She was a loyal and enthusiastic sports fan and loved watching her beloved Vikings and Twins.

She is survived by her children, Stephen (Donna) Woidylla, Teresa (Dan) Beran, Rose (Steve) Lambros, Julie (Dan) Todd, Jane (Bruce)

Conception Church in New Munich. Together they had four children and five grandchildren. Flossie was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in New Munich and the Melrose American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed bowling in a ladies league and a mixed doubles league for many years, gardening and canning and watching her husband, sons and grandsons play baseball.

Lahr and Jon (Lorraine) Woidylla; eight grandkids Lacy, Lindsy, Ben, Brad, Jena, Ryan, Noah and Eli; eight great-grandkids Hoyt, Walker, Jackson, Oliver, Micah, Alaina, Juniper and Eden; and siblings Rose Huls, Pat Rassier and Norene Saldin. She was preceded in death by her husband, Eddie; parents; daughter Shari Chapman; great-grandson, Gavin Ludewig; and brothers Jerome, Donald, James and Ralph Rassier. We would like to thank the staff at Mother of Mercy and CentraCare Hospice for their exceptional care and support. Memorials may be sent to the All Saints Church in Holdingford in honor of Laverne. P-39-1B

(Kaylee) Reller of Sauk Rapids, Courtney Althaus of New Munich, Dillan Hoppe of New Munich and Erika Hoppe of New Munich; sister Mary Ann Zierden of Melrose; and in-laws Theresa Koenig of Sauk Centre, Jeanette Hoppe of Melrose, Ethleen Spanier of Paynesville, and Mary (Dan) Krueger of New Munich.

and Dave’s Grocery. Flossie then worked at Jennie-O Turkey Store for two years and later worked at Melrose Elementary School, baking cookies until her retirement. She was united in marriage to Richard “Rich” Hoppe Oct. 17, 1964 , at Immaculate

Survivors include her husband of 58 years, Rich Hoppe of New Munich; children Janice (Sam) Kramer of Freeport, Karen Hoppe of Pennock, Jim (Laura) Hoppe of New Munich, and Tom (Terri) Hoppe of New Munich; grandchildren Ty

Flossie was preceded in death by her parents; brother Ed Koenig; in-laws Edmund Zierden, LeRoy Hoppe, Celestine and Marion Hoppe and Melvin Spanier; and grandson Brennen Hoppe. Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Melrose.

in 1977. After his wife’s death in August 2019, Don moved to the home of his son and daughter-in-law, Don J. and Vi, in St. Augusta, where he lived for 2.5 years, eventually moving to St. Benedict’s Senior Community in St. Cloud. The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at St. Ben’s for their warm and excellent care during Don’s final months.

Don was active in many

local civic organizations, including service on the Albany City Council, Lions Club, Chamber of Commerce, Albany Volunteer Fire Department, American Legion, Seven Dolors Parish Council, Central Minnesota Health Planning Council, Albany Sportsman’s Club and others. As a volunteer for the Big Birch Lake Association, he helped monitor water quality for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for 15 years and helped place an always-successful loon nesting platform every spring for many years.

As a pharmacist, and a former smoker, he was the first pharmacist in Minnesota to ban the sale of cigarettes in his store in the early 1960s. He served on the board of directors of the Minnesota State Pharmaceutical Association for many years, was elected vice-president and

finally, served as president 1985-86. In 1991, he received the association’s highest award for service to the community.

Don is survived by his children, Don J. (Vi) of St. Augusta, Jeanne Birr of Avon, Patricia (Tony) Burns of Albany and Steven (Callie) of Savage; eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; and sisters Dorothy (Bob) Mushel of Little Falls, and Renee (Terry) Hartman of Hastings. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brothers and many relatives and friends who will welcome him home. There will be a celebration of life Friday, Oct. 6, at the Church of Seven Dolors in Albany. Visitation begins at 9 a.m., followed by Mass at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Big Birch Lake Association or Seven Dolors Parish.

P-39-1P

Melrose council approved increase in preliminary 2024 levy Allows a cushion for unknowns until final levy adoption in December

BY CAROL MOORMAN | STAFF WRITER

Melrose City Council members approved a 2024 preliminary tax levy of $1,640,000 during their Sept. 21 monthly meeting at the Melrose City Center in Melrose, with $1,550,000 for the general fund and $90,000 for the debt levy for the 2013 fire and ambulance station lease revenue bonds.

The levy total is a $200,000 increase over the final 2023 levy of $1,440,000, allowing for a cushion as the council works toward lowering the preliminary levy before final adoption in December.

Finance director Ryan Meyer said many things

were taken into consideration with the preliminary levy during strategic planning and an August budget workshop. During a follow-up interview Sept. 22, he said one of the driving forces for the proposed levy increase was the scheduled 2024 main street project “coming in quite a bit higher than what was originally budgeted for in the fiveyear capital plan.”

“Each year when we adopt the preliminary budget we use a larger amount than what we are actually projecting to allow for the unknowns at the time of the preliminary budget deadline,” Meyer said. “We

are allowed to reduce the preliminary amount that gets certified to the county (by Sept. 30), but we are not allowed to increase this amount. Therefore, we adopt a preliminary amount higher than necessary in case something comes to our attention that may require additional funds.”

The council also approved a preliminary 2024 budget.

A truth-in-taxation hearing was approved for 6 p.m., Dec. 14, when public comments will be taken on the proposed 2024 levy and budget before the final levy adoption.

In other council news:

— Approved a request from ambulance coordinator Gina Eggert for two new Melrose Ambulance Service positions, a paramedic and transport nurse, due to

anticipated advanced life support licensing, which Eggert said was recommended by the service’s medical director.

— Approved a new fee schedule for the ambulance service, due to the ALS licensing.

— Approved going out for bids for a new police vehicle not to exceed $65,000. Melrose Police Chief Craig Maus said the purchase of a new vehicle is scheduled for 2024, replacing a current 2014 squad car.

— Approved increasing the Parks and Recreation Board spending limit from $5,000 to $10,000, with Mayor Joe Finken and councilor Joelene Wieling voting yes and councilor Tony Klasen voting no. Councilors Justin Frieler and Travis Frieler were absent from the meeting.

Florence A. “Flossie” Hoppe

Don A. Dinndorf

The views expressed by our columnists are the opinions and thoughts of the author and do not reflect the opinions and views of newspaper staff and ownership.

Market hunting

There are, today, any number of people who make regular visits to informal markets, like garage sales, bargain days and flea markets, looking for the perfect bargain.

Some have referred to this as market hunting. That application may be new, but the term is not.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, market hunter referred to a person hunting wild game and not a bargain seeker. Interestingly enough some of the locals and sites of those informal markets may not be too far from where late 19th century people set off for on their market hunting.

In “Nestled Between Lake and Wooded Hills,” Jeannette Blonigen Clancy’s 2000 centennial history of the Avon area, is a story about a family’s ancestors who made annual market hunting treks up north to harvest deer and partridges. The harvested meat was sent, via rail, to Chicago and other markets. Hunters received payment for that harvest. They were at the tail end of a great market hunting boom that had been part of American culture for a number of years.

American market hunting had its roots in Europe, particularly England, where it was seen as part of game management on various lands. In most European countries the taking of game had, for centuries, been reserved for the upper classes. Think of Robin Hood taking what was considered royal deer. Market hunters often served as game wardens making sure no one poached that game and watching the size of the herds.

In the United States where game was more plentiful, it started as providing meat for a village. It was also more than just deer that were hunted. Hunters were employed to

provide buffalo, duck, meadowland birds, pigeons and, near the ocean, walrus and fish to supplement meat offerings for restaurants, hotels and some estates. It wasn’t only for meat that they were employed. The U.S. market hunter was asked to supply bones, hides and certain feathers.

News BRIEFS

Absentee voting opens for Nov. 7

Holdingford, Melrose school board elections

ST. CLOUD — Absentee voting started Sept. 22 and will run through Nov. 6 for dozens of county, city, township and school board contests that will be on Nov. 7 ballots around the state in addition to nearly 100 ballot questions and special elections.

Holdingford School District 738 is holding a general election to fill four school board seats. Candidates include Evelyn Martini, Nicole Burg, Robert E. Knettel, Jr., and Lori Opatz.

Lensing

Some became extremely skilled at finding the animals and harvesting them. It was the market hunting practices which all but exterminated the bison from North America. Those who took up the trade from the Avon family were not after bison. They traveled to northern Minnesota on annual expeditions to hunt deer or partridge. One such hunt became part of family lore. The father and son spotted a deer herd, knowing it might provide a nice harvest for them.

The father stood near a stand, and the son walked around the herd to drive them to the stand. At some point, it was noticed the shooter had only 13 bullets, but the drive was underway.

He started shooting when the deer came in range and stopped when he emptied his gun. There were 11 deer down. So was the shooter, who fell off of a log on his last shot.

The hunters skinned out the front quarters and kept that meat for themselves. They wrapped the hide around the remaining meat for transportation.

As beef raising and transportation became more efficient, and less expensive, the need for wild game meat gradually declined and there was less reason for market hunters. Some still exist, but, for the most part, going market hunting has come to mean looking for an informal sale location — and not an income source.

Bumming

When I was five years old, my mom called my favorite jacket my “bumming jacket.” It was a lightweight jacket with a patchwork design. I loved the greens and oranges in each square. I loved its comfort. I loved, especially, when Mom would say I should wear my bumming jacket, because it meant we were going bumming.

Bumming meant running errands, but not boring errands to the grocery store or bank. Bumming meant dropping in at a neighbor or two to exchange garden produce, bringing a neighboring farmer a tool or part they needed, stopping in at a church friend for something Mom needed, what it was I never quite knew or cared.

By Sonya Hoffarth

My bumming jacket was perfect for these errands. It was warm enough to ward off the chill but lightweight enough to keep on while visiting. Afterall, the intention always was to stay for only a few minutes. Only long enough to swap the peppers that grew abundantly in Mom’s garden that year for the tomatoes the neighbor had too many of. Only long enough to drop off the part or tool on the front porch.

Of course, here in Stearns County, maybe everywhere, a short visit is rare. The intention would be a few minutes but never the outcome. Invariably, I’d need to wiggle out of my bumming jacket because Mom would find much too much to talk about and I’d get warm, even in the lightweight jacket. Mom would always tell me to keep my jacket on, we’d only be another minute — which was never true. I’d spend the next half hour running around with the neighbor kids. No wonder I loved bumming.

I’m not sure if all this bumming was unannounced or if Mom called ahead. I have a hunch it was unannounced, something I have never done. Even if I’m dropping in on my sister, I always call or text ahead and wait for her response before heading over. Even with next door neighbors, I text before bopping in. Does anyone drop in without calling

anymore?

This weekend, my parents received unexpected guests, dropping in Saturday afternoon, completely unannounced and completely unexpected. Mom texted me that Ray and Shelly had just stopped by and that I should run over for a quick visit if I was not busy.

I didn’t believe her at first. Ray and Shelly are cousins from San Diego. How do relatives from the other side of the country drop in — unannounced. They were just in the neighborhood? They planned a last minute trip across the country? The trip wasn’t last minute, but Ray and Shelly thought a surprise visit would be fun. They didn’t want anyone to make a fuss or go out of their way to host them either. In keeping with traditions of bumming, they stayed much longer than the hour they initially planned.

We walked through the barns on Mom and Dad’s farm, reminiscing about childhood antics in the haybarn. We unlocked and went into my Grandma’s old house, long abandoned but still maintained. Ray recalled dinners in the old kitchen when he would visit as a kid. He told stories about long car rides from San Diego to Minnesota and about loving to drive the tractors once they finally arrived.

Shelly even wore her version of a bumming jacket, expecting cool fall temperatures here in Minnesota. As their visit extended beyond a few minutes, even beyond a few hours, just like in my childhood days, she took off her bumming jacket to stay a bit longer.

Apparently bumming is not a thing of the past, nor a custom only here in Stearns County. I might have to dig out my own version of a bumming jacket and bring tomatoes or zucchini to a neighbor or sibling. I’m not sure I can drop in without texting or calling first, even though I loved my surprise visit this weekend.

District residents can vote early by absentee in person from 7:30 a.m.-3:45 p.m., Monday-Friday, at the Holdingford school district office, 900 Fifth St., Holdingford. Enter through door 3. Residents can also vote from 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Nov. 7, at Holdingford City Hall, 420 Main St., Holdingford.

Melrose Area School District 740 is holding a special election to elect one new school board member to fill a vacancy. Candidates include Keith Fischer, Alan Schulzetenberg, Eric Seanger and Allen Wieling.

Melrose School District residents can vote early by absentee in person from 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, at the Melrose school district office, 546 Fifth Ave., NE, Melrose. Enter through door 7.

Residents can vote absentee by mail, at www. stearnscountymn.gov, by completing the absentee ballot application and returning it to Stearns County Elections by email, mail or fax. Once your application is received, absentee ballot materials will be mailed to you. Voted absentee ballots must be returned by mail or in person to the Stearns County Service Center by 8 p.m. on election day. Voters can find out if there is an election in their area at mnvotes.gov/pollfinder.

Melrose Area Arts Council celebrating

Welcome to Melrose sign unveiling Sept. 29

MELROSE — The Melrose Area Arts Council will unveil a Welcome to Melrose sign Friday, Sept. 29, one block south of the main street 4-way stop sign on land owned by Melrose Feed Mill. Mural artists include Barb Dettler, Joyce Westendorf and Ahna Matt.

The event is from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., with a short program starting at noon and food and refreshments served.

The sign project has been a combined effort with the arts council, the city of Melrose, the Melrose Lions Club and community donations.

Melrose High School

‘Matilda, the Musical’ cast named

MELROSE — Twenty-nine students, grades 7-12, are participating in “Matilda, the Musical,” the Melrose Area High School fall production with performances Nov. 8-12 at the Marit Elliott Performing Arts Center, 546 Fifth Ave., NE, in Melrose.

The title character is played by Esther Kapsner. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood, are played by Andrew Traeger and Autumn Oevermann. The teacher, Miss Honey, is Grace Kapsner. The nasty headmistress of the school, Ms. Trunchbull, is Anna Neu. Their son, Michael, is Landon Clear. The librarian, Mrs. Phelps, is Amelia Brower. Aidan Kluempke plays Rudolfo.

Directors are Marit Elliott, Becky Kapsner and Callii Mayers.

The story is based around the original movie by the same name. It includes classic songs like “When I Grow Up” and “The Hammer.”

Melrose Women of Today offering non-traditional student scholarship

MELROSE — The Melrose Area Women of Today will be awarding one $1,000 scholarship to a non-traditional student (age 20 and over), who resides in Melrose School District 740 and is beginning college this fall. This scholarship is funded by the Sharon Roehrl Neuman Scholarship luncheon held by the organization each spring.

For any questions or to obtain the scholarship application email ckheinze@meltel.net.

Winding down

Now that summer has officially ended, it’s time to wind it all in and let fall take over. We may not have had to use the lawn mower much this summer because of the drought, but unofficially I think we can put that away and get out the rakes for the leaves that are falling. It might also be time to burn up some of the woodpile that’s been stacked along the tree line collecting rodents. The woodchuck may be still around, but one skunk and a badger have been removed. In the garden, tomatoes hang from drooping plants, the carrots remain in the ground, and a few butternut and spaghetti squash, along with undersized pumpkins, litter the rows. The fall flowers are blooming in their place, but a step out the back door does not have the same color it did just a few weeks ago.

We feel that some of the hot, unbearable days of summer make that season seem to last a little longer, but where have the days gone lately? What happened to September? Why does it feel as though winter is just around the corner? Students are a month into school already. In the farmer’s fields, the soybeans and corn are coming out. We cleaned out our

camper and would have winterized it except for some wishful hope that maybe we have a call to use it one more time.

The softball season officially ended with the family tournament in St. Martin. The Twins have clinched a playoff spot while the Vikings are hohum. High school football, volleyball, soccer and cross-country fill the sports pages in the local papers. The days get shorter, the nights get longer, and now it’s perhaps not OK to wear short pants to church any longer. Actually, on some mornings, a sweatshirt or jacket feels pretty good.

Zierden

A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned I was a line judge during the Melrose High School home volleyball matches. If you haven’t had a chance to see some of the local teams play volleyball, you should. Some of the best volleyball in the state is being played right here in our area. We are not supposed to let the score of the game affect us while we are on the court but sometimes it is hard not to get caught up in the excitement taking place. Each close game, each contested point puts that much more pressure on any close calls we have to make. I believe that sometimes after a game, we probably leave with an adrena-

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line rush similar to the players’.

How would you wind down after that? The next night, right after work, I grab my crossbow and go sit for a while in my deer stand. It’s quiet. It is drab and beautiful at the same time. Cornfields and beans are dried and brown. In the woods, the leaves are falling down and making shooting lanes. To the west, the sun screens my view. But that is what it is. It’s autumn. By my clock’s time it is still early in the day when deer start to move around. The crows caw. The geese honk. Even the highway, a half mile away, is quiet for a moment each night. It’s not heaven. It’s not Christmas. But believe me, in that stand, sometimes it sure feels like it is.

There are people out there who claim summer is the time of the year to relax and take it easy for a while. How can that be true? How can long days filled with every kind of activity imagined be restful? It’s been said Minnesota has four seasons — almost winter, winter, still winter and road construction. We may soon be entering that short span between road construction and nearly winter, when our world has the chance to be perfect. Watch the leaves turn color. Finish the harvest. Drain the gas from the mower. Watch a volleyball game. And unwind.

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The Farmers Daughter

Ink on My Hands by Kevin

A Peek at the Past by Herman

Battling back to conquer champions

Albany volleyball downs No. 1

Pequot Lakes

BY MIKE KOSIK STAFF WRITER

When Hannah Klein slammed down the final point, the Albany Huskies volleyball team erupted in celebration after coming back from a two-set deficit to defeat Pequot Lakes 3-2 in front of their home crowd Sept. 19 at Albany Area High School in Albany.

The Patriots came into the match ranked first in Class AA, with the Huskies not far behind at No. 5.

“What a match,” said Brian Hines, Albany head coach.

Down by two sets, the Huskies proved resilient.

“They’re gritty, they fight, they don’t quit,” Coach Hines said. “They focus on one play at a time.”

All five sets were close, with the edge going to Pequot Lakes in the first two. The Patriots won the first set 25-21. In the second, the Huskies led early and were up by as many as four points (9-5, 10-6) when Pequot Lakes tied and then took the lead at 15-14 and held on until Albany tied 20-20.

After two more ties (21-21, 24-24), the Patriots scored the next two points for a 26-24 win.

“We came out with a lot of jitters,” Coach Hines said.

Coach Hines noted the team missed serves and were not passing as well as they could.

“I felt the girls got that back,” he said. “We calmed the ball down. Got nicer passes on our digs.”

Albany also adjusted its defense.

“We switched our defense to a rotate defense and that seemed to really help us defend a lot of their tip shots,” Coach Hines said.

In the third set, the Huskies took control early and led by eight at 10-2. Pequot Lakes chipped away to a 10-7 score but the Huskies went on an 11-4 run for a 10-point lead at 21-11, their

3-2.

12 digs in Albany’s 3-2

largest of the set. From there, the Huskies went on to win 25-16.

Albany took a 2-1 lead in the fourth set, and while the Patriots stayed close, they never led after that. The Huskies kept a four- to six-point lead. But, at 19-13, Albany went on a 6-1 run to win 25-14.

The fifth and deciding set could have gone either way. Pequot Lakes had an edge early but after that, the Huskies broke a 7-7 tie and took an 11-7 lead. The

Patriots tied it up at 14-14, but the next two points belonged to Albany, with Klein getting her final and 18th kill of the match for a 16-14 win.

In addition to Klein, other kill leaders for the Huskies were Brynn Panek with 12 and Bridget Goebel with 11. Klein was 20-for20 serving with one ace, Panek was 21-for-24 with three aces, Ava Hines was 17-for-19 with three aces and Paige Lauer was 13-for13 with one ace. Ellery Ehresmann had 46 set assists, 20 digs and went 20-for-23 serving with two aces. Klein also had 20 digs with Lauer and Hines getting 12 each. Klein and Oliva Lemm had three ace blocks each.

Albany 3, Pierz 0

Albany continued its winning ways Sept. 21 when they traveled to Pierz High School and defeated the Pierz Pioneers 3-0 in Pierz. The Huskies won the first set 26-16 and dominated in the next two 25-9, 25-13.

It was Albany’s fourth conference win of the season against no losses. They lead the conference with Cathedral in second.

Ava Hines was perfect from the serving line, going

16-for-16 with four aces. Also serving without an error was Lauer at 14-for14 and one ace and Kelsey Lobitz 10-for-10 serving. Panek was 12-for-13 serving with three aces. Klein led in kills with 10 and digs with 12. Ehresmann had 25 set assists.

Class AA Showcase Tournament

The Huskies went 3-2 at the Class AA Showcase Tournament at the Midwest Volleyball Warehouse in Burnsville Sept. 22 and 23.

The Huskies’ first faced Concordia Academy Sept. 22, winning 25-22, 25-21. Klein led in kills with nine. Ehresmann was 15-for-16 serving with five aces. She also had 13 set assists and nine digs to lead the team in those categories.

The Huskies were also 2-0 winners by scores of 25-22, 25-20 in their second match Sept. 22 when they went against Waterville-Elysian-Morristown/Cannon Valley Lutheran. Klein led in kills with 10. Lauer was 17-for-17 serving. Klein had 11 digs and Lauer 10. Ehresmann had 22 set assists.

Albany began competition the next day with a 2-0 loss to Chatfield. Set scores were 25-18, 25-20. Klein led in kills with nine and in digs with eight. Lauer was 8-for-8 serving, Klein was 7-for-7 and Hines was 6-for-7. Ehresmann had 13 set assists.

Albany suffered its second defeat in the showcase Sept. 23, losing to Rush City 2-0 (25-21, 25-23).

Klein had nine kills and eight digs. Anna Schiffler also had eight digs. Lauer was 9-for-10 serving. Ehresmann had 18 set assists.

The Huskies got back on the winning track, finishing the tournament with a 2-0 win over Nova Classical Academy with 25-20, 25-20 victories.

Klein led in kills with nine and in digs with 11. Hines was 21-for-21 serving with three aces. Ehresmann had 16 set assists.

Following the tournament, the Huskies were 16-3 overall.

Punt Pass, Kick Oct. 2 in Albany

ALBANY — Boys and girls ages 6-14 are invited to the Punt, Pass and Kick competition at 6:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 2, at the Albany High School football field, 30 Forest Ave., Albany. Registration starts at 6 p.m.

For more information email Grant Johnson at gjohnson@district745.org.

Lady Dutchmen soccer snaps scoreless stretch

BY HERMAN LENSING | STAFF WRITER

The Melrose Area Lady Dutchmen girls soccer team fell to the Little Falls Flyers 7-1 Sept. 21 at Little Falls High School in Little Falls.

Jenna Finken’s corner kick put the ball in the net with 13 minutes left. The team trailed 7-0 at that point.

The goal halted Melrose’s 10-game string of games without a goal.

Melrose was on the defensive for most of the game. Goalie Tia Primus finished with eight saves and Pamela Martinez Montañez had seven saves. Cathedral 8, Melrose 0

The Lady Dutchmen lost to the Cathedral Crusaders Sept. 19 at Melrose Area High School in Melrose. No other details of the game were available.

WANTED - A room in the country/farm house to rent. Avon, Albany, Freeport, Holdingford, Melrose area. Luke, 612-3238428. Thank you, have a blessed day! PS-39-2VM CRAFT/VENDOR/BAKE SALES - Freeport Community Center. Saturday, October 14th, 9am-2pm. PS-39-2VM

PHOTOS BY MIKE KOSIK

The Albany volleyball team celebrates following the match-winning point against Pequot Lakes Sept. 19 at Albany Area High School in Albany. The Huskies took on the No. 1 ranked Patriots and won

Albany’s Paige Lauer digs from the back row against Pequot Lakes Sept. 19 at Albany Area High School in Albany. Lauer collected

victory.

Albany’s Brynn Panek sends the ball over the net against Pequot Lakes Sept. 19 at Albany Area High School in Albany. The Huskies rallied from a two-set deficit to win 3-2.

Physicality

BY EVAN MICHEALSON | STAFF WRITER

Leading familiar and talented foe in the Pierz Pioneers trailing by six points, the final four-and-a-half minutes of the fourth quarter was gut-check time for the Albany Huskies in a premier Mid-Northwest White District matchup Sept. 22.

The Huskies delivered in that big-time situation, stringing together a touchdown drive to cement a hard-fought 26-14 victory over the Pioneers at Pierz High School in Pierz.

“I think there was some determination within the huddle at that moment of, ‘Let’s go win this thing,’” said Mike Ellingson, head coach. “To credit this team, good teams find a way to win when they’re not necessarily

finishing.”

Albany entered the road battle lacking its usual depth, as several playmakers were sidelined with illnesses. That did not stop the Huskies from striking first in the showdown, as Albany quarterback Andrew Olson sprinted into the end zone for a 12-yard touchdown with one minute remaining in the first quarter.

Olson also found success through the air in the first half. He connected with Ethan Meyer for a 43-yard touchdown early in the second quarter before returning to Meyer for a 35-yard strike with 3:41 remaining in the half.

“Running is by far our identity, but we know in this state, to make it anywhere,

it’s tough to make it as a one-dimensional team,” Ellingson said. “It’s a continued emphasis.”

Pierz found tough sledding against a stalwart Albany defensive unit. The Huskies were sound at all points of attack, flying to the ball and making open field tackles to deny an athletic Pioneers room to operate.

Defensive lineman Grant Wohletz brought ball carriers time and time again with 15 total tackles, while Brandon Thelen made six solo tackles in his first full-length glimpse of varsity action.

“We went with a simple approach and tried to get kids to play fast and physical football,” Ellingson said.

This physicality spilled over onto the offensive side of the ball, especially in the second half. Albany worked the clock with success, leaning on rushers Joseph Schmitt and James Lehner, who grinded out 139 and 104

Football trounces Maple Lake

rushing yards, respectively, behind a dominant O-line.

“Our pad level and the use of our hands was much improved from where we were at week one,” Ellingson said. “I think it made a major impact on how we played that game against a pretty physical opponent.”

Olson made one key mistake, a 66-yard interception that Pierz returned for a touchdown with 4:23 to go. But the Huskies preserved, with Lehner muscling a 40yard gain on fourth-and-2 to lock up the victory.

Albany takes on Howard Lake/Waverly-Winsted for its homecoming game at 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 29, on Michael Field at Herges Stadium in Albany.

Defense keep Dutchmen competitive

was available before press time.

Little Falls 4, Melrose 1

BY HERMAN LENSING | STAFF WRITER

The Melrose Area Dutchmen boys soccer team fell 5-0 to Hutchinson/Glencoe-Silver Lake Sept. 25 at Melrose Area High School in Melrose.

Melrose’s defense kept the game scoreless until the 6-minute, 33-second mark, when Hutchinson scored on

a header. The visitors added a second goal as time expired in the first period. The Dutchmen had chances but could not find the back of the net. Throughout the first period, the team passed well, moving the ball into H/G-S territory. No other information

Lady Dutchmen volleyball on a roll

Invite championship, upset highlight outings

BY HERMAN LENSING STAFF WRITER

Going 4-0 Sept. 23 in the Dassel-Cokato Invite at Dassel-Cokato High School in Cokato meant the Melrose Area volleyball team brought home the championship trophy.

The Lady Dutchmen lost one set in the tournament. Only two teams scored over 20 points on them in a game. They defeated Dassel-Cokato 2511, 25-18; Litchfield 22-25, 25-10, 15-2; and Mankato 25-11, 25-18 in pool play.

In the championship, Melrose scored 26-24, 25-11 wins over Rockford.

Allie Hoppe had 40 digs, Hannah Hoppe and Kaylee Ellering logged 11 kills each and Nelson recorded 42 assists.

Melrose 3, Montevideo 0

Melrose’s trip to Montevideo Sept. 21 resulted in 25-12. 25-19, 25-12 wins at Montevideo High School in Montevideo.

Serving was a strong suit. Nelson led the way, succeeding on 22 of 23 serves with two aces. Alea Berscheit, 12 of 12, served in four aces, and Allie Hoppe, 10 of 10, added two more aces.

Ellering’s all-around play produced 11 digs and three kills. Hannah Hoppe led the team with five kills and Avery Birch’s four kills came from 14 hits. All were aided by Nelson’s 16 assists.

Melrose 3, BOLD 1

The Lady Dutchmen needed to concentrate as they came close to match point Sept. 19 against Bird Island-Olivia-Lake Lillian District at Melrose High School in Melrose.

With the score 23-23 in the fourth set, Melrose had the serve and a chance for an upset win. BOLD was undefeated 6-0 in the West Central Conference and

13-1 overall.

“We could not let anything drop,” Nelson said.

The Lady Dutchmen led 2-1 going into the fourth set. They had taken the first set 25-15, pulling away from a 16-14 contest with a five-point serving run by Birch. Two of those serves were aces.

“I just started serving,” Birch said. “We really wanted this win. That was a focus for us.”

Melrose did not lose focus. Whether it was getting critical points, ending a BOLD run or missing a hit, the team quickly regrouped for its next play.

It needed to regroup after BOLD took the second set 25-23 and grabbed a 10-5 lead in the third set.

Hannah Hoppe, 11 kills, and Ellering, nine kills, again took control at the net offensively. Defensively, Berscheit had four blocks and both Birch and Nelson had three blocks.

“I cannot think of one person that did not play their hardest and give it their all,” Nelson said.

Nelson’s 32 assists played a big role in the six kills by Berscheit and five by Isabelle Jaenicke. Both Ellering and Nelson had 13 digs.

Hannah Hoppe’s serving gave the team a boost. Her 17 of 19 night included five aces, three in the third set. Following Berscheit’s two-point serving run, Melrose took a 17-15 lead.

The teams traded side-out points until Hannah Hoppe served in the winning points in a 25-20 victory.

The deciding set was going the Lady Dutchmen’s way, with Birch serving them to a 21-16 lead. It appeared the match was theirs for the taking. Then, BOLD made a run to tie the game at 23-all.

Birch broke the tie, tapping the ball over BOLD’s defense. BOLD did not return Nelson’s final serve and the Lady Dutchmen bench emptied to celebrate.

“I could not have asked for better play from the girls,” said Emily Reller,

Melrose struck quickly when it faced Little Falls Sept. 21 at Melrose Area High School in Melrose but fell 4-1 in spite of solid attacks.

Less than 30 seconds into the game, Alonso Montañez Martinez caught up to a pass from Brandon Sanchez and sent the ball into the net. The Dutchmen’s 1-0 lead lasted until the 13:29 mark, when Little Falls tied the score. The Flyers added two second-half goals for the win.

The Dutchmen mounted attacks and penetrated the Flyers defense for 17 shots on goal, nine by Montañez

Martinez and four by Sanchez. However, most were low-percentage looks that were handled by the goalie.

Defensively the Dutchmen limited Little Falls to 14 shots on goal, with goalie Adan Lara Ambriz having 10 saves.

Cathedral 5, Melrose 0

Melrose was constantly under attack and fell 5-0 to Cathedral Sept. 19 at Cathedral High School in St. Cloud. Lara Ambriz did his best, recording 25 saves. The Dutchmen had nine shots on goal, four from Montañez Martinez. Alexis Ambriz Becerra and Alejandro Martinez Montañez each had two shots.

BY MIKE KOSIK | STAFF WRITER

BY MIKE KOSIK | STAFF WRITER

The undefeated Holdingford High School football team’s steamroller offense scored 62 points in its 62-16 win over the Maple Lake Irish Sept. 22 at Maple Lake High School in Maple Lake.

The Huskers had a blistering 546 yards of offense, with 308 from the ground attack and 245 through the air.

Holdingford’s scoring blitz began in the first quarter on an 8-yard touchdown run by Kolton Harren. Luke Bieniek ran for the 2 extra points. Drew Lange’s 78-yard pass to Masyn Patrick put the next 6 points on board, and the 2 extra points were also via the pass, with Bieniek making the reception. The first-quarter scoring was capped off by a Harren 2-yard run. Brandon Hall ran the ball in for the 2-point conversion and a 24-0 Husker lead.

In the second quarter, Bieniek scored on a 25yard run, followed by a Nolan Streit 2-point run.

The Irish put their first points on the board in the second quarter on a touchdown and 2-point conversion. The halftime score was 32-8.

The Huskers had

another big quarter in the third, scoring 22 points. Lange connected with Hall for a 50-yard touchdown play. The run by Streit for 2 extra points was good. Hall scored the next touchdown, this one coming from 68 yards out with Jaxon Bartkowicz throwing the ball. Mason Lichy’s 2-point run was good. Wyatt Pilarski scored Holdingford’s third touchdown of the quarter on a 62-yard run.

Pilarski also scored on a 7-yard run in the fourth quarter with Caleb Krattenmaker running for the 2 extra points.

Maple Lake scored a touchdown and a 2-pont conversion in the final quarter to make it 62-16.

Lange threw for 144 yards, completing 3 of 4 passes for two touchdowns and no interceptions.

Bartkowicz was 3-for-3 for 101 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. Bieniek gained 100 yards rushing on six carries and scored one touchdown. Pilarski had 90 yards on four carries, scoring two touchdowns. Hall caught two passes for 116 yards and two touchdowns and Patrick two for 98 yards and one touchdown. HOL

Boys cross-country 1st

BY MIKE KOSIK | STAFF WRITER

The Holdingford boys cross-country team placed seven individuals in the top 10 to win the Eden Valley-Watkins/Kimball Invitational Sept. 21 at the Kimball Golf Club in Kimball.

Crossing the finish line first for Holdingford was Dawson Hofer, who came in second with a time of 17 minutes, 3.6 seconds. Behind in third was Joe Guthrie at 17:48.2. The next three finishers counting in the team score were Quinn Guthrie, fifth, 18:22.1; Jimmy Jenson, sixth, 18:46.6; and Aidan Pellett, seventh, 18:54.2. Noah Boeckermann and Nick Guthrie finished eighth and ninth, respectively.

Holdingford’s team score was 23, with Royalton finishing second with 75 among six teams. There were 40 individuals in the boys race.

In the girls race, Loretta Mrosla finished third for the Huskers at 22:30.1. The next four Holdingford competitors to complete the race were Olivia Klasen, 17th, 25:26.1; Gracelyn Gerads, 23rd, 26:21.2; Claire Arvig, 24th, 26:39.2; and Evie Aleckson, 25th, 26:43.2.

As a team, the girls finished fourth of five with a score of 84. Paynesville’s 36 was good for first place in the 36-runner competition.

Volleyball 3rd in Pierz

BY MIKE KOSIK | STAFF WRITER

The Holdingford volleyball team finished third at the Pioneer Classic Sept. 23 at Pierz High School in Pierz.

The Huskers defeated Mora by a score of 2-0 (25-17, 25-8) and took down Aitkin 2-0 (25-19, 25-16) before tying with Floodwood 1-1 (25-15, 22-25). They then lost to Zimmerman, who took first, by a score of 0-2 (22-25, 19-25) and defeated Floodwood 2-0 (25-12, 25-19) for third place overall.

Maple Lake 3, Holdingford 0

The Huskers fell 3-0 to Central Minnesota Conference rival Maple Lake, 25-19, 25-22, 25-18, Sept. 21 at Maple Lake High School in Maple Lake.

Gabby Bruns led with 17

serves and was also the dig leader with nine. Makenna Hohbein and Maddy Mitchell, who had 25 set assists, had four kills each. Ava Hagerty had three aces and one ace block. Marissa Nienaber had an ace block.