the Times - Jan. 31, 2012 by The Times

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Ellendale fires remain under investigation

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Todd “Doc” Mishler passed through Blooming Prairie on horseback recently. Mishler is riding around the country to raise awareness and money to feed hungry children. See Page 5A.

County history has a new home Since the 1800s, Steele County residents have looked for ways to preserve the history of the county. Now they have a place to do that. The new Steele County History Center is just months away from officially opening. On Friday, the Cabin Fever Reliever event was held to help “burn the mortgage.” See Page 3A.

Developer planning mini-park makeover BY JON FLATLAND Managing Editor The mini-park at the corner of Main Street and Highway 218 in Blooming Prairie may be getting a facelift. Tom Vaith, who is developing the former Hanson Real Estate building, recently approached the city about purchasing the corner lot. The space was given to the city by Hanson Real Estate several years ago. Rather than selling or giving the lot to Vaith, city officials are working on a 10-year grant/loan program that will allow the developer to improve the lot and eventually own it. The estimated market value of the mini-park property is $5,400, according to Mike Jones, city admnistrator. Under the grant/loan program, Vaith can improve the property and maintain it, however, if he sells it, the city can claim its full market value. The city’s share drops each year after six years and Vaith becomes the sole owner after

10 years. As part of his improvements to the Hanson Real Estate building, Vaith said he plans to put new siding on the structure and install an entry and windows on the lower level. Plans call for a small patio in the mini-park and a deck on the second floor of the building. “I’d like to install a nice wrought-iron fence around the park, install pavers and landscape it,” he told city officials. “Ideally, I’d like to use it to accent a business on the first floor of the building – preferably a restaurant – but it would be kept open for the public to use.” Vaith’s planned improvements will mean an end to the “Welcome to Blooming Prairie” mural on the north side of the park and the removal of trees and shrubs along the building. “I think it will add aesthetically to the corner for my building and the city as a whole,” he said. “It should look really great when we’re finished.”

Times photo by Jon Flatland

Snow Week at Blooming Prairie High School kicks off Monday, Feb.6, with coronation at 8 p.m. in the school gymnasium. Royalty candidates include (back row, l-r) Isaiah Toquam, Jonathan Kraling, Gabriel Kartes, David Huff and Patrick Jones; (front row, l-r) Kierstin Wencl, McKayla Myer, Maggie Sorenson, Hunter Henderson and DaVyll Smith.

Snow Week set at Blooming Prairie HS Snow Week at Blooming Prairie High School begins Monday, Feb. 6, with the coronation of Snow Week king and queen. Coronation ceremonies will take place at 8 p.m. in the school gymnasium.

Monday will also be Stop Light Day while Tuesday is designated as Character Day. Color Day is on Wednesdady with seniors wearing blue, juniors in orange, sophomores donning black, freshman wearing purple, eighth graders in red and sev-

Bail remains at $1M for man arrested in shooting

Co-workers claim big lottery prize Two co-workers from Owatonna have claimed their $1 million prize from the New Year’s Day Minnesota Millionaire Raffle. They were at lottery headquarters in Roseville on Friday to claim their winnings. See Page 4A.

BP to diversify tree population Using the results of a 2010 tree survey, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has recommended the city of Blooming Prairie begin efforts to diversify its tree population, saying it has an overabundance of maple and ash trees. Along with the survey, the DNR warned the city about the potential threat of emerald ash borer. See Page 7A.

Masons helping county food shelf In a time where giving is getting harder and harder to do, the Blooming Prairie Masons have stepped up to help those in need. With the generosity of the public, the local Masons are asking help. The Grand Lodge and Minnesota Masonic Charities are offering a two-for-one match to help the Steele County Food Shelf. See Page 9A.

INDEX Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2A County News . . . . . . . . . . . 3A News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4A Extra! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5A Pubic Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . .6A News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7A Community. . . . . . . . . . . . 8A Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9A Sports. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1B-3B Bridal Guide . . . . . . . . 4B-5B Legal Notices . . . . . . . 7B-8B Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . 9B

Volume 119, Issue 33

enth graders in green. Thursday is Redneck/Camo Day and Friday is Spirit Day, highlighted by a pep fest in the school guym at 2:10 p.m. The Snow Week dance will be held from 8 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11 in the commons.

Times photo by Rick Bussler

Pam Fate, former assistant nursing director at Prairie Manor Care Center in Blooming Prairie, stands in front of the facility last week. Fate, along with three other top managers, was unexpectedly fired on January 10 by the care center’s board of directors. Fate said she and the others were not given a reason for their terminations and she is trying to cope with the loss of a job she had and loved for nearly 14 years.

‘I didn’t do anything to deserve this.’ Former care center assistant nursing director speaks out about firing BY RICK BUSSLER Publisher With an elderly resident bound to his wheelchair crying and kissing her, veteran nursing home assistant nursing director Pam Fate was quickly ushered out the door for good during a major shake-up of administration at Prairie Manor Care Center in Blooming Prairie earlier this month. On Jan. 10, three board members and Deidre Burke, a consultant hired by the board, walked Fate out the door. As Fate exited the care center, a resident, who she had become

attached to during her employment there, politely asked, “What’s happening? I don’t understand what’s going on.” The resident, who had tears in his eyes, softly kissed Fate on the cheek and told her that he loved her. Fate walked out the door, ending a long career of providing care for the elderly in the community. “I was numb,” Fate recalls. “I couldn’t believe what was happening,” she said. Fate is concerned about the man’s health since she left. For months, she brought her dog into the care center for the man

to hold. The dog cuddled in his arms and provided soothing care that no one else could seem to offer. She has since heard that the man is depressed without his canine companion paying any more special visits. Losing a job that consumed a major part of her life for nearly 14 years has been difficult for Fate, who is a registered nurse. Even weeks after she was let go, she is still unnerved and shocked over the entire situation. I loved what I did (at Prairie Manor),” said Fate. “The relationship I had with the resi-

Established in 1893

dents, well, they were family. You don’t work with them day after day and not have them become a big part of your life.” NO EXPLANATION Fate is still trying to come to grips with what has happened at the care center. Making matters worse for her is the gossip that has been swirling around throughout the community. “I didn’t do anything to deserve this. I’d appreciate it if people wouldn’t presume we did something wrong,” Fate said. FIRING Continued on Page 4A

BY JON FLATLAND Managing Editor An Owatonna man who allegedly fired multiple shots into an occupied vehicle in front of the McDonald’s restaurant in Medford on Jan. 9 will remain in custody on $1 million bail while attorneys for both the prosecution and defense await completion of a bail study. Jason Paul Krieg, 45, was arrested Jan. 11 in Owatonna after a two day manhunt. He is charged with three felonies – first-degree premeditated attempted murder, second-degree attempted murder with intent but not pre-meditated, and drive-by shooting toward a person or occupied motor vehicle with a dangerous weapon. Krieg made an initial appearance in court Thursday, where his defense counsel told Judge Casey Christian it was not prepared to argue the bail amount until the bail study was complete. Two others arrested in connection with the case are also making court appearances. Marcy Busho, 26, who allegedly drove Krieg to and from the McDonald’s, was scheduled for an omnibus hearing yesterday (Monday). She is charged with aiding an offender. Busho is currently being held at the Steele County Detention Center on $150,000 outright bail. Tristan Jean Pestorious, 27, is scheduled to appear for an omnibus hearing on Monday, Feb. 6. She is charged with second-degree possession of a controlled substance. She is being held on $40,000 bail. Pestorious also has another felony drug case pending from an incident alleged to have occured in November.

Home of the Awesome Blossoms!

Opinion

2A • Tuesday, January 31, 2012 • The Times

Guest Opinion

Pass proposed anti-bullying bill Bullying has always been a problem among school-age children, from elementary to junior high (the worst, probably) to high school. Now our kids have to deal with something most of us would never have imagined: cyberbullying. Either way, it’s a nightmare for the chilWe love dren being bullied. our children, The Minnesota Legislature has a chance to and they need put more teeth in what to know that is currently the shortest we have their and most lax anti-bullying law in the nation. backs. And We encourage our local we call on our legislators to take the policymakers steps necessary to pass to step up a bill proposed by Attorney General Lori Swanand do son on a non-partisan just that. basis. She proposes the state model its anti-bullying law after North Dakota’s, a law which would include immediate reporting of alleged acts of bullying, the establishment of graduated penalties on those engaged in bullying, and other policies. No child should be afraid to go to school because of bullying. While policies and reporting cannot stop all bullying, they can set a strong tone and school culture against it. We’ve seen numerous nationwide news stories about kids who have taken their own lives because of something another person has posted online, and some at this very newspaper have had the difficult task of reporting on young people who took their lives because of cyberbullying and old-school bullying, as well. The bottom line is this: It has to stop. All of us must do our best to not only spot, and report, signs of bullying, but also to instill in our kids a level of self-worth that makes them immune — as much as possible — to the bullies’ attacks. We love our children, and they need to know that we have their backs. And we call on our policymakers to step up and do just that. We know legislators sometimes don’t get along and often disagree, but this is one issue where they need to put party politics aside and do what is best for our schools and our children. J.F.

Weigh in with our on-line reader poll at

www.bloomingprairieonline.com This week’s question:

Do you plan to participate in a DFL or GOP party caucus? ❐ Yes, I plan on participating. ❐ No, I won't be taking part. ❐ I don’t know.

Last week’s question: Does the Prairie Manor board owe the community an explanation for its recent actions?

❐ Yes, some explaining is needed – 63 percent ❐ No, it’s none of the community’s business –33 percent ❐ I don’t now – 4 percent Readers are encouraged to go to the Times website at www.bloomingprairieonline.com to cast their opinion about the current question. This poll is not a pure scientific sampling of readers’ views, but rather, is intended to create community discussion of issues.

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A continuation of the Blooming Prairie Times A STATE AWARD WINNING WEEKLY 2011 Second Place, Editorial Page Second Place, Category X 2010 First Place, Human Interest Story First Place, News Photo Second Place, Best Advertisement Second Place, Local Breaking News (Awards in under 1,500 category through Minnesota Newspaper Association.)

2012 legislative session preview

A PR fiasco at the care center A public relations disaster. A PR train wreck. A publicity fiasco. A nightmare involving image. Those are just a few ways to describe the public relations storm that has hit Blooming Prairie over the past month involving the community’s nursing home. The firings of top administrators at Prairie Manor Care Center have generated intense community interest over the past few weeks and rightfully so. Without a doubt, the board’s decision to say nothing about the controversy has turned what should have been a relatively small story into a public relations volcano. I have taken many PR, marketing and crisis communications courses over the years, both in college and in my professional career. The handling of the nursing home firings is a classic example of how not to handle public relations. First of all, I want to make it clear that I am not taking any sides on this controversy. I have absolutely no connection to the fired employees, current workers, board members or any of the churches involved. Some may argue that we have only provided one side of the controversy in our news coverage. While that may be partially true, it is not for a lack of effort or unwillingness to present both sides. We have made repeated attempts to contact board members and the interim management. No one returns our calls and, in fact, one board member simply hung up on us when we identified ourselves. I’m not here to defend the five employees who were terminated after having more than

HOT PURSUIT

Rick Bussler 50 years of collective experience at the local center. There may be good reason for what happened, but nobody is bothering to say anything. Prairie Manor is operated by a board of directors selected by the six area churches which own the center. The board’s failure to communicate has fueled a PR disaster. The basic principle of public relations, and specifically crisis management, is to issue some sort of statement even if it isn’t much of one. A simple statement would have helped curtail the unrest that has come out of this fiasco. By not commenting, the board has caused rumors to spin out of control. Community members have been left with nothing but hearsay and to speculate on their own as to what happened. All of this has happened because no one takes responsibility to clear the air. Is this what we really want? The board’s unwillingness to end the firestorm of this controversy no doubt is overshadowing the great work of the hard working employees taking care of elderly folks at the center. This certainly isn’t fair to the fired workers or the current employees. The board has done the community a complete injustice. Prairie Manor may be pri-

vately owned and operated, but it involves the community in many ways. The six churches involve hundreds of community members. Dozens of loved ones are cared for by the center’s employees. The handling of this controversy has been badly botched. And the community seems to agree. In a Times on-line poll last week, nearly 65 percent said the board owes the community some sort of explanation. While the board may have had good intentions by shaking up the administration, it was short-sighted in the handling of the PR of its decision. During an interview with The Times last week, fired assistant director Pam Fate raised an important point: Are board members making a decision based on what’s best for Prairie Manor or are they making decisions based on what’s best for the board? Because no one from the board speaks publicly about all the turmoil, we may never know the answer to Fate’s question. The professional lives of several people have been damaged. And there will undoubtedly be some deep wounds in the community for years to come. Along with hiring new management, the board at Prairie Manor may want to go in hot pursuit of hiring a great public relations consultant. The lack of PR has certainly crushed any credibility the board has had in the community. (Rick Busler is publisher of the Times. Email him at bprick@frontier.com.)

A letter to the editor policy reminder THOUGHTS WHILE SHAVING

Jon Flatland

Staff Publisher…..................Rick Bussler General Manager......Ann Anderson Managing Editor..........Jon Flatland Ofﬁce Manager...........Lori Trostem Staff Writers…..........LeMar Nelson .....................................Per Kvalsten Ad Specialists..............Julie Snyder

The Times welcomes and encourages letters to the editor, however, a few rules have ben put in place to govern submissions from our readers to the Times mailbag. Letters may be submitted in person, via email or through the regular mail and must include the writer’s name and a telephone number to be used for verification purposes. Letters received without the

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name of the writer will not be published. The editor reserves the right to edit letters when necessary and those submitting letters should be aware that their letter may be published online at www.bloomngprairieonline. com. Internet users may also submit comments to stories posted online. Their name will be attached to the comment. The editor reserves the right to edit letters when necessary. Letters may be published online. We encourage all people to write Letters to the Editor as a way of communicating ideas and opinions with each other, with a goal being to make this a better community for all people.

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BY SEN. DAVE SENJEM District 20 - Senate Majority Leader A couple of decades ago Governor Rudy Perpich listed the goals of the legislative session as “Jobs – Jobs – Jobs.” Tw e n t y years later, the Minnesota Republican Majority echoes the goal: “Jobs – Jobs – Jobs.” We have returned to the Capitol for the 2012 Session with a significantly rosier budget situation. Through prudent and tough decisions, we were able to manage Minnesota’s budget from a $5 billion deficit to a $876 million surplus. For the first time in years, heavy budget deficits will not burden legislative decision makers. We need to remain prudent and wise in any spending/taxing decision so the right directions we are on financially will not be reversed. Importantly, the cash flow (state’s checking) and budget reserve (savings) accounts have been re-filled. If the February forecast show continued positive growth, lawmakers will consider using those funds to pay back the additional $700 million borrowing against school funding – the “school shift” agreement with Gov. Dayton – that helped balance the budget. Preliminary January updates to that forecast show continued growth, primarily due to stronger than projected individual income tax payments. While the economic growth is welcome news and the state’s economists are looking to more confident consumers and stronger labor markets, some factors – like unrest in Europe – remain out of our control. Believing the best remedy for the state budget is a thriving economy that allows hardworking families and employers to succeed, we go into the 2012 legislative session with a positive jobs environment as our number one priority. During the legislative interim, many Republican senators met with business leaders, entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout the state in effort to find ways we can put our economy back on track. Senate Republicans, with a new year and new leadership, we have a renewed commitment to limited, sensible government and lower taxes. Seizing on opportunities for new reforms and building on successes from last session, our goal is to put Minnesota back on the path to prosperity by continuing to remove obstacles for job creators. Reforms will dominate all facets of this brief session, from education, to health care and energy. Senate Republicans want to promote innovation, investment and entrepreneurship to bring out the best about Minnesota to build long-term prosperity.

Subscription Rates • Steele, Dodge, Freeborn and Mower counties: $35 • Elsewhere in Minnesota: $38 • Out of state: $40 Ethics The editorial staff of the Times strives to present the news in a fair and accurate manner. Please bring any grievances against the Times to the attention of the editor.

Steele County STEELE TALKIN

Tracy Ignaszewski

County 4-Hers, leaders honored The Steele County 4-H awards banquet took place last Sunday and boy, what an event. We had over 225 4-Hers and their families attend. This banquet is so special because we honor over 525 youth and volunteers. Those honored included 1, 5, and 10 year 4-Hers and leaders, past and present officers, County Fair Superintendents, record judging winners, Quiz Bowl and judging team participants, 4-H graduates and ambassadors. We had some special awards too that I would like to tell you about. The 4-H Gold Key award recognizes a 4-Her’s outstanding leadership and service through the 4-H program. Three 4-Hers were awarded this honor for the past year. They are Bria Stenzel, Hailey Holland, and Allison Blazek. The 2011 “I Dare You” Awards were presented to two graduating 4-H members. The winners were selected by their fellow graduating 4-Hers. The “I Dare You” Award challenges youth to continue being leaders throughout life and emphasizes a balanced four-fold life of mental, physical, social and spiritual development. This year’s award winners were Andrew Kern of Straight River Stars and Asha Stenzel of Owatonna Victory Boosters. These youth have been in 4-H for numerous years and have given their time and talents back to the 4-H program by being leaders for 4-H activities and events. This year, 4-H decided to award two individuals and organizations with the Friend of 4-H Award. This year’s recipients were Norma Buxton and Ag Power – John Deere. Thank you to the honorees for their constant support of the 4-H program through the years. The program concluded with the presentation of the Outstanding Leader awards. The 2010-2011 4-H Outstanding Leader awards were presented to Marsha Dinse and Pat Zeman. Marsha and Pat are both club leaders for Meriden Meadowlarks. Pat has also been an active member of the market sale committee. Thank you to both of these volunteers for the time, dedication and talent they so generously give to the Steele County 4-H Program. Installation of our 20112012 4-H Club Council Officers also took place. President is Bria Stenzel of the Owatonna Victory Boosters 4-H Club, President-Elect is Allison Blazek of the Happy Hustlers 4-H Club, Secretary is Logan Stenzel of the Owatonna Victory Boosters 4-H Club, Treasurer is Leah Hawkins of the Meriden Meadowlarks 4-H Club, Treasurer-Elect is Mitch Dinse of the Meriden Meadowlarks 4-H Club, Historians/ Reporters are Katie Wolf of the Merry Lane 4-H Club and Ellie Lau of the Future Citizens 4-H Club, Parliamentarian is Kendra Schroeder of Pratt Commandoes, Adult Treasurer is Rhonda Guthier of Ellendale Hustlers, and Adult Treasurer-Elect is Lori Stenzel of the Owatonna Victory Boosters. Steele Talkin’ is a weekly column featuring officials from various organizations and agencies within Steele County. Tracy Ignaszewski is a County 4-H Program Coordinator.

The Times • Tuesday, January 31, 2012 •

Owatonna Hospital reports zero adverse health events The Minnesota Department of Health released its eighth annual Adverse Health Events report recently, noting the Owatonna Hospital had zero events listed in the report, while the Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin reported one medical error resulting in serious disability. The Mayo Clinic Health System incident, which was not detailed in the report, was the only error reported out of more than 15,000 surgeries or invasive procedures performed

between Oct. 7, 2010 and Oct. 6, 2011. Included in the report were procedures performed at the Mayo Clinic Healthy System clinic in Blooming Prairie. Dave Albrecht, president of Owatonna Hospital, said the facility has taken several steps to improve its systems and procedures so the hospital continually delivers safer health care. Those steps include bedside barcoding to address problems of medication errors, transforming care at the bedside to address patient falls, and a sur-

gical care improvement project aimed at improving surgical care by reducing surgical complications. Albrecht added hospital staff members use what they learn from reporting to find new ways to make care better and safer for patients. “One adverse health event is one too many. Our employees dedicate themselves every day to improving patient care, quality and safety.” Diane Twedell, vice-president of operations at Mayo

Clinic Healthy System, said the hospital continually learns from its mistakes and strives to improve every year. She added patient safety is of the “highest priority” and the facility regrets every instance of harm. “When we have an adverse event, it’s not just a statistic. It affects real people and real families.” Minnesota law requires hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to report serious mistakes and investigate why they happened. The report examines

potential errors in six categories: surgical, environmental, patient protection, care management, product and device, and criminal events. Serious mistakes across the state rose slightly in 2011, but led to fewer serious injuries and deaths than the year before. Hospitals reported 316 socalled “adverse health events,” up from 205 the year before. Eighty-nine of the incidents resulted in serious injury or death, down from 107 in 2010 and the lowest number since 2007.

SPX Corp. sold to German auto Fundraiser event held; center will officially open to the public in April parts company

A new home for the county’s history

BY PER KVALSTEN County Reporter Since the 1800s, Steele County residents have looked for ways to preserve the history of the county. Now they have a place to do that. The new Steele County History Center is just months away from officially opening. On Friday, the Cabin Fever Reliever event was held to help “burn the mortgage.” The event was a huge success. In fact, the $20 dinner tickets were sold out days before. HISTORY In the 1880s a group of pioneers wanted to preserve what it was like to settle Steele County. They organized meetings and got the ball rolling for what would eventually become the county’s historical society. Since then, preservation has evolved in the county. The Village of Yesteryear was put together to showcase Steele County from 1850-1920. “This left a void from the 1920s on,” Steele County Historical Society President Ken Henrickson said. In 1999, the idea of a history center was brought up. It ultimately didn’t move forward. But, in 2005, that all changed. A generous donation was set up if the history center was built in five years and the process was started. The communities that make up Steele County, along with generous donors, began fundraising for the $3 million facility. CONSTRUCTION Following successful fundraisers throughout Steele County, enough money was raised to start construction in February of 2010. “Although we are planning on officially opening this

Times photo by Per Kvalsten

Area residents got a sneak-preview of the new Steele County History Center on Friday during the historical society’s Cabin Fever Reliever fundraiser. The new $3 million center is scheduled to open to the public by the end of April. Besides historical displays, it includes a gift shop, a caterer’s kitchen, an event and reception area and an archive room. April, I don’t anticipate everything to be moved in and functional for a year,” Henrickson said. FACILITY As people walk into the history center, they will see a gift shop to their left and a welcome area to their right. As they continue to walk, they enter the atrium. To the right is where wedding receptions, parties and so much more can be held and to the left is why the center was built. The display area is filled with natural light coming through big windows. The windows were created by Viracon in Owatonna and are stateof-the-art.

“We want the display area to be as liquid as possible,” Henrickson said. “We call it a no-dust zone. This is because the items on display will only be in for a short time and new items will then be displayed.” Organizers planned the building and architects created the building to be open and warm for visitors to enjoy. “We wanted people to feel comfortable and relaxed when they come to visit the history center,” Henrickson said. “I feel that we accomplished that.” The archive room, with the help of a generous donor, will be the last part of the center to be finished. The history center was given a grant to digitalize

and clean up the archives. This gives people the opportunity to quickly and easily search obituaries, photos, and much more on a computer. MULTI-PURPOSE ROOM The Wenger family made a donation to build a multipurpose room and caterer’s kitchen. According to Henrickson, this is very important for the success of the history center. The room is big enough to handle weddings of all sizes, graduation parties, birthdays and more. “It is such a great setting for events,” Henrickson said. The history cener will officially open at the end of April.

County News Briefs United Way of Steele County raised $700,000 through its 2011 campaign United Way of Steele County announced last week that it’s 2011 campaign, Live United, raised $700,000 from corporat-

tions, organizations, workplaces and individuals. The group had set a goal of $750,000 for the campaign.

The amount raised was announced at the United Way of Streele County Victory Dinner held Thursday at the Owatonna

Country Club. Owatonna Hospital served as the corporate leader for the 2011 campaign.

Medford council to hire full-time city administrator, offers post to candidate The Medford City Council voted Friday to offer the city’s full-time city administrator job to one of four people who interviewed for the position. City officials were expect-

ed to begin negotiations with Heather McCallum, who is currently Lafayette’s city administrator. The offer is pending criminal background and reference

checks. The city will offer McCallum a salary of $52,000 a year and a $5,700 stipend in lieu of health insurance. Pete Connor has been performing city administrator du-

ties for the city on a part-time basis since being hired in late May. City officials decided in November to begin a search for a full-time administrator.

County, Shea reach agreement on administrator annual salary, benefits The only thing left in the way of allowing Tom Shea to become Steele County’s next administrator is a criminal background check. The county board last Tuesday announced that Shea’s salary was agreed upon by both the county and Shea himself. After

carefully researching and comparing salaries of other administrators in the region, the county and Shea agreed on an annual salary of $82,421.82 per year. The employment agreement also gives Shea credit for 40 hours of accrued paid time off and 10 years of service effective

his first day on the job. He will begin accruing paid time off at a rate of 8.307 hours per pay period. In addition, Shea will get the same holidays and health and life insurance benefits as other full-time, non-union employees. Commissioner Doug John-

son said he expects Shea to enter the job as a grade 45, step 10 employee who will receive step increases upon satisfactory performance reviews after 6, 12 and 24 months. The highest job grade in the county is 13, which Shea could attain after two years of employment.

BY PER KVALSTEN County Reporter A German auto-parts manufacturer has purchased SPX Corp’s Service Solutions business. Part of that business is the Owatonna plant. Robert Bosch GmbH’s $1.15 billion purchase is contingent on normal closing procedures and approvals by regulatory agencies. According to a press release, SPX expects the sale to be completed in the first half of 2012. The company is expecting to record an after-tax book gain of approximately $450 million or $8.65 per share. “The sale of Service Solutions represents the latest significant development in the transformation of SPX,” said Chris Kearney, SPX Chairman, President and CEO. “This divestiture narrows our strategic focus and enhances our ability to build out our Flow Technology segment. Flow Technology is the foundation of our company and we now expect that segment to represent more than 50 percent of our revenue going forward.” Company officials say it is too early to determine what will change or happen to the employees and plant in Owatonna. SPX Corporation is a Fortune 500 multi-industry manufacturing leader with over $5 billion in annual revanue.

Steele County Calendar Tuesday, Jan. 31 Koda Living Community informational meeting, 5:30 p.m., Cedarview Care Center/Park Place Senior Living chapel Steele County board of commissioners meeting, 7 p.m., county administration building, Owatonna Thursday, Feb. 2 Izaak Walton League board meeting, 7 p.m., Albert F. Reding building, Owatonna Saturday, Feb. 4 Steele County Clothesline fundraiser, 5-11 p.m., Holiday Inn & Suites, Owatonna This weekly calendar is sponsored by:

The Mill Street House Otteson Associates, Inc. Psychological and Family Services 209 E. Mill St. Owatonna, MN 55060 507-446-0002 507-451-8003 (fax)

4A â&#x20AC;˘ Tuesday,

News

January 31, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ The Times

Firing

Continued from front She is not aware of any criminal activity involving any past or present employees at the center. She also is not aware of state involvement for any reason, and points out that Prairie Manor is in no financial trouble. In fact, Fate noted that her position was approved for another year just a few months ago. So that leads to the speculation of why would several veteran administrators with more than 50 years of combined experience suddenly be let go. Perhaps what has fueled the situation and uncertainty is that the board is saying nothing. It has never released a formal statement to the public about what is going on and it continues to refuse to answer calls. Last week a board member hung up when The Times identified itself on the phone.

BOARD TURMOIL Fate has her own idea of what is going on and feels the community deserves to know some of what has happened. She said

Fate. After a July meeting, two board members immediately resigned, presumably because they did not agree with what was happening. One board member

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wrong to turn somebodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life upside down without some sort of explanation.â&#x20AC;? - Pam Fate Fired Prairie Manor employee it boils down to a dysfunctional board of directors. The board consists of representatives from six area churches, which own the care center. The churches include First Baptist, First Lutheran, Red Oak Grove Lutheran, St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Catholic, St. Columbanus Catholic and Trinity Lutheran. This controversy began brewing last summer over some personnel matters, according to

has described this situation as a witch hunt for the administratorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s job. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They have not acted in a Christian manner and have been doing unethical things,â&#x20AC;? Fate said of the board. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There has always been hostility with the board,â&#x20AC;? she added. Fate said she views the board as not being supportive or friendly. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The board should have

protected and defended Prairie Manor. I feel they have done neither,â&#x20AC;? she said. The former assistant nursing director wishes no ill will towards the care center, but feels the board has failed to set the record straight. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want harm to come to Prairie Manor. I just want an explanation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wrong to turn somebodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life upside down without some sort of explanation. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s troubling how corrupt it all looks and with them not giving any explanation to anyone,â&#x20AC;? Fate said. She believes the entire situation is the work of one board member. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is one board member who is influencing the other board members,â&#x20AC;? Fate said. She declined to publicly name the board member. Fate is especially troubled by

what was told to the remaining staff after the top administrators were escorted out the door. She learned from employees that the consultant who executed the firings told them, â&#x20AC;&#x153;These changes were necessary because they had to come in and bite the head off the snake.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pretty harsh,â&#x20AC;? said Fate. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m wondering who is the snakeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;all of us or just the administration. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how they apparently viewed us.â&#x20AC;? Efforts by The Times to reach board members and acting administration for comment about Fateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s accusations and other issues regarding the care center have been unsuccessful. Despite the on-going turmoil with the administration at Prairie Manor, Fate is convinced the care of residents is not suffering. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have any doubt that

the staff is providing excellent care,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We always prided ourselves on quality care. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think the current staff would do anything to compromise that.â&#x20AC;? WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NEXT? For Fate, she is busy trying to regroup from the devastation of losing her job. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a huge loss emotionally and financially,â&#x20AC;? she said. She and the others who were fired are considering legal action against Prairie Manor, but she declined to elaborate any further. Since being fired, Fate said she has received several offers from other organizations. She hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t, however, made any decisions yet about her future. She is relying on a strong support system of family and friends to pull her through these difficult times.

Care center reportedly hires new administrator Co-workers claim $1 million lottery prize A new administrator has reportedly been hired at the Prairie Manor Care Center, however, attempts to confirm that fact have been unsuccessful. An employee of the center told the Times that Susan Johnson will take over as administra-

tor of the facility. As this edition of the Times went to press, the newspaper had no informaton about Susan Johnson and calls made to board members to confirm her hiring had not been returned. The care center has been op-

erating without a licensed administrator since Jan. 10, when board members terminated the employment of Mark Robinson, as well as that of three other top managers. The Times hopes to have more on this story next week.

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The Times • Tuesday, January 31, 2012 • 5A

Times Extra! Riding to help hungry children everywhere Part preacher, part philospher, all cowboy – L.T. “Doc” Mishler spreads his message on trip through Steele County BY JON FLATLAND Managing Editor “Feed the children.” That short but direct phrase is the motto Lawrence “Doc” Mishler lives by as he travels the highways and by-ways of America on horseback. As he passed through Blooming Prairie on his trek down Highway 218 recently, he said his goal is to raise awareness about the need to help hungry children around the world. It’s a goal he began riding toward in 2002 … and he plans to continue pursuing it until he slumps over and falls out of the saddle. Mishler, 75, is a former philosophy professor at Western Michigan University who was diagnosed with cancer in 1996. Soon after, he heard Bread for the Journey founder Wayne Muller read from his book, “How Then Shall We Live?” It changed Mishler’s life. He began looking at the Bible critically, trying to figure out what he was supposed to do with his life. In 1998, he moved to Montana, where he worked as a horseback trail guide. Two years later, he sold his land and all his worldly possessions and set out on horseback to preach his message. “I became the man the Lord always intended me to be,” he said. “I’ve ridden horses since I was just a kid, so I decided to take the ability God had given me and use it to raise awareness about the plight of the children.” According to Mishler, 25,000 children die of hunger and hunger-related illnesses every day. Every four seconds, the light in a child’s eyes goes out. “That’s just unacceptable,” he said. “If we can spend $100 billion destroying people, we

can spend $50 million to feed people. If we can build smart bombs to kill people, we can build smart bombs to help the children. It’s as simple as that.” GIVING IT ALL AWAY Once he’d decided his mission, Mishler set out on horseback from Choteau, Mont. with plans to ride to Washington, DC, with a detour through California and Texas. He’s been riding across the country ever since, even making it to Washington, where he testified before a Congressional agricultural committee on the plight of starving children. Some call Mishler an itinerant preacher – a handle that makes him chuckle. “I’ve been called worse. I prefer to refer to myself as ‘voluntarily homeless.’” But he’s quick with a quote from the Bible and an admission that God called him to take up the cause. Mishler’s gentle eyes gleam as he talks about his journey and his mission. His face, tan and creased by wrinkles from the sun, is serious one minute, then smiling and laughing the next. “I used to map out the route I was riding, but I stop wherever I find some hospitality, and when I talk to people they always say they know a better route. So I put the maps away and I just listen to people. You know, I’ve found most of them are a lot smarter than me.” And he’s also not afraid to be critical of some churches. “Some of the churches I visit say they support what I’m doing and offer to pray for the children. I remind them Jesus said, ‘Feed the hungry children.’ He didn’t say pray for ‘em. I tell them to get their priorities straight.” HELP ALONG THE WAY

On the course of his journey, horsemen and supporters give him water and feed his horses. Sometimes, he stays with ranchers and farmers. Other times, he camps in parks or even by the side of the road. “I can think, I can wait, I can fast; although I have found that I seldom have to fast. Most people like horses and children. Many a child has had their first ride on a noble steed; thus my daily bowl is filled because I am with them.” Along with his unwavering faith and his horses, Mishler said his travels would not be possible “without the help of people along the way.” “It’s renewed my faith in the human race. After all, that’s where it all starts – with giving – and people want to help. They want to give. People have been incredibly kind and generous, and I very much appreciate that.” He says riding on horseback gives a person time to reflect. And, Mishler adds, it makes him feel more connected to the earth. “My God and my faith are more eternalized when I’m spending time admiring and enjoying all that God has created for us. Once you know the will of the Creator, you must follow. And the will of the Creator is not that hard to know – the Word came to the earth as a man, Jesus, and he told us how to live. I’m just living the way He wants me to live.” PROBLEMS ON THE ROAD Mishler has encountered some difficulties in his travels, including being arrested in Wisconsin by a police officer who said his horses appeared dehydrated and underfed. He was charged with failing to provide adequate food to the

Photo courtesy of L.T. “Doc” Mishler

Lawrence “Doc” Mishler, 75, rides across the country on horseback to raise awareness and funds for child hunger in the world. A former college philosphy professor and cancer suvivor, he sold his worldly possessions to become “voluntarily homeless” while traveling across the country spreading his message.

Times photo by Jon Flatland

Lawrence “Doc” Mishler stopped at the Dairy Queen in Blooming Prairie to have lunch and to water his horses. Mishler has been riding across the country for several years to raise awareness about child hunger world-wide. Mishler ended up spending about a week in the Bloomng Prairie area before heading south down Highway 218.

animals and briefly jailed while his horses were put in a shelter. But an examination by a veterinarian showed the animals were well-fed and well cared for, prompting authorities to release Mishler and drop the charges against him. “It really grieved my heart to think someone believed my horses were being abused,” he said. “I told them, ‘You don’t go 7,000 miles on horseback abusing your horse.’ But I forgave the officer who filed the complaint. She just did what she thought was right.” KEEP ON KEEPING ON Mishler doesn’t have any plans on stopping his mission. He’s survived inclement weather, close calls with passing vehicles, cancer, a broken pelvis and triple by-pass surgery. In other words, it’s going to take something pretty big to keep this cowboy down. It helps that he’s in no hurry to get to where he’s going, because his route is wherever the Lord and his horses lead him. “I take my time,” said Mishler. “Each day is a new adventure, so I’m in no hurry to get anywhere or I might miss part of the adventure.” Besides, he says, it takes time to make people think about what’s really important. “We have the ability to feed every starving child in the world. We just don’t have the world. I may be just one man,

but I’m determined to do my part to call attention to what’s right and wrong, and children starving is just wrong. “God wants to help through the people. We are weak and God is strong. All things are possible through the Lord. We can feed the hungry children of all, and realize that we will never have peace as long as we keep killing each other’s children.” RULES TO LIVE BY After years of riding on horseback and listening to people, Mishler has found five ideals and commandments of Christ expressed in the book of Matthew that he plans to better explain in a future book about his travels. They are, he says, rules we should all live by: 1, Have no ill-will against anyone, but love all. Don’t even offend with a word. 2. Feed the hungry. 3. Live only in the present and don’t worry about the future. Don’t swear and don’t promise. 4. Never use violence nor repay evil with evil, but suffer insult and give up possessions. 5. Love our enemies and those who hate us by treating them as ourselves. “If we all lived by those rules, the world would be a much better place,” said Mishler.

6A • Tuesday,

Public Safety January 31, 2012 • The Times

Mortgage Foreclosure NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALEPRIVATE THE RIGHT TO VERIFICATION OF THE DEBT AND IDENTITY OF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR WITHIN THE TIME PROVIDED BY LAW IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS ACTION. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN: That default has occurred in the conditions of the following described mortgage: DATE OF MORTGAGE: September 30, 2004 ORIGINAL PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE: $163,920.00 MORTGAGOR(S): John Devetter and Colleen Devetter, husband and wife MORTGAGEE: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., a Delaware corporation as nominee for Timberland Mortgage Services, Inc., a Minnesota corporation DATE AND PLACE OF FILING: Filed October 1, 2004, Steele County Recorder; Document No. A-000326156 ASSIGNMENTS OF MORTGAGE: Assigned to: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY: Commencing at the Southwest corner of the Southeast Quarter of Section 35, Township 107 North, Range 21 West, thence running East 1545.7 feet which point is the true point of beginning, thence running North 340 feet, thence running East 384.3 feet, thence running South 340 feet; thence running west to the point of beginning STREET ADDRESS OF PROPERTY: 5348 48th Street SW, Owatonna, MN 55060-4989 COUNTY IN WHICH PROPERTY IS LOCATED: Steele County, Minnesota THE AMOUNT CLAIMED TO BE DUE ON THE MORTGAGE ON THE DATE OF THE NOTICE: $153,019.52 THAT no action or proceeding has been instituted at law to recover the debt secured by said mortgage, or any part thereof; that there has been compliance with all pre-foreclosure notice and acceleration requirements of said mortgage, and/or applicable statutes; PURSUANT, to the power of sale contained in said mortgage, the above described property will be sold by the Sheriff of said county as follows: DATE AND TIME OF SALE: March 13, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. PLACE OF SALE: Steele County Sheriff’s office, in the Law Enforcement Center, 204 Pearl Street East, Owatonna, Minnesota to pay the debt then secured by said mortgage and taxes, if any actually paid by the mortgagee, on the premises and the costs and disbursements allowed by law. The time allowed by law for redemption by said mortgagor(s), their personal representatives or assigns is six (6) months from the date of sale. Unless said mortgage is reinstated or the property redeemed, or unless the time for redemption is reduced by judicial order, you must vacate the premises by 11:59 p.m. on September 13, 2012. MORTGAGOR(S) RELEASED FROM FINANCIAL OBLIGATION ON MORTGAGE: NONE “THE TIME ALLOWED BY LAW FOR REDEMPTION BY THE MORTGAGOR, THE MORTGAGOR’S PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OR ASSIGNS, MAY BE REDUCED TO FIVE WEEKS IF A JUDICIAL ORDER IS ENTERED UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 582.032, DETERMINING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE MORTGAGED PREMISES ARE IMPROVED WITH A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING OF LESS THAN FIVE UNITS, ARE NOT PROPERTY USED IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AND ARE ABANDONED.” Dated: January 19, 2012

By:

WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. Mortgagee REITER & SCHILLER, P.A. /s/ Rebecca F. Schiller, Esq. Sarah J.B. Adam, Esq. N. Kibongni Fondungallah, Esq. James J. Pauly, Esq. Brian F. Kidwell, Esq. Steven R. Pennock, Esq. Attorneys for Mortgagee 25 North Dale Street St. Paul, MN 55102-2227 (651) 209-9760 (E6735)

THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE FORECLOSURE DATA Minn. Stat. § 580.025 (1) Street Address, City and Zip Code of Mortgaged Premises 5348 48th Street SW, Owatonna, MN 55060-4989 (2) Transaction Agent Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., a Delaware corporation as nominee for Timberland Mortgage Services, Inc., a Minnesota corporation (3) Name of Mortgage Originator (Lender) Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., a Delaware corporation as nominee for Timberland Mortgage Services, Inc., a Minnesota corporation (4) Residential Servicer Wells Fargo (800) 416-1472 (5) Tax Parcel Identification Number 0 9 - 0 3 5 - 2 2 0 4

(6) Transaction Agent’s Mortgage ID Number (MERS number) 100321500021405989 1/24,1/31, 2/7, 2/14,2/21,2/28

Area Police Blotter Blooming Prairie Police Jan. 26 Domestic. Officer responded to a domestic disturbance in the city at 5:24 p.m.

Owatonna Police Jan. 20 DWI Arrest. Officers arrested an adult driver for driving drunk at 14th St. NE and Bigelow Ave. NE at 1:36 a.m. Child Protection. At 11:51 a.m., a child protection report was made in the 500 block of Adams Ave. NW. Accident. Officers responded to a vehicle crash that resulted in property damage at Bridge St. W. and Florence Ave. NW at 7:55 p.m. Jan. 21 Warrant Arrest. At 8:08 a.m., officers arrested an adult on a warrant in the 1400 block of Truman Ave. SE. Vandalism. A citizen reported to police some property damage in the 100 block of Main St. E. at 8:10 a.m. Injury Crash. Officers handled a personal injury car accident at McKinley St. SW ad Oak Ave. S. at 10:41 a.m. Accident. Another personal injury accident happened at 1:21 p.m. at Oak Ave. S. and Plainview St. SW. Vulnerable Adult. A report of a vulnerable adult was made in the 100 block of 24th Place NW at 2:43 p.m. Jan. 22 Traffic Stop. Officers arrested an adult after a traffic stop in the 200 block of Bridge St. W. at 1:06 a.m. Domestic Assault. At 7:47 a.m., an adult was arrested for domestic abuse in the 600 block of Bridge St. W. Injury Crash. A personal injury vehicle crash was reported at 2:33 p.m. at Main St. W and Oak Ave. S. A citation was issued. Assault. A citizen reported being assaulted in the 400 block of Glendale St. NW at 3:32 p.m. Warrant Arrest. Police arrested an adult for an outstanding warrant in the 400 block of 16th St. NE at 3:39 p.m. Jan. 23 Arrest. After a traffic stop was initiated, officer arrested an adult in the 300 block of Mineral Springs Rd. N. at 12:38 a.m. Warrant. Officers arrested an adult on a warrant in the 100 block of Shady Ave. SE at 11:36 a.m. Accident. At 8:49 p.m., officers handled a property damage crash at Bridge St. W. and State Ave. NW. One driver was issued a citation. Jan. 24 Traffic Crashes. Officers handled five vehicle crashes throughout the day. The locations of the crashes included: two at Mineral Springs Rd. N. and St. Paul Rd., 500 block of Mineral Springs Rd., 600 block of Ridge Rd. NE and 200 block of Main St. W. There were no injuries reported in any of the crashes. Juvenile Issue. At 7:26 a.m., officer took a complaint of juvenile trouble in the 400 block of Broadway St. E. Jan. 25 Traffic Arrest. An adult was arrested following a traffic stop at Bridge St. W. and Selby Ave. SW at 1:01 a.m. Warrant. At 10:13 a.m., officers arrested an adult for an outstanding warrant in the 300 block of 16th St. NE. Warrant Activity. Officers took an adult into custody for a warrant in the 200 block of Chestnut Ave. NE. Jan. 26 Hit and Run. Officers investigated a hit and run crash resulting in property damage in the 400 block of North St. W. at 6:43 a.m. Probation. An adult was taken into custody for probation violation in the 100 block of Vine St. E. at 9:33 p.m. Jan. 20 Accident. At 9:16 a.m., deputy responded to a property damage crash in the 8900 block of Lem-

ond Rd. Sexual Conduct. A report of criminal sexual conduct was made in the 10300 block of 34th Ave. SE at 3:52 p.m. Threats. A citizen in the 400 block of 2nd Ave. SE made a report of threats at 6:53 p.m. Vehicle Crash. A crash resulting in property damage was reported at 44th Ave. NE and Dane Rd. at 9:17 p.m. Jan. 21 Fire Call. At 4:53 p.m., deputy assisted on a fire call in the 2000 block of 82nd Ave. NW. Child Protection. A child protection report was made at the sheriff’s office at 8:28 p.m. Jan. 22 Domestic Argument. Deputies handled a domestic disturbance in the 500 block of 3rd St. NE at 1:30 p.m. Traffic Crashes. Three separate vehicle crashes were reported throughout the day on I-35 at mile marker 40 at 5:31 a.m., I-35 at mile marker 35 at 2:56 p.m. and I-35 at mile marker 35 at 8:22 p.m. All three crashes resulted in property damage and no injuries. Jan. 23 Theft. A citizen made a theft report in the 200 block of 5th Ave. W. at 10:46 a.m. Jan. 24 Warrant Activity. At 11:33 p.m., deputies arrested an adult for an outstanding warrant in the 4700 block of 76th St. NW. Jan. 25 Fire. Deputies assisted with a fire call at 44th Ave. SE and Highway 14 E at 9:53 a.m. Death Investigation. The sheriff’s office investigated a death in the 5600 block of 24th Ave. NE at 8:29 p.m. Jan. 26 DWI Arrest. Deputies arrested a driver for intoxicated driving on I-35 at mile marker 25 at 8 p.m.

Dodge County Sheriff The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office handled 265 complaints for the week of January 18 – 25. Some of them include: January 18 Burglary. At 7:19 p.m., a trailer house in the 800 block of Center Ave. in Hayfield had been broken into and items missing. January 19 Narcotics. At 10:13 a.m., the Student Resource Officer at Triton High School in Dodge Center arrested a juvenile subject for fifth degree controlled substance – bath salts. Suicide Threats. At 10:26 a.m., deputies responded to a Kasson residence in the 100 block of 3rd Ave. after a subject was making suicidal comments via text. January 20 Suspicious Activity. At 9:48 a.m., a Hayfield man heard 2 gun shots that came from within town by 1st St. DWI. At 3:32 p.m., a pickup went into the ditch and hit and knocked down a power pole along 635th St. in Dodge Center. The driver suffered no injuries. Deputies responded, found the driver to be under the influence of alcohol and transported him to Steele County Jail. Xcel Energy was contact regarding damage to the power pole. Car Accident. At 4:31 p.m., an accident occurred between a car and snowplow on Hwy. 14 in Dodge Center. The car ended up in the median. The Minnesota State Patrol responded and took the report. One was transported to St. Mary’s Hospital. Suicide. At 4:35 p.m., a male committed suicide in the 71900 block of State Hwy. 56 in Hayfield. January 21 Domestic. At 3:04 a.m., a disturbance broke out in the 100 block of 3rd St. in Claremont. A male subject punched a female. One was transported to the Steele County Jail.

Read “Hot Pursuit” by Publisher Rick Bussler ... Every week on on the Opinion Page

Times file photo by Rick Bussler

Firefighters from Ellendale, Geneva and New Richland were called to an Ellendale residence owned by Mark Misgen on Dec. 7 after two fires were reported, just hours apart. The fires have been deemed suspicious in nature and remain under investigation by the Steele County Sheriff’s Office and the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Arson hotline signs posted on fire-damaged Ellendale home Dec. 7 fires deemed suspicious; remain under investigation BY JON FLATLAND Managing Editor Signs posted last week on an Ellendale home heavily damaged by two fires on Dec. 7 indicate the fires are suspected to be the result of arson and offer a $2,500 reward for anyone who provides information that leads to the identification of the person or persons responsible for the blazes. The signs, which list an 800723-2020 arson hotline phone number, were posted sometime last Wednesday, said Steele County Sheriff Lon Thiele, adding they were not posted by his office. Thiele said an investigation by the sheriff’s office and the State Fire Marshal is still ongoing. He believes the signs were posted by the insurance company or the Ellendale fire department because the fires have been deemed suspicious. The sheriff’s office last week executed a search warrant on the home and placed heaters throughout the residence in an attempt to dry out the interior. Evidence was also seized during that procedure. A spokesman for the State

Fire Marshal’s office would neither confirm nor deny it posted the signs, but noted such signs are often posted on burned structures and only indicate a fire is being investigated to try and determine the cause. The Ellendale Fire Department and the Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a fire at 403 5th Ave. West in Ellendale at 1:53 a.m. on Dec. 7. Homeowner Mark Misgen, an Ellendale businessman, called in the fire and told authorities he had returned home and saw smoke. Firefighters extinguished a blaze in the kitchen of the house, then ventilated the structure and deemed it safe to enter. Two hours later, a passerby notified the sheriff’s office of a fire in the same home. This time fire departments from Ellendale, Geneva and New Richland responded, along with the Ellendale ambulance. The home, which was unoccupied at the time of the blaze, sustained major damage. Misgen, who owns Misgen’s M&S Auto Parts and Maggio’s Pizza, both in Ellendale, was convicted two years ago for fraudulent use of credit cards.

At the time, he faced four charges in Dakota County relating to identity theft and credit card fraud. He later pleaded guilty to receiving stolen property in 2009. Court records indicate Misgen and James Michael Johnson made fake credit cards using the card numbers of customers, and then purchased $20,000 in gift cards, electronics and other goods in Burnsville in 2007. There were six victims in that case and all had done business with Misgen’s auto parts store. A Dakota County judge sentenced Misgen to 30 days in jail and gave him probation. In addition, he was ordered to pay restitution of about $5,200. In December 2011, he appeared for a contested probation violation hearing after failing to pay restitution in a timely manner and for failing to remain law abiding as a result of a misdemeanor traffic violation. Court records show Misgen admitted the violation and Judge David Knutson ordered his probation continued with the same terms and conditions. Misgen still owes just over $3,400 on the restitution order.

Owatonna man pleads guilty to federal child porn charges BY JON FLATLAND Managing Editor Just days before he was to begin a jury trial for criminal sexual conduct charges in Steele County, a 46-year-old Owatonna man pleaded guilty last week to the federal charge of producing child pornography. Michael William Sherman entered his guilty plea in U.S. District Court on Friday to one count of production of child pornography. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, he was initially charged with one count of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Sherman faces a maximum of 30 years in federal prison, with a mandatory minimum of

15 years. According to the U.S. Attorney’s news release, Sherman “enticed and coerced a SHERMAN young boy and girl to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of the activity” between September and December 2010. Authorities found evidence against him on a computer in Sherman’s home when they executed a search warrant. The federal case stems from an investigation by the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, the

state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the Owatonna Police Department. Sherman was arrested in January 2011 on allegations he molested two underage girls in Steele County from 2001 to 2005, when both victims were under the age of 10. He was taken into federal custody on Dec. 13 after being held on $250,000 bail at the Steele County Detention Center. Sherman still faces charges in Steele County of first degree criminal sexual conduct, second degree criminal sexual conduct and fifth degree lewd exhibition in front of a minor. He has pleaded not guilty to all those charges.

The Times â&#x20AC;˘ Tuesday, January 31, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ 7A

News

DNR suggests Blooming Prairie diversify tree population BY JON FLATLAND Managing Editor Using the results of a 2010 tree survey, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has recommended the city of Blooming Prairie begin efforts to diversify its tree population, saying it has an overabundance of maple and ash trees. Of the roughly 6,400 trees within the city, the DNR found 2,500 are maple and about 1,100 are some type of ash. Another 800 trees are spruce, 400 are apple and about 300 each of oak and white cedar. The remaining tree population consists of about 14 different varieties.

Along with the survey, the DNR issued the city a letter warning that emerald ash borer is threatening to eliminate the

The emerald ash borer is usually found in eastern Russia, northern China, Japan and Korea. Before the summer of 2002,

â&#x20AC;&#x153;...weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re taking the advice of the DNR and looking at using other species when we put in new trees.â&#x20AC;? - City Administrator Mike Jones hardy ash trees that line streets in many Minnesota communities, including Blooming Prairie. The number of ash trees in the city, according to the DNR, makes it vulnerable to emerald ash borer.

it had never been found in North America. It was first discovered in the U.S. in six counties in Michigan, but has since been identified in more than a dozen U.S. states and Canada. The canopy of infested trees

begins to thin because the borer destroys the water and nutrient conducting tissues under the bark. In heavily-infested trees, one-third to one-half of the branches may die in one year and most of the canopy is dead within two years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The time to act is now, before the bug comes to town,â&#x20AC;? the letter warns. It also encourages the city to develop a tree removal and planting plan, specifically in regard to ash trees. With its brilliant fall colors, sugar maple and silver or â&#x20AC;&#x153;softâ&#x20AC;? maple, a fast-growing shade tree, have been the tree of choice within the community for years.

Based on the DNRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recommendation, city administrator Mike Jones said Blooming Prairie will not be planting new maple or ash trees in the future and, instead, will begin integrating other species into the landscape. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The DNR wants us to be more proactive in removing poorly formed, stressed and poorly placed ash trees, such as those growing under utility lines,â&#x20AC;? he pointed out. According to the DNR, a diverse community forest is far less susceptible to devastation by a pest or disease that affects a single type of tree. Selecting a wide variety of

trees native to specific areas of Minnesota and providing proper care helps ensure that replacement trees will be strong and healthy while reducing vulnerability to forest pest invaders in the future. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If we started removing some 1,000 ash trees in Blooming Prairie, we would have to take out 40 or so a year over the next 25 years,â&#x20AC;? said Jones. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not going to start doing that unless emerald ash borer does actually become an issue here, but weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re taking the advice of the DNR and looking at using other species when we put in new trees.â&#x20AC;?

BP Army pilot pays tribute BY PER KVALSTEN County Reporter A Blooming Prairie Army Pilot paid tribute to the men and women who have lost their lives during the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Capt. Anthony C. Nelson, son of Ron and Diane Nelson, was the pilot-in-command and CW2 Heath Robinson was his co-pilot during a combat mission in southern Afghanistan. Nelson and Robinson flew an American flag with an AH-64D Apache helicopter on Dec. 20, 2010. The 2001 Blooming Prairie

High School graduate flew in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. His main focus was providing security for U.S. and Australian Special Forces on the ground. The Apache Helicopter is an attack helicopter capable of allowing the freedom to maneuver for the forces as they performed their mission. At the time of the tribute, Nelson was stationed at Tarin Kowt Air Base in Afghanistan. He is currently in command of the Bravo Company First Battalion 101st Aviation Regimen at Fort Campbell, KY.

Nelson presented the flag and a plaque to the American Legion Post #52 in Blooming Prairie. The plaque is currently being displayed at the Servicemenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club in Blooming Prairie. Nelson wanted to give the flag to the Legion in Blooming Prairie because of his parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; involvement over the years as Legion members. Nelson also has history with the Servicemenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club as a bugler during funerals while he was a high school student in Blooming Prairie.

Kidnapping suspect facing several charges

Submitted photo courtesy of Capt. Anthony C. Nelson

Blooming Prairie native Capt. Anthony C. Nelson, a pilot in the U.S. Army, donated an American ďŹ&#x201A;ag to the Blooming Prairie American Post No. 52 that he ďŹ&#x201A;ew with an AH-64D Apache helicopter like the one shown above during a combat mission over southern Afghanistan. Nelson, the son of Ron and Diane Nelson, donated the ďŹ&#x201A;ag as a tribute to the men and women who lost their lives during the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on America.

Students in the News Students on deanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s list At MSU-Moorhead Two area students are among those named to the deanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s list for the fall semester at Minnesota State University-Moorhead. Named to the list were Erin Johnson of Blooming Prairie and Sara Mowry of Owatonna. Johnson is studying to be a paralegal and Mowry is majoring in elementary inclusive education. In order to qualify for the honor, students must maintain a 3.25 grade point average and carry 12 graded credits.

Kittleson is pursuing a degree in communication arts/literature education.

achievement, students must complete 12 or more credits for the semester with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.

Johnson earns honors At Minnesota State CC

Skelton on deanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s list Jeana Johnson, daughter of At Edgewood College

Tom and Pam Johnson of rural Blooming Prairie, has been named to the Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s List for the 2011 fall semester at Minnesota State Community College. She is a 2011 graduate of Blooming Prairie High School. To earn the scholastic

Stephany Skelton of Owatonna has been named to the deanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s list for the fall semester at Edgewood College in Madison, Wisc. Skelton is a senior at the college.

Hagen on deanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s list At UW-Madison Kristin Elizabeth Hagen of Blooming Prairie has been named to the deanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s list for the fall semester of the 2011-2012 academic yearn at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is attending the U of W-M college of letters and science. Also named to the list were Michael Erick Sebring and Christa Mattson Wille, both of Owatonna. Sebring is attending the college of letters and science and Wille is enrolled in the college of engineering. To be eligible, students must complete a minimum of 12 graded degree credits in that semester and meet GPA requirements.

Recipe Corner

Cucumber Salad Ingredients: 2 Cucumbers, thinly sliced 6 Tbsp Miracle Whip 1/2 Onion, chopped 2 Tbsp Milk 3 Tbsp Cider Vinegar 1/4 Tsp sugar Salt and pepper to your choosing

Directions: In a large bowl, mix together Miracle Whip, milk, cider vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper until itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creamy. Chop onion into small pieces and combine with the creamy mix. Peel cucumbers and then slice the cucumbers thin. Place cucumber slices into the large bowl and mix all the ingredients well. Cover and place in the refrigerator for 2 hours to let flavors blend together.

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Kittleson earns honors at Northwestern College Merissa Kittleson, daughter of Roland and Kelly Kittleson of Blooming Prairie, was named with highest honors to the fall semester deanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s list at Northwestern College in St. Paul. The deanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s list includes fulltime students with a grade point average of 3.65 or higher. Highest honors are awarded to students with a GPA of 3.90 to 4.0.

A 27-year-old Rochester man accused of kidnapping his ex-girlfriend and leading authorities on a pursuit through four counties entered a plea in Mower County District Court on Thursday to charges of kidnapping, false imprisonment, stalking, reckless driving and driving after revocation. Zachary Charles Rahlf was arrested Jan. 11 after allegedly kidnapping his ex-girlfriend, Jessica Piland, 22, from Lake Geo Travel Plaza in Dexter and leading authorities from seven area law enforcement agencies on a pursuit through Mower, Steele, Dodge and Olmsted counties. The incident began about 3:30 p.m. that day and ended when Rahlf was arrested at his fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home in Rochester around 10 p.m. that night after he had dropped Piland off at the home of her parents in Kasson. According to the complaint, Pilandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s friend told police Rahlf had recently broken some of Pilandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s teeth in a domestic assault. Following Rahlfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s arrest, Piland told authorities she did not try to escape from Rahlf because there would be â&#x20AC;&#x153;hell to pay.â&#x20AC;?

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Community History 10 Years Ago

and Sue Amundson of Blooming Prairie, which was stolen from in front of the Blooming Prairie Funeral Home Sunday afternoon, Jan. 17 has been recovered. Freeborn County Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Department found the

7XHVGD\ -DQ Elsie Slinger, Editor New honorees were selected for the Distinguished Service Awards, given out by the Blooming Prairie Jaycees for 2002. They will be honored with a dinner and award on Saturday, Feb. 2, at the BP Servicemenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club. Among the honorees were LeMar Nelson, 'LDQH 3Âż HIHU 3DP ,QJYDOVRQ and Alex Pirkl. /DQVLQJ /DQGÂż OO ,QF SDLG the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) a total of $10,000 in civil penalities for environmental violations. In an agreement signed on Dec. 13, 2001, the company initially paid a $2,500 penalty.

missing vehicle abandoned in a ditch along the Interstate west of Geneva. :DUUHQ ,YHUVRQ Âż QDQFH chairman of the Blooming Prairie Servicemenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club Building Committee, reports that the lot

Did You Know? A Moment in Blossom History In the spring of 1982, 80 graduates marched across a BPHS stage for the last time, but several noteworthy events had taken place before then as well. It had been another exciting year in BPHS history. Tom Winzenburg and Gina Reese reigned as the Homecoming royalty, and the football team defeated New Richland 24-7 in the homecoming game. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Guys and Dollsâ&#x20AC;? drew large crowds as the all-school musical, which had roles for Robert Jirele, Janelle Prokopec, Scott Francis, Paula King, and Kelly Magnusson, just to name some of them. The football team compiled a 6-3 record, led by captains Winzenburg, Jirele and Tom Vavra. Reed Storey and David Cochlin made the All-Conference team in boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; basketball, and the locals had D Âż QH UHFRUG /\QGRQ Johnson and Ron Schmelinjg advanced to the region wrestling tourney, and Becky Hatteberg, Gina Reese, and Diana Walch led the girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; basketball team. In baseball, Reed and Greg Storey and David Wanous made the All-Confer-

20 Years Ago :HGQHVGD\ -DQ Karla Ressler, Editor With a 57-10 majority vote, Blooming teachers accepted a $225,000 increase total salary package on Tuesday, Jan. 14th. The signing of the new contract between the district and teachers came just hours prior to the Tuesday midnight deadline. For the year 1991, Blooming Prairie saw an 8.5% decrease in police related activities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Main problems are in the areas of petty vandalism and petty theft,â&#x20AC;? said police Chief Terry Bredeck.

30 Years Ago :HGQHVGD\ -DQ Victor P. Krejci and Vernon H. Krejci, Editors The 1979 red and white Monto Carlo, owned by Gordie

ence team, and the boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; golf team came together to turn its 6-5 record into a district championship, with John AnGHUVRQ DQG 3DW 1REOH Âż QLVK ing second and third individually. The boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; track team won the district title, with several school records broken in the process. But it was the girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; track team that really SXW WKH VFKRRO RQ WKH PDS Âż Q ishing second at conference and the district. Julie Heikes broke school records in both hurdle events, Marie Dodge did the same in the shot put, and it was the Kruckeberg sisters, Jeanne and Lori, who really shone. Jeanne set school records I the 400 and 800, and Lori did the sane in the 1600 and 3200 races. Jeanneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mark in the 400 also was the best in the district and the region. The school year 1981-82 may not have been the best year overall in the local school history, but it surely ranks as one of the best overall in terms of accomplishments. Compiled by LeMar Nelson

on which the new club will be constructed has now been paid for along with some of the improvements which had to be made on the lot and a portion of the architectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fees.

50 Years Ago 7KXUVGD\ -DQ Victor P. Krejci and Vernon H. Krejci, Editors The Advisory Committee to Blooming Prairieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s board of education, at a meeting Monday night of this week, unanimously recommended to the school directors that they proceeded with plans to enable District 756 to adequately house the students in the future. Four auto mishaps were reported in Blooming Prairie the past week, with property damage estimated at over $2400, including $600 to the front of Oswaldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Grocery building. Mrs. Tom Clark forgot to take the vehicle out of â&#x20AC;&#x153;driveâ&#x20AC;? while she made some purchases and the car suddenly took-off and rammed into the front of the store. Thursday, Feb. 2, 1922 T.P. Fagre, Editor )UDQFLV (GPRQG VRQ RI 0U DQG 0UV - 5 (GPRQG KDG VL[ HQWULHV DW WKH )DULEDXOW 3RXOWU\ 6KRZ ODVW ZHHN ZLQQLQJ VL[ SUL]HV DV IROORZV VW QG UG DQG WK RQ SXOOHWV DQG UG DQG WK RQ &RFNHUHOV )UDQFLV KDV EHHQ LQ WKH FKLFNHQ EXVLQHVV IRU VRPH WLPH DQG KDV D Ă&#x20AC; QH Ă RFN ZKLFK LV REWDLQLQJ FRQVLGHUDEOH DWWHQWLRQ

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The BP Cancer Group will be holding their 4th Annual Pegs and Jokers Tournament on Saturday, Feb. 25 at the Pizza Cellar. Prizes are awarded to the top four teams. Registration begins at 5 p.m. followed by a pizza buffet and games.

The American Red Cross must be prepared to respond to patient emergencies with blood products 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Through donations the Red Cross can be prepared to do this. Local donation opportunities have been scheduled for Feb. 6 (1-7 p.m.), Feb. 7 and 8 (12-6 p.m.) at Sterling State

%R\V DQG *LUOV &OXE *DOD The Blooming Prairie Boys and Girls Club will be holding their 2012 Gala event on Saturday, Feb. 11, at the Blooming Prairie Servicemenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club. Social hour begins at 5 p.m. followed by hors dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oeuvres and a silent and live auction. Advance discount tickets are available for $10/individual or $25/family (2 adults & up to 3 children) at the Boys and Girls Club or any board member

(Lisa Hocking, LeMar Nelson, Orlo Toquam, Tim Hansen, Amy Snider, Michelle Southworth, Nancy Farr, Lianna Doocy, Chairole Williamson, Ann Anderson, Angie Avery, Jennifer Wayne, Tara Gimbel, Ranell Kittleson, Linda Kaplan or Rebecca Stuber). Tickets will also be available at the door for $15/individual or $30/ family.

Bank in Austin, Feb. 9 (9 a.m.2 p.m.) at Riverland Community College in Austin, and Feb. 13 (9 a.m.-2 p.m.) for Mower County Employees at 201 1st St. NE, Austin. You can call 1-800-733-2676 or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information.

01 )LUVW 'LVWULFW 9HWHUDQV RI )RUHLJQ :DUV DQG $X[LOLDU\ PHHWLQJ The Minnesota First District Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Auxiliary will hold their meeting in Kenyon on Saturday, Feb. 4 at 9:30 a.m. hosted by Conrad Osthum VFW #141 and its Ladies Auxiliary. Ladies Auxiliary will meet at St. Michaelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Catholic Church and VFW members will meet at the Post Home. All chairpersonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unable to attend should mail their reports to the Auxiliary District Secretary prior to this meeting.

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Jan. 31

Blooming Prairie Planning & Zoning Bd Mtg., 7 p.m. Lions Club, 6:30 p.m. American Legion & Auxiliary, noon Snow Week King & Queen Coronation @ H.S. Gym, 8 p.m. Eastern Star, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 1 Feb. 2 Feb. 6 Feb. 7 Feb. 8

Economic Dev. Authority Mtg., 4:30 p.m.

Knights of Columbus, 7 p.m. This Community Calendar is Proudly Sponsored by

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90 Years Ago

Community Events The cost if $15 and includes the pizza buffet. It is a fun night out with friends and proceeds help the Blooming Prairie CanFHU *URXS Âż JKW IRU WKH FXUH Please call Linda Christianson at 583-2433 to get registered by Feb. 10.

Community Calendar

Menus Senior Living Feb. 1 1HZ (QJODQG %RLOHG 'LQQHU $OW 6OLFHG 7XUNH\ %UHDVW /D\HU 6DODG 'LQQHU 5ROO %OXVKLQJ 3HDUV Feb. 2 %HHI 5RDVW 0DVKHG 3R WDWRHV 6WHZHG 7RPDWRHV %DNHG $SSOH Feb. 3 2UDQJH -XLFH (JJ 6DX VDJH %DNH 0XIĂ&#x20AC; Q )UXLW &XS Feb. 6 7DWRU 7RW +RWGLVK &ROH VODZ 3LQHDSSOH 6OLFH 'LQQHU 5ROO &RFRQXW &UXPE 'HOLJKW Feb. 7 6SDJKHWWL 0HDW 6DXFH 7RVVHG 6DODG *UHHQ %HDQV )UHQFK %UHDG 3LH Feb. 8 &KRZ 0HLQ RYHU 5LFH *UHHQ %HDQV 6SLFHG 3HDFKHV &UDLVLQ 2DWPHDO &RRNLH

School Menu

Feb. 1 Breakfast: Assorted Cereal, Toast with Peanut Butter, Chilled Fruit Lunch: Breakfast Stacker (WW Pancake, Sausage Sandwich) (Alt: Tuna Salad Bowl), Scrambled Eggs, Tri Tator, Cinnamon Apple Slices Feb. 2 Breakfast: Pancakes with Warm Syrup, Ham Slice, Chilled Fruit

Lunch: Soft Shell Taco (Alt: Turkey Ranch Wrap), Lettuce, Diced Tomatoes, Corn & Brown Rice Bake, Refried Beans Feb. 3 Breakfast: Cheese Omelet, %OXHEHUU\ 0XIÂż Q &KLOOHG )UXLW Lunch: Chicken Nuggets (Alt: Chef Salad), Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Green Beans, WG Dinner Roll Feb. 6 Breakfast: Breakfast Pizza, Chilled Fruit Lunch: Cheeseburger on Whole Wheat Bun (Alt: Turkey BLT Salad), Lettuce and Tomato, Crinkle Cut Potatoes Feb. 7 Breakfast: Petite Cinnamon Roll, Trail Mix, Chilled Fruit Lunch: Chicken & Penne Pasta (Alt: Taco Salad), Italian Tossed Salad, WG Bread Stick, Seasoned Corn Feb. 8 Breakfast: Assorted Cereal, Toast with Peanut Butter, Chilled Fruit Lunch: Meatloaf Cupcake (Alt: Turkey Sub), Cheesy Broccoli Pot Mash, Popeye Salad, WG Dinner Roll

Birthdays & Anniversaries Jan. 31 Gloria Hernandez, Chelsea Miller, Tammy Wehner Feb. 1 Cody Doerhoefer, Jon Vogt, Nathan Arndt Feb. 2 Mike Farr, Joseph Farr, David Clark, Mary Burr, Jackie Betlach,Steven Busho, Natalie Esplan, Butch Engelken, Brayton Ingvalson Feb. 3 Ryan Klemmensen, Jay Iverson, Sophie Thomas, Gary Tashima, Luke Hueman

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The Times â&#x20AC;˘ Tuesday, January 31, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ 9A

Faith

Pastorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Corner

Montessori Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s House receives $500 from local Thrivent Financial for Lutherans

Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; kingdom is like ... BY REV. MARK ROSENEAU I remember as a young child being fascinated by maple seeds, or helicopters as I called them. With every strong breeze the whirligigs would twirl and flutter from the trees to the ground. I would throw them back into the sky to watch them spiral to the ground again. One day in curiosity I peeled the outer layer off to expose the bulge as a tender green something. I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know it was a seed. Even less did I know the great potential there was inherent in that seed to grow into a great tree. I no longer remember why, but when I tired of my fascination with the skinless seeds, I dropped them into a quart glass jar of dirt in our garage. Some days later, while practicing basketball, the ball rolled into the garage. As I reached to pick up the ball, my gaze fell on that jar. No longer a solid black, the seeds had erupted to fill the jar with a maze of white roots. My dad could explain to me what had happened to the seeds and that the tree would soon grow out of the jar.

Jesus told a parable a b o u t a small s e e d and the amazing results after it was planted. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A man planted a mustard seed, one of the smallest seeds, and the plant grew to be such a great tree that the birds could perch on its branches.â&#x20AC;? It was a parable about his kingdom. Jesus intended a contrast of his kingdom to mankindâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s criteria that define greatness. While people esteem wealth, fame, popularity, success, and size, Jesus taught that his kingdom is different â&#x20AC;&#x201C; like the small mustard seed with its slight and almost unobserved beginning increases gradually and has a glorious end, so Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; kingdom. All the while much of what people esteem ends up deserted and of no value. As I gaze anew at this teaching of Jesus, I am reminded of Richard Trench saying of

the parable, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jesus is both the mustard seed and the man who planted it.â&#x20AC;? He is the Seed, all of the potentiality of the Church being enclosed in him. Without the Seed the Church would have no life. Jesus is the seed out of which the Church has grown. And Jesus is the man who planted the seed. In a free act of his own He gave himself to death, whereby He has become life for many. Jesus said of his selfless sacrifice, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.â&#x20AC;? Fruitfulness: a mark of the kingdom of Jesus. The gift of faith to trust in Jesus, like a seed planted in us taking root, fills its limits, and grows into something much larger than ourselves. Fruitful faith provides a place for others to rest, a place for others to find protection, a place to discover that faith which welcomes another into Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; kingdom. Rev. Mark Rosenau is Senior Pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Owatonna,

The Owatonna Montessori Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s House recently received $500 as part of the OMCH sixth annual Chip In fundraiser hosted in October by members from the Owatonna Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Thrivent Financial members and other volunteers raised $1,000 and an additional $500 was provided by Thrivent Financial. Through its chapter pro-

grams, Thrivent Financial provides financial support and other resources for its members to come together to help their communities and congregations through fundraisers and service activities. All Thrivent Financial members belong to a local chapter that provides a way for them to give back to their communities, congregations and causes they care about through charitable activities, as well as connect

Area Church Schedule Baptist FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 104 1st Ave. NE., Blooming Prairie Pastor Matt Fennell 507-583-2673 Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. Service. Sunday: 9 a.m. Sunday School; 10 a.m. Sunday Morning Service; 11:30 a.m. Second Service.

Rev. Andrew Vogel, Parochial Vicar.

Catholic School Week activities continue Catholic Schools Week activities are in full force at St. Isidore School of Litomysl. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Family Dayâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dress-Up Dayâ&#x20AC;? is the theme for Wednesday. All family members and friends are invited to join the students for Mass at Holy Trinity Church at 11 a.m. After Mass, a potluck lunch will be enjoyed by all in the

church basement. After lunch the guests will be given the opportunity to see a slide show featuring the students of St. Isidores and the students will then put on a talent show for everyone to enjoy. Thursday, Feb. 2, is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Teacher Appreciation Dayâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pajama Dayâ&#x20AC;?. The teachers will go out for lunch and the students will

enjoy a movie in the afternoon, under the supervision of volunteers. The teachers at St. Isidore School are Mrs. Sheila Sawyer teaching the 3rd, 4th & 5th graders, Erin Olson teaching the kindergarten, 1st and 2nd graders, and Mrs. Tammy Harber teaching the preschoolers and Mrs. Mary Hawkins is the principal.

Blooming Prairie Masons raising funds for Steele County Food Shelf BY PER KVALSTEN County Reporter In a time where giving is getting harder and harder to do, the Blooming Prairie Masons have stepped up to help those in need. With the generosity of the public, the local Masons are asking help. The Grand Lodge and Minnesota Masonic Charities are offering a two-for-one match to help the Steele County Food Shelf. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For every dollar raised the Steele County Food Shelf will receive $3,â&#x20AC;? Blooming Prairie Mason Davin Johnson said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The food shelf is able to purchase food at a significant discount. It makes more sense to donate money to the food shelf because they can bring in much more food for people that need it desperately.â&#x20AC;? The fundraiser has begun and

will continue until Feb. 15. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In this economy, it is so important to support organizations like the Steele County Food

â&#x20AC;&#x153;In this economy, it is so important to support organizations like the Steele County Food Shelf.â&#x20AC;? - Davin Johnson, Blooming Prairie Masons Shelf,â&#x20AC;? Johnson said. Donation receptacles have been placed at many Blooming Prairie businesses and no donation is too small. Every single cent is going to the food shelf. The goal of the food shelf is to provide food to the hungry,

promote self-sufficiency and coordinate with other poverty and hunger related services. According to the Steele County Food Shelf, many reasons exist for the need to utilize the food shelf. These reasons range from a drop in income, low wage jobs, unemployment, and people who are unable to work. MN Masonic Charities The Minnesota Masonic Charities have a long history of supporting many area organizations. The charities have donated $100 million to the search for a cure for cancer. In 2008, the charities pledged $65 million to the University of Minnesota to fight cancer. For more information or for people looking to make a larger contribution, contact Johnson at (507) 438-1234.

6XQGD\ D P D P a.m. Worship Services; 9:15 a.m. Sunday School.

Mennonite

ST. MICHAELâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LUTHERANâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;ELCA 30450 570th Ave., Waltham Rev. John Heruth (Intern) 507-567-2474 Sunday School: 9:15 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m.

PRAIRIE MENNONITE CHURCH 13638 750th St., Blooming Prairie Arnie Skrivseth & Dennis Martin 507-583-2081 & 507-477-3216 :HGQHVGD\ S P 6HUYLFHV Sunday: 9:30 a.m. Sunday School; 10:30 a.m. Worship Services.

ZZZ JRRGVKHSKDUGRZDWRQQD FRP

RED OAK GROVE LUTHERANâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;ELCA 30456 Mower-Freeborn Rd. Austin Pastor Lindsay Stolen 507-583-2038 or 507-437-3000 www.roglutheran.org Sunday: 9 a.m. Worship; 10:15 a.m. Sunday School (Sept-May).

SACRED HEART CATHOLIC +D\ÂżHOG Father William Kulas 507-477-2256 Sunday: 10 a.m. Mass.

HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC CHURCH OF LITOMYSL 9946 SE 24th Ave., Owatonna Rev. John Sauer, Pastor Rev. Jon Moore, Substitute Priest

Blooming Prairie American Legion Commander Gary Thorson, left, and American Legion Auxiliary President Susan Thorson, right, recently presented scholarship checks to Daniel Hanson and Sidni Olson. The $500 scholarships are made possible by the American Legionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fourth of July rafďŹ&#x201A;e and various auxliary fundraisers. Also receiving a scholarship but not pictured was Kerri Trom.

ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH - ELCA 7126 SW 98th St., Ellendale Pastor Gary Rusinko 507-465-8400 Sunday 9 a.m. Worship; 10 a.m. Sunday School.

ST. MARYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CATHOLIC Rural Geneva Father Swamy Pothireddy 507-465-8217 Sunday: 10:45 a.m. Mass.

ST. COLUMBANUS CATHOLIC CHURCH 114 E. Main St., Blooming Prairie Father William Kulas 507-583-2784 Saturday: 3:45 p.m. Reconciliation; 4 p.m. Mass. Sunday: 8 a.m. Mass. Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. -1 S P 2IÂżFH +RXUV

Scholarships awarded

GOOD SHEPARD LUTHERANâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;LCMS 2500 7th Ave. NE., Owatonna Rev. Mark Rosenau & Rev. Gregory Schlicker 507-451-4125

Catholic

CHURCH OF ALL SAINTS 307 1st St. SW., New Richland Father Swamy Pothireddy 507-465-8217 Saturday: 5 p.m. Mass. Sunday: 8 a.m. Mass; 9 a.m. Sunday School.

Submitted photo

with one another through social and educational events. Anyone can join in volunteer and educational activities hosted by Thrivent Financial. To connect with the Owatonna or Steele County Chapter of Thrivent Financial, call 507455-3727. To find other area Thrivent chapters, visit the Chapter Locator at www.thrivent.com/ chapters, or call 800-236-3736.

507-451-2299 www.litomysl.webs.com Sunday: 9:30 a.m. Mass. Wednesday: 6-11 gr. Faith-In-Action and &RQÂżUPDWLQ S P 6HFRQG Sunday: Pre - 5 grade Family Faith Formation with noon Potluck.

REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCHâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;LCMS 1054 Truman Ave., Owatonna Pastor Kirk Griebel 507-451-2720 www.redeemerowatonna.org Sunday: 9 a.m. Worship Service; 10:15 a.m. Sunday School. ST. JOHNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LUTHERAN CHURCH â&#x20AC;&#x201D;LCMS 4532 SE 84th Ave., Claremont Rev. Warren Schmidt 507-584-2404 6HUYLFH KHOG 6DWXUGD\ (YHQLQJ DW S P +RO\ &RPPXQLRQ RIIHUHG QG 4th Sundays. Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sermon on 1st and 3rd Sundays. Sunday School and &RQÂżUPDWLRQ FODVVHV EHJLQQLQJ DW D P D P 6HSWHPEHU 0D\ Sunday Service held at 10:30 a.m. ST. JOHNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LUTHERAN CHURCHâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;LCMS 28959 630th Ave., Sargeant Rev. Ronald Prigge 507-584-6358 Sunday: 9 a.m. Sunday School; 10:15 a.m. Worship Service.

SACRED HEART CHURCH 810 S. Cedar Ave., Owatonna Father Rev. John Sauer 507-451-1588 www.sacredheartowatonna.org Saturday: 5 p.m. Mass. Sunday: D P D P D P 0DVV 1 p.m. Spanish Mass.

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 5881 SE 118th St. Blooming Prairie 507-633-9331 Worship Service: 10:30 a.m.

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH ( 0DLQ 6W +D\ÂżHOG Father Emmanuel Sylvester 218-695-2641 Sunday: 11 a.m. 0DVV 5HOLJLRXV (GXFDWLRQ

FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCHâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;ELCA 434 1st St. SW., Blooming Prairie Charles Leonard, Senior Pastor Heidi Heimgartner, Associate Pastor 507-583-6621 ZZZ ÂżUVWOXWKHUDQES ZRUGSUHVV FRP

Sunday 8:30 a.m. :RUVKLS D P 6XQGD\ 6FKRRO 10:30 Worship. Sunday 8:30 a.m. Broadcast on .2:= )0 FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCHâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;ELCA 6: WK $YH +RSH Sunday: 8:30 a.m. Worship: 9:30 a.m. Sunday School: 10:30 a.m.

LANSING UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 26875 539th Ave., Lansing 3DVWRU 0DUYLQ 5HSLQVN\ 507-437-1437 Sunday: 9:30 a.m. Worship Services. 1st Thursday of month: 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Soup Lunch. ELLENDALE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 200 6th St. NW., Ellendale Pastor Lisa Dodd 507-684-2731 www.ellendaleumc.org Sunday: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School; 10:30 a.m. Worship. GENEVA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 100 2nd St. NE., Geneva Pastor Lisa Dodd 507-684-2731 www.genevaumc-mn.org Sunday: 8:45 a.m. 6XQGD\ 6FKRRO :RUVKLS

Mormon THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS 404 31st ST. NW. Austin %LVKRS 0DUN :KLWH 507-433-9042 Sacrament 10 a.m.-11.15 a.m.

Non-Denominational CEDAR CREEK CHURCH ( 0DLQ 6W +D\ÂżHOG Pastor Aaron de Neui 507-477-2255 www.cedarcreekchurch.org Sunday: 10 a.m. Worship.

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCHâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;ELCA VW 6W 6( +D\ÂżHOG Rev. Paul Hauschild 507-477-2248 ZZZ WULQLW\KD\ÂżHOG RUJ 6XQGD\ D P 10:30 a.m. Worship Worship Services; 9:15 a.m. Sunday School.

ELEVATION NORTH CHURCH 217 N. Main Medford, MN Worship and Praise Service 10 a.m. Sunday School 11:15 a.m.

TRINITY LUTHERANâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;LCMS 57403 300th St., Waltham Pastor Jeff Kuddes 507-567-2272 Sunday: 9 a.m. Sunday School; 10:15 a.m. Divine Service.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ( 0DLQ 6W +D\ÂżHOG Pastor Charlie Talcott 507-477-2631 Sunday: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School; 10:30 a.m. Worship Services.

Lutheran AURORA LUTHERAN 6329 SE 38th St Owatonna, MN 55060 Sunday School: 10 a.m. Worship Service: 9 a.m.

Methodist

ST. PAULâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s LUTHERANâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;LCMS 202 E. Park Ave., Hollandale Pastor Jeff Kuddes 507-567-2272 Sunday: 8:30 a.m. Worship; 9:45 a.m. Sunday School. COMMUNITY LUTHERAN CHURCHâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;ELCA 106 3rd St. SE., Geneva Pastor Carrie McElfresh 507-256-4288 Sunday: 9:30 a.m. Worship; 10:30 a.m. Sunday School

Presbyterian

Seventh-Day Adventist SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH 2373 7th Ave. N.E. Owatonna Pastor James Van Arsdale 507-451-5761 6XQGD\ D P 6DEEDWK 6FKRRO 11 a.m. Church.

This message is contributed by these area businesses who urge you to attend the church of your choice.

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10A • Tuesday,

January 31, 2012 • The Times

Blooming Prairie Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Seniors - BLUE Juniors - ORANGE Sophomores - BLACK Freshman - PURPLE 8th Grade - RED 7th Grade - GREEN

Stop Light Day

Character Day

Color Day

Red Neck - Camo Day

Friday

Spirit Day Saturday

Royalty candidates include (back row, l-r) Isaiah Toquam, Jonathan Kraling, Gabriel Kartes, David Huff and Patrick Jones; (front row, l-r) Kierstin Wencl, McKayla Myer, Maggie Sorenson, Hunter Henderson and DaVyll Smith.

CORONATION : Monday, Feb. 6-8 p.m., School Gymnasium

SNOW WEEK DANCE 8-11 p.m. High School Commons Area

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Times SPORTS B Section OUTSIDE THE LINES

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Blossom girls score fifth straight win Key matchups against USC and WEM ahead for Blooming Prairie

LeMar Nelson

BP girls lead local sports round-up It really has been an up and down season for Blooming Prairie’s basketball teams this winter, although the girls have been just a little more constant in their play. A four-game winning streak was on the line for the girls when they entertained Mankato Loyola Saturday afternoon, and their win over the Crusaders made it number five. That win evened their season mark at 9-9, and upped the conference record to 8-3. The team would have to play an almost perfect game to beat NRHEG tonight (Tuesday), but the girls hope they have a better chance against USC this Friday, and later next week when WEM comes to Blooming Prairie in their return conference contest. Revenge would be sweet in both of those last two games. Scoring for the girls has been led all season by freshman Taylor Hagen, but lately, the team has gotten help from several others, including Jenna Krell, Madison Worke, Shelbi Swenson, Julia Manges, and Sara Noble. That has made them a better team. The boys began the season with 4 wins, but then went through that stretch of losing six games in a row. They came back to win three straight before stumbling at Loyola on Saturday. Hopefully that blip on their screen will disappear with a home victory over NRHEG tonight (Tuesday). The boys have had a onetwo punch of freshman John Rumpza and Michael Thomas, but Gabe Kartes and Ryan McCabe have also had big games. Fans hope that can continue. The wrestling team is still winless, but Jarrod Grunklee continues ranked in the state, and Zach Nirk has joined Grunklee and Adam Driessen with some big wins lately. The team keeps fighting in every match, and that individual success is nice to see. It is also room for some optimism to see the BPRA wrestlers do well, which they did in a recent tournament at Goodhue. Go to it, guys. IS IT GLOBAL WARMING? I think that most people will accept that global warming is truly taking place after reading all of the articles lately about the ice caps melting much faster than anticipated and other moisture-related phenomena. I would venture one other minor cause. In the last few years it seems to me that with a snowfall, however many inches it totals, we always get some freezing rain first. That simple occurrence puts a thin sheet of ice on sidewalks and streets and even on lawns and fields that minutes before were dry and brown. I can’t remember more than one or two such events when growing up, and it seems to have gotten its real start way back in the Halloween ice storm of 1991. Outside the Lines Continued on Page 3B

Times photo by Jon Flatland

Sara Noble brings the ball up the court for the Awesome Blossoms during their 67-32 win over Mankato Loyola on Saturday. Noble turned in one of her best performances of the season, scoring 12 points in the victory and helping Blooming Prairie improve to 8-3 in the Gopher Conference.

BY LEMAR NELSON Staff Writer Two big scoring runs sealed a fifth consecutive victory for the Blooming Prairie girls basketball team on Saturday, lifting the Awesome Blossoms to a 6732 win over visiting Mankato Loyola. With a little over 10 minutes left in the first half, the Blossoms outscored the Crusaders 17-6 to take a 14 point lead, 3319, into the lockerroom at halftime. Blooming Prairie then outscored Mankato Loyola 24-3 late in the second half to cruise to victory. The Gopher Conference victory evened Blooming Prairie’s season record at 9-9 and improved its conference mark to 8-3. The Blossoms face conference-leading NRHEG, ranked second in Class 2A, tonight (Tuesday) and have two other key conference matchups ahead, taking on USC and WEM in the next two weeks. Against Mankato Loyola, 12 different players scored for Blooming Prairie, led by Sara Noble and Shelbi Swenson with 12 apiece. Jenna Krell added 9 points and 6 steals, Marissa Jensen had 9 points, and Julia Manges scored 7. Tori Poe pitched in 6 points, Madison Worke finished with 5 points and 6 rebounds, and Taylor Hagen added 5 points, 3

blocked shots and 5 boards. Delaney Nelson contributed 4 points, Tricia DeBoer had 3, Jesaray Suazo scored 2 points and Cotney Eason pitched in 2 points, 3 blocks and 6 rebounds. Jordyn Strachan had 8 points for Loyola. “We are back to .500 for the season now, and we are getting some better shooting from all of the girls. That has been good to see over the last five games.,” said Coach John Worke. Blooming Prairie shot 37 percent from the field on 27 of 73 attempts, while the Crusaders made 27 percent on 14 of 52 tries. The Blossoms had a 3730 edge in rebounding and committed just 11 turnovers. Second half lifts B-Squad Leading by just five points at the half, Coach Cory Hendrickson’s B squad outscored Loyola 22-10 in the second half to win 44-27. Seventeen steals and 36 percent shooting from the field helped the young Blossoms. Nicole Inwards had 10 points and 6 steals, Delaney Nelson counted 6 points and had 7 rebounds, and Alanna Grant added 6 points. The team improved its record to 7-11. Freshmen make it a sweep The freshmen team took a 26-8 halftime lead and won by a final of 32-23. Tessa Ivers and Carissa Easton each had 8 points for the Blossoms, who climbed to an 8-9 record with the victory.

Rumpza pours in 29 to lead BP past Triton BY LEMAR NELSON Staff Writer The Awesome Blossoms boys basketball team claimed a big win over Triton last Tuesday, but its three game win streak was snapped Saturday with a 75-54 loss to Mankato Loyola. Blooming Prairie is 4-5 in Gopher Conference play and 8-9 overall. The Blossoms host NRHEG tonight (Tuesday) and travel to USC on Friday. BLOOMING PRAIRIE 61 TRITON 45 Sparked by a season-high 29 point performance by freshman John Rumpza, the Awesome Blossom boys won their third game in a row with a dominating 61-45 victory over Triton on the home court last Tuesday. Leading scorer Michael Thomas was limited to just two points in the game, but Rumpza and the rest of the Blossoms made up for it. Blooming Prairie took control of the game from the start, holding the Cobras to just 10 first half points. Reserves played significant minutes in the second half when Triton was able to cut the margin with some late baskets. Rumpza led all scorers with 29 and also pulled down 14 rebounds. Gabe Kartes had 7 points, Luke Hueman added 6, and Jimmy Mans pitched in 5. Luc Zellmer netted 3 points while Matthew Worke, Weston Fiebiger, Cody Doerhoefer and Alex Fiebiger had two each. Collin Yankoviak contributed 1 point. The Blossoms shot 33 percent from the floor while Triton hit 25 percent of its shots. Blooming Prairie outrebounded the Cobras 50-35. “The boys really helped themselves in this game,” said Coach John Bruns. “The stingy first half defense held Triton to poor shooting and just the 10 points, and it was good to see the guys working together and running the floor. We also rebounded the ball

well.” B-team comes from behind After falling behind in the first half, the Blooming Prairie JV team rebounded for a 47-41 victory over Triton. Brett Wacek counted 14 points to lead the scoring, and Matthew Worke and Collin Yankoviak had 7 points each. Wacek also cleaned the boards for 20 of the Blossoms’ 40 rebounds. Decker leads freshmen BP’s 9th grade team also trailed Triton at the half of its game, but came back to edge the Cobras 45-42. Jake Decker led the scoring with 12 points. MANKATO LOYOLA 75 BLOOMING PRAIRIE 54 The Blossoms hopes of a fourth straight victory were dashed by Mankato Loyola, which took advantage of 23 Blooming Prairie turnovers to notch a Gopher Conference victory on Saturday. Blooming Prairie overcame a 4127 halftime deficit to pull within five points in the second half, but the Crusaders pulled away for a big victory. “The game was a lot closer than the score indicates,” said Coach John Bruns. “We came back from double digit deficits twice in the first half but we just couldn’t keep pace with them over the last five minutes.” Michael Thomas paced the Blossom scoring attack with 21 points while Gabe Kartes and John Rumpza added 12 and 11 points, respectively. Rumpza also had 12 rebounds. Luke Hueman pitched in 5 points and Ryan McCabe added 1 point. The Blossoms connected on 21-of56 shots from the floor for 37 percent and hit 8-of-16 attempts from the charity stripe for 50 percent. The Blossoms shot a dismal 26 percent from behind the 3-point line, connecting on 4-of-15 shot attempts from long-range. The Blossom B-team won 53-47 and the freshman won 38-36.

Times photo by Jon Flatland

Michael Thomas pulls down a rebound for Blooming Prairie during last week’s matchup against Triton. Also in position for the rebound was teammate Luke Hueman.

THE TIMES • 507-583-4431 • Fax: 507-583-4445 • bptimes@frontiernet.net • www.bloomingprairieonline.com

2B • Tuesday, January 31,

2012 • The Times

Coaching milestones the norm at BPHS BY LEMAR NELSON Staff Writer Three Blooming Prairie High School coaches who are currently still active, and one coach retired from the coaching ranks, have earned some milestone victories. Their achievements of girls basketball coach John Worke, football coach Chad Gimbel, softball coach Ali Mach and former baseball coach Christ Staloch are testament to their longevity in coaching careers and a benchmark of their success. 300 WINS FOR WORKE Worke, who also serves as athletic director at BPHS, has the longest tenure of the four coaches and has the biggest career milestone. He attained and passed career win number 300 last season and is well on the way to the next step with 313 victories. “Win number 300 was a big number for me, and one that I had no idea of lasting long enough to accomplish,” he said. “I guess when a person coaches the same sport for 19 years, that number does become attainable.” His 300th victory had a bit of irony in that it came at Janesville. Earlier, Worke earned his 200th career conference, also thanks to JWP, in a home contest. After a little searching, Worke remembered his first win as a coach happened against New Richland on Dec. 3, 1993 by 51-43 score. One of the highlights of his career came in 1999, when the Blossoms won the section tournament and advanced to the state tournament. Morris Area School defeated Blooming Prairie in the state quarterfinals at Mankato State University. Blooming Prairie captured the section with an overtime win over Lake CrystalWelcome Memorial, thanks to a layup by Missy Avery. Another highlight would have to be a long conference winning streak that reached into the 40’s. That streak began under retired Coach Dean Meshke and continued under Worke. “It has been a very good time in my life, and the opportunity to work with talented athletes almost every year has been a real privilege,” said Worke.

WORKE

STALOCH

A Blooming Prairie High School graduate who piled up 664 points in his two years as a starter on the Blossom basketball team, Worke graduated from Winona State University and took his first teaching position at his alma mater. The rest, as the saying goes, is history. STALOCH REACHES 100 Retired coach and now the Blooming Prairie Elementary School Principal Chris Staloch passed his 100th career milestone in a home game win in 2008. Staloch, who graduated from Maple River High School and Gustavus Adolphus, played baseball at both places. He began his teaching and coaching career at Blooming Prairie High School and retired from his coaching duties with 143 career victories. Staloch also coached basketball and football in his tenure on the school staff. One of his big highlights happened in 2003, when David Kramer led the BLossoms all the way to the section finals. Chatfield defeated Blooming Prairie in the section championship game and deprived the Blossoms of their best chance at a state tournament berth. The team won 19 games that season, which was matched by a Josh Toquam-led team in 2009. “Those years of coaching were fun,” said Staloch. “The boys were always team-oriented and a pleasure to work with, and some very good players have been a part of the baseball program. I really enjoyed my 11 years of baseball with these athletes.” MACH MARKS MILESTONE If Blooming Prairie softball coach Ali Mach’s team can manage at least 8 victories this season, she will pass Staloch as the second-winningest coach on the

MACH

GIMBEL

BPHS teaching staff. Mach’s record currently stands at 136 wins and 58 losses, and the team has a school record 21 straight wins to its credit. In her first year of coaching, Mach’s team lost her first game to non-conference opponent Triton 1-0, but then defeated Glenvile-Emmons 15-2 for her first win. Win number 100 happened against NRHEG in a 6-2 victory, and Mach will remember that win a long time. But, she said, she also remembers some tough losses, as well. One of the most disappointing came n 2010 when USC came back from a big deficit and beat the Blossoms in extra innings. One of her favorite memories came just last spring when Blooming Prairie defeated Mankato Loyola 5-4 in extra innings for the first time ever. Others include her team’s back-to-back state tournament appearances and two victories over Hope Lutheran the first year to make the state. Mach graduated from Pine City High School and earned her degree at St. Thomas University, where she continued her high school softball career. She believes one of her biggest accomplishments as a coach has been to create a winning attitude toward softball at Blooming Prairie High School. “I think we have changed the entire culture surrounding softball here. The team has improved its win total each season, and the girls have become used to winning. “I’ve also been fortunate to have excellent pitchers each season, with only three main hurlers on the mound (Amy Manske, Erica Manske, and Kari Peterson) pitching the majority of innings.

That has been a huge factor in our success.” Mach is already looking forward to the 2012 season knowing that some pressure will be on the team to do well again. GIMBEL HITS CENTURY MARK Then most recent milestone mark by a Blooming Prairie High School coach came just last fall when Chad Gimbel recorded win number 100 against Southland in the section 1A final football game that went to the Blossoms 20-14. He got his next win against Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity in the state quarterfinal game, before losing to eventual state champion Dawson-Boyd in the semifinals. Gimbel just finished his 15th season as the Blossom head coach, and there is no doubt that his offensive plan of wideopen football has been popular, as well as successful. He is a graduate of Browerville High school, where he played football and was on the wrestling team. He earned his college degree from Moorhead State College and took his first teaching and coaching position in Blooming Prairie. While Gimbel’s teams have provided him many memories over the years, his biggest highlight was the first time beating Goodhue for the section title in 2009, when the Blossoms defeated the Wildcats 21-20 by blocking two extra point tries. Another was his team’s win over Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity in the 2011 state quarterfinal when Blooming Prairie stopped a two-point conversion near the end of the game to secure a victory and advance the team to the quarterfinals. There have been low points, as well, such as the upset loss to Medford in 2006 after the Blossoms had gone undefeated to that point. Another loss that rankles Gimbel was a defeat by USC after the Blossoms had led the entire game. “I think one of the greatest factors in my success has come from how much I have learned, not from the victories, but from the defeats,” said Gimbel. “Those have made me a much better coach. I’ve really enjoyed my years of coaching and working with a great bunch of kids, and I hope there are more to come.”

Three BP matmen place at Lake City Invitational BY LEMAR NELSON Staff Writer Blooming Prairie wrestlers earned two third place finishes and a fourth place showing at the Lake City Invitational Tourney Saturday, Jan. 28. Adam Driessen and Jarrod Grunklee both finished thirdwhile Derek Drees placed fourth in their respective weight classes. At 145 pounds, Driessen first defeated John Ellenz of Caledonia in an 8-4 decision. He lost his second bout to Brad Maas of Medford on a 7-2 decision beforebattling back in the wrestlebacks to defeat Jacob Newhoter of PEM 13-0. Driessen edged Joe Volgarino of Hayfield 6-4 in an overtime

bout for third place. Heavyweight Grunklee drew a first round bye before being pinned by Paul Kruger, Jr. of Wabasha Kellog in 1:09. He came back through wrestlebacks to pin Sam Fryer of Chatfield in 2:03 and then earn third place with a pin of Jason Callahan of Rochester Mayo in 3:37 of the second period. Blossom 170-pounder Derek Drees lost his first bout to Austin Poss of Lake City by a fall, drew a bye in the wrestlebacks, and then placed fourth when he had to withdraw on an injury default. Caledonia/Houston/Spring Grove won the team title at the tournament with Plainview-Elgin -Millville capturing second place honors

Athletes of the Week

Shelbi Swenson Shelbi scored 12 points to lead the Blossoms past Mankato Loyola.

BOYS STANDINGS CONF. ALL WEM 10-0 15-1 Beth. Academy 8-2 14-4 USC 8-2 13-4 Loyola 7-3 11-5 Bloo. Prairie 4-5 8-9 Medford 3-8 5-12 NRHEG 3-8 5-14 JWP 3-7 3-11 Randolph 0-11 1-16 GIRLS STANDINGS CONF. ALL NRHEG 11-0 20-0 USC 8-3 13-4 Bloo. Prairie 8-3 9-9 WEM 7-4 9-8 Beth. Academy 6- 5 10-9 Medford 5-7 7-11 Loyola 4-8 8-11 JWP 1-10 4-14 Randolph 1-11 4-14

Blooming Prairie High School Calendar of Events Tuesday, Jan. 31 Jr. Hi GBB vs. NRHEG at Ellendale, (7th at 4:30, 8th at 5:30 p.m.) Jr. Hi BBB vs, NRHEG (7th at 4:30 p.m., 8th at 5:30 p.m.) BBB vs. NRHEG, Home, (9th at 4:30 p.m.) GBB at NRHEG, (9th at 4:30 p.m.) Thursday, Feb. 2 Wrestling at Triton, Triangular (Triton & Cannon Falls), 5 p.m. Friday, Feb.3 Jr. Hi GBB vs. USC, Home, (7th at 4:30, 8th at 5:30 p.m.) Jr. Hi BBB vs. USC at Wells, (7th at 4:30, 8th at 5:30 p.m.) GBB vs. USC, Home, (9th at 4:30 p.m.) BBB vs. USC at Wells, (9th at 4:30 p.m.) Monday, Feb. 6 Snow Week BeginsCoronation program, H S. Gym, 8 p.m..

8th Grade boys improve to 19-0 on the season Submitted photo

The Blooming Prairie Recreation Association has 58 youngsters from pre-K through Grade 6 participating in wrestling. Twenty-four of the wrestlers traveled to Goodhue Sunday, Jan. 22, and finished second in an invitational tournament competing against Glenwood City, Triton, Pine Island, Cannon Falls, and the host Goodhue. Blooming Prairie’s only loss came in the round against Goodhue. The wrestlers are coached by Scott Archer and Jeremy Simon, with assistance from parent volunteers. The next tournament will be Saturday, Feb. 4, on the home mats. Pictured are Bo Zwiener, Carson Brenneke, Bradley Simon, Tyler Archer, Cody Nirk, Riley Olson, Jarrett Larson, Dylan Okorie, Jack Abbe, Seth Peterson, Ethan Arett, Preston Rieken, Dylan Nirk, Bradley Staska, Corey Lyman, Payton Simon, Mason Carlson, Mason Simon, Zachary Archer. Not pictured are Colton Krell, Colton Ivers, Ryan Pena and Robert Pena.

8th grade girls run season mark to 12-1

Gabe Kartes Gabe scored 12 points in BP’s loss to Mankato Loyola on Saturday.

Gopher Conference BB standings

Winning has become a habit for Blooming Prairie’s 8th grade girls, who captured their 12th victory against just one loss with a win over Mankato Loyola last week. Meanwhile, the 7th grade lost another two-point contest to drop to 6-7 for the season. Details for the 8th grade were not available at press time, but the 7th grade led at the half only to have the Crusaders rally at the end for a 20-18 win. Leah Inwards had 6 points, and Kiley Forystek, Carly Meyer, and Marissa Larson all chipped in 4 points. Over the last few weeks, the junior high girls have played four games each. The 8th grade finished that stretch with a close win over Randolph to raise its season record to 11-1, and the 7th grade ended the four games at .500 The 8th grade girls fell be-

hind early against Medford Friday, Jan. 20, but a good second half earned the Blossoms a 2421 win. The victory avenged the only loss of the season for the locals. Alyssa Krohnberg counted 6 points, and Kalyn Naatz and Lauren Larkoski each added 4. The 8th grade defeated B.A. 24-19 on the home court Friday, Jan. 13, after falling behind early. Kalyn Naatz led the Blossoms with 7 points, and Laura Grant had 5. Earlier that week, the 8th grade girls hit a lull and trailed WEM 17-10 at the half on Tuesday, Jan. 10, but turned the game around for their eighth win of the season. Kalyn Naatz counted 7 points, Laura Grant 6, Hannah Ahrens 5, and both Abby Wayne and Lauren Larkoski 4. 7TH GRADE AT.500 In two games two weeks ago, the 7th grade girls split a pair of games. They defeated

Randolph 20-6, after dropping a close contest to Medford 2321. The team held Randolph scoreless until the last quarter in the win at home. Leah Inwards, Carly Meyer, and Kiley Forystek all had 6 points in the game. The team finished the week with a 6-6 record. In the loss at Medford, the teams were tied at 17 after three quarters, before the Tigers were able to prevail. Marissa Larson and Inwards both had 6 points in the loss. In unreported games from earlier in the month, the 7th grade went above .500 with a 28-16 win over WEM , but B.A. defeated the locals 32-11 on the home floor Friday, Jan.13. Good team defense the whole game helped the Buc victory. Carly Meyer had 14 points, but 7 girls counted points in the game. B.A. led at all the stops in itsvictory 10-0, 17-2, 27-4.

After jumping to an 185 first quarter lead, the 8th grade boys won their 19th game of the season Tuesday Jan. 24, beating Triton 49-39. Every player scored points, with Anthony Nelson and Mitchell Jones leading the way with 19 and 16 points, respectively. At Randolph on Friday, Jan. 20, the 8th graders jumped out to a commanding lead 24-3 in the first quarter, coasted in the middle quarters, and then spurted to the easy win in the final quarter. Kevin Eischens and Nick Poe both hit two triples in that quarter and finished with 8 and 7 points, respectively. Jon Hatch led the local scoring with 15 points and Anthony Nelson and Mitchell Jones had 14 and 9 for the Blossoms. Blooming Prairie also defeated Medford 54-3 after taking a 29-11 lead at the half. Every Blossom had plenty of playing time with Kevin Eischens, Dillon Easton, and Nick Poe all scoring 7 points in the game.

Support Awesome Blossom athletics!

The Times â&#x20AC;˘ Tuesday, January 31, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘

Outside the Lines

Bowling Results

Continued from Page 1B Maybe it is just my imagination or the fact that I am getting so old that even a little slippery surface scares me just a little, but it is certainly something to think about. Younger people can hit slippery spots and whiz quickly to solid ground, but it is a scary proposition for those of us who walk gingerly even in the driest of conditions. It is quite an adventure. I still walk whenever I think the streets are dry, but I hope motorists donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mind that I step gingerly to the side of the street when meeting an oncoming vehicle. I still maintain that we are prone to a lot more sleet before any snowfall heads our way. What do readers think? PLAYING POLITICS! When it comes to politics, I am a registered independent, and I am wondering if everyone is getting as tired of the Republican debates as I am. I think even die-hard Republicans must be in a muddle as far as choosing a presidential nominee is concerned. It seems that each potential candidate has had his turn as the front-runner in the national polls, depending what state is

targeted for caucuses or votes. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know how many, if any more debates are scheduled, but I wish Republicans good luck in choosing their nominee. It looks like a long summer leading up to the nominating conventions in the fall. BITS AND PIECES Excitement is beginning to build for the annual Snow Week coronation and daily activities. It Is certainly a true reality that there is very little snow this year, but that wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop students from celebrating. The action begins with the King and Queen coronation next Monday in the gym at 8 p.m., and the attention then shifts to the activities that are planned each day and lead up to the dance. We hope things go well and that students enter into the spirit of the week and really enjoy everything about Snow Week. It should be fun and a break from the regular routine of this relatively long period between holidays. ZELLMER SEEING ACTION Former Blossom recordsetter in career scoring Matt Zellmer is now getting playing

time each game with the Luther College basketball team. The Norsemen currently lead their conference with a 15-3 record on the season. A quick tip of the hat to Zellmer as he more and more becomes an integral part of the Luther team. THE GALA APPROACHES The annual Boys and Girls Club Gala is now fast approaching on Saturday, Feb. 11, and the public is urged to attend and support this very worthwhile group. The gala is the biggest fundraising project of the club, and I think everyone is aware that charitable organizations are having a tough tome making their budgets in this economic time. Silent and live auctions are part of the eveningâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s program, snacks will be served, and a brief program will precede the live auction. The state sports organizations have contributed some valuable prizes to the live auction, and at least two processed hogs will be offered for auction as well. My neighborhood spies tell me that there are some

other big prizes in the live auction and also a couple of new games concocted by Branch Director Mary ShermanAhrens. A big turnout is expected, and the goal is to exceed last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s proceeds of $14,000 Local residents can make that happen, and patronage is appreciated. Donations for the auction would also be accepted and much appreciated and can be dropped off at the club. CHUCKLE OF THE WEEK Now that the Iraq war has ended, we can make jokes about the experience. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s close this week with a short anecdote from a soldier involved in the war. Just before he was deployed to Iraq, he sat his young son down and broke the news to him. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to be away for a long time,â&#x20AC;? the soldier told his son. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to Iraq.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x2DC; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Why?â&#x20AC;? the son asked. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you know thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a war going on there?â&#x20AC;? Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a pretty wise son ... and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll talk again.

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The Times • Tuesday, January 31, 2012 • 5B

January 31, 2012 • The Times

Tired of the traditional dating routine, couple met online BY PER KVALSTEN County Reporter

When it comes to love, fate is a thing of the past. Thanks to modern technology, more and more people are turning to online communication services to find companionship, relationships and marriage. Two such people are Times editor Jon Flatland and his wife, Kim. The couple met more than five years ago through the online dating service, eHarmony, and in September 2011, celebrated their first wedding anniversary. Both Jon and Kim had been married previously. More than a year after their respective divorces, they turned to the internet to find a match after growing frustrated with the traditional dating routine. Jon said he never dreamed of finding romance on the internet, but the wife of his best friend purchased a membership for him on eHarmony. “My best friend and his wife were trying to make love connections for their single friends,” he recalls.

“They kept inviting me to events like ballgames and concerts, and when I’d arrive, I’d find they had invited one of their single female friends as well, hoping they could get us together.” When Jon thanked them for their concern and their efforts, but told them to stop, his friend’s wife gave him the gift of online dating by paying for his membership. Several months passed before he visited the eHarmony website “just to see what it was all about,” and a few more passed before he actually activated the membership. Kim signed up for an eHarmony membership only months before Jon, mainly because she knew other people who had found success through the site. In fact, several acquaintances were dating people or had found their spouses after connecting with them through the online dating service. “I was more in the market for a companion than a husband,” she said. “It’s tough sometimes when you’re single and most of your friends are married. You feel

Photo by Missy Dale Photography

Kim and Jon Flatland met through the internet dating site eHarmony five years ago after growing tired of the traditional dating routine. In September 2011 they celebrated their first wedding anniversary. They say there used to be a stigma to online dating, but in today it is considered perfectly normal.

like an extra wheel. I was hoping to find a nice guy for a companion – someone that enjoyed the same things I enjoyed and wanted to do some

of the same things I wanted to do. There were a lot of events and activities I would have loved to have attended, but I didn’t simply because I

didn’t want to go alone.” YOU’RE FROM WHERE? Jon and Kim were sent a list of potential matches based on their compatibility

surveys and then one of them then had to reach out to the other through the site. On eHarmony, users complete a personal profile

and answer a variety of questions relating to their likes and dislikes. The company then uses a formula to compare those answers with those of others users, thus determining compatibility. Once matches are found, it is up to the users to make contact with those found to be compatible with their profile. The eHarmony site makes that easy to do with established confidentiality guidelines that require users to correspond through the site at first and then, with the approval of each person, via e-mail and eventually the telephone. Jon said he almost didn’t complete the survey, because it involves a number of questions and takes a little bit of time. “I was skeptical. I figured why answer all these questions? What type of person can I be matched with based on these answers?” CONNECTON MADE Despite the fact that Kim lived in the Twin Cities area and Jon lived in eastern North Dakota at the time, Jon took the first step of contacting Kim through the eHar-

mony site. Eventually, they began corresponding through the website using a system that allows users to ask pre-determined questions or make up their own questions to get to know their matches better. Through this process, they learned their hometowns were less than an hour apart in northern Minnesota and they had some common acquaintances. “We found out we had some people in common,” Jon said. “Our hometowns competed against each other in high school athletics, so even though Kim is five years younger than me, I knew some of her high school friends and had even played basketball against her cousin.” E-mails between the two soon turned into telephone conversations every other evening, and then literally every night. A short time later, they arranged to meet for the first time. “We agreed to meet at a resort on Detroit Lakes,” said Jon. “We talked about it and had decided that if neither of us felt a ‘connection,’ there

Top 10 internet dating sites 1. Match.com 2. Zoosk 3. eHarmony 4.Perfectmatch.com 5. Mingle2 6. Chemistry.com 7. iMatchDating 8. Singles.net 9. Date.com 10. plentyoffish.com would be no pressure and no strings attached. Basically, we decided that if nothing else came out of it, maybe we both made a new friend.” FALLING IN LOVE Both Jon and Kim said they had already grown attracted to one another through their e-mail and telephone correspondence, but meeting each other faceto-face for the first time and actually spending time in one another’s company sparked a romance.

“We spent hours just talking … about our families, our lives, even our divorces,” Kim recalls. “I felt totally comfortable with Jon from the minute we met. We had so much in common, he had a sense of humor I was attracted to, and we shared a lot of the same goals and ambitions in life. I knew after we met the first time that I wanted to pursue a relationship with this man, and he said he felt the same way.”

Despite the distance between them, the couple began dating. The more than five hours between where they lived was made easier by the fact Jon was selfemployed and could make the trip to the Twin Cities on most weekends to see Kim and her children. “They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, and I found that to be true,” he said. “I would drive down from North Dakota on Fridays and head back home again on Sundays, but it kept getting harder and harder to leave, and when we weren’t together, Kim and I spoke by telephone every night.” Three years into the relationship and with her father’s blessing, Jon proposed to Kim on Christmas Eve. They were engaged for a year and in September 2010, they were married on the shores of Detroit Lakes, at the very same resort where they had met for the first time. “That’s where we really began our relationship together so we thought it was appropriate to begin our life together there as well,” said Kim.

ADVICE FOR OTHERS While an internet dating site worked for Jon and Kim, they understand it may not work for others. Still, they suggest anyone looking for a match to consider joining an online service. “There’s always a fear about safety, which is a legitimate concern, but these days, I think finding a love connection online is a lot safer than hooking up with someone in a bar and exchanging contact information,” said Jon. “And I think there used to be a stigma to online dating, but now it’s considered perfectly normal. In fact, we now know several married couples who met online.” The key to success in finding a match online, says Kim, is being up-front and honest about what type of person you are looking for and about who you are. “Don’t try to be someone you’re not, because if and when you do meet someone through a service like eHarmony, they’re going to find out pretty quickly you weren’t being honest. Just be yourself.”

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The Times • Tuesday, January 31, 2012 • 7B

Leggal Notices Mortgage Foreclosure NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE THE RIGHT TO VERIFICATION OF THE DEBT AND IDENTITY OF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR WITHIN THE TIME PROVIDED BY LAW IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS ACTION. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that default has occurred in conditions of the following described mortgage: DATE OF MORTGAGE: May 9, 2003 MORTGAGORS: F r e d e r ick G. Weller and Cynthia R. Weller, Husband and Wife. MORTGAGEE: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc.. DATE AND PLACE OF RECORDING: R e c o r d e d May 15, 2003, Steele County Recorder, Document No. A 310577. ASSIGNMENTS OF MORTGAGE: Assigned to: CitiMortgage, Inc.. TRANSACTION AGENT: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. TRANSACTION AGENT'S MORTGAGE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ON MORTGAGE: 100197500000206417 LENDER OR BROKER AND MORTGAGE ORIGINATOR STATED ON MORTGAGE: Brier Mortgage Corporation RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE SERVICER: CitiMortgage, Inc. MORTGAGED PROPERTY ADDRESS: 725 South Cedar Avenue, Owatonna, MN 55060 TAX PARCEL I.D. #: 171010518 LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY: South 5 Rods of Lot 10 in Block 5 of Phelps Addition to the City of Owatonna, Minnesota. COUNTY IN WHICH PROPERTY IS LOCATED: S t e e l e ORIGINAL PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE: $ 1 0 0 , 0 0 0 . 0 0 AMOUNT DUE AND CLAIMED TO BE DUE AS OF DATE OF NOTICE, INCLUDING TAXES, IF ANY, PAID BY MORTGAGEE: $ 8 0 , 7 0 8 . 9 7 That prior to the commencement of this mortgage foreclosure proceeding Mortgagee/Assignee of Mortgagee complied with all notice requirements as required by statute; That no action or proceeding has been instituted at law or otherwise to recover the debt secured by said mortgage, or any part thereof; PURSUANT to the power of sale contained in said mortgage, the above described property will be sold by the Sheriff of said county as follows: DATE AND TIME OF SALE: February 10, 2012 at 10:00 AM PLACE OF SALE: S t e e l e County Sheriff's Office, Law Enforcement Center, 204 Pearl Street East, Owatonna, MN to pay the debt then secured by said Mortgage, and taxes, if any, on said premises, and the costs and disbursements, including attorneys' fees allowed by law subject to redemption within six (6) months from the date of said sale by the mortgagor(s), their personal representatives or assigns unless reduced to Five (5) weeks under MN Stat. §580.07. TIME AND DATE TO VACATE PROPERTY: If the real estate is an owner-occupied, single-family dwelling, unless otherwise provided by law, the date on or before which the mortgagor(s) must vacate the property if the mortgage is not reinstated under section 580.30 or the property is not redeemed under section 580.23 is 11:59 p.m. on August 10, 2012, unless the redemption period is reduced to 5 weeks under MN Stat. Secs. 580.07 or 582.032. MORTGAGOR(S) RELEASED FROM FINANCIAL OBLIGATION ON MORTGAGE:None "THE TIME ALLOWED BY LAW FOR REDEMPTION BY THE MORTGAGOR, THE MORTGAGOR'S PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OR ASSIGNS, MAY BE REDUCED TO FIVE WEEKS IF A JUDICIAL ORDER IS ENTERED UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 582.032, DETERMINING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE MORTGAGED PREMISES ARE IMPROVED WITH A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING OF LESS THAN FIVE UNITS, ARE NOT PROPERTY USED IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AND ARE ABANDONED." Dated: December 16, 2011. CitiMortgage, Inc. Mortgagee/Assignee of Mortgagee

USSET, WEINGARDEN AND LIEBO, P.L.L.P. Attorneys for Mortgagee/Assignee of Mortgagee 4500 Park Glen Road #300 Minneapolis, MN 55416 (952) 925-6888 10-5913 THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. 12/27,1/3,1/10 1/17,1/24,1/31

OF MORTGAGE: $140,000.00 MORTGAGOR(S): Joseph Scott Houston and Marie Houston, husband and wife MORTGAGEE: Centennial Mortgage and Funding, Inc., a Minnesota corporation DATE AND PLACE OF FILING: Filed May 19, 2003, Steele County Recorder; Document No. A310669 ASSIGNMENTS OF MORTGAGE: Assigned to: Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Inc., n/k/a Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. successor by merger to Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Inc. LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY: The North Half of the West Half of Lot 2, Block 1, in Homestead Addition to the City of Owatonna; AND the East 25 feet of the North Half of Lot 3, in Block 1, in Homestead Addition to the City of Owatonna STREET ADDRESS OF PROPERTY: 645 12th Street NE, Owatonna, MN 55060 COUNTY IN WHICH PROPERTY IS LOCATED: Steele County, Minnesota THE AMOUNT CLAIMED TO BE DUE ON THE MORTGAGE ON THE DATE OF THE NOTICE: $142,314.92 THAT no action or proceeding has been instituted at law to recover the debt secured by said mortgage, or any part thereof; that there has been compliance with all pre-foreclosure notice and acceleration requirements of said mortgage, and/or applicable statutes; PURSUANT, to the power of sale contained in said mortgage, the above described property will be sold by the Sheriff of said county as follows: DATE AND TIME OF SALE: February 21, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. PLACE OF SALE: Steele County Sheriff’s office, in the Law Enforcement Center, 204 Pearl Street East, Owatonna, Minnesota to pay the debt then secured by said mortgage and taxes, if any actually paid by the mortgagee, on the premises and the costs and disbursements allowed by law. The time allowed by law for redemption by said mortgagor(s), their personal representatives or assigns is six (6) months from the date of sale. Unless said mortgage is reinstated or the property redeemed, or unless the time for redemption is reduced by judicial order, you must vacate the premises by 11:59 p.m. on August 21, 2012. MORTGAGOR(S) RELEASED FROM FINANCIAL OBLIGATION ON MORTGAGE: MARIE HOUSTON

DATE AND PLACE OF FILING: Filed May 25, 2004, Steele County Recorder; Document No. A322281 ASSIGNMENTS OF MORTGAGE: Assigned to: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY: Commencing at a point 330 feet South of the Northeast Corner of the West Half of the Southeast Quarter of Section 2, Township 107 North, Range 20 West and running thence South 132 feet, thence North 90° West 330 feet, thence North 132 feet, thence North 90° East 330 feet to beginning, containing one acre more of less. Said bearings being assumed and based on the East line of the West Half of said Southeast Quarter being North 0° East, subject to Public Road easement over the East 3 rods thereof. STREET ADDRESS OF PROPERTY: 1680 Crestview Lane, Owatonna, MN 55060 COUNTY IN WHICH PROPERTY IS LOCATED: Steele County, Minnesota THE AMOUNT CLAIMED TO BE DUE ON THE MORTGAGE ON THE DATE OF THE NOTICE: $190,550.38 THAT no action or proceeding has been instituted at law to recover the debt secured by said mortgage, or any part thereof; that there has been compliance with all pre-foreclosure notice and acceleration requirements of said mortgage, and/or applicable statutes; PURSUANT, to the power of sale contained in said mortgage, the above described property will be sold by the Sheriff of said county as follows: DATE AND TIME OF SALE: February 23, 2012 at 10:00 am PLACE OF SALE: Steele County Sheriff’s office, in the Law Enforcement Center, 204 Pearl Street East, Owatonna, Minnesota to pay the debt then secured by said mortgage and taxes, if any actually paid by the mortgagee, on the premises and the costs and disbursements allowed by law. The time allowed by law for redemption by said mortgagor(s), their personal representatives or assigns is six (6) months from the date of sale. Unless said mortgage is reinstated or the property redeemed, or unless the time for redemption is reduced by judicial order, you must vacate the premises by 11:59 p.m. on August 23, 2012. MORTGAGOR(S) RELEASED FROM FINANCIAL OBLIGATION ON MORTGAGE: NONE

“THE TIME ALLOWED BY LAW FOR REDEMPTION BY THE MORTGAGOR, THE MORTGAGOR’S PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OR ASSIGNS, MAY BE REDUCED TO FIVE WEEKS IF A JUDICIAL ORDER IS ENTERED UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 582.032, DETERMINING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE MORTGAGED PREMISES ARE IMPROVED WITH A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING OF LESS THAN FIVE UNITS, ARE NOT PROPERTY USED IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AND ARE ABANDONED.”

Dated:

December

29,

2011

Dated: January 5, 2012 WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. Mortgagee

WELLS FARGO BANK, NA Mortgagee REITER & SCHILLER, P.A. By: /s/ Rebecca F. Schiller, Esq. Sarah J.B. Adam, Esq. N. Kibongni Fondungallah, Esq. James J. Pauly, Esq. Brian F. Kidwell, Esq. Steven R. Pennock, Esq. Attorneys for Mortgagee 25 North Dale Street St. Paul, MN 55102-2227 (651) 209-9760 (Z1981) THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE FORECLOSURE DATA Minn. Stat. § 580.025 (1) Street Address, City and Zip Code of Mortgaged Premises 645 12th Street NE, Owatonna, MN 55060 (2) Transaction Agent Centennial Mortgage and Funding, Inc., a Minnesota corporation (3) Name of Mortgage Originator (Lender) Centennial Mortgage and Funding, Inc., a Minnesota corporation (4) Residential Servicer Wells Fargo (800) 416-1472 (5) Tax Parcel Identification Number 17-135-0122 (6) Transaction Agent’s Mortgage ID Number (MERS number) None 1/3,1/10, 1/17 1/24,1/31,2/7

Mortgage Foreclosure

By:

REITER & SCHILLER, P.A. /s/ Rebecca F. Schiller, Esq. Sarah J.B. Adam, Esq. N. Kibongni Fondungallah, Esq. James J. Pauly, Esq. Brian F. Kidwell, Esq. Steven R. Pennock, Esq. Attorneys for Mortgagee 25 North Dale Street St. Paul, MN 55102-2227 (651) 209-9760 (E6457)

THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE FORECLOSURE DATA Minn. Stat. § 580.025 (1) Street Address, City and Zip Code of Mortgaged Premises 1680 Crestview Lane, Owatonna, MN 55060 (2) Transaction Agent Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., a Delaware Corporation, as nominee for Voyager Bank (3) Name of Mortgage Originator (Lender) Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., a Delaware Corporation, as nominee for Voyager Bank (4) Residential Servicer Wells Fargo (800) 416-1472 (5) Tax Parcel Identification Number 17-002-2407 (6) Transaction Agent’s Mortgage ID Number (MERS number) 100038900005465286 1/10,1/17,1/24 1/31,2/7,2/14

Mortgage Foreclosure

NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALEPRIVATE

NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE

THE RIGHT TO VERIFICATION OF THE DEBT AND IDENTITY OF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR WITHIN THE TIME PROVIDED BY LAW IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS ACTION.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN: That default has occurred in the conditions of the following described mortgage: DATE OF MORTGAGE: May 21, 2004 ORIGINAL PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE: $206,050.00 MORTGAGOR(S): Jeffrey T. Seaton and Gina M. Seaton, husband and wife MORTGAGEE: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., a Delaware Corporation, as nominee for Voyager Bank

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that default has occurred in the conditions of the following described mortgage: DATE OF MORTGAGE: March 8, 2006 ORIGINAL PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE: $129,200.00 MORTGAGOR(S): Meejung A Chavie and Patrick Chavie, wife and husband MORTGAGEE: Wells Fargo Bank, NA LENDER: Wells Fargo Bank, NA SERVICER: Wells Fargo Bank, NA DATE AND PLACE OF FIL-

ING: Filed March 14, 2006, Steele County Recorder, as Document Number A000339692 ASSIGNMENTS OF MORTGAGE: Assigned to: US Bank National Association, as Trustee for Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc., Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-WF2; Dated: September 20, 2011 filed: September 23, 2011, recorded as document number A000380212 LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY: Lot 4, Block 5, Crooker & Parker's Addition to Owatonna, Steele County, Minnesota, EXCEPT the East 99.99 feet thereof PROPERTY ADDRESS: 819 North Elm Avenue, Owatonna, MN 55060 PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 17-105-0504 COUNTY IN WHICH PROPERTY IS LOCATED: Steele THE AMOUNT CLAIMED TO BE DUE ON THE MORTGAGE ON THE DATE OF THE NOTICE: $144,684.47 THAT all pre-foreclosure requirements have been complied with; that no action or proceeding has been instituted at law or otherwise to recover the debt secured by said mortgage, or any part thereof; PURSUANT, to the power of sale contained in said mortgage, the above described property will be sold by the Sheriff of said county as follows: DATE AND TIME OF SALE: March 1, 2012, 10:00am PLACE OF SALE: Sheriff's Main Office, Law Enforcement Center, 204 Pearl Street East, Owatonna, MN 55060 to pay the debt secured by said mortgage and taxes, if any, on said premises and the costs and disbursements, including attorneys fees allowed by law, subject to redemption within 6 months from the date of said sale by the mortgagor(s) the personal representatives or assigns. TIME AND DATE TO VACATE PROPERTY: If the real estate is an owner-occupied, single-family dwelling, unless otherwise provided by law, the date on or before which the mortgagor(s) must vacate the property, if the mortgage is not reinstated under section 580.30 or the property is not redeemed under section 580.23, is 11:59 p.m. on September 4, 2012. "THE TIME ALLOWED BY LAW FOR REDEMPTION BY THE MORTGAGOR, THE MORTGAGOR'S PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OR ASSIGNS, MAY BE REDUCED TO FIVE WEEKS IF A JUDICIAL ORDER IS ENTERED UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES SECTION 582.032 DETERMINING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE MORTGAGED PREMISES ARE IMPROVED WITH A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING OF LESS THAN 5 UNITS, ARE NOT PROPERTY USED FOR AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AND ARE ABANDONED. Dated: January 4, 2012 US Bank National Association, as Trustee for Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc., Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-WF2 Assignee of Mortgagee SHAPIRO & ZIELKE, LLP BY ___________________________ Lawrence P. Zielke - 152559 Diane F. Mach - 273788 Melissa L. B. Porter - 0337778 Randolph W. Dawdy 2160X Ronald W. Spencer - 0104061 Stephanie O. Nelson - 0388918 Attorneys for Mortgagee 12550 West Frontage Road, Ste. 200 Burnsville, MN 55337 (952) 831-4060 PURSUANT TO THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT, YOU ARE ADVISED THAT THIS OFFICE IS DEEMED TO BE A DEBT COLLECTOR. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. THIS NOTICE IS REQUIRED BY THE PROVISIONS OF THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT AND DOES NOT IMPLY THAT WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT MONEY FROM ANYONE WHO HAS DISCHARGED THE DEBT UNDER THE BANKRUPTCY LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES. 1/10,1/17,1/24 1/31,2/7,2/14

Mortgage Foreclosure 11-075765

as document number A1348983 LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY: Lot 6, Block 42, Townsite (now City) of Rockville PROPERTY ADDRESS: 306 Broadway Street E, Rockville, MN 56369 PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 76.42240.0034 COUNTY IN WHICH PROPERTY IS LOCATED: Stearns THE AMOUNT CLAIMED TO BE DUE ON THE MORTGAGE ON THE DATE OF THE NOTICE: $58,414.00 THAT all pre-foreclosure requirements have been complied with; that no action or proceeding has been instituted at law or otherwise to recover the debt secured by said mortgage, or any part thereof; PURSUANT, to the power of sale contained in said mortgage, the above described property will be sold by the Sheriff of said county as follows: DATE AND TIME OF SALE: February 29, 2012, 10:00am PLACE OF SALE: Sheriff's Main Office, Civil Division, Room S136, Law Enforcement Center, 807 Courthouse, St. Cloud, MN 56302 to pay the debt secured by said mortgage and taxes, if any, on said premises and the costs and disbursements, including attorneys fees allowed by law, subject to redemption within 6 months from the date of said sale by the mortgagor(s) the personal representatives or assigns. TIME AND DATE TO VACATE PROPERTY: If the real estate is an owner-occupied, single-family dwelling, unless otherwise provided by law, the date on or before which the mortgagor(s) must vacate the property, if the mortgage is not reinstated under section 580.30 or the property is not redeemed under section 580.23, is 11:59 p.m. on August 29, 2012.

tained in said mortgage, the above described property will be sold by the Sheriff of said county as follows: DATE AND TIME OF SALE: February 28, 2012, 10:00am PLACE OF SALE: Sheriff's Main Office, Law Enforcement Center, 204 Pearl Street East, Owatonna, MN 55060 to pay the debt secured by said mortgage and taxes, if any, on said premises and the costs and disbursements, including attorneys fees allowed by law, subject to redemption within 6 months from the date of said sale by the mortgagor(s) the personal representatives or assigns. TIME AND DATE TO VACATE PROPERTY: If the real estate is an owner-occupied, single-family dwelling, unless otherwise provided by law, the date on or before which the mortgagor(s) must vacate the property, if the mortgage is not reinstated under section 580.30 or the property is not redeemed under section 580.23, is 11:59 p.m. on August 28, 2012.

SHAPIRO & ZIELKE, LLP BY ___________________________ Lawrence P. Zielke - 152559 Diane F. Mach - 273788 Melissa L. B. Porter - 0337778 Randolph W. Dawdy 2160X Ronald W. Spencer - 0104061 Stephanie O. Nelson - 0388918 Attorneys for Mortgagee 12550 West Frontage Road, Ste. 200 Burnsville, MN 55337 (952) 831-4060

Dated: December 30, 2011 Wells Fargo Bank, NA Assignee of Mortgagee SHAPIRO & ZIELKE, LLP BY

____________________ Lawrence P. Zielke - 152559 Diane F. Mach - 273788 Melissa L. B. Porter - 0337778 Randolph W. Dawdy 2160X Ronald W. Spencer - 0104061 Stephanie O. Nelson - 0388918 Attorneys for Mortgagee 12550 West Frontage Road, Ste. 200 Burnsville, MN 55337 (952) 831-4060

PURSUANT TO THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT, YOU ARE ADVISED THAT THIS OFFICE IS DEEMED TO BE A DEBT COLLECTOR. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. THIS NOTICE IS REQUIRED BY THE PROVISIONS OF THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT AND DOES NOT IMPLY THAT WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT MONEY FROM ANYONE WHO HAS DISCHARGED THE DEBT UNDER THE BANKRUPTCY LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES. 1/10,1/17,1/24 1/31,2/7,2/14

Foreclosure 11-078525

NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE THE RIGHT TO VERIFICATION OF THE DEBT AND IDENTITY OF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR WITHIN THE TIME PROVIDED BY LAW IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS ACTION. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that default has occurred in the conditions of the following described mortgage: DATE OF MORTGAGE: May 16, 2006 ORIGINAL PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE: $203,500.00 MORTGAGOR(S): Jay G. Lindholm and Tracey S. Lindholm, husband and wife MORTGAGEE: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. TRANSACTION AGENT: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. MIN#: 1000157-0006773009-9 LENDER: Countrywide Home Loans, Inc. SERVICER: Bank of America, N.A. DATE AND PLACE OF FILING: Filed June 13, 2006, Steele County Recorder, as Document Number A000341901 ASSIGNMENTS OF MORTGAGE: Assigned to: THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK,AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF THE CWABS INC., ASSETBACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-11; Dated: November 7, 2011 LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY: Lot 23, Block 3, Radel's Francis Addition, Steele County, Minnesota PROPERTY ADDRESS: 1215 Bellflower Ln Ne, Owatonna, MN 55060 PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 17-437-0323 COUNTY IN WHICH PROPERTY IS LOCATED: Steele THE AMOUNT CLAIMED TO BE DUE ON THE MORTGAGE ON THE DATE OF THE NOTICE: $248,969.34 THAT all pre-foreclosure requirements have been complied with; that no action or proceeding has been instituted at law or otherwise to recover the debt secured by said mortgage, or any part thereof; PURSUANT, to the power of sale con-

"THE TIME ALLOWED BY LAW FOR REDEMPTION BY THE MORTGAGOR, THE MORTGAGOR'S PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OR ASSIGNS, MAY BE REDUCED TO FIVE WEEKS IF A JUDICIAL ORDER IS ENTERED UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES SECTION 582.032 DETERMINING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE MORTGAGED PREMISES ARE IMPROVED WITH A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING OF LESS THAN 5 UNITS, ARE NOT PROPERTY USED FOR AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AND ARE ABANDONED. Dated: January 9, 2012 THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK,AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF THE CWABS INC., ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-11 Assignee of Mortgagee

Notice STATE OF MINNESOTA DISTRICT COURT COUNTY OF STEELE THIRD JUDICIAL DISTRICT _____________________ Case Type: Contract/ Foreclosure Court File No. 74-CV-11-1455 Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, Plaintiff, vs. NOTICE OF SALE PURSUANT TO JUDGMENT AND DECREE Damon P. Milton, John Doe, Mary Roe, Defendant. ––––––––––––––––––––– NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that under and by virtue of a judgment entered in the above-entitled action on December 19, 2011, a certified transcript of which has been delivered to me, I, the undersigned Sheriff of Steele County, Minnesota, will sell at public auction, in one parcel, to the highest bidder, on the 22nd day of March 2012, at 10:00 A.M. in the main office of the Steele County Sheriff, 204 East Pearl Street, Owatonna, Minnesota, the real estate described in said judgment, to wit: Lot 11, Block 1, Clearview Addition to the City of Owatonna, Steele County, Minnesota Property Address: 528 Riverside Avenue, Owatonna, Minnesota 55060 Tax Identification Number: 17-168-0111 Said sale will be made to satisfy the sum of $109,436.92 found and adjudged to be due on said judgment as of December 19, 2011, plus such additional interest, costs and disbursements, as allowed by law, and subject to redemption by the mortgagor, his personal representatives or assigns, six (6) months from the date of the Order Confirming Sale. Date: 1/5/12 Lon Thiele Sheriff of Steele County By:_Anthony David Deputy Foreclosure Data required by Minn. Stat. Sec. 580.025 1. Property Address: 528 Riverside Avenue, Owatonna, Minnesota 55060 2. Transaction Agent: Not Applicable 3. Name of Mortgage Originator (Lender): Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. 4. Residential Servicer: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. 5. Tax Parcel Identification Number: 17-168-0111 6. Transaction Agent’s Mortgage ID Number: Not Applicable 1/24,1/31, 2/7 2/14,2/21,2/28

8B • Tuesday, January 31, 2012 • The Times BP School Board REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING BLOOMING PRAIRIE, MN December 19, 2011 A regular school board meeting of the School Board of Independent School District #756, Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, was held in the High School Media Center on December 19, 2011, at 5:15 p.m. (open forum at 5:00 p.m.). 5:00 p.m. – PUBLIC FORUM Representatives from FFA presented a report. It was brought forth that persons from the McKnight Founda-

tion visited our school and presented pre-k children each with three books. I. CALL TO ORDER –CHAIRPERSON II. ROLL CALL - CLERK Kathi Peterson, Rodney Krell, Jamie Bodenstab, Ronald Janning, Linda Kaplan, Jenny Thurnau, Jon Sunde ALSO PRESENT: Superintendent of Schools; Elementary Principal; Assistant Principal; Member of the Press; Members of the BPTA; Student Representatives; School Patron MEMBERS ABSENT: None III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion by Kathi Peterson and seconded by Jenny Thurnau to approve the agenda as submitted. Motion carried. (7 Aye/0 Nay)

IV. PRINCIPAL REPORTS Mr. Staloch reported the following: a first grade long-term substitute is being sought to replace Natalie Sorensen; evaluations are almost complete; ideas are being finalized on how to do testing; ZED principals met and discussed a literacy plan; and SMART boards are being installed this week. Mr. Worke reported the following: evaluations are being worked on; winter sports are in full swing; the building permit has been received for the greenhouse project; buildings will be cleaned over break; and a snow removal plan is reading and in place. Mr. Olson reported on the evaluation processes. V. ITEMS ON WHICH BOARD ACTION IS REQUESTED A. Minutes, Bills, Treasurer’s Report, Employment Motion by Jenny Thurnau and seconded by Linda Kaplan to approve the following items. Motion carried. (7 Aye/0 Nay) *minutes from the November 17, 2011, special school board meeting in conjunction with the regular school board work session and the November 21, 2011, regular school board meeting *handwritten checks for the month of November in the amount of $6,175.06; bills for the month of December in the amount of $975,849.83; and December payroll in the amount of $383,812.94 *treasurer’s report as submitted with wire transactions noted *employment of Danielle Nystrom as a long-term substitute teacher B.School Calendars 2012-2013 & 2013-2014 Motion by Jamie Bodenstab and seconded by Linda Kaplan to approve the 2012-13 school calendar as submitted and to table the approval of the 2013-2014 calendar until January. Motion carried. (7 Aye/0 Nay) •January Work Session Motion by Ronald Janning and seconded by Jenny Thurnau to approve the January Work Session to be moved from January 12th to January 11th due to the MSBA Leader-

This summary is published in accordance with MN Statute 375.169. The detail of the County Budget is on file in the County Coordinator's Office at the Steele County Administration Center in Owatonna, Minnesota, and may be reviewed during normal business hours.

VI. ITEMS OF INFORMATION AND/ OR DISCUSSION ONLY A. Rotation of School Board Officers Nominations take place at the January meeting. B. Committee Reports A report update was given by the following committees: Education Foundation, MSBA & MSHSL; Negotiations; and ZED. C. Enrollment Data Enrollment for 2011-2012 school year as of December 12, 2011, was 380 at the elementary and 335 at the high school. PSEO numbers are twelve full-time and no part-time. D. Dates to Note The Board noted dates of importance. VII.SUPERINTENDENT OR BOARD MEMBER ITEMS VIII. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Rodney Krell and seconded by Kathi Peterson to adjourn the meeting at 6:05 p.m. Motion carried. (7 Aye/0 Nay) A complete copy of the official minutes may be found in their entirety in the official minute book located in the superintendent’s office at the high school; however, they will not be available until approved by the School Board. Respectfully Submitted, Jamie Bodenstab Clerk of the School Board Independent School District #756 Blooming Prairie, Minnesota

2012 STEELE COUNTY BUDGET SUMMARY STATEMENT 2011 Budget

ship Conference. Motion carried. (7 Aye/0 Nay) •Snow Dance DJ Motion by Kathi Peterson and seconded by Linda Kaplan to approve Chris Moe Entertainment as the DJ for the Snow Dance which will be held on February 11th. Motion carried. (7 Aye/0 Nay) •School Board/BPTA Negotiations Mediation is tentatively scheduled for January 11th. F. Adoption of Policies Motion by Jamie Bodenstab and seconded by Ronald Janning to approve a Parental Involvement Policy and Staff Development Policy as submitted. Motion carried. (7 Aye/0 Nay) Time was set aside at 6:00 p.m. to conduct the Budget/Levy review and discussion as required by law. •Final 2011 Payable 2012 Levy Limitation Motion by Kathi Peterson and seconded by Linda Kaplan to approve the final levy limitation for 2011 payable 2012. Motion carried. (7 Aye/0 Nay)

2012 Budget

1/31

2012 Budget Budgeted Governmental Funds

Summons Revenues County portion of tax levy State paid portion of tax levy Total Tax Levy

Stephenson, Sanford & Thone, P.L.C. 1905 E. Wayzata Blvd., Suite 220 Wayzata, MN 55391 3.YOU MUST RESPOND TO EACH CLAIM. The Answer is your written response to the Plaintiff’s Complaint. In your Answer you must state whether you agree or disagree with each paragraph of the Complaint. If you believe the Plaintiff should not be given everything asked for in the Complaint, you must say so in your Answer. 4. YOU WILL LOSE YOUR CASE IF YOU DO NOT SEND A WRITTEN RESPONSE TO THE COMPLAINT TO THE PERSON WHO SIGNED THIS SUMMONS. If you do not Answer within 20 days, you will lose this case. You will not get to tell your side of the story, and the Court may decide against you and award the Plaintiff everything asked for in the complaint. If you do not want to contest the claims stated in the complaint, you do not need to respond. A default judgment can then be entered against you for the relief requested in the complaint. 5. LEGAL ASSISTANCE. You may wish to get legal help from a lawyer. If you do not have a lawyer, the Court Administrator may have information about places where you can get legal assistance. Even if you cannot get legal help, you must still provide a written Answer to protect your rights or you may lose the case. 6. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION. The parties may agree to or be ordered to participate in an alternative dispute resolution process under Rule 114 of the Minnesota General Rules of Practice. You must still send your written response to the Complaint even if you expect to use alternative means of resolving this dispute. Dated: January 27, 2012 STEPHENSON, SANFORD & THONE, PLC /s/ James T.Keig

$ $

License and permits Intergovernmental Federal State Other Charges for services Fine and forfeits Interest on Investments Miscellaneous Revenue

18,893,063 1,666,283 20,559,346

$19,280,414 1,569,041 $20,849,455

STATE OF MINNESOTA DISTRICT COURT COUNTY OF STEELE THIRD JUDICIAL DISTRICT

186,400

30,500

3,235,713 6,885,120 2,114,633 4,593,542 45,000 360,000 1,609,030

3,430,815 6,947,926 1,952,119 3,427,510 22,000 300,000 3,058,536

U.S. Bank, N.A. as trustee on behalf of Manufactured Housing Contract Senior / Subordinate Pass-Through Certificate Trust 1999-6,

CASE TYPE: OTHER CIVIL REPLEVIN SUMMONS

TOTAL REVENUE & OTHER SOURCES

16,000

39,604,784

40,018,861

Juan C. Alvarez, Maria G. Alvarado, John Doe and Mary Roe, whose true names are unknown to the Plaintiff, Defendants.

8,695,574 8,967,587 8,095,231 7,449,164 2,472,843 817,900 352,954 2,605,170

7,987,655 8,455,508 7,882,084 8,082,583 2,406,246 1,023,740 740,505 2,660,220 780,320

148,361 39,604,784 $

0 40,018,861

James T. Keig (Attorney I.D. No. 391719) Attorneys for Plaintiff Suite 220, 1905 East Wayzata Boulevard Wayzata, MN 55391 (952) 404-2100 1/3,2/7,2/14

Court File No. 74-CV-12-116 Plaintiff, v.

Other Source Proceeds of bond sale Budgeted use of available fund balance Transfers in

Expenditure Revenue Public Safety Highway and Streets Human Services Health Culture and Recreation Conservation of Natural Resources GO Debt Service Other/Unallocated Capital Outlay Other Uses Transfers Out TOTAL EXPENDITURES & OTHER USES

2. YOU MUST REPLY WITHIN 20 DAYS TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS. You must give or mail to the person who signed this summons a written response called an Answer within 20 days of the date on which you received this Summons. You must send a copy of your Answer to the person who signed this summons located at:

THIS SUMMONS IS DIRECTED TO JUAN C ALVAREZ AND MARIA G ALVARADO. 1. YOU ARE BEING SUED. The Plaintiff has started a lawsuit against you. The Plaintiff’s Complaint against you is on file in the office of the court administrator of the abovenamed court. Do not throw these papers away. They are official papers that affect your rights. You must respond to this lawsuit even though it may not yet be filed with the Court and there may be no court file number on this summons.

583-7230

BP School Work Session REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD WORK SESSION BLOOMING PRAIRIE, MN December 15, 2011 A regular school board work session was held at 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 15, 2011, in the Board Room at the High School. MEMBERS PRESENT: Kathi Peterson, Rodney Krell, Jamie Bodenstab, Ronald Janning, Linda Kaplan, Jenny Thurnau, Jon Sunde MEMBERS ABSENT:None ALSO PRESENT: Superintendent of Schools DISCUSSION ITEMS:General review and discussion was held on agenda items for the December 19, 2011, regular school board meeting. Respectfully Submitted, Jamie Bodenstab Clerk of the School Board Independent School District #756 Blooming Prairie, Minnesota 1/31

Mortgage Foreclosure NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALEPRIVATE THE RIGHT TO VERIFICATION OF THE DEBT AND IDENTITY OF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR WITHIN THE TIME PROVIDED BY LAW IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS ACTION. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN: That default has occurred in the conditions of the following described mortgage: DATE OF MORTGAGE: August 17, 2004 ORIGINAL PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE: $267,160.00 MORTGAGOR(S): Tou X. Lee and Chong V. Lee, husband and wife MORTGAGEE: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. DATE AND PLACE OF FILING: Filed August 17, 2004, Steele County Recorder; Document No. A324839 as modified by Document No. A000328391 ASSIGNMENTS OF MORTGAGE: Assigned to: None LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY: Lot 11, Block 6, North Bluff Estates STREET ADDRESS OF PROPERTY: 2975 3rd Avenue NE, Owatonna, MN 55060 COUNTY IN WHICH PROPERTY IS LOCATED: Steele County, Minnesota THE AMOUNT CLAIMED TO BE DUE ON THE MORTGAGE ON THE DATE OF THE NOTICE: $196,671.40 THAT no action or proceeding has been instituted at law to recover the debt secured by said mortgage, or any part thereof; that there has been compliance with all pre-foreclosure notice and acceleration requirements of said mortgage, and/or applicable statutes; PURSUANT, to the power of sale contained in said mortgage, the above described property will be sold by the Sheriff of said county as follows: DATE AND TIME OF SALE: March 1, 2012 at 10:00 am PLACE OF SALE: Steele County Sheriff’s office, in the Law Enforcement Center, 204 Pearl Street East, Owatonna, Minnesota to pay the debt then secured by said mortgage and taxes, if any actually paid by the mortgagee, on the premises and the costs and disbursements allowed by law. The time allowed by law for redemption by said mortgagor(s), their personal representatives or assigns is six (6) months from the date of sale. Unless said mortgage is reinstated or the property redeemed, or unless the time for redemption is reduced by judicial order, you must vacate the premises by 11:59 p.m. on September 4, 2012. MORTGAGOR(S) RELEASED FROM FINANCIAL OBLIGATION ON MORTGAGE: NONE “THE TIME ALLOWED BY LAW FOR REDEMPTION BY THE MORTGAGOR, THE MORTGAGOR’S PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OR ASSIGNS, MAY BE REDUCED TO FIVE WEEKS IF A JUDICIAL ORDER IS ENTERED UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 582.032, DETERMINING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE MORTGAGED PREMISES ARE IMPROVED WITH A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING OF LESS THAN FIVE UNITS, ARE NOT PROPERTY USED IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AND ARE ABANDONED.” Dated: January 12, 2012

By:

NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE FORECLOSURE DATA Minn. Stat. § 580.025 (1) Street Address, City and Zip Code of Mortgaged Premises 2975 3rd Avenue NE, Owatonna, MN 55060 (2) Transaction Agent Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (3) Name of Mortgage Originator (Lender) Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (4) Residential Servicer Wells Fargo (800) 416-1472 (5) Tax Parcel Identification Number 17-574-0611 (6) Transaction Agent’s Mortgage ID Number (MERS number) None 1/17,1/24,1/31 2/7,2/14,2/21

The Times â&#x20AC;˘ Tuesday, January 31, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ 9B

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10B â&#x20AC;˘ Tuesday, January 31, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ The Times

Area jobless rates rose during December Minnesotaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unemployment rate dropped again in December, but in Steele County and across the region, joblessness rose during the final month of 2011. In its monthly jobs report, the state Department of Employment and Economic Development said the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s December unemployment rate dipped to 5.7 percent, its lowest level since before the September 2008 financial collapse. Locally, Steele, Dodge,

Mower and Freeborn counties all saw increased joblessness in December, but the unemployment rates of each remained well below the level they were at during the same month a year ago. Unemployment in Steele County rose to 5.7 percent â&#x20AC;&#x201C; up from 5 percent in November â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but still well below the 6.6 percent rate reported during December 2011. The countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s labor force increased by 103 peo-

ple compared to November, but the number of eligible workers without jobs rose by the same number. Dodge County reported unemployment of 5.7 percent in December, which is up from 4.6 percent the previous month and close to the 5.9 percent reported during the same time period one year ago. Mower Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s jobless rate in December inched up from 4.5 percent in November to 4.8

percent in December, but also remained below the 5.5 percent mark from the same month in 2011. In Freeborn County, unemployment was at 5.9 percent â&#x20AC;&#x201C; up from 5.7 percent in November â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but well below the 7.5 percent rate from December the year before. The national unemployment rate fell from 9.4 percent in November to 8.5 percent in December.

Times Publisher Rick Bussler, left, and General Manager Ann Anderson, right, accept the Times awards from Matt McMillian, president of the Minnesota Newspaper Assn.

Times captures state newspaper awards

Put a photo where your heart is!

Most people know that maintaining healthy teeth and gums is a necessary step in achieving overall wellbeing. Several research studies have suggested that gum disease may be associated with other health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and even some forms of cancer. Scientists are beginning to understand why these connections exist. One theory points to FKURQLF LQĂ DPPDWLRQ DV WKH culprit. ,QĂ DPPDWLRQ LV WKH ERG\ÂˇV natural response and symptom to harm, such as injury or infection. Researchers

<PQ[ >ITMV\QVMÂź[ ,Ia UISM I TW^ML WVM PIXXa Place a special greeting ad of your child or grandchild in our

special Valentine Section in The Times on Tuesday, Feb. 14.

ONLY $15 PER GREETING!

now suspect that the more severe sympotoms, namely swollen, bleeding gums and recession around the gum line may be caused by the FKURQLF LQĂ DPPDWRU\ UH sponse to the bacterial infection, rather than the bacteria itself. It is critical to maintain periodontal health in an effort to achieve overall health. Dentists recommend daily oral care, including regular brushing DQG Ă RVVLQJ DQG URXQWLQH visits to the dentist to avoid gum disease. For more information visit with your dental care provider or visit perio.org.

Please include: FKLOGÂˇV QDPH JUDQGSDUHQW V JUHDW grandparent(s) names just the way you want them to appear in the paper.

Deadline: Friday, Feb. 10

583-2141

Mail or drop off: The Times 411 E. Main St. Blooming Prairie, MN 55917

Or e-mail:

It Pay$ to Adverti$e in the Time$!

bptimes@frontiernet.net

For the second straight year, The Times has captured state awards for journalism excellence. The newspaper received the honors Thursday night at a ceremony held in conjunction with the Minnesota Newspaper Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (MNA) annual convention in Bloomington. Publisher Rick Bussler and General Manager Ann Anderson accepted a pair of second place awards for editorial page as a whole and category X. In the editorial page as a whole category, The Times competed against newspapers with circulation up to 1,500. The judges commented: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Good local editorials, and local columns, plus a strong letters to the editor section.â&#x20AC;? The Times competed against larger newspapers in Category X where weeklies up to 2,500 circulation competed against each other. This special category focused on coverage of diversity in the community. The award is presented to newspapers that demonstrate thorough and illuminating coverage, and newspaper involvement, on local community di-

versity issues. The Timesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Category X entry was for a series of articles on the K-9 program ending in Blooming Prairie. In commenting about the stories, the judges said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The type of story every reader lovesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a boy and his dog. A wonderful job showing the relationship, as well as the benefit the K-9 unit provides.â&#x20AC;? Other area newspapers to win awards in the contest included: Owatonna Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Press, Austin Daily Herald, Albert Lea Tribune and the Rochester Post Bulletin. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The awards we won are continued evidence of the outstanding journalism we bring our readers each week,â&#x20AC;? said Bussler. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am extremely proud of our accomplishments week after week in providing a quality product.â&#x20AC;? Bussler continued, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interesting to note that The Times was one of the smallest newspapers in southeastern Minnesota to win state awards.â&#x20AC;? The state contest is held annually by the MNA to recognize excellence in the field of journalism.

No Need to Wait on Your Taxes One way that people survive tough economic times is by drawing income from emergency sources such as unemployment, retirement savings, and 401(k) plans. Since folks were just trying to make ends meet, often they didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have any federal or state income taxes withheld when they drew money from these sources.

As a result, many are expecting bad news at tax time and are putting off filing their returns as a result. If you are one of those people, let me encourage you not to wait to get your return done. First of all, regardless of when your return is filed, you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to pay any balances due until April

15th. Getting your return done sooner rather than later at least puts you in a position where you know what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to owe and can begin trying to come up with the money to pay. More than that, you might actually sleep better knowing for sure where you are going to land; the longer we wait for bad news, the

more we convince ourselves that the news isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t going to be just bad but terrible. Finally, waiting until the last minute to file increases the chances that, in the last minute rush to get everything together, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll end up being without a document you need or missing a deduction you could have claimed, either

of which of course only makes a hard situation even more stressful. So even if you are expecting bad news this year, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to file your return; in the end youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be glad you got it done.

TERRY EVANS & ASSOCIATES, INC.

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