Alanon: Peace Lutheran Church, door 4, New London, 6 p.m.
Big Book AA: Peace Lutheran Church, door 5, New London, 6 p.m.
Monday Hand & Foot Cards: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 9 a.m.
Walking club: Atwater Community Center, 9:45 a.m.
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, noon
Mahjong: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 1 p.m. Parkinson’s Disease support group: CCM Health Wellness Center, Montevideo, 3:30 p.m., 320-321-8240
TOPS: Assembly of God Church Encore, 3821 Abbott Drive, 6:15 p.m., 320-796-2280
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7 p.m.
Alanon: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7 p.m.
Tuesday
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7:30 a.m.
Veterans and Active Duty Military: Willmar Community Center, 9:30 to 11 a.m.; informal coffee time for veterans and spouses; 320-894-7840. All firefighters, police officers, and rescue squad members are invited to join.
SAIL exercise: Atwater Community Center, 9:45 a.m. Parkinson’s Support Group: Bethesda, Willmar, 10 a.m.
SAIL exercise: Willmar Community Center, 10:15 a.m.
SAIL exercise: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 10:15 a.m.
Kiwanis: Kandiyohi County Historical Society Museum, Willmar, noon
Hand & Foot Cards: Willmar Community Center, 12:30 p.m.
Bingo: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 1 p.m.
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7 p.m.
Alanon: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7 p.m.
Compassionate Friends: Kandiyohi County Historical Society Museum, Willmar, 7 p.m.
Wednesday
Coffee and conversation: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 9 a.m.
Hand, Knee & Foot Cards: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 9 a.m.
Mahjong: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 9:30 a.m.
Walking club: Atwater Community Center, 9:45 a.m.
Rotary: The Oaks, noon
Lions Club: Kandiyohi County Historical Society Museum, Willmar, noon
Cribbage corner cards: Willmar Community Center, 12:30 p.m.
Whist: Willmar Community Center, 12:30 p.m.
Willmar Area Senior Citizens Club: Willmar Community Center, 2 p.m. entertainment by Bob Whitney, 3 p.m. meeting.
Women’s A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 6:45 p.m.
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7 p.m.
Alanon: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7 p.m.
Thursday
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7:30 a.m.
Mexican Train: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 9 a.m.
SAIL exercise: Atwater Community Center, 9:45 a.m. Parkinson’s Support Group: Bethesda North Pointe, New London, 10 a.m.
SAIL exercise: Willmar Community Center, 10:15 a.m.
SAIL exercise: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 10:15 a.m.
Dementia care partner support group: CCM Health Wellness Center, Montevideo, 10:30 a.m., or virtually, 320-321-8240
Hand & Foot Cards: Willmar Community Center, 12:30 p.m.
500 cards: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, noon Blue Star Mothers of America: 5:30 p.m., Vinje Lutheran Church, Willmar
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7 p.m.
Friday Alanon: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 11 a.m.
Whist: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 1 p.m.
Senior Dance: Willmar Community Center, 1 to 4 p.m., $3 non-dancers, $8 dancers, both includes lunch; music by Jerry’s Band.
Farkle Fridays: Willmar Community Center, 1 to 4 p.m.
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 2 p.m.
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7 p.m.
Recovery Church: 516 4th Ave SW, New London, 7 p.m. Child care provided.
Saturday
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 10 a.m.
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7 p.m.
Open meeting A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7 p.m.
This calendar will run each week in the Sunday Reminder and as space permits in the West Central Tribune e-edition, Monday through Saturday. To have your event included please email news@wctrib.com or mail it to Kit Grode, West Central Tribune, PO Box 839, Willmar, MN 56201. Include all information and the name and phone number of the person submitting it. You will be called to confirm the information.
ARIES (March 21 to April 19)
A long-sought workplace change could be happening soon. Consider reworking your ideas and preparing a presentation just in case. Meanwhile, a personal relationship takes a new turn.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Your persuasiveness doesn’t really start to kick in until midweek. By then, you can count on having more supporters in your camp, including some who you doubted would ever join you.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Your workload is still high, but good news! You should start to see the daylight by the week’s end. Reserve the weekend for fun and games with friends and loved ones. You deserve it!
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Regardless of how frustrating things are, keep that “Crab” under control. A cutting comment you might think is apt right now will leave others hurting for a long time to come.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) Be more sensitive to the emotions of loved ones who might feel left out while you’re stalking a new opportunity. Be sure to make it up to them this weekend. A nice surprise could be waiting.
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) The gregarious Virgo rarely has a problem making new friends. But repairing frayed relationships doesn’t come easily. Still, if it’s what you want to do, you’ll find a way. Good luck!
LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) A misunderstanding with a partner or spouse needs to be worked out before it turns into something really nasty. Forget about your pride for now and make the first healing move.
SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Communication dominates the week. Work out any misunderstandings with co-workers. Also, get back in touch with old friends and those family members you rarely see.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) As busy as your week is, make time for someone who feels shut out of your life. Your act of kindness could later prove to be more significant than you might have realized.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Congratulations! Your busy workweek leads to some very satisfying results. Sports and sporting events are high on your weekend activities aspect. Enjoy them with family and friends.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Your generosity of spirit reaches out once again to someone who needs reassurance. There might be problems, but keeping this line of communication open eventually pays off.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20) You are among the truth-seekers in the universe, so don’t be surprised to find yourself caught up in a new pursuit of facts to counter what you believe is an insidious exercise in lying.
BORN THIS WEEK: You believe in loyalty and in keeping secrets. All things considered, you would probably make a perfect secret agent.
Q: Pete Davidson looked really healthy when he appeared in a sketch on “Saturday Night Live” recently. Did he have a bunch of his tattoos removed, or were they covered up with makeup? -- D.E.
A: Former “Saturday Night Live” cast member Pete Davidson used to have his torso and arms covered in tattoos but started having them removed about three years ago. He told Seth Meyers on his talk show in 2021 that he was starting the painstaking removal process so that he didn’t have to spend three hours in the makeup chair getting them covered during acting gigs.
As you may know, Davidson lost his father, a New York City firefighter, in the 9/11 terrorist attack, and he’s always been very proactive with his mental health issues. He suffers from borderline personality disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, and he recently finished a stint in rehab dealing with these issues. He put on some weight and looked healthier
BY TONY RIZZO HOLLYWOOD
-- International Italian film star Marcello Mastroianni starred in 147 films, which earned him three Oscar nominations and two Golden Globes over the span of his career. He co-starred in over 17 films with Sophia Loren, including “Yesterday, Today And Tomorrow” (1963) and “Marriage Italian Style” (1964). A new documentary, “Ciao Marcello,” is commemorating his 100th birthday. I met Marcello in 1986 when he came to NYC to publicize “Ginger and Fred” with his co-star Giulietta Masina and her husband, Federico Fellini, who had directed the homage to Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire. They were charming and sweet. Marcello spoke Italian to me, but I had no idea what he was saying. I just smiled and nodded!
***
Another star of the ‘50s, Kim Novak, is the subject of the upcoming film “Scandalous.” Sydney Sweeney (“Anyone but You”) is playing Novak, while David Jonsson plays Sammy Davis Jr. in the drama about their forbidden romance. They met when they guest-starred on “The Steve Allen Show” in 1956.
When Davis visited Novak on the set of Alfred Hitchcock’s “Vertigo” (with James Stewart), all hell broke loose. Harry Cohn, the head of Columbia Pictures at the time, made her deny their romance. A few
CELEBRITY
when he recently appeared in an “SNL” sketch on Nov. 2 with host John Mulaney. Next up for Davdison are the films “Wizards!” with Naomi Scott and
Orlando Bloom and “The Pickup” with Eva Longoria and Eddie Murphy. He’ll also voice the role of Petey the Cat in the upcoming animated movie “Dog Man,” based
days later, Davis suddenly married Loray White, saving his and Novak’s careers at a time when integrated romances were taboo!
Davis divorced White a year later. He died in 1990 at 64, and Novak, now 91, lives in Sam’s Valley, Oregon. At the premiere after-party for her 1965 film “The Amorous Adventures of Moll Flanders,” I somehow wound up under her petticoat dress looking for her lighter ... but that’s a story for another time! ***
Tom Cruise finally wrapped the eighth “Mission: Impossible” film in July. Meanwhile, he’s starring in the next film from five-time Oscar-winning director Alejandro González Iñárritu (“Birdman” and “The Revenant”). Iñárritu led Leonardo DiCaprio to a Best Actor Oscar and Michael Keaton to a Best Actor nomination. The as yet untitled film will co-star John Goodman and Jesse Plemons. If anyone can lead Cruise to an Oscar nomination, it’s Iñárritu!
***
Jane Fonda, 86, one of the last four superstars of the Golden Age of Hollywood (Shirley MacLaine, Sophia Loren and Robert Redford are the others), can add the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award to her list of honors on Feb. 23, 2025. Her accolades include two Oscars for “Klute” (1971) and “Coming Home” 1978; two BAFTAs (British Oscars); an Emmy; seven Golden Globes; the 2014
on the hit children’s book series.
***
Q: I’m enjoying “Doctor Odyssey” with Joshua Jackson. I was a huge fan of “Dawson’s Creek” when he was on it. What is James Van Der Beek up to lately? -- S.C.
A: James Van Der Beek, Joshua Jackson, Katie Holmes and Michelle Williams became huge stars practically overnight when the teen drama series “Dawson’s Creek” began airing in 1998. All four have been acting steadily with varying degrees of fame and awards for their work.
In recent years, Van Der Beek starred in the Ryan Murphy series “Pose” and the animated series “Vampirina.” Next up for him is the Tubi original film “Sidelined: The QB and Me,” which is based on the hugely popular young adult novel “The QB Bad Boy and Me” by Tay Marley.
Van Der Beek, who is 47, recently shared that he’s been privately battling colorectal cancer but remains optimistic about his prognosis. In December, he’ll appear in
the two-hour live special on Fox “The Real Full Monty,” with Taye Diggs, to help raise awareness of prostate, testicular and colorectal cancers. ***
Q: When is the new season of “Big Little Lies” coming back to HBO? Will all of the original stars be in it? -- L.L.
A: The prospect of a third season of “Big Little Lies” is very promising, but it’s still in the very early stages. Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon have both confirmed that the series is moving “fast and forward” once author Liane Moriarty delivers another novel on which the third season will be based.
Laura Dern, Zoë Kravitz and Shailene Woodley have all contacted Witherspoon about the status of the project, so it’s assumed that they’re eager to reprise their roles once a script is in place.
Send me your questions at NewCelebrityExtra@gmail. com, or write me at KFWS, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando,
American Film Institute Lifetime Achievement Award; and the Cecil B. DeMille Award. When I was 18, I waited for Jane outside her father’s (Henry Fonda) brownstone, where she signed some photos, then invited me to accompany her and her mother-inlaw to see the Broadway play “Luv” with Peter Falk. I’ve been Fonda her from that day on!
Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni in “Marriage Italian Style” (1964)
Courtesy of Peacock
Pete Davidson (“Saturday Night Live”)
Ditch the can, keep the comfort:
Green bean casserole from scratch
BY PATTI DIAMOND
Forget everything you know about the classic green bean casserole -- this year, we’re taking it up a notch! With fresh green beans, a made-fromscratch mushroom sauce and crispy fried shallots, this upgraded version is richer, more vibrant and packed with flavor. No cans, no mystery ingredients -- just wholesome, real food that puts the canned stuff to shame.
We’re starting with fresh green beans, blanched to maintain their crisp texture and deep color, ensuring each bite is flavorful. Say goodbye to canned cream of mushroom soup and hello to a luscious sauce made with fresh mushrooms, browned for natural umami, plus half-andhalf, stock, flour and a bit of butter for the perfect creaminess.
2
1
1 (2.8-oz.) package of French’s Onions OR 1 recipe Crispy Fried Shallots (below)
To blanch fresh beans: In a large saucepan,
bring a gallon of water and 1 tablespoon of salt to a boil. Add the beans and blanch for 5 minutes. Drain and transfer to a bowl of ice water to halt cooking. Drain again and set aside.
For frozen beans: Thaw, drain and press out extra moisture for best results.
To make the casserole: Melt the butter over medium-high heat in a large, oven-safe skillet (10 to 12 inches). Add the mushrooms, 1 teaspoon salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their juices -about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 2 minutes.
Sprinkle the flour over the mixture, stirring to coat the vegetables, and allow the flour to absorb any liquid. As you cook, the flour will lightly brown at the bottom of the skillet -- that’s what you want. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits with a spatula. Let it simmer for 3 minutes. Reduce the heat to low, add the half-andhalf, and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened -- about 10 minutes, or longer for a thicker consistency. Remove from heat and mix in about a quarter of the shallots (or onions) along with all the green beans, stirring well to coat. Optional: Transfer to a casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining onions on top, then bake until bubbly, roughly 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve warm.
CRISPY FRIED SHALLOTS
Yield: 6-8 servings
Total Time: 45 minutes
12 ounces shallots (about 3 large) 1/4 cup cornstarch (or corn flour) 1 cup vegetable oil
Pinch salt
Using a mandolin, thinly slice shallots into rings, about dime-thick. Toss in cornstarch until coated, separating the rings. Heat 3 inches of oil in a deep saute pan over medium heat. Working in batches, fry shallots for 3-5 minutes until golden, stirring to keep rings separate. Transfer to a papertowel-lined tray with a slotted spoon and sprinkle with salt. Repeat until all shallots are fried. Save the flavorful oil for other recipes this season!
If Thanksgiving Day is busy, prepare the green beans, mushroom sauce and fried shallots in advance. Store separately, then assemble and bake just before dinner for an easy side dish.
Voila! You’ll have a creamy, comforting green bean casserole that’s a little indulgent -- perfect for the holidays!
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip the cream until stiff peaks form. In a medium bowl, mix the mascarpone, maple syrup, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, thoroughly with salt and pepper. Using a sifter or strainer; sprinkle flour over chicken breasts, evenly coating both sides. Beat eggs in a shallow bowl and set aside. Mix bread crumbs and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese in a separate bowl, set aside. Dip a flour-coated chicken breast in beaten eggs. Transfer breast to the bread crumb mixture, pressing crumbs into both sides. Repeat for each breast. Let chicken rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Heat 1/2 inch olive oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat until it begins to shimmer. Cook chicken in the hot oil until golden, about 2 minutes per side. The chicken will finish cooking in the oven. Transfer chicken to a baking dish. Top each breast with 2 tablespoons tomato sauce. Layer each chicken breast with equal amounts of mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and provolone cheese. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan over top and drizzle each with 1/2 teaspoon olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is browned and bubbly and chicken breasts are no longer pink in the center, 15 to 20 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F.
and vanilla until fully combined. Fold in the whipped cream until smooth. Add the coffee to a shallow bowl or pie plate. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee, being careful not to soak it, and add to a 9×9-inch baking dish in a single layer (you’ll use half the ladyfingers). Spread half of the whipped cream mixture over the ladyfingers. Repeat with the remaining coffee, ladyfingers, and whipped cream mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight. Dust with cocoa powder and remaining cinnamon before serving.
Made from scratch and packed with flavor -- this Green Bean Casserole is the real deal.
KOVELS
Industrial design takes off in the mid-century modern era
One of the most popular and often most expensive categories of collecting is known as design.
Sometimes called modern or industrial design, the term refers to the work of 20th and 21st century manufacturers who brought their distinctive style to various types of furnishings and housewares, from furniture to lamps to decorative sculptures to functional appliances.
Industrial design took off in the mid-century modern era shortly after World War II (think of Charles and Ray Eames, Isamu Noguchi, Alvar Aalto, etc.), but artisans were working in multiple media before then.
Emile Galle, a pioneer of the art nouveau movement that started in the 19th century, is famous for his glass, ceramics and furniture. He is best known for the cameo glass made by the studio he founded in Nancy, France, in 1873. His glass had the graceful curving shapes, Japanese influence and natural elements like flowers and plants that characterize art nouveau. So did his furniture. This tea table by Galle, with scrolling legs, scalloped edges and inlaid cherry blossoms, sold for $2,800 at a Rago auction.
* * * Q: I have a piece of pottery 8 inches tall and 9 inches in diameter with no maker’s mark. The pattern is similar to Weller Knifewood pottery with a carved squirrel,
owl and raven in leafy tree branches. Can you help me find the manufacturer or value?
A: Weller pottery is not always marked. Weller started making art pottery in the early 1900s. Designer Rudolph Lorber created several art pottery lines for the company, including Knifewood, which was introduced by the 1920s. A 1921 catalog described Knifewood as having “the effect of which is suggested by the name. The various pieces have all the appearances of being carved out of wood by a sharp knife.” Designs have matte or high-gloss glazes and feature woodland scenes with animals like dogs, squirrels and birds. Unmarked Weller vases like yours tend to sell for about $200 to $300. Generally, the more threedimensional elements, the higher the price.
* * *
TIP: Don’t try to clean an oil painting unless you are an expert.
* * *
CURRENT PRICES
Plastic, tray, Bakelite, Pavement, rows of pink circles, transfer printed, George Nelson, Bolt-ABest, c. 1956, 13 1/2 x 10 1/2 inches, three pieces, $195.
Toy, car, racing, Super Hot Rod, open top, driver,
A wooden table like this one is as different as can be from a glass vase or a pottery figure, but Emile Galle brought his skill and art nouveau style to all three.
Q: As of Nov. 10, my geraniums are still beautiful and lush outdoors. Most people think they’re fake and wonder how they can still be alive. I suppose the heat from the brick keeps them alive, and I’ve continued to water them. They’re amazing! I thought you might enjoy the photos. — Jadene Weber, Casselton
A: November has a reputation for being a cloudy, dreary month, but you and your geraniums have brought sunshine to us all! Geraniums still blooming in November certainly isn’t the norm in Northern states.
Jadene goes on to describe the geraniums further: “Unlike my other flower pots, these geraniums in the window boxes are seed geraniums, as I need to buy at least 30 for the boxes. My mother always told me to snap off the blooms after I plant, so I always do that, but this year for some reason I snapped the blooms off twice. Maybe that’s why they grow so full and lush.
Jadene continues: “I water them faithfully and apply Miracle-Gro fertilizer every few weeks, and also put
Miracle-Gro fertilizer sticks in the soil for the times we’re gone on vacation. This year I did start with fresh soil in the window boxes, with farm soil in the bottom topped off at planting with potting mix. I don’t overwinter the geraniums, but buy new and start fresh each spring.”
Thanks, Jadene. As I always say, we’re all in this together, and I appreciate your sharing the beauty of your geraniums.
Q: Recently you had a photo of a larch tree sent in by a reader. Are larch trees and tamarack trees the same or different species? — John S.
A: There are two larch species in the region, and the tree mentioned in the previous column was a Siberian Larch, whose botanical name is Larix sibirica, and is the widest adapted type for cold regions and areas where soil is alkaline.
The other species of larch is called Eastern Larch, Larix laricina, which also has the common name tamarack. Eastern larch, or tamarack, is the type of larch frequently found in Minnesota forests and points east.
Both larch species look similar, but Siberian larch is far more drought tolerant than Eastern
larch. Both trees have needle-like foliage with beautiful fall color and foliage that drops in the fall. Larch has the attractive pyramidal shape of a spruce evergreen, with the added bonus of fall color. Because they lose their foliage in winter, they aren’t subject to evergreen winterburn, or some of the problems common to evergreens. Larch is a medium- to fast-growing tree and deserves wider use in the region, and is definitely on the bucket list for trees I plan to add to our own yard.
Q: Is now a good time to cut back my hosta, or is next spring better? — Emily M.
A: Most perennial flowers survive winter best if the above-ground portions, called the “tops” are left intact during
winter and removed next spring before new growth begins. That’s true of types with sturdy, stiff stems that remain rigid during winter. The stems help to catch insulating snow, are attractive in the winter landscape, and can even provide winter nesting for pollinating bees.
Some types of perennials, including hosta, do not have sturdy stems, and quickly turn to mush after a few hard freezes. Hosta, daylilies and iris are best cut back in fall to an inch or so above ground level. Peonies, because they are so mildew-prone, are also best cut back and their tops disposed of off-site.
I just cleaned up our own hosta plants a few days ago. After a few freezes, when the leaves have turned almost white, everything pulls away from the plant quite easily and cleanly, often without the need for tools or shears.
If you have a gardening or lawn care question, email Don Kinzler, NDSU Extension-Cass County, at donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu. Questions with broad appeal may be published, so please include your name, city and state for appropriate advice.
A reader submitted this photo of her outdoor geraniums still in bloom in November.
Start new houseplants easily with cuttings in a
Editor’s note: This is an updated column that was originally published in 2019.
There’s an easy way to tell if you’re overwatering a houseplant. If it sends up a periscope and a white flag, cut back on the watering.
Half the fun of having houseplants is having more of them. Starting new plants from existing ones is a time-honored way to duplicate favorite houseplants for your own collection or to share with others.
Almost 50 years ago in a horticulture class while a horticulture student at North Dakota State University, I learned a method for starting new houseplants from cuttings, and I’ve used it ever since. This “ice cream bucket method” creates a miniature greenhouse that keeps cuttings cozy and humid until they root. It’s also a great project to encourage children’s interest in plants.
A ”cutting” is a gardening term for a piece of a plant that’s cut away from
the mother plant and coaxed to produce its own roots, creating a new plant. Although some cuttings root easily in water, using vermiculite or perlite produces stronger, well-branched roots that transition more successfully into potting soil, once rooted.
The type of cutting depends on the type of plant. Houseplants with leaves spaced along stems such as ivies, pothos and coleus are easily propagated from “stem cuttings.” With a sharp knife or shears, snip a 3- to 4-inch section of stem plus attached leaves from the tips of outer branches. Remove leaves from the lower inch or inchand-a-half of stem.
Some houseplants can be propagated from “leaf cuttings”, consisting of a single leaf and its leafstalk (called the petiole.)
remove stem or leaf cuttings from your favorite plants. Each bucket can hold six to ten assorted cuttings depending on their size and type.
• Rooting hormone powder (available from garden centers) isn’t necessary for most houseplant cuttings, but can be used if desired, and it does aid difficult-to-root plants. I didn’t use it for the cuttings I prepared for this demonstration.
Insert each cutting into the moistened media and pack media firmly around the cuttings so they don’t wiggle.
water, as moisture condenses and recirculates inside. Add a little water if the media begins to dry.
• Open or close the bag slightly as needed. Light condensation on the plastic is good.
Most cuttings take two to four weeks to form roots. Resist the urge to pull up on cuttings to check, as tiny roots are tender. Instead insert a fork into the media and gently lift the cutting.
African violets and jade plants are examples.
Cuttings are best taken from firm, fresh growth.
A day or two before taking cuttings, water the mother plant so leaves and stems are turgid and fresh. Wait to take cuttings until you reach the appropriate step in the procedure below.
Materials needed:
A 4- or 5-quart ice cream bucket or pail.
• A clear plastic bag large enough to hold the bucket.
Vermiculite or perlite,
available from garden centers.
• Six to 10 houseplant cuttings.
Steps: Poke or drill six holes in the bottom of the bucket to allow excess moisture to drain.
• Packaged “media” like vermiculite and perlite are very dry, so after opening the bag of the product you’ve chosen, moisten well and stir to distribute. Then fill the bucket two-thirds full.
• With a scissors, pruning shears, or knife,
Even though you’ve pre-moistened the media, water again after all cuttings have been inserted to further firm media around cuttings.
Enclose the bucket in a clear plastic bag, and fasten the top loosely. Place the bucket in a window receiving filtered sunlight, but not all-day full sun, which might be too intense. The humidity and warmth inside the miniature greenhouse speeds rooting.
• The cutting bucket won’t require much extra
Replant if roots are still small. One indication that new roots have probably formed is when new growth begins at the cutting’s tip.
When roots are 1 to 2 inches long, transplant cuttings into pots 3 or 4 inches in diameter. Increase pot size as the plants grow.
Don Kinzler, a lifelong gardener, is the horticulturist with North Dakota State University Extension for Cass County. Readers can reach him at donald. kinzler@ndsu.edu.
et al.) FINAL HEARING NOTICE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, the Board of Commissioners of the Meeker Kandiyohi Joint County Drainage Authority, sitting as the drainage authority for Meeker Kandiyohi JD 17 drainage system, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 103E.806, subdivision 3(a), shall hold a public hearing on the Petition of Craig A Weseman; Joseph G. Jans; Gregory A. Jans & Nickie R. Jans as Trustees of the Gregory A. Jans Revocable Living Trust and Nickie R. Jans Revocable Living Trust; Justin D. Frericks & Jacklyn L. Frericks; Kevin Frericks & Dawn Frericks; William R. Bergstrom & Debra J. Bergstrom; and Frans O. Rosenquist & Deborah E. Rosenquest as Trustees of the Frans O. Rosenquist Revocable Trust and Deborah E. Rosenquist Revocable Trust to abandon a portion of Meeker Kandiyohi JD 17 Branch 7 (“Petition”). The portion of JD 17 Branch 7 proposed for partial abandonment is the first approximately 750 feet of open ditch of JD 17 Branch 7, running east and west, located in the Northwest Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of Section 7, Township 120, Range 32, Meeker County, Minnesota. The public hearing on the Petition shall be held on November 26, 2024, at 8 a.m. in the County Board Room, Level 2, Meeker County Government Center (Family Services Building), 114 North Holcombe Avenue North, Litchfield, Minnesota 55355 . Any person interested may appear at the hearing and state their support or objections, if any, why said Petition should be granted or should not be granted. If you have any questions or would like a copy of the Petition, please contact the Meeker County Ditch Inspector, Mak Lokken at 320699-0997 or via email at Mak.Lokken@co.meeker.mn.us, or Kandiyohi County Public Drainage Manager, Austin Hilbrands at 320-235-3266 ext. 4250 or via email at Austin.Hilbrands@kcmn.us.
/s/ Steve Schmitt, Board of Commissioners Chair
Date: October 15, 2024 Meeker Kandiyohi Joint County Drainage Authority (Nov. 10 & 17 & 24, 2024) STATE OF MINNESOTA
SWIFT, CHIPPEWA, AND KANDIYOHI JOINT COUNTY DRAINAGE AUTHORITY
SITTING AS THE DRAINAGE AUTHORITY FOR SWIFT CHIPPEWA KANDIYOHI JOINT DITCH 18 PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Swift Chippewa Kandiyohi Joint County Drainage Authority Board of Commissioners, sitting as the public drainage authority under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 103E (“Drainage Authority”) for Swift Chippewa Kandiyohi Joint Ditch 18 (“JD 18”), will hold a public hearing on December 4, 2024 at 1:00 p.m., or shortly thereafter as the agenda allows, in the Commissioners Room, in the basement of the Swift County Law Enforcement Center, 301 14th Street North, Benson, Minnesota. At the public hearing, the Drainage Authority will consider a proposal
by the Chippewa County Highway Department to replace the 64’ timber slab span bridge with a 2-line configuration of 16’ x 12’ reinforced concrete boxes with end sections at the 90th Avenue crossing of the JD 18 drainage system between the Southeast Quarter (SE¼) of Section 3 and the Southwest Quarter (SW¼) of Section 2, Township 119 North, Range 38 West (Louriston Township), Chippewa County, Minnesota. The public hearing will be held pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, sections 103E.525 and 163.17. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 103E.525, approval of the box culverts’ capacity is being sought by the Director of the Division of Ecological and Water Resources in the Department of Natural Resources. The Chippewa County Highway Department and its engineering consultants at Widseth, Inc. have filed a plan showing in detail the alteration or change to replace the existing bridge with box culverts, and a report of findings that the proposed alteration to the crossing will be a minor alteration or change to the JD 18 drainage system that will not affect the functioning or efficiency of the JD 18 drainage system. A copy of the plan and engineer’s report of findings is available for public inspection at the Chippewa County Ag and Drainage Department Office at 629 North 11th Street, Montevideo, MN 56265 and is available for viewing during normal business hours, or by contacting Chippewa County Public Drainage Manager, Josh Macziewski at josh. macziewski@chippewa.mn or 320269-2662. All owners of property affected by JD 18 are invited to attend public hearing. Written comments will be accepted by mail or email to the Chippewa County Public Drainage Manager, Josh Macziewski. Written comments may be mailed to Chippewa County Ag and Drainage Department, 629 North 11 th Street, Montevideo, MN 56265 or emailed to josh.macziewski@chippewa.mn.
Any comments received by mail or email prior to the public hearing will be read into the record at the public hearing.
/s/ Tesa Tomaschett, Administrator Swift County, Minnesota
/s/ Mark Thompson, Auditor-Treasurer Kandiyohi County, Minnesota
(Nov. 17, 2024)
/s/ Michelle May, Auditor-Treasurer Chippewa County, Minnesota
Dated: November 7, 2024
*IMPORTANT PROPERTY TAX
HOMESTEAD NOTICE*
This will affect your 2025 property taxes and eligibility for Property Tax Refund.
Have you purchased or moved into a property in the past year?
Contact your County Assessor to file a homestead application if you or a qualifying relative occupy the property as a homestead on or before December 31, 2024.
Current Laws have changed . If you have an Individual Tax Identification number (ITIN) you now can apply for the homestead exclusion.
What is a qualifying relative?
Qualifying relatives for both agricultural and residential homestead include: parent, stepparent, child, stepchild, grandparent, grandchild, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, nephew, or niece of the owner, by blood or marriage.
For unoccupied agricultural property, (Special Ag) a qualifying relative includes the child, grandchild,
