LB Board approves new interim superintendent

The Lake Benton School Board approved the hiring of Stephen Kjorness as the interim superintendent in a special meeting held July 12 at 7 PM.

Kjorness has a wife Catherine and three children. He holds bachelor’s, master’s and sixth year degrees from Mankato State University in social studies, and educational administration. Retired at the end of the 2000-2001 school year, Kjorness served the Westbrook Public Schools and the Westbrook/Walnut Grove Public Schools as a teacher, coach, athletic director, administrative assistant, and superintendent for 32 years. This includes more than eleven years as superintendent and time as interim superintendent at Minneota, the district he graduated from in 1959.

Kjorness has received numerous awards for his teaching, coaching, and administrative work including Teacher of the Year twice, The Morris Bye Memorial Award in 2001, and the Administrator of Excellence Award in 1998. He was named to the Minnesota State Coaches Association Hall of Fame, and the Minnesota High School League Hall of Fame as well as having received awards for coach and athletic director of the year numerous times.

Kjorness is a veteran of the United States Navy, having served from 1961-1965. He is active with the Walnut Grove Lions, the Westbrook Kiwanis, American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Kjorness is currently chair for the Westbrook Hospital, on the board of Midwest Bank of Westbrook, has been treasurer for the Minnesota High School League Board of Directors, held the position of chair for six years for the Southwest Telecommunications Advisory Board, and served on the Westbrook City Council for six years.

After the board approved the contract, Kjorness said, “I am looking forward to being an advocate for your students, your staff, and this board.”

In other business, the board approved advertising for a .5 FTE principal or dean of students. Board Chairman Darrell Busselman said, “We need to advertise but we are not ruling out the possibility of sharing this position with Ivanhoe or whoever, but we need to see what’s out there.”

The board also approved a request from Business Manager Monica Lutterman to bid on a new pickup truck for the district at Carpenters Auction as the last vehicle was purchased July 1, 2001 and “needs replacing, it’s on its last legs,” Lutterman said. The board set a limit as to what could be bid for the vehicle.

The meeting adjourned at 7:40. The next meeting will be the regular July board meeting on July 19 at 7 PM.

Business Manager Monica Lutterman welcoming Interim Superintendent Stephen Kjorness.

Boards discuss options for the future

On July 11 at 7:30 PM, the full boards of the Hendricks, Ivanhoe, and Lake Benton School Districts met in Ivanhoe to discuss how to proceed into the future. The bottom line positions of the three boards are as follows:

Hendricks Board Chairman John Olson said, “The position of the Hendricks Board has always been that we would consider consolidation or a joint powers agreement, but we have already spent the money on our building and don’t feel that we need a new building. If all three buildings were in about equal condition, we could see consolidation.”

Olson also explained that he is working with Interim Superintendent Loren Hacker to “create some questions to put on the ballot in November to see what the voters in our district will support, not just the parents.”

These questions are to be an extension of the questions asked by the survey taken by the Hendricks Parents Group to verify or refute that data. According to Jeanie Ness, the results of the survey showed that “90 percent of parents in Hendricks supported a consolidation and pair/share agreement.”

Lake Benton Board member Tony Schwing said, “I still believe we were going in the right direction with the consolidation and building, but the public turned us down. Our board spent some money to look at all options available and came up with about 16. Out of the 16, only about six were feasible at all. Many of those plans don’t address long term financial needs of the district, but we have to take the matter back to the public to see what they will support.”

Board member Shelly Delaney said, “There is a percentage of people in Lake Benton who still feel that we can continue as we have for the last 20 years. People need to know the options the district has, but they need to realize that this is the end of the rope. Things have to change, and they have to let the board know what direction they will support us in taking.”

Schwing and other Lake Benton Board members expressed the fact that without public support, the board can make any decision it wants to, but the voters can turn it down. They were unable to commit to going back for another vote, a joint powers board, or anything else until they can set up public meetings to receive input on which option the majority of the voters in the district can support.

Schwing explained that these public meetings “will take place some time this fall once the new interim superintendent is in place and people are home from vacation.”

Ivanhoe Board Chair Norm VanOverbeke said, “Right now, there is no commitment to pairing and sharing, consolidation or construction, nothing. I hate to see another minute go by without these boards doing something to show the public that we are serious about working together.”

Board member Gene Panka said, “We have building issues and people are tired of us doing nothing. We are losing kids out of the district, and as I have said before, if we levy for remodeling and operations costs, I will not support going back to the public for money to build a new building.”

Discussion took place regarding the possibility of sharing a superintendent between the three districts. John Olson of Hendricks said, “We have secured the services of Loren Hacker for the upcoming year, and for now, without a common direction, we don’t see how this would be possible.”

Discussion of sharing teachers for Spanish, health and physical education, instrumental music, and a principal or dean of students began and was stalled when it became apparent that in order to do any of these things, Ivanhoe and Lake Benton needed to have a Joint Powers agreement in place.

Shelly Delaney of the Lake Benton Board said, “Realistically, it may be September before joint powers can be agreed upon, but we need to get it in place as soon as possible because of the sports and coaching contracts.”

Athletic Director Craig Midtaune reminded the board members that the joint powers agreement must be in place before the football season starts because of league requirements.

Discussion of a possible three-way joint powers agreement, as well as a three-way consolidation of the districts that would involve some form of a K-6 or K-8 in both Lake Benton and Hendricks and the high school in Ivanhoe was held.

Lake Benton Board Chairman Darrell Busselman said, “For me to support a consolidation without a building, or simply a joint powers agreement, I need to see a plan showing that all three districts can be financially stable in that arrangement; not something that shows us what we would like to see, but something that shows what is real.”

The board members heard from several community members from the Ivanhoe and Hendricks School Districts; some supported the building and consolidation plan that had been voted on. Some supported consolidation or a joint powers agreement between the three districts, but in the end, Ivanhoe community member Val Whipple received applause when he said, “These boards need to get together soon, do your own thing, or dissolve. As I see it, if Lake Benton can’t make consolidation and building plans happen in their district, they need to let Ivanhoe know and then back away so we can try to become stronger working with Hendricks.”

The three full boards will meet again on Thursday, July 27 at 8 PM in the Lake Benton School cafeteria to discuss forming a joint powers board.

—photo by Tonia Goertz

Members encouraged to join MN Waters

At the third annual meeting of the Lake Benton Lake Improvement District (LBLID) held Saturday, July 15 at 10 am in the Lake Benton Legion, members were encouraged to join Minnesota Waters by guest speaker and board member of Minnesota Waters, Terry Frazee of Spicer.Minnesota Waters is a group that combines two former conservancy groups: the Minnesota Lakes Association (MLA), and The Rivers Council of Minnesota (RCM) into one group that was formed January 1 of this year.

According to Frazee and the literature handed out at the meeting, the mission of Minnesota Waters is “Promoting responsible stewardship of our water resources by engaging citizens, state and local policy makers and other partners in the protection and restoration of our lakes and rivers. We achieve our mission education, citizen monitoring, conservation stewardship, influencing public policy and empowering citizens to manage their local water resources.”

Frazee went on to explain that Minnesota has “11,800 lakes of over 10 acres; 92,000 miles of rivers and streams; 208 lake shore miles, which is more than either California or Hawaii, and we must be proactive versus reactive in protecting these waterways.”

Frazee declared, “The single greatest asset in Minnesota is our lakes and rivers, and one way to protect them is by limiting the phosphate content in the fertilizer used in lawns close to them. That middle number on the bag should be zero.”

He also discussed the use of barrier strips between lawns and lakes, mowing “the first few rows toward the center,” and not dumping excess clippings into the lake.

Frazee said there are three primary dangers to the waterways from exotic species, “Curly Leaf Pond Weed such as you have on Lake Benton, Eurasian Water Milfoil, and Zebra Muscles.” He explained that boaters can limit the spread of these species by cleaning out the live wells as well as removing any visible weeds from their boats before taking them to another lake.

In other business, the membership voted to strike the language “excluding agricultural land” from section one of the bylaws concerning membership. Robert E. Olsen of the Lincoln County Environmental Office explained that the language that excluded agricultural landowners from membership was a typo.

Olsen also updated members on the effectiveness of the fluridone treatments so far, “very significant progress has been made;” and passed around handouts showing where the weeds were, where they still are, and where native species are starting to come back to. These handouts as well as the power point slides showing the budget for the district are available from the environmental office.

Treasurer Ed Gruhot stressed that, “While this shows a balance of negative $4550.50, all of the revenue for the year has not yet been received to include the LIFE donation which should be $10,000.”

The membership voted unanimously to approve using a county loan at four percent interest versus trying to get a bonding bill passed for future funding.

The group held board elections and the board members for the coming year are Betty Popkes, Mark McCallum, L.W. Klein, Greg Peter, Ed Gruhot, Martin Ritter, and Sam Hedge.

Following this meeting, the Lake Benton Lake Improvement For Everyone Association met briefly.

Treasurer Ed Gruhot informed members that the current balance in the bank account is, “$11,111.93 but does not include all revenues at this point.”

Elections were held due to board members Randy Clauson, Keith Hodge, and Dave Gruhot requesting replacement.

After elections, board members for the following year will be Betty Popkes, Mark McCallum, Ed Gruhot, Virgil Becker, John Toft, Troy Manzey, and Sam Hedge. The meeting adjourned at approximately 1:45.

(l.-r.) LIFE Association Chairman Sam Hedge and Treasurer Ed Gruhot conduct the annual meeting, guest speaker Terry Frazee of Spicer.

The sounds of Rodgers and Hammerstein returns to southwestern Minnesota next week as the Lake Benton Opera House production of “Cinderella” opens at the historic theatre.

Kelsey Ploeger of Pipestone stars as Cinderella, with Stuart Jorgensen of Tyler playing the part of The Prince when the show opens on July 27the at 8:00 PM.

Barbara Nelson of Hendricks plays the part of the stepmother, with Sammi Jo Nuese of Hendricks and Noelle Nielsen of Lake Benton filling the roles of the two stepsisters, Portia and Joy.

Todd Wilmes of Sanborn and Kathy Wilmes of Tyler will play the king and queen, with Sara Vogt of Balaton playing the fairy godmother.

Craig Jorgensen of Tyler fills the part of the herald.

Other cast members include: Kayla Tingle of Aurora, SD; Braedan McCluskey, Miranda Nelson, and Sarah Gillund of Hendricks; Courtney Mensen, Samantha Fleet, and Samantha Schindler of Lake Benton; Morgan Schreurs of Marshall; Amanda Prellwitz of Minneota; Caitlyn Allen of Pipestone; Lea Wilmes, Paul Wilmes, and Susan Wilmes of Sanborn; and Eric Moser, Grace Bettendorf, Mike Peters and Ramona Radu of Tyler.

The show includes such memorable Rodgers and Hammerstein songs as “Ten Minutes Ago,” “Impossible,” and “A Lovely Night.”

The show is under the direction of Mark Wilmes of Tyler.

Show times are July 27, 28, 29 and August 2, 3, 4, 5 at 8:00 PM and July 30 and August 5 and 6 at 2:00 PM.

For tickets, call the Opera House ticket office between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM at 507-368-4620, or email your ticket requests to markw@itctel.com.

For more information on the historic theatre, go to the Lake Benton Opera House website at www.lakebentonoperahouse.org.

Phase I is now a reality due to generosity of Lake Benton City Council

At Monday evening’s meeting of the Lake Benton City Council, council members approved $5,000 to move the Westside Playground project forward. Janet Kuhn was on hand to discuss the progress of funding.

“We are within $5,400 of our $16,736.85 goal for Phase I of the project,” said Kuhn. “We also have a Carpenter Auction concessions this weekend and lemonade stands during the Opera House productions of “Cinderella”, which should make up the rest of the money needed.” Following the unanimous vote to contribute the $5,000, Kuhn sincerely thanked the council for their generosity. Carpenter recommended the equipment be ordered as it will take four weeks to receive it.

In other items, the council approved the claims against the city in the amount of $6,965.35, leaving an account balance of $282,836.01. The claims against the municipal bar totaled $7,358.09, leaving an account balance of $28,876.99.

Figures have been received to dig water and sewer lines up to the property line at the west end of town belonging to Al Lindemann. Mayor Carpenter and Lyle (Duff) Trautman will confer with Lindemann to see what his full intent is with the property as the project expense is very high.

Owners of unsightly property on Fremont Street will be notified and legal council will be copied on the letter stating the owners will need to be present and address the city council at their August 7th meeting. The property was deemed unsafe as well as unsightly.

In other business:

- Council reviewed water bill notices and the date of water shut-off.

- Council reviewed the statement of revenue and expenditures through June 30th. Carpenter brought to the council’s attention the costs incurred from the police squad. With the gas prices only on the rise, this item is likely to go over budget.

- Discussion was held on stray cats running around in the City of Lake Benton. There is an ordinance on file concerning dogs, but Carpenter instructed City Clerk Rosie DeZeeuw to contact Attorney Cable, requesting him to be at the August 1st meeting to discuss options concerning cat control.

- Reminders: City budgets will be due on September 1.

- The terms of Carl and Jack Burk will be up this year. Jack Burk expressed his desire to not serve another term if at all possible.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:03 PM.

Benton-Fremont/Te Tonka Ha Historical Rendezvous Lake Benton Style

“What keeps them (rendezvourers) coming back to Lake Benton and Hole-in-the-Mountain Park?” The Eighth Annual Benton Fremont/Te Tonka Ha Historical Festival will be held August 11, 12, and 13. Buckskinners, fur traders and vendors, black-powder sharpshooters, 1880s gunfighters, can-can girls and others have scheduled their time to participate in our local activities. They come for friendship, excitement, fun and the chance to relive history. Many are “hooked” because of friends or because of their own individual enthusiasm—Herb Pagel of Minneota is such a person. Herb has joined “buckskinning” as a new hobby and has been offering classes at Marshall State University to the interested students of history. His grandchildren are having not only history lessons, but also building lasting relationships that will last a lifetime.

I had the opportunity to judge the tomahawk and knife competition at Fort Sisseton this year, and the most interesting and unusual occurrence was a young eight-year old boy getting the chance to throw the tomahawk for the first time. He was taught how to count off his steps, line up the target and throw the tomahawk while learning safety procedures during practice throws. There were 16 young kids under the age of 13 who entered—this young beginner ended up in a four-way tie for first place. He didn’t win, but a very happy young boy and his family went home with the beginnings of a new family hobby—rendezvousing!

Throughout the weekend you, the people of Lake Benton, are invited to enjoy the entertainment, food and demonstrators and vendors starting Friday night with the “Flint Devils”—with Randy Beach, Dale Cannon and recording star “Bo Brown” playing for your enjoyment.

Saturday will feature the “Silver Creek Mavericks” reenacting “gunfights” and typical incidents that happened in many “wild” western towns. Listen to the “Hole in the Mountain Singers” as they sing songs of the early 18th and 19th centuries. Enjoy the Chamber of Commerce “Ridge Burger Dinner” from 5:30-7:30 p.m. while watching the 2006 Edition of Lake Benton’s Fashion Show presented by the Lake Benton Opera House and Historical Society. Saturday night’s entertainment will continue with drawings featuring Benton Fremont Day’s First Commemorative Button and other prizes during the performance of the “Flint Devils.”

Saturday will also feature area artists and demonstrations by the “Prairie Arts Guild” and other current and historical artists.

Tickets for Sunday’s “Buffalo Stew” and other items for drawings on Sunday will be at most Chamber of Commerce businesses.

Relax, join the fun and spend part of an enjoyable weekend with friends and family during the Benton Fremont/Te Tonka Ha Historic Festival August 11, 12, and 13.

“The Glitter Gals”

The group got its start about three years ago when Freida, her daughters April and Crystal joined the group. They are associated with the Silver Creek Mavrick’s. Two granddaughters, Josie and Kimille have also joined the group. Their dances are choreographed by Kimille who has a background working with cheerleaders at Brandon High and Middle Schools. All the girls provide input and their routines are a combination of the old west and spoofs of the old west.

Relay For Life “heats up” Lincoln County

The sixth annual American Cancer Society Lincoln County Relay For Life was again a huge success despite the extremely high temperatures (in the 90s) Friday, July 14 and Saturday, July 15. It was held at Hole in the Mountain Park, Lake Benton, for the third year. The first three years were at the fairgrounds in Tyler. Next year the Relay will be at Hendricks. Participants were thankful when it cooled off overnight.

Preliminary reports at 6 AM Saturday were $35,257. The figure at 11 PM Friday was $31,000. There is still money being turned in and the books are left open until August 15. Any late donations may be sent to Harvey Buchholz, Hendricks. The final figures will be available at the wrap up meeting Tuesday, August 22. Last year’s figures were $37,815 at this time. The goal is $45,000.25. Last year $43,000 was raised which placed Lincoln County in the 16th place in the Midwest Division (Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, and South Dakota) and 46th in the nation.

Taking care of the registration/accounting were Harvey Buchholz, Helen Jo Olson, and Lois Olson, Hendricks, and Chuck DeBates, Lake Benton. This money is used for research, education, service and advocacy.

Luminaria Chair Julienne Prosch was assisted by Dorene Burg and Joyce Carpenter, Lake Benton. Approximately 1,062 bags were placed on the track.

Food committee of Jolene Trageser, Verdi, Pam Wiering, Tyler and Cheryl Lundberg, Ivanhoe, said 256 pork sandwiches were served. They were prepared by the Lincoln County Pork Producers and served by the Thrivent Financial, Lincoln County.

The Smart Shop was partially funded by Rick’s Welding, Lake Benton. It was manned by Patti Peterson. She had a variety of displays along with the trivia wheel in the chalet. Utoft Dental Clinic donated the very popular bottled water. Kari Althoff provided massages during the night.

Taking care of corporate/window signs and distributing programs were Marie and Stanley Gorecki, Hendricks.

At the survivors table, manned by Rochelle Borresen, Ila Possail, Deanna Drake and Jeanna Possail, Tyler, 52 survivors registered. Last year there were 65. The years of survival were marked by pennies with 551 pennies which were donated to the Relay For Life. The quilts, donated by the Bethany-Elim Quilters, Ivanhoe, were won by Karen Zylstra, Hendricks; Florence Ohlendorf, Morris Fehl, Lake Benton; Jenifer Vollmer, Tyler, and Celena Davis, Ivanhoe.

Entertainment from 5-7 p.m. was provided by Sara Rose and Sandy Brockhouse, Lake Benton, and Rosie Baker, Toronto, SD. On the entertainment committee were Daryl Schlapkohl, Lake Benton, and Jessie Wiering, Tyler.

The survivors photo was at 6:30 p.m. and the survivors walk at 6:45 p.m.

Opening ceremonies-master of ceremonies, Chris Clarke, Ivanhoe, and Jessie Wiering, Tyler, welcomed the crowd and introduced Pastor Gary Veit of Winds of the Prairie. Presentation of the flags was by Henry Sollie Legion Post #10, Lake Benton, by Jim Sorenson, Larry Johnson, Harvey Noble and Bob Briffett.

The National Anthem was sung by Rosie Baker of Toronto, SD.

Chairman Brenda Buus, Hendricks, presented the major sponsor plaques to Hendricks Hospital and Nursing Home, Henry Sollie Legion Post, Tyler Healthcare-Avera Health, KLOH/KISD Radio, Glass Onion Publications, Affiliated Community Medical Centers of Marshall and Buffalo Ridge Newspapers. Co-chair Tammy Crofutt, Elkton, introduced the Relay For Life committee.

Honorary chair Cheryl Lundberg, Ivanhoe, was introduced and she gave her message. Lisa Willert and Patti Peterson read the survivors names and years of survival with a memento to each one.

The 22 teams with over 200 walkers were introduced and started walking with pictures taken in front of the stage. In charge of teams were Lisa Willert and Eileen Christensen, Lake Benton.

Luminaria lighting was at dusk with Cheryl Lundberg lighting the first bag. Jessie Wiering read “Every Candle Has A Name” by John Storey. The balance of the luminarias were lighted and people enjoyed the campsite activities.

Activities during the night were relay bingo, scavenger hunt and theme laps. Scavenger hunt winners were Fishing For A Cure (Cindy Nielsen and Tammy Busselman, captains), Torch Out Cancer (Jacki Studeman), and Families With A Cause (Cindy Bach).

Judging of the campsites was done by Jeff Gollaher and Jeff Moen. Winners were: Spirit-Torch Out Cancer (Jacki Studeman), best campsite, Country Cousins (Lois DeLeon), and best food traveling award, Pink Flamingos (Lisa Willert, Eileen Christensen). The campsites had a large variety of food, games and entertainment throughout the night.

Muffins, cookies, fruit, coffee, milk and juice were served in the chalet Saturday starting at 5 a.m. The closing ceremonies were at 6 a.m. by Chris Clarke, who thanked everyone for their participation.

Taking care of the huge task of facilities were Daryl Schlapkohl and Gary Serie. Many others gave much appreciated help with setup and cleanup. The luminarias were filled with sand and placed around the track at 1 p.m. Friday in the extreme heat.

Relay participants are reminded to get their relay volunteer hours in to Jolene Trageser, Verdi, as soon as possible for Thrivent purposes.

Right now, organizers are catching their breath and preparing for the relay wrap-up which is Tuesday, August 22nd. Committee will meet at 7 p.m. and teams at 7:30 p.m.

The relay is designed as an overnight event for symbolic reasons. They start during the daylight hours which represents the healthy life that people enjoy before cancer sets in. Walking during the night represents the pain and fear associated with the disease. But morning brings a new day showing that cancer can be beaten.

Taking care of the publicity was Joyce Knutson, Lake Benton. Producing the programs were Julie Thooft, Lake Benton, and Jenifer Vollmer, Tyler. Kim Madsen, Willmar, is the American Cancer Society staff person assisting the event.

Check out the Photo Gallery to see photos from the event!

Ivanhoe Board votes to go forward with remodeling and Plan B construction

At the July 11 special school board meeting that began at 6 PM, recessed at 6:55 for a break, and the joint board session with Lake Benton and Hendricks that resumed for a brief session after that meeting, the Ivanhoe School Board voted unanimously to pursue the Option B construction and remodeling on their current facility.

The board reached this decision after discussion prior to the break, and based on information presented at the joint meeting.

In a brief phone interview Interim Superintendent Cornelius Smit said, “The action taken by the board is necessary for the creation of a plan to meet the fire and other safety codes.”

Board Chairman Norm VanOverbeke said, “This does not preclude us from going in a different direction, but it does put a time limit on how long other districts have to let us know if they want to do something jointly as far as building goes. We would still be open to that until the Department of Education approves our plan through the review and comment process.”

In other business, Smit briefed the board on the June 27 SGN meeting. Smit said, “The plan presented retained the gymnasium, home economics and industrial arts areas. An elevator would be installed to make those areas accessible to handicapped persons, and the construction could be completed over a summer with just a slight adjustment in scheduling.”

Smit went on to stress that, “Once the contingency fees, owners expenses and other things not included in the first write up are added to that estimate, the difference between the remodel and the restructure plans is $188,766. The restructure costs more up front, but will reduce operations costs by reducing the square footage of the building.”

The board accepted the resignations of Jason Hollom from his community education and coaching positions, and Joel Nelson as instrumental music instructor; approved offering the science teacher contract to one of the individuals who applied, and approved the signed contract for Cornelius Smit as Interim Superintendent.

In looking at how to go forward, the board directed Smit to see if there are any outstanding commitments to Krause Anderson, and to contact Ehlers and Associates for assistance in preparing the levy calculations and financial previews needed to accompany the building plan for the review and comment process.

The discussion of filling the community education position was tabled until the regular July meeting that will be held on July 20 at 7 PM in the ITV room.

Æbleskiver Days in Tyler

This year’s event will feature barbershop quartet, car show, parade and street dance.

The community of Tyler is gearing up to celebrate its annual Aebleskiver Days this weekend, July 21 to July 23. It is a three-day event that is billed as “A Celebration Of Our Danish Heritage” and features food, fun and music.

Aebelskivers are a Danish treat. They are shaped like a tennis ball and taste like a pancake. They are served with sausages and covered with syrup or sugar. Serving is from 11 AM to 5:30 PM on SATURDAY ONLY inside the Tyler Fire Hall.

There is something for everyone at Aebleskiver Days!

There are lots of events going on all day on Saturday, the main day. It starts with the Aebleskiver Amble 5K Fun Run and a model airplane show in the morning. There is a talent show at 1 p.m. and a fun and crazy aebleskiver eating contest at 2:30 PM.

Then at 3 PM there is a very special musical event. A barbershop quartet from Iowa will perform. (pictured above) They are called “Pocket Change” and have performed in many areas in the Midwest.

The grand parade is at 7 PM and the theme this year is “Wide World Of Sports” for the neighborhood floats. This year the parade will run from the north to the south, down Tyler’s main street.

At 9 PM the street dance under the big tent will feature the Worthington area band (pictured below right), “Sinister”. Admission is just $6.00.

There are many other events on Saturday as well. There are kids games, food stands, Lions Club bingo, and an old time wood turning demonstration. At Danebod Church there are many Danish arts and crafts and foods. Try their famous open-faced Danish sandwiches for a special treat on Saturday!

There is also a volleyball tournament, three-on-three basketball tournament, softball tournament, and a golf tournament, for the sports minded person.

Aebleskiver Days starts on Friday, July 21 with that golf tournament. The three-person best shot tournament is so popular that it has been filled out for several weeks already.

Friday night is the increasingly popular “Tyler Tonight Show” featuring music and comedy and the Tyler Community Awards. It’s at 7:30 PM under the big tent, and admission is free with an Aebleskiver Days button.

On Sunday, July 23 there is a community church service at 11 AM under the big tent. The barbershop quartet “Pocket Change” will be singing at that service also. After the service the Tyler Kiwanis Club will again have their big community picnic featuring pork roast sandwiches and corn on the cob. That runs from noon to 1:30 PM.

And back again for the second year is the big ‘Skiver Car and Motorcycle Show. Last year there were 73 entries and many more are expected this year. It runs from 11 AM to 3 PM on Sunday near the Kronborg Inn on Highway 14.

For more information, call the Tyler Area Community Club at 507-247-3905 or visit us on the web at www.aeblskiverdays.com or at www.tylermn.com. Or check out the front page of the Southwestern Peach this week for a complete listing of events and times.

Boe ministers Hendricks Grace United Methodist and UMC in Lake Benton

Darrell Boe is a graduate of Saint Paul School of Theology

in Kansas City, MO, and the new pastor of Grace United Methodist, Hendricks, and Lake Benton United Methodist Church.

Pastor Boe is married to Gerry, and is the father of two grown children, Andrew and Regina, and grandfather of four.

Darrell is from Sherburn and farmed there for 25 years. He attended Buena Vista College in Iowa, receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology, and then attended Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, receiving his Masters of Divinity.

He has previously held pastoral positions in Independence, MO and in the Clearfield and Lenox Parish in Iowa.

Darrell is an avid reader and enjoys shooting. His wife was raised in Hector and has worked with the mentally handicapped for 19 years. Her hobbies are quilting and baking.

Darrell welcomes the opportunity to serve the churches in Hendricks and Lake Benton. The communities welcome the Boe’s to our area and look forward to meeting him and his wife.