Martin County Star Newsmakers
Everything you want and need to know about what is going on in Martin County Minnesota.
We look at the paper and talk to the Newsmakers.
Mayor's, City Council members, Coachs, Police, Concerned Citizens, and everyday folk with a story to tell.
Tune in each Friday for a new episode.
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Martin County Star Newsmakers
The Game of Politics and the Art of Giving
What intriguing decision process could result in the appointment of a new city council member? Join me, Mike Ennis, as I explore this and other local government stories in the milestone 10th episode of the Martin County Stars podcast, "Newsmakers." Discover the story behind Justin Lubin's appointment to the Trimont City Council and a tie-breaking vote that shaped the decision. We'll also dive into the city's initiative to boost morale and reward their employees, including a 3% pay increase, which echoes the spirit of giving that defines this community. Plus, you'll hear from State Representative Bjorn Olson about Sherburn City Council's efforts to address the challenges of dilapidated properties, and get a lighthearted glimpse into how imaginative second graders think Thanksgiving turkeys should be cooked.
In addition to local governance, this episode champions community spirit and connection through sports and charity. Celebrate Thanksgiving with a fresh perspective on how understanding football might just bring your family closer together, as I draw parallels between the game and the strategy of chess. Embrace the joy of giving with community initiatives like Operation Christmas Child, and recognize the vital role of educators during American Education Week. Rounding out our community updates, I'll share what's new at the Sherbourne Red Carpet, including revamped menu items and a cash discount policy. This episode is a heartfelt tribute to the power of community and the lasting bonds we create through shared experiences.
Well, here we go. Welcome to Martin County Stars podcast. This is called Newsmakers. I'm Mike Ennis, I'm your host, and hey, here we are, episode number 10. Wow, look how you're fast. It seems like it was just yesterday. We were doing episode one and, you know, here we go with episode number 10. Nice having you guys along, by the way.
Speaker 1:A couple of housekeeping items I want to bring up, you know, first of all, if you are interested in being a sponsor, being a being a sponsor on the podcast, then I give candy a call. Her number is, uh, 507-841-0904. She'll set it up for you. Okay, she'll get you all set up. I look forward to having you as a sponsor. You know what's nice about it is when I do a podcast, the podcast never goes away. No, it just stays here. So whenever somebody listens or listens again, your ad is still there. We normally do 15-second ads, is all. So you know, you get a mention at the beginning, a mention at the end, and then 15 seconds somewhere in the middle of the podcast, anyway. So I want to welcome you, though, and make that offer available to you.
Speaker 1:Also, during the month of. Well, from now until Christmas, we are having a special on subscriptions. That's right, you know. Give a subscription, it's kind of nice, especially for, like, a parent or a child who's off to college and he, you know, used to live here and they want to keep up with their friends and know what's going on. Podcast is a great word, excuse me, the newspaper is a great way to do it.
Speaker 1:Our subscription rate is $40 for a year. That's the discounted rate. Normally it's 50. You get 20% off during this time. Okay, so it's 40 bucks, so keep that in mind. Also, what else? Oh, online subscriptions are just $31. Don't hold me to it. I think that's what it says. I'm always confused on that. $31 and you have an online subscription. The paper goes online normally on Wednesdays and it's there in full color and you can check it out anytime you want. All right, so, anyway, a couple of items that this week in the newspaper that really I found kind of interesting.
Speaker 1:First of all, the Trimont City Council. They added a new member, justin Lubin, who we interviewed. Remember him? Justin was back, I don't know. Like four weeks ago we talked to him about running for city council. Anyway, he's been appointed to take over the seat of John Holtz, and so, justin, he fills in now for the next two years. I guess it was 26 months that was left on the contract. So anyway, he'll be there for a couple of years, and congratulations to him. He'll be there for a couple of years, and congratulations to him. He's a good guy.
Speaker 1:It was an interesting meeting, kind of funny. It was between him and Shane Bortrager, and they each had two council members' votes, including the mayor, and it was a first ballot. So then they asked each candidate to say a couple of words, and they did. They were both fine, they both sounded good, like they'd make fine council members. They took another vote it was still 2-2, and so then they're sitting there and kind of deadlocked.
Speaker 1:And finally, one of my favorite members of the council is Cliff Vries, and Cliff looked out and he said well, maybe we could flip a coin, which I thought was pretty clever. I pulled a quarter out, but nobody saw me, so I don't know, I was afraid to give it to a politician, though you know what I mean. Hey, I'm just saying. Finally, though, cliff, and who was it? Cliff and Brad, they started talking kind of privately for about a minute. Boom, he said okay, I changed my vote, I'm going with Justin. It was no reason. He said they both are fine candidates. Just you know I'm going to change and go with Justin. So there it was done, just like that. It was an interesting process so that took place. The city is giving the city employees, including the police chief, john Arringer, a 3% increase. 3% pay increase. So that seemed to be pretty fair.
Speaker 1:Christmas decorations are going up this week around town for the next, probably this week and next week, I'm guessing. You know that's what they said. Between now and, as they have time, they're going to take care of that. Get all the Christmas decorations out on the street. Sherburn they look into a dilapidated property. Liz went and covered the Sherbourne City Council and that's what they came up with. Let me see. Vacated in dilapidated properties was the predominant topic at the recent Sherbourne City Council meeting and State Representative Bjorn Olson. He was in attendance and he gave his thoughts on that and he used to be the mayor of elmore that I did not know that anyway, and he was there attending the meeting and he gave his thoughts and kind of helped him out a little bit with some some different clarities and things.
Speaker 1:Also the martin county west. They voted to release the three welcome properties, three welcome properties. Do I have it here? No, I do not. I know it's the school, the football field and, oh, the bus park, and they've actually had a bid on it or they're going to have a bid on it, and so, anyway, that's going to be taken care of Further down the page. This is still on the front page.
Speaker 1:Forget the way grandma taught you to cook a turkey. Martin County West. Second graders have their own way. I got to read one to you. This is funny, funny, funny. This is from Maddox. He says it's going down, grab a shotgun and shoot it, then cook at 500 degrees. Then have a party. Then grab the shotgun, shoot it again, then cook it 500 degrees again. I thought there's a boy who I don't want his turkey. It's going to be full of buckshot. Anyway, this is kind of funny also.
Speaker 1:I'll just read a couple to you. First, I buy it. I salt and lemon, season it. The lemon and season was spelled a little bit incorrectly, but you know they're second graders. Next, put it in the oven at 46 degrees and then let it cool. I'm thinking to myself you know, 46 degrees, that's already cool, anyway. Then make garlic bread sauce. Finally, eat it all from Charlotte.
Speaker 1:All right, If you want to read more of them, they're online or you can grab your paper and read them. They're really pretty funny and they're pretty clever. Oh, here it is Online subscription $36. Okay, I'm going to put that into my memory bank. Online subscription is $36. So keep that in mind. And you don't get the paper if you're online only, but it's only 36 bucks. This is great for people who go south for the winter. You snowbirds, you know you can go and you got the paper with you right there. Boom, it's on Wednesday and you can open it up. It's in full color. Anyway, keep that in mind.
Speaker 1:1931. What went on in 1931? Miss Eleanor Johnston won fourth place on her canning exhibition and menu at 4-H Club Work, the exhibit held in Chicago. Each state sent an exhibit, congratulations. Well, back in 1931.
Speaker 1:1956, deer Hunters let me see what happened then. Went to Black Duck to hunt, ed went to Lansborough and Paul and Anderson's in northern Minnesota, duck Hunter's going to Eli, where Paul, anderson and Bob is at Ostgard, and a group of friends from Minneapolis. Anyway, that's what went on in 1956. Other news let's keep going through the paper. Let's see what else we've got here today.
Speaker 1:Oh, obituaries Marianne Hagen passed away, 79. 79. Her funeral will be tomorrow, saturday, november 23rd, 11 o'clock At the Lutheran Church in Fairmont. Keep that in mind. Also, beverly Joyce Welchlin Welchlin, 92. She passed away in St James back on October 3rd and then the funeral will be again tomorrow at SIN's Family Celebration of Life Center here in Trimont, tomorrow at 1 pm. So you know, it's always one of those things you look at an obituary and you say to yourself 92, that's a good long life. She seems like a very nice lady. I do not know her, but you know I'm sorry for the folks who've lost a loved one. At the same time, if she's a Christian, then you know it's hey. She's looking forward to going home. So it's kind of a win-sad occasion.
Speaker 1:Looking at page four, ann Ivey this week Says Dear Ann Ivey, first I want to wish you a happy Thanksgiving. And then I do have a question when did Thanksgiving become synonymous with football? I mean, football starts about noon and goes until the evening. I know I'm happy, I don't understand and I'm fed up with the stupid sport. So she's not a fan, just a bunch of guys running around chasing one another, and when somebody gets hurt they stop and they show you what happened about 50 times. Well, that is so true. I hate that too, especially if they break something like a leg or something, it gets caught. I mean, they just keep showing you over and over and I'm like, oh, stop it. Anyway, she says it's colored me board and Ivy responds dear first, thank you. I wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving also. Now to your real question.
Speaker 1:Like you, I hated football on Thanksgiving. My main problem was I wanted my husband to sit with the family and play a game or just talk about. But I soon learned the way to happiness and peace in the family was to learn the game. Football is something like a chess game. That's exactly what it's like you know, except for really. Anyway, the offense that's the team with the ball, she says, is trying to score and the defense that's the team without the ball is trying to stop them. Very good, the how this happens is truly a wonderful thing to watch.
Speaker 1:When a quarterback walks up to the center of the guy hiking the ball and starts to call out signals, it's not just him hollering. It's the same as when you go to a party and you and the husband have decided that a certain time you or him will say the code word. Oh, we have one of those, candy and I. We have a code word. If I want I'm not going to tell you because if you hear me say it, ever we're together at a party or something and you hear me say my code word you'll say all right, mike's done, he's out of here. But we have a code word. If one of us says it, we know. Okay, let's go, we're out of here, you know anyway. So we have a code word.
Speaker 1:Where was I at Start calling signals? You have a code word. Okay, there, it is Predetermined to call it a night. Right, that's what they're doing Calling plays and the defense, the guys trying to stop them. They're telling their players to watch for a pass or a run or a fake. It's all in code words. That's really I mean, that's really pretty accurate. It's truly a wonderful chess match with really really large pieces. Boy, she hit the nail on the head there, didn't she? That is so true. It is a big chess match with great, big, giant guys trying to kill each other and then at the end of the game they all, you know, hug and smile and pat each other on the back and walk away and go soak in ice bath. All right, looking at page number eight, it's the local news page. It's Liz. Liz writes for us. She writes our news columns plus. She writes a column each week, and I enjoy reading Liz's columns. She's pretty clever.
Speaker 1:One of the items in here, though, is the Operation Christmas Child has been moved to the Trimont Covenant Church. Submissions to the project are being accepted. You can contact them at 507-639-4171 if you need additional information. And that's such a great organization that's a Samaritan's Purse puts it on and it's Operation Christmas Child and it's a Christmas shoebox and you can sponsor it yourself or as a church, you can get together and you can sponsor it. And it's a Christmas shoebox and you know you can sponsor it yourself or you know, as a church you can get together and you can sponsor it. But it's really a worthwhile something to do for your church or your organization, even a family. It's $10, I believe, if I'm correct, and you can sponsor a shoebox. You can drop the money off if you want, or you can go shopping for the different items. They give you a list of stuff you can go do. I know it's kind of late this year. I know it's kind of late if you're just getting started, but make it a note next year, you know, if you don't do it this year, this year, anywhere near what they've got. You know, we're so blessed in our country, man, we're blessed.
Speaker 1:This is American Education Week. American Education Week November 18th through the 22nd. So we want to pay respect, first of all to our teachers Great, great teachers, men, women and then to our students. Candy and I stopped at the let me see the elementary school in Sherbourne on Wednesday. We dropped off papers to all the kids who wrote you know how to cook a turkey for us. We took them all, the paper, and you know it was fun walking through the halls and seeing the kids and all the energy there. I mean they have so much energy the teachers, and how sweet they are, and I just want to say thank you to each and every one of them for doing such a great job. We have a really nice spread down there with some really great pictures that Lori got and also that the school sent over. Let me see, are they from the school? Yeah, I think actually the pictures from the school. I don't think Lori took these. So, anyway, but a good job to everybody.
Speaker 1:Oh, here's something, an open letter to the editor from the city of Sherbourne. Sherbourne City Council Changes to the red carpet, I guess on behalf of the City Council. This letter serves as support for the recent changes made at the red carpet, as well as support for our manager, rachel. Due to various reasons, including budgetary and best practice, the city has implemented changes at the red carpet. Uh-oh, these changes have been directed by the council.
Speaker 1:Let me see when are the changes. Where do we go here? Red carpet cannot still order your favorites. However, we may not stock them in off sale. Also, this does not mean that you cannot order your favorite appetizer. It just may be featured as a special instead of a permanent item.
Speaker 1:Okay, so you know, let me see. We no longer charge a credit card fee. Oh, that's a good deal. Instead, we now have to offer a cash discount. Okay, so you know, let me see, we no longer charge a credit card fee. That's a good deal. Instead, we now have to offer a cash discount. Okay, I see. So if you have a $20 bill and you want to pay with credit card, it's 20 bucks. If you want to pay with cash, then they give you a discount for that. So keep that in mind.
Speaker 1:Let me see they want to address the concerns that have been circulating around the community of the municipal liquor store closing as of January 1st. We are unsure of where these originated. However. This is not information that has come from our city council or city office. So knock it off. If you're starting rumors, stop it with what they're saying. Stop. If you're starting rumors, stop it with what they're saying. You know, wait, don't, don't. Just I tell you. We get that all the time. People call here with hey, did you know? And we start looking into it and we're going. That's not even close to being accurate. Sometimes it's just. It's just not true. On the church page I found this. There was a really good story in there about a church helping others out and I made a little note here.
Speaker 1:Christians Show Love Trimont's Covenant Church at 61 Main Street. They know how to celebrate Thanksgiving. They're offering a free Thanksgiving Day meal with three options. You can either pick it up, you can have it delivered between 1130 and 1230, or you can choose to dine in. This year's menu is smoked turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, some other items too, and then, of course, pie. And I talked to the pastor there and he told me that they have all kinds of pies all kinds of pies and so you'll be given a choice. As long as you can run with your laugh. They serve traditionally between 120 to 185 dinners. You need to call now, by Monday. Okay, you're running out of time, monday, the 25th. By the way, just in case you listen to this after Monday, don't try and call. It's too late Monday, the 25th of November to reserve your Thanksgiving meal. All right, keep that in mind. What else we got? Okay, I did that already. I read that, by the way.
Speaker 1:I want to thank our sponsors. I want to thank all of our sponsors the ones for the American Education Week, our sponsors for the how to Cook a Turkey, the Thanksgiving Greetings. You know, without them, this paper would close tomorrow. You know right. You know, with sponsors, we need them, we need them and we want you to support them. Go in, tell them thank you and then buy sponsors. We need them, we need them and we want you to support them. Go in, tell them thank you and then buy something. That's a better thank you. You know they count on you to buy as much as we count on them to advertise with us. So keep that in mind. Thank our sponsors.
Speaker 1:Welcome State Bank. They are having their holiday open house. When's that? Wednesday, december the 4th, 10 am to 1 30 pm. And it says here, please bring an item for the local food show. That's always nice. That's always nice. Go into the cabinet and find some really great items and bring it with you for the local food show.
Speaker 1:And then, by the way, on the how to cook a turkey section how to cook a turkey section we also brought back three second graders from 20 years ago. They're not still in second grade, they all graduated and they've all moved on. It was Lexi Barslow, dana Sin and Bailey Olson. We hunted them down and they sent us what they do now. You know where they're at now. And let me see, I think two of the three are married. They're both actually newlyweds, to be honest, and anyway, I'm not going to tell you everything. Read the paper. It's in there. Let me see, they all three sent us a recipe. They all three sent us a recipe and it's much more in detail than it was back in 2004. So we'll do this again next year. Also, we'll find 20 years from, maybe 20 years ago, maybe 25. Who knows, we might mix it up a little bit.
Speaker 1:On the back page, martin County West presents Fall Musical Anastasia. Nice big picture there and Lori covered that and she got the story in the picture. When is it? When is it? The play will be performed November 22nd through the 24th, on Friday and Saturday at 7 pm. Okay, so it's tonight at 7 pm and tomorrow night at 7 pm and then the 24th and then Sunday at 2 pm At the Sherbourne Theater. So there's no movie there this week. They're showing, or they're. The high school is presenting their play, a musical, anastasia, so I'm sure it'll be sold out. Hopefully it'll be sold out, and I hope that you're able to go and to see it.
Speaker 1:High school plays are fun. I was in man, I don't know how many I was in as an high schooler and as a kid growing up. I was always in the plays. I have one son and a couple of granddaughters who are in plays where they live, they're in Delaware and they're in them all the time. All the time it's fun. Let's see here.
Speaker 1:Looking at Martin County West school agenda for sports Thursday, the 21st that was yesterday. Okay, friday, here we go. School play Monday girls basketball versus GFW in Tremont, 7 pm. Tuesday. Girls hockey in Laverne 2.30. Girls basketball at Cleveland. Boys hockey at Laverne 2.30,. Girls basketball at Cleveland. Boys hockey at Laverne Saturday. Next Saturday, not tomorrow. Next Saturday girls basketball versus Edgerton at Minnesota West in Worthington.
Speaker 1:All right, so keep that in mind. Always remember, though you're in Minnesota. Due to weather and other considerations, events are subject to change, boy, is that ever true, right? So, anyway, well, that's all I got. That's all I got. So you know, don't forget, give us a call if there's something on your mind and there's something that's maybe a great story idea that you've got. We actually kind of count on that. People call in and tell us some great hey, mike, did you know about such and such? Now People call in and tell us some great hey, mike, did you know about such and such? Now, don't make stuff up, you know. Give me a really good, legitimate story, okay, and we'll send somebody out to cover it Also. That does it for us today, episode 10.
Speaker 1:We hope that you'll go back and listen to some of the previous episodes and then, you know, keep track with us, stay on track with us. All right, go to martinco, martincounty, martincostarcom. Click on the online edition. All right, when that comes up, then go down and look for podcasts, click on that and then boom, you're in. It's that simple. It really is. It truly is that simple. Podcasts are just like a radio program, but you can listen on your phone. I do it all the time and you can too. All right, adios, see you guys next week.
