GFW selects Tami Martin to be

their new superintendent

By Daniel McGonigle, Publisher Editor

The GFW School Board voted to enter into a three-year contract with Tami Martin.

Negotiations with the next superintendent will begin immediately.

Martin is currently the Superintendent/K-8 Principal/Executive Director of the Cross Lake Community School. 

Crosslake Community School is a K-8 public charter school. The school has 135 students and is located in Crosslake, MN. 

The GFW board will vote to approve the contact with Martin at the May 20 regular school board meeting in Winthrop.

Following two interviews with community members, school board officials and educators, Martin was selected from an original field of four candidates.

She, along with Adam Holm who is currently the high school principal in Litchfield, were selected for a second round of interviews which took place on Tuesday, May 7.

Both Martin and Holm spent the majority of the day in the GFW district, visiting all three sites, meeting with the administration team and finally interviewing with the GFW school board in the evening.

Following those interviews, the board decided, based on the data they collected throughout the process, to enter into negotiations with Martin.

Martin spent Tuesday with her predecessor, Jeff Bertrang, who will leave at the end of June for his new position as the Superintendent of New Ulm Public Schools.

Pending contract negotiations, Martin will begin her duties with GFW on July 1.

For more about Tami, please see print edition.

GFW Frisbee Golf team formed 

By Daniel McGonigle, Publisher Editor

During the summer of 2012, five young students from GFW were given their first taste of “Frisbee Golf.”

The youngsters had played a “pick up game” and decided they liked it.

As school began in the fall, Kevin Taralseth and some of the other students set out to form a team at GFW.

There was a substantial amount of paperwork that would need to be filled out and the group approached two teachers about possibly coaching them.

Dan Kaiser and Lynnae Grack were willing to lend a hand.

Did Kaiser know the first thing about “Frisbee Golf?”

“Not a thing,” he smiled.

His philosophy is to learn as he goes so that is what he is doing.

For complete story, please see print edition.

Over six decades of memories in quilt made by Mavis Erickson for her friend Eddie Johnson

Mavis Erickson of Franklin, and the late Eddie Johnson’s friendship dated back to the year 1949. Much of the foundation of that friendship can be traced back to the sport of bowling.

“My husband, his wife and I used to all bowl together,” said Mavis. 

Johnson, who passed away in December of 2012, bowled in leagues in Redwood Falls, Bird Island as well as Fairfax, among others.

“He was always in at least two leagues,” recalls Mavis. “Eddie bowled a good 60 years.”

For about the final three years of his life, Johnson did not bowl. However, each year since 1949 it was a major part of his life.

Mavis and Johnson remained friends even after she lost her husband in 1991 and he his wife in 1998. She told him she always wanted to sew a quilt out of his and her husband Gordy’s old bowling shirts.

“I’d always talked about it before we lost Eddie in December,” said Mavis. “I thought ‘I’ve got to get after this and do this.’”

So Mavis spent much of the past winter sewing a quilt out of the old shirts. She said she didn’t have any particular favorite shirt, nor did Eddie she could recall.

“They each hold meaning,” she said.

The two couples were “avid bowlers” and she couldn’t think of a better way to pay tribute to the friendship they forged over six decades of bowling and fellowship.

“It’s a keepsake for my benefit,” she said. “I have my bowling shirts tucked away in a box but this quilt holds many special memories for me of my husband and our friend Eddie. I’ve been richly blessed.”

For complete story and photo of quilt, please see print edition.

Council discusses over 

$140,000 of past due water bills

By Daniel McGonigle, Publisher Editor

Two days into her new role as city administrator, Dana Lietzau discovered a problem.

It seems the city’s water billing system had some serious shortcomings.

Lietzau dug deeper into the matter. Turns out those shortcomings were to the tune of over $140,000 dating back to as far as 2007 in uncollected water bills.

Before a packed house at the May city council meeting, the city council attempted to bring some closure to the issue and collect what is owed.

Gibbon Mayor Jeff Gatton admitted that the city is “partially responsible” for the error on past due balances. However he, and other members of the council, felt that most of the blame should be on the shoulders of the “end users” who didn’t pay their bills.

Gatton praised Lietzau for working with residents to settle 90-95 percent of the past due bills.

During the past 12 months, the city has switched their billing cycles from quarterly to monthly, something that could be partially to blame.

Years to get in, years to get out

Council member Richard Gurska spoke to a full house at the community center during the meeting. He said he was one of the 75 homes who were impacted by the past due bills.

“I feel terrible about it,” said Gurska. “It took years to get into this mess, and it could take years to get out of it.”

Gurska and his wife, Karen, spoke extensively about their own situation and Karen shared her frustration with the matter getting this out of hand.

She said she went to the New Ulm Journal, who has published a series of articles on the matter in recent weeks, in an effort to avoid having it swept under the carpet.

However, some members of the crowd weren’t buying it. They employed them to “pay their bill in the first place.”

City council member Doug Stark said that the city is waiving any late fees or penalty and is working on payment arrangements as some bills total in the thousands.

“As long as you pay some sort of payment in addition to what you owe for that month, we’ll work with you,” said Stark. “But as far as I’m concerned the matter is closed. We have nothing further to discuss; you should pay what you rightfully owe.”

Apply now to be the next Fairfax Royalty 

By Daniel McGonigle, Publisher Editor

Those interested in being named as candidates for the 2013 Fairfax Royalty are encouraged to read the following:

Fairfax Royalty Coronation Guidelines:

1.  Candidate must be 17-19 years of age or a senior in high school during the coronation year to run for Miss Fairfax.

2.  Candidate or candidate’s parent(s) or guardian must have a Fairfax address and/or phone number, or reside within the GFW School District. Note that we do not require the candidates to “attend” GFW.

3.  Candidates must be single, never been married and without dependents.

4.  Out of respect for the modern, blended families with alternative living and custody situations, all candidates must physically reside in the specified Fairfax area a minimum of 50 percent of the time.

5.  All Candidates who enter the contest are Fairfax Ambassadors and will promote the City of Fairfax during the contest year (any age from 4-19 is eligible for this program).

6.  Little Miss Contestants must be age 4-7 years by June 1 of the coronation year.

7.  $800 must be raised by royalty annually. Any amount over that will be put in next year’s fund.

a.  $100 saving bond ($50 purchase price) for Little Miss will be awarded at the following year’s coronation.

b.  $750 split: $500 Queen Scholarship, $250 Princess Scholarship.

8.  If a specified donation is given, within a coronation year, the Queen’s portion will double the Princess.

9.  In case of disability or death before disbursement, money is to be used for a benefit or memorial at the family’s discretion.

10.  If winner’s contract is broken by rule infraction, the scholarship is revoked, other reigning royalty will move up in the ranks and the $250 scholarship will revert back to the scholarship fund.

11.  The Princess must wait one year before running again.

12.  Any royalty contestant can only go forward in categories once they have won top prize in their category. Miss Fairfax cannot run again, but a Princess could if they are in the age range after waiting one year from their reign.

For complete story, please see print edition.

Four candidates to interview for

GFW superintendent position 

By Daniel McGonigle, Publisher Editor

The GFW school district will interview four candidates for their vacant superintendent post.

Working with former superintendent Tony Boyer and the South Central Service Cooperative (SCSC), the interviews will be conducted on Wednesday, May 1 with all four candidates.

Interviews will be with the school board as well as with a community committee made up of educators, administration and community members.

The four candidates

Adam Holm is currently a principal in the Litchfield school district. He has over 19 years of experience in education including stops in Hutchinson, Osseo and Brainerd.

Dean Jones is currently a superintendent and elementary principal at a small school in South Dakota. Jones has family in the area and would like to move closer.

He is the only candidate of the four who will be interviewed who has experience as a superintendent and elementary principal, the role that GFW would ask of the candidate.

Tami Martin is a charter school director at a Cross Lake Community School. She has been in that position for the past five years and has 20 years experience as an elementary teacher.

Dr. Kathy Mortensen is a District Administrator at Brooklyn Center schools. She brings over 20 years of experience in a variety of positions including as an assistant principal in a K-8 school, nine years as a special education teacher/coordinator and three years experience in her current role.

 Mortensen, who said she and her husband would like to relocate to out state Minnesota, is also a finalist in the vacant superintendent position at New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva.

Next steps

Each of the four candidates will interview with both committees for an hour with each group.

Following the interviews, the board will review the community committee feedback forms and will complete an evaluation form on the candidates.

The board will then meet with Ed Waltman and Boyer of the SCSC and two candidates will be named as finalists. 

They will then be invited back on May 7 where they will tour the district, meet with staff and will be part of a second round of interviews.

If a suitable superintendent is found among the four candidates, contract negotiations are expected to begin on May 20.

The district had 17 applicants apply for the position.

Problems at state level with MCA II tests impact local districts

By Daniel McGonigle, Publisher Editor

GFW and Cedar Mountain were among several  Minnesota school districts who ran into problems when they tried to administer online assessment tests known as the MCA’s.

Some state education officials fear the testing delays might hurt student test scores.

Troubles with the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment tests, or MCAs, have been going on for the past few weeks with multiple incidents being reported across the state. 

Statewide, thousands of Minnesota students have sat down in front of a desktop computer to take their MCA tests.

Earlier this month the company that provides the testing software for the state, American Institutes for Research, reported server glitches were at the root of the problem.

The problems could result in fines for AIR, a nonprofit.

“Let’s not worry about finding someone to blame, let’s worry about fixing the problem so we can have the best outcome for our kids,” said GFW middle school principal Ralph Fairchild.

Fairchild noted that on the first day of testing “we had a major malfunction.”

GFW isn’t alone. Over the last few weeks, literally thousands of Minnesota students have sat down in front of a computer to take their MCA tests. 

For complete story, please see print edition.

School board reaches out to the “G-F-W”

in Gibbon, Fairfax, Winthrop

By Daniel McGonigle, Publisher Editor

Officials with the GFW school board met with city council members, city administrators and mayors from each of the three communities that make up GFW.

The goal of the meeting was to forge a partnership with the communities that would benefit all of the parties.

The meeting was also a chance for GFW to share its 2013-2015 school goals.

Those goals included an emphasis on academic standards, the learning environment, and community.

Under academic standards the school stressed that each school site will meet or exceed state and national academic performance standards.

For the learning environment goal, the district stressed how they are working with area schools to develop shared programs that provide new opportunities for students.

Two of the districts working the closest with GFW are Cedar Mountain and Sleepy Eye Public.

“GFW has developed partnerships with two area schools for programming not currently offered,” said superintendent Jeff Bertrang. “Students are able to learn in a variety of ways and at various locations.”

The community portion of the goals is where the community representatives enter the story.

For complete story, please see print edition.

Location is what drew Dan Blaalid to 

the opportunity of purchasing Jimmy’s Pizza

By Daniel McGonigle, Publisher Editor

Dan Blaalid is happy to be back home.

Blaalid, who grew up just 10 miles south of Fairfax, jumped at the chance to own a business closer to his home turf.

“It was nice to get back to the area,” said Blaalid. “I prefer the small town atmosphere where you know a lot of people. Everyone has been very nice.”

Blaalid, who graduated from MVL in 1998, is the new owner of Jimmy’s Pizza in Fairfax.

He most recently owned a movie theatre in Fairmont but sold that business in 2012 and began looking for the next opportunity.

“The location is what drew me to this opportunity,” he said.

Blaalid said he has worked in retail since he was 18 and that he really enjoys that line of work.

“I like the customer service part of it,” he said. “It’s sort of like riding a bike, you never really forget how to do it.”

The Jimmy’s owner likes visiting with and meeting new people.

Blaalid bought the business from Scott and Sara Waibel, whom he credits with helping him make the transition. 

For her part, Sara Waibel was happy to see the business reopen.

“We are very excited for Dan,” she said. “And wish him the best. We’re glad Jimmy’s is back in Fairfax and we hope that all of the people that have been missing the pizza support Dan!”

The establishment officially reopened for business on April 3 and Blaalid said the reception has been everything he expected.

“It’s been great,” he said after two-plus weeks of being open. 

Like the previous owners, Blaalid has kept the menu that customers are used to seeing.

“We haven’t made any changes,” he noted. 

Upcoming there are plans currently in the works to expand to be open lunch hours. This summer Blaalid also expects to offer soft-serve ice cream. He said he hasn’t quite nailed down the hours just yet so he wasn’t ready to publish that information at this time but he definitely plans to open for lunch.

In a few weeks he also expects to resume offering deliveries to the Hector area.

Currently the business delivers to Fairfax, Franklin and Gibbon.

Blaalid said he is looking for delivery drivers at this time. If you are interested you are encouraged to contact him at 507-426-7499.

If you’d like to order a pizza that is the same number as well.

Blaalid said that if you have any further questions or comments you should contact him at jimmyspizzafairfaxmn@yahoo.com.

City approves necessary parts for repairs

to Water Treatment Plant 

By Daniel McGonigle, Publisher Editor

A special meeting of the Fairfax City Council was called on Thursday, April 18 to approve the necessary purchases to repair an underdrain on the city’s water treatment facility.

Two quotes were received regarding the project.

John Graupman, Principal Engineer with Bolton & Menk was available via a conference call to help address council concerns.

When council member Lois Gilles asked: “The city was told the filter would last 15 years, we are at 13 years. Was everything done properly?”

Graupman replied: “All protocols were met 13 1/2 years ago,” he said. “All was done properly.”

Graupman noted he was not sure why it did not make it the 15 years.

“Many factors could be reason for failure,” he said. “Possibly sand from the well getting in the aerator, flaking concrete.”

Graupman said that his experience is that the filters usually last 15-30 years. The projection for the filters at the Fairfax plant was for 15-20 years.

For complete story, please see print edition.

Renville County could be approved for 

new $24 million hospital by month’s end

By Daniel McGonigle, Publisher Editor

By the end of the month, a decision is expected on a plan to build a new 62,000 square foot hospital and clinic facility in Renville County.

The total project cost including design, construction, land acquisition and necessary funding costs is estimated at $24 million.

Nathan Blad, interim administrator for the RC Hospital and Clinics, went before the Renville County Board of Commissioners earlier this month with the proposal.

He has since held a series of town hall style meetings in communities throughout Renville County including in Fairfax on Tuesday, April 16.

Blad spelled out the need for the hospital given current challenges.

“People have asked ‘why not just remodel the facility you already have?’” said Blad. “We currently have issues with our work flow, age of the facility and we’d have to shut down surgery for part of the remodel process,” he said. “And we’d still have to upgrade. And you’d still only save 15 percent over the cost of building a brand new building.”

Blad said it was important to build new to help preserve health care in our communities, to improve medical staff recruitment and retention, improve patient and staff flows and eliminate patient privacy concerns, among other reasons.

One of the common misconceptions that Blad addressed is that the hospital is county owned and operated and therefore taxpayer funded.

“Like any business, the cost will primarily be paid through revenues received from the business,” he said. “The balance of the funding will come out of hospital revenues, debt financing and donations.”

The hospital currently has no debt and has close to $14 million in cash reserves.

For complete story, please see print edition.

Gag Sheet Metal takes over management of Isakson’s in Gibbon

By Daniel McGonigle, Publisher Editor

It only made sense that the oldest roofing and HVAC business in Southern Minnesota would acquire one of, if not the oldest, plumbing and heating business in southern Minnesota.

Gag Sheet Metal, Inc. on April 1 acquired Isakson’s Plumbing and Heating in Gibbon. Isakson’s has been in business since 1891. Gag Sheet Metal has been in business since 1904.

Owner John Gag, who is a fourth generation owner, as his great-grandfather started the business, has been with the company for 27 years. Adding the plumbing and heating component to his business has been something that has been discussed at Gag for many years.

“When we bid a job we had a few local contractors that we would work with,” he said. “This just made sense and now we can provide that service to our existing customer base.”

Gag, who has an outstanding reputation in the roofing and air conditioning sector, saw this as a win-win for the growth of their business and for the satisfaction of their customer base.

“We’ve been doing roofing for over 100 years and now we want people to think about us in terms of their plumbing needs,” said Gag. “We’re no longer just heating, cooling and roofing.”

While the company took over management of Isakson’s on April 1, the closing is scheduled for April 30.

“All of the existing employees will remain with the company,” said Gag. “We saw this as a good opportunity to get into the plumbing side and see some growth in that market over this way (New Ulm) and we see it as a good thing for both companies.”

Gag is planning to hold an Open House/Retirement appreciation party for long-time Isakson employee Noreen Beranek who has been with the company 34 years.

On April 26, Beranek had been planning to retire.

“We want to give her the proper send off,” said Gag.

The Open House is scheduled for May 3 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Gag Sheet Metal, Inc. is a family owned company located in New Ulm, Minnesota. The company was founded in 1904 by George Gag, and carried on by his son Melvin Gag. Mel’s son Michael Gag became an owner in 1978. In the mid 1980’s, his son John Gag joined him, and in the early 1990’s, Mike’s son Steven Gag joined the company. John and Steve are the current owners and head up the management team. 

We install all types of roofing, specializing in Flat roofing and Architectural Panels. Our HVAC side of the business works with all types of ventilation, as well as commercial kitchens, and in-floor heat.

Hanson delivers his last letter,

38 years after delivering his first 

By Daniel McGonigle, Publisher Editor

You might see long time mail carrier Larry Hanson tinkering around on one of his antique tractors, or helping out on the farm.

But you will no longer see him working his rural Fairfax mail route.

In February of 2013, Hanson retired after 38 years with the United States Postal Service.

When Hanson began his job with the post office in 1975, a first class postage stamp was just 10 cents.

Saturday mail was not only not being spoken about being eliminated, it was just another day at the office for Hanson and his co-workers.

“It was just another job,” he would say. “It was interesting to deliver all the stuff to the people of the area, the numerous packages.”

Hanson said he is looking forward to his retirement once the weather turns for the better and he can actually get out and enjoy his time a little bit.

He and his wife Sharon have five kids, two of whom are still in the area and the other three he looks forward to having the time to travel and visit them in the Mankato, St. Cloud areas as well as one who lives in South Dakota.

For complete story, please see print edition.

Alley improvement project on hold for now

By Daniel McGonigle, Publisher Editor

The Fairfax City Council heard testimony from residents regarding the proposed 2013 Alley and Utility Improvement project.

Business owners and landowners impacted by the proposal gathered to give the council their opinions regarding the proposed project.

In the end the council voted, all-be-it reluctantly by some members of the council, to hold off on the project with a unanimous vote.

Duane Hansel of Bolton and Menk said that the project was needed because the sanitary sewer has a high amount of obstructions. The west alley behind businesses like Fairfax Agency and Jimmy’s Pizza does not have an outlet for the storm sewer.

The project was proposed to repair storm sewer and install new curb and gutter on the west alley previously mentioned as well as the east alley behind the Standard-Gazette office and Farm Merchantile. The project would also address a storm sewer issue on 4^th Street.

The bids came in at a cost of $354,800.

Owners of the properties immediately up against the alleys would be assessed at a rate of 25 percent of the project cost or about $89,135. 

Several business owners spoke in opposition of the project.

Karen Severts said that she would rather see the city of Fairfax spend the “one-third of a million dollars to bring businesses into Fairfax.”

“I’m very opposed to it,” she said.

Brian Marquardt didn’t see the value in “upgrading to the Cadillac.”

He said he would rather see the project scaled back a bit perhaps applying gravel rather than a black-top.

He said that often times the vehicles that do use the alleys aren’t doing so to patronize the businesses.

“They cut through the alleys so they don’t have to go the extra one-half block,” he said. “Maybe if it was gravel they’d go around.”

Ron Waibel, who also spoke in opposition to the project, asked that if the council had the authority to enforce these taxes on the establishments impacted by the alley upgrades, would they then require that the liquor store receive deliveries to the back door instead of the front as they currently do.

This reporter also spoke out against the project. 

“I just want to see a little more cooperation and partnering between the business community and the council,” said McGonigle. “There has been amazing things done in the year-and-a-half or so since I bought the Standard on the city side by way of improvements. [I was speaking of the new city hall, library, police station, water tower, etc.] But the business community is reeling and is just the opposite. I’d just like to see us hold off and let a few of these businesses get their feet under them.”

The lone voice in favor of the project, or as I would later find out the lone voice who was willing to speak up regarding the project, was Kevin Schafer.

For complete story, please see print edition.

After 44 years Tjosaas calls it a career at Ft. Ridgely 

By Daniel McGonigle, Publisher Editor

After 44 years with the park service, long-time Ft. Ridgely park manager Mark Tjosaas is calling it a career.

Family, friends and colleagues gathered on Saturday, April 6 to wish Mark the best in the next chapter of his life.

“He was always a pleasure to work with,” said David Nelson, a long-time supporter of the park. 

For Tjossaas, the timing might not have been as he would’ve planned, but he is at peace with the decision to retire.

“I have a lot of regrets,” he said. “It wasn’t the time I would’ve picked but it was the best alternative for me personally and professionally.”

Tjosaas said however, that he feels a a sense of fullfillment and that it is a good time to move on.

While Tjosaas isn’t ready to step completely out of the work life, he has taken a position with the Mayflower Golf Club, which was where his party was held.

Photos of he and wife Brenda over the years, as well as other momentos from his long career with the park were on display for guests to enjoy.

“I’m grateful to the Mayflower that I could catch on out here,” he said. “I help out inside, outside, wherever I am needed. I really appreciate the opportunity to remain so close to home.”

Love for Gibbon inspired 

new city administrator to take the job

By Daniel McGonigle, Publisher Editor

It’s only been about a month since new Gibbon City Administrator Dana Lietzau has been on the job and when asked what word she would use to describe that time she chose: “overwhelmed.”

Actually she was joking about it being too overwhelming but she did admit that “there is a lot to learn.”

“Some things are only done once per year and it isn’t possible for Jim (former city administrator Jim Berger) to teach me all there is to know in two weeks.”

Lietzau was born and raised in Gibbon. She is the daughter of Tim and Barb Bruns. It is her love of Gibbon that inspired her to take the job.

“I wouldn’t have applied for the job if not for my love of Gibbon,” she said.

Lietzau points to her involvement with the Gibbon fire department, her previous experience with the Gibbon Fun Fest committee and her “love of numbers” as her strong points that help her perform her job duties.

“My love for this community is what drives me to make Gibbon a better place and hopefully I can help with that,” she said.

Lietzau, who owned “Bruns Saloon” which is now Shooters, listed that experience of running the bar as helping ready her for the role as well.

“Customer service, working with numbers, those are things that I did while running the bar,” she said. “My business background in management and my love for numbers on the accounting side, I think help.”

She was the owner of the bar from 2005 and sold in October of 2010.

For complete story and photo, please see print edition.

Spring fling week activities at GFW HS

Tuesday, April 9:

Dress Up: Jersey Day/Any Sport or Activity Jersey

8:25 am-SC President Speeches and Hired Hand Auction in the auditorium - Money goes to local food shelf

Wednesday, April 10:

Hired hands work for highest bidders.

Dress Up: Wacky/Tacky. Dress up in mismatching clothes

Lunch Activity: Election for next year’s executive council is held during lunch.

Thursday, April 11:

Dress Up: Twin Day

2 pm-Assembly---Relay Races in Auditorium- Spring Fling King/Queen and Prince/Princess candidates compete...... and then the winners are revealed.

Friday, April 12: 

Class period (Bid)/Buy out Day. The winning class(es) will enjoy an activity chosen by the teacher. Money raised goes to local food shelves Dress Up: Hillbilly Day

For spring fling candidates, please see print edition.

GFW to work with SCSC on new superintendent search 

By Daniel McGonigle, Publisher Editor

At a special school board meeting on April 3, 2013 the GFW School Board officially accepted the resignation of current superintendent Jeff Bertrang.

As you’ll recall, Bertrang was offered the same position with the New Ulm Public School District, pending his release from his contract.

“This is a bittersweet decision and one not taken lightly,” he said. “I have nothing but high regards for GFW and the communities we serve.”

Now the board sets a course to find Bertrang’s eventual replacement.

His contract will officially expire on June 30, 2013. He will begin his new duties with the New Ulm district on July 1.

“I stand ready to assist in any way to help with the transition for the next superintendent and help with any questions that come up,” said Bertrang. “We still have work to do and I will continue to focus on the board priorities in the near future.”

Ed Waltman, who is with the South Central Service Coop, was present to discuss the options GFW has in finding a new superintendent.

“We’re working with a tight window,” said Waltman. “But we’ve got a qualified list of emerging leaders and we think we can find the right fit for your district.”

Waltman spelled out the search in detail to the board. In the coming days SCSC representatives will meet with current GFW board members, teachers and staff to gather feedback and input into the search process.

For complete story, please see print edition.

Forst, Steffensmeier families share bond, thanks to selfless act

By Daniel McGonigle, Publisher Editor

The call went out just before Christmas...young Samuel Forst, 8, of Gibbon was in need of a kidney transplant ASAP.

Sam’s mother, Audra, spread the word via social media, friends, relatives, anyone who might be willing and able to help. They must have Type O blood. This newspaper did an article on the subject.

By no ones surprise, the community came through.

In the first 24 hours of the request, the metro hospital hotline that was set up to help Sam had received 20 calls by willing and able donors.

Within a few days that number would grow to 52.

“Overwhelmed,” said Audra of the outpouring of support.

The hospital worked through the numerous possible donors and whittled the number down to five.

Of those five, one name came to the top.

Stefanie Steffensmeier, who was a co-worker of Sam’s father Chad, heard the call and answered the bell.

“I thought ‘if our family were in need I’m sure someone would step up and help’ and that’s what I did and it worked out,” said Steffensmeier.

Steffensmeier, and her husband Mike, originally of Morgan, have children right around Sam’s age.

Now her children, Ally 11 and Luke 9, have a little brother in Sam in addition to Sam’s other siblings, Ben 11 and Maryn 3.

The subsequent transplant from Stefanie to little Sam has brought the former co-workers closer together. Now their families get together regularly and share laughs in addition to the bond of the gift of life.

“She is incredible,” said Audra. “She is the one person who could give him what I wasn’t able to give him as a mother. The thought that she would willingly offer this gift is truly incredible.”

For complete story, please see print edition.

New Ulm votes to enter into negotiations with GFW Superintendent Jeff Bertrang

By Daniel McGonigle, Publisher Editor

The New Ulm Public Schools board of directors voted unanimously to enter into contract negotiations with current GFW Superintendent Jeff Bertrang.

The board also agreed on the parameters of the offer it plans to make to Bertrang.

Bertrang has been offered a three-year contract, with a salary of $125,000 the first year; $126,250 the second year; and $127,500 the third year. 

Bertrang has been with the GFW school district for much of his career, including the last year and a half serving as its superintendent/elementary principal.

Before that Bertrang was the high school principal.

“I am officially asking to be released from my contract with GFW schools,” said the superintendent. 

The request is effective June 30, 2013.

The offer from New Ulm also includes full payment of his health insurance premiums, a $200,000 life insurance policy, and long-term disability insurance.

The offer also includes a match to the superintendent’s contribution to a tax sheltered annuity of up to $2,000 per year.

Bertrang cannot begin negotiations with New Ulm as he is under contract with GFW for next year. He is unable to accept any other offer and cannot negotiate until he is released from that contract.

A special meeting of the GFW school board is being planned for April 3, at 6 p.m. presumably to accept Bertrang’s request to be released from his contract.

The GFW school board was aware that Bertrang was among the finalists for the New Ulm position during their March school board meeting which was held March 25.

At the meeting, chairman Greg Wickenhauser handed Bertrang a note expressing the board’s desire to keep him as the GFW superintendent.

There is no word if the note included any sort of additional pay or benefit increase to Bertrang.

“This is a bittersweet decision and one not taken lightly,” said Bertrang. “I have nothing but high regards for GFW Schools and the communities we serve. I appreciate the support of the board over the years as I moved from teacher to principal and then to superintendent. The staff at GFW are top-notch and always focused on what is best for kids.”

The contract with GFW can be dissolved by a mutual agreement.

After 32 years with the department, Busch hangs up his fire suit

By Daniel McGonigle, Publisher Editor

After more than three decades on the Fairfax fire department, long-time member Dave Busch hung up his fire suit for good in June of 2012.

Recently the department presented Busch with a plaque and a painting and officially “retired” his fire suit.

“He was a good member, a great member,” said chief Jimmy Schroeder. “He really made it easy as one of the ‘older guys’ in passing down that tradition to us and hopefully one day we can follow in his footsteps and do the same.”

Busch, who has been off the department for almost a year, said he didn’t expect he’d miss it as much as he has.

“It’s a great organization to belong to,” he said. “I miss it a lot more than I thought I would.”

Busch said he knew that his “time was up.”

“You just know,” he said.

Still he uses phrases like “great experience” to describe his 32 years on the department.

During his time Busch held “pretty much every office” you can hold on the department.

He spent some time as chief, assistant chief, treasurer and, his personal favorite, secretary.

“That was the most enjoyable,” said Busch.

During his time on the department, Busch also served with the ambulance squad. One of his most vivid memories is that of delivering a baby.

“That’s something you never forget,” he said. “It was during a snowstorm and the father didn’t think they could make it so he called me.”

With the help of Doc Gilles, the baby was delivered just fine.

When asked what he’ll miss the most about the job, Busch replied “the guys.”

“Definitely the guys,” he said. “We got a great group of people and that made it a lot of fun for me.”

2^nd Annual Library Gala on April 7; purchase tickets through April 4

By Daniel McGonigle, Publisher Editor

On Sunday, April 7, 2013 at 6 p.m., the Fairfax Library Board will hold their 2^nd Annual Fairfax Library Gala. The event will take place at the Fairfax Room at Squirrels. Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased at area businesses. Dinner begins at 6 p.m. with the auction taking place at 7 p.m.

Tickets need to be purchased before 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 4. Tickets are available at the Fairfax Public Library, Fairfax Agency, 1^st National Bank, Frandsen Bank and Trust, Smokey Hollow, Beauty Boutique and the Standard-Gazette office.

The meal will include spring green salad, chicken and ribs, baked potato, glazed carrots, buns, ice cream bar as well as wine.

This year the plan is to put “Fun” in Fundraiser.

The gala will feature a live desert auction. Auctioneer John Goelz will be on hand to both auction off baked goods donated by area pastry chefs, as well as to entertain the crowd.

Several area businesses have contributed items for the silent auction portion of the fundraiser as well. Silent auction items will be available throughout the entire event. 

“After our long snowy month of March, we need that promise of Spring,” noted Diane Becker, library board president. “Have you noticed the brightly colored flowers in the windows of the Fairfax business places? I hope these bright Spring colors will spark our enthusiasm and excitement for the 2013 Gala! Get your tickets now!”

Bertrang could be named next

superintendent at New Ulm public as soon as March 26

By Daniel McGonigle, Publisher Editor

Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop (GFW) Superintendent Jeff Bertrang, is one of two finalists for the same position at the New Ulm Public Schools. 

“An opportunity for the New Ulm Superintendent opened up that wasn’t planned,” said Jeff Bertrang.  “I was not seeking employment elsewhere and have had nothing but great experiences at GFW. I am humbled to have been asked to apply and given an opportunity to interview.   I continue to focus my efforts on making GFW a great place to be and grow.”

Bertrang, along with the other finalist, Jean Broadwater, superintendent in Houston, MN, beat out four other candidates and now it will come down to the two of them.

The job will be vacated at the end of this school year, by retiring Superintendent Harold Remme.

The New Ulm school board on Monday, March 18 chose Bertrang and Broadwater from a the pool recommended by consultants from the South Central Service Co-op.

Bertrang has served as GFW superintendent for just over a year and a half.

For the  13 years prior he served as a principal/dean of students at GFW; and was an industrial tech teacher for 13 years  at GFW and Northwood.

Broadwater has four years of experience as superintendent at Houston and Kewaunee, WI; six years as a high school principal at West Bend, WI; and eight years as an elementary teacher in Milwaukee, WI.

Interviews continue

The pair were chosen following a day long process in which the six candidates were interviewed by the school board as well as an 11 person community committee.

The interview questions had been prepared by the consultants for consistency reasons. 

Bertrang and Broadwater will have another day long interview, one per day, on March 25 and 26. On their respective day, each finalist will tour the school buildings with the current superintendent.

The pair will also meet with administrators who will submit a feedback form to the New Ulm school board which will be taken into consideration in choosing the next superintendent.

A one-hour open community forum to introduce themselves and answer questions from the audience is scheduled for 4 p.m. each day, in the former New Ulm middle school auditorium.

On their respective days, Bertrang and Broadwater will round off their day with dinner with the school board. At the end of this round, the board will meet to deliberate their final choice. The board will decide by the end of the day on March 26 with which candidate to enter contract negotiations.

The other candidates interviewed were Karen Coblentz, an elementary principal in St. Peter; Gregory Schmidt, superintendent in MACCRAY (Maynard, Clara City, Raymond); Kevin Wellen, superintendent in New Richland, Hartland, Ellendale, Geneva (NRHEG); and Jeremiah Olson, superintendent in Underwood.

Putting the “Fun” in Fundraiser,

Fairfax Library invites you to

2^nd Annual Library Gala

By Daniel McGonigle, Publisher Editor

“It’s very exciting to be in the midst of planning our second annual Library Gala fundraiser,” said library board president Diane Becker.  “The community feedback from last year’s Gala debut was most encouraging.  We heard comments like:  ‘It was such a fun evening!’, ‘Everyone seemed to be having a good time!’,  ‘It was great to see our community come together for the event!’”

On Sunday, April 7, 2013 at 6 p.m., the Fairfax Library Board is planning for their 2^nd Annual Fairfax Library Gala. The event will take place at the Fairfax Room at Squirrels. Tickets are $25 a piece and can be purchased at area businesses.

This year the plan is to put “Fun” in Fundraiser.

The library gala will feature a live desert auction. Auctioneer John Goelz will be on hand to both auction off baked goods donated by area pastry chefs, as well as to entertain the crowd.

For complete story, please see print edition.

Honor guard looking for a few good men 

By Daniel McGonigle, Publisher Editor

The members of the Fairfax Honor Guard aren’t getting any younger.

And as area soldiers are laid to rest the current honor guard are doing the best that they can to attend the funerals of former soldiers.

Simply speak to the wars that they’ve served in and you find all you need to know about the declining honor guard numbers.

Haddy Johnson, World War II vet, in his early 80’s, has been a member of the Fairfax Honor Guard for over half-a-century.

Wes Prax, a Korean vet, 55 years.

Jerry Peichel, also a Korean vet has been a member for 25 years.

Richard Schmidt, another member is a Vietnam vet.

“We’ve got one Iraqi vet,” said Schmidt. “That’s from the first gulf war.”

So more and more it is becoming a challenge for the honor guard to have the representation the members would like at the funeral of their fallen brethren.

“It’s getting harder and harder,” said Peichel. “Age is really catching up to us.”

So the hope was that the group could bring attention to the need and that someone who has served in the armed forces would come forward and agree to serve once again as a member of the honor guard.

For complete story and photo, please see print edition.

After 12 years with city

Berger retirement is official

By Daniel McGonigle, Publisher Editor

There are just two words used to describe Gibbon City Administrator Jim Berger’s feelings about his career coming to an end at the city: “It’s over!”, he joked.

Berger, who began working at the city offices in February of 2001, is calling it a day at the end of March. This Friday, March 29 will be his last day.

Berger has been working with the new city administrator, Dana Lietzau and teaching her the layers that one needs to know in order to effectively manage a city’s affairs.

“I think I’m leaving the job in quite capable hands,” said Berger. “She is very ambitious and I think she will do just great.”

Berger said that after 12 years in the position now is the right time.

“It is something I’d been thinking about for a while,” he said. 

The job has evolved in the time that he has been here and now the state has many more things that it requires to get done.

“There is a lot more reporting to do nowadays,” he said. “Everything has been switched to digital. You used to do a lot more paperwork by hand.”

Berger said that he is going to miss dealing with the public when asked what he’ll miss most.

“You get to know a lot of people,” he said. “The best part of my job is being able to help people where you can. Most of the people are really nice.”

Berger said that he won’t miss all the deadlines and some of the responsibilities that went along with the job.

He also said he won’t miss the politics that went along with the position.

“Not in the democrat/republican sense,” he said. “But there are a lot of politics that go along with this job.”

Along with being in the capable hands of Lietzau, Berger believes that Gibbon has a “good council. “They are concerned about the city and want to do what’s best for the community whenever possible.”

For complete story and photo, please see print edition.

Gluten free options now a choice at Maynards

Tammy Wieben next to the new line of Gluten free products at Maynards.

By Daniel McGonigle, Publisher Editor

Maynards of Fairfax is proud to offer gluten free options for its customers.

“A lot of people are choosing to eat gluten free options,” said manager Tammy Wieben. “Whether its a lifestyle choice or people who have to eat gluten free we want to have the options and keep people in town.”

The need to eat gluten free products isn’t a food allergy. 

It’s a physical condition in your gut. Basically, undigested gluten proteins (prevalent in wheat and other grains) hang out in your intestines and are treated by your body like a foreign invader, irritating your gut and flattening the microvilli along the small intestine wall. Without those microvilli, you have considerably less surface area with which to absorb the nutrients from your food. This leads sufferers to experience symptoms of malabsorption, including chronic fatigue, neurological disorders, nutrient deficiencies, anemia, nausea, skin rashes, depression, and more.

If you remove gluten from the diet, the gut heals and the myriad of symptoms disappears. Depending on the level and degree of the intolerance (which can range anywhere from a gluten sensitivity to full-blown celiac disease), it may be possible to eventually re-introduce properly prepared grains (sourdough that has fermented for up to a month, sprouted grains, etc.) into the diet.

Data

• Between 5 percent and 10 percent of all people may suffer from a gluten sensitivity of some form.

• One out of every 133 Americans (about three million people) have Celiac Disease

• 97 percent of Americans estimated to have Celiac Disease are not diagnosed

• Celiac Disease (CD) has over 300 known symptoms

• 30 percent of the US population is estimated to have the genes necessary for CD

• The U.S. Department of Agriculture projects that the Gluten Free industries revenues will reach $1.9 billion by 2014.

• Gluten free foods are, on average, 242 percent more expensive then their non-GF counterparts

• There are currently no drugs available to treat Celiac Disease

• People with CD dine out 80 percent less than they use to before diagnosis and believe less than 10 percent of eating establishments have a ‘very good’ or ‘good’ understanding of GF diets.

• The average cost of a misdiagnosis is $5,000-$12,000 per person per year.

• Celiac disease is a hereditary condition and if you have celiac disease, you can expect that four to 12 percent of your first-degree relatives will also have the condition.

So Maynards offers whole wheat bread, “all sorts of baking bread mixes,” said Wieben. 

They offer Spelt Flour, potato flour, starch flour, soups, rice krispies, chex mixes, cookies, potato buds and many other gluten free options.

“I’ve tried almost all of it and its good,” said Wieben.

She added that if there is something that you’d like to have her carry talk to her and she “will see if we can get it in.”

Local family to take part in 5K “Walk for Talk” run benefiting Bryer Augustin, others

By Daniel McGonigle, Publisher Editor

A 5K “Walk for Talk” will be held on Sunday, May 5, 2013 at Como Park in St. Paul.

Money raised from the event will go towards a school that helps support children affected by hearing loss.

A few local names that you might recognize have a son who’s family is taking part in the 5K.

Bryer Augustin, son of Josh and Kellie Augustin is that local connection.

His grandparents, Brad and Deb Augustin of Fairfax, and Lori Kiecker, also of Fairfax, and Ed Fahey of Franklin are little Bryer’s grandparents.

“At three months of age, Bryer was diagnosed with a rare hearing disorder called Auditory Neuropathy/Dys-synchrony along with bi-lateral sensorineural hearing loss,” said his mother Kellie. “Shortly following his second birthday, Bryer’s language development began to plateau. We immediately began the search to find resources available to Bryer and through our journey, we found Northern Voices!”

Northern Voices is a center for young children with hearing loss that enables students to communicate through the use of spoken language, and helps families prepare their children to reach their full potential.

For complete story and photo, please see print edition.

City to seek input regarding 2013 Alley Improvement Project 

By Daniel McGonigle, Publisher Editor

The City of Fairfax will hold a hearing and invite input from local landowners and business owners regarding the 2013 Alley and Utility Improvement project.

Of concern to the council is the fact that many business owners along Park Street will be assessed for both the street project, which was completed last year, and now the alley project.

“That’s our business district,” said mayor Doug Pomplun. “With so many businesses leaving town I hate to hit them twice.”

On the other side of the coin, the council felt the work would need to be done as the alleys are in tough shape and in need of repair.

“If we leave it go we know how that can turn out and we’ll have bigger problems,” said council member Lois Gilles.

The proposed project would cover four alleyways in Fairfax.

For complete story and photo, please see print edition.

RS Fiber: where are we at today?

By Daniel McGonigle, Publisher Editor

Mark Erickson came before the Fairfax City Council with a message regarding the proposed fiber to home project known as RS Fiber. “Hang in there with us a little longer,” he said. “It’s a good project. I hope we can get it done, we need to get it done.”

Erickson noted that with Sibley County dropping out of the project, it is now a $40 million project with 10 cities and the rural area around Fairfax.

The project seeks to find a $2.8 million debt service reserve fund.

At the end of January members of the RS Fiber joint powers board went to Washington D.C. to request a RUS Loan Guarantee.

“We weren’t asking for any money,” said Erickson. “We just wanted the loans to be guaranteed by the Federal Government.”

Which in turn would have lowered the interest rates and would have been given a higher bond rating.

“They told us that the Federal Government doesn’t do that,” said Erickson. “They’d give us money, but the guarantees happen at the state level.”

None-the-less Erickson said that the group made some good contacts and have meetings upcoming with state officials.

“Members of the Joint Powers Board remain determined to find a way to finance and build the network,” said Erickson.

For complete story and photo, please see print edition.

Scammers from Canada calling elderly

in the area trying to get money

By Daniel McGonigle, Publisher Editor

Area residents have been receiving phone calls from a phone number traced back to Canada claiming to be from a grandson or granddaughter who is in jail or in trouble.

“Send money,” the distressed caller on the other end requests.

The calls, which Fairfax Police Chief Kevin Hagen have said have been placed to at least three to five Fairfax people in recent weeks, sound very convincing.

“They know a surprising amount of information about the person,” said Hagen.

Sometimes that information can include the name of the person’s grandchild and other personal details which are then used against the recipient of the call to request money for help.

The scam

One individual who received the call who lives in Franklin and asked not be identified, said that she got the call a week ago Saturday.

“They called me said they were my grandson,” she said. “They asked ‘Hi grandma, how are you?’”

The call began innocent enough, but after some brief discussion, the scam kicks in.

“He said he was riding along with a friend and their car got pulled over and some drugs and paraphernalia were found in the vehicle and they are in trouble.”

A second individual then gets on the line. He states that his name is ‘Tyler James’ and he is with the Canadian authorities.

He asked the Franklin woman to wire money to Mexico City and that her grandson’s problems will be erased from his record.

While she said that the voice on the other line who claimed to be her grandson did sound a bit like him, after hanging up with the pair she decided to call him.

“He was well and at work when I called,” she said. 

So her grandson did a little detective work.

Turns out the call came from Western Montreal. Hagen also found this to be the location of the number that was used in the Fairfax scam calls.

One person who received the call is Faith Bock who works for this newspaper.

She too noted that they sounded pretty convincing.

“I did some investigating,” said Hagen. “I called some of the numbers given to me. Each time the heat gets too close to these guys they hurry up and change their number.”

Hagen said they identified themselves as a law firm and when he pressed them as to which law firm they were with they hung up.

“There have been hundreds of complaints from across the country,” said Hagen. 

When the Franklin woman’s grandson Googled the number, he found an article from a Denver area paper where a woman had her savings wiped out from the scam.

“We’re still finding victims,” said Hagen. “It has been very profitable for these guys.”

Hagen said that if anyone in the area receives the call they should contact their local police department or sheriff.

“Definitely don’t give any personal information over the phone,” he added. “If anyone has any questions they can always contact us and we’ll help them with the call.”

Hagen went on to remind that you should never give or send money over the phone unless you initiate the call yourself.

Council address D’s Pit Stop recent citation; MJ’s closes its doors

By Daniel McGonigle, Publisher Editor

In more than 37 years of tending bar, bartender Charlie Albrecht had never had a violation...until a recent operation put the D’s Pit Stop tender on notice.

Albrecht, along with Denise Rieke of the establishment, came before the Gibbon City Council at the request of the council during their March meeting.

Albrecht immediately offered his apology and said he “screwed up” and apologized for “causing this embarrassment.”

Rieke stated that the establishment’s policy is “If you don’t know them, you card them. Our policy is not to serve liquor to minors.”

A city ordinance states that a bar may be fined up to $2,000 and/or have its license revoked for 60 days. 

For complete story, please see print edition.

Gibbon hires new city administrator

By Daniel McGonigle, Publisher Editor

At a special meeting in late February, the Gibbon City Council discussed the city administrator position.

Long-time city administrator Jim Berger informed the council that he’d like to retire by the end of March, so the process of finding his replacement had begun.

In early March, the city approved the hiring of Dana Lietzau.

Lietzau was selected from the four candidates who were considered, three from Gibbon (including Lietzau) and one from Fairfax.

There were seven applicants who applied for the position.

For complete story, please see print edition.

GFW Robotics team leaves 3-6 for weekend of competition in Duluth 

(Staff photo by Daniel McGonigle)

From the front left to right: Mike Ahlers, Bix Baker, Eve Bleick, Breanna Ahlers, Sawyer Bickel, Alex Griswold, Nicola Cavallotti, Frank Fairchild, Sydney Fromm, Sam Gatton, Caleb Mueller, Kavin Taralseth, Jon Borth, Connor Burns, Kyle Sassenberg, Malachi Stuber, Blaine Bipes, Tyler Dummer. Not pictured: Jade Cruz, Timmy Ahlstrand, Warren Schnobrich and Izzy Walker-Heine.

By Daniel McGonigle, Publisher Editor

Fairfax student has his work published

on the cover of statewide publication

By Daniel McGonigle, Publisher/Editor

Jon Valdez of Fairfax, and a senior at River Bend had three drawings published recently in a statewide annual edition of “The Alchemist.”

Named “The Alchemist” to inspire; a press release about the publication states: Alchemists imagined a world, which was governed by constant progress toward perfection. They believed that baser metals could be transformed into gold – the most perfect metal. Some even believed that it was possible to develop a substance even more perfect than gold, a substance which would cure the sick and enhance life. While alchemy was not science, at least not as we know it, the work of alchemists laid the foundation for modern chemistry. Alchemists were lead by a desire to understand their world (and to become very wealthy) and they constructed their understanding through experiment and observation. The students who contributed their work to The Alchemist were recording their own journey towards understanding, were communicating what they have learned through experiment and observation. May the sharing of their ideas be transformational for those that created them and for those that read.

Valdez, who is the son of Chris and Maurice Valdez of Fairfax, is proud to have his work featured.

For complete story, please see print edition.

Anna Dummer Realty now Realty Options Today

Anna Dummer Realty is becoming Realty Options Today, LLC. The name change coincides with changes in services that better reflect today’s real estate market.

“It has been something I’ve been thinking about for a few years now,” said Anna Dummer.

Dummer has been working with a business advisor on implementing a three-step process to selling a home.

“The first part will be to get the market analysis done,” said Dummer. “We’ll help the seller get ready to list and work with them on what they’ll need to do to get the home ready to put on the market.”

Step two, which Realty Options Today will help with, is to take the photos and prepare a data sheet.

Dummer and her staff at Realty Options Today will work with the seller on step three to fill out the disclosure forms, marketing plan and helping the sellers during showings.

Dummer and her staff member Becky Jeppeson, will work with the seller to help them take the lead in showing the home.

For complete story, please see print edition.

Author to visit F&F Floral Saturday, March 16

By Daniel McGonigle, Publisher Editor

Author Vickie Black is coming to Fairfax to share her book “Young Chicken Farmers: Tips for Kids Raising backyard chickens.”

Black will be at F&F Floral on March 16 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Young Chicken Farmers: Tips for Kids Raising Backyard Chickens is a 32-page, non-fiction, hardcover book that was written for kids 3-8 years old. 

It features color photographs on every page of kids interacting with chickens. The book helps kids prepare for and/or discover how they can be more engaged with raising chickens. It begins with the arrival of baby chicks, and ends when hens start laying eggs. In between you’ll find a number of kid-friendly topics such as how to handle baby chicks, hygiene, chicken chores, coop considerations, and training.  It’s a great educational book for kids even if you don’t have backyard chickens.

For complete story, please see print edition.

Twenty-five years to the day, long-time baker in Gibbon to sell his business

By Daniel McGonigle, Publisher Editor

On March 5, 1988, Leon Thorson bought Marsh’s Bakery in Gibbon from then owner Marsh Bushard.

It was on his birthday.

Twenty-five years to the day later, on March 5, 2013, Thorson will officially sell his business.

“Twenty-five years in business is a long time,” smiled the baker. “Gibbon has been good to us.”

Thorson and his then wife Terri served as owner operators of the long-time Gibbon staple.

Thorson got into baking because his brother-in-law worked at a bakery in Willmar.

He learned the craft over several years and applied that knowledge to the establishment in Gibbon.

From cakes, to cookies to bread to doughnuts, the Thorson’s have satisfied many-a-sweet-tooth over the years.

“I’ll miss the people,” said Thorson. “I won’t miss getting up so early, but I’ll miss sharing in the stories and the friendly people.”

Thorson has sold the business to someone from Sleepy Eye. That new owner will take over on March 5 and Thorson plans to spend the next few weeks helping the new owners transition.

“I’ll still be available by phone,” he said. “But as for the day-to-day operations, I’ll be stepping back.”

For complete story, please see print edition.

Fairfax Fire Department invites 

you to their annual dance 

By Daniel McGonigle, Publisher Editor

The Fairfax Fire Department invites you to their annual Fireman’s Dance.

The dance will take place this Saturday, March 2 at the Frontier Bar & Grill.

The evening gets underway with a Steak Fry and live music at Squirrels Bar & Grill from 5 to 8 p.m.

The Knights of Columbus will be putting on the Steak Fry, with proceeds donated to the fire department. They invite you to “Get Fired Up” before the dance! 

Then the fun shifts over to Frontier where “Juice Belly Entertainment” will keep the crowd on their feet from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Bring yourself, bring a friend and come and support the Fairfax Fire Department at the annual dance.

Town hall meeting held to plan, discuss, where GFW is headed

By Daniel McGonigle, Publisher Editor

“We want to get your feedback and thoughts on the current programs at GFW, what programs are most important to you and the direction you’d like to see the school go in,” said GFW board chairman Greg Wickenhauser.

And with that a Town Hall Meeting and open discussion with 14 GFW parents and students was underway.

Fliers about the Town Hall were mailed to every box holder in GFW, Stewart and the Brownton area.

Questions from the audience ranged from wondering about tech upgrade plans, if those plans possibly included Ipads in the middle school, to questions about Q-Comp and busing.

For complete story, please see print edition.

Tautges publishes “Rhythm of our roots”

a story about our ancestors lives

on the prairie of Minnesota

By Daniel McGonigle, Publisher/Editor

“It is my attempt to ‘breath life into a family history,’” said Dean Caldwell-Tautges of his book Rhythm of our Roots.

The book is a novel “illustrating the heartbreak, the joys, and the full humanness of our ancestors’ lives on the prairie of southern Minnesota.”

Tautges, who is originally from Gibbon, weaves a story that was passed down to him from generations of the Tautges family.

This is his first book.

“And it might be my last too,” he joked. “It was a lot of work.”

Tautges said he took “bits and pieces” of stories that his late father, Harvey would share with him as a boy and young man.

After snapshots of the first Tautges and Gitter homesteaders in the late 1800’s, the story focuses on recreating the thoughts, personas, and conversations of John Tautges and Cecelia Gitter. Set mostly in rural Nicollet and Sibley Counties between 1935 and 1968, the novel also gives glimpses into other family members’ and neighbors’ experiences, with special emphasis on Magdalena Gitter, Joseph Gitter Sr., Bennie Gitter, and Johnny Gitter.

For complete story, please see print edition.