From the Editor’s Desk

The weather the last two weeks, I swear, was out to get me. Each day that there were events planned to be covered for the paper, and tasks that must be done on specifically those days, the weather lashed out and made everything come to a standstill.

Snow provides opportunity to do good in the community

With the recent snowfall, the Montevideo Wellbriety group, along with the newly formed Junior Homies group that meet at the Advanced Recovery Opportunities (A.R.O.) facility found an opportunity to help out those in the community who have difficulty clearing snow. The groups members regularly shovel for an elderly community member that has no family in the community to help. That community member provided the group with a list of names and addresses of people in the community who, because of health and age-related issues, have had trouble clearing the snow from their walkways. Thus, the group gathered last Wednesday, shovels in tow, to do some good for those in the community most in need of some help. As they gathered to head out for an afternoon of volunteering, one of the group members, Patrick Lundberg said, “We just like to do good where we can.” The group also notes that they hope to continue to provide help with snow removal to those who need it most, and would welcome any volunteers who would like to help out with the project. A.R.O. also works with probation and intensive supervised release parole agents to provide community service work hours, so helping with the project could be a way for those in need of filling community service hours to get some of those fulfilled. Those who would like to volunteer can contact A.R.O. at 320-321-1067. Pictured are volunteers from the groups that helped out with Wednesday’s shoveling efforts. (Left to right) Jim Reid, Caleb Roach, Ryan Salzwedel, Morgan IronHeart, Patrick Lundgren, Leo Baker Jr (front), Lakota Baker, Ty Bowen, Michael IronHeart, Leo “Gunner” Baker.

Thunder Hawk boys play in SMSU Holiday Classic

Last week, the Thunder Hawk boys took a victory against Pipestone 60-58 in the SMSU Holiday Classic. Leaders in the game included Mason Jerve who scored 19 points, while Gannon Reidinger added another 11 points with nine rebounds, four assists and two blocked shots to the team total.

Microenterprise Loan Program receives recognition in ‘Overcoming Adversity’

HUTCHI NSON, Minn.—Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program, in partnership with the redstar marketing un/academy, recently received recognition for their work helping small businesses in rural Minnesota overcome adversity. In November, The Mid-America Economic Development Council presented its annual Economic Development awards at the 2021 Mid-America Competitiveness Conference in Chicago. This awards competition recognizes and stimulates the creative use of quality marketing and programs by economic development organizations throughout the council’s 13-state region.

CHURCH

To be listed or update your listing in the Church Directory, please email Jessica Stolen-Jacobson at jstolen-jacobson@cherryroad.com. Please note we can only include basic schedules and service times; to provide more detailed information please include your website or social media links.

CHURCH SCHEDULES

SUNDAY: Sunday School 9 a.m.; Worship 10 a.m.; Evening 7 p.m. Wednesday: Teens 5 p.m.; Young Explorers 6:30 p.m.

Who do you follow?

Labeling in Christian circles or churches; like conservative, liberal, traditional, or orthodox take away from what should be simply a choice to follow Jesus. Since the age of reasoning or enlightenment laid a foundation of “me” as the central figure in our lives, religion has been pulled apart for the sake of having it our way. This is represented by the thousands of denominations in the protestant framework. Not many of these organizations follow the teaching and commandments of Jesus. What that leaves us with is chaos and a declining spiritual identity.

Beyond Reason

Resolve for the New Year This time of year, everyone’s talking about one thing: how much collective weight we put on in December. (I know I did my part.) On a related note, they’re also talking about New Year’s Resolutions or NYRs as no one calls them.

Memory Care Corner:

By the time this article is read, some of you may have already given up on some of the New Year’s Resolutions you made a week ago. Maybe the goal you set in your resolution was not reasonable – or maybe you don’t even believe in making New Year’s Resolutions? Either way, many use the beginning of a New Year as a “clean slate” to try to do things better, whether for ourselves or for others.