Smoke or no smoke?

Monday, Oct. 1 is the beginning of a statewide smoking ban and many people think this is an infringement on Americans’ rights. Since smoking isn’t against the law, they wonder what will the government take away next? On the other hand, many people are happy they can now breathe easy. What do you think?

Settlers vs. Indians (a tour)

Our family visited the remains of Fort Ridgely near in Southwestern Minnesota recently, along with the original site where the nearby Birch Coulee battle took place in 1862. Both are rich pieces of history that recorded the fighting between settlers and Native Americans at that time.  Remember, this was about the time of the Civil War.  Nevertheless, we had a great time.  I strongly recommend anyone to visit these old forts and other monuments (another is Camp Release on the western side of Montevideo).

A reporter on the run

Today I needed to take homecoming candidate photos at both HLWW H.S., and as a favor for my cohort Ivan, at Lester Prairie H.S. My car died on me in front of HLWW – the repair shop was called to haul it away. My neighbor came to pick me up and drop me off at home. I then took our farm truck back to Howard Lake to finish my errands, drove back to the HJ in Winsted, and then drove to Lester Prairie H.S. That trip wasn’t very fruitful in that only two of the six candidates were available, so a return trip by Ivan will be necessary tomorrow. I will now head to Waverly to take a photo at Citizens State Bank. The bank turned 100 years old this year and will be celebrating with a big party in October. An article detailing the bank’s history and its upcoming party will be in the October 8 issue.

Betty Klug’s retirement

HJ is hosting a staff event this week in honor of Betty Klug’s retirement. Betty worked for Herald Journal and its predecessor (Winsted Publishing) for 19 1/2 years as a bookkeeper — just short of getting a gold watch, we joked.Seriously, we appreciate all her effort and wish her well!

Wright County approves e-payment for property taxes

Wright County residents will now be able to pay property taxes electronically under a plan approved by the county board today. The county is using First Bank as secure third party provider for the service, and there will be a fee for residents who choose this option. Residents who use E-checks will pay a $1 fee, and those who choose to use credit cards will pay a fee of 2.25 percent.

Nice season for the ‘Crow’

The Plato Blue Jays claimed the 2007 Class C state baseball championship Sept. 3 in Hamburg. The Blue Jays had an outstanding season. The other Crow River Valley League team in the Class C state tournament were the Winsted Wildcats. The Wildcats also had a very good tournament, finishing fourth in the tournament, winning their opening three games, before falling to Sauk Rapids, then St. Francis. This was the second consecutive season the Wildcats have advanced to the state, and with a very good, young core of players, should be back for many more years to come.

With the season now over, this is the time when the rumor mill begins as to which players will be back, which ones will be hanging up the cleats, and which ones might be playing for new teams in 2008.

As of this post, it looks as if all of the Wildcats will be back in 2008. Of course, there have been a few rumblings of a player or two that might hang it up, I believe they will all be back for another state run next year.