When does life begin?

The annual Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life (MCCL) March for Life will take place Saturday, Jan. 22 at the State Capitol in St. Paul. The march is in commemoration of the unborn babies who have been murdered by abortion.

The MCCL March for Life begins at noon, followed by a brief program on the steps of the Capitol. A prayer service for life will take place at 10:30 a.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Paul. Silent No More Minnesota will host its Day of Truth program at 1 p.m. in the Capitol Rotunda, post-abortive women will share their testimonies.

Join thousands of other pro-life citizens who will march for justice for unborn babies. Our elected officials need to witness and hear their voters urging them to pass laws to save these innocent lives.

Since the US Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton decisions Jan. 22, 1973, MCCL states that more than 52 million unborn children have been aborted — including 555,000 babies in Minnesota.

There will be transportation available to St. Paul from Howard Lake, departing at 10:15 a.m. Contact Tom in advance at (612) 834-3201.


Martin Luther King Jr.
Monday, Jan. 17 we honor the life of Martin Luther King Jr.
King was known for his nonviolent protests of racial discrimination during the civil rights movement.

King was assassinated April 4, 1968 in Memphis, TN. The day before, King delivered what would be his last speech, “I’ve Been to the Mountain Top.” In it, he stated, he just wanted to do God’s will and he was not afraid, “I’m not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord!”

Birthday wishes
This week, join me in wishing a happy birthday to Berwyn Scmidt, Thursday, Jan. 20; David Luhman, Saturday, Jan. 22; and Diane Sonstegard and Collene Fogarty, Sunday, Jan. 23.

This week’s events
Monday, Jan. 17
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Tuesday, Jan. 18
• HLWW boys basketball at home, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 21
• HLWW boys basketball at home, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 22
• MCCL March for Life at the State Capitol.

Submit your
Howard Lake news
If you have Howard Lake events to share, please e-mail cheri@heraldjournal.com.

So, where are they now?

They graduated a few years ago from Howard Lake–Waverly–Winsted High School, and now they are off to college. So, where are they, and what are they planning to do?

I thought it would be fun to touch base with a few college students just in time for Christmas break and see where they are attending college.

The following is a list of those that responded on Facebook. The response was great! Of course, there are many more HLWW alumni away at college, but here are a few:

Abby Sawatzke – University of MN, Twin Cities; major, agriculture industries and marketing.

Alesha Remer – Winona State University; major, nursing.

Alix Greenhagen – Regency Beauty Institute.

Amy Gatz – St. Cloud State University; major, advertising; minor, graphic design, geography.

Angela Nelson – St. Cloud State University; major, elementary education.

Angie Gatz – St. Cloud State University; major, community psychology, minor, child and family studies.

Becca Lockwood – University of MN, Duluth; major, digital art and photography.

Ben Kittock – NDSU; major, history.

Brittany Koosman – MN State University, Moorhead; major, mass communication, public relations and advertising.

Brittney Utne – St. Cloud State; major, communication sciences and disorders.

Casey Herbolsheimer – St. Cloud State University; major, business management.

Cassandra Houston – University of MN, Duluth; major, graphic design.

Christina Gruenhagen – St. Cloud State University; major, chemistry.

Christine Bobrowske – Southwest MN State University, Marshall; major, elementary special education.

Courtney Heuer – University of MN, Twin Cities; major, animal science.

Courtney Wiech – MN State University, Mankato; major, nursing.

Crystal Jones – University of MN, Twin Cities; major, psychology and sociology of law, criminology, and deviance.

Curtis Herbolsheimer – Winona State University; major, accounting.

Daisy Blanchette – Winona State University; major, criminal justice and Spanish.

David Glessing – Ridgewater College, Willmar; major, farm operation and management.

David Luhman – University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire; major, physical education, minor, coaching.

Derek Youngren – MN State Community and Technical College, Wadena; major, electrical line worker.

Doreen Lorentz – University of MN, Twin Cities; major, agricultural education.

Ellen Korsbon – University of MN, Twin Cities; major, dance.

Emmett Lynch – University of North Dakota; major, elementary education (math and social studies), minor, coaching.

Hunter Day – Milwaukee School of Engineering; major, electrical engineering, minor, math.

Jace Whitcomb – University of MN, Duluth; major, criminology.

Jackie Krienke – Normandale Community College; major, hospitality management.

Jake Zander – MSCTC, Moorhead; major, culinary arts.

Jessica Hinojos – University of MN, Twin Cities; major, political science.

Jillian Koch – Ridgewater College, Willmar; major, agricultural education.

Jodie Whitcomb – Bemidji State University; major, chemistry with an emphasis in biochemistry/biotechnology.

Jon Yukel – Ridgewater College, Hutchinson; major, AAS marketing and sales management.

Jonathan Menden – University of MN, Morris; major, economics and financial management.

Joseph Jaros – MN State University, Mankato; major, undecided.

Josh Wren – MN State University, Mankato; major, sport management.

Justin Crowley – University of MN, Twin Cities; major, agricultural education, minor, agronomy.

Justin Jacques – Winona State University; major, business administration and marketing.

Kacie Carlsted – Augsburg College; major, mathematics.

Katie Pettit – Winona State University; major, math education.

Kayla Schanus – University of MN, Twin Cities; major, horticulture.

Kelsey Clark – MN State University, Mankato; major, nursing.

Maggie Horstman – Ridgewater College, Willmar; major, medical assisting.

Matt Arlien – University of St. Thomas; major, Entrepreneurship.

Natalie Swanson – University of WI, LaCrosse; major, business marketing, minor, anthropology.

Nate Fiecke – St. Cloud State University; major, computer science.

Nathan Stenberg – Roberts Wesleyan College, NY; major, music education, minor – jazz studies.

Sharayah Hirsch – Penn Foster College; major, medical assisting.

Siggy Ilg – University of North Dakota; major, marketing.

Taylor Williams – University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire; major, nursing.

Travis Bickmann– Crown College; major, sports management, minor, coaching.

Trevor Christensen – University of MN, Twin Cities; major, environmental science, policy, and management.

Tyler Zander (of Howard Lake, graduated from Mayer Lutheran HS) – Concordia University, NE; major, secondary education (theology and English).

New Lion
The Howard Lake Lions Club hosted its annual Governor’s Night and Christmas party Dec. 2. At this meeting, they inducted their newest member, Bonnie Weber, the wife of Lion Steve Weber.

Birthday wishes
This week, join me in wishing a happy birthday to Lowell Schrupp and Jim Peterson, Tuesday, Dec. 14; Taylor Williams and Patricia Krohn, Wednesday, Dec. 15; and Michael Nirva and Betsy Farrier, Friday, Dec. 17.

Anniversary wishes
Happy anniversary to Paul and Jill Gustafson, Friday, Dec. 17.

This week’s events
Tuesday, Dec. 14
• HLWW Middle School band and choir concert, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 15
• 5th – 8th grade Christmas program at St. James Lutheran Church, HL, 7 p.m.
• Caroling and chili feed, Howard Lake Christian Church, 5:45 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 16
• HLWW High School choir concert, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 19
• Celebration service presented by MN Teen Challenge, Howard Lake Christian Church, 10 a.m.
• K– 4th grade Christmas program at St. James Lutheran Church, HL, 2 p.m., with bake sale.
• Sunday School Christmas program, St. John’s Lutheran Church, HL, 7 p.m.

Submit your
Howard Lake news
If you have Howard Lake events to share, please e–mail cheri@heraldjournal.com.

Turkey Sandwiches

As I write, this is a short week for me, and I will be heading over the river and through the woods to my aunt’s house.

I have no knowledge of early December birthdays or anniversaries, so if you are celebrating this week, I hope it is a very happy day.

Now, back to my Thanksgiving excursion. For the last 20-plus years, I have lived in Howard Lake, while my side of the family is all east about a good 12-hour drive. I do not see them often enough, so we have made it a tradition to get together for Thanksgiving.

Our celebration is not merely on the traditional Thursday. Because we travel from two to 12 hours, we all stay Wednesday through Sunday. We are not talking about a small intimate group of six to eight either – there are 23 to 25 people from age 6 to 81, that until recently all stayed in my aunt’s house for four days straight.

Now, some of us that travel farther have opted to get hotel rooms in the hope that we will get some sleep. It also works out great when we all want to escape the house and toss 23 people in the hotel pool.

Staying together has given us numerous fun and happy memories to reminisce about each year. Although, with that many people in one house, we also have a couple not-so-fun memories. Like, when my uncle deep-fried the turkey and it wasn’t cooked all the way through, hence food poisoning went through almost everyone. With three bathrooms for 23 people, it wasn’t a pretty sight.

Black Friday is another tradition; the women all get up and shop. We all get back together for a break for lunch, and then head back out to snag more sales.

For the guys, while the kids were little, they hung around the house on Friday playing cards, but now, with most of the kids grown, they get their little outing for wings, or some equally manly lunch date.

Saturday is a little more laid back. Our last full day together, we are usually munching on turkey sandwiches and other leftovers, and just spending time together.

The last couple years, we have had a slightly competitive Euchre tournament to liven things up a bit. The tournament is in honor of my Uncle Al, who passed away at the young age of 54, a couple years ago from lung cancer. Euchre was his game of choice during our Thanksgiving weekends, and it is neat that we remember him in this way. We all compete for the special trophy, which is the cane Uncle Al used while he was ill.

Each year brings changes though, as this year, two of my cousins are in the military and will not be at our Thanksgiving table. Although we will miss them dearly, we are so very proud that they have chosen to serve.

Well, this is my Thanksgiving tradition. It is one of the most special times of the year for me because I spend it with people I love. But, I always look forward to returning home, because then it is time to decorate for Christmas!

Advent Brunch
St. John’s Lutheran Church of Howard Lake will host their annual Advent Brunch Saturday, December 4.

The country store will open at 8:15 a.m. Featuring, homemade baked goods and crafts.

The program will begin at 9 a.m. with the brunch to follow at 10 a.m.
Music will be provided by Pastor Mark Loder of Winsted.

Submit your
Howard Lake news
If you have Howard Lake events to share, please e-mail cheri@heraldjournal.com.

Happy Halloween Howard Lake

It’s time to get dressed up and get free candy!

Per the Howard Lake Police Chief, trick-or-treating for the city of Howard Lake will be Sunday, Oct. 31 starting at dusk (6:30 p.m.) and ending at 9 p.m.

Halloween is such a fun time of year, and common sense can go a long way in keeping it both fun and safe.

The following were posted safety tips from a recent blog I visited:
• Give older children a specific time to return home.
• Younger children should be accompanied by an adult.
• Review traffic safety rules such as using sidewalks, crossing at the corner, obeying all traffic signs, and looking both ways before crossing streets.
• Instruct children not to eat collected goodies until they are inspected by an adult.
• Advise children to never go inside any house.
• Costumes should be short enough to avoid tripping.
• If costumes contain dark-colored clothing, use reflective tape, so children are more easily seen by motorists.
• Use face paint instead of masks, which can block children’s vision or make it hard for them to hear.
• Avoid hard plastic or wood costume props, such as daggers or swords. Use foam rubber props, which are softer and more flexible.
• Keep costumed children away from pets, which might not recognize the children and become frightened.
• Make sure children carry flashlights while trick-or-treating. Teach them how to properly use flashlights.

St. John’s Youth fundraiser
Youth and adult leaders at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Howard Lake will be participating in a fundraiser for Love in the Name of Christ-Heartland Saturday, Oct. 30.

Love INC is a national nonprofit organization whose goal is to meet the needs of families in communities throughout the country.

The group will camp out overnight, raising funds by having family and friends sponsor them.

While some of the group will be sleeping in tents, others have opted to sleep in cardboard boxes or under the stars in an attempt to experience how the homeless sleep on a cold night in Minnesota.

If you would like to make a donation, stop by the church, 625 12th Avenue, Saturday, Oct. 30 in the evening, or mail a check to St. John’s Youth, Love INC Sleep out, PO Box 307, Howard Lake, MN.

Birthday wishes
This week, join me in wishing a happy birthday to Peter Jetson, Karen Schauer, and Orlin Doering, Wednesday, Oct. 27; Jerry Tyson, Friday, Oct. 29; and Rich Egeberg, Sunday, Oct. 31.

Anniversary wishes
Happy anniversary to Marvin and Audrey Balgaard, Monday, Oct. 25.

This week’s events
Tuesday, Oct. 26
• HLWW community concert, high school auditorium, 1 p.m.
• HLWW football playoffs at home, time TBA
Thursday, Oct. 28
• HLWW volleyball at New London-Spicer, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 30
• HLWW football playoffs TBA
Sunday, Oct. 31
• Reformation breakfast, St. James Lutheran School, Howard Lake; 7-10 a.m., free will offering.

Submit your
Howard Lake news
If you have Howard Lake events to share, please e-mail cheri@heraldjournal.com.

HLWW- Crown King and Queen

King- Darrin Blanchette Jr.
Queen- Ellie Arvidson
Prince- Tyler Gruenhagen
Princess- Brooke Hoese

It’s homecoming week at HLWW

Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted schools are celebrating homecoming this week.
Starting Monday, each day has a theme for the students to follow:
• Monday is Fake an Injury Day.
• Tuesday is Class Color Day. Freshmen – green; sophomores – red; juniors – orange; seniors – black; and faculty – white.
• Wednesday is Western Day.
• Thursday is Twin Day.
• Friday is Blue & Gold Day.

Alumni, family, and the community can show their support at numerous events this week, as well.

Coronation of homecoming royalty takes place Monday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. at the high school auditorium.

Homecoming candidates this year include: seniors – Ellie Arvidson, April Hinojos, Brooke Hoese, Kaylee Erickson, Riley Ilg, Darrin Blanchette, Carl Heuer, Tyler Gruenhagen, Clayton Hanson, and Mike Uter; Junior attendants – Breanna Remer and Dane Virnala; Sophomore attendants – Kayla Stuevens and Jacob Peterson; and freshman attendants – Kayla Mauk and Dylan Youngren.

Lady Lakers volleyball face off with Mayer Lutheran High School Tuesday, Oct. 5, beginning with JV at 6 p.m., followed by varsity at about 7 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 7, the ladies will again take the court for a show down with Rockford, beginning with JV at 6 p.m., followed by varsity.

An exciting week comes to an end Friday, Oct. 8, as our football team prepares to bring down Rockford at 7 p.m. The homecoming dance will follow at 9:30 p.m. at the high school.

Anniversary wishes
This week my dear friends are celebrating their anniversary Tuesday, Oct. 5. Quay and Nancy Zander, may God bless you with many more years of love and happiness.

Birthday wishes
This week, join me in wishing a happy birthday to Carol Sideen Tuesday, Oct. 5, and Mick Nedegaard Saturday, Oct. 9.

Birthday hugs and happy wishes to Nancy Zander, also celebrating her birthday this week, Wednesday, Oct 6.

Girl, I hope you get spoiled this week with an anniversary and a birthday! Love ya!

This week’s events
Monday, Oct. 4
• Homecoming coronation, 7 p.m. at the high school.
Tuesday, Oct. 5
• HLWW varsity volleyball at home, 7 p.m.
• Bloodmobile, Howard Lake Christian Church, 1-7 p.m.
• MOPS with special speaker, Cindy Haugland from www.tidytightwads.com, St. John’s Lutheran Church, HL, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 7
• HLWW varsity volleyball at home, 7 p.m.
• HL Legion Ladies Auxillary meeting, 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 8
• HLWW varsity football at home, 7 p.m.
• Homecoming dance, 9:30 p.m. at the high school.

Submit your
Howard Lake news
I need Howard Lake information for this column. If I don’t know about it, I can’t tell anyone. Please e-mail items to cheri@heraldjournal.com.

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