See You at the Pole event, Wednesday

Christian teens looking for a way to show their faith can find it with See You at the Pole. The annual event involves students gathering at their flagpole.

The youth group at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Howard Lake, welcomes students to join them at the flagpole in front of the Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted High School at 7 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 22.

See You at the Pole is not a formal event – it is more of a prayer gathering. Students join hands in prayer. Some people pray out loud while other students sing songs. People read from the Bible. It is truly an event that allows God to work in the hearts of students, prompting His word to be spoken at the flagpole.

Anniversary wishes
Celebrating Tuesday, Sept. 21, Dean and Kelly Smith; and Friday, Sept. 24, Tim and LaVonne Youngren.

Tim and LaVonne are celebrating their golden anniversary. Congrats on 50 years, and may God bless you with 50 more.

Birthday wishes
This week, join me in wishing a happy birthday to Dorothy Harman, Monday, Sept. 20; Eva Glessing and Mel Buttenhoff, Wednesday, Sept. 22; Vicky Hammer, Thursday, Sept. 23; and Kevin Erickson, Saturday, Sept. 25.

This week’s events
Monday, Sept. 20
• HLWW varsity volleyball at home, 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 21
• HLWW varsity volleyball at Glencoe-Silver Lake, 7:15 p.m.
• HLWW cross country at Waconia, 4:15 p.m.
• MOPS, St. John’s Lutheran Church, HL, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
• Open house and book fair, St. James Lutheran School, HL. 6 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 22
• See You at the Pole, HLWW HS, 7 a.m.
Thursday, Sept. 23
• HLWW varsity volleyball at home, 7:30 p.m.
• HLWW cross country at Eden Valley-Watkins, 4:15 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 24
• HLWW varsity football at home, 7 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 26
• LWML chicken dinner, St. James Lutheran Church, HL, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

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

Welcome back to school

I have my son, who is a college student, all moved into his dorm; and my daughter all set for her last year at HLWW. So, I guess it is officially the start of a new school year.

Please be careful and observant, watch for students walking to and from school, and students crossing the roads at bus stops.

Outside worship service
An outside worship service is planned at St. James Lutheran Church of Howard Lake at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 12., to be followed by a roast beef dinner and an action auction from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The catered roast beef dinner will be served in the fellowship hall. Adult tickets will be $8, ages 1 to 4 are $5, and under 3 will eat for free.

They will also have a dessert and bake sale to tempt your sweet tooth.

The action auction will feature a variety of items and all kinds of services. Proceeds will go toward the St. James Benevolence Fund.

Kids’ games and a bouncer will be there to entertain the young and young-at-heart.

Prayers that mosquitoes would stay away would be appreciated.

Anniversary wishes
Celebrating Friday, Sept. 10, Mick and Lois Nedegaard.

Birthday wishes
This week, join me in wishing happy birthday to Dorothy Maynard and Leonard Hensel, who were both born Sept. 8. Also sharing their day and celebrating Thursday, Sept. 9 are LeRoy Schauer and Jeanne Glessing.

Hole-in-one
Will Cole, age 13, teed off from hole three at the Howard Lake Greens Aug 28, and to his surprise, as well as the surprise of his father, the ball made a perfect landing – a hole-in-one!

Cole was visiting his grandparents, Dwayne and Alice Purtilo of Howard Lake.

Orphans baseball
With only one loss in the double-elimination tournament, the Orphans are still in it.

The Orphans faced Loretto Sept. 3 in Willmar. Results on what I am hoping is a win, will be in next week’s column.

This week’s events
Tuesday, Sept. 7
• School starts
• HLWW varsity volleyball at home, 7:30 p.m.
• HLWW cross country at Rockford, 4:15 p.m.
• MOPS, St. John’s Lutheran, HL, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 9
• HLWW varsity volleyball at Pierz, 7:30 p.m.
• HL Legion meeting, 7 p.m. at the Legion
Friday, Sept. 10
• HLWW varsity football at Pierz, 7 p.m.
• Farmers’ market, Cattail Corner, 2- 6 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 11
• HLWW volleyball invite at home, begins at 9 a.m.
• Farmers’ market, Cattail Corner, 8 a.m. – noon.
• Northland Oliver Collector’s Association Tractor Ride, leaves Wright County Fairgrounds at 9 a.m., returns 2 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 12
• Grandparents’ Day
• Rally Day outside worship at St. James Lutheran Church, HL, 10:30 a.m. Roast beef dinner, 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m.
• Rally Day potluck, 9:30 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran, HL.
• Alpha celebration dinner, St. John’s Lutheran Church, HL, 5 p.m.

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

All are invited to ALPHA

Mark your calendars – Sunday, Sept. 12 is the kick-off and celebration dinner for this fall’s Alpha at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Howard Lake at 5 p.m.

I would like to invite anyone who has considered exploring Christianity, whether you know Jesus Christ as your Savior, or have never heard of Him, to come and enjoy a wonderful dinner, video, and fellowship.

Coming to the celebration dinner does not lock you into attending the next eight weeks, so you have nothing to lose, and so much to gain by giving it a try.

Personally, Alpha was a pivotal point in my life in so many ways.
Raised in a loving Christian family, I was baptized as an infant, attended parochial elementary school, Sunday school, church, etc. So, I knew Jesus Christ as my Savior. I knew that someday I was going to Heaven.
I memorized my Bible verses as a child, I went through confirmation classes as a teen, and continued as an adult to attend church, and bring my children up as Christians.

But it wasn’t until three years ago that I took what I knew in my head and moved it into my heart.

Alpha opened my eyes to the personal relationship that I was missing with my Savior.

It revealed to me how I was trying to put God into a box, and although I believed I was living my life for Him, I had in fact, been doing it on my own.

When I opened myself and invited the Holy Spirit into my heart, I found what I had been missing.

It is truly amazing to know that I do not have to go through the hard times alone.All I have to do is lay it at the foot of the cross, and Jesus will bear my burdens.

One thing I have always struggled with, and I admit I still do on occasion, is worrying. I have been called a worry-wart and I have earned that name rightly-so in the past. But, now, it is so wonderful to be able to ask Jesus to take my worries, and simply stand back and trust Him fully.

Alpha began at St. John’s in 2002. Alpha is an international program for outreach, evangelism, and spiritual growth. People from all around the area gather for Sunday evening dinner at the church, listen to presentations about the Christian faith, and then draw into small groups for discussions of what they’ve heard.

It has been the most effective evangelism program St. John’s has ever experienced, and the congregation is proud of carrying on the great commission.

For more information, or to place reservations for the celebration dinner Sunday, Sept. 12, call the church office (320) 543-2227.

Anniversary wishes
Summer has been the favorite season for many brides–pProof in point this week as we celebrate with four couples.

Celebrating Tuesday, Aug. 24, Kristen and Joel Pettit; Wednesday, Aug. 25, Phyllis and Don Stevenson; and Thursday, Aug. 26, Jennifer and Craig Butturff, and LaDonna and John Johnson.

Birthday wishes
This week, join me in wishing happy birthdays to Kent Houston Thursday, Aug. 26; and Millie Molnau Sunday, Aug. 29.

Orphans baseball
Aug. 13, Orphans win vs. Buffalo in Cold Spring. With 6-3 win, Orphans advanced to the Class C State Tournament in Willmar Sunday, Aug 22.

This week’s events
Tuesday, Aug. 24 – Registration at St. James Lutheran School, HL, 4-7 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 27 – Farmers’ market, Cattail Corner, 2- 6 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 28 – Farmers’ market, Cattail Corner, 8 a.m. – noon.

Submit your
Howard Lake news
We are looking for Howard Lake submissions for this column. If it is happening in Howard Lake, I wanna know! Please e-mail items to cheri@heraldjournal.com.

Where did summer go?

This week, athletes at Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted High School officially begin practice for volleyball, football, and cross country.
I can’t believe, in a few short weeks, school will start.

I have noticed, as I am sure you have, that each summer goes by faster than the previous. In fact, time in general is going by crazy fast.

This school year will be bitter sweet for my family. My daughter is a senior, therefore this will be our last year as parents to attend sporting events, concerts, and plays at a high school level.

I hope you all have your school shopping done or at least started, because ready-or-not, school is right around the corner.

Anniversary wishes
A very special anniversary wish to MaryLou and Joel Swedberg Monday, Aug. 16. MaryLou and Joel are celebrating their 30th anniversary.

“An anniversary is a time to celebrate the joys of today, the memories of yesterday, and the hopes of tomorrow.”

Congratulations
Randy and Laura Heuer had a baby girl at 8:03 a.m. Aug. 11. Elizabeth Joyce Heuer weighed in at 9 lbs. and was 19.5” long.

Birthday wishes
This week we have many birthdays. Join me in wishing them all a happy day – Monday, Aug. 16, Derek Youngren, Don Drusch, and Harvey Drusch; Tuesday, Aug. 17, Tom Main; Thursday, Aug. 19, Kathy Peterson; Saturday, Aug 21, Scott Diers; and Sunday, Aug. 22, Lois Nedegaard and Audrey Balgaard.

Orphans baseball
Orphans are on a winning spree again. Aug. 6 they brought Big Lake to their knees with an 11-7 win; Aug. 7, they stomped on Pearl Lake with a 9-2 win; and Aug. 8, they took it to Kimball with an 8-4 win.

Friday, Aug. 13, Orphans will showdown with Buffalo at 7:30 p.m. in Cold Spring to see who will pack for state. Results in next week’s column.

Jesse and Courtney Berg had their first child at 3:13 p.m. Aug. 7. Easton Alexander weighed in at 8 lbs. 7 oz. and was 21.5” long.
Congrats Bergie!

This week’s events
Friday, Aug. 20 – Farmers’ market, Cattail Corner, 2- 6 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 21 – Farmers’ market, Cattail Corner, 8 a.m. – noon.

Submit your
Howard Lake news
We are looking for Howard Lake submissions for this column. If it is happening in Howard Lake, I wanna know! Please e-mail items to cheri@heraldjournal.com.

Heading to Higher Ground

I am so excited to once again be heading to Winsted to the Higher Ground Christian Music Festival.

Friday, Aug. 13 and Saturday, Aug. 14, the otherwise desolate field in Winsted becomes a sanctuary to praise and worship God with thousands of other Christians.

This year looks to be an awesome lineup of talent, with some of my favorites; Ryan Daniel, Mark Schultz, Chris Tomlin, Go Fish, and Steven Curtis Chapman, just to name a few.

Each year I leave the event totally uplifted and filled with the Holy Spirit. It is such an amazing experience and I highly recommend it.

Tickets can still be purchased at the gates, so rain or shine, come on out – you will be glad you did!

Farmers’ market
The farmers’ market, located in the parking lot of Cattail Corner, is open Fridays from 2 to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon. The market features many local vendors, homemade breads, jams, eggs, and more.

National Night Out

Howard Lake residents celebrated NNO Aug 3.
At least nine neighborhoods gathered to meet their neighbors and get to know each other.

The police department, as well as volunteer firemen made their rounds to each party to say hi and show off their equipment.

Police Chief Tracy Vetruba said he was happy with the turnout in Howard Lake, but personally, I was a bit disappointed that we only had about five families turn out on Haywood Drive. My hopes are we can keep it an annual event and more people will join in each year.

If you are interested in planning a block party for your neighborhood next year, contact Chief Vetruba at the Howard Lake Police Station, (320) 543-3670.

Orphans baseball
As 152 fans watched, Howard Lake cinched their number one seed in the North Star League West with a 5-3 win over the Buffalo Bulldogs July 31.
Raymond Mason was the drawing winner, taking home a gift certificate for Sunni’s Grille.

The Orphans next showdown was at Cold Springs, taking on Pearl Lake, Aug. 7. Win or lose, they played again Aug. 8.
Results in next week’s Herald Journal.

Birthday wishes
Celebrating Tuesday, Aug. 10, Kendell Kubasch; Thursday, Aug. 12, Vi Luhman and Marvel Engel; and Sunday, Aug. 15, Gloria Bobrowske and Jill Gustafson.

Don’t forget to make a wish before you blow out the candles.

Anniversary wishes
Happy 54th anniversary to Myron and Lucy Lahr Wednesday, Aug. 11.

This week’s events
Monday, Aug. 9 – School board meeting, HLWW HS, 6 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 12 – Fall sports meeting, HLWW HS, 6:30 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 13 – Farmers’ market, Cattail Corner, 2 – 6 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 14 – Farmers’ market, Cattail Corner, 8 a.m. – noon.

Submit your
Howard Lake news
We are looking for Howard Lake submissions for this column. If it is happening in Howard Lake, I wanna know! Please e-mail items to cheri@heraldjournal.com.

Wright Co. Fair is coming to town

I can hear the derby cars revving their engines from my house, I even imagine I can smell the cotton candy and the mini doughnuts. Sometimes, I can see the multi-colored reflection of the lights on a cloudy night from my back porch.

Wednesday, Aug. 4 through Sunday, Aug. 8, Howard Lake will be jumping. 4-H’ers will swarm in, beginning Tuesday, Aug. 3 with their animals, pets, and other projects. Gold Star Amusements will also caravan in with all the rides that make their riders smile, scream, and toss their carameled apples. And by Wednesday, Aug. 4 fair-goers will be uniting to win the giant teddy bear or join in some other fun fair event.

Admission tickets are $5 for adults, $2 for children ages 13-17, and children under 12 are free.

Parking on the fair grounds is $3 per day, or $15 for a season pass.
There are so many events this year at the fair that I couldn’t list them all, below is a brief event schedule. To see a full schedule, visit www.wrightcountyfair.com.

Wednesday, Aug. 4
• KRWC Night, $1 Midway rides, 5 p.m.- close
• Opening ceremonies, 7 p.m.
• Combine demolition derby, 7 p.m., reserved seating $8
Thursday, Aug. 5
• Classic car show, 3 p.m.
• Antique tractor pull, 5 p.m.
• Amateur talent contest, 7:30 p.m. Free.
Friday, Aug. 6
• Senior Citizen Day
• Demolition derby, 7 p.m., reserved seating $8
• Pork chop dinner, 4-8 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 7
• Tractor and truck pull, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. General admission; $8; children 8 – 12; $4; Children 7 and under; free. Wrist band allows re-entry all day.
• Diaper derby, 3 p.m.
• Toy and sports card show, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Kiddie pedal tractor pull, 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, August 8
• Church service, 11 a.m.
• Fiddlers’ contest, 1 p.m.
• Demolition derby, 5:30 p.m., reserved seating $8
• Fairest of the Fair coronation, 3 p.m.
The ticket office will be open on the fairgrounds Monday, Aug. 2 and Tuesday, Aug. 3 from noon to 8 p.m.
Grandstand tickets can also be purchased by phone at (320) 543-3119.

National Night Out
Tuesday, Aug. 3 Howard Lake will celebrate with at least eight block parties from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
The locations include: Haywood Drive, Willow Court, Green Circle, Fifth Street, 10th Street culdesac, Dutch Lake Trail, Shore Line Drive culdesac, and the Lions Hall.

National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

For more information, contact Tracy Vetruba at the Howard Lake Police Station, (320) 543-3670.

Birthday wishes
We have a busy week with birthdays, starting with Julie Krienke, Loren Zander, George Lauzer, and Ann Birkholz, Monday, Aug. 2; Elton Gruenhagen and Joyce Heuer, Tuesday, Aug. 3; Jean Birkholz, Friday, Aug. 6; and Myron Lahr, Sunday, Aug. 8.

May you all have a wonderful birthday!

Orphans
Orphans gave fans a nail biter July 25, winning their first play-off game against Monticello Polecats 6-5.
The team had a great turn-out, with 202 fans cheering them on to a win.

Michelle Hofer was the drawing winner for a round of golf at the Howard Lake Greens, and Janet Liestman won a Sunni’s Grille gift certificate.

Miss Congeniality
During the Minneapolis Aquatennial Coronation, July 23, former Miss Howard Lake, Ellen Korsbon, was chosen as one of two for Miss Congeniality.

Congrats, Ellen!

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