The Exercise Place now a location for Silver Sneakers®
By Tammy Mathison
hendrickspioneer@gmail.com
The Exercise Place in Hendricks is taking their slogan, Where Your Health and Fitness Is Our Goal, to a new level by becoming a location for the Healthways Silver Sneakers® Fitness Program.
The program is for adults 65 and older and is offered by most insurance companies as a preventative health benefit.
According to information provided by Tim Nelson of The Exercise Place, “Older adults who have been enrolled in the SilverSneakers Fitness Program for two years are admitted to the hospital less often, have lower inpatient care costs and have signifigant reduction in their overall healthcare costs, according to a recent study published in Preventing Chronic Disease. The study, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and conducted by Group Health and theUniversity of Washington, looked at nearly 5,000 Silver Sneakers participatns over a two-year period. Researchers examined the impact of Silver Sneakers participation on health care costs and utilization. As a SilverSneakers member, you will receive a basic fitness membership and acess to nearly 10,000 participating locations. A Silver Sneakers ID card will be issued along with a key card for entry to The Exercise Place.
Orientation to the machines at The Exercise Place will be provided and a personal trainer is also available for consultation to assist you with personalizing your fitness routine.
To find out if you qualify for Silver Sneakers, contact your insurance company or The Exercise Place at 275-2345.
Filed under Community |First graduates of Hendricks High School celebrate
Graduates Mikah Mathison and Emily Johnson proudly prepare to throw their caps in the air after receiving their diplomas from Hendricks Public School on Saturday, May 12.
By Tammy Mathison
hendrickspioneer@gmail.com
Two Hendricks High School seniors received their diplomas at commencement exercises held in Hendricks on Saturday, May 12.
The two seniors, Emily Ann Johnson, daughter of Keith and Lisa Johnson and Kathy Johnson, and Mikah Ann Mathison, daughter of Kelly and Tammy Mathison, were the first to graduate from Hendricks in 22 years.
As the first senior class in decades, the girls chose a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson as their class motto — “Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
The class colors were green, black and silver and the class flower was a green-tipped silver Gerbera daisy.
Mr. Doug Dyk played the prelude and traditional “Pomp and Circumstance” as the seniors entered the gym and took the stage.
Reverend Allen Molascon presented the invocation, with Principal Shelly Jensen giving the welcome speech.
Following a musical selection by the kindergarten through 10th grade choir, the seniors took to the podium to give their speech together, thanking everyone who has supported them and had a part in their education over the years, including parents and community members. This was followed by a musical selection by Wendy Lawburgh, who sang “The Greatest Love of All” accompanied by her husband Dan.
The seniors then presented their slide show during which the audience, through pictures, watched the girls grow up as the slide show included many pictures of the girls as babies, toddlers and young girls.
Superintendent Bruce Houck gave a short speech, during which he addressed the seniors directly, speaking to them about their choice of a motto. Houck told the seniors that he had “no doubt” that the girls would continue to live up to the motto they had chosen and that they had many people supporting them, including everyone present in the audience and those who were not able to attend. Houck then presented the graduating Class of 2012 as having met the requirements of graduation.
Hendricks School Board Member Angie Schumacher had the honor of presenting the diplomas to the graduates. As honor student, Mikah Mathison was the first to receive her diploma.
The other members of the school board present— Lisa Schimdt, Tom Olson and Chester Frank— and Principal Shelly Jensen stood ready to congratulate the graduates, with each in turn shaking the girls’ hands and receiving hugs from the girls. Back onstage, Superintendent Houck shook their hands and switched their tassles, signaling their change in status.
Following the benediction provided by Rev. Molascon, the graduates tossed their caps in the air. After retrieving their caps, the graduates made their way back off the stage and through the gym to the recessional played by Doug Dyk.
Filed under Community |Welkommen til Hendricks!
A new Ole and Lena were crowned Friday evening at the Syttende Mai festivities held at the school auditorium. Clarence (Chris) Hoversten will reign as King Ole in 2012 and Violet Nelson is our new Queen Lena.
By Violet Nelson
vanelson@yahoo.com
Well, the big weekend is over for another year, but the Norwegian spirit lingers on.
The community’s annual celebration of Syttende Mai (Constitution Day inNorway) took place this past weekend, May 11 and 12.
On Friday evening Scandinavian humor took center stage at the school auditorium, with a comedy performance by Auntie Kreamsaugen (Darlene Rolle fromDetroitLakes). She was, as everybody said, “just plain funny.”
Other local performers included the Syttende Mai Singers and The Church Ladies. Orlan Sandro was Master of Ceremonies for the 22nd year in a row. Clarence (Chris) Hoversten and Violet Nelson were crowned the new Ole andLenaby the 2011 King Ole and Queen Lena, Don and Sharon Vettrus.
Food, fun, pets and other activities were a big part of the community’s annual ethnic celebration.
“Jeg elsker å feire” (Norwegians love to celebrate). Twenty-two years ago, probably the same thing was said when the first annual Syttende-Mai celebration was held.
A program was held at the school, Norwegian church services were held atSingsaasChurchand Kenneth Buseth and Anna Olson were crowned 1991 King Ole and Queen Lena. Royalty of all ages followed these two.
In 1992 Harold Dushack and Gelina Olson took the throne, fol lowed by Vance Twedt and Bessie Hanson in 1993, Merlin Vick and Florence Grimlie in 1994, Kenneth Olson and Bernice Mathison in 1995, Elwood Bakke and Clara Morseth in 1996, Ed Digre and Annice Hagen in 1997, Don Gillund and Inez Olsen in 1998, Richard Vizecky and Dorothy Forseth in 1999, John Huber and Hilda Peterson in 2000, Vernon Nelson and Delores Buchholz in 2001, Marlin Schuette and Muriel Dorn in 2002, Ken Midtaune and Betty Buseth in 2003, Orlan Sandro and Hazel Evenson in 2004, John Thomsen and Gail Kvernmo in 2005, Bob Neff and Julie Hogie in 2006, James Petersen and Caroline Petersen in 2007, LeRoy Mueller and Gloria Mueller in 2008, Don Erickson and Deloris Olson in 2009, Gary Johnson and Sherri Johnson in 2010 and Don Vettrus and Sharon Vettrus in 2011.
Filed under Community |Hendricks council to hire animal control officer
By Tammy Mathison
hendrickspioneer@gmail.com
During their Monday, May 7 meeting, City Administrator David Blees relayed a recommendation from the Law Enforcement Committee to the council to hire an animal control firm to deal with the animal issues in town.
The recommendation was made due to the growing volume of complaints of loose and barking dogs. “I’ve been here nine years,” said Blees, “and this has been the worst year yet.”
Blees said the committee has discussed the issue and recommends hiring an animal control firm versus hiring an employee. Blees went on to say that by hiring an independent contractor, if the person is effective, the amount of hours animal control is needed could be adjusted. Blees said that the committee does have someone in mind to hire, but did not say who.
The animal control officer will work with the city. Blees will relay complaints of loose and barking dogs to Animal Control as Animal Control will be making a concentrated effort to enforce the dog ordinance. They will also be patrolling at random times and picking up loose dogs and taking them somewhere to be kenneled until the owner pays the fees and picks them up. “Owners will have to pay to get their dogs back,” said Blees. Repeat offenders could pay up to $250 or more to reclaim their pet. Other issues discussed by the council included an upcoming rural water upgrade project to fix a leak and install a meter on the east side of town. The meter needs to be above ground and a heated shed will be constructed around it. As the meter will be located on land that is owned by HCHA, Blees has spoken with HCHA CEO Jeff Gollaher regarding the existing easement and the possibility of purchasing the land the meter will be located on. The cost of the project is estimated at about $20,000 with the city responsible for half of the cost. Blees said that the project shouldn’t interrupt water service as there is enough water in the water tower, but there is a chance that service could be interrupted.
The council also discussed the need for installing a wireless relay to the water tower to enable the water to cycle more frequently to keep the water in the tower fresher.
In Old Business, the Council voted unanimously to approve a resolution calling for a public hearing regarding the creation of a TIF District. The public hearing will be held on July 2 during the council meeting.
Blees also provided the council with an EDA report, saying that the EDA has been discussing the lack of available housing and the potential for creating a subdivision. At their last EDA meeting, the EDA decided to request a proposal from DSI for the planning of a subdivision. This is only to find out the process involved for creating a housing subdivision. Blees pointed out that there is a potential for making a subdivision a TIF District also.
Prior to adjourning, the Council approved claims and went into closed session to discuss the purchase of property.
Filed under Community |HHS seniors reminisce about their senior year
By Tammy Mathison
hendrickspioneer@gmail.com
Like every high school senior, Hendricks seniors Emily Johnson and Mikah Mathison are counting the days until graduation.
Emily Johnson
And they’re not the only ones counting the days. Johnson and Mathison’s “big day” is also a “big day” for the community, as the graduation ceremony will be the first for Hendricks in 22 years.
When Hendricks created the high school late last summer, many people were surprised that there were senior students who chose to attend HHS.
Both girls said they chose HHS because of the curriculum, although the shorter days and closeness to home also played a factor.
“I really enjoyed setting my own pace,” said Johnson. “Having to manage my own time to get things done — that will help me when I go off to school this fall.”
“It was an interesting year,” said Mathison. “Being the first year, getting used to a new way of doing things, it was interesting. It wasn’t easy. Some people think we have it easy here. We don’t. We are here to work. We have some fun, too, but we are here to work.”
Mikah Mathison
The girls said one thing they really enjoyed this year was interacting with the littlest elementary students. “It was kinda fun seeing my little brother every day,” said Mathison. “I think they feel like they’re cooler when they go to school with the older kids,” said Johnson. “I remember when I was little I thought it was cool to see the older kids,” agreed Mathison.
At the beginning of the year, while waiting on a couple of their classes, the girls volunteered in the kindergarten room. Throughout the year, Johnson has also been assisting with the younger students’ gym class.
The girls said they like their little friends. “No drama,” said Mathison. Johnson agreed. “The only drama we have with them is they fight over who gets to hug us first,” said Johnson with a laugh. The girls said while most days they went home from school with little face and handprints on their clothes from the hugs, they enjoyed it. “We see them at lunchtime,” Mathison explained. “So they always seem to have food on their faces or hands. We don’t care though. I did have to draw the line one day when one of the girls had peanut butter on her hands and was reaching for my hair,” she said with a laugh. The girls said they invited some of their little friends to their graduation parties.
Johnson and Mathison will graduate fromHendricksHigh Schoolon Saturday, May 12 at 2 p.m. The girls said they are grateful to everyone who has had a part in their education throughout the years.
Their thoughts on being the first class to graduate from HHS?
“Pretty cool,” said Mathison. “Ditto,” said Johnson.
Filed under Community |Evening fire destroys home in rural Hendricks
A fire destroyed the home of John and Denise Olson on the evening of Monday, May 7.
By Tammy Mathison
hendrickspioneer@gmail.com
“We’ve lost everything,” said Denise Olson as she and husband John watched firemen work to put out the fire in their home on May 7.
The Monday evening fire, which Denise believes to have begun in the kitchen, spread quickly throughout the home destroying everything in its path.
Lack of cell service could have played a factor.
John said after finding their home in flames, Denise tried to call 911 on her cell phone. “Denise was trying to call, but having difficulty getting through because we don’t have much for (cell) service out here,” said John. “I drove over to David Olson’s house and broke a window on their door to get in so I could call. By that time, Denise had managed to get through (to the Sheriff’s Office). I suppose I owe David a new door,” John added.
Upon their arrival, the Hendricks Fire Department found the home was already engulfed in flames. The Hendricks Fire Department immediately radioed dispatch for assistance from the Ivanhoe Fire Department, who arrived with additional tanker trucks. The Hendricks Ambulance was also on scene.
After the flames were extinguished, the firemen retrieved some items from the home. Although the items received smoke and water damage, the Olsons were grateful for whatever the firemen were able to retrieve.
The Olsons are currently staying with family members.
Filed under Community |Students apologize to community for vandalism
By Tammy Mathison
hendrickspioneer@gmail.com
Bringing the total to four, the ISD 402 Hendricks School Board voted last Monday, April 23 during a special meeting to non-renew two more teachers.
At their April 17 meeting, the board had tied 3-3 on a vote to non-renew Music/Instrumental Instructor Douglas Dyk. The board re-voted on April 23, with the results being 4-0. Lisa Schmidt and Phil Moen were absent from the meeting.
The vote on April 23 to non-renew science teacher Emily Benedict was 5-0, with Moen still absent from the meeting.
Four Lincoln HI High School seniors presented themselves before the board to apologize for the “stupid, immature act that they did.” (Quote from the spokesperson of the students.) The act being referenced was the vandalism of the sidewalk in front of theHendricksSchool. A fifth student was at sports practice.
The board also discussed the preschool program, deciding to keep the program the same as it was this past school year with three-year-olds attending on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for half days and four-year-olds attending half days on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Advertising for the school was also discussed with it being decided to run radio ads during the summer.
The board discussed the possible need for a general referendum, with the amounts of $1,800, $2,000 and $2,200 discussed. If the board decides to move forward with the referendum, it will be voted on by the public during the 2012 general election in November, with the referendum taking effect for the 2013-14 school year. Prior to the vote, however, public meetings will need to be held.
Additional classes and extracurricular offerings for the 2012-13 school year were discussed. The district will offer two industrial arts classes and will also offer home economic classes. The home economics classes will be through ITV. Gymnastics and cross country track are being added to the extracurricular program.
Although it was listed on the agenda, the board did not go into closed session prior to adjourning.
It should be noted that on the following day, on Tuesday morning, the five Lincoln HI High School seniors responsible for the vandalism apologized to the entire Hendricks Public School student body during a special assembly in the cafeteria, with each of them speaking for themselves.
Filed under Community |Hendricks Public School students present concert
Hendricks third and fourth graders performed three songs from Disney’s “The Lion King” at the spring concert on Friday, April 27.
By Tammy Mathison
hendrickspioneer@gmail.com
On Friday, April 27, under the direction of Mr. Douglas Dyk, music and instrumental instructor, Hendricks Public School students presented their spring concert.
Prior to the start of the concert, the Religious Release students sang songs about the Ten Commandments under the direction of their instructors Peggy Buller and Denise Olson.
The fifth through tenth grade band performed four songs and had the younger students in the audience clapping and stomping along to the beat of “We Will Rock You,” which was the final selection they played.
Solos, trios, quartets and ensembles were also heard during the concert. Dyk explained to the audience that he had asked for volunteers and was pleased with the student response.
As the concert was Disney-themed, Mr. Dyk donned Mickey Mouse ears before directing the kindergarten through second graders, who appropriately led off the large group singing portion of the program with the “Mickey Mouse March” followed by three more Disney songs.
The third and fourth graders performed songs from Disney’s “The Lion King,” telling the story with three songs.
The fifth through 10th grade choir also performed three songs from various Disney movies.
The final selection of the concert was sung together by students in kindergarten through 10th grade.
Filed under Community |Lincoln County seniors hold annual Spring Fling
By Dan Kuss
lbnews@itctel.com
The Lincoln County Senior Citizens Club held their annual Spring Fling on Thursday evening at the Lake Benton American Legion.
The evening began with bingo at 5 p.m. for seniors from Arco, Hendricks, Ivanhoe, Lake Benton and Tyler followed by a chicken dinner with all the fixings catered by the Country House Supper Club.
“We can’t win at bingo so we have to give it to them,” said 91-year-old Lorraine Krog of Lake Benton. “I guess Clara (DeZeeuw) won but we haven’t had much luck.”
Vernard Van Erdewyk likes to watch baseball with his grandchildren and is in the process of getting them prepared to go hunting.
“I like having a good time with people,” said Van Erdewyk of Hendricks. “We’re celebrating our 50th anniversary in December and have been here for the past eight or nine years.”
“We do the Spring Fling here and the Fall Fling in Ivanhoe.”
After dinner entertainment was provided by Dakota Country, who played Country and Western, old-time and ‘50s and ‘60s favorites music.
The band was started by Joyce Ruesink as the Jolly Neighbors in the 1970s and she said they play a lot of senior’s dances.
Leona Christianson, age 93 of Hendricks, was on the dance floor with dancing partner Elaine Stinske.
“I was a bit bruised last year after I attacked a snake with a fork at Syttende Mai and missed and fell,” said Christianson. “I love to dance and I drag Elaine to Brookings whenever I can.”
Drawings were held throughout the evening and many participants went home with fabulous prizes.
“Who won the trip to New Ulm?” asked Senior Club President August Hamer of Hendricks who will be 85 on April 29. “We usually have 130 or so people so we’re a little short tonight, but it’s okay, we’re having fun.”
Krog was one of the originators of this event and started the bus line around 1974.
“I’m here with the Manor ladies Vivian Paulson, Bette Ramert and Dorothy Rourk and we had a good meal,” said Krog. “I enjoy this but I wish I had a dance partner.”
Hamer said he’s getting a little tired and wishes someone from the younger generation would take over.
In all, many seniors said they had a great time and next year plan to keep track of who is the oldest and who was the youngest at the event.
The evening closed around 9 p.m. with a final round of drawings.
Filed under Community |Hendricks School Board votes on teacher non-renewals
By Tammy Mathison
hendrickspioneer@gmail.com
The Hendricks School Board voted on three teacher non-renewals during their April 17 meeting. With unanimous roll call votes, the board voted to not renew second grade teacher Donna Surrat and math teacher Lenny Diekman. In a third roll call vote to non-renew band/ music instructor Douglas Dyk, the board tied 3-3, resulting in the motion failing.
The board also voted unanimously to accept the resignations of Principal Shelly Jensen and Head Cook Mitzy Skorczewski.
Other approval items included the unanimous approval of the Activities Director and Track Coach Contracts held by Mike Evert and the renewal of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance.
The board also discussed the recent vandalism. Superintendent Bruce Houck had received an email from Lincoln HI Superintendent Michelle Mortensen requesting the Hendricks School Board’s recommendations on consequences to be imposed on the Lincoln HI students who had committed the recent vandalism to theHendricksSchool’s sidewalk. The board discussed the issue, with Houck emailing Mortensen the recommendations. Principal Jensen reported that beginning in the 2012-13 school year, HHS will be offering traditional classroom for all high school students in addition to the interactive online and ITV options.
Drivers training was discussed with Houck saying if a minimum of eight students sign up the district can get an instructor here. For future years, Jensen said that Sharon Evert plans to get certified to instruct drivers ed.
Jensen also asked the board if they would consider adding a consumer math requirement for HHS students as the consumer math teaches students “real world” math such as balancing a checkbook and making payments.
Under old business, the board voted unanimously to stay in the F.L.Y. consortium.
Following the personnel matters, the board went into closed session.
Filed under Community |