Hendricks man returns home from service

Pictured above, from left to right, are Kasen Wendinger, Britni Nielsen, Kolten Nielsen, Liberty Wendinger, Dallas Nielsen and Dalten Nielsen.

Dallas Nielsen recently re­turned to the United States after a year-long tour of duty in Af­ghanistan. He left Dec. 6, 2010 and arrived back at Pope Air Force Base in North Carolinaon Dec. 8, 2011. Nielsen is a mem­ber of the US Army 82nd Air­borne Division based out ofFort Bragg,N.C.The forward operat­ing base (FOB) he was deployed to is located in the northeast area of Afghanistan near thePakistan border. His job as part of the Charlie Battery, 3rd Battal­ion, 321 Field Artillery Regiment was to help defend the base from enemies and provide support to the troops down range. The base encounters frequent artillery exchange and the troops must maintain constant vigilance to keep the base secure. During his overseas deployment, Nielsen was chosen by his superiors as Soldier of the Quarter. This hon­or was based on high scoring in physical training (PT), handling and knowledge of weapons, reading, memorizing and fol­lowing directions for strategiz­ing per mapped instructions and an interview by sergeant majors and first sergeants on general knowledge. Nielsen won his bat­talion then moved on to compete at the brigade level.

Nielsen was welcomed home by his wife Britni and two sons, Dalten and Kolten, who reside on the base at Fort Bragg. Dean and Layne Nielsen and Gene and Katie Wendinger, Libertyand Kasen drove toFayetteville,N.C.and were happy to be part of the excitement of Nielsen’s home­coming as he arrived onU.S.soil, along with approximately 230 fellow soldiers. His family and friends are very proud of Dallasand appreciate the church and community support received during his deployment.

Annual ice fishing derby will be held says LHIA

By Tammy Mathison

hendrickspioneer@gmail.com

The annual ice fishing derby will still be held, say Lake Hen­dricks Improvement Association representatives.

The unseasonably warm weather has had people ques­tioning the safety of the ice and whether or not the derby will be held.

“At this time, we have not made a decision to not have it,” said Vince Zylstra of the LHIA. “A chili contest will be held regard­less,” Zylstra added.

Zylstra went on to say that the LHIA is meeting every Tuesday night and updates on the status of the derby will be provided to the public. The derby is planned for Saturday, Feb. 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. byVeteransMemorial Parkin Hendricks.

Posters containing informa­tion on the annual event have been put up in Hendricks and surrounding communities ad­vertising that prizes are to be awarded for the biggest fish in three categories – Walleye, Northern and Perch, with the largest fish in each category winning a prize valued at over $400. A general drawing for cash prizes will also be held.

Additional information re­garding the ice conditions reads, “If ice conditions are unsafe, or if a fish is not caught in any par­ticular category, prizes will be awarded by random drawing. All contestants must fish close to derby headquarters.”

“Either fishing or a drawing will take place as scheduled,” said Zylstra.

The annual Ice Fishing Derby is the main fundraiser for the Lake Hendricks Improvement Association. Last year’s derby saw record breaking numbers with an estimated 400-500 an­glers out on the ice.

For more information call Jeff

New Year, new look for Siverson’s Pharmacy and Gifts

Jessica Siverson is pictured in what will be the new waiting area at Siverson’s Pharmacy and Gifts. In the background, far right, the door to the new closet designated for dry cleaning is visible.

By Tammy Mathison

hendrickspioneer@gmail.com

Over the last few years, Siver­son’s Pharmacy and Gifts has un­dergone a few cosmetic changes, not the least of which was the expansion of the store by then owner Ralph Siverson around 2007.

After purchasing the pharma­cy around 2008, Slade and Jes­sica Siverson have made some additional changes, including other interior updates and up­dating the outside of the build­ing with a fresh coat of paint and new awnings. Their inventory of home décor and gift items has increased the last few years, also. “The gift side is always my work in progress,” said Jessica Siver­son. “We’ve expanded to include clothes, jewelry and scarves and we also do gift baskets,” said Siverson. “If there is something you want and we don’t have it, for the OTC (over the counter medications) Slade can usually get it the next day,” said Siverson. “If it is a gift item, I can order it and usually get it in a week to two weeks,” Siverson added.

Most recently, in light of the recent break-ins, Siverson’s has increased their security and in the last couple of weeks they have been remodeling the front of the pharmacy to create a wait­ing area for customers. “We are making it for the customers so they have a place to sit,” said Jessica Siverson. “Some of our customers can’t walk and some are sick and don’t feel like walk­ing around. We want to create a nice waiting area for them be­cause our customers are impor­tant and sometimes they have to wait. It will be nice to have a decent place to sit.” The area behind the counter is also be­ing remodeled to provide more room behind the counter and to create a couple of closets, one of which will be used to house the dry cleaning. The remodel is ex­pected to be finished by the end of this week.

“We want to encourage people to come in and check it (the re­cent remodel) out,” said Siver­son. “Slade and I thank all of you for shopping locally. We need every one of you to keepMain Streetgoing.”

Hendricks ends city police department

Frank Ochocki is pictured standing beside the Hendricks police car on the last evening of police duty.

By Violet Nelson

vanelson@yahoo.com

As he has since 1982, Police Officer Frank Ochocki was pa­trolling Hendricks this past Fri­day night ensuring the safety of town residents. Though Ochocki quietly patrolled the city with­out fanfare, the night proved a sad and momentous one for him and Hendricks.

This night was the last night of patrol for both him and the Hen­dricks Police Department. It’s the end of an era. We will never see the red, white and blue car police the city again.

As a cost savings measure, the Hendricks city council recently voted to disband the Police De­partment midnight of Dec. 31, 2011.

On Jan. 1, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department will pro­vide law enforcement.

Frank Ochocki, part time city police, was the last officer on duty and the last person to drive the Hendricks Police car. He was on duty Friday afternoon and evening. This proved fitting, for Frank had been one of the city’s longest serving police officers.

Frank’s first night on the job was Nov. 19, 1982. This was a cold and snowy night, yet one with plenty of activity. Hendricks hosted a play-off game against Hills Beaver Creek. “It was so stormy” remembered Ochocki. “I had to help carry hot water from Joe Milton’s house, which was located across the street from the football field down by the park, and carry it to the conces­sion stand. A lot of people didn’t make it home that night.”

Ochocki notes many things have changed over his quar­ter century tenure. The biggest change was the high school clos­ing in 1991.

Teenagers were much less likely to be roaming the Hen­dricks streets, which made for a quieter patrol.

This Friday night also saw the last night of the Hendricks police car.

The cruiser has over 200,000 miles on it. Since Ochocki began his duties, Hendricks has had four different police vehicles.

Ochocki, who lives in Canby, said he intends to visit Hendricks a lot. “I will miss it,” he said. “The people in Hendricks have been supportive of me.” He wished the police department could have existed another couple of years. “I have only two years left until I could retire. It put me in a bad situation,” he said.

Faith Olsen was the other part-time police officer for the City ofHendricks.

Hometown hero

Bob Kanz points to the spot on the lake off in the distance that Tom Krier went through the ice last Friday.

By Tammy Mathison

hendrickspioneer@gmail.com

Bob Kanz was preparing to practice with his new long bow at his home on the south side ofLakeHendrickslast Friday after­noon when he saw Thomas Krier go by on the lake in his golf car. “I was home about 4 p.m. when I saw him go by with the golf car. A little bit later, I heard him go in (to the lake),” said Kanz.

According to Krier, he had been on the lake heading to his son Scott’s and grandson Tan­ner’s fish houses to see if they were catching anything. “He was following the shoreline and didn’t see the ice heave,” said Joan Krier, Thomas’ wife. After hitting the ice heave, the front end of Krier’s golf car went into the icy waters and a small pro­pane heater in the cart caught fire with Krier trapped inside the cart.

Upon hearing the sound of the impact, Kanz, knowing time was of the essence and that he would need some nearby help, called his daughter Tammy to have her make the other requisite calls, such as to 911. “By the time I got back outside, I could smell smoke,” said Kanz.

Bob Kanz is pictured by the sled that was used to transport Tom Krier after Kanz rescued Krier from the lake last Friday afternoon.

“I grabbed my (ice) cleats and a life preserver, I didn’t know how safe it was to go out there. I knew he was in open water,” said Kanz. Kanz started out to Krier, but then decided to go back and grab a 12-foot plank and a rope. “I couldn’t run, it was a long ways over there, but I got there as quick as I could,” said Kanz. As Kanz approached the golf car, in addition to the smoke, he could see the flames inside.

Using the plank, Kanz reached Krier and opened the door of the golf car. “The propane tank was in the fire, I probably shouldn’t have touched it but I got it out of there before it could explode,” said Kanz. Kanz then got on his hands and knees and splashed water into the golf car to put out the fire.

Kanz got ahold of Krier and was able to pull him out of the golf car “His face was black from the smoke,” said Kanz. By the time Kanz got Krier out of the golf car, other family mem­bers, including his daugh­ter Tammy, Keith Dumke and Ryan Coners had ar­rived. “Tammy brought blankets and a coat and Ryan had grabbed a sled,” said Kanz. “We got him covered up and onto the sled and pulled him off the lake.” Shortly thereafter, the sheriff and ambulance arrived and took Krier to theHendricksHospitalwhere he was treated and released.

“It comes down to min­utes,” said Kanz. “Another minute earlier or a minute later I would not have seen him go by and I don’t know if I would have heard him if I would have been on the other side of the yard. If I had gotten to him a minute later, I don’t think he would have survived,” added Kanz.

Krier’s family is extreme­ly grateful to Kanz and his family. “It was a good job Bob did,” said Joan. “Some­body was guiding him, I’m sure. He did just the right thing.”

Joan also commented on her husband’s injuries, say­ing that he was doing well. “His boot was on fire and it burned right through,” said Joan. “He has second and third degree burns on his foot but he is feeling pretty good.” Joan went on to say that she had spoken with her son Scott Krier, who is the former fire chief of the Hendricks Fire Depart­ment, and he had told her that his father would have had seconds, rather than minutes, to live in that smoke.

“If it wasn’t for Bob and God, I wouldn’t be here today,” declared Krier. “It was our Christmas mira­cle,” added Joan.

Bakery in Hendricks to open Jan. 3

By Tammy Mathison

hendrickspioneer@gmail.com

After much cleaning and a new interior paint job, the bakery in Hendricks will re-open under an old name and new ownership on Tuesday, Jan. 3.

Since purchasing the bakery in November of this year, Jeff and Kathy Robbins, along with several local volunteers, have been busy cleaning and painting inside the bakery, hiring employ­ees and ordering inventory.

“Volunteers came in to help and spent about six to eight hours a day for four days help­ing,” said Kathy Robbins. “Every inch has been washed and paint­ed.” Kathy said she figured that about 12 gallons of paint and primer had been used through­out the bakery.

Kathy Robbins, who will be operating the business, said that while the official name of the bakery will be Don’s Bakery of Hendricks, LLC, they will be do­ing business under the name of Don’s Bakery.

“We will be using Don’s (Gil­lund, former owner of the bakery) old recipes also,” said Robbins. “I plan to run a ba­sic, traditional bakery with the breads, pastries and cookies. Tammy Hanson is coming back and she will be baking the cakes and Connie Lacek is also coming back as the cook­ies, rolls and donuts lady,” said Robbins. “I will help out whenever and wher­ever I’m needed,” Robbins added.

An open house to show­case the improvements to the bakery is planned for Saturday, Dec. 31 from 9 a.m. to noon and the bak­ery will open for business on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012. “Normally, our hours will be Monday through Fri­day, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., but with the New Year holiday, we decided to wait and open on Tues­day, January third,” said Robbins.

A special call for the holidays

Although he is currently stationed in Kuwait, through the use of technology, Specialist Kyle Hawks was able to watch his son Lance’s preschool Christmas program last week. Hawks (on laptop screen) and wife Megan are pictured prior to the program.

Hendricks lighting contest winners announced

The first place winners of the annual lighting contest are Vilas and Darlene TerMeer.

By Tammy Mathison

hendrickspioneer@gmail.com

Winners of the annual Hen­dricks lighting contest, spon­sored by the Hendricks Commu­nity Club and Otter Tail Power Company, are:

First place – Vilas and Darlene TerMeer; second place – Marcy Sommervold; third place – Ches­ter and Shanda Frank; fourth place Milton Johnson and Betty Aune Johnson; fifth place – Cot­ton and Lois Johnson.

Second place winner in the annual lighting contest is Marcy Sommervold.

Honorable mention goes to Al­len and Lavonne Dumke, Michael and Violet Nelson, Burt and Joan Pederson, Jerald and Joann Lov­ro, Richard and Ramona Pitzl and Ron and Sandy Bauman.

Thank you to all who deco­rated their homes to make Hen­dricks festive for the holidays.

Memories of Christmas past

Eighty-year-old Elwood Bakke is pictured with the Strocto dump box and steam shovel his parents gave him when he was four-years-old.

By Violet Nelson

What comfort and warmth memories of Christmas past can bring!

I feel priviledged to have grown up in the day and age of simplicity. One or two gifts un­der the tree were a lot more ap­preciated than the mounds of gifts kids get today. I remember my sister and I glancing out the window Christmas Eve at the glistening snow, watching in anticipation for the barn to go dark. We knew when this hap­pened, Dad would be walking up to the house and we could soon open our presents.

There was a live tree in the liv­ing room, but my earlier recol­lections were putting up a tree so dry the needles would fall off before Christmas, so another one would have to be bought. Later on, my dad had his own Christmas tree lot where people could come to our farm and chop down the size they wanted. The illumination of the large lights on the tree and the angel at the top are still vivid in my mind.

Elwood Bakke still has the Strocto dump box and steam shovel his parents gave him when he was four-years-old. “This was a pretty big gift back then,” he said. Elwood remembers eye­ing the toys in Elmer Hanson’s Hardware Store in Astoria, S.D., where Tim Buck Two Restaurant is located now. “My parents must have gone back to buy them,” he said. His sister got a porcelain doll that year, also purchased at Hanson’s Hardware. Elwood said they didn’t have a Christ­mas tree. “The presents were put in stockings hung on the door knobs.” His mother would also make homemade socks and wristlets out of spun wool.

In 1936 his half-sister gave him a bicycle for Christmas. “That was a blessing for me,” El­wood said.

He said their traditional Christmas Eve meal was roast beef, mashed potatoes and Johnny Cakes (corn bread). Most evenings were spent visit­ing neighbors and relatives. “Pa would hitch up the horses and sled and go three to four miles. It was a cold ride, but memo­rable.” During Christmas, sleigh bells were put on the horses. He said that when they went to visit his cousin, he would always give them homemade wine made out of berries or rhubarb. Christ­mas Day was spent at Grandma and Grandpa’s house. “Grandma would make us gamel (old) ost (cheese) or strong cheese. She would also serve rumegrate (cooked rice).”

Elwood remembers the spe­cial Christmas programs held at the country school west of Oak Lake. “The teachers were tough,” he said, “they gave us such long pieces to learn.” They did not have a Sunday school at Legang­er Church in Toronto, S.D., where the Bakkes attended.

Elwood has no recollection of the tradition of exchanging Christmas cards, but one of his special memories growing up on the farm west of Oak Lake was the mail service. “We had three different addresses while living on the same farm. White was our first address because that is the oldest town. When the railroad came to Toronto, that was our second address. Finally, when the railroad came to Astoria, we had an Astoria address.”

Christmas is remembered joys for us all. Wishing you all the wonders of Christmas and beau­tiful new memories in 2012.

Merry Christmas! And as El­wood would say, “Gledelig Jul!”

Collection captures the spirit and character of New England

Gary and Karen Zylstra’s Department 56 New England Village Series is displayed year round in their home.

By Violet Nelson

vanelson@yahoo.com

The delicately hand-painted buildings and accessories of the Department 56 New Eng­land Village Series in Gary and Karen Zylstra’s home on Lake Hendricks captures the spirit of historic small town America in the 1800s, an era of covered bridges, log cabins and horse-drawn sleighs.

The charming village they en­joy sharing contains over 200 pieces, including 100 hand-painted ceramic buildings and more than 100 accessories. Nos­talgic churches, farmsteads, for­ests, cities, villages and marine items—boats, pier, dock, ship on water and old mill—inspire young and old.

For many years the Zylstras had talked about starting a collection and had looked at Christmas village displays. In the late 1980s Gary decided to give Karen her first village piece for Christmas, a New England church. Much to Gary’s surprise, he received a New England cot­tage from Karen. That was the start of a complete collection.

They continued this great tradition. When they came out with limited edition pieces, they would buy them no matter what time of year it was. “Smythe Woolen Mill was a limited edi­tion piece,” Karen said. “It wasn’t available to buy because they sold out instantly.” They had to find a secondary dealer to help them locate this piece. It was found for a price of $950, their most expensive piece.

Karen Zylstra’s favorite village piece is the Pigeon House Lighthouse from 1994.

When the Zylstras built their lake home in 1999, they had shelves specially built and wired for the collection. Karen said she has it up all year and uses computer dust spray to clean each piece. The last piece they bought was a few years ago when the New Eng­land Series was discontin­ued or retired.

Karen said their 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren don’t pay much attention to the village. “It has always been there, so they really don’t notice it,” Karen said.

The decor doesn’t stop here. Karen has collect­ed Nativity sets from all over the world for almost 15 years. “They are all unique,” she said. Her fa­vorite Nativity set is from Barbados in the Caribbean Islands.

As you gaze at the vil­lage scene in the Zylstra’s living room, you could al­most imagine it to be real. Little people stand around in peace and harmony. The choristers and sledders alert the observer to the make believe character of the locale. The churches are all lit up as to say, “Come in. It’s Christmas time and we have something great to tell you about.”

It can’t get any better than that.