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MAY/JUNE 2018 CONNECTION

DAWSON’S MASCOT Learn the origin of Gnometown, USA

FINDING THE GREEN BRAT SEASON HAS ARRIVED Midwestern destinations Making delicious dishes with to hit the links the ‘wurst’ INDUSTRY NEWS Youthful trends Rural Connections A survey spots the habits of rural teens BY SHIRLEY BLOOMFIELD, CEO articipating in social networks, streaming than five hours of content NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association weekly, and reliance on mobile devices for photos and messaging are some trends defining how rural high school students use modern communications Sustaining our rural Ptools and services. Every two years, participants in the Foundation for Rural Service Annual Youth Tour broadband dollars and applicants to the foundation’s College Scholarship Program complete a study about t’s exciting to see the attention rural their telecommunication habits. broadband has received the past sev- A total of 1,706 high school students, with 80 percent between the ages of 14 and 19, eral months. But as we explore ways completed the survey. Here are a few of the conclusions: Ito extend broadband to unserved rural areas, it is important to consider how PRICE AWARENESS those dollars are spent. Seventy-two percent of respondents have their monthly The Agriculture and Rural America cellphone bill paid by someone else, and 25 percent have Task Force in the U.S. House of Repre- no concept of the size of that bill. sentatives held a briefing in March. I was honored to be one of their participants When these young people enter the “real world,” they will and share insights into rural broadband likely face sticker-shock as they shop for cellphone service. challenges. We hear a lot about the digital divide, but I spoke with the group about STAYING SOCIAL the rural-rural divide — the investments Participating in social media is, by far,the most popular being made by locally-owned broadband online activity among those surveyed. providers and the areas where larger car- riers are not making the investments their While a mobile phone is still important for the basics, such rural communities need. as personal safety and education, the primary draw is the We have seen several promising steps ability to connect to those similar to themselves. Also, online interaction is the preferred means of personal com- taken by Congress and the FCC in recent munication, and losing that link is unthinkable to most. months. Our industry applauded the inclusion of $600 million for a new rural broadband pilot program to be admin- TEXTING AND DRIVING Young people need more convincing about the dangers of istered by RUS in the omnibus funding texting while driving — 22 percent of respondents admitted bill that was signed by President Trump. they occasionally texted while driving. And the FCC recently acted to address some of the immediate budget shortfalls While 95 percent have seen at least one public service in the commission’s High Cost Universal announcement about the dangers of texting while driving, Service Fund (USF), the primary support 75 percent have seen multiple such announcements. that allows rural broadband providers to make the business case for sustained The report concluded that “this informational onslaught deployment and service. needs to continue, and should be supplemented by addi- Telecommunications providers like tional, proven methods of getting this life-saving message yours have done a great job delivering across, whether in schools, churches or other places where broadband to rural America with the young people can be counseled.” help of USF. There is still much work to

do, and it will take partnerships as well as BULLYING ONLINE LOSER! reliable, sufficient USF funding to ensure Cyberbullying is a significant concern, and more than half of all the availability and affordability of robust survey respondents know of a cyberbullying incident involving a personal acquaintance. reported being broadband for unserved areas.  More than 25 percent personally affected by cyberbullying.

2 | May/June 2018 New law aims to improve the quality and reliability of calls made to rural America

BY STEPHEN V. SMITH

ural residents and business owners scored a major legislative are important to ensuring the survival of small towns and granting Americans the victory in February, one that should reduce the rural call choice to live and thrive in whatever com- completion problems that have long plagued those who live munity is best for them and their family, Rand work in America’s small towns and communities. rural, urban, or anywhere in between,” says Young. The Improving Rural Call Quality and commissioners to ensure that rural Ameri- The legislation came in part due to com- Reliability Act was signed into law by cans have what every American expects: bined efforts of America’s rural telecom- President Trump and gives the Federal a telephone system that works,” says FCC munications providers, who have worked Communications Commission additional Chairman Ajit Pai. the past several years with elected officials tools to combat call completion failure. Passage of the act was the result of a and regulators to solve the rural call For years, rural citizens have reported bipartisan effort in the U.S. House and completion problem. “Passage of this bill problems receiving calls that originate Senate. “For too long, rural communities reaffirms the power of advocacy,” says Shir- outside their area and from wireless call- across the country have been suffering ley Bloomfield, CEO of NTCA–The Rural ers. Some calls have poor quality, while from unreliable phone service. Without Broadband Association, which represents other calls simply never come through. A consistent and dependable service, it is nearly 850 cooperative and independent leading cause of these issues is substandard challenging to stay connected to loved telcos in rural and small-town America. service from third-party, intermediate car- ones, run a business, and reach first “Rural providers do more than deliver riers, known as “least-cost routers,” which responders in an emergency,” says U.S. Sen. technology to their customers; they take originating carriers use to route their calls Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn, who sponsored their concerns to Washington and educate into rural areas. This is done in an effort the bill in the Senate. “Enacting these lawmakers on bills that impact their lives to lower the costs of delivering a call into a common-sense standards for providers and livelihoods,” Bloomfield says. “This rural community, where terminating costs will ensure that every family can trust that measure will bring greater transparency are higher. their calls will be completed, regardless of to the call routing marketplace and send a The new law gives authority to the FCC where they live.” bipartisan message about the importance to require providers to register with the U.S. Rep. David Young, R-Iowa, spon- of on-going efforts to solve call completion agency and to meet quality standards. “I sored the bill in the House. “Improving problems that threaten the general well- will be working closely with my fellow rural call completion rates and quality being of countless Americans.” 

Legislation targets cause of many rural call completion problems

Intermediate Originating carrier Terminating carrier carrier Often the cause of Where the call failed and poor- Your local begins quality calls telco

May/June 2018 | 3 FROM THE CEO CONNECTION Counting on small MAY/JUNE 2018 VOL. 2, NO. 3 Connection is a bimonthly newsletter published by Farmers Mutual and businesses Federated Telephone, © 2018. It is distributed without charge to all of our customers. ave you ever thought about what our community would be like without Hsmall businesses? For starters, half of us would be out of work because small busi- nesses employ 48 percent of U.S. employees, according to the Small Farmers Mutual Telephone Company Business Administration. 301 2nd St. South On a national scale, without small businesses the economy would Bellingham, MN 56212 KEVIN BEYER grow stagnant. According to estimates, 64 percent of new private [email protected] Chief Executive Officer sector jobs come from small businesses. 320-568-2105 The downtown areas of our communities would certainly look Federated Telephone Cooperative very different if they were completely shuttered, as small businesses 201 State Hwy. 9 S. • P.O. Box 107 make up the heart of most business communities. Morris, MN 56267 And while it may not be so obvious, think of the sports teams, community events and [email protected] charitable organizations that count on donations and sponsorships from our small-business 320-324-7111 or 320-585-4875 community. I would even argue that many small businesses, such as Acira, are what help give our com- FARMERS MUTUAL TELEPHONE munities their identities. COMPANY BOARD In short, we need our small businesses. The U.S. Small Business Administration has declared Gerald Stensrud, District I, Vice President April 29-May 5 as National Small Business Week. It is a designation that goes back to 1963, Dean Olson, District I aiming at celebrating small businesses locally and around the nation. Please join me in sup- Michael Sorenson, District II porting them and commending them for the long hours, dedication and commitment to their John Plathe, District II, Secretary customers that have made them a part of the fabric of our communities. Scott Wittnebel, District III, President At Acira, we’re proud to be one of those small businesses, but we’re also proud to support Troy Hoyles, District III many small businesses throughout our region with our advanced broadband network. Jerome Kallhoff, District IV As you’ve seen in the pages of recent magazines, there are plenty of examples where local small businesses rely on a broadband connection to place orders, send emails, interact with FEDERATED TELEPHONE customers on social media, improve efficiency in their operation and stay competitive region- COOPERATIVE BOARD ally and globally. Roger Gerdes, District 1, Vice President Broadband helps make the world a smaller place, which helps small businesses. Did you Tim Danielson, District 2, Secretary know that 98 percent of the companies that export products overseas are small businesses? In Lynn Swenson, District 3, President fact, according to the Department of Commerce, one-third of U.S. merchandise exports are Dan Smith, District 4 from small and mid-sized businesses. I think it’s safe to assume that when small businesses Nancy Taffe, District 5 communicate with customers or suppliers overseas, they aren’t sending letters — they’re using Michael Schroeder, District 6 their broadband connection from providers like Acira. Marcia Greiner, District 7 A recent report revealed small businesses that access global markets over the internet have a 30 percent higher survival rate than similar businesses that aren’t connected. We live in an exciting time when a small startup company or even a longtime family busi- Produced for Acira by: ness has access to a local, regional, national and even global market because of broadband. Our community counts on small businesses, and small businesses count on Acira. We are proud to support them with the technology needed to thrive in today’s economy. 

On the Cover: Farmers Mutual Board Member Daytrippers driving through Dawson are Scott Wittnebel - 5 years bound to notice a local Federated Board Members fairytale attraction — Thank you Gnome Park, which Roger Gerdes - 15 years to the following board members who opened decades ago. Dan Smith - 10 years are celebrating anniversaries in June: See story Page 12. Michael Schroeder - 5 years

4 | May/June 2018 Mark your calendar The Farmers Mutual Annual Meeting & The Federated Telephone’s Annual Customer Appreciation Picnic is June 5 Meeting & Customer Appreciation Picnic at Lac qui Parle High School. Bring your is June 7 at Morris Area Elementary registration card with you to receive a School. Bring your registration card with free gift and to register for door prizes you to receive a free gift and to register at the Annual Meeting. for door prizes at the Annual Meeting.

• Appreciation picnic: 4:30 p.m. • Appreciation picnic: 4:30 p.m. • Business meeting: 6:30 p.m. • Business meeting: 6:30 p.m.

Annual Meeting Process for Farmers Mutual & Federated Telephone THE PROCESS FOR THE 2018 ANNUAL MEETINGS WILL BE AS FOLLOWS:

1. MAIL BALLOTS/MEETING NOTIFICATION Envelope.” Once you have completed your mail ballot, insert When you receive your 2018 Annual Meeting notification and the entire ballot into the secrecy envelope. Place your sealed absentee ballot, you will receive the following: secrecy envelope in the mailing envelope. Sign mailing envelope, affix postage to the mailing envelope and mail. • Annual Meeting Notice. 3. MEMBER REGISTRATION CARD/DOOR PRIZE ENTRY • Absentee Ballot — If you are unable to attend the Each member will receive a member registration card in the meeting, you can vote by mail ballot. mail prior to the Annual Meeting. Please sign the card and bring it with you to the meeting. The registration desks will be divided • Candidate Profiles — A profile of the candidates vying into separate groups based on the member’s name. Bring your for election in each district. signed card to the appropriate registration desk. Your signed registration card complies with FCC Privacy Laws and qualifies Your FMTC or FTC membership allows you to vote for EACH you for meeting registration, a Capital Credit Refund Check (if district on your cooperative’s ballot. available), a ballot and door prize drawings.

2. SECRECY ENVELOPE Registration will be open from 4:30-6:30 p.m. ONLY! Along with your ballot/notification, you will receive a “Secrecy

DISTRICT ELECTIONS The following board seats are up for election. Farmers Mutual Telephone District I — Dean Olson District II — John Plathe

Federated Telephone District 1 — Chokio-Alberta Exchange — Roger Gerdes District 5 — Morris Exchange — Nancy Taffe

Celebrating 20 years of service If you are interested in serving as a board member, Congratulations to Acira Operations Manager Tom Lorenz, left, please refer to your cooperative bylaws for the and Customer Service Representative Jeri Erickson. They have qualification process. each served the membership for 20 years.

Acira May/June 2018 | 5 TRAVEL

Tee it up Course. of Bully Pulpit Golf courtesy Photo

olfers are pack- Bully Pulpit Golf Course 3731 Bible Camp Road, Medora, North Dakota ing their clubs and Bully Pulpit is recognized for its “unlike-any-other” layout and scenery, says head heading out to pur- golf pro Casey Moen. Gsue their passion throughout “Located in the heart of the North Dakota Badlands, we are fortunate enough to have the National Park as our backdrop,” he says. “Plus, there is no residential devel- the region where the earth opment that can be seen from any golf hole, which in this day and age is remark- is rich in the minerals that able. It really is a little slice of heaven.” •• Grass: Salt-tolerant fescue on fairways, Seaside II bentgrass on greens. create healthy, beautiful •• Signature hole: No. 15 is said to be the best par-3 in the country without an fairways. Tee it up on some ocean vista. It’s the highest point on the golf course with the most picturesque view. of the top courses in North •• Course length: 4,750 to 7,166 yards, depending on your tee box. Dakota and Minnesota. •• Greens fees: $59-$99, depending on day/time. Senior discounts offered Monday- Thursday; military discounts at all times. •• Schedule a tee time: 701-623-4653 or online at medora.com.

6 | May/June 2018 different from others is that Hawktree is No. 1 and No. 18, both of which are the only course in the state to use a GPS reachable par-5 holes and play system in its golf carts to provide exact downhill off the tee. No. 18, though, yardages to the flag stick, says head pro might be the most fun as it’s in view Michael Herzog. The Jim Engh-designed of the clubhouse — a great setting for course has black sand bunkers and a groups to gather and heckle buddies number of elevation changes that will finishing their rounds, Haugen says. Photo courtesy of The Links of North Dakota. of North of The Links courtesy Photo have you changing your strategy from •• Course length: 4,785 to 6,611 yards, The Links of North Dakota hole to hole. depending on tee box. 5153 109th Ave. NW, Ray, North Dakota “We get players from all over the •• Greens fees: $40-$105, depending on You can count on a steady breeze com- country, and many tell me this is one of day/time. Special rate of $37.25 for ing across the prairie, and it will chal- the best courses they’ve ever had the locals Wednesday afternoons. lenge you on every green. But if there’s a privilege to play,” Herzog says. •• Schedule a tee time: 218-568-4944 or kinder side to The Links of North Dakota, Herzog recommends visiting Hawk- online at grandviewlodge.com. it’s that there are no water hazards. Don’t tree’s restaurant for a grinder, wrap or think you’re getting off easy, though — burger before or after play. “It has one of you’ll meet plenty of sand bunkers along the best views in all of North Dakota. Just the way. “Constantly changing wind by turning your head, you can see 14 of speeds and directions make it a differ- the holes and all the beautiful scenery,” ent experience every time you play,” says he says. head pro Jeff Covington. •• Grass: Kentucky Bluegrass on fairways The course on the shore of Lake Saka- and bentgrass on greens. kawea is true links-style •• Signature hole: No. 7. It’s a scenic par courses in the region. There are cabins 5 playing downhill with a dogleg right, Photo courtesy of Rush Creek Golf Course. Golf Rush Creek of courtesy Photo for rent and 20 full hookup RV spots to sands from the Black Hills on the left keep players from having to travel too far side and water hugging the front side Rush Creek Golf Club to find a place to sleep for a night or two. of the green. The result? A majestic 7801 County Road 101, Maple Grove, •• Grass: Bentgrass fairways and greens. hole that requires aggression but Minnesota •• Signature hole: Hole No. 8 is a par-3 rewards players with stunning views of Rush Creek’s beautiful, natural setting that tees off from one of the highest the course. may well be its biggest draw with 13 of points on the course, giving you a •• Course length: 4,868 to 7,085 yards, the 18 holes featuring wetlands. “The spectacular view. depending on your tee box. layout is really quite scenic,” says golf •• Course length: 5,249 to 7,092 yards, •• Greens fees: $42-$100, depending on operations manager Jenny Stendahl. Five depending on your tee box. day/time. sets of tees makes it enjoyable for golfers •• Greens fees: $55. •• Schedule a tee time: 701-355-0995 or of all skill levels. •• Schedule a tee time: 701-568-2600 or online at hawktree.com. “But I truly feel like the biggest thing online at www.thelinksofnorthdakota. that sets Rush Creek apart from other com. The Preserve Golf Course at places is our staff,” Stendahl says. “Our Grand View Lodge employees are welcoming and create a Preserve Boulevard, Pequot Lakes, down-to-earth atmosphere that creates Minnesota a memorable experience.” The Preserve at Grand View is about 8 •• Grass: Bentgrass fairways and greens. miles north of the main resort, and the •• Signature hole: No. 18 is a dogleg left course winds through some of Minne- par 5 with out-of-bounds on the right sota’s best forest and wetlands. “And with and water along the left. The second

Photo courtesy of Hawktree Golf Club. of Hawktree courtesy Photo its tour-speed greens, it sets itself apart shot requires a long carry over the from a lot of courses in the area,” says marsh to reach the green or a safe Hawktree Golf Club head golf pro Adam Haugen. “We get layup to try and secure your par. 3400 Burnt Creek Loop, Bismarck, people coming from all over the country •• Course length: 5,228 to 7,290 yards, North Dakota and world that come to visit the resort depending on your tee box. Golf Digest last year ranked 18-year-old and play our course.” •• Green Fees: Vary by day and tee time. Hawktree as the No. 1 public golf course •• Grass: Bentgrass fairways and greens. •• Schedule a tee time: 763-494-0400 or in North Dakota. What makes it a little •• Signature hole: It’s a toss-up between online at www.rushcreek.com. 

May/June 2018 | 7 TECH TIPS Hot tunes on the go Streaming services unlock music riches

rom backyard barbecues to picnics at the park, no summer memories are complete without a sizzling soundtrack. While there’s a certain nostalgia to waiting by the radio for that perfect song, high-speed Hi, I’m Jade Gehrke! Fbroadband and our mobile devices now allow us to skip the wait and In this column, in on the fun. each issue, you’ll learn about technology Here are some of the best ways to stream your iTunes music library, then Apple Music is a and read simple tips favorite music. All services offer free trials and good choice. The service integrates your exist- to get the most out of are available for iOS and Android devices. Ease ing music to the service’s catalog of 45 million your electronics. For of integration varies, but most services can songs. Apple Music also supports Siri voice more tips or help with play through digital assistant devices such as commands and song downloads. There is no your devices, be sure the Amazon Echo, Google Home and Apple free option, but new users get three months to read this column in HomePod. at no charge. Afterward, pricing is similar to future publications. Spotify, starting at $4.99 for students. I’m always happy to SPOTIFY help! While there is an ad-supported free version GOOGLE PLAY limited to a “shuffle-only” mode on phones, For $9.99 a month, users get access to more the paid version of Spotify is where the service than 40 million songs, as well as any music shines. For $9.99 a month — $4.99 for college you upload to Google’s cloud. The service also students or $14.99 for the family plan — you includes access to YouTube Red, the paid ver- can listen to a catalog of more than 30 million sion of the video streamer that features exclu- DEVICE OF THE MONTH songs, build and share playlists, and download sive content and ad-free videos. Fugoo Style-S music to play offline. Bluetooth speaker AMAZON PANDORA The online sales giant Perfect for those looking to discover offers two services. new music, Pandora takes your For listeners who preferred song, artist or musical pay the $99 annu- style and builds a station around ally for Prime it that matches your taste. The membership, Take your music any- free version is like ad-supported Prime Music where with the Fugoo radio. Pandora Plus, which costs $4.99 offers access Style-S Bluetooth monthly, removes ads. For $9.99 to a library of speaker. Dustproof, monthly, Pandora Pre- about 2 million waterproof and shock- mium lets you listen songs. Amazon Music proof, it can live through to any song from Unlimited ($7.99 monthly almost any summer a library with for Prime members adventure. The speaker 40 million titles and $9.99 monthly for combines great sound and includes non-Prime users) is quality, battery life downloading comparable to other up to 15 hours, and a for offline use. streaming services in stylish cover that can content and features. be swapped out for APPLE MUSIC It is a good option other colors. Available If you have for users of Alexa- for $119.99, or two for an extensive enabled devices.  $199.98, at fugoo.com.

8 | May/June 2018 Acira Big Stone Chiropractic Health Center

Owner: Chance Haugen Big Stone Chiropractic owner Chance Haugen, center, receives the Year Founded: The Small Business of the Year award from Shelley Evink, right, Acira’s Ortonville office opened in Marketing/Customer Service Representative, Acira’s Administrative Assistant, Karin Jahnke, and Jade Gehrke, Acira’s Network Specialist. 2010, and the Morris office opened in 2015. Description: Big Stone Big Stone Chiropractic Chiropractic Health Center is a chiropractic office and functional medicine Health Center practice that helps heal patients from the inside WHAT LED YOU TO START THIS WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO out. “We look at the body BUSINESS? YOUR JOB? SHOP LOCAL? as a whole instead of just “I became a chiropractor “I love when I see patients get “I hate that people usually one system at a time,” because I had success with it well again,” says Haugen, who have to drive a long way to Haugen says. “We want to when I was in high school,” suffered a painful illness of his find people who do what we make sure we can find out says Chance Haugen, owner of own during graduate school. do,” Haugen says. “I’m glad we what’s making people sick.” Big Stone Chiropractic Health The illness and his recovery can help with that and help Center. He went on to incor- helped inform his 2015 book, get our patients on the way to Location: Morris office: porate functional medicine, “Toxic Inflammation: Why healthy, strong lives.” 618 Atlantic Ave. which is a holistic form of You’re Tired, Sick, and Over- medicine focused on optimiz- weight and How to Become Ortonville office: ing the functions of the body Energetic, Healthy and Fit!” 16 2nd St. and its organs. The book is available through Amazon.com. Phone number: 320-585-1010

“We are proud to be part of a community where a business like Big Stone Chiropractic Health Center offers quality services to customers and contributes Celebrating national small business Week to the local economy. It is an honor to award them April 29-May 5, 2018, is National Small Business Week. America’s 28 million with the Small Business small businesses account for about half of all jobs in the private sector. of the Year award, and we Acira is proud to celebrate their contributions by spotlighting our Small wish them much more Business of the Year. Congratulations to Big Stone Chiropractic Health success in the future.” Center and to all the small businesses we are honored to serve! –Acira

Acira May/June 2018 | 9 Lifeline is a federal program to help low-income Americans pay for phone or broadband service

? How much will Lifeline save me? If you qualify for Lifeline, you will receive a credit of $9.25 each month on your bill.

? What services are covered by this credit? You have the choice (where applicable) of applying your benefit to one of three types of service offerings: • Fixed or mobile broadband • Fixed or mobile voice-only • Bundles of fixed or mobile voice and broadband

Lifeline NOTE: Lifeline can only be used for one source of communication from the list above. ? Can I receive more than one Lifeline credit? Service No, consumers are allowed only one Lifeline program benefit per household. ? How do I qualify? You are eligible for Lifeline benefits if you qualify for and receive one of the following benefits: • SNAP Lifeline is a government • Medicaid • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) assistance program that can • Federal Public Housing Assistance help pay a portion of your • The Veteran’s Pension or Survivor’s Pension benefit. telephone, mobile phone Additionally, consumers at or below 135 percent of the Federal Poverty or internet bill each month. Guidelines will continue to be eligible for a Lifeline program benefit. Consumers are allowed only (State determinations of income will no longer be accepted.) There one Lifeline program benefit are no changes to the eligibility criteria for Tribal programs.

per household. NOTE: Some states have additional qualifying programs, allowances and stipulations. Check with your local telecommunications provider for information about benefits that may be available in your state. ? How do I enroll in the Lifeline program and start receiving this benefit? Do you qualify? To find out whether you qualify for Lifeline assistance, please visit www.lifelinesupport.org or call your local telecommunications provider. Stay connected with a Lifeline discount. NOTE: Your telephone company is not responsible for determining who qualifies for these programs or who receives assistance. Consumers must meet specific criteria in order to obtain assistance with their Apply today! local telephone and/or broadband service, and qualifying is dependent upon government-established guidelines.

10 | May/June 2018 TECHNOLOGY IN THE GOLDEN YEARS Web Crafty Try online tools for creative hobbies

have been sharing my stories of technology and doling out advice on how Ito be more tech-savvy. I hope you feel as if you have got- ten to know my family and me during the past couple of years. So now it only seems right to admit the other side of my personality that you may not guess. Whenever I have a free moment, I am usually at my sewing machine work- ing on a quilt, bag or purse. I may also be working away many types of crafts but also specific, specially made item, I going to help revive the craft on a cross-stitch wall hanging includes video instructions. I’m encourage you to take a look at and hobby lifestyle. So many of or embroidering a household working on a project that takes this website to see if it would be these skills, once passed down item. I’m an old-fashioned, me step by step with video, a good fit for you to sell your through the generations, have low-tech crafter whenever I get written instructions and a pat- skills to potential buyers. been abandoned or forgotten. the opportunity. tern. This is a wonderful site if Now, one person can share his So, how does that fit into you are looking to learn some- CRAFT GOSSIP or her skills with millions by this technology column? Well, thing new. You’ll find instruc- Craft Gossip is a website that putting the instructions online. I suspect many of you reading tions on lots of topics, such hosts a collection of blogs from So try something new today!  this article may have similar as sewing, painting, cooking, crafters in all sorts of catego- hobbies. If it isn’t sewing, it may cake decorating, photography, ries. You can find fun ideas for be baking, woodworking or gardening and much more! oodles of projects no matter CARISSA jewelry-making. What I’ve been what your skill set is. You can SWENSON discovering is there are lots of CUSTOM MADE also find projects based on IS A TRAINING AND EDUCATION websites, apps and technology I’ve promoted this site for holiday themes. New content is CONSULTANT tools available to help you cre- many years. If you are look- added all the time, so you can FOR CONSORTIA ate and sell your masterpieces! ing to sell your craftwork, or if always find a new project. CONSULTING. Here are some of my favorite you are looking to buy a very I believe that technology is “crafty” websites and why I love them: Don’t forget about the most common sites,

CRAFTSY such as YouTube, Pinterest and Etsy for Craftsy is one of my newest tutorials, patterns and craft buying and favorites, accessible through selling. These sites are frequented by both a website and an app. It crafters for a reason! gives you access to patterns for

May/June 2018 | 11 WELCOME TO GNOMETOWN, USA BY DREW WOOLLEY

very city has a story, but Dawson, Minnesota, has a legend. According to the tale, in the late 1980s, the and other fairy-tale little people from across EEurope and as far as Japan gathered in one place to decide on their future. With modern children more interested in TV than fantasy creatures, should they leave their homes for greener pastures or simply cease to exist? After a vote, many of the gnomes chose to relocate to Dawson, where they could live and laugh among its welcoming resi- dents. Since then, the people of Dawson have honored someone in their community each year with their very own statue look-alike. Many of these gnomes are proudly displayed near the “Welcome to Dawson” sign, earning the city the title of Gnometown, USA. “It has put Dawson on the map a bit,” says Diane Nevins, a member of the Gnome Selection Committee. “We’re a tiny little town out on the prairie, but if you tell some- one you’re from Dawson they’ll say, ‘Oh, you have the gnomes!’”

GNOME MAN’S LAND The gnome concept originated in 1988 with two sisters, Alta Roesch and Ruth Solem. The local chamber of commerce was searching for an idea to promote the city, and Roesch thought gnomes would be a perfect fit. “The folklore of every nationality and culture has them, whether as elves, pixies, trolls or leprechauns. They even appear in Shakespeare, Brothers Grimm fairy tales, Hans Christian Andersen stories and Disney movies,” says Solem. But most of all, she liked that gnomes are friendly and helpful little people. The chamber loved the idea and even incorporated it into the annual Riverfest celebration, which had just started the year before. Each year, an outstanding member of the community would receive the honor of becoming a gnome. “We’re looking for people who have served our com- munity or done great things for Dawson, but not for their own glory,” says Nevins. “These are people who probably

12 | May/June 2018 Acira Loren Femrite has crafted many Sharilyn Bates, left, and Ruth Solem, right, are seated behind the gnomes made in their of the statues in Gnometown, likeness. Co-chair of Riverfest Jesi Martinson, center, displays the statue created for her each honoring someone who has grandmother, Alta Roesch, who, with Solem, established the gnome . served the community.

didn’t get recognized or paid for “There are so many people in which Femrite fills with small “I think it’s a really good their achievements. They’re just our community who do good pieces of cement a little at a concept because it recognizes working to try to make Dawson things that we don’t always stop time to keep it from sagging. people in the community,” he a better place to live and work.” to appreciate,” she says. “I think He compares the challenge to says. “I’m glad I can help serve The process of becoming it’s good to get together and cel- stacking marbles. that purpose. It’s a good reason a gnome takes coordination ebrate those people each year. It “It’s not very forgiving. If to keep making gnomes.” from several people. After the gives everyone a reason to cheer you end up with an arm in the And Dawson can always use a selection committee chooses a each other on.” wrong place, you either have to few more gnomes.  candidate, Sharilyn Bates inter- start over or learn to love it the views the new gnome and the GNOME MEAN FEAT way it is,” he says. RIVERFEST 2018 people around them to collect Being Dawson’s resident Once its shape is completed stories that will go into their gnome-maker still feels strange and dry, the gnome is ready Wednesday, June 21 own legend. Illustrator Becky for Femrite. He took over the for a base coat and paint. 5:30 p.m. - Baseball Kleven then draws the honoree job about 10 years ago after his Since each gnome honors a Merchant’s Night in gnome form before local predecessor moved to Atlanta. notable member of the Dawson Thursday, June 22 craftsman Loren Femrite gets to After all, gnomes are heavy community, they each feature 7 p.m. — 5K Fun Run & 2 Mile work on their gnome statue. and don’t take kindly to being hallmarks of the human who Trail Walk Everything comes together at shipped across the country. inspired them. 8 p.m. — Youth Street Dance Riverfest, where the new gnome Since then, Femrite has grad- “Typically, the gnome has is the centerpiece of the parade, ually learned the idiosyncrasies some characteristics about Friday, June 23 and at an unveiling ceremony of his craft. Today’s gnomes are the person’s life,” Femrite says. 5 p.m. — Boat Parade during which their legend is made of concrete, a medium “Every one is different. Every- 6:30 p.m. — Gnome read to the town. Any of the that requires much more atten- body’s got a different job, a Unveiling Ceremony more than 30 past gnomes who tion than the wood he usually different skill, a different reason 9:45 p.m. — Movie in the are present are also honored works with. for being a gnome.” Park: “The Wild Life” and invited to speak. “Wood waits for you. But By now, Femrite is becom- Saturday, June 24 In the original legend, a when you fix up a batch of ing a gnome master in his own 9 a.m. — Slow-pitch Softball Dawson gnome is differenti- cement, you only have a small right. Having crafted well over Tournaments ated from others by two telltale window to do something with it a dozen of the small creatures 1 p.m. — Kids’ Water Fights signs: a bend in their hat and a before it’s hard,” Femrite says. — including annual addi- 8 p.m. — Rusty Duck Dance heart they wear on their sleeve For that reason, the creation tions to the town’s collection, to show their good intentions. of a new gnome usually requires a couple for his grandchildren Sunday, June 25 For Roesch’s granddaughter, Jesi setting aside a couple of hours and the occasional special 11 a.m. — Church Service in the Park Martinson, it’s that kindheart- a day for about a week. The request gnome — he’s come to 2 p.m. — Riverfest Grand edness that makes the town’s process begins with a wireframe have a new appreciation for the Parade quirky tradition so special. of the gnome’s general shape, uniquely Dawson tradition.

Acira May/June 2018 | 13

MIDWEST KITCHENS

BRATS AND PASTA Brats to brag about 2 sweet red peppers, coarsely chopped 1 cup onion, coarsely t’s an unassuming little restaurant. In fact, drive by and you chopped might miss it except for the sign out front: The Wurst Shop 4-6 garlic cloves, chopped in Dickinson, North Dakota. 1 tablespoon olive oil I 1 pound bratwursts Owners Ken and Kristina 1/2 cup beer Molitor love the name, and 1 pound rigatoni pasta regulars find it appropriate 1/2 cup fresh basil because the shop in Dickinson 1/2 teaspoon red pepper is known for the best brat- flakes (more or less wurst in the state — if not the to your liking) entire Midwest. 1 1/2 cups shredded Before purchasing the shop cheddar cheese, in 2008, Molitor was a rancher divided and farmer. But the leap from farmer to restaurateur and Heat oven to 425 F. Mix sausage-maker wasn’t as far- red pepper, onion and fetched as you might assume. garlic with olive oil in a “When I was a farmer, I 9-by-13-inch baking dish and roast in oven for 25 made a couple of different 2004 census, North Dakota adding that customers come minutes, stirring occa- kinds of sausage,” Molitor says. and Minnesota are in the top from as far away as — no sionally. While vegetables And he also frequented The five states with citizens claim- surprise — Germany as well as roast, remove casing from Wurst Shop as a customer. So ing German heritage. It’s little Hawaii and Alaska. bratwurst and crumble when he got the opportunity wonder, then, that brats are a “We have a map on the and brown in a skillet over to buy the shop, he accepted menu favorite in homes and wall with push pins that show medium heat until they the challenge. Within a eateries throughout the area. where we ship our sausage as are no longer pink and are decade, he added employees Although he has used the well as where all our custom- well-browned. and modernized the equip- same sausage recipes The ers come from,” he says. ment needed to make the Wurst Shop has had since it The Wurst Shop also makes Remove bratwurst and sausages. He also added a din- opened in 1998, Molitor has custom sausage for those drain on paper towel. Pour ing area with six tables, plus a added new flavors. The menu who bring in their own meats fat from skillet. Return bratwurst to skillet and add counter where people can pull is posted on and and seasonings. “We’re the beer; bring to a simmer. up a stool and chow down on presented at tables decorated largest processor for wild Cook pasta according to a brat. with German motifs. “It’s game around here,” Molitor package directions and One thing that he didn’t like walking into a restaurant says, adding that the strangest drain, reserving 1/2 cup of change, however, is the recipe in Germany,” he says of the recipe he’s been asked to make pasta water. for making bratwurst. As a decor. was pork brats with gummy man with German heritage, New flavors of bratwurst bears. Remove roasted veg- sausage making was in his he’s added include curry, etables from oven; imme- blood, but it took some train- sweet Italian, spicy Cajun and diately add bratwurst ing to perfect his technique. mango habanero. “We make from skillet. Add basil, red FOOD EDITOR pepper flakes, pasta and “My predecessors here at The everything here from scratch,” ANNE P. BRALY Wurst Shop — a German he says. That means home- IS A NATIVE OF 1 cup of cheese. Toss to mix thoroughly. If mixture couple — taught me how they made German potato salad CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE. seems too dry, add some of did it,” he says. and other sides that change on the pasta water to moisten. Bratwurst takes up many a regular basis. Sprinkle remaining cheese squares on the prairie’s culi- “German food is the No. over top and serve. nary quilt. According to the 1 food worldwide,” he notes,

14 | May/June 2018

BRATS POTATO SALAD

1 pound brats 8-10 medium red potatoes 6 hard-boiled eggs, chopped 2 celery sticks, chopped 1 small onion, chopped 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise 1/4 cup ranch dressing 1/4 cup Dijon mustard 1/4 cup beer 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Cover potatoes with water in a large pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cover the pot. Cook the potatoes until tender (roughly 20-25 minutes). Drain and rinse in cold water. potatoes and chop into squares. Place in a large bowl.

Grill or skillet-fry brats until heated through and nicely browned. Cut into 1/2-inch slices; cool before adding to the salad.

Add brats, eggs, celery, onion and pickle relish. Add mayonnaise, ranch dressing, Dijon, beer, salt and pepper to another bowl and mix well. Pour as much as needed over potato mixture and gently stir to combine. Place in a sealed container and store in the refrigerator for several hours, allowing flavors to marry.

NOTE: If you have any remaining dressing, use it as a binding for deviled eggs, or add a little when you mash potatoes. The dressing adds a nice flavor to both.

SWEET AND SPICY BRATS 1/4 cup chili garlic sauce 1/2 teaspoon paprika 2 roasted red peppers, chopped 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 of a 12-ounce beer Bring the roasted peppers, beer and beef broth to a boil in 1 cup beef broth a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook for 1 minute, 1 pound beef bratwursts, sliced then stir in the sliced bratwurst. Sprinkle the onion and 1 pound spicy beef bratwurst, sliced jalapeno slices over the bratwurst and simmer until the 1 large sweet onion cut into 1-inch pieces onion is tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in the grape jelly, chili 1/4 cup jalapeno pepper slices sauce, paprika and black pepper. Cook about 10 minutes 1/4 cup grape jelly longer or until the sauce thickens slightly. 

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