May 4

Country Courier
S e r v i n g To d d C o u n t y , M N
VOLUME 23; NUMBER 1 - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2013 CIRCULATION 6,000

The economic situation in Todd County: what are the recent trends?

FREE

Many hand crafted Amish crafts are available.

By Rin Porter Probably we can all agree that five years ago, in 2008, things were pretty bad in Todd County, in the State of Minnesota, and in the U.S., economically speaking. The collapse of the mortgage and housing industries, the near-bankruptcy of the leading banks, bankruptcy and financial collapse of the auto industry, the widespread layoffs of people in all kinds of jobs these conditions brought the U.S. into a situation of economic chaos which many experts said was nearly as bad as the Great Depression of the 1930s. The crisis devastated Rural Minnesota. In 2013, five years later, things are getting better across the U.S. In rural areas, however, improvements in wages and employment have lagged behind metropolitan areas. Information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the U.S. Census Bureau (USCB), and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), and other statistical sources provide us with comparative information for conditions at the beginning of the Great Recession, compared to today. LOOKING BACK In 2007, Todd County had an estimated population of 24,029 (USCB). There were 541 employers. There were 2,203 firms (USCB), of which 1,910 were farms (2007 USDA Census of Agriculture). In July 2007, there were 11,617 people employed for pay (DEED), and 546 people were unemployed. The unemployment rate for Todd County was 4.5%, according to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) while for the State of Minnesota it was 4.6%. The largest sector of employment in the county was manufacturing. Income per person (2007-2011) was $21,406, compared to the Minnesota per person income in the same period of $30,310 (USCB). The average wage for a Todd County worker in 2008 was $554, compared to the average worker in the State of Minnesota, which was $909. CURRENT LOCAL CONDITIONS In 2012, Todd County had an estimated population of 24,509 (USCB). The USCB has not published the number of business firms reported in the 2010 U.S. Census, and the USDA has not released the 2012 Census of Agriculture. But DEED reports there were 595 nonfarm businesses in 2013. In July 2013, 12,009 people were

employed for pay, and 633 people were unemployed, for an unemployment rate of 5.0% (DEED). The largest sector of employment was Education and Health Services, with 1,648 people employed. The average weekly wage was $596 (DEED). So if we look at employment, unemployment, and average wages, compared to 2007, things arent that bad in 2013. Todd County still lags behind the State of Minnesota and all the metro areas, but that has been true as long as there have been statistics kept. According to http://cost-ofliving.FindtheData.org, it costs less to live in Rural Minnesota today than to live in any of the Minnesota Metropolitan Areas identified by the U.S. Census. (Minneapolis-St Paul, Rochester, St Cloud, Duluth). Housing cost is pegged at between $602 and $774 for family sizes from two to five in a Basic Family Budget. Other costs (food, childcare, taxes and other necessities) are calculated to be lower than average, but healthcare and transportation are higher than average. Minnesota ranks 44th in minimum wage paid, and has one of the lowest minimum wages ($6.15 per hour) in the U.S. The State of Washingtons is the highest at $8.67. The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis estimates the cost of living increase in Minnesota between 2007 and 2013 has been 12.5%. Average wages in Todd County have increased during that same period by 7%. So it is not surprising that many people feel they must continue to keep their spending down. For many, their income is lower today than it was in 2013. For others, their pay might be the same or even a little higher, but money today does not go as far as it did in 2007, because the cost of living has increased, especially costs for food, utilities, fuel, and clothing. WHAT ABOUT LOCAL TAXES? Todd County local governments and school districts are favorite targets for people who believe that government costs are a large part of personal budgets. Have property taxes gone up? For one residential homestead in Moran Township, property taxes have increased slowly during the past seven years, since 2006. This homestead was assessed $1,292 in property taxes (for all levies, including county, township, and school) in 2006, and $1,474 in 2013 an increase of $182, or 14% over seven years, or roughly 2% per year.

For one commercial building in downtown Browerville, property taxes have increased slightly between 2008 and 2012. In 2008, the owner was assessed $626. In 2009, property tax increased about 5%, to $660. In 2010, taxes dropped over 11%, to $583.88. Then in 2011, property taxes increased slightly, to $600.89. In 2012, they jumped back to $667.80. But if you look at the fiveyear period, taxes increased from $626 to $667, a difference of 6.5%, or a little over 1% per year. Todd County government expenses have increased 19% from the 2008 budget to the 2013 budget. The 2008 budget listed expenses of $22,472,720. The 2013 budget lists expenses at 26,845,815. The county budget includes expenses for roads and bridges, social services, public health, public safety, and many other costs, many of which are mandated by the state and/or federal government. Property taxes provide about 45% of the countys income, with the rest (55%) coming from the state and federal government. BUSINESS COMINGS AND GOINGS Local businesses that have closed recently or are in the process of closing: Hometown Furniture and Mikeys Restaurant, both in Long Prairie. New businesses that have opened recently in Browerville: Cherry Grove Market, Marys Country Porch, Knotty Pine Embroidery, Two Chicks on the Corner, Our Neck of the Woods. NATIONAL ECONOMIC INDICATORS During the Great Recession of 20072010, new car and truck sales fell, as people lost their jobs and income dropped. Sales rebounded in 2011. (NADA) Home values have dropped every year since 2006, according to www.Forecastchart.com. The U.S. stock market began falling in 2008, and reached its lowest point in 2009. Since then, the market has rebounded. Earlier in Sept 2013, it hit a record high above 15,675. Currently, housing starts have dropped to their lowest level in more than 50 years, since record-keeping started in 1959. In 2012, 781,000 new homes were built, down from 1,341,000 in 2007. (www.forecast-chart.com Natural gas prices have dropped since 2008, when the price was $8.9 per million Continued on page 4

Bear Country Mall in Bertha offers many opportunities

By Rin Porter Located on CR 23 just off U.S. 71 on Berthas south side, the Bear Country Mall is doing well in its third year since opening. Many people are familiar with the Amish Country Co-op located there, but there are three other businesses in the Bear Country Mall that offer opportunities for Todd County residents and others just passing through. Currently owned by Bob and Mary Larson, the Bear Country Mall opened its doors in 2010. The first store, the Amish Country Co-op, is in the building previously used as a mattress factory. At first, the Co-op sold just fresh produce raised by Amish families, but then expanded to include the beautiful hand-made goods also produced by the families. Today, the Co-op offers magnificent large quilts, all possible sizes and shapes of baskets, rag rugs, woven rugs, potholders, placemats, aprons, and other hand-sewn items. Next to the Co-op is the Dollar Store, now in its third year of operation. Bridget Warner, who has managed the store for a year, says the store is doing well, filling a need for local residents. The Dollar Store sells greeting cards, canned goods, party items, paper products, glassware, hair goods, health and beauty products, and many other items, most for $1.00. It is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 6 PM, and Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM. If you are hungry, you can get a delicious lunch at the Bar and Grill next to the Dollar Store. The Bar and Grill offers both table service and liquor service with its on-sale license. A fully-equipped commercial kitchen prepares burgers, sandwiches, fries, onion rings, chili, tater tots, and a variety of beverages, made and served by cooks, bartenders, and wait staff. The Bar and Grill is open Monday through Thursday from 11 AM to 11 PM, and Friday and Saturday from 11 AM to 1 AM. If you have a wedding reception, anniversary party, business meeting, professional conference, or other event, the fourth business at the Bear Country Mall is available: Marlowson Event Center. The spacious Event Center can accommodate 300 people in its large central banquet hall, paneled in pale wood. The Event Center is air-conditioned and offers food service through the Bar and Grills kitchen, overseen by Chef Tom London. Several smaller rooms serve private parties and provide space for small group sessions during conferences. Marlowson Event Center was preparing for the Wellness in the Woods First Annual Rural Wellness Conference on the day we visited. Executive Director Jode FreyholtzLondon was busy completing the arrangements for the conference. About 150 people were expected to attend the all-day event, featuring speakers from all areas of social work, counseling, mental health services, financial planning, and veterans issues. Freyholtz-London said her organization is based in Verndale and is designed to serve rural people. Sponsors of the Rural Wellness Conference included the Minnesota Department of Human Services, Central Lakes College, KWAD/KNSP Radio, Tri-County Health Care, and Todd, Morrison, Crow Wing, and Wadena Counties.This fall, Wellness in the Woods will serve as MN-Sure Navigators, visiting each community to help people sign up for MN-Sure insurance plans, effective Jan. 1, 2014. The Bear Country Mall is an example of a set of related businesses working together to serve rural Minnesota. The staff hope that more people will learn about it and come for lunch and shopping.

Entertainment & Dining Guide

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The Todd County Country Courier, Page 2, Friday, October 4, 2013

High School School Sports Are In Full Swing! Dont Miss The Action! Subscribe To The Browerville Blade And Keep Up With Your Hometown Team!

BROWERVILLE BLADE
Todd County $22 In Minnesota $27 Out of State $32 College Rate (9 months) $15

Browerville Blade
PO Box 241 Browerville, MN 56438

The Todd County Country Courier, Page 3, Friday, October 4, 2013

Theres no I in Breast Cancer

Weve all heard the old adage, Theres no I in team. While in most cases this is meant to show us everyone needs to be a team player, a change in perspective could change the meaning to say one person cannot make up a team. This change in perspective is especially true when it comes to breast cancer. No one going through breast cancer should, or does, have to go through it alone. Lakewood Health Systems medical team helps patients through all aspects of their breast cancer journey, from beginning to end. Its important to know how all these departments and staff members work together to better understand their main goal: the health and well-being of the patient. Women are encouraged to have their first mammogram between the ages of 35 and 40. During this first mammogram, a technologist takes pictures of the patients breast in order to create baseline images. These images make up a foundation for doctors to use for future mammogram comparisons, to determine any changes or differences in a womans breasts throughout her life. During the mammogram process, the radiologist is in constant contact with a patients medical provider. Nothing is more important than getting an annual mammogram, said Karen Trosen, mammographer at Lakewood. There are so many signs and symptoms patients need to be aware of, because things can change so quickly, or go undiscovered for too long. After a mammogram is done, radiologist will review the results and determine if anything suspicious has developed, or if there are any significant changes that would indicate another mammogram needs to be scheduled. During this second mammogram, more pictures are taken, as well as a possible ultrasound, which gives the provider a clearer idea of what theyre looking at. Often times, these mammograms turn up nothing unusual, and to ensure stability, the patient may be asked to schedule a follow-up in six months. If an abnormality is found, radiology will help schedule the next procedure. When breast cancer is suspected, the medical provider and the radiology department will begin communications with the surgeon and/or the oncologist, as well as the breast health navigator. All of these team members can become involved as soon as a mammogram shows an abnormality, or at anytime throughout the breast cancer process. While each team member works with patients in a different way, their ultimate goal is the care and treatment of the patient. There are various types of treatment, and the type of treatment a patient receives is dependent on their specific diagnosis. The most common treatment types are surgery, chemo, radiation and hormone therapies, or a combination of the four. Once a diagnosis is made, and treatment is determined, a patient will either be referred to a surgeon, or the oncologist to begin one of the infusion therapies. If surgery is needed, the surgeon will meet with the patient to determine the next steps. There are two types of surgical procedures which can be done to treat breast cancer: a lumpectomy or a mastectomy, said Dr. Ronald Schnier, surgeon at Lakewood. Based on their diagnosis, its really up to the patient to decide which theyd rather do. I give them the facts and help them determine which would be best for them. Once a patient and their surgeon have determined a course of action, and the surgery is done, a patient can expect a short hospital stay and a two to three week recovery time. During the recovery period, a patient will meet with both the surgeon and their medical provider for follow-ups. Post-surgical treatments can include chemo or radiation therapies, as well as rehabilitation with an occupational therapist. Lakewood occupational therapist, Kimberly Becker, OTR, is a certified lymphedema therapist who works with breast cancer patients who have developed lymphedema, or swelling due to fluid buildup. Lakewoods oncologist, Dr. John Weitz, works with patients to determine the best course of treatment. If chemo or hormone therapy is the determined type of treatment, the patient will be referred to infusion therapy. During these treatments, which are done as outpatient procedures, a patient can be seen by chemo certified infusion nurses, Joni Dailey, RN and Deana Nypan, RN, with varying frequency. This could mean receiving treatments daily, several days a week, once a week or several times a month, depending on the recommendation from the oncologist. Throughout this treatment, a patient will be seen by the oncologist every two to four weeks, then every three months, every six months and eventually, yearly. Follow-up for breast cancer treatment includes scheduling a six month mammogram, as well as appointments with a patients medical provider, the breast health navigator and palliative care, should the patient choose. Patients need to know they arent alone, said Lakewood family medicine provider Dr. Christine Albrecht. The situation isnt always as bad as what weve always heard, so when there are questions or concerns, its important to talk to us. Were all here to care for and support patients in any way we can. Because the breast cancer process involves so many team members, and everything can seem daunting and very stressful, Kris Posner, Breast Health Navigator, works exclusively with these patients to educate, support and guide them through this entire process. There is so much involved, from beginning to end, its helpful to have someone with you, who can work with you, so you dont get overwhelmed, said Posner. Patients need to know they arent alone, and they are so much stronger than they know. Posner specializes in helping patients navigate through the process, from beginning to end, educating on early detection,

self-exams and what to expect during testing and treatment. She is available to attend appointments with the patient before, during and after treatment, as well do post-surgery mastectomy fittings for prosthetics and other products. Being part of a team is about working together towards a common goal. In this case, the goal of Lakewood Health Systems medical team is to work with the patient through every aspect of their breast cancer treatment to ensure they receive the best possible care for their health and well-being. We want our patients to trust us to know that were doing the best we can to help them, and that they arent alone, said Trosen. This team perspective just goes to show, theres no I in breast cancer.

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Economics, continued
BTU and stayed down. In 2012, the average natural gas price was $2.8 per million BTU. Crude Oil prices have fluctuated over the past 10 years, from $30 per barrel in 2000, to $100 in 2008, and $94 in 2012. (www.forecast-chart.com COMMODITY PRICES THAT AFFECT TODD COUNTY FARMERS Over the past 10 years, from 2002 to 2012, corn prices have increased from about $90 per ton to nearly $350 per ton (USDA). $9 per bushel corn became a reality in 2012, and farmers with corn to sell made big money. Cattle prices increased steadily between 2007 and 2012, with the exception of 2009, when they dropped about $10. Soybean prices increased from $7.75 per bushel in 2007 to $13.95 in 2012. Milk prices decreased from $19.13 in 2007 to $16.29 in 2010, and back up to

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$18.57 in 2012. Comparing prices of these commodities, using 2007 and 2012, it appears that farmers are doing better now than they were in 2007, and that only dairy farmers have been really hurt by fluctuating prices. ANALYSIS BY A LEADING ECONOMIST Economist Robert Reich, former Secretary of Labor, advisor to President Bill Clinton and Harvard professor, now at the University of California at Berkeley, had this to say on National Public Radio on Sept. 26, 2013, about the economic recovery and the problems that still plague the middle class: The middle class no longer has the purchasing power to help the economy expand. Consumer purchases make up 70% of the American economy. A large and growing middle class is vital to our economy and to our democracy. According to a report on Minnesota Public Radio on Sept. 1, 2013, nearly 70 percent of the jobs gained since the recession ended have been in low-paying industries such as fast-food or retail. The trend toward low-wage jobs is what makes it critical for fast-food and retail jobs to provide better pay, said Reich. ``It's impossible for the economy to run on all four cylinders unless consumers have enough purchasing power to keep the economy going,'' he said. Thus, things are not going to get better, in Reichs opinion, until the middle class has more money to spend. CONCLUSIONS People in Todd County are correct in thinking that their money does not go as far as it did in 2008, and that the economic recovery occurring in metro areas has not benefitted rural areas. Wages have decreased or stayed the same for many people, while costs for food, fuel, property taxes, and clothes have increased.

The Todd County Country Courier, Page 4, Friday, October 4, 2013 However, unemployment is about the same as it was before the Great Recession, and there are actually more businesses operating in Todd County today than there were in 2007. Based on the prices that they are receiving for their products, crop and cattle farmers appear to be much better off than they were in 2007. Until wages increase and more jobs with better wages are available, it is unlikely that the financial condition of most county residents will improve. As Winston Churchill told the residents of England during World War II, keep calm and carry on.

- THINK GREEN - KEEP TODD COUNTY CLEAN - REMODELING, NEW CONSTRUCTION OR JUST CLEANING TODD COUNTY TRANSFER STATION HAS THE
UP

RIGHT SIZE DEMOLITION CONTAINER TO FIT YOUR NEEDS. * WE DROP OFF AND PICK UP *

(as defined in Minnesota State Statutes)

(Price at Transfer Station)

Demolition

THE STAFF AT TODD COUNTY TRANSFER THANKS THE PUBLIC FOR THEIR SUPPORT IN HELPING KEEP TODD COUNTY CLEAN AND OUR OPERATION RUNNING SMOOTHLY

Sooner or later it all comes to us

Todd County Transfer Station 2013 Product Price List

Lg. quantity (10 yds or more/landfill) per yard Demolition (Transfer Station) per yard Concrete (separate load/landfill) per yard Concrete (Transfer Station) per yard Demolition landfill gate fee

$8.00 $10.00 $4.00 $8.00 $5.00

Garbage

(Assorted material that is not specifically identified on this list) All garbage must be weighed with a minimum charge of $3.00 .05 $84 + 17% tax* $5.00 $5.00 $10.00 $5.00 $1.00 $5.00

Garbage price per lb. Large quantity (must be weighed before unloading) price per ton

Demolition Containers
Rent per day Mileage per mile Todd Co. min. charge per trip Todd Co. max. charge per trip $5.00 $2.50 $50.00 $150.00

Furniture
(Including couches, chairs, mattress, box springs)

Brown Goods (VCRs, Stereos, etc.....)

Computer monitor/TVs Ballast Fluorescent bulbs (over & under 4 ft) Mercury Vapor

Free Items

Brush, leaves, grass clippings, auto batteries & scrap iron

White Goods
(Large appliances including microwaves) $7.00 $2.00 $3.00 $5.00 $150.00 $250.00

Tires

HHW-Household Hazardous Waste

May - September
HHW - BY APPOINTMENT ONLY!

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(Prices double if tires are on the rim) Passenger Pickup (large 4 ply) Truck (20 or larger diameter) Large quantity (car, pickup) per ton Large quantity (tractor & industrial) per ton *17% State Solid Waste

Todd County Transfer Station * 320-594-2210

1 mile South of Browerville on Hwy. 71

Were not just the dump anymore! Your 1 Stop Shop for All Your Disposal Needs!

The Todd County Country Courier, Page 5, Friday, October 4, 2013

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast cancer risk factors
GENERAL Aging: On average, women over 60 are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer. Only about 10 15 percent of breast cancers occur in women younger than 45. However, this may vary for different races or ethnicities. Gender: Although nearly 2,000 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer each year, breast cancer is 100 times more common in women. The National Cancer Institute estimates that over 190,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer annually. GENETICS Family history: Having a family history of breast cancer, particularly women with a mother, sister or daughter who has or had breast cancer, may double the risk. Inherited factors: Some inherited genetic mutations may increase your breast cancer risks. Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the most common inherited causes. Other rare mutations may also make some women more susceptible to developing breast cancer. Gene testing reveals the presence of potential genetic problems, particularly in families that have a history of breast cancer. BODY Obesity: After menopause, fat tissue may contribute to increases in estrogen levels, and high levels of estrogen may increase the risk of breast cancer. Weight gain during adulthood and excess body fat around the waist may also play a role. Not having children: Women who have had no children, or who were pregnant later in life (over age 35) may have a greater chance of developing breast cancer. Breast-feeding may

help to lower your breast cancer risks. Having abnormal breast cells (found by looking through a microscope) High breast density Starting menstruation at an early age (before age 12) and/or menopause at an older age (after age 55) LIFESTYLE Maintaining a sedentary lifestyle Heavy drinking PREVIOUS TREATMENTS Using oral contraceptives within the past 10 years Combined post-menopausal hormone therapy (PHT) Previous use of DES (a drug commonly given to pregnant women from 1940 to 1971) Radiation exposure

Each year, more than 190,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, the incidence of breast cancer in the United States has decreased by about two percent from 1999 to 2006. The reason for the decrease is not completely understood. Knowing the risk factors for breast cancer may help you take preventative measures to reduce the likelihood of developing the disease.

Blade Publishing
Todd County Courier Browerville Blade
Advertising Prices Kept Low To Help Our Local Businesses Grow

320-594-2911
staff@bladepublishing.net
Serving Todd County & Surrounding Areas

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The Todd County Country Courier, Page 6, Friday, October 4, 2013

Konetzkos Meat Market

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Your Buck Stops Here!

Be Sure To Stop At These Fine Area Businesses For All Your Needs!
The Todd County Courier & Browerville Blade Would Like To Wish All Of The Hunters Best Of Luck During The 2011 Hunting Season. Important Safety Tips To Remember When Hunting Always wear blaze orange to be highly visible to other hunters. Be aware of the land and those around you. Check the weather before going out and be prepared for extreme weather. Be sure to let someone know where you are hunting. Never climb in or out of a stand or over a fence with a loaded weapon.

Todd County Country Courier, Page 8 Friday, October 4, 2013

Dower Villard 15 13 Lawrence

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10 11

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Professional & Business Directory

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Todd County Veterinary Clinic
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Browerville & Clarissa 218-756-2226 Long Prairie 320-732-6922 Eagle Bend 218-738-3462

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The Todd County Country Courier, Page 9 Friday, October 4, 2013

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DNR QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Q: It appears to be that time of year for tree diseases to surface. Is there anything homeowners can do to protect their trees from diseases and possible mortality, regardless of tree species? A: There are a number of things homeowners can do to help keep their trees healthy. Since many areas of the state are experiencing drought, a good place to start is watering the trees. Lack of water predisposes drought-stressed trees to insects and pathogens that can attack. Wherever possible, homeowners should give their trees about one inch of water each week. In addition to watering, organic mulch, two-to-three inches deep and spread out three to eight feet from the trunk, will guard against lawn mower injury and keep roots moist. Homeowners should also avoid using weed and feed fertilizer products, which contain herbicide. While the product makes lawns look good, it does kill tree roots. Picking up and properly disposing of fallen leaves and tree branches can help prevent the spread of tree diseases now and next spring. For more information go to DNRs website at www.dnr.state.mn.us/treecare/index.html. - Jana Albers, DNR forest health specialist

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Todd County Country Courier, Page 10 Friday, October 4, 2013

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S YSTEMS

Toll Free 888-594-6347

*Tune-Ups *Custom Exhaust *A/C Service *Brakes *Coolant Flush *Computer *Diagnostics *Alignment

532 Hwy 71 N., Eagle Bend -

218-738-2913

HAVE YOUR AD SEEN BY THOUSANDS

CALL STACEY 320-594-2911 TO PLACE YOUR AD IN THE TODD COUNTY COUNTRY COURIER

The Todd County Country Courier, Page 11, Friday, October 4, 2013

October Monthly Observances

Adopt A Shelter Dog Month AIDS Awareness Month American Cheese Month Antidepressant Death Awareness Month Apple Month Bat Appreciation Month Breast Cancer Awareness Month Bullying Prevention Month (World) Blindness Awareness Month Caffeine Addiction Recovery Month Celiac Disease Awareness Month Celebrating The Bilingual Child Month Children's Magazine Month Church Library Month Church Safety and Security Month Class Reunion Month Co-op Awareness Month Cut Out Dissection Month Domestic Violence Awareness Month Down Syndrome Awareness Month Dyslexia Awareness Month Eat Better, Eat Together Month Emotional Intelligence Awareness Month Emotional Wellness Month Employee Ownership Month Energy Management is a Family AffairImprove Your Home Month Fair Trade Month Financial Planning Month Feral Hog Month or Hog Out Month German-American Heritage Month Global ADHD Awareness Month Global Diversity Awareness Month Go Hog Wild - Eat Country Ham Halloween Safety Month Head Start Awareness Month Health Literacy Month Home Eye Safety Month Italian-American Heritage Month International Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) Awareness Month International Starman Month International Strategic Planning Month International Walk To School Month Intergeneration Month LGBT History Month Link Long Term Care Planning Month Month of Free Thought National AIDS Awareness Month National Animal Safety and Protection Month National Arts & Humanities Month National Audiology Awareness Month National Bake and Decorate Month National Book Month National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month National Caramel Month National Chili Month National Chiropractic Month National Cookbook Month National Crime Prevention Month National Critical Illness Awareness Month National Cyber Security Awareness Month National Dental Hygiene Month National Disability Employment Awareness Month National Depression Education & Awareness Month National Domestic Violence Awareness Month National Down Syndrome Month National Ergonomics Month National Field Trip Month National "Gain The Inside Advantage" Month National Kitchen & Bath Month National Liver Awareness Month National Medical Librarian Month National Orthodontic Health Month National Physical Therapy Month National Popcorn Poppin' Month National Protect Your Hearing Month National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month National Reading Group Month National Roller Skating Month National RSV Awareness Month National Sarcastic Awareness Month National Seafood Month National Spina Bifida Awareness Month National Stamp Collecting Month National Toilet Tank Repair Month National Window Covering Safety Month National Work and Family Month National Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Awareness Month Organize Your Medical Information Month Pear and Pineapple Month Photographer Appreciation Month Pizza Month Polish American Heritage Month Positive Attitude Month Raptor Month Rett Syndrome Awareness Month Rhizomes and Persimmons Month Right Brainers Rule! Month Sausage Month Self-Promotion Month Spinach Lovers Month Squirrel Awareness Month Tackling Hunger Month Talk About Prescriptions Month Vegetarian Month Wishbones for Pets Month Workplace Politics Awareness Month

218-894-2871 - or 218-820-8227

PAUL DRAKE TREE SERVICE

COMPLETE & PROFESSIONAL
Topping Trimming Tree & Stump Removal Deer Plots & Trails Custom Lot Clearing & Brushing
INSURED FREE ESTIMATES

Bucket Truck

Dr. Peter Brenny

Dentist
218-894-2755
Emergency and new patients welcome.

And Tree Service

Stump Grinding with Portable Grinder Duane Johnson Swanville

320-547-2408 320-760-0907
Free Estimates Experienced Reasonable Rates Insured

If youre looking to buy, stop in and see one of our sales agents. We have many listings... Ones sure to have your name on it!
Arlen Muenzhuber ~ Jamie Flan ~ Mona LaDue ~ Brandon Kelly

www.east-westrealty.com Long Prairie ~ 320-732-2222

Bill Nelson, Broker

Vanguard Insurance Services,Inc.

Auto Home Life Health Farm Business
Independent Agent Joe Pesta Agency

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS AD HERE

529 Lake St. S. P.O. Box 28, Long Prairie, MN 56347

320-732-6629 Fax: 320-732-1907

Call Stacey at 320-594-2911

The General Store

Areas Largest Selection of Hunting & Fishing Equipment
204 Central Ave Osakis

THE GENERAL STORE

The General Store for the Whole Outdoors has been in the sporting goods business since 1987. It started out as a hobby for the owner and has grown into much more than that. The General Store started out at as a hardware store with a little bit of sporting goods but by 2003 it had been transformed into a sporting goods store only. Staff include: Gregg Anderson, Owner; Jed Fiskness, Store Manager; Jason Leigh, Assistant Manager. We are a Retail Sporting Goods Shop. We sell Firearms and Ammuntition,Reloading Supplies, Shooting Supplies, Archery, Live Bait and Tackle, Browning Clothing, Danner Boots, Browning Safes, Clam Portable Ice Houses, Strikemaster Augers and several different brands of Ice Fishing Electronics. We offer Gunsmithing services, Full service Archery Pro Shop, Firearms Appraisals. We are a Browning full line dealer, Winchester advisory center, Benelli full linedealer, Savage full line stocking dealer. The General Store has over 1,000 guns in stock. Shotguns, Rifles, Handguns and Muzzleloaders. Everything you need for hunting, shooting or fishing. With our extremely knowledgeable staff to help you with your outdoor related questions.

320-859-5159
Mon-Thurs, 8AM-6 PM, Fri 8AM-8PM, Sat 8AM-6PM, Sun 8AM-2PM
The Todd County Country Courier, Page 12 Friday, October 4, 2013

CENTRAL TODD COUNTY CARE CENTER

Offering a full range of therapy services Rehabilitative Therapies

Hours:
Monday-Thursday 8:00 am-6:00 pm Friday 8:00 am - 8:00 pm Saturday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Sunday 8:00 am - Noon

Out-Patient Rehab Services Home Care Skilled Nursing Facility Assisted Living
Hwy 71 Clarissa, MN 218-756-3636

Sellnow Law Office

Generations Of Service

Thomas H. Sellnow, Attorney Jason R. Sellnow, Attorney

Primary Office - Long Prairie 229 Central Ave. Long Prairie T: 320-732-1919 TOLL FREE - 877-297-1125 Staples Office 133 N 4th St Staples T: 218-894-4618

The General Store 204 Central Ave. Osakis

320-859-5159
SERVING CENTRAL MN Where Life Begins...Again

G. Marlene Clark, P.A.

Attorneys at Law

HORSESHOE

MBC

Valley View Estates

Locally Owned Family Operated
REPAIR & SALES

Drainage LLC

43965 450th St, Sauk Centre

Farm Drainage Specialists Ditching Tiling Excavating Manure Pits Dave Bailey, Manager

SEPTIC SERVICE
Por tab le Toilet Rentals

313 1st St. NE, Little Falls 888-398-8998 320-616-2122

Mediation Estate Planning/Probate Real Estate/Township Law Divorce/Child Support Custody/Adoption 25 3rd Street South Long Prairie, MN 56347 Office: 320-732-2918 Fax: 320-732-2586

Our customers talk...

Goldsmith Jewelers is designed on the foundation of service, quality merchandise, expert repair and trust. We also Buy Gold and Diamonds
Terry Tar Smith Master Jeweler And Master Diamond Setter

320-352-6961
Karl Larson, 320-808-8012 Jason Marthaler, 320-249-6062 Howard Marthaler, 320-250-2984

Browerville, MN

A place to live... A place to share... A place to call home... Call today so we can send you more information, or arrange a tour!
320-732-3516 1-888-563-2700 www.valleyviewassistedliving.com

Were #1 in the #2 Business!

800-282 2895 320-594-2895

1104 4th Ave NE, Long Prairie, MN

Combined work experience over 90 years!

www.goldsmithlf.com

Join Our Business Profile Section And Share Your Business With Up To 10,000 Readers For Only $45 A Month! Contact Stacey For Details At: 320-594-2911 or staff@bladepublishing.net