Manhunt over; Foss located

Thanks everybody!
The keys to the hunt were Charlie Olson and Roger Foss, Mike's younger brother, an attorney in New Jersey. Sara now has Mike's phone number (he's in Tucson) and we'll doubtless hear details soon.
Stan

Trying to locate Mike Foss. . .

We're trying to track down Mike Foss. We have an expired email address and now a poor confused "Mike Foss" from South Dakota who is not OUR Mike Foss who went to school in Alexandria.

Can you help us locate him? There's a party involved, we'd like him to attend. You know, the same one you are invited to in Surprise, Arizona.

Stan and Sara

Rolfsrud@gmail.com

Er, Bobby. I think we should pull over.

Ever get that funny feeling that you forgot to do something?

Snow in southern Arizona today

Sandi Pennar Bonesteel writes:
Hey, we get snow too! 
We are not far from Madera Canyon, and our almost daily morning routine has become going thru McDonald's drive-thru on Continental Road for coffee and then continuing on to the canyon. We do this to give our dogs a little excitment, as we see deer, wild turkeys. etc. and they love the ride. (what you do for fun when you're retired! Next it will be golfcart rides!) 
We were admiring the snow capped peaks and clouds on the drive up, and as we drove further, there was snow on the ground and slush on the road, so Gary was getting a little nervous. He's been away from MN too long, and we don't have snow tires or chains. 
He didn't have to look like a wimp, though, as the Forest Service bailed him out with a roadblock at the first picnic area and were turning people back from that point. There were lots of cars there and kids playing in the snow. No wildlife today, but it was worth the trip. Too bad I didn't have the camera. I guess the folks in MN don't need a photo to see what snow looks like.


(Thanks for the report, Sandi. I included my favorite photo of Arizona snow from last year. If you click here, it plays a bunch of pictures of last year's snow with a tape from the 60s of my mom singing.)

Alexandria weather. Not at all Januarish

Tom Obert reports from the frozen (for now) shores of Lake Darling:

Ruthie and I are just going to sit around, eat chili, and watch hockey all day.  The rain turned over to sleet and now we're getting a heavy snow.  We're finally able to put away the buckets.  Had to go out and shovel the icy slush off the decks and slab - the uniform was a bathrobe (it is warm!) and stocking cap.  And I had to struggle to keep my undies from falling down - maybe the 30 mph winds.
(We appreciate your report, Tom . . . Here's a tip. The new Depends have a suspenders feature at no additional cost. Keep 'em up, young feller.)

Near chill factor in Florida

Hi Stan,

We get a kick out of the weathermen down here in Florida too.  The forecasters up towards Alabama tell us in cold weather to remember the four "P"s: Pets, Plants, Pipes and People.  They also educate us on how to dress for cold weather...in layers.  Snicker.  They, too, were giddy when reporting the cold weather.  Something new to talk about.
Bonita Olson Gilbertson

FYI: There ARE bridges in AZ!

Google Images

Classmate Sandi Pennar Bonesteel, a longtime Arizona resident, responds to Stan's recent rant about a dearth of river crossings in Arizona. The photo above is of what may be the most famous bridge in the world, the London Bridge, moved from its home to Arizona's Lake Havasu. So there.


Hi Stan,

There are bridges over AZ "dry rivers," as they do occasionally flood, and then the rivers are flowing, sometimes overflowing, though not quite like what you'd see in the Midwest. 
We lived in Scottsdale and Tempe during some of the years we had record flooding. 1980 was a very bad year. There was even street flooding, and one of my co-workers got caught in it with her car, causing it to stall. There were lots of traffic problems, schools and businesses closed, etc. The Mill Avenue bridge in Tempe was one of the only bridges not totally closed, but for awhile was closed to car traffic and people would have to park their cars and take a shuttle bus across in order to get back and forth to work. This involved a lot of waiting. Many people found it was easier to stay the night in a motel on the other side, rather than crossing back and forth during the work week, as this could take hours. 

The "greenbelt" area of the Indian Bend Wash came about as a solution to flooding problems in Scottsdale. With that and the newer bridges, things have improved in those areas. I don't think the flooding in the Tucson area and southern AZ is as big a problem, but I could be wrong on that. Thankfully flooding doesn't occur that often, but you always hear about the 100 year floods, so maybe our time is coming. You don't want to live near a flood plain!

Washes are everywhere, so it's impossible to bridge them, and they often flood, washing over the roads. This is more prevalant during our summer monsoons as we get "flash floods" from heavy downpours and the ground does not absorb the water fast enough. Some areas may have culverts but most do not, so the water covers the road. The winter rains are usually not as heavy, but are steady, so if we get several days of rain it becomes a problem for flooding. 
In a flooded wash area, sometimes people don't realize the water is deep enough to be a problem, and get stuck, and are often in danger. The stupid motorist law is for those who don't heed the signs warning that they shouldn't drive through if flooded (and they are not all snowbirds, either!) They feel that their vehicle can make it across or that they are safe inside their vehicle. This law came about with the high cost of rescue operations. Unfortunately, there have been tragedies, as in the case of the 6 yr. old boy being washed away from his family this week when their vehicle was stranded. 
It looks like northern AZ is getting the brunt of this bad weather coming from California. I don't mind the rain as I won't need to water for awhile! (but then again, we'll have a bumper crop of weeds this spring, bad for allergy sufferers)

Hope your visitors have good weather. My son-in-law's parents were here from Ohio this last week, and it rained just about every day. They said they preferred it to the snow and cold.

Sandi
------------
Thanks, Sandi. Presently it is 36 degrees in Minnesota, 38 degrees in Arizona. Go figure. Tomorrow will be beautiful though. We can see the blue skies already.

Snowbird report from Arizona

Stan Rolfsrud writes:
The weatherman is giddy at Station KOLD Tucson. He has actual weather to report in Arizona. People are listening.
A network of rivers runs through Tucson. There is never any water in any of them. So they save a lot of money on bridges, just paving the roads up and down through the little valleys they call "washes." If there ever is water in a wash, you're not supposed to drive on those roads. But people do any way, making for really good television while emergency crews heroically bail them out. They passed a "Stupid Motorist Law" to deal with this nonsense. It's a lot cheaper than building bridges over the "rivers."
Stupid Motorists made numerous television appearances today. Actual water has even flowed into the Rillito River, of all things. A resident says she can't remember that happening for at least a decade.
We certainly hope that they are collecting this windfall in big reservoirs somewhere, so that it can be properly dispensed over the golf courses during the seven lean years, much as Joseph instructed Pharaoh to do. Well, sort of. We really would like to avoid the Southwest going ahead with its plans to divert water from the Great Lakes.
Today, despite warnings of danger and perdition, me and my dog, Birdie, took our daily run/walk, bundled with warm stuff we brought from Minnesota. Sure enough. There was weather outside. It blew. It rained. And then it hailed. Yes, it hailed the tiniest little baby hail you've ever seen. It made Birdie sort of ecstatic and squirrely, not knowing what to do. She's been out in real weather before and she wasn't sure what this was supposed to be and how to act.
She's not the only one. Arizonians flock to the rivers, just to watch water flow by. "It's so peaceful," they coo.

Weathermen are busy predicting even more weather. Look out for the "thundersnow," they warn. High in the mountains, snow is falling by the foot. Emergencies have been declared in Flagstaff. An excited weatherman last night predicted that the snow may come "crashing" to the desert floor here in Tucson. It didn't happen, but you just never know.
Sadly, the entertainment ends Sunday. The climate will stop making history and we'll get back to 60 and sunny, just in time for our friend Franny to step off the airplane to ask what all the fuss is about.
She's lived in Minnesota all her life. How do we explain that the excitement is about water in the rivers?

Another Duck House Delinquent confesses

James J. McPhee writes:
Big Bob:
Here's a little more on the Noonan Park Duckhouse. 
If you look at the shingles on the house, they look pretty good. John Loch, Greg Sarafin (his Dad managed the Andria and State movie complexes before Ray Vonderhar), and me one fine summer day decided to climb the roof and remove the shingles, because they were fun to skip across the pond. Needless to say, we got caught by the cops.  
The cops told us to go home and tell our parents that we had to pay for the new roof.  I had 7 bucks saved up for baseball cards, but I had to go to the station to pay up. 
----
Here's another park story.  Judge Jim, do you remember what we did about the cigarette breath we had after a few smokes? We would chew pine needles from the park trees.

Duck house delinquents

Jim Clifford writes:
I was impressed with the irony of the placement of the pictures of Noonan Park and the Douglas County Courthouse.
 There was a period of time in my youth when I would hang around the "duck house," as we called the pictured building, and engage in activities that would certainly have qualified me for an immediate trip to the courthouse.  
My parents kept a rather loose inventory of their cigarettes (Old Gold Straights), enabling my brother and me to develop a tobacco habit that took years to kick.  
In those days, one could go inside the duck house and do whatever one had in mind.  I recall shooting my initials just to the right of the door with my BB gun.  You can't get inside any more, and they have re-sided the building, erasing my marksmanship work product.  
Nostalgia aside, sealing the building may have been the most effective anti-delinquency measure ever undertaken in Alexandria.

Noonan Park, Alexandria, January 19, 2010

Photo by Tom Obert

Douglas County Courthouse

January, 2010

(Photo by Tom Obert)

Fergus falls to Cards -- Tom's report

Here's Tom Obert's report on last night's girls hockey game. His gang of "Super Fans" have earned a photo in the trophy case for their enthusiastic support of the home team.

Tom writes:

The Alexandria girls hockey team celebrated Martin Luther King, Jr. day by beating the Otters last night.  This was a game between the pre-season conference title favorites - until St. Cloud combined into one team, that is - but the first period was played as if both teams had the holiday blahs.  There were only 5 shots on goal total for the period, and I don't think the Cards registered their first until way late in the period.  Although the quality of play stayed pretty ragged for the entire game, the intensity really picked up making for an exciting game.  Michelle Anez scored first for the Cards but Otters tied it up by the end of the 2nd period.  The Otters scored early in the 3rd period to take a 2 - 1 lead.  Then, after what we believe was a delay-of-game call, Shelby Iverson of the Cards was awarded a penalty shot.  Shelby is a big part of what we call "the future" - a freshman center who is already a fan favorite because her naturally curly hair makes her requisite ponytail a tad askew.  Well, she made a beautiful move and scored, lost her edge and crashed into the boards, but laid on the ice pumping her fist.  Then I thought, what a putz!  I'm allegedly the cub reporter, and I sat there the whole time with my video camera in my pocket during this rare hockey event (only recall one other penalty shot - Abby Williams scored on one several years ago - forgot to "shoot" that one too!).  [But then I also hadn't noticed until last night that the Super Fans are pictured in the team display case (lower left) at the arena.]  Shortly thereafter, Michelle got her second goal - the game winner.  The Cards held on as the Otters pulled their goalie late in the game.

And Patty, I don't care if you read this next part on KXRA.  But the Super Fans have noticed that the Fergus fans have a real problem.  They are far and away the worst fans that ever come to our arena.  They are loud, rude, crude, boorish, profane - they are an embarrassment to their team and to their town.  This was not just last night - we have noticed this ever since we started following girls hockey seven years ago.  And it's not an Alex bias against Fergus.  The Super Fans are all retirees in Alex for 10 years or less, and I'm the only one originally from Alex, but they have all noticed and commented on it. 

Finally, a political shot.  Ted Justice, "Roadblock's" dad, is scheduled to play in the National Pond Hockey tournament in the Cities this weekend.  This a big time event with over 80 teams competing - if your team doesn't sign up the first day, you won't make it in.  Anyway, in the heart of winter in Minnesota, the weather forecast is calling for . . . RAIN!  Now, poor old Al Gore and global warming scientists have been taking quite a beating the last several weeks (but remember, it was weather, not climate) - I just wonder if they'll be exonerated by the weekend's balminess?  ;-)

p.s.  Note to Doctor Colonel Professor Kiehne - your dad was there last night with the whole fam damily to watch Alyssa play.


-----------------------------------------------------

 Yes, Tom. Climate change can be confusing. Now put down the axe and come back in the house.

Waiting since she saw the Hail Mary. . .

A note today from Dallas:


I have been waiting for this victory since I sat in the stands for the Hail Mary Pass that let the Cowboys beat the Vikings lo those many years ago.

Go Vikings.

(Never could stand the Cowboys)

Lorlee

Vikings 34, Dallas 3; Sorry Lorlee. . . .

Sometimes it's hot, sometimes it's not

Cub Reporter Tom Obert has emerged from his Lake Darling log cabin just long enough to appreciate the hoar frost and such on his rustic surroundings. Temperatures reached 43 degrees in his back yard today, less than a week before hitting historic lows, inspiring Mr. Obert to sit down at his desk to pen a treatise on global climate change.

Surprise Party!

Alexandria Boomers seeking a warm, inviting spot will find it in Surprise, Arizona on Feb. 19. That's where friends of the Tom Tessmers and absolutely anybody else who wants to join this spontaneous mini-reunion will gather for an afternoon of memories and good conversation in the warm desert sun. The setting is Kokopelli's Winery and Bistro, 14719 W.Grand Ave., Surprise, Arizona. The Tessmers are going through some difficult times presently, with Jean now entering a chemo regimen. Hopes are high to raise their spirits and make and renew friendships, all the while showing support and empathy during a challenging time for these two.

Sara Sevey will ramrod the arrangements. You just need to be there! Everybody's welcome! The event starts at 2 p.m. To see a map, click here.
If you know someone who is in the Arizona area already, who doesn't read this and who may be interested in coming to Surprise for a party, please call them and urge them to join in. 

Party Animals: From left, Mike Foss, Mike Geiser and Tom Tessmer. Yes, those are togas, and yes, Tessmer is swinging from the wall.

Watson, come here, I want you

(EchoPress)

Corkey Sheriff, 82

Corabelle “Corkey” Edith Sheriff, 82, died peacefully January 1, 2010 in Glenwood Springs, Colorado after a brief illness. She had recently celebrated the Christmas season with her family.
Corkey was born in Kansas City, Kansas on February 6, 1927 to Harry and Edith Briggs. At age 18, Corkey married Albert Harold Sheriff, the love of her life and they enjoyed their marriage of 57 years. In 1957, Corkey, Al and their two sons, Al and David, moved from Kansas City to the lake country of Minnesota, where they both enjoyed careers in teaching for 22 years. After their retirement in 1979, they enjoyed their homes in Minnesota and Texas for a number of years prior to moving to Glenwood Springs in 2004 to be closer to their sons’ families.
Everyone knew Corkey as a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her family was the most important aspect of her life and she cherished her time with them. We all learned numerous “life lessons” from Corkey (Mom) and one of these was the value of love, life and care for family.
Corkey is survived by her brother, Leroy Briggs; sister, Beverly Meyers; sons, Al Sheriff (wife, Wanda) and David Sheriff (wife, Jeanne); four grandchildren, Amy Luetke, Katy Nardecchia, Sam Sheriff and Emily Sheriff; and four beautiful great-grandchildren, Addison, Cooper and Brady Luetke and Dominick Nardecchia; along with several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Al, in 2005.
The funeral took place at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on Tuesday, January 5 at 11 a.m. A Friday, January 15 military burial is scheduled for Corkey, where she will rest in peace with her husband, Al, at the Fort Logan National Military Cemetery in Denver.
Corkey and her family appreciated the incredible care received during her stay at Valley View Hospital. Acknowledgements and donations can be mailed to Valley View Hospital Foundation, c/o David and Al Sheriff, 710 Silver Oak Ct., Glenwood Springs, Colorado 81601.
A celebration and acknowledgement of Corkey will be held in Alexandria, Minnesota on Sunday, July 18. The time and location will be announced.

"Go, Gorgeous" from a Forever Friend

Hi Bobby, I am from the JHS Class of l968. I have this greeting to share:

My dear friend, Sharon Hink Hauschild, turns "60" today,  January 8.  We have been friends since we were about 4 years old.  We went to Zion school together, we were confirmed and graduated together, we were in each others weddings as well.  In between we had lots of good fun. Sharon's birthday is also Elvis' birthday, and I remember one party we went to the Andria  theatre to see Blue Hawaii for her birthday treat. We were probably in the third or fourth grade.   It was us ZION girls!  Donna Crouse, Garnet Miller...

Sharon's father, Roger Hink, was the projector manager at the theater.  We never could be too bad at the theater as her dad had a  watchful eye on us from "above."  Remember when they would stroll the aisles to make sure we didn't put our feet on the chair ahead of us or throw popcorn at each other?

Then, of course, as we got older we experienced some good old party's at the Serie farm (Dave Serie's sister).   One winter night we met at the McCarthy's Drive-in and then we drove out to Series. There was a huge snow storm. As teenagers, we didn't think anything of it. We later  headed for home and got stuck! We weren't supposed to leave Alexandria and here we were on a farm just outside of Parkers Prairie!  We were supposed to be home by midnight. When we made the call to our parents that we were stuck and stranded, our parents were not happy with us. I think we made it home by 4 AM!

Did we shovel? or was that just an excuse?  You figure it out! That time in our "car load" was Dave Serie, Butch Krebs, Harland Hoffland, Sharon Hink, Barb Sandberg and myself.

Sharing stories and celebrating "milestones" with special people is more important as we get older.  If you would like to send Sharon a BIG 60 birthday wish, here is Sharon's  email: hauschild3@aol.com.  Sharon is a dear friend and sharing memories is what life is all about.  Today my wish is for my longtime friend  of 55 years -- to have a wonderful 60th birthday.   Let's help her celebrate!  Go, Gorgeous!  (That is what Mr. Kutz, our Zion School teacher, would call Sharon!)

Forever Friends,  Carolyn Wright Hoffland, Class of l968

We try, we try

Bob Watson was attending a Marriage Weekend with his dear wife of more than 40 years recently. He listened to the instructor declare: "It is essential that husbands and wives know the things that are important to each other. . ."
Then, addressing the men, he asked "Can you name and describe your wife's favorite flower?"
Bob leaned over, touched Sharon's arm gently, and sweetly whispered: "Gold-Medal All Purpose, right honey?"

(Thanks, Bonita)

Last Day at BugaBoo Bay

This final message stands in the cold outside the now-closed Bug-A-Boo in Alexandria. Cub Reporter Tom Obert got out of the car and stood in the snow to take this picture. Some special events require that extra effort.

A tight end. . . like Grandpa?

This is a picture of Charlie Olson's Grandson Nathan, taken after a snowfall last October. He is 13 years old and is a Tight End for Edina. Charlie moved to Alexandria in his senior year (senior photo at right). When he attended High School in Glenwood, he was a Tight End for the Lakers.

This isn't ALL of the Overlys

These are Overly family members who made it for the Christmas photo. Classmate Dave writes that a couple of them aren't present. A substantial turnout, nonetheless.