• As I sit sipping my toasty warm cappuccino  I can hardly believe that my mouth has finally become less afraid of hot beverages. For a long time I would wait until hot liquids cooled down to consume them. Years ago my sister and I went to a little gathering and I decided to give hot apple cider a whirl. I tensed a bit and slowly lifted the cup to my trembling lips and watched as the lava like liquid traveled slowly to the top of the mug. My sister watched in anxious anticipation almost fearing that she might be sitting too close but couldn't seem to move.  From the moment the apple flavored lava made contact with my lips until the spill was cleaned up I am quite sure my blood pressure made a leap that would have blown up the blood pressure gauge. I am betting this shock was comparable to what a mouse experiences when the trap snaps!
• The Friendly Fellows and Daisies met on January 6th at the Jungle Lanes in Groton. President Brady Wieker called the meeting to order. Andrew Marzahn led the American pledge and Madeline Reints led the 4-H pledge. The roll call topic was My Favorite Winter Activity, There were 26 members that answered the roll call. Communications were thank yous from the Christmas party. Treasurers report was approved by Trey Wright and seconded by Dylan Frey. Secretaries' report was approved by Madeline Wright and seconded by Colin Frey. Thank yous written and Christmas party was part of the old business. Old business was closed by Nathan Wright and seconded by Sterling Kappes. New business included Newshound, ski trip, project day, and curriculum books. New business was closed by Sterling Kappes and seconded by Hannah Sumption. The meeting was adjourned by Ben G. and seconded by Kaitlyn Anderson. Talks and demos were given by Colin Frey on pressed pennies, and Dylan Frey on community service. The group went bowling following the meeting. Lunch was served by Dylan and Colin Frey. Notes were taken by reporter Justine Sanderson.
• The Cheerful Chimes extension club met at the Claremont United Methodist Church for their January meeting. Nine members answered roll call telling of a snowy winter vacation they still remember. Chairman Mary Cutler presented two quizzes. One of them was about snow and the other was entitled "What's your baking IQ?" Winners were Lorelie Odland and Jackie Pigott. Mary Lynn James served coffee and a wonderful dessert.
• Ann Bailey welcomed a beautiful little edition to her family on Saturday January 12th. Granddaughter Carla and husband Quintin Fixen of Marshall MN became the proud parents of a baby girl. She weighed 6 pounds and was 19 inches long. Her name is Kristina Ann. Grandparents are Bonita and Dick Edwards of Hecla. Kristina

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