"Mainline" or "mainstream?" Does it matter?

The English language is fluid, yes, so sometimes we see words get altered, tweaked or otherwise morphed in how we use them. For example, there was a time when you might be corrected if you used "media" as a singular thing. Many of us had doubts about the rigidity of that rule. 

"The media is off-base" should be "the media are off-base" according to long-time standards. Many of us sensed, though, that in many cases "media" just didn't sound right as a plural thing. People comment on "the media" like it's a monolithic thing, let's say a thing that behaves as a singular organism or something we can generalize about. 

So let's throw off the shackles. Let's forget about what formal teachers of English might say. Such people get paid to enforce rules. Some get carried away enforcing myriad rules, so if you really want to nit-pick, there is a way to attack anyone's writing. 

A super example of this came forth on the national stage recently. A Fox News prime-time host who obviously has incentive to attack anyone of a progressive or Democratic bent, assessed Dr. Jill Biden's graduate school writing. 

Through the lens of a quintessential nit-picker, Tucker Carlson came to the conclusion that the First Lady was "borderline illiterate." If you do not consume cable TV news - your mental health probably benefits if you don't - you'd have a hard time believing this commentary was shared to a national audience. 

Couldn't Carlson at least show some chivalry? The First Lady isn't his enemy, Joe Biden is. Can't the conservative folks at Fox News at least be kind to a "lady?" They would like the term "lady," right? With the deference it suggests? Although I would view the deference as condescension. 

Society has sort of backed off from the assertive "women's lib" that once floated around. What do I mean by this? As a long-time scribe in local media, I became aware that brickbats would come your way if you referred to a sports team as "Lady Cougars" or "Lady Tigers." Quite intense brickbats, I might say. 

While this construction has fallen out of favor, the occasional lapse does not invite the kind of pushback that it once did. I think it's largely innocent now. Important note: I actually don't think I ever did it, but I was aware of cases where it happened and the warning lights that flashed.

I remember when national news guy Sam Donaldson got serious pushback for referring to a park ranger as a "rangerette." I confess I have to make a face on that one. 

"Lady Tigers" and "rangerette" are terms from the development of our accepted U.S. language, derided to where their use is so limited we don't bother condemning those who cross the line any more. 

 

You say potato. . .

All these thoughts are prompted by still another example of our language's fluidity. I came to focus on the subject today by the term "mainline." This word has evolved from its long-time meaning. The long-time meaning is tied strictly to drug use. In getting taught the dangers of drug use in high school, we learned of the dangerous "heroin" with its "mainlining" practice. 

Why did a whole generation of American youth develop an aversion to fried eggs? This is amazing: it was because of the "this is your brain on drugs" PSA. The PSA showed eggs frying in a pan! 

From the very start, I saw "mainline" in its allegedly misused form as being in place of "mainstream." It was the latter term that I thought should have been used all along. I don't see why it could not have been. But esteemed publications like our Star Tribune of Minnesota have gone the "mainline" route. 

This I noticed most markedly with the Strib's articles about the decline of organized religion in Minnesota. It repeatedly referred to "mainline" churches. Ugh, why not "mainstream?" 

Is this just laziness, not bothering to ferret out the most precise term? There is nothing awkward about using "mainstream," so it is not a matter of convenience. Our instincts would not point toward "mainline" in the way they would suggest "media" as a singular entity. 

But "mainline" it is, I guess, based on repeated usage, just like we say "could care less" so often instead of the precise "couldn't care less." The "could" form gets heard so often, over time it gets accepted as OK. Hey, we all know what the speaker means, right? And isn't that what language and communications are all about? The original Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol" can barely be understood by the people of today. Such is the evolution of language. 

Mark Levin the extremely hard-edged conservative reactionary commentator, once said "could care less," whereupon a caller on the line pointed out the alleged error. "Stop and think about it," the caller said in a really nice way. "It doesn't make any sense." But Levin exploded on the guy. Cute. 

Maybe I shouldn't care less about "mainline" instead of "mainstream." But "mainline" reminds me of my school classes of long ago that sought to scare us away from drug use. Well of course mind-altering drugs are bad. And I don't think John Lennon's songs were any better because of them. Lennon was simply a lifelong poet, lyricist and musician who had honed his skills over endless hours. 

Mind-expanding drugs? Oh to hell with it - it's myth. But my generation was gullible at one time. Along with some other lapses we had. We're talking the "dark ages" of the 1970s, especially the early part. Through it all, I have liked fried eggs in the morning.

 

Addendum: Regarding Lennon's songs, how can we know when exactly all were written? Songwriters have a term: "bottom-drawer songs," referring to songs that are largely completed but put aside indefinitely. Maybe some will be polished later, others will be discarded. Some might be "pushed" to a friend or associate. 

Maybe Lennon, who probably had 3/4 of the talent of the Beatles, passed along some material to George Harrison. Harrison's hits had the effect of making the whole group become more legendary. We just don't know when a particular song spark entered someone's mind, or how. Even the classic songs can be so brief and direct, it's not like a great amount of labor was invested, or time. The inspiration comes out of who knows where? 

Experienced songwriters know how to cultivate this. But it's not like investing the countless hours required, for example, for developing a model train layout! Classic songs have been penned on a simple napkin or back of a receipt, any piece of paper that might be handy. And the rest is history. "Oh Lonesome Me." I think that was on the back of some motel stationery. Which is one of the reasons I'm fascinated with songwriting.

  

- Brian Williams - morris mn minnesota - bwilly73@yahoo.conm

Jergenson out-duels Rohloff in Morris win

Summertime Legion baseball is like a continuation of high school baseball. Many of the same names carry over from spring. Legion ball seems to have a more relaxed atmosphere, consistent with summertime itself. 

So on Thursday the Legion athletes of Morris and Hancock gathered at Chizek Field for a contest. Brandon Jergenson was most reliable in the pitching department for Morris. His arm was good for a route-going performance. And it was a shutout performance. Morris prevailed over their county rivals, 2-0. 

Jergenson set down six batters on strikes. He walked two and allowed five hits. He gave himself the only run he'd need when he came home on a wild pitch in the third. For insurance he picked up a second run when Durgin Decker singled to score Brett Hansen. 

The pitching duel had Preston Rohloff on the other end. Rohloff pitched the whole way for Hancock. He posted the eye-opening strikeout stat of 12! He was touched for only three hits and walked just one. Rohloff could win many games with such form but he was hurt by unearned runs. Both Morris runs were in that category. 

Unearned runs hint at errors and indeed Hancock committed three. The Morris success upped the Post #29 mark to 5-4. Hancock meanwhile stayed above .500 at 3-2.

Drama with softball complex

It's never fun when everyone cannot get on the same page with something like the community softball complex. The complex is trying to find its legs. There's so much softball action over there now, one wonders why wheelbarrow-fulls of government money still have to be poured into the project. 

No matter how much upgrading is done, we're left with inferior fan seating, it would seem, and a project such as this one cannot overcome that. So much for hosting any really big-time events there. 

The superlatives were so rich when the project started. I had visions of Morris maybe hosting the state high school tournament. It is easy to make early proclamations. It's easy to simply dream, to envision something grand and to even try to "sell it." Promoters of the project have been working hard at selling, no doubt. 

An early graphic mapped it all out. It's always so much easier to promise all this stuff than to achieve it. The issue that concerns me is this: if the promises were used to "sell" to the public, and if members of the public came forward with their own donations, it would be concerning if the project is pared back now. There is evidence it will likely be pared back. 

The school superintendent came forward in a radio interview and talked about a "design change." To take away some of the parking? And instead include more "green space?" Well, "green space" is essentially nothing. Paved parking I'm sure entails $ cost. So why is this option being weighed? Surely it's because of cost pressure, right? Cut down the package to manage cost. 

The superintendent did not cite this as a specific reason. Instead he sort of took a detour out to left field, as it were, and cited concerns about balls striking windshields and hoods. Hmmm. Couldn't this factor have been weighed at the start? 

I think the project is facing considerable financial pressure. So, how much do you want to bet there will be no parking lot? No paved one anyway. I saw the graphic early-on that had provisions for what appeared to be a standard paved lot. And then I had to wonder: Would this be considered an official UMM lot? A permit lot? If not - if it's free - wouldn't UMM people just use it as a matter of course? 

Mark Ekren alerted us all to safety issues with the parking arrangement early-on. That was with vehicles going down the little incline and piling into the grassy area between fields. The area was barricaded off after Ekren's public comments. But, then I noticed it was opened up again. 

We have various government-supported entities involved with this project, therefore there is more than a little potential for discord. There has to be, although the principals will go to great lengths to keep it under wraps, to make sure the public statements are all about Teddy bears and puffy white clouds. 

We get a hint of discord with the city's decision to not contribute any further funds. I question why the city got involved in the first place. The city should support non-structured sports, i.e. recreation, rather than elite organized sports such as the high school and UMM. 

It is easy to get carried away supporting the organized sports because it's just expected in a small community. We can get carried away with the emotions with such things. That's OK to a degree if it doesn't drain our pocketbooks unduly. I'm afraid we have already been drained. The new varsity field with its lousy fan accommodations is ours forever. 

I invite you to read my current post on "Morris of Course" which gets into the school board aspect. Thanks.

https://morrisofcourse.blogspot.com/2021/06/softball-complex-tests-stewardship-with.html 

 

- Brian Williams - morris mn minnesota - bwilly73@yahoo.com

Sherwin Linton has spanned decades with song

Your blog host took this photo of Sherwin, Pam and the group at the county fair in Montevideo, 1997. What a fun time!

Sherwin Linton is a music and entertainment master who has been "at it" for oh so long. He has long had a foundation of special fan support in Morris. He and his band will grace county fairs toward the end of summer. He is resilient with his commitment. 

Isn't it amazing how some musicians can be prepared to perform so many songs? I mean, to even know the lyrics to so many songs amazes me. Do you need help sometimes with the National Anthem? The National Anthem is a problem to sing because of the wide vocal range that is needed. You had better get started on the right notes, the lowest notes you can handle. Otherwise you'll be in trouble. 

Prolific entertainer Sherwin Linton is prepared to play any of about 5,000 songs. As with the "pros" in any field, I guess you just have to learn to handle it. 

Country-western? Well there's a good share of that, but Linton gets into rock 'n' roll and has been known to do a Beatles song or two. I once heard him perform George Harrison's "Got My Mind Set on You." It's a testament to his versatility. And Sherwin loves "Rockabilly." 

He has played lots of "small rooms" through the years. It's a place where listeners can feel intimacy with the performers. Lots to be said for that. For most of his career, unfortunately, Linton had the misfortune of playing rooms where cigarette smoke was pervasive. It was the way of the world in our former culture. Many people no doubt did not like this. But smokers got deference because, well, society felt it should be so. There must have been a subtle push to eradicate it. 

The push grew to where lawmakers responded. That's the way our government works, albeit in fits and starts usually. We hope Linton and his musicians did not pick up long-term health issues because of the former atmosphere. I remember sitting at the Old No. 1 in Morris and seeing the smoke hang in the air as Linton performed. 

"The air is blue," some people would comment, though I've never associated the blue color. 

We all associated the smell with it. And yet we put up with it for so long. And we countenanced heavy consumers of alcohol. Maybe it was a legacy of the World War II generation. 

Maybe the vices were a means for war vets to overcome symptoms of PTSD. Or maybe our overall society felt those gallant vets should have slack cut for them, for just enjoying themselves. Exhibit 'A' was major Shriners conventions of the mid-20th Century. Ray Stevens had a music release inspired by this. Any mention of this prompts laughter. Behavior that can be termed a vice or peccadillo ought not be considered funny, ever. 

The old template for Shriners conventions is extinct, right? The Shriners can go on with their very laudable work helping society. They have always done such things, just like their cousins the veterans service organizations like the American Legion. The Legion once had the same image of alcohol-drenched fun-seeking. Entertainers could do well with these groups, playing conventions and other such things. 

Linton over his very long career has done the whole gamut, surely. Younger people today consider Linton a very pleasing regional entertainer who can add spirit to a county fair at one of those side stages. People my age hear the name "Sherwin Linton" and remember him as a guy who was on the cusp of very real Nashville stardom. He gained a foothold for a time but it seemed fleeting. Naturally the music business can be brutal. 

If you're approaching music as a business, accept the brickbats with the bouquets. It's like being a pro athlete: the feedback is immediate and blunt. You're tagged out on the basepaths, the ump signals "out," a whole lot of people see it and you jog back to the dugout. Athletes and musicians probably develop a distinct perspective on life because of this lack of subtlety. 

In the workplace, you might be reprimanded by a note left on your desk by a superior who is too cowardly to look you in the eye. Sports and music get you an appraisal that will be "in your face," a thrill if you "top the charts," a bummer if your song is a "dud." 

Pete Best got fired as drummer for the Beatles. He gained permanent infamy for that. Of course he should not have let it bother him. How many people could claim to be a former member of the Beatles? Best had to be on the defensive quite a bit. But his time "in the arena" as musician eventually got rewarded! This was when the Beatles' "Anthology" came out with old tunes that had Best playing. 

So let's say it's a volatile world and for the Beatles, a nonstop fishbowl world. How many of us would really want to partake in this? 

Linton is known for having a particular song get commercial traction. "Cotton King" was/is his signature song. He came to be called "The Cotton King." What? A guy from South Dakota? Well, why not? The song reflected a rural atmosphere that might be felt anywhere in the U.S. The South Dakota State Fair includes "Cotton King Avenue" in Linton's honor. 

Linton and I once mused about how the Minnesota governor referred to South Dakota as "50th in everything."

The song "Cotton King" was released way back in 1967. Radio took to it. The Midwest was enlivened by it. I tried looking up how the song did on the Billboard country chart but could not find this.

Long-time followers of Linton speculate on how he seemed to fall from his once-high perch. We needn't define success that way of course. Linton and his wife Pam have a rich background of entertaining fans in a wholesome way. Theirs has been a music life. Sherwin has been a trooper with sound health. We should all be so fortunate. 

We can't avoid the topic of how Linton slipped from his once-rarefied perch. Maybe he didn't really want it? It's a theory. Some might say he relied on his impersonation of Johnny Cash too much. In professional music it's essential to establish your own identity. So important is this, look what Hank Williams Jr. decided long ago. He dazzled his way to the top with a completely fresh persona. 

  

What might have been

A pivotal point for Linton was when he had a missed opportunity. He recorded "Cotton King," the song by Wayne Carson Thompson, in October of 1966. He was in Nashville. Where else? He was joined by some top musicians. The guitar/dobro player offered him a song but time was limited that day. That, plus Linton considered the lyrics a little complicated, so it was put aside. It would be considered for the following spring. 

Linton was slated to return to the studio. But before he did, another musician had picked up the song. And what was the song? "Gentle on my Mind." Glen Campbell built his fame with it. The song won four Grammy awards in 1968. 

Linton and his group played the Brown County Fair, Aberdeen SD, when "Cotton King" marked its 50th anniversary in 2017. I attended the Brown County Fair once and found it wonderful. I wonder if it has the same trademark now as then: a re-constructed "wild west" main street with an instructor speaking on gunfighting techniques! You don't forget that. I mentioned this fair in a conversation with concessionaire Jerry Jesness and he instantly pointed out the gunfighting demo! 

The fairs in Aberdeen and Fargo are just right for me: not too big, not too small. 

Linton can surely write songs himself. Yours truly strives with this also. But I surely cannot memorize song lyrics the way Linton does. What a gift! 

Wayne Carson Thompson also wrote the songs "Always on My Mind" and "The Letter." Linton said he was surprised by the success of "Cotton King." Well, artists are supposed to talk like that about their successes. Mark Lindsay thought "Indian Reservation" might be a dud, or so he said! But you just never know about such things. Reading the public? Its tastes? It's daunting. But never boring. 

To be sure, Linton's life has been the opposite of boring. What if Linton had recorded "Gentle On My Mind?" Intriguing question. 

One thing for sure: Linton had the charisma to be a top Nashville star. His smile and personality were winning. But the standards for achieving such stardom are exacting in the extreme, also subject to serendipity. Maybe a little politics too. I mean, is the Pope Catholic? 

Maybe Linton is fortunate to have been spared the fishbowl life of a top star. Just like the original drummer of the Beatles. Sherwin and Pam project ideal happiness and artistic fulfillment. What else matters?

Sherwin and the group will be at our Stevens County Fair on August 15, Sunday!

- Brian Williams - morris mn minnesota - bwilly73@yahoo.com

Today would be Dad's birthday

Ralph E. Williams as pictured in UMM's first-ever yearbook, "Venture."

Dad (right) with U of M President Malcolm Moos at installation of Jack Imholte as UMM provost, 1970. Dad and Malcolm were friends from their days as U of M students.

My late father had a birthday that corresponded with Juneteenth. That day be today: June 19. It was 105 years ago. He grew up in Glenwood as the youngest of five boys. The five all found success and lived to an advanced age. They seemed a disparate group, I mean with their talents and interests and even their appearance. Oh, I'm sure all five had the same two parents: Martin and Carrie.

Martin passed on well before his time, in 1933. Cancer felled him. Carrie was able to attend my father's graduation from the University of Minnesota in 1939. She left this life in 1949, six years before I was born. Her death was clouded in some mystery as apparently a fall was involved, something that family members sought to avoid speaking about. Maybe someone felt responsible for her, I don't know. Her official cause of death was a stroke. 

I came to possess the guest book from her funeral which was bequeathed to us along with other items at the time of my uncle Howard's death. Oh, one of those items was an important piece of memorabilia from UMM's history! I'm surprised my family did not have this. Ol' Howard had an item from the Minneapolis Tribune which was a large feature spread on the UMM orchestra when it was new! 

I was delighted a couple years ago to type up that article as a blog post and put it on "Morris of Course" along with a photo of Dad. 

My father was the entire UMM music department in the institution's first year. He directed all kinds of ensembles. He could have directed jazz because he had the background for it. But "jazz" had an image at the time which could not be sold in higher education, or heck not even in high school. Our culture evolves. We can easily imagine UMM's talented musicians from the early days doing jazz. 

By the same token, we could imagine many female students being outstanding athletes! Society hadn't evolved yet to accept that: women's varsity athletics or jazz groups in school. Jazz crept in slowly. Let me explain: our high school band director John Woell got it going but delicately, by not using the word "jazz." 

There was a time when the expression "sex appeal" might have caused older folks to cover their ears. These things are strange but they were reality, n'est-ce-pas? We have to live within that real world, a world in which for so long we put up with cigarette smoke in public places. Our band director Woell organized "stage band" which avoided the word jazz. 

By the end of the 1970s, the tide had turned and we had a director at UMM, Jim Carlson, who really put jazz forward on a pedestal. Carlson's Jazz Fest became perhaps the No. 1 highlight on UMM's whole calendar. Remember how we'd see orange school buses from various towns during the Fest? Kids came to be taught and to soak in jazz. 

Dad as a boy

My father's forte at the start was his men's chorus. I think even at the time, yours truly looked at that and suspected it was going to become an anachronism. Anything gender-specific was going to have to explain itself. And that's especially if it appeared to put the male gender in a preferred position. So unless there was a corresponding platform for females, questions would be asked. 

Putting that concern aside, the UMM men's chorus was of course fabulous. They assembled on risers at UMM's Edson Auditorium which was concert central. The guys wore maroon blazers. In 1962 the group opened the Minnesota Day program at the Seattle World's Fair (Century 21 Exposition). 

It's easy to forget now, but UMM was practically desperate for high-profile attention in those days. This is no exaggeration: the institution was considered on shaky ground for its future in the early days. I have heard stories from undisputed sources. Helen Jane Morrison would readily confirm. 

Helen Jane has lived such a long and bountiful life. I learned Tuesday that she was in the hospital recently, but she was back home as of Tuesday. A little extra care is being arranged for her. I'm quite familiar with such things. My parents lived into their 90s.

Helen Jane was present in spirit for the gathering at the UMM campus mall Tuesday. The gathering was to send Michelle Behr into a happy retirement. She has been UMM's chancellor. The pretzels were terrific! Helen Jane's daughter-in-law Elizabeth Morrison was there.

We wish Michelle the best along with Helen Jane. Helen Jane has been so proud to be a UMM benefactor on behalf of her family.  

In my own small way I mirror their efforts. Oh, maybe it's not so small. When you describe money sums, it becomes quite subjective or relative. My father would say "you can't take it with you."  

But let me emphasize that Dad was exhibit 'A' of the generation that grew up in the Depression. He graduated from Glenwood High School at the height of John Dillinger times. As his generation went through life it had recognizable spots. Don't throw anything away! Account for every nickel! 

The late Ron Lindquist told me that any time the Morris newspaper might be in position to buy new equipment, Ed Morrison would say "can we get a used one?" That's a prime example too. 

Our custodian Howard Moser told me that when the paper decided to purchase a simple two-wheel cart, it was considered a big deal! I'm old enough to remember that kind of thinking - finally I had to get past it. Hey, it won't fly in the high-tech digital age! New "generations" of the high-tech stuff come along constantly. Finally I got dragged into the new age. 

I remember when Dad had a typical quibble with a local car dealer once, where the dealer said he needed a little extra money for some particular reason. You know how it goes. I think Dad got a little obstinate and his relationship with the guy frayed, and I considered that unfortunate. I would have liked to tell him to "roll with the punches" and just pay it! Sometimes you just have to "suck it up." But Dad was of the Depression generation. I suppose he needed to be "deprogrammed." 

My parents went with me when I acquired clothing and they felt I should buy clothes that I could "grow into!" Yes, a little too big so they'd last longer and wouldn't have to be replaced so soon! Finally we got a revolution in clothing to where it became quite cheap. Because of globalization? Let's remember it wasn't always that way. 

Remember the main street men's clothing stores? It was Palmer's on the west side, Wayne's on the east. 

Dad was two years old when the influenza epidemic hit West Central Minnesota. Three students at the ag school died and 116 became ill. The school closed for 21 days. When it reopened, students and staff protected themselves by wearing gauze face masks. The school rebounded and enrollment climbed to 164 for the fall term of 1919. 

 

The roaring '20s

My father first visited our Morris campus in 1928! He performed in the district music contest in the auditorium where Edson is today. Edson is part of the overall performance facility named for Edward and Helen Jane Morrison. Had I been approached for getting the place named for my parents, I would have had a receptive stance.

As it stands, two photos of my father are on display at the HFA which came to replace Edson as the primary music performance venue. Odd, there is nothing like a "concert hall" there, just a "recital hall." Odd that our public school has a bona fide concert hall but not UMM. 

Dad returned to the campus in 1931 to play a trumpet solo with the West Central Minnesota Symphonic Orchestra in the new gymnasium which was in the "P.E. Annex." Remember that place? With the pool on the lower level? I attended early Cougar basketball games there. "Basketball" meant men's basketball! Amazing that our society had not progressed further by the early 1960s. 

Dad taught at Brainerd High School in 1941 and '42. Hmmm. My mother was a Brainerd native. Never did I ask them to what extent they developed affection when Mom was in high school. Dad left teaching for the Navy in World War II, in which he served as gunnery officer in the Pacific. 

My father never blamed the Japanese people. Once when a documentary about the build-up to war was on TV, he reacted to the scene of a pugnacious Japanese politician by saying in disgust: "politics!" Yes, he blamed politics. 

I was born when Dad was teaching at the U of M St. Paul School of Agriculture. I learned not long ago from a genealogy website that I was born in Ramsey MN. I know my birth was not routine. I sensed that either my life or Mom's was in jeopardy. I never probed much on that. 

Dad got pretty well-known in the Twin Cities for directing the Minneapolis Apollo Club, a 120-voice men's chorus. His affinity with men-only ensembles might have worn thin as time passed. Often I will wish I could go back in time and maybe coach Dad on how to stay "hip" with everything. I would have told him to try to blaze a trail with some "jazz" education at UMM. It's easy to imagine this now. In reality it might not have been practicable. 

Today, June 19, would be Dad's 105th birthday. You're welcome to visit our family monument at Summit Cemetery any time. It's a bench. have a seat. Get a load off. Forget the pandemic. Count your blessings as I'm sure my parents always did. 

June 19 is also the date when the last of our three dogs, "Sandy," had to be put down. That was pure coincidence. He was Dad's dog or "Daddy's doggy" as we'd say around the house (not with company present).

Thanks to Del Sarlette for scanning photos you see with this post. Del's late father Walt played in the original UMM orchestra.

- Brian Williams - morris mn minnesota - bwilly73@yahoo.com

"Lt. Ralph Williams," drawing of Dad from when he was in U.S. Navy, WWII

Your blog host with father Ralph Williams at New York World's Fair, 1964. The UMM men's chorus was showcased at the grand event.

Dad and I at our St. Paul residence, 1950s. Dad taught music at the U of M St. Paul School of Agriculture. The happiest days of my life, perhaps.

Love story: a young Ralph and Martha Williams, probably on Gull Lake chain near Brainerd.

Pipestone uses "small ball" vs. Maple Lake

The Section 3AA banner carrier in state showed winning form in its first state game. It was a hard-fought contest against Maple Lake. And in the end, the unseeded-in-state Arrows of Pipestone had a 4-3 victory over their second-seeded foe. Section 3AA is the home of our MACA Tigers. 

Pipestone needed eight innings to tuck away the Tuesday victory. Action was at Caswell Park, North Mankato, where yours truly once visited to cover our Tigers in state play. I'll confess it was quite a few years ago. But I remember well. I remember how the driving route to Mankato had no Interstate highway. Interstate can really ease a long trip. 

I passed by Fort Ridgely State Park and wished I had time to explore a little there. I could feel harried by the demands of my work in those days. Obviously I let it get to me too much. Interstate or no, I enjoyed the trip covering the Tigers. I would have enjoyed covering the Pipestone Arrows Tuesday. 

Southern Minnesota teams have a reputation for very strong softball, inexplicably in my view. Teams from down there have been a nemesis for our normally-high-achieving Tigers on many occasions. Let's consider the cliche "it is what it is." 

Pipestone achieved its winning run in the top of the eighth. The story of that rally begins with a Madelyn Wiese single. She's the third baseman. Wiese took off for second for a steal. She got to third on a bunt in this "small ball" episode. From there we saw a ball hit to left that required a diving catch by Maple Lake's Nicole Pals. Wiese stayed at third. 

Up to bat comes Kyla Hubbling. Now we see the key batted ball: a grounder to short that was mishandled. Pipestone scores. The Arrows would emerge with this savory 4-3 win. 

The state tournament obviously features a lot of fine pitchers. Jessa Reinert had this role for Pipestone and her rival was Taylor Hess. They both pitched the distance. The "Globe" newspaper reported that Reinert's very first pitch was "a slow strike." Changing speeds turned out to be a forte for her. It's not always about being overpowering. Reinert stayed ahead of hitters. 

Pipestone got an early lead at 2-0. "Small ball" was in evidence as MacKenzie Manderscheid singled, stole second and got to third on a bunt. This was in the first inning. An infield grounder got Manderscheid across home plate. 

The fourth inning saw Melody Remund connect for a two-out run-scoring double. 

Maple Lake would get untracked in the scoring column, well enough to take the lead at 3-2 after five. A Maple Lake fielding miscue in the sixth allowed Pipestone to pull up even. This set the stage for Pipestone's critical success in the eighth. Congrats to the Arrows. 

The line score was four runs, four hits and two errors for Pipestone, and three runs, five hits and four errors for Maple Lake. So the game was not a fielding showcase. But Pipestone did what was needed to win!

- Brian Williams - morris mn minnesota - bwilly73@yahoo.com

Let's give track and field its due now

Track and field is generating significant headlines for MACA. That's nice because of all the attention that softball has received. I have strong admiration for track/field athletes who often test themselves purely as individuals. 

The state meet is the goal for all. I personally attended this in my days with the Morris newspaper - always a very exciting spectacle. Fans are present in much larger numbers than in the steps leading up to state. I smile as I remember the P.A. announcers who would sometimes announce a school's name by reciting a string of towns! Sometimes this brought a smattering of laughter among the fans. 

So then I wondered: instead of these cumbersome names with hyphens, maybe arrive at a nice compact name, perhaps just the name of the town where the high school is located. 

Our wrestling Tigers are identified as "Morris Area-Hancock-Chokio-Alberta" and it's a bit much, awkward to handle, and what the heck is "MAHACA," pronounced as such? I have wondered when or if the day will come when we can go back to the simple "Morris." Everyone knows we take in students from a wide area. 

I don't think small town identity issues are as pressing as they once were, not like in the days of mom-and-pop businesses up and down main street. The businesses are less likely to have local owners, rather they have managers who answer to higher-ups located elsewhere. The managers are not as invested in local pride issues. I like the new way: less emotions, less assertiveness, more pragmatism. 

Clearly we in Tiger country are "MACA." But the Willmar newspaper apparently does not like that. They have overruled that, not that they have a basis for doing so, by calling us "Morris/Chokio-Alberta." And they don't stop, in spite of my blog posts pointing this out over time. How many readers do I have? I cannot be certain. 

You know what's strange? How I still feel pressure when writing Tiger sports reviews. I feel nervous about trying to get everything right, when there's really no cause for me to feel this way. Two things to note: 1) I am not directly accountable to anyone any more, and 2) I can always go back in to correct or adjust a blog post, something I could never do when my writing was "on paper" (the analog way). 

Call it an "old habit" for me to feel pressure reporting. There was an old stereotype of newspaper writers chain-smoking and pounding out articles on manual typewriters while dealing with "deadline pressure." Really, it was always a stupid way to do things. I conformed to the stereotype once but stopped smoking in 1984. I never smoked heavily. Speaking of stupid, that habit qualified in spades. 

The state track and field meet P.A. guy will be intoning "Morris Area Chokio Alberta" at this year's big event. We are well-represented. Nice to see track/field get its due now after the tremendous hype for softball all spring: the new facilities and the coach's career milestone. 

The softball Tigers failed to make it out of sub-section. So much for the new facilities being a boost. More on that later. 

Let's acknowledge the high-flying Tigers who excelled at Fergus Falls for the Section 6A meet. On to state go four individuals and two relay teams. Ethan Lebrija will be in state for the 100m and 200m runs. Kenny Soderberg has hurdled his way to state in the 110m and 300m. Then we see Kaylie Raths making the grade in the 300m hurdles. Lydia Fynboh had what it took in the 100m. The boys 4x100m relay unit will vie in state, composed of Lebrija, Soderberg, Trey Hunt and Derek Waldbeser. The girls 4x100m team made the grade, its members Fynboh, Olivia Lebrija, Crystal Nohl and Ruby Swenson. 

State competition will be at St. Michael-Albertville High School, June 17-19.

Softball in summer?

The new softball facility in Morris, what I hesitate to call a "complex," was sold to us as a place for "summer leagues and camps." We are in the heart of summer now as I write this. Summer sports activity such as this usually wraps up by the end of the first week of August. Maybe that's to accommodate the Stevens County Fair, and people also prioritize getting ready for school. 

I remember the days when the high school pep band couldn't get organized for the football opener on the Friday of Labor Day weekend. I'm remembering the old football field. I asked around and learned that the musicians were "going to be gone" with family at the time. Strange, considering how people seem to push everything else aside for "getting ready for school" starting in the middle of August. 

Well, I have never been a parent. 

I took my typical walks on Saturday and Sunday past the new softball facilities. There was no one there. You would think that all the league and camp activity would be going by now. We were told that new facilities were needed for that. Maybe next weekend? Is there still a chance? 

I am wondering if local officials would like things to stay idle out there until the parking lot is constructed. Is there a timeline for getting the lot constructed? Is the money set aside for that? We've been told all along that the complex is a $1.4 million project. Unless otherwise stated, I'd like to assume the money is in hand, that it exists. 

I wonder if our local public officials have said "no" to cars continuing to be parked on the shoulders of Prairie Lane. I wrote recently that this would be hazardous at nighttime, and the funeral home has given money for the new field to be lighted. 

If and when the new parking lot becomes reality, will it be considered a UMM lot? Isn't that a good question? Would it have permit requirements? I assume it would have to be lit at night. If it's free parking, what's to keep UMM students/staff from simply parking there and walking onto campus, bypassing the permit lots? I have heard that some students will park at Willie's and leave their cars there for an extended time. 

I stick with my opinion that the softball project should never have gotten started. It's not needed. And with the City of Morris so pressed on fixing streets around town, like East 6th which is a horror, why did the city disgorge $150,000 for what amounts to a new high school sports venue? Well I'm sure the school district is thrilled about this, being able to "sucker" the city into doing this. We can always elect new city council members.

- Brian Williams - morris mn minnesota - bwilly73@yahoo.com

Pipestone rules again in 3AA softball

Pipestone is truly the Goliath of Section 3AA softball. There was no stopping the Arrows in the 2021 post-season. Not even the Litchfield Dragons, who had beaten our vaunted MACA Tigers twice, could neutralize the Arrows. 

Litch was in a decent position going into Thursday. The Dragons only had to win once, to beat Pipestone once. You might say the Arrows had their backs to the wall as they had to win twice. Their fans could nevertheless be fueled with confidence. And that's because of the sheer mettle of the program, its winning reputation. 

How impressive is that? The Arrows are in state for the fifth consecutive year! They in fact beat the Litchfield Dragons twice on Thursday. It was deflating for the Dragons and their premier pitcher Taylor Draeger. Draeger had pitched twice with mastery vs. our MACA Tigers. On Thursday she pitched the whole way in the Dragons' game 1 loss which was by a score of 5-2. 

The Dragons sought to regroup but they were stopped again in the climactic second game, score of 8-3. Action was at Schwans Regional Amateur Sports Complex, Marshall. So it's Pipestone with the 3AA crown again, bound for state. 

Game 1 details were available at the time this blog post is being prepared. So we see Pipestone's Madelyn Wiese with a hot bat: two hits with one of them a triple, two runs scored and an RBI. Kayla Hubbing also contributed two hits and she scored a run and drove in one. In the all-important pitching department we see Jessa Reinert doing the work in the Arrows' winning effort. Reinert was overpowering at times as she set down nine batters on strikes. She pitched the whole way. 

The Litch attack had Sydney McCann and Emma DeWolf both with a two-for-three line. McCann crossed home plate twice. DeWolf picked up an RBI. Avery Stilwell made noise with a double and she drove in a run. Janessa Olson's bat resonated with a triple. 

The Litch Dragons close out their excellent 2021 season with an 18-8 record. Beating our MACA Tigers twice was a feather in their cap. 

What advantages does the Pipestone program have over our MACA program? It can't be the coincidence of superior talent, not over this long a run, can it?

 

New Morris field to have lights

I took a walk Thursday night as darkness set in, out toward the east where the new softball field is located. I wasn't expecting to see night softball there yet. Indeed it was quiet. And dark. All that is set to change. We learned that the local funeral home is seeing to the task of having lights installed at the new field. 

The field is named for Mary Holmberg, the long-time coach of the MACA Tigers, in fact the only coach we've ever had. I'm hardly surprised that Pedersen Funeral Home would be paying close attention to developments with the field. Sydney Dietz was on the roster this past spring. The funeral home is pitching in with $15,000 that will "light up" the new facility. 

A funeral home spokesman talked about how softball promotes a feeling of community in summertime. The enjoyment can maybe help us forget how the heat is building to an excessive level! It sure has been hot lately. How odd we can complain after the arduous cold weather months seemed to go on interminably. Well it sure got terminated, finally. 

The funeral home spokesperson talked about "family and spending quality time together." The funeral home identifies charitable purposes as a matter of ongoing practice. 

You might be aware that yours truly has been a skeptic of the "Morris community softball complex" since the start. We all have a right to our opinions. Sometimes the skeptics are shown to be wrong. Still, skeptics have a role to play in our society, because sometimes you just have to put on the brakes. 

So I took a walk Thursday night and wondered now nighttime softball action is going to play out. We continue to wonder about parking. A habit has developed where people park along both shoulders of Prairie Lane going out to the bypass. As I contemplated this Thursday with darkness setting in, I wondered if this system would work for nighttime. I couldn't help thinking that this parking configuration after dark would be dangerous. 

Mark Ekren has already sounded the bell about safety issues. Don't we really need a bona fide parking lot out there? Until then, maybe activity at the new field should be suspended. Barricades have already been put up to prevent vehicles parked in the non-paved area between the fields. This has forced people out onto Prairie Lane. It seems not the best arrangement. 

Nor do I like to see fans choosing to watch the games from just outside the outfield fence. If people are doing this, it must be because they see issues with trying to sit closer. It's not easy to see through the fence on the first and third base sides. Most glaringly, the available space for fans behind home plate seems way too squeezed, and it's evident that 2/3 of the seated fans in that area don't get a full view of the playing field. I do not consider this a minor issue. 

The basic configuration of the place is probably set in stone now. It is ours forever. I'm concerned that when a truly "big game" arrives with fans pouring in, too many will not be accommodated the way they would like. Whoever planned this place ought to answer some questions, IMHO. 

Please click on link below to read my summary of Litchfield's 2-1 win over St. James in the game preceding Thursday. This post is on my "Morris of Course" blog.

https://morrisofcourse.blogspot.com/2021/06/litchfield-softball-one-win-away-from.html 

  

- Brian Williams - morris mn minnesota - bwilly73@yahoo.com

Air comes out for Tiger softball in the end

The upbeat memories certainly outnumber the downbeat ones from the 2021 MACA softball season, to be sure. I attended one of the last games to be played at Wells Park, west Morris, and had a terrific time. I got to see an over-the-fence home run by a Tiger player. 

Maybe the Tigers should have played at Wells again this past Saturday. The program had a long background at the venue. I mean, going back to its inception. Eagles Park has been a comfortable home too. Suppose I should call it "Eagles Park complex" but I'm down on the word "complex." The word was used as part of an oversell for a new construction project on the east end of town. Surely you're familiar. Maybe you've seen the sea of cars parked every which way. 

Nice to see such interest in a high school sports program. So it's a little unfortunate - oh, more than a little - to see that the new high school field was designed in such a way as to hose the fans. Just this morning I received a communication from a school faculty/coach person who assured me I am not the only one reaching this conclusion. Not that I'm looking for strength in numbers. I'll assert my views on principle, something I've never had a problem doing. 

I see fans seated along the outfield fence of the new place - bring your own lawn chairs - and I must wonder: is this really the viewing position these people prefer? If not, why can't their interests be accommodated a little better? The dugouts were designed long so as to include storage room. Which is nice, but maybe the fans' interests could have been weighed better. 

Fans watched two MACA losses Saturday. It's kind of a bitter pill after a season with hype about new facilities. Oh, and the coach's career milestone of wins. 

At this point I wish to indict the local commercial media. I'd like to stretch a little and give the benefit of the doubt some, but it's hard, no impossible. There were times when the media fell all over themselves giving attention to the new field, the fact it was named for the coach, and then to heap praise based on the coach's milestone of wins. 

Credit is due, no doubt. But the current team, the roster of 2021 student athletes, was focused on their own competitive objectives. The primary attention should always have been placed on them. 

If I were the coach, I might have foregone the field-naming gesture along with the milestone hype in favor of just setting the highest possible competitive goals. The team is more important than the new field. 

One could easily suggest that the whole Tiger sports crowd would have had more fun at the facilities that were available before this spring. Or, even at the UMM field where the fence is low enough that fans could ring the field, with many getting a crystal clear view of the game. I just feel that's important. Does the new field have higher fences because of the "r" word - regulations - designed to "protect fans?" Yes indeed, we live in a time when fans might be looking down at their iPhones! At least one major league baseball fan injury incident has been connected to that. Very sad. Ideally we should put aside our gadgets. 

I doubt there is a single person who would say the fan experience is any better at the new facility, compared to before. So in light of that, what of the government money that has been poured into the new place? I won't call it a "complex." Too much of it was pre-existing. 

I indict our local commercial news media for rolling over and letting the new field promoters dispense marketing language for their cause. Such language took over news articles that purported to inform the public. 

People in the media aren't stupid but they fear being put down if they pour cold water on a public project. Now we're talking about the "n" word - no, not that one - but "negative." I once had the curse of seeming less than ebullient about certain issues when I wrote for the paper. I learned to be skeptical by growing up during Vietnam and Watergate. All that has gotten retired into history but there are lessons still to be heeded. A skeptic tries seeing through pretense and self-interest. We understand self-interest as it manifests itself all around us. 

All I have ever suggested in connection to the softball field project is to ask a few questions that might not be welcomed by the promoters. I wouldn't want to be "mean." That isn't the point. Nor do I truly wish to seem negative although that's not a problem if the facts are assessed accordingly. 

Oh, but I might end up a "voice in the wilderness." The political pressures are such in a small town, pressure builds to get on board with a certain meme sometimes. To read the coverage from the newspaper and radio station, the "softball complex" was nothing but a plan of genius from the get-go, yielding nothing but bountiful rewards for the community for all time. When you "smell" a suggestion like this, try to peel below the surface quickly. You'll find a great deal more. 

The coverage identifies Matt Johnson's roles as school board member and UMM athletic director as if these are co-equal. OK I disagree - I think his AD role should command nearly all of his attention as a priority. 

The new facility will require $ for upkeep, obviously. There will have to be a parking lot. Any timeline for developing that? Oh, and it's paid for, right? It looks like more work needs to be done on the place. Well, we have a long time to wait to see the next MACA softball game there, like next April, if the weather is good enough. The 2021 Tigers are done. We lost to Litchfield and Dassel-Cokato on Saturday. We were the No. 1 seed. 

My faculty/coach acquaintance suggested the Tigers are hurt by not being in the best conference. We would benefit from being tested by a higher caliber. Not sure why our conference has to be a weakling. That's unfortunate. I covered the Tiger softball team in years when the air seemed to go out during post-season. Well, so much for the theory that our new field was going to help. 

Losing to Litch may not have been a surprise. But going 0-2 on the day had to be a downer. 

Based on what I know about our current commercial news media, I wouldn't look to Katie Erdman to write anything that would offer a kernel of skepticism. However, I would expect Mr. Reed Anfinson, if he were to roll up his sleeves, to do something like that. He talks regularly about the press' vital watchdog role. Well, he certainly exudes wisdom with that. 

It's risky because you can disturb the tranquil waters of a small town. You have to see the big, long picture: the need for the citizenry to be truly informed and not to be "sold" something. 

I have further reflections on my "Morris of Course" blog from Sunday:

https://morrisofcourse.blogspot.com/2021/06/hot-day-and-cold-results-for-maca.html 

 

- Brian Williams - morris mn minnesota - bwilly73@yahoo.com

Listen to my song about Kensington Runestone

I invite you to listen to the song I have written about the Kensington Runestone. You are most likely familiar with the background in connection to the stone. Were Scandinavian explorers here in the 14th Century? The stone gives the year as 1362. 

A real artifact or an elaborate hoax? That is the question. My song is called "Writing on the Stone." It was recorded at the Nashville TN studio of Frank Michels. The song was put online on YouTube by Brent Gulsvig of Gulsvig Productions of Starbuck. If you have any media transfer work to be done, call on the  Gulsvigs. 

My songwriting is an amateur pursuit. My late father was a professional choral composer. There is a fund at UMM named for my parents, Ralph and Martha, both of whom are in heaven now. I thought about them over the Memorial Day weekend as I visited Summit Cemetery with so many other people. Such peacefulness, tranquility and solace. The UMM fund benefits music.

Here is the link for my song "Writing on the Stone." Thanks and God bless.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxFQvFkAubQ

 

As a newspaper writer I found the subject of the Runestone difficult to deal with. Simply put, it was because of the intransigence of the "two sides." I cannot blame people for examining further to try to support claims of authenticity. Some well-credentialed scholars have done exactly that. 

From the other side is the assumption that surely the stone is a fake. The "fake" argument seems to stare us in the face at times, as if we need not bother looking any further. Once we rest on that side of the argument, we'll feel troubled as some new scholar comes forward with an analysis that strongly supports the original story. I have monitored all these developments. 

My earliest writing for the newspaper leaned toward the authenticity argument, whereupon I could get some quite disrespectful feedback. But it seemed like a rather innocent subject. Nothing great is at stake with the matter, nothing that could really hurt anyone. Except for descendants of the Pilgrims? Oh, come on. 

Former UMM administrator Bettina Blake had an old professional colleague with the best of credentials write a book with a title that trumpeted the stone's authenticity! I covered his appearance at UMM to share about his conclusions. 

Meanwhile there was a UMM professor who had a cute little prop that was designed to snarkily dismiss claims of genuineness. I don't think that would pass muster with UMM today. If a professor sought to be skeptical based on a sober and scientific angle, well that's fine. But a professor today would have to be more respectful. UMM seeks a collaborative relationship with Alexandria, a community which has been attached to its "Big Ole" statue. 

More recently the argument has emerged that the purported explorers here were post-pagan. Thus they were not "Vikings." So, change the name of the football team? Just kidding. 

So, what is my perspective now? I feel that if the stone were a hoax, it would have to be obvious in a truly incontrovertible way. Which it is not. I therefore assert once again that I feel the stone is genuine. I hope you enjoy the song.

- Brian Williams - morris mn minnesota - bwilly73@yahoo.com 

(image from minnpost)

 

Tiger softball climbs with two 3AA-North wins

Barricades were up to limit parking for the substantial Tuesday action in prep softball here. We're into the post-season. Much of the tournament is double-elimination which always has the possibility for confusing yours truly. So I'll just summarize each of the two individual games for the Tigers. 

Nothing but wins. We surely have lived up to the No. 1 seed. 

After Mark Ekren's public comments about how a pedestrian mishap was almost a certainty at the new facility, new safeguards were in place. Did UMM take charge of this? There are three government-based entities involved. Don't tell me there isn't some potential for conflict with this. 

Anyway, the powers-that-be, whoever they are, decided no more parking in the non-paved area between two of the fields. That place had gotten packed previously. Yes, kind of a zoo. 

Is the new situation that much better? Parked cars line the sides of the road going out to the bypass. Prairie Lane? Isn't there kind of a safety danger with this too? You have to look for people coming in and out between the vehicles. Meanwhile the cars driving along that road are going faster than they would in town. The same concern exists for the Morris cross country invitational: cars lining the shoulders along a state highway. 

When in doubt, slow down. That's what "Coach Ek" would want you to do. I enjoyed my relationship with him in my newspaper years. I can overlook the green of Breckenridge. I learned to dislike that color. 

I arrived on bike Tuesday and walked toward the outfield seating area. Watching from the outfield? A fair number of fans appear to be choosing this. Do they really prefer this vantage point? I'd say not. Problem is, attractive viewing opportunities are quite limited. That has been my No. 1 criticism. 

The area behind home plate is too small and among the fans there, many cannot get a full view of the playing field. I have tested those sight lines when the place is empty. Haven't gotten arrested yet. 

Oh, and then I saw a table set up a fair distance away. I had no intention of passing by it. But then it dawned on me: they're charging admission! Oh my. It's going to be hard catching all the fans for this, because they can arrive from varying directions. I feel for the person manning the table. I think it was Lenora Waddell who does yeoman's work. I didn't get close enough to be sure. 

I departed quickly and moved on. Got some popcorn for a snack at Willie's Super Valu. Meanwhile the MACA softball team was taking care of business against two opponents. First they dispatched winless ACGC 10-0 in a predictable outcome. Then it was on to face Montevideo, the Thunder Hawks. The game had an identical complexion to the previous one. The score this time: 11-1. 

So are the Tigers on their way to state? Keep an eye on the teams from southern Minnesota, they can be very difficult to beat. I'm not sure why. Keep an eye on Pipestone.

 

Tigers 11, Montevideo 1

Our win over the T-Hawks saw our bats resonate for eleven hits. This was a Section 3AA-North winners bracket game. My, we scored in every inning! 

Our line score was eleven runs, eleven hits and zero errors - perfection. Monte was held to five hits by the pitching of Brienna Dybdahl. She struck out two batters and walked two in her six innings. Monte used two pitchers: Megan Anderson (pitcher of record) and Kassey Pauling. 

A number of offensive standouts for us, like LaRae Kram: three hits including a double, two stolen bases, three runs scored and an RBI. Brianna Marty was on base constantly with her three walks received and a hit. This Tiger scored three runs and drove in one. 

Emma Bowman stroked a pair of doubles and accumulated three RBIs. Makenna Hufford had a hit and a stolen base, plus she walked, scored a run and drove in a run. Sydney Dietz went one-for-three with a stolen base, a walk received and a run. 

Katelyn Wehking had a hot bat with three hits and three RBIs. She stole two bases and scored a run. Hannah Fischer stole a base, walked twice and scored a run. And Courtney Lehman had a stolen base and run scored.

 

Tigers 10, ACGC 0

Odds were high this game would only go five innings, and sure enough. Makenna Hufford made a statement in the first inning with a home run, a two-run job. Brianna Marty connected for an RBI single in the fifth to enact the ten-run rule. We made a big push toward that outcome in the fourth: six runs. 

Dybdahl's pitching arm did the work in this game too. She struck out two batters in her four innings. Yasmin Westerman pitched the fifth and allowed no hits.

 

Spiritual concern

Is the Christian faith turning into the QAnon faith? The trend appears to be growing, whether you all like it or not. Quite possibly some of you are on board with the disturbing direction. There are some quite conservative churches in the Morris area. 

For those who take a deep breath and try to seek demonstrated truth, where are we to go? I mean, if we feel discouraged from being part of Christianity anymore? I really have to wonder. Does the Christian faith today exist to promote Donald Trump? Or his associates like Michael Flynn? 

If so many Christians can be this ignorant and clueless, what is to become of our cherished faith? Beware false prophets. But many in the flock wouldn't listen to me.

- Brian Williams - morris mn minnesota - bwilly73@yahoo.com