DigElogROCORI

Jerry Sparby #2 * A TRIBUTE TO A ROCORI ICON

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In part two of our exclusive interview with Cold Spring Elementary Principal Jerry Sparby, Jerry discusses the path that led him to coming to Cold Spring, MN.  He shares the transformation that took place in the early days of his joining the ROCORI school district.  He looks back at the past very fondly. Although Mr. Sparby will be leaving the school district, his love and dedication to the families he served will not be forgotten. Stay tuned for part three of his amazing story.

SEE PART #1 OF JERRY'S STORY
*  If you are a parent, grandparent or concerned adult who has to work with or raise kids, this is a 6 minute interview you won't want to miss.  Jerry Sparby hits the mark here by providing concise recommendations that he spent 37 years wrapping his arms around every day.

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This story has been sponsored by Tom Graham, your Cold Spring State Farm agent.  If you are trying to save money on combined auto and home insurance, be sure to check with Tom on what State Farm® has available.  Remember, take care of your family's tomorrow by making plans today.  "Like a good neighbor, State Farm® is there." Conveniently located in downtown Cold Spring, give Tom a call at 320-685-3672.

View other stories sponsored by Tom Graham Insurance Agency Inc.

"ON THE BANKS OF PLUM CREEK" * July 13, 2005

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It's now been over 3 years since Duane Kuss, creator/inventor/publisher of the DigElog Network began an experiment with publishing videos to an online blog.  It was during the summer of 2005, Duane first created his own personal video blog called, My Stories Of Life  Since that time the DigElog Network has published over 1,600 video stories online.  This story has us joining the Kuss family as they embark on a visit to Walnut Grove, MN.  The story is unique from a technical perspective in that Duane incorporates the use of video off of a digital still camera as a part of your Walnut Grove online experience.  Even the footage you'll see here of the community play held each evening during the summer was captured using the same digital still camera.

Here's how the story was titled back on July 13th, 2005

Laura Ingalls Wilder lived 1.5 miles north of Walnut Grove along the banks of Plum Creek from 1874 to 1876. Charles and Caroline Ingalls settled on the property in May 1874 declaring their intent to homestead it. Laura later in life would write a series of books that included, "On the Banks of Plum Creek". Take a mini video journey back into the life and story of Laura Ingalls Wilder. My lovely wife Bette read the book to the rest of the family before we headed down to Walnut Grove and the "Wilder Pageant". This became a wonderous step back in time for the entire family.

Jerry Sparby #1 * A TRIBUTE TO A ROCORI ICON

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In this story you’ll hear from Jerry Sparby (Mr.Hugs), the principal of Cold Spring Elementary for the past 37 years. Upon the announcement of his retirement, DigElog ROCORI sat down with Mr. Sparby and asked him about his legacy in Cold Spring, his teaching philosophy, and some of the highlights of his career.  In part one of his story, Jerry discusses his philosophy on children’s needs. He illustrates the importance of giving children choices as well as their need to feel connected to others. Stay tuned to DigElog ROCORI for part two of this powerful interview. 

*  If you are a parent, grandparent or concerned adult who has to work with or raise kids, this is a 6 minute interview you won't want to miss.  Jerry Sparby hits the mark here by providing concise recommendations that he spent 37 years wrapping his arms around every day.

Other Stories With Jerry Sparby:

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This story has been sponsored by Tom Graham, your Cold Spring State Farm agent.  If you are trying to save money on combined auto and home insurance, be sure to check with Tom on what State Farm® has available.  Remember, take care of your family's tomorrow by making plans today.  "Like a good neighbor, State Farm® is there." Conveniently located in downtown Cold Spring, give Tom a call at 320-685-3672.

View other stories sponsored by Tom Graham Insurance Agency Inc.

 

What's Your 4th Of July Story? TWO EXAMPLES

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In our last City Update, we discussed the use of common sense on the 4th of July. In this story, you’ll hear two unique stories as Rena Weber and Dan Coughlin tell us about experiences they’ve had on the 4th of July. If you’ve got a unique 4th of July story e-mail us at DigElog ROCORI and your story could be featured on the web site. We hope that everybody out there has a safe and happy 4th of July!


BUCKETS OF COOKIES ON THE 4TH

WATCHING FIREWORKS ACROSS 35 CITIES

How To Say "THANK YOU" To Our Soldiers

 
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The  sign we are using is intended to communicate
      "thank you from the bottom of my heart. "

      

To make the sign simply place your hand on your heart
as though you're saying the Pledge of Allegiance. Then
pull your hand down and out, bending at the elbow
(not the wrist), stopping for a moment at about the belly button with your hand flat, palm up, angled toward the person you're thanking.

      

According to Norman Heimgartner, Ed.D., author of “Behavioral Traits of Deaf Children” and former Professor of Education at the University of Puget Sound, this sign originated in France in the late 1700’s, and was published in “Theorie des Signes”, a dictionary of signs by the Abbe Sicard.  The sign was brought to the United States in 1816 by the Reverend Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, founder of Gallaudet University, who later modified it to start at the chin rather than at the heart.  That sign is now the standard sign for “thank you” in American Sign Language.  The original sign, starting at the heart, is less commonly known today and might now be considered “slang”.  For more information on American Sign Language, please see www.aslta.org.

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For the past several years as I've been traveling around the country, I've been approaching Soldiers in airports and thanking them for serving for us. On several occasions I have noticed that it felt a little awkward for both of us. There are several reasons, some of which I am even just now learning as I produce this film and talk to more Service Men & Women and Veterans. But they have always appreciated being thanked, and I have always felt better having expressed my gratitude.

      

I started to think that it would be nice if civilians had a gesture or sign that they could use to say "thank you" quickly and easily without even having to approach. I did some research and found the sign that we are now using.

   

Is this limited to the military? Not at all. If you look around you I'm sure that you'll find lots of people who are serving their communities, from local to global. If you appreciate their service, give them a sign. Say "thank you from the bottom of my heart."

   

-Scott Truitt, FOUNDER, The Gratitude Campaign

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OTHER DigElogROCORI MILITARY STORIES:

Joe Willenbring's Ancestors Come To America

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Meet Richmond native Joe Willenbring and his wife Renee during a recent interview in their home.  Joe tells the story of his great grandfather Willenbring who came to America from Germany.  His great grandfather was a cooper or barrel maker and his job was to travel aboard the ship carrying barrels to the United States from Germany.  While at sea, he kept the barrels watered down so that they would be ready for immediate use once they arrived in the States. 

This is a story of courage and despair when great grandfather Willenbring decides to stay in America with the intention of preparing for his wife and four children to come sometime later.  After homesteading in Iowa and building a small log cabin, Willenbring sent word back to Germany for his wife to bring their family to America.  But great grandmother and her four children would never again see great grandfather.  It's an amazing story about the capacity of the human spirit to persevere in times of great hardship and strife.

See Other Joe Willenbring Stories:
Joe Willenbring receives 2007 Hometown Pride Award

Grace Kellner - "The Pop Factory"

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Meet Grace Kellner who has lived in Cold Spring all of her life, some 93 years.  Grace talks about living on the land directly across the Sauk River from what used to be Cold Spring Granite at the base of the natural spring that flows out of the hills to the south.  Hear how her father ran the "Pop Factory" and distributed Cold Spring Spring Water Pop to stores, bars and restaurants all around the area. Find out what happened to the "Pop Factory" when the Cold Spring Granite dam blew up just a few hundred yards away.

Do you recognize this symbol?  You'll be surprised how this symbol was associated with the Cold Spring POP FACTORY and how history can change the perceptions of society both locally and internationally.

OTHER "LAND OF ROCORI" HISTORICAL STORIES

Draft Horses "The Horse Power Of Yesterday"

The Bridge Of Memories

A Tribute To HERBIE THEIS

1894 Tornado That Hit Cold Spring

A Cold Spring SPRINGERS Baseball Moment

Searching For Coal

   

Eden Valley Fox Hunt... on snowmobiles

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So you probably have heard about the English Fox Hunt... where men ride horses and follow their dogs who chase down the poor helpless fox.  But have you ever heard about the Eden Valley Fox Hunt where men chase foxes with snowmobiles and catch them in their bare hands by their tip of their tails. Yes, as bizarre as this may sound, it really happened just outside the town of Eden Valley, MN.  USA. 

This video story will be one you don't soon forget.  A big thank you goes out to the Plantenberg family of Richmond, MN for sharing this story with the "Land Of ROCORI".
   
Here's the lyrics to the song that goes with the story:


The Hill-Dillies

Eden Valley Fox Hunt

Yoiks! Tally-ho and let 'em go!
In the town of Eden Valley, they say
the Chamber of Commerce met one day
to get ideas and find a way
to raise a little dough-ho, dough-ho, dough-ho
to get ideas and find a way
to raise a little dough-ho.

Snowmobile races are lots of fun.
Let's have a little different kind of one.
We'll take a red fox and let him run
and then we'll run him down-oh, down-oh, down-oh.
We'll take a red fox and let him run
and then we'll run him down-oh.

Well, the newspapers, radio and TV
publicized it nationally.
We never had so much publicity
since Hubert left Washing-town-oh, town-oh, town-oh.
We never had so much publicity
since Hubert left Washing-town-oh.

The (?) with the Governor met
and to Eden Valley they sent a threat.
If the race goes on, to our regret,
we'll have to shut it down-oh, down-oh, down-oh.
If the race goes on, to our regret,
we'll have to shut it down-oh.

Mr. Plantenberg from the Chamber said
our Chamber treasury is in the red
you can tell LeVander he can just drop dead
and the show it must go on-oh, on-oh, on-oh
you can tell LeVander he can just drop dead
and the show it must go on-oh.

Well, Governor LeVander was thus involved,
a very strange situation evolved.
The mystery is still unsolved
where the $98 million went-ho, went-ho, went-ho
The mystery is still unsolved
where the $98 million went-ho.

Now, the humane society sent a man
to implement the Governor's plan.
Mr. Davis stood as the foxes ran
with his tears all a-tricklin' down-oh, down-oh, down-oh.
Mr. Davis stood as the foxes ran
with his tears all a-tricklin' down-oh.

Perhaps you don't know how it feels
bein' chased by 20 snowmobiles?
Gettin' ground up in the bogie wheels,
bleedin' all over the snow-ho, snow-ho, snow-ho.
Gettin' ground up in the bogie wheels
and bleedin' all over the snow-ho.

Well, it's nice to know our taxes are used
to see that foxes aren't abused.
The Minnesota Indians were quite amused
as they sat in their huts and they froze-oh, froze-oh, froze-oh.
The Minnesota Indians were quite amused
as they sat in their huts and they froze-oh.

Stearns county, as a last resort,
took the Eden Valley to Chamber to court.
Doerner threw it out for lack of support
'cause the foxes didn't show-ho, show-ho, show-ho.
Doerner threw the case out for lack of support
'cause the foxes didn't show-ho.

Meet Wildlife Artist SCOT STORM

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                SCOT STORM, who  lives near Freeport, MN and
                grew up near Walker in northern Minnesota, is
                one of this nation’s most decorated wildlife
                artists. It all began when he was a child,
                doodling and drawing Disney and cartoon
                characters.

                Check Out Scot's Website
   

Minnesota 13, Part 1

   
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This story features part one of a two-part interview with St. Cloud State professor and author of the book Minnesota 13, Elaine Davis. Elaine was gracious enough to give DigElog ROCORI a brief interview about her new book, which chronicles Stearns County’s involvement in producing moonshine during the prohibition era. She will also be involved with the first annual membership meeting of the Cold Spring Historical Society on Monday October 22, 2007 held at Assumption Campus (John Paul Apartments 6:30 p.m.).  Stay tuned to DigElog ROCORI for the final installment of this fascinating story. 

For more information about purchasing a copy of the book, visit the website: http://minnesota13.us/index.html

Alise Post- Champion BMX Rider

   
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This past week we visited the world-class BMX champion Alise Post to watch her practice out at Riverview Park BMX track in Saint Cloud. The Riverview Park recently hosted a national competition and it is open Monday and Thursday evenings for practices. This story features an interview with Alise, and it also shows that with the appropriate atmosphere, BMX riding can be a great family activity.

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This story was sponsored by Stonecrafters located just west of the Suburban Health Club on highway 23 and county road 122 between Rockville and St. Cloud. Their new 22,000 sq. ft. fabrication facility became fully operational in the fall of 2002. It is one of the most modern plants in the upper Midwest. All of their machines are computerized with touch screen operations, assuring accurate and precise cutting and polishing.
   
Click Here To See Other Stonecrafters Sponsored Stories

Brother Paul Richard's Boys' Choir Retirement Party

   
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This summer, after 26 years, Brother Paul Richards, dreamer, founder, director, visionary, promoter and leader of the St. John's Boys' Choir of Central Minnesota has stepped down from his position with the group.  He leaves behind a positive legacy that this story only skirts the very edge of the iceberg seen above the water... let alone the 90% of the iceberg left unseen below the water.

The text below was taken from the Boys' Choir Website, submitted by Brother Paul last year.

Visit the St. John's Boys' Choir Website

Click Here To See The St. John's Boys Choir Perform Star Gatherer

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Dear Friends,

The saying that suggests ‘history has a way of repeating itself,’ rings true for The St. John’s Boys’ Choir. In 1981, the Choir was founded to provide opportunities for boys while bringing extraordinary music to area residents.

We stayed true to our mission, building a viable organization with sustaining impact on Choir members, families, teachers and others associated with The St. John’s Boys’ Choir.

To say that I am proud of the Choir’s achievements would be a serious understatement. Our music program is solid; we have earned a strong national and international reputation. Though always a challenge, our financial position promotes long-term viability. Friends have been generous and we have successfully entered the realm of grants and fundraising (keep those critical dollars coming).

In addition to our strengths in music and finances, I must commend the boys and their families for their hard work and, sometimes, difficult decisions made in order to meet the demands and responsibilities associated with being part of the Choir. The administrative and professional staff, student workers, Board of Directors, members of the Abbey community….all playing critical roles in the ongoing story of The St. John’s Boys’ Choir.

The 26th Season brings another milestone to the Choir’s rich and varied history. The Choir commissioned world-renowned Minnesota composer Stephen Paulus to prepare an opera which would feature boys as the major characters. Working with celebrated librettist Gene Sheer of New York, The Star Gatherer, was developed and celebrated with its world debut by The St. John’s Boys’ Choir at Saint John’s University.

This performance is indicative of the Choir’s growth and continued desire to bring great gifts of music and culture to the good people of central Minnesota.

You are all stars.
Blessings,

Br. Paul Richards, O.S.B.
Music Director

A 1933 All Terrain Vehicle

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The year was 1960 and Daune Kuss was faced with the challenge of how to most practically navigate his woodland property in northern Minnesota. After years of dragging deer out of the woods using raw muscle and sweat, he knew there had to be a better way. The solution... a 1933 International Harvester F-12.

A tractor that started with a crank and ran on everything from kerosene to fuel oil. A tractor that could run over 4" Aspen trees and create its own trail through the woods.  And here's the rest of the story... the tractor is still running and in use today.

ROCORI Choir Director Dee Holsinger's Final Concert

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How does one say thank you to so many?  Her career at ROCORI started in 1977.  Dee Holsinger had just moved here from San Francisco.  Everyone seemed so caucasian and she couldn't pronouce most of the names.  It took her a year before someone actually convinced here that people really do "pick rocks".

This story features an interview with Dee just before her final concert.  It also features a display of her magic as she directs the kids and encourages them to give their very best.  Have the tissue box handy, there's probably going to be a few tears before you finish watching this one.

Dee leaves ROCORI after 30 years in the Middle School.  Here's a paragraph she wrote on her last performance program:

I leave hoping along the way I've made a difference.  I know all of you have made a tremendous difference in my life.  Rocori is still my "community".  You are my friends and support system.  Thank you, thank you to students, former students, parents, grandparents, and teaching staff for 30 years of something very amazing.  I love Rocori.  It is in my veins and my heart forever.  I don't leave with sadness, I leave with a true senses of love.

Dee Holsinger

Elsa Fauch * Life In Isabella, MN

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Meet Elsa Fauch who lives just south of Richmond, MN.  Elsa tells her story that involves being born in northern MN in the early 1900's in the town of Isabella, MN.  Hear how here biological mother struggled to bring 7 children into the world and then passed away before she was 30 years old.  Elsa also tells a great story about attending school during the depression years and what living in poverty was like back then.

Connecting People's Stories Together : Dan Westerhaus

Hi, I am a ROCORI grad from 2003 and I'm just hoping to get in touch with the moderator of this website. Considering the horrific events at Virginia Tech 2 days ago, it really hit close to home for me; I was hoping I could maybe share some stories of rememberence of the goodness of people in the towns of Rockville, Cold Spring, and Richmond.

I viewed some recent cross country footage on this site, and I remember running for Jim Meyer's ROCORI team from 1998-2003, and I feel that he deserves some recognition as a town hero. He was a passionate coach full of wisdom and it wasn't even as if he was our coach, but rather a true friend who wanted to see us succeed in life no matter if we took first or last in any given race.

Next I saw the picture of Matt Hesse who is a close friend, yet it has been over a year since I've talked to him due to his location overseas. To be honest it is four in the morning and I don't even know why I'm writing this, regardless I feel it is necessary and I have a very hopeful outlook for the future of ROCORI and I hope to get in touch with some of my former classmates.

Dan Westerhaus
dtwester@yahoo.com

"Will Spring Ever Come?"

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On two different occastions already during the first two weeks of April in the year 2007, what looked like Spring became Winter over night.  During a time when you'd like to be thinking of tulips and birds nesting, Old Man Winter keeps whacking us with his beastly surprises  As traumatc as this can be for you and me, have you ever thought about what it must be like for the first robins who come back to Minnesota ready to build a nest and raise a new family.  This story will help you relate to the plight of our feather bearing friends in a Winter-like snow storm.

Connecting People's Stories Together : Matt Hesse

Matt Hesse, son of Pat and Gene Hesse of Cold Spring, has been serving in Iraq for over a year now. Pat, Gene and I were sitting together at Herbie Theis's funeral a few weeks ago and were talking about the memorial feature we did on DigElogROCORI for Herbie.  A Tribute To Herbie Theis

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From: "Pat and Gene Hesse"
Date: Thu, March 01, 2007 3:01 pm
To: Duane Kuss

      Duane  You may or may not remember at lunch last Sat that I told you I forwarded the website for the Herb Memorial to my parents and my kids.  I talked to Matt on Sunday and he said he looked at it all but was just excited about the website. 

Being the Mom, I get the--Mom why didn't I know aboout this (DigElogROCORI) website.  This is great.  All the info is current.  He gets the record about a week late.  So it's all old news.  He was just fired up about it (website) and really thought he should have known about this sooner!!  So I just wanted you to know that and to thank you.  Anything that makes Matt feel more connected here makes his Mom very, VERY happy. 
Thanks aGAIN dUANE,   
Pat Hesse

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Have you got a DigElogROCORI story you'd like to tell?  Please share your story by contacting us.
insight@uslink.net

1964 Sauk River Flood

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In this story we take a look at the Sauk River which has been rising over the past few days as the result of 2-3 inches of rain in the area.  The rushing water over the dam in Cold Spring is the perfect introduction to this story told by Herb and Lorraine Hesse about the Sauk River Flood of 1964.  Herb and Lorraine own a trailer court just across the river on the south end of Cold Spring.

Have you ever paddled a boat to the back door of your home?  In this story, Herb and Lorraine's kids do just that.  Herb says it was a combination of thick ice on the river, two big snow storms very late in the winter and a quick thaw that pushed the river up and over its banks. 

1894 Tornado Hit Cold Spring

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In another of Herbie Theis's Legacy stories, we'll first hear about the old road that used to pass between the barn and the house on the Theis family homestead.  Then Herb will give his families first had version of the tornado that hit Cold Spring on June 27, 1894.  His great grandmother was standing, holding the front door shut as the tornado wiped out the barn not more than 200 feet just to the south of the house. 

The tornado moved on to take the Grasshopper Chapel, the Fuchs farm across the Sauk River, the Jacobs Prairie church and eventually caused extensive damage at St. John's University in Collegeville.  Someone in Collegeville, over 10 miles away from Cold Spring, found a grain sack that had blown from the Theis family farm.  The sack had the Theis family name on it and it was returned to the family a few days after the storm.

Herbie chokes up as he talks about how close his family came to being swept away by this massive storm cloud.  If the tornado had changed its path just 200 feet to the north it would have wiped out his entire family... meaning he would never have been born to be able to pass this story on to all of us.

Snowmobiling On Water

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The person who submitted this video to us was Ryan.
Here's Ryan's quote about snowmobiling on water...

"When first going for it you know that if you go down
there are going to be some big problems!!  It was just
me and my buddy Matt... no other spectators except a van
stopped with it's family on top of the bridge to
watch. Huge risk factor on the river and it gets your
heart pumping.  You even get short of breath when
thinking over it.  BUT THE FEELING GOING ACROSS IS
EXHILARATING. It was pretty neat that the snowmobile
didn't slow on the water, in fact it still accelerates
while going across.  A few trips across later I was
able to back off to half throttle."

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DigElogROCORI in no way encourages or endorses the use of snowmobiles on water.

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PS.  If you have footage of a special or extra ordinary event that you'd like to share on DigElogROCORI...
please contact us @  insight@uslink.net

A Tribute To Local Historian.. HERBIE THEIS

On Monday, February 19th, Herbert (Herbie) Theis passed away at Assumption Home in Cold Spring.  Herbie has been a featured guest many times here on DigElogROCORI and is well known as a Cold Spring area historian.  In 2004 Herbie was chosen as Hometown Pride citizen of the year in Cold Spring.  We'll miss Herbie dearly and we thank him for his contibution and the difference he made in the Land Of ROCORI.  He blessed so many people with his gift of love and caring compassion.  The following stories give just a glimpse into the special life of Herbie Theis.

See HERBIE'S Memorial

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DO YOU HAVE A "HERBIE THEIS" STORY TO SHARE?

"CLICK HERE" To Share Any Comments or Memories You Have Of HERBIE.

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Comments

Herbie was an icon in Cold Spring for most of his life. He left his mark on the world here in Cold Spring. We were better off with him, and we won't be the same without him.

His life was a beacon of light to all who know him. He personified love and grace. He was a rich example for us about how to love and serve God, and one another.

God Bless the soul of Herbie Theis.

Posted by: Brigetta Klemek | February 21, 2007 at 10:40 AM

It was Herbies story telling that really inspired me to eventually create this story telling site. I know Herbie is now looking down on us with a loving smile from his place in heaven. God blessed me by having the chance to know Herbie.

Posted by: Duane Kuss | February 21, 2007 at 07:32 AM

 

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Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Why Did They Come To America?

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I live in the little town of Cold Spring, Minnesota. Earlier this year I had the chance to interview Herbert ( HERBIE) Theis, a Cold Spring historian, who told me about how and why his family came to America in 1855. Herb was still living on the original homestead without any form of running water, indoor plumbing or indoor bathroom facilities. Herbie is a brilliant man with a real sense of life's purpose. It's a wonderful story.

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Thursday, June 16, 2005

House On The River    

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Herb (Herbie) Theis tells about his family's many encounters with native americans living on the banks of the Sauk River in Cold Spring, MN. Hear what daily life was like living in a sod shack in the late 1850's.

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Wednesday, August 10, 2005

Herb Theis... MY PURPOSE IN LIFE 

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Early in 2005 I had the chance to interview Herbert ( HERBIE) Theis, a local historian, who told me about many aspects of his life. At that time, Herbie had been diagnosed with cancer and wasn't expected to live more than a few months. Herb talks about his purpose in life and his nephew Tom tells about Herbie's philosophy of giving unto others. If only more of us could be like Herbie.


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November 22, 2005

The Day All Hell Broke Loose!

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The fall of 1940 was a warm one. In some ways similar to the fall of 2005.   With gardens still yielding vegetables well into October, winter seemed far away.

By midday November 11th, some areas of southeast Minnesota topped 60 degrees, but a huge storm was just to the west. Here in the Land of Rocori, the day was one where kids going to school wore little if any jackets. 

There was no "Doppler Weather Radar" back then.  Lots of folks didn't even have radios at home.  No one knew what was coming and how fast it would engulf everything in its path.

Herb Theis, Cold Spring local historian, tells his version of what took place that day... "The day when all hell broke loose!"

"Three storms collided and in a very short time they dumped a whole lot of snow." said Herb.  "Hunters up north got snowed in so bad they never made it back."

Listen to Herb tell about the two trains that collided in Watkins and how one of the train's whistle continued to blow on into the night until the fire in its steam engine belly finally died out in the blowing ice and snow.

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November 08, 2005

Herbie Theis "A philosophy of giving!"

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Herbert (Herbie) Theis has been a local Cold Spring Historian for many years.  His family was one of the first to settle in the Cold Spring area.

Over the years Herb, more fondly known as "Herbie" throughout Cold Spring, found many ways to volunteer and give back to his community. He worked with youth ministry at church, was a cub master and scout leader, and served as Wakefield Township treasurer for over 40 years. On weekends, Herb would visit local prisons and would council residents to discover and develop their spiritual lives.

In this story, Tom Mathies, Herbie's nephew tells a number of stories about how Herb gave of himself to people in need.  Herb talks about his family upbringing and the foundation in life it provided for him.

Why Geese Fly In A "V"?

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Have you ever wondered why geese fly in a "V" formation in the sky?  Why would mother nature or God create such a phenomena?  In this story you'll learn why and you'll also see how the behavior of geese can teach important lessons to humans and their relationships with one another.

Cold Spring SPRINGER History Snapshot 1900-1930

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Baseball has been a part of the "Land of ROCORI" as far back as anyone can remember.  This is a special story where to local historians Herb Hesse and Sel Theis sit down to talk about the earliest days they can remember watching the Cold Spring Springers on Sunday afternoons.

THINGS YOU WILL LEARN IN THIS STORY

So do you know what the present day Ball Park property was before it was used for baseball?  I think you'll be surprised to learn the answer to this question.

How about the name of the family in town that had enough kids to create their own ball team.  In fact, not only did they play together... but when they competed against the entire Cold Spring community team, they won the game.
 

Bud & Mary Ann Molin - GROWING UP IN THE DEPRESSION

                   

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Bud and Mary Ann Molin were born and raised in Central Minnesota. In this story they talk about growing up during the Depression.

Meet Bud and Mary Ann Molin Story

Jim Smoked Pot... Now His Voice Is Shot!

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My best friend Jim tells his story of battling with cancer after years of smoking pot. Jim has always had a close connection with nature and the out-of-doors.  Unfortunately, for most of his life, he tied together the enjoyment of mother nature with his addiction to smoking Marijuana.  This is a valuable story for anyone that has a habit of overindulging.  The story was created using two interviews, one at Jim's office and another at his favorite place to enjoy nature.  You won't forget this story of the heart.

Meet Bud and Mary Ann Molin

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In this story we'll meet Bud & Mary Ann Molin, long time St. Cloud residents.  Bud talks about his time in the military during World War II and being a part of the troops that hit the beaches of Normandy on D Day.  Mary Ann shares the long period of silence Bud had to go through before he could finally begin talking about what happened during the war.

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This story is sponsored by Backes Wood Products, LLC. in Richmond, Minnesota.  Your local resource for REAL-WOOD paneling, log siding, wood furniture, and other specialty wood products.  Backes Wood Products is located just north of the new water tower in Richmond.  Call 320-597-9663 for an appointment to visit their showroom. Check out their website @ Backes Wood Products Online

One Last Time In The Dome... TWINS BASEBALL GAME

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It was 100 degrees outside, but inside the dome it was comfortable in the mid 70's.  Yes, there's a new Minnesota Twins stadium going to be built in the next couple years, but this was one day that our family was happy to watch Major League Baseball in a dome.

In this story you'll join the Kuss family and their participation in a game on Sunday, July 30th, 2006, when the Minnesota Twins faced the league leading Detroit Tigers.  You'll experience all the great fun of going to a baseball game in the HHH dome and you'll even see a fantastic come from behind win by the Twins in the bottom of the 8th.

See Other Twins Stories:
Local Kirby Puckett Card Collector Remembers...

ROCORI Teacher Retires

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Comments

[Brigetta Klemek]

Herbie was an icon in Cold Spring for most of his life. He left his mark on the world here in Cold Spring. We were better off with him, and we won't be the same without him.

His life was a beacon of light to all who know him. He personified love and grace. He was a rich example for us about how to love and serve God, and one another.

God Bless the soul of Herbie Theis.

[Duane Kuss]

It was Herbies story telling that really inspired me to eventually create this story telling site. I know Herbie is now looking down on us with a loving smile from his place in heaven. God blessed me by having the chance to know Herbie.