This weekend sure had a lot going on

Aug 11, 2023

With the Jackson County Fair, Brett Favre’s induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the first Packers game of the season which turned out to be a non-game and the Olympics, how much more excitement can you cram into one weekend?

Before the weekend even started, it was time for announcing the new Miss Jackson County and court. Congratulations to Miss Jackson County Alisha Quall, First Attendant Nevada Hanson, Second Attendant Chloe D’Huyvetter and Miss Congeniality Callie Durman.

I know from other years that there will be a lot of area people who will be bringing home ribbons and awards from the fair. Here is a preview. Shoutouts to the Hixton Lucky Clovers who participated in dog obedience: Mackenzie Shramek with Hunter (best overall for agility), Megan Bergerson with Toby (best overall for obedience) and Lauren Bergerson with Dexter — all lots of ribbons. Megan also McKenna Jarrett with an outstanding on her miniature garden and first on her fluffy sheep cupcakes.

Can’t wait to hear the final results on all the rest. As someone who wasn’t privileged to belong to 4-H when I was a kid, I can’t possibly know all the work and fun that is involved with all the fair activities — all who enter are commended for their dedication.

There were a lot of Packer fans there in spirit but super Packer fan Samuel Ripp and mom Lisa took the trip to be at Brett Favre’s induction to the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, in person. Looks like a lot of Packer fans had the same idea. Lisa said it was an amazing trip. They hadn’t planned to be at the football game and were already on the way home when it was announced that the game would be cancelled due to unsafe field conditions.

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It was class reunion time this past weekend, attended by Toni Nelson, Diane Cain, Bruce and Janet Osegard who graduated from Taylor High School.

A lot of area folks were enjoying the fine weather, family, food and fun at the Simonson reunion.

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This seems to be the year for a bumper crop of blackberries this summer.

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Shooting Tigers participated at the National SCTP shoot in Marergo in July. Hunter Hurst was a member of the team. Congrats.

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The Wild Tigers Girls Ball team played in the Arkdale Chicks Tourney for their last tournament together. Composed of members from BRF and Blair, participants with Hixton ties were Ari Charles, Addy West and Anna Lien.

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As in past weeks, there has been some interesting things showing up in my e-mail and I’ve been doing a lot of wondering. Well it happened again — this time I got an e-mail with a bunch of pictures from someone from this area who I didn’t know. Checked into it just in case it was some news item or something. The person who did send it wasn’t aware that my name was on the e-mail that went out, but the real kicker was that the pictures were taken in a hotel that is supposedly haunted. Makes you wonder, doesn’t it?

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It was a wonderful time for the Cain family to welcome home for a visit Cortney and Erick. They picked a great time for a home visit — just in time for a visit to the Jackson County Fair with Carmen and the twins. And they even got an opportunity to join in the fun of helping out during a blueberry picking Saturday. Welcome home, Cortney and Erick.

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Speaking of coming home, we sure have been enjoying having TJ and Jason home for a few days over the weekend. Them getting days off at the same time is a rare treat. They both work out, so they have been taking advantage of the wonderful Lunda Community Center several times, and Dad sprung for lunch out while on a road trip that was perfect weather-wise. It isn’t a family visit without lots of hiking for them and nighttime movie marathons and we are enjoying every minute of it. Of course TJ’s cats add to the hilarity of it all. Will hate to see them leave.

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Time for the Fall Trap League for the Hixton Rod & Gun Club — six week, two person teams getting together on Tuesday nights from Aug. 2 to Sept. 13 with the Fun Night/Make-up Night on Sept. 20. For more information call (715) 299-8866. If I remember correctly, isn’t the annual Field Day coming up, as well?

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One of my favorite sections of the newspaper is the announcements of engagements and weddings. Best wishes to Greg and Melissa Berndt on their recent marriage, and to Hannah Fendt and Samuel Ripp on their engagement and upcoming wedding, All the happiness in the world to you all.

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Happy birthday Finnegan James Carlson on Aug. 6. And a little bird told me that Amanda Hudson’s birthday is on Aug. 17. Hope it’s happy, Amanda.

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Grace Nordahl knows how to celebrate a birthday — by having a birth week. It started early with a couple’s supper out in Eau Claire, then a visit to La Crosse to visit the replicas of the Nina and Pinta for a little history, the birthday itself traveling to Minneapolis for some retail therapy and then ending with an excursion to Bayfield. Having a birth week seems to be working — that girl doesn’t age. Now Grace says she has to stay home and behave herself — at least for a week before off to other adventure. Happy birthday, er birthweek, Gracie.

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Congratulations to new officers at the Northfield Legion Post 541: Past Post Commander Rolfe Nelson, Commander-elect Dennis Moe, Finance Officer Daryl Lee, Sergeant of Arms Becky Kitelinger and Lyle Bollinger, Vice Commander Ron Larson and Chaplain Bernard Olson

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The Rowekamp family attended the “Get Up and Go” Concert in Madison, put on by PBS Kids, which was filmed live, and Kielyn Rowekamp was captured on film. Exciting times.

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You have to know the summer is scooting by. I was surprised to hear that it was already going to be time for the annual roast beef and pork dinner held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Aug. 10, serving from 4-7 p.m. This is the one to go to if you like roast beef and pork, with all the fixin’s including those yummy rutabagas and garden fresh sides. Another calling card is the huge variety of homemade pies that are available. Hopefully there will still be raffle tickets available at the door with prizes of $500, $250, a quilt and five prizes of $50. This event is co-sponsored by Catholic Family Insurance and proceeds will go toward various charities.

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Free Movie in the Park on Aug. 10 — “Zootopia” at the Lunda Community Park from 6-8 p.m. Concessions available for purchase, bring a blanket and/or lawn chairs and crafts games and other entertainment will be there. This fun night is sponsored by CCU.

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Aug. 13-20 will be the World Barefoot Waterskiing Championships held at the Blue Moo located between Alma Center and Hixton. The top barefoot waterskiers in the world will be in attendance. The event will include the top 50 junior skiers ages 7 to 17, seniors skiers ages 35 and older and the top 50 elite skiers vying for the title of world champion. Opening ceremonies will be starting at the Blue Moo on Aug. 13 starting at 5 p.m. Finals will take place all day Saturday, Aug. 20 ending with the top jumpers in the world skiing under the lights. Live music from the Mark Croft Band, food and refreshments available.

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Speaking of the Blue Moo, the lake and barefoot skiing championships are featured in an article in the newest issue of “OurWisconsin” magazine.

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It’s time again for the 53rd annual York Rodeo coming up on Aug. 13-14 at Kinning Memorial Park just outside Northfield. Co-ed softball tournament held Friday through Sunday. Saturday’s events start with the Dave Olson Memorial Tractor Ride Sign up at 9 a.m., ride starts at 10 a.m.; registration fee of $10 includes meal ticket. Pony pull is at 11 a.m., horse pull is at 1 p.m. and crowning the Rodeo Princess is at 7 p.m.

Live Music by SAGE from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. For Sunday: parade at 11:30 a.m., rodeo at 1 p.m., games for kids, horseshoe tournament, music by Piano Man from 1- 5 p.m. and raffle with $1,000 for first prize. Both days feature charcoal chicken, brats, hot dogs, hot turkey sandwiches, bingo, root beer floats and ice cream sundaes.

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Them Coulee Boys will be at the Concert in the Park at the Bandshell on Tuesday, Aug. 16 at 7 p.m. They will have their new CD available to purchase. That is also the date of and part of the Jackson Electric Cooperative Picnic.

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I’ve Learned ... “Love is just a word until someone comes along to give it meaning.” — Marc Mero

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Word of the Week: je ne sais quois — a certain pleasing elusive quality.

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Natural High: Enjoying my boys’ visit.

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Tip of the Week: Another good reason to grow your own basil besides adding yummy goodness to your Italian dishes? Insects with wings are repelled by the smell of basil, so it is a natural fly repellent. If you grow it outside, that should help deter those annoying buzzing pests.

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Fun Fact of the Week: The sun evaporates about a trillion tons of water a day.

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Cream Cheesy Chicken Taquitos

3 cups cooked shredded chicken

6 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/3 cups sour cream

1/2 cups salsa

1 1/2 cups colby jack cheese

1 1/2 cups chopped baby spinach, stems removed

12 6-inch corn tortillas

vegetable or canola oil, for frying

Heat a half inch of oil in a sauce pan on medium heat. In a large bowl mix together the chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, salsa, co-jack and spinach. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Once oil is hot enough (place hand over pan, above oil, to feel heat), add a few tablespoons of chicken/cream cheese mixture to the center of a tortilla and spread out. Roll up and set seam side down in oil using tongs. Cook until golden brown on both sides.

Repeat until all the tortillas are filled, rolled and fried. Set on paper towels to drain. Serve warm.

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Lemon Ice Box Cake

Cake:

2 packages instant lemon pudding mix

1 (8 ounces) container Cool Whip

3 cups whole milk

1 (16 ounce) package graham crackers

Lemon Frosting:

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened

2 cups powdered sugar

2 tablespoons milk

2 tablespoons lemon juice

Line a 9-by-13-inch pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, then cover completely with one layer of graham crackers, breaking the grahams into smaller pieces to fill gaps.

In a large bowl, combine pudding packets, Cool Whip, and milk, and pour half of mixture evenly over grahams.

Add another layer of graham crackers, top with remaining pudding mixture, and one final layer of graham crackers.

In a separate bowl, combine all frosting ingredients. Start with one cup of powdered sugar and add more until frosting is at desired consistency.

Spread frosting evenly over cake, cover and freeze for at least four hours or overnight. Remove from freezer. Slice, serve and enjoy.

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Quote of the week: “Enjoy the day, for today’s moments become tomorrow’s memories.”

Lori Johnson

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