A few weeks ago, it was a seasonally above warm weekend, so a friend of mine decided to host a backyard fire.
I got a ride over to his house, in a south Minneapolis neighborhood, and shortly after, a Minneapolis police officer approached us.
The cop asked us if we were planning on having a get together, and when we told him yes, he suggested we postpone it.

November brings with it the spirit of gratitude, reflection and anticipation of the holiday season. It is a time when many of us turn our attention to giving. When we think about where to direct our charitable donations and volunteer efforts, I believe we should first consider the places where we live, work and raise our families: our local communities.

At Praise Fellowship Church we have been developing a Christmas Theme with a Christmas Team. What I mean by a team is that as my wife Melanie and I have been serving together in pastoral ministry to the congregation, we have been able to receive pastoral assistants of Pastors Israel and Maleca Walters.

Grace Methodist Church in Kasson will host its 48th annual Jul Bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 7, The event is sponsored by the Grace Methodist Church Women, said Louise Anderson, although all church members help in putting it on. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The bazaar features a cookie walk, bake sale, crafts, Santa’s Workshop, and Granny’s Attic.

Preparations are underway for Christmas events in historic Wasioja on Sunday, Dec. 8.

BAPTIST
Anchor of Hope Church203 E. Main St., Dodge CenterA Seventh Day BaptistCongregationanchorofhopesdb.com10 a.m. Saturday,Worship Service11:30 a.m. Sabbath Schooldodgecentersdb.org• 374-6755

Question: I have some new drivers in our house. We got talking the other day and they didn’t know what “hand signals” were. Can you write about that to help inform others that might not be aware?
Answer: Congratulations on the new drivers. That is an exciting and concerning time as you help them get more experience and confidence as they undergo the process.

There was a Byron house fire on Nov. 25, whereby Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the 1800 block of 23rd St. NW.
A homeowner called 911 after observing flames and smoke from within the home’s walls near a wood-burning stove. Byron Fire Department and Kasson Fire Department arrived and extinguished the fire. The estimated damage is $100,000.
No one was injured in the fire.
 

A jury trial is set to begin Monday in the case of an 85-year-old man accused of driving away from a traffic stop, then resisting officers.
Joel Evens Thomas, of Claremont, faces one count each of fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle, a felony; and driving after revocation, having no vehicle insurance, obstructing the legal process and operating a vehicle with expired registration, all misdemeanors.