World Championship of Pinochle crowns Thill championBrian Thill, Sioux Falls, was crowned the 35th Annual World Pinochle Champion.The tournament was at the Magnolia Steak House Tuesday night, with 21 participants vying for the coveted title.George Houtsma, Sioux Falls, and Dennis Schneider, Avoca, came in second and third.Schneider was also the defending champion.Steve Top was the best qualifier for the night with 432 points in 24 hands.Bob Frakes, Tom Klein and Tom Serie came in 4th, 5th and 6th respectively.The winning team was a group of Sioux Falls contestants that included Thill, Marv Holte and Dick Ketterling.Last place honors were awarded to Dan Serie.Luverne grad is working hard to help New England Patriots obtain victoryOne Luverne graduate is working hard to insure the New England Patriots achieve a victory in this week’s Super Bowl.After attending University of Minnesota, Morris, Monti Ossenfort received an internship with the Minnesota Vikings; from there he went to graduate school at Ohio University, followed by another internship with the Houston Texans.Coincidentally, the Houston Texans play in Reliant Stadium, where the Super Bowl will be played this year.Which brings us to this year, when Ossenfort received another internship working in the scouting department for the New England Patriots.According to his mother Dianne, the team will leave for Houston on Thursday, and hopefully return victorious on Monday.The big question is: Who gets a Super Bowl ring? Monti told his parents he’s not sure who makes the cut for the rings, but if he gets one, we’ll get a picture of it next time he’s home.What’s at the Palace?If you’re looking for a movie to see this weekend, Eddie Murphy’s "Haunted Mansion" will be playing at the Palace.The plot centers around a workaholic, (Murphy) who visits a haunted house with his family during a job interview. While there, he meets a ghost that teaches him a lesson about the importance of the family that he has neglected.Show times are 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.Cash for kidsParents: Partners in Education (P.P.I.E.) would like your help in raising money.The group has aligned themselves with the Funding Factory Recycling Company.P.P.I.E. is collecting empty laser and inkjet printer cartridges and used cell phones in exchange for cash for school programs.If you would like to help the group, save your used inkjet or laser printer cartridges, place them in an old cartridge box or plastic baggy and drop them off at the Luverne Elementary School.Last year the project raised $1,850 and the group hopes to raise even more this year.Some of the items the money will go for include technology, playground equipment and classroom needs.The Funding Factory accepts over 300 different cartridges and cell phones.If you have any questions, contact Lisa Dinger at 283-4497.Magnus meeting canceledThe economic listening session scheduled with Reps. Doug Magnus and Greg Davids, (R-Preston), originally scheduled for last Monday had to be canceled because of weather.According to Dave Smith, Chamber of Commerce executive director, the upcoming legislative session will probably prevent Magnus from rescheduling until after the legislative session is over, which could possibly be in May.Publisher Roger Tollefson can be reached by e-mail at tolly@star-herald.com
