May 2023
Hot Dog Days
Saturday 1st street was full of people enjoying the warm weather and hot dogs while supporting local organizations. Convivencia Hispana - Watonwan were one of the many organizations cooking up hot dogs on Saturday for Hot Dog Days. Sarah Shelander
Count down is on
T-minus five days until St. James area students are out of school for summer and nine days until the class of 2023 walks across the stage to accept their diploma.
The End is Near, Then It’s Here
A few days ago I sat next to some fine people at the Windom School Board meeting, the bunch of us waiting for our names to be read off. I wouldn’t say that attending a school board meeting has always been a comfortable experience, nor would hearing my name read off a list always generated warm, fuzzy feelings.
JERRY OMMODT
siblings; and in-laws. Jerry Ommodt, 81, of rural Butterfield passed away peacefully with family by his side on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at Mayo Health Systems in St.
ROBERT JAMES
Seattle - Bob celebrated his 80th birthday last August with friends, family and some of his favorite foods. It was the party he wanted. He was born to Latimer and Amy James in St. James where he was raised along with younger sisters Suzanne James McQuary and Nancy James Fox. He passed away in Seattle on March 24, 2023. He pledged Theta Xi fraternity upon entering Washington State University where he received a B.A. and M.S. He completed his Ph.D. in Botany at UC Berkeley. He loved nature, the outdoors, and gardening. His interest in wine production and varietals began here. He was a post-doc at
DELORES MAE (BOWERS) BOTTEM
Delores Mae (Bowers) Bottem, 90, peacefully went to be with her Lord on May 4, 2023, with family members at her side. Her death followed two months after the loss of her husband of 70 years.
HAROLD T. TREBESCH
Harold T. Trebesch, 91, of Sleepy Eye passed away on Sunday, May 21, 2023.
Lion King Junior
Cast picture of this year’s Northside play Lion King Junior. (not in order) Rafikis: Nicole Garcia, Ariannie Galdamez, Jessica Chavez, Hilda Rodriguez Callejas, Haddie Erickson-Selman; Mufasa: Erick Olguin Zamarripa; Sarabi Erick Rodriguez; Zazu: James Connell; Scar: Charles Flores; Young Simba: Knox Barrett; Young Nala: Harmoni Rodriguez; Shenzi: Cecilia Miranda; Banzai: Charlie Sauer; Ed: Christian Larson; Timon: Melina Delgado-Garcia; Pumbaa: Owen Eischen; Nala: Allie Winrich; Hyenas: Thomas Berg, Makya Keosaksith, Ileigh Lehman, Ryder Norland, Glory Pena, Adrian Rios, Abrahma Rodriguez, Cali Silverman; Lionesses; Ella Carlson, Ariana Carrillo, Ella Flohrs, Gemma Garibay, Morgan Reid, Sawyer Schmidt, Faibelin Tema Lopez; Wildebeests: Nestor Diaz Parra, Ariyah Moriel, Jacey Sodeman, Thomas Wolner, Emily Esqueda, Blayze Pecker-Turner, Aubrianna Schreiber, Jaxson Sturm, Briella Kreel, Kaylin Perez Tema, Marshall Smith, Lauren Sturm, Kris Vite; Elephants: Zacarias Aguilar, Elijah Burman, Eduardo Carrillo, Kallie Ringen, Zaiden Schroeder, Giana Veigel, Erick Vite; Giraffes: Aralyn Brekken, Britany Cruz Funez, Anevay Moriel, Alexandra Rodriguez Callejas, Audrey Wilson; Hornbills: Cadence Berg, Emma Bottin, Sadie Holden, Olivia Monnens, Aryanna Rollof, Brynlee Winrich; Leopards: Jilien Brekken, Nelia Flores, Kelsey Galdamez, Sophia Roza, Kacia Sandbo, Aubrey Steinle, Allie Winkelman; Stage Crew: Dacen Anderson, Lezi Hatfield, and Lincoln Kern. Susan Bottin
Memorial Day Programs Monday
Deb Grote Watonwan County Veterans Service Officer St. James’ traditional Memorial Day program will be held on Monday, May 29. The program will be at the St. James American Legion at 10 a.m. on Memorial Day, followed by lunch. It is open to the public, and lunch is free.
Council sets date for 4th of July Fireworks as July 2
St. James City Council meet on Tuesday, May 16. This year’s fireworks show was brought back on the table to be discussed. Discussion on what day and company the city wants to do the fireworks started on Feb. 21. St. James’ current company it uses for the fireworks has July 1 and 2 available, the council asked City Manager Amanda Glass to ask other companies what they had available to try and get the show to be on July 4.