The Christian Post reports this most interesting item that y'all may find amusing: A teen's $54,000 bar tab may sound outrageous, but what is equally surprising is that a judge recently rules it’s the credit card company that will need to pay the huge bill.The $54000 bar tab story may sound like an exaggeration, but for this 16-year-old who decided to use his father’s credit card to have a fun night out, it’s anything but. The bar-spending spree story dates back to 2010 in the Kyoto District of Japan, when the male teen took the Platinum Express card and bought a massive amount of alcohol at different bars. Yet a recent judge ruling has found that it is the credit card company that will need to pay the fines — a combination of alcohol prices and club fees — and that the different club and bar owners should in fact be held responsible as well for allowing the 16-year-old to spend that much money. While it may indeed be a controversial ruling, it does seem to make a valid point.

     On the way to the home office, our Publisher found out that President Obama was caught with lipstick on his collar that was not the First Lady's shade. While Obama isn't the first President to get caught in this situation, he is the first to make the news because of it. All of us here at the Holabird Advocate are glad to find out that the whole thing was an harmless little accident, we are also pleased that, unlike Bill Clinton, Obama didn't get anybody's dress dirty! Now, if only the President could get gasoline down to $1.59 like it used to be, we'd be happy as a movie star with a new divorce!

     Someone from DWU theatre suggested I watch them movie "Les Miserables". I thought that would be the perfect way to kick off a new Summer series of reviews. So I filed that away for later. Recently I found 2 movie versions of the classice Victor Hugo work. One that was priced at $9, starring Gerard Depardieu, and one that went for $12 that starred Hugh Jackman.

     As tempting as saving $3 was, I wanted to enjoy this movie, so I went with Jackman. It's a good thing that I did that. Jackman has quite a powerful singing voice, which is good, because most of the movie dialogue is sung. This gives the movie an operatic appearence. The best part is that it was in English, so I could follow the action. The singing made the performance more emotionally driven to the point that one could feel the emotions, good or bad as they came.

     The strong point of this movie is the roles of Jean Valjean and Javert. a good story needs a flawed hero and a sympathetic villain. It's hard to imagine a villain more deserving of sympathy that Valjean, and a hero more flawed than Javert. Russel Crowe, who is well know for having flaws, brings a certain dialikability to the role of Javert.

The week point is that this movie so freaking long. it clocks in at 2 hours and 38 minutes. I feel asleep in the middle of this thing. Hopefully I didn't misss any important plot points. This one handycap did not rob me of too much enjoyment. i plan to watch this movie again, perhaps a few chapters at a time, when my schedules is not so tight! Until then, God be with you and do the best you can!

     Harold and Mary Hinkle went to Grandma Dressen's funeral last Saturday in Kimbal. They slipped over to Mitchell to look see their son, Jerry Hinkle, who had just got off from his first shift at Pizza Hut when they hit town. Jerry did such a good job that he was given a bacon cheeseburger crazy cheesy pizza, and even though Harold and Mary ate at the funeral, each of them took a slice. Then the 3 of them looked through the garden center for a while, Harold and Mary took separate shopping carts around, filling them with whatever struck their fancy. after getting it all paid for, They and Jerry separated, as he was getting tired and needed a nap before his second shift at the Hut. Harold and Mary went to Cabela's and then headed for home, stopping at Fort Thompson to see about getting a free prime rib dinner.



Off and on for about 11 and a half years all of us here at the Holabird Advocate have been bringing the world a little slice of life from what the rest of the nation calls "flyover country" What we do here had never been done before, and from what we've seen it's not being done now. Throughout the world, many have tried to describe and even explain our little newsblog, but it's something that can only be experienced. When our Publisher put this thing together, mixing everyday life and small town gossip along with politics and religion, he wasn't sure how long he could keep it going. We've had breaks when not much was going on, but we now have 1600 posts behind us. We've come a long way in the time we've been given. A lot has changed, but one thing has remained constant: if there is a story that our Publisher thinks needs to be told, it'll be told, and told truthfully whenever possible.

Dr. Robert "Bob" Duffet and his wife Connie will be leaving the Mitchell area Friday. Dr. Duffet has been the President of DWU for 13 years, and was recently given an opportunity in the Philadelphia area that was too good to pass up. All of us here at the Holabird Advocate wish to avoid the rush and with them well now, hopefully it won't be one of those Minnesota goodbyes. Dr. and Mrs. Duffet have been an inspiration to a lot of people and will be missed by several as they leave us. They have exhibited a certain dignity, elegance and class that one would expect of people of their station, but they are also humble, kind and gentle. They are ready for this next leg in their life journey, that we know. We do wonder if those at the school in Philadelphia know the true worth of the great blessing that will befall them. If not, they soon will be!

People who serve in the ministry have a hard job. They have to spiritually feed the flock that they have been entrusted to by God for a whole week. There are some who must wonder if anyone is listening. Of the sermons that I have heard there is a rare breed that lives on past the one week mark. I call them "top ten" sermons. I've only heard 6 of them myself, but I wrote 3 of them.

The most recent to ten sermon was delivered by Dr. Boyd Blumer at the Mitchell Fusion service yesterday morning. He spoke of the Potters shop in Jeremiah and the creation of human life in Genesis and brought them both together in an interesting way. The Potter made useful things from the dirt that his assistant provided. In much the same way God takes the dirt that we give him and makes something useful things out of it. In fact, we were all made by God from the dust of the earth, made useful by his breathing the breathe of life into us. He tells it better than I can, but I'm sure you get the idea.

There are times when I wonder if God, or even my neighbor, has use for me. There are some jars of clay that take longer to make than others, but I know that he is still working on me. As long as the breathe of life is inside me, there is still time for me to be made useful, to serve God's purpose. Even though it's only been a little over a day, I know that the message I heard will stick to me like oatmeal. I hope that all of you who are reading were fed in spirit, just as I was! God be with you and do the best you can!

     Earlier this week Pope Francis supposely made the claim that atheists can get into heaven. All of us here at the Holabird Advocate have been scrambling to find the exact quote, but have yet to find it. we are curious, however as to how atheists can get into the Kingdom of Heaven when they don't acknowlege the existence of heaven or hell, and for that matter God or Satan. By definition an atheist would not desire to go to a place that does not exist. Anyone wishing to help us with ironing out this story, feel free to contact our Publisher at the home office.

     Most of the time, Holabird Advocate Publisher, Jerry Hinkle, is able to keep to himself when he's not at work. But throughout the month of May, many family members who find themselves in Kornfield county, have dropped by to see him. First it was Darrel, Kristi and Brittany Hinkle who stopped by on Mother's day, and took Jerry to Ruby Tuesday. Last Wednesday, Deputy State Fire Marshall Doug Hinkle stopped by and took Jerry to Culvers. And now it seems that Harold and Mary Hinkle may stop by on tomorrow after Grandma Dressen's funeral. If indeed they do come over, they will most likely go to McDonald's. You never Know!

     While waiting to the Rotary to convene at the Ramada, our Publisher read an online story in the USA TODAY, also known as "Cousin Al's Newspaper". The article was all about this 9 year old girl who addressed the CEO of McDonald's Corporation during the annual shareholders meeting. She apparently studied up on child nutrition beforehand and also the was McD's targets children in their advertising, closing by pointedly asking the CEO, "Mr. Thompson, don't you want kids to be healthy so they can live a long and healthy life?". 

     CEO Don Thompson quickly responded "We don't sell junk food. My kids also eat McDonald's.We cook lots of fruits and veggies at home,". He also stated that McDonald's sells fruits in the form of apple slices in kids meals and vegetables including side salads on the Dollar Menu. He also said that McDonald's recently began to sell fat-free chocolate milk. Mr. Thompson then thanked the girl for bringing this issue up.

     Since becoming a registered voter here in the Mitchell area, I've tried to keep myself and anyone else so inclined to listen, informed about local issues. As such, I felt compelled to leave the home office and attend today's Rotary meeting at the Ramada to see what, if anything the School Board candidates had to say. As it happens, I learned quite a few things.

     The first thing I learned was that just a few days ago, Sioux Falls had a School Board election with a 3% turnout. Hopefully we can do better. The second thing I learned is that another big issue seems to be the implementation of a $55 Million school building project that has been suggested. That's nearly twice what the proposed Next Generation Corn Palace was projected to cost. Not surprisingly none of the candidates spoke in favor of the new proposal. One of the candidates (who shall remain nameless because I don't want the other 3 to demand equal time) looked into the new building project that Brookings did, and had a table full of information about it. From what I saw, their new school cost about 10% of the proposed project. Quite formidable!

     I'll not be endorsing any candidates for the School Board at this time, because I haven't quite made up my mind yet. I have until June 4 to figure it out. Hopefully I will do just that. God be with you and do the best you can!

     After experiencing a certain level of pressure to find some way to celebrate the Golden Anniversary of his parents, Holabird Advocate Publisher, Jerry Hinkle spent much time in prayer looking for the answer. The answer came from his mother. Mary Hinkle told her oldest son that she and Harold Hinkle will be toasting to each other on the river, fishing with Ken and Joan Hansen. Joan served as Mary's Maid of Honor, so that is a nice touch. If they could get Maurice Ham over there to join them, that would be a real photo opportunity. We'll have more on this as events warrant.

     Yesterday when I clicked the "Publish" button yesterday, all I had planned for the next edition was to review the new Star Trek movie. I went, saw the movie, was overwhelmed in places, underwhelmed in others, and by the time it was over I was too keyed up to sleep, so I went to the Ramada to get online, relax a while and unwind. When I saw that I was tagged in a photo on Facebook, I was mildly curious. It was the photo that appears beside today's top story.

As I looked with wonder at the photograph, I remembered all kinds of things that I'd forgotten. I knew that Uncle Don's birthday was coming up, but forgot that his anniversary with Aunt LaRayne was just a few days before that on the calendar. At that moment knew that I had to move things around. It was not a milestone, and yet I felt compelled to celebrate 69 years, because you never know what will happen. And should they make it 70 years, I hope they feel like celebrating. I know the family will be.

     Then I remembered what my mother had said about her plans with my dad. It was great that they were able to arrange that weekend, and fishing together is really the most proper way to spend an anniversary for them. I know they'll enjoy themselves. The fact that it gets me off the hook as far as open house parties and card showers go is a bonus too!

Sometimes I wonder If I chose lifelong bachelorhood, or if it chose me. I remember Uncle Don telling the story of the time that he started dancing with Aunt LaRayne just as the band played "It had to be you". He knew that she was it for him. As for me, I've never really had a moment like that. I once told my dad that any woman who wanted to land me would have to really work at it. The thing was, no woman wanted to do that much work. Perhaps I didn't either. My only regret is that it took me so long to realize that it was OK to embrace lifelong bachelorhood. It works for me, just like being married works for Uncle Don and my Dad. When it stops working, then we'll see! Until then, God be with you and do the best you can!

     Kornfield county is getting some much needed rain.Some places have had more than an inch of preciptation, and the ground was so dry that it all soaked in. The corn planting seems to be right on schedule in some areas, ahead of schedule in others. The rain is a bit of a bother in the big city however. Some of the city folks rush right out when it raining to roll up the windows on their cars and trucks while our Publisher looks on, shakes his head and chuckles in haughty derision because he knew that the time to roll up windows was before the rain.
     Today being May 20, all of us would be remiss not to tell all those who are so inclined to get your corn planted. E.E. Hinkle dad. Ed Hinkle always tried to get his planted corn on his birthday. One wonders if he would be up to it at age 144. Probably not!

     The new Star Trek movie, "Into Darkness" opened to mild enthusiasm. This not withstanding, our Publisher is going to take some time away from the home office and give it the once over. Everyone he knows that has seen the movie has thus far had nothing but good things to say about it. To be sure, as with all things Trekian, this movie had had detractors as well. The only way to know if it's any good, he reckons, is to see it for himself.
     Our Publisher considers himself a trekkie, but since he's never been to a convention, or dressed like a character of that franchise, we kinda doubt that he is. Still, he has quite a few toyv phasers and a communcator, so maybe a Trekker. He'll have more on this tomorow!

     Around 11pm last night Mitchell had a brief, but productive thunderstorm. Lightning shut the electricity down at the Ramada while our Publisher was there after a hard night's work. The back-up generators kicked in almost instantly, while a total of a half inch of rain fell, most of it came down in the space of 5 minutes. Strong winds came with the storm as well. Thankfully there was no hail.

     Sometimes Holabird Advocate Publisher, Jerry Hinkle has to seek out adventure in order to have something to write about on the Front Page. When he seeks adventure, sometimes he finds it. Other times it finds him. That's what happened this morning.

     Jerry was on his way to the home office when he heard an unmistakable sound of a tire blowout. Jerry very carefully sought out a parking lot that was level to inspect the damage. Jerry suspects that the seal was blown on the left drivers side tire. After standing there in disbelief for a spell, Since there was nobody else around to so so, Jerry went right to work changing the tire. It was the first time that Jerry did so by himself. The jack that came with the car works rather nicely. The whole operation took a while but Jerry got the job done, as hard as it was. Good thing he was in the big city travelling at 25 mph rather than the middle of nowhere going 60 mph and that level ground was easily accessible. That could have been a mess! As it is, the only damage done was to the tire, and his shoulders.

     Last night I auditioned for "Grease" at the Pepsi Cola Theatre. I learned quite a bit about theatre, and about myself as it turns out. For sure I'm not as young as I used to be. It's very difficult to sing, dance, and look happy. It's impossible to "fake it" as well. I keep coming back to that Alexander Pope quote. You know the one, "Gracefully leave the stage before the sprightlier age comes on and throws you off. It's very nice to see so many young people wanting to be part of this wonderful show. The director of the show sure has her work cut out for her casting this show with so much talent to choose from. As for me, whether or not I get the part I read for, it will be a great show. I accidentally met someone who goes to Fusion, who does not share my assertion that Mitchell is "the big city". That by itself was worth going to the audition. Now I can concentrate on the new Star Trek movie! God be with you and do the best you can!

     It was reported and confirmed yesterday that Hunter Bork lost his second battle with cancer. He was 23. His brave fight won him the admiration of all who knew him, and several more that didn't. Even though he attended DWU at roughly the same time as our Publisher, none of us here at the Holabird Advocate knew that much about him. Losing one leg to cancer did not prevent him from becoming a successful part of the DWU track and field team. All of us here at the Holabird Advocate send our best thoughts wishes and prayers to his family at this difficult time. 

     As if life wasn't hard enought for the good people of the Mitchell Area Community Theatre, Holabird Advocate Publisher, Jerry Hinkle is going to be auditioning for "Grease" the ACT summer musical tonight. Hopefully everyone who couldn't make it, as was the case with Jerry, will make it to tonight's auditions.

     As mentioned previously, ever since playing an audience member in Xanadu, Jerry's feet have been itching to get back on stage. Only about half of us here at the Holabird Advocate think auditioning for a musical is a good idea. After all, Jerry can't sing and doesn't dance. When the director finds that out, it'll be all over for him. Still, as one of the greatest actors of his generation, Jerry may be able to fake it!

     Holabird Advocate Publisher, Jerry Hinkle, had a busy weekend with work, church, and relatives coming over on Sunday. Darrel, Kristi, and Brittany Hinkle stopped in on their way back from Avon where they were picking up supplies for the Greenhouse. Darrel invited his oldest brother to dine with them at the Ruby Tuesday in Mitchell. Jerry enjoyed getting the chance to catch up on all the family goings on. It was a quick visit, because Darrel wanted to get the cargo unloaded before dark.

Jerry went to work after they left for home, but there wasn't very many people going out for pizza on Mother's Day, so he was booted at 7:30 or so. Jerry then went to the hospital to check on his coffee buddy, Earl, only to find someone else in his room. It's good he was able to be discharged. Hopefully they will both be back to the old familiar routine before too awful long.

     ACT has announced that auditions for the Summer Musical Production of "Grease" will be held on May 15-16 at the Pepsi Cola Theatre on the corner of 7th and Main at 7:30 PM. There are parts for ages 14 and up. Since Holabird Advocate Publisher, Jerry Hinkle is in that age group, he thinks that applies to him as well. Since he has Thursday off, that might be his best bet. Ever since he played the part of an audience member in Xanadu earlier this year, his feet have been itching to be on stage. Whether the rest of his body will cooperate remains to be seen.

     I listen to a lot of retired people as they drink their morning coffee, and this is what I've learned. Regardless of party, they can all agree on one thing. The Democrats need this seat in the Senate. Of that there can be no doubt. And for some time now there has been a certain amount of speculation among the electorate that either Senator Johnson's son, Brendan, or Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (SHS) will be the Democrat they need to keep that seat blue, or if former Governor Mike Rounds will paint it red. Thus far, as we all read on the Front Page of the Holabird Advocate yesterday (you did read it yesterday didn't you) we are looking at only Rick Weiland to challenge Rounds next year, unless someone else is brave enough to run between now and next June in the primary.

So the next question is, can Weiland beat Rounds. The only way to know is to turn on the TV on Election day in November and wait for the results. This fight if it happens, between Mike "Mr. Nice Guy" Rounds and Rick "Real Democrat" Weiland will be an interesting campaign to behold. Will it get nasty? It obviously will! If the candidates themselves won't sling mud, outside interests will get their hands dirty. Rounds smiled his way into the Governor's Residence, but he might be called upon to go negative. It will be interesting to see if he can resist that call. As for Weiland, this is his third attempt at office, yet precious little is known about him. I have a feeling before this election is out, we will know more than we want to about everyone in this race. The bottom line is that we'd better enjoy the lull in campaign 2014, because if history has taught me anything, I know it won't last long. God be with you and do the best you can!

     This morning Stephanie Herseth Sandlin posted on her Facebook page that although she was confident that she could win a statewide race next year, that she and her family decided not to run at this time. With her out and Brendan Johnson keeping his distance, the only Democrat running for Senate next year, a least so far, is Rick Weiland. We have a whole 13 months before the primary, so there is still time for anyone, regardless of party to throw their proverbial hat into the ring as it were. As it stands now it looks like a Rounds Vs. Weiland fight for the Senate in 2014.

     One of the many great things about this country is our willingness to celebrate motherhood. We'll celebrate fatherhood later on, but it's not the same. Not every country does this either. A friend of mine that lives in Ghana never heard about Mother's Day. What a shame that is!

     Methodists traditionally celebrate Mother's Day as the Festival of the Christian Home in their worship service. Sadly, as a lifelong Methodist, I never knew that until yesterday's worship service. Either that or I did and forgot all about it.I must admit, I'm not sure why, because a Christan family needs both parents. I guess we'll see what Methodists celebrate on Father's Day!
Will Rogers once said that "Mothers and dogs are the only 2 things that will love you no matter how badly you treat them". As it happens, I ran over my dog with the silage truck, fatally as it turned out. As far as my mother goes, I can't remember what the worst thing I did to her was, and I'm sure she doesn't remember either. I have made jokes at her expense like saying such things as that she never wanted me to be a comedian because she was afraid people would laugh at me. The truth is, she has always been supportive of all of my endeavors, even when she didn't approve of them. When I failed, she was always there to cheer me, and on the rare occasions that I succeeded, she could not have been prouder.That's the mark of a good mother right there! My brother's and I are very blessed. I didn't always know that, but i do now. I'm sure my brothers do as well. God be with you and do the best you can!

     A familiar name was dropped in the 2014 race for U.S. Senate from South Dakota. Rick Weiland ran unsuccessfully for the lone SD house seat twice. Once in 1996 and again in 2002. During his first race, he made the claim to be a REAL Democrat. Visitors to the office of EE Hinkle, our Publisher's grandfather could not help but notice the photo of Mr. Weiland and Tom Dashcle with that bold claim that was sent to EE from the Weiland campaign the first time around when Weiland was accusing his primary opponent of not being a genuine Democrat. He won that primary, but we can't say the same about his primary with Stephanie Herseth Sandlin in 2002.

     Weiland is, thus far the only democrat to announce that he is in fact running for senate. SHS will give an answer later this month, but it appears that Brendan Johnson may not be interested in keeping his father's Senate seat in the family.

      The third-best state for retirement is ... South Dakota? That's right. The Mount Rushmore State may not be on many retirement wish lists, but it should be. What it lacks in warmth, it makes up for in a variety of ways. South Dakota has the lowest crime rate in the nation. The Tax Foundation also says South Dakota

state except Alaska. Its temperatures are on the chilly side, with a 30-year average of 46 degrees --about the same as New York and Colorado.

     Holabird Advocate Publisher, Jerry Hinkle usually has coffee after the early service at FUMC in the Johnson Lounge with Earl, a 97 year old man who joined him for coffee the first day that the people from Culver's donated their used tables and chairs. But for the last couple of Sundays, Earl has been missing from church. After some digging around, Jerry found out that sometime around April 26, Earl wasn't feeling well. He ended up at the Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls. Last Monday Earl was moved to the swing bed unit at the Mitchell hospital and Jerry has been over to see him at least once a day since then. In fact Jerry is thinking about brings over some coffee and cookies for him. He thinks Earl will like that!

     Last year in late March, a 9 year old girl named Bella was killed by a drunk driver. Since that tragic event the Mitchell area has been looking for a way to remember her. The idea of a butterfly garden was proposed and accepted by the City Council. Donations to the tune of $30,000 have come in so far. A fundraising even has been planned for July 1, which the Holabird Advocate will involve itself in. 

A few days ago, I was watching a YouTube video of Steve Jobs talking about what it takes to be successful. He claims that if people enjoy what they are doing, they are less likely to give up on it, even when the times are tough. People who keep trying even when it doesn't go their way, eventually become successful. It's just like the old saying goes, "If you enjoy your job, you'll never work a day in your life".

     It is ironic that I've never found anything that I could make money at, which, according to the way the world thinks, makes me a failure. I believe that success should be measured in ways other than monetary gain. Does that mean I think that I am successful, good grief no! At least not yet. I have to keep at it. People don't succeed by thinking they can't do something.
     I enjoy working at the Hut, and working on the Holabird Advocate. If I didn't, I wouldn't have lasted 5 years at either place. If anyone does something they don't enjoy, they'll never be successful even if they make $5 million a year at it! If you can't enjoy being alive, they you're not living!
God be with you and do the best you can!

     Some folks in South Dakota had one last taste of winter weather on May Day, at least they hoped it was their last taste. Some in Sioux Falls may have been shouting "Mayday" in response to the snow. That kind of weather was not exactly fitting for dancing around the May Pole. While we haven't heard the official total for anywhere in SD, we have heard that Omaha had 2 inches of snow. As for here in Kornfield county, no snow! It was cloudy and we had a few drops of rain but that was it. The trees are budding, spring is here! life is good-for now.

     Today is Grandma's birthday. Had she made it this far, she would have been 95. Ever since I got the call on the evening that she passed, I've been conflicted. Denial, anger, depression, bargaining, each of these stages came and went. Acceptance was the hardest. Part of me wanted to find out why someone could go to the nursing home with a broken leg and die of pneumonia a few short months later and make the responsible party pay and pay dearly.

I came to realize, in time, that finding out whoever or whatever caused Grandma's last illness wasn't going to bring her back. Then, and only then was I able to put things in place, and get used to the new normal. I remembered when Grandad was taken with the pneumonia. Nothing anyone did brought it on, it just happened. Several people, in preparing me for the end, told me that pneumonia was an old man's best friend, because it takes him to heaven. As it turns out, it did the same for Grandma.

     This year marks the 20th anniversary of the World Wide Web (we should send Al Gore a card). The www made it possible for Grandma's family to connect like it hadn't before. Until the Internet came alone, we saw the relatives on the usual holidays at Grandma's house, and maybe a card, letter or phone call in between. Primarily, it was Grandma that kept the family together. While a computer is a poor substitute, it's all we got. Until the day we are all called to the family reunion in the sky, my family and I will remember Grandma the way she was with a smile, a hug, and the wave that said, "Goodbye, I'll miss you, so come back when you can".  God be with you and do the best you can!