Location and time TBD, stay tuned for details.
Monthly Archive for February, 2010
Answers to yield questions from last summers Answer Plot Tours.
Thursday, February 25, 2-4 pm at the Dahlgreen Golf Course, 6940 Dahlgren Rd. Chaska, MN 55318.
Presentations from Industry Professionals Mark Glady, Bruce Waugh, Mark Zenner & more including Plot Data & Yield Results, Nutrient Management, and Technology.
For more information CLICK HERE
After 33 years of dedicated service, Merlyn Wanous, 76, has retired from the Mid-County Coop board of directors.
“I think I only missed six meetings in my entire career,” Wanous said. “I tried to make every one.”
In 1976, Wanous was nominated to the board of directors by the driver that delivered fuel oil to Wanous’ home.
“I went to the annual meeting, and all of a sudden I was elected,” he laughed. That initial three-year term was the start of several years as Mid-County Coop’s board president, and later, vice president.
“It was very interesting and rewarding,” Wanous said, explaining that he liked finding solutions to problems and watching the company change and grow.
At first, Wanous was on the board at MN Victoria Oil. In 1998, the company merged with Mid-County Coop of Cologne. “When we merged, Victoria was a small coop and Mid-County was a large coop,” Wanous said. “It was a fantastic move on both parts.”
In addition to his service at Mid-County, Wanous was also a post office worker for 30 years. Wanous and his wife, Betty, have three adult children and eight grandchildren. Their son, Duane, lives on the family farm in Silver Lake.
In 2006, Wanous and Betty sold their property in Excelsior and purchased a modular home on the farm. The move came just in time, because Wanous was diagnosed with cancer shortly after. Being close to family helped make chemotherapy treatments much easier. “The good Lord blessed us,” Wanous said.
Since 2006, Wanous has suffered from prostate and bone cancer. He was recently diagnosed with leukemia, as well, but keeps an enthusiastic and joyful attitude. “It doesn’t do much to cry,” he said.
Wanous finds enjoyment in nature, and he especially loves to watch the birds near his country home. “Betty has all kinds of bird feeders out here,” he said. Last year, eight bluebirds hatched on their property.
It’s clear that Wanous will be greatly missed at Mid-County Coop. “I had a fantastic farewell party,” Wanous said. “The board members in Cologne have been fantastic to work with.”
Shawn Eastman of Victoria was recently elected to the Mid-County Coop board of directors.
Eastman, a dedicated Mid-County customer, brings years of management experience to the Mid-County Coop board. He has lived on the Marsh Lake Hunting Club property since 1981, and has been general manager there since 2001.
“I feel that I’m always fair with people, and I listen to people’s needs,” Eastman said. “My job as a board member will be to help make sure everything’s running smoothly.”
In addition to his three-year term with Mid-County, Eastman is also actively involved in the community. He participates in the Lion’s Club, teaches firearm safety training, and hosts a free conservation day each year at the hunting club.
Eastman grew up in Fridley and graduated from Coon Rapids High School. He attended the University of Minnesota, Crookston, earning a degree in natural resources. Eastman started working at the hunting club as a seasonal guide during college. In 1986, he became the assistant manager and dog trainer.
Eastman’s wife, Wendy, grew up on the Marsh Lake Hunting Club property. “That’s how we met,” Eastman said. “I ended up marrying the boss’s daughter.” Eastman and Wendy have two sons. Riley, 22, recently graduated from college, and Jared, 20, is attending the University of Minnesota, Duluth.
In his spare time, Eastman enjoys participating in an archery league, fishing, and hunting. “Duck hunting is probably my favorite,” Eastman said, adding that he also enjoys deer, turkey, and pheasant hunting.
Including Eastman, there are currently seven people serving on the Mid-County Coop board of directors. Mid-County Coop was founded in 1935 as a petroleum product supplier for Carver County. Throughout the years, Mid-County’s services have expanded to include a convenience store, a complete agronomy division, a widely expanded energy division, propane delivery service, and an auto, truck, and tire center.
