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It was an unseasonably warm 43 degree day when the Brownsdale Study Group met on Dec. 20 at Mary Kidwiler Moritz’s home. Eric Johnson was welcomed as our guest. He interviewed members and took photos for an upcoming article in the Austin Daily Herald.

President Shelly Vogel opened with the reading of the Collect. Five members answered the roll call, “Something memorable from 2023”  The secretary and treasurer’s reports were approved.

There was no old business. Under new business, Shelly regretfully announced that Fern Paschke is dropping out of the club. Barb Swanson was officially welcomed as our new member. The group unanimously voted to meet on the third Tuesday of the month in the future. Mary volunteered to visit the Mower County Historical Society to gather information on the Study Club’s history.

Mary made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Rena Perrigo.

Mary’s blast from the past highlighted the Dec.18, 1991 meeting which was held at the home of Verna Kirtz. Ten members answered the roll call, “Favorite Christmas Cookie.” Ellen Anderson presented “Dream World of Toys.” Marleen Swan was assigned the main topic and she chose to report on “Finding the Spirit of Christmas.”

Rena presented the main topic, “2 Indicted on Killing Eagles to sell on the Black Market.” Simon Paul, 42, of St. Ignatious, Montana, and Travis John Branson, 48, of Cusick, Washington face 13 counts of unlawful trafficking of bald and golden eagles and one count each of conspiracy and violating wildlife trafficking laws. The two men killed about 3,600 birds, some of which included bald and golden eagles, during a “killing spree” and sold eagle parts on a black market.

Both bald and golden eagles are considered sacred by American Indians. U.S. laws prohibits anyone without a permit from killing, wounding or disturbing eagles or taking any parts such as nests or eggs. Even taking feathers found in the wild can be a crime. Paul and Branson were not in custody and were issued summonses to appear for arraignments on Jan. 8.

Mary served a delicious festive Christmas cake.

Submitted by Therese Manggaard, secretary