This past week Steen residents braced themselves for the first 2006 blizzard. Warnings flashed across the bottoms of our televisions screens, weather radios beeped and the snow which was to be so deep ended up being just a little powder under our feet. But what was to follow did give some dismay as a Canadian clipper kept us at bay, with temperatures reading almost minus twenty, which isn’t really funny there was nothing to do but snuggle with your honey. This past Saturday Brad and Linda Bosch in a very last minute move to avoid colder weather decided to go on a vacation to much warmer weather. They headed south down Mexico way to catch some much needed rays. Also on R&R this week is the Alan Baker family. They left for Florida last Wednesday morning.In hospital news this week Don Bonnema, long-time resident of Steen, underwent surgery last Monday at the Vets Hospital in Sioux Falls to remove a spot from his lung. He hopes to return home sometime this week.In Steen news Kevin Van Batavia, son of Mel and Minnie Van Batavia, received a high-ranking honor this past week as Jr. Sailor of the Year. Kevin is serving as an aviation technician for fighter squadron VFA 106 and is currently stationed out of the Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He was awarded this honor while on sea duty on the U.S.S. Harry S. Truman. This week is National FFA Week, and our local schools are celebrating those who are involved in our rural farming industries. Many Steen students are involved with FFA and do many services for those in this area. Thank you to our FFA members and to their supporting business. In church news the Steen Reformed RCYF youth will be taking twelve members to Lincoln, Nebraska, this weekend for Dare 2 Share. This is a national outreach program that teaches and challenges young people to share their faith with family and community. Starting Sunday, Feb. 26, the Steen Reformed Church will begin a six-week church-wide experience titled "Come Thirsty." This is a very exciting event where the church breaks into small groups and meets every Sunday night to explore spiritual thirst and how to drink from the living water. If you are interested in joining a small group or attending these special worship services, please contact the Steen Reformed Church at 507-855-2336. All are welcome.In closing, I leave you this final thought titled "Family Ties." "Family ties are precious things, woven through the year. Of memories and togetherness, of laughter, love and tears. Family ties are treasured things, and far though we may roam, the tender bonds with those we love still pull our hearts toward home." –(author unknown)If you have any news you would like placed in the Steen news, please contact Brian at 855-2232 or at knowgrowshow@hotmail.com. Blessings!