More hopes and dreams for 2017

The Staples World recently caught up with a few area residents and asked them each three questions pertaining to the new year. Their responses are included below.

Mike Johnson, 24, Motley; employee at Motley Hardware Hank. 

What Are You Most Looking Forward To In 2017? 

Warmer weather. 

What ‘Bucket List’ Item Would You Like To Cross Off? 

I can’t think of anything.

If You Could Have One Wish For Our Country In 2017, What Would It Be? 

I hope the new president is better than the last one. I hope he’s successful.

Frank Vasecka, 69, Motley; employee at Motley Hardware Hank. 

What Are You Most Looking Forward To In 2017? 

I hope to have a better year than last...I lost my wife, Patricia (Pat) in 2016.

What ‘Bucket List’ Item Would You Like To Cross Off? 

Pat always wanted to go to Alaska. I’d like to go in her honor and bring her ashes. 

If You Could Have One Wish For Our Country In 2017, What Would It Be? 

I hope we can start honoring our veterans and those in military service instead of athletes and movie stars.

Barb Markus, 56, Motley; owner of Markus Hair Design. 

What Are You Most Looking Forward To In 2017? 

I need to get back to focusing on health and fitness. I’m looking forward to doing that.

What ‘Bucket List’ Item Would You Like To Cross Off? 

I’d like to rent a beach house or travel to Italy. Realistically, I’d like to do more decluttering and organizing this year.

If You Could Have One Wish For Our Country In 2017, What Would It Be? 

I’d like to see respect brought back to our country...respect for ourselves and one another. Let’s focus more on helping our neighbors and friends, than “me.” I’d also like to hear more good news from the media, instead of focusing on all of the negative stuff.

Marge Nacey, 86, Motley. 

What Are You Most Looking Forward To In 2017? 

I hope to continue to be  healthy.

What ‘Bucket List’ Item Would You Like To Cross Off? 

I’ve checked off a few over the years...I’ve been to California and Las Vegas; and in 1992, I traveled to Norway and Sweden. I guess I’d like to fly in a hot air balloon sometime...I’ve never done that.

If You Could Have One Wish For Our Country In 2017, What Would It Be? 

That we would stay peaceful...I hope our new leaders will be careful.

Miranda Paananen, 17, Pillager; waitress at Spot Cafe, Motley. 

What Are You Most Looking Forward To In 2017? 

Graduating from Pillager High School this spring; and going to college in the fall. I’ve already been accepted at a few. I plan on becoming a music teacher.

What ‘Bucket List’ Item Would You Like To Cross Off? 

I’d like to have the lead in a school musical...and it would be a dream to someday perform on Broadway.

If You Could Have One Wish For Our Country In 2017, What Would It Be? 

I’d like to see peace in our country. I think that can only happen if everyone works together...we need to love each other equally.

Angie Meyers, 30, Staples; employee at BRICKS Travel Center. 

What Are You Most Looking Forward To In 2017? 

I’m excited about the changes that are coming for our country.

What ‘Bucket List’ Item Would You Like To Cross Off? 

Buy a house.

If You Could Have One Wish For Our Country In 2017, What Would It Be? 

My wish already came true...Trump is president. He’s going to make America great again.

Ariel Clews, 29, Staples; employee at BRICKS Travel Center. 

What Are You Most Looking Forward To In 2017? 

Same as Angie, changes that are coming to our country.

What ‘Bucket List’ Item Would You Like To Cross Off? 

I’d like to get married. My boyfriend and I have been together 10 years.

If You Could Have One Wish For Our Country In 2017, What Would It Be? 

I’m all for helping other countries; but I think we need to start focusing on our own country first.