View from the turrets of Storrusten Castle (a hundred odd years ago)

Thank you David

Electric co-op CEO retiring
By Tom Hintgen (Contact) | The Daily Journal
Published Saturday, March 31, 2007

Lake Region Electric Cooperative CEO Dave Weaklend will retire May 1, 2007. Weaklend, who said he is retiring from the cooperative to spend more time with his family and pursue other interests, will assist the cooperative and board of directors in the transition to an interim CEO who will be named later.

“Dave's knowledge of the electric industry and his years of dedication and leadership to the cooperative and its members have been instrumental in the continued success of our cooperative,” Lake Region Board Chair Ken Hendrickx said. “His leadership skills and commitment to the financial viability of the cooperative will be sorely missed.”

Weaklend joined Lake Region Electric Cooperative in March 1992 as CEO. Prior to joining Lake Region he served as general manager for Farmers Electric Cooperative of Greenfield, Iowa, and has 38 years of experience in the electric cooperative industry.

“Our board is grateful to Dave for his outstanding leadership, dedication to achievement, service to the membership and 15 years of service with Lake Region,” Hendrickx said.

Weaklend said that although he’ll miss the day-to-day challenges and operations of Lake Region and the interaction with its employees, directors, and members, he looks forward to slowing down and enjoying more time with his wife Bonnie and other family members.

Pelican Rapids City Council member Ben Woessner lauded Weaklend for not only his leadership at Lake Region Electric but also as head of the community’s Economic Development Commission (EDC).

“Dave has been dedcated to getting new businesses, industries and new jobs into our industrial development park,” Woessner said. “When Lake Region business took him to St. Paul or Washington, D.C., he also took time to lobby local elected lawmakers regarding economic development for the Pelican Rapids area. He’s long been dedicated to the betterment of this community.”

The Lake Region Electric Cooperative CEO said that with a strong Board of Directors, quality management team, and dedicated employees he knows Lake Region will continue to deliver reliable, high-quality, cost-effective electric service to its members.

“While the cooperative will miss Dave's contributions, we believe he has helped to build a solid foundation for moving Lake Region Electric forward,” Hendrickx said.

“The continued viability and strength of Lake Region Electric Cooperative resides in its directors, employees and members,” Weaklend said. “It’s been a privilege and pleasure to manage the cooperative for the directors and members during my 15 years of service.”

Weaklend and board members all agreed that Weaklend's retirement presents an opportunity and a challenge for a change of leadership in order to meet the demands of a growing cooperative. The Board of Directors and Weaklend plan to work together to ensure a smooth and efficient transition of the cooperative's leadership.

The board will engage in an executive search and recruitment for Weaklend's replacement. The directors plan to honor Weaklend with a service award at a later scheduled date.

Lake Region Electric Cooperative serves sections of Otter Tail, Becker, Wilkin, Grant and Douglas counties.

Expansion at WCT

I found the following anonymous comment in my inbox this morning. It was in response to the Thanksgiving 24/7/365 posting about news that Jennie-O plans another expansion at West Central Turkeys. Does anybody care to answer the question?

"Can the town afford to grow anymore with this type of workforce? My guess is that resources are already tapped to the max. We need more diversity with industry and businesses in town, not a more diverse workforce."

Mike Johnson replies

Fire service issues – a response. 3/27/07

I want to thank Carol Schmaltz, Don Beck, Richard Peterson and others who have responded here with respect enough to sign their names. I’ll try to answer some of your questions and comments.

Carol, you asked; What is it (this whole dispute) really about??

It’s about options for Dunn Township. At the Dunn Township annual meeting on March 14, 2006 there was a ballot vote asking the question; Should the Dunn town board enter into a 20 year service agreement with the PRFD to fund a new fire hall? The results were 12 in favor and 30 against. Almost 3/4th’s against. That tells the Dunn township supervisors our people were not in support of the fire hall to be built in Pelican Rapids. That tells us that Dunn people want options. Detroit Lakes is an option.

There is no doubt that response time to an emergency is critical. In February, at a meeting at Orland Ohe’s barn,the township supervisors from all nine townships and the city of Erhard put together a list of questions to ask of the city/fire chief. One of the questions asked was ‘why doesn’t PR and DL have a mutual aid agreement’, and ‘wouldn’t it be a good idea if the PR fire department went to the DLFD and get a mutual aid agreement in place to better serve Dunn Township, among others’. Richard Peterson echoed that sentiment when he said; “I hate to see the PRFD not in a mutual contract with DL because it does work both ways.” If we have a mutual aid agreement, will there still be ‘inferior service’? Mr. Steeves has shared with me that he has talked to the DLFD and that a mutual aid agreement will take time. If response time is truly your concern, Carol and Don, maybe you could urge Mr. Steeves to move forward on this issue. A mutual aid agreement should have been in place years ago, and should be a priority for the PRFD. The residents along County Hwy 20 on the north side of Dunn, who are closer to the DLFD than the PRFD,deserve just as good of protection as those on the south side of our township.

The DL fire chief did say the fire department would support service to Dunn. Regarding the cost of that service to Dunn, the DL fire chief said; “$48,000 is a rough number we put together.” The fire department doesn’t make the final decision about fire service, their city council does. You may remember that I said the DL City Council hadn’t yet made a decision. I won’t say that DL will offer us fire service, and I won’t say that $48,000 is the cost, until it’s all been approved.

Regarding insurance cost. We hope to have answers to all your questions when we hold a meeting to inform Dunn property owners.It appears that an increase in fire insurance cost is an issue for some in our township. According to Wikipedia there are 1,491 housing units in Dunn Township. We don’t know how many housing units will be impacted either with higher costs (on the south side of Dunn) or lower costs (on the north side). I am unsure as to how widespread an issue this is, but we’ll find out. Remember, this is about Dunn Township as a whole.

There is also a question about cross-county fire service. According to the Sheriff’s Office section of the Otter Tail County website, there are eleven fire (& rescue) departments outside of the county that service areas in our county. At least a couple of those are mutual aid only. Additionally, Pelican currently services Tansem, in Clay County and Rothsay serves part of Wilkin County. Cross-county fire protection seems to be fairly common. Is the cost substantial? Are we sure that the system would have to be changed? Apparently it hasn’t stopped Frazee, Wadena, Ashby and several other fire departments. We’ll have more detail if the informational meeting is held.

The Pippi Mayfield article from 3/14 also says the following; ‘Johnson stressed that Dunn Township just wants the option to use DLFD services. Which fire department is used will actually be decided by a vote of the township board.’ Is offering Dunn an option besides PR such a bad thing? Actually, we may be forced to look for options very soon. No township can sign a contract for over $50,000 without putting it out for competitive bids (Minn Stat. 471.345). With the current proposal from the city, Dunn’s total payments, including what we pay for fire equipment,would be over $49,000,and our payments will certainly go up in the future. We would be required to look at options. The townships are also required by law to accept “the lowest responsible bidder” (Minn Stat. 365.37, & 412.311). Isn’t it prudent to try to figure out which fire department is the best option for Dunn?

Mike Johnson
Dunn Township

Doors of 56572 (27) Bless this mess

Farewell Library Lady (and Lida Township neighbor)

Anita Gerd Peterson was born October 3, 1920, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the daughter of Chris and Esther (Mastrud) Peterson. On August 4, 1943 she entered the United States Army and served as a surgical technician until February 2, 1946. After her discharge Anita attended the University of Minnesota, graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Horticulture. On June 29, 1957 Anita was united in marriage to Fred Thomson in Nashua, Iowa. She was employed with Honeywell in Minneapolis. In 1976 Fred and Anita moved to the Lida Township farm, near Pelican Rapids. Shortly after Fred's death in 1979, Anita retired from Honeywell at the age of 62. Anita loved to read and loved the Pelican Rapids library. She enjoyed flowers and nature, and Pelican Rapids. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and TOPPS.

Anita, age 86, a resident of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, died on Friday, March 23, 2007, at the Pelican Valley Nursing Home in Pelican Rapids. Anita is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Fred; 2 sisters: Lorraine Whaley and Mae Urness; infant sister; and brother, Floyd Peterson. Blessed Be The Memory Of Anita Thomson. Memorials preferred to Pelican Rapids Library and Trinity Lutheran Church.

Stairway to heaven

A flower in the fog of a soggy March Sunday

The four things that matter most

from The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
Carol Bradley Bursack

Dear Readers: Please forgive me; I forgive you; thank you; I love you. After reading Ira Byock’s moving book “The Four Things That Matter Most: A Book About Living,” I found myself examining the deaths I’ve attended, as well as the relationships I am now a part of – close and otherwise – to see if those healing words have been at least implied, if not expressly said.

My answer to myself? Implied, but not always said. I’ve vowed to try harder to voice these feelings. I’m convinced that saying these words can heal.

Ira Byock, M.D., is director of palliative medicine at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and a faculty member of Dartmouth School of Medicine. Dr. Byock is devoted to improving end-of-life care.

Part of Byock’s care of the dying involves the emotional dynamics between dying people and their family members. No matter how close a family unit is, there will have been negative issues that were never addressed. No matter how flawed a family’s history has been, there is hope, according to Byock, for healing.

With powerful stories of fractured families healed through implementing “The Four Things,” Byock illustrates how these simple words can soften even the hardest hearts. Hearing and saying these phrases allows people to die in peace and survivors to move forward with their lives, often with a new perspective on their own history.

Dying people tend to look inward. Byock writes, “Most people who are dying still have the capacity to change in ways that are important to them. Their transformation can also make an enormous, and lasting, difference to the people around them.” Byock continues, “I look at these changes not as deathbed conversions, but as quantum leaps in personal development.”

Addressing legacy, Byock writes, “Painful legacies can arise from damaging emotional patterns that are perpetuated from generation to generation...Forgiveness is a courageous way of saying, ‘Enough is enough.’ ” Byock acknowledges the difference between forgiving and forgetting. They are not the same thing. Forgiveness is a choice. We can forgive, even if we can’t forget.

Lack of forgiveness hurts the person carrying the resentment. After reading some of Byock’s stories, the reader wonders how a person could say “I love you” and “I forgive you,” let alone “please forgive me,” to an abusive parent.

However, somehow, at least in Byock’s examples, when people were able to say the words, healing occurred. In one striking example the young man had to say to his father, “I love you?” as a question, in order to force out the words. Still, according to Byock, healing occurred – for both the young man and his father.

Reading “The Four Things” is an experience the reader will not forget. “The Four Things That Matter Most” is available at book stores and online. The hardcopy sells for $23.

Dr. Ira Byock will be appearing at a free and open event 7 p.m. April 11 at the Ramada Plaza Suites. The event is sponsored by Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Another area Guardsman (a friend of Josh) killed in Fallujah

from Minneapolis Star Tribune

Frazee soldier killed in Iraq Sgt. Greg Riewer, 28, of Frazee, Minnesota was killed by an explosive device Friday in Iraq.Col. Kevin Gutknecht of the Minnesota National Guard said Saturday that Riewer was on patrol near Fallujah when his vehicle was hit. Three other unidentified members of his Minnesota unit were also injured by the blast. Riewer, a 1997 graduate of Frazee High School was one of 13 children. His brother serves in the same unit, A Co., 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 136th Infantry. Alpha Company is based in Bemidji, Minnesota. The 2-136 CAB headquarters and headquarters company are located in Moorhead and Fergus Falls. The 2-136 is part of the 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 34th Infantry Division, also known as the "Red Bull" division. Riewer enlisted in the Army shortly after graduating from high school in 1997. He had served previously in Bosnia and was deployed to Iraq last year.

No stars, no stripes, no coffee

Patty sets the table

Hemingwaywannabes take note

LRAC Hemingway Short Story Challenge.

Ernest Hemingway was once challenged to write a complete story in six words. Here is what he wrote: “For sale: baby shoes, never used.”

The Lake Region Arts Council would like challenge our talented area writers to try their hand at writing a short story in six words. Our Hemingway Short Story Challenge is open to all adults age 18 or older, residing in Clay, Becker, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Stevens, Pope, Traverse and Wilkin Counties. Winning entries will be published in the ArtsNews Letter and all entries will be posted on the LRAC website. Entry forms are available by emailing lrac4@charterinternet.com. or calling the Lake Region Arts Council offices at 218-739-5780. Deadline for submitting entries is March 30, 2007.

COPY RIGHTS: Your entry grants permission to for LRAC to reproduce your work.

Here are some 6 word short story examples to get you started. Good luck!
1. That’s how winter came that year.
2. She loved again. I never did.
3. Life’s end: Sadly recalling opportunities lost.
4. It wasn’t her fault. Not entirely.
5. The audience applauded, as he wept.

Please adjust spacing to keep your entries & contact information on this one page.

Entry # 1

Entry #2

Entry # 3

If you reformat the above text to one page, that's the entry form. You can email your entries to the email address above.

My entries were:

Please forgive me.
I forgive you.

Pull up!
Pull it up dammit!

Private discussions.
No transcripts.
No oaths.


Let's have our own contest here on 56572. Use the comment button. Let the topic be "Life in 56572" Will it be worth signing your name to?

Equinox Ice

Pocketed, wrinkled, cracked and fractured
the Equinox Ice on Lida
curses the dawn with moans and grumbles.

The pain is audible
at times piercing like a bullet
at times rumbling like thunder
at times like a car bomb in the Green Zone.

Old like me,
my dog sits on her haunches
as we gaze
at the laughing stars above.

Ears on point
she too
listens.

We have heard the forecast.
We know our days our numbered.
All we hope for is a painless metamorphosis
To liquid
To dust.

No piling up on the shore.
No collateral damage.
Too heavy to float any longer
just let us sink and melt away quietly
under the light of the Milky Way.

Then,
after we are gone,
turn up the wind.

Let this winter,
and this war,
end.

The retired physician is reminded of his Hippocratic Oath

Spring and sap running go hand-in-hand

By Matt Bewley (Contact) | The Daily Journal
Published Thursday, March 22, 2007

There’s something special about the taste of maple syrup taken straight from the tree, boiled down and poured onto your morning waffle. Marguerite and Budd Andrews have been making maple syrup for 25 years in the woods north of Erhard, and Tuesday had a group of guests with the Otter Tail County Historical Museum out to participate in the primitive, but wholly satisfying process. They came from all over the county, big folks and little, to get a taste of the maple syrup they helped make. They made soup and heated waffles over the fire. The kids were busy making walking sticks and spiles, the wooden taps used to draw the sap from the maple trees. “I thought it was pretty fun,” Perham fifth-grader Megan McCrary said. “It was kind of hard, doing the part where the sap comes out.” All around were coffee cans hanging underneath the spiles on the trees, ready to catch the sap. Of course, Budd said, not all maple trees are ready to let their sap run when you want it. “We have to talk to the trees and tell them what a good job they were doing,” he said. “If that doesn’t work, Dave (Ellison) said he has a chain-saw we can point at them.” Sweet-talk or threats, it’s still up to the trees, in the end. “We’ve had years when we’ve gotten 28 quarts on a Tuesday,” Marguerite said, “and others when we’ve gotten 26 quarts in seven weeks.” The sap gathered by Tuesday’s group was poured into a large rectangular pan over an open fire and brought to a low boil to reduce it down. “There are about two gallons in there,” Marguerite said. “It will boil down into about three quarts.” The smoke smelled sweet and woody and everyone stood around it in the forest, enjoying each other’s company while the fruits of their labor simmered. When it was finally time, the syrup was poured off into a milk can. They had to scrape the bottom of the pan. “This is maple syrup the way the Indians used to make it,” Marguerite said. Smiles spread across the faces of those gathered, satisfied with the day’s work.

Josh R. Hanson Memorial Shelter update

The latest figure for last Sunday's very successful fundraiser in Detroit Lakes is $33,200! Since then, the roof for the shelter has been donated and a plumbing contractor is willing to donate their services and materials. It is hoped that a sink and unisex ADA approved toilet can be added to the shelter. Ranger Bob is optimistic that the shelter can be completed by the time Joshua's National Guard unit is scheduled to return from Iraq in late July. The family is overwhelmed by the generosity and most grateful to all who organized the fundraiser and all have contributed in so many ways.

In memory of Josh R. Hanson
August 22, 1979 – August 30, 2006

DETROIT LAKES AMERICAN LEGION
Spaghetti Feed - Auction and Silent Auction - Loren Seifert Auctioneering
Sunday, March 18, 2007, 11:00AM - 2:00PM

The Memorial is to be built near the Swimming Beach on South Lida in Maplewood State Park, eight miles east of Pelican Rapids. It will be a large picnic shelter built of logs; the approximate cost will be $50,000.00.

Josh was killed in action in Iraq while on a combat mission, when his humvee was hit by an IED (Improvised Explosive Device). He was serving with the 1st BDE 34th Infantry Division of the Minnesota Army National Guard, ABLE COMPANY 2/136thCAB (The Bearcats) from Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Josh grew up at the Maplewood State Park. His mother and father both work at the park, his Dad Bob has been the Park Ranger there for twenty-nine years. The family would be very happy to see this project become a reality in Josh’s memory, so that his legacy can be enjoyed by all park visitors for many years to come.

Individuals or Groups who will not be able to attend this event, but would like to make a contribution, can make their checks payable to Parks and Trails and in the memo write Friends of Maplewood-Hanson Memorial and send them to:

David Knopf
Josh Hanson Memorial
12649 280th Avenue
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501

David Knopf is retired National Guard and the father of one of Josh's best buddies Justin Knopf who was with Josh when he was killed.

Fundraiser committee members:
Dave Knopf (W) 218-841-9215 (H) 218-847-7456
Jane Aschnewitz (C) 218-371-1087 (H) 218-758-2158
Becky Thompson (C) 218-849-4632 (H) 218-863-5076

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Hazel lost? Hardly

Hovde to speak on Norwegian roots during Journey series (entire article)

By Matt Bewley (Contact) The Daily Journal

Personal insights provide the clearest window into the past. Hazel Hovde, whose parents emigrated separately from Norway more than a century ago, will share her stories of growing up Norwegian in America at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 22, at the Pelican Rapids Library.

Hazel Hovde’s parents emigrated separately from Norway. Her father came over in 1882, when he was 6 years old and her mother in 1902, when she was 21. Hovde grew up on a farm about 12 miles south of Ryder, N.D.

“My first language was Norwegian,” she said. “My sister, who was four years older, taught me to read and write when she came home from school.”

Ikke følg etter meg, jeg er også på villspor.
Don't follow me, I'm lost (on a wild goose chase) too.

Browns Valley Flood Relief Page

Infidelity explained

Ayaan Hirsi Ali spoke on Minnesota Public Radio's Midday program this noon. Her latest book is titled Infidel. Much of what she has to say about immigration, cultural diversity and Islam has meaning for 56572. Skip American Idol tonight, click here, listen and comment below. Ask your Somali neighbors to listen too. They are welcome to comment as well. I'm sure they will have an opinion. My guess is that they would say that she is what she says she is.

PS Infidel is "on order" at the PRPL, right Annie?

Tullibee time

by C-J Johnson - Outdoor Media Relations Explore Minnesota Tourism

BATTLE LAKE - They are still getting crappies on West Battle Lake out in about 16 to 20 feet water. The perch are biting on Ottertail in 14 to 18 feet of water and out on the humps in 30 feet of water. The sunnies are biting just about everywhere, Rush, South Turtle, Wall, East Battle. The tullibees are biting out on Molly Stark and Lida in the deep water.

Thanksgiving 24/7/365

On Fridays 56572 smells like Thanksgiving. Drive by West Central Turkeys and one reverts immediately to one's own kitchen on Thanksgiving morning. The Pelican Press reports this morning that Jennie-O will put $35 million into a plant expansion here bringing seventy-five new jobs. We can all be thankful for good news like that. We should be most thankful to the six hundred plus employees of West Central Turkeys whose diligent work has so impressed company brass that 56572 was chosen as the site for expansion. A stable workforce is any company's most important asset. All of us in 56572 can give ourselves a pat on the back for keeping that workforce stable, making the stranger feel welcome in our town and giving new Americans a toehold from which to start their lives over again. It's something we are especially good at - in addition, of course, to producing the world's best turkey products. People are starting to take notice of both. We are proud that our plant has been chosen for expansion and thankful for the economic kick it will bring. Welcome to those who will soon join us.

LSS numbers 56572

from Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota Annual Report 2006

Congratulations Paul!

from fargomarathon.com

The 2007 commemorative Fargo Marathon Poster is a beautiful creation! The poster depicts a rush of runners at the starting line of the Fargo Marathon. The runners’ shapes eventually blend into the wings of an eagle which oversees them. The inspiration for the image came to artist Paul Johnson during a recent run in which he just felt like he could run forever. “Those runs don’t happen very often, but when they do, it is a great feeling…almost like you are flying,” said Johnson. Johnson felt that the eagle is also symbolic of the spirit of our country. Serendipity came into play when he later found out (after the poster was done) that the Fargo Marathon falls on Armed Forces Day (May 19th). The poster will be available for purchase on the website on February 1st.

Doors of 56572 (26) Thank you all for everything

Spaghetti; it's what's for dinner

Fund-raiser for Josh Hanson memorial is Sunday, March 18 at the American Legion in Detroit Lakes
Pippi Mayfield
DL-Online - 03/07/2007

Friends and family want a substantial memorial for Josh Hanson, a local Guardsman who died in Iraq last year. A log picnic shelter will be built in Maplewood State Park, just east of Pelican Rapids. Estimated cost is $50,000. The 28-year-old Minnesota National Guardsman was killed in Iraq on Aug. 30 when his humvee was hit by an improvised explosive device. He was serving with the 1st BDE 34th Infantry Division of the Minnesota Army National Guard, ABLE Company 2/136th CAB from Detroit Lakes. Maplewood was chosen as the location because Hanson’s parents both worked at the park, his father serving as park ranger for 29 years. There will be a spaghetti feed and a live and silent auction on Sunday, March 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Detroit Lakes American Legion. Organizer Dave Knopf said some of the larger auction items include four guns, snowmobile trailer, artwork and binoculars. Some of the smaller items will be on the silent auction, including stays at bed and breakfasts. “I want to stress we’re getting some really nice items for the silent and live auction,” he said. Anyone wanting to donate auction items can contact fund-raiser organizers Dave Knopf at 847-7456, Jane Aschnewitz at 758-2158 or Becky Thompson at 863-5076. Knopf said he’s gotten involved because Hanson was the first soldier from the DL Guard unit killed in combat that he’s aware of. “It’s the opportunity to help the family raise their goal,” he said. Also that day, the Frazee Restaurant will be holding a fettuccine dinner from 4 to 8 p.m., with proceeds going to the Hanson fund. Those wanting to make donations can write checks to Parks and Trails, Friends of Maplewood-Hanson Memorial, and send them to David Knopf, Josh Hanson Memorial, 12649 280th Avenue, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501. Parks and Trails is a non-profit organization, so all donations are charitable and tax deductible.

Jenell's Jirapa bakery

Jenelll dared believe she could make a difference in the world. I just sent in my $100 donation to this Peace Corps Volunteer from 56572 who is making a difference in the lives of women in Jirapa, Ghana. Jenell is a shining example of what interests kids who grow up in 56572 end up with. Did she play ball for you Brugs? Join me 56572.

from Gonetoghananews

"I just talked to Jenell yesterday and she told me some GREAT news! The women's group bakery project she has been working on since she first came to Jirapa was finally APPROVED by the Peace Corps! This means that she and the women's group have done all of the groundwork and jumped through all of the hoops (both in Ghana and in the Peace Corps) to get to the point where the Peace Corps will accept donations on their website for the project.

Once the funds are raised ($10,000 in donations), then Jenell and the women can actually start to build the bakery! They have all worked so hard to get to this point and are excited to continue working toward the goal of a co-operatively owned and run bakery to bring in extra income for these women and their families. If you are able to contribute- through a monetary donation or by spreading the word!- please help Jenell and the Grasie Women's Group raise the funds needed to move on to the building phase.

Where can you find out more and donate? On the peace corps website there is a "donors" link where projects are listed by country. You will see Jenell's there listed under Ghana. For a direct link click here."

Service opportunity

This weekend Browns Valley will be starting their clean-up efforts due to flooding. The majority of the people affected are elderly. We have been instructed to meet at the school at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Wear working clothes including boots and gloves.

Thank you for your consideration.

Dare believe you can do it

as in
fly higher and faster
than the Flyers.


as in take the perfect photo

(photo by Roland Jordahl who turns seventy-two today. You can email best wishes to him here)

Somebody better call Park Rapids

A letter to Dunn Township residents

I attended the Dunn township meeting on 3/13/07 and was very disappointed with Mr. Johnson. He said that he had spoken with D.L. Fire Chief Jeff Swanson about the possibility of D.L. covering Dunn Township. But when Mr. Johnson was specifically asked what D.L.F.D. would charge Dunn Township, he replied that he did not have any numbers from them. Then why, I wonder, was the amount posted in the Pippi Mayfield DL Tribune article? It appears that D.L.F.D. had given Mr. Johnson a rough number of $48,000 which is more than what is projected for Dunn to be paying with the new P.R.F.D. station.

The number one concern of Dunn Township residents should be public safety. The best way this can be accomplished is with quick response. It is common sense that a response from 5 miles would take considerable less time that a 25 mile response. (Mr. Johnson did not agree with this). With any emergency, minutes count! I have personally seen many accidents and fires and people die without rapid response from the fire department and EMS. Minutes count for a person trapped in a vehicle or an unconscious person in a burning building. Minutes count when it’s you or a loved one that needs help.

The next concern should be the cost. With the numbers currently given to us, it would cost Dunn Township residents $4.56 per year per $100,000 assessed value. Mr. Johnson can give the large "scary" number of $439,412 but it's no longer so scary when each household can look at what it's really going to cost them per year.

Another issue that each Dunn Township resident need to consider is the cost of the insurance. If we went with D.L., my insurance would increase $300.00 per year, my neighbor's $400.00 and another Dunn resident would increase $600.00. Now these are SCARY numbers!

Obviously, the increase would depend on location and the coverage amount. I would suggest that everyone contact their insurance agent and find out how it would affect their rates. But make sure you inform your agent that there is not a mutual aide agreement between D.L. and P.R. and the fire response would be coming from D.L.

Now for the bad news. I have spoke with the Otter Tail County Communications Supervisor and was informed that for Dunn Township to change fire service, they would need to change the E911 system. The E911 mapping system would need to be changed manually, and the in-house computer system would need to be changed. Dispatch cannot page D.L. Fire and all calls would need to be transferred to Becker County at a great loss of time. I was told the average would be 3 minutes for the call transfer! D.L. also does not have maps of our GIS or E911 system and would not know where our E911 addresses are located. D.L. also does not have Otter Tails radio frequency so there would not be any verbal communications to help direct the fire trucks. I was also informed if there was a change in the E911 system, O.T. dispatch and GIS would be charging a SUBSTANTIAL FEE to Dunn Township for the system change.

If this whole dispute is not about saving lives, is not about quality service (which we now receive), is not about any cost saving, and it's not about ownership (Mr. Johnson now said that it isn't), What is it REALLY about????

Carol Schmaltz
Dunn Township resident

Pre-interview questions

Deborah Wanek, former Rothsay School Superintendent, currently Superintendent in Henning, will interview for the ISD548 Superintendent of Schools position next Friday. 56572 would like to fire the first two questions in her direction:

You are a native of Bagley, Minnesota. Give us three inside secrets Coach Strand can use tonight to give the undefeated Bagley Flyers a hard landing. What side of the gym will you be on?

Class act Coach Haugo

To Viking Coaches, Players and fans,

I want to express my congratulations on a great game last night. It was a game that will be remembered for years to come.

I am sorry that the controversy surrounding the final shot has overshadowed a fine performance by your team and your staff.

You guys made the plays necessary down the stretch and earned the win. Congratulations and best of luck in the Section Championship!

Sincerely,

Coach Haugo and the Cowboys.

To email Coach Haugo to thank him for the letter click here.

School news

Monday, March 19, 2007: No School (teacher workshop)
Thursday-Monday, April 5-9: No School (Easter Break)
Thursday, May 31, 2007: Last day of school for students
Friday, June 1, 2007: Graduation

ISD548 Superintendent Interviews
Tuesday, March 20, 7:15 p.m. John Rutten, Principal, Perham High School
Friday, March 23, 5:30 p.m. Deborah Wanek, Superintendent, Henning Public Schools

Fire at the Cornfield Cafe

Early summer 2007.
911 call:
"Grease fire in the kitchen of the Cornfield Cafe."
Dunn Township is now under contract with DLFD, not PRFD.
It's six miles to Pelican Rapids, seventeen to Detroit Lakes.
Which FD responds? With how many trucks? Who pays the bill?

Doors of 56572 (25)

A poem for the Ides of March

To Hold

Before I left for camp, my mother sewed my name
with a firm stitch into everything I owned.
She even looped a string of nametapes
through the scissors I keep to this day on my desk.

She wanted to be sure, when she sent me into the woods,
she'd get the right child back at summer's end,
that I'd not be left in the laundry drum
like an unmarked sock. Others—

careless lazy mothers-favored marking pens,
illegible black letters bleeding into stain.

My mother knew nothing was permanent.
She'd seen how fast a child could disappear:
her two dead sisters with names like flowers:
Lily, Rose, their summery smells, indelible voices.

That's why she sewed my name so tight
on all four sides, double-knotted the knots.
So I wouldn't forget when she sent me off
into the wet, the dark, the wild: I was hers.

from Innocence by Jean Nordhaus

Detroit Lakes firefighters may cover Dunn Township

Pippi Mayfield
DL-Online - 03/14/2007

Dunn Township is asking the Detroit Lakes Fire Department to give residents the option of fire service. Dunn Township Supervisor Mike Johnson asked the Detroit Lakes Public Safety Committee Monday to take their request for fire protection into consideration. The Pelican Rapids Fire Department covers Dunn Township, but some residents are opposed to what the fire department is asking of them. Johnson said Pelican Rapids is building a much-needed fire hall, but is asking Dunn Township residents to pay too large a share of the project. The city of Pelican Rapids will pay 30 percent, Dunn Township 26 percent and the remaining 44 percent would be distributed between nine other townships and cities in that area, figuring out to about 5 percent each. He said Dunn Township officials believe Pelican Rapids should pay at least 50 percent of the building because Pelican Rapids wants ownership of the hall. Estimated cost of the new fire hall is $1.5 million. Johnson said it’s not about the service, because Pelican Rapids has an excellent fire department, but it’s about the cost of putting up a new hall. Dunn Township includes most of Pelican Lake and Lake Lizzie. It is located in Otter Tail County. The township is about the same distance from Detroit Lakes as Pelican Rapids, give or take about two miles. With the request for fire service, Detroit Lakes is now pondering two points — whether to cover Dunn Township and what to charge for services for how long. “$48,000 is a rough number we put together,” Fire Chief Jeff Swanson said. From that money, $10,000 would go to operating costs, $19,000 to the equipment fund, and $19,000 to the relief association. Swanson suggested if the deal goes through, the fire department should enter into a one to three year service agreement with Dunn Township and then revisit the issue to see how it’s going. If Dunn Township was added into the formula other Detroit Lakes-covered townships and cities pay, it would lower the premiums for those by one-third. Alderman G.L. Tucker said he felt the deal should either go forward or not. The contract should be for the same length of time as the other Detroit Lakes area townships, with Dunn added into the formula. Other aldermen expressed concern that if fire crews were helping in Dunn Township, it might limit the coverage given to those already paying for Detroit Lakes Fire Department coverage. Besides Dunn Township, Scambler Township is also looking for options. Swanson said Scambler is too far away for Detroit Lakes to cover. Johnson stressed that Dunn Township just wants the option to use Detroit Lakes Fire Department services. Which fire department is used will actually be decided by a vote of the township board. With that said, Johnson assured Detroit Lakes that the township is not just using Detroit Lakes as leverage against Pelican Rapids. “It’s not unheard of for townships to switch fire services,” he said. He said Dunn Township would be paying $46,000 a year to Pelican Rapids, so the township wouldn’t be saving anything by coming to Detroit Lakes. “I think Detroit Lakes can serve it (Dunn Township) just as well as Pelican Rapids,” Johnson said. It has also been stated that this could cause bad blood between Detroit Lakes and Pelican Rapids, and the switch could be political. Johnson said that’s not the case. “We’d kind of be in the middle of a hornets nest,” Detroit Lakes Alderman Ron Zeman said. According to the fire call list Swanson has received, Dunn Township had nine fire calls last year, most of which were grass fires. Detroit Lakes Fire Department takes 250-300 calls a year. He said that if the council approves the service to Dunn Township, Detroit Lakes firefighters would be in full support of the deal. The committee decided more information was needed and the issue would be on April’s agenda.

Dear Goose in Seattle

Two months I waited for Riverside Coffee to re-open. That was supposed to happen two weeks ago. Yes, I've seen the sign. I heard the not unexpected news.

Suck it up I thought. Deal with it.

Riverside Coffee made 56572 more livable. Sure things will get better when the Moose re-opens. Both places gave people a reason to come to town, at least a reason to stop and get out of the car.

Please Goose. How about the next time it gets above fifty you open to celebrate, say from 730-1030 am, coffee and muffins only, on the deck so we can smell river, no promise of ever opening again? How about this Friday for a birthday party? How about the next time it snows, as in tomorrow. If a prospective buyer wants to see the place in action and you need some walk-ons....you must miss us too?

Local township democracy is alive and well

Norwegian Grove — Clerk Carol Treinen, 58 votes; Rudy Butenas, seven votes for Supervisor, Jim Marty, 30 write-in votes for Supervisor, Jeff Holt, 20 write-in votes for Supervisor, Elwin Dillerud, two write-in votes for Supervisor; Treasurer Mary Bongers, 57 votes; 59 total votes cast
Pelican — Supervisor Thomas Langseth, 24, write-in 9; Supervisor Paul Restad, 26; Treasurer Darleen Hovland, 30; Clerk Kathy Josephson, 17, write-in 8; Whether future elections should be moved to November, Yes: 23, No: 8, left blank 2; Total 33 votes.
Scambler — Supervisor Dennis Carlblom, 86, Leslie Rotz 70; Treasurer Judy Hoadley, 146, write-in 3; Total 156 votes.
Lida — Supervisor Terry Sjostrom, 53 votes; Treasurer Mavis Erickson, 50 votes, Diane Hanson, three votes for Treasurer; 53 total votes
Erhards Grove — Total 16 votes cast. Incumbent Supervisor Rebecca Ouren, 11 votes, two write-in. Treasurer Audrey Sjostrom, 16 votes.
Maplewood — Supervisor Craig Ripley, 16 votes; Treasurer Dorothy Backstrom, 15 votes; 16 total votes
Trondhjem — Supervisor Orland Ohe, 15, write-in 1; Treasurer Kevin Brenden, 15 write-in 1; Total 16 votes.

Neighbors in need

The Stewart Family, who live just north of Erhard, lost twenty cows and two horses when their uninsured barn caught fire a week ago. I am not a farmer and outside of a terrier don't care for animals, but I can imagine the loss is a tough one. Can anybody who has gone through a loss like that or any 4H group think of a way the 56572 community could show them a small sign of support? There are six kids in the Stewart family.

Hurrah Coach Brugs

(from Viking Coach)

Hoohah! Pelican Rapids, Hoohah!

"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

These are the words of a poem that is attached to a plaque on Staten Island, home of the Statue of Liberty. . . The influx of ethnic groups into the community of Pelican Rapids makes me wonder if we shouldn't put a similar plaque on our Pelican Pete.

When I first moved to Pelican Rapids some 15 years ago now, the town was seen in such a great light by the entire area. But now soooooooooo many people view Pelican Rapids in such a negative way. Nobody really wants to say it out right but there is no doubt in my mind that it is because of the ethnic diversity in our school.

I read in the paper today that we have 180+ students in our district boundaries that are attending school in neighboring districts and less than 20 that are open enrolling in our school.

People can say what they want but in my mind the bad publicity that we get over the ethnic diversity in our schools definitely plays a role in some of the decision making that goes into deciding where a family will send their kids and even if Pelican Rapids would be the "right place" to live.

It is discouraging to hear the "rumors" that circulate in other communities about Pelican Rapids. I hear these things from substitute and student teachers who come into our school expecting to see gangs, drugs and violence being rampant in the hallways. To their surprise they see kids being kids and are amazed at how everyone just goes about their business with very little regard for race, creed or color.

I also hear it from teachers at other schools who ask questions like. . . "How bad is it in Pelican Rapids?" You see it in the media. . . once a darling of a local television station Pelican Rapids has become a hot bed of what I feel is "sensationalized" reporting.

You may now be wondering what gives. . . this is the blog you go to for sports related insight. . . Well, here it comes:

You can't even imagine how proud I am of being a teacher and coach from Pelican Rapids, Minnesota. We are like that little train that continues to say. . . "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can. . . as we travel constantly up hill in our battle to show the world that life is pretty darn good in our community if people would just give it a chance.

Our boys just advanced to the Section 8AA Championship game for the fourth time and the last five years! I just got home from the victory over the Breckenridge Cowboys in which junior Todd Johnson hit a game winning 3-pointer at the buzzer.

You would think a thriller like this would be more emotional for me than the boys' semi-final victory over Hawley, but that wasn't the case.

I've come to the conclusion that the reason why I had tears in my eyes when our boys beat Hawley and had a satisfied grin on my face as our boys defeated Breckenridge comes down to the status of the communities of Hawley vs. Pelican Rapids.

Hawley is the "darling" community of the area. . .it has a lot of great things going for it and "golden" seems to be an appropriate part of their school's nickname. (Hawley Golden Nuggets)

I mean no disrespect to the Hawley community as it seems to be a super community to belong to, but when you are at the other end of the spectrum. . .in what seems to be the "community of problems", you tend to look at things in a "David vs. Goliath" way.

We don't get a lot of credit in our community for all the good things that happen, so when our sports teams, band, knowledge bowl, choir, etc...excel, well it is a time for even greater celebration in our community of believers.

So HooooooooooHAAAAAAH! Boys and thanks for giving us something to believe in.

The effects of open enrollment

Pelican Rapids enrollment 1087 (-142)
Students from other districts who attend school in this district: 23
Students from this district who attend school in another district: 165

Lake Park-Audubon enrollment 639 (-101)
Students from other districts who attend school in this district:46
Students from this district who attend school in another district: 147

Fergus Falls enrollment 2689 (-73)
Students from other districts who attend school in this district: 121
Students from this district who attend school in another district: 194

Perham enrollment 1574 (-37)
Students from other districts who attend school in this district: 86
Students from this district who attend school in another district: 123

Barnesville enrollment 781 (-25)
Students from other districts who attend school in this district: 32
Students from this district who attend school in another district: 57

Frazee enrollment 1140 (-22)
Students from other districts who attend school in this district: 137
Students from this district who attend school in another district: 159

Rothsay enrollment 221 (+37)
Students from other districts who attend school in this district: 56
Students from this district who attend school in another district: 19

Detroit Lakes enrollment 2596 (+68)
Students from other districts who attend school in this district: 207
Students from this district who attend school in another district: 139

Hawley enrollment 899 (+86)
Students from other districts who attend school in this district: 125
Students from this district who attend school in another district: 39

Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton enrollment 1343 (+100)
Students from other districts who attend school in this district: 213
Students from this district who attend school in another district: 113

Underwood enrollment 489 (+117)
Students from other districts who attend school in this district: 161
Students from this district who attend school in another district: 44

Source: Minnesota Department of Education School Report Card 2005-2006 Data
Schools which border Pelican Rapids School District are in bold type

Bagley's undefeated 27-0 Flyers

Flyers survive
By Brandon Omdahl
Grand Forks Herald Staff Writer - 03/14/2007

Bagley boys basketball coach Todd Fore described Andrew Lundell as a player with a slight build but a big heart. Lundell came up big when the Flyers needed him most Tuesday night. The senior guard had 28 points and eight rebounds to lead undefeated Bagley past Red Lake 63-53 in a Section 8AA semifinal at Minnesota-Crookston. Lundell entered the game averaging 12 points a game. "I wasn't going to let our team lose," Lundell said. "It's all or nothing at this time of the year." Lundell stole an errant Red Lake pass and went the other way to complete a 3-point play to start a 19-5 run in the second half. "(Lundell) has been fabulous for us this whole tournament," Fore said. "He lacks in mass, but his heart makes up for that. He refuses to lose." Red Lake used a 12-4 run midway through the first half to build an 11-point lead. Red Lake guard Tridell Beaulieu had all 12 of his points in the first half. The Warriors led 30-25 at halftime. "We came out and played poorly in the first half," Fore said. "We shot, rebounded and played defense poorly. They came out and just played harder than we did." Bagley built a nine-point lead late in the second half, but Tom Barrett scored 12 consecutive Red Lake points to keep it close. Free throws down the stretch sealed the victory for the Flyers. Bagley shot 23-for-32 from the free-throw line, while Red Lake was 6-for-14. Brodie Camp scored 15 points for Bagley, which improved to 27-0. Barrett scored 19 points to lead Red Lake, which ended the season at 18-8. Is the undefeated record a distraction for the Flyers? "I think the kids feel a little bit a pressure," Fore said. "We haven't played our best ball in this tournament yet. We're lucky to get out of this with a win." Lundell said: "I don't see us being undefeated as a distraction. We're at the time of the year where you need to win no matter what anyway." Bagley faces Pelican Rapids in the title game at 7 p.m. Friday at Concordia-Moorhead.

“It’s a bang-bang call”

Official rules 'shot good' in 51-48 cage thriller

By Brian Hansel The Fergus Falls Daily Journal

Todd Johnson’s trey counted and the Pelican Rapids Vikings won a 51-48 thriller from the Breckenridge Cowboys Tuesday night in the South Sub-Section 8AA championship game.

Playing before a big crowd at the Concordia College Fieldhouse, the two Heart O’ Lakes Conference teams took the game down to the wire — and what many will always think went a tad beyond.

The Vikings took the ball out of bounds under their own hoop with .4 of a second on the clock. The pass to Johnson in three-point land had to go up in a heart beat. The backboard light came on as Johnson put his shot up — signaling the end of regulation time but an official ruled it good and the surprising Vikes had themselves another sub-section championship..........continued

(Photo by Brian Hansel)

Cowboys suffer heartbreaker

Way back when

Back before Pacesetter,
Back before the trey,
Back before there were scoreboards that kept track of tenths of seconds,
Back before there were backboards with a red neon light that lit up to distract you when you were concentrating on the front of the rim,
Back before there were thirteen people on the court, when there were only four eyes searching for your mistakes and two whistles,
Back before there were "Guys out in the truck" who could replay every play from every angle,
Back before the high school shot clock,
Back before Coaches could throw the red challenge towel,
Back before the Head Referee sat at the score-keeping table between security guards,
Back before the retractable lid went over the basket the millisecond the red neon light came on,
Back before every bench had an Assistant Coach with a degree in Sports Law,

Oats LeGrand would have said
"Count it!"
"Ladies and gentlemen, from the Fieldhouse of Concordia College, this was Oats LeGrand, good night everybody."

Otter Tail County dairy farmers would go to bed.
The lights would go out.

Blowing smoke?

Wind project on hold for now

By Matt Bewley (Contact) | The Fergus Falls Daily Journal

An experimental project involving the installation and testing of a single, giant wind turbine in Pelican Township was postponed yesterday when the developer notified township authorities that he could no longer secure the turbine.

Under a project recently postponed by Plains States Energy, the Nordex NM90 wind turbine, very similar in size to this Nordex N90, would have been constructed in Pelican Township.

Doors of 56572 (24) Gracing the doors of 56572

An Open letter to the City of Pelican Rapids (2)

Is It Worth It?

As I read and hear about the proposed fire hall with regards to Dunn Township, I can’t help but wonder if all the discussions and ultimatums are really worth it.

The Pelican Rapids Fire Dept is owned by the City of Pelican Rapids. For an annual fee they provide a service to the surrounding townships. We in Dunn Township have no right to tell the City of Pelican Rapids what we will pay for fire protection. They provide a service to us and we pay for that service.

The annual service is not an arbitrary figure that the city sets each year. It is determined by a contract established long before Mr. Johnson was elected to his position as Dunn Township Supervisor. If Dunn wishes to pay the price of fire protection they can. If not, they need to get protection somewhere else.

If Dunn decides to get fire protection some where else, Detroit Lakes, Vergas, Barnesville, etc., it has to cause delays in protection. Will that delay allow for increased damage? Maybe spread to the next house or building? Will that delay result in death or some similar tragedy?

The big question to me is why all the arguments and threats? Has anyone looked at the cost per Dunn property owner? It is certainly not worth risking a 5 – 10 minute delay in getting firefighters to the scene.

To help build the fire hall as it is now planned, it would cost the Dunn Township owner of a $100,000 home $4.56 per year to be a part of the process. A $200,000 home would pay $9.24 per year and a $500,000 piece of property would pay a whopping $22.80 per year for a new fire building. This is hardly breaking the bank for Dunn Township residents.

Mike Johnson has proposed that the City of Pelican Rapids pay for $500,000 or half of the million dollar price tag and the townships will pay for the remainder. Dunn’s share of the remaining $500,000 would be $15,708 per year in debt retirement. The threat would save the township $6,262.60 or $1.32/year for a resident with a $100,000 taxable property value. A $500,000 taxable value would save $6.60 per year if the threat from our supervisors was honored.

I would like to ask our supervisors: is your battle worth it? If we opt out of the fire services contract, is it worth $5, $10, or $20 per year savings to have inferior service? The mandate of only paying for half would save our wealthiest residents less than $10 per year.

According to your threats to the City of Pelican Rapids, you would save that much and more in gas and time, to not be required to honor the goods and services of DL, Vergas or Barnesville because of the fire protection they would provide.

There are some times where it makes sense to pay for a service rather than own it. I think that this is one of those times.

Donald Beck, Dunn Township Resident

Is It Worth It - a response

You are correct, Don, the city charges a fee for their service. A fee Dunn has always paid, and is happy to continue to pay. This issue, for about the 100th time, is not about service. It is about the city's attempt to have those to whom they provide service also pay for THEIR fire hall.

By the way, we have every right to tell the city what we will pay for fire service. As in all businesses, if we don't like the price, we can look elsewhere. However, for the 101st time, this is about the fire hall, not about fire service.
'It has to cause delays in protection'. I'm surprised, Don, that you would stoop to innuendo and vieled threat. Death and tragedy, you say. As is said; 'show me the money'. Document your assertion. If you can't, then zip it. I've talked to these fire departments, have you? Or are you just joining in the attempt to scare the residents of Dunn. That's easier than doing your homework and coming up with facts, isn't it, Don.

It will cost Dunn $439,412, under the city's current proposal to build them THEIR fire hall. You can slice it and dice it any way you want, $439,412 is the number. And by the way, for the 102nd time, this is over and above the cost of service, this is Dunn's cost of THEIR fire hall. This is fact, not innuendo or veiled threat. By the way, Don, next time I need to buy a truck, I'll come and see if your approval of a 'plan' by which the owner (me) only has to pay 30% of the cost is still open. If it's good enough for the city, it's good enough for me and I'll sign up. Funny, I'll bet I won't find many takers, will I.

Is our battle worth it. This is about fairness to EVERYONE, documented by numbers. Not Pelican's idea of fairness FOR everyone else. And, for the 103rd time, this is not about fire service, this is about the fire hall.

Mike Johnson, Dunn township

Still, Is It Worth It

My question to you and everyone else is still is it worth it. In your comment, you mentioned the total cost to Dunn Township was $439,412. This figure is spread out over 20 years and will still cost the owner of a $100,00 piece of property 38 cents a month or $91.20 over 20 years.

Most of the people that will foot the bill for the $21,970.60 are unaware of the situation. The few that I have spoken with have no problem with helping to pay for a new fire hall based on the minimal cost to them.

When you look at the big picture Dunn Township property owners are paying $439,412 over 20 years. Reality is, we are paying a minimal amount on a yearly basis for fire protection and a building and no matter how you negotiate things, or try to improve things there are minimal cost savings involved and a possible compromise of fire protection.

It seems to me that you have gone all in to a pot that will not win you a lot of money.

Donald Beck, Dunn Resident

In all fairness

WDAY-TV gave a large segment of their News Center 6 last night and First News program this morning to interviewing Maplewood State Park Ranger Bob Hanson - thanks to Chamber Jane asking them to. Ranger Bob did an admirable job on camera, something which must have been difficult even now, almost six months since his son was killed in Iraq.

WDAY-TV is to be thanked for bringing publicity to the Park Shelter fundraiser in Joshua's memory this Sunday in Detroit Lakes......in addition to broadcasting the basketball game tonight. Thanks to 56572 businesses for buying TV advertising. Pay attention and thank those who did.

BTW Mr. Sports Guy - Mr. Izzo, Coach Brad Strand's barber is well worth an interview. Find out from her if it's a crew cut, a buzz, a butch, a flattop or a heinie. The head Cowboy Dean Haugo may be a the sharpest dresser around, but Renae's got her Hubby ready for prime time too with every strand of hair in place!

WDAY-TV is to be thanked too for staying home last week when the news from 56572 was not best.

The local sports fan who called the Forum yesterday to complain that the part of his Sunday Forum Sports section reporting on Section 8AA basketball was missing heard silence. Must have been Barb playing tricks on us?

Tomorrow is another day.

The need to know

While the Rotarians lunch on Tuesday just up the hill at the Good Sam, many locals hang out around Cash-n-Dash or The Rapids Cafe to be the first to find out what tomorrow's local news will be. The fresher the ink the better.

This gentleman was not the only one trying to avoid the steering wheel today.

That's a good sign. Those who spend their week meeting the printer's deadline need to know that others need to know too.

Now it wasn't the front page that I saw getting read. Looks more like letters to the editor to me. Hopefully people will pick up the pen and write, just not read. Blog readers are alway more numerous when "somebody else" had something to say and sent in a comment.

Sit down and eat

If you've never sat down and ate at Kroll's Diner why not tonight before the game?

A lucky winner (for a change)

The 56572 editor was the lucky winner of this - printed in Germany - color postcard looking west across early 1900's Stony Bar on eBay this noon.

I put an unheard of bid in last week and forgot about it over the weekend. When I checked early this morning there had been some bidding activity. Just to be sure I upped my unheard of bid by $5. Had I not done so, I would have lost.

Moral of the story: put down what you're willing to pay the first time. Then towards the end of the auction, if you're still high bidder, up it.

When I'm gone, my kids can fight about it.

Viking Pride

Seriously, three years ago when 56572 started I would not have believed that I would be able to stand on a street corner in my town at noon, hold my digital camera still for three minutes, attach the camera to my computer, upload the file for free to something called Youtube and have one hundred people from anywhere in the world watch it by dinner time. No film, no processing, no projector, no advertising, no actors, no tickets, no training........all for free. My viewers can give instant feedback thumbs up or thumbs down.What did you have to say to the world and what are you waiting for?

Open township positions elected on Tuesday ballot

Fergus Falls Daily Journal
Published Monday, March 12, 2007

With township elections slated for Tuesday, and the weather expected to cooperate, residents have the opportunity to see their vote count.
The townships listed have the following positions open for election:

• Dunn — November election.

• Erhards Grove — Incumbents Supervisor Rebecca Ouren and Treasurer Audrey Sjostrom running unopposed. No questions are on the ballot. Polls are open from 5 to 8 p.m.

• Lida — Supervisor Terry Sjostrom is running unopposed. Treasurer Mavis Erickson has filed and also filing for treasurer was Diane Hanson. Following the election, the annual meeting will be held at 8:15 p.m. Polls are open from 4 to 8 p.m.

• Maplewood — Supervisor Craig Ripley is running unopposed, and treasurer Dorothy Backstrom has filed unopposed. Following the election, the annual meeting will be held at 8:05 p.m. Polls are open from 5 to 8 p.m.

• Norwegian Grove — Carol Treinen, appointed Clerk following the death of Harold Marty, is unopposed for a one-year term. Filing for supervisor was Rudy Butenas and treasurer Mary Bongers has filed unopposed. Following the election, the annual meeting will be held at 8:05 p.m. Polls are open from 5 to 8 p.m.

• Pelican — Incumbents Supervisor Thomas Langseth and Treasurer Darleen Hovland are running unopposed. A question on the ballot asks whether future elections should be moved to November. Polls are open from 5 to 8 p.m.

• Scambler — Incumbents Supervisor Dennis Carlblom and Treasurer Judy Hoadley are running unopposed. No questions are on the ballot. Polls are open from 5 to 8 p.m.

• Trondhjem — Incumbents Supervisor Orland Ohe and Treasurer Kevin Brenden are running unopposed. No questions are on the ballot. Polls are open from 4:30 to 8 p.m.