Western Itasca Review
75 Cents
Deer River, Minnesota, 56636 Volume 110, Number 31 Thursday, February 18, 2010
Inside This Issue. . . It’s Your Court Page 2 The Sugar Cube Page 5 Itasca County Commissioners Page 7 Obituaries Page 12
Cohasset City Council Page 2 Looking Back Page 6 Bigfork City Council S pecial Meeting Page 11 The Bible Says Page 13
Bigfork School says good-bye to Judi Nixon
This group of the Marcell fishing contest participants, who preferred to remain nameless, wear their hats and come prepared to have fun. “They come every year,” said Bruce Ramstad. More photos on page 16.
ISD 317 school board members weigh the options of a foggy future by Traci Crotteau We need another math teacher. We need another science teacher. Reasonable requests facing Deer River administrators and school board members after the state imposes more mandates on the math and science departments of school districts across Minnesota. Two road blocks obstruct the way of status quo at Deer River schools. One, the new state required mandates and two, the financial set backs that will be imposed on the district throughout the 2010/2011 school year. The challenges warranted school board members to gather for four hours worth of workshop meetings hoping the discussions would give them a head start on solving the issues, but by no means coming to any conclusions.
More math, more science “Coming in the year 2015, which is our current seventh graders, the algebra focus gets shifted down into the eighth grade. All eighth graders will have to take Algebra I,” informed Deer River math teacher Sheryl Spaeth. But even before
that shift takes place the state, beginning in 2010-11, will make it mandatory for students to graduate with algebra, geometry, statistics and probability classes. A vast change from what’s implemented currently, three credits of non-specified math. “If we had that one more teacher, we could have one person teaching all the geometry, one person teaching all the Algebra II, so that we wouldn’t be so scattered and have so many preps,” Spaeth said. But within this puzzle of adding more math to a student’s graduation requirements comes another puzzle: not all students are capable of passing all these math classes but they are expected to. “We’re given direction from the state that all kids are going to [pass]. So how are we going to react in a positive manner, so that these kids can have a chance to be engaged in the course,” said Spaeth. Math teacher Karen Teff said she recommends getting all the students exposed to all the different types of math, even those students who lag behind. “We would recommend our lowest kids be in a regular math class with ISD 317/To Page 14
Bigfork City Council meets in regular session The City of Bigfork met Feb. 9. Members present were Mayor Roger Logdahl, Linda Koppelmann, Amy Pifher, Mike Stevens and Bob Zimmer. Also present were Street Commissioner Gene Rajala, Water and Sewer Commissioner James Manske, Casual Maintenance Laborer Chris Manske, Kevin Hovila, City Engineer Mathew Pellinen, Al LaTrace, Ann McGarry, Public Works Superintendent Chuck Almhjeld, Dan Heinecke, Ed Yarbrough, Airport Commissioner Richard Salmi, Police Chief Jon Babcock and City Clerk/Treasurer Michael McKinney. Logdahl called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m.
Results of the January 26, 2010 City Council Special Meeting Closed Session Logdahl noted that the city council held a closed session with the city attorney and the police chief to discuss the
police chief position. Stevens noted that the city plans to maintain one full-time position that will include school liaison and on-call hours. Logdahl noted that there will still be funds set aside for a part-time police position but that the police officer position will remain unfilled. He also noted that the police chief’s job description will also be changed to reflect items discussed during the closed session.
Public Forum Gene Rajala provided a summary of the time cards for the public works department. He felt that the employees in that department were working more hours than necessary. He also felt that the City should review its on-call policy and look to institute a call-out policy instead. He also felt that the city’s police report should be published in the meeting minutes or the Western Itasca Review. Logdahl noted that the city should review its on-call policy when union con BIGFORK COUNCIL/To Page 4
by Kathy Lynn Independent School District 318 approved the retirement of Judi Nixon during the school board meeting February 1st. Nixon will retire with 29 years in the district, serving currently as Principal Scott Patrow’s secretary. Board members praised Nixon for her attitude, longevity and efficiency. Board Chair Lynda Ross said, “(Judi) is kind-of the spirit of the school.” Board member Harvey Hietala said he’s known Nixon for a long time, “She’s always been something particularly special (in Bigfork). She’s always very cheerful. She smiles all the time. She’s knowledgeable. She’s an effective office manager. We’re going to miss her (in Bigfork). “ Superintendent Joe Silko said, “Judi’s been in that position for a long time. Her face has been the face of the Bigfork Schools for a long time. We’ve very appreciative of her work there.” Nixon’s retirement will be effective on June 30, 2010. Chief Finance Officer Ben Hawkins and his staff were awarded the Fiscal Year 2010 Finance Award by the Minnesota Department of Education. The award was issued for exhibiting fiscal health and sound fiscal management and accountability. Data was gathered from about 50 school districts in determining the award. District 318 is a repeat winner. The school board approved the school
calendar for school year 2010-2011. Board members also approved next year’s graduation dates. The class of 2011 will have a graduation ceremony on June 4, 2011 at 2pm in the Jerry Chiabotti Gym. About 40 teachers were present at the school board meeting. More teachers attended and spoke during the open forum prior to the board meeting. The teachers and administration had not settled on terms of a new contract. The district missed the January 15th state-imposed deadline for settlements, which will cost the district $25.00 per pupil unit. All but 29 of the state's 342 districts have struck two-year agreements with their teachers. Superintendent Silko briefed the board on the Minnesota legislature’s attempt to change the first day of school. To date, schools are unable to begin classes prior to Labor Day. He said, “the reality of it is that the legislative preassure, particularly from the legislators in Northeast Minnesota, have led a coalition that supports the Chamber of Commerce and our local business resort owners and lobbied very hard for this after Labor day start.” The metro lawmakers support the after Labor day start because they are worried about attendance at the Minnesota State Fair. The next school board meeting is scheduled for Ferbuary 16 at 7pm in the district’s administration building in Grand Rapids.
Deer River City Council accepts quotes for capping of wells in old fire hall building by Louise H. McGregor, staff writer Quotes from Freeman Well Drilling, Inc. of Walker and Liston General Contracting, Inc. of Deer River for work to gain access and cap the wells in the old fire hall were accepted and approved by motion at the Deer River City Council meeting of Feb. 8. “That is,” said council members, “if the quotes are good until May and we will be able to make payment in June.” There were two bids on doing the capping of the wells, but Freeman’s quote of $6,705 was the least expensive even though it did not include roof access which has to be done by someone else. That is where the Liston company comes in. They will remove the steel roof in the center of the old pump house for access to one of the wells and reinstall it for $1,200 and remove the steel roof on the south end of the building for the other well access and reinstall it for $700. This brings the total cost of the project to $8,605. The capping of the wells is something that is required by the Minnesota Health Department. “Besides that,” said Councilman Mark Box, “we have had some serious offers for the building. We will be able to sell it after this is done and get it back on the tax rolls.” Additional agenda items approved with council motions included those on the following list: •Acceptance of Working Foreman Brad Marlette’s report, which included the above quotes and information on how well the new jetter works. Marlette said, “There was a sewer backup on 10th Ave. N.E. that was caused by a Hwy. 6 drainage that was stopped up. We used the new jetter and it cleared that problem right up.” •Allowing Jim Liston to do his own
water shut-offs at his, or Wade Wilson’s, rental mobile home units at Evergreen Mobile Home Court, when the water bills are delinquent, and collect the shut-off fee (Providing that there is verification from City Attorney Andrew Shaw that this process of eliminating one step is an allowable action). •Acceptance of the city engineer report from Robert Beaver of Short Elliot Hendrickson Inc. “There is nothing new to report at this point,” said Beaver, “but I thought it would be good to touch base with the council and meet the new member.” Work is still being done on the address changes and they will be brought in for council review and approval in the near future. Beaver reminded the council that there would have to be some money spent on the sewer ponds due to the muskrat damage. He said, “The damage has been done and repair is a must.” Beaver will be getting quotes for this project. Council members wanted to know if there was anything new on the city’s application for funds for a new sewer pond. Beaver said, “There isn’t any news on it at this point. The application for a 2010 Public Facilities Authority loan is still in place and the city is on the active list.” •Resolution 2010-03 having Deer River Police Officer Tamara Apitz represent the department as a member in the Itasca County At Risk Youth MultiDisciplinary Team. •Resolution 2010-02 accepting a $750 donation from Enbridge Energy Inc. on behalf of the Deer River Fire Department. The funds are to be utilized for the purchase of new Jaws of Life power tools (a photo of the presentation of this donation appeared in the Feb. 11 WIR). DEER RIVER COUNCIL/To Page 14
WIR, Thursday, Feb. 18, 2010, page 2
It’s Your Court by District Court Judge Paul Rasmussen CHOOSING PRISON The defendant had quite a history. He had found trouble at an early age and had a lengthy juvenile record. As a youth he smoked, drank, experimented with drugs, stole property, got into several fights and broke into a couple of cabins. As consequences he had experienced all that the juvenile system had to offer, including spending considerable time in secure detention. District Court Judge He did not change Paul Rasmussen course upon becoming an adult, committing his first adult offense just a couple of weeks after turning 18. He continued to commit property offenses and spent time in three different county jails. Now just 22, he already had experienced most of our adult correctional system. The defendant’s first adult felony offense was a burglary. Probation violations led to the revocation of his probation and the defendant was sent to prison at the Minnesota Correctional Facility in St. Cloud. He violated his conditions of release and wound up serving his entire sentence in prison. Having served up the entire sentence, the defendant was released in June. He reoffended that fall, committing a felony theft offense in September. He had pled guilty to the charge and was appearing before me for sentencing. A presentence report had been prepared by the Department of Corrections. In the report the probation officer had correctly noted that the presumptive sentence under the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines was a stayed prison sentence of 17 months. The recommendation from probation was that the defendant serve 60 days in the county jail and be on supervised probation for five years under a number of strict conditions. Under the law I could not send this young man to prison on my own initiative. The most I could do to him would be to have him serve time in the county jail. The County Attorney had agreed to recommend no more than 60 days in jail. I anticipated that the defense attorney would argue for less jail time. The hearing did not go as I expected. At the very start of the hearing the defendant demanded that his sentence be executed. He asked me to send him to prison. I granted his request as the law in Minnesota is that a defendant generally has the right to demand execution of a sentence. The defendant explained that he did not want to be on probation for five years and that he would rather just serve the prison sentence. He acknowledged that he had given his decision much thought and that he had fully discussed his options with his attorney. What do we make of this? Aren’t people supposed to be afraid of going to prison? We obviously should be concerned about this particular defendant. At an early age he has already “faced the dragon” and survived. He is not afraid of prison and what might happen to him if he commits another crime. With a felony record, no employment history and no marketable skills, this defendant is at great risk to struggle in life. He is likely to reoffend and return to prison. Most offenders who appear before a judge to be sentenced are, at least, apprehensive. Many are visibly nervous. Some are outright scared. Occasionally, however, we see offenders who display no fear. That is not a good sign. And, as always, remember….it’s your court. Paul Rasmussen is a District Court Judge in the Ninth Judicial District. He is chambered in Clearwater County and works primarily in Clearwater and Hubbard Counties. His e-mail address is: paul.rasmussen@courts.state.mn.us
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The Western Itasca Review (USPS 678-540), P.O. Box 427, Deer River, Itasca County, Minnesota 56636, was founded in 1896. The weekly newspaper is the consolidation of the Deer River News and the Itasca Progressive of Bigfork. Periodicals postage is paid at Deer River, Minnesota. Our telephone number is (218) 246-8533; toll free 1-888-685-0800. Our Fax Number is (218) 246-8540. Our e-mail address is drpub@paulbunyan.net.
Bob Barnacle, Publisher & Editor Rebecca Passeri, Assistant Editor & Ad Sales Rep Robin Pederson, Receptionist Louise H. McGregor, Staff Writer Addison Smith, Typesetter/Graphic Artist Gladys Snyder, Printer
WIR, Thursday, Feb. 18, 2010, Page 3
Bigfork Valley Winter Challenge on Saturday Feb. 20 If you like to ski, there’s a 4.5 mile classic cross country ski loppet. If you like to ice fish, there’s a kids’ fishing clinic and family fishing derby. If you like to skate, there will be a large skating rink. And if you like to roast hot dogs and s’mores over a fire, there’s that, too. Weather permitting, even guitarists can enjoy the outdoors in winter. Bring your acoustic instrument and join the first ever Frozen Finger Jam around the campfire. All this and more is taking place at the second Bigfork Valley Winter Challenge at Scenic State Park on Saturday, Feb. 20 between noon and 4:30 p.m. Admission is free, with a registration fee for those 16 and over for the loppet and fishing derby contests. All participants will receive a beanie cap while supplies last. Bigfork Valley is sponsoring state park vehicle passes for those who do not have one. Events: Ice fishing is sponsored by the Bigfork Volunteer Fire Department. A youth fishing clinic will be on the ice between noon and 1 p.m. followed by a family fishing derby from 1-3 p.m. Minnows will be donated by Sharp’s Bait. There is a registration fee for those 16 and over; fishing regulations apply. The grand door prize will be a Vexilar FL8se Genz Box fish finder. The classic ski loppet race will begin promptly at 1:30 p.m. Participants should arrive at the park by 12:30 p.m. to allow enough time to register, drive to the start and change into gear. The trail begins on the lake and winds 4.5 miles through the forest on a scenic groomed trail of varying difficulty. All participants will receive an event pin. There is a registration fee for 16 and up, state park cross country ski passes are sponsored by Bigfork Valley if needed. Free clinics on winter survival and cold weather activities will be ongoing through the afternoon, including a curling clinic sponsored
by the Itasca Curling Club, skating on a large rink (limited number of youth skates available for use), a sled dog exhibit and a Wellness display. At 4:30 p.m. the Bigfork Valley Foundation will draw winners for the event raffle. Tickets available at Bigfork Valley or area businesses. Always hungry after an outdoor activity? At the lodge there will be a chili/soup meal, hot chocolate and coffee, and s’mores and hot dogs to roast on an outdoor bonfire. At the ice fishing contest, enjoy grilled hot dogs and hot drinks. All food is available for a freewill donation. For more information, see www.bigforkvalley.org, click on “Winter Challenge.” Printable registration forms may be filled out in advance and brought to the park. In case of extreme cold, the event will be cancelled. Call the park at 743-3362 or listen to area radio stations. Bigfork Valley Challenge events are community health initiatives sponsored by Bigfork Valley combining physical activity, competition, food and fun. “Our goal is to interest our community members in life sports and activities that they will enjoy and that will contribute to a healthy life,” said Dan Odegaard, CEO. Other Challenge events during 2010 are the Kids Challenge on Saturday, Aug. 14 and Challenge Race on Saturday, Sept. 11. Schedule: 12-1 p.m. Youth Fishing Clinic, 1-3 p.m. Family Fishing Derby, 1:30 p.m. Classic Cross Country Ski Race Ongoing: Food! Hot dogs and coffee on the ice, 1-4 p.m. Chili, soup, veggies, hot drinks served at the Lodge, Curling clinic, Winter survival workshop, Open skating, Dog sledding exhibit, Wellness display, Outdoor bonfire for hot dogs and s’mores, Frozen Finger Musical Jam. See ad in this week’s Deerpath Shopper.
Candlelight skiing at King by Louise H. McGregor, staff writer The U.S. Forest Service Deer River Ranger District teamed up with the teachers at the Cyrus M. King Elementary School to have the Candlelight Ski event held on the school’s new ski trail this year. “Actually,” said fourth grade King School teacher Mary Gephart, “it’s not a new trail, there was one here several years ago, but it had not been used for quite some time and was a bit overgrown.” Clearing, recently done in that area on the grounds south of the school building by local members of the Itasca County Firewise Program, took care of most of the overgrowth. “My husband Bob and I walked the halfmile looped trail during Thanksgiving vacation and tagged it,” said Gephart. “Then Gary Dahlberg, a physical education and health teacher at the Deer River High School, trimmed the overhanging branches.” The trail still was not ready for skiers. “The Northern Lights Nordic Ski Club members, along with Robin Baker, decided they would help us get the trail groomed,” said Gephart. A trail tracker and groomer were brought to the site. Dahlberg and Mike Fairbanks were to be the operators of the equipment and groomed the trail. “Baker groomed the trail this week before our skiing event,” said Gephart. The trail has been put to use before this evening. Students at the King School have been skiing on it for the past two weeks and Dahlberg has been bringing his physical edu-
cation class students to ski on the King School Trail for the past two weeks. “I’ll be contacting Fairbanks tonight,” said Dahlberg, “to see if he can groom the trail early tomorrow morning so I can bring the students here to ski on Friday. It will be our last day for skiing. The kids have just loved it.” Usually, the Forest Service’s Candlelight Ski in this area is held at the Cutfoot Sioux Ranger Station, but in partnership with the teachers at King this event was held on Feb. 11 at the school in conjunction with their monthly Parents in Education (PIE) night. The Forest Service’s theme for their Candlelight Ski events this year is, Getting Kid’s into the Woods.” “Their thought was,” said King School teacher Deanna Hron, “that having the event locally might encourage more people to participate.” That seemed to work, as Hron estimated that about 50 adults and youngsters turned out for the evenings’ fun where there were 25 sets of skis available for free use by the youngsters and there were also snowshoes to use. A bonfire was built to roast marshmallows, make smores or just enjoy the fire’s warmth and the company of others. Inside the school building, there was hot cocoa and cookies, plus storytelling, but most of the children spent their time outdoors as the weather was just right for skiing and being outdoors, getting in some family time, getting healthy exercise and appreciating what outdoors activities offer.
Michelle Heiker, of the U.S. Chippewa National Forest Service took care of getting all of the candles lit for the Feb. 11 Candlelight Ski at the Cyrus M. King Elementary School hosted event. Directly behind her is Gary Dahlberg talking with one of the events participants.
Youngsters and adults enjoyed the warmth of the bonfire, roasting marshmallows and making smores during the Feb. 11 Candlelight Ski event done on the revitalized half-mile ski trail at the Cyrus M. King Elementary School.
Youngsters, like this one, came into the Cyrus M. King Elementary School with a healthy, red glow of rosy cheeks after skiing. They were ready for some hot cocoa and cookies.
Youngsters who didn’t want to ski could walk the candlelight ski trail on snowshoes that were just their size during the Feb. U.S Chippewa National Forest Service and Cyrus M. King Elementary School sponsored event.
There was a table near the bonfire set up with supplies for smores that not only drew the attention of youngsters during the ski event at the school on Feb. 11, but it also attracted the adults, such as Cyrus M. King teacher Mary Gephart
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WIR, Thursday, Feb. 18, 2010, page 4
BIGFORK COUNCIL/ From Page 1 tracts are renegotiated later this year. As no other individuals wished to address the council, Logdahl closed the public forum at 6:15 p.m. Logdahl noted that the closed session agenda item should be reworded to remove language regarding discipline. He felt that this item as written does not convey an accurate tone of what will be discussed. Stevens asked if the city can still take action on what is discussed in the closed session if this language is removed. Logdahl stated that the council can take whatever action is necessary and that for the sake of publication this language does not need to be included in the agenda. Logdahl noted several discrepancies he discovered in the financial report for January. Pifher questioned the fees charged by the city attorney. Zimmer asked if the city attorney had any involvement in the land condemnation at the airport. City Clerk/Treasurer McKinney noted that he had little involvement in the condemnation. Stevens noted that the majority of that invoice comes from his attendance of two city council meetings. Stevens asked if the minutes from the Jan. 26 special meeting were available yet. City Clerk/Treasurer McKinney noted that it was not available when council packets were sent out.
Commissioner’s Reports Street Commissioner Gene Rajala announced his resignation from this position. Airport Commissioner Richard Salmi provided his report. He informed the council that he did order the airport closed on Jan. 27, and outlined his reasons for doing so. He stated that the previous airport manager had closed the airport in the past under similar conditions. He also noted that he spoke to the manager of the Grand Rapids airport, who told him that the runway in Grand Rapids was icy but that they had the equipment to improve the runway. Salmi noted that the airport in Bemidji was also closed that day. The Grand Rapids airport manager told him that he would not have opened the airport that day under those conditions. Salmi was also concerned about snow piles at the ends of the airport runway, which becomes difficult to remove when it has a chance to freeze. He also noted that the entryway to the airport had not been cleared of snow recently. Stevens noted that Salmi was not the airport manager and added that the airport manager did take action to check icing on the runway. He also noted that the decision as to whether to land was taken from the pilot’s hands when the airport was closed. Stevens also felt that Salmi had circumvented the rules by ordering the airport closed without the knowledge of the airport manager and felt that the issue in this case was a failure to communicate. Logdahl noted that a protocol for closing the airport is not currently in place. Water and Sewer Commissioner James Manske provided his report. He noted that the mixer has been installed in the water treatment plant and that the mixer was so plugged that water could not pass through it in any volume. He also noted that the pipe leading to the tower was also cleaned out. Logdahl asked what the water pressure was at the hospital. Manske did not know but stated that the pressure at the plant was about 75 pounds, while the pressure from before the mixer was replaced was around 20 pounds. Logdahl noted that he had gotten complaints about cloudy water from residents. Manske stated that this was the result of air bubbles in the water. He also noted that it will take several days to get the water quality back to where it should be. He added that the public works staff was cleaning snow from around fire hydrants in the city. Manske thanked Robert Zimmer for his assistance with replacing the mixer at the water treatment plant. Parks and Recreation Commissioner Amy Pifher did not provide a report. Cemetery Commissioner Mike Stevens did not provide a report. Logdahl asked if the road in the cemetery has been cleared of snow. Pifher noted that it has been cleared.
Annual Insurance
Renewal Pifher asked that this item be moved ahead of the Engineering Updates. Stevens asked if waiving tort limits for insurance liability purposes was a good idea. Kevin Hovila noted that the annual cost of waiving this insurance was minimal and that it was worth the extra cost to the city. Hovila also noted that waiving the limit provided a greater benefit to injured parties.
Engineering Updates City Engineer Mathew Pellinen provided his report. He discussed the funding scenarios for the water improvement project as outlined in his monthly report. Logdahl stated that the city should pursue those funding opportunities immediately. Pellinen felt that the city should find out what its needs are first before making a request for funding. Stevens noted that he was extremely concerned with the city’s capacity to pay back a loan and wanted to be sure that the city was able to adopt an option that it could afford. Logdahl agreed that it is important to reduce the financial burden on the city.
Unfinished Business Resolution 2010-05 Establishing 2010 Appointments - City Clerk/Treasurer McKinney noted that the only change to the resolution were the appointments to the North Itasca Joint Powers Board. Stevens noted that the street commissioner position should be accepted as vacant and can be filled at a later date. Pifher felt that it would be better to address this resolution after the council finalizes the commissioner job descriptions. Stevens felt that the job descriptions can be addressed after this resolution is adopted. A motion was made by by Stevens, seconded by Zimmer, to adopt Resolution 2010-05 as amended, including changing the street commissioner position to vacant and changing all commissioner positions to liaison positions. Motion carried with Pifher opposing.
Five-Year Project and Capital Purchases Plan Logdahl noted that this project and capital purchases plan was established by the Planning & Zoning Commission at their meeting last week. Pifher asked if it was a good idea to push out work on South Rajala Mill Road until 2014. Pifher felt that work on this road should be done as soon as possible. Logdahl noted that work on South Rajala Mill could be moved up to early 2012 if necessary. Stevens noted that the proposed work at the airport for 2010 seemed ambitious. He asked if it was possible to use funds from the airport work done in 2009 to help pay for the proposed 2010 work at the airport. Logdahl noted that this plan is a working document and can be changed if necessary to reflect changing needs of the city. Stevens noted that this document was important to SEH since it helps them determine which items will need funding and when. A motion was made by Stevens, seconded by Pifher, to adopt the five-year project and capital purchases plan as amended, including rescheduling proposed work on South Rajala Mill road, for early 2012. Motion was carried unanimously. Resolution 2010-03 Establishing 2010 Wages & Salaries - Logdahl noted that the budgeted amount for the police chief’s salary will include vacation time sold back at the rate of 32 hours per week rather than 40 hours per week to reflect the chief’s work schedule. Logdahl also questioned whether the public works superintendent hourly pay still needed a reference to mutual aid pay. City Clerk/Treasurer McKinney noted that this was included since the union contract contained that information. Koppelmann suggested that the police officer position be removed from the resolution since the City will not actively attempt to fill the position. A motion was made by Zimmer, seconded by Pifher, to adopt Resolution 2010-03 as amended, including changes to the police chief salary and removal of the police officer position. Motion carried unanimously. Ordinance #159 Collecting Fee from New Water and Sewer Service Customers - Logdahl noted that the Planning & Zoning Commission
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Job Description Updates Logdahl read the proposed changes to the police chief’s job description. Logdahl stated that he believed that the council planned to take some control over the police chief’s work hours during the closed session at the Jan. 26 city council meeting. Stevens felt that the council should have some input over the hours worked by the police chief. He also noted that the council should have some discretion in influencing the police chief’s hours when issues arise. Logdahl also felt that the council should have some authority over the expected coverage in the city. A motion was made by Stevens, seconded by Koppelmann, to approve the police chief’s job description as amended, including addition of the city council as having discretion over the police chief’s hours and that the police chief seeks to maintain an annual average of 16 regular patrol, eight on-call and eight school liaison hours per week. Motion carried unanimously. Logdahl noted that one reason for the proposed changes to the commissioner job descriptions is that the term “commissioner” was deemed to be too strong and that the council decided that “liaison” may be more appropriate. Pifher felt that the employment status of the commissioner job descriptions should read “as approved by the council” rather than “appointed by the mayor”. Logdahl felt that the positions should be appointed by the mayor. Pifher felt that complaints should go through the council rather than through the commissioners to keep the number of people involved on any issue as low as possible. Logdahl felt that it was important to have the commissioners as an extra set of eyes on the street and as an extra point of contact for residents. Pifher believed that the appointed boards in the city could address immediate danger rather than the commissioners. Logdahl felt that the commissioners could act quickly to protect the city if there was an immediate hazard. Pifher believed that the commissioners should be restricted from assisting employees when the council is not available. Logdahl noted that they do not function as decision makers but as individuals who can offer advice to city employees when needed. Pifher also felt that it was not necessary for the commissioners to meet with state agencies or any other groups. Logdahl noted that the commissioners are there to challenge what is taking place in the city. Koppelmann noted that the commissioners’ job descriptions could be changed so that they offer general support rather than guidance. Logdahl felt that it is important to provide a standard operating procedure for commissioners to follow. Stevens noted that the only issue was whether the commissioners would not exceed their established responsibilities. Logdahl felt that it was important for commissioners to work together with city employees.
Donation Requests Zimmer provided an update on the events planned for the upcoming airport grand opening celebration. Stevens asked if the city currently maintained a budget for donations. He noted that he did not want to create a precedent by granting donations to organizations that request funds. He did feel that the city should show support for what these organizations are attempting to achieve. Pifher noted that the city should avoid taking action that further worsens its budget situation. Logdahl felt that the city might consider issuing a letter of support to these organizations. He also felt that the city could pledge employee time to these organizations. Logdahl noted that the city already provides funding to the Highway 38 Leadership Board through the North Itasca Joint Powers Board.
Personnel Harassment City Clerk/Treasurer McKinney outlined the recommendation made by the personnel committee on this agenda item. Stevens felt that the city should have the city attorney investigate cases of employee harassment to determine if this is a liability that the city
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opted to reduce the fee charged for this service from $85 to $25 at their meeting last week. He noted that this is a minimal fee that seems fair for the service provided. A motion was made by Pifher, seconded by Koppelmann, to adopt Ordinance #159. City Clerk/Treasurer McKinney informed the council that the Planning & Zoning Commission opted to credit back $60 to any customer that was charged for this service in 2009 to reflect the changes to this fee.
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should address. Pifher felt that the employees should be comfortable in reporting harassment to the city attorney. Logdahl noted that the council could direct the city attorney to initiate an investigation to determine whether a problem does exist. Stevens felt that this should be an efficient and quick process. A motion was made by Pifher, with no second, to allow employees to talk to the City Attorney regarding employee harassment. Motion was later withdrawn. Stevens felt that allowing the city attorney to talk to employees would protect the city from potential liability. He also felt that there are some issues with harassment and noted that it would be prudent for the city to know where it stands. Pifher noted that it was unfair to make employees wait until the next council meeting before granting permission for them to speak to the city attorney. Logdahl noted that if it was a problem, the council could call a special session to investigate. Zimmer felt that having the city attorney representing the city and its employees in such a manner when the city attorney is also the personnel attorney may present a potential conflict of interest. Logdahl felt that the city attorney should give the council an opinion on harassment issues and recommend necessary action. A motion was made by Stevens, seconded by Koppelmann, to instruct the city attorney to investigate employee harassment issues and provide a report to the city council, motion carried with Zimmer and Logdahl abstaining.
Personnel Policy Revisions Logdahl read the proposed changes to the city’s personnel policy. Pifher noted that employee performance reviews should be handled by the city council due to issues with the performance reviews done by the personnel committee during 2009, including not contacting supervisors for input before their subordinate’s review. Pifher noted that the personnel policy states that supervisors should provide input for their subordinate’s review. Pifher also felt that investigations of employee misconduct should be handled by the city council since they must act on these issues anyway. Logdahl believed that the personnel policy has granted responsibility for initial investigations to the Personnel Committee since before he became mayor. He also noted that the personnel committee can only make recommendations to the city council. Zimmer questioned whether the city needs a personnel committee. Stevens felt that it was valuable for reviewing time cards and log books. He also felt that the Personnel Committee was also valuable in performing employee interviews. Logdahl noted that the city attorney felt that the Personnel Committee served a valuable purpose for the city. Logdahl also noted that the uniform allowance for the police chief should be adjusted so that it is $600.00 only for 2010. A motion was made by Stevens, seconded by Pifher, to approve the amended sections of the personnel policy addressing the Personnel Committee’s responsibilities, including transfer of conducting employee reviews and conducting investigations of misconduct to the city council, updating the uniform allowance for the police chief to $600 only for 2010 and tabling the amended section of the personnel policy addressing health insurance.
Personnel Committee Appointment Stevens noted that Gus David expressed interest in the vacant Personnel Committee position. Zimmer added that Gus David was a landowner in the city and thus met the qualifications for the position. A motion was made by Stevens, seconded by Pifher, to appoint Gus David to the Personnel Committee, motion carried with Logdahl opposing.
Sanitary Sewer Cleaning Proposal Public Works Superintendent Almhjeld noted that when he asked for quotes for sanitary sewer cleaning, he received estimates between $0.75 and $1.25 per foot. He noted that this cleaning has not been done in the last several years but was required for sanitary sewer backup insurance. He also noted that the League of Minnesota Cities did not have an issue with cleaning a quarter of the system annually instead of cleaning a third of the system annually, which is the standard the league typically uses and is contained within the scope of the work in the proposal. Stevens noted that there was a budget for sanitary sewer cleaning for 2010 of $5,250. Logdahl noted that the public works superintendent should get an updated proposal that includes the necessary updates to the scope of work. The information for this story was taken from unapproved minutes.
WIR, Thursday, Feb. 18, 2010, Page 5
The Sugar Cube by Gwen Kozisek
The annual Deer River Food Shelf spaghetti dinner fundraiser was held on Feb. 12 in the Deer River Vets Club dining room. There was plenty of spaghetti and desserts ready for those who attended. In addition to the full meal there was a silent auction, a bake sale and raffles. It took a lot of volunteers to organize and serve the customers attending this event. In the photo, in no particular order, were some of the volunteers who helped out in the kitchen, Stephen Grossell, Jack Gunderson, Kathy Thompson, Peg Huotari, Dianne Sundquist, Carol Stangler, Kathy Caven, Kathy Mrozowski, Brenda Johanneck and Donna Danielson.
And we're off on the final leg of our vacation of a life time. We flew from Hilo to Honolulu in a little over an hour air time. Seemed we just got up and started coming down. As we came up the ramp there was a man with a sign Mark Cook on it. They escorted us outside of the terminal where a van waited to take us to the hotel. This was provided by the travel company we had used for our trip. We were all a little done in but walked through the International Market. This was truly an amazing adventure. It was one store after another. We bought a few things and then back to the motel to rest up for the events coming up. The next day we were up early to get on the bus at 7:00 A.M.We were off for a breakfast sponsored by the travel agency. It was a sales pitch for the various trips we wanted to make. The kids signed up for another snorkeling trip and then the three of us for Pearl Harbor. It was complete with sausage, eggs, muffins and juice. The juice was passion fruit-orange and delicious. After the breakfast we rode the trolley to Hilo Hattis. It was wooden car without widows and the wildest ride I've been on. There were times I thought I was going to slide onto the street. Shopping there was
unbelievable. We thought the building in Hilo was some thing else but it couldn't compare to this one. We rode a bus back to the motel. One trolley ride was enough for us. The next day snorkeling took up the time. I went along but didn't snorkel. It was fun and we were served grilled burgers, beans, chips and of course pineapple. The last day of our trip turned out to be a rat race. We were off for Pearl Harbor and had to be on the bus at 6:00 A.M.. Because the monument built over the Arizona ship is limited to number of people tickets are necessary. It was the high light of the trip for me. I learned more facts about the war than I knew. People were very respectful and a certain quiet air prevailed. We got back to the motel at 11:45 and check out was noon. We had packed before we left for Pearl Harbor so it was just a matter of retrieving our luggage. Lunch and then waited for the van to take us to the airport. Several people asked me If I wanted to go back and I really don't know, I do know that I wouldn't want to live there. I like winter. It was 30 below the day we came home. That's a little more winter than I like. Maybe next year. We'll have twait and see.
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There was a St. Valentine Luncheon at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Deer River on Feb. 13. Heart decorations could be seen in abundance in the basement of the church, even on the aprons of many of the helpers, such as Shelley Birkholz and her two young helpers, Miranda Rasmusson, on the left, and Cecilia Birkholz. This year something new was added to this annual event. They had a silent auction that featured several items to bid on.
College News AREA STUDENTS ON DEAN’S LIST AT BSU The fall semester Dean’s List was released by Dr. Nancy Erickson, interim vice president for academic affairs at Bemidji State University, and included a number of students from this area. Bemidji State students carrying 12 of more semester hours during any one term and earning at least 3.25 (B-plus) grade point average are listed on the Dean’s List. On the list are Brittney Holsman and Karla Pula of Bigfork; Britney Stewart of Effie; Kyle Applebee, Joel Brockway, Kayleen Henke, Angela Nason, Chelsi Plate and Amie Sobolik, all of Deer River; and Carla Tuey of Squaw Lake.
Rabideau Conservation Corps If you are between 16 and 20 years old, don’t have a high school diploma and need a job. Join the Rabideau Conservation Corps! You will be paid to work on construction and conservation projects throughout the Chippewa National Forest and complete your high school diploma or GED. Participants must meet WIA eligibility requirements. For further information contact: Anne Thomas at the Workforce Center in Bemidji at (218) 3338247. 30-32Wchtr
THURSDAY, FEB. 18 •Bowstring Senior Center Lunch, 12 noon. Everyone welcome. •Dual Dependency Support Group meets, 7:30 p.m., Presbyterian Church, 703 Pokegama Ave. N, Grand Rapids, downstairs back entrance. Phone Greg 326-4433 for more information. •Deer River Foodshelf, open 10 a.m to 1 p.m., Goodall Resource Center, 1006 Comstock Drive, 246-2500. •Northern Itasca Foodshelf, open 12:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. on the side of the Over 50 Club on Main Street in Bigfork. •Parents Supporting Parents support group meets, Itasca Resource Center, 6:30-8:30 p.m.. Phone Janelle Diede, 327-6724 for more information. •AA meeting in Squaw Lake, 7 p.m., St. Catherine’s Catholic Church. •Community Cafe Dinner at the Golden Age Center in Deer River, 4:30-6 p.m. •WeeCare Hope Chest (free children’s clothing) open 9-11 a.m. at Deer River Church of God, 304 4th Ave. SE. •Eligibility Specialists with Itasca County Human Services will be at the Deer River Family Service Center. Phone 1-800422-0312 or 327-2941 for appointments. •Squaw Lakers Snowmobile Club meets, 7:30 p.m. at the Max Hall. •Senior and pre-retirees can get answers to Medicare/Medicaid questions, billing questions, prescription drug assistance and other info and services, 10 a.m.-12 noon, at the Goodall Resource Center, Deer River. Phone 1-800-333-2433 for appointment. Free and confidential. •Bariatric Support Group meets, 5:30 p.m., Goodall Resource Center, 1002 Comstock Drive, Deer River. •Masonic Lodge Itasca #208 meets, 7 p.m., at the Itasca Lodge, 2515 E. U.S. Hwy. 2, LaPrairie. Phone Earl Machart, Worshipful Master, 218-654-3336 for more information. •Huskie girls basketball vs Littlefork-Big Falls, away. •Warrior girls basketball vs Virginia, at home. FRIDAY, FEB. 19 •Deer River TOPS meets, 8-9 a.m., Bethany Lutheran Church, Hwy. 6 north, Deer River; information 246-2613 or 2462180. •Deer River HealthCare Center Volunteers Salad Luncheon, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in the DRHC lunch room. •Itasca County Veterans Service Office rep will be at Bigfork Valley health care facility, adult day stay area, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. to take applications and answer questions. Phone Service Office 218-327-2858 or Laurel Laudert 218-743-4148 for more information. •Leech Lake Diabetes Care Clinic, at the Ball Club Community Center •Huskie boys basketball host the Deer River Warriors. SATURDAY, FEB. 20 •Bigfork Valley Winter Challenge, noon-4 p.m., at Scenic State Park on Hwy. 7 south of Bigfork. See the ad in the Deerpath Shopper or visit www.bigforkvalley.org for list of events. •Warrior Nordic Ski, TBD. SUNDAY, FEB. 21 •Fifth Annual Polar Revue, 2 p.m., at the Edge Center for the Arts, next to Bigfork School. (Rescheduled event, after being previously canceled due to weather.) MONDAY, FEB. 22 •AA and Al-Anon, 7 p.m., Bethany Lutheran Church, Deer River •Women's Empowerment Group, 5-6:30 p.m., Advocates for Family Peace Office at 1611 NW 4th St., Grand Rapids. Phone
326-0388 for more information. •Women's Youth Group, 5-6:30 p.m., Advocates for Family Peace Office at 1611 NW 4th St., Grand Rapids. Phone 326-0388 for more information. •Suicide Survivor Support Group meets, 6 p.m., 430 SW 2nd St., Chisholm. For more information call Carla 218-254-2619 •Deer River City Council meets, 6 p.m., City Hall. •Huskie girls basketball vs. Ely, away. •Warrior girls basketball vs Blackduck, home. •Warrior boys basketball vs Duluth Marshall, away. TUESDAY, Feb. 23 •Deer River TOPS meets, 5:00 p.m., Bethany Lutheran Church, Hwy. 6 north, Deer River; information 246-2180 or 2462467. •Support Group for female survivors of sexual violence. Phone 326-5008 for more information •Bowstring Senior Center Lunch, 12 noon Everyone welcome. •Community Cafe Dinner at the Golden Age Center in Deer River, 4:30-6 p.m. •Deer River Nursing Home Family and Friends Council meets, 6:30 p.m. in the Conference Room on the lower level of the Deer River HealthCare Center. •Huskie boys basketball vs Cotton, at home. •Warrior boys basketball vs Mesabi East, away. •Warrior girls basketball vs Northland, home. WEDNESDAY, FEB. 24 •Men’s Domestic Violence Program, 6-8 p.m., at Goodall Resource Center. Call Joel or Ann for more information 327-4062 •Bowstring Senior Center Lunch, 12 noon Everyone welcome. •Deer River Lions Club meets, 6:30 p.m. •Leech Lake Diabetes Care Clinic, at the Ball Club Community Center •AA Meeting at Winnie Dam Community Center, 7 p.m. •North Itasca Joint Powers Board meets, 6 p.m. at Marcell Family Center. THURSDAY, FEB. 25 •Bowstring Senior Center Lunch, 12 noon. Everyone welcome. •Dual Dependency Support Group meets, 7:30 p.m., Presbyterian Church, 703 Pokegama Ave. N, Grand Rapids, downstairs back entrance. Phone Greg 326-4433 for more information. •Deer River Foodshelf, open 10 a.m to 1 p.m., Goodall Resource Center, 1006 Comstock Drive, 246-2500. •Northern Itasca Foodshelf, open 12:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. on the side of the Over 50 Club on Main Street in Bigfork. •Parents Supporting Parents support group meets, Itasca Resource Center, 6:30-8:30 p.m.. Phone Janelle Diede, 327-6724 for more information. •AA meeting in Squaw Lake, 7 p.m., St. Catherine’s Catholic Church. •Community Cafe Dinner at the Golden Age Center in Deer River, 4:30-6 p.m. •WeeCare Hope Chest (free children’s clothing) open 9-11 a.m. at Deer River Church of God, 304 4th Ave. SE. •Grief Support Group meets, 5-6:30 p.m., in the Fireside Room of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 501 Northwest 16 Street, Grand Rapids. Potluck is served. For more information call Marion Leimbach, 327-6145. •Itasca County Housing and Redevelopment Authority meets at the Itasca County HRA offices in Grand Rapids, 8 a.m. Phone 326-7978 for more information. •Huskie girls basketball vs Mt. Iron-Buhl, home. •Warrior girls basketball vs Pine River-Backus, away.
WIR, Thursday, Feb. 18, 2010, page 6
Looking Back Compiled by Joan Isaacs from the files of the Deer River Newspapers. 110 Years Ago-H.S. Huson, the Grand Rapids Singer Sewing machine agent, was transacting business here today. He has added pianos and organs to his line of business. The State Auditor shuts down lumber camp of Walker and Akeley due to unpaid taxes. Messrs. Walker and Akeley promised to pay their taxes. 100 Years Ago - The first actual move toward establishing the first creamery in Itasca County was made when a few farmers and Deer River businessmen met. A committee on temporary organization was appointed consisting of M.J. Baker, S.J. Moran and Geo. Ruby. School orations to be given by Stafford King, Wesley Lewis, Martha McDonald, Frank Loisel and Winnifred Johnson. 90 Years Ago - S.S. David was in Grand Rapids and has had a home recorded with a name - Kerr Brook Farm. Ewald Younggren of Lafayette, Minn. has purchased the farm of Mrs. Joe Meyers on the east side of Big Jessie Lake. L.J. Weeks of North Dakota has bought the MacKay farm in the Deer Lake settlement. 80 Years Ago - The Farmers Exchange holds annual meeting. Elected officers were: Walter Gaslin, L.J. Weeks, C.R. Mostoller, Peter Olson, Edward Erickson and John Olson. The Deer River band gives a benefit dance with music by the Forsman orchestra. F.W. Miller, proprietor of the hotel which bears his name, will serve roast reindeer at the next Sunday's dinner. Mr. and Mrs. Eli Simon and children were called to Duluth by serious ilness of Mrs. Simon's father, C.E. Eng. 70 Years Ago - VFW Post 2720 is organized in Deer River. The first officers are: L.O. Dexter, Walter Blum, Laurence Peterson, Al Carlson, Erhard Sandgren,
Olaf Hendrickson, H.H. Herreid, Albert Botman, Luke Sutter, Vernon Bumgarner, E.A. Nelson, Wm.Henry. 60 Years Ago - Boxing show is set. Allen Wilson, Leo Donnell will be participating. Lyle Ostergaard has been selected as summer recreational director of summer program in Deer River. Deaths: Marc Adams, bank executive vice president and cashier, resident of Deer River since 1925. Deer River A-Squad basketball team wins 41-31 over Hill City. John Prestidge scores 11 points, Gerry Ott, nine points. Bteam wins 47-11 with Chuck Ott scoring 14 points. 50 Years Ago - Cornerstone to be laid for the new Itasca County courthouse. County board lets contract for so-called Welte bridge six miles out of Bigfork. Joe King of Deer River reports seeing a crow on Feb. 11. Deaths: Mrs. Eugene Tomlin, Deer River; Albert Anderson, CohassetDeer River pioneer; John Linder, Deer River. 40 Years Ago - Northern Itasca Over 50 Club was the name selected for senior citizen group in Bigfork, Effie and Marcell. Deer River volleyball team competing at district volleyball tournament in Hibbing Feb. 7 are: Diane Daigle, Janet Danielson, Denise Erickson, Marjorie Erickson, Lisa Lind, Margie Marlette, Lorene Olson, Trudy Preble, Terri Shears and Phyllis Thompson. 30 Years Ago - Deer River boys' basketball team are conference champs. They will head for district. Members are: Dean Piri, Tony Isaacs, Jerry Stejskal, Randy Olson, Mark Schjenken, Tim Schultz, Frank Hellman, Chad Courrier, David Schaaf, Tim Edgeton, Ron Howard, Mike Erickson, Larry Bowstring, Mark Karstan, managers are Greg Maki and Gary Cartwright. Deaths: Milton Wolfe, Mary
Ann Meyers, Steven Stangland, James Ludgate, Willard Indra. 20 Years Ago - The first 16 occupants of Comstock Court in Deer River settled into their apartments on Feb. 1. Area Boy Scouts held their annual Klondike Derby at the White Oak Society Rendezvous site. Close to 125 scouts and 26 adult leaders attended. During 1989 the Deer River Veterans Posts contributed $46,954 to area organizations, school, firemen, police, city and families. Allen Howg, Deer River, is the new manager of the Dairy Qwik.
10 Years Ago - Joel Kersting is hooked on the life of a musher and has 26 Alaskan Huskies. A portable two-room unit has been attached to King Elementary School in Deer River to provide badly needed additional classroom space. The area to be used by music teacher Mary Jane Schroth, Title One tutors Diane Anthony and Kari Nordlie and Lisa Nason, Chapter IV. Jamie Myers wins Spelling Bee at King Elementary School. She will advance to regional competition.
This Deer River photo, probably taken in the early 1930s, is of the Herreid Motor Company. They were a Ford dealership and service station. Then for many years it was Sherman Motor Sales. The building still stands on Main Street in Deer River and in 1986 the Coast to Coast store moved into that building. More recently the facility was used by Evergreen Industries, a company that makes Christmas wreaths and decorations.
Junior high students celebrate reading progress by Polly Sheppard Deer River students in grades seven and eight once again gathered to celebrate their quarterly reading progress this last week. Combined, the 136 students ended up taking and passing 590 tests on books they read during the nine-week period of quarter two. Those books contained 22,836,480 words! Students who met their individual reading goals were also honored with certificates and yogurt shakes during the celebration. More than 60 percent of seventh graders met their individually-set quarterly goals, with many others close behind. Eighth graders continued to show steady improvement with eight percent more students reaching their goals than the pre-
vious quarter. “Both grades attained at least 85 percent correct on their reading tests, which is where we want them to be,� Deer River High School Media Specialist Marilee Taylor said. The most popular books read by the seventh graders were, with the most popular book appearing first: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw, Extreme Halfpipe Snowboarding Moves, and Manga Claus: The Blade of Kringle. The eighth graders were partial to the following books, with the top favorite appearing first: Breaking Dawn, Anne, Birchbark House, Dawn, and Getting Air.
Sixty-four percent of the Deer River High School 7th graders achieved 100 percent of their individual reading goals during the second quarter of the 2009-2010 school year.
Eighth graders pose with their English teacher Mr. Phillip Hermel during the recent reading awards ceremony for the 2nd quarter 2009-2010 school year.
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More photos on page 8
WIR, Thursday, Feb. 18, 2010, Page 7
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WIR, Thursday, Feb. 18, 2010, page 8
In the 160 pound line up for Deer River, Cole Serfling fought against Nashwauk's Jake Lelonic in a very intense match-up. Cole won by pin in 3 minutes and 57 seconds.
Dillon Entemann went against Nashwauk's Tyler Zimmerman for the 171 pound class winning by pin in the third period with 4 minutes and 31 seconds.
Keith Grife, Varsity's 130 pounder, wrestled against Nashwauk's Wes Johnson. Keith won by technical fall 17-1.
Pictured here are the top three readers for the 7th grade this last quarter. Left to right are: Vanessa Truelove, Damion Oberg, and Amy Gustafson. These three achieved percentages above their individual reading goals.
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Pictured here are the top three readers for the 8th grade this last quarter. Standing with their English teacher Mr. Phillip Hermel, left to right, are: Jason Rivers, Ang Villeneuve, and Gerardo Rivas.
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WIR, Thursday, Feb. 18, 2010, Page 9
A girls’ weekend away by Louise H. McGregor, staff writer In January, Terry Tyler of Deer River and three of her friends, Patti Lolowi, Judie Mattson and Sue Flanagan had a girls’ weekend. “They have been doing it for three years,” said Tyler. “This is only my second year.” Last year, the January trip was to New York City and Ground Zero. The group decided that they wanted to go some place warmer this year. Mattson, who is a travel agent, checked out the options and had a list of four locations for them to choose from. “I didn’t have a passport,” said Tyler, “so Mexico was out and we settled on New Orleans, but it didn’t turn out to be very much warmer than Minnesota. The weather was in the 40s when we went during the last weekend in January, just four days after they beat us in the deciding football game of the year for the Vikings.” Tyler had gone down to New Orleans not liking the Saints, but while there, she changed her mind and ended up rooting for them in the next big game they were in. “That was a kind-of scary thought for me,” said Tyler, “but I’m still loyal to the Vikings.” The four women toured the city on foot, as well as via Greyline Bus Tour service, they took the trolley and did a horse and buggy tour through the French Quarter. “It was very interesting,” said Tyler. “Bourbon Street is exactly what people think that it is, it got that name for an apt reason.” This area did not suffer from water damage as did much of the city during the hurricane, but it had sustained wind damage. “They are a very determined people,” said Tyler, “who won’t let the damage keep them down. Those who left are returning and re-building.” Touring of the city done and having experienced much of what the city had to offer, the four women decided to take a cooking class. “We had seen all of the sights that we wanted to see,” said Tyler, “and checked to see what else interested us.” Most of the things the group did in New Orleans was within walking distance of where they were staying. The cooking class was within that range for them, and they all like to cook. “It struck us as being a different and fun thing to do,” said Tyler. “It was a very interesting class. Pat, the instructor was full of the area’s history that went back to when it was first discovered and settled. She covered the history from then, all the way up to Hurricane Katrina. She was a native of the area and obviously loved the City of New Orleans. It showed in how she taught the class and in how she talked about the history of the people there.” There were around 20 people in the class that lasted for about four hours and the interested students were mostly visitors to the area from other states. During the class, the instructor made authentic
dishes of the south that included gumbo, jambalaya, pralines and bread pudding with whiskey sauce. “As she did the cooking,” said Tyler, “she explained why she did things the way she did them. For instance in the gumbo, healthy oil is not used, lard is because it is a meat based dish and using lard for that kind of dish ends up being a healthier choice. I found the entire class to be informative and entertaining. When the class was done we got to eat the food. It was delicious. “I hadn’t been a big gumbo fan, but I really liked the way she made it. She didn’t use okra, she used powdered, young, dried, ground sassafras leaves for flavor and thickening.” If any of the cooking class participants cook one of the dishes taught in the class at home and document it with a photo, they can get a diploma from the school. “I haven’t cooked any of them yet,” said Tyler. “The first one I think I’ll try will be the gumbo.” The excellent food in the New Orleans restaurants is one of the things that Tyler will long remember about her trip to New Orleans. “They also had good service and friendly, helpful people who were very loyal to their city and football team. There were even banners on their churches in support of the Saints.” New Orleans sights, sounds and lifestyles are other memories Tyler will carry with her. She met a group of fellows who wore dresses for the Mardi Gras parade. “One of their friends had always said that if the Saints make it to the football finals, ‘I will wear a dress,’” said Tyler. “He died two years ago, but all of his buddies got together and they got everyone else they could think of to put on a dress and do a special parade in honor of their deceased friend. They did a special parade earlier in the day before the preMardi Gras parade. Everywhere we went that day, we saw men in dresses, they were Buddy’s Brawds.” Other sights that Tyler found interesting were the painted statue people. She said, “They would paint themselves up, stand on a corner as still as a statue until someone came up close and then they would scare the heck out of them.” Tyler brought home many memories of the different sights, sounds and smells of New Orleans with her. “I think I liked the cooking school and the southern food served in the restaurants there the best,” said Tyler. “I had never done anything like the cooking school before and to eat the food prepared by authentic southern cooks was amazing. The food and just being there was the best thing. It’s one thing to hear about different places or see them on television, but to actually walk in these places I had only heard about before was an unforgettable experience.” Submitted photos.
This group of women have been going on January girls’ weekend out trips. From the left are, Patti Kolowi, Terry Tyler of Deer River, Judie Mattson and Sue Flanagan. This year they went to New Orleans.
The streets of New Orleans are usually packed, even for the pre-Mardi Gras parades. Terry Tyler said, “It was so packed I just held my camera over my head and kept on clicking away. That’s what a lot of people were doing.”
Terry Tyler found it very different to see so many men in women’s dresses while in New Orleans. She said, “They were honoring a deceased friend’s declaration about the Saints’ successful play in the football finals and were known as Buddy’s Brawds.”
Terry Tyler found the history and cooking lessons she took at a New Orleans cooking class one of the most interesting things about her trip to this city during the 2010 girls’ weekend out. This is Pat, who was the class instructor.
Happy 60th Birthday, Papa Bill! 31W32Dpd
WIR, Thursday, Feb. 18, 2010, page 10
Drotts siblings race at state meet by Sue Cook Deer River High School Warriors Kevin Drotts and Mindy Drotts competed in the 2010 Minnesota State Nordic Ski Race on Feb. 11 at Giants Ridge. The weather was great for spectators and numerous friends and family members from Deer River were in the crowd to cheer on the Warriors. Teammate Cody Gustafson skied out to a viewing spot on the course to offer encouragement. Robin Baker, Deer River’s assistant nordic ski coach was the official starter for the state meet. The competition was fierce in all the races with powerhouse teams from Ely, Forest Lake, Wayzata, Hopkins, Stillwater Area, and Minneapolis Southwest to name a few, plus many top ranked individuals from schools such Carlton-Esko-Cloquet (C-E-C), Lakeville, Apple Valley, Minnehaha Academy, St. Paul Academy & Summit, Eagan, Robbinsdale Cooper, Edina, Andover, Roseville area and more. There were 120 participants in each race. The day began with a 5K freestyle race for each gender. In the boys’ race, Kevin, a freshman, finished in 107th place with a time of 17:41. Mindy, a senior, completed the first race in 93rd place with a time of 19:50. This was Kevin’s first
appearance at the state meet and Mindy’s second. After a two hour rest period the skiers were ready to take on the classic 5K race. Kevin moved up a few places to finish 105th with a time of 17:09. His pursuit combined time was 34:49.5. Raleigh Goessling of C-E-C swept first place in the boys’ race with a pursuit time of 28:41.4 and Ely took home the team trophy. Jake Richards of Detroit Lakes was the top Section 8 finisher in 21st place. In the girls’ race, Mindy made up a lot of ground moving from 93rd to 73rd place with a time of 18:57.4. Her combined time was 38:47.4. The girls’ first place spot came down to a fraction of a second when the 2008 State Champion Jessie Diggins of Stillwater Area, and the 2009 State Champion Annie Hart of St. Paul Academy & Summit, came flying into the stadium side-by-side racing for the finish line. Diggins slipped ahead and took the title with a time of 31:28.5 and Hart clocked in at 31:30. The skiers wear a micro-chip on their ankles and their time is captured with an electronic sensor. Stillwater Area took the girls’ team title. The top finisher for Section 8 was Summer Ellefson of Independent School in 24th place.
Mindy Drotts skates into the stadium area near the end of the girls’ 5K freestyle race at the 2010 Minnesota State Nordic Ski Race.
Kevin Drotts nears the finish line of the boys’ 5K classic race at the 2010 Minnesota State Nordic Ski Race.
1st coach attends Greenbush 50 year wrestling reunion The Deer River Pee-Wee wrestlers got off to a good start in Coleraine as the team won all but five of their matches. Coached by Kevin Gullickson and his assistants, the pee-wee program is bringing up the future varsity wrestling team. There will be a home tournament on March 13th at the Deer River High School. Photo by Ana Ortloff.
Dale Roth started the wrestling program during the 1959-60 school year. The first week we only had 7 wrestlers at practice. I then arranged a short practice during my 6th hr free period. We got 5 more kids out. We now had a team. Thief River Falls will wrestle Greenbush Feb. 13. This is the same team in the very first match. That first season we beat Thief River and the next 3 match-
es. We ended 4-5 that first year. One wrestler won the 95 lb weight class in the region 8 tournament. The third year his brother placed 2nd in the state tournament. Dale then was the head coach at Canby for 4 years befor coming up north to Grand Rapids & Deer River. Submitted by Dale Roth
Bowling Scores MONDAY NIGHT KEGLERS 2-08 28-21 Co-op 28-21 GRV Wild Rice 27-22 Blueberry Bowl 24-25 Paul Bunyan 21-28 Northview Bank 19-30 White Oak Team High Handicap Game: Co-op 908; Blueberry Bowl 896; White Oak 884. Team High Handicap Series: Co-op 2706; Blueberry Bowl 2570; Paul Bunyan 2568. Individual High Scratch Game: Rudy Prazak 225; Bob Baumgarner 224; Bernie Matlock 224. Individual High Scratch Series: Bernie Matlock 635; Bob Baumgarner 597; Dave Chase 593. Splits: Bruce 2-4; Laverne 3-10; Lloyd 5-6; Ray 6-7-10; Steve 2-10. ALL AMERICAN 2-10 41-15 Denny’s Resort 35-21 Lucky Strike Lounge 31-25 Cherney’s Resort 29-27 Hastie Construction 28-28 GRV Gibbs 28-28 Carroll Funeral Home 22-34 Ott Drug Store Team High Handicap Game: GRV Gibbs 1238; Lucky Strike Lounge 1136; Carroll Funeral Home 1125. Team High Handicap Series: GRV Gibbs 3456; Lucky Strike Lounge 3277; Carroll Funeral Home 3223. Individual High Scratch Game: Bernie Matlock 269; Brad Enger 257; Vince Cleveland 238. Individual High Scratch Series: Brad Enger 652; Bernie Matlock 650; Joe Heltmes 619.
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BLUE MOON LEAGUE 2-12 95-66 Rogers Ram/Jets 95-66 Sportsman Cafe 81-80 Whiteoak Casino 74-87 Vet’s Club 71-90 Big Winnie Bar 67-94 Tractor Club Team High Handicap
Game: Sportsman Cafe 941; Tractor Club 856; Vet’s Club 831. Team High Handicap Series: Sportsman Cafe 2508; Tractor Club 2395; Vet’s Club 2376. Individual High Scratch Game: Christina Francisco 232; Cheryl Braford 213; Karla Swedeman 192. Individual High Scratch Series: Christina Francisco 560; Cheryl Braford 524; Julie Rahier 517. Splits: Julie Rahier 5-10; Knute Lien 5-7, 5-7. EARLY SUNDAY MIXED 2-14 92-69 Mixed Trix 82-79 Graveyard Shift 79-82 Upnorth 4 69-92 No Fear Team High Handicap Game: Graveyard Shift 943; No Fear 910; Mixed Trix 905. Team High Handicap Series: Graveyard Shift 2673; Mixed Trix 2663; No Fear 2565. Mens Individual High Scratch Game: Mick Hagen 247; Thomas Rasley 225; Richard Shadley 199. Mens Individual High Scratch Series: Mick Hagen 628; Ron Shandorf 518; Aaron Dunham 511. Womens Individual High Scratch Game: Laurie Shadley 183; Amanda DeBock 175; Sadie Hawkins 144. Womens Individual High Scratch Series: Laurie Shadley 482; Renay Barton 407; Amanda DeBock 397. Splits: Richard Shadley 210; Dawn Hagen 3-10; Ron Shandorf 3-10. SUNSHINE LEAGUE 2-9 101-60 Blueberries 98-63 Gutter Gals 96-65 M&M’s 89-72 We Try 79-82 Jessie’s Girls 75-86 Rolling Pins 71-90 Shud A Bens 68-93 Honor Guard
67-94 Loons 59-102 Jury’s Out Team High Handicap Game: Shud A Bens 720; We Try 661; Honor Guard 651. Team High Handicap Series: We Try 1897; Shud A Bens 1858; Honor Guard 1858. Individual High Scratch Game: Robin Still 233; Rita Onraet 200; Marla Rasley 195. Individual High Scratch Series: Robin Still 525; Rita Onraet 519; Marla Rasley 517. Splits: Laurie Shadley 3-10; Fern Jurvelin 4-5; Shirley Schultz 4-5; Sue Schottle 5-10, 5-7; Kay Ikola 4-5. PINPOUNDERS 1-26 18-6 D.R. Healthcare Center 17-7 Macharts 14-10 Coors Light 13-11 Big Winnie Bar 11-13 Northern Star Food 10-14 Advantage Water 9-15 Cen-XXX Team High Handicap Game: D.R. Healthcare Center 979; Coors Light 929; Big Winnie Bar 921. Team High Handicap Series: D.R. Healthcare Center 2671; Big Winnie Bar 2621; Coors Light 2605. Mens Individual High Scratch Game: Jeff Gardner 258; Dave Chase 246; Bob Baumgarner 212. Mens Individual High Scratch Series: Jeff Gardner 692; Dave Chase 613; Vince Cleveland 572. Womens Individual High Scratch Game: Jessica Cleveland 224; Mandy Reed 182; Nelda White 181. Womens Individual High Scratch Series: Nelda White 521; Jessica Cleveland 507; Mandy Reed 497. Splits: Shannon 3-10, 2-7; Jessica 3-10. 2-2 21-7 D.R. Healthcare Center 18-10 Macharts 17-11 Big Winnie Bar
15-13 Coors Light 14-14 Northern Star Food 12-16 Cen-XXX 11-17 Advantage Water Team High Handicap Game: D.R. Healthcare Center 944; Cen-XXX 943; Northern Star Food 936. Team High Handicap Series: Cen-XXX 2731; D.R. Healthcare Center 2730; Northern Star Food 2690. Mens Individual High Scratch Game: Jeff Gardner 267; Vince Cleveland 237; Dave Chase 226. Mens Individual High Scratch Series: Vince Cleveland 661; Jeff Gardner 632; Willie Bixby 595. Womens Individual High Scratch Game: Sue Cook 191; Diana Daigle 183; Carol Skaja 182. Womens Individual High Scratch Series: Diana Daigle 518; Sue Cook 504; Trudy Gardner 487. Splits: Shannon 2-7; Denny 4-5; Danielle 5-7. FUNTIME LEAGUE 2-4 Game I & II - Most Spares: A. Bob Caven 9, Dale Roth 9; B. Don Stangland 12; C. Loren Hovila 9. III High Game: A. Bill Westcott 177; B. Roger Chase 181; C. Ann Hovila 141. High Overall Game: A. Bill W. 216; B. Roger C. 181; C. Loren H. 165. High Series: A. Bill W. 599; B. Don S. 452; C. Loren H. 406. 2-11 Team High Game: I: with 481, Fern Jurvelin, Jean Mattila, Loren Hovila. II: with 436, Don Stangland, LaVerne Ziebell, Linda Zeien. III: with 432, Marilyn Roth, Bev Ziebell, Ann Hovila. High Game: A. Fern J. 190; B. Kathy C. 190; C. Linda Z. 160. High Series: A. Fern J. 508; B. Bev Z. 447; C. Dick J. 439.
WIR, Thursday, Feb. 18, 2010, Page 11
Leech Lake 6th grade boys play seven games in two days Place in Grand Rapids the following weekend The Leech Lake 6th grade boys basketball team played in 3 separate basketball tournaments recently. On January 30th the team traveled to Pequot Lakes to participate in their annual tournament. The first game of the day was against a tough Peirz Red and the boys never got any offense going and lost their first contest by a wide margin. We were waiting in the consolation bracket, and Park Rapids lost their opener and was our next opponent, Leech Lake came out playing hard and played solid defense throughout to hang on to win the game and never gave up the lead in this one. The consolation game was against a familiar opponent in Deer River, the game was very physical throughout, but Leech Lake held on for a comfortable lead and the win. Thinking we had had the consolation prize we began getting ready to leave. But we had the chance to move up in placing and were scheduled to play Peirze Black in the 3rd place game. Still recuperating from the prior game the boys never got anything going until the second half, and almost made a great comeback but a few late mistakes proved costly, and Peirz Black hung on for the 2 point victory. On January 31st, after driving throughout the evening to Hinckley to stay the night at a local hotel, the boys were ready to play 3 more games at the Braham Round Robin. The boys were still a little tired from the previous days games, but were very upbeat and ready to play. The first scheduled game was against Aitkin, and after a very close game in the first half, Leech Lake went on a few runs and held on for a very comfortable victory. The second game was going to be a very tough game, and the opponent would be Braham Bombers. The first half proved to be all Bombers as they held a good lead going into halftime. After some adjusting and their second wind the boys stayed within striking distance of their opponent and with 6 minutes to go and down by 8
points. Leech Lake went on a good scoring run, and played very tough defense, and with one minute to go the boys from Leech Lake took a 2 point lead. After a Braham jumper missed its mark, Leech Lake grabbed the rebound and hung on for the hard fought win. The final opponent of the day was a well rested and tough Princeton team, and the Leech Lake boys ran out of gas, as Princeton hung on for the victory and the 3 way tie for the best record in the bracket with Braham, Leech Lake, and Princeton at 2 wins and 1 loss were the final standings. On February 6th, Leech Lake traveled to Grand Rapids for another round robin tournament. Esko was the first scheduled opponent of the day, and these teams had some history. The game started out slow as the teams both could not get much offense going. And the score was nearly even at the break. The second half was a back and forth battle and the two teams traded bucket after bucket. And as the game ended the score was all even, and that meant overtime. Esko won the tip and scored a quick bucket, as Leech Lakes shots would not fall and Esko hung on for the 6 point win in overtime. The second game scheduled was a always tough Crosby team, and the Leech Lake boys were looking to score early and often against the Rangers. The first half proved to be all Leech Lake as they held on good lead. The second half proved to be all Leech Lake as well as their pressure was too much, and defensive pressure forced many turnovers that led to plenty of points and the victory. The final game of the day was against another historically tough program in Pequot Lakes. And they proved to be a very tough opponent, as they stayed close with Leech Lake throughout the game. The second half was a back and forth battle, with very good guard play on both sides, but Leech Lakes size proved to be the difference as they got plenty of second chance points off offensive rebounds, and they held on for the 2 point victory and the third place finish.
Pequot Lakes/Braham Tournament Team, front row, left to right, Dylan Hardy, Nate Seelye, Travis Cloud, Keith Howard; back row, left to right, Phil Johnson, Aaron Shearer, Seth Fairbanks, Alvin Wind, Ethan Hardy, Charles Raisch.
Grand Rapids Tournament Team, front row, left to right, Keith Howard, Travis Cloud, Nate Seelye; back row, left to right, Phil Johnson, Seth Fairbanks, Alvin Wind, Charles Raisch, Aaron Drotts. Missing from the photo is Aaron Shearer.
Bigfork City Council holds special meeting The Bigfork City Council held a special meeting on Jan. 26. Members present were Mayor Roger Logdahl, Linda Koppelmann, Amy Pifher, Mike Stevens and Bob Zimmer. Also present were Streets Commissioner Gene Rajala, Gene Collins, Gus David, Public Works Superintendent Chuck Almhjeld, Howard McKinney, City Attorney John Licke, Police Chief Jon Babcock and City Clerk/Treasurer Michael McKinney Logdahl called the meeting to order at 6 p.m.
Unfinished Business Resolution 2010-02 Establishing 2010 Appointments were discussed. Logdahl read the potential changes to the resolution, which included the following: Replacement of Mike Stevens with Robert Zimmer as acting mayor; listing Richard Salmi as a temporary appointee to the airport manager position until a permanent appointee is named; the appointment of Richard Salmi to the Planning & Zoning Commission as an alternate; the appointment of a new member to the Personnel Committee to replace Joey Jacobson; the possibility of adding members to the Budget Committee in 2010; changes could also include addition of Public Works Superintendent Charles Almhjeld and Police Chief Jon Babcock in a voting or non-voting capacity; assigning City Clerk/Treasurer Michael McKinney to the Joint Powers Board as a member and assigning Mayor Roger Logdahl as an alternate to that board; the elimination of the Safety Committee; and elimination of the Bigfork Wilderness Celebration Committee. Logdahl noted that Hiram Gene Ward expressed interest in the airport manager position. Pifher asked if it was possible to appoint co-managers for the airport. Logdahl noted that Richard Salmi could be an alternate manager and that there should not be more than one person in any position. Logdahl felt H. McKinney could be appointed to the Personnel Committee. Stevens noted that McKinney would not provide a constructive contribution to the committee. Zimmer asked if the city needed a Personnel Committee. Logdahl felt that the city council did not have time to assume some of the committee’s responsibilities. Licke noted that the city did not need a Personnel Committee since the ultimate supervisory authority rests upon the council. He noted that some communities have Personnel Committees for specific tasks such as labor
negotiations. He also noted that most communities do not have citizen members on their personnel committees. Stevens noted that the Personnel Committee does not often see eye to eye with the city council and can create more work for the council if the committee makes bad recommendations. Logdahl felt that the Personnel Committee was valuable since it allowed for more debate on issues. Pifher asked why the Personnel Committee had to have five members. Stevens noted that this was done to make it easier to have a quorum. Zimmer felt that it might be better to abolish the Personnel Committee until it’s needed. Stevens felt that the committee had value since it addressed minor items like timecard approval but felt that this responsibility could be accomplished with two elected members. Licke noted that membership is typically made up of a mayor and a council member. A motion was made by Zimmer, with no second, to reduce the Personnel Committee to two members, including the mayor and one city council member. The motion was withdrawn. Logdahl noted that there is no guarantee that the members will make every meeting and that having more members is a better option. He noted that McKinney is a taxpayer in the community and would be a valuable addition to the committee. City Clerk/Treasurer McKinney read the current description of the Personnel Committee’s responsibilities. Pifher felt that performance reviews and investigations of misconduct should be handled by the city council. A motion was made by Logdahl, with no second, to appoint H. McKinney to the Personnel Committee and to review the Personnel Committee’s membership and responsibilities after three months. The motion was withdrawn. A motion was made by Stevens, with no second, to appoint David to the Personnel Committee. The motion was withdrawn. The point of order was raised by Pifher regarding audience interruption. Licke noted that the council did have employee and public input and should ask the Personnel Committee how they felt about their membership and responsibilities. A motion was made by Pifher, seconded by Stevens, to table appointments to the Personnel Committee and have the Personnel Committee review its membership
and responsibilities. The motion was carried unanimously. Regarding the Budget Committee, Logdahl noted that department heads are asked to provide input on their budgetary requirements and would like to leave their role as one of a non-voting status. Licke noted that department heads can act in an ex-officio status where they can participate in a meeting but do not have voting rights. Pifher felt that Rajala was a valuable member of the Budget Committee. A motion was made by Zimmer, seconded by Logdahl, to appoint McKinney as a voting member of the Budget Committee and Police Chief Babcock and Public Works Superintendent Chuck Almhjeld as ex-officio members of the Budget Committee. The motion was carried with Koppelmann and Stevens opposing. Regarding the Safety Committee, Logdahl suggested that it would be best to absorb its responsibilities into the Emergency Management Committee. Regarding the acting mayor position, Logdahl felt that he would like to see other members have a chance to serve in the position. Stevens noted that he did not oppose the idea of bringing someone else into the position. Zimmer stated that he did not have interest in assuming that role. Pifher asked what would happen with the commissioner positions. Logdahl felt that the commissioners do function as an extra set of eyes for the city and that the positions should not be eliminated due to one problem. Stevens added that most of the commissioners were functioning well and that the city should deal with each indi BIGFORK SPECIAL MEETING/To Page 12
NEW ADDRESS 502 SE 10th St. Grand Rapids 218-326-1833 800-400-1833 www.wcphello.com Just West of Airport Road Round-About 29W30Dchtfn
WIR, Thursday, Feb. 18, 2010, page 12
Obituaries Elizabeth Sophia Applebee
Genevieve Ellquist
Elizabeth Sophia Applebee, 91, of Deer River, Minnesota, died Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at Deer River Hospital, Deer River, Minnesota. She was born June 13, 1918 in White Earth, Minnesota. She attended St. Benedict’s Catholic Boarding School in White Earth, MN. She married Eli Jokinen in 1939 and lived in the Trout Lake area where she worked as a cook for the Trout Lake School. Eli passed away in 1953. She married Gilbert Applebee in 1954, lived in California and later moved to Ball Club where she owned and operated Gil’s Tavern until her retirement in 1985. She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Rosary and Alter Society. Her hobbies included making Christmas wreaths for over 20 years, being an artist, and growing her flower gardens. She was a dedicated mother, grandmother, homemaker, and one of the hardest working women in America. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Mary LaDoux; son, Gerald “Jerry” Applebee; husband, Eli Jokinen; brother, Lawrence La Deaux; and sister, Gladys Merhar. She is survived by her children, Sheila (John) Evans of Ball Club, MN, Pamela (Ken Beadeau) Michaud of Cass Lake, MN, Gilbert Jr. (Waneta) Applebee of Ball Club , MN; 18 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren; brother, William La Doux of Albuquerque, NM; sisters, Carol Simonson of Grand Rapids, MN, Evelyn “Lovey” Mollergren of Snowball Lake, MN, and Romona Nordin of Granberry, TX. Visitation was Thursday, February 11, 2010 starting at 4 p.m. at the Ball Club Community Center, Ball Club, MN and continued until the 11 a.m. Service, Friday, February 12, 2010 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Ball Club, MN. Arrangements by Carroll Funeral Home, Deer River and Bigfork, MN.
Genevieve “Gen” Ellquist, 80, Two Harbors, died Friday, Feb. 5, 2010, at the Sunrise Home. She was born Jan. 14, 1930 to David G. and Ruth (Parks) Swanson in Deer River. She graduated from Tower-Soudan High School in 1948 and married Carl Ellquist in Tower in 1949. She was employed by the DM&IR Railroad as a telephone operator in Tower and Two Harbors, and later worked at Lake View Memorial Nursing Home as an aide and secretary. She also worked at Jo-El’s Apple Barrel. She was president of the Lake View Memorial Auxiliary, district chairman for District B - Hospital and Home Auxiliary and was second vice president for the Health Care Auxiliary of Minnesota. She was instrumental in organizing the Lake View Memorial Junior Volunteers, which she headed for a number of years. She was preceded in death by husband, Carl, in 1995; brother, David Swanson; and sister, Rose Swanson. She is survived by her sons, Kevan of Cleveland, Ohio, Craig of Two Harbors and Kerry of Duluth; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a brother, John Swanson of Minneapolis; and sisters, Leona Sabol of Sacramento, Calif. and Phyllis Eckelberry of Mesa, Ariz. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Sunrise Home Activity Fund or Lake County Foodshelf. Visitation was Feb. 9 with a service Feb. 10, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Two Harbors.
Paid Obituary
Doris Lavone Barnacle Doris Lavone Barnacle, 86, of Lake City, Minn. died Tuesday, February 2, 2010 in her son’s residence near Deer River, Minn. In 1923, Doris was born the daughter of Harold and Anna Biederman in Duluth, Minn. She spent her younger years in Duluth and at age 11, the family moved to Minneapolis, Minn. where she attended schools and graduated from Vocational High School in 1941. Doris was united in marriage to William James Barnacle on September 10, 1943 in Minneapolis. She worked in the Oakland, Calif. shipyards during the WWII War efforts. Doris and Bill lived in Lake City, Minn. for over 20 years , where she worked for I.B.P. Equipment as a secretary, before relocating to Remer, Minn. in 1987. She was a member of the Longville Community Church. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, William. Doris is survived by two Sons, William “Bill” (Lynda) Barnacle of Brainerd, Minn. and Robert “Bob” (Betty) Barnacle of Deer River, Minn.; six grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. A memorial service is pending at this time. Inurnment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Longville, Minn. in the spring of 2010. Arrangements by Rowe Funeral Home and Crematory of Grand Rapids, Minn. To sign the on-line guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com. Paid Obituary
James Evans Funeral services for James Evans will be held today (Thursday, Feb. 18) at 1 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Deer River. Visitation was Wednesday, Feb. 17, 4-8 p.m. at Carroll Funeral Home, Deer River, MN. Long obituary to follow next edition. Arrangements by Carroll Funeral Home, Deer River and Bigfork, MN. Paid Obituary
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Dennis L. Rinne Dennis L. Rinne, 72, died Sunday, Feb. 7, 2010, in Missoula, Mont. He lived most of his life in Cook before moving to Butte, Mont. a few years ago. He graduated from Alango High School and served four years as a mechanic in the U.S. Air Force on Long Island, N.Y. He was married to Carol Romnes of Togo for 35 years and together they raised three children. He was employed, in turn, by John B. Swanson Construction, T.D. Bryers Construction, Lampert Lumber, U.S. Steel and Potlatch. He volunteered for 20 years as a firefighter in Cook and retired as chief of the department. He also served as both member of the city council, and the St. Louis County Rescue Squad. He is survived by his wife, Janice Hoffman of Butte; brother, James Rinne of Angora; sister, Nancy Walden of Angora; daughter Michelle Rinne of Deer River; son, Mike Seko of Yokohama, Japan; son, Mark Rinne of Britt; four granddaughters; and cousins, nieces, nephews and neighbors. He was further blessed by his second family in Butte; daughters, Dorre Riordan and Char McGinley; son, Don Hoffman, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A memorial service was held Feb. 11 in Butte, and funeral services will be held in Alango on Saturday, Feb. 20, at 1 p.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.
American woodcock on the Chippewa National Forest by Cory Mlodik, Wildlife Biologist on the Blackduck Ranger District Did you ever wonder what bird was making those odd sounds on an early spring night? If you were near a small field or forest opening it was probably a male American woodcock. Woodcock begin courtship in early spring with male birds “peenting” at night on their singing grounds. This “peenting” call is accompanied by a spiral upward flight which results in the wing “twittering” sound. Just at dusk, look upward and you will see a tiny fast moving bird high in the sky. American woodcock populations have been on a steady decline in the Lake States since the late 1960’s. This decline is due in part to the reduction in young riparian forests and shrublands. On the Chippewa National Forest, woodcock habitat consists of a combination of speckled alder, young aspen, and forest openings near wetlands or riparian areas. In 2008, the Blackduck Ranger District began an effort to improve woodcock habitat. District staff sheared strips in about 20 acres of mature speckled alder stands in the Webster and Carter Lake areas. Shearing mature alder removes the overstory alder which allows the alder to resprout. This young alder will grow into preferred habitat for woodcock in about 5 years and will remain good habitat for about 20 years. In 2009, this effort was further expanded to look more precisely at woodcock habitat where speckled alder transitions into aspen. About 35 acres of alder/aspen mixed habitat were identified in the Kitchi Creek area and are expected to be sheared in the late winter of 2010. In coordination with several organizations and agencies including: The Wildlife Management Institute, The Ruffed Grouse Society, and the Minnesota DNR, the Blackduck Ranger District is currently looking at future woodcock habitat improvement projects. We hope to increase the amount of habitat that is treated on an annual basis. The future of woodcock on the Blackduck Ranger District is looking bright!
BIGFORK SPECIAL MEETING /From Page 11 vidual on their own merits. Regarding the Board of Health, Pifher noted that Dr. Scrivner would not continue his tenure on the board. She felt that it might be a good idea to add a representative of the ambulance service to the board. Logdahl felt that the board could remain at two members. Logdahl noted that the city should plan to have an identity theft prevention meeting sometime in 2010. A motion was made by Zimmer, seconded by Stevens, to approve Resolution 2010-02 as amended. The motion carried with Pifher and Koppelmann opposing.
New Business Review of Police Department Job Descriptions and Staffing Needs - Logdahl outlined the potential staffing options for the police department. He felt that the city needs to evaluate its law enforcement needs. Koppelmann felt that the city should not eliminate the police department. She also felt that the city should maintain the officer position but leave it unfilled and work with the police chief to find out what the police department needs are. Stevens noted that he found that having one police officer would be acceptable. Logdahl felt that the city could get by with one part-time police position, depending on coverage from the county sheriff. He also noted that an opportunity for hiring someone for additional police coverage still exists. Logdahl felt that the city should consider scheduling a police position to 10 hours of school liaison time and 16 hours of patrol time. He also felt that it is important to have night and weekend coverage and that police personnel can respond to the school in case of emergency. Stevens asked if the Personnel Committee could handle any negotiations regarding the police department. A motion was made by Koppelmann, seconded by Pifher, to leave the police officer position unfilled and to enter into closed session. Motion was carried unanimously.
Other Business A closed session was held for preliminary consideration of allegations of misconduct made against individuals subject to the city council’s authority and for employment negotiations involving an individual subject to the city council’s authority. A motion was made by Stevens, seconded by Koppelmann, to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 10:36 p.m. The information for this story was taken from unapproved minutes.
WIR, Thursday, Feb. 18, 2010, Page 13
Deer River HealthCare Center volunteers serve
The Bible Says ... We can have joy! by C. Marvine Scott “…weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Psalms 30:5 KJV This wonderful story was sent to me in 2002. Sometimes God has a beautiful method of bringing laughter and joy to us through the most difficult of trials. Perhaps this is because our God loves us SO much and is the author of true joy. MOM'S LAST LAUGH... -author unknown “Consumed by my loss, I didn't notice the hardness of the pew where I sat. I was at the funeral of my dearest friend – my mother. She finally had lost her long battle with cancer. The hurt was so intense; I found it hard to breathe at times. Always supportive, Mother clapped loudest at my school plays, held a box of tissues while listening to my first heartbreak; comforted me at my father's death, encouraged me in college, and prayed for me my entire life. “When Mother's illness was diagnosed, my sister had a new baby and my brother had recently married his childhood sweetheart, so it fell on me, the 27-year-old middle child without entanglements, to take care of her. I counted it an honor. “’What now, Lord?’ I asked sitting in church. My life stretched out before me as an empty abyss. My brother sat stoically with his face toward the cross while clutching his wife's hand. My sister sat slumped against her husband's shoulder, his arms around her as she cradled their child. All so deeply grieving, no one noticed I sat alone. “My place had been with our mother, preparing her meals, helping her walk, taking her to the doctor, seeing to her medication, reading the Bible together. Now she was with the Lord. My work was finished, and I was alone. I heard a door open and slam shut at the back of the church. Quick footsteps hurried along the carpeted floor. An exasperated young man looked around briefly and then sat next to me. He folded his hands and placed them on his lap. His eyes were brimming with tears. He began to sniffle. ‘I'm late,’ he explained, though no explanation was necessary. “After several eulogies, he leaned over and commented, ‘Why do they keep calling Mary by the name of Margaret?’ "Oh, because that was her name, Margaret. Never Mary. No one called her 'Mary,' I whispered. I wondered why this person couldn't have sat on the other side of the church. “He interrupted my grieving with his tears and fidgeting. Who was this stranger anyway? "No, that isn't correct," he insisted, as several people glanced over at us whispering, "Her name is Mary, Mary Peters." "That isn't who this is," I replied. "Isn't this the Lutheran church?" "No, the Lutheran church is across the street." "Oh." "I believe you're at the wrong funeral, Sir." “The solemnness of the occasion mixed with the realization of the man's mistake bubbled up inside me and came out as laughter. I cupped my hands over my face, hoping it would be interpreted as sobs. The creaking pew gave me away. Sharp looks from other mourners only made the situation seem more hilarious. I peeked at the bewildered, misguided man seated beside me. He was laughing, too, as he glanced around, deciding it was too late for an uneventful exit. I imagined Mother laughing. At the final "Amen," we darted out a door and into the parking lot. "I do believe we'll be the talk of the town," he smiled. He said his name was Rick and since he had missed his aunt's funeral, asked me out for a cup of coffee. That afternoon began a lifelong journey for me with this man who attended the wrong funeral, but was in the right place. “A year after our meeting, we were married at a country church where he was the assistant pastor. This
Deer River Food Shelf raffle winners announced 1st prize - quilt - Jill Payne; 2nd - $100 cash - Phyllis Erickson; 3rd - $50 gift certificate from Jurvelin Hardware - Lisa Stangler; 4th - $30 gift certificate from U-Save - Hope Thompson; 5th - wild rice gift basket donated by Quality Wild Rice - Sadie Brorson; half day fishing trip for two with Charlie Worrath - winner, Bob Caven.
time we both arrived at the same church, right on time. “In my time of sorrow, God gave me laughter. In place of loneliness, God gave me love. This past June we celebrated our twenty-second wedding anniversary. Whenever anyone asks us how we met, Rick tells them, "Her mother and my Aunt Mary introduced us, and it's truly a match made in heaven." -end quote
Sometimes our sorrow and grief can grip us so hard that we cannot believe that we will ever feel joy again. But God promises to be with us through our hardship and heal us of our pain. Then He promises to give us joy no matter how impossible it might seem during the trial. Our Lord experienced unbelievable sorrow! Isaiah said He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. The bible says that there is no trial or hardship that He cannot understand. We have a God who truly enters into our feelings and helps us through them if we will let Him! I think the most incredible thing is the joy He brings us as we place our hand in His and allow Him to lead us through our trials. I may have told you how that one time as a young mother I was overcome with sorrow and weeping as I did dishes. I apologized to the Lord for my tears because I couldn’t help them but I told Him I was choosing to praise Him. I praised Him with tears running down my cheeks and sorrow in my heart. About five minutes later I discovered that I was singing praise songs with joy in my heart. The circumstances hadn’t changes but the burden was lifted. God is awesome and His joy is ours if we will accept it! “Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.” Psalm 90:14
LOCAL STUDENTS NAMED TO DEAN’S LIST AT THE COLLEGE OF ST. SCHOLASTICA The College of St. Scholastica has named 646 students to its Fall Semester 2009 Dean’s List. Students named to the Dean’s List are full-time undergraduates who have attained a grade-point average of 3.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale. On the list from this area are Jorge Castiblanco and Geoffrey Daigle from Cohasset, and Ramona Hemphill and Megan Johnson from Deer River.
2009 Yearly Wrap-Up There are 70 active Volunteers who recorded 5660 hours of service throughout DRHC. $10,000 was donated to the DRHC Capital Campaign (total pledge is $30,000). Fundraising efforts brought in $5,603.67. The Gift Shop provides unique shopping opportunities for the community. Deer River High School 2009 graduates, Aubrey Kaczor and Nikki Jones, were given their scholarship fund after completing the first college semester. They are pursuing careers in the health care field. Many DRHS graduates have benefitted from the DRHC Volunteers’ support for their education. 2010 officers were elected at the January meeting. They are president, Gwenn Smith; president-elect, Shirley Matlock; vice president, Beth Thompson; secretary, Janet Maki; and treasurer, Dan Duvelius. Board members are Beth Anderson, Amy Carter, Joan Isaacs, and Lenore Westerman. Out-going Board members were Tiemi Erickson, Isabel Hart, Ethel Ikola, and Margaret Sexton. Volunteers staff the information desk at DRHC and the gift shop, assist residents at Homestead Living Center, and participate in many other activities and events that benefit DRHC. The main objective is service. There are always opportunities for new Volunteers. Contact Teri at 246-3015 for information on becoming a Volunteer. The volunteers depend upon the community for support; it has always been there. Submitted by Gwenn Smith.
Area Worship Schedule SQUAW LAKE Centennial Lutheran LC-MS Rev. James Anthony Sunday Service 8:30 a.m. St. Catherine's Catholic Father Thomas P. Galarneault (218)659-4353 Saturday Mass 4:00 p.m.
Clara Lutheran DEER RIVER 246-8191 Apostolic Faith Church Lay Pastor Pastor Timothy Schultz Peg Christensen 212 2nd St. S.E. 246-2243 Sunday School & Sunday School & Worship Service Worship Service 9 a.m. 10:00 a.m. Hwy. 6 N - Right on Cty. Rd. 142, Bible Study, Wednesday Left on Cty. Rd 144 - 1 mile. 6:00 p.m.
BENA
Deer River Bible Church 246-9570 Pastor Gaylord Finch Home 246-2093 Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship 10:45 a.m. Evening Service 6 p.m. Family Bible Study & Prayer meeting Wednesday 7 p.m. 1 mile north on Hwy. 6
St. Anne’s Catholic Father Stephen Solors Saturday Mass 7 p.m..
JESSIE LAKE Jessie Lake Baptist 832-3911 Rev. Howard Williams Sunday School 10 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study
Evangelical Covenant Pastor Ron Grossman Sunday School, 9:45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11:00 a.m. Wed. Night Bible Study 7 p.m. 246-8062
Jesse Lake Lutheran Pastor John Hanson Parsonage 832-3834 Church 832-3883 Church Service 8:30 a.m. Sunday School 9:45 a.m.
St. Mary's Catholic Church Fr. Paul Larson Parish Office 246-8582 Saturday Mass 4:00 p.m. Sunday Mass 10:30 a.m. Confessions half hour before Saturday mass
MARCELL Marcell Community Church Pastor Paul Olson Sunday School 9:15 a.m. Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m. Wed. Bible Study 10 a.m. Caribou Chapel Pastor Ron Grossman (218) 326-3574 Sunday 9 a.m. Bible Study Wed. 7 p.m. All denominations welcome! At Marcell Town Hall
SUOMI Suomi Evangelical Lutheran Pastor John Hanson Parsonage 832-3834 Sunday Service 10:30 a.m.
SAND LAKE Northwoods Chapel Rev. Howard Williams Non-Denominational On Corner of Co. Rds. 35 and 36 Sunday Service 9:00 a.m. Fellowship following Wednesday Bible Study For info 1-218-259-0425
United Methodist Pastor Richard Wilder Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. Office (218)246-8591 Cell (218)360-4795 Redeemer Lutheran LC-MS Rev. James Anthony Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Service 10:30 a.m. Evening Service, Thursday, 7 p.m. Memorial Day thru Labor Day Bethany Lutheran, ELCA Rev. Dwight Rudquist Highway 6 North, 246-8398 Worship - 9:30 a.m. Wednesday - ‘Club 100’ Sept.-May (1st-6th grade) "The Welcome Place"
Sand Lake Alliance Pastor Sam Muntean Cty Rd 4 just east of Anchor Inn Resort) Worship 10 a.m. Bible Study - Wed. 7 p.m. 218-798-2872
Oteneagen Chapel (An Independent Bible Church) 218-259-HOPE (4673) Church Services 10-11 a.m. Sunday School 11:15-11:45 a.m.
EFFIE
College News
Deer River HealthCare (DRHC) Volunteers have been serving our community for over 50 years. The Deer River Women’s Club was the organization that raised funds to build the hospital in Deer River. The women’s club became the Community Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and that has become the DRHC Volunteer Organization.
Effie Fredheim Lutheran Church ELCA Rev. Ryan Aarestad Office 743-3368; Parsonage 743-6986 Sunday Worship 8:45 a.m.
Deer River Church of God (Pentecostal) Rev. Lee Pederson 246-8760 304 - 4th Ave. S.E. Sunday School 9:00 a.m. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Sunday Evening Prayer 6 p.m. Wed. Night Bible Study 7 p.m.
Jurvelin Hardware Deer River 246-8628 Rajala Timber Co. Deer River & Bigfork
246-8277 or 743-3333
FEDERAL DAM Sacred Heart Catholic Father Stephen Solors Sunday Mass 11 a.m. Our Savior Lutheran Church ELCA Pastor Dee Hillstrom Holy Communion 1st & 3rd Sundays Sunday Worship 9 a.m..
Ball Club Assembly of God Church Rev. Greg Baudeck Pastor - 327-1005 Church-246-2511 Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m. Sunday Evening 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study 7 p.m.
COHASSET
BIGFORK Bigfork Lutheran, ELCA Rev. Ryan Aarestad Office 743-3368; Parsonage 743-6986 Sunday Worship: Bigfork Lutheran and First Presbyterian are having blended worship services at the First Presbyterian Church two blocks west of Bigfork City Hall at 10:15 a.m. Bigfork Assembly of God Pastor Mike Stevens 101 Golf Course Road Morning Worship 9:30 & 10:30 Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Evening Service 6:30 p.m. 218-743-6316 Riverside (Presbyterian) Chapel Sunday Worship 8:30 a.m. Cell (218)360-4795 Our Lady of Snows Catholic Father Thomas P. Galarneault (218) 743-3255 Sunday Mass 9:00 a.m. Mon., Wed., Fri.- 8:00 a.m. First Presbyterian Church Rev. Ryan Aarestad Office 743-3368; Parsonage 743-6986 Sunday Worship: Bigfork Lutheran and First Presbyterian are having blended worship services at the First Presbyterian Church two blocks west of Bigfork City Hall at 10:15 a.m.
BOWSTRING Bowstring (Presbyterian) Chapel located 15 miles north on Hwy. 6, 1 block west on Co. Rd. 133 Sharron Lewis Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Sunday Worship 10:15 a.m.
North Itasca Electric Co-op Bigfork Area 743-3131
BALL CLUB St. Joseph's Catholic Father Stephen Solors Saturday Mass 5 p.m. Sunday Mass 9 a.m.
West Cohasset Chapel Pastor Joe Franzone Sunday School -9:15 a.m. Worship Service - 10:30 a.m. AWANA Wednesday - 6:30 p.m. 999-9030 On Hwy. 6 one mile north of Hwy. 63 St. Augustine’s Catholic Church Fr. Paul Larson Sunday Mass 8:30 a.m. Confessions half hour before mass Calvary Pines Baptist Church Pastor Charles Pratt 7 miles north of Cohasset at crossroads of Co. Rd. 256 & 62 Sunday School (ad. & youth) 9:30 a.m.
Worship Service 10:30 a.m. Sunday Bible Study - 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study - 7 p.m. Our Redeemer Lutheran Church Pastor Chris Gorshe Pastor Bill Zeige 35568 Foxtail Lane, Cohasset 328-5165 Sunday 9:00 Wednesday Evening 7 p.m. Sunday School & Bible Study 10:30 a.m. New Life Christian Fellowship 35 N.E. 3rd St., Cohasset, MN (Formerly Redeemer Lutheran Church behind SuperAmerica)
Sunday Prayer 8-8:30 a.m. 9:00-9:45 a.m. Sunday School Worship 10:00 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. prayer 6:30 p.m. Worship Wednesday 6:30 p.m. Bible Study Good News Bible Church Rev. Tom Adams 9 a.m. Sunday Wednesday 7 p.m. 326-5972
Carroll Funeral Home Deer River & Bigfork 246-8181 or 1-800-457-8181
Deer River Publishing 246-8533
WIR, Thursday, Feb. 18, 2010, page 14
ISD 317/From Page 1 all the rest of the kids so they’re surrounded by high level thinking kids and so you don’t have all the behavioral problems all in one class for example. And you can group them in the classroom but then also have a second hour of math with a math teacher,” said Teff. Currently there are four full-time math teachers at Deer River High School (DRHS) all of them teaching on overload. If the school board chooses to add a licensed math teacher to the mix it would mean five teachers teaching on overload. But what happens if the board decides against a support teacher? “Someone will have to make a decision on which nine and then eight-point-five sections off of this [math class] rubric will need to be cut, because you will have 20 sections. You will have four teachers, five sections each, you will have 20 sections to fill and we’re proposing 29 and then 28.5. So you guys will have to make the decision of what nine things on this list you think are worth cutting,” said Teff. The district faces a similar scenario in the science department. Beginning in 2010-11 students will be required to take a chemistry or physics class and a space/earth science class before graduating. “As a science department, we’re just saying, you’ve got to be kidding, because I have in my chemistry class the top and part way down into the average kids and they have a hard go at that. And to take physics or chemistry, one or the other we’re just scratching our heads and saying what’s going on here,” said Deer River science teacher Mark Drotts. The monkey wrench in the science department is that science teachers need to be licensed in specialized science classes. For instance a chemistry teacher has to have a license to teach chemistry, a physics teacher has to be licensed to teach physics and so on and so forth. At this point DRHS has only three science teachers, none of them licensed to teach physics and none of them licensed to teach space/earth science. On top of the whole licensure challenge is the challenge of where the district would even find the licensed people to come to Deer River and teach. In the past, the district has had difficulty finding quality science teachers, let alone science teachers with specific teaching licenses. Board members are certain the problem will be even more compounded because districts across the state are all going to be vying for the same qualified teachers. Drotts feels like the new state mandates are a reaction to the government’s fear of a shortage of engineers, Superintendent Grose agrees and says this is the new man on the moon scenario. “Think back to when the Russians put a rocket in space what happened in America? What did John F. Kennedy come out and do? He said we are going to put man on the moon, and we’re going to do it in five years, and we’re going to spend this amount of money. And schools in America cranked up math and science, that’s what they did. And that’s exactly the same thing that’s happening right here,” said Grose.
What to do, what to do Even though these mandates won’t take place until next school year the time is now to start strategizing. School board members are throwing out their ideas. Board member Brad Box asks if they might be able to share a science teacher with another district and board member Sarah Bellefy asks if some of these mandated math and science classes can be taught on the Infinity Online learning program. “The thing is we’re going to have to be creative, I mean it’s a challenge, so we need to know all these options,” said Bellefy. And there are options. Superintendent Grose says right now DRHS requires a ninth grade computer applications course to graduate. He doesn’t think that class is serving the students well anymore, because the course is
DEER RIVER COUNCIL/ From Page 1 •Payment of the bills listed on the Jan. 29 ($13,629.95); Feb. 4 ($10,865.55); and Feb. 8 ($8,799.98) Council Approval Report, plus the Feb. 8 payroll of $9,599.86. •The corrected minutes from the Jan. 25 meeting. In his report to the council, City Clerk Victor R. Williams had two items which were not acted upon at this point. The first one was to do with the 2010 Safety & Loss Control Workshops offered by the League of Minnesota
Public Notice CITY OF BIGFORK ITASCA COUNTY, MINNESOTA ORDINANCE NO. 159 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FEES AND CHARGES FOR VARIOUS SERVICES, LICENSES AND PERMITS FOR THE CITY OF BIGFORK, MINNESOTA. The City Council of the City of Bigfork, Minnesota ordains that the Ordinance Setting Fees and Charges shall be amended by the addition of the following to the "Sewer and Water Fees" section, which shall read: The charge for new customers entering the water and sewer utility system as the result of purchasing or renting a home with an existing water and sewer connection pursuant to § 51.48 (B) and § 52.36 (B) shall be twenty-five ($25.00) dollars, payable upon application for said service. This ordinance repeals any other inconsistent ordinances. This ordinance is hereby adopted this 9th day of February 2010 and will be in effect immediately upon publication.
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By: Roger Logdahl, Mayor Attest: Michael McKinney, City Clerk/Treasurer
a Microsoft Office class with Power Point and Excel, programs that students already implement in earlier grades. “If our kids don’t know that by ninth grade we’ve already lost them. It’s too late, it’s too late,” Grose said. They could drop the class and continue to use Microsoft in the classrooms of lower grades. Another area of give is in the health department. Minnesota school districts are required to provide one credit of health class as a graduation requirement. In Deer River the health credit is a semester class, but Grose has seen a model that has students taking a health class every quarter of their high school years rather then taking the one semester of health and then being done. The students would have two days of health each week. “So over the course of four years, from ninth through 12th grade, they have a health class,” Grose said. Administrators say there might also be some wiggle room with staff development funding. Elementary staff development is already built into Title 9 funding, however high school staff development is not. In the past, staff development has been done in a “drive-by” fashion, where a couple of teachers from a department go to a conference, bring back what they’ve learned to their own department, but haven’t really helped or developed any other staff. The high school has now been trying to do staff development internally, which in turn saves significant travel dollars. “One of the things that we’ve talked about as an option, and I’m not proposing this, but I’m saying this is an option that would help offset staff development cost and also be a way to look at how to get people together more often…is if we were to add 10 minutes to each day Monday through Thursday, make the day longer,” suggested Grose. The idea is to add 10 minutes of student contact time Monday through Friday, totaling 40 minutes, but then take away 40 minutes of student contact hours on Fridays. It could mean that the students wouldn’t arrive at school until 9:20 a.m. reserving that 8:00 to 9:20 slot every Friday morning for staff development. Of course, the teachers and teacher’s union would have to be on board with the idea. One more option is that the state has also said that DRSD could transfer $51 per pupil from the capital budget into the operating budget. Grose also threw out the use of dollars set aside to buy textbooks, those dollars could technically be shifted into the operating fund. “The day of K-12 buying science books for everybody, those days are over. It doesn’t make sense [to buy the books], because the day after we get that science book it’s outdated,” said Grose.
The plate is full With more on their plates then just staff hiring and rearranging, board members and district administrators spent a good portion of the workshop meetings discussing the financial implications that will affect the district starting at the end of March. A property tax shift, an aid payment shift and delayed state aid payments threaten the financial stability the DRSD has held tight to. “Beginning in the 2010-11 school year school districts will be required to recognize in 2011 the May/June and July property tax settlement revenue that [normally] belongs in the 2012 school year,” writes DRSD business manager Carol Risberg. This allows the state to retain state aid and directs schools to recognize tax receipts (that belong in the FY12 school year) as revenue for FY11. Risberg says the state then keeps that same amount in state aid, which becomes a revenue and cash flow problem for the district. Risberg says the district will be “shifting” about $20,000. “We’ll shift tax revenue that belongs in 2012 back to 2011, and the state will reduce general education aid by that same amount. This shift could be permanent or it could be paid back at some point Cities Insurance Trust. The cost is $20 and several different workshops are offered. Council members and city employees were encouraged to attend and this decision was given a council consensus of approval. The second item had to do with the notification that the City of Deer River has not completed a USDA, Rural Development required certification which indicates that its Vulnerability Assessment (VA) and Emergency Response Plan (ERP) have been reviewed and updated. This VA/ERP review certification was due in 2009. Updating of these will be done and brought back to the council, at a later date, for their approval and the required signatures.
Public Notice NATIONAL FOREST TIMBER FOR SALE CHIPPEWA NATIONAL FOREST The Skeeter Sale is located within Secs. 15, 22, 23, 28, 34 and 35 of T58N, R25W, Itasca County, MN. The Forest Service will receive sealed bids in public at Deer River, MN at 2:00 PM local time on 03/24/2010 for an estimated volume of 180 CCF of Mixed Hardwood sawtimber, 2146 CCF of Red Pine sawtimber, 1321 CCF of Aspen pulpwood, 140 CCF of Balsam Fir pulpwood, 554 CCF of Mixed Hardwood pulpwood, and 1138 CCF of Red Pine pulpwood marked or otherwise designated for cutting. The Forest Service reserves the right to reject any and all bids. Interested parties may obtain a prospectus from the office listed below. A prospectus, bid form, and complete information concerning the timber, the conditions of sale, and submission of bids is available to the public from the Deer River Ranger District. The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. 31Wchaff
in a future year,” writes Risberg. In past years, the state has paid the district 90 percent of the district’s estimated state aid entitlements in the current school year, and then paid the remaining10 percent in the following school year. However, this school year the state only paid 73 percent of the state aid with the remaining 27 percent to be paid in the following school year. “This year we were due about $668,000 in state aids from the ’08-’09 school year at the old 10% hold back rate. This next year that hold back amount will be almost three times that…and there is also talk that, by law, the state only has to pay us back at the 10% hold back rate. If that happens we could stand to lose 17% or approximate $1,146,000 in state aid payments,” Risberg informed board members. Where the district will feel the real financial urgency is next month. The state has informed Minnesota school districts that have a fund balance that it will be withholding their March 15th, March 30th and April 15th state aid payments. For DRSD, that’s $851,000. Risberg projects the district dropping into a negative cash flow by the end of March. At this point the board seems to be leaning toward using short term aid anticipation certificates to meet their cash flow needs. The certificates need to be paid back by September 2010. If the board chooses to go this way it will need to call a special meeting for the sale of these certificates.
The overall consensus School board members realize the challenges that lie ahead, however, all of them agreed that the direction the district is heading education-wise and financial-wise is still a good direction. Most want to stay the course and they agreed to do that with caution. “I don’t want to go backwards though, if we’re going to hire a math teacher. I would like to see, not necessarily teachers or programs, but other ways of making up for it,” said board member Bellefy. In any case, members see that these challenges will essentially eat into the million dollar fund balance that past board members and current board members have worked so hard to build up and maintain. “I don’t want something to come up where we are down to just under $500,000 and there’s another hiccup…my biggest worry is that something’s going to come up. How far are we going to feel comfortable in letting that fund balance go down?” asked board member Anne Gardner. Superintendent Grose, along with high school principals and district administrators will bring back to the board suggestions on how to reduce the budget away from classrooms and programs, so that the district can stay ahead of the challenges as much as possible. “I don’t think we want to go backwards from here, or add to expenses without having some other counter balance or reduction somewhere. If you’re comfortable with that then we’ll bring back some other suggestions or options reducing away from classrooms and programs,” said Grose. Board Chairman Vic Williams said the suggestions and options were a good route to take, but he also felt that the board had already scraped the bottom of the financial barrel saying that they’ve been conservative to the point of freezing supplies unless it’s absolutely necessary. He thinks people think the district is crazy because it does have a million dollars in its fund balance but yet it makes cuts. “What I see are these projections and we have the state going well, you know staff development is always there, we’re going to wave that. If you guys need [that staff development money], use it. If you’ve got $200 in capital that’s general fund dollars, we have that. So we’ve got to look at these dollars that necessarily we can tap into to avoid reducing our programming,” Williams said.
DNR question of the week Q: With discussions about the 2012 farm bill coming up soon, what are some of the issues the DNR is interested in seeing Congress tackle? A: The Federal Farm Bill is very important to the DNR as it relates to conservation programs that impact fish, wildlife, water, forestry and other natural resource issues. Specific private land conservation programs that will be followed closely by DNR for potential reauthorization include the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP), and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). These conservation programs, along with a few others, can have a tremendous impact on the agricultural landscape and how successful the DNR can be when we attempt to implement our conservation goals at the local level. The level of funding from the USDA agencies usually far exceeds the level of funding from state agencies. So it is imperative that, whenever possible, we leverage the federal funds with state resources to maximize conservation outcomes. The DNR will also be working with our conservation partners and especially the farming community to explore changes in the next farm bill that make sense for farmers while also helping the state achieve conservation priorities. Wayne Edgerton, Ag Policy and Private Lands coordinator – Division of Fish & Wildlife, Minnesota DNR
WIR, Thursday, Feb. 18, 2010, Page 15
Western Itasca Review
Classified Ads For Sale: 2000 Arctic Cat Z 370 ES, reverse, hand and thumb warmers. $1,500. 218-743-3816. ......................28DWchtfn
SERVICES Monuments and Markers: Available in granite and bronze. Also do final dating, cleaning and foundation work. FREE estimates Serving your area, Jerry Pula, Sales rep. (218)7433711. .....................26-49DWpd Deer River Area Food Shelf: 1006 Comstock Drive. Every Thursday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DWtfn Free Kid’s Clothing! WeeCare Hope Chest. Open every Thursday, 9-11 a.m. and last Saturday of every month, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. 304 4th Ave. SE., at Deer River Church of God. .........................16DWtfn
STORAGE Mini Storage Units. Five different sizes available at Northern Star Cooperative. Call 2468296 to reserve. . . . . . . . . . . . 12DWchtfn
FOR RENT For Rent: Bigfork Apartments 1 and 2 bedroom. Also, small 2 bedroom house. Call 218-7436288. .....................31-34DWpd
For Rent: Three Bedroom Home for Rent, $675 per month plus utilities. Newly remodeled. Call John @ 326-6646. ......................28DWchtfn For Rent: 2 - 1 bedroom apts. $400/$450 per mo. + dep. 327-5416. .........................25DWtfn For Rent: 1 bedroom $569/month, $569 deposit, available immediately, utilities included. Nonsmoking. Laundry on-site. Wilderness Apartments, Effie, MN. Call Jeff or Paula 218-743-1618 day. 218-743-3859 evening. ......................19DWchtfn For Rent: 2 bedroom $685/month, $685 deposit, available immediately, utilities included. Nonsmoking. Laundry on-site. Wilderness Apartments, Effie, MN. Call Jeff or Paula 218-743-1618 day. 218-743-3859 evening. ......................19DWchtfn For Rent: Super Efficiency Apartment. Available immediately. 500 month/500 deposit. Non-smoking, utilities included, laundry on-site. Wilderness Apartments, Effie, MN. Call Jeff or Paula at 218-743-3616 day 218-743-3859 eve. ..............15W16DWchtfn
CLASSIFIED ADS MUST BE PREPAID
Deadline for all advertising material for the Western Itasca Review is by noon on Monday
For Rent: Condor Bigfork Apartments, Bigfork, MN. Applications are being taken for one and two bedroom apartments. 62 years of age or older, disabled or handicapped. Must meet certain income guidelines to qualify for Section 8 assistance. EHO. Contact (218)743-3735 or Oliver Management Service, Inc. (218)628-0311. ......................08DWchtfn
HELP WANTED Help Wanted: Bartender, full or part time. Apply in person at Blueberry Bowl, Deer River. 246-8048. ..........................31DWch Help Wanted: Gosh Dam Place needs a cook. Apply in person. Junction, Hwy. 46 & Co. Rd. 9, Deer River. .....................30-32DWpd Mystery Shoppers: Earn up to $150 per day. Undercover shoppers needed to judge retail and dining establishments. No experience required. Call 877 630 4742 .....................29-31DWpd
WORK WANTED Odd Jobs Wanted. Have truck, trailer, tools, helpers, as needed, for snow removal, dump, Goodwill, recycle loads or other work. Call Dave at 218832-3267. $75 minimum. .....................29-31DWpd
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www.custommedicalequipment.com 218-326-2212 877-326-2212 (located North of Sammy’s Pizza) 9 Willow Lane, Grand Rapids, MN
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09111561GRH
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31Wchtr
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Phone 246-8533
DEER RIVER PUBLISHING
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Position Open Proof Reader and Reporter to attend and report on the Itasca County Commissioners meeting. 7-10 hours per week. Contact Deer River Publishing PO Box 427 Deer River, MN 56636 246-8533 30DWtfn
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WIR, Thursday, Feb. 18, 2010, page 16
Chuck Kannas, on the right, took second place in the Marcell fishing contest on Feb. 13 with his one pound eight ounce northern. All of the fish that Bruce Windorski, on the left, weighed in that day were northerns except for the one walleye that took first place. It was a two pound three ounce one caught by Keith Kaizer. There was a tie for third. Dustin Hill and Ryan Besley both caught northerns that weighed one pound seven ounces. The 5th Annual Snowshoe Liquor Fishing Contest was held on Lake Ranier on Feb. 13. Bruce Ramstad, in the center of the photo, and Bruce Windorski, were the two people that the participants would want to see, for they were at the weigh-in stand.
There was hot food available for the participants at the 5th Annual Snowshoe Liquor Fishing Contest in Marcell on Feb. 14. This booth was set up as a fundraiser for Cub Scout Troop 33 and was taken care of by brothers and sisters, from the left in the back, Dusty, Rachel and Richie Doughman with Joe Schultz standing in front.
“There were lots of prizes donated by local businesses and individuals for the contest,” said Bruce Ramstad. There were enough prizes that 95 out of the 150 participants would get prizes. “I limit the participation to 150,” said Ramstad. “They sold out quick and I could have sold more tickets, but we keep the number at that count.”
The bites were slow coming, but adults, like Jaime Lawler, and children, such as Madlyn Shandorf, fishing in the 5th Annual Snowshoe Liquor Fishing Contest in Marcell still could have fun and enjoy the outdoors as the sun was shining and the temperature stayed in the mid to upper 20s.
WE CAN SUPPLY RUBBER STAMPS FOR EVERY PURPOSE UNDER THE SUN!! If your paperwork chores are stacking up more these days... fresh rubber stamps could process them faster and more accurately.
Phone 246-8533 DEER RIVER PUBLISHING 30-32DWchtr