e-edition 1/11/18

Pioneer PINE CITY

THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2018

VOL. 133 NO. 2 www.pinecitymn.com $1.00

HOT SHOOTING: Dragon varsity hockey team scores 16 goals in two games. P10

Pine City man dies in avalanche

BY MIKE GAINOR EDITOR@PINECITYMN.COM

PHOTO PROVIDED

Girls hockey growing in Pine City At the Dragon varsity hockey game against Becker/Big Lake, varsity team members welcomed and honored young skaters from the Youth Hockey Girls Program. There are currently 63 girls registered with Pine City Youth Hockey ranging in ages from 3-14. Participation in hockey aids these young ladies in acquiring life-long, value based, attributes of personal self-esteem, self discipline, social skills and respect for others. The goal of the program is that girls hockey in Pine City does not end at the youth level, and to one day have a Dragon girls varsity squad.

A Pine City man was killed on Jan. 2 after he was hit by an avalanche while snowmobiling in Montana.

Weylon Wiedemann, 40, had been on a snowmobiling vacation, and was with five other riders near the town of West Yellowstone in southwestern Montana.

The Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center reports that the area had recently received 2-4 feet of new snow, raising the danger of avalanche.

According to Doug Chabot, director of the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center, the snowmobilers were aware of the avalanche dangers and were sledding responsibly through the area. Wiedemann was stopped on a slope and turning around when a 300-foot-wide avalanche

swept down from 600 feet above.

When the avalanche struck, Wiedemann was carried several yards down the slope, caught beneath his snowmobile and buried under three feet of snow. Fellow riders were able to dig him out within 12 to 15 minutes, but resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful.

The avalanche that hit Wiedemann was one of a number reported in the area during the week, several which injured skiers.

Wiedemann was married, the father of three children, and the proprietor of Wiedemann Plumbing & Heating in Pine City. In 2016 he received the Pine City Planning Commission’s Site Improvement Award for improvements made to the building at 305 3rd Ave. SE.

Jewish immigrants in Brook Park fight to survive the Great Hinckley Fire

BY ALAN W. SLACTER

The village of Brook Park supported a small but vital Jewish community for a brief period in the mid-1890s. That community dispersed after the Great Hinckley Fire destroyed the village on Sept. 1, 1894, just months after many of the immigrants had arrived.

Starting in 1893, the Kelsey-Markham Land Company recruited immigrants to Pokegama, the site of a former lumber camp. The company sold land for eight dollars per acre. Its co-owner,

Chauncey Almer Kelsey, was a doctor, businessman, entrepreneur, and land speculator who envisioned developing the township into an idyllic village.

Kelsey was instrumental in changing the township’s name from Pokegama to Brook Park—a name that he thought would attract more buyers. He then moved to recruit new residents, including Jewish families he met while attending the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago. Kelsey himself arrived in Brook Park with his family in the summer of 1894.

Jewish families started arriving in Brook Park in 1893, some via indirect routes. Samuel and Anna Misel left Russia in 1892 for Argentina, where their daughter, Lily, was born. They then moved on to the United States, where their son, Henry, was born in St. Paul on May 15, 1894. Samuel Misel was nineteen years old and Anna eighteen, making them the youngest of the new Jewish residents of Brook Park.

Anna shared a mother’s maiden SEE BROOK PARK, PAGE 14

PHOTO PROVIDED

Mary Amanda Braman and Warren Braman of Brook Park.

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JANUARY 11, 2018

County support sought for train project

BY AILENE CROUP NEWS@PINECITYMN.COM

MIKE GAINOR | THE PIONEER

Three Twenty Brewing Co. wins Site Improvement Award Pine City Mayor Carl Pederson offers a plaque to Nick, Cassandra, Evan and Hazel Olson after the Olson’s family business, Three Twenty Brewing Co., received the Site Improvement Award from the Pine City Planning Commission. The craft brewhouse opened over the summer at 135 5th Street SE in Pine City and serves a variety of unique beers and other beverages. “You developed a very nice establishment for the community to enjoy,” Pederson said. “Many of us have been there once, if not more than once.”

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With a motion by Commissioner Steve Chaffee, Commissioner Steve Hallan was appointed as chairman of the Pine County Board of Commissioners for 2018. There were no other nominations.

The first presentation of the year came from Sandstone’s new city administrator, Kathy George.

She brought a rendering of a cleanout station/depot along with MnDOT’s passenger rail director Frank Loetterle to the first Pine County Board meeting of the year.

She said she had begun to attend Northern Lights Express (NLX) meetings and was interested in the possibility of Sandstone being a stop on the proposed line. George said Sandstone, as a clean out site for the passenger train, is very “viable” and she was trying to get the word out and garner some support.

Loetterle, MnDOT’s NLX project manager, said the process of obtaining funding is complex and depends on the progress and approval of each step from environmental assessment and planning and engineering to final approval from the Federal Rail Administration.

The proposed passenger rail line would run on the existing Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) tracks. Loetterle said BNSF crossing improvements have been proposed and NLX Alli-

AILENE CROUP | THE PIONEER

Sandstone City Administrator Kathy George shows where a possible cleanout station for the NLX train might be located.

ance has applied for funding from several sources.

Notably, at previous NLX meetings, those improvements would be presented as the state’s matching funds to capture federal dollars for the project.

Loetterle said Minneapolis did not want the clean out/maintenance facility in their neighborhood.

The thought was to start and end the trains where the maintenance facility is located.

“Sandstone has come to us and said they want it.

My approach to this has been if they want it, let’s keep them in the game.

Let’s make it possible for this to happen. I don’t want to mislead anybody.

Chances are still low at this time.” He added that the chances of getting it in Sandstone depend on the people making an effort to get it there. He said Duluth is being considered for the facility’s location.

There are $5 million in salary benefits for four managers, 16 electro mechanics and 12 other support staff for a clean out facility, according to Loetterle.

“Sandstone is still in the game but it’s still a long shot,” he said.

Ludwig asked what functions would be performed in Sandstone if

there were a maintenance facility.

Locomotives must be maintained with changing brake shoes, oil and windshield wipers. the cars would also be cleaned out. For the mechanical work, the locomotives would be sent to Chicago.

Chaffee asked who would hire and be in charge of the maintenance staff.

Loetterle said they would be state employees or run by private contractor but it would not be Amtrak that would supply the staff.

When could it possibility be up and running, Hallan asked.

Loetterle said he didn’t have a lot of control over government decisions but he thought 2020 or 2021.

Chaffee asked if NLX was waiting for federal funds.

NLX applied for a TIGER grant from the federal government but those funds would used for crossing upgrades and to keep the project going, Loetterle explained.

George said to give Sandstone a better chance at the clean out station they need letters of support including the county’s support.

Happy 2018 from the Pine City Pioneer! Bringing you the news for 133 years...

& JANUARY 11, 2018

Submit community events to editor@pinecitymn.com or online at www.pinecitymn.com

JAN. 11

JAN. 13

Snowshoe Adventures

Storybook time & God’s Eye craft

Join us from 11 a.m. to noon at Crex Meadows, 102 Crex Ave., Grantsburg, Wisconsin, for a snowshoe adventure around the visitor center on Thursday, Jan. 11. Practice walking in snowshoes while learning about winter wildlife. All ages welcome.

Some snowshoes provided, or bring your own. For information contact Lauren at lauren.finch@ wisconsin.gov or 715-463-2739.

Enjoy Native American stories at the Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post from noon to 1 p.m., then from 1 to 3 p.m., children can weave a God’s eye to take home. The decorative designs are used on ceremonial shields by Native tribes of the southwestern United States. Call 320-532-3632 or millelacs@mnhs.org for more information.

Magnificent Red Hatters

Princess Meet and Greet

On Thursday, Jan. 11, the Magnificent Red Hatters will enjoy lunch and conversation at Froggies, 209 5th St. SE, Pine City, at 11:30 a.m. For more information, contact Darlene Collins at 320-629-4684.

Children are invited to meet 10 live princesses and two princes from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Grand Event Center, 2025 Rowland Rd., Mora. Each child will get an autographed princess photo to bring home as well as a Princess Swag Bag. For more information contact Kirstin Paquin at 320-224-8771.

NAMI support groups A National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Connection peer support group for adults recovering from mental illness meets weekly on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. at Cambridge Medical Center, 701 S. Dellwood Street, in Cambridge in the Harbor Room. Trained facilitators who are also in recovery lead NAMI Connection groups. For more information, contact Danie at 763-219-6236 or 651-645-2948.

JAN. 11, 18, 25 Free computer classes Joy Lutheran Church, 1155 Joy Cir., Cambridge, is offering free computer classes taught

by Dave Larson from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursdays, Jan. 11 (Overview of Computers), Jan. 18 (Introduction to Windows), and Jan. 25 (Intermediate Windows). To register call 763-6895912.

JAN. 12 PCftA Gallery exhibit Pine Center for the Arts’ next gallery exhibit, set to open on Friday, Jan. 12, will feature entries from the East Central Spurs/Pine Center for the Arts Art & Homemade Craft Competition. A gallery opening reception with refreshments will take place from 4-7 p.m. Winning works will be announced at the opening and artists will be available to meet guests and talk about their work. For more information contact PCftA by email at info@pinecenter.org or leave a message at 320-629-4924.

JAN. 13 Comedy Cabaret with Elisa Mill Elisa Mill returns to Pine Center for the Arts, downtown Pine City, for an evening of laughter and fun on Saturday, Jan. 13 at 7 p.m. Tickets can be reserved online at www.pinecenter.org.

Email info@pinecenter.org or call 320-629-4924 with any questions.

Loom Beading Workshop From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 13 learn the art of loom beading at the Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post. Create a design, put it on a loom, and learn how to apply the loom work to leather or cloth when it is finished. A light lunch and refreshments will be provided. Call 320-532-3632 or email millelacs@mnhs.org for more information.

JAN. 14 ‘Discovering and Sharing’ Pine City History Sunday, Jan. 14 at 2 p.m. is the next “Discovering and Sharing Pine City History” with the Pine City Area History Association. Meet at the Pine City Public Library meeting room. Main focus for this session will be a review of the projects completed in 2017 as part of the “History in This Spot” series. For information on the Pine City History Association, call 320-322-9108 or email pcahistory@gmail.com.

PFLAG Meeting The next meeting of the East Central Minnesota Parents, Friends and Families of Lesbians and Gays will be held Sunday, Jan. 14, at 4:30 p.m. at Common Ground, the Cambridge United Methodist Church, at 404 North Cypress St., Cambridge.

Anyone in need of support or answers on LGBT issues is encouraged to attend. Call 320-3963128; 320-272-0069; or 763-5520084 with any questions; or visit ecmnpflag.org.

Wednesday, Jan. 17 from 8:30-10 p.m. Call 320-629-6995 for cost or more information, or visit www. pinecityciviccenter.weebly.com.

JAN. 15

JAN. 14 & 17 On Sunday, Jan. 14 there is open skating at 5:10 p.m., followed by youth open hockey from 6:10-8:10 p.m. and adult open hockey from 8:30-10 p.m. at the Pine City Civic Center. Adult open hockey will also take place

can also relax indoors, enjoy a cup of cocoa before a blazing fire and watch the outdoor festivities from the visitor center. Call 320-629-6356 or nwcfurpost@ mnhs.org for more information.

American Red Cross Blood Drive

Snowshoe Hike

Donate blood from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 980 West 4th St., Rush City on Monday, Jan. 15. For questions call 800-733-2767 or go to www.redcrossblood.org for more information or to make an appointment.

The public is invited on a snowshoe hike from 10-11 a.m. at Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area, 102 Crex Ave., Grantsburg, Wisconsin on Saturday, Jan. 20.

Snowshoes and snacks will be provided. For information contact Lauren at lauren.finch@ wisconsin.gov or 715-463-2739.

Northern Exposures The Northern Exposures Photo Club will meet on Monday, Jan. 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Kanabec History Center in Mora.

A National Geographic video entitled “Places and Faces” will be shown which will describe many techniques for better photographs. Members will share their images from this month’s theme, “Snow.” The public is invited. Contact wmehlan@hotmail.com with any questions.

JAN. 23 Winter Wildlifers On Tuesday, Jan. 23, 10:30 11:30 a.m., families are offered a chance to discover wildlife through stories, songs, handson activities, games, crafts, and snacks at Crex Meadows in Grantsburg, Wisconsin. Dress for the weather. Ages 2-8. For information contact Lauren at lauren.finch@wisconsin.gov or 715-463-2739.

JAN. 16

JAN. 24

Lego Club for kids Lego Club for kids in grades 1-6 will continue at the Hinckley Public Library from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16. Creations will be displayed in the library.

Please do not bring Legos from home, as they will be provided.

The Hinckley Library is located at 106 First St. SE and can be reached at 320-384-6351.

SRVCC meeting The next meeting of the Snake River Valley Conservation Club (SRVCC) will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 24, at 7:30 p.m., at the Pine City VFW building. Contact Mark Madison at mmadison@northlc.com with any questions.

JAN. 25

JAN. 17 ‘Winter storytime’ at the library Encourage children ages 3-5 to become lifelong library users by attending Pine City Public Library’s free winter storytime on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Storytime includes stories, songs and finger plays, while teaching preschoolers that the library is a fun place to be. Call the library at 320-629-6403 or visit ecrlib. org for more information.

JAN. 19 Free Movie Night Isanti Parks will host a free movie night showing of “Mighty Ducks” with doors and concessions open at 6:30 p.m., movie at 7 p.m. at Isanti Community Center, 208-1/2 1st Ave., NW, Isanti.

For information call 763-4445512 or visit cityofisanti.us.

The Ruby’s Pantry food distribution is the fourth Thursday of each month at the Armory in Pine City. Registration begins at 4:30 p.m. and food distribution will take place Thursday, Jan. 25, from 5 - 6:30 p.m. For information call 320-496-3009 or visit www.rubyspantry.org.

Snowshoe Adventures Join us from 11 a.m. to noon at Crex Meadows, Grantsburg, Wisconsin, for a snowshoe adventure around the visitor center on Thursday, Jan. 25. Practice walking in snowshoes while learning about winter wildlife.

All ages welcome. Some snowshoes provided, or bring your own. For information contact Lauren at lauren.finch@wisconsin.gov or 715-463-2739.

JAN. 27 & 28

JAN. 20

Appliqué quillwork workshop

Shake off the winter blues by heading outdoors from noon to 4 p.m. at the North West Company Fur Post. Learn about winter travel during the fur trade and join in activities like throwing a curling stone, playing a round of snow snake, or snowshoeing along two miles of trails. Guests

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MEETINGS THURSDAY 1/11 TOPS-Take Off Pounds Sensibly: Pine City Library Community Room, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

WINDOW-Domestic abuse support group: 6 p.m., Journey North Church, Pine City NAMI peer support: Cambridge Medical Ctr., 6:30 p.m.

Teen AA/NA: 6:30 p.m., Teen Focus Center, Rush City Pine City VFW Auxiliary: Pine City, VFW Post #4258 6:30 p.m.

SUNDAY 1/14 AA (Big Book study): Evangelical Free Church, 7 p.m.

Pine City Civic Center Board: Pine City ALC building, 8 p.m.

MONDAY 1/15 Celebrate Recovery: Pine City, Journey North Church, 6 p.m.

AA: 7:30 p.m., Our Redeemer Lutheran Church TUESDAY 1/16 NA: 725 2nd Ave. SW, Pine City, 7 p.m., 320-279-3823, Carrie Pine City VFW: Pine City, VFW Post #4258, 7:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY 1/17 Woodcarving club: Askov, 9 a.m. Pine Co. History Museum Al-Anon: 725 2nd Ave. SW, Pine City, 12 p.m., 612-387-6094, David Focus on Ability: 1:30 p.m., Chisago Co. Snr. Ctr., North Branch Pine City Toastmasters: 7 p.m., Pine City VFW Hall AA: 8 p.m., Rock Creek Community Center

SENIOR DINING

Ruby’s Pantry

Winter Frolic

Open skating/open hockey

PINE CITY PIONEER

Learn how to work with porcupine quills by dying them and applying them to a small leather pouch at the Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post on Saturday, Jan. 27, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday, Jan. 28, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 320-532-3632 or millelacs@mnhs.org to register.

Downtown Pine City • 320-629-9917

JJan. 15 - 19 Monday: Hot roast pork sandwich, whipped potatoes w/gravy, butternut squash, wheat dinner roll, applesauce Tuesday: Mufflers, Mittens, Mugs and Mallows - Tomato basil dumpling soup, egg salad sandwich, ambrosia salad, rocky road brownie Wednesday: Roast beef w/ horseradish, whipped potatoes w/gravy, country trio vegetables, wheat bread, fresh fruit Thursday: Chicken fried steak, oven roasted potatoes, creamed corn, wheat bread, vanilla pudding Friday: Hamburger on a bun, baked beans, broccoli raisin salad, pineapple Cost is $4.00 for people over 60 and $7.50 for under 60. No preregistration needed, except for special events. Call the Pine City Senior Center at 320-629-3024 between 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

The Pine City Pioneer does not guarantee publication of community events. Space limits the size and number of articles. Out & About deadline is 3 p.m. Monday. If your information must be published, consider placing an ad.

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JANUARY 11, 2018

Memories of love, and a message for us all

Some people stop by your door, and after just a few minutes you know you’ll remember them the rest of your life. That’s how I felt after Bob Barton came to our office the other day, bringing a letter with him.

Bob and his wife Patty were married for 42 years, and spent the last 25 years on their hobby farm off of Government Road in Rock Creek. Bob called it a “fun farm,” a place where they raised a few cattle, some sheep and goats, and a family.

“It has been a good life,” Bob told me.

But the past few years have been Editor’s hard. has been faced with loss afSoapbox terBob loss. His son died in 2012. He lost Patty, his brother and another good Mike friend in 2014. And this past year his Gainor granddaughter died.

No one should ever have to watch h i child hild die. di That goes doubly true for grandchiltheir dren.

So Bob started writing out his feelings.

“I just kept writing,” he said. “Different things entered my mind. I didn’t quit.”

In a four-page handwritten letter to Patty, Bob talked about all he had been going through, and how terribly he missed her. His love and pain shone through in every word.

That’s the letter he brought into the Pioneer office.

He said that with all he has been through, he thought sharing his letter could maybe help other people dealing with their own losses, and folks trying to make it through the holidays with a broken heart.

“My dearest Patty,” he started. Bob wrote about their son Michael’s cancer, and how his suffering came to an end in 2012.

“Then my dearest, the cancer you had 15 years earlier came back with a vengeance,” he wrote.

He talked about the pain from the cancer, and the sufferings caused by the drugs and treatments used to

PHOTO PROVIDED

Bob and Patty Barton were married for 42 years.

fight it.

He wrote about visiting the doctor with Patty and his son and daughter, and hearing that Patty’s cancer was getting worse. Bob said he had a breakdown, while Patty was the brave one, speaking to the children on his behalf.

“When another suffers, one feels helpless, wants to do more,” Bob wrote. “You were so strong... I lost it.

You asked them to take care of me. That was you caring for others.”

Patty and Bob spoke about Christ’s suffering, and she told him she was giving her suffering to Jesus.

“Though you knew your pain would continue and get much worse, you ... prayed daily for more time,” Bob wrote. ““We knew the day would come but couldn’t understand all the pain ... Towards the end you said you were so tired of ... degrading treatments and drugs to try to fight off pain. You said, ‘I will take no more. I just

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want to go to heaven.’ Two days later you did.”

He said that now, three years on, he looks at the time with her as a blessing.

“What a gift God gave me [and our] children, grandchildren and friends, to have you so close as long as we did ...” he said. “I don’t believe there was anyone you didn’t like. Some upset you at times, like me, but you were so understanding, so forgiving... So many stories of your courage, of your love for others, the way it radiated in you.”

He said that it hurts for those Patty left behind, but he doesn’t want to be selfish.

“Imagining where you are now and what you are doing is impossible for us to understand,” he wrote.

“They probably taught you to play harp. You’re smiling ... You may even be watching me write at this moment.”

“So my dearest I’ll keep on keeping on,” Bob wrote.

“I’m told by many that I still have a purpose. Towards the end I said, ‘Patty, I should have gone first.’ You remarked, ‘It won’t be long. You’re old, you know.’”

He ended with a line the previous four pages had proved over and over again.

“Always in my heart,” he wrote.

Bob told me he wasn’t going to be alone over the holidays. His son planned to come in town and his daughter lives in Chengwatana.

“We’re going to get together and just have all kinds of fun times,” he said. “Good times.”

He said that writing the letter was healing for him, and he wished God’s blessings on all during the Christmas season. He said he hopes everyone hugs their children and grandchildren and tells them they love them.

“I didn’t do it that much,” he said. “A lot of men don’t.

I wish I had done it more.”

And he urged all those who feel lonely, especially at this time of year, to take the first step to connect with others.

“You know, folks aren’t alone,” Bob said. “There’s always someone there for them if they want to reach out – friends, family, church. There’s always someone there.”

The Pioneer will Attempt to publish the news as fairly and impartially as possible. Editorial comments will be restricted to this page, or when positioned elsewhere, be clearly identified. All sides of controversial issues will be published within the capabilities of the newspaper.

Letters to the Editor will be 500 words or less. All letters are subject to editing for grammar and clarity and must contain the undersigned’s full name and their address.

As a rule, letter writers should live, work or have another connection to The Pine City Pioneer’s coverage area. Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues

are not guaranteed publication.

Staff reserves the right to refrain from printing a letter. Anonymous letters will not be printed.

Letters may be emailed to: editor@pinecitymn.com no later than 5 p.m.

Monday the week of publication.

The Pioneer welcomes readers’ suggestions for news stories as well as their comments on stories that have been printed.

News releases should be typed and include appropriate contact information. They will be printed as space permits in the first issue possible. There are no guarantees that news releases will run.

OPINION

JANUARY 11, 2018

PINE CITY PIONEER

5

www.pinecitymn.com

Friends influence, nature inspires

BY BARBARA CHRISTENSEN

My writing class assignment was to write about someone who was influential and/or inspiring in my life. I thought of the Wayne White family of Pine City that introduced me to canoeing and camping in the Boundary Waters Wilderness Area of northern Minnesota. From that one trip, I fell in love with wilderness travel.

I read books and went to workshops on wilderness travel. I traveled with friends. Over the years, I continued to hone my outdoor skills until I became proficient and confident in surviving on my own in the wilderness. I taught others outdoor skills I had learned and organized trips ... canoeing, backpacking, camping ... for family and friends, young and old.

A vivid memory of my first trip was paddling alone on a moonlight night. After paddling a distance from our island camp, I stopped

paddling and floated. The stars and moon reflected on the dark water’s calm surface. The line between sky and water disappeared. I could be floating on the water or floating in the sky.

A slight breeze brought me to earth. I was drifting away from our island camp. Sitting in the back of the lightweight aluminum canoe, I paddled toward the yellow flames of the distant campfire. I got nowhere as the wind pushed the canoe like an inflated beach ball in the direction it was going.

Would I be stranded on the lake for the night? Driven to the far shore?

If I yelled would anyone hear? No, I would get back on my own. Carefully I made my way to the front of the canoe, keeping one hand on each side of the canoe and my weight low as I climbed over the thwarts. Paddling hard against the wind, I pulled closer to the warming glow of the campfire. Finally the island’s rocky shoreline appeared. Hearing the

scrape of rocks on the metal canoe, I knew I was safe.

Looking back, I can say I wasn’t in imminent danger. At worst and, if I didn’t panic, I would have been blown to the far shore and created anxious moments for myself, imagining a black bear coming out of the woods to get me, or anxious moments for the White family when I didn’t return.

Innate stoicism kept me calm, thoughtful and safe on that long ago moonlight night. It has stayed with me ... now tempered with knowledge and experience. Mr. White could have said, “No, you are not ready to go out in a canoe at night by yourself.” He didn’t. I learned. I learned I could take care of myself, I learned I could float among the stars and the moon.

The White family were influential in my life ... they had brought me to the wilderness. The water, the land, the moon and stars ... were my inspiration.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR NLX is a technological dinosaur

To the Editor: The first passenger trains began running in 1825 – a giant step in transportation technology.

Today, 193 years later, NLX backers are promoting what is now a disruptive, outdated, costly and relatively dangerous technology.

In case the powers that be haven’t noticed, we are witnessing a historical leap forward in transportation technology – driverless vehicles powered by electric motors.

Major auto companies are all scrambling to keep up with techno upstarts like Tesla, NAVYA, WAYMO, to name a few, who are pioneering driverless vehicles.

Automotive giant GM has said it will launch a robot taxi service in 2019. Uber is in the mix as well.

Adaptive, flexible, driverless cars and buses, powered by electricity, will be on Interstate 35 and other roads long before the first NLX high speed locomotive hits the outmoded, low speed passenger rail transportation system in Minnesota.

The free market system is alive and well and years ahead of costly government programs.

Transportation issues are being solved by private enterprise at no cost to the taxpayer – the way it should be.

It’s after sundown for NLX – let the snake die.

Al Wolter Hinckley

Ask a Trooper: Breath tests and DWI

BY SGT. NEIL DICKENSON MINNESOTA STATE PATROL

If the results of a preliminary breath test reading Q: cannot be used against a DWI suspect in court, why is a suspect charged with refusing PBT if that’s what they choose?

Under state law, a preliminary breath test (PBT) is A: authorized when a law enforcement officer has reason to believe that a person has violated DWI laws. There are certain situations where the PBT can and will be used for charging certain offenses. You can refuse field sobriety tests and the PBT, but if the officer has reason to believe that you are impaired, you can and will be arrested.

According to the law, the PBT test results cannot be used in any court action except the following: (1) To prove that a test was properly required of a person; (2) In a civil action arising out of the operation or use of the motor vehicle; (3) In an action for license reinstatement; (4) In a prosecution for a violation of driving while impaired; test refusal; (5) In a prosecution or juvenile court proceeding concerning a violation of section underage drinking and driving, or underage alcohol consumption; (6) In a prosecution for an alcohol-related school or Head Start bus driving, limited license; or (7) In a prosecution for a violation of a restriction on a driver’s license, which provides that the license holder may not use or consume any amount of alcohol or a controlled substance In addition to the PBT, law enforcement officers are trained to look for clues of impairment by indicators such as driving conduct, slurred speech, bloodshot/watery eyes, odors and other types of evidence. The officer will have the driver perform a series of standardized field sobriety tests such as a walk and turn, looking at

CLARIFICATION On page 20 of the Jan. 4 edition of the Pine City Pioneer, the group posing in the photo “Auxiliary members party while providing for others” was described as the Pine City American Legion Auxiliary. This was incorrect. The group was the Pine City VFW Auxiliary.

the eyes and one-leg stand.

The best situation for a driver and for the safety of others on the road is to commit to a sober ride.

• Plan for a safe ride — designate a sober driver, use a cab or public transportation, or stay at the location of the celebration.

• Speak up – offer to be a designated driver or be available to pick up a loved one anytime, anywhere. If you see an impaired person about to get behind the wheel, get them a safe ride home.

• Buckle up — the best defense against a drunk driver.

• Report drunk driving — call 911 when witnessing impaired driving behavior. Be prepared to provide location, license plate number and observed dangerous behavior.

Send questions to Sgt. Neil Dickenson – Minnesota State Patrol at 1131 Mesaba Ave., Duluth, MN 55811 or neil.dickenson@state.mn.us.

Attend caucus night Feb. 6

To the Editor: The 2018 political caucuses are on Feb. 6, 2018.

That is not far away.

I see three good people are going for the DFL endorsement. For the GOP is a former hockey player. So of the four only one has real experience in working for the working class (I prefer to not use that term middle class). That one is Rick Nolan.

He is pro green and pro green jobs. He is fighting right now for better health care for all of us.

On Feb. 6, go to your caucus DFL, support Rick Nolan. Go on to the next level supporting Rick Nolan. Speak your voice and be heard.

Bill Brown Pine City

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YEARS AGO

PINE CITY PIONEER

JANUARY 11, 2018

www.pinecitymn.com

1918 dance helps raise money for Armory boiler

BY CAROL AASER NEWS@PINECITYMN.COM

10 Years Ago, 2008 Four deputies in the Pine County Sheriff’s Department were honored by the Minnesota Sheriff’s Association for saving lives in 2007. Pine County Sheriff Mark Mansavage presented the awards to the deputies at the County Board meeting on Jan. 8. Tom Meier, Ben Neel and Gary Frehse received the awards for responding to a report of a capsized watercraft on May 11.

Alyssa Beth Klepsa arrived at Kanabec Hospital on Friday, Jan. 4, at 7:23 a.m. She weighed 7 pounds, 10 ounces and was 20 inches long. Alyssa’s proud parents are Daniel and Lori Klepsa of Hinckley. Hannah, 3, is happy to be a big sister. Grandparents are Joann and John Klepsa and Mary and Rick Hultman, Fern Dopson and Lillian Reiser.

The first baby of 2007, born at 4:56 a.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 1, at Fairview Lakes Medical Center, Wyoming, is little Claire Elizabeth Tainter of Hugo. Claire surprised her parents, Crystal and Jeremy Tainter, by arriving four weeks early.

PINE CITY PIONEER

Deputies receive Life Saving Awards

25 Years Ago, 1993 A device found in a boys bathroom at Pine City High School last week looked enough like a bomb to initially fool Minneapolis bomb squad officers.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Elton R. Redalen has revoked the custom meat processing license for Nelsonville Meat Processors of Pine City. The revocation means the company, owned by James Chambers, will no longer be able to engage in the business of processing meat.

Hopeful anglers pulled in 36 fish in two hours Sunday afternoon, making the 24th annual Snake River Valley Conservation Club Fishing Derby a success. Michael Dufresne won the prize for the first fish caught, a four and one half ounce walleye. Deb Dryden caught the largest fish, a 3.4 pound sucker. The prize for the largest northern went to Ben Wimmer, whose fish weighed one pound, two ounces. Joshua Ehoneich caught the largest perch, an eight andone-half ouncer. Michael Mosher was second in that category with an eight ounce perch. Ashley Sauter caught the biggest walleye of the day, a five ounce fish. Michael Dufresne was second with a four-and-one-half ounce catch. Pat

On Jan. 8, 2008, four Pine County Deputies were awarded Life Saving Awards by the Minnesota Sheriff’s Association. Sheriff Mark Mansavage said many people were nominated for the award, and only a selected few were chosen. Pictured are Dianne Meier, receiving the award for her husband Tom who is currently serving in the military, Gary Frehse, Ben Neel and Blake Fjosne.

Chromey, Pine City, won the hind quarter of beef, Mary Gray, Pine City, the fish finder, Brian Mies, Pine City, $100 worth of groceries, Bob Steinhaus, Grasston, the rod and reel, and Dick Luedtke, Beroun, $50.

Jan. 1 with a family get-together.

Congratulations to Rev. and Mrs. Al Soderfelt, Pine City, on the birth of their daughter, Sara Ann.

50 Years Ago, 1968

Sauser’s Hardware of Pine City is sponsoring a farm machinery and equipment repair course to run for a period of six weeks. These courses are for the purpose of giving the farmer an opportunity to get their machinery in good working order for the coming year. Due to the shortage of farm machinery and replacement parts, it is very important that everyone attend these meetings.

There will be a meeting of all observers, assistant observers and airplane spotters in the village hall on Tuesday.

Miss Elsie Johnson, daughter of Mrs. Mary Johnson of Rock Creek, and Rudy Spinler, son of Mrs. Mary Spinler of east Pine City, were united in marriage on Dec. 22.

Russell W. Fridley, director of the Minnesota Historical Society, announced that approval was granted to purchase for $9,000 a 70-acre tract near Pine City containing prehistorical Indian burial mounds believed to be 1,600 years old.

The tract is three miles west of Pine City near the Connor Fur Trading Post site.

Leonard Machart was elected president of the First National Bank of Pine City. Walter Orr was elected chairman of the board and Keith Bedford and Sheldon Nascene were elected vice presidents.

Mr. and Mrs. Herman Borchers celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary

75 Years Ago, 1943

100 Years Ago, 1918

Pine County Farm Bureau Association will hold its organizational meeting for the purpose of discussing and outlining the work to be performed during the year and to elect officers.

The dance to be given in the Armory Saturday evening is for the purpose of raising money to help repair the damage done to the heating plant at the Armory during the cold spell in December.

The purpose is a good one. The plant is utterly out of use as things are now, affecting the value of the armory greatly.

125 Years Ago, 1893

The Pine City schools opened on Monday with the following attendance: Grammar department, 56; intermediate department, 45; primary department, 35.

“Never wear out” snow excluder socks available at Armstrong’s.

Bill collector - or scammer?

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You spoke up, and we heard you: the Buffet at Hinckley nckley is back! Head in to enjoy chef-crafted meats, comfort rt food favorites, fresh salads, endless desserts, and much h more!

Stop in soon, and don’t forget your appetite.

Consumers who owe money or are behind on their bills may be contacted by debt collectors. However, Better Business Bureau (BBB) is reminding consumers that they have rights, and that some calls they receive may not be legitimate. In an effort to help consumers deal with collection firms, BBB offers some guidance.

When you’re contacted by a debt collector, BBB recommends that you know your rights. Review the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which sets standards for collection agencies and prohibits abusive tactics. The FDCPA is enforced by the FTC and violations should be reported at ftc.gov.

Debt collectors: • Cannot threaten you with arrest.

• Are not allowed to make idle threats, express or implied, or use abusive language.

• Should not discuss consumers’ accounts with unauthorized third parties.

Verify the legitimacy. Get the debt collector’s name as well as the name of their company to research the collection agency further. See if they have a website or a Business Profile at bbb.org.

Verify that the company is licensed to do business in your state.

Request written proof. By law, a collection agency must provide a validation notice within five days of contacting you about the debt. Within 30 days of receiving their validation notice, send the debt collector a written request to verify the details of the debt. Do not provide personal or financial information until the validity of the debt and the debt collector has been confirmed.

Don’t ignore the collector. Otherwise, the collector may continue contacting you or file a judgment against you.

Do not claim a debt that isn’t yours.

Making a payment on a bill just to make a debt collector “go away” is a bad idea.

Even making just one payment can indicate that you are accepting the full responsibility of the debt.

Contest errors. If no debt is confirmed, contact any involved parties to clear up possible inaccuracies on your credit report, such as: the debt collector; the creditor or company claiming unresolved accounts; and the major credit bureaus.

Check for identity theft. Review your credit report to identify fraudulent activity. Visit annualcreditreport.com for a free yearly credit report.

JANUARY 11, 2018

PINE CITY PIONEER

7

www.pinecitymn.com

NEWSLINE

Take a kid fishing Minnesotans age 16 or older can fish free with kids Jan. 13-15 for Take a Kid Ice Fishing Weekend.

During the weekend, Minnesota

Take part in Chore Service Program There is an older neighbor in this community who has all the material needed to replace the leaky pipes under their kitchen sink, but is no longer able to do the job themselves and doesn’t have family in the area to lend a hand. Another neighbor needs some help putting plastic on their windows while someone else would really appreciate having their windows washed so the winter sun has a better chance of brightening their days.

The Chore Service Program is looking for a few skilled volunteers in every community. People who are skilled with a hammer, wrench, saw, pliers, screwdrivers, solder and measuring tapes are especially needed right now. A few homeowners who are older or disabled need some leaky pipes replaced or a drippy faucet repaired. Others need some touch up painting done, a grab bar installed or some other minor maintenance or repair.

Many don’t think of themselves as handy, but want to help out someone in their community. Chores such as wash-

O

FE

SSIO

Join Forest Management Day

The Kettle River Woodland Council will host a Forest Management for Timber and Wildlife Workshop for private landowners on Saturday, Jan. 20 at the Audubon Center of the North Woods in Sandstone.

Wildlife is an important feature of any woodland, and improving wildlife habitat is a topic of great interest for many private landowners. One of the best ways to bring more wildlife into a woodland is through timber harvesting. Timber harvesting is a forest and wildlife management tool that can accomplish a variety of woodland objectives, including creating or enhancing wildlife habitat, improving forest health, building recreational trails, and producing income for the landowner. Harvesting can also help to create new growth, diversify the age, species and size classes within a woodland, encourage acorn production for wildlife, and introduce additional native tree and plant species to improve biodiversity, aesthetics, wildlife, and property value.

To accomplish these different objectives, a harvest can include a variety of practices such as selective thinning, periodic patch-cutting and regeneration clear-cutting, with each accomplishing different goals for different woodland types.

This workshop will teach landowners how to plan, find support for and carry out a harvest for wildlife on their property, as well as provide the opportunity for landowners to connect with local forestry professionals. The event will feature PowerPoint presentations by natural resource managers, one-on- one break sessions with organization representatives, and an outdoor on site field tour.

Contact for more information: Joe Kelash, District Forester, Pine County Soil & Water Conservation District. 320-2164245 / joseph.kelash@co.pine.mn.us

N AL

Eager for spring? Winter is a good time to start planning a vegetable garden whether a small or large amount of vegetables. The University of Minnesota Extension Pine County Master Gardeners will present a Community Education class on “Growing Your Own Vegetables” at two locations. The first class will be on Tuesday, Feb. 20 at 6 p.m. at East Central High School Room 203. The second will be the next night, Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 6 p.m. at Pine City Elementary School.

Master Gardeners Jon Hjelm, Lauren Meister and Kim Metz will cover your gardening options; variety selection; spacing; crop rotation; gardening in a small space; improving the soil and more. Whether planning your first garden or your fiftieth, a good plan and some different methods will increase your success and perhaps save you time and work.

For more information and to register for the Feb. 20 class contact East Central Community Education at www.eastcentral.thatscommunityed.com or call 320245-2216 ext. 6414. For the Feb. 21 class information, contact Pine City Community Education at 320-629-4030 or http:// pccommunityeducation.weebly.com/

Open enrollment ends on Jan. 14 Those with Swedish ancestry and an interest to learn more about their roots, can try to join the Swedish show Allt för Sverige (or the American title Great Swedish Adventure).

The show is casting for its seventh season – the deadline to apply is Monday, Feb. 20. The show, which is watched by about 1 in 3 people in Sweden, challenges contestants with cultural tasks as they compete to win the grand prize – a chance to meet their Swedish relatives.

Allt för Sverige will shoot in May and June. Contestants must commit to a maximum of six weeks of shooting (only the four finalists stay the entire six weeks).

Apply at GreatSwedishAdventure. com.

AN

Learn to grow vegetables

Open enrollment ends on Jan. 14 Jan. 14 at midnight is the last day to enroll in 2018 private coverage through MNsure. Minnesotans who do not have health insurance in 2018 and don’t qualify for an exemption, will still pay a federal tax penalty when they file their federal tax return by the filing deadline.

Most individuals, including children and anyone else claimed as a dependent on federal taxes, must have health insurance or pay a penalty. The individual health coverage mandate, which requires individuals (without an exemption) to have health coverage, is still in effect for 2018 — meaning those without coverage in 2018 will pay a penalty.

In 2017, the penalty is the greater of: 2.5 percent of the amount of any taxable income that exceeds your tax filing threshold amount, or $695 per adult and $347.50 per child (up to a maximum of $2085).

“It’s also important to note that even if someones pays the penalty, they still won’t have any health insurance, leaving them responsible for the entirety of their medical care for the year,” said MNsure CEO Allison O’Toole.

Health insurance provides regular, preventive care for Minnesotans and their families to stay healthy and prevent illness. Moreover, health coverage gives Minnesotans protection and peace of mind if they or a loved one gets sick or hurt.

Statewide, Minnesota households are saving on average more than $7,000 per year off their premiums by enrolling through MNsure.

Minnesotans covered by a government-sponsored program such as Medical Assistance (Medicaid), MinnesotaCare or Medicare Part A, meet the requirement to maintain coverage.

For more information on the health coverage mandate, please visit MNsure. org.

The 2018 open enrollment period is Nove. 1, 2017, to Jan. 14, 2018. Ninety-six percent of Minnesotans have health coverage – the highest percentage in state history. This year, an individual earning up to $48,240 a year, or a family of four earning up to $98,400 a year could qualify. More information can be found at mnsure.org.

ing or putting plastic on a window, clearing out a cluttered garage so the older or disabled homeowner can get their car in the garage are a few volunteer opportunities which could use help.

Chores such as these are not weekly chores; they are the chores that once finished, stay done for a while and will be appreciated for even longer. These chores will only take a few hours of time. Some can be done by one person, some will go more quickly with a friend or a group. It is not necessary to commit to volunteer work on a weekly basis.

Those who volunteer to do a chore in someone’s home will need to pass a background check. Program leaders want to assure the homeowner and the volunteer of the best possible experience.

Contact Valerie at 320-679-1800 Ext. 171 or email her at valerieb@lakesandpines.org for more information or to volunteer. All skills and helpfulness will be welcomed, valued and appreciated. Participants may make a new friend or two, and they will definitely feel good after a few hours of volunteering.

S

Apply for $3,500 scholarships Area high school seniors interested in a $3,500 Workforce Development scholarships at Pine Technical & Community College must complete their application by Friday, Jan. 19, 2018.

To respond to a shortage of skilled workers in manufacturing, healthcare, information technology and agriculture, legislation was passed to provide $2,500 scholarships to students entering those educational fields within the Minnesota State system. Pine Technical & Community College was allotted 14 of those scholarships. PTCC Foundation worked with regional employers and organizations to increase the scholarship to $3,500 for each student.

The 14 scholarships will be awarded to high school seniors from the East Central Minnesota Educational Cable Cooperative (ECMECC). This includes Braham, Cambridge-Isanti, Chisago Lakes, East Central, Elk River, Hinckley-Finlayson, Milaca, Mora, North Branch, Ogilvie, Pine City, Princeton, Rush City and St. Francis. Alternative learning center and home-schooled students from these districts may be eligible as well.

For more information, or to apply for the scholarship, please go to www.pine. edu/WorkforceScholarship. Or email Max.Anderson@pine.edu or Jen.Rancour@pine.edu.

residents age 16 or older can fish or dark-house spear without an angling or spearing license if they take a child younger than 16 fishing or spearing.

“Ice fishing is a fun way to get outdoors in the winter,” said Jeff Ledermann, angler recruitment and retention supervisor with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. “This weekend is a way to encourage anglers to get out and take a kid fishing.”

Before heading out, anglers or spearers should check ice conditions locally.

Visit http://bit.ly/TakeaKidIceFishingWeekend for ice thickness guidelines and more information about taking kids fishing.

D

S

Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Bret Grundmeier, working out of Hinckley, spent time answering questions at the Minnesota Trapper’s Association annual meeting and helped with registering bobcat furs. Many trappers reported finding signs that showed good populations of bobcat and had good trapping success.

Most area lakes had over a foot of good ice which allowed for car and pickup travel and a huge increase in angling pressure. Violations found out on the lakes included fishing without licenses, operating unregistered snowmobiles, and possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Conservation Officer Eugene Wynn, working out of Pine City, spent the week checking anglers and state forest areas.

He spent time checking Wildlife Management Areas and answered questions about ice conditions and local fishing activity. A majority of anglers are driving vehicles on the ice in the Pine City area.

Anglers are reporting 12-16 inches of ice in most places and pan fish have been seen in most anglers’ buckets.

PR

Local conservation officers check in

B U SI NE

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Dr. Garofalo

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PINE CITY PIONEER www.pinecitymn.com

JANUARY 11, 2018

Mother, son form powerlifting pair

BY JORDAN WOODS NEWS@MORAMINN.COM

As Joslyn Solomon sits down to start her bench press competition, she gets in the zone. She is attempting to bench 140 pound for the first time. She lays down on the bench and takes a deep breath. She knows her particular referee is prone to long pauses between reps which only adds to the difficulty of the task at hand. As she starts the press, she gets lost in the lights above her. She described it as something like an “outof-body experience.” She lifts the 140 pounds with ease.

Joslyn, a Brook Park resident, is a competitive powerlifter who has placed second at the Women’s State Championship in USA Powerlifting in January 2017 as well as third at the Central Regional Championships in 2017. She also qualified for Nationals for the United States Strongman. She didn’t go because she considered Strongman competitions to be her “off season” work.

She started powerlifting because she wanted to be healthy but hated running on the treadmill. “My husband finally convinced me to try lifting some weights,” Joslyn stated, “and I was hooked at the first deadlift.” When she deadlifted 200 pounds for the first time, a trainer at Anytime Fitness told her, “That was strong, you should compete.”

She didn’t think much of it until she did a bit more research on the USAPL. Joslyn competed in her first competition in May 2015 and has loved it ever since.

Oliver Solomon, Joslyn’s nine-year -old son, also competes in powerlifting events. His favorite lift is the deadlift, just like his mom’s. He said he wasn’t a fan of bench press because, “I can’t quite do a normal bar yet and I just don’t like it.” His workout routine includes stretching, rope climbing, and hitting a tractor tire with a mallet.” When asked who he looks up to most for powerlifting, Oliver said he looks up to, “My mom because she is taller than me. Just kidding, she is one of the main reasons that I started powerlifting in the first place. She

WHITNEY HANSON PHOTOGRAPHY

Nine-year-old Oliver Solomon of Brook Park prepares to perform a deadlift at a USA Powerlifting competition.

inspires me to work harder, set harder goals, and when I do something wrong, to break it apart and keep going.” On August 8, 2017, Oliver set a youth bench pressing state record for his age group.

He said this was one of his proudest accomplishments.

There are potential drawbacks for powerlifting youth. If a young athlete is to overwork their developing bodies, there is a risk of serious injury. According to the American Academy of Pediatricians, however, there is a higher likelihood of positive results than

negative in youth powerlifting. When asked how this risk for injury affects the way Oliver trains, Joslyn said, “A lot of his training, much to his dismay, is body weight training. The last thing I want to see is long term damage.” She believes powerlifting, if done properly, is a very good way to keep kids active and healthy.

According to Joslyn the best way to start powerlifting is to, “Jump in. It can be intimidating, but the powerlifting community itself is super welcoming and supportive.” Finding opportunities

for youth to powerlift locally is more of a challenge however. In order for kids to train, they need to commute to the Twin Cities in order to get the equipment and coaching they need. If you want to join the powerlifting community, Joslyn suggested you do some reading on the American Academy of Pediatricians.

Jordan Woods is a contributing writer for the Kanabec County Times.

Leaders for the future: Pine County 4-Hers attend MN Youth in Government Model Assembly Program PINE COUNTY 4-H

Four Pine County 4-Hers attended the Minnesota Youth in Government Model Assembly program at the Minnesota State Capitol complex and the Minneapolis Hilton Convention Center with over 1,500 youth from across Minnesota and Wisconsin. The four participants included Megan Duchene, Ian Duchene, and Jacob Goodner from Pine City and Garrett Rehn from Hinckley.

Ian, Jacob, and Garrett participated in Model Assembly’s Leadership Corps, which included a tour of the State Capitol Building, State Legislature, Media, Courts (Trial and Appellate), and National Issues Forum. Her issue was about the importance of rural broadband and possible improvements that the federal government could make to it.

Ian said, “there is really something for everyone at Model Assembly. Kids came here to talk about anything from shooting sports to how we eat a burger.”

The four youth who participated in Model Assembly are also planning on participating in the Model United Nations conference in April in downtown Minneapolis. In Model UN, youth team up to do research and represent a country from around the world. Those who would like to learn more about being part of the Pine County 4-H Model UN delegation may attend an interest meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 23 at 6:30 p.m.in the Pine County Board Room at the Pine County Courthouse. Model UN is open to all youth in grades 7-12 and youth do not currently need to be enrolled in 4-H to participate in Model UN. To learn more about Pine County 4-H visit http:// www3.extension.umn.edu/county/pine/4-h or contact 4-H Program Coordinator Heidi Vanderloop at 320-5911650.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Pine County 4-H delegation from left to right: Jacob Goodner, Garrett Rehn, Ian Duchene, and Megan Duchene.

JANUARY 11, 2018

PINE CITY PIONEER

9

www.pinecitymn.com

Snowy owls found in Minnesota - and Pine City area

BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER LOWDOWNNEWS@PRESSPUBS.COM

The Arctic beauty of the snowy owl, with its black-spotted white feathers and piercing yellow eyes, has captivated human imagination for so long that the owl is depicted in early European cave paintings. It’s not surprising, then, that this mysterious animal is causing such a stir this year, as Minnesotans notice an increase in the number of snowy owls visiting the state.

A population boom such as this one is known as an “irruption,” and scientists are still trying to understand all of the elements that cause it — and the effects that stem from it. Snowy owl irruptions happen around every 4-5 years, and are thought to be caused by a good summer breeding season in the Arctic. Many of the owls seen in Minnesota are young ones that are spreading out to explore after leaving their Arctic home for the first time.

Scott Weidensaul is a founding member of Project SNOWstorm, a non-governmental organization that tracks snowy owl movement across the nation.

The project began after a prominent irruption four years ago, when “a tsunami of white owls came flooding out of the Arctic,” Weidensaul said.

The project uses data from GPS transmitters that are attached to wild owls, as well as reports from the bird observation website eBird.

“Looking at Minnesota, there are a lot of reports in and around the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, which is not surprising because there are more observers there,” Weidesaul said. There have also been a high number of snowy owl sightings along the coastlines of Lake Superior and in the farmland in the southwest of the state, where the wide-open country resembles the flat Arctic tundra.

“They’re more nomadic than migratory, and while many will come south again, they don’t all do that every winter,” Weidensaul explained. “Some of them will go north for the winter and spend the winter on permanent sea ice, feeding on sea ducks.” Weather and wind conditions can affect the birds’ destination each year.

There are a few misconceptions about snowy owl irruptions, Weidensaul said.

Many people assume that the owls are on the move because they have run out of food sources in their usual habitat.

On the contrary, these owls are usually healthy and well fed.

“A small subset of folks that are convinced these birds need help, and that’s not true,” Weidensaul said. “Some photographers have a tendency to toss live mice out (to attract the bird), which is increasingly frowned on.”

Known as “owl baiting,” this practice is controversial among birders and photographers.

This phenomenon created so much tension that the Minnesota Legislature considered a bill in 2014 to ban the practice, but the bill did not pass.

The locations of sightings are sometimes closely guarded to avoid attracting a large number of people with cameras and binoculars who might disturb

‘They belong to another world. You’re not going to look out your window and see a polar bear strolling down the street, but (these owls) bring a piece of the Arctic with them.’

Scott Weidensaul Project SNOWstorm the birds.

“Because they’re young birds and snowy owls are coming from places with few or no people at all, often they are quite naive about people,” Weidensaul said. “They can be approached much more closely than most owls, and they can seem tame. Because they’re so beautiful, people want to get close, so people often do get too close. We ask people to respect the owl, respect distance.

Just because you can get close, please don’t. Every time you flush it and move it, it uses energy. It’s not good for them to get bumped from perch to perch. When they’re not bothered by people, they stay in one place and conserve energy.”

The owls often hide during the day to avoid the attention of any other wouldbe attackers. Larger birds such as eagles have been known to hunt and harass owls, and crows will mob them in large groups to try to scare them away.

“Depending on where they are, they could get flushed into traffic,” Weidensaul said. “If (the owl is) moving around a bit, that’s probably an indication you’re too close and should back off.”

“The trouble with snowy owls is they have so little fear of people, they can easily become habituated to people. They think, ‘There’s my lunch ticket.’”

Once birds are not afraid of humans, they spend more time in human-frequented areas, leaving them susceptible to injury from cars, predators and possible danger from other humans.

There are respectful ways to observe snowy owls: Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is known to attract snowy owls every year, since the large, flat airfield resembles the owls’ home territory. As long as you don’t get too close, Weidensaul said it’s okay to go look for reported owls such as this one.

“As long as it’s not staring at you or trying to get away from you,” he said.

“Watching from a vehicle is great because they can’t see you and don’t notice you. A lot of the problem is not observers; it’s airplanes. (The owls) are at serious risk for getting hit by planes, and are a risk to planes themselves.”

When possible, wildlife authorities and airport managers trap and relocate owls like these to prevent harm to the animals and damage to the planes.

In addition to tracking owl movement, Project SNOWstorm is also studying the levels of mercury found in the snowy owl populations. At high enough levels, mercury could compromise the birds’

PHOTO PROVIDED

This snowy owl, perched on the top of the power pole in this photo, was pictured at Jim and Shirley Kirchberg’s home Dec. 12 just one mile south of Rock Creek.

reproduction or even their behavior.

Over the years of working with the snowies, Weidensaul said the owls’ winter behavior continues to hold new surprises.

“We think of them as feeding on small mammals like lemmings, which is true in summer, but many that winter on the coast feed on ducks, grebes, loons and other waterbirds. Some adult owls are known to winter in the Arctic on sea ice. When the Great Lakes froze over, a number of owls moved out onto the frozen surfaces of Ontario and Erie and spent weeks at a time on the ice. When we watched satellite images of the ice, we realized they focused on areas where prevailing winds were cracking the ice apart, and they were feeding on gulls and waterbirds. So these owls were sort of practicing behavior they might do

Pine County joins watershed plan STAFF REPORT EDITOR@PINECITYMN.COM

Pine County has joined a state program to deal with issues on the Lower St. Croix watershed.

The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) approved six new planning grants for the One Watershed, One Plan program. The program allocates up to $1,500,000 in Clean Water Fund

grants to address water quality and other water issues on a watershed basis.

The program aligns planning on major watershed boundaries through watershed plans that are developed and implemented locally. Local governments build on existing efforts, using current local water plans, state and local knowledge and a systematic, sci-

ence-based approach to watershed management.

The resulting plans identify actions that address the largest threats and provide the greatest environmental benefits to priority water resources.

Planning efforts involve a broad range of stakeholders, including local governments, state agencies, and community members as partners in the planning process.

Key to the process is bringing together counties, soil and water conservation districts and watershed districts to identify shared goals in a planning partnership.

“One Watershed, One Plan represents a big leap forward in water management in Minnesota,” said BWSR Executive Director John Jaschke. “The idea is to bring these groups together as upstream and

as adults in the Arctic. That was really a cool discovery we got really excited about.”

Even for Weidensaul, the magic of seeing a snowy owl never goes away.

“They belong to another world,” Weidensaul said. “You’re not going to look out your window and see a polar bear strolling down the street, but (these owls) bring a piece of the Arctic with them.”

Learn more about Project SNOWstorm at www.projectsnowstorm.org.

Jackie Bussjaeger is the editor of the Forest Lake and St. Croix Valley Lowdown, and can be reached at 651-407-1229 or lowdownnews@presspubs.com.

downstream neighbors so they can address issues according to how water flows instead of being limited by jurisdictional boundaries.”

Pine County is part of the Lower St. Croix watershed, which also includes parts of Anoka, Chisago, Isanti, Ramsey, and Washington Counties.

More information about the One Watershed One Plan program, including a map of watersheds, is on BWSR’s website: www. bwsr.state.mn.us.

BWSR is the state soil and water conservation agency, and it administers programs that prevent sediment and nutrients from entering our lakes, rivers, and streams; enhance fish and wildlife habitat; and protect wetlands. The board includes representatives of local and state government and citizens. BWSR’s mission is to improve and protect Minnesota’s water and soil resources by working in partnership with local organizations and private landowners.

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AND OUTDOORS PINE CITY PIONEER

www.pinecitymn.com

JANUARY 11, 2018

Icemen rack up 16 goals in two games

BY JESSE LOGAN SPORTS@PINECITYMN.COM

With a pair of wins this past week, the Pine City Area hockey team is starting to really come together, especially offensively. The Dragons have now won 11 of their past 13 games and have an overall record of 115. The two victories this past week came behind some tremendous offensive play that saw the Dragons rack up 16 goals in two games.

JOHN OLSON | THE PIONEER

Sauk Rapids tried unsuccessfully to chase down the Dragons led by senior captain F #13 Jonah Bergstrom (above) on Jan. 2.

Mahatma Gandhi said “Be the change you want to see in the world.” At Oak Park Dental, we are embracing change. We have added two more rooms, a change which will allow us to better accommodate patients with dental emergencies. We are also changing the way we give back to our community. Every year in February, we have participated in Give Kids a Smile, an event organized by the Minnesota Dental Association to provide dental care to underserved children. While this has always been a favorite day of the year for our doctors and staff, it has never fit perfectly into how we would like to serve our community. We want to serve our community more than one day a year and help more than just children.

Therefore, we will not be participating in Give Kids a Smile this year. In an effort to better serve our community and improve the oral and overall well-being of our community, we are now taking Health Partners Medical Assistance. Our hope is that we can still see many of the same children who were patients during our Give Kids a Smile events. With regular dental visits, education and dental care, our goal is to prevent costly and painful dental treatment in the future. By accepting Health Partners Medical Assistance, we can not only make these positive changes for the children of our community, but also adults and seniors.

We wouldn’t be able to make this change if it weren’t for all of our patients who support us. We are truly humbled by patients who send their family members and friends to us. We are grateful for the opportunity to be able to better serve our community and help more families.

D r. Dylan Ascheman DDS Dr. Carrie Carlson DDS D 505 5 Jo ohnson Ave SE

Pine City, MN

320-629-2282

Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 8am-5pm, Fri. 8am-4pm www.oakparkdentalclinic.com

Meet

Dr. Albert Youn, MD

PINE CITY AREA 4, SAUK RAPIDS-RICE 1 Played in Pine City on Tuesday, Jan. 2, the Dragons got the new year off to a good start with a pair of first period goals, one by George Miller and one by Tommy Ryan. After taking a 3-0 lead in the second on a Dusty Bergstrom goal, the Dragons would allow the Storm to get on the board. Up 3-1 in the third, a goal by Jan Zahradka would put the game on ice.

“The varsity started the night the right way, scoring just 39 seconds into the game,” recalled head coach Grant Nicoll.

“The second period was filled with opportunities for us, but we only buried one of them past their goalie. In the third we took a couple questionable penalties and a couple lazy, stupid penalties that led to us being short-handed more than half of the third period.

Lucky enough, we did a great job of killing the penalties and had some great goal tending to seal the deal in the third.”

Goalie Alex Laven stopped 29 of the 30 shots he faced.

PINE CITY AREA 12, LEGACY CHRISTIAN 1 The Dragons traveled to Blaine to take on the Crusaders on Saturday, Jan. 6, and took care of business with a dozen goals in a blowout victory. The 12 goals was SEE HOCKEY, PAGE 12

FirstLight Health System is proud to introduce you to Dr. Albert H. Youn, our newest general surgeon specializing in endocrine, hernia, anti-reflux and laparoscopic procedures. Dr. Youn and his family came to us from Denver, CO where he completed his surgical residency at Exemplia St. Joseph Hospital after obtaining his medical degree from the University of Minnesota–School of Medicine.

We’re happy to welcome Dr. Youn into the FirstLight family!

Don’t miss a beat!

PPINE INE CITY

Subscribe to your local newspaper today! 405 2nd Ave SE, Pine City • 320-629-6771

SPORTS AND OUTDOORS

JANUARY 11, 2018

PINE CITY PIONEER

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Dragons tote up two wins over Foley, Aitkin

BY JESSE LOGAN SPORTS@PINECITYMN.COM

Jumping into full swing at the start of the new year was the Pine City Dragons boys basketball team. The squad had three games in their first four days back after the holiday break, including two on the road. The Dragons won twice, and lost a close one to a Class AAA opponent to end the week. Pine City has a 7-4 record overall with all four losses coming against teams from higher classes, and three losses by six or fewer points.

JOHN OLSON | THE PIONEER

PINE CITY 87, FOLEY 60 This game was close throughout the first half as the Dragons relied heavily on the shooting of Nick Hansmann while several other players struggled to find early rhythm. Hansmann had six threes in the opening 18 minutes and finished

with seven, one short of the school record. He finished as the leading scorer with 21. At one point the Dragons led 39-36, but would go on a 32-7 run to blow the game wide open.

“There were a lot of things not in our favor going into this game,” said head coach Kyle Allen.

“A section game, on the road, right after break.

Although it was far from perfect, we did enough to win and found a way to grind it out. I thought we had some great stretches in the game where we were able to impose our will some. Finding the ability to make those stretches longer and longer will be key moving forward.”

Allen praised the play of Jake Adams and Seth Logan in the game, saying they did a nice job defensively and on the boards.

Clay Logan again shot with outstanding effi-

ciency, going 7-8 from the floor and finished with 19 points. Jake Rademacher was the other Dragon in double digits with 13.

Played in Foley on Tuesday, Jan. 2, this game would come just two days before a backto-back for the Dragons as the team packed three games into four nights.

Pine City would be back home on Thursday, Jan. 4 and earned another win.

PINE CITY 78, AITKIN 42 The Gobblers are a team the Dragons know well, although they did leave the Great River Conference this season.

As such, this will be the only meeting of the two teams. Although it was close at times, this game was never in doubt. Pine City looked sharp on both ends of the floor but has really turned into an underrated defensive team.

They frustrated the Gob-

blers throughout, and the tandem of Jake Lunceford and Quentin Miklya did a nice job containing Gobblers top-threat Hunter Moe. “This was a good example of who we are and what we are trying to do,” Allen said of the game.

“It was a five point game at halftime, but our game plan began to take place into the second half. We want to run, and we want teams to have to run with us. We were able to wear them down and then continue to execute our game plan; 35 rebounds is close to our goal of 40, and Seth Logan led us with nine. He did a nice job of continuing that upward trend on the boards. Jake Adams continues to get after it on the defensive end; he is fearless and tenacious. It is a lot of fun to coach a kid like that.”

SEE BASKETBALL, PAGE 12

#33 Seth Logan takes on a pair of Vikings Jan. 5.

SINGING THE PRAISES Meet the people who work hard to make a difference in our community.

Richard Lindig:

My life is more fun than anyone should be allowed to have!

BY SHIRLEY SCHMIDT NEWS@PINECITYMN.COM

Each of¿ce independently owned and operated member of Coldwell Banker Af¿liates Residential

Richard Lindig was born in St. Paul and lived on a farm that was located on what is now the Rosedale parking lot in Roseville. He attended a one-room school at Fairview and Co. Rd. B. He was sweet on a girl who went to the same church that he attended. But when he was 10, his family moved to a farm near Mora. The girl and her family were invited to the Lindig farm for a picnic and he decided that she would be his wife some day.

In 1947, he moved to Pine City to work in the dairy industry as an artificial inseminator. Early in the 1950s, Lindig asked for the hand of his future wife, Barbara, then left to serve in the Army. They were finally married in 1953 and raised a family of five girls and one boy. In 1972, the family moved to farm east of Pine City where they managed a herd of 50 Holstein cows. Barbara passed away several years ago.

During the ‘50s, Lindig was chair of the Pine County Fair Board. He also served on the school board. He is a lifetime member of the Pine County Historical Society. He maintains the historical displays at the Pine County Courthouse and three display cases at the Pine City, City Hall.

Lindig served as chair of the local Rural School Museum committee that located and moved an old school building to its current location in Pine City. He helped with construction of the bell tower and other updating necessary in the building.

Down the road from the Lindig farm, a run-down Bohemian cemetery that was established in 1900 had been sadly neglected. During the early ‘70s, Lindig led a community effort to restore the cemetery. He could read enough German to discover many who were buried there by deciphering the names on the crumbling gravestones.

As a longtime member of the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Rush Lake, Lindig leads a well-attended Monday morning Bible study. In 1998, the church celebrated its 125th anniversary year. Lindig compiled, wrote and published a history of the church for their celebration event.

Lindig is a jolly sort of person with an infectious chuckle. He enjoys working with people. When asked what advice would he give to someone about volunteering, he exclaimed, “Do what makes you have fun!”

He believes that there are two things that define a person: “Your patience when you have nothing. Your attitude when you have everything.” And he has a favorite saying: “I hope the world is better at my having passed through it!”

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PINE CITY PIONEER

JANUARY 11, 2018

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Individual Flamingos fare well in North Branch

BY JESSE LOGAN SPORTS@PINECITYMN.COM

The Rush City/Pine City/Hinckley-Finlayson Flamingos gymnastics team continues to show improvement.

The team had their first meet of the year in North Branch on Thursday, Jan. 4, and had some positive performances despite coming out on the losing end.

NORTH BRANCH 132.55, RC/PC/H-F 118.85 Competing in their first meet in two weeks, the Flamingos felt good about how they performed. Although the team lost in the team score, Livia Isackson-Rod placed first in the all-around, while Christeva Perrotti placed fifth.

“We had an excellent meet at North Branch,” said coach Katelyn Meier.

“Our season high as a team is 125 for varsity, so we did not beat that, but we had a lot of really great things happen at this meet.”

Varsity started on vault and had their best vaults of the season despite the scores not fully reflecting that. Isackson-Rod was the highest scoring Flamingo on the apparatus with an 8.65, good enough for fifth.

Bars was a successful event for the Flamingos as Isackson- Rod had a gorgeous routine and took first place with an 8.05. Perrotti completed her giants and had a fall, but finished strong and scored a 6.95, good enough for fourth.

Kianna Helmin and Ellie White each

LANCE FURBER | THE PIONEER

#13 Jake Rademacher goes in for a shot against the Gobblers.

BASKETBALL: from page 11

Clay Logan led in scoring with 14 points while Seth Logan and Jake Rademacher each had 13.

NORTH BRANCH 60, PINE CITY 54 The Dragons came up short in this road game, played on Friday, Jan. 5, struggling to find an offensive rhythm but staying in the game with scrappy defense and an excellent effort on the boards against a team that is taller at all five positions. North Branch ran a zone defense that frustrated the Dragons all night, and kept their offense from getting on track.

“We did a lot of things correct in this game and only a few not,” said Allen.

“But the few not correct really stood out. We boarded up and showed some grit on the defensive end. They really had to work for most of their points. I don’t think we let them off the hook easily too many times. Really though, we did great on the boards – 39 total

rebounds. On the offensive end, sometimes we went away from what was working. Shots did not fall at the percentage that we are used to, but that is something we are aware of. I thought our defense and rebounding would be enough, and it was close, but just not quite enough.”

Hansmann was again the top scorer for Pine City as the Dragons were forced to rely solely on the outside shot.

For the second time in the week, he had seven made threes in the game, this time finishing with 23 points. Adams was the other Dragon in double digits with 10. The game was not quite as close as the final score would indicate but a late three by Casey Foster made it a two possession game as time ran out.

The Dragons will look to start stacking up some Great River Conference wins now with upcoming match-ups at Isle, against Rush City and at Onamia and Ogilvie in the next two weeks.

had beautiful routines that showed how hard they have been working.

Next was beam, which is always a difficult event. Isackson-Rod was again the team’s top performer as she added in a new skill and stuck her routine.

Isackson-Rod’s 9.1 was good enough for second place. Helmin and Ava Tallarico had beautiful, stuck routines while White did not stick her beam routine but added in a new and very difficult jump that she nailed successfully.

Floor was another event where it seemed like the Flamingos excelled despite lower scores than they had hoped.

Isackson-Rod took third with an 8.625 as she added a new skill to her floor routine and competed very well. Perrotti had her best routine yet and added a new, difficult skill at the end of her routine. She scored an 8.3 and placed fifth. Tallarico landed a new pass and Helmin landed her last pass, which is one she was focused on coming in.

All in all, the team showed themselves well and the coaches came away feeling good about many of the performances. The JV team also did well, although they lost to North Branch 116105.3.

Standout performances for the JV included Kensi Tayerle with a first place finish on vault, and Alli Cavallin with a second place on bars and fifth on vault. Many other JV athletes showed improvement and several competed a full routine on high bar for the first time.

Three varsity wrestlers place at 12-team tournament

BY JESSE LOGAN SPORTS@PINECITYMN.COM

Result: Carter Utecht took second while Gavin Rockstroh and Robert Decker earned fourth place finishes.

Where/When: At Hopkins on Saturday, Jan. 6

What happened: Both the Dragons varsity and JV had some standout performances at this tough meet with athletes from a large variety of schools. Rockstroh, a 106-pounder, went 3-2 on the day, losing twice to a tough wrestler from Minnetonka. Utecht continues to impress as his senior season progresses, and lost in the finals to a talented wrestler from St. Thomas Academy. Decker improved to 15-5 on the season and also had a very good day.

In JV action, Summer Rockstroh, Timmy Johnson and Justin Matson all earned firsts, while Kenny Vo took second.

What it means: “Pretty good on Saturday,” said coach Milo Allen. “We had appropriate matches, which was good. I was also impressed with the JV wrestlers, so it was positive all around.”

Up next: On Thursday, Jan. 11 the team will travel to face Rush City/Braham before hosting Mille Lacs the following week.

HOCKEY: from page 10

easily a season high. Each of the Bergstom boys, Jonah and Dusty, came out with a hat trick (three goals apiece).

Also scoring goals for Pine City Area were Zahradka, Miller, Logan Johnson, and Beau Steele, while TJ Roth had a pair of goals. Laven stopped 10 of 11 shots faced.

“The boys were by far the superior team,” said Nicoll, “and it showed. We jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. I can’t remember if this has ever happened in my coaching career or not, but we scored more goals than the other team had shots on net.

We also saw a lot of accomplishments;

Beau Steele finally netted that first varsity goal and a set of brothers scored hat-tricks in the same game.”

The win was nice as it was both a conference and a section win. The Dragons will now shift their focus to upcoming road games at Northern Lakes in Pequot Lakes and at St. Paul Highland Park/Central.

(Right) Dragons goalie sophomore Alex Laven gets some help from junior D #11 Logan Johnson with the save.

JOHN OLSON | THE PIONEER

JANUARY 11, 2018

PINE CITY PIONEER

13

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Act on Alzheimer’s works to make a difference in Pine City ACT ON ALZHEIMER’S EDITOR@PINECITYMN.COM

Two years ago a group of social workers, county workers, caregivers, nurses, as well as other interested community members met at Pine Technical College to talk about the Act on Alzheimer’s initiative and the quest to make Pine City a Dementia Friendly Community.

The group decided to write a grant for the funds to start the journey. Pine City received the grant, the city agreed to be the fiscal host and the group was up and running.

The first step was to interview different sectors in the community to find the greatest needs. Volunteers interviewed businesses, pastors and church leaders, attorneys, doctors and nurses, caregivers, as well as a variety of others. Then the surveys were sorted and recorded and then analyzed. A community meeting was held at which individuals had the opportunity to weigh in on the survey results and vote on the primary needs for the community. The voting process allowed us to identify the two primary goals for the ACT on Alzheimer’s project: education for all sectors and the public in general as well as education and support for caregivers.

It was time for the team to start planning. One part of the group joined the committee to put together a resource brochure.

On all are listed the resources available to someone diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or for caregivers looking for resources to help

PHOTO PROVIDED

Thirty-two retired community members took time out to come and read a story about dementia to elementary students as part of the Act on Alzheimer’s effort in Pine City. Every classroom in the school heard an age appropriate story followed by a short discussion.

care for their loved one dealing with the struggles of dementia or Alzheimer’s. Look around the community for one of these brochures – try City Hall, the Chamber office, doctor’s offices, and other medical facilities.

The committee also worked to see that there was a monthly article about dementia in the local newspaper.

During this time another committee started planning training sessions. All together they held sixteen different trainings

or classes including: Dementia Friends Training, trainings for the local fire fighters and first responders, trainings for ministers and priests, and trainings for caregivers and families dealing with this disease. The committee met with the Chamber of Commerce to plan some future trainings for business owners and workers. There were also some community gatherings to discuss The Basics of Alzheimer’s, as well as to view the movie Every Minute

Counts and hear a professional panel answer questions about dementia and its many facets.

Most recently, the team took the information to the Pine City Schools. The students in the junior high and senior high saw the impact of the disease on individuals and were asked to go home and think about and carry out an act of kindness with an older person. In the elementary each class was read a story dealing with dementia followed by a class discussion.

The ACT on Alzheimer’s Committee are proud of what they have offered, proud of the response of the community, and proud that this small town has started and hopefully will continue to make Pine City a dementia friendly community.

The education will continue.

Watch for Community Education brochures to see trainings that will be offered in the future.

Weed of the Month: Keep the Amur maple under control

BY EMILIE JUSTEN MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

This Weed of the Month is a small tree called Amur maple (Acer ginnala). It is native to China and Japan and was introduced to North America in the 1800s as an ornamental plant.

Though valued for its brilliant fall color, it has become invasive throughout the eastern and Midwestern states, including Minnesota.

Amur maple is a deciduous large shrub or small tree that grows to 20 feet. The leaves are 3-lobed with toothed margins and turn a vibrant red in the fall. It produces abundant double-winged samaras typical of maple trees. The bark is smooth and grayish brown. The plants grow in single stem or multistemmed clusters and is found in open woodlots, forest edges, disturbed areas, roadsides, and ornamental landscapes. Amur maple can grow in a wide range of soil types and will tolerate shade.

Amur maple spreads by seed in addition to ornamental plantings. Seed can be carried long distances by wind and water. Amur maple plants can alter habitats, invading prairies, grasslands, or open woodlands where it can add a shrub layer.

Because of its prolific seed pro-

PHOTO PROVIDED

duction, it can displace native shrubs, understory trees, and native herbaceous plants.

Amur maple is a Specially Regulated Noxious Weed in Minnesota and should only be planted in landscapes where the seedlings will be controlled by mowing or other means,

and should be planted at least 100 yards from natural areas.

Although landowners are ultimately not required to control or eradicate Amur maple on their properties, they are encouraged to manage Amur maple appropriately to prevent future spread of this species and

degradation of native habitats.

Several management tactics are available for Amur maple.

For all options, infestation sites will need to be monitored and treated repeatedly until the seedbanks are depleted. Stumps and sprouts that appear to have died can resprout after several

years.

Should you decide to plant Amur maple on your property, please follow the label instructions by not planting Amur maple within 100 yards of any natural areas where seedlings would not be controlled.

There are a variety of native species that can be substituted for Amur maple that are not invasive and provide many ecological benefits to Minnesota landscapes. You can find these recommendations on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website.

Small infestations can be controlled manually by digging and removing the root crowns.

Saplings are easily pulled by hand or controlled by mowing.

Prescribed burning can be an effective method of control on established populations. Make sure to contact the Minnesota DNR to learn more about control burning practices and regulations.

Infestations can be controlled by cutting and treating the stumps with herbicide or basal bark spray treatments. For specific herbicide recommendations, check with the University of Minnesota Extension, a local co-op, or certified landscape care expert.

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FROM PAGE ONE

PINE CITY PIONEER

JANUARY 11, 2018

www.pinecitymn.com

Pine County sets levy for 2018

BY AILENE CROUP NEWS@PINECITYMN.COM

In a 5-0 vote, commissioners approved a 5.5 percent property tax increase for Pine County homeowners at the Dec. 19 meeting.

The $17,912,930 tax levy is expected to be divided across eight funds. That distribution was approved in a proposed budget for 2018.

The funds are: • General fund $9,486,276 • Health and Human Services $3,854,162 • Road and Bridge (highway) $1,879,821 • Building fund $75,000 • 2015A General obligation jail bond $1,168,755 • 2012 General obligation courthouse bond $1,004,640 • 2017A Capital improvement plan bond for the new Sandstone building $344,276 - Technology equipment $100,000 The three remaining county offices which are still elected, other than the commissioners, received salary increases for 2018. Auditor/Treasurer Cathy Clemmer will receive a 5 percent increase bringing her salary to $95,445. She has one year remaining on her term. The Auditor/Treasurer’s office will be filled by appointment in 2019.

Sheriff Jeff Nelson received a 5 percent salary increase bringing his salary to $99,540. And, County Attorney Reese Fredrickson received an 8 percent increase bringing his salary to $110,160 Board members commented that this increase does not put them at the top of the pay scale but they are also not at the bottom of that scale.

Chairman Matt Ludwig said, “When you look at the counties we border, we’re not high.”

The county commissioners’ salaries remained unchanged. They receive $21,844 plus $100 per meeting and health benefits. They also receive mileage reimbursement at 54.5 cents per mile, an increase of one

cent over last year. That is the federal mileage reimbursement rate.

Commissioner Steve Hallan said the chairman of the board should receive a higher salary than the other commissioners. He said he would like that request to “not fall off the radar.”

Ludwig said he didn’t think it would be a large increase.

He has been 2017 chairman. The board will nominate a new chairman in 2018 or they may stay with Ludwig. Hallan was chairman for several years in a row prior to Ludwig’s appointment.

Commissioner Steve Chaffee’s comment that Ludwig would like the chairman’s increase to be retroactive which was met with laughter across the board.

The county had tentative agreements with all the courthouse unions except health and human services union.. That contract was unresolved when the board adjourned.

The commissioners approved a 3 percent increase in pay for the county’s 21 non-union employees. In 2018, those salaries will range from the low end of $38,376 to the top four high of Chief Deputy - $97,510, Land Services Director - $103,355, HHS Director and County Engineer - $$116,126 and County Administrator - $123,074.

As part of the non-union salary increase, the commissioners’ motion included approval of the county’s non-union health insurance benefit. The county will contribute monthly $644.50 for single and $1,414.25 family. For the two different health savings accounts VEBA and HSA, the county contributes monthly for single employees - VEBA $626.75 and HSA $623.

The county contributes to the two family savings accounts monthly - VEBA $1,201.75 and HSA $1,414.25.

The first meeting on the first Tuesday of the month will be held in Pine City. The second meeting on the third Tuesday of the month will be held in Askov at the History Museum. When the new building is complete in Sandstone, the board plans to hold the second monthly meeting in the new building.

Report crime, stay anonymous with Crime Stoppers of Minnesota CRIME STOPPERS OF MINNESOTA

The Pine County Sheriff’s Office and Crime Stoppers of Minnesota are working together to gain more crime information from persons who want to remain anonymous.

Pine County Sheriff Jeff Nelson has made the proactive move to support the Crime Stoppers Law Enforcement Partnership Program which supports Crime Stoppers’ ability to invite citizens to anonymously turn in information. This information may save thousands of dollars of investigators’ time and speed the solving of cases. In addition to staying anonymous, persons giving tips may be eligible to collect up to $1,000 in reward paid by Crime Stoppers.

Because of Crime Stoppers’ access tools, the Pine County Sheriff’s Office is increasing its reach for investigative information to be statewide and worldwide. Through this partnership, the Pine County investigators receive tips that Crime Stoppers collects

because citizens may be reluctant to talk directly with the authorities but still want to ‘do the right thing’.

People with knowledge about a crime, criminal or a fugitive can call Crime Stoppers toll free from anywhere in Minnesota (1-800-222-TIPS [8477]); go online at their website www.CrimeStoppersMN.org; or add the free P3 Submit a Tip APP to their smartphone. If the tip leads to a felony arrest the tipster may qualify to receive a reward of up to $1,000 and still remain anonymous.

The non-profit Crime Stoppers of Minnesota operates separate and independent of law enforcement and government and is funded solely by tax deductible donations. It has been working with law enforcement helping build safer communities in Minnesota since 1979 as one of over 500 Crime Stoppers programs around the United States offering the same commitment to anonymity and offer of a reward to help law enforcement solve crimes. For more information visit www.CrimeStoppersMN.org .

BROOK PARK: Fight to survive Great Hinckley Fire FROM PAGE 1

name, Reznick, with Sophie Finer, indicating a possible familial relationship. Ben and Sophie Finer had emigrated from Courland, Latvia, around 1885. They resided in New Jersey and Illinois before moving to Minnesota in 1893. Their third son, Sollie, was born in Brook Park on May 19, 1894.

By 1894, the Jewish enclave at Brook Park consisted of 19 adults and 17 children (35 Russian immigrants and one German American). The village was described as having “no police court, jail or saloon, or abominations known in modern crowded city life.” By the fall of 1894, its total population was approximately 135.

The Jewish families’ next-door neighbors included Mary Amanda Braman and Warren Braman, a Civil War veteran and cooper who had come to Brook Park from Ashland, Minnesota, in 1893.

Along with Kelsey and others, Braman was an investor in Brook Park’s newly constructed boarding house.

On the morning of Sept. 1, 1894, a fire flared up to the south of Brook Park—part of what became known as the Great Hinckley Fire. By 2 pm, it had reached the village.

Braman saved many of the villagers by leading them to a pond next to a lumber mill by Pokegama Creek, where they stood in a pool of water out of reach of the flames. According to Finer family oral history, Sophie Finer and her two youngest sons, David and Sollie, were among those who sought refuge in the pond.

David, age three, drowned while Sophie clutched Sollie to her chest. Ben and Louis Finer, age five, survived in another location, though Louis received burns on his legs.

A total of 26 Brook Park residents died in the

fire—many of them because they failed to reach Pokegama Creek. Warren Braman’s 27-year-old son, Jay, was among the dead.

Rescuers identified his body by his new pair of boots.

The surviving villagers spent two days sheltering in train cars before being transported to Mora and from there to St. Paul.

Governor Knute Nelson’s Commission for Relief of Fire Sufferers assisted survivors with food, shelter, clothing, and transportation.

Six single Jewish men stayed in or near Brook Park after the fire, and four of them rebuilt their homes. Both Joe Coblin and native New Yorker Jake Greenberg received materials to rebuild. Joseph Chipris is identified in the 1895 Minnesota census as a resident of Duluth and an employee of Bloom’s Furniture store. Abe Chapman and Reuben Osternick leased land north of Hinckley but left after two years.

H. Chiffman’s relief form noted that his only remaining property was “poor clothing” and that he had no friends in the US. Like Chapman and Osternick, he had no relatives outside of Russia.

By 1897, all of Pokegama’s Jewish families had dispersed. The Finers, Misels, Shapiros, and Raphaels, who had come from Chicago, returned to their home city one month after the fire.

The Israel Rosenberg and Charles Smith families stayed in Minnesota.

Reprinted with the kind permission of the Minnesota Historical Society. Find this article and more at www.mnopedia. org/group/jewish-immigrants-brook-park.

Discover more of Minnesota’s rich past at www.mnopedia.org – a resource for reliable information about significant people, places, events, and things in Minnesota history.

New hours for Pine City Library begin in March STAFF REPORT NEWS@PINECITYMN.COM

The East Central Regional Library Board in December has approved new operating hours at all 14 library branches across the six county area. The new hours will begin on Sunday, March 4, and can be viewed by clicking on any of the listed libraries under the Location & Hours tab on the libraries website at ecrlib.org.

According to Carla Lydon, ECRL Executive Director, these changes are a culmination of a multi-year process during which time ECRL sought public feedback in our communities and consulted staff, board members, and local officials in an effort to better balance our resources across our six county region. Prior to this, open hours had remained the same for more than a decade, despite changes in facilities, communities and traffic patterns.

“It is our hope that these new schedules will better serve the public and provide appropriate staffing levels to continue to provide the excellent customer service that people rely on when visiting our libraries,” Lydon said in a press release.

PINE CITY LIBRARY HOURS The current hours for the Pine City Public Library are as follows: Sunday – closed Monday – closed Tuesday – 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Wednesday – 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Thursday – 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Friday – 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Saturday – 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

The new hours for the Pine City Public Library, effective March 4, are as follows: Sunday- closed Monday- 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Tuesday- 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Wednesday- 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Thursday- 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Friday- 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Saturday- 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

The Pine City Public Library is located at 300 Fifth Street. For more information visit https://ecrlib.org/ locations/pine-city-public-library/ or call the Pine City Public Library at 320-629-6403.

OBITUARIES

JANUARY 11, 2018

PINE CITY PIONEER

15

www.pinecitymn.com

Donald Miller

Weylon W. Wiedemann W

Donald Miller of R Rock Creek passed a away Friday, Dec. 29, 2 2017, at his home at t age of 90. the Donald is survived b his children Miby c chael (Patty) Miller of H Harris, Tom (Diana) M Miller of Juneau, A Alaska, Diane Babol lik, Karen Miller, L Linda Miller (Merlin P Powell) all of Pine C City, Roger (Jeann nine) Miller of Waite P Park, Ron (Brenda) Miller of Columbus, Peggy (Ray) Perkins of Clear Lake, Joanne Miller of Mahtomedi, 39 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, sister Muriel Richardson of Cottage Grove, brother Robert (Lois) Miller of Osakis, good friend Larry Pogones, many nieces, nephews and friends.

Donald is preceded in death by his wife Jeanne, son Jim Miller, parents Lawrence and Rebecca (Reed), son-in-law Mike Babolik, sister Shirley Shannon and brother Lloyd (Jean) Miller.

Monsignor Aleksander Suchan celebrated Mass of Christian Burial for Donald on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2017, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Beroun. Music was provided by Carla Jean Becvar and Mary Ellen Sauser. Casket bearers were: Adam Miller, Jeremiah Babolik, Nick Miller, Casey Perkins, Alex Miller, Chet Miller and Justin Miller. Military Honors were provided by Heath-Perkins American Legion Post #51, Novak-Milliren VFW Post #4258 and the Minnesota National Guard. Interment took place at St. Joseph’s Calvary Cemetery in Beroun.

Funeral arrangements for Mr. Donald Miller are entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City, Swanson Chapel; www.FuneralAndCremationService.com.

Weylon William W Wiedemann, age 40, d died on Jan. 2, 2018, i in a snowmobiling a accident.

He was born w with beautiful red h hair on April 26, 1977, t Thomas and Linda to ( (Amoth) Wiedemann.

Weylon grew up i Rock Creek and in g graduated from Camb bridge Christian S School.

When he was y young, the family t tried out the go carts i Siren, Wisconsin. in That first drive created a spark that grew into a lifelong love of anything with a motor.

Weylon’s first job was helping Doug (Shawn) Johnson on their dairy farm. From there he worked at Cavallin Ford where he honed his mechanic skills. He went on to work for Kurt Fletcher as an apprentice plumber and ultimately started his own successful heating and plumbing business. Eventually, he fulfilled his goal and became a Master Plumber. He continued to grow his business and bought the old Buckley Plumbing store on Third Avenue by the railroad tracks. True to Weylon’s nature, he restored the old building to a thing of beauty.

Weylon adored his wife Ashley and their three children: Wheeler, (8); Walker (3); and Wren (18 months).

Ashley and Weylon were recently married in October.

He enjoyed many outdoor activities with the kids including four-wheeling, camping, fishing, and snowmobiling.

Weylon lived every minute of his life fully and without limitation. There was no end to his enthusiasm for a new project, be it renovating his house, his shop, a fort for the kids, or rebuilding cars, trucks and an occasional Harley. If it had a motor, it most certainly needed to be torn apart. Weylon was successful in anything he put his mind to. He was fiercely dedicated

to everyone he knew and to all he did, which was why anyone that had the pleasure of knowing him loved him.

Weylon will be greatly missed by his wife, Ashley (Hinze), sons Wheeler and Walker, and daughter Wren of Pine City; parents Thomas and Linda Wiedemann of Rock Creek; sister Jennifer (Adam) Mosimann, nephew Otto, and niece Cora of Rush City; father-inlaw Randall (Pamela) Hinze of Rock Creek; mother-inlaw Susan (Timothy) Mans of Beroun; brother-in-law Nic (Kacey) Hinze, nephew Quinn, and niece Lennox of Bismarck, North Dakota; and a host of friends and relatives.

He was preceded in death by his younger brother Carl Thomas Wiedemann, his grandparents Alva and Kenneth Wiedemann, William Lange, Rudolph Amoth, Ellwyn and Mary Jane Thurow.

Pastor Tim Adams officiated at funeral services for Weylon on Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, at Journey North Church. Music was provided by the Journey North Praise Team; casket bearers were: Randall Hinze, Nic Hinze, Adam Mosimann, Sam Christenson, Calvin Gustafson, Paul Johnson, Dale Rennick and Nolan Labine.

Memorials for Weylon’s children may be directed to: Weylon Wiedemann Memorial Frandsen Bank & Trust 560 3rd Avenue SE Pine City, MN 55063 Checks payable to: Weylon Wiedemann Memorial Arrangements for Weylon Wiedemann are entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City ~ Swanson Chapel; www.FuneralAndCremationService.com.

SEE OBITUARIES, PAGE 16

WORSHIP GUIDE

Church of Christ

Grasston Baptist Church

815 7th St. SW, Pine City 10 a.m. Bible Study 11 a.m. Worship Service 4 p.m. Evening Service Wednesday, 7 p.m. Bible Study.

Contact: Greg Douvier 320-420-1302

402 N. Oak St. Grasston, MN 55030 www.grasstonbaptist.org info@grasstonbaptisit.org 320.396.2645 Worship Service 9:30am Sunday School 10:45am

Hands for Pine City

Dale Evangelical Free Church

Outreach Church Meeting at Pine City Library Community Room, 300 5th St. SE P.O. Box 164 Sunday NIGHTS 5-6PM Pastors Julie & Brad Samuelson 320-496-3009 Hands4PC@gmail.com Facebook fan page: Hands for Pine City Existing to be the hands of Jesus to Pine City

45268 Brunswick Rd, Harris, MN 763-689-5817 Pastor/Teacher Dr. Harvey Martin Sunday School, all ages 9:00 am Sunday Service 10:25 am www.daleefc.com Awana, Wed. 6:30-8:00pm Youth, Wed. 6:30-8:00pm

First Presbyterian Church 405 Main St. S., Pine City 320-629-3592 Rev. Rob Spahr www.firstprespinecity.org 10:00 a.m. Sunday School-all ages, No Sunday School-June-August 10:30 a.m. Worship Celebration Wednesday @ 6:15 p.m. Youth Group

Henriette Community Church

Grace Baptist Church

Hinckley Seventh Day Adventist

1 mile Southwest of Pine City on Fairway Road (next to I-35) 320-629-1374 Pastor Tim W. Stratton 10:00 a.m. Sunday School for all ages. 11:00 a.m. Preaching Service, 6:00 p.m. Evening Service.

7:30 p.m. Wed. Bible study, 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Master Clubs for children ages 4 to 6th grade.

550 1st St. NE, Hinckley 320-384-6167 Pastor: Carlos Rodriguez Services, Saturday, 11 a.m.

Fellowship lunch 1st and 3rd Saturday following services.

(Free Methodist) One mile North of Henriette on HWY 107 • 320-679-4875 Pastor Marvin Miller Sunday School, 9:00a.m.; Sunday morning Worship, 10:15 a.m.

Hope Lutheran Church Grasston Dean Oelfke, Pastor 320-396-3925 hopelutherangrasston.org

Sunday Worship Service 11am Holy Communion first and third Saturdays and festival days.

Sunday Mornings: Life Class 9 a.m., Worship Service 10 a.m.

Pomroy Chapel

2700 320th Ave., Brook Park A NON-DENOMINATIONAL CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP For Special events &/or group studies call: 320-679-3925 Sunday Services: 9:30 a.m. Prayer 10:00 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Fellowship following Worship

Living Water Fellowship

Hustletown Community Church Non-denominational 17945 Blue Jay Ln. Pastor Bruce Thompson 320-225-9231 Sunday School, 10:15 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m.

Open Arms Church of God

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church 535 8th St. SW, Pine City 320-629-2935 Monsignor Alek Suchan www.icchurchpinecitymn.org office@icchurcpinecitymn.org Mass: Saturday 5 pm, Sunday 10 am, Confession: Saturday 4-4:30pm, Sunday 9:15-9:45am

Journey North Church Current location: 840 Main St S, behind A&W. Pastor Tim Adams 320-629-6111 Sunday Services: 9 & 10:30 a.m.

Nursery, toddlers and KidVenture programs during both services. www.JourneyNorthChurch.com

Living Hope Christian Center Pastor Jeremy Langmade Assembly of God 11914 Fairway Rd. SW, Pine City ¾ mile West of I-35 on Pokegama Lake Road 320-629-6136 Livinghopepinecity@gmail.com

915 W. 8th St. Rush City, MN Sunday Service 10:00 a.m.

Call 320-358-3818 for weekly Bible studies and youth activities.

406 Pine St., Grasston, MN 320-396-3373 Pastor Gene Sherrod Spirit Filled Worship Sunday Worship 10 a.m.

Children’s ministry

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church

South Pine Baptist Church

825 Golf Ave SW, Pine City 320-629-2985 Pastor Fred Hanson Sunday services: 8 and 9:30 a.m.

Coffee and fellowship between services Sunday school is at 9:30 Sundays.

Thursday Service: 5:30 p.m.

Meeting at Pine City Library Community Room 300 5th St SE, Pine City, MN Pastor Dennis Eng 320-336-9292 Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Service 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday Bible study at 7p.m.

(Call for location) www.southpinebaptist.org

320-629-2935 19390 Ave, Beroun, MN Monsignor Alek Suchan Sunday Mass 8:00 a.m.

Pine City Evangelical Free Church 625 Golf Ave SW Pastor Joel Preston Sunday Service 10:00 a.m.

Sunday School (all ages) 9:15 a.m.

Nursery (infant-3yrs) all morning Wednesdays: AWANA (Sept-Apr) 6 p.m.; Frontline (Youth Group), Jr & Sr High 6:00 p.m.

Phone: 320-629-2584 Email: office@pcefc.com, www.pcefc.com

Zion Lutheran Church 410 Main St. S, Pine City Worship 9 a.m.

Wednesday Service 7 p.m.

Growing in Grace Preschool Mon-Wed- Fri a.m.

Pastor Glen Kleppe 320-629-3683

The businesses below invite you to attend the house of worship of your choice.

PIONEER

To become a sponsor of the Worship Guide or to list your church, Contact Meliza at

PINE CITY

Where You Get the Most Out of Life www.ElderwoodofHinckley.com

(320) 384-7373 • 710 Spring Lane, Hinckley

320-629-6771 www.pinecitymn.com

320-629-2561 Serving the Pine City Area Since 1896

(320)322-5243 or mel@countystar.com

PIONEER PINE CITY

MEMBER

16

PINE CITY PIONEER

www.pinecitymn.com

OBITUARIES

JANUARY 11, 2018

COLLEGE

FROM PAGE 15

Steven D. Waters Steven Waters o Rush City died of v very unexpecte edly Tuesday, D Dec. 26, 2017, w while driving his s semi-truck near N Northfi eld, Minn nesota at the age o 64. of Steven Douglas W Waters was born S Sept.

30, 1953, to J John and Eliza abeth “Betty” ( (Banicki) Waters

in Mankato.

Growing up Steve lived in Brooklyn Center. He was active in Babe Ruth Baseball League and was also involved in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts where his mom, Betty, was a den mother. Steve’s family moved to Pine City which is where he graduated from high school in 1972.

After high school, Steve moved to Winona and then went on to get his CDL. He started driving for Ellsworth, with routes to New York City, and then he went to work for Dart. On Oct. 15, 1988, Steve married Joanne Waters and they lived in Rush City. Steve started working for Dallas Erickson, then Skip Meyer and most recently Ivy Farms, trading routes to Texas every week to routes to Wisconsin.

Steve loved truck life; driving truck and working on the truck kept him busy. He also enjoyed spending time with friends and family, going camping and fishing on the Mississippi River. Steve loved to watch football and would often be in front of the television watching an

Dean’s lists old show, like an old western or M.A.S.H. Every moment Steve spent with his granddaughters put a smile on his face. He was their “Buddy” who would play games, like Hide and Seek and Legos. Now he will go on as their guardian angel.

Steve, also known as “Elmer” in the trucking world, is survived by his wife Jo Waters of Rush City; children: Chris Waters of Minneapolis, Elissa (Mo) Pourzandvakil of Coon Rapids, Shelby Waters of Rush City, Cody (Taylor) Waters of Coon Rapids; grandchildren: Steven Waters, Vanessa and Isabella Pourzandvakil; mother Betty Waters of Winona; siblings Cindy (Norm) Knight of Nevada, Robert (Erin) Waters of Rush City, Kevin (Mary) Waters of Shoreview, Mike (Dawn) Waters of South Dakota, Jason (Teri) Waters of Wisconsin; brothers and sisters-in-law: Robert and Arlyce Perreault of Grand Rapids, Lawrence and Rosemary Perreault, and Marlene and Jack Doenz, all of Pine City, Ruth Washenbecker of Rock Creek, Gary and Kathy Perreault of Dallas, Texas, Michael and Kathy Perreault of White Bear Lake, William “Jack” and Darcy Perreault of Dallas, Texas, Dr. Roger and Linda Perreault, Dale and Jeanne Perreault, Jeanne and John Jacobson, Randy and Dr. Julie Perreault, all of Rush City, Dick and Patty Perreault of Harris; many nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.

Steve was preceded in death by father John Waters; mother-in-law and father-in-law Rose and Louie Perreault; brother-in-law Gordy Perreault, sister-in-law Janyce (Bud) Olsen, brother-in-law Harold Waschenbecker.

Father Shane Wassinger celebrated a Mass of Christian Burial for Steve on Saturday, Dec. 30 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rush City. A gathering of family and friends was held one hour prior to the service at the church.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City ~ Olson Chapel; www.FuneralAndCremationService.com.

Erika Siekert, Accounting program student from Pine City, was named to Western Technical College President’s List of High Distinction for the fall 2017 term. To be included, students must achieve a grade point average of 3.5 or higher and carry 12 or more credits in an associate’s degree or technical diploma program.

The University of Wisconsin-Superior has named Cassidy Jean Koland and Devin Thane Murphy, both of Sandstone, Clarice Adair Blaisdell of Sturgeon Lake, and Keely Alexandra Hansen of Willow River to the dean’s list for academic achievement during the fall 2017 semester.

Minnesota State Community and Technical College has named Lane Ristamaki of Finlayson to its president’s list for the 2017 fall semester. To earn this award, a student must complete 12 or more college-level credits for the semester and earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.

The University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) has announced its dean’s list for fall semester 2017. The following local students have achieved a grade point average of 3.5 or higher: Emalee Lindstrom and Haley Loew of Askov; Quinn R. Rarick and Keyan S. Weaver of Brook Park; Sadie Shervheim of Bruno; Sterling W. Hoffman-Larson of Finlayson; Adam J. Finke, Thomas H. Lenzen and Laken M. Lymburner of Hinckley; Amanda L. Basta and Natalie Cahill of Pine City; Rona M. Seegebarth of Sandstone; Nicole M. Grutkoski and Frank White of Sturgeon Lake; Sydney S. Nelson of Willow River.

PINE COUNTY SHERIFF’S BLOTTER Jan. 1 - 7 Theft, burglary, vandalism Jan. 2, 9:12 a.m., report of theft, Evergreen Sq., Pine City south.

Jan. 2, 2:34 p.m., report of theft, State Hwy. 70, Rock Creek east.

Jan. 2, 3:17 p.m., report of fraud, Meadow Creek Ln., Pokegama Twp. east.

Jan. 2, 4:49 p.m., report of fraud, Maple Ave., Rock Creek east.

Jan. 2, 5:48 p.m., report of property damage w/animal, Auburn Rd., Pokegama Twp. west.

Jan. 3, 6:55 a.m., report of vehicle prowl/entry, 2nd St., Pine City north.

Jan. 3, 7:58 a.m., report of vehicle prowl/entry, 3rd Ave., Pine City north.

Jan. 3, 9:27 a.m., report of vehicle prowl/entry, 3rd Ave., Pine City north.

Jan. 3, 9:43 a.m., report of vehicle prowl/entry, 2nd St., Pine City north.

Jan. 3, 10:09 a.m., report of vehicle prowl/entry, 6th Ave., Pine City north.

Jan. 3, 2:30 p.m., report of theft, 5th Ave., Pine City north.

Jan. 3, 6:28 p.m., report of vehicle exterior damage, 3rd Ave., Pine City south.

Jan. 4, 12:00 p.m., report of theft, Pine Shores Dr., Pokegama Twp. west.

Jan. 4, 9:00 p.m., report of property damage w/animal, Hawk Ridge Rd./Brook Park Rd., Pokegama Twp. west.

Jan. 5, 4:15 p.m., report of theft, 5th Ave., Pine City north.

Jan. 5, 5:20 p.m., report of driveoffs, 8th St., Pine City north.

Jan. 6, 6:08 p.m., report of property damage, 3rd Ave., Pine City south.

Jan. 7, 9:04 a.m., report of security alarm, Sunset Trl., Pokegama Twp. west.

Miscellaneous Jan. 1, 12:34 a.m., report of disturbance, Big Aspen Trl., Pokegama Twp. west.

Jan. 1, 2:49 a.m., report of assault, 1st St., Henriette.

Jan. 1, 12:54 p.m., report of unwanted person, 8th St., Pine City north.

Jan. 2, 7:16 a.m., report of unwanted person, Johnson Ave., Pine City south.

Jan. 2, 10:32 p.m., report of suspicious activity, State Hwy. 70, Rock Creek west.

Jan. 2, 11:37 p.m., report of animal disturbance, Henriette

WEATHER Date 1/1 1/2 1/3 1/4 1/5 1/6 1/7

High 0° 13° 8° -1° -1° 11° 28°

Low -20° -11° -12° -17° -18° -23° 10°

Precip./Snow 0 .04"/0.5" 0 0 0 0/0.4" 0

Rd./Klondike Loop, Pokegama Twp. west.

Jan. 3, 9:30 p.m., report of suspicious activity, Ruby Rd./580th St., Pine City Twp. west.

Jan. 4, 10:32 a.m., report of harassment, Steven Ln., Pine City Twp. west.

Jan. 6, 5:26 p.m., report of suspicious activity, Pokegama Lake Rd., Royalton Twp. Jan. 7, 2:59 p.m., report of suspicious activity, Brook Park Rd./Pokegama Lake Rd., Pokegama Twp. west.

Jan. 7, 4:01 p.m., report of crank 911 calls, Beroun Crossing Rd., Pokegama Twp. east.

Jan. 7, 6:44 p.m., report of domestic, State Hwy. 70, Rock Creek west.

Fires and accidents Jan. 5, 8:57 p.m., report of structure fire, 4th Ave., Brook Park.

Jan. 6, 4:39 p.m., report of structure fire, Cluster Rd., Pokegama Twp. west.

Jail roster Jan. 1, Kenneth James Soens, Pine County warrant, remand-bail, burglary- 1st degree- dwelling- occupied... 3rd degree- enters bldg- intent ste...; domestic abuse- violate order for... Released Jan. 4.

Jan. 1, David Charles David, awaiting trial/court, probable cause, disturb- disorderly conduct. Released Jan. 1.

Jan. 2, Jacklynn Marie Blaszczyk, awaiting trial/ court, remand-bail, drugspossess- schedule v...

Jan. 2, Aaron Robert Shelton, under sentence, burglary- 2nd degree- res- no force- unknown...

Jan. 2, Charles Dale Anderson, Pine County warrant, remand-bail, disturb- harassment or stalking-Fe...; assault- terrorist threats reckless... Released Jan. 3.

Jan. 2, Jami Lea Fernholz, hold for other agency, govt- false name to police officer. Released Jan. 3.

Jan. 2, Michael Alexander Zais, awaiting trial/court, probable cause, remand-bail, assault- 2nd degree- dangerous weapon- other we... Released Jan. 3.

Jan. 2, Thomas Gerald Walberg, Pine County warrant, remand-RPR, drugs- 5th degree- possess sched... vehicle- theft- $500 or less- M...

Released Jan. 2.

Jan. 3, Eric James Ruter, warrant, remand-bail, drugs- 5th degree- possess schedu...; hold for other agency, govtfailure to appear- court- Fe; thefttake/use/transfer movable pro...; traffic- driving after suspension, insuranceno proof.

Jan. 3, Logan Lee Zimmermann, awaiting trial/court, remand-bail, stolen propertyposs- vehicle- unk amt.

Jan. 3, Eric Lamar Stookey, awaiting trial/court, remand-bail, probable cause, criminal sexual conduct- registration of predatory off...

Released Jan. 7.

Jan. 3, David Luverne Hancock, awaiting trial/court, probable cause, remand-RPR, govt- OFP violation- misd. Released Jan. 5.

Jan. 3, Raymond Francis Warrell, probation violation, Pine County warrant, remand-bail, traffic- DUI- 2nd degree- alcohol conc over... Released Jan. 4.

Jan. 4, Vincent James Beau-

lieu, warrant, Pine County writ, forgery- offer or pass counterfeited... check forgery$250 or more.

Jan. 4, Patrick Wayne Harth, warrant, under sentence, financial transaction card fraud- se...; traffic- driver’s license- driving after cancellation- inimical to public safety.

Jan. 4, Luke Clare Anderson, Pine County warrant, remand-bail, theft- take/drive motor vehicle- no...; drugs5th degree- poss/procure/ control... Released Jan. 5.

Jan. 4, Cody Joseph Kukuk, Pine County warrant, remand-RPR, traffic regulationdriver must... driver’s licensedriving... Released Jan. 5.

Jan. 4, Mary Jeanette Nelson, warrant, under sentence, thefttake/use/transfer movable... Pine County writ, drugs- 5th degree- procure/ possess... 5th degree- poss/ procure/control... Released Jan. 5.

Jan. 5, Ryan Adam Burbul, probation/parole violation, domestic assault- misdemeanor- commit...

Jan. 5, Donovan David Mesker, hold for other agency, drugs1st degree- sell...

Jan. 5, Angela Marie Russ, Pine County warrant, drugs5th degree- possess schedu...

Jan. 5, Jason Jon Sandin, Pine County warrant, traffic- DUI4th degree- cont subst.

Jan. 5, Joshua Lee Turner, warrant, Pine County writ, family offense- nonsupport of spouse.

Jan. 5, Nathan John Gangl, awaiting trial/court, probable cause, govt- false name to police officer. Released Jan. 6.

Jan. 5, Michael Robert Peterson, awaiting trial/court, probable cause, traffic- driv-

er’s license- driving after cancellation- inimical to public safety. Released Jan. 5.

Jan. 6, Shawn Lee Boots, awaiting trial/court, probable cause, stolen property- receive- other property-$250...; traffic- driving after suspension, fleeing police officer in motor vehicle; drugs- 5th degree- poss/procure/control su...

Jan. 6, Colin James Gantz, hold for other agency, warrant, vehicle- theft- $1001 or greater- F. Jan. 6, Laurie Ann Blazinski, awaiting trial/court, probable cause, traffic- driver’s licensedriving after cancellation- inimical to public safety. Released Jan. 6.

Jan. 7, Dennis Wayne Davis, awaiting trial/court, probable cause, theft- $500 or less-M; burglary- 3rd degree- non resno force- unknown...

Jan. 7, Calvin Lee Garbow, hold for other agency, drugs5th degree- poss...; probable cause, fugitive from justice from other st...

Jan. 7, Kevin Michael Martin, hold for other agency, probation/parole violation-GM. Jan. 7, Jessica Marie Renn, awaiting trial/court, probable cause, theft- $501-1000GM; trespassing- building or dwelling-M. Jan. 7, Zachary Ryan Springer, awaiting trial/court, probable cause, drugs- 5th degreeposs...; Pine County warrant, criminal damage property4th degree.

Jan. 7, Louis Ralph Workman, Pine County warrant, theftby swindle or trick- $250 or...

There have been 37 admissions to the Pine County Jail in 2018.

JANUARY 11, 2018

www.pinecitymn.com

SUMMARY OF MINUTES OF THE PINE COUNTY BOARD MEETING Regular Meeting – Tuesday, December 19, 2017 - 10:00 a.m.

Board Room, Pine County Courthouse, Pine City, Minnesota Chair Ludwig called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. Present were Commissioners Steve Hallan, Josh Mohr, Steve Chaffee and John Mikrot, Jr. Also present were County Attorney Reese Frederickson and County Administrator David Minke.

The Pledge of Allegiance was said.

Chair Ludwig called for public comment. There was no public comment.

Commissioner Hallan moved to approve the amended Agenda. Second by Commissioner Mohr. Motion carried 5-0.

Commissioner Mohr moved to approve the Minutes of the December 6, 2017 board meeting and Summary for publication. Second by Commissioner Mikrot. Motion carried 5-0.

Commissioner Hallan moved to approve the Minutes of the December 7, 2017 Special Meeting – Truth in Taxation meeting. Second by Commissioner Ludwig. Motion carried 5-0.

Minutes of Boards, Reports and Correspondence Pine County HRA Senior Housing Minutes – October 25, 2017 East Central Regional Library Minutes – November 13, 2017 Pine County Chemical Health Coalition Minutes – December 11, 2017 Commissioner Ludwig moved to acknowledge the Minutes of Boards, Reports and Correspondence. Second by Commissioner Hallan. Motion carried 5-0.

Commissioner Mikrot moved to approve the amended Consent Agenda. Second by Commissioner Mohr. Motion carried 5-0.

Review November, 2017 Cash Balance Fund November 30, 2016 November 30, 2017 Increase(Decrease) General Fund 5,225,077 5,490,799 265,722 Health and Human Services Fund 1,238,113 1,584,770 346,657 Road and Bridge Fund 774,398 1,332,906 558,508 Land Management Fund 2,107,352 1,948,358 (158,994) TOTAL (inc non-major funds) 11,115,027 12,186,783 1,071,756 Approve the local-option disaster abatement for Gregory and Dawn Anderson, 18129 County Road 41, Willow River.

Approve the application for exempt permit from Minnesota Climbers Association to conduct Minnesota lawful gambling on January 6, 2018 at the Audubon Center of the North Woods, 54165 Audubon Drive, Sandstone, Minnesota.

Approve the application for exempt permit from Pheasants Forever – East Central Spurs 624 to conduct Minnesota lawful gambling on February 17, 2018 at Floppy Crappie, Lake Side Pub, 10762 Lakeview Shore Drive, Pine City, Minnesota.

Approve the application to conduct excluded bingo from Pine City Area Chamber of Commerce to conduct Minnesota lawful gambling on February 9, 2018 at the Pine City Country Club, 10413 Golf Course Road SW, Pine City, Minnesota.

Approve tobacco licenses for the following: Bear’s Den, Beroun Crossing Market, Casey’s General Store #3520, Casey’s General Store #3445, Chengwatana Country Club, Chris’ Food Center – Pine City, Chris’ Food Center - Sandstone, Crossroads Convenience Store, Daggett’s Super Valu, Dave’s Oil Corp., Denham Run Bar & Grill, Duquette General Store, Family Dollar Store, Family Dollar Store-Sandstone, Finlayson Municipal Liquor Store, Froggies (Tadpoles), Heidelberger’s Rock Creek Motor Stop, Hinckley Firehouse Liquor, Holiday Station Stores #6, 226, and 258 (3), Indigo Moon, Kurt’s Station, Kwik Trip, Minit Mart (2), Main Street Grocery, Murphy’s, Nickerson Bar & Motel, Inc., Off the Road Bar & Grill, Petry’s Bait Company, Pine City Tobacco, Quarry Store, Rich’s Bar, Rocking K Lazy E Banning Junction Lounge, Rocking K Lazy E Convenience Store, Sandstone Petro Plus, Side Tracked, Slim’s Service, Inc., Squirrel Cage, Super Smokes, Super America #4500, Thriftee Troll, Tobies Station, Inc., Wal-Mart Supercenter #2367, West Beroun Liquors.

Approve a temporary liquor license for the Minnesota Climbers Association on January 6, 2018 at the Audubon Center of the North Woods, 54165 Audubon Drive, Sandstone, Minnesota.

Approve acceptance of multiple individual donations totaling $800 to the Pine County Sheriff’s Office for the Shop with A Cop Program.

Approve the Agreement for Law Enforcement Services with the City of Pine City for a three-year term, January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2020, as follows: 01/01/18-12/31/18: $50.88 per hour ($185,712 for calendar year 2018) 01/01/19-12/31/19: $53.42 per hour ($194,983 for calendar year 2019) 01/01/20-12/31/20: $56.09 per hour ($204,729 for calendar year 2020) Said enforcement services shall be provided by the sheriff’s office to the City of Pine City 10 hours per day, seven days a week.

Approve the 2018-2019 Snowmobile Safety Enforcement Grant. Eligible reimbursement costs not to exceed $5,597 prior to July 1, 2018; eligible reimbursement costs not to exceed $5,597 prior to July 1, 2019 (total grant amount $11,194). This grant does not require matching funds.

Ratify the Agreement between Minnesota Counties Computer Cooperative and Strategic Technologies Incorporated (STI). STI will handle all maintenance and support of the Minnesota County Attorney Practice System (MCAPS).

Agreement is effective January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2022. The 2018 cost for the Pine County Attorney’s Office will be $9,795.48.

Approve the Lead County Agreement between Pine County Health and Human Services and Therapeutic Services Agency, Inc. The services provided through TSA are on an as-needed basis. This contract is effective for the period of January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018.

Approve the Memorandum of Agreement between the State of Minnesota – Minnesota State Colleges and Universities and Health and Human Services to host Bemidji State student Amber Andrews as an unpaid intern in its children’s services unit. Duration of internship – January, 2018 through July, 2018.

Approve the regular employment status for Eligibility Worker Donna Olsen, effective November 30, 2017.

Approve Land & Resources Manager Caleb Anderson to attend the General Continuing Education Course. The cost of the course is $265 with no hotel accommodations; mileage: $45.

Approve Land Services Director Kelly Schroeder to attend the Minnesota Association of County Officers (MACO) annual conference. Total cost: $274.

Approve the promotion of part-time Corrections Officer Kayla Wolfe to full-time corrections officer effective January 7, 2018, and authorize the backfill of any subsequent positions created.

Approve Resolution 2017-66 vacating a portion of County State Aid Highway 61 to property owners Thomas A. Jensen and Jamie L. Jensen.

Continued Public Hearing - Mini Truck Ordinance This hearing is a continuance of the October 17, 2017 public hearing. Chair Ludwig inquired of the county board if there were any questions. Commissioner Chaffee asked Sheriff Nelson his opinion of this ordinance; Sheriff Nelson stated without the ordinance it is easier for law enforcement to stop non-conforming vehicles, and, in his opinion, it was better with less vehicles on the roadway. Sheriff Nelson also commented that with the revisions to the ordinance made by the county attorney, this ordinance would create some issues but not a large amount. County Attorney Reese Frederickson explained the revisions to the ordinance which include the vehicle owner’s responsibility to add permit number stickers to their mini trucks, and extending the duration of a permit to a three-year period.

Chair Ludwig opened the public hearing at 10:04 a.m.

Ailene Croup inquired if the ordinance could be repealed or amended at a future date. The board indicated it could, however it was not an automatic review and would require a public hearing and action taken by the county board.

With no additional comments, the public hearing was closed at 10:08 a.m.

Additional discussion was held with Commissioner Ludwig stating his opposition to this ordinance, and Commissioners Hallan, Mohr and Chaffee stating their support. Administrator Minke stated this ordinance applies only to operation upon county roads.

Motion by Commissioner Mohr to approve adoption of Ordinance 2017-04 for the Management of Mini Trucks on Designated Roadways Within the County’s Jurisdiction and authorize Board Chair and County Administrator to sign.

Second by Commissioner Mikrot. Motion carried 4-1, Commissioner Ludwig opposed.

PINE COUNTY ORDINANCE #2017-04 PINE COUNTY ORDINANCE FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF MINI TRUCKS ON DESIGNATED ROADWAYS WITHIN THE COUNTY’S JURISDICTION ARTICLE 1. PURPOSE The purpose of this Ordinance is to establish standards for the use of mini trucks within Pine County.

ARTICLE 2. SCOPE This Ordinance shall provide for the authorization of the operation of mini trucks on designated roadways within Pine County.

ARTICLE 3. AUTHORITY This Ordinance is enacted pursuant to Minnesota Statutes section 169.045 which establishes the authority for Pine County to authorize by ordinance the operation of mini trucks on designated roadways within the county.

ARTICLE 4. DEFINITIONS For the purposes of this Ordinance, the following definitions apply: A. Mini truck: A motor vehicle that has four wheels, is propelled by an electric motor with a rated power of 7,500 watts or less or an internal combustion engine with a piston displacement capacity of 660 cubic centimeters or less; has a total dry weight of 900 to 2,200 pounds; contains an enclosed cabin and a seat for the vehicle operator; commonly resembles a pickup truck or van, including a cargo area or bed located at the rear of the vehicle; and was not originally manufactured to meet federal motor vehicle safety standards required of motor vehicles in the Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, sections 571.101 to 571.404, and successor requirements. A mini truck does not include: a. A neighborhood electric vehicle or a medium-speed electric vehicle; or b. A motor vehicle that meets or exceeds the regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, section 571.500, and successor requirements.

B. Designated Roadway: All county roads and county state-aid highways within Pine County.

ARTICLE 5. PERMIT NEEDED It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a mini truck on roadways within Pine County, except on designated roadways and in compliance with the permit requirements of this Ordinance.

ARTICLE 6. APPLICATION FOR A PERMIT A. Any person desiring to operate a mini truck on designated roadways within Pine County shall make written application for a permit on forms supplied by the Pine County Sheriff’s Office. Such application shall include the full name and address of the applicant; date of application; proof of insurance in compliance with Minnesota Statutes section 65B.48; evidence of a valid driver’s license; make, model and serial number of the vehicle; and such other conditions as deemed appropriate by the Pine County Sheriff’s Office.

B. An applicant shall submit a permit fee with the application to the Pine County Sheriff’s Office. The initial permit fee

PINE CITY PIONEER

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shall be $50.00. The Pine County Board of Commissioners may change the fee amount via resolution.

C. Permits may be granted for a duration of three years and may be renewed every three years. Vehicle owners are responsible for obtaining renewal of the permits.

D. An applicant may be required to submit a certificate signed by a physician that the applicant can safely operate a mini truck on designated roadways.

E. If persons operating a mini truck cannot obtain liability insurance in the private market, that person may purchase automobile insurance including no-fault coverage, from the Minnesota Automobile Insurance Plan under Minnesota Statutes section 65B.01 to 65.12 at a rate to be determined by the commissioner of commerce.

F. Upon approval of an application based upon the requirements of this Ordinance, the Pine County Sheriff’s Office shall issue a written permit and permit number. The applicant is responsible for obtaining self-adhesive numbers at least three inches tall and applying them to both the front and rear of the permitted mini truck. The numbers must be easily readable, visible and unobstructed. The applicant shall also keep a copy of the written permit in the mini truck during operation.

ARTICLE 7. PERMIT CONDITIONS A. The operator, under a permit, of a mini truck may cross any street or highway intersecting a designated roadway.

B. Every person operating a mini truck under permit on designated roadways has all the rights and duties applicable to the driver of any other motor vehicle under the provisions of Minnesota Statutes Chapter 169, except when those provisions cannot be reasonably applied to mini trucks and except otherwise provided within Article 7.C. below.

C. The provisions of Minnesota Statutes Chapter 171 are applicable to persons operating mini trucks under permit on designated roadways.

D. Notwithstanding any other law, a mini truck may be operated on designated roadways under permit only if it is equipped with: a. At least two headlamps; b. At least two taillamps; c. Front and rear turn-signal lamps; d. An exterior mirror mounted on the driver’s side of the vehicle and either: i. An exterior mirror mounted on the passenger’s side of the vehicle or ii. An interior mirror; e. A windshield; f. A seat belt for the driver and front passenger; and g. A parking brake.

ARTICLE 8. REVOCATION A. The Pine County Sheriff’s Office may revoke a permit at any time if there is evidence that the permittee cannot safely operate the mini truck on designated roadways or the permittee is convicted of violating a provision of this Ordinance.

B. A revocation shall be effective three days after the date of mailing, via certified mail, the Notice of Revocation of the permit to the permittee at the address listed on the permittee’s application.

C. Permittee may challenge the revocation of the permit by submitting a Notice of Appeal in writing to the Pine County Administrator at Pine County Courthouse, 635 Northridge Dr. NW, Pine City, MN 55063, within 14 days of the date of the Notice of Revocation. The Notice of Appeal shall specify the basis of the appeal.

D. Upon receipt of a Notice of Appeal of a permit revocation, the Pine County Administrator shall set the appeal on for a hearing before the Pine County Board of Commissioners within 30 days.

E. At the hearing before the Pine County Board of Commissioners, the permittee shall be given an opportunity to be heard and to show cause why the Notice of Revocation should be modified, withdrawn, or rescinded.

F. The Pine County Board of Commissioners shall issue detailed, written findings following the hearing of the appeal.

G. Any Notice of Revocation served pursuant to the provisions of this Ordinance shall automatically become final if written Notice of Appeal is not filed with the Pine County Administrator within 14 days after the Notice of Revocation is served.

ARTICLE 9. SEVERABILITY The provisions of this Ordinance shall be severable. Should any section, paragraph, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this Ordinance be declared invalid for any reason, the remainder of this Ordinance shall not be affected and the remainder of the provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

ARTICLE 10. EXEMPTIONS The provisions of this Ordinance shall not apply to the use of mini trucks used by governmental agencies in the pursuit of their duties.

ARTICLE 11. PENALTIES A. Any person, firm or corporation who violates any of the provisions of this Ordinance, fails to comply with any of the provisions of this Ordinance, or makes any false statement in any document required to be submitted under this Ordinance, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $1,000 and/or imprisonment not to exceed 90 days. Each day that a violation continues shall constitute a separate offense.

Such persons may be enjoined from continuing such violations.

B. In the event of a violation, or a threat of a violation, of this Ordinance, the Pine County Attorney may take appropriate action to enforce this Ordinance, including application for injunctive relief, action to compel performance, or other appropriate action in Court, if necessary, to prevent, restrain, correct or abate such violations or threatened violations.

ARTICLE 12. EFFECTIVE DATE This Ordinance shall be and is hereby declared to be in full force upon passage, and to be published according to law.

Passed by the Board of Commissioners of Pine County, Minnesota, this 19th day of December, 2017.

Subdivision Ordinance Public Hearing/Amendment for a Single Zoning Board Land Services Director Kelly Schroeder recapped the discussion which took place at the October 24, 2017 Committee of the Whole and November 21, 2017 county board meeting of a combined Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment into a single Zoning Board. The Zoning Board’s duties would encompass those of the Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment. This public meeting is to consider that amendment. Appointment of members of the Zoning Board would take place at the January 2, 2018 county board meeting. Commissioner Mohr stated he has spoken to members of the Board of Adjustment and there has been no opposition voiced to the combining of these boards. Schroeder stated this ordinance may be repealed or revised at any time by holding a public hearing and action by the county board.

Chair Ludwig opened the public hearing at 10:16 a.m.

There being no public comment, the public hearing was closed at 10:17 a.m.

Motion by Commissioner Ludwig to adopt Ordinance 2017-07 Amending the Pine County Subdivision and Platting Ordinance for a single Zoning Board. Authorize Board Chair and County Administrator to sign. Second by Commissioner Chaffee. Motion carried 5-0.

Commissioner Chaffee provided an overview of the December 12, 2017 Pine County Personnel Committee meeting. The Personnel Committee made the following recommendations: A. Information Technology a. Approve the promotion of IT Support Specialist Kent Bombard to IT Support Specialist Sr., effective January 1, 2018, with a pay increase from $22.20 to $25.09/hour. This position was created as part of the Springsted study.

B. Health & Human Services a. Approve the hiring of a social services supervisor at a minimum starting salary of $66,726. The position is included in the 2018 budget, will work out of Sandstone, and will be responsible for some of the duties currently performed by the other two social services supervisors resulting in better alignment of program areas. b. Acknowledge the termination of probationary Public Health Nurse, Shauna Cronk, effective November 13, 2017. Further discussion regarding the backfill of this position will be held at the January 2018 Personnel Committee meeting.

C. Land Services a. Approve the regrade of Record Clerk position from Grade 3 (Administrative Support) to Grade 4 (Skilled Administrative Support).

Motion by Commissioner Chaffee to approve the recommendations of the Personnel Committee. Second by Commissioner Ludwig. Motion carried 5-0.

Motion by Commissioner Chaffee to acknowledge the resignation of GIS/Environmental Tech Joseph Sanders effective December 29, 2017 and approve backfill of an Environmental Technician position at a grade 8. Second by Commissioner Ludwig. Motion carried 5-0.

Motion by Commissioner Ludwig to approve Resolution 2017-63 Setting 2018 Salaries for Elected Officials as follows: County Auditor-Treasurer - $95,445 (5% increase), County Sheriff - $99,540 (5% increase), and County Attorney $110,160 (8% increase). Second by Commissioner Chaffee. Motion carried 5-0.

Motion by Commissioner Ludwig to approve Resolution 2017-64 Establishing 2018 County Commissioner Compensation, Per Diem, and Employee Mileage Reimbursement as follows: • County Commissioner Salary – $21,844 (unchanged from 2017) • Per Diem Rate per meeting - $100 (unchanged from 2017) • Commissioner and Employee mileage reimbursement rate for 2018 is to follow the federal IRS rate (54.5 cents per mile (1 cent increase from 2017) for business mileage.

Second by Commissioner Hallan. Motion carried 5-0.

Motion by Commissioner Chaffee to approve a 3% Cost-of-Living increase to non-union employees, effective January 1, 2018, and to approve the following county contribution towards 2018 health insurance premiums for nonunion employees: Plan Type Monthly Premium Contribution Monthly VEBA or HSA Savings Contribution CMM 1500 Single $ 644.50 CMM 1500 Family $1,414.25 VEBA Single $ 626.75 $1,275.00 VEBA Family $1,201.75 $2,550.00 HSA Single $ 623.00 $1,287.00 HSA Family $1,414.26 Motion by Commissioner Hallan to approve the Pine County Community Health Board advisory member job description and the Pine County Public Health Advisory committee application. Second by Commissioner Chaffee.

Motion carried 5-0.

Motion by Chair Ludwig to approve Agency Agreement #1030058 between Pine County and MnDOT. Second by Commissioner Hallan. Motion carried 5-0.

Motion by Commissioner Ludwig to approve Resolution 2017-65 allowing the Commissioner of Transportation be appointed as Agent of Pine County to accept as its agent, federal aid funds which may be made available for eligible transportation related projects. Second by Commissioner Mohr. Motion carried 5-0.

A Special Meeting/Committee of the Whole meeting is set for January 23, 2018, 9:00 a.m. for the county board to conduct a strategic planning session.

SEE PUBLIC NOTICES, PAGE 18

18

PUBLIC NOTICES

PINE CITY PIONEER

JANUARY 11, 2018

www.pinecitymn.com

PUBLIC NOTICES: December 19 Pine County Board Meeting Minutes from page 17 County Administrator Minke presented the 2018 Pine County property tax levy at $17, 912,930 and 2018 operating budget. # DEPARTMENT REVENUES EXPENDITURES 5 COUNTY BOARD 0 261,945 13 COURT ADMINISTRATION 2,500 64,000 20 LAW LIBRARY 26,500 22,450 41 COUNTY AUDITOR-TREASURER 104,500 706,465 61 MIS 15,000 746,628 62 CENTRAL SERVICES 34,000 34,000 63 TRUTH IN TAXATION 9,500 14,800 71 ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATION 7,900 72,450 72 COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR 0 429,012 74 AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES PROG 125,002 124,981 91 COUNTY ATTORNEY 122,100 872,557 92 CONTRACTED ATTNYS/CONSULTANTS 0 40,000 101 COUNTY RECORDER 292,500 371,163 105 COUNTY ASSESSOR 191,500 598,727 107 PLANNING AND ZONING 136,075 178,993 111 GOVT BUILDING OPERATIONS 251,900 730,553 121 VETERANS SERVICES 10,000 123,493 201 COUNTY SHERIFF 1,085,642 4,041,910 204 SHERIFF DISPATCH 0 702,136 205 BOAT & WATER 6,925 6,925 206 SNOWMOBILE GRANT 1,700 1,700 208 ATV GRANT 7,101 7,101 210 GUN PERMITS 32,400 32,400 212 CANINE UNIT 10,000 10,000 227 ENHANCE 911 100,000 100,000 249 MEDICAL EXAMINER 0 62,000 251 COUNTY JAIL 422,500 3,829,381 253 COURT SECURITY 0 166,295 255 PROBATION 293,056 761,570 256 SENTENCE TO SERVE 0 75,289 281 CIVIL DEFENSE 21,026 99,011 392 SCORE RECYCLING 246,476 305,526 501 ECR LIBRARY 0 307,680 502 HISTORICAL SOCIETY 0 20,000 601 SOIL /WATER CONSERVATION 48,481 148,202 603 COUNTY EXTENSION 0 102,103 604 AGRICULTURE SOCIETY 0 10,000 605 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 0 7,700 613 WATERSHED BOARD 0 9,968 702 PINE COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY 0 3,000 801 NON-DEPARTMENTAL 13,146,019 423,600 813 MEED-CENTRAL MN INITIATIVE 0 7,450 TOTAL 16,750,303 16,633,164 DEPT # HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES REVENUES EXPENDITURES 12-420 INCOME MAINTENANCE 3,067,943 3,067,943 12-430 SOCIAL SERVICES 6,081,604 6,081,604 12-440 CHILDRENS COLLABORATIVE 107,150 107,150 12-481 NURSING 1,727,172 1,820,172

TOTAL 10,983,869 11,076,869 HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT REVENUES EXPENDITURES ADMINISTRATION 0 360,254 ENGR/CONSTRUCTION 0 6,499,412 EQUIPMENT 0 2,239,538 REPAIR AND SHOP 0 1,775,542 NON-DEPARTMENTAL 10,985,389 110,643 TOTAL 10,985,389 10,985,389 DEPT # RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT REVENUES EXPENDITURES 22-703 LAND USE 857,600 827,468 22-704 RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT 0 7,500 22-705 ROAD FUND GAS TAX 15,000 15,000 22-707 TIMBER DEVELOPMENT 5,000 TOTAL 872,600 854,968 DEPT # BUILDING FUND DEPARTMENT REVENUES EXPENDITURES 38-801 BUILDING FUND 75,000 75,000 DEPT # 2015 JAIL BONDS DEPARTMENT REVENUES EXPENDITURES 39-810 2015A JAIL BONDS 1,168,755 1,111,100 DEPT # 2012A CTHSE BONDS DEPARTMENT REVENUES EXPENDITURES 40-810 2012A COURTHOUSE BONDS 1,004,640 946,800 DEPT # 2017A G.O. CIP BONDS DEPARTMENT REVENUES EXPENDITURES 41-810 2017A G.O. CIP BONDS 344,276 100,200 DEPT # EQUIPMENT DEPARTMENT REVENUES EXPENDITURES 43-801 EQUIPMENT 100,000 100,000 TOTAL ALL FUNDS 42,284,832 41,883,490 Motion by Commissioner Hallan to approve Resolution 2017-62 Establishing the 2018 Pine County Property Tax Levy at $17,912,930 and authorize Board Chair and County Administrator to sign. Second by Commissioner Ludwig.

Motion carried 5-0.

Motion by Commission Chaffee to approve Resolution 2017-61 Adopting the 2018 Pine County Operating Budget and authorize Board Chair and County Administrator to sign. Second by Commissioner Hallan. Motion carried 5-0.

Motion by Commissioner Ludwig to close the meeting as provided by Minnesota Statute 13D.02 to consider negotiation strategies and develop, discuss and review labor negotiations proposals, for negotiations conducted pursuant to Minnesota Statutes §179A.01 to 179A.25. Second by Commissioner Chaffee. Motion carried 5-0.

Chair Ludwig called for a five-minute recess.

The meeting was closed at 12:05 p.m. with the following present: Chair Ludwig, Commissioners Hallan, Mohr, Chaffee, and Mikrot; County Attorney Reese Frederickson, Human Resources Manager Jackie Koivisto, and County Administrator David Minke.

Motion by Commissioner Chaffee to open the meeting at 1:00 p.m. Second by Commissioner Hallan. Motion carried 5-0.

Motion by Commissioner Ludwig to approve the Collective Bargaining Agreements for 2018-2020 with 1) Highway Maintenance Unit, 2) Highway Technicians Unit, 3) Courthouse Workers, 4) Social Services Supervisors, and 5) the Memorandum Of Agreement for wages with the Highway Supervisors Unit. Second by Commissioner Mohr. Motion passed 5-0.

With no further business, Chair Ludwig adjourned the meeting at 1:06 p.m. The next regular and organizational meeting of the county board is scheduled for Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the Pine County Courthouse, 635 Northridge Drive NW, Pine City, Minnesota.

Matthew W. Ludwig, Chair, Board of Commissioners David J. Minke, Administrator, Clerk to County Board of Commissioners The full text of the board’s Minutes are available at the County Administrator’s Office and the county’s website (www. co.pine.mn.us). Copies may also be requested from the administrator’s office.

Published in the Pine City Pioneer on January 11, 2018

STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF PINE TENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT DISTRICT COURT Case Type – Other Civil Mortgage Foreclosure Court File No. 58-CV-17-619 Stearns Bank, N.A., a National Banking Association, Plaintiff, v.

Kelly T. Koffler and Katherine G. Koffler, husband and wife; Robert T. Hommell and Heather D. Hommell, husband and wife; White Bear Foot Clinic, Inc.; National Account Services, Inc.; and Fairview Health Services, Defendants.

NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE UNDER JUDGMENT AND DECREE (REAL PROPERTY) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that under and by virtue of the Judgment signed on December 12, 2017, and entered in the above entitled action on December 19, 2017, by the District Court of Pine County, Minnesota, Tenth Judicial District, a certified copy of which has been delivered to me directing the sale of the premises hereinaf-

Information of Mortgage: Mortgage dated December 6, 2004 and recorded on December 9, 2004, in the Office of the Pine County Recorder as Document Number 439421. A Corrective Mortgage was recorded on March 27, 2006 as Document Number 453606. Assigned to Stearns Bank, NA via an Assignment of Mortgage recorded on May 7, 2010 as Document Number 487525.

Subject to redemption within TWELVE (12) months from the confirmation of said sale.

“The time allowed by law for redemption by the mortgagors, the mortgagors’ personal representatives or assigns, may be reduced to five (5) weeks if a Judicial Order is entered under Minnesota Statutes, Section 582.032, determining, among other things, that the mortgaged premises are improved with a residential dwelling of less than five (5) units, are not property used in agricultural production, and are abandoned.”

Dated: January 4, 2018 Jeff Nelson Sheriff of Pine County, Minnesota

By Paul Widenstrom

ter described, to satisfy the amount found and adjudged due Plaintiff in the above-entitled action from Defendants, which is $68,601.53, as prescribed in the Judgment, the undersigned Sheriff of Pine County will sell at public auction to the highest bidder, for cash, on the 1st day of March, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. at the Pine County Sheriff’s Office, 635 Northridge Drive NW, Pine City, MN 55063, the premises and real estate, lying and being in the County of Pine, State of Minnesota, described in said Judgment, to-wit: Northwest Quarter of Southwest Quarter (NW ¼ of SW ¼ ) and South Half of Southwest Quarter (S ½ of SW ¼ ), Section Three (3), Township Thirty-eight (38), Range Twenty-one (21), EXCEPT the following: 1) A strip of land 2 rods wide off from the West side of said NW ¼ of SW ¼ of Section 3; 2) A strip 2 rods wide off from North side of said NW ¼ of SW ¼ of Section 3; 3) A small tract 4 rods long North and South by 2 rods wide East and West off from SW ¼ of SW ¼ of said Section 3 in the Northwest corner of said SW ¼ of SW ¼ of Section

3, this tract described as follows: Commencing at the Northwest corner of said SW ¼ of SW ¼ of Section 3, thence East 2 rods, thence South 4 rods, thence West 2 rods to West line of said SW ¼ of SW ¼ and thence North to place of beginning. 4) North 900 feet of the West 484 feet of Northwest Quarter of Southwest Quarter (NW ¼ of SW ¼) of Section Three (3), Township Thirty-eight (38), Range Twenty-one (21), Pine County, Minnesota. together with all existing or subsequently erected or affixed buildings, improvements and fixtures; all easements, rights of way, and appurtenances; all water, water rights, watercourses and ditch rights (including stock in utilities with ditch or irrigation rights); and all other rights, royalties, and profits relating to the real property, including without limitation all minerals, oil, gas, geothermal and similar matters, referred to as the “Mortgaged Property.”

Property Address: 10614 Freedom Road SE, Pine City, Minnesota 55063 Parcel ID No.: 26.0166.000 Date and Recording

DEPT # 13-310 13-320 13-330 13-340 13-801

Chief Deputy This instrument was drafted by: John M. Cabak CABAK LAW, LLC 243 Main Street S Pine City, MN 55063 (320) 629-2529 Attorney Registration #0388929 Plaintiff’s Attorney THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR IN AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Published in the Pine City Pioneer on January 11, 18, 25, February 1, 8 and 15, 2018 NOTICE Sealed bids will be received by Pine City Public Schools, Pine City, MN, Pine County for furnishing all equipment, labor, and materials for the following: roof repairs Bids must be submitted in duplicate and shall be addressed and delivered in an opaque envelope marked per project specifications with the name of the bidder showing, no later than 2:00 p.m., February 13th, 2018. Bids received after this

time will be returned unopened.

Bids shall be delivered to: Jill Nolan Pine City Public Schools 1400 Main Street South Pine City, MN 55063 Each bid must be accompanied by a bid bond or certified check from a solvent bank in the amount of not less than five percent (5%) of the bid, payable to the Owner, as security that if awarded the work, the bidder will sign a contract.

All Contractors shall attend a mandatory pre-bid conference to inspect the job site and to ensure comprehension of the specifications.

Specifications shall be distributed at the time of the pre-bid meeting, January 30th @ 1:00 pm, Pine City High School. Contractors who do not attend the pre-bid conference shall be disqualified from bidding.

The Owner reserves the right to reject any and all bids and waive informalities or irregularities and enter into such contract or contracts as deemed in the best interests of Pine City Public Schools.

Published in the Pine City Pioneer on January 11 and 18, 2018

BIRTHS

DeWitt Jackson Lee DeWitt was born on Dec. 21, 2017, at FirstLight Health System. He weighed eight pounds and was 21-1/4 inches long. His parents are Andrew and Ashley DeWitt of Brook Park. His grandparents are Brandon and LeeAnne Gibson of Holyoke, Steve and Jeanette DeWitt of Mora.

Bedausky Babolik PHOTO PROVIDED

Chris’ Foods recognized for recycling Roger Theuninck accepted a plaque from Chairman Steve Hallan for Chris’ Foods in recognition and thanks for hosting the county’s recycling sheds.

Remi Duke Babolik was born on Dec. 17, 2017, at FirstLight Health System. He weighed seven pounds, 14 ounces and he was 20-3/4 inches long. His parents are Jonah and Alicia Babolik of Pine City. Remi is welcomed by grandparents Terry and Wendy Leger, and Diane Babolik.

Nova Rae Bedausky was born on Dec. 22, 2017, at FirstLight Health System. She weighed eight pounds, 14 ounces and was 20-3/4 inches long. Her parents are Kalley Rae Paulsen and Rome L. Bedausky of Isle. Her grandparents are Heather and Arlo Paulsen, Brenda Bedausky Best and Lucas Best.

JANUARY 11, 2018

www.pinecitymn.com

PINE CITY PIONEER

19

PHONE: 320-629-6771 | PHONE: 763-689-1181 ext 101 | ads@pinecitymn.com| Deadline: Monday by 4:30pm

154 EMPLOYMENT

NOW HIRING: Food Service Team Members

R TE D

DRYWALL• PAINTING -6 64

e Pin

Since 1974

1

WALLPAPERING & REMOVAL

C

Apply in person at Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pine City, MN Kentucky Fried Chicken 1280 Hillside Ave SW, Pine City, MN

157 EMPLOYMENT PART TIME

it 29 ys 320-6

154 EMPLOYMENT

Progressive Living Solutions is a local North Branch residential adult foster care provider supporting high functioning adults with mental illness and other disabilities.

Looking for sta to assist us in our fun and laid-back social environment. No physical cares or restraining actions required.

Oering a competitive hourly wage, paid training, annual bonus, and a $500.00 new hire bonus.

Now hiring for 10:00pm – 7:30am Awake Overnight Direct Care positions with rotating weekends. Please call to discuss this opportunity!

(651) 277 - 7777

HIRING Safe Transitions Full/Part Time Adult Foster Care Full BeneďŹ ts Apply at www.

SafeTransitions.org EEOC

6.5 hours per day

QualiďŹ cations: A two year degree or passage of the state Para-Pro exam will be required for this position. This position will assist special education teacher(s) with implementing individualized education programs, including support for challenging behaviors, to students attending the VISION, Federal Setting IV, behavior program in Pine City, MN. Experience working with students with social behavior needs is preferred.

Application deadline: Open until ďŹ lled.

Apply Online: http://www.applitrack.com/pinecity/onlineapp

PINE CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS HAS THE FOLLOWING OPENING:

Evening Custodian

YK

OS

Furnace Service or Repair Call Russ 320-260-6224

PINE CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS HAS THE FOLLOWING OPENING:

Special Education Paraprofessional - Vision

NOW HIRING Part-time and part-time casual bus drivers $13.32/hour Bus garages in Pine City and Sandstone

Apply at aeoaess.aeoa. org/careers

Both jobs require a CDL. If your application is accepted, Arrowhead Transit will provide and pay for the training you need to obtain your professional commercial driver’s license (CDL).

You must be 21 years old

For Rent: Pine City 7 bedroom/3 bath upper level home with washer/dryer. $1,500 utilities included. Off street parking, new floor and paint. No smoking. No pets.

Call: 612-581-0075 Townhouse 55+ Pine City 2bdrm $975 includes yard, snow, garbage. NO smoking!

NO pets!

320-629-7442

452 RENTALS RESIDENTIAL 1 Bedroom efficiency apartment. Utilities paid, Satellite T.V., $450/mo. Rock Creek.

320-629-6578 EXCESS BAGGAGE WEIGHING YOU DOWN? Placing a classiďŹ ed ad is an easy and affordable way to advertise your unwanted items to hundreds of potential buyers. Contact us today and start turning the stuff you don’t want into something you do want: CASH! Advertiser 320-322-5243 or www.pinecitymn.com

Homes in Hugo, Dellwood, White Bear, Wyoming, North Branch, Harris, Stanchfield, Pine City, Brook Park $250 Sign on Bonus Starting wages range $11.50 to $16.00/hr.

Weekend differentials, Overnight differentials Year-end bonus Paid training Medical, Dental, 401(k), Paid Personal Leave We have full-time, part-time, and relief positions available Community Living Options provides 24-hour residential care and supervision to adults and children with intellectual developmental disabilities, mental health and medical challenges.

For interview call Polly @ 651-237-1087 or email: Trainer@clomail.com Apply online at CLO-MN.com

Kanabec Publications and North Star Media are family companies that offer exible work hours. So, go ahead and drop your kids off at school, go on a lunch date or go get your teeth cleaned.

We’ll see you when you get back.

Now Hiring: Marketing Representatives

Apply Online: http://www.applitrack.com/pinecity/onlineapp

YOU’VE GOT IT.

CL

AS

SIF

IED

Positions can be full or part time and offer a salary plus commission and bonus opportunities.

Applicants with previous sales experience a plus.

Be part of a successful community and help local businesses grow!

S

Somebody else wants it!

Got something special you no longer use?

Sell it in the ClassiďŹ eds.

It may just be the perfect item to ďŹ ll somebody else’s need.

For more information, contact misti@moraminn.com

Call 320 -322-5243 to place an ad

St. Clare Living Community of Mora RNs, LPNs AND NARs We are seeking to fill positions with skilled, hard-working and compassionate candidates.

Come Join Our Amazing Nursing Team!

Position requirements: RNs & LPNs must be currently active on the MN Board of Nursing, and NARs must be currently active on the MN Nursing Assistant Registry.

These positions offer competitive pay, shift differential, PTO and holiday pay.

A comprehensive benefit package is available for employees working 30+ hours per week.

To take advantage of these opportunities stop in or contact Human Resources.

St. Clare Living Community of Mora 110 7th Street N, Mora, MN 55051 (320) 679-8328 Fax (320) 679-8350 nancy.dobbins@lsfhealth.org

www.pinecitymn.com Go Online! • NEWS • EVENTS

To advertise online or in the Pioneer, call today! 320-629-6771 Pioneer Ad & News Deadlines: Monday at 4pm PINE P INE CITY

• PHOTOS • VIDEO

PLACE A CLASSIFIED TODAY.

Debt Collections Representative CU Recovery in Wyoming is looking for Collections Representatives. You must be a customer service oriented team player with experience in collections or customer service; possess a client service attitude, and a strong work ethic.

Excellent communication, listening, and negotiation skills are paramount to this position.

Additional requirements of the Collections role include: High school diploma or GED, basic keyboarding skills, organization and problem solving skills.

Experience in debt collection is preferred, but not required.

Please forward your resume to: Mari Gordon, CU Recovery, Inc., 26263 Forest Blvd., Wyoming, MN 55092 or email: marig@curecovery.com.

320-322-5243 THIS COULD BE YOUR NEXT EMPLOYER

EOE

HELP WANTED Now Hiring Direct Support Professionals

NO PROBLEM.

Application Deadline: Open until filled.

451 RENTALS COMMERCIAL For Rent Pine City: 2 Bedroom house with garage. $800 per month plus utilities.

612-390-8776

Did your kids miss the bus?

Qualifications: Qualified applicants should be able to identify and correct building and equipment problems by performing carpentry, electrical, plumbing, painting, HVAC work, and other duties as assigned.

Applicants need to demonstrate the ability to tactfully and effectively handle requests, suggestions, and complaints from fellow employees, supervisor, professionals and the general public. This position requires frequent lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds and unloading trucks. Occasionally they may be required to lift or move up to 90 pounds such as salt and bulk furniture. Must be able to pass a background check.

NorthStar Media has an opening in our Mailroom/Delivery area.

This is a part-time/possibly full-time position. Person must have flexible hours, some heavy lifting, and applicant must be able to work as a team.

APPLY IN PERSON: NorthStar Media 930 S. Cleveland St. Cambridge, MN 55008 No phone calls please.

NorthStar 3ULQWHUV ‡ 3XEOLVKHUV

.ORTH3TAR -EDIA )NC s 3 #LEVELAND s s &!8

NOW HIRING LPN, RN, CNA & RA SIGN ON BONUS Competitive Wages Block scheduling, updated work atmosphere, matching 401k, and more!

Place a ClassiďŹ ed ad today! • Visit us online at www.pinecitymn.com • Stop in and see us • Look for a Classified form in last week’s Pine City Pioneer PINE P INE CITY

OFFERING FREE NAR CLASS! Please see website for more information and job descriptions www.ecumen.org/careers or call Amy @ 651-237-3055 AA/EOE/Vets/Disabled

PLACE A CLASSIFIED TODAY!!

320-322-5243 405 2nd Avenue SE Pine City, MN 55063

www.pinecitymn.com

102 SERVICES

CALL 320-322-5243

or visit www.pinecitymn.com click on ClassiďŹ eds, place an ad.

20

PINE CITY PIONEER

JANUARY 11, 2018 www.pinecitymn.com

Girls take 2nd in Silver Bay

The 12U-B Pine City Girls Youth Hockey team took Second Place in the Silver Bay Tournament. Pictured are Arissa Rydberg, Solei Olsen, Eden Sauter, Lexa Valvoda, Ava Rydberg, Gabby Schumacher, Abby Aagaard, Emma Hermanson, Reanna Cruz, Emma Kirby, Sophia Olson, Malia Mikyska, Andee Winters, Lena Roubinek, Brenna Youngbauer, coach Chad Schumacher, coach Nick Rydberg, coach Bill Aagaard. Not pictured: Emma Tracy and coach Mike Winters. These girls are working hard and having a great season. As of now they are undefeated in district 10.

PHOTO PROVIDED

#1 Source

In Focus

for

An educational series presented by FirstLight Health System

News All the news you need to know - right here in black and white!

Thursday, January 18 from 3 – 4 p.m.

FirstLight Health System 301 Highway 65 South Mora, MN 55051

Stay on top of current events in your area with our local news reports.

Join us for this NEW support group.

PPINE INE CITY

All those impacted by Parkinson’s Disease are encouraged to attend these free sessions. This support group will meet once each quarter in January, April, July and October.

Everyone is welcome to these FREE sessions.

For more information, call Teresa, Grace or Jean at 320-225-3356.

405 2nd Ave. SE Pine City, MN 55063 (320) 629-6771 E-mail: editor@pinecitymn.com

5 2 GY E N E R

DRA

“Kati Dvorak sets a high bar for the FirstLight team with her commitment and service to our patients and her strong leadership both at our organization and in her profession,” said FirstLight Health Care System’s Director of Pharmacy, Brent Thompson. “We thank the Minnesota Pharmacists Association for recognizing and honoring her talent and expertise through this well-deserved award.”

Dvorak has worked at FirstLight Health System for eight years and has served in leadership roles in both state and national associations. She has served as the Speaker of the House for the Minnesota Pharmacists Association for the past two years, exhibiting poise and grace in the role. This leadership experience builds on her work as a Minnesota delegate to the American Pharmacists Association’s House of Delegates, which helps to shape policy for the profession.

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Dvorak named Young Pharmacist of the Year Dr. Kati Dvorak has been named the 2017 Distinguished Young Pharmacist of the Year in Minnesota. The prestigious award was conferred on the FirstLight Health System pharmacist at the recent meeting of the Minnesota Pharmacists Association.

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Dvorak graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2008 with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and then went on to complete the University of Minnesota Postgraduate Pharmacy Residency Program. In her residency, Dvorak focused on Medication Therapy Management (MTM), which aims to optimize drug therapy and improve the therapeutic outcomes for patients. With her expertise, Dvorak has helped to build MTM into a full-time service for FirstLight Health System.