Why do we assume the government can solve all our problems?
Instead of exercising better business practices, America's auto dealers have turned to the federal government for a handout. Yes, times are tough. But perhaps they should have started offering alternatives to gas-guzzlers years ago. The technology has been around for decades; it just didn't go very far very fast because those in power didn't see the need for it. It was a lot easier to stick with what they knew and to bury their heads in the sand. But that attitude didn't get them very far, and now look. We taxpayers are going to end up bailing them out of the mess they made. That's no way to run a private business.
The attitude is catching on. "We want a bailout" was even the refrain heard at the Harris city truth-in-taxation hearing in early December. Some citizens there don't think the local government should pay its own bills, but should instead default on its loans and wait for the Feds to swoop in and fix things.
How far is this going to go?
We bailed out the financial industry because they were too greedy to make wise choices. Now it looks like on top of all that we're going to bail out citizens who also made bad financial decisions. Where does it end?
When do we demand that people be responsible for their own choices? When do those people who do make wise choices and go without sometimes get a break?
I'm going to say something that isn't necessarily popular. I don't want my tax dollars going to bail out private businesses or private citizens. I live with the choices I make, and I think everyone else should too.
Does that make me uncompassionate? Does that make me a miserly grinch?
I don't think so. I still donate to those less fortunate because I think people should look after people; I don't think that's a burden for government. I think that's what churches are for. I empathize with those in financial trouble, and hope I can help led them to resources that will pull them out and help them avoid such situations in the future. There are many agencies out there that offer financial counseling, such as Thrivent, to point people on the right path instead of rewarding bad decisions.
The simple truth is we put ourselves in this mess, and we need to work out of it. We need to stop spending what we don't have. We need to tear up our credit cards. We need to make sure money is in the bank before we spend it. We need to lower our expectations. At 25, there's no way a person can afford the payments on a $200,000 plus home. Our parents worked up to what they have now; why do we think we can get overnight what they took 25 years to achieve? It's okay to live in a crappy apartment until you can save up for a house. It's okay to buy furniture from a garage sale and dishes from a thrift shop. The added benefit is we're reducing and reusing, and our impact on the earth is a little softer.
The harsh truth is we need to stop being victims. Let's bring back that good 'ole fashion American virtue of picking ourselves up by our bootstraps and making something of ourselves. Stop asking for a handout, and put that hand to work.
I'd love to hear your money-saving tips. Go online to the Star's web site (http://www.isanti-chisagocountystar.com) and post them under the blog section. Let's help each other, and leave the government out of it.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Holiday traditions around the world
Foreign exchange students share their Christmas memories
Holiday traditions vary across the globe. Foreign exchange students spending this year at Cambridge-Isanti High School share their favorite holiday memories.
Hungary
Timea Dianovsky expects to feel right at home while celebrating Christmas in Cambridge this year.
The Hungarian native pointed out that the traditions in her homeland and in the United States are similar. In both countries, people decorate inside and out. And there is the gift exchange.
“We cook Hungarian foods, and after it the whole family comes together to eat and talk,” Dianovsky noted.
Afterwards, the family often plays games.
One Christmas memory stands out clearest toDianovsky. It was the year that she lost her dog two days before Christmas. She was devastated and cried a lot. On Christmas day, her neighbor came over – with her dog. “It was the biggest present for me,” recalled Dianovsky.
Kyrgyzstan
In Altynai (Tisha) Kamchybek’s native Kyrgyzstan, they don’t celebrate Christmas. But their New Year’s celebration is a cross between America’s two holidays.
Families erect trees, decorate them … and wait for the new year.
The entire family comes together to celebrate the holiday. Shortly before midnight, the president gives a televised New Year’s speech. After it, everyone counts down the seconds to the new year, and then they toast. Next they head outside to view the fireworks.
Then it’s time for the feast. “We come back to the house and eat, eat, eat,” said Kamchybeck. “That’s fun!”
The thing she’ll miss the most this year is her “big, noisy family dinner.”
But she’s excited to see all the homes decorated for the holidays in America. She’s also looking forward to spending Christmas Eve with her host Margaret Hemmingson and family. And she can’t wait to hear Christmas singers.
When Kamchybek looks back over the years, she recalls one hilarious memory: that of her father and uncle dancing for the family wearing wigs on New Year’s Eve.
Brazil
Deborah Ribeiro is used to a hot Christmas. In Brazil, December falls in the middle of summer and is one of the hottest times of the year.
While the cold may take some getting used to, there are many things she’s looking forward to about Christmas in Minnesota.
She can’t wait to see the local church’s musical. Participating in the Christmas musical at her church is one of the things she enjoys most about the holiday and will miss this year.
Ribeiro is also excited to taste the foods and desserts specific to a Minnesota holiday. Spending time with her host family, the Huffs, is also on top of her list.
In a way, her Christmas here will be much like her one at home, filled with family and food.
Each year in Brazil, her large family gets together to pray and eat. “On Christmas, we also have karaoke to sing with friends and relatives,” Ribeiro said. “My uncle gets dressed up like Santa Claus for the younger kids’ entertainment.”
They decorate a tree, and hang up lights.
Two Christmas memories stand out for Ribeiro: the year her cousin’s boyfriend proposed in front of the whole famly, and the year she took high scores in karaoke.
Vietnam
Christmas isn’t an official holiday in Vietnam and is treated as a day like any other by the government. Students must attend school, and workers go to work.
But citizens still decorate the streets, hang lights on their buildings, and put fake snow on the windows, according to Chau (CK) Huynh. “Enter city hall, and you’ll see so many beautiful things … constructions with lights all over, snowhouses, Christmas trees,” she said.
“It’s not cold – there’s no snow, but we can still feel the spirit and excitement of Christmas in us all.”
On Christmas day, Huynh and her family decorate a Christmas tree, gather together for dinner, and then go out for a walk until late at night to view all the decorations. After taking pictures of the beautiful things, they return home to open gifts. The next day will be a regular day. That’s why this year, Huynh is excited to experience a Christmas break from school.
She’s also delighted to see snow, and to “feel the real Christmas time in America.”
Germany
This year won’t be the first that Pauline Hein has spent Christmas in a foreign land. When she was six, her family and relatives spent Christmas in Mexico. “It was very hot, and I had sunburn on my nose,” recalled Hein. “My cousins had nice costumes: one was an angel and the other one a Santa Claus. Finally, we were singing together and got our gifts.”
She’s excited to spend the holidays in a new way, although she knows she’ll miss her traditional celebration.
In Germany, nearly every family puts up a Christmas tree. Santa Claus is a prominent theme. They begin counting down the days on Dec. 1 when they get a Christmas calendar.
On Christmas Eve, her family drives to visit her grandparents in her old hometown, Eisenhuttenstadt. At 7 p.m., they attend the concert of her former trumpet teacher. One person always stays home to “welcome the Santa Claus.”
When the family returns home, they dine together and then open their gifts. They listen to Christmas music and watch films like “The Last Unicorn.”
At 9 p.m., they go to church to listen to her sister’s choir concert.
On Christmas Day, the family feasts on goose. “We eat many oranges, peanuts, gingerbread and platzchen, a traditional cookie,” said Hein.
Laura Fritsche, also of Germany, points out that Germans decorate their homes with garlands and lights. Decorations also spill down the streets. “We also have Christmas fairs where you can buy decorations, jewelry and a lot of food,” she said.
Her entire family comes together to celebrate the holiday. “On Dec. 24, my grandmas and grandpas come to our house, and we have a big dinner together,” Fritsche said. “On Dec. 25 and 26, we visit my uncles and aunts, or they come to our house.” She will miss that connection with family members this year.
But she’s looking forward to spending Christmas with her host family, Mary and Brian DeVries, and learning about how Americans celebrate.
Holiday traditions vary across the globe. Foreign exchange students spending this year at Cambridge-Isanti High School share their favorite holiday memories.
Hungary
Timea Dianovsky expects to feel right at home while celebrating Christmas in Cambridge this year.
The Hungarian native pointed out that the traditions in her homeland and in the United States are similar. In both countries, people decorate inside and out. And there is the gift exchange.
“We cook Hungarian foods, and after it the whole family comes together to eat and talk,” Dianovsky noted.
Afterwards, the family often plays games.
One Christmas memory stands out clearest toDianovsky. It was the year that she lost her dog two days before Christmas. She was devastated and cried a lot. On Christmas day, her neighbor came over – with her dog. “It was the biggest present for me,” recalled Dianovsky.
Kyrgyzstan
In Altynai (Tisha) Kamchybek’s native Kyrgyzstan, they don’t celebrate Christmas. But their New Year’s celebration is a cross between America’s two holidays.
Families erect trees, decorate them … and wait for the new year.
The entire family comes together to celebrate the holiday. Shortly before midnight, the president gives a televised New Year’s speech. After it, everyone counts down the seconds to the new year, and then they toast. Next they head outside to view the fireworks.
Then it’s time for the feast. “We come back to the house and eat, eat, eat,” said Kamchybeck. “That’s fun!”
The thing she’ll miss the most this year is her “big, noisy family dinner.”
But she’s excited to see all the homes decorated for the holidays in America. She’s also looking forward to spending Christmas Eve with her host Margaret Hemmingson and family. And she can’t wait to hear Christmas singers.
When Kamchybek looks back over the years, she recalls one hilarious memory: that of her father and uncle dancing for the family wearing wigs on New Year’s Eve.
Brazil
Deborah Ribeiro is used to a hot Christmas. In Brazil, December falls in the middle of summer and is one of the hottest times of the year.
While the cold may take some getting used to, there are many things she’s looking forward to about Christmas in Minnesota.
She can’t wait to see the local church’s musical. Participating in the Christmas musical at her church is one of the things she enjoys most about the holiday and will miss this year.
Ribeiro is also excited to taste the foods and desserts specific to a Minnesota holiday. Spending time with her host family, the Huffs, is also on top of her list.
In a way, her Christmas here will be much like her one at home, filled with family and food.
Each year in Brazil, her large family gets together to pray and eat. “On Christmas, we also have karaoke to sing with friends and relatives,” Ribeiro said. “My uncle gets dressed up like Santa Claus for the younger kids’ entertainment.”
They decorate a tree, and hang up lights.
Two Christmas memories stand out for Ribeiro: the year her cousin’s boyfriend proposed in front of the whole famly, and the year she took high scores in karaoke.
Vietnam
Christmas isn’t an official holiday in Vietnam and is treated as a day like any other by the government. Students must attend school, and workers go to work.
But citizens still decorate the streets, hang lights on their buildings, and put fake snow on the windows, according to Chau (CK) Huynh. “Enter city hall, and you’ll see so many beautiful things … constructions with lights all over, snowhouses, Christmas trees,” she said.
“It’s not cold – there’s no snow, but we can still feel the spirit and excitement of Christmas in us all.”
On Christmas day, Huynh and her family decorate a Christmas tree, gather together for dinner, and then go out for a walk until late at night to view all the decorations. After taking pictures of the beautiful things, they return home to open gifts. The next day will be a regular day. That’s why this year, Huynh is excited to experience a Christmas break from school.
She’s also delighted to see snow, and to “feel the real Christmas time in America.”
Germany
This year won’t be the first that Pauline Hein has spent Christmas in a foreign land. When she was six, her family and relatives spent Christmas in Mexico. “It was very hot, and I had sunburn on my nose,” recalled Hein. “My cousins had nice costumes: one was an angel and the other one a Santa Claus. Finally, we were singing together and got our gifts.”
She’s excited to spend the holidays in a new way, although she knows she’ll miss her traditional celebration.
In Germany, nearly every family puts up a Christmas tree. Santa Claus is a prominent theme. They begin counting down the days on Dec. 1 when they get a Christmas calendar.
On Christmas Eve, her family drives to visit her grandparents in her old hometown, Eisenhuttenstadt. At 7 p.m., they attend the concert of her former trumpet teacher. One person always stays home to “welcome the Santa Claus.”
When the family returns home, they dine together and then open their gifts. They listen to Christmas music and watch films like “The Last Unicorn.”
At 9 p.m., they go to church to listen to her sister’s choir concert.
On Christmas Day, the family feasts on goose. “We eat many oranges, peanuts, gingerbread and platzchen, a traditional cookie,” said Hein.
Laura Fritsche, also of Germany, points out that Germans decorate their homes with garlands and lights. Decorations also spill down the streets. “We also have Christmas fairs where you can buy decorations, jewelry and a lot of food,” she said.
Her entire family comes together to celebrate the holiday. “On Dec. 24, my grandmas and grandpas come to our house, and we have a big dinner together,” Fritsche said. “On Dec. 25 and 26, we visit my uncles and aunts, or they come to our house.” She will miss that connection with family members this year.
But she’s looking forward to spending Christmas with her host family, Mary and Brian DeVries, and learning about how Americans celebrate.
Board expels student, fires custodian
DISTRICT 911 – On Thursday night, Dec. 18, 2008, the District 911 School board expelled a student for one year and fired its head custodian.
Neither were easy decisions, according to Superintendent Bruce Novak.
Expulsion
A middle school student was expelled for one year (Dec. 11, 2008 to Dec. 11, 2009) for brandishing a pocket knife and threatening other students with it on a bus ride home Dec. 12.
Novak noted that in deciding to expel the student the district weighed the intent of the student and how it affected other students.
The parent(s) were brought in to discuss the issue, and agreed to the expulsion.
An alternative schooling option has been found for the student, Novak stressed. “We’re about trying to get help for the student and not cost him/her into the streets somewhere,” he added.
Custodian fired
Jerold P. Gambino was terminated as head custodian on Dec. 18.
Details surrounding the termination are not being released and were discussed during a closed session.
Gambino can choose to appeal the decision. If that occurs, it will go through arbitration. This process may take up to three months. If the termination is upheld, the reasons will be released.
Gambino has worked for the district over 12 years. He has been disciplined in the past for conduct issues and supervisory/management type issues, noted Novak.
Neither were easy decisions, according to Superintendent Bruce Novak.
Expulsion
A middle school student was expelled for one year (Dec. 11, 2008 to Dec. 11, 2009) for brandishing a pocket knife and threatening other students with it on a bus ride home Dec. 12.
Novak noted that in deciding to expel the student the district weighed the intent of the student and how it affected other students.
The parent(s) were brought in to discuss the issue, and agreed to the expulsion.
An alternative schooling option has been found for the student, Novak stressed. “We’re about trying to get help for the student and not cost him/her into the streets somewhere,” he added.
Custodian fired
Jerold P. Gambino was terminated as head custodian on Dec. 18.
Details surrounding the termination are not being released and were discussed during a closed session.
Gambino can choose to appeal the decision. If that occurs, it will go through arbitration. This process may take up to three months. If the termination is upheld, the reasons will be released.
Gambino has worked for the district over 12 years. He has been disciplined in the past for conduct issues and supervisory/management type issues, noted Novak.
Make a difference by buying Fair Trade gifts
Looking for a way to make a difference with your Christmas shopping?
Consider purchasing a Fair Trade item. A variety of home decor, kids toys, and jewelry are available at the City Center Market in Cambridge.
Choose a red leather purse shaped like a cat made in India. Or, how about a wooden jewelry box from Indonesia? Wooden nativity scenes were carefully carved on the West Bank, or opt for a stone scene from Peru. There are also silk scarves, handwoven baskets and colorful purses.
Shopping for kids? Pick a drum or a unique African instrument, or get a wobbly fish pen from Chili.
With the purchase of these items you are not only buying a gift the people on your Christmas list will love, but you’re supporting workers in Third World countries, noted Gayle Cupit.
As the City Center Market Board Chair, Cupit helped bring the Fair Trade gift items available through Ten Thousand Villages to the Cambridge store.
She’s passionate about the Fair Trade concept. Ten Thousand Villages is a nonprofit fair trade organization that markets handcrafted products made by artisans from more than 130 artisan groups in 36 countries. Each artisan is ensured a fair wage, which helps bring their own family out of poverty. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds goes back into the community as a whole, sometimes to construct a well and other times a school.
“When people are paid a fair wage for their products, they’re able to support their own families and the community as a whole,” noted Cupit.
The Cambridge co-op has always supported the Fair Trade concept, and has sought to stock their shelves year-round with items such as bananas, mangos, pineapples, coffee, rice, sugar, tea and spices through the Fair Trade market.
It’s a niche that keeps growing as does public awareness of where food comes from. Cupit also attributes the popularity of Fair Trade items to a growing awareness of poverty levels around the world and a realization that people can make a difference elsewhere by what they purchase at their local stores.
“We may be paying a little more for an item, but that little bit of extra cost can make a big difference in peoples’ lives,” Cupit noted.
And that ties in perfectly with the goals of the co-op, which seeks to support the immediate community, as well as the global community, Cupit observed.
She added that Fair Trade items are grown to greener standards and are often organic. “We need to take care of the earth. It’s the only thing we have,” she believes. “People who are closer tot he earth in Third World countries are able to appreciate that more. We’re not as close to the origins of our food.”
She urges folks searching for that last-minute gift to check out the Fair Trade items available at the City Center Market.
Gifts range from $2 to $50.
“A lot are inexpensive enough to make beautiful hostess gifts,” she pointed out.
“Live the co-op values. Support your local community by making purchases here while at the same time support our global community by sending money to areas of the world where kids don’t have enough to eat.”
Making kaisa grass baskets brings joy to Kalpana Rani in Hazigonj, Bangladesh.
Hazigonj is a small village in a very rural, chronically poor part of northwestern Bangladesh. Most people like Kalpana can only find poorly paid seasonal work during rice planting and harvesting times. They can sometimes earn a little more money by collecting firewood and carrying it for many kilometers in the hope of selling it for a few pennies.
In 1999 Mennonite Central Committee encouraged a group of women including Kalpana Rani to organize into a basket-making artisan group using local wild kaisa grass and their traditional basket-making skills. These baskets are now sold locally and exported to Ten Thousand Villages in Canada and the USA. The income from basket making is greater than rice paddy work, and it is steadier and more consistent throughout the year.
Kalpana says that she can now afford basic healthcare for her family, a good steady diet of nutritious food, and decent clothing. She smiles broadly when she says she can now afford to send her children to school since she can afford to pay for school fees, books and supplies.
* From tenthousandvillages.com
Consider purchasing a Fair Trade item. A variety of home decor, kids toys, and jewelry are available at the City Center Market in Cambridge.
Choose a red leather purse shaped like a cat made in India. Or, how about a wooden jewelry box from Indonesia? Wooden nativity scenes were carefully carved on the West Bank, or opt for a stone scene from Peru. There are also silk scarves, handwoven baskets and colorful purses.
Shopping for kids? Pick a drum or a unique African instrument, or get a wobbly fish pen from Chili.
With the purchase of these items you are not only buying a gift the people on your Christmas list will love, but you’re supporting workers in Third World countries, noted Gayle Cupit.
As the City Center Market Board Chair, Cupit helped bring the Fair Trade gift items available through Ten Thousand Villages to the Cambridge store.
She’s passionate about the Fair Trade concept. Ten Thousand Villages is a nonprofit fair trade organization that markets handcrafted products made by artisans from more than 130 artisan groups in 36 countries. Each artisan is ensured a fair wage, which helps bring their own family out of poverty. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds goes back into the community as a whole, sometimes to construct a well and other times a school.
“When people are paid a fair wage for their products, they’re able to support their own families and the community as a whole,” noted Cupit.
The Cambridge co-op has always supported the Fair Trade concept, and has sought to stock their shelves year-round with items such as bananas, mangos, pineapples, coffee, rice, sugar, tea and spices through the Fair Trade market.
It’s a niche that keeps growing as does public awareness of where food comes from. Cupit also attributes the popularity of Fair Trade items to a growing awareness of poverty levels around the world and a realization that people can make a difference elsewhere by what they purchase at their local stores.
“We may be paying a little more for an item, but that little bit of extra cost can make a big difference in peoples’ lives,” Cupit noted.
And that ties in perfectly with the goals of the co-op, which seeks to support the immediate community, as well as the global community, Cupit observed.
She added that Fair Trade items are grown to greener standards and are often organic. “We need to take care of the earth. It’s the only thing we have,” she believes. “People who are closer tot he earth in Third World countries are able to appreciate that more. We’re not as close to the origins of our food.”
She urges folks searching for that last-minute gift to check out the Fair Trade items available at the City Center Market.
Gifts range from $2 to $50.
“A lot are inexpensive enough to make beautiful hostess gifts,” she pointed out.
“Live the co-op values. Support your local community by making purchases here while at the same time support our global community by sending money to areas of the world where kids don’t have enough to eat.”
Making kaisa grass baskets brings joy to Kalpana Rani in Hazigonj, Bangladesh.
Hazigonj is a small village in a very rural, chronically poor part of northwestern Bangladesh. Most people like Kalpana can only find poorly paid seasonal work during rice planting and harvesting times. They can sometimes earn a little more money by collecting firewood and carrying it for many kilometers in the hope of selling it for a few pennies.
In 1999 Mennonite Central Committee encouraged a group of women including Kalpana Rani to organize into a basket-making artisan group using local wild kaisa grass and their traditional basket-making skills. These baskets are now sold locally and exported to Ten Thousand Villages in Canada and the USA. The income from basket making is greater than rice paddy work, and it is steadier and more consistent throughout the year.
Kalpana says that she can now afford basic healthcare for her family, a good steady diet of nutritious food, and decent clothing. She smiles broadly when she says she can now afford to send her children to school since she can afford to pay for school fees, books and supplies.
* From tenthousandvillages.com
Saturday, December 13, 2008
A transforming business
Shepherd's Choice was born out of owner Kathy Pususta's need for soothing skin products.
Twenty years ago, Kathy Pususta suffered from dry, chapped hands. After making a batch of soap to give away as gifts, she discovered it had transformed her skin.
"I stopped scratching all the time," Pususta recalled.
Intrigued, she continued experimenting with various recipes, branching out from soap to include lip balm, lotions and bath oil. Her core standard was that the item not dry out skin. Towards that end, she insists on using only natural ingredients and essential oils.
"Synthetic fragrances, colors and preservatives have no place in Shepherd's Choice products," said Pususta.
Sixteen years ago, she opened Shepherd's Choice, devoting one room in her home to a shop. Today she has expanded out to the barn on her East Bethel property that she renovated.
Assisting Pususta is her daughter, Nancy Holt of Pine City, whom Pususta had given up for adoption as an infant when she was 17. When Holt came looking for her biological mother five years ago, Pususta was delighted. She's amazed at how much they have in common. Holt shares her love of natural items, and began fashioning Shepherd's Choice products earlier this year.
Holt's son Miles is asthmatic, and his attacks are triggered by many of the preservatives found in soaps and other products. "So I got into natural soaps," Holt explained.
As an added perk, "I've noticed that I haven't had to use moisturizer in about a year."
Making small batches of soaps and lotions is a lot like making a cake, according to Holt. She begins by melting shea butter, beeswax, lanolin and other various oils. The mixture goes into a Kitchen Aid bowl, where it mixes for about one-half hour. During that time, Holt "babysits it", using a spatula to clean the sides as needed. During the last five minutes she adds the essential oils, turning Pususta's laundry room/work room into a spa. While the moisturizer mixture is still warm, Holt pours it into a plastic bag and cuts off one corner. She squeezes it into jars as one would do frosting, giving it the distinctive curves on top Shepherd's Choice customers expect.
When asked about popular products, Pususta mentions that her lanolin-rich moisturizer sells well in the winter. The bath salts penetrate sore muscles, and she uses it to ward off any cold she feels coming on.
The cinnamon soap is great for gardeners as it includes a pumice to help remove dirt. The body dressing doesn't leave an oily residue. The ear oil keeps ears from drying out after candling. And the laundry spot bar removes most stains, Pususta noted.
KNITTING CLASSES
In addition to selling the skin care products and soaps she is known for, Pususta's shop also includes rows of colorful yarn arranged around a large table. Every Thursday night from 6 to 8 p.m. is open knit night at Shepherd's Choice. Classes ranging from beginner to advanced are offered at other times. Pususta adds them as requested by customers. This fall, folks have learned to knit various sweaters and shawls. For one class, participants had the option of starting from the very beginning and dying their own yarn in Pususta's dye shop.
"The last 10 years have been very good for the knitting industry," noted Pususta.
She credits the rebirth to a change in attitude that occurred after Sept. 11, 2001. "People have started picking up more comforting things to do. They stay at home more."
To avoid competing with larger stores, Pususta has established a niche for herself by offering natural fibers, rather than synthetic yarns. Sheep on her farm are sheared each May during a festival open to the public. Alpaca yarn travels a short distance from Blue Sky Alpaca Farm in East Bethel. Materials from five larger commercial yarn companies fill the rest of her shelves.
This business is one that fits well with her values. "My childhood on a Mennonite farm instilled in me a deep appreciation for the environment, and pure, honest and wholesome living," observed Pususta.
Shepherd's Choice is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 763-434-7453 or browse shepherdschoice.com.
VISIT SHEPHERD'S CHOICE
• Annual open house: Saturday, Dec. 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Local crafters will be on hand with luxurious hand-made gifts (Hillside Honey, Baskets on 137th, Elizabeth's Handspun, beeswax candles, pottery and more). Bring a dish and a bottle of wine to share at 6 p.m.
• Annual Sheep Shearing Festival: Saturday, May 23, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
CONTACT
Call: 763-434-7453
Email: pususta@cpineternet.com
Browse: www.shepherdschoice.com
Go: Two and one-half miles east of Highway 65 on Viking Boulevard. 3356 Viking Boulevard, East Bethel.
Antique cash registers stolen
Barbers on Main offers $500 reward
The three antique cash registers that have graced the counter at Barbers on Main in Cambridge for over 15 years are gone.
They were stolen during a burglary that was discovered on Monday morning, Dec. 8, 2008.
The perpetrator(s) broke the deadbolt on the back door to enter the barber shop. The only items that were stolen were the three cash registers. The thieves even ignored the money bag.
All three dated from 1901 to 1904.
Barbers on Main owner Harold Yerigan estimates their values at about $2,600 each. Two registers came with the barber shop when he bought it in 1972. The other was a gift from his wife.
“It’s a bummer, that’s for sure,” said Yerigan.
He hopes to recover them, but acknowledges the chances are slim. Still, he wonders what the thieves could do with them besides sell them. In the hopes of tracking the registers down, Yerigan has contacted various auction houses and other places where they could be sold.
He’s also offering a $500 reward to anyone with information leading to the recovery of the three antiques. Call Yerigan at Barbers on Main at 763-689-2133 or the Cambridge Police Department at 763-689-9567.
“All we can do is wait and see if they show up,” said Yerigan.
Thief steals from non-profit
A catalytic converter was stolen off an Industries, Inc. van. Pete Brown, Industries Transportation and Safety Director, discovered the theft on Wednesday morning, Dec. 10.
To add insult to injury, the thief used the company’s own electric power to remove the converter, and then stole the extension cords that were powering up the company’s fleet.
“We’re a non-profit that serves people with handicaps,” said Brown. “That’s what really hurts.”
Industries, Inc. is located along Cleveland Street in Cambridge.
The cost to replace the catalytic converter is $1,000 – which will not be covered by insurance as the company’s deductible is $1,000. This means the repair work will come from the non-profit’s own budget.
Brown has this to say to the thieves: “You’re not hurting the company. You’re hurting the people with disabilities.”
To add insult to injury, the thief used the company’s own electric power to remove the converter, and then stole the extension cords that were powering up the company’s fleet.
“We’re a non-profit that serves people with handicaps,” said Brown. “That’s what really hurts.”
Industries, Inc. is located along Cleveland Street in Cambridge.
The cost to replace the catalytic converter is $1,000 – which will not be covered by insurance as the company’s deductible is $1,000. This means the repair work will come from the non-profit’s own budget.
Brown has this to say to the thieves: “You’re not hurting the company. You’re hurting the people with disabilities.”
Are you ready for the digital conversion?
Here is what you need to know about DTV
The biggest switch since color is coming to television on Feb. 17, 2009.
On that day, television stations will upgrade from analog to digital.
This transition will affect anyone who watches free over-the-air television (through a rooftop antenna or "rabbit ears"). To continue watching TV, people must take action, and they should it soon, according to Katrina Kleinwachter of the Federal Communications Commission.
"A lot of people will be affected by the transition," Kleinwachter told the Isanti County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 3, 2008.
Isanti County is the area in the Twin Cities that will be affected most.
"Isanti County has the highest percentage of broadcast-only in the Minneapolis/St. Paul market," said Kleinwachter. The rate of those without cable or satellite is 38%.
Low income areas, seniors, the disabled, and rural residents tend to get their television signals through rooftop antennas or "rabbit ears" more than others.
She encouraged people to take a three-step approach. Apply, buy and try.
First, to assist people in making the transition, the U.S. Government is offering $40 coupons that will offset the cost of purchasing a digital-to-analog conversion box. Each household is eligible for two coupons. Boxes typically cost between $40 to 70. Get them by visiting www.DTV2009.com or call 888-388-2009.
These coupons should be used right away because they expire within 90 days, Kleinwachter pointed out.
Next, buy a digital-to-analog box and try setting it up before the switch on Feb. 17, Kleinwachter urged. To work, some systems may require a little tweaking that includes adjusting the rooftop antenna.
Kleinwachter stressed that this switch from analog to digital does not mean that people need a new High Definition television (HDTV). Rather, HDTV is only one type of digital television.
If a TV is older than five years, it will certainly require a digital-to-analog conversion box. TVs newer than that may or may not need one.
Anyone who uses an antenna or "rabbit ears" does need a digital-to-analog, Kleinwachter stressed.
What is the Digital TV transition?
Currently, many over-the-air stations are broadcasting in both analog and digital TV formats. After Feb. 17, 2009, full-power TV stations will broadcast only in digital.
Why are stations switching?
The switch is required by law.
At the consumer level, the switch will mean better sound and better picture, according to Kleinwachter.
Broadcasters will also be able to offer additional programming. For example, KARE 11 offers regular programming on 11.1, and a 24-hour weather channel on 11.2.
Because digital is more efficient technology, the switch will free up more of the spectrum. The analog stations that are no longer set aside for TV stations will be used for police, fire, and emergency rescue communications. It will also allow for a new generation of wireless devices, said Kleinwachter.
What should you do to be ready?
3 choices:
1) Connect your analog TV to a digital-to-analog conversion box. Boxes have a one-time cost that ranges from $40 to 70. The U.S. Government is offering two $40 coupons per household to pay for these boxes. Get yours by visiting www.DTV2009.gov or call 1-888-388-2009.
Note: You should not need a new antenna if you get good quality reception on analog channels 2-51 with your existing antenna.
2) Buy a digital TV (a TV without a built-in digital tuner). You do not need a High Definition TV (HDTV) to watch digital broadcast television. You only need a digital TV (or an analog TV connected to a digital-to-analog converter box).
Note: You should not need a new antenna if you get good quality reception on analog channels 2-51 with your existing antenna.
3) Subscribe to a paid TV service. If your TV set receives local broadcast stations through a paid provider such as cable or satellite TV, it is already prepared for the DTV transition. Cable companies are not required to transition or switch any of their channels to digital.
Note: If you have an analog TV that does not receive local broadcast stations through your paid provider, you will need a digital-to-analog converter box to watch digital broadcasts on that TV.
For more information:
CALL: 1-888-CALL-FCC (voice) or 1-888-TELL-FCC (TTY)
BROWSE: DTV.gov
Saturday, November 22, 2008
ONCE HOMELESS, NOW HOUSED
New Pathways homeless program in Cambridge gives family hope.
It happened one day when Lisa and Tom Stoker were making supper. A Chisago County Sheriff's deputy knocked on the door and told them they had five days to vacate their home.
The news caught them completely by surprise.
And it came during the worst week of their lives.
Tom's dad had just died. Both their vehicles broke down. Lisa had lost the diamond in her wedding ring. And now they were losing the house.
"If you would have asked me if I thought I'd be out on the streets I'd tell you 'you're nuts,'" said Tom.
DOWN ON THEIR LUCK
The road leading up to the loss of their home had started in 2002. The Stokers had fallen behind on the mortgage payments on their mobile home in Wyoming. Their lender offered to refinance and tack on those late payments to the end of the loan. They were so glad to find a solution to the problem, neither Tom nor Lisa read the fine print.
It's a mistake they'll never make again.
According to the terms of the refinancing agreement, if the family was ever late again on a payment, the bank could take possession of their home. The legal stipulations regarding proper notice for a foreclosure and the ability of a homeowner to stay there six months during the redemption period before leaving no longer applied.
In 2005, Tom was taken off the job market by a vehicle accident. With two discs out in his neck and back, he wasn't able to return to work as a machinist. However, Lisa's job as a machinist paid the bills.
Two years later, Lisa found herself on the disability list. The rupture of cysts led to a hysterectomy. Not only was she out of work for four months, but her insurance coverage ran out.
The Stokers found themselves two months behind on mortgage payments.
And then came the knock on the door one October afternoon.
They never received a warning, just the news to get out.
STRUGGLING TO FIND A NEW PLACE
To begin with, Tom, Lisa and their two children who were still at home moved down the street to live with another daughter, her husband and two kids. "There were eight of us in a trailer," recalled Tom. It proved to be too many. "We were all starting to get on each other's nerves."
A friend caught wind of their trouble, and offered to sell them a mobile home at Castle Towers in East Bethel. Because it had sat empty, he asked that Tom fix the pipes that had frozen, get the water going, and pay the lot fees. The Stokers could pay him the $4,000 for the trailer itself when they had the money. Their 13-year-old daughter Savannah and 16-year-old daughter Nicole switched schools, and Tom, along with some buddies, made the necessary repairs.
They were there two months when the caretaker came up one day and asked what they were doing there. He requested that the Stokers fill out an application form – something Tom hadn't done in 20 years.
A mistake he made 15 years previously came to light, and they were kicked out of the mobile home park. Tom had purchased a "hot" car and been convicted of a felony.
Desperate, the family wasn't sure what to do next. They couldn't go back to their daughter's place, and didn't have other options. While online one night, Lisa stumbled upon information about New Pathways, a homeless program based in Cambridge.
They decided to drive up and check the place out. Tom admitted that they expected the kind of shelter you'd find in the Twin Cities. "We were all thinking we'd just jump back in the truck and leave," he noted.
Instead, the family felt welcomed by the staff members at New Pathways. They had found a place to stay.
PEOPLE HELP THEM THROUGH THE DARK DAYS
At New Pathways, families sleep at night in various churches. There are 13 church and a group of people in the program, which host the families one week. They provide sleeping arrangements and an evening meal. Depending on the size of the church, families may stay in a private room; other times, curtains separate them from each other.
The program can accommodate 24 family members at one time. (A family is defined as an adult with children.)
It took awhile for the Stokers to get used to shuffling between churches every week. And it was hard living out of suitcases and duffle bags.
At first, they admitted they were a bit nervous about being in a church, and paid attention to minding their Ps and Qs. But they soon relaxed. The volunteers at each church were open and friendly.
Looking back, Tom especially points to those volunteers as being the highlight of the experience. "We met great people every night," he said. "Everyone was trying to help in one way or another." Program participants and the volunteers would play cards and board games. They'd work on puzzles. They'd talk about life.
One night at Long Lake Lutheran, they sat up and played cribbage all night long.
The food was delicious – although there was one stretch where they ate pizza four nights in a row. The rest of the time, the meals were so good, Tom would head back to the kitchen and beg for recipes. He put on 20 pounds.
Leaving each church at the end of the week became difficult.
LIFE AT THE SHELTER
After nights spent in the church, Tom and Lisa would drop their daughters off at school. Then they'd head to the New Pathways day center in downtown Cambridge. The day center is stocked with information on jobs and housing vacancies.
It was there they'd take showers, signing up for specific time slots. They were also responsible for chores to keep the place clean and picked up.
Tom and Lisa focused on finding a place to live. Again, Tom's felony kept cropping up. Over a three-month period, the Stokers sent out 300 housing applications. Each was denied.
When they felt discouraged, the couple would head into the office of a New Pathways staff person, typically Mary Westlund's. When they walked out, their spirits were always lighter.
"They don't belittle you. They make you feel right at home," said Tom.
"I love that place," added Savannah.
The couple worked on completing the one-week-long Rentwise program. They learned about dealing with management and caretakers, how to maintain a property, and to always read the fine print. Their certificate of completion was included with their rental applications.
Tom also worked to expunge his criminal record, to no avail.
Families may participate in the New Pathways program for three months. As the end of their stay ticked closer, the Stokers began asking themselves if they'd have to divorce so that Lisa and the girls could find housing without the blemish of Tom's record.
The staff at New Pathways began using all their connections to find a place for the Stokers.
Finally, the manager of an apartment complex in Sandstone was swayed by a letter Mary wrote. She offered them a place with reduced rent.
"We were so excited," noted Lisa.
"We shot up there. I was in a huge hurry to get us regrouped, to get our family back together again," noted Tom.
Once there, they realized all they had with them were duffle bags full of clothes. They had no sheets. No beds. No dishes. No towels.
They used the tax refund they had received to pay three months worth of rent and their damage deposit. And then they headed to the Hinckley casino for a hot bath and to plan their next step.
The girls hit the arcade, and Tom and Lisa decided they could finally splurge a little. They each took $100 to try their luck at the slot machines. Unbelievably, it seemed their luck had finally changed.
They left $1,800 richer. It was enough to buy a kitchen table, chairs and a few necessities so they could move into their new home.
BACK HOME, AT LAST
Seven months later, the Stokers are still getting settled. They moved from the first apartment to a ground-floor one which is easier for Tom to access. Some of the bigger furniture items, such as their entertainment center, which they kept, is still in storage because it's been difficult to gather a group to help them move it in.
Savannah and Nicole are still making friends at their fourth school in one year.
Lisa got a job at the Family Dollar store in Sandstone, and although she missed a month of work due to complications from her diabetes, she has recently been promoted to manager. Tom is looking for a job that doesn't require repetitive work because of his spinal injuries.
Lisa and Tom both miss the woodworking shop they had in Wyoming. It's hard to visit their daughter and see their old home just down the street.
What they all miss the most is the community they had in Wyoming, their family and friends. Tom no longer has visitors dropping by their place for a cup of coffee and a chat. They're an hour drive from either Cambridge or Wyoming. There's not a whole lot to do in Sandstone, they noted.
"That's something that hit us when we moved up here. Boy, did we lose a big circle of security," said Tom. "Up here, its just us."
But for now, being together in their own home is enough.
PROGRAMS FOR THE HOMELESS
About New Pathways and the Interfaith Hospitality Network:
• Since its inception in 2000, 301 families have been helped. In 2007, 34 families were assisted by New Pathways, including the Stokers.
• How it works: Families spend their evenings at area churches in one-week increments. Volunteers also spend the night at the churches and provide an evening meal. During the day, participants head to a day center in Cambridge. There they have meals, do laundry, shower, train, and search for jobs and housing.
• There are two sites. The IHN site in Cambridge serves Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs and Pine Counties. The site in Brainerd serves Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd and Wadena Counties.
• The local churches involved include: Cambridge Lutheran, Elim Baptist, Faith Lutheran, First Baptist, Grace Bible Fellowship, Long Lake Lutheran, New Hope Community, North Isanti Baptist, Oxlip Evangelical Free, Sts. Peter and Paul, Stanchfield Baptist, Trinity Lutheran and Cambridge United Methodist.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
CALL 763-691-0121
BROWSE www.newpathwaysmn.com
EMAIL infonpi@newpathwaysmn.com
It happened one day when Lisa and Tom Stoker were making supper. A Chisago County Sheriff's deputy knocked on the door and told them they had five days to vacate their home.
The news caught them completely by surprise.
And it came during the worst week of their lives.
Tom's dad had just died. Both their vehicles broke down. Lisa had lost the diamond in her wedding ring. And now they were losing the house.
"If you would have asked me if I thought I'd be out on the streets I'd tell you 'you're nuts,'" said Tom.
DOWN ON THEIR LUCK
The road leading up to the loss of their home had started in 2002. The Stokers had fallen behind on the mortgage payments on their mobile home in Wyoming. Their lender offered to refinance and tack on those late payments to the end of the loan. They were so glad to find a solution to the problem, neither Tom nor Lisa read the fine print.
It's a mistake they'll never make again.
According to the terms of the refinancing agreement, if the family was ever late again on a payment, the bank could take possession of their home. The legal stipulations regarding proper notice for a foreclosure and the ability of a homeowner to stay there six months during the redemption period before leaving no longer applied.
In 2005, Tom was taken off the job market by a vehicle accident. With two discs out in his neck and back, he wasn't able to return to work as a machinist. However, Lisa's job as a machinist paid the bills.
Two years later, Lisa found herself on the disability list. The rupture of cysts led to a hysterectomy. Not only was she out of work for four months, but her insurance coverage ran out.
The Stokers found themselves two months behind on mortgage payments.
And then came the knock on the door one October afternoon.
They never received a warning, just the news to get out.
STRUGGLING TO FIND A NEW PLACE
To begin with, Tom, Lisa and their two children who were still at home moved down the street to live with another daughter, her husband and two kids. "There were eight of us in a trailer," recalled Tom. It proved to be too many. "We were all starting to get on each other's nerves."
A friend caught wind of their trouble, and offered to sell them a mobile home at Castle Towers in East Bethel. Because it had sat empty, he asked that Tom fix the pipes that had frozen, get the water going, and pay the lot fees. The Stokers could pay him the $4,000 for the trailer itself when they had the money. Their 13-year-old daughter Savannah and 16-year-old daughter Nicole switched schools, and Tom, along with some buddies, made the necessary repairs.
They were there two months when the caretaker came up one day and asked what they were doing there. He requested that the Stokers fill out an application form – something Tom hadn't done in 20 years.
A mistake he made 15 years previously came to light, and they were kicked out of the mobile home park. Tom had purchased a "hot" car and been convicted of a felony.
Desperate, the family wasn't sure what to do next. They couldn't go back to their daughter's place, and didn't have other options. While online one night, Lisa stumbled upon information about New Pathways, a homeless program based in Cambridge.
They decided to drive up and check the place out. Tom admitted that they expected the kind of shelter you'd find in the Twin Cities. "We were all thinking we'd just jump back in the truck and leave," he noted.
Instead, the family felt welcomed by the staff members at New Pathways. They had found a place to stay.
PEOPLE HELP THEM THROUGH THE DARK DAYS
At New Pathways, families sleep at night in various churches. There are 13 church and a group of people in the program, which host the families one week. They provide sleeping arrangements and an evening meal. Depending on the size of the church, families may stay in a private room; other times, curtains separate them from each other.
The program can accommodate 24 family members at one time. (A family is defined as an adult with children.)
It took awhile for the Stokers to get used to shuffling between churches every week. And it was hard living out of suitcases and duffle bags.
At first, they admitted they were a bit nervous about being in a church, and paid attention to minding their Ps and Qs. But they soon relaxed. The volunteers at each church were open and friendly.
Looking back, Tom especially points to those volunteers as being the highlight of the experience. "We met great people every night," he said. "Everyone was trying to help in one way or another." Program participants and the volunteers would play cards and board games. They'd work on puzzles. They'd talk about life.
One night at Long Lake Lutheran, they sat up and played cribbage all night long.
The food was delicious – although there was one stretch where they ate pizza four nights in a row. The rest of the time, the meals were so good, Tom would head back to the kitchen and beg for recipes. He put on 20 pounds.
Leaving each church at the end of the week became difficult.
LIFE AT THE SHELTER
After nights spent in the church, Tom and Lisa would drop their daughters off at school. Then they'd head to the New Pathways day center in downtown Cambridge. The day center is stocked with information on jobs and housing vacancies.
It was there they'd take showers, signing up for specific time slots. They were also responsible for chores to keep the place clean and picked up.
Tom and Lisa focused on finding a place to live. Again, Tom's felony kept cropping up. Over a three-month period, the Stokers sent out 300 housing applications. Each was denied.
When they felt discouraged, the couple would head into the office of a New Pathways staff person, typically Mary Westlund's. When they walked out, their spirits were always lighter.
"They don't belittle you. They make you feel right at home," said Tom.
"I love that place," added Savannah.
The couple worked on completing the one-week-long Rentwise program. They learned about dealing with management and caretakers, how to maintain a property, and to always read the fine print. Their certificate of completion was included with their rental applications.
Tom also worked to expunge his criminal record, to no avail.
Families may participate in the New Pathways program for three months. As the end of their stay ticked closer, the Stokers began asking themselves if they'd have to divorce so that Lisa and the girls could find housing without the blemish of Tom's record.
The staff at New Pathways began using all their connections to find a place for the Stokers.
Finally, the manager of an apartment complex in Sandstone was swayed by a letter Mary wrote. She offered them a place with reduced rent.
"We were so excited," noted Lisa.
"We shot up there. I was in a huge hurry to get us regrouped, to get our family back together again," noted Tom.
Once there, they realized all they had with them were duffle bags full of clothes. They had no sheets. No beds. No dishes. No towels.
They used the tax refund they had received to pay three months worth of rent and their damage deposit. And then they headed to the Hinckley casino for a hot bath and to plan their next step.
The girls hit the arcade, and Tom and Lisa decided they could finally splurge a little. They each took $100 to try their luck at the slot machines. Unbelievably, it seemed their luck had finally changed.
They left $1,800 richer. It was enough to buy a kitchen table, chairs and a few necessities so they could move into their new home.
BACK HOME, AT LAST
Seven months later, the Stokers are still getting settled. They moved from the first apartment to a ground-floor one which is easier for Tom to access. Some of the bigger furniture items, such as their entertainment center, which they kept, is still in storage because it's been difficult to gather a group to help them move it in.
Savannah and Nicole are still making friends at their fourth school in one year.
Lisa got a job at the Family Dollar store in Sandstone, and although she missed a month of work due to complications from her diabetes, she has recently been promoted to manager. Tom is looking for a job that doesn't require repetitive work because of his spinal injuries.
Lisa and Tom both miss the woodworking shop they had in Wyoming. It's hard to visit their daughter and see their old home just down the street.
What they all miss the most is the community they had in Wyoming, their family and friends. Tom no longer has visitors dropping by their place for a cup of coffee and a chat. They're an hour drive from either Cambridge or Wyoming. There's not a whole lot to do in Sandstone, they noted.
"That's something that hit us when we moved up here. Boy, did we lose a big circle of security," said Tom. "Up here, its just us."
But for now, being together in their own home is enough.
PROGRAMS FOR THE HOMELESS
About New Pathways and the Interfaith Hospitality Network:
• Since its inception in 2000, 301 families have been helped. In 2007, 34 families were assisted by New Pathways, including the Stokers.
• How it works: Families spend their evenings at area churches in one-week increments. Volunteers also spend the night at the churches and provide an evening meal. During the day, participants head to a day center in Cambridge. There they have meals, do laundry, shower, train, and search for jobs and housing.
• There are two sites. The IHN site in Cambridge serves Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs and Pine Counties. The site in Brainerd serves Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd and Wadena Counties.
• The local churches involved include: Cambridge Lutheran, Elim Baptist, Faith Lutheran, First Baptist, Grace Bible Fellowship, Long Lake Lutheran, New Hope Community, North Isanti Baptist, Oxlip Evangelical Free, Sts. Peter and Paul, Stanchfield Baptist, Trinity Lutheran and Cambridge United Methodist.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
CALL 763-691-0121
BROWSE www.newpathwaysmn.com
EMAIL infonpi@newpathwaysmn.com
TO A POINT: No, the depot task force hasn't been a decision yet
What's the passenger rail depot task force up to these days?
Apparently, there are a few rumors floating around. The most prevalent seems to be that the decision has already been made about where to locate the depot. As a member of the task force, I can assure you that's not the case. We have not determined that the City Center is the best possible location – contrary to what you might be hearing around the tables at Herman's Bakery.
What group members are doing is evaluating the pros and cons of five different sites. These sites are areas with enough space for a building, parking lot and future expansion, as well as land for possible development of shops and apartments. Being organized by the Cambridge City Council, this group is focusing on sites within the city of Cambridge. From the south to north, possible areas include Westrom's Corner, the former Hayford Ford property, the area near First Baptist Church (where the depot was up until the 1980s), the City Center, and the area on the north side of town near the Great River Energy peaking plant.
The task force is using a long list of criteria to evaluate these sites. They're focusing what will be nearby to offer passengers getting off these trains. Amenities at either the First Baptist or City Center sites are easy: Northern Lights Express (NLX) riders will have all of downtown within a few-blocks walk. Task force members also want to make sure that folks can get to other main attractions, such as the medical center, community college and shops on the east side of town. While it's easiest if riders can get there with their own two feet, we also see the Heartland Express city bus being extraordinarily useful. Thus, task force members are keeping in mind that the main hub of the local bus line (which connects Isanti and Chisago counties) is also located downtown at Buchanan and Second Avenue Southeast. Another important item of note is that the original report that came out advocating Cambridge as one of the sites for a passenger rail depot stressed that the depot be located downtown.
The possibility for development near the depot is huge. Riders will want shops; others will want to live nearby so they can avoid driving their cars to work altogether. Thus, any potential depot location needs to be in a spot that can accommodate future growth by willing landowners. By that criteria alone, the large open space on the north side of town looks best – but then you're isolating this one use from what is already here, and you're contributing to urban sprawl. Is that in the best interest of the city in the long run?
Traffic is also on the forefront of every discussion about the potential depot location. Every single person on the depot task force knows how bad congestion is along Highway 95. In fact, a large number of them also served on the Highway 95 Task Force last year; while on that task force they studied possible traffic solutions and then recommended that the city pursue widening Highway 95. The depot task force knows that there were other options the original group threw out because they were too expensive, such as constructing either an overpass or underpass at Highway 95 and the railroad tracks. But if Cambridge could obtain federal funding for such an option as part of the depot project, well, as task force member Susan Morris put it, it could be the ticket to solving a lot of the Highway 95 issues.
Just how people will get to the depot and how they will get out of the depot is critical. A potential depot need to be situated along major roads, and several major roads, not just one. We don't want to see traffic funneled to one artery – or we'll have the same problem we do now along Highway 95. To understand the impact, task force members are using their common sense. In addition, a feasibility study will be done in the future to study the effect of a couple hundred more cars a day in the city.
The task force has a lot of work left to do. There are many unanswered questions at this point, answers that need to come from the broader Passenger Rail Alliance. How fast will trains be coming through town? Will there be a dual track or a siding? Will we get the funding for an underpass? Will there be a Northstar commuter rail line coming in the near future, as well?
These questions won't be answered tomorrow. Nor will the passenger rail depot task force be ready next week with a recommendation. No, it will take months. Once things have been flushed out at a committee level, the broader public will be invited to come and have their say. Until then, feel free to share your opinions with task force members (Susan Morris, George Larson, Bob Voss, Pat Johns, Nicki Klanderud, Jon Ward, Bob Guetschoff, Greg Carlson, Kim Erickson, Mark Anderson, Jackie Forner, Marlys Palmer, Dave Schornstein and Tesha Christensen). Call city hall (763-689-3211) and speak to Dave Carlberg, the city's development director.
This will be a great thing for the area; there's no doubt about that. It will not only benefit Cambridge itself, but cities all around. I know folks in Kanabec County are excited about the opportunity to drive a bit south and then hop aboard. There is so much potential, you can be assured that the depot task force is doing its homework to make this thing work.
Apparently, there are a few rumors floating around. The most prevalent seems to be that the decision has already been made about where to locate the depot. As a member of the task force, I can assure you that's not the case. We have not determined that the City Center is the best possible location – contrary to what you might be hearing around the tables at Herman's Bakery.
What group members are doing is evaluating the pros and cons of five different sites. These sites are areas with enough space for a building, parking lot and future expansion, as well as land for possible development of shops and apartments. Being organized by the Cambridge City Council, this group is focusing on sites within the city of Cambridge. From the south to north, possible areas include Westrom's Corner, the former Hayford Ford property, the area near First Baptist Church (where the depot was up until the 1980s), the City Center, and the area on the north side of town near the Great River Energy peaking plant.
The task force is using a long list of criteria to evaluate these sites. They're focusing what will be nearby to offer passengers getting off these trains. Amenities at either the First Baptist or City Center sites are easy: Northern Lights Express (NLX) riders will have all of downtown within a few-blocks walk. Task force members also want to make sure that folks can get to other main attractions, such as the medical center, community college and shops on the east side of town. While it's easiest if riders can get there with their own two feet, we also see the Heartland Express city bus being extraordinarily useful. Thus, task force members are keeping in mind that the main hub of the local bus line (which connects Isanti and Chisago counties) is also located downtown at Buchanan and Second Avenue Southeast. Another important item of note is that the original report that came out advocating Cambridge as one of the sites for a passenger rail depot stressed that the depot be located downtown.
The possibility for development near the depot is huge. Riders will want shops; others will want to live nearby so they can avoid driving their cars to work altogether. Thus, any potential depot location needs to be in a spot that can accommodate future growth by willing landowners. By that criteria alone, the large open space on the north side of town looks best – but then you're isolating this one use from what is already here, and you're contributing to urban sprawl. Is that in the best interest of the city in the long run?
Traffic is also on the forefront of every discussion about the potential depot location. Every single person on the depot task force knows how bad congestion is along Highway 95. In fact, a large number of them also served on the Highway 95 Task Force last year; while on that task force they studied possible traffic solutions and then recommended that the city pursue widening Highway 95. The depot task force knows that there were other options the original group threw out because they were too expensive, such as constructing either an overpass or underpass at Highway 95 and the railroad tracks. But if Cambridge could obtain federal funding for such an option as part of the depot project, well, as task force member Susan Morris put it, it could be the ticket to solving a lot of the Highway 95 issues.
Just how people will get to the depot and how they will get out of the depot is critical. A potential depot need to be situated along major roads, and several major roads, not just one. We don't want to see traffic funneled to one artery – or we'll have the same problem we do now along Highway 95. To understand the impact, task force members are using their common sense. In addition, a feasibility study will be done in the future to study the effect of a couple hundred more cars a day in the city.
The task force has a lot of work left to do. There are many unanswered questions at this point, answers that need to come from the broader Passenger Rail Alliance. How fast will trains be coming through town? Will there be a dual track or a siding? Will we get the funding for an underpass? Will there be a Northstar commuter rail line coming in the near future, as well?
These questions won't be answered tomorrow. Nor will the passenger rail depot task force be ready next week with a recommendation. No, it will take months. Once things have been flushed out at a committee level, the broader public will be invited to come and have their say. Until then, feel free to share your opinions with task force members (Susan Morris, George Larson, Bob Voss, Pat Johns, Nicki Klanderud, Jon Ward, Bob Guetschoff, Greg Carlson, Kim Erickson, Mark Anderson, Jackie Forner, Marlys Palmer, Dave Schornstein and Tesha Christensen). Call city hall (763-689-3211) and speak to Dave Carlberg, the city's development director.
This will be a great thing for the area; there's no doubt about that. It will not only benefit Cambridge itself, but cities all around. I know folks in Kanabec County are excited about the opportunity to drive a bit south and then hop aboard. There is so much potential, you can be assured that the depot task force is doing its homework to make this thing work.
Will depot worsen congestion on Highway 95?
George Johnson thinks that a depot at the city center will do just that. He proposed three alternative locations.
CAMBRIDGE – Long-time Cambridge resident and developer George Johnson is "terribly concerned about the direction the depot task force is moving."
He discussed his opinions with the Cambridge Passenger Rail Depot Task Force during its Nov. 12, 2008 meeting.
Johnson noted that he is strongly opposed to placing the proposed depot at the Cambridge City Center. The reason? The impact he thinks it will have on Highway 95 congestion.
Johnson explained that he first became active in solving traffic issues in Cambridge in 1968 when the Transportation Action Model was created. One of the items that came from this was the formation of Opportunity Boulevard several decades later.
He is now the chair of the Cambridge-Isanti Transportation Action Council (CITAC). "Every one of our transportation studies has pointed to east/west traffic on Highway 95 as the primary traffic problem in the city," Johnson observed.
"We have really serious congestion on Highway 95."
As a developer, Johnson pointed out that the main deterrent to businesses coming in is the traffic.
"I believe the most important criteria you guys are going to have to consider in a depot is what is the impact on Highway 95," he stated. "The city center depot location will absolutely cause the largest delays."
He questioned the assumption that the train will cause minimal delays. At the city center location, the trains will begin moving from a stop one block away from the intersection with Highway 95. "It will take much longer to get across 95 than if they were going 60 or 90 miles per hour," stated Johnson.
"The delays will be serious. It will aggravate one of the most serious issues we have in town."
In addition to the time needed for the train to actually cross the road, there will be the time required for the railroad crossing bars to go down and back up.
After placing a call to a Burlington Northern Sante Fe Railroad signal master, Cambridge property owner Ray Mullen noted that presently trains traveling at 50 to 55 miles per hour trigger crossing bars to lower when they are one-quarter mile away. Trains at 79 miles per hour trigger them at one mile, and those at 110 miles per hour at one and one-half miles.
Additionally, when a train is stopped within an area, as would occur with the passenger rail depot, the guards remain down until the train has passed. Thus, if a depot were located at the city center, the guards at Highway 95 would remain closed from the time the train came close to the time it was on its way again.
"There would be a long delay," stated Mullen.
Cambridge City Development Director Dave Carlberg pointed out that because of possible delays, a one-mile siding has been proposed in the city. A train picking up passengers on the siding would not trigger the crossing guards.
Additionally, Northern Lights Express planners are considering laying dual tracks along the section of line north to Cambridge.
Carlberg pointed out there is much the Cambridge Task Force doesn't yet know, such as the speed of trains as they go through the city and the requirements of the double crossing bars that will replace the existing bars. This information will be procured during a feasibility study which the larger Passenger Rail Alliance is commissioning. It has just received $1.1 million in a federal grant to pay for the work.
"We need a lot more information from the Northern Lights people," said Carlberg.
Task force member and Isanti County Commissioner Susan Morris pointed out, "Trains will cross 95 no matter where the depot is located."
POSSIBLE UNDERPASS
Johnson asked that the city not even consider the city center location unless an underpass is installed at Highway 95.
Even then, he's not sure that he supports the underpass option.
He pointed out it will impact businesses along that road from Emerson west to Main Street. Also, even if the city obtained federal funding, he noted it would not cover the entire cost, and the remainder would fall on local taxpayers.
"Just because we can get federal funding, does that mean we should do it?" he asked.
HIGHWAY 95
Morris noted that last year she served on the Highway 95 Task Force, which looked at the various options of resolving congestion along Highway 95.
In the end, the recommendation the task force made was to widen 95. This option will impact many businesses along that stretch. She noted that the full cost of the project has not been tabulated.
The task force had laid aside both the overpass and underpass options at that time because of the price tag associated with each.
Morris believes the congestion issue needs to be addressed "sooner rather than later." The city may be able to get it done by combining the work with passenger rail.
"This is the ticket to solving a lot of our Highway 95 issues," said Morris.
IS THE DECISION MADE?
Steve Ritchart, who owns land being considered as one option for the depot, asked if the decision about the depot location has already been made. He said that's what he's heard around town.
Ritchart added that from his point of view, it doesn't seem as though there has been much public input on the decision. "I believe the task force hasn't been totally forthcoming," he said.
Task Force Chair Bob Guetschoff replied that the decision has "absolutely not" been made. Rather, the task force has established a list of criteria, and is evaluating five possible sites at this point.
The sites include: the peaking plant area north of town, the Cambridge City Center, First Baptist Church area, the former Ford dealership, and Westrom's Corner.
Task force members are evaluating the sites based on impact on traffic, walkability, space for adequate parking, and potential for future development.
When the evaluation process has been completed, the information will be compiled and presented at a public meeting, as was done with the Highway 95 Task Force. After this, a recommendation will be made to the city council.
This is not a process that will be over in a few weeks, but will take some time.
"We will do our homework," promised Cambridge Mayor Marlys Palmer.
OTHER OPTIONS
Johnson presented task force members with five alternative drawings of how a depot could occupy three sites. One is at 512 South Main, just south of the area the task force has been considering. One option is to locate the depot and parking entirely within the railroad right-of-way. With another, the city could purchase the vacant lot at 512 (which Johnson owns) to offer more parking. The city could also choose to acquire Odmark Electric and the used car dealership along Fourth, vacate the road, realign Fifth Avenue and extend Adams to Fifth. This option would provide more parking and clean up a road that is not well-aligned now, noted Johnson.
This option would place the depot four and one-half blocks from Highway 95 to the south, which may still not be far enough away to eliminate congestion, according to Johnson.
However, it would offer superior walkability to the medical center and industrial park across the tracks which employs 1,000 people.
The second location Johnson proposed was 2440 South Main, the old Ford dealership property. This spot is two miles from Highway 95. The city could acquire only the vacant land, or the former Hayford Ford building, as well, for use as retail or office space. The city could also choose to clean up the area and spread to the land south currently occupied by Watson's and North Country Fabrication.
Another possible location is to bring the depot outside the city of Cambridge and locate it along County Road 19. In CITAC's transportation plan for the region, County Road 19 would become a major thoroughfare with overpasses at Highway 65 and the railroad, and a bridge along the Rum River. This location would pull traffic off Highway 95 altogether.
Morris questioned how many parking spaces were provided in the options presented by Johnson. He did not have the figures, but stated he could return with them.
At its next meeting, set for Jan. 13, 2009 at 3 p.m., the task force will continue evaluating sites.
Citizens who would like to give input are encouraged to contact Carlberg at 763-689-3211 or email dcarlberg@ci.cambridge.mn.us.
CRITERIA
*The task force is evaluating each possible site location using the following list of criteria.
• Downtown location
• Automobile access
• Public transit access
• Walkability
• Bicycle traffic
• Walking distance to major trip generators (Cambridge Medical Center, government center, shopping areas, college)
• Auto drop-off
• Long-term parking
• Short-term parking
• Traffic concerns
• Trains crossing Highway 95
• Acquisition costs
• Future expansion space
• Joint depot (commuter and passenger)
• Land restrictions
• Utilities
• Economic development opportunity
• Building proximity to railroad
• Expansion opportunities
Man dies in hunting accident
Another accidentally shot in the knee.
A 67-year-old Isanti man died on Friday, Nov. 13, 2008 following a hunting accident at his home.
According to Isanti County Chief Deputy Russ Monson, Glen Roeder had gone out to his deer stand and while climbing his foot slipped and lodged between the ladder and the tree. He fell backwards and was unable to free himself.
Shortly after 4 p.m., his son, Mark Roeder, heard four shots fired. He went out to look for his father, and found him deceased between 5:30 and 6 p.m.
Roeder was an avid hunter and fisherman, and he loved the outdoors, according to his family.
The funeral service was held Nov. 17, 2008 at Strike Funeral Home – Isanti Chapel. See obituary on page 9.
ACCIDENTAL SHOOTING
An 18-year-old man was accidentally shot by his grandfather on Saturday morning, Nov. 15 in the southwest part of Isanti County.
According to Monson, when Harold Krause, 78, shot off his 12-gauge the shot ricocheted and struck his grandson, Deon Guinn, in the back of the knee.
No further information is available at this time.
A 67-year-old Isanti man died on Friday, Nov. 13, 2008 following a hunting accident at his home.
According to Isanti County Chief Deputy Russ Monson, Glen Roeder had gone out to his deer stand and while climbing his foot slipped and lodged between the ladder and the tree. He fell backwards and was unable to free himself.
Shortly after 4 p.m., his son, Mark Roeder, heard four shots fired. He went out to look for his father, and found him deceased between 5:30 and 6 p.m.
Roeder was an avid hunter and fisherman, and he loved the outdoors, according to his family.
The funeral service was held Nov. 17, 2008 at Strike Funeral Home – Isanti Chapel. See obituary on page 9.
ACCIDENTAL SHOOTING
An 18-year-old man was accidentally shot by his grandfather on Saturday morning, Nov. 15 in the southwest part of Isanti County.
According to Monson, when Harold Krause, 78, shot off his 12-gauge the shot ricocheted and struck his grandson, Deon Guinn, in the back of the knee.
No further information is available at this time.
Attorney stops escaping inmate
Former peace officer chases down a man making a run for it after a court appearance in Isanti County.
When he heard commotion in the hallway at the government center on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008, Assistant Isanti County Attorney David Kraemer didn't hesitate.
He dropped the files he was carrying back to his office and dashed towards the noise.
As he rounded the corner near the court administration window, Kraemer saw inmate Cary Barry Kessel of Cambridge running towards the stairs. He was still handcuffed.
Kraemer, trailed by the court baliff, followed him down the stairs. The balliff tasered Kessel for the second time, but he didn't halt.
In the lobby, Kraemer, a former peace officer, caught up with Kessel and stopped him.
It's been 10 years since Kraemer worked as a conservation officer, but his training came back to him.
It's not the first time, Kraemer has stopped an uncooperative suspect. While working in International Falls, he wrestled with a drunk snowmobiler. And as a prosecutor in Douglas County he assisted with escapees if he was around.
"If I'm available I'm going to chase them," said Kraemer. "I'm not going to let them run by.
"The courtroom personnel have difficult jobs to do. If I can help them, I'm going to."
Kraemer added, "You don't know when someone is out of control what they're going to do. The person is not rational. He's got a history of violence. You don't let somebody like that just run out."
Kraemer had noticed during Kessel's bail hearing shortly after 11 a.m. that he seemed agitated and knew he had been a difficult inmate since being locked up on Nov. 8. Kessel had been arrested the week before for second degree test refusal and driving while under the influence of alcohol. The charges were exacerbated by a probation violation for a DUI in 2007. While in custody, the charges related to an incident where he allegedly inappropriately touched a Pizza Hut delivery driver on Oct. 28 were also filed.
On Nov. 12, after the Honorable P. Hunter Anderson informed Kessel that he was to be held without bail, Kessel, who was handcuffed, kicked off his shoes and ran for the courtroom door, according to Isanti County Attorney Jeff Edblad, who had also just left the room. After court officer David Bowman's taser was unable to stop him, Kessel ran out of the courtroom and into the hallway of the second floor of the Isanti County Government Center.
That's where he encountered Kraemer.
After being returned to jail, Kessel kicked out and broke a window in the holding cell.
Kessel is expected to be charged with felony attempted escape from custody and criminal damage to property from the Nov. 12 incident.
As for Kraemer, he's glad no one else was hurt.
No change in commissioner race following recount
ISANTI COUNTY – Over 4,000 ballots were recounted on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008, but the results remained the same.
Isanti County Commissioner Larry Southerland held onto his seat by eight votes.
Challenger Terry Turnquist had requested the recount.
During the recount at the Isanti County Government Center, both candidates were present. The recount began at 1:30 p.m. and lasted until 5 p.m.
Each ballot was examined by hand, and if anyone disagreed with the results it was re-examined, according to Isanti County Auditor Terry Treichel. "There was no issue with the way people marked their ballots," he said.
In the recount, the legality of each vote is not questioned. "Basically, what we're doing is determining the count of votes," explained Turnquist.
The county canvassing board will meet to certify the results on Friday morning.
At that point, Turnquist has seven days to contest the results in the court system if he feels there is any irregularity.
Treichel was pleased that the results remained the same. "The machines proved accurate again," he noted.
The one issue that arose during the recount was that half the precinct judges did not initial the absentee ballots they opened up before running them through the machines. This occurred in Wyanett, Springvale and Maple Ridge Townships.
Treichel pointed out that this recount was a preliminary of the recount that will occur next Thursday and Friday when the results for Minnesota Senator are scrutinized.
Southerland wins by eight votes
Two incumbents ousted in Chisago County
Eight voters made the difference in the race for Isanti County Commissioner in District 2.
Larry Southerland was re-elected by those eight votes.
The people watching the results come in at the Isanti County Government Center on Tuesday night, Nov. 4, 2008 figured that challenger Terry Turnquist was going to capture the seat as he was in the lead with one township yet to count. But when the results from Wyanett Township were entered, Southerland had won by eight votes.
There will be a recount in the race.
Meanwhile, in southern Isanti County, District 4 Commissioner Kurt Daudt held onto his seat and will serve a second term. He earned 65% of the vote compared to Jaysen Guthmueller's 35%.
A new face will occupy the District 3 seat following the retirement of long-time commissioner Tom Pagel. Allan Duff, current Isanti City Council member, garnered 54% of the vote to beat Gail Genin. This will leave a vacancy on the Isanti City Council.
CHISAGO COUNTY
In Chisago County, two incumbents were ousted from the county board, and one held onto his seat.
Longtime District 3 commissioner Bob Gustafson will be replaced by George McMahon, who received 54% of the vote.
In District 1, Lora Walker takes back the seat Lynn Schultz won from her four years ago. It was a close race, however. Walker garnered 52% of the vote while Schultz earned 47%.
Mike Robinson in District 4 was the sole incumbent commissioner to survive the election. He beat out challenger Bob Carter, earning 64% of the vote.
Eight voters made the difference in the race for Isanti County Commissioner in District 2.
Larry Southerland was re-elected by those eight votes.
The people watching the results come in at the Isanti County Government Center on Tuesday night, Nov. 4, 2008 figured that challenger Terry Turnquist was going to capture the seat as he was in the lead with one township yet to count. But when the results from Wyanett Township were entered, Southerland had won by eight votes.
There will be a recount in the race.
Meanwhile, in southern Isanti County, District 4 Commissioner Kurt Daudt held onto his seat and will serve a second term. He earned 65% of the vote compared to Jaysen Guthmueller's 35%.
A new face will occupy the District 3 seat following the retirement of long-time commissioner Tom Pagel. Allan Duff, current Isanti City Council member, garnered 54% of the vote to beat Gail Genin. This will leave a vacancy on the Isanti City Council.
CHISAGO COUNTY
In Chisago County, two incumbents were ousted from the county board, and one held onto his seat.
Longtime District 3 commissioner Bob Gustafson will be replaced by George McMahon, who received 54% of the vote.
In District 1, Lora Walker takes back the seat Lynn Schultz won from her four years ago. It was a close race, however. Walker garnered 52% of the vote while Schultz earned 47%.
Mike Robinson in District 4 was the sole incumbent commissioner to survive the election. He beat out challenger Bob Carter, earning 64% of the vote.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
HOMELESS FOR A NIGHT
Folks sleep in cardboard boxes to raise money for local homeless program.
CAMBRIDGE – Little Lauren Kindem learned about homelessness firsthand on Friday, Oct. 24, 2008.
She spent the night in a cardboard box at the Isanti County Fairgrounds as a participant in the Box City fundraiser. With her were her five-year-old brother Erik, grandmother Teresa Hasbrook and friend Gwen Thomas.
The four were among 109 people who raised over $12,000 for the local homeless shelter program, New Pathways. Planners intend to repeat the event next year on Oct. 23.
This wasn't the first humanitarian effort for Hasbrook and Thomas. They've also spent time in Tanzania and volunteer for a soup kitchen in the Twin Cities. The friends brought along the kids for a night in a cardboard box to broaden their hearts and make them more knowledgeable about the issues surrounding homelessness, observed Hasbrook.
After placing their boxes on the ground and then adding pillows and blankets, the next step was decorating. On their cardboard boxes the foursomes taped up photos of homeless individuals.
"It's becoming more and more of a reality," noted Hasbrook. The thought of those displaced because of foreclosures has "really touched my heart."
Thomas pointed out that the homeless are often those you wouldn't expect. They are people with jobs and kids who are attending school. Teenagers who might be living in their cars or under bridges.
The small group was sponsored by East Central Energy, which employs Hasbrook and Thomas. "It's in keeping with East Central Energy's commitment to community," noted Thomas.
One hundred feet away, 17 members of the EverBlest Choir from the Cambridge Lutheran Church labored over three different cardboard enclosures. They started work on the boxes the night before and then transported the pieces to the fairgrounds where they were reconstructed. They were ready for a cold night.
Angela Gertz was wearing long johns, leggings, two pairs of socks, and a down jacket – and she came with two sleeping bags. Plus, the choir girls had each other to keep warm, she added.
Farther down the line, Brandin Johnson and Taylor Lyons worked to put together their log-cabin-themed box. The teenagers had stayed up until 5 a.m. getting it ready for the Box City event. It was a little worse for the wear after being transported in a station wagon, but they were busy reattaching the paper "logs" before settling in for the night. "We know homeless people," noted their chaperone Patty Carlson. "We want to raise awareness."
With Halloween a week away, Johnson had also brought along a box that fit the holiday. Shaped like a coffin, a sign next to it read: "RIP Homeless Victim. Raise awareness not statistics."
"People die in the Minnesota weather," pointed out Carlson.
Raising awareness of the problem in rural Minnesota was one of the main goals behind holding the Box City fundraiser, noted New Pathways Board member John Roberts.
The money raised will support the Cambridge program. New Pathways supports families that face homelessness in east central Minnesota. At a day center in downtown Cambridge, staff members help parents hunt for jobs and hone the skills they need. At night, families are taken to local churches, including Cambridge Lutheran, Elim Baptist, Faith Lutheran, First Baptist, Grace Bible Fellowship, Long Lake Lutheran, New Hope Community, North Isanti Baptist, Oxlip Evangelical Free, Sts. Peter and Paul, Stanchfield Baptist, Trinity Lutheran and Cambridge United Methodist.
Last year the program assisted 34 families. A maximum of 24 can be served as one time. Since the program's inception in 2000, 301 families have been helped.
To get involved, call 763-691-0121 or email infonpi@newpathwaysmn.com.
PROGRAMS FOR THE HOMELESS
Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN): Cambridge site
• Chisago County
• Isanti County
• Kanabec County
• Mille Lacs County
• Pine County
Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN): Brainerd site
• Cass County
• Crow Wing County
• Morrison County
• Todd County
• Wadena County
Isanti House Transitional Housing Program
Serves the families from both IHN programs
FOR MORE INFORMATION
CALL 763-691-0121
BROWSE www.newpathwaysmn.com
EMAIL infonpi@newpathwaysmn.com
TO A POINT: If I were running for office …
WHY DON'T people prepare for office before they run? I've done my fair share of local political reporting the past few months, and I keep asking myself that question.
I would think these new candidates would begin showing up for school board, city council and county board meetings – depending on which it is they'd like to join. Not only would they get a sense for how things go before jumping in with both feet, but they'd also serve the voter better. They would then know what issues are before that body and how they're being dealt with now. And then they could come with their own solutions.
In fact, if I were running for office I'd take the time to read through the minutes of each meeting for the last year or so. Then I wouldn't suggest something that's already been done before. Then I would avoid sitting in meetings for the first few months with nothing to say because I'm trying to figure out what's going on. Most of all, I'd avoid looking like an idiot, and I try to do that whenever possible.
I question why these candidates don't care to arm themselves with the facts of each situation. Perhaps it is because of my training as a journalist, but I want to gather as much information as possible on a topic before I start sharing my opinions on it.
Call me self-absorbed, but I think those candidates OWE it to us voters to be well-informed. I only need point to Washington, D.C. to prove how much ill-informed people can mess things up. (I could use plenty of other adjectives to describe those politicians, but that's off topic, so I'll refrain.)
I've always leaned towards supporting term limits because I think it's good to get new blood onto a board. New people come with fresh ideas. They see things from different angles. They have lots of energy. I think those are very worthwhile traits. Yet, quite frankly, it scares me to elect someone who I don't feel has a good grasp of the current situation. As a voter, I'm checking a name on a ballot because I feel this person will serve me well, that they'll factor in every side to each situation, that they'll treat my tax dollar as their own. I want to know they're level-headed, business-minded and fair. I want to elect a person of integrity. Even if I don't agree with their position all the time, I want someone I can respect.
If I were running for office, that's the kind of person I'd try to be.
I would think these new candidates would begin showing up for school board, city council and county board meetings – depending on which it is they'd like to join. Not only would they get a sense for how things go before jumping in with both feet, but they'd also serve the voter better. They would then know what issues are before that body and how they're being dealt with now. And then they could come with their own solutions.
In fact, if I were running for office I'd take the time to read through the minutes of each meeting for the last year or so. Then I wouldn't suggest something that's already been done before. Then I would avoid sitting in meetings for the first few months with nothing to say because I'm trying to figure out what's going on. Most of all, I'd avoid looking like an idiot, and I try to do that whenever possible.
I question why these candidates don't care to arm themselves with the facts of each situation. Perhaps it is because of my training as a journalist, but I want to gather as much information as possible on a topic before I start sharing my opinions on it.
Call me self-absorbed, but I think those candidates OWE it to us voters to be well-informed. I only need point to Washington, D.C. to prove how much ill-informed people can mess things up. (I could use plenty of other adjectives to describe those politicians, but that's off topic, so I'll refrain.)
I've always leaned towards supporting term limits because I think it's good to get new blood onto a board. New people come with fresh ideas. They see things from different angles. They have lots of energy. I think those are very worthwhile traits. Yet, quite frankly, it scares me to elect someone who I don't feel has a good grasp of the current situation. As a voter, I'm checking a name on a ballot because I feel this person will serve me well, that they'll factor in every side to each situation, that they'll treat my tax dollar as their own. I want to know they're level-headed, business-minded and fair. I want to elect a person of integrity. Even if I don't agree with their position all the time, I want someone I can respect.
If I were running for office, that's the kind of person I'd try to be.
Braham man faces attempted murder charges for harming baby
Baby's mother also charged for neglect.
A Braham man is facing attempted murder charges after his girlfriend's 14-month-old baby was treated for a skull fracture.
While Allyn Hanson, 20, first denied having babysat the child on Oct. 24, he later confessed that he had indeed watched the baby all day while the mother was at work.
He told investigators that the toddler had fallen down a set of stairs.
The mother, Deanna Jacobs, 24, also of Braham, brought the baby into the Cambridge Medical Center emergency room at 9:40 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 24. The treating nurse became concerned at the lack of alarm Jacobs showed when told about her child's injuries. In addition to the skull fracture, there were multiple new and old bruises on the baby's forehead, back, chest and buttocks. There were also signs of fingerprint bruising on the baby's neck.
The toddler was intubated and then flown via helicopter to Hennepin County Medical Center.
STORIES CHANGE
When questioned, Jacobs first told investigators that a babysitter named Rachel had watched the baby and her five-year-old brother while she was working at Wal-Mart. However, she was not able to provide a last name nor telephone number for the sitter. She also said that the five-year-old had been watching his brother when he looked away and the baby fell down the stairs.
She later admitted that she had left the baby with her boyfriend.
Jacobs also told investigators that Hanson becomes violent when he drinks. She said that he had threatened to beat her if she told investigators the truth.
Meanwhile, Hanson told several versions of what had happened to the baby, as well, before finally admitting he had watched the baby fall down the stairs from his viewpoint in the outside doorway.
HISTORY OF ABUSE
According to Dawn Klose, a woman who had been the baby's main caregiver for 11 months, Jacobs had initially given the baby up for adoption but then changed her mind. Jacobs and her children then lived with Klose and her family from November 2007 to June 2008, when Jacobs moved out with the five-year-old to live with Hanson.
When the baby came home after a visit to Hanson in July, he had a black eye. In August, the baby came back from a visit with bruises on the whole side of his face. After a visit in October, the baby had a split lip and marks on his neck. Klose then called the police, and informed Child Protective Services in Kanabec County.
On Wednesday, Oct. 22, Jacobs took the baby from Klose.
CHARGES
Hanson is facing four charges, including first degree attempted murder, third degree attempted murder, first degree assault and malicious punishment of a child.
Jacobs is also facing charges, including neglecting a child, endangering a child and aiding an offender.
Both made their initial court appearances on Tuesday, Oct. 28.
CAUGHT VIA LASER
New tool enables deputies to pinpoint speeders in a group and target difficult stretches of roadway.
Figure if you're speeding in a group of vehicles that you won't be pulled over? Think again. New technology makes it easier for law enforcement to pinpoint each vehicle's speed one by one.
The Isanti County Sheriff's Department is now using this new laser technology, thanks to a donation from the Minnesota Safe & Sober program.
"We can work an aspect of traffic we haven't been able to in the past," noted Isanti County Deputy Chris Caulk.
Since the 1960s, law enforcement has been using radars to gauge the speed of drivers. The tools work best on two-lane roads. Radars provide two speeds at a time. When an officer is working a four-lane roadway and a pack of cars comes up, the radar spits out a series of speeds as it reads each oncoming vehicle. A trained officer can accurately determine which speed reading belongs to which vehicle, and issue a ticket confident it will hold up in court.
However, the radar has its limitations, noted Caulk. To work, the deputy's vehicle must be facing the same direction as the roadway. But there are some stretches of road, such as in densely packed neighborhoods with no shoulder, where there is no room for an officer's vehicle.
This is a situation perfectly suited for the new hand-held laser device. An officer can park the car out of the way in a driveway entrance, for example, and get out of the squad to aim the laser at oncoming vehicles. The laser beam quickly locks onto an oncoming car that is located as far as 1,500 feet away, and displays a speed reading as well as a distance reading. An officer then has enough time to jump back into the vehicle, catch the speeder and issue a ticket.
"Our computers allow us to be more efficient in our job," noted Caulk. "A laser allows us to more effectively work traffic."
Traffic is an officer's main responsibility, remarked Caulk. It is a way to be proactive and seek out offenders, rather than be reactive and respond to calls. Within a 10-hour shift, he estimates he spends between three to four hours focused solely on traffic, but as he moves to and from various calls he's always keeping a look out for traffic violators.
By pulling drivers over for traffic violations, a myriad of other crimes are brought to light.
At each stop, a driver's record is pulled and analyzed by an officer there in the squad car, thanks to the computers each car is equipped with. Officers learn whether the driver's license is suspended or there is a warrant issued, and can then react appropriately.
In areas where burglaries are high, a police presence shown through traffic stops decreases the incidences of burglaries, Caulk pointed out.
"Highly visible traffic law enforcement reduces criminal activity, crashes and calls for service, as well as increases the community's feelings of safety," observed Bob O'Brien of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS).
In fact, 39% of felony arrests in 2006 were a result of traffic stops. Many highly publicized crimes were solved because of a traffic stop, O'Brien added, including the Oklahoma bombing. Timothy McVeigh was stopped for not having a license plate.
Traffic enforcement is one piece in an equation the DPS employs to reduce crashes in the state. "We have found that adhering to the three Es (engineering, education and enforcement) will reduce crashes in a community. However, if any piece of the formula is lacking the program will fail," said O'Brien.
The total number of crashes in the state increased 3.5% between 2006 and 2007. In Isanti County, however, crashes went down from 533 in 2005 to 430 in 2007.
To make roads safer, areas are targeted at specific times throughout the year. Through the use of grant funds, extra patrols are put out with the sole purpose of making traffic stops. Over Memorial Day and in October, the focus is on seatbelts; in July it is on speed; and over Labor Day and in December it is on those driving under the influence.
"We're going out and saving lives," said O'Brien.
The lack of a seatbelt, high speeds and driving while intoxicated are the top three contributors to crashes in the state, according to O'Brien. Fifty percent of those killed in traffic crashes were not wearing their seatbelts. On a positive note, the current seatbelt usage is at 86%.
Roads in rural areas tend to be the site of more severe crashes. While 70% of crashes occur in urban areas, they account for only 30% of the fatalities. Over 70% of deaths occur on rural roads.
O'Brien pointed to narrower roads, higher speeds, and fewer people wearing seatbelts as the reason for the fatalities. The goal of the DPS and the Safe & Sober program is to reduce the number of deaths that occur each year.
Because of its success during these saturation periods, Isanti County was rewarded with the donation of the Pro Laser III. It is the first one owned by the sheriff's department, and is worth $3,000. Cambridge and Isanti Police Departments, as well as the local state patrol squads, also use laser guns.
Harris clerk resigns
Wothe's last day will be Nov. 10.
Harris City Clerk Jennifer Wothe has resigned.
The city council will hold a special meeting on Thursday night to formally accept her resignation and and consider hiring an interim clerk.
"She's going to be tough to replace," said Harris Mayor Rick Smisson. "It will be very hard to find someone with her credentials, skill and drive to get things done."
Wothe has been with the city since December 2006. She has accepted a position with the city of Clearwater as the city administrator. Her last day in Harris will be Nov. 10.
At this time, the Wothe family intends to remain living in Isanti.
Smisson pointed to a number of things Wothe has accomplished while employed by the city of Harris.
First and foremost, she organized the city's files. When she arrived at the city, what she inherited was a back room that "looked like you'd swept it all together in a big pile and threw it in a drawer," said Smisson. Today, when paperwork is needed it can be found within 15 minutes. Wothe also organized the front office.
In addition, Smisson noted that Wothe has established many policies. She was proactive in noticing a policy was needed and then going out and gathering the information to present to the council. She then made sure that policy was enforced equally.
"One of her great strengths is she will look you in the face and say, 'That is against the rules, and I don't care who you are,'" said Smisson.
Smisson anticipates that the first step the city council will take is to hire an interim clerk. Plans are to wait to hire a permanent clerk until January when the new council is in place.
Isanti County tightens up emergency assistance qualifications
ISANTI COUNTY – Isanti County is tightening up its regulations on who qualifies for emergency assistance.
Currently, Isanti County residents can tap into two programs. These changes affect only one, the County Crisis Assistance program.
Dick Williams of the Isanti County Family Services Department presented the changes to the Isanti County Board on Oct. 15, 2008. The board approved modifying the policy.
The most significant difference is that a cap has been placed on how much a family can qualify for.
The maximum payment will be four times the monthly cash assistance standard for that size household. For a mom and child, that amount is about $1,600. For a family of four, it's about $2,600.
"We're tightening around the edges to get it under control," said Williams. Recent payments have been running at about $3,000.
Additionally, if a family is living in a place that is obviously over what they can afford, the county won't help with assistance. Instead, social workers will help them find other shelter. Housing is considered over the family's budget if the cost of rent/mortgage, homeowner's insurance, real estate taxes and utility fees amount to more than 75% of the family income.
According to this policy, telephone, cable and Internet are not considered basic needs and are not eligible for funding assistance. The one exception is if they are required for medical reasons.
RECYCLING PROPERTIES
Pinnacle Engineering works to redevelop sites that may or may not have had chemical contamination. Two representatives, Matt Stokes and Eric Hansen, discussed their services with the Isanti County Board.
Termed brownfields redevelopment, Pinnacle works first to identify whether there is contamination at a site. Sometimes, a site is suspect merely because there was a gasoline leak next door, for instance.
Next, they work to help determine how much clean-up a site needs. This is based on what the intended redevelopment of the site will be. Another building with a parking lot that will cover the entire area will help contain any kind of leak, and eliminate some of the costly clean-up that might otherwise be required. Clean-up for use as a residential property will be different from that for an industrial use. This is referred to as "corrective action based on use," noted Hansen.
Pinnacle also works with developers to identify and apply for grants to help pay for the clean-up. According to Hansen, the current success rate is 97%.
Isanti County is considering redevelopment assistance with a piece of property located in the city of Isanti which was obtained through foreclosure proceedings.
In Brief
Medica Group Prime Solutions will again provide health insurance for retirees. The cost is $247 per month compared to $239 last year.
The position of county administrator will soon be advertised. The county board hopes to begin conducting interviews in mid-December. Current county coordinator Jerry Tvedt will retire in January.
Isanti County received $75,000 from the Urban Area Security Initiative to create an emergency control center in the basement of the government center.
The parks department is looking for folks to remove about 75 trees that have contracted oak wilt at the John Anderson Park. Closed bids are due by Oct. 29.
Tax abatements were approved for RMLG Enterprise in Isanti ($7,094) due to incorrect acreage amounts in 2006 and 2007; and James C. Shea in Wyanett Township ($346) due to a valuation error in 2007.
Nov. 3 is County Financial Aid Worker and Case Aide Day.
Land north of Hayford Ford was rezoned from Urban Service District 2 to Business District 1. It is owned by Sadio Punjani.
The meeting was closed to discuss union negotiations and litigation.
Resignations: Andrew Lloyd as jailer, Crystal Huntley-Egemo in family services
Currently, Isanti County residents can tap into two programs. These changes affect only one, the County Crisis Assistance program.
Dick Williams of the Isanti County Family Services Department presented the changes to the Isanti County Board on Oct. 15, 2008. The board approved modifying the policy.
The most significant difference is that a cap has been placed on how much a family can qualify for.
The maximum payment will be four times the monthly cash assistance standard for that size household. For a mom and child, that amount is about $1,600. For a family of four, it's about $2,600.
"We're tightening around the edges to get it under control," said Williams. Recent payments have been running at about $3,000.
Additionally, if a family is living in a place that is obviously over what they can afford, the county won't help with assistance. Instead, social workers will help them find other shelter. Housing is considered over the family's budget if the cost of rent/mortgage, homeowner's insurance, real estate taxes and utility fees amount to more than 75% of the family income.
According to this policy, telephone, cable and Internet are not considered basic needs and are not eligible for funding assistance. The one exception is if they are required for medical reasons.
RECYCLING PROPERTIES
Pinnacle Engineering works to redevelop sites that may or may not have had chemical contamination. Two representatives, Matt Stokes and Eric Hansen, discussed their services with the Isanti County Board.
Termed brownfields redevelopment, Pinnacle works first to identify whether there is contamination at a site. Sometimes, a site is suspect merely because there was a gasoline leak next door, for instance.
Next, they work to help determine how much clean-up a site needs. This is based on what the intended redevelopment of the site will be. Another building with a parking lot that will cover the entire area will help contain any kind of leak, and eliminate some of the costly clean-up that might otherwise be required. Clean-up for use as a residential property will be different from that for an industrial use. This is referred to as "corrective action based on use," noted Hansen.
Pinnacle also works with developers to identify and apply for grants to help pay for the clean-up. According to Hansen, the current success rate is 97%.
Isanti County is considering redevelopment assistance with a piece of property located in the city of Isanti which was obtained through foreclosure proceedings.
In Brief
Medica Group Prime Solutions will again provide health insurance for retirees. The cost is $247 per month compared to $239 last year.
The position of county administrator will soon be advertised. The county board hopes to begin conducting interviews in mid-December. Current county coordinator Jerry Tvedt will retire in January.
Isanti County received $75,000 from the Urban Area Security Initiative to create an emergency control center in the basement of the government center.
The parks department is looking for folks to remove about 75 trees that have contracted oak wilt at the John Anderson Park. Closed bids are due by Oct. 29.
Tax abatements were approved for RMLG Enterprise in Isanti ($7,094) due to incorrect acreage amounts in 2006 and 2007; and James C. Shea in Wyanett Township ($346) due to a valuation error in 2007.
Nov. 3 is County Financial Aid Worker and Case Aide Day.
Land north of Hayford Ford was rezoned from Urban Service District 2 to Business District 1. It is owned by Sadio Punjani.
The meeting was closed to discuss union negotiations and litigation.
Resignations: Andrew Lloyd as jailer, Crystal Huntley-Egemo in family services
Where they stand
Candidates for Isanti County Commissioner Districts 2,3, and 4, as well as those for Representative District 17A, face off.
In the last of the Isanti County forums, candidates for the three Isanti County Commissioner district, as well as those for Representative District 17A, faced off on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2008.
The forum was held at the Anoka-Ramsey Community College – Cambridge Campus. It was moderated by college employee Joy Des Marais.
Attending were Isanti County Commissioner District 2 candidates Larry Southerland and Terry Turnquist; District 3 candidates Alan Duff and Gail Genin; District 4 candidates Kurt Daudt and Jaysen Guthmueller; and Representative District 17A candidates Rob Eastlund (R), Jim Godfrey (D) and Daniel Sweeney (IvoteMN.net).
Commissioner candidates
WHAT ARE THE CRITICAL ISSUES THE COUNTY FACES IN THE NEXT FOUR YEARS?
People don't want their taxes to go up, noted District 4 incumbent Kurt Daudt. But at the same time, various county expenses are rapidly increasing. The county's healthcare expenses are going up by 15 to 30% a year. The cost of rebuilding roads has increased 60% over the last three years. Added to the challenge is the county's requirement to pay for state-mandated services. Additionally, the county's long-time coordinator is retiring, and the county board has decided to replace him by moving to a county administrator system for better organizational control.
Rising taxes is the number one issue for District 4 candidate Jaysen Guthmueller. Also pressing is the fact that Isanti County exports more laborers than it pulls in. He thinks a solution to this is to focus on economic development. "Public safety will always be my number one priority," Guthmueller added. He also hopes to convince the state to stop requiring counties to do work it doesn't pay for. He doesn't want to cut services, nor does he want to raise taxes. "In tough economic times, we must restrain government's appetite," he said.
Traffic, zoning and public safety are the most important issues facing commissioners, noted Terry Turnquist, District 2 candidate. He also advocates fiscal responsibility. "It is important that we as government leaders hold the line on taxes," said the 12-year Braham mayor. He pushed for a good long-range plan as the key to success.
After serving as sheriff for many years, Southerland continues to focus on public safety. "Residents can expect safe roads and safe neighborhoods," he said. The economy and the effect of foreclosures on the tax base are also issues to focus on. The state should be stopped from passing mandates onto counties, particularly when they are unfunded. "Government revenue is no different than personal income," said Southerland. "In tough times, we must restrain government's appetite for tax dollars."
High taxes, excessive government spending, high crime, drug use, economic job creation, safe drinking water, and transportation options are among the top 10 issues facing Isanti County, according to District 3 candidate Allan Duff. He pointed out that while he served on the Isanti City Council 300 new jobs were brought into the community. Other issues include the impact on housing due to foreclosed properties and the preservation of the rural character. His goals are: 1) 0 tax levy in 2009-2010 budget, 2) Set up a long-term financial plan by 2010, 3) Create a county newsletter, host regular meetings with county residents, and make meetings available on county web site.
The economic situation has impacted the county, according to Gail Genin. Taxes are always one of the biggest issues facing residents. Along with that is the "over valuation" of property. She will push for valuations being more equal to what the current market value is. There is always a trade-off between services and the cost of offering them, she noted. She vowed to make economic development a priority and work with the county's economic development authority, as well as the three cities, to attract good, high-paying jobs to the area. Another pressing need is transportation, she said.
HOW CAN THE COUNTY EFFECTIVELY MANAGE COUNTY LEVY DOLLARS?
Turnquist advocated meeting with department heads and going over the budget line by line to look for expenses that can be cut. "You cannot spend money you don't have," he said.
Southerland pointed out that a unified county board has kept the levy increases to 2% a year, which places the county at 17 out of 87. "Seventy counties charge more in taxes," he stressed.
Genin would spend time in each department getting to know the ins and outs before making any decisions. She promised, "I'd spend each dollar as though it were coming from my pocket."
Duff noted that there is a difference between state-mandated expenses and discretionary funding. He pushed for the creation of a long-term financial plan, as well as a finance committee to serve as a financial watchdog. He also advocated for transparency at the county board level through taped meetings and an e-newsletter.
The proper way to balance a budget is to actively manage it throughout the year, noted Guthmueller. He pointed out that on his web site he has a list of 53 cost-saving ideas. Among those are saving on energy costs. "A dollar wasted is a dollar we can't spend on services or programs," he said. He also wants to restore the county's reserve fund.
"The county board has been incredibly creative in its budgets," according to Daudt. "In the four years that I've been on the board, the tax rate has gone down every year." He promised to continue to look at every dollar that is spent.
WHAT IS YOUR POSITION ON SELLING DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS AS PROPOSED IN THE NEW COMPREHENSIVE PLAN?
Duff supports development where infrastructure is in place. He pointed out the state demographer predicted that 1 million people will be added to the Twin Cities area. "Growth is going to happen. We need to make it a positive experience," he said. He also stressed that development costs be paid for by the developer.
Genin served on the group that helped form the new comprehensive plan. She pointed out the county already has the option of transferring development rights (TDR). It is currently allowed under single ownership when the land is contiguous. The new rules would allow multiple owners to get involved and land that is not contiguous. Private landowners would set a fair market value, she pointed out. The county would not be involved in this part. She continues to support the new regulations.
The issues around TDRs is what has stalled the approval of the comprehensive plan, noted Daudt. He supports a modified version that would allow the transfer of rights on land owned by the same person. This would alleviate the concerns he's heard from township boards, he said.
Given the large number of platted lots currently available in the county, Guthmueller doesn't feel now is a good time to increase residential development options.
Southerland doesn't support the transfer of rights at this point.
Turnquist questions whether the county's zoning staff can handle keeping track of TDRs. The concept of encouraging growth in high density areas makes sense to him, however.
WHAT FUNDING SOURCES WOULD YOU CONSIDER FOR PARKS AND ROADS?
"I'm a firm believer that development should pay for itself," said Guthmueller. After observing how may developers in Isanti walked away, he advocates a two-year waiting period before the county would take responsibility for new developments. He also supports using state and federal funds when available.
Daudt pointed out that the way the county has funded parks through development fees has been successful. Roads and bridges are another matter, however, especially considering the 60% increase in costs over the past few years. The gas tax increase will provide the county with a small amount of additional funds. Bonding would be a short-term solution. The long-term solution is supporting economic development that will increase the tax base, he said.
Turnquist noted that roads and bridges can be bonded for and the payments spaced out over time. Parks can be paid for through fees that are set aside. If needed, the county also has the authority to issue special levies for certain expenses.
Southerland advocates looking at all sources of funding, including grants, fees and volunteer help for parks. As part of the Trunk Highway 65 Task Force, he is working to solicit federal grants to pay for improvements at Highways 65 and 107.
Genin is open to all types of funding options. She would like to see volunteer groups organized to help with parks.
When needed, Duff supports increasing taxes to pay for specific projects, such as the water treatment facility in Isanti which will benefit the health, safety and welfare of citizens. He would approach each project by asking, "What do we actually need to get the job done and how can we do it with limited resources?"
Representative candidates
The three men vying for the position of Minnesota Representative for District 17A answered a variety of questions ranging from their priorities to how they would deal with the state's impending budget deficit.
WHAT STEPS WOULD YOU TAKE TO DEAL WITH MINNESOTA'S BUDGET DEFICIT?
Incumbent Rob Eastlund pointed out that with a deficit this large, the state needs to look at big-ticket items. He pointed out that two years ago when the state had a large surplus a decision was made to increase the Health & Human Services budget by 17%. Aother 14% increase is slated to take effect in 2009. "If we roll back the 14% increase set to go into effect we would not have a deficit in Minnesota," said Eastlund. "We could solve the whole problem with that one budget item."
Sweeney intends to ask the people of Minnesota to vote on every issue, and then will vote that way. He will do this by offering online voting; those without Internet access can phone it in.
Godfrey noted that politicians are not working together to solve the problems. He advocated reinvesting in areas through grants. He would focus on helping the mom-and-pop businesses, reducing property taxes, cutting the red tape and offering affordable healthcare for everyone.
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP TWO PRIORITIES?
The current economic situation and K-12 funding are what Sweeney would focus on. When he grew up, he noted that his parents weren't asked to approve levies for school districts. There was enough funding to fully support the schools without asking local taxpayers for more. Regarding the economy, Sweeney pressed for a "budget that is fair for the working class." He wants to see lobbyists eliminated for good.
Jobs and education are Godfrey's top two priorities. He supports Isanti's desire to create an industrial rail park, and would seek federal funds to help pay for it. He also advocates prioritizing road needs and keeping those in front of the Minnesota Department of Transportation and federal committees. Having educated students is important to being able to compete in a global workforce, Godfrey pointed out. "We have to make sure they're trained."
Eastlund will focus on funding for K-12 and nursing homes. He pointed to the inequality in the current education funding formula. Schools in Minneapolis get 6% more than CI schools, he noted. The same is true with nursing homes. Those in the Twin Cities area get higher reimbursements than those in Isanti County.
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP PRIORITIES FOR THE STATE OF MINNESOTA?
Excessive partisanship is hurting the state, according to Godfrey. An example of this is what occurred with changes made to the Green Acres law in the last few hours of the 2008 legislative session. "We shouldn't be playing games with our budget," he said. Instead Godfrey advocates repealing the changes, and then working towards a solution in a transparent fashion. He also pushes for reforming the tax system. "We're putting a squeeze on the middle class. We need to hold the line," he said.
Pocketbook issues are at the forefront right now, said Eastlund. To combat that, legislators must first look at the price of government and get it under control. "The price of government can't rise when the people that support government can't pay," said Eastlund. Also hurting is the entire economic engine in America. Eastlund pointed out that 70% of jobs in the country are produced by small businesses. These businesses are hurting because of the existing tax structure. "It's no secret why Northwest went to Georgia," he noted. Minnesota must reform its "oppressive" tax structure and then businesses can pull the state through the economic crisis.
Sweeney believes the budget and representation are the top two issues. He charged that the incumbent doesn't represent the middle class the way he would. He pointed to his platform of letting voters decide on the issue and how their want their tax dollars spent as being representation. He urged voters to vote their conscience. "It's time for change," he said.
In the last of the Isanti County forums, candidates for the three Isanti County Commissioner district, as well as those for Representative District 17A, faced off on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2008.
The forum was held at the Anoka-Ramsey Community College – Cambridge Campus. It was moderated by college employee Joy Des Marais.
Attending were Isanti County Commissioner District 2 candidates Larry Southerland and Terry Turnquist; District 3 candidates Alan Duff and Gail Genin; District 4 candidates Kurt Daudt and Jaysen Guthmueller; and Representative District 17A candidates Rob Eastlund (R), Jim Godfrey (D) and Daniel Sweeney (IvoteMN.net).
Commissioner candidates
WHAT ARE THE CRITICAL ISSUES THE COUNTY FACES IN THE NEXT FOUR YEARS?
People don't want their taxes to go up, noted District 4 incumbent Kurt Daudt. But at the same time, various county expenses are rapidly increasing. The county's healthcare expenses are going up by 15 to 30% a year. The cost of rebuilding roads has increased 60% over the last three years. Added to the challenge is the county's requirement to pay for state-mandated services. Additionally, the county's long-time coordinator is retiring, and the county board has decided to replace him by moving to a county administrator system for better organizational control.
Rising taxes is the number one issue for District 4 candidate Jaysen Guthmueller. Also pressing is the fact that Isanti County exports more laborers than it pulls in. He thinks a solution to this is to focus on economic development. "Public safety will always be my number one priority," Guthmueller added. He also hopes to convince the state to stop requiring counties to do work it doesn't pay for. He doesn't want to cut services, nor does he want to raise taxes. "In tough economic times, we must restrain government's appetite," he said.
Traffic, zoning and public safety are the most important issues facing commissioners, noted Terry Turnquist, District 2 candidate. He also advocates fiscal responsibility. "It is important that we as government leaders hold the line on taxes," said the 12-year Braham mayor. He pushed for a good long-range plan as the key to success.
After serving as sheriff for many years, Southerland continues to focus on public safety. "Residents can expect safe roads and safe neighborhoods," he said. The economy and the effect of foreclosures on the tax base are also issues to focus on. The state should be stopped from passing mandates onto counties, particularly when they are unfunded. "Government revenue is no different than personal income," said Southerland. "In tough times, we must restrain government's appetite for tax dollars."
High taxes, excessive government spending, high crime, drug use, economic job creation, safe drinking water, and transportation options are among the top 10 issues facing Isanti County, according to District 3 candidate Allan Duff. He pointed out that while he served on the Isanti City Council 300 new jobs were brought into the community. Other issues include the impact on housing due to foreclosed properties and the preservation of the rural character. His goals are: 1) 0 tax levy in 2009-2010 budget, 2) Set up a long-term financial plan by 2010, 3) Create a county newsletter, host regular meetings with county residents, and make meetings available on county web site.
The economic situation has impacted the county, according to Gail Genin. Taxes are always one of the biggest issues facing residents. Along with that is the "over valuation" of property. She will push for valuations being more equal to what the current market value is. There is always a trade-off between services and the cost of offering them, she noted. She vowed to make economic development a priority and work with the county's economic development authority, as well as the three cities, to attract good, high-paying jobs to the area. Another pressing need is transportation, she said.
HOW CAN THE COUNTY EFFECTIVELY MANAGE COUNTY LEVY DOLLARS?
Turnquist advocated meeting with department heads and going over the budget line by line to look for expenses that can be cut. "You cannot spend money you don't have," he said.
Southerland pointed out that a unified county board has kept the levy increases to 2% a year, which places the county at 17 out of 87. "Seventy counties charge more in taxes," he stressed.
Genin would spend time in each department getting to know the ins and outs before making any decisions. She promised, "I'd spend each dollar as though it were coming from my pocket."
Duff noted that there is a difference between state-mandated expenses and discretionary funding. He pushed for the creation of a long-term financial plan, as well as a finance committee to serve as a financial watchdog. He also advocated for transparency at the county board level through taped meetings and an e-newsletter.
The proper way to balance a budget is to actively manage it throughout the year, noted Guthmueller. He pointed out that on his web site he has a list of 53 cost-saving ideas. Among those are saving on energy costs. "A dollar wasted is a dollar we can't spend on services or programs," he said. He also wants to restore the county's reserve fund.
"The county board has been incredibly creative in its budgets," according to Daudt. "In the four years that I've been on the board, the tax rate has gone down every year." He promised to continue to look at every dollar that is spent.
WHAT IS YOUR POSITION ON SELLING DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS AS PROPOSED IN THE NEW COMPREHENSIVE PLAN?
Duff supports development where infrastructure is in place. He pointed out the state demographer predicted that 1 million people will be added to the Twin Cities area. "Growth is going to happen. We need to make it a positive experience," he said. He also stressed that development costs be paid for by the developer.
Genin served on the group that helped form the new comprehensive plan. She pointed out the county already has the option of transferring development rights (TDR). It is currently allowed under single ownership when the land is contiguous. The new rules would allow multiple owners to get involved and land that is not contiguous. Private landowners would set a fair market value, she pointed out. The county would not be involved in this part. She continues to support the new regulations.
The issues around TDRs is what has stalled the approval of the comprehensive plan, noted Daudt. He supports a modified version that would allow the transfer of rights on land owned by the same person. This would alleviate the concerns he's heard from township boards, he said.
Given the large number of platted lots currently available in the county, Guthmueller doesn't feel now is a good time to increase residential development options.
Southerland doesn't support the transfer of rights at this point.
Turnquist questions whether the county's zoning staff can handle keeping track of TDRs. The concept of encouraging growth in high density areas makes sense to him, however.
WHAT FUNDING SOURCES WOULD YOU CONSIDER FOR PARKS AND ROADS?
"I'm a firm believer that development should pay for itself," said Guthmueller. After observing how may developers in Isanti walked away, he advocates a two-year waiting period before the county would take responsibility for new developments. He also supports using state and federal funds when available.
Daudt pointed out that the way the county has funded parks through development fees has been successful. Roads and bridges are another matter, however, especially considering the 60% increase in costs over the past few years. The gas tax increase will provide the county with a small amount of additional funds. Bonding would be a short-term solution. The long-term solution is supporting economic development that will increase the tax base, he said.
Turnquist noted that roads and bridges can be bonded for and the payments spaced out over time. Parks can be paid for through fees that are set aside. If needed, the county also has the authority to issue special levies for certain expenses.
Southerland advocates looking at all sources of funding, including grants, fees and volunteer help for parks. As part of the Trunk Highway 65 Task Force, he is working to solicit federal grants to pay for improvements at Highways 65 and 107.
Genin is open to all types of funding options. She would like to see volunteer groups organized to help with parks.
When needed, Duff supports increasing taxes to pay for specific projects, such as the water treatment facility in Isanti which will benefit the health, safety and welfare of citizens. He would approach each project by asking, "What do we actually need to get the job done and how can we do it with limited resources?"
Representative candidates
The three men vying for the position of Minnesota Representative for District 17A answered a variety of questions ranging from their priorities to how they would deal with the state's impending budget deficit.
WHAT STEPS WOULD YOU TAKE TO DEAL WITH MINNESOTA'S BUDGET DEFICIT?
Incumbent Rob Eastlund pointed out that with a deficit this large, the state needs to look at big-ticket items. He pointed out that two years ago when the state had a large surplus a decision was made to increase the Health & Human Services budget by 17%. Aother 14% increase is slated to take effect in 2009. "If we roll back the 14% increase set to go into effect we would not have a deficit in Minnesota," said Eastlund. "We could solve the whole problem with that one budget item."
Sweeney intends to ask the people of Minnesota to vote on every issue, and then will vote that way. He will do this by offering online voting; those without Internet access can phone it in.
Godfrey noted that politicians are not working together to solve the problems. He advocated reinvesting in areas through grants. He would focus on helping the mom-and-pop businesses, reducing property taxes, cutting the red tape and offering affordable healthcare for everyone.
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP TWO PRIORITIES?
The current economic situation and K-12 funding are what Sweeney would focus on. When he grew up, he noted that his parents weren't asked to approve levies for school districts. There was enough funding to fully support the schools without asking local taxpayers for more. Regarding the economy, Sweeney pressed for a "budget that is fair for the working class." He wants to see lobbyists eliminated for good.
Jobs and education are Godfrey's top two priorities. He supports Isanti's desire to create an industrial rail park, and would seek federal funds to help pay for it. He also advocates prioritizing road needs and keeping those in front of the Minnesota Department of Transportation and federal committees. Having educated students is important to being able to compete in a global workforce, Godfrey pointed out. "We have to make sure they're trained."
Eastlund will focus on funding for K-12 and nursing homes. He pointed to the inequality in the current education funding formula. Schools in Minneapolis get 6% more than CI schools, he noted. The same is true with nursing homes. Those in the Twin Cities area get higher reimbursements than those in Isanti County.
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP PRIORITIES FOR THE STATE OF MINNESOTA?
Excessive partisanship is hurting the state, according to Godfrey. An example of this is what occurred with changes made to the Green Acres law in the last few hours of the 2008 legislative session. "We shouldn't be playing games with our budget," he said. Instead Godfrey advocates repealing the changes, and then working towards a solution in a transparent fashion. He also pushes for reforming the tax system. "We're putting a squeeze on the middle class. We need to hold the line," he said.
Pocketbook issues are at the forefront right now, said Eastlund. To combat that, legislators must first look at the price of government and get it under control. "The price of government can't rise when the people that support government can't pay," said Eastlund. Also hurting is the entire economic engine in America. Eastlund pointed out that 70% of jobs in the country are produced by small businesses. These businesses are hurting because of the existing tax structure. "It's no secret why Northwest went to Georgia," he noted. Minnesota must reform its "oppressive" tax structure and then businesses can pull the state through the economic crisis.
Sweeney believes the budget and representation are the top two issues. He charged that the incumbent doesn't represent the middle class the way he would. He pointed to his platform of letting voters decide on the issue and how their want their tax dollars spent as being representation. He urged voters to vote their conscience. "It's time for change," he said.
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