Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Artist finds peace in creating something beautiful




Lisa Money of Cambridge etches glass, embroiders and custom paints wood crafts


Cambridge artist Lisa Money wants to bring something beautiful into people’s homes.

She etches glassware, vases, mirrors, vehicle windows and anything else she’s asked to do. A common gift item is a set of matching champagne flutes. She’s even created trophies for a boat parade.

“I’ve always been creative,” explained Money. “It’s who I am and what I enjoy doing.”

She inspired by things she comes across in every day life, particularly the natural setting around her home. In the warm weather, she can be found sitting on her deck, hard at work.

“To me, it’s relaxing,” Money explained. “This is my time. It’s what I do for me.”

Nature finds its way into her one-of-a-kind artwork, as well. Eagles and roses are the most popular items she etches, and other wildlife next on the list. She has over 3,000 patterns in stock. If a customer can’t find something she likes, Money is happy to fashion something unique. She has taken people and pets from photographs and transferred them to glass. In addition to fashioning new pieces, Money has repaired antiques, such as a Hoosier cabinet that needed new panes.

Her hobby began with a one-hour Community Education class when she was 16. Thirty years later she’s still enamoured of the work, and strives to make each item a piece of art.

Etching requires a lot of prep work. It typically takes Money longer to draw up a design than it does to actually etch it. “I do a lot of retrofitting,” she explained.

She prides herself on crisp edges, which are difficult to achieve. Without a tight seal between the pattern on contact paper and the glass, the acid will seep through, ruining the project.

Her materials come from a variety of sources. Money scours discount stores and garage sales for glass. “If I can get it cheap, I can sell it cheap,” Money explained. Other times, customers provide the material. She hasn’t found that any one glass works better than another; however, she can’t etch Corningware or other bakewear. “The acid won’t take to the bakewear,” she explained.

Twice each year, Money carefully packs up her artwork to sell at craft fairs, which make up the bulk of her business. Word-of-mouth is also an important mechanism for sales. Recently, she’s added a web site (http://home.earthlink.net/~wolf36/yourglassormine) and Facebook page (Your Glass or Mine). After being laid off, Money hopes to increase the amount of work she does.

Towards that end, she recently purchased an embroidery machine and intends to add that skill to her repertoire.

CUSTOM PAINTED WOOD CRAFTS

Another hobby also dates back to her high school years. As a teen, Money loved woodshop. Today, she’s got her own shop set up in a detached garage.

When she was given a bird feeder, Money thought, “I can make these.” So she did. Next she fashioned a pileated woodpecker out of a scrap piece of lumber. Money completes the whole project herself. She starts with a piece of wood, cuts it, sands it down and then paints it.

She finds much of her raw material at Menards, taking advantage of sale prices. As with her glass etching, she passes the savings onto her customers.

Blue Jays and pileated woodpeckers are the hottest items at craft shows, as are her signs.

“I paint whatever happens to come to mind,” Money said. She’s happy to paint whatever slogan a customer asks for. Lighter stains tend to be more popular, but she works with a variety of colors.

“Time flies when you’re having rum” is one of her favorite sayings. Other popular ones are: “Because I said so,” “Happily Ever After,” and “When in Doubt, Look Up.” At a craft fair one day, a woman came up to Money and fell in love with a sign that said “You Are My Sunshine.” She told Money, “My husband used to tell me that all the time when he was alive.”

“[I] brought joy to her just with a saying. It’s neat that I can do that,” Money observed. Other people enjoy having their own “famous sayings” in paint, making them permanent.

When she paints, Money uses little brushes in order to get clean edges. She keeps a jar of Q-tips handy to clean up any mistakes. “It takes a long time. That’s okay, though,” she stated. She knows that art can’t be hurried.

To contact Money, email wolf36@earthlink.net or call (763) 274-4630.

Park development on horizon


Isanti County approves five-year park plan


After years of merely purchasing land, the Isanti County Parks Department is ready add trails, playgrounds and picnic shelters.

Parks Director Barry Wendorf presented a five-year plan to the county board on Tuesday night, March 16, 2010 detailing future development.

In 2010, the parks board hopes to significantly improve two parks. The work is dependent upon receiving grants, however.

At Vesgund Family County Park, the plan is to add a 1,400-foot entrance road and parking lot at a cost of $80,000; trails ($60,000); picnic shelter ($42,000); fishing pier ($25,000); picnic tables, benches and grills ($10,000); signs, trees and landscaping ($10,000); and solar lighting ($28,000). If the county doesn’t receive a grant, it will only complete the road and part of the trail system, noted Wendorf.

At Anderson County Park, the county’s newest park, the goal is to add three boardwalks ($17,700), a road to the parking area ($8,500), trail gates ($4,500), and canoe access ($1,500). If a grant isn’t awarded, only one boardwalk will be constructed and the canoe access will be upgraded, said Wendorf.

Additionally, the county will spend $7,800 on signs.

Improvements from 2010 to 2014 will total $40,000 each year.

In 2011, the park department intends to purchase a tractor/loader to be used to dig fire breaks, maintain trails, upgrade parking lots and remove snow. Wendorf also hopes to purchase a snowmobile/trail groomer to maintain cross-country ski trails. Additionally, the county’s oldest park, Wayside, is “in desperate need of renovations,” said Wendorf. “The concrete picnic tables are falling apart,” he noted, as well as the benches. Landscaping is also needed.

Improving the parking lot at Wayside is slated for 2012. Also that year, the park board hopes to purchase playground equipment – a rock climbing wall, slide and swing – at Becklin park. Plumbing will be added at the maintenance building at Springvale park, and electricity extended to the shelter at Becklin park. If the Vesgund park fishing pier is not included in the 2010 grant, it will be added in 2012 and the playground equipment scratched.

Viewing platforms at Dalbo and Anderson parks will be added in 2013. Trails will be improved and a parking lot added at Becklin. The biggest cost that year, estimated at $20,000, will be spent on an interpretive shelter at Springvale, the county’s most well-used park, according to Wendorf.

More work will be done at Springvale County Park in 2014. The bituminous trail that currently dead-ends will be extended so that it loops a half-mile. Playground equipment will be added at Anderson park. However, if the picnic shelter at Vesgund park isn’t part of this year’s grant, the trail and the playground will wait so the picnic shelter can be built.

The county board approved the five-year plan as presented. Commissioner George Larson pointed out that the plan could change depending on necessity. “Barry has done a nice job on this,” he said.

DONATE TREES, OTHER ITEMS

Isanti County offers two programs for people who want to make donations in memory or in honor of someone special or for other reasons.

According to Wendorff, people may select a mature native tree, help select the planting site and take part in a tree planting.

Or, people may purchase items like grills and benches. Plaques will be placed on both the items and near the trees honoring the donors.

For more on the program and the items needed by Isanti County parks, check the county web site at http://www.co.isanti.mn.us/parksrechome.

Another way for people to get involved is to volunteer at the parks. Last year, folks logged 120 hours at Anderson park through the Friends of Anderson Park program.

Wendorf noted that he would like to see Friends groups established for all the county parks.

MORE ABOUT PARK SYSTEM

Isanti County’s five parks have cost just under $2.1 million to establish. Part of that has been paid by grants, and part by local taxpayers.

Two parks – Dalbo and Wayside – were free. Both came to the county through the tax forfeiture process in the 1950s. A 108-section of Springvale park was also tax-forfeited land. The cost of others was offset by large donations from families who earned naming rights.

The number of acres that the county oversees in its parks is currently 735. Springvale is the largest at 211, followed by Anderson at 174, Becklin at 150, Wayside and Vesgund at 80 a piece and Dalbo at 40.


WHAT CAN YOU FIND NOW AT COUNTY PARKS?

Dalbo County Park

• Two miles of multi-use trails

• Wetland boardwalks

• Picnic table/shelter

• Interpretive sign/map kiosk

Springvale County Park

• Parking lot

• Paved trail to observation point (one-quarter mile)

• Five miles of multi-use trails

• Native plan restoration

• Portable restroom

• Groomed cross-country ski trail

• Picnic table/shelter

• Mountain bike trail (1/2 mile)

Wayside Prairie County Park

• Picnic shelter, tables and grills

• Two miles of multi-use trails

• Native plant demonstration garden

• Wetland boardwalks

• Prairie restoration project

• Portable restroom

Vesgund County Park

(Will open in 2010)

• Two miles of multi-use trails

• Fishing dock

• Bog walk and scenic overlooks

• Canoe access

• Portable restroom

• Picnic shelter

Becklin Homestead Park/WMA

• Three miles of multi-use trails (no horses)

• Canoe and small boat launch area

• Picnic tables, grills and shelter

• River/bird observation platform

• Areas reserved for hunting by disabled hunters (during which time the park is closed)

• Interpretive sign

• Portable restroom

Irving and John Anderson County Park

(Will open in 2010)

• Picnic shelter

• Three miles of multi-use trails

• Three parking areas

• Canoe launch

• Grills and benches

• Interpretive sign


Dogs relax at The Barking Lot


Tick season is early this year. Kim Kolden of The Barking Lot in Cambridge is offering spot-on flea and tick treatments for $10 if you mention this story. "I've already found ticks on my dogs," Kolden noted. "It's really early this year. I don't usually have to worry about it until the end of May/early June." She pointed out that flea and tick collars protect merely the neck and head, leaving the rest of the body exposed. Because of that, she recommends spot-on treatments which treat the whole body.


Kolden offers a variety of pet grooming services from teeth brushing, nail grinding, and haircuts. "We do everything," she said. While many grooming salons close by 6 p.m., Kolden is open until 9 p.m. Monday to Friday. She also takes appointments on the weekends.


The benefit to using a smaller salon is that dogs are generally more relaxed while they're there. "I don't have that busy grooming salon atmosphere," stated Kolden. "It's quiet." She's noticed a behavior change in the dogs she groomed previously that followed her to the new location. "They're a lot calmer," Kolden said.


A self-proclaimed animal lover, Kolden has three cats and three dogs. She spent a year researching labs before getting her first one three years ago. Joey was joined by Skyy, a black labrador, and Rainy, a Fox Red lab. Kolden is training the black lab to be a therapy dog. Persian Gizzy also enjoys her time as a therapy cat while visiting GracePoint Crossing. The Persian was severely malnourished when Kolden adopted her; she's grown from two pounds to six and one-half over the last two years, and now has a beautiful, full coat. Kolden also adopted Munchkin, who suffers from seizures. Cat Kassie rounds out the mix. For awhile, Kolden also fostered cats. "They're a lot of fun," observed Kolden. "As long as you're good to them, they are good to you."


Kolden always knew that she wanted to work with animals. She considered becoming a veterinarian, "but I can't do the needles and put them to sleep," she explained. Instead, she began working with a woman who showed Bichon Frise dogs. From there Kolden moved on to a grooming salon. In January 2010 she and her husband decided to make the jump into being small business owners, and she opened her own salon. While some people, including her past employer, do more show cuts, Kolden focuses on pet-friendly cuts. Currently operating out of her rural Cambridge home, Kolden intends to someday construct a facility that's just for the business. At that time, she plans to begin offering boarding services, as well.


"I want to run a nice grooming salon where people feel comfortable dropping their dogs off and know they will be treated well," Kolden remarked.


Call 763-689-3770 or 651-354-5748 to set up an appointment, or email BarkingLotGroom@yahoo.com. Hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday, 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Barking Lot is located a few miles west of Cambridge at 761 327th Ave. NE.


Discounts

• Mention this story and receive $5 off your first grooming at The Barking Lot.

• Pay just $10 for spot-on flea and tick treatment.

• Refer a friend and you'll get $5 off your next grooming after the friend books an appointment.

*These offers are not valid together.

Hop in for Easter treats



Treat your family to a bunny cake this Easter from Herman's Bakery, Coffee Shop and Deli in downtown Cambridge. Choose from chocolate with Bavarian cream or raspberry filling, marble with Bavarian cream or chocolate fudge filling, and white with lemon or strawberry filling. Cupcakes in bright spring colors, shortbreads and cookies hand-cut in fun Easter shapes are also available. Or, pick up a bag of Jelly Belly beans and some fresh fudge.


You don't have to feel guilty about indulging your sweet tooth when you buy from Herman's. "We're a from-scratch bakery," explained owner Lois Oestreich. "We bake with fresh ingredients."


She added, "We like to think of ourselves as being healthy." Towards that end, the deli is stocked with fresh salads, fruits, sandwiches and soups. Portions of some salads are big enough for two to share. "Herman and I can take a chef salad home and that's a meal for two," Lois observed.


Also popular during for holiday dinners and special events are hot cross buns, tea biscuits, dinner rolls, butterflake and turkey buns (available in white, wheat or rye), and assorted nut breads.


Lois and Herman Oestreich pride themselves on maintaining the tradition of an old-fashioned bakery. This year the business will celebrate its 30th anniversary.


The bakery is located at 130 South Main Street in Cambridge. Call 763-689-1515. Hours are: Monday to Friday 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. The bakery is closed on Sundays.


Easter treats include:

• Bunny cakes

• Hot cross buns

• Cupcakes

• Cookies

• Nut breads

• Candy

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Mall site ranked top for NLX station

City prioritizes four sites, has yet to rule any out


The Cambridge City Center is the best spot for a passenger rail depot in Cambridge, according to an independent consulting firm.

After evaluating four sites, Hay Dobbs concluded that the mall site has the necessary infrastructure already in place. The former Ritchart Ford dealership location was ranked second.

Tom Dobbs of Hay Dobbs presented results from the study to the Passenger Depot Location Task Force on Tuesday, March 9, 2010. He stressed that this was not a final decision. “There is a whole body of engineering and planning work that needs to be done moving on from here,” Dobbs stated.

“We’re not eliminating any site. What we’re doing is prioritizing them,” said Cambridge City Development Director Dave Carlberg. He added that as they move forward, planners will evaluate the top two sites.

ABOUT THE STUDY

The study completed by Hay Dobbs was narrow in focus. There were six areas it evaluated: the site area, infrastructure, physical elements, ownership/use/control, financial and local government/community controls. Dobbs explained that the first three areas are relatively objective. Consultants considered whether the sites were contiguous pieces of land, could physically support a platform, had the option of expansion, were linked to roads, trails and sidewalks, were served by city sewer and water, and were on flat parcels.

The second set of criteria was more subjective. Sites were ranked according to how well they fit in with the city’s comprehensive plan, the cost of acquisition, demolition and remediation, and local preferences.

Four sites were considered: the Cambridge City Center, First Baptist Church, Affordable Properties and the former Ritchart Ford dealership. Sites received a rank from one to five on the various criteria, and those ranks were then weighed according to an pre-established set of values. The Baptist Church location and Affordable Properties were ranked close together, at 15.4 and 15.7 points respectively. The former Ford dealership earned 17.6 points, and the city mall 20.15 points.

Dobbs explained that they were primarily considering whether the locations could handle a 600-foot-long, 20-foot-deep platform, ticketing office and 100-car parking lot.

CONCERNS

Local business owner George Johnson questioned whether congestion at Highway 95 and the train tracks was factored into this study. “I feel that it’s a very important factor,” Johnson said. “It’s critical to the community.

Dobbs responded that it was not considered, but will be in a later engineering study. “There will be no funding until it’s looked at,” he said.

He added that a more in-depth study can’t be completed until work has been done to evaluate how many trains per day there will be, what times they will run, and what the size of the trains will be.

Carlberg responded that contrary to the perception out there in the community, these passenger rail trains will not sit on the tracks and block Highway 95 as freight trains do now. Whether the trains are at full speed or still speeding up after leaving the mall, the amount of time the highway will be blocked will be 15 to 30 seconds, added task force chair Bob Guetschoff.

Carlberg said that this initial study did not factor in whether the station would be on the east or west side of the tracks. This decision will be based on the type of platform used, which has not yet been fixed.

Johnson also asked whether the study factored in the requirements of a commuter rail station in addition to the passenger rail station. Dobbs stated that the space needed for either passenger or commuter trains was essentially the same.

WHAT’S NEXT?

The next step in the process is to complete the 18-month preliminary environmental impact statement (EIS). During this stage, potential parcels of land between Duluth to Minneapolis will be evaluated. Noise and vibration, as well as the larger impacts on property values, will be considered, according to Dobbs. A preferred route will be created, and a station design will be drawn up. This will be done by the end of 2010. Next, there will be the draft EIS and then the final EIS.

Dobb stressed that this entire process is a long one. The goal is to have the Northern Lights Express passenger rail line operating by 2012 or 2013.

Hay Dobbs was hired by the larger Passenger Rail Alliance to evaluate potential sites in Hinckley, Sandstone, and Cambridge, as well as at the Grand Casino in Hinckley.

SETBACKS

The Passenger Rail Alliance experienced two setbacks recently, reported Carlberg. On Feb. 12, the alliance met with Burlington Northern Sante Fe (BNSF) officials in Texas. The initial plan was to install a second set of tracks 14 feet from the freight line for a 100 mile-stretch of Northern Lights Express. However, because of the high speed of the trains, BNSF officials said the spacing needs to be 21 feet. BNSF is worried about the safety of its workers, according to Carlberg. “This takes a $600,000 million [project] up to $900,000 million to $1 billion,” said Carlberg, plus the cost of acquiring additional right-of-way.

The NLX board responded by deciding to remove much of the double tracking it had initially planned. This, however, will affect how fast the train can go in certain areas. This puts the ability of NLX to travel between Minneapolis and Duluth in two hours in jeopardy. A study has shown that riders will only take the train if the ride is faster than driving a car.

The second setback was the loss of a $114 million grant to pay for triple-tracking the line from Foley to Minneapolis. The money would also have been used to upgrade the Foley station.

Despite these setbacks, “the group is committed and looking at alternatives,” said Carlberg.

Zoning update nearly complete

Shoreland standards among last piece before zoning ordinance matches updated comprehensive plan


The Isanti County Planning Commissioner is nearly finished updating the zoning ordinance.

One last item to complete is changing the shoreland standards, noted Isanti County Zoning Administrator Tim Anderson.

The Isanti County Board directed the planning commission to adopt the state’s standards for lot sizes. Planning commission members questioned this move, and asked the board to give its reasons for the change.

In the 1990s, the county did match the state standards but opted to adopt more restrictive rules.

The state is currently updating its own rules and the new ones should be out within six months, according to Department of Natural Resources Area Hydrologist Mike Mueller.

During the county board meeting on March 16, Isanti County Commissioner Kurt Daudt noted that during the update to the county’s comprehensive plan, public input supported loosening the restrictions. “We need to respect that process,” he said.

SPORTS COMPLEX

Cambridge Township Board member Jim Fridstrom requested that the planning commission consider adding a section to the zoning ordinance to regulate sports complexes.

Right now parks are a permitted use in agricultural areas, according to Zoning Administrator Tim Anderson.

Fridstrom would like sports complexes to be governed by the conditional use permit process instead, so that townships can place conditions upon the use. These might include restrictions on operating hours and how late lights can be on.

FRAUD REPORT

Family Services Director Penny Messer reported to the county board that in 2009 the county recovered $311,345 from various medical programs in 2009 and $10,170 from other programs (such as daycare assistance and food support). These funds include what was recovered through fraud investigations. She noted that the county can’t collect on any debt until the person affected has been off assistance for six months.

Messer also noted that from November 2009 to mid-February 2010, the county has opened 15 cases in the car program. This has served 21 adults and 31 children at a cost of $13,795. The average per case is $919.

In other business, the county board:

• Hired Mary Fjeld as a child protection social worker effective April 1.

• Renewed a contract with Janna King of Economic Development Services, who will continue to provide services for the county during the next year. Among her tasks is maintaining an active economic development authority in Isanti County. Her rate rose from $125 to $130 an hour.

• Agreed that Isanti County Administrator Kevin Van Hooser has successfully passed his one-year probationary period.

• Approved an on-sale liquor license for Do-Rite Roadhouse Bar and Grill, Inc. in Bradford, which will open on May 1.

• Approved waste hauler licenses for Waste Management of MN, Inc. and Monson’s Roll-Off Service.

• Set a public hearing for Tuesday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m. to discuss the Park Legacy Grant application for three boardwalks and a viewing platform at Anderson Park.

• Learned that public health has given 3,000 residents H1N1 vaccines this year, according to Public Health Preparedness Coordinator Tony Buttacvoli. The department was assisted by volunteers who logged 180 hours. In the 14-county region, over 30,000 vaccine were administered.

• Approved sending local legislators a letter of support for the Sentence-To-Service (STS) program. The Legislature is considering eliminating the program. “I think it’s ridiculous,” said Commissioner Larry Southerland, who formerly served as the Isanti County Sheriff. The STS program provides community service for the county, as well as other local entities.


Customers enjoy friendly ambiance at Coffee Ambrosia

If you're a regular at Coffee Ambrosia in Cambridge, ordering is a mere formality. Your barista knew what you wanted the moment you walked in the door or showed up at the drive-in window. "There is a close-knit community feeling in a small-town coffee shop," observed Amber Thoen, who owns Coffee Ambrosia with husband Andrew. "Our customers frequent the shop because they enjoy the friendly atmosphere and specifically desire one of our drinks."


There are over 20 different beverages on the menu, including lattes, smoothies, iced coffees, Italian sodas and brewed coffee. "However, these drinks can be tailored in so many ways that the possibilities are nearly endless," noted Andrew. "There are about 30 different flavors to choose from, plus the option to add extra shots of espresso or top it off with whipped cream." They're happy to make "kiddie drinks" too. The Thoens give their baristas license to deviate from the menu to make whatever the customer asks for. It's just one way they stand out from the crowd.


"Some individuals tend to frequent the franchise coffee shops because of wider name recognition and familiarity," said Amber. "When a new customer walks into Coffee Ambrosia, they are often pleasantly surprised when they find out we can make all the same types of drinks and more." Coffee Ambrosia also offers a wide selection of home made cold sandwiches, wraps, hot grilled panini sandwiches, vegetable pizza, breakfast sandwiches, yogurt cups and delicious soups. Bagels, rice crispie treats and apple fritters are delivered every day from Herman's Bakery. Other goodies, such as cinnamon twists, scones, turnovers, strudel stick, and muffins are baked fresh each morning in the Coffee Ambrosia kitchen.


Holding a lunch meeting? Order Easy Box Lunches from Coffee Ambrosia for just $7 each (including sandwich, chips, dessert and beverage) and have them delivered to your door. Coffee Ambrosia also provides air pots of brewed coffee to go for $10. Consider holding your next gathering at the coffee shop. Amber has accommodated Mary Kay parties, Pampered Chef parties and scrapbooking groups.


Stop by any Saturday between 10 a.m. and noon to learn how coffee beans are roasted. All of the coffee served at Coffee Ambrosia is roasted in-house by Bob Fisk of Open Eye Coffee. Whole roasted and ground coffee beans are for sale.


"The best thing about owning a coffee shop is the interactions with our customers and the connection we have with our community," said Amber. "There's nothing more satisfying than meeting someone new, or chatting with someone who has become a regular and then seeing their faces light up when they take that first sip of a latte or coffee."


Mention this article and receive 25¢ off your next drink order through the end of March. Seniors are offered a 20% discount, and Cambridge-Isanti teachers 10% off. Bring your GTI ticket stub into the coffee shop within a week of the movie and receive 10% off. Coffee Ambrosia also provides the drinks during intermission at Hardy Center events. "Serving coffee, hot chocolate and snacks at many of the Hardy Center events is a wonderful side benefit of owning a coffee shop," noted Andrew.


Coffee Ambrosia is located at 150 Birch Street North in Cambridge (next to Radio Shack). Call 763-689-7604. Become a fan on Facebook, or browse www.coffeeambrosia.com. Hours are Monday to Friday 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The coffee shop is closed on Sundays.




What do you drink

at Coffee Ambrosia?


"The one and only White Chocolate, Sugar-free Dirty Snowman with two shots of espresso." - Lisa Johnston

"Sugar-free Caramel, White Chocolate Vanilla Smoothie with two shots of espresso." - Tiffany Thorson


"The Cookies and Cream Smoothie." - Erin Schmakel


"The double espresso every time." - Ray Salgado

"The

Peppermint Zebra: white chocolate, cocoa, peppermint and two shots of espresso topped with whipped cream. Or, coconut cream flavored coffee. " - Owner Amber Thoen

Command Center matches hard-working employees with companies looking for workers


Get a big order in and need help fast? Did your secretary quit and you need a replacement before your office falls apart? Let someone else go through the hundreds of applications you're bound to receive. Get assistance from Command Center in Cambridge.


Command Center is a 24-7, on-demand staffing facility. If your business needs labor help, the team at Command Center has a dependable, cost-effective solution. Glen Emery and Autumn Haskins excel at matching employers with employees. The first step is a meeting (or phone call) with customers to determine what a company's needs are. Be prepared to list the skill set you're looking for, as well as the other specifics of the job. Next, either Emery or Haskins will visit your company to get a better feel for what type of person will fit in well with your other employees.


There are a number of advantages to using a service like Command Center. According to Emery, right now if you advertise for an open position you're likely to receive between 50 to 200 applications. "We go through and screen the bad out," he said, easing the stress of employers. Once a selection is made, an employer gets a chance to see the employee in action before deciding whether to hire him permanently. During that time, Command Center handles payroll, taxes, insurance, worker's compensation and other necessary paperwork. "It's a lot more convenient and easier for the company," said Emery. If the match isn't right, Command Center will bring in someone else.


In addition to benefiting employers, Command Center offers several perks to employees that other similar companies don't. Through the safety program, employees earn points they can redeem for tools, boots, hard hats and other items. The Loyalty Bonus is popular, noted Emery. For every 1,500 hours worked in a calendar year, the employee will receive a check for one-week's average wage. That means if you've been making $10 an hour, you'll get a check for $400. Command Center also offers affordable health, dental, and vision insurance. Stop by to fill out an application Mondays to Fridays between 6 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.


Command Center, 320 Garfield Ave. S., Cambridge, can be reached at 763-552-9679. Email glen.emery@commandonline.com or autumn.ruse@commandonline.com. Browse http://commandonline.com.


ARE YOU LOOKING FOR WORK?

Glen Emery offers these tips to people looking for work to make themselves more marketable.

• Attitude is important. Even if you've been looking for work for months, you need to treat every opportunity as though it was the first place you've applied. "Put on a happy face," Emery advised.

"Come in looking like you're ready to go to work."

• Be honest. When you're asked what type of work you're looking for, don't say "anything." That turns off an employer, Emery noted. Instead, explain what you've done before and note that you're open to learning new skills.


Prevention is key to a healthy pet

Don’t wait until your pet is sick to bring them to the veterinarian. Ginny Anderson, a veterinary assistant at East Central Veterinarians, stresses the importance of preventative healthcare, such as annual examinations, parasite control, routine vaccinations and dental care. Spaying and neutering is also key to a healthy pet. The optimal age to spay and neuter is five to six months.

“Puppies don’t get just one vaccination and then they’re done for life,” Anderson noted. They need a series of vaccinations. Puppies are susceptible to parvovirus, which can be prevented with vaccinations. Dogs should also have a physical examination every year. Which vaccinations are needed (such as distemper, lyme or rabies) is determined by the veterinarian and individualized for each dog’s needs. Similarly, for cats, schedule an appointment for a physical examination. At that time, discuss which vaccinations your pet needs. If the pet has any health concerns, the veterinarian will discuss them with the owner and make recommendations.

ECV is pleased to announce that Dr. Amy Anderson has joined Dr. Mary Olson and Dr. Galen Brelie as a co-owner. Dr. Anderson has been with ECV since 2000. She enjoys all aspects of small animal medicine and surgery, especially behavior. She offers puppy socialization classes at the clinic when time allows.

To schedule an appointment at East Central Veterinary, call the Cambridge office at 763-689-4604 or the Mora office at 320-679-4197. For more information, browse www.eastcentralveterinarians.com. In Cambridge, hours are Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. In Mora, hours are Monday to Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to noon.

TIPS FROM THE PROS

• Socialize your dogs and cats so they can cope with being around other animals. This will not only be a benefit when you bring your animal into the veterinarian, but also if you decide to add another pet to the family.

• Don’t feed your dog table food. Instead, invest in a good, name-brand food. Table foods have more salt and fats in them and can cause diarrhea. Table foods as treats can also add extra pounds to your pet.

• Put your dog through obedience training. A better behaved dog is more enjoyable.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Tax bill for farmers goes up 30-100 percent


Farmers pack meeting to express dismay, local legislators encourage them to share opinions with state leaders


Farmers in Isanti and Chisago counties saw their property taxes go up 30 to 300 percent this year, and some as high as 800 percent.

These bills propelled more than 200 people to a meeting hosted by local legislators at the Cambridge college on Tuesday night, March 2, 2010.

The focus of the meeting was changes made over the last few years to the Green Acres program, which offers farmers a tax break. Much of that tax break went away this year. Today only land that is tilled, mowed for hay, grazed or used for other agricultural purposes is eligible for Green Acres status as class 2a acreage. Land that includes sloughs, wetlands, and heavy woods is no longer allowed. Instead, it has been reclassified as Rural Vacant Land or class 2b.

Stearns County Assessor Gary Grossinger noted that there year there is “the perfect storm” for farmers. Residential values are decreasing while agricultural values are increasing. Also the state has mandated valuation increases as the limited market value program is phased out completely. “The farmer’s piece of the pie got bigger,” Grossinger said.

Chisago County Assessor John O’Keefe admitted that it is difficult for his office to determine what is productive and what isn’t. Adding to the problem is that the use of the land changes every year. “Call a farm a farm,” he said. “I think that would be a huge help for us as assessors.”

The Farmer’s Union pushed the Legislators last year to view farms as a single entity versus productive and nonproductive. “We tried to make the argument that a whole farm is a whole farm,” stated Thom Petersen of the Farmer’s Union.

‘We have to mitigate the damage.’

The changes to the Green Acres tax provision for farmers was changed in 2008 based on a report from the nonpartisan Office of the Legislative Auditor. While Senator Rick Olseen and Representative Rob Eastlund introduced bills to repeal the changes in 2009, the bills were not supported by the majority of the Legislature. Both intend to re-introduce the bills again this year, but neither are hopeful they will be passed. Instead, they’re focusing on making smaller changes.

“We have to look at ways to mitigate the damage,” Eastlund stated.

Olseen is pushing for a reduction in the tax rate, lowering it from .75 percent to .45 percent for farmers.

He also hopes to bring back a valuation formula that allows each individual county to factor in its own production rates and land rental. While farmers in southern Minnesota are charging $300 per acre in rent, those in this area charge about $30, Olseen noted. Currently, the state is basing its valuations off of five counties in the southwestern part of the state. But in Chisago County the $3,000 valuation for Green Acres is more than the average sale price of $2,200 per acre, noted Chisago County Assessor John O’Keefe.

Eastlund has introduced a bill to push the May 1 deadline to withdraw from the Green Acres program without a penalty to Aug. 15 instead. His second bill would offer relief to farmers dealing with a huge spike in their property taxes this year by staggering the implementation of the new rates.

Senator Lisa Fobbe (from the neighboring counties of Sherburne, Mille Lacs and Benton) has introduced the Circuit Breaker Bill which would offer relief to those who are paying 25 percent or $250 more this year in taxes.

These bills are being heard at the Legislature on Wednesday, March 9. Legislators encouraged citizens to attend the meetings to show their support for farmers. The Senate meeting will be at 8:30 a.m. in room 15; the House meeting will start at 1 p.m. Public input is taken at all committee hearings.

‘It will take your voice.’

While local legislators are concerned about the Green Acres issue, it doesn’t affect other parts of the state and so those Legislators don’t see the a need to make any additional changes, observed the leaders on the stage. Chris Radatz of the Farm Bureau noted that the chair of the House Agricultural Committee (who is from Kandiyohi County) hasn’t received a single call on the issue.

“This doesn’t end tonight,” he told those gathered. “This is the beginning. You need to follow the process.”

Olseen added that it would help to show his fellow Senators that this is an important issue if he had a big stack of letters and emails to bring to committee meetings. Eastlund encouraged farmers to call the House and Senate chairs of the agricultural and tax committees. (See sidebar for contact information.)

“We’re getting hoarse,” said Rep. Jeremy Kalin (who is not seeking re-election). “If we have any chance of influencing people, it will take your voice.”

Some relief offered: Rural Preserve

In 2009, the Legislature did offer some relief to farmers affected by the changes to the Green Acres program made the year before. A Rural Preserve (RP) program was created and functions much like the Green Acres program. The different is that the Green Acres program is for “productive” property, while the Rural Reserve program is for “non-productive” land like wooded areas and swamps. Farmers can begin taking advantage of the tax break as early as 2011.

To qualify for the Rural Reserve program, farmers must enroll at least 10 acres (not including house and garage). They must promise to be a part of the program for at least 10 years, and then give a five-year notice before leaving it. As with Green Acres land, any property withdrawn from the program will be subject to a three-year payback of deferred taxes. Also, to enroll a conservation plan must be developed and filed with the local county, which may cost between $300 to $500. Land can be sold, but it needs to stay in the program.

If you own a 160-acre farm with 80 tillable acres, 40 pasture and 40 covered in trees, you can keep the 120 cropland and pasture in Green Acres, explained Olseen. You can enroll the 40 wooded acres in the Reserve Preserve program to obtain some tax benefits.

Eastlund, who owns a farm in Isanti, does not intend to enroll any of his land in the Rural Reserve program even though his taxes went up 40 percent this year.

“I have a personal problem with every acre of non-tillable farmland [being] under the microscope of government,” Eastlund stated.

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD

Call these state leaders:

• House Chair of the Agricultural Committee: Rep. Juhnke, 651-296-6206

• House Chair of the Property Tax Division: Rep. Marquart, 651-296-6829

• House Tax Committee Chair: Rep. Lenczewski, 651-296-4218

• Senate Tax Committee Chair: Sen.Bakk, 651-296-8881


DEADLINES

May 1, 2010 - Withdraw your non-productive class 2b acres from the Green Acres program without paying a penalty. If you want to enroll it in the Rural Reserve program, you need to start working on a conservation plan.

Jan. 1, 2013 - All class 2b acreage will be automatically removed from the Green Acres program. Farmers will be charged three years deferred taxes. If you’ve opted to enroll this land in the Rural Reserve program, you will continue to receive a tax deferral.

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