Candidates for District 911 School Board, Cambridge City Council share their goals.
What will candidates do if elected?
Those running for District 911 School Board and Cambridge City Council seats talked about just that during a candidates forum held on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2008. The event took place at the Anoka-Ramsey Community College in Cambridge. It will be followed by a second forum on Thursday, Oct. 23 at the same place, which will feature those running for county commissioner seats, as well as state positions.
Candidates discussed issues such as Highway 95 congestion, a possible community center, top issues, rewarding teachers for student achievement, the No Child Left Behind Act, and classroom enhancements.
Present were city council candidates Bob Shogren, John Klossner, Joe Morin, Lisa Iverson and Joseph Brown; and District 911 candidates Phil Rodriguez, Anne Nelson, Gary Hawkins, Jeanette Polzin, Stuart Hazard, Darcy Winsor and John Carlson.
Serving as moderator was Bob Edstrom of Cambridge State Bank. The event was organized by the Cambridge Area Chamber of Commerce.
City council candidate questions
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP THREE ISSUES?
For Bob Shogren, his top three priorities are taxes, economic development and rail – with Highway 95 running a close fourth. Shogren pointed out that since he joined the council the tax rate in the city has been steadily decreasing, and this year was held to zero. He also aims to continue to attract businesses as they provide a good tax base. "If we don't get passenger rail, we would be passing up such a huge economic development opportunity," said Shogren.
Taxes are the number one issue for John Klossner, followed by Highway 95 congestion and commuter rail. He believes that economic development and either passenger or commuter rail will bring additional money into the city.
"Taxes are the main thing people are upset with," said Joe Morin. He noted that the current city council (on which he served as a member for several years) has brought them down through a concentrated effort, although it hasn't been easy. He thinks that traffic along Highway 95 is getting better. If the city can bring in more economic development, such as Lowe's and Kohl's, taxes will go down.
Lisa Iverson thinks it's important to ask community members what they think is important and what the issues are. She agrees that the city needs more economic development. "We need to sell our city," she said. She also hopes to battle drug use and crime.
"My goal would be to lower property taxes in half within five years," said Joe Brown. The taxes are a turn-off to people considering a move into Cambridge, he pointed out. He also thinks that the lack of entertainment is a huge issue, and the lack of it leads to other problems. He also hopes to increase the number of local jobs.
HOW SHOULD THE CITY HANDLE HIGHWAY 95?
Brown agrees that the city's current plan to widen it is a good option. He also suggested cutting off access onto Highway 95 from other streets, such as Emerson. As the worst congestion is caused by the rail tracks, Brown suggested considering a bridge or rerouting the tracks altogether.
Iverson isn't sure she's yet heard all the options, and thinks the answer lies with community members.
Morin praised the work done last year by the Highway 95 Task Force which studied various options and reached a conclusion. He agrees that widening it is the best and cheapest option. He also stresses that people should take alternate routes through town, including taking advantage of Opportunity Boulevard.
"Widening the road gets you the most bang for your buck," said Klossner. Other options, such as an underpass, may be appropriate for the future. He pointed out the city needs to balance the hassle or drivers with the benefit to retailers along the busy stretches.
Shogren pointed out the roadway is managed by the Minnesota Department of Transportation, and they're ultimately responsible for fixing it. He noted that the city has worked with MnDOT on the timing of the lights on Highway 95, and worked to improve traffic flow by offering alternate routes, such as the Garfield Street extension. He noted that an underpass needs to be looked at as a possible solution.
DO YOU SUPPORT A COMMUNITY CENTER JOINT VENTURE WITH THE YMCA?
"It's a good idea," said Klossner. His only concern at this time is how much the city would be responsible for paying.
Shogren agreed that it is a good idea and would encourage the partnership. "It's a good alternative instead of the city having to come up with all the money."
Morin also feels that a YMCA would be a good fit in the community.
Iverson, too, supports it, and thinks it would help people get fit.
"A YMCA is exactly what I was looking for to keep people occupied," said Brown.
School board candidate questions
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT CHALLENGE FACING THE DISTRICT?
Phil Rodriguez believes the biggest challenge is funding. He noted that 16 years ago the district had small class sizes, a gifted and talented program, and foreign languages in elementary school. But four times since 1991, the district has had a 0% increase in its state funding. "As a result of this, we've had to cut every year," he said. He vowed to go to the legislature to fight for school funding.
Above all, it's about students and their future in a global economy, noted Anne Nelson. She pointed out that the school district must pay for mandates from the federal government. She will push for alternative delivery methods, as traditional methods have not changed over time.
Gary Hawkins agreed that the biggest challenge is funding, yet with the markets tanking he doesn't know how the district can ask people for more money. "We need a stable funding position for Cambridge-Isanti," he said.
Jeanette Polzin stresses that the district could save money on energy costs, and urges that the district look at alternative methods. A school district in Pipestone, Minn. installed a wind generator, and now creates so much energy that it's sold back to the community.
Stuart Hazard stressed funding adequately and funding equity. He pointed out that federal mandates for special education have never been fully funded by the federal government as they are supposed to be.
Darcy Winsor, too, pointed towards funding and subsequent cuts.
John Carlson believes the district needs to become more agile in order to adapt to the reductions he believes will continue to come.
IS THE NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND ACT IN NEED OF REFORM?
Carlson believes the act was part of a shotgun approach commonly followed by the federal government. He thinks it is the responsibility of people now to tell the government what is really needed. "It needs to be reformed," he said.
Winsor agreed, pointing out it doesn't factor in English as a Second Language or Special Education students, but sets the same goals for every one.
Hazard doesn't think tests address all the problems students are facing.
Polzin doesn't believe in standardized testing, but favors individuals being tested throughout the year to measure progress. "Tests once a year don't help students," she said.
Hawkins thinks how the tests given show success and failure needs to be re-evaluated.
Nelson believes the act is demoralizing for students, teachers and administrators, as it doesn't take into account progress individuals students have made. "It is unrealistic to believe that 100% of the student body will be 100% proficient," she said. "The No Child Left Behind Act treats all schools equally, and in this country we are all different."
Rodriguez pointed out student achievement and progress varies, and thus standards should take that into account.
DO YOU SUPPORT ASKING VOTERS TO APPROVE A LEVY REFERENDUM?
All the candidates agreed that a levy referendum is important and should be supported.
SHOULD TEACHERS BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR STUDENT PERFORMANCE?
Rodriguez thinks that they should, although he pointed out the difficulty in applying standards to special education instructors. He supports Q Comp, and the idea of paying teachers for what they accomplish.
The biggest problem with this type of system, according to Nelson, is how to measure progress. Yet paying for performance is a system that works well in other professions.
Hawkins doesn't think it is fair to reward one teacher over another based on how well their students do.
"I believe that teachers are accountable, but I believe parents are too," said Polzin.
Hazard pointed out that people tend to criticize teachers, but he thinks the administrators need to be held accountable.
Winsor agreed that parents should be involved, and thinks that students should be evaluated.
Carlson thinks that every teacher wants every student to achieve, and feels it's part of their job. He doesn't think a teacher should be punished for getting a bad student.
HOW WOULD YOU GET CONTRACTS SETTLED?
Candidates all stressed that sitting down and talking it out with the negotiating groups would settle the contracts. As part of the district's current negotiating team, Rodriguez declined to answer.
IF YOU COULD ADD TO OR ENHANCE THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
Carlson would enhance the basics rather than add anything.
Winsor believes the district already offers a wide variety of programs, but would enhance what it current has. She'd also like to see programs such as band that were cut last year added back in.
Hazard would add back what has been cut, and would add more AP classes.
Polzin thinks the district has a good variety of classes already, and would enhance the basic programs like math, reading and English.
Hawkins would make sure that physical education isn't dropped once students reach high school. He pointed out he's also involved in a program at the middle school called "Real Men Read," as well as a skateboarding program where kids walk one mile to the park.
Nelson agreed that she'd like to bring back the music programs that were cut. She'd also like to offer more foreign language classes at the elementary level.
Rodriguez would like to enhance math and science classes. He pointed out that 30% of all Minnesota graduates require remedial classes in math and science when they reach college.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Isanti candidates discuss issues
Mayoral, city council and county commissioner candidates speak about what they would do if elected this November.
During two-minute increments, those who hope to represent the city of Isanti outlined their positions on a variety of issues during a forum on Thursday night, Oct. 9, 2008 at the Isanti Middle School.
Things discussed included top goals, transportation, motocross tracks, economic development, amenities and foreclosed properties.
Attending the forum were mayoral candidates George Wimmer and Sue Larson; city council candidates Jeff Kolb and Ross Lorsiner; Isanti Commissioner District 3 candidates Alan Duff and Gail Genin; and Isanti Commissioner District 4 candidate Jaysen Guthmueller.
Absent were city council candidates Jim Kennedy and Steve Rask, as well as Isanti County Commissioner District 4 candidate Kurt Daudt.
Moderating the event was Jackie Moen. The forum was organized by the Isanti Area Chamber of Commerce.
QUESTION 1: WHAT ARE YOUR TOP GOALS
To start the evening off, candidates outlined their top goals if elected.
Sue Larson's goals center around the current economic situation. She stressed increasing the city's tax base, improving transportation access, and making sure the city has skilled workers.
George Wimmer would begin by taking a fresh look at the goals he set two years ago when first elected as mayor. He would then work to implement the financial plan recently adopted by the council. He is also focused on bringing a rail spur into the city.
Ross Lorinser's first goal is to lower taxes. "We need to make sure we do not waste taxpayer money," he said, referring to projects in the past, such as plans to construct a new liquor store, that he believes did waste money. His second step would be to attract new business. His third goal would to simply be a good steward of the city.
Jeff Kolb's top goal is safety. "It doesn't do any good to have a good budget if we can't keep our people safe," he said. He referred to building a new fire sub-station, and to constructing sidewalks along all of County Road 5. He would also seek to continue to lower spending, and focus on an aggressive economic development marketing plan.
Alan Duff said that he has set his top three goals after talking to local residents. Number one is to reduce the tax burden. He referenced the fact that while he's served on the Isanti City Council the tax burden has been reduced by 14%. He also hopes to establish a county rail industrial park to bring in higher paying jobs. Additionally, he will work to preserve open space. He advocated taking a hard look at the newly proposed county comprehensive plan. "We're not going in the right direction," said Duff.
Gail Genin opened by stating, "I did not come into this with any set agenda." What she's heard from people is they don't expect to see taxes go down, but they'd like to hold the line on taxes. She's heard that people want more county parks. And she believes that the proposed county comprehensive plan, which she helped develop, is a good compromise between those who want to develop in higher densities and those that want to preserve open space.
Jaysen Guthmueller has set reducing taxes as his number one goal, and pointed out he has listed 53 cost-saving ideas on his web site. "We've had four straight years of increases," said Guthmueller. He would like to see more businesses in the county, as they require fewer services than residential developments do. Additionally, he would strive for an open and transparent government and suggested that the county board meetings should be recorded.
QUESTION 2: DESCRIBE PLAN FOR CREATING NEW JOBS IN AREA
Kolb would continue to help new businesses with the tools the city already has in place.
Lorinser would also offer incentives in order to get and keep businesses in Isanti.
Wimmer pointed out that the city has dramatically increased its tax base in the past few years, and pointed to EverCat as one example. "We're working on a marketing plan," he added. He would also not forget the city's existing businesses.
Larson pointed out that she's been involved in a regional approach to supporting job growth. "I firmly believe we need a knowledgeable workforce," she said.
Duff noted, "It definitely starts with good marketing." He added, "I think we need to continue what we've been doing in the city of Isanti." He believes the county should stress the assets of the area: reasonably priced land, rail capacity and a phenomenal school district.
Genin stressed that the Isanti County Economic Development Authority work cooperatively with the cities of Braham, Isanti and Cambridge to bring in new businesses. She also sees growth happening in other areas that have traditionally been business centers, such as Dalbo, Grandy and Bradford.
"Right now there is competition between these towns. We need to turn that into partnerships," said Guthmueller.
QUESTION 3: TRANSPORTATION
Genin proposed establishing a ride share program. This would deal with the issue she sees of people commuting to the Twin Cities for work. Aside from that, Genin does not think there is a transportation problem within the county.
Duff, too, pointed to the large number of commuters in the county. "Eighty percent of our residents travel to the Twin Cities to work," he said. "I don't see MnDOT doing anything to fix the problem." He embraces commuter rail and is working to make that a reality "sooner rather than later." He pointed out that the city of Isanti has set aside $25,000 for a park and ride, and hopes to see a location designated soon.
Guthmueller supports park and rides, as well as commuter rail. To accomplish those, he foresees partnering with the state and federal government for funds. "Without their help we're not going to get very far," said Guthmueller.
From her years serving on the Highway 65 Task Force, Larson has become a believer in access management. But for that to work along Highway 65 the frontage and backage roads need to be developed. Larson worries about the traffic back-ups that are beginning to occur along County Road 5. "I believe that our County Road 5 is a baby 95," said Larson. She is excited about the prospect of commuter rail, passenger rail and industrial rail.
Wimmer noted that rail will help alleviate the burden on the roadways, as will park and ride areas. He agreed that east-west traffic is also becoming an issue. "These roads are not designed for this type of traffic," he said. The funding will need to come from state and federal sources, he believes. To get this, how funding is distributed will need to be looked at. Wimmer referenced the issues Anoka County has had with Highway 65, which it is now trying to fix with an overpass at 242. He predicted that in 20 years, the same will be done at County Road 5. "We keep making the same mistakes. We have to stop that," Wimmer said.
As an Anoka County Sheriff Deputy, Lorinser has seen firsthand how dangerous Highway 65 is. "You add rail. You add busing. That's going to alleviate some of the problems on 65," he said. He advocated joining with other counties and groups to pull together funding.
As a former commuter himself, Kolb advocates turning Highway 65 into a six-land interstate from Blaine to Cambridge. He noted that he's seen such things done in other cities, like Atlanta and Toronto. "They must know something we don't," he said. Kolb admitted he's not a big supporter of commuter rail, but if it does happen, he promised to push for a station in Isanti. He is also in favor of park and rides so that residents can hop aboard a bus to get to Minneapolis.
QUESTION 4: WHAT IS YOUR MAIN ROLE AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL?
"It is to listen to what people's concerns are," said Lorinser.
"We really are just citizens of the community who step up and help lead the community in a better direction," said Kolb. He also believes elected officials should always be open to new ideas.
"The major role is to try to lay out some type of agenda for the city," said Wimmer.
"You want to be that cheerleader for the city," said Larson. "You want to be approachable to the citizens. You want to be accessible to city staff. You want to be open minded."
Duff quoted the League of Minnesota Cities and Association of Minnesota Counties. "Be responsible for health, safety and welfare of your constituents." He would like to start a county e-newsletter; intends to hold regular meetings with District 3 residents and businesses; and make all county meetings available on the web site.
Genin stated, "I feel it is our responsibility to dedicate time to that position, listen and respond."
"We should be an advocate of the taxpayers, not private interests," said Guthmueller. "I think we need to re-establish trust in public officials."
QUESTION 5:
Each group of candidates was asked separate questions at the end.
HOW SHOULD ISANTI HANDLE FORECLOSED PROPERTIES?
Wimmer noted that in Isanti the city decided to shut off water and utilities. The police department is notified to watch the property, and the city mows the lawns to keep weeds down. The city is also part of a local coalition working to get help to people nearing foreclosure.
Larson reiterated much of what Wimmer said, stressing public health and safety. She is in favor of making sure the foreclosures still look nice to avoid driving down property values.
SHOULD ISANTI PURSUE A LIBRARY AND/OR POOL/WATER PARK?
Kolb noted that he is on the committee looking into this. "I'd love to see a project like this come to our community, but we can't by raising our taxes," he said.
Lorinser would also like the amenities, but won't raise taxes to add them. However, he would give residents the option of raising taxes to cover the projects by placing it on the ballot.
SHOULD THERE BE REGULATIONS ON MOTOCROSS TRACKS?
Guthmueller noted that he hasn't researched this issue and is not sure of how big the problem is. He said he leans towards making sure these tracks don't infringe on the rights of others.
Genin noted she has heard complaints against the tracks but also heard from those in favor of them. "We need some regulation," she said.
Duff noted that this is a big issue. "Basically this requires good planning," he pointed out. He advocates keeping the tracks away from areas where density is high.
During two-minute increments, those who hope to represent the city of Isanti outlined their positions on a variety of issues during a forum on Thursday night, Oct. 9, 2008 at the Isanti Middle School.
Things discussed included top goals, transportation, motocross tracks, economic development, amenities and foreclosed properties.
Attending the forum were mayoral candidates George Wimmer and Sue Larson; city council candidates Jeff Kolb and Ross Lorsiner; Isanti Commissioner District 3 candidates Alan Duff and Gail Genin; and Isanti Commissioner District 4 candidate Jaysen Guthmueller.
Absent were city council candidates Jim Kennedy and Steve Rask, as well as Isanti County Commissioner District 4 candidate Kurt Daudt.
Moderating the event was Jackie Moen. The forum was organized by the Isanti Area Chamber of Commerce.
QUESTION 1: WHAT ARE YOUR TOP GOALS
To start the evening off, candidates outlined their top goals if elected.
Sue Larson's goals center around the current economic situation. She stressed increasing the city's tax base, improving transportation access, and making sure the city has skilled workers.
George Wimmer would begin by taking a fresh look at the goals he set two years ago when first elected as mayor. He would then work to implement the financial plan recently adopted by the council. He is also focused on bringing a rail spur into the city.
Ross Lorinser's first goal is to lower taxes. "We need to make sure we do not waste taxpayer money," he said, referring to projects in the past, such as plans to construct a new liquor store, that he believes did waste money. His second step would be to attract new business. His third goal would to simply be a good steward of the city.
Jeff Kolb's top goal is safety. "It doesn't do any good to have a good budget if we can't keep our people safe," he said. He referred to building a new fire sub-station, and to constructing sidewalks along all of County Road 5. He would also seek to continue to lower spending, and focus on an aggressive economic development marketing plan.
Alan Duff said that he has set his top three goals after talking to local residents. Number one is to reduce the tax burden. He referenced the fact that while he's served on the Isanti City Council the tax burden has been reduced by 14%. He also hopes to establish a county rail industrial park to bring in higher paying jobs. Additionally, he will work to preserve open space. He advocated taking a hard look at the newly proposed county comprehensive plan. "We're not going in the right direction," said Duff.
Gail Genin opened by stating, "I did not come into this with any set agenda." What she's heard from people is they don't expect to see taxes go down, but they'd like to hold the line on taxes. She's heard that people want more county parks. And she believes that the proposed county comprehensive plan, which she helped develop, is a good compromise between those who want to develop in higher densities and those that want to preserve open space.
Jaysen Guthmueller has set reducing taxes as his number one goal, and pointed out he has listed 53 cost-saving ideas on his web site. "We've had four straight years of increases," said Guthmueller. He would like to see more businesses in the county, as they require fewer services than residential developments do. Additionally, he would strive for an open and transparent government and suggested that the county board meetings should be recorded.
QUESTION 2: DESCRIBE PLAN FOR CREATING NEW JOBS IN AREA
Kolb would continue to help new businesses with the tools the city already has in place.
Lorinser would also offer incentives in order to get and keep businesses in Isanti.
Wimmer pointed out that the city has dramatically increased its tax base in the past few years, and pointed to EverCat as one example. "We're working on a marketing plan," he added. He would also not forget the city's existing businesses.
Larson pointed out that she's been involved in a regional approach to supporting job growth. "I firmly believe we need a knowledgeable workforce," she said.
Duff noted, "It definitely starts with good marketing." He added, "I think we need to continue what we've been doing in the city of Isanti." He believes the county should stress the assets of the area: reasonably priced land, rail capacity and a phenomenal school district.
Genin stressed that the Isanti County Economic Development Authority work cooperatively with the cities of Braham, Isanti and Cambridge to bring in new businesses. She also sees growth happening in other areas that have traditionally been business centers, such as Dalbo, Grandy and Bradford.
"Right now there is competition between these towns. We need to turn that into partnerships," said Guthmueller.
QUESTION 3: TRANSPORTATION
Genin proposed establishing a ride share program. This would deal with the issue she sees of people commuting to the Twin Cities for work. Aside from that, Genin does not think there is a transportation problem within the county.
Duff, too, pointed to the large number of commuters in the county. "Eighty percent of our residents travel to the Twin Cities to work," he said. "I don't see MnDOT doing anything to fix the problem." He embraces commuter rail and is working to make that a reality "sooner rather than later." He pointed out that the city of Isanti has set aside $25,000 for a park and ride, and hopes to see a location designated soon.
Guthmueller supports park and rides, as well as commuter rail. To accomplish those, he foresees partnering with the state and federal government for funds. "Without their help we're not going to get very far," said Guthmueller.
From her years serving on the Highway 65 Task Force, Larson has become a believer in access management. But for that to work along Highway 65 the frontage and backage roads need to be developed. Larson worries about the traffic back-ups that are beginning to occur along County Road 5. "I believe that our County Road 5 is a baby 95," said Larson. She is excited about the prospect of commuter rail, passenger rail and industrial rail.
Wimmer noted that rail will help alleviate the burden on the roadways, as will park and ride areas. He agreed that east-west traffic is also becoming an issue. "These roads are not designed for this type of traffic," he said. The funding will need to come from state and federal sources, he believes. To get this, how funding is distributed will need to be looked at. Wimmer referenced the issues Anoka County has had with Highway 65, which it is now trying to fix with an overpass at 242. He predicted that in 20 years, the same will be done at County Road 5. "We keep making the same mistakes. We have to stop that," Wimmer said.
As an Anoka County Sheriff Deputy, Lorinser has seen firsthand how dangerous Highway 65 is. "You add rail. You add busing. That's going to alleviate some of the problems on 65," he said. He advocated joining with other counties and groups to pull together funding.
As a former commuter himself, Kolb advocates turning Highway 65 into a six-land interstate from Blaine to Cambridge. He noted that he's seen such things done in other cities, like Atlanta and Toronto. "They must know something we don't," he said. Kolb admitted he's not a big supporter of commuter rail, but if it does happen, he promised to push for a station in Isanti. He is also in favor of park and rides so that residents can hop aboard a bus to get to Minneapolis.
QUESTION 4: WHAT IS YOUR MAIN ROLE AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL?
"It is to listen to what people's concerns are," said Lorinser.
"We really are just citizens of the community who step up and help lead the community in a better direction," said Kolb. He also believes elected officials should always be open to new ideas.
"The major role is to try to lay out some type of agenda for the city," said Wimmer.
"You want to be that cheerleader for the city," said Larson. "You want to be approachable to the citizens. You want to be accessible to city staff. You want to be open minded."
Duff quoted the League of Minnesota Cities and Association of Minnesota Counties. "Be responsible for health, safety and welfare of your constituents." He would like to start a county e-newsletter; intends to hold regular meetings with District 3 residents and businesses; and make all county meetings available on the web site.
Genin stated, "I feel it is our responsibility to dedicate time to that position, listen and respond."
"We should be an advocate of the taxpayers, not private interests," said Guthmueller. "I think we need to re-establish trust in public officials."
QUESTION 5:
Each group of candidates was asked separate questions at the end.
HOW SHOULD ISANTI HANDLE FORECLOSED PROPERTIES?
Wimmer noted that in Isanti the city decided to shut off water and utilities. The police department is notified to watch the property, and the city mows the lawns to keep weeds down. The city is also part of a local coalition working to get help to people nearing foreclosure.
Larson reiterated much of what Wimmer said, stressing public health and safety. She is in favor of making sure the foreclosures still look nice to avoid driving down property values.
SHOULD ISANTI PURSUE A LIBRARY AND/OR POOL/WATER PARK?
Kolb noted that he is on the committee looking into this. "I'd love to see a project like this come to our community, but we can't by raising our taxes," he said.
Lorinser would also like the amenities, but won't raise taxes to add them. However, he would give residents the option of raising taxes to cover the projects by placing it on the ballot.
SHOULD THERE BE REGULATIONS ON MOTOCROSS TRACKS?
Guthmueller noted that he hasn't researched this issue and is not sure of how big the problem is. He said he leans towards making sure these tracks don't infringe on the rights of others.
Genin noted she has heard complaints against the tracks but also heard from those in favor of them. "We need some regulation," she said.
Duff noted that this is a big issue. "Basically this requires good planning," he pointed out. He advocates keeping the tracks away from areas where density is high.
Man shoots self with new rifle
North Branch man injured while sitting alone in a tree stand.
A North Branch man accidently shot himself in the knee while sitting in a tree stand on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008.
According to the North Branch Police Department, the 31-year-old was on his own property off Elmcrest Avenue with a newly acquired rifle hunting under the two-day early anterless season.
Exactly how the man was shot is not yet clear, but he was shot with a .223 round through the left knee while alone in a tree stand.
He was transported to Fairview Lakes Regional Medical Center around 5 p.m. and then flown to North Memorial Medical Center for trauma care.
His name had not been released at press time while the investigation progresses.
A North Branch man accidently shot himself in the knee while sitting in a tree stand on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008.
According to the North Branch Police Department, the 31-year-old was on his own property off Elmcrest Avenue with a newly acquired rifle hunting under the two-day early anterless season.
Exactly how the man was shot is not yet clear, but he was shot with a .223 round through the left knee while alone in a tree stand.
He was transported to Fairview Lakes Regional Medical Center around 5 p.m. and then flown to North Memorial Medical Center for trauma care.
His name had not been released at press time while the investigation progresses.
Body found along Isanti County Road 3
Minneapolis man discovered in the ditch next to his Jeep
The body of a Minneapolis man was discovered in Isanti County on Sunday, Oct. 12 shortly after 10 a.m.
According to the Isanti County Sheriff's Department, the body of 56-year-old Steven Richard Johnson, was found several feet away from a Jeep Cherokee. The vehicle, which was lying on its side, was registered to Johnson. Two dogs were still inside. No one else was around.
The incident occurred along Polk Street Northeast just south of County Road 3. According to Chief Deputy Russ Monson, it appeared that the man lost control while going around the curve and went off the road.
It is being treated as a fatal accident, and is still under investigation at this time. The preliminary autopsy report will likely be finished on Tuesday.
It is not yet known when the crash occurred or how long the man was there.
Neither of the two dogs were injured.
The body of a Minneapolis man was discovered in Isanti County on Sunday, Oct. 12 shortly after 10 a.m.
According to the Isanti County Sheriff's Department, the body of 56-year-old Steven Richard Johnson, was found several feet away from a Jeep Cherokee. The vehicle, which was lying on its side, was registered to Johnson. Two dogs were still inside. No one else was around.
The incident occurred along Polk Street Northeast just south of County Road 3. According to Chief Deputy Russ Monson, it appeared that the man lost control while going around the curve and went off the road.
It is being treated as a fatal accident, and is still under investigation at this time. The preliminary autopsy report will likely be finished on Tuesday.
It is not yet known when the crash occurred or how long the man was there.
Neither of the two dogs were injured.
Stalker pleads guilty
Man harassed group of girls in North Branch earlier this year.
A man who stalked a group of girls in North Branch earlier this year has pled guilty to felony aggravated harassment and stalking and will be sentenced in January.
Jeffrey David Holmgren, 37, of Chisago City was charged in May after he followed several young girls, both on foot and in his car, around the city of North Branch.
Holmgren drove past the juvenile girls on numerous occasions, staring at them, making eye contact, and frightening them such that they sought refuge in a crowded fast food restaurant until he was apprehended at a gas station parking lot down the street by North Branch Police.
According to Chisago County Attorney Janet Reiter, the defendant has agreed to a 12-month upward departure from the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines for a 30-month sentence. Holmgren will serve the first six months of his five-year probationary period in the Chisago County jail.
A gross misdemeanor charge of harassment was dismissed.
The Honorable Douglas G. Swenson will sentence Holmgren in January 2009.
A man who stalked a group of girls in North Branch earlier this year has pled guilty to felony aggravated harassment and stalking and will be sentenced in January.
Jeffrey David Holmgren, 37, of Chisago City was charged in May after he followed several young girls, both on foot and in his car, around the city of North Branch.
Holmgren drove past the juvenile girls on numerous occasions, staring at them, making eye contact, and frightening them such that they sought refuge in a crowded fast food restaurant until he was apprehended at a gas station parking lot down the street by North Branch Police.
According to Chisago County Attorney Janet Reiter, the defendant has agreed to a 12-month upward departure from the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines for a 30-month sentence. Holmgren will serve the first six months of his five-year probationary period in the Chisago County jail.
A gross misdemeanor charge of harassment was dismissed.
The Honorable Douglas G. Swenson will sentence Holmgren in January 2009.
County plans to demolish bridge
Old Oxbow bridge deemed unsafe.
ISANTI COUNTY – One of Isanti County's landmarks will come down this fall.
The Oxbow Bridge along County Road 14 is no longer safe and will be removed at a cost of $29,477.52. Work will be done by Landwehr Construction.
A new bridge was constructed alongside the old in 1975. The old steel truss structure bridging the Rum River hasn't been used since.
"It's very dangerous and hazardous," Isanti County Highway Engineer Richard Heilman told the Isanti County Board on Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2008.
The concrete on the bridge deck has since fallen off, and the steel is rusting.
"It's an accident waiting to happen," agreed Isanti County Board Chair George Larson.
It was left standing 35 years ago with the intent of using it for a trail, but there are currently no trails leading up to it on either side. Nor are any planned in the future.
"It would cost a fortune to renovate the thing," said Heilman.
At one time, the bridge was listed on Isanti County's historical register. It was constructed in 1913.
ACTIVE LIVING WORK WILL CONTINUE
The $200,000 Active Living by Design grant Isanti County was awarded three years ago by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has run its course, but work will continue.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has given the county another $40,000. Isanti County Active Living is also applying for a $10,000 grant from the Initiative Foundation.
That $50,000 will pay for making sure the work began in 2005 is sustained, according to Bill Carlson, who has served as the project director.
The Active Living group has partnered with the Cambridge Medical Center, Districts 911 and 314, local cities, other government agencies and various community groups. It has sought to create a healthy community by designing bike and walk-friendly neighborhoods, by improving sidewalk and trail connections, and promoting the benefits of daily exercise.
Major projects have included the Cambridge-Isanti Walk-Bike Trail, Safe Routes to School, and the Rum River Bicycle Classic.
With the additional funds, the group will continue to push cities to modify their ordinances, and work with medical centers and public health departments. This will go outside Isanti County and include neighboring areas such as Chisago, Mille Lacs and Kanabec counties, said Carlson.
BIKE-WALK TRAIL
RLK Consulting will oversee the contruction of the new trail that will link Cambridge and Isanti.
The cost of designing the plans will be $70,000. Phase two, that of on-site inspections during the construction, hasn't yet been approved by the county board but is expected to run slightly under $93,000.
Construction on the long-awaited trail will begin in June 2009.
In Brief
Isanti County will hold its truth-in-taxation hearing on Dec. 4, 2008 at 7 p.m.
The gambling permit for Cambridge-Isanti Hockey at Jumping Jacks was renewed.
Spencer Brook and Stanford Townships will both receive $500 from the county to help pay for their respective township clean-up days. Money comes from the state SCORE grant.
Resignations: Carl Noelting as the Isanti County Snowmobile Trails Coordinator
Hires: Vernon Anderson, Kelly Strock and Addie Dahlquist as part-time jailers; and Angelina Nelson and Monica Oldenberg as part-time assistant food managers
GIVING HEARTS
Over 200 people at Cambridge Medical Center volunteer to make the lives of patients a little easier. And while they're doing that, they're making their own lives better.
Retired recently and now find yourself lonely and bored?
Such was Bob Johnson. But that was two years ago, before he began volunteering at the Cambridge Medical Center.
Now the jigsaw puzzles are back on the shelves, and he's spending three days a week shuffling magazines and serving as general all-around assistant.
"We have a good time," said Johnson.
Georgia Baribeau could be deemed the poster child for the Cambridge Medical Center volunteer program, according to Cambridge Medical Center Volunteer Services Coordinator Linda Lamb. Several years ago she could hardly move around because of her terrible arthritis. She was confined to a scooter, and her spirits were low.
Today, she practically skips down the hospital halls.
"I weeble-wobble, but I don't fall down," she tells folks.
At 24, Nicole Browning is one of the youngest regular volunteers at CMC. She was looking for something to do when she learned she was pregnant. Unemployed at the time, she decided to begin volunteering at the hospital where she planned to give birth.
Three years later, she's still coming in every other week, despite being a mother and a student.
Volunteering steered her to her career: nursing. "I like helping people," said Browning. "It's a really grand thing."
Johnson, Georgia and Browning are three of 207 volunteers with similar stories. By volunteering, they not only give back to the community, but they feel better about themselves.
Research backs this up. Many studies have been done that prove volunteers experience greater life satisfaction, lower levels of depression, less incidence of heart disease, a sense of control over life, and greater longevity, pointed out Lamb.
Studies have shown that volunteering is particularly beneficial to the health of older adults and those serving at least 100 hours annually.
In fact, evidence suggests that the best way to avoid poor health in the future, which could be a barrier to volunteering, is to volunteer, said Lamb.
Lamb has seen how helping others has eased the sharp grief felt by those who have lost spouses or children. It becomes a way for them "to get back into life."
The CMC volunteer program facilitates this by matching people up with jobs that use their talents.
Today's volunteers want to do more than busywork. Thus while some still stuff envelopes, they do it while doing something else, like staffing the greeter desk at one of the entrances.
Other tasks include rolling the Comfort Cart down the patients wings, passing out coffee and newspapers with a smile. Or, others staff the hospital gift shop. Those with an interest in chemical dependency are welcomed into that department; those who love children are encouraged to assist in the daycare attached to the hospital. Some volunteer from the comfort of their own home, fashioning baby hats, burp cloths and blankets for newborns.
Volunteering places people back out in the community who might otherwise be shuttered at home. It gives them the opportunity to meet new people, a perk Bob's wife, Paulette Johnson, enjoys. She considers her fellow volunteers to be family.
There are other benefits, as well.Volunteers receive a complimentary meal in the cafeteria, 20% discount in the gift shop, 25% discount in the eye center, and discount entertainment tickets (movie theater, Valley Fair, Renaissance Festival, State Fair). Various recognition events that include entertainment and a meal occur periodically throughout the year.
The volunteer program works under the umbrella of the hospital auxiliary. The auxiliary has a long history of helping where needed at Cambridge Medical Center. When the facility opened in 1956, members actually sewed the linens for hospital beds. The volunteer department, headed by Lamb, also works closely with the CMC Foundation.
As for Lamb, she loves her job. "I work with positive people," she noted. "I get energy from that. She can arrive feeling tired or grumpy, but those emotions quickly change to joy. "I like what I do. That's probably why I look like I'm having fun."
And for her, it's all about having an impact on the lives of others. "I need to feel like I'm making a difference," said Lamb.
To learn more about volunteering at the Cambridge Medical Center, contact Linda Lamb at 763-689-8408 or email linda.lamb@allina.com.
Benefits of volunteering:
• Better health
• Greater life satisfaction
• Lower levels of depression
• Less incidence of heart disease
• Sense of control over life
• Greater longevity
• Enhancement of one's social network
* Information from studies available at www.nationalservice.gov and www.americorps.gov
Opportunities at CMC:
• Comfort Cart
• Hospital and clinic greeters
• Surgery Family Waiting room attendant
• Crafter's Club
• Riverwood Retirement Village (bingo callers, crafts, play piano)
• Reach Out and Read
• Gift shop clerk
• Rehab therapy
• Someplace Special Child Care
• Chemical dependency
• Magazine distribution
• Special events (Festival of Lights, etc.)
•Adopt-A-Family
Meet the volunteers:
• Paulette Johnson: Mondays and Wednesday she can be found a the clinic entrance greeting patients and answering questions. On Fridays, she staffs the family surgery waiting room. "I thought it would be nice to help people," said P. Johnson. "I was retired and had a lot of time on my hands." She enjoys getting to know her fellow volunteers. "The volunteers are like family," she noted.
• Bob Johnson: After he retired, B. Johnson "was doing jigsaw puzzles and I was sitting at home." When he heard about volunteer opportunities at the medical center, he jumped at the chance to get involved. Now he and his wife are there three times a week. "It's very enjoyable. There's a lot of nice people," said B. Johnson.
• Diane Stahnke: When she retired in 2007, Stahnke admits she panicked a bit. She couldn't envision a future where she was out of the public eye and in the house all the time. "I wanted to meet new people," she explained. Now she greets visitors and helps keep magazine racks stacked. She regularly answers questions such as, "Where do I go to get my blood drawn?" and "Where is radiology?" Working in a hospital is a dream come true for the woman who always wanted to work in the medical field.
• Diane Swenson: She wanted to get out of the house and do something for other people. "I get to talk to so many outstanding people," said 53-year-old Swenson. "I love it." She lost a daughter to lupus four years ago. As she pushes the Comfort Cart through the maternity ward, she encourages the moms to always love their children like this is the last day they're going to see them. "Do it, you'll love it," she exhorts anyone considering becoming a volunteer.
• Nicole Browning: Newly pregnant and unemployed, Browning found herself drawn to Cambridge Medical Center as a volunteer. She volunteered right up to the day before she gave birth in the CMC maternity ward. Then she came back to work, before deciding she was going to return to school and pursue her dream of becoming a nurse. Now she returns to volunteer one day every other week. "I've gotten a lot out of it," said the 24-year-old. "I've really enjoyed it. It's a nice way to get to know people around here." Plus, she feels better by helping others.
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