I've done a lot of cool things over the past 10 years here at the Star. As I leave to pursue other ventures, I'll take away the memories to treasure.
I'll never forget climbing to the top of the new aerial ladder truck in Rush City. What a view. And yeah, being up that high came with quite a rush.
Then there was the time I volunteered to check out the new non-lethal weapons obtained by the Isanti County Sheriff's Department. Former Commissioner Gene Wicht held one arm and Sheriff Mike Ammend the other as I was tased. I would have been on the ground in seconds without their support. It was an effective weapon. And they were right; it hurt.
Being a member of the Super Stars, the Star's Outhouse Race team, is one of my all-time highlights. Gosh, we had fun. I was on the team for three years – three glorious years. We never managed to beat the Isanti Redbirds (not surprisingly, they can run like the wind), but we did take home Best Outhouse and Best Costume every time we entered. Remember Charlie's Angels, the Dukes of Hazard and the Pirates of the Caribbean?
When the old Cambridge State Hospital buildings were torn down, I traipsed through them one last time. I was there when the time capsule was recovered from behind a stone in the front wall of the Boswell building. I trembled with excitement as Roger Wm. Anderson pried it open. I was among the first person since 1956 to touch the contents inside.
I've had the opportunity to meet countless politician and candidates with big dreams, folks like Governor Tim Pawlenty, Norm Coleman, and Representative James Oberstar.
I've loved the "perks" that came with this job: free tickets to local plays and concerts, VIP access at the rodeo, and behind-the-scenes access during events.
I've been there when ground has broken for numerous businesses, roads and neighborhoods. I've watched buildings burn down. I got there minutes after the old Gillespie Auto building had fallen down on Main Street in Cambridge. Dust was still thick in the street, and we were all amazed that a building that had stood for so long, nearly 100 years, had fallen in minutes, had fallen on Main Street.
I've enjoyed seeing the history of my hometown community firsthand. I've been proud to record it in word and picture. I've loved being "in the know" about everything.
And even more than that, I've enjoyed interviewing each and every person I've met over the last 10 years. I can't begin to list off all the names, but you know who you are. I've appreciated each and every one of you. I've tried my best to accurately tell your own stories. Some have made me laugh, others outraged me. Still others brought tears to my eyes and I found it hard to take notes. It is the people of a community that make up a community newspaper. Thank you for being my "sources", thank you for your tips, thank you for urging me to take action, and thank you for supporting your community newspaper.
Some say newspapers are going under. I don't believe that for a second. Although I'm leaving the Star, I intend to keep dipping my toes into journalism. You'll still find my byline in the Star's newest venture, Lifestyles magazine. I'll be writing for other entities, as well. I intend to continue teaching the next generation of writers at Anoka-Ramsey Community College – Cambridge Campus, where I've been an adjunct instructor the past three and one-half years. Who knows? I might finally get to that novel I've been meaning to write.
My biggest job will be raising my baby – who is due any day now. It's a task I'm really looking forward to.
And so, I bid you all farewell. I'll see you around.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Dewey’s condition upgraded
Family considers it a miracle
Christopher Dewey, the Mahnomen County deputy who grew up in Isanti County, is doing better than his doctors expected he would after being shot in the abdomen and head on Feb. 18 while on duty.
His condition has been upgraded from critical to satisfactory.
Dewey remains hospitalized at MeritCare Hospital in Fargo, N.D. He was expected to be released late this week or the beginning of next week. From the hospital he will be taken to a rehabilitation facility.
MeritCare surgeon Robert Sticca labeled his progress “remarkable.”
His family feels it is nothing short of a miracle.
“He’s out of danger at the present time,” said Sticca.
Status
On Sunday, he was transferred out of MeritCare Hospital’s critical care unit into a private room in the surgical unit. He began physical therapy.
According to MeritCare critical care specialist Dr. Frank Sepe, Dewey is now moving his left side (he has been moving his right side all along), and is consistently following commands. He is able to stand with assistance, but is not yet walking.
He has limited use of his left arm, but has good function of both legs.
He is able to talk, and, as of noon on Saturday, he has been able to eat soft foods.
Dewey was taken off the ventilator on Friday, and has been breathing on his own.
Sticca said, “Chris is now out of immediate danger and has done great so far, but he will undergo more surgery, and there’s still a long road ahead for him and his family because of the injury to his brain.”
“We’ve had some good, encouraging early signs,” said Dewey’s father-in-law, Ross Boulden of Princeton, speaking on behalf of the family during a news conference on Feb. 19.
He added, “We have such a strong faith; we know we will get through this.”
Injuries
Dewey was shot on the right side of his head. Inside the skull, the bullet split into several fragments; one continued out through the right frontal lobe. During a four-hour-long surgery on Wednesday, MeritCare Dr. Justesen cleaned up the brain fragments that had shattered, some of the damaged brain under the bone, and the contaminated wound.
He expects Dewey to need at least one more brain surgery. The skull defects will need to be repaired, as will the lining of the brain.
Dewey will also need to undergo several months of rehabilitation.
Sticca expects Dewey to suffer from various neurological deficits due to the injury, but hopes that with intensive physical therapy and rehabilitation that he can regain most, if not all, of his functions.
He’s in good spirits
According to his wife, Emily (nee Boulden), Dewey has been in good spirits. The two are high school sweethearts who wed three years ago.
On Saturday, he was joking with his partners from the sheriff’s office about how he “should have ducked” and “it isn’t like the movies.”
Two members of the Cass County Sheriff’s Department, Captain Carlos Perez, and his wife, Deputy Kelly Perez, have donated a home they own for Dewey’s family to use while he is in the hospital.
“Our goal is that they have nothing to worry about except taking care of Chris and Emily,” said Cass County Sheriff Paul Laney.
A fund has been set up to benefit the Christopher Dewey family. Donations may be sent to: Deputy Chris Dewey Fund, PO Box 378, 103 N. Main St., Mahnomen, MN 56557. Or, call (218) 935-5251.
The family would like people to know that they are continuing to update Dewey’s Web page on caringbridge.org; Web site name: chrisdewey.
Additional updates will be posted online at www.isanti-chisagocountystar.com.
Doctors pleased with Dewey’s status
Christopher Dewey, the Mahnomen County deputy with who grew up in Isanti County, is doing better than his doctors expected he would after being shot in the abdomen and head on Feb. 18 while on duty.
Dr. Robert Sticca, the general surgeon at MeritCare Hospital in Fargo, N.D. who performed the abdomen surgery, noted on Thursday that Dewey is in critical but very stable condition.
“He has begun to show some signs of being aware of his surroundings,” Sticca stated during a press conference Thursday. “He’s recognized his family. He’s squeezed their hands. He’s actually doing quite well.”
Sticca added, “We’re all cautiously optimistic at this point.”
Neurosurgeon Dr. Chad Justesen would not speculate on the extent of Dewey’s brain injuries. He is currently in a medically-induced comma so that doctors can monitor brain swelling.
Justesen expects to begin lessening the sedation on Friday, but cautioned that it will be awhile before Dewey is completely awake. It will be several days after that before doctors will know how the bullet damaged the brain.
Dewey was shot on the right side of his head. Inside the skull, the bullet split into several fragments; one continued out through the right frontal lobe. During a four-hour-long surgery on Wednesday, Dr. Justesen cleaned up the brain fragments that had shattered, some of the damaged brain under the bone, and the contaminated wound.
He expects Dewey to need at least one more brain surgery. The skull defects will need to be repaired, as will the lining of the brain. Depending on how much the injury swells, another surgery may be required, although Dr. Justesen thinks that is unlikely.
Dewey will also need to undergo several months of rehabilitation.
While Dewey has not yet opened his eyes and looked around, when asked to make a thumbsup sign, he has done so. He has also squeezed hands upon request.
“He’s doing very well considering his injuries,” noted Justesen.
Family is cautious, but optimistic
“We’ve had some good, encouraging early signs,” said Dewey’s father-in-law, Ross Boulden of Princeton, speaking on behalf of the family.
“But we’re still cautious.”
He added, “We have such a strong faith, we know we will get through this.”
Boulden’s daughter, Emily, has been married to Dewey for three years. The two were high-school sweethearts who met eight years ago while attending Cambridge-Isanti High School.
Boulden expressed the family’s “heartfelt” thanks to law enforcement, MeritCare and the Red Cross.
“We thank all the family and friends for keeping us in their prayers,” he said.
The Red Cross has been assisting the family in bringing Dewey’s two brothers who serve in the Armed Forces home. One is currently stationed overseas.
Speaking on behalf of his daughter, Emily, Boulden said, “Christopher is the most wonderful man. … He is an avid family person.” He noted that he has a passion for the outdoors and enjoys fishing and hunting.
Emily agreed with another person’s description of her husband as a “big teddy bear.”
As a testament to his personality, Boulden noted that a man Chris had arrested contacted the family Wednesday to send his best. “Chris has touched many hearts,” noted Boulden.
He noted that his son-in-law also dreamt of being a law enforcement officer.
Boulden asked that people continue to keep Dewey in their prayers.
Law enforcement has rallied around family
The law enforcement community has rallied around Dewey and his family.
According to Cass County Sheriff Paul Laney, when an officer is injured, “it cuts through law enforcement like a hot torch.”
Those in the field consider each other family, and when one goes down the rest are there to lend a hand.
He noted that in such cases the family of the officer is instantly traumatized.
“We’re doing everything we can to care for them,” Laney said.
They have arranged for housing for Dewey’s family members, both immediate and for the next few months. A vehicle has also been lined up.
“Our goal is that they have nothing to worry about except taking care of Chris and Emily,” said Laney.
Fund set up, updates available at Caring Bridge site
A fund has been set up to benefit the Christopher Dewey family.
Donations may be sent to:
Deputy Chris Dewey Fund, PO Box 378, 103 N. Main St., Mahnomen, MN 56557. Or, call (218) 935-5251.
The family has also set up a CaringBridge site to provide updates on Dewey’s condition. The site can be viewed by visiting caringbridge.org, site name chrisdewey.
Dr. Robert Sticca, the general surgeon at MeritCare Hospital in Fargo, N.D. who performed the abdomen surgery, noted on Thursday that Dewey is in critical but very stable condition.
“He has begun to show some signs of being aware of his surroundings,” Sticca stated during a press conference Thursday. “He’s recognized his family. He’s squeezed their hands. He’s actually doing quite well.”
Sticca added, “We’re all cautiously optimistic at this point.”
Neurosurgeon Dr. Chad Justesen would not speculate on the extent of Dewey’s brain injuries. He is currently in a medically-induced comma so that doctors can monitor brain swelling.
Justesen expects to begin lessening the sedation on Friday, but cautioned that it will be awhile before Dewey is completely awake. It will be several days after that before doctors will know how the bullet damaged the brain.
Dewey was shot on the right side of his head. Inside the skull, the bullet split into several fragments; one continued out through the right frontal lobe. During a four-hour-long surgery on Wednesday, Dr. Justesen cleaned up the brain fragments that had shattered, some of the damaged brain under the bone, and the contaminated wound.
He expects Dewey to need at least one more brain surgery. The skull defects will need to be repaired, as will the lining of the brain. Depending on how much the injury swells, another surgery may be required, although Dr. Justesen thinks that is unlikely.
Dewey will also need to undergo several months of rehabilitation.
While Dewey has not yet opened his eyes and looked around, when asked to make a thumbsup sign, he has done so. He has also squeezed hands upon request.
“He’s doing very well considering his injuries,” noted Justesen.
Family is cautious, but optimistic
“We’ve had some good, encouraging early signs,” said Dewey’s father-in-law, Ross Boulden of Princeton, speaking on behalf of the family.
“But we’re still cautious.”
He added, “We have such a strong faith, we know we will get through this.”
Boulden’s daughter, Emily, has been married to Dewey for three years. The two were high-school sweethearts who met eight years ago while attending Cambridge-Isanti High School.
Boulden expressed the family’s “heartfelt” thanks to law enforcement, MeritCare and the Red Cross.
“We thank all the family and friends for keeping us in their prayers,” he said.
The Red Cross has been assisting the family in bringing Dewey’s two brothers who serve in the Armed Forces home. One is currently stationed overseas.
Speaking on behalf of his daughter, Emily, Boulden said, “Christopher is the most wonderful man. … He is an avid family person.” He noted that he has a passion for the outdoors and enjoys fishing and hunting.
Emily agreed with another person’s description of her husband as a “big teddy bear.”
As a testament to his personality, Boulden noted that a man Chris had arrested contacted the family Wednesday to send his best. “Chris has touched many hearts,” noted Boulden.
He noted that his son-in-law also dreamt of being a law enforcement officer.
Boulden asked that people continue to keep Dewey in their prayers.
Law enforcement has rallied around family
The law enforcement community has rallied around Dewey and his family.
According to Cass County Sheriff Paul Laney, when an officer is injured, “it cuts through law enforcement like a hot torch.”
Those in the field consider each other family, and when one goes down the rest are there to lend a hand.
He noted that in such cases the family of the officer is instantly traumatized.
“We’re doing everything we can to care for them,” Laney said.
They have arranged for housing for Dewey’s family members, both immediate and for the next few months. A vehicle has also been lined up.
“Our goal is that they have nothing to worry about except taking care of Chris and Emily,” said Laney.
Fund set up, updates available at Caring Bridge site
A fund has been set up to benefit the Christopher Dewey family.
Donations may be sent to:
Deputy Chris Dewey Fund, PO Box 378, 103 N. Main St., Mahnomen, MN 56557. Or, call (218) 935-5251.
The family has also set up a CaringBridge site to provide updates on Dewey’s condition. The site can be viewed by visiting caringbridge.org, site name chrisdewey.
Officer with ties to Isanti shot in Mahnomen County
A Mahnomen County sheriff’s deputy who grew up in Isanti was shot Wednesday morning.
Christopher Dewey, 26, is listed in critical but stable condition following surgery Wednesday at MeritCare hospital in Fargo.
He was shot in the head and abdomen by a high-powered rifle.
THE INCIDENT
According to the Mahnomen County Sheriff’s Department, Dewey responded to the call of a possible drunk driver leaving the Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen at about 4 a.m. on Feb. 18. The vehicle fled the scene. Dewey discovered it parked near the county courthouse. Footprints led to a nearby residence.
When Dewey’s partner attempted to make contact with Dewey and was unable to, the officer went to the scene shortly after 7 a.m. and found Dewey lying shot in the driveway.
Dewey was stabilized at Mahnomen Health Center and transferred to MeritCare Hospital, Fargo, via LifeFlight. He arrived at 8:25 a.m.
Members of over 12 different law enforcement agencies surrounded a nearby home all day, attempting to take the suspects into custody. Two were arrested and were expected to be charged on Thursday.
TWO SURGERIES
Two surgeries have been performed on Dewey since his arrival at MeritCare.
Dr. Robert Sticca, a general surgeon, performed the abdomen surgery. There was an entrance and exit wound with laceration to the liver, which was repaired.
The victim also suffered one gun shot wound to the head resulting in a severe brain injury. Dr. Chad Justesen, a neurosurgeon, completed surgery at 1:20 p.m., approximately four hours later. Dewey is listed in critical condition. It is too soon to know what his prognosis is, according to hospital representatives.
The hospital was locked down on Wednesday. Additional supplies, such as blood, MeritCare staff and security were sent to Mahnomen in preparation for the possibility of more victims. Chaplains were also sent to assist.
FOOTBALL PLAYER
On his myspace page, Dewey lists Isanti as his hometown.
Dewey graduated from Cambridge-Isanti High School in 2001. He was on the football team.
He next went on to earn an associate’s degree in law enforcement from Hibbing Community College in 2003.
Dewey married one and one-half years ago; he has no children. He has been working for the Mahnomen County Sheriff’s Department for the past four years.
Non-profits can use community center for free
City chooses LeFebvre Catering for all events at the facility
CAMBRIDGE – Local non-profits can hold their meetings at the new Cambridge community center at no charge.
Among those organizations that can use the facility for free are those that give back to the community. These include the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Brownies, Girl Scouts, Cambridge Ambassadors, Isanti County Historical Society, Jaycees, Lions, Masons, Rotary and 4-H.
If these groups use the kitchen or the assembly hall, they will be charged the $20 an hour supervision fee by the National Guard, noted Cambridge City Administrator Lynda Woulfe. during the Cambridge City Council meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 17.
Isanti County may also use the community center at no charge.
Other groups will be charged half the cost. These include any non-profit that can provide a 501c exemption letter, athletic associations that serve Cambridge residents, and local schools (District 911, Cambridge Christian School, Christ the King parochial, and the home school cooperative).
Council member Bob Shogren suggested that the list be modified.
Those eligible for free rent will be reviewed by the Community Center Task Force and any recommendations brought back to the city council.
FULL-DAY RENTAL FEES REDUCED
Council members had set rental fees in January. However, after hearing that the fee charged for a full-day event was too high, the amount was lowered on Tuesday night.
Hourly rates will be as follows:
• Assembly hall, Monday to Friday: $40
• Assembly hall, Saturday and Sunday: $60
• Assembly hall and kitchen, Monday to Friday, $75 with a maximum of $500
• Assembly hall and kitchen, Saturday and Sunday: $95 with a maximum of $500 per single day event (plus a $20 an hour supervision fee)
• Classrooms, Monday to Friday: $20
• Classrooms, Saturday and Sunday: $40
CATERING SERVICES
LeFebvre Catering, together with the Cambridge American Legion (liquor provider), will serve as the caterer at the community center.
Two caterers submitted proposals for the city to consider: LeFebvre Catering and Spectacular Catering. The fees for the two were nearly similar, noted Woulfe.
Both employ a number of local people as part-time employees to help serve at events.
Prior to the regular council meeting on Feb. 17, both caterers provided a sample meal for council members and guests.
After reviewing the proposals, the city council appointed LeFebvre Catering.
“I think they both did a fabulous job,” noted council member Lisa Iverson.
USE POLICY
A policy governing the use of the community center was also approved on Tuesday night.
It was written by the community center task force and then forwarded to the city council.
Those who would like to rent the facility should contact Cambridge City Hall at 763-689-3211.
A non-refundable deposit of 50 percent is required for any reservation of the assembly hall.
Any alcohol for events must be provided through the city’s approved caterer.
Weapons are not allowed on the premises, unless it is for a special event that is pre-approved by the city (such as a gun show).
Camping is not allowed.
Council member Dave Schornstein questioned the restrictions placed on grilling. Woulfe clarified that commercial grills being used by caterers or a local non-profit doing a benefit (such as the Rotary) would be allowed, following approval by the city’s fire chief and city administrator.
CAMBRIDGE – Local non-profits can hold their meetings at the new Cambridge community center at no charge.
Among those organizations that can use the facility for free are those that give back to the community. These include the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Brownies, Girl Scouts, Cambridge Ambassadors, Isanti County Historical Society, Jaycees, Lions, Masons, Rotary and 4-H.
If these groups use the kitchen or the assembly hall, they will be charged the $20 an hour supervision fee by the National Guard, noted Cambridge City Administrator Lynda Woulfe. during the Cambridge City Council meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 17.
Isanti County may also use the community center at no charge.
Other groups will be charged half the cost. These include any non-profit that can provide a 501c exemption letter, athletic associations that serve Cambridge residents, and local schools (District 911, Cambridge Christian School, Christ the King parochial, and the home school cooperative).
Council member Bob Shogren suggested that the list be modified.
Those eligible for free rent will be reviewed by the Community Center Task Force and any recommendations brought back to the city council.
FULL-DAY RENTAL FEES REDUCED
Council members had set rental fees in January. However, after hearing that the fee charged for a full-day event was too high, the amount was lowered on Tuesday night.
Hourly rates will be as follows:
• Assembly hall, Monday to Friday: $40
• Assembly hall, Saturday and Sunday: $60
• Assembly hall and kitchen, Monday to Friday, $75 with a maximum of $500
• Assembly hall and kitchen, Saturday and Sunday: $95 with a maximum of $500 per single day event (plus a $20 an hour supervision fee)
• Classrooms, Monday to Friday: $20
• Classrooms, Saturday and Sunday: $40
CATERING SERVICES
LeFebvre Catering, together with the Cambridge American Legion (liquor provider), will serve as the caterer at the community center.
Two caterers submitted proposals for the city to consider: LeFebvre Catering and Spectacular Catering. The fees for the two were nearly similar, noted Woulfe.
Both employ a number of local people as part-time employees to help serve at events.
Prior to the regular council meeting on Feb. 17, both caterers provided a sample meal for council members and guests.
After reviewing the proposals, the city council appointed LeFebvre Catering.
“I think they both did a fabulous job,” noted council member Lisa Iverson.
USE POLICY
A policy governing the use of the community center was also approved on Tuesday night.
It was written by the community center task force and then forwarded to the city council.
Those who would like to rent the facility should contact Cambridge City Hall at 763-689-3211.
A non-refundable deposit of 50 percent is required for any reservation of the assembly hall.
Any alcohol for events must be provided through the city’s approved caterer.
Weapons are not allowed on the premises, unless it is for a special event that is pre-approved by the city (such as a gun show).
Camping is not allowed.
Council member Dave Schornstein questioned the restrictions placed on grilling. Woulfe clarified that commercial grills being used by caterers or a local non-profit doing a benefit (such as the Rotary) would be allowed, following approval by the city’s fire chief and city administrator.
Harris hires new city clerk
HARRIS – Dawn Luke is Harris’ new city clerk.
Luke currently resides 35-miles away in Grantsburg, Wis.
She is presently working as the township clerk for Anderson and Wood River in Wisconsin.
She earned her certificate from the Municipal Clerks Institute last summer, and is looking for an opportunity to use what she’s learned.
During an interview on Feb. 9, Luke described herself as an outgoing person. “I’m a leader,” she added. “I’d rather follow than lead.”
Luke is familiar with Microsoft Office, as well as Quickbooks.
Her past experience includes working as a computer technician for the Grantsburg school system; two stints at local banks; and handling accounts for Arrow Building Center.
She also owned and operated a ranch through the mid-1990s.
In all, 150 applications were received for the Harris clerk position. Seven people were interviewed during the first round of interviews. The final three candidates, Luke, Erica Wilson and Arleen Heins, were interviewed a second time during the council meeting on Feb. 9.
The hiring decision was made on Feb. 12, which was a continuation of the Feb. 9 city council meeting.
Luke will earn $18 an hour, and will put in between 24 and 28 hours a week.
The offer is contingent upon her successfully passing a background check.
Harris appoints new fire chief
Change in leadership prompts six firefighters to resign
HARRIS – There’s a new fire chief in Harris, but not everyone agrees about it.
In anticipation of the appointment of Trevor Williams, six firefighters resigned on Monday night, Feb. 6.
Among them are Will Lacina, Wes Lacina, Tim Cropper, Doug Chaffee, John Pelant and Chris Stoeckel.
Chaffee warned the city council to expect more resignations. “You’re losing some of the most experienced firefighters and first responders,” he added.
COUNCIL DISAGREES WITH DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION
In January, the fire department voted to re-elect Will Lacina as fire chief on a 23 to seven vote.
Later that month at the city council meeting, council member Kathy Olson made a motion to appoint Trevor Williams instead. After John Pelant made a motion to appoint Lacina, the city council agreed to look at the issue again in February.
According to city treasurer Marlys Belfany, she spoke to both Williams and Lacina via phone and informed them the city council would be interviewing both during the February meeting. However, council member John Pelant objected that an official letter was not sent out to both the candidates.
“I think the council screwed up on this one,” said Pelant.
Lacina did not attend Monday night’s meeting.
Pelant stressed that the council should go with the fire department’s recommendation for chief. “People in the fire department should know who the chief should be,” he said. They base it on experience and knowledge, he noted.
INTERVIEW
During the interview conducted on Feb. 6, Williams was asked about his leadership skills, knowledge of fire department procedures and structure, and training.
Williams said that he graduated from high school in 1988. In 1989, he began working as a first responder. He was a member of two fire departments for a total of 10 and one-half years before joining the Harris department in 2006.
Citizen comment
Speaking during the citizens’ comment period, Doris Gilquist pushed the council to continue with the existing leadership. Later, she added Will Lacina hadn’t shown up at the council meeting because he felt that the council didn’t respect him or need him.
“Trevor’s a good firefighter,” said Tim Cropper. “He’s a follower, not a leader.”
Mayor Diane Miller stated that she respects Lacina’s right to resign. As it appeared the city had only one applicant for chief, she looked for direction from the council.
“We have to move forward,” said council member Judy Hammerstrom.
Olson made the motion to appoint Williams as chief. The vote was three in favor with two abstentions (Pelant and Larson).
Williams will be on a six-month probation.
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