To get ALL the news from the Edge of the Frontier, subscribe to NORTHERN HERALD. Details on Home Page: http://members.aol.com/nhrld/index.html ****************************************************************** Copyright (c) 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 by Northern Herald and Northern Herald Publications, Inc. MEDIA AND OTHER USERS: See Copyright Info and Limited Permission to Use - Revised 9/6/97 - at the end of this file. ****************************************************************** THE LIBRARY - VOLUME 6 - 10/11/00 through 09/01/01 THE NORTHERN HERALD LIBRARY OF ARCHIVED ISSUES ************************************ FULL TEXT FOLLOWS TABLES OF CONTENTS ************************************ There is no index, nor is one needed. If you are researching a particular subject, or person, use the FIND utility in your browser's EDIT menu (at top of your screen) to locate stories dealing with your topic. Contents are in order - are not hypertext - just SCROLL DOWN to find what you want - this file is cumulative and voluminous - you may find it expeditious to FIND (from your EDIT menu on Explorer and certain other browsers) for a keyword in the headline (as listed in these Contents), or to download and then search): CONTENTS - BY ISSUE (DESCENDING): -------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 09/01/2001 - VOLUME 6 NO. 11 -------------------------------------- HERALD, EIGHTH CIRCUIT FEDERAL COURT, BRING BEMIDJI INTO UNITED STATES Ruling Finds Bemidji Statutes Unconstitutional; Court Recognizes Discriminatory Enforcement In Focus DEER RIVER'S WHITE OAK TAKES VISITORS BACK -- An Obituary -- FLORENCE L. CAUGHEY CAMPBELL BENEFIT SEPT. 8TH COWBOYS RIDE AT NORTH STAR In Focus THE BLACKDUCK WOODCARVER'S FEST NEGLECTED DOG HAS TO BE EXECUTED AT BEMIDJI CORN FEST AT BACKUS! Editorials - Opinion DOES BEMIDJI NEED A FULL-TIME CITY ATTORNEY? KEEPING YOUR MARRIAGE ALIVE INCREASE YOUR VOCABULARY Letters to the Editor HAPPY RETIREMENT, JOE! CONSUMER TIP REMER CELEBRATES HARVEST! BLUEBERRY FEST AT LAKE GEORGE DIGGY'S - LAPORTE'S GOOD TIMES PLACE! -- Advertisement -- DOES CELLULARONE TURN YOU OFF? Consumer Corner READER OFFERS DENTURE ADVICE -------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 07/28/2001 - VOLUME 6 NO. 10 -------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism - Health Care In Northern Minnesota ----------------------- THE MERITCARE MONOPOLY AT BEMIDJI Part 2 of a multi-part series resulting from our continuing investigation of health service practices in Northern Minnesota Leading Edge Journalism - Follow Up HUBBARD/CASS CO. DOG KILLER RELEASED GRAND RAPIDS COWBOY COPS BLOW AWAY MAN'S TERRIER HACKENSACK COUNCIL BULLDOZES OVER CONSTITUENTS Residents Protested Being Awash in Casino Sewage; Leech Lake Cancels Deal In Focus SWEETHEART DAYS DRAW CROWDS TO HACKENSACK Guest Column BUDGET CUTS IS NO REASON FOR THE MEDIA SUCKING by Duke Skorich, Reader Weekly Editorials - Opinion IT'S TIME FOR GLASNOST AT LEECH LAKE SEN. LESSARD HONORED In Focus RED LAKE COMMEMORATES VETERANS, CELEBRATES INDEPENDENCE DAY In Focus MUSIC ON THE GREEN AT GRAND RAPIDS SERVICE AGAIN! AT GRAND RAPIDS, OF COURSE. CONSUMER CORNER Consumer Action DIAMOND MATCHES NOW SAFER Things That Just Don't Work WINDMERE TWIN WINDOW FAN A LETTER ON THE BLACKDUCK SHOOTING SPECIAL FEATURE: THE MAGIC OF MOONDANCE THE MANY CORNERS OF MOONDANCE WINE AND CHEESE THE SHOPS AND FOOD THE "OLD NEW ORLEANS" SALOON AMUSEMENTS THE CAMPGROUND & COMMUNITY THE TALENT CURTIS COUBELLO THE BYRDS CELEBRATION Look for some of the old, some of the new, too. SILENT PARTNER ------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 06/30/2001 - VOLUME 6 NO. 9 ------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism HUBBARD/CASS CO. DOG KILLER STILL AT LARGE BEMIDJI FAVOURITE JOURNALIST RECOVERING INTERESTS CLASH OVER THREE ISLAND PARK KINKEL'S KOLUMN from the office of Dist. 4 State Senator Tony Kinkel LICENSE FEES AND PERCH LIMITS In Focus WHAT'S NEW IN WALKER ?!!? BULLOCK PRE-TRIAL TO BE JULY 18TH Editorials-Opinion A LESS TROUBLING MODE OF EXECUTION Letters to the Editor HUBBARD CO. HAS MONEY FOR COMPUTERS, BUT NOT STREET SIGNS This Is Bemidji THE BEMIDJI POST OFFICE NO LAW AT BALL CLUB Merchant Has 6 Break-Ins in 5 Years - Will Close Doors ROOTIN' TOOTIN'EST RODEO TO BE AT EFFIE IN JULY BEMIDJI ART CENTER TO EXHIBIT "CONTEMPORARY NORTH" ------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 06/02/2001 - VOLUME 6 NO. 8 ------------------------------------- WALKER UNDER SIEGE BLOCK 25 - A COMMUNITY THAT CARED; A COUNCIL THAT LISTENED DNR SHUTS DOWN, RESTORES BIELOH'S POND FIREMEN HOLD ANNUAL SMELT FEED AT BACKUS Moondance 2001 THE TENTH - THE BIGGEST, BEST, MOST JAMMIN' MOONDANCE EVER ! SUMMERSET SUMMER MUSICAL TO BE AT WALKER BUNYAN'S Phillips 66(R) Gas, Convenience & Bait Opens at Akeley -- Good Things To Eat -- A FINE YEAR AT INDIAN MISSION In Focus THIS YEAR IN WALKER !!! VANDALISM INVADES BACKUS OPEN HOUSE AT COUNTRY GREENHOUSE, BEMIDJI NORTHLAND SCHOOL KIDS EXPERIENCE HISTORY, ENJOY DAY AT WHITE OAK Barefoot and Pregnant Contemporary Ladies' Perspective, Advice and Tips by The Lady Steele SAVE MAYONNAISE JARS FOR CANNING WINE, CIGAR EVENT HIGHLIGHTED WALKER'S MAY CALENDAR CORRECTION (no, not even we are without sin) Consumer Corner HAVE YOU BEEN DAMAGED/INJURED BY A PRODUCT? ------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 04/28/2001 - VOLUME 6 NO. 7 ------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism HEALTH CARE IN NORTHERN MINNESOTA --------------------------------- Part 1 of a Multi-Part Series Resulting from Our Continuing Investigation of Health Service Practices in Northern Minnesota NORTHLAND DENTAL PROVIDERS DRAW COMPLAINTS PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY COSTS GO THROUGH CEILING Some Dentists Charge Up to $712 for Cleaning; Some Insurers Refuse to Pay Exorbitant Fees MINNESOTACARE PATIENTS GIVEN THE BRUSH-OFF BY DENTISTS STATEWIDE Leading Edge Journalism - Follow Up BULLOCK FREED Kinkel's Kolumn - From the office of Dist. 4 State Senator Tony Kinkel --------------------------------- SENATE BUDGET CONTAINS IMPORTANT BENEFITS FOR NTC AND STATE COLLEGES For Accountants Only by Adam Steele, CPA TAASC BUYS THE FARM MOONDANCE 2001 TO FEATURE WINE, CHEESE TASTING A Sane Moment SECONDHAND SMOKE IS HEALTHY FOR KIDS. BEMIDJI STUDENTS TO VISIT WHITE OAK Guest Column SOMETHING UNSAID ABOUT TIMOTHY McVEIGH'S EXECUTION by Dave Duffy Letters to the Editor TIM PAWLENTY BOWS OUT COST OF BEMIDJI SUMMER GARDEN WATERING TO TRIPLE THE REWARDS OF BENEVOLENCE VENTO NAMED HONORARY RANGER NOW PLAY NORTHERN HERALD'S GAMBLING-BY-MAIL CASTLE SUPPORT PUBLIC EDUCATION WITH NORTHERN HERALD'S SIMULATED LOTTERY ------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 03/28/2001 - VOLUME 6 NO. 6 ------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism - Follow-Up ATTORNEY GROSS NEGLIGENCE IS FOCUS OF BULLOCK MOTION Expert Witness Says Grand Rapids Attorney Michael P. Gallagher Failed to Meet Even Minimal Standards of Representation; Judge Takes Case Under Advisement PRINCIPLES OF JURISPRUDENCE. BUILDING FOR A BETTER BELTRAMI STS BUILDS STRUCTURES, MORAL FIBRE YOUTHBUILD PROVIDES EXPERIENCE, HOUSING, WORK WHILE COMPLETING SCHOOL Ask the Tax Guy by Adam Steele, Certified Public Accountant CHOOSING A TAX PRACTITIONER - DEBUNKING SOME MYTHS Kinkel's Kolumn from the office of Dist. 4 State Senator Tony Kinkel AN ASSURANCE OF CHILDREN'S HEALTH CARE AN OPEN LETTER TO THE CITIZENS OF WALKER AND CASS COUNTY FROM BILL AND KATHY BIELOH MPR LOOKS FOR NEW TOWER FUNDING Letters to the Editor --------------------- TURN THE BUSES NORTH! SHOULD SNOMOS HAVE CARTE BLANCHE? --- A Northern Herald Restaurant Reviw --- ***** (FIVE STARS) ARTHUR'S TEN MILE LAKE INN. Welcome To Bemidji PARKING LOT FIGHT MARKS HARDWARE STORE OPENING BEMIDJI ART CENTER TO DISPLAY H.S. WORKS MACROSTIE TO FEATURE PAINTING EXHIBIT ------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 02/28/2001 - VOLUME 6 NO. 5 ------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism ----------------------- THE TECHNIMAR STORY How One Well-Heeled and Cunning Con-Man* Broke the City of Cohasset and Raided Fire and Police Pension Funds. *alleged Leading Edge Journalism ----------------------- BULLOCK WILL SEEK NEW TRIAL Imprisoned 3 Years on Uncorroborated Women's Shelter-Supported Allegations; Judge Grants Deer River Man New Evidentiary Hearing 2000 SPHERES AWARDED TO PARK RAPIDS PIZZA HUT MANAGER, GRAND RAPIDS CITY COUNCIL MARCH EXPO AT BEMIDJI ART CENTER For Accountants Only by Adam Steele, CPA -------------------- TAASC BLOWS IT BIG TIME THIS YEAR, SABERPRO MAY BE GOOD VALUE DISPUTE MARS PARK RAPIDS LEGION FISH DERBY Kinkel's Kolumn PROPOSED LOG RECOVERY PROVISIONS REMER LOG RECOVERER BALKS AT NEW BILL Says Environmental Impact Minimal; Law Change Will Shut Him Down In Focus ALL THAT JAZZ !! BSU Sponsors 28th Festival at Beaux Arts A LETTER TO THE EDITOR NEW POOL STORE IN BRAINERD POSTMAN SAVES THE DAY ------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 01/31/2001 - VOLUME 6 NO. 4 ------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism DURAN SHOOTING WAS APPARENT AMBUSH RESPONSE Attorney To Assert Self-Defense - No Drug Evidence Introduced Leading Edge Journalism - Follow Up NEWMAN CASE ENDS Soaring Cost of Prosecution Cited; Newman Accepts Alford Proposa UNSCRUPULOUS* BEMIDJI MERCHANT CONTINUES TO PUSH SALES OF FRAUDULENT PHONE CARDS * our opinion BEMIDJI WOMEN'S SHELTER WANTS TO EXPAND Releases Current Financials REGION 5 OFFERS INFANT/CHILD CAREGIVER SESSIONS 2001 MISSISSIPPI RIVER BUDGET AVAILABLE KINKEL'S KOLUMN from the office of Dist. 4 State Senator Tony Kinkel A PRIORITY: SENIORS' LONG-TERM CARE OPTIONS ASK THE TAX GUY by Adam Steele, Certified Public Accountant DISABLED? DON'T MISS PROPERTY TAX SAVINGS! In Focus WINTER SPORT, CHILI AT REMER !! IT'S BACK TO HACK !! Editorials - Opinion WORLD OVERPOPULATION THREATENS GALAPAGOS SPECIES FORESTERS TO MEET BEMIDJI FAMILY TO HOST URUGUAY STUDENT USASA SNOWBOARDING RESULTS BIATHLON RESULTS ------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 01/03/2001 - VOLUME 6 NO. 3 ------------------------------------- Red Lake - On The Move! RED LAKE OFFERS NEW TRANSIT RED LAKE TRADING POST BECOMES NEW IGA BSU JAZZ FEST TO BE FEB. 3RD WALKER SNOWMOBILERS PERFORM DARING & HEROIC THANKSGIVING DAY RESCUE KINKEL'S KOLUMN from the office of Dist. 4 State Senator Tony Kinkel KINKEL COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED AN OBITUARY - Morris William Kelly Consumer Corner A GOOD PLACE IN BEMIDJI TO TAKE YOUR CAR! Letters to the Editor LET'S KILL MINNESOTA'S WOLVES! In Focus BIG GAME FEED AT BECIDA Recipe Box FAITH EWERT'S SWEDISH BEAR MEATBALLS LOW COST SHOOTING COURSES OFFERED NORTHLANDERS HAVE SPOT IN BIATHLON ------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 11/08/2000 - VOLUME 6 NO. 2 ------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism CURIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES SURROUND LEISURE HILLS FIRING Leading Edge Journalism - Urgent Consumer Alert PHONE CARD SCAMS CONTINUING NEWMAN FILES FEDERAL SUIT AGAINST HOLTER, OTHER JUDGES CORRECTION (No, not even we are without sin) 8-WEEK ISSUE The Bemidji Post Office MOVING . . . TOWARD A LOWER STANDARD OF SERVICE LACK OF WILLING WORKERS CITED FOR SHORTENED BEMIDJI GROCERY HOURS In Focus BSU JAZZ PLAYS LEGION Editorials - Opinion THE 2000 ELECTION Letters to the Editor A VISITOR COMES TO UNDERSTAND BEMIDJI Guest Column by Professor David Schultz AN EDUCATED OPINION ON THE ELECTION USDC JUDGES ERICKSON, KYLE UPHOLD BEMIDJI PROHIBITION OF LITERATURE BEMIDJI MSUSA TO LOBBY WASHINGTON AUDITOR EXPLAINS MAIL VOTE TRADITIONAL MARITAL VOWS A Northern Minnesota Short Story AN APPLE A DAY by Dusty Kvasnicka UNLAWFUL DUMP DISCOVERED ON FULLMER PROPERTY Robert Morton's Family Journal by Robert Morton M.Ed., Ed.S. WE MUST DISCOVER OUR CHILDREN'S HIDDEN TALENTS ---------------------------------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 10/11/2000 - VOLUME 6 NO. 1 - FIFTH ANNINVERARY ISSUE! ---------------------------------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism BEMIDJI MAYOR PETERSON'S EXPENSES UNDER FIRE Leading Edge Journalism TERRY MELCHER ANNOUNCES AS WRITE-IN FOR BEMIDJI MAYOR 2B FACE-OFF AT BAGLEY HEATING PROPANE PRICES VARY WIDELY ACROSS STATE 48.9 cent high-low range in cities surveyed; Park Rapids highest at $1.399 Leading Edge Journalism PINE RIVER FIRMS' EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES QUESTIONED REP. DOUG FULLER'S RECORD "CONSTITUTION" PARTY? ARCHEOLOGICAL DIG AT BEMIDJI PAYS OFF HOW TO VOTE FOR A "WRITE-IN" CANDIDATE IN FOCUS - WHERE TO GO DESTINATION . . . BEAVER BAY GETTING THE CRABS . . . HITTING THE BEACHES . . . Editorials - Opinion -------------------- Where Are They? HIGH-PRICED GOLDBRICKING CONTINUES AT BEMIDJI CITY HALL Letters to the Editor A LETTER FROM RICH LORY CHILD BEHAVIOUR SEMINAR AT BAGLEY NOTABLE QUOTES Consumer Corner CONSUMER ALERT! MANY LONG DISTANCE CALLING CARDS CONTAIN SCAM DIST. 4A PUBLIC FORUMS ROBERT MORTON'S FAMILY JOURNAL by Robert Morton M.Ed., Ed.S. THE U.S. DEMAND FOR DRUGS CREATES THE SUPPLY ****************************************************************** TEXT OF ARCHIVED ISSUES BEGINS: -------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 09/01/2001 - VOLUME 6 NO. 11 -------------------------------------- HERALD, EIGHTH CIRCUIT FEDERAL COURT, BRING BEMIDJI INTO UNITED STATES Ruling Finds Bemidji Statutes Unconstitutional; Court Recognizes Discriminatory Enforcement ST. LOUIS -- The Eighth Circuit Federal Court of Appeals, on July 30, 2001, issued a landmark ruling in Northern Herald's, and Editor Adam Steele's $600 billion lawsuit against the City of Bemidji, its officers and several local retailers and others for denial of First Amendment rights to print and circulate the Northern Herald (Appellate case no. 00-3348MN). In it's filed opinion, reversing the summary judgement previously issued by the District Court in favor of the Bemidji City defendants, and remanding the case back to the Federal District Court for trial and determination of damages, the Court stated the Bemidji "soliciting" (ord. no. 6.39) and "obstructing" (no. 10.31) ordinances to be unconstitutional; and further recognized that Bemidji City officials including City Attorney Alan Felix and former Bemidji police Sgt. Michael Porter attempted to apply the ordinances to Steele's activity in distributing the Northern Herald even though nothing that the ordinances proscribe was being done. In the opinion, written by Circuit Judge Richard S. Arnold for the three-judge panel, the Court said, regarding the ordinances under which Bemidji can require discretionary permits and bonds, "... several salient features of the permit schemes run afoul of the First Amendment." The case results, in part, from an incident in 1998 where Editor Steele was distributing copies, wearing a sign that said "FREE - TODAY ONLY," on a downtown Bemidji sidewalk. Police Sgt. Porter threatened to take Steele, "to jail today" if he continued. Steele contacted City Attorney Felix, who concurred with Porter's action, ceasing curbside distribution of the paper in Bemidji. Although Judge Rosenbaum, of the Federal District Court at Minneapolis, in November, 1999, issued a temporary order restraining the City of Bemidji from enforcing the ordinances against Steele, that restraining order was subsequently dissolved by U.S. District Judge Kyle (St. Paul), to whom the case was ultimately assigned. In its opinion, the Appellate Court noted, "Neither ordinance on its face proscribes giving away newspapers that the donor is holding while standing on a City sidewalk. Nevertheless, the City has applied, and apparently wants to continue to apply, the ordinances to Steele, whether or not he attempts to sell his newspapers and whether or not he places them on City property." The opinion further looks at the ordinances themselves, holding them unconstitutional because 1) they vest the City Council and Police Chief with too much discretion to deny the permits; 2) the solicitation permit, if issued, is valid for only sixty days and then must be reapplied for; 3) the bond and insurance requirements of the ordinances "cannot be imposed as a prior restraint on protected speech"; and 4) "neither ordinance imposes a time limit on the City Council's decision to grant or deny a permit. ..." Precedential value. Under this ruling, the Bemidji soliciting and obstructing ordinances are, legally, unenforceable. The final word in determining the constitutionality of an ordinance is vested in the United States Supreme Court. Opinions of the Circuit Appellate Courts, however, are published in legal references such as Northwest Reporter, and, unless reversed by the Supreme Court, are generally followed by the District Courts within that multi-state circuit. This opinion may thusly be cited as authority by attorneys and others, should another corrupt little town try to ban it's free press by similar means. In its opinion, the Appellate Court noted a letter sent to Steele by Felix shortly prior to the incident involving Sgt. Porter, in which letter Felix cited the soliciting and obstructing ordinances, and stated that continued distribution of the Northern Herald at curbside without a permit was a violation punishable as a misdemeanor. Felix stated that the permit was conditioned on provision of insurance and bond. FELIX: IF YOU DON'T THINK LIKE ME, GET OUT OF TOWN. The Appellate opinion notes, "Felix warned Steele that the City would require, 'at a minimum, public liability coverage with policy limits equal to those required of the City,' ... [and that] 'a substantial bond would be mandatory.' ... Finally, Felix ... suggested that Steele find 'willing local, private outlets' to distribute his paper, commenting that 'in light of this community's apparent unwillingness to embrace your ideas, another option may be your consideration of relocation to another community ... more willing to embrace your way of thinking'" Further litigation. The case against the City now, on remand, goes back to the Federal District Court for trial and determination of damages. The City is represented by Minneapolis attorney Jon Iverson, who has indicated that the City intends to try to weasel out of paying damages on a theory of qualified immunity. That is, to say the municipal employees were just doing their jobs. At Nuremberg, the court held that jobs and orders or not, the World War II defendants should have known that it was wrong to gas and burn Jews. The Federal District Court will now have to determine whether a trained and licensed City Attorney should have known that it is wrong, in America, for a City to try to ban a newspaper from public distribution. Non-City Defendants. The Appellate Court let stand the District Court's ruling dismissing the suit against private retailers who banned the Northern Herald from their stores. That part of the ruling is expected to be further appealed, by Steele, to the U.S. Supreme Court. Note: The complete opinion of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit may now be accessed from the main page of the Northern Herald website. ------------------------------------------------------- In Focus DEER RIVER'S WHITE OAK TAKES VISITORS BACK Note: the In Focus feature is primarily pictoral. Photos, however, are not included in the Library Edition. DEER RIVER --White Oak Society is comprised of a group of people dedicated not just to the study of the Minnesota's romantic history, but living it. During the year, members of this non-profit organization, which also has a state-sanctioned learning centre that hosts public and private school student field trips, periodically come out to the expansive grounds to recreate the times of the voyageurs and the bourgeoise at White Oak, a recreated 1798 fur post operated by the Northwest Trading Company. And once a year, in early August, they throw open their stockade gates to the public who are invited to experience a piece of history at the annual White Oak Rendezvous. Photo Captions (photos are not included in Library Edition): Perry Vining, as post sr. partner Michael Cadotte greets a guest The band, Gibson, Martin & I perform on the White Oak main stage. FIRE IN THE HOLE! Mr. LaFreniere issues commands, in French, as his volunteer crew load about 1/3 of a pound of black powder into the cannon and prepare for firing. The traveling camp of Crazy Rose, equipped with her Anishinabe hunter's canoe. Crazy Rose received the award for most authentic camp from LaFreniere; true to her character, she still claimed, at the awards ceremony, that he stole her otter. Buying cups at the Company Store Ladies' tomahawk throw at White Oak Rendezvous The encampment of the 42nd Highland Regiment, Stewart's Company Requiem for a fallen comrade. After the public gates were closed, White Oak Society members remember Vietnam veteran Ron Mann, in the manner that he probably would have wanted. The memorial ceremony concluded with a 21-gun black powder arms salute. In Honor Guard, from Chapter 352 of Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), Grand Rapids, are vets Bob Stein holding the POW flag, Sgt. Henry Schumer, holding the VVA Flag, and Color Sgt. Gary Wildgrube with Old Glory. ----------------------------------------------------------- -- An Obituary -- FLORENCE L. CAUGHEY Funeral services for Florence L. Caughey, age 93, formerly of Perham and Bemidji, MN, will be Thursday, September 6, 2001 at the United Methodist Church, Perham, MN, beginning at 2:00 p.m., with the Reverend Elaine Foote-Blum officiating. Burial will follow in the Perham Village Cemetery, Perham, MN. Visitation at Schoeneberger Funeral Home in Perham is from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 5, 2001 as well as one hour prior to the funeral at the church. Florence died Sunday, September 2, 2001 at Haven Homes Nursing Home in Maple Plain, MN. Florence L. Caughey was born Florence Lillian Johnson on November 26, 1907 in Fergus Falls, MN, the daughter of Andrew and Freda (Lekman) Johnson. She graduated from Perham High School and subsequently married Lyle G. Caughey in Perham on September 1, 1926. Florence graduated in June 1944, with a B.S. degree in art from Bemidji State Teachers College (Bemidji State College), Bemidji, MN. She was an accomplished painter and a published poet and was invited to join the International Society of Poets of which she was a distinguished member at the time of her death. Florence and Lyle lived in Bemidji for many years while owning and operating the Bemidji Candy Company until its sale in 1975. In 1976, they moved to Brainerd, MN, after purchasing the Johnson Cigar Company there. They retired from business in 1981 and returned to Bemidji. Florence was preceded in death by her husband, Lyle; two brothers, Floyd A. Johnson and Russell J. Johnson, both of Perham, MN and a grandson, Jeff Bell. Surviving Florence is her daughter, Shadya, of Oceanside, OR; one sister, Marilyn (Don) Hanson, of Fargo, ND and one grandson, Tim Bell, of Bozeman, MT. Schoeneberger Funeral Home, Perham, MN, is in charge of the arrangements. (218) 346-5175 ----------------------------------------------------------- CAMPBELL BENEFIT SEPT. 8TH An event featuring games, entertainment, silent auction, kids' carnival, concert dance and a pork/venison dinner will be held Sat. Sept. 8th, 2001, with worship services Sunday morning, at the Bemidji waterfront, to benefit Gene & Carol Campbell. Dinner tickets are $5. In yet another apparent manifestation of Dangerous Child Syndrome (DCS), the Campbells were attacked and stabbed May 28th by their foster daughter's male consort. Patrons are encouraged, for their comfort, to bring lawn chairs and blankets. The event kicks off with a pancake breakfast Sat. from 8 to 11 am. ----------------------------------------------------------- COWBOYS RIDE AT NORTH STAR EFFIE --From the judges' tower, Howard Pitzen cautioned men to watch their wives and girlfriends, 'cause there were real cowboys about, as Northern Minnesotans and those who came from Canada and elsewhere for the event, were treated to one of the area's longest running authentic, the-only-bull-is-the-one-you-ride, rodeo. The last weekend of July, rain or shine, sees the North Star Stamp-ede at Effie; this years' event, July 27th-29th, marked its 46th year. Being an open rodeo, where, to use the words of cowboy Matt Telligan, "if they want to try something, [the cowboys can] go ahead and try it," North Star is the one that draws the cowboys year after year. Said South Dakota bronc rider Bob Cryan, "I've been here for, probably, the last 8, 9 years. ... I think it's just outstanding - the crowd participation, and the stock - it's just a fun time, I really like it." North Star ensures good bucking stock with its own bull breeding program, and each year, Pitzen goes to Miles City, Montana to find the best new bucking horses. North Star Ranch sometimes leases its stock to other rodeos. Photo Captions (photos are not included in Library Edition): Matt Bourman gets a good bull-ride, but no time. Bob Cryan, of Henry, SD, rides a bucking horse. For his ride, all Wyoming's Chad Brugeman gets is the crowd's applause. Howard Pitzen, Chief Ramrod of North Star Ranch. Featured this year was Oklahoma rodeo clown John Lynn. They only get paid if they win their event. The roping team of Glenn & Bergerson, Grand Rapids, drop the loop to the head, but in the end get no calf and no time. The Wild Horse Race involves saddling, as well as riding the unbroken animal. Only James Forester, of Ontario, finishes. Mary Hammer rounds the barrels in 17.364 seconds ------------------------------------------------------------ In Focus THE BLACKDUCK WOODCARVER'S FEST Note: the In Focus feature is primarily pictoral. Photos, however, are not included in the Library Edition. BLACKDUCK -- Extraordinarily talented woodcarvers and other woodworkers gathered July 28th at Blackduck to display and sell widely varied works, many of them unique, at the area's largest annual woodcarver's expo. Photo Captions (photos are not included in Library Edition): From the sublime to the serious, the only real rule was that it had to be crafted with wood. Arnold Person's Norweigian Brief Case. Woodburnings by Tom & Marlene Ackerman's Northwood Craft, Marcell, Minn. Although blind, Jerry Hansen, of Baudette, makes fine woodwork items, such as this ferris wheel planter. He said, "You've just got to be very conscious of the saw," and his wife helps with the staining, "for fear I'm gonna miss a spot," he said. Highly detailed Elk by Russ Klemz, St. Cloud -------------------------------------------------------- NEGLECTED DOG HAS TO BE EXECUTED AT BEMIDJI BEMIDJI -- To its owner, a dog is a valued friend and companion. But, too often, owners don't realize their neighbors don't see it the same way - to them, that best friend is a nuisance and sometimes a danger. That's why cities have leash ordinances. Having a dog at large is also a danger to the dog. Some owners, of course, neglect their animal's basic needs, anyway. According to the police report, on August 11th, 2001 at approximately 8:42 pm, officers received a report of a neglected German Shepherd at 715 18th St., Bemidji. Officers responding observed that the dog was chained, but had no food or water. Bemidji's Community Service (Animal Control) officer arrived at about 8 am the next day to find the dog now off leash and eating garbage. A neighbor told officers that the dog had been snapping at people. The dog had several puppies which she had placed in holes dug in the ground. Two were dead. "There was seven times I tried [to get the dog] ... it couldn't be taken safely, so I had no other choice," the officer reported. A neighbor corroborated that the officer tried, for about half an hour, to impound the dog; when this couldn't be done, the dog was shot. The puppies still alive were taken to Bemidji Veterinary Hospital, but there, vet Mike Kelly said he had no way to care for them and it was likely that they too would die. They were also then executed at the veterinary clinic. --------------------------------------------------------- CORN FEST AT BACKUS! BACKUS -- There are lots of things you can do in the Minnesota late summer. At Backus, the thing to do is eat corn! Each year, Cloie Smith arranges for a special crop to be grown at Pine River just in time for their annual fest which features the annual parade, games, a flea market and, of course, great corn at the fire hall. Photo Captions (photos are not included in Library Edition): Guests enjoy corn as more line up at the fire hall for the feed. Clyde Pebolt, of Backus said that it's his hobby, so he just sells his work at the annual flea market to buy more wood. His geodesic sphere was priced at $49.95, the redwood birdhouse at $59.95, with smaller houses from $9.95. Pebolt's wife added, "It's his hobby, it keeps him out of the house." Barb Zempel, of Pine River, displays her wildlife figurines at the Backus Corn Fest flea market. ----------------------------------------------------------- Editorials - Opinion -------------------- DOES BEMIDJI NEED A FULL-TIME CITY ATTORNEY? 2000 LEGAL EXPENSE BY CITY POP. F/T 2000 Per (2000 City Legal Capita CITY Census) Atty? Expense Expense Alexandria 8820 N $ 142,000 $ 16.09 Bemidji 11917 Y 208,706 17.51 Brainerd 13178 N 208,200 15.79 Fergus Falls 13471 N 96,548 7.17 St. Cloud 59107 Y 638,600 10.80 While the Bemidji City Council is looking for places to save money, including scaring the public with plans to cut essential services and key public safety positions like that of the Fire Chief, and people who bring in money, like the supervisor of the liquor stores, an answer to their perceived problem might be right under their noses at City Hall. Some cities use a full-time city attorney; most smaller ones don't. But no matter how you cut it, ours is one of the least cost effective. Brainerd had considered the position, but as Teresa Goble, Finance Director there, put it, "With our contract attorney, he doesn't work on our city stuff full time, so I would imagine there would be time wasted" if Brainerd made it a full time position. "And we'd have to have office space and support staff," she said. Nope, in a city the size of Brainerd, it just doesn't pay to make it a municipal position - there's not enough work. Last year, Brainerd paid their contract attorney $132,000 for misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor prosecutions, and $76,200 for general legal work - a total of $208,200. Al Felix might not be able to get that kind of money. His salary was $54,740 with $13,685 in benefits, and staff cost of $32,180. But, he's arranged to not have to handle misdemeanor prosecutions anymore, presumably to devote more time to the City's contract work. So, also, last year, Bemidji had to pay the County of Beltrami $42,000 for those prosecutions by Tim Faver's office. And it also paid $66,101 for other outside legal services, totalling a legal bill of $208,706. Making Work, Making Expense, Making Liability. Finally, there is the matter of how Alan Felix is spending the City Attorney's time and the City's resources. In 1998 he initiated City actions and ordered police to enforce odinances now held unconstitutional, that resulted in the City of Bemidji being sued by Northern Herald. This has involved many hearings, briefs, police calls (at about $100 per) and appeals legal services, as well as use of the City Attorney's paid time and resources. And now that the actions of the City of Bemidji, which were orchestrated, advised, and initiated by Al Felix have been found unlawful and unconstitutional; as a direct result of Al Felix's actions, with collaboration by City Manager Phil Shealy, and former police officers Robert Tell and Michael Porter, the City of Bemidji is facing a potentially bankrupting liability of up to $600 billion. All this trouble, expense and liability was for Felix's sole and dubious purpose of trying to keep a newspaper from being sold or given away on a public sidewalk - to keep one person from giving another printed matter on the street; a purpose that any reasonable person would know is not, in America, lawful or proper; something that Al Felix, as the City's chief legal counsel, should certainly have known in advising his City Council, Manager and police officers. It is still not known just how much the $600 billion lawsuit will cost the City. It may be that Felix maintained the City's obviously unconstitutional position as some self-serving ego matter - it's hard to say. But in these times of supposed economic crunch, if I were the City Council, I'd realize that Alan Felix is a liability. His bad judgement and erroneous legal counsel is costing the City taxpayers more money every day he's in office. Still, our Mayor and City Council aren't the brightest things in the world. It may be necessary for the money judgement to actually come down and the City to be held to pay it before this realization occurs. Still, if I were them, I'd fire Felix immediately, before he costs the City a dollar more and does more damage than he already has. Editor's Note: The stats presented here were generally easy to gather. The cities readily provided the detailed info in phone calls of a few minutes each. Except in Bemidji; here, per Mr. Felix's instructions, Northern Herald is only to be given city info on written request, so it took a couple of days. We thank Ron Eischens, Bemidji City Finance Director for his prompt and comprehensive attention to our request when it reached him. ----------------------------------------------------- KEEPING YOUR MARRIAGE ALIVE. Guys: Always take your wife out to dinner at least once a week. Set a day aside if you have to. Don't be chintzy on this - take her to one of the good quality restaurants advertised in this paper. Fast food & lunches don't count. Put the kids in their kennel, they don't go - she shouldn't have to supervise tonight - this is just for the two of you, like when you were ethically courting. It's her special night, when she gets to be pampered and waited on ... like she does for you the other six days. Also, at least once a month, send her a rose. It may not seem important, but it is. -------------------------------------------------------- INCREASE YOUR VOCABULARY: Correlation (kor'-e-la'-shen): The tendency of two or more events to occur at the same time or place, i.e. spring rains and better crops. Contrary to popular belief, correlation doesn't prove causation. For example, that children of divorced or unmarried parents have lower school performance doesn't mean divorce necessarily causes that - parents prone to divorce could just be genetically stupid. ------------------------------------------------------ Letters to the Editor --------------------- HAPPY RETIREMENT, JOE! Belated congratulations, Joe Vene. Best of wishes on your retirement as Superintendent of Northwestern Juvenile Center. Sorry I could not be there to celebrate with you. Your little sister Ginny, Two Harbors, Minn. ------------------------------------------------------------- CONSUMER TIP: A well kept area secret: Shoppers will find some genuinely good deals at the Tall Pine Bargain Center at Lake George. We're talking sharp new hats, generally priced elsewhere in the $20-30 range, for $7 - no kidding! Boots can be had for $15 and moccasins for $7. The store has a little bit of just about everything else; good used appliances from $2; furniture too! For days and hours, call 218-266-3632. --------------------------------------------------------- REMER CELEBRATES HARVEST! REMER -- Harvest Days at Remer, Aug 10th-12th, 2001, featured a flower and veggie exhibit, car show, snmos & ATVs, arts & crafts, huge flea maket, picnic in the park, the Friday Night Players, childrens' activities and games, fun run, B-B-Q, pie & ice cream social, street dance, battle of the fire departments and, of course, the parades. Photo Captions (photos are not included in Library Edition): The Arts & Crafts included detailed carvings by Jacob Froese, of Remer. Sam Crowell brought hard-to-find Hot Wheels to the Harvest Days Flea Market. Flea marketeer Steben Anderson, from Superior, WI, often provides a shirt, gratis, to handicapped patrons. --------------------------------------------------------- BLUEBERRY FEST AT LAKE GEORGE Photo Captions (photos are not included in Library Edition): Square Dancing in the Street is the rule, rather than the exception at Lake George's annual midsummer Blueberry Fest. Clement and Joan Beaulieu, of Rapid City, enjoy ribs while the country band with Scott Tammaro, plays at Pine Country Cafe's barbecue and blueberry pie & ice cream social. Travis Neese, Bemidji --------------------------------------------------------- DIGGY'S - LAPORTE'S GOOD TIMES PLACE! LAPORTE -- Among the Guthrie-Benedict-LaPorte crowd, Diggy's Doghouse is a favourite gathering place for fun and food. The lodge-style bar & grill features steaks up to a 20 oz. Porterhouse ($18.95 - not available all nights), Saturday prime rib ($13.95) and Friday AYCE boiled shimp ($13.95) specials, as well as more informal fare and a fresh & crisp salad bar with real bacon bits. Photo Captions (photos are not included in Library Edition): A family enjoys the peel-'n-eat shrimp special. Karoke at Diggy's draws out talent from the audience. ---------------------------------------------------- -- Advertisement -- DOES CELLULARONE TURN YOU OFF? YOU MAY BE ABLE TO RECOVER DAMAGES for service you paid for but didn't get. A few years ago, CellularOne was a dependable cell phone service provider with good, consumer-oriented policies in place. But recently management and policies have changed. They've initiated an aggressive marketing strategy without support backup, which has, in an effort to maximize profits, oversold their transmission lines without installing new ones. That's why you often can't dial out on your CellularOne phone. But you've paid for continuous service and CellularOne offers no adjust-ment for the many times you can't dial out and others can't call you. As to CellularOne's marketing strategy of offering lots of "free" minutes, without enough lines to handle the calls, it doesn't do a heckuva lot of good to have a lot of "free" minutes if you can't use the phone. No security. If you pay for a car phone so you or your wife will have security in an automobile emergency; well, if those oversold lines are tied up, in an emergency, you may be S.O.L. (simply out of luck). Faulty Equipment. As to their equipment (i.e. the phone they provide as part of your contract), CellularOne's idea of quality control is to send out untested equipment, and if the customer returns it, change it out (often for other faulty equipment). Some phones have had to be changed out many times before a good one was found. And, of course, you're being charged for service, even when, due to CellularOne's flawed equipment, you can't use the service. No Dependability. In order to better their cash flow, CellularOne has also instituted an aggressive new billing and charges policy where people who have regularly paid their bills may be surprised to suddenly find themselves "turned off." Again, your contract charges continue, while you do not have service. When you get turned on again, CellularOne may demand a $20 restoral fee even where the disconnection was due to their error. Tying you into a longer contract. CellularOne, perhaps realizing that many people will be dissatisfied with their new service, is presently requiring a two-year contract at signup. Other cell companies routinely require only one year. Of course, if CellularOne doesn't provide the service promised, that may render any contract void or voidable. But they realize that most people don't know this, and will pay the charges anyway. If you've had problems with CellularOne, you can always contact their customer service dept., but you may be put off by their current "The Customer Is Always Wrong" way of doing things. There's a better way: If you have: 1) Been erroneously shut off; 2) Been unable to call out due to all lines or circuits busy (fast busy signal when you try to call someone); 3) Missed calls from people who called when you know you were by your cell phone and you know it was on; 4) Have had "down time" due to faulty CellularOne equipment; or 5) Otherwise did not receive, from CellularOne, the dependable service that you paid for; YOU MAY BE DUE A REFUND FOR THE SERVICE YOU PAID FOR BUT AREN'T GETTING. Call 218-759-1162 and ask for information about the $2 billion class action lawsuit against CellularOne. -- Advertisement -- ------------------------------------------------------------- Consumer Corner --------------- READER OFFERS DENTURE ADVICE D.M. Shearer of Park Rapids shares this experience-taught tip: Consumers Beware -- If you are thinking of bypassing the dentist and going directly to a dental lab for dentures, please check with the Better Business Bureau on their credibility. 7 months - no refund - no dentures. Many phone calls. Scalped for $500. Editor's Note: And Northern Herald again reminds consumers to Never pay up-front (before you get the product) for Anything unless you're absolutely sure of the people with whom you're dealing. Most reputable businesses will C.O.D., or bill you, or accept a credit card. If they won't, there may be a reason. -------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 07/28/2001 - VOLUME 6 NO. 10 -------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism ----------------------- Health Care In Northern Minnesota THE MERITCARE MONOPOLY AT BEMIDJI Part 2 of a multi-part series resulting from our continuing investigation of health service practices in Northern Minnesota BEMIDJI -- It's Friday. Troubled by chronic insomnia, you've taken a retirement medicine that your doctor has, for years, prescribed. Now you notice that you don't have enough left for the weekend. Like almost all Bemidji physicians, your doctor does not have a private office of his own - he offices at the sprawling Bemidji MeritCare Clinic, a branch of MeritCare (formerly the Fargo Clinic) of Fargo, North Dakota. So you call your doctor at the clinic. You never get to speak with him directly, though; the call is intercepted by a MeritCare medical secretary - mostly a specialized clerk. You tell her you need your prescription refilled - she says that she'll check with the doctor and get back to you if there's any problem. Otherwise you can just pick up the Rx, to be called in, at the pharmacy. Not hearing back, you go to the pharmacy Saturday morning; but nothing has been called in. And you can't reach your doctor. Unlike most private physicians' offices, MeritCare has no physicians' exchange - a usual service where doctors receive important patient messages after hours. MeritCare's answer is if it's that important, you should go to the Emergency Room (of North Country Regional Hospital on the same campus as Bemidji's MeritCare Clinic) and pay the associated charges. After a sleepless weekend, you again, on Monday, call the pharmacy. They check with the clinic and find out that your doctor signed the prescription on Friday, MeritCare staff just forgot or didn't bother to call it in. This is Bemidji, and this is MeritCare Clinic - a sad excuse for what medical service, in most places, is and should be. The incident recited, as it concerns MeritCare, is documented. Similar errors concerning the mismanagement of patients' medical needs by MeritCare have been observed and are not infrequent - more the rule rather than the exception. Over the years, in Bemidji, MeritCare has induced doctors to forego private offices in favor of practicing at the MeritCare Clinic. There, instead of the usual doctor-patient relationship, Bemidji patients receive assembly-line style managed health care. One can make an appointment with his own doctor there, but often exigencies, which are less than what would usually be considered "emergencies" arise, and a patient needs to see his doctor on a day or two's notice. At most private medical practices, the patient would be worked in to the schedule. Not at MeritCare though - MeritCare's answer is what they call "urgent care" - a patient can come in that day, but, he'll be assigned to a doctor, usually not his own regular physician, on a random basis. The doctor who sees him will usually be wholly unfamiliar with his case, history, allergies, etc. If the patient has to return for follow up, he'll be seen by yet a different doctor. This is so even if the patient's regular doctor, who is familiar with his case, is in that day. The doctors are managed by MeritCare staff, and the patient's usual doctor, who knows his case history, may not even be informed that the patient is in. MeritCare management does not understand that, unlike auto parts, doctors are not interchangeable; or perhaps the clinic's management just doesn't care as long as the cash flow is okay. In Bemidji, due to MeritCare's monopoly, and the lack of private physicians' offices, a person seeking medical services has few options. There are as many doctors, both general and specialized, as one would expect for a city the size of Bemidji. But their offices are all associated in that, mostly, they all practice at the same behemoth clinic. This has taken its toll for reasons other than just medical. Some people have been refused service at MeritCare for political reasons. A case in point was when, in 1995, Roy and Patricia Martin, chronic arthritics who required frequent medical treatment, were refused service by their MeritCare physician. It seems that Roy had been falsely accused (and acquitted by a jury) of molesting Ida Stein Hightshoe, who happened to be a MeritCare employee. Shortly after Roy was exonerated and released from jail, his doctor told him he'd have to go elsewhere for medical service. But, in Bemidji, there's practically nowhere else to go but MeritCare. When the Martins left Bemidji, they cited inability to get needed medical care as a primary reason. Waive confidentiality? Bemidji is a talking town. There's a lot of talk here. When a patient first registers at MeritCare, he's given a purple form and told to sign it. It waives the right of confidentiality as regards diagnosis and other medical data. A patient cannot be compelled to sign the form, or may strike out certain paragraphs before signing, but most don't know this, and simply give MeritCare permission to discuss their case with others. Doctor's pay to see a nurse? In Urgent Care, there are sometimes waits exceeding two hours, even if the patient had an appointment. MeritCare also routinely asks Urgent Care patients to agree to be seen by a nurse-practitioner, instead of a doctor, at the same fee. Technology vs. the traditional doctor-patient relationship. A leading professional in a medical-related field summed up the problem by explaining that modern day health care management often just doesn't allow for the physician to spend enough time with the patient to arrive at a proper diagnosis and treatment. At the core of the alleged inadequacies of MeritCare seems to be the erosion of the traditional doctor-patient relationship. When doctors join the MeritCare system, in many ways, they give that up in favour of convenience (for the doctor), such as centralized accounts management and easier accessibility (again, for the doctor) of technology and medical-related services, such as lab work and X-ray. Still, in the old days, a doctor would come to your home, if necessary. He would have only his black bag with, but somehow managed to treat what ailed you. The doctor knew each one of his patients and cared for them individually to the best of his ability. Patients respected this, and besides, you didn't request a house call if you didn't have to, because it cost $6. Interviewed, regarding the standard of service, MeritCare's Administrator at Bemidji, Randy Beck, said, "We see 700 people a day.... the cost of medicine is very, very high ... it is almost impossible to meet all of [patients'] expectations ... we can't afford it. ... You're talking about what health care was like [in past times]. [There were illnesses that] back then, nobody knew how to treat - now, they know how to treat. There's been a cost to this technology." And Beck alluded that part of that cost has taken its toll in the ability of the patient to contact his own physician, when needed. "You try to balance how you provide the service to [the patients] with the amount of demands that all these people have, ... it's like any industry - we've gotta learn from these things and keep moving forward. ... Here, you contact your physician via the nurse," he added. In many places, physicians, due to the nature of their work, have seen fit to be on-call, if needed by their patients, even in off-duty hours. It's something that, historically, has gone with the turf of the well-paid medical profession. Addressing the MeritCare system, Beck replied that, usually, a doctor's workload may include 2,500 patients. He said a doctor should have time off, whether golfing or fishing or for family, when, even in an emergency, he should not have to be available. Another doctor can cover for him, without ever having consulted with that [i.e. the patients' usual] doctor about the case history, allergies and reactions, previously tried treatments, etc. "You have to have a system," said Beck, "... that manages it to the best of the ability. ... You have to have [interchangeability of] the physicians ... it's called 'medicine'. Medicine is the documentation of what goes on. And with that documentation, other providers [can provide the service.]" Beck said that it was not possible to "go back" to the doctor-patient relationship of days past, "in some ways it would be nice to take the best part of that system and the best part of this system and put it together. The only thing I can tell you is we're working at it," Beck said. Regarding the lack of competition, Beck said, "Physicians see an advantage of being part of a larger group ...." "We're ... interested in trying to solve problems," said Beck, "I would appreciate it if [patients with complaints] would just give us [in administration] a call. ... I have no problem with dealing with every patient who has an issue in our system ... we don't blow it off ... we treat every patient complaint as an opportunity to learn." Patients experiencing difficulties at MeritCare may contact Administration personally at the clinic, or are encouraged to call Mr. Beck, Mr. Warren Larson, administrator and MeritCare Administration at 218-333-5484. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism - Follow Up ----------------------------------- HUBBARD/CASS CO. DOG KILLER RELEASED PARK RAPIDS -- Dog owners in the Walker Area may want to lock their pets safely away for awhile, as Hubbard Co. Judge Jay Mondry has seen fit to release, on an amount of bail which might be appropriate for his traffic warrants alone, Ryan Daniel Planting, the young man who, without provocation and apparently "just for fun" shot and killed Susan and Chris (her son) Miller's pet collie in the Miller home, at Benedict, on May 24, 2001. Firearms season on Collies was not open at the time. Authorities did not even arrest Planting, 19, who was also wanted on a traffic matter, until over a month after the killing, notwithstanding that eyewitnesses at the scene left no question as to what had happened. (For more details of the circumstances of the brutal killing and the property damage, see Hubbard/Cass Co. Dog Killer Still At Large, Northern Herald of 06/30/2001, available at our website - address, p. 5) Planting, who lives and works in Hackensack, was arrested there July 4th (coincidentally, a day after our 6/30 issue hit the stands there). Asked, last month, about the delay in arrest, the investigating officer, Hubbard County Deputy J.T. Harris, referred the question to County Attorney Greg Larson, who said, definitively, "I can't answer that." And, following the arrest, in the subsequent bail hearing, Larson did not oppose the lowering of bail to $500 for the traffic warrants and the new felony and other charges, combined, which effected the release of Planting, who has previously failed to appear in court (on the traffic matters), after only a few days in jail. From blood spattered throughout the home, it is believed that the dog was chased and severely beaten, probably with a blunt instrument, prior to being taken into a bedroom and killed, execution style, with a 20 gauge shotgun. Harvey Hallet, Miller's male companion who lives a few miles away, estimated clean-up costs and damage to the home, which has seen the removal of blood stained carpeting, furniture, books and personal effects, due to the senseless killing, to exceed $5,000. "Every time we turn around we find more blood spatter around the house," Hallet told Northern Herald last month. Previously failed to appear. Prior to May, Planting's driving violations included failure to provide insurance and failure to obey a sign. His driver's license had been revoked. On May 5th, 2001, Planting, whose address appears in the court files as 3471 Co. Rd. 5, Hackensack, was cited (Case No. T-4-01-848) for speeding and subsequently charged with speeding, driving after revocation, and no insurance. Planting failed to appear on the traffic citation and on June 11th, a summons to obtain Planting's appearance for violation of conditions of release (apparently on previous traffic violations) was issued by the Court. Current charges. On June 22nd, 2001, about a month after the shooting, and based on that incident, Co. Atty. Larson filed charges (Case no. K9-01-389) against Planting of 1) criminal damage to property in the first degree (M.S. 609.595 Subd. 1 (3)), a felony carrying maximum penalty of 5 yrs. and/or $10,000 fine, and 2) cruelty to animals (M.S. 343.21 Subd. 7 - maximum penalty: $700 and/or 90 days), and had issued a warrant for Planting's arrest. Following Planting's July 4th arrest, he was arraigned July 5th before the Honorable Judge Hass. Hass set bail at $3,000 on all charges, and appointed public defender Don Dearstyne, of Walker, to represent Planting. On July 9th, appearing before Judge Mondry, at Park Rapids, Dearstyne requested release on recognizance (without bail); this was opposed by Larson and denied by the Court. But on July 13th, Dearstyne again appeared before Judge Mondry and requested bail be reduced to $500. Larson raised no objection to the reduction notwithstanding Planting's earlier failure to appear and Judge Mondry reduced bail to $500, which Planting posted that day and was released. The conditions of release include that Planting is not to go within five miles of the residences of Hallet or Susan Olson [Miller], and is not to possess or use firearms. The complaint, filed against Planting and signed by Hubbard County Chief Deputy Tim Archambault, recites, "On May 24, 2001 at 11:36 pm, Cory Groth reported Ryan Planting had just shot a dog with a person close by, and had taken off on foot. Deputies Krossen and Harris responded and went to the Harvey Hallet/Sue Miller residence in Lakeport township. Mr. Hallet stated that when he approached his home, Ryan Planting came outside carrying a shotgun. Mr. Planting threw the gun on the ground and then left. Inside the house was a minor boy [believed to be Derek Tysver, 15, of Hackensack] who was crying. [The minor boy] said Mr. Planting had shot the dog, a 7 year old Collie. Deputy Harris interviewed [the minor boy] who initially said he was sleeping, heard a gunshot and woke up to find that Mr. Planting had shot and killed the dog in the bedroom. "Deputy Harris observed blood all about the house, including the bed, carpet and floor. The cost of repair to the home was well over $500." In interview, Hallet said, though, that Derek Tysver later confided to another witness that he was actually standing in the bedroom doorway when Planting shot the dog with Chris Miller's 20 gauge shotgun, and that Derek had confided to Chris that he and Ryan had "been slapping the dog around in the face" before the killing. Chris Miller was not at home at the time of the shooting; only Planting and Tysver were there. Groth, who called the Sheriff's office, is believed to have arrived shortly after the shooting. Omnibus hearing has been set for August 13th, 2001 at 1:13 pm, before Judge Mondry at the courthouse at Park Rapids. ----------------------------------------------------- GRAND RAPIDS COWBOY COPS BLOW AWAY MAN'S TERRIER GRAND RAPIDS -- It must be open season on dogs. Jeff Julien reported that on Sat., July 14, 2001, Grand Rapids police officers came onto his property and shot his dog, an American Staffshire Terrier, without apparent cause. The dog was off-leash at the time and in violation of Grand Rapids' leash law. "I was doing dishes, heard a gunshot, came out and they were running around trying to shoot my dog some more," said Julien. Officer Hopkins, at GRPD, stated that the shooting was done by officer Frank Scherf, who, allegedly, was responding to a call that the dog had attacked someone. Hopkins, however, refused to identify any specific person who had made a complaint. Hopkins said that the dog, about 2 ft. tall, per Julien, had attacked Scherf when he arrived and Scherf found it necessary to shoot the dog. Julien said that the dog had been maced before the shooting, but officer Hopkins denied that Scherf carried mace. Officer Scherf refused to comment on the shooting, as did officer Jeff Cook, of Coleraine PD, who was one of several officers at the scene. Following the non-fatal shooting, the dog was taken to a veterinarian for treatment. Editor's Note: The use of the term "cowboy" herein is generic and does not refer to actual livestock engineers and wranglers. We realize that to compare those hard working guys to Grand Rapids cops would be demeaning and insulting to the real cowboys. ---------------------------------------------------------- HACKENSACK COUNCIL BULLDOZES OVER CONSTITUENTS Residents Protested Being Awash in Casino Sewage; Leech Lake Cancels Deal HACKENSACK -- Hackensack city council members turned a deaf ear, July 12th, 2001, to the roomful of city and area residents who had turned out for the meeting at the Hackensack Community Building to protest the imminent signing of an agreement under which the Hackensack wastewater facility would have processed 47,000 gallons per day of sewage from the Northern Lights casino and hotel. One area resident raised the point that the sewage output of the hotel and casino could well exceed the total wastewater presently produced by this city of about 250. But, in the end, it was the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe that may have heeded residents' concerns, and, when the time came, did not sign the agreement that the Hackensack council members had unanimously approved over their constituents' opposition. The Need Initially, the presence of the Casino, at the "Y" of 371 and 200, about 5 miles south of Walker and 7 miles north of Hackensack, might have helped draw tourism boosting the area's lodging industry. Now, however, the Northern Lights Casino has built its own hotel and has become more self-contained. Except for the matter of its waste. It was explained, at the meeting, that the casino's septic system didn't have the capacity to accommodate the 47,000 gallons per day of flow expected to be generated by the new expanded casino and hotel. The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, ("The Band") which owns the casino, initially, informally approached the City of Walker. While Walker never said "no" to the idea of processing the casino's sewage, a task force considering the concept expressed concern that further development at the "Y," as well as the casino's future needs, might overtax the present Walker wastewater treatment plant causing the necessity and cost of expansion sooner than Walker would otherwise require; while not turning down the idea, the task force encouraged The Band to consider its other options. One of those options was to run a nine mile long, 6 inch diameter, pressure-forced pipeline to Hackensack. Meetings not held The Band proposed a plan to Hackensack for which the Council was to have held a series of informational meetings to acclimate residents to the plan and take input. The Band made advance payments to pay for those meetings. In fact, at the only such meeting the Council held, of which most had notice, the July 12th meeting, by which time a final draft had been arrived at and was pretty much a done deal, the council was criticized for not making it public earlier in the process. Most of those present at that meeting knew of it only because one resident had singlehandedly publicized the small public notice, which had received little press attention, enlarging it and posting it in public places in Hackensack. The Plan - Final Draft The final draft, unanimously approved by the council, provided, in part: * For payment to Hackensack, whether or not the agreement was finally executed, of an application fee of $15,000 to defray the costs of meetings, engineering services, legal services (e.g. by the Hackensack City Attorney), and other prepatory costs. * The Band would construct the necessary forcemain pipeline from the "Y", capable of carrying at least 275,000 gallons per day (gpd) of effluent. * The Band initially made application to use 47,000 gpd of Hackensack wastewater treatment, for which it would, upon execution of the agreement, pay Hackensack a $223,810 "connection fee". * Hackensack would expand its wastewater treatment capacity to accommodate the additional 47,000 gpd; The Band would pay that cost of expansion, estimated to be $885,010. * The Band would pay to Hackensack a user fee for processing the sewage equal to about 90% (as the City would not have to maintain a connection infrastructure) of current residential rates, or about $3.18 per 1,000 gallons. A major concern of the residents at the meeting was that the casino might exceed its applied for amount of sewage (i.e. 47,000 gpd). Although the Hackensack City Engineer explained that, if the quantity, or strength, of the sewage exceeded that specified in the agreement, Hackensack would not be compelled to accept it; residents responded speculating that, should such an instance arise, and litigation ensue between Hackensack and The Band, it was conceivable that a federal court might issue an injunction forcing Hackensack to accept the excess sewage while the case was mired in stalled, or lengthy, litigation. It was that specter that the residents wanted to avoid by not opening the door to such downline possibilities by putting the pipeline, and initial sewage agreement, in place. Photo captions - photos are not included in Library Edition: A citizen rebukes Hackensack Mayor Eric Hedron at the packed meeting July 12th. Hackensack City Council members Deb Raiteike, Bill Green, Larry Ciha and Chris McKeown at the July 12th meeting. City Engineer Les Mateffy; City Attorney Ted Malby; Dana Stanko, Hackensack Public Works, and Jodi Knapp, City Clerk ---------------------------------------------------------------- In Focus -------- The IN FOCUS feature is primarily pictoral. Photos, however, are not included in the Library Edition SWEETHEART DAYS DRAW CROWDS TO HACKENSACK HACKENSACK -- Sweetheart Days 2001 drew visitors from all over to this picturesque Northern Minnesota city. This year's four-day Sweetheart Days, in a beach party theme, featured a car show, music in the park, volleyball, the annual horseshoe tournament, family mini-golf and basketball tourneys, a teen dance, merchant's bargain sales, kids' fishing contest, storytelling in the park, bike rodeo, "Newlywed Game", salad and sandwich supper, the big flea market, seniors' white elephant sale and pie and ice cream social, , family activities, pony rides, and, of course, the beer garden, parade, street dance, games, and concessions. The parade, of which many photos appear herein, was led by the American Legion Honor Guard, Post 202, of Hackensack, after which marched the Spencer Ross Post 134 from Walker, Post 613 from Pine River, and the Billie Brown Post from Nisswa. Photo captions - photos are not included in Library Edition: Lucette Diana Kensack, with Paul Jr., were standing at the Birch Lake Waterfront June 8th - 11th to welcome the burgeoning crowds that would fill the town for the 4-day fest and parade. Hackensack was named for Lucette, and Sweetheart Days commemorates her courtship by Paul Bunyan, a lumberjack and true Bemidjian, who earned his keep selling wooden nickels to unsuspecting tourists, to use in a nearby casino. (Being people of standards, they were later married, of course, shortly after Paul Jr. was born.) American Legion Honor Guard, Post 202, Hackensack, led the parade. The post celebrates its 66th anniversary July 28th, 2001 The Walker-Akeley-Hackensack High School Band in parade Ramona Fritz Band The semi-annual Flea Market at Sacred Heart Church teems with eagar buyers. The sale filled 2 large parking lots and there were, indeed, many unique items and buys to be found. Very attractive ball point, fountain and roller ball pens, handmade from wood and antler by Kelly Knutson, of Clearbrook, Minn. Auntie Em's Antiques Legion Post 202 Women's Auxillary Gladiators were armed with foam batons. Keely Sachser, 5, of Pine River, rides a pony at Sweetheart Days Just hanging around. This Velcro (R) wall is an interesting use for this versatile stuff that we never thought of. Get home, hang up the coat and the kids, and you're done. Laura Kaiser, of Backus paints younger guests' faces There were games for adults too. Two festgoers try to dunk each other in Water Wars. The black spot above the trees is the water balloon ammo. The Backus Scool parade float is an actual wood-fueled steam engine; also self-propelled was Gordon Ford's Hackensack-Vacationland USA air car, powered by its three propellers. In the Sweetheart Days beach party theme were the floats of Mark's Market, and Pauly's River House. --------------------------------------------------------------- Guest Column BUDGET CUTS IS NO REASON FOR THE MEDIA SUCKING by Duke Skorich, Reader Weekly I've never come across anyone who disagrees with the First Amendment. If there is any self-evident truth in America, it seems to be our right to free speech, religious freedom and a free press. It makes sense that we value that First Amendment, it has allowed us to disagree and argue over every other aspect of our society. What if we lost our free press? What if, not the ability of a free press to exist, but the whole notion of what a free press provides, just slipped away? I’m fearful we could be on the brink of just such a disaster, and we haven’t even begun to realize it. Our media, locally and nationally, is failing us. There is a frightening lack of enterprise and investigation in American journalism. Those of us who consume news are only learning what is allowed in a press release or spun and handled by public relations experts. That's not news, and it's not healthy for society. A free media can enrich and sustain a community or country. Media watchdogs keep elected officials in line and the public aware. Those are the positive contributions a free media should offer to a free society. In just the past few days, the local media has offered either bad or nonexistent coverage on stories that would be considered major news, if news mattered to our media. Our [Duluth] mayor was part of a League of Cities visit to Viet Nam. Unless I missed it, the newspaper didn't give this one inch of coverage! Wouldn't it be of interest to many people to know where the mayor has been, and to hear his impressions of the trip? There's a battle going on between the Duluth City Council and our two State Senators, Sam Solon and Doug Johnson. When the City Council discussed and decided to fight the Senators on the McQuade land condemnation, a leading television news station didn't even send a camera to the meeting! The DNR and National Parks Service have yet to issue a ruling on the matter of a private developer leasing the Spirit Mountain land for the proposed golf course. This didn't stop the Duluth News Tribune from announcing, "Golf Project Moving Forward" simply because the course developer made a presentation to the City Council on his plans. The days of journalism and news coverage for the sake of an informed populace have vanished in favor of advertising revenue and bottom line profits. Locally, newsrooms are comprised of fewer reporters than any time I can remember, (and I go back a long way in local news). Nationally, lay-offs in newsrooms are common, while rumors of Dan Rather's replacement are treated like lead story material. The focus is on image and anchors that look good. The concept of real news reporting struggles to survive while focus groups and overnight ratings dictate which pretty face will read to us next week. Coverage that could cause as little as one advertising dollar to be lost is not just discouraged, it's simply not done! Meanwhile, Mr. and M[r]s. J. Q. Public still depend upon local and national news to stay informed. But, we're not informed; we're just fooled. News directors and editors have told me they cannot offer better news coverage. They point to shrinking news budgets and, with straight faces, explain they don't have the "resources" to follow news tips or offer in-depth stories. It's very sad, they acknowledge, no one can afford to do news like they did in the old days. Telling me the Golden Years of journalism are the "old days", is no way to win my favor. I don't need to be reminded that I've been around longer than Denny Anderson or Barbara Reyelts. That aside, I don’t buy the lack of resources excuse. If covering news took big budgets, then the alternative papers wouldn't be able to offer the coverage we see every week! Let's face it, small shrinking budgets are better than no budget at all! Local alternative papers have followed the progress at the Tech Village, investigated the Spirit Mountain Authority, reported on the Andrew Slade firing, and continue to offer more real news than any other news source around. It's likely we'll become more dependent upon alternative papers, like this one, to stay aware of the most basic news affecting our city and our country. Somehow, they manage to crank out valuable information week after week, without anything approaching a "newsroom budget". It's not that news reporting isn't about money; it is. It's about money coming in the door; not going out. It's about making sure no pesky news story alienates an advertiser. It's about filling corporate coffers. And to make sure profits continue, we're the losers. In the 1970s, journalism schools were filled with eager students anxious to change the world. Watergate inspired many of those kids. Two reporters just following a story took down a President. What will inspire today's students to enter the world of journalism? Somehow, I don't think coming up with clever rewrites for a City Hall press release has quite the same appeal as the idea of following the money to get at the truth. Besides, there must be fewer jobs in journalism today than even a decade ago; those budgets are getting cut everywhere. What good does the right to a free press do us, when the very press we defend stops taking advantage of that right? Where will society be when we can't depend upon that freedom to deliver facts, news and information? News organizations, or those that claim to be, have an obligation to inform us. Their failure to cover the news for the sake of a fat bottom line is not just a disappointment; it shows complete disregard and disrespect for the right of the people in this nation to be told the truth. Unfortunately, for corporate owners everywhere, the truth has just gotten too expensive. The framers of the Constitution could never have envisioned the immediate news coverage we have enjoyed. They certainly didn't suspect a lust for profit and disregard for the value of the truth would threaten the right of our free press. What price will we pay when we have lost what the founding fathers believed to be essential to a free nation? Editor's Note: Duke Skorich writes for the (Duluth Northland) Reader Weekly. This column first appeared in their May 17th, 2001 issue, and is reprinted here with permission. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Editorials - Opinion IT'S TIME FOR GLASNOST AT LEECH LAKE When, 5 years ago, the Honorable Chairman Eli Hunt was voted in and began making sweeping changes to the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, one of the things he promised was more open government. It's come a long way, but not nearly far enough. Recently, Al Fairbanks, Jr., a former District Rep and relic of the old corrupt Finn/Pemberton era, lost a District Rep election by four votes. He challenged the election on, Northern Herald has been told, nineteen grounds. We have no reason to believe that any of his grounds hold water, nonetheless, we can't tell you even what they were, as the petition filed by Fairbanks before the Tribal Court, which would, in any state or federal court in the United States, be an easily accessible public document, is being treated as secret by The Leech Lake Band. Administrators say that the document is "open to Band members," but don't take cognizance that many Band members get their information through the newspapers. When Mr. Hunt took office, it was the newspapers that then alerted many of the Band as to what beneficial changes were in store. It's no different now. In the instant case, we were asked, by a Band member to cover this proceeding that they might know, with clarity and accuracy, what was going on. While there is no policy in place "gagging" the documents, in practice, the tribal administrators, many of whom don't routinely return phone calls, although not formally refusing to release the information, put enough barriers in the way that it becomes, as a practical matter, impossible for the press to get it. What it's like In this case, we initially approached the Leech Lake Election Board for Fairbanks's petition. The employee there told us we'd have to speak to his supervisor. We called back and spoke to her. She gave her name as Sue, but refused her last name. She said she'd see if she could release the documents and call back. That (the call back) never happened. When Northern Herald called back, Sue said she'd spoken to Joe Plumer, in the Leech Lake Legal Dept. and he said not to release the documents or permit inspection of same until we'd spoken to him. We tried Plumer several times - never spoke to him, but his assistant, Frank Bibeau, said he'd release the documents if Fairbanks gave his permission; despite several calls, Fairbanks could not be reached. "I don't even know where the document is, right now," said Bibeau. We went to the Court during normal business hours, but the office was closed, with a sign referring people with court business to Mr. Plumer's office. Northern Herald has run into these impediments on many occasions at Leech Lake. It's time for the barriers to come down. An evolving free society cannot evolve without freedom of speech and the press. Government documents, including court files, have to be public, that the public may know what their government is doing. To be kept integrious, government action must be open to public scrutiny - the people are the best watchdogs - it should be able to withstand this from both within and without. The secrecy of what should be public information at Leech Lake is primitive, corrupt, and not in the interests of a free government; the covert Leech Lake web of administrators that play cat and mouse games in which even their last names are secret, to impede the flow of information, is patently ridiculous. If Leech Lake is to be regarded as anything but a primitive government, policy needs to be put into place ensuring easy, uncomplicated and one call or visit access of the press to what should be public information, including petitions filed before the courts, court proceedings, tribal council meeting dates, resolutions and other government data. Much as Gorbachev brought major social progress through glasnost, or government open to the people and the press, to the former Soviet Union, it's time now for there to be a glasnost at Leech Lake. ----------------------------------------------------------- SEN. LESSARD HONORED CASS LAKE -- District 3 (Grand Rapids - Int'l Falls) state Senator Bob Lessard was honored Sat. July 14, 2001, by the dedication and naming of a canoe landing, on Cass Lake. " ... Bob, this is ... a tribute to you, for all your help on environmental issues for Northern Minnesota and Cass County. Thank you for being here with your family today," said Cass County Commissioner (and former Sheriff) Jim Dowson, representing Cass County, in dedication of Lessard's Landing, a small landing and park. The dedication commemorates work done by Sen. Lessard in establishing the Mississippi Headwaters Board as a joint powers board protecting the first 400 miles of the river from Lake Itasca to Royalton. Lessard thanked Rep. Larry Howes (R-4B) for his hard work in the areas of hunting, fishing and making Northern Minnesota what it is today, and said, "My mission has always been the preservation of Minnesota's lands and waters for our next generations." ---------------------------------------------------------------- In Focus -------- The IN FOCUS feature is primarily pictoral. Photos, however, are not included in the Library Edition RED LAKE COMMEMORATES VETERANS, CELEBRATES INDEPENDENCE DAY RED LAKE -- Among area Independence Day celebrations, one of the most colorful, unique and hospitable was the one at the Red Lake Nation, about 30 miles north of Bemidji. Here, Independence Day occurs on the 6th, not the 4th of July. That day commemorates the 1889 agreement with the U.S. government giving rise to the present day cohesive nation on Red Lake soil. This year, the Red Lake Nation celebrated 112 years of sovereignty with a three-day competition powwow, two feasts of renowned Red Lake Walleye - complimentary to the public and provided by the powwow committee and the Red Lake Nation, a stand-up comedian, and the honoring of 38 Red Lake veterans who served in the U.S. armed services in Korea. Al Thunder, Red Lake Cultural Coordinator, explained that the significance of July 6th to the Red Lake Nation relates to the Land Agreement of 1889, "...our (then) seven hereditary chiefs ... did not allot our land .... It's all in common for all the people in Red Lake. The U.S. government was told 'no,' we will not allot [divide up] our land. ... That's why, now, we can all feel very grateful and happy ... that this land was not sold or given to anybody else, it was kept for our own people. At that time, the old gentlemen [the hereditary chiefs] that were doing this stated that, it is not for us but for our children and our childrens' children ...." At 3 pm, Saturday, July 7th, in the powwow arena, the following Korean war veterans were honored when Red Lake Chairman Bobby Whitefeather presented jackets to them in recognition of their service: Fred Jones, Bo Brun, Don Needham, Billy King, Fabian Strong, Jerry Sargent, Donald May, Henry Cook, Ed Perkins, Marvin Hurd, Dennis Smith, Dan Needham, Calvin Spears, Pat Parkhurst, Robert Head, George King, Clarence Stately, Al Thunder, Eugene Stillday, Myron Smith, Billy Jones, Isadore Perkins, Quentin Fairbanks, Buck Sargent, Tom Stillday, Russ Nelson, Joanne Nelson, Bobby Sumner, Melvin May, Francis Brun, Albert King, Red Pemberton, LeRoy Garrigan, Jerry Rossbach, Jimmy Good, Archie Wilson, Charlie Cloud and Wally Kingbird. Photo captions - photos are not included in Library Edition: The flag of the sovereign Red Lake Nation flies the highest on this Independence Day commemorating the July 6th agreement of 1889 which gave rise to the Nation. The Stars and Stripes are there too, particularly in honor of the many Red Lakers who served in the United States armed services. These two views depict the circle of the powwow arena at Grand Entry, 7 pm, July 7th, which hosted over 200 dancers. At center are the flag and staff bearers. A fish feed is always a good thing. But Walleye? - and Free? This was a very generous (and excellent) meal! The public lines up for the feast at the Red Lake Humanities Bldg. by the powwow arena. Stephen Stillday, Red Lake Nation brave, in men's traditional dress; Aaron Stillday, at far left, wears the lady's jingle dress. Al Thunder, Red Lake Cultural Coordinator, was one of the veterans honored during the celebration. A member of the U.S. Air Force, he ran reconnaissance missions in Korea. Thunder said that because he was unmarried at the time, he drew a 30, rather than 18, month tour of duty abroad and served a total of four years. Veteran Calvin Spears wears his presented jacket. He served at an U.S. Air Force base in Korea in 1952 and '53 Ladies' jingle dresses and (in background) men's traditional. The Kingbird Singers drum group performs. Native American comic Mitch Factor -------------------------------------------------------- In Focus -------- The IN FOCUS feature is primarily pictoral. Photos, however, are not included in the Library Edition MUSIC ON THE GREEN AT GRAND RAPIDS Photo caption - photos are not included in Library Edition: Donna Reiter, left, and Jackie Surface enjoy the July 6th concert on the green by Grand Rapids' landmark Old Central School. Said Reiter, "These guys are great!" referring to the band, Hickory Wind, shown at leftmost photo. Hickory Wind, which plays folk/country and soft popular music, is from the Bagley-Solway area of Northern Minnesota. The band recently released a CD. Organizer Brian Carlson, above center, told Northern Herald that the music on the green is part of Grand Rapids' Arts in the Park summer program. The program exists due to a private gift by a lady who "wanted to see some music in this ... park." Carlson said that the program, now in it's fourth year and coordinated with the help of Mary Johnson and the City of Grand Rapids Recreation Dept., would provide music on the green every Tuesday and Friday evening through the end of August. "It's been fantastic this summer," he said. Talented bands interested in performing can contact Mr. Carlson at 218-327-1522 or by email at brian50@paulbunyan.net Carlson said that while the concerts aren't limited to any particular type of music, "the major thing that we look for is that it's family oriented ... and not too loud because we've got businesses" operating nearby, and added that past musicians have included folk, country, and soloists performing original tunes; there has even been line dancing, he said. ----------------------------------------------------------- SERVICE AGAIN! AT GRAND RAPIDS, OF COURSE. Northern Herald: "Now, let me get this straight, it looks like a gas station, but ... when a customer drives in here, you're actually going to put the gas into their tank?" Attendant Cheryl Hyink: "Yes. We also wash their windshields." NH: "In other words, it's just like normal, except that they don't have to get gas on their hands and they can probably pay you through their windows?" CH: "They just stay in their car and we do everything for them." NH: "And you're not going to charge them extra for that?" CH: "No." Yep, while Bemidji's wealthy merchants and welfare bums and government employees on the public dole don't care to work enough to even offer 24-hour nighttime shopping (things will change for the better when Wal-Mart, with its grocery, comes to Bemidji and puts some of those yokels out of business), Grand Rapids offers a breath of fresh air, as motorists there can enjoy full service gas available in this more progressive, cooperative, work and service oriented community. At above right, Rapid Pump Phillips 66 (at the Cub Foods) attendant Cheryl Hyink actually installs gas in a customer's car. This is something we haven't seen for a while, except at exorbitant prices (it doesn't really cost stations 20¢ a gallon more to put it in. When this photo was taken, July 6th, the GR self-serve price was also about $1.39). She efficiently cleans the windshield, too, while the tank is filling. Below, motorist Maggie Hauff pays for the gas at her truck window. Said Hauff, "I like not standing in the rain." And no more trudging through the snow and cold (in winter) to pay inside. You'd think gas stations would have thought of this a long time ago, but it's here now, 7 days, from 7 am to 10 pm at Cub, in Grand Rapids. ------------------------------------------------------------- CONSUMER CORNER --------------- Readers are invited to submit consumer complaints or compliments to this column, and to our Auto Service Forum. Send info c/o this paper, P.O. Box 1535, Bemidji, MN 56619 Consumer Action --------------- DIAMOND MATCHES NOW SAFER Our Consumer Corner of 09/13/2000 (available at the Northern Herald website - address, p. 5) first reported that certain book matches manufactured by D. D. Bean and Sons, in Jaffrey, New Hampshire, and sold under the Diamond Brands (of Cloquet, Minnesota) label, were unsafe: the match heads could explode and fragment on striking causing injury to persons and burns to clothing. Diamond, a well-established match producer, has since ceased to market this product and replaced it with a safer one. The new matches have red matchheads - the old, defective, ones were white. Things That Just Don't Work --------------------------- WINDMERE Twin Window Fan #WF-6200/049 Readers are cautioned against purchase of this dual window fan, sold by Menard's and other retailers. We tested two units selected at random. Of them, one stopped (both fans failed) after only a few days of use; on the other unit, one of it's two fans failed within three weeks. We also note that in it's advertising on the box, the fan is claimed to be "reversible" - i.e. can be used to exhaust, as well as intake air into the room. But upon inspection, the fan is not reversible electrically, by a switch, as a consumer might be led to believe. To "reverse" the fan, one turns it around in the window. We find this manufacturer's claim to be amusing - most fans are "reversible" in this manner. --------------------------------------------------------- A LETTER ON THE BLACKDUCK SHOOTING My Dear Friends in Blackduck, The recent news of the shooting in Blackduck saddens me a great deal and I would like to take a moment to write downs a few of my thoughts on this. Mark Patch was good friend of mine. We grew up together in Blackduck and I enjoyed his friendship and his unique personality. He was the type of person that was always willing to help me when I needed a hand. He was an expert mechanic and could fix anything on a car. He loved to play pool and spend time with his friends. Mark was a good father who enjoyed spending time with his family. I am deeply saddened by this shooting. It is another case of senseless violence that could have been avoided. Mark was a good friend that was there for me when I needed help, one of my regrets upon hearing this is that I was not there for him when he needed a friend to talk to. We all have to live life, and life has its inevitable ups and downs. Maintaining strong friendships and positive relationships is essential as we go through life. I hope we can learn as [well as] grow from this tragedy. Mark was not a bad person. He was not a violent person. He was a person that was having some problems and made some bad choices. I want to encourage everybody and especially young people to make positive and constructive choices in life. Maintain strong ties to your family and friends and be willing to reach out to them when life gets tough. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Mark Patch. I will miss Mark a great deal. -- Mark J. Biberg, 8th grade teacher, Mtn. Village. Alaska ----------------------------------------------------------- A SPECIAL NORTHERN HERALD FEATURE: THE MAGIC OF MOONDANCE WALKER -- It's more than the bands. Sure, that's the most obvious reason people will give as to why they're there, but the real reason they come back year after year is much more. It's a certain unique and intangible element that they find only at Moondance. A person who, maybe, just came to see one act, after it's done, is comfortable and just wants to stay - usually until everything is done at 1 am. Somewhat hard to articulate in words (you just gotta be there), it's put best as a mystical euphoric state, which begins when one enters the Moondance grounds and gradually subsides after he leaves. A state brought on not by drugs or alcohol, but rather simply by the environment that Moondance has created. One where people can have fun, pretty much be themselves and do and interact with others as they want so long as not to impede or harm anyone else, in a safe and secure place on the expansive open-air Moondance grounds, and in the presence of great entertainment, both from the stage, and sometimes from the other jammers themselves. Some say Moondance has romantic overtones, and it might for some, but after being there for four days - there's just so much to do - it's hard for this reporter (or his lady) to see how anyone would have the energy left for it. In the four days of Moondance, a community all to itself emerges from those residing in the campground for the duration, and also those arriving and returning for each day of the fest; so people know and greet each other cheerfully as they come and go, and exchange notes about what they've seen that day. Again, words don't adequately convey the Moondance Experience. But having been there and done it, first-timers and veterans alike, interviewed, said they'd be back every year. The comfort level and security of the Moondance environment is no small thing to create. It requires an incredibly large and well-directed staff to manage the enormous numbers of people efficiently and unobtrusively. They mostly stay in the background, but can be there at a moments notice if needed. Mostly they're not needed - unlike other fests, disturbances are not in the spirit of the upbeat and friendly Moondance crowd - still, Mr. Bieloh, Moondance producer, won't allow even the possibility of the specter of disturbance to mar his production, and provides the well-managed staff to ensure a pleasant Moondance Experience for all. Photo caption - photos are not included in Library Edition: Byrds Celebration live on the Moondance Main Stage THE MANY CORNERS OF MOONDANCE ----------------------------- WINE AND CHEESE The new wine and cheese tasting tent, produced by Moondance sponsors Canandaigua Wine Company, Keebler, and Wisconsin's Crystal Farms dairy, was a complete success as hordes of people came to sample the generous selection of 6 cheeses including a unique natural (not pasteurized process) Pepper Jack, 4 wines, and a hard cider. Atmosphere in the tent was gracious and hospitable, as one would expect. A $3 token covered the entire tasting. Said Joe Ewald, an event host from Johnson Bros. Liquor Co., St. Paul, "[Chilean wines] are one of the fastest growing imports. They're right up there with Austrailia. ... You can get great value wine for under ten bucks in a 1.5 (litre bottle)." These wines are available at most Northern area liquor stores. Tasted were Canandaigua's: Vina Santa Carolina (Chile) 1999 Merlot/ Cabernet Sauvignon An amusing wine - very, very palatable w/tannin that will resolve in time. Light red robe - strong legs - good taste of the fruit - would be excellent with red meat. Dryness about 2 on a scale of 1-5, 1 being driest. Vina Santa Carolina (Chile) 1999 75% Cabernet/25% Merlot Exceptionally good in full taste and aroma reminiscent of berries. Eminently drinkable despite being only 2 years old. Would go well with pork. Vina Santa Carolina (Chile) 2000 80% Chardonnay/20% Sauvignon Blanc Dryness of about 2.5, refreshing, slight herbal essence. Also tasted were Motif Touch of Raspberry; and "K" English draught cider (one of the best on the market). Photo caption - photos are not included in Library Edition: Kevin Lindstrom, of Bemidji, (at center inset, below) tastes the Merlot. "... It's a good wine," he said. THE SHOPS AND FOOD "Cuban Seed" cigars? Well, maybe, but how about real vintage Havana at real vintage prices? They were $4 a copy at Open Water's Moondance stand. Yep. According to tobacco rep Montana Jack, seems that a cigar manufacturer's (Grossman Cigar Co.) heir inherited a warehouse of 1958 cuban cigar tobacco, held for investment. With talk of the embargo lifting, he panicked and sold the 64,000 lb. lot to Armando Ramos. Because it's pre-embargo, you don't need Castro's permission, and jammers could enjoy their piece of the lot at Moondance, for a song, so to speak. Some of these cigars are still available, starting at $4, from Open Water, Walker. Photo captions - photos are not included in Library Edition: The legend on a box of Perdomo cigars says, "Made Exclusively for Moon Dance Jam 2001," The box was available from Open Water. Jim Flesch, of Walker's Open Water cigar store, at their Moondance outlet Some stands at Moondance were truly unique. Stuff you wouldn't find anywhere else. Rashimah's, above, operates fixed locations in four Minnesota cities. Owner Rashimah New explained that the one-of-a-kind mahogany eagle was a custom purchase, hand-carved in Indonesia and acquired directly from the artisan. THE "OLD NEW ORLEANS" SALOON Different Worlds. One of the things that makes Moondance (and Cajunfest too) a great experience for almost all, no matter what their tastes, is that the spacious grounds provide not just the Main Stage environment, but many other nooks and crannies, each with a personality of it's own. The diverse environments include the VIP Tent, the Beverage Tent, and the Saloon. The latter two boast their own stages and styles of entertainment. The theme of the hospitable Saloon this year was Old New Orleans and Mardi Gras. Jammers came in for beer and cocktails, of course, but also for Mardi Gras beads, a plate of crawdads, and to listen and dance to the great down-home Cajun music of the Treater band with Curtis Coubello, who came up from Louisiana for the event and, in addition to their opening performance on the main stage, entertained in the Saloon for all four days. Photo captions - photos are not included in Library Edition: Dave and Stephanie Peterson have been coming from Hibbing to Moondance for 6 years. They are joined by their friends, Kim & Dave, also from Hibbing. Said Dave Peterson, of Moondance, "We come down here every year, and it's a great time." Peterson said that he enjoyed the Saloon atmosphere and appreciated "a place to sit down for awhile." Dancing to the cajun Treater Band in the Saloon AMUSEMENTS Photo captions - photos are not included in Library Edition: It's fine to get high at Moondance. You can do it on the climbing wall, or not-for-the-feint-of-heart, you can be rocketed almost into outer space. At left, Brenda Salk prepares for her $20 trip on the "Rocket Rush Ejection Seat." It's kind of like a bungee jump in reverse. Strapped in the basket, a crane pulls the basket down until the cords that suspend it from two tall towers are taught. Then - well, the photo below tells it all. What did returning astronut Brenda (bottom right) think of it? "Oh, unbelievable," she said, laughing. "You have to try it ... This was something else!" Craig Magnuson, of Makinen, Mn., tackles the Wall THE CAMPGROUND & COMMUNITY Photo captions - photos are not included in Library Edition: Raising a cheer for Moondance (they've been coming since 1996) are, from Perham, Cheryl and Tim Lachowitzer; Nathan, Rick and Nancy Dinnel; and Tim & Denise Willis. From Walker are Doug & Doreen Lodge; Donnie Darwin; Dana Fisher; and Jeff Pels. And from Fargo, Mike & Dena Lachowitzer; and Terry & Judy Trader. Their favorite band? Ted Nugent. "Bill and Kathy, ... we thank 'em," the group said, adding that they'd like to see more 60's and 70's bands such as Aerosmith and Jimmy Buffet. "I'm having a ball," said Gwen Grell, from Grand Rapids, above left. Donald from Randall, added, "I met these guys five years ago [at Moondance] and have been partying with them ever since." It was Bruce Johnson's (Minneapolis) first Moondance. He said, "I've been [to We Fest]about 6 times ... I think I'm going to stop going there and continue going to Moondance ... I'm having a great time and I'm gonna keep on coming."Also shown are friends Tracy, Grand Rapids, Doug & Janet, West Fargo,and Adam, of FargoBird watching. From Webster's: booby: any of a number of gannetlike marine diving birds (genus: Sula) that feed on fish of warm seas. Broch Dombrovski says his favorite thing about watching the Moondance gate is, "I get to see lots of boobies!" They must be swimming inland. Sonny and Peggy Coffman, from Atlanta, Ga.; Mark & Gina Holetz, and Sandy Zumbrunnen, Pine River; Jerry Motyl, Longville; and at the grill, Rambo, from San Antonio, Tx. "It's my first [Moondance]- it ain't my last. We be back," he said. Christy has been coming to Moondance for 8 years. With her, from Brainerd, are Dugan, Moede and Dudley. Their favorite band so far? Molly Hatchet. Hojis, of Cass Lake and and Bruce, from Fargo Steve Burns of Lakeville and Shannon Francis O'Reynolds, Minneapolis. Said O'Reynolds, "I think Dylan really turned it on last night." THE TALENT Moondance 2001 hosted over 40 bands and entertainers. Only a few can be recounted here. CURTIS COUBELLO hails from Kinder, Louisiana, by the Lafayette area, where the Zydeco style of cajun music was born. An accomplished musician, Coubello sometimes entertains his audience by playing fiddle upside-down, behind his back, or by moving the fiddle body while someone else holds the bow. "I'm a fourth-generation fiddle player," said Coubello, who is world-toured and has released several albums. In interview, conversation tended toward family and it was clear that even when Coubello, a family man in the Southern tradition, has to be far away on tour, his son, 5, and daughter, 6, are always primary in his thoughts, "I call every day," he said. His daughter, Coubello said, is already exploring music, singing and dancing, and could well follow in the footsteps of Coubello, who has been playing since he was eight. Of his daughter, Coubello said, "I want to give her the world," and of her young talent, that in a few years, "I'll probably be working for them." After Moondance, his 2001 performance tour will take Coubello to Chicago, New York and Oklahoma. Hearing his performance, one cannot help but wonder where Coubello learned to play so exceptionally. "God. God gave me the talent," he said, "He gave it to my father, my father gave it to me. ... If you want to know the true testament of my fiddle playing, talk to God. God is my life. ... Since I was born, fiddle has been me, and guess what? It's gonna be me 'til the day I die." THE BYRDS CELEBRATION Look for some of the old, some of the new, too. Music is meant to be performed. Unlike the written word, music is preserved only by its performance. Few of us have ever heard Beethoven conduct his symphonies; but others, like Eugene Ormandy, have kept his music alive by performing it as true to its writer's intent as can be. Arriving at Moondance, after their 22 hour drive from Nashville, The Byrds Celebration performed many of the hits fans remember (Feel a Whole Lot Better When You're Gone; Turn, Turn, Turn) almost indistinguishable from the originals, to a cheering crowd. The Byrds Celebration, consisting of Michael Curtis, bass guitar; Terry Jones Rogers, lead vocals, harmonica and rhythm guitar; Scott Nienhaus, lead guitar, 12-string and mandolin; and Rick Ludlow, percussion; is dedicated to preserving the music of The Byrds, and also new music in the spirit in which The Byrds wrote and played. Rogers explained that The Byrds music was characterized by the lyrics of each song having something important to say, in a positive way, and underscored the importance and impact music has upon listeners' perception of things and events. Songwriters themselves, each November, all four of The Byrds Celebration attend The Frank Brown International Songwriter's Festival, in Alabama, where they can exchange ideas with other composers. The original Byrds, "gave up the ghost in 1973 or '74," Curtis explained. He continued that Michael Clark, one of the original members, reformed The Byrds about 1985, and Curtis came on board about 2 years after. About 1993, "Michael Clark died. He basically said 'don't stop doing this.'" The Byrds Celebration subsequently acquired the legal right to use the name to preserve the sound. Terry Rogers explained, "Michael Clark ... during [his] last months ... he would discuss with me ... how he wanted me to carry on the music and to make the Byrds name survive." They normally start each show by dedicating the performance to the memories of Michael Clark, Gene Clark, Clarence White and Grant Parsons. Curtis recounted the music industry trends responsible for the Byrds creativity, "We try to stay close to the recording sound and the raw energy that was going on at the time. ... People produce records differently today. ... The sixties had a great sense of competition between London, New York, Los Angeles and Motown. ... It was a beautiful thing - look at all the great music ... out of that period because of that competition," he said. Curtis, 52, the father of a 4 year-old, said that he started his family late, "Now I have a home, and a family, and it's the most wonderful thing I ever had in my entire life," he said. An accomplished songwriter, he's had his own a publishing company, Catpatch, since 1968. "My [now deceased] brother and I wrote a lot of songs in the 70s and 80s," including Fleetwood Mac's Blue Letter, Helen Reddy's Don't You Mess With a Woman, and their biggest work, co-authoring Southern Cross, which was performed by Crosby, Stills and Nash, and which The Byrds Celebration also played at Moondance. A political buff, Curtis doesn't mind voicing his opinion and likes the message the Minnesota Governor sends. "Jesse is the brunt of many jokes, and he's also a very intelligent man. He got elected, and said 'this is what we said we're going to do and this is what we're going to do' and it was like 'Somebody's really doing campaign promises and following up on them? What an amazing thing - how do you get that?'" Where is Byrds Celebration going? Terry Rogers said that the group would continue to do concerts preserving The Byrds sound and message, and also, "We're all songwriters in the band, so we have every intention of putting a new product out there. The only question is whether we'd be doing it as The Byrds; we'd probably not be doing it as The Byrds. ... Right now, we've just been using our names when we play a gig that's not a Byrds gig." Later this year, Byrds Celebration will be appearing at Nashville, Salt Lake City, Mount Pleasant, Mi., and Key West. SILENT PARTNER performed on the Moondance Main Stage, and also, on subsequent days, in the Beverage Tent. "It's a good time Rock 'n Roll band, actually. We play everything from soup to nuts," said Craig Engelhart, characterizing the sound of this Brainerd-based band that's been playing since 1988. "I'm just tickled we had the opportunity to be here," said Engelhart; "It just doesn't get any better than this," added band member John Holder. Silent Partner can be contacted at brainerd.net/~silent/ Photo captions - photos are not included in Library Edition: Curtis Coubello, at the Saloon and with the Treater Band on the Main Stage Byrds Celebration lead, Scott Nienhaus Michael Curtis Rick Ludlow on drums Terry Jones Rogers Craig Engelhart, and John Holder of Silent Partner; Engelhart on guitar in the Beverage Tent. Pat Benatar wasn't doing interviews, so we can't tell you much about her, but this is what she looks like, in case anyone was wondering. The Moondance lineup included Jakob Dylan, who performed with his band, The Wallflowers. ------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 06/30/2001 - VOLUME 6 NO. 9 ------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism HUBBARD/CASS CO. DOG KILLER STILL AT LARGE BENEDICT -- A particularly bizarre manifestation of the Dangerous Child Syndrome (DCS), of which much has been recently seen in Cass Lake and Park Rapids, has occurred in the rural Walker area town of Benedict, where, on May 24th, 2001, a young man viciously beat and then executed, at point-blank range, a family's pet Collie. Curiously, and although the killer, Ryan Planting, 19, of Hackensack, could have been apprehended shortly after the killing, when he was reported seen in public places bragging to his friends about his demented act, no such attempt was made until almost a month later, June 22nd, when Greg Larson, Hubbard County Attorney, filed charges and procured the issuance of a warrant for Planting's arrest. The killing occurred at the Benedict home of Susan Miller, where she lives with her son Chris. Harvey Hallet, her male friend, who resides a few miles away, also frequents the home. Hallet, who works in Walker, told Northern Herald that on the evening of May 24th, while he and Miller were at work, Chris and three other teenagers, Ryan Planting, 19, Derek Tysver, 15, and Kyle (last name unknown), were at the home. Chris Miller stated that at about 10 pm, he and Kyle went to get tackle from a self-storage in Walker so the four could go fishing. Ryan and Derek were to wait outside (they had been previously forbidden to enter the home) until the other two returned. On the way to get the tackle, Chris and Kyle stopped to help a senior female motorist whose car had broken down on the road. Chris used his pickup to tow her car to Hackensack. Before Chris returned, and at about 11 pm, Hallet arrived at the home after work. "The young man (Planting) came walking down the sidewalk, and had a smug look on his face and said 'Hello,' and kept walking down the driveway," he said. Hallet said that, inside, when Hallet discovered the blood, Derek told him that he (Derek) had been sleeping, heard a shot, and woke up to find Ryan running out the door. But Hallet said that Derek later confided to another witness that he was actually standing in the bedroom doorway when Planting shot the dog with Chris's 20 gauge shotgun, and that Derek had confided to Chris that he and Ryan had "been slapping the dog around in the face" before the killing. Chris and Kyle returned at about 11:30 pm. "I was outraged. I was seriously wanting to find him [Planting] ... myself, but I didn't," Chris said. Blood stains throughout the home indicate that the dog had been chased and beaten, probably with a blunt instrument, prior to being taken into a bedroom and shot in the throat from behind. "Every time we turn around we find more blood spatter around the house," said Hallet, who estimates the cost of cleaning and replacement of blood-stained carpet, furniture, belongings and fixtures to exceed $5,000. Hallet said that the bed, on which the dog was shot, had to be burned as the stench would not come out. Asked why the arrest of Planting was delayed for a month, the investigating officer, Hubbard County Deputy J.T. Harris, referred the question to County Attorney Greg Larson, who said, definitively, "I can't answer that." Photo Captions (photos are not included in Library Edition): Mr. Hallet & Miss Miller have been working hard to remove the many and massive blood stains which were dashed throughout the home and evidence the severity and lengthiness of the dog beating which took place before the shooting. Some stains, however, remain. Those above went though to the back side of carpet that had to be removed. This shell carrying No. 8 game shot, was employed in the execution - dog hair and dog debris remain in the wad. The dog's favourite toy, which the family mounted on her grave in their private pet cemetary. Harvey Hallet, Susan Miller and Chris Miller at Miss Miller's Benedict home, with their surviving dog, Woofer -------------------------------------------------------------- BEMIDJI FAVOURITE JOURNALIST RECOVERING DULUTH -- "Gas is always a few cents higher in cities whose names end in a vowel - and begin with a "B" - and have a 'dj' in the middle." It is his wry and highly relevant wit as in this excerpt from his editorial during the last gas crunch, as well as his keen ability to extract and print the nuggets, or most pertinent material, from lengthy news interviews in the field, that has made Brad Swenson one of Bemidji's most respected journalists and editorial writers. Swenson presently writes for The (Bemidji) Pioneer. But Mr. Swenson's style has been conspicuously absent from the pages of The Pioneer since late May. Swenson regularly visits and assists his mother, a senior citizen, who lives in Duluth. On May 22nd, while taking her to the public aquarium, Swenson's vehicle collided with another car at a downtown Duluth intersection. Although damage to the vehicle was not extensive, the impact caused Swenson to sustain a broken femur (the major bone in the thigh) which would require the implantation of a titanium rod and plate. Emergency fire crews were required to remove him from the vehicle, and Swenson was transported, by ambulance, to the hospital where he remained in the intensive care unit until early June. "There's, like, two lights within a hundred feet of each other," said Swenson, describing the dangerously confusing multiple intersection. He cleared the first light but was struck at the second. "I think, actually, they hit the front and spun me around ... I don't remember much of the accident ... it happened so quickly," he said. Swenson's mother, Elsie Swenson, 85, was injured, but not as severely. She suffered a mild head injury and is now recuperating at a Duluth nursing home. Although expected to return to Bemidji in early July, it may be awhile before Swenson's writing again graces The Pioneer's pages. Upon discharge from the hospital, he will need to undergo home care and medical rehabilitation to reacquire normal walking ability and movement. Swenson said that co-workers at the Pioneer, including Editor Kelly Boldan, have, "been really helpful and I want to thank them for the cards and letters and the prayers that they've had for me." Swenson graduated from UMD in 1978 as a communications major with a minor in journalism. At the university, he had been the Editor of the student newspaper, The Statesman, and received an award for his service to the school. After school, he worked for the Forest City Summit in Iowa, coming to The Pioneer, as a reporter, in 1980. By 1990, he had become the Sunday Editor, and was promoted to Managing Editor (same duties as Editor-In-Chief at most newspapers) by 1991. In the late 90's, with the restructuring of The Pioneer, Swenson, who has always had a flair for political news, became The Pioneer's Political and Editorial Page Editor. During recovery, Mr. Swenson can be contacted c/o The Pioneer, P.O. Box 455, Bemidji, MN 56619 Photo Captions (photos are not included in Library Edition): Leading Bemidji journalist Brad Swenson helps host The Pioneer's 100th Anniversary celebration and open house, March 1996. Now in good spirits and recovering well, following a recent auto accident, Mr. Swenson is expected to be discharged from the hospital, at Duluth, and return to Bemidji in early July. --------------------------------------------------------------- INTERESTS CLASH OVER THREE ISLAND PARK TURTLE RIVER -- Located just up Co. Rd. 23, out of this town named for the great river of turtles, lies one of Beltrami County's most attractive county parks. Long used by cross country skiers for its many winding trails, it is equally commodious during the summer, offering fishing, boat access, berrypicking, tubing and swimming. Local children, who access the park on All Terrain Vehicles, can frequently be seen swimming by the small waterfall where the lake flows into a stream by the picnic grounds. But even Bob Milne, who works for Beltrami County Natural Resources Dept., and sits on the Three Island Lake Park citizen Advisory Committee, admits that the appearance of one of Beltrami County's nicest tourist attractions may be, outwardly, hostile to tourists. And residents, nearby to the park, have complained of some skiers allegedly having cut unauthorized trails in the park, and of a part of a township road, formerly open to vehicles, having been "appropriated" by the park and wrongfully posted. Signs of the Times? One of the things that has always made certain states, like North Dakota, and Canadian provinces, such as Alberta, seem particularly hospitable to travelers is their plethora of free public campsites where people who have made substantial RV investments so be self-reliant and not dependent on tourist service purveyors can do so without having to pay the equivalent of room rent for an overnight parking space. In recent years, Minnesota also boasted this type of hospitality at rest stops and parks. But less so today. Although self-contained campers might otherwise be able to enjoy Three Island Lake, Milne said of the "Overnight Camping Prohibited" sign that the resort owners pressured the committee to put it up. (Do the resort owners really own the county now? And it makes little sense - RV owners aren't going to stay at a resort anyway - they'd just park it on the street, or K-Mart's lot or something. -- Ed.). The signs that have been most troubling to some local residents have included the one placed on Hillcrest (township) Road about 2/10ths of a mile before the road actually ends (sign "A" in map below). The sign marks the road as county park land and prohibits vehicles. One resident said that he had a disabled hunting permit last fall and could have otherwise hunted from his vehicle on that more primitive part of Hillcrest Road. But the Park sign, 2/10 mile too soon, forbade it. Also drawing complaint was the "Road Closed" sign (sign "C" in map) at the vehicle entrance to the park. According to a local resident, the sign has been removed in winter when cross-country skiers use the park, but placed there in spring and summer. Upon inspection, this road, to the mowed and manicured park picnic grounds and to the lake, was severely in need of grading but was drivable when dry. The effect of the sign, then, was to prevent access to the park by all except local residents who knew the road was usable, and their children who accessed it by ATV. Official response. Contacted regarding the sign matters, and also about allegations of unauthorized clearing of trails, (see photos above) County Administrator Greg Lewis said he knew of no complaints regarding the park. But Milne acknowledged that the sign on the township road would be moved back to the park boundary, the Road Closed sign replaced with a more appropriate cautionary sign, and that the road would be graveled and graded later this year. No action has yet been taken regarding the allegations of unlawful cutting of trails. Photo Captions (photos are not included in Library Edition): The sign-2/10 mile too soon. Although the township road (Hillcrest Road) appears to curve to the right, that is a private driveway. Local residents claim that the road continues into the clearing, for 2/10 mile past the sign before it "T"s with the park boundary and that vehicles should be permitted on that part. The park sign prohibits vehicles. A cleared, but believed to be unauthorized, trail is plainly visible from the old logging road, located within the boundaries of Three Island Lake County Park. The short trail, which could be used for cross-country skiing, ends up on a nearby resident's property line connecting the property to the logging road and other trails, but the owner there, who also owns a CAT service, denies having cut the trail. Branches, apparently cut by mechanical means (brush cutter, saw, etc.) and laid at the side, and a cut tree found at the start of the trail. Traveling north on Co. 23 out of Turtle River, tourists would see the Three Island Park sign and it's accompanying inhospitable Overnight Camping Prohibited sign. But when they make the turn to the left to go to the attractively maintained park, they'd encounter the Road Closed sign leading all but locals to believe that there was no access. Curiously, the park grounds have been mowed and maintained even though the road isn't. Local kids, arriving by ATV, can be seen swimming in the stream. ---------------------------------------------------------------- KINKEL'S KOLUMN from the office of Dist. 4 State Senator Tony Kinkel LICENSE FEES AND PERCH LIMITS As my legislative record shows, I have long worked to represent both the economic and environmental concerns of District Four. When it became clear that this year’s omnibus environment and agriculture bill was not in our region’s best interests, I knew that I could not support the bill with a clear conscience. For reasons that are unclear to me, the authors of the bill chose to eliminate the senior discount for a fishing license. Instead of buying a $6.50 license, seniors will now have to pay $17, the full rate for a license. While the cost may not seem like a lot, it makes a big difference to folks who live on a small, fixed budget. I can understand that prices may go up from time to time, but it is thoughtless at best that the state should jeopardize our seniors’ fishing rights just to raise a little extra money. The second flaw in the omnibus environment bill was its lack of compromise language on perch limits. As many of you know, yellow perch levels in Lake Winnibigoshish and Leech Lake have fallen dramatically in the past several years, prompting DNR officials to cut perch limits drastically. However, the same cuts intended to save the perch threaten the vitality of the resorts on these lakes. This year both the Senate and the House had bills that would have required the DNR to set the perch limits at an acceptably higher level. While the Senate bill (game and fish) was held back by its author, the House bill (environment and agriculture) made it to the conference committee level, so all its provisions could be considered for adoption. However, the House chose not to promote its own position on perch limits, and the perch compromise did not make it into the final version of the omnibus environment bill. As you can see, I voted against the omnibus environment bill not to sabotage it­the bill passed by a wide margin­but to signal my disapproval. The bill was unfair to District Four in two important ways, and I could simply not condone this bill this year. Editor's Note: Kinkel's Kolumn is a regular feature in this spring's issues of Northern Herald, providing session info direct from our Senator in St. Paul. Readers may contact Sen. Kinkel at G-9 State Capitol, 75 Constitution Ave., St. Paul, MN 55155 651-296-4913. This is strictly the Senator's space for his commentary, information and views. Northern Herald does not substantially edit this column, nor does this column necessarily reflect the position of this paper. In Focus -------- In Focus is primarily a pictoral feature. Photos, however, are not included in the Library Edition. WHAT'S NEW IN WALKER ?!!? Photo Captions (photos are not included in Library Edition): WILD BILL'S, just opened during June, at 509 W. Minnesota Ave. (just across from Northern Exposure) is a clearance store that has a little bit of everything. Matt Johnson, owner, displayed some of the store's hanging copper hummingbird feeders, calculators, designer sunglasses, jewelry and a large assortment of sportswear. Across the street from Wild Bill's, also on Minnesota Ave. is OJIBWE REFLECTIONS, opened by the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe in June. Ojibwe Reflections features fine arts and unique gifts. Among their sales stock will be found birch bark products, pottery, ornaments, objects d'art, dream catchers, Theodore bears, pillows, figurines, paintings and many other elegantly rustic area items. The store features blankets and clothing, including authentic Pendleton wool garments. (Some of the woolens sold in Bemidji, conversely, were not actually produced at the "mill" there that labels and sells them.) Becky Ernst's THE PINE NEEDLE, now in their second season on Minnesota Avenue, has just about everything one would need for many types of home needlecraft, including a wide selection of yarns, needles and supplies for needle point, cross-stitch, knitting and hardanger. Miss Ernst said, "We try to specialize in the good quality designs and accessories, fibers, [and] threads ...." Next to The Pine Needle, at 523 Minnesota Ave., is MAIN STREAM, run by Kent Fladeboe. Main Stream also opened in 2000 and features "weekend lifestyles casual clothing, ... [and] decor for a lodge-style home," the proprietor explained from their showroom filled with men's and women's sportswear, including an assortment of hats and slippers. ----------------------------------------------------------- BULLOCK PRE-TRIAL TO BE JULY 18TH GRAND RAPIDS -- The pre-trial of Richard Bullock has been moved to July 18th before the Honorable Judge Jon Maturi at Grand Rapids. Bullock was convicted, in 1997, of fondling his step-daughter, Spring LeFevre, but, after 3 years in prison, the judgement was vacated after it was demonstrated that he had been denied a fair trial due to ineffective assistance of counsel. Among other errors, trial counsel, Michael P. Gallagher, in the women's-shelter assisted trial, refused to let the original jury hear of the alleged victim's reputation for dishonest acts, and her stated vendetta against Bullock. ---------------------------------------------------------- Editorials-Opinion A LESS TROUBLING MODE OF EXECUTION On June 11th, 2001, mass-killer Timothy McVeigh was turned off. It was the first federal execution in 38 years. As is generally the case before such things, the Nation's social conscience became overwrought as the hours toward the killing passed. In the usual convoluted last minute discussions, even mass murderer* Janet Reno went on national TV to say that she thought the death penalty inappropriate. This is particularly meaningless in light of the fact that federal prosecutors under her office were responsible for McVeigh getting the death penalty. What is clear, from all of the hullabaloo, is that, as a nation, we have a problem accepting the death penalty. It isn't the death part that troubles us. Death is all around us every day and there isn't nearly as much commotion. You don't see top officials coming to the fore and saying an ordinary person, who is about to be killed on the highways, "doesn't deserve to die" for his doings during life. There's death in military conflict, on the roads, and from natural causes each day. No one raises a big stink (except the corpses) about most of these individual occurrences. Certainly, an average citizen's death on the highway never attracted as much countrywide concern as the death of this proven killer, McVeigh. It's obviously the penalty part (of "death penalty") that we don't like. As with many things, there's an obvious and simple solution. The mode of execution needs to be changed to one less troubling. Instead of having the executioner administer the deadly drugs in a closed room, McVeigh should have been given his belongings, and set free - told to leave the prison and go home. Then you give the executioner a pint of whisky, put him behind the wheel of his car and also send him home from the prison. When he runs over McVeigh on the way out, killing him, McVeigh becomes a statistic - not a martyr. A statistic which happens every day and causes the nation's conscience no trouble. * at Waco, if nowhere else. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Letters to the Editor HUBBARD CO. HAS MONEY FOR COMPUTERS, BUT NOT STREET SIGNS We in and around the Laporte area recently got new addresses and street signs. I don't know whose idea this was. Then in the June 15th [Bemidji] Pioneer there was an article on how our taxes are being raised to help pay for the new signs. Those which we did not even ask for. I think Hubbard County should have gone over their finances before they went ahead with this project. Then in the June 17th Pioneer, there was an article on how the Hubbard County commissioners were purchasing six new laptop computers to the tune of $3,938. I, among others, feel that if Hubbard County has enough money to buy six new laptop computers, they should have enough money to pay for these stupid-looking street signs without taxing us some more. Needless to say, we are taxed enough already, to the point where there are many homes going up for sale, and more to come - including ours. I would like to pa