To get ALL the news from the Edge of the Frontier, subscribe to NORTHERN HERALD. Details on Home Page: http://northernherald.com ****************************************************************** Copyright (c) 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 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 8 - 10/28/02 through 08/11/03 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 08/11/2003 - VOLUME 8 NO. 7 ------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism WALKER COUNCIL TO PUSH LANDMARK CHANGE DOWN VOTERS' THROATS Council Turns Deaf Ear to Local Residents, Businesses; Refuses to Place on Agenda; Block 25 Committee Pledges Maintenance $$$s if Building Kept Intact Leading Edge Journalism ----------------------- The Inevitable Happens BEMIDJI POLICE CHIEF PREECE GOES BANKO New Judgement Likely Prompted Filing; Leaves Trail of Scammed Helicopter Debt CORRECTION (no, not even we are without sin) NATIONAL INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST TO SPEAK AT ST. CLOUD Leading Edge Journalism FLOYD CLOUD HELD, WITHOUT TRIAL, AT BELTRAMI CO. FOR 210 DAYS RICH JARANSON BUSTED AFTER ... PRODUCE LARCENY? In Focus WOODCARVERS GATHER AT BLACKDUCK ! In Focus NORTH STAR STAMPEDE AT EFFIE ! LAKELAND PUBLIC TELEVISION TO HOLD OPEN HOUSE PARK RAPIDS MAN ADDRESSES DIVORCE INEQUITIES Son Admits False OFP; Co. Agencies Assisted; Wife Concealed Son on Visiting Days The Golden Corridor BUILDING AND BUYING IN THE GOLDEN CORRIDOR THE MAGIC OF MOONDANCE !! JUST FIDDLIN' AROUND AT THE MOONDANCE JAM SALOON CURTIS COUBELLO THE TREATER BAND Northern Destinations ALL ROADS LEAD TO LAKE GEORGE, MINNESOTA The gateway to Itasca and Headwaters of the Mississippi. In Focus FEST OF BLUEBERRIES AT LAKE GEORGE! HUBBARD SHERIFF'S POSSE FUND RAISING DINNER: SEPT. 6TH In Focus -------- At Hackensack LUCETTE GREETS VISITORS TO CENTENNIAL SWEETHEART DAYS! CONSUMER CORNER Good Deals FINALLY, A REALLY BETTER MOUSE TRAP NOTICE OF OPENING OF INVESTIGATION THINGS THAT JUST DON'T WORK AUSTIN PLAYS GRAND RAPIDS ! GR AUDITIONS IN SEPT. BOVEY TO TURN 100 ------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 06/30/2003 - VOLUME 8 NO. 6 ------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism ANOTHER ITASCA CO. MAN CHARGED IN LIKELY FALSE ACCUSATION BY STEP-DAUGHTER Incurs $25,000 in Legal Costs; Charge Assisted by Women's Advocate Leading Edge Journalism NH EDITOR WINS $600 BILLION LAWSUIT Two Unconstitutional Bemidji Ordinances Overturned; Bemidji Ordered to Pay $3,001 Plus Costs DOPSIE TO HEAD MOONDANCE BILL, PLAY ALL 4 DAYS MOONDANCE MAIN STAGE LINEUP LION SKATE AT LAPORTE Northern Destinations ALL ROADS LEAD TO LAKE GEORGE, MINNESOTA LAKE GEORGE BLUEBERRY FEST JULY 25TH-27TH!! FOR PEOPLE WHO ENJOY TOBACCO MEN LOBBY AT CAPITOL In Focus LUCETTE'S BRINGS PIZZA TO HACKENSACK! CONSUMER CORNER THINGS THAT JUST DON'T WORK BEMIDJI DOWNTOWN MEATS HAS NEW OWNER ESPRESSO IN BAGLEY! UPCOMING EVENTS! ------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 05/12/2003 - VOLUME 8 NO. 5 ------------------------------------- NORTHERN CLINIC NOW OFFERS HEALTH CARE CHOICE IN BEMIDJI Part 5 of a multi-part series resulting from our continuing investigation of health service practices in Northern Minnesota Leading Edge Journalism - WHERE'S THE CHIEF? BEMIDJI REFUSES POLICE CHIEF PREECE CELL RECORDS REQUEST Leading Edge Journalism - BEMIDJI FACISM CONTINUES BEMIDJIAN TOLD NOT TO DISPLAY CAR ON LAWN Leading Edge Journalism - Follow Up BELTRAMI DEPUTY UNNATURAL ACT CASE SETTLED 2002 Steele Spheres Awarded GRAHAM HAS SPHERES MOONDANCE 12 LINEUP SET HACKENSACK SWEETHEART DAYS: JULY 8TH & 9TH BEMIDJI WILL WASTE $37,000 ON "PAVERS" CORRUPTION FESTERS AT PIKE BAY TOWNSHIP MEETING Letters to the Editor --------------------- TRAMP'S FIANCE FACES UP TO 20 YEARS FOR TRYING TO HOLD ENGAGEMENT TOGETHER FORMER NEVIS MAYOR SAYS: GOOD GOVERNMENT BEGINS WITH GOOD INFO BLACKDUCK H.S. STUDENTS GO TO SPEECH TOURNEY - AND HOOTERS Consumer Corner --------------- THINGS THAT JUST DON'T WORK --------------------------- HI-VAL(R) (I/O MAGIC(R)) CD-RW DRIVES SYMPHONIC(R) VCRS LEXAR(R) COMPACT FLASH CARDS OFFICE MAX(R) REBATES The $600 Billion Lawsuit NH EDITOR, CITY OF BEMIDJI, GO TO TRIAL JUNE 9TH PINE COUNTRY CAFE HAS NEW OWNER, NEW FLAIR -- Northern Herald Restaurant Review -- **** PINE COUNTRY CAFE In Focus -------- At Backus - The Hub of North Central Minnesota BACKUS FISH FEED SUPPORTS FIRE DEPT. CRAFTS ABOUND AT MCGRAW'S SHOP AT REDBY HIGH-TECH IN MINNESOTA'S GOLDEN CORRIDOR THE GOLDEN CORRIDOR Northern Destinations ALL ROADS LEAD TO LAKE GEORGE, MINNESOTA The gateway to Itasca and Headwaters of the Mississippi FIRE AT RED LAKE ------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 03/25/2003 - VOLUME 8 NO. 4 ------------------------------------- WAL-MART HAS BEEN GOOD NEIGHBOUR IN BEMIDJI FOR YEAR, NOW Celebrates First Anniversary Leading Edge Journalism FAMILY FEUD TAXES BELTRAMI COUNTY RESOURCES ALICE COOPER, ROCKIN' DOPSIE JR. TO BE AT MOONDANCE 2003 In Focus FOOTE, PULICE STAR AT 30TH JAZZ FEST; BSU JAZZ TO PLAY SPRING CONCERT STOPPING AND SHOPPING IN JENKINS! SHOWERS COLD AT JAIL WORTHWHILE, GOING AROUND ON THE NET Editorials - Opinion THE BUDGET DEFICIT Cut LGA to the Bone Letters to the Editor READER DEFINES EFFECTIVE JOURNALISM WHAT WAS SHE THINKING? BEMIDJI POLICE EXPENSE STATS CONSUMER CORNER THINGS THAT JUST DON'T WORK LEXAR (R) Compact Flash cards. HI-VAL (R) (I/O MAGIC (R)) CD-RW drives. SYMPHONIC (R) VCRS. ASK THE TAX GUY by Adam Steele, Certified Public Accountant New Credit for Retirement Saving THIS YEAR, GVT. MAY PAY OVER 1/2 OF YOUR IRA CONTRIBUTION, BUT CONSIDER FORM 8880 BEFORE MAKING IRA/RET. PLAN WITHDRAWL TWO INNOVATIVE NEW BUSINESSES IN BEMIDJI! An Idea Whose Time Has Come! Espresso on the go! Vinyl! at BPM Records LEECH LAKE REALTY OPENS NEW OFFICE IN HACKENSACK ------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 02/10/2003 - VOLUME 8 NO. 3 ------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism ----------------------- Bemidji Crooks EVIDENCE MOUNTS IN BEMIDJI POLICE CHIEF PREECE ALLEGED HELICOPTER SCAMS But No Criminal Charges Are Landed Yet Leading Edge Journalism ----------------------- BEMIDJI POLICE CHIEF BRUCE PREECE'S WIFE GUILTY OF DWI WITH .20 Car Goes Off Roadway Leading Edge Journalism ----------------------- Bemidji - A Crooked Little Town ALLEGED SMALL-TIME HOODLUM THRWARTED AT LOWTH FORD The $600 Billion Lawsuit USDC FINDS FOR NORTHERN HERALD EDITOR, AGAINST FELIX, CITY OF BEMIDJI BSU ALUMNUS WITT ILLUSTRATING IN CITIES Photo Caption (photos are not included in The Library edition): HAVE YOUR OWN BAR! "OKLAHOMA!" TO BE IN GRAND RAPIDS! For Accountants Only ATX SABER OFFERS PRICE, FORMS, BUT NOT PROGRAM QUALITY by Adam Steele, C. P. A. -- Northern Herald Restaurant Reviews -- * * * * THE WHARF, WALKER * * * * RIVER HOUSE, HACKENSACK In Focus -------- EM'S NOW OPEN IN AKELEY IT'S BACK TO HACK !! RINGING IN NEW YEAR AT ARTHUR'S, RIVER HOUSE Photo Caption OPEN STAGE AT NORTH COUNTRY JUNCTION, CASS LAKE STEAK & EGGS: $4.95 ! Editorials - Opinion -------------------- The Budget Deficit SHOULD WE BE PAYING FOR PERJURY? IT'S NORTHERN HERALD - FOR WHEN YOU'VE GOT SOMETHING TO SAY! Letters to the Editor EXPORT NCBW TO IRAQ MANNER OF BLANDIN LAYOFFS QUESTIONED SEN. SKOE TO HOLD NORTHLAND MEETINGS Cover-up Under Way At BSU ------------------------- NOTICE OF OPENING OF INVESTIGATION SEPT. 21, 2002 ROMANTIC ASSAULT AT TAMARACK HALL CONSUMER CORNER A Better Way to Send Stuff FEDEX NOW HAS ECONOMICAL GROUND SERVICE AN AMERICAN BENCHMARK MAY STILL BE BEST CAR INSURANCE VALUE FOUR GOOD PLACES TO TAKE A ... TIRE THAT'S LOSING AIR THINGS THAT JUST DON'T WORK THIS IS INDIAN COUNTRY! Recipe Box THE BEST CHILI YOU'VE HAD FREE WINE PRIME NORTH COUNTRY BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES! DIRECT ANSWERS FROM WAYNE AND TAMARA ------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 12/30/2002 - VOLUME 8 NO. 2 ------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism ITASCA COUNTY SHERIFF'S PENSION POLICY QUESTIONED Allegedly Disbands Posse to Put Office Staff on PERA Police Pensions The Law Leading Edge Journalism PR MAN FOUND NOT GUILTY IN UMMHC, WOMEN'S ADVOCATE-BACKED ASSAULT CASE But Pays Over $12,000 in Legal Costs Due to Accusation NOTICE OF SCHEDULE CHANGE JEWISH SERVICES ARRIVE IN BEMIDJI, GRAND RAPIDS, BRAINERD Leading Edge Journalism - Follow Up STATE REGULATORS WILL NOT ACT ON THORSON WAGE CLAIM Leading Edge Journalism - Follow Up PREECE NOT YET CHARGED TEEN MINNESOTA CONTEST CARLSON ANNOUNCES FOR ITASCA BOARD AUDITIONS TO BE HELD IN GRAND RAPIDS In Focus AIR FORCE OFFUTT BRASS PLAYS BEMIDJI, GRAND RAPIDS ADVERTISEMENT Teenage Boys Kill Babies In Focus REIF PRESENTS GRAND DERANGEMENT This Could Have Happened in Bemidji DIRECT ANSWERS FROM WAYNE AND TAMARA FRENCH BRIE ARRIVES IN BEMIDJI Consumer Corner GOOD NORTHLAND INTERNET SERVICE BUY TEQUILA NOW DANCING LIGHT AT THE CABIN BSU BANDS PLAY AT REMEMBER WHEN DANCE BEMIDJI JAZZ BAND PLAYS AT TOP-OF-THE-RIVER DANCE GET-TOGETHER ------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 10/28/2002 - VOLUME 8 NO. 1 ------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism THORSON INC. MAY FACE SUIT OVER ALLEGED STATE WAGE VIOLATION Leading Edge Journalism BEMIDJI DEPUTY UNNATURAL ACT CASE REMANDED TO STATE COURT Suit Alleges Deputy Asked Minor Male for Unnatural Favour. FOR ACCOUNTANTS, PARTICULARLY by Adam Steele, C.P.A. MCT MEMBERS GRANTED ADDITIONAL TAX RELIEF In Focus RED, WHITE AND BLUEBERRY! AT LAKE GEORGE! RENDEZVOUS AT WHITE OAK Editorials - Opinion MARCHING PROUDLY INTO IRAQ Letters to the Editor READER: "PLEA BARGAINING IS DESTROYING OUR JUDICIAL SYSTEM." IS THERE POLICE PROBLEM IN HACKENSACK? ON CREATIONISM & EVOLUTION WHERE THEY'RE REALLY AT - Walmart vs. Target Words have only wind value. Actions tell everything. Consumer Corner DON'T GET SCAMMED ON THE NET REMER CELEBRATES AMERICA, HONOURS OWN, ON 9/11 BACKUS CELEBRATES CENNTENIAL AT CORN FEST HEADWATERS, FREEMAN CONDUCT WILD FOODS WALK GR PLAYERS TO HOLD AUDITIONS; FALL READERS THEATRE DATES BSU Jazz Bands REMEMBER WHEN DANCE TO BE NOV. 1ST & 2ND SECOLA HOMELESS BENEFIT AT BEAUX ARTS NOV. 8TH UPTOWN PRESENTS FREEMAN WATERCOLORS A LOOK AT THE CANDIDATES ------------------------ DISTRICT COURT JUDGE The Honourable Judge Haas's Seat - Ninth Judicial District, chambered in Walker DAVID HARRINGTON TED LUNDRIGAN ITASCA COUNTY ATTORNEY INCUMBENT: JACK MUHAR KEVIN ERICKSON The Heart of Corruption BEMIDJI CITY COUNCIL At Large seat - Incumbent: Herb South BARBARA MEUERS HERB SOUTH CASS COUNTY SHERIFF Incumbent: Randy Fisher MAX LOEWE RANDY FISHER HUBBARD COUNTY BOARD District 5 seat LARRY BURGOON CAL JOHANNSEN A Letter to the Editor NEVIS CITY VOTERS: VOTE AS IF IT MATTERED! ****************************************************************** TEXT OF ARCHIVED ISSUES BEGINS: ------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 08/11/2003 - VOLUME 8 NO. 7 ------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism WALKER COUNCIL TO PUSH LANDMARK CHANGE DOWN VOTERS' THROATS Council Turns Deaf Ear to Local Residents, Businesses; Refuses to Place on Agenda; Block 25 Committee Pledges Maintenance $$$s if Building Kept Intact WALKER -- In a Bemidji-style shutout, the Walker City Council voted unanimously, in July, and over the objections of a chamber full of angry residents and business owners, both from within, and neighboring, Walker, to modify the long standing and historical Conservation Building and courtyard that set the tone of Walker as visitors approach from the South; and renovate the interior for a new municipal liquor store, and new City Council offices, all of which would be moved from their present locations on Front St. The exterior grassy courtyard would be modified to accommodate some parking. Following the move, the City would sell the present City Hall building on Front St. The organized Block 25 Committee, opposing the change, tried to get on the meeting agenda for the August 5th meeting, that the Council might reconsider the act, but were denied placement on the agenda. Block 25 leader Bob Mallory, however, said that the committee has a lawyer, and will now take legal action to block the desecration of the registered historic landmark building. Walker City Administrator Steven Michaels explained the project, saying that the essential exterior appearance of the historical structure, built by the WPA in the 30s, will be maintained, "We met with the State Historical Society ... their architect, Charlie Nelson, met with our architect ... Charlie was, I think, pretty pleased that we're really, changing very little to that building," Michaels said. Most of the parking to be added will be behind the building, not visible from Highway 371. Most of the grassy courtyard, used by the annual Ethnic Fest and other community events, would be left intact, except for a single strip of diagonal parking, for the new liquor store, from near the present Leech Lake sign (visible at right, in photo above) and east "to the trees." The sign would be left intact; a small amount of grass, but no trees, would have to be taken out. The historic and community maintained rock garden would not be disturbed, but Michaels indicated that the event marquee, very useful to tourists, will probably be removed, and that the Leech Lake Chamber of Commerce, which now occupies the building as its tourist center, had encouraged removal of the marquee. Many residents are concerned that any erosion of the building and grounds will open the door for further modification, and don't believe that the municipal liquor store is a use conforming to the historical nature of the building or a proper thing to have on Walker's picturesque south end. They would prefer that the City look elsewhere. There has also been concern expressed over historic artifacts and dioramas heretofore housed in the City Museum in the Conservation Building which have had to be turned over to the neighboring Cass County Museum. The City Museum will close to make room for the liquor store, but the County Museum (also on Block 25) may not have adequate space to properly preserve and display all of the exhibits. The concept of modifying and converting the building appears to have been the brainchild of Walker Councilman Ken Bresley, owner of Village Homes in Walker, and former owner of Village Motors, Bemidji. Bresley has resided in Bemidji, and some say that he lived there during some of his term on the Walker City Council. Bresley is also the founder of Walker's annual fish slaughter known as Eelpout, an event that was once a big party on the ice, but has been waning in popularity in recent years. Bresley made the motion at the July meeting. Two years ago, Bresley spearheaded an effort for the City to sell Block 25 to the County, with the buildings likely to be demolished for a new jail. (see Walker Under Siege, NH of 6/2/01, at northernherald.com) The Walker City Council has stonewalled on compromise, resisting any suggestion of alternatives. A council member said that this is being done because repairs are needed to the building, there is no revenue source, they don't have a tenant willing to pay adequate rent to fully restore the building, and they want to have the municipal liquor store on the main street. But Mr. Mallory said that the Block 25 Committee has, and has offered, funds to repair and maintain the building, "We have offered time and again that we will raise the funds over a 5-year period," he said. The councilmembers, however, have steadfastly refused to meet with the committee; instead of going to the building upkeep, due to the council's action, the committee's funds are now having to be spent, instead, to pay the committee's attorney to try to block the City action. (A restraining action may be based on the proposed liquor store being within one thousand feet of the county jail, per Mallory.) As to the need to relocate the liquor store, community leader Lois Orton said, "We have come up with alternate locations for the liquor store ... they're [the councilmembers are] not very receptive to any compromise." Costs. The Council has estimated that the renovation of the historic building, to house the city offices and liquor store, will cost about $700,000. The City expects to realize some of that from sale of the old City Hall and liquor store. But Mallory, a 50+ year contractor who has worked on BSU building projects and many Northern Minnesota schoolhouses, said that he'd gone through the historic building "from A to Z," and "$250,000 would do a pretty good job" of restoring the building. A complete lack of restoration funds, however, results from the Chamber of Commerce (LLCOC) having occupied the building, rent-free, for many years, for its tourist center. As no rent was paid, no reserve for depreciation and repairs was amassed. Realizing that repairs would periodically be needed, the City began charging the LLCOC rent of $650. per month in July, 2003. This annualizes to $7,800 per year and falls short of the $12,000-15,000 per year needed to service a $250,000 maintenance debt, if it were financed; and the roof is in urgent need of repair. Bill Dewey, President of LLCOC, indicated that the Chamber had not taken a position on the building conversion, but spoke favorably of some of the City-planned renovations. He said that, as it is now planned, the tourist center will stay in the building in smaller, but more comfortable quarters, due to better heating and the addition of air conditioning. "It'll be a smaller area ... but we don't use all the area that we have right now. Plus, the building's going to be totally refurbished so that it's got decent windows, a decent roof, and [better] heating and air conditioning," he said, adding, "the building is needing an awful lot of maintenance that the Chamber can't afford...." Dewey anticipated that the new rental amount, though somewhat higher than present, will save money because it will include utilities, and will be less than the Chamber now pays for rent and utilities, combined. As to the change to the landmark, Dewey said, "I don't see this as an issue for the Chamber, because the Chamber is here to promote the businesses and resorts in the Chamber area, and whether or not there's a liquor store in that building, as far as I can see, is not going to change whether someone is going to shop at a clothing store, or whatever." Many feel, however, that the overall look and rustic tone of Walker may be a factor as to the number of people who continue to enjoy coming there to shop and vacation, as well as residents' quiet enjoyment of their surroundings; and that the panoramic view, and heritage, on the south end, as people from Brainerd, the Cities, and elsewhere come down the hill, past the bay and into town, is an important part of it. They don't want to see that eroded. These are some of the reasons the Block 25 Committee is expected to take legal action to block the City's plans to change the building, its green courtyard, and museum space. Persons interested in the Block 25 Committee may contact spokesperson and former Cass Co. Cmmr. Erv Ostlund at 218-547-1426 Photo Caption (photos are not included in The Library edition): Block 25: The historic Conservation Bulding and Tourist Center graces Walker's south entrance. ------------------------------------------------------ Leading Edge Journalism ----------------------- The Inevitable Happens BEMIDJI POLICE CHIEF PREECE GOES BANKO New Judgement Likely Prompted Filing; Leaves Trail of Scammed Helicopter Debt Editors Note: For earlier stories concerning Bemidji Police Chief Preece's alleged helicopter swindles, see NH of 5/4/02, 7/27/02 & 2/10/03 at northernherald.com Preece remains Chief of Police in the corrupt little town of Bemidji. MINNEAPOLIS -- Amidst many claims, by people who claim to have been defrauded by having been sold helicopters (usually about $300,000 each), and either didn't get, or didn't get clear title to the birds, and in the wake of a $174,937 judgement recently entered against him in a single case, Bemidji Police Chief James Bruce Preece filed a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Petition, July 11, 2003, in the federal Bankruptcy Court at Minneapolis (case no. 03-44078). The filing papers indicate that, after claimed exemptions, there will not be funds available to pay unsecured creditors (including the swindle victims), who will, consequently, be totally shafted. The filing lists Preece as doing business as, and surety for, Helicopter Flight, Inc., Aircare Executive Charter and Security, and HFI Aviation Services (HFIAS). Helicopter Flight, Inc. is based at the Crystal airport near the Twin Cities, and HFIAS may also have had operations at the Moorhead airport. The bankruptcy petition lists assets of $369,285 and liabilities of $1,563,626 The Meeting of Creditors is scheduled at 1 pm, 8/14/03, at the U.S. Courthouse, Minneapolis. The deadline for filing a complaint objecting to discharge of the debtor is 10/14/03. Preece's attorney is Gregory J. Wald Esq., of Edina. Allegations, against Preece, of fraud include at least one case where Preece allegedly sold, and received payment for, the same helicopter to two different people. One received title, the other got the bird. (see NH of 02/10/03). Although these matters have been under investigation by Pat Diamond of the Hennepin Co. Atty's Office, no criminal charges are known to have been brought. In addition to the judgement (ante), the Petition discloses 3 pending civil suits against Preece in Hennepin, Olmstead and Roseau Counties. Although the unsecured creditors listed in the Petition include some of the persons who have claimed that Preece owes them money due to the alleged helicopter swindles, the filed list may not be complete. There is, for example, no mention of Jim Bult, an Illinois man who claims that Preece owes him $295,000 as funds paid by Bult to Preece for a custom helicopter, which funds Preece never remitted to the helicopter manufacturer (see NH of 05/04/02). Bult had to pay for the bird a second time, directly to the manufacturer (Robinson Helicopter, which terminated Preece's franchise), to get delivery of the custom-built helicopter. Per Bult, Preece then gave him a promissory note for the $295,000; but it has yet to be paid. It is not known what Preece did with Bult's $295,000 which should have been remitted to Robinson; Preece's Petition lists only $6,000 as 2002 income from Helicopter Flight, Inc. The Petition discloses a federal tax lien, against Preece, for $90,000, presumably for unpaid taxes, and lists as a priority debt $41,615.12 as payroll taxes, owed to the Internal Revenue Service, for periods from 7/1/01 through 3/31/02, during which periods, presumably, withheld payroll taxes for employees of Helicopter Flight, Inc., were not being paid over, by Preece, to the IRS. Also listed in the Petition is a $174,937. judgement against Preece, entered in a North Dakota court and transcribed to Beltrami Co., for execution, in favor of Textron Financial Corp., which lists its address as c/o Cessna (aircraft) Financing Corp., Wichita, Kansas. ------------------------------------------------------ CORRECTION (no, not even we are without sin) An error appeared in our lead story in the print edition of the June 30, 2003 issue. The story concerned the likely false accusations made against a Grand Rapids man, assisted by a women's advocate organization. We have been informed that the misnamed Advocates For Family Peace (AFP) was not the organization involved, and it is believed to be the other GR area advocacy organization, the misnamed Itasca Alliance Against Sexual Assault (IAASA) that was involved. IAASA would not comment on their involvement in that case. As it is now understood, in Grand Rapids, AFP, chaired by Itasca Co. Sheriff Pat Medure, assists the false accusations of domestic abuse and harassment (OFPs, etc.); false accusations of romantic abuse, however, are handled by IAASA. ---------------------------------------------------- NATIONAL INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST TO SPEAK AT ST. CLOUD Pat Shannan, reporter for Media Bypass magazine, and known for his work on the cover-ups in the Oklahoma City bombing, will speak at a Justice Commission dinner, 6 p.m., Sept. 16th, at Michael's Steak & Seafood, St. Cloud. Public is invited, $15-25. Advance reservations nec.: 218-829-6816 (John), 320-548-3647 (Jimmy), 612-205-2202 (Sandy). ------------------------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism FLOYD CLOUD HELD, WITHOUT TRIAL, AT BELTRAMI CO. FOR 210 DAYS BEMIDJI -- What do you do when you know someone should be busted, yet there's the small problem that you don't have sufficient evidence to prove, to a jury, that he committed any crime? Well, if you happen to be the Beltrami County judicial system, you might just lock him up, and with the assistance of our public defenders, hold him in jail, delaying trial as long as possible and until he'll accept a plea bargain. Never mind that this is unconstitutional; this is Beltrami County (Bemidji), these are our public defenders, and this can happen to people here. Years ago (1994), it happened to Roy Martin, held for about 7 months before a jury acquitted him. More recently, it happened to Floyd Dean Cloud, a Minneapolis resident who was visiting here on Jan. 1, 2003 and was arrested for, allegedly, Driving Under the Influence (DWI). On Jan. 3rd, Cloud was charged with 1) First degree (felony) DWI (this is DWI after 3 prior convictions within 10 years); 2) Giving a peace officer a false name; and 3) 4th degree assault on a peace officer (case no. K6-03-4) Despite a demand for a speedy trial, Cloud was denied trial and held until July 29th, 2003 when, with Cloud having recently filed, from the jail, a petition for a writ of habeas corpus (for denial of his right to a speedy trial) before the federal District Court at St. Paul, and that matter pending before the federal Court, the Beltrami County Attorney offered a plea bargain to which Cloud agreed. Following the plea hearing, Cloud, 42, was ordered furloughed from jail and transported to Red Lake for medical treatment. A pre-sentence investigation, on the DWI, was ordered, with sentencing set for 9 am, Sept. 8th, 2003, at Beltrami County. The plea bargain is believed to have provided for immediate release for treatment, and dropping of the latter two charges, in exchange for time served (210 days), 5 yrs. probation, and conditions. At the plea hearing, the latter two charges were dismissed. Cloud has a record of several previous DWIs but has maintained consistently that he wasn't intoxicated when he was stopped. Police failed to obtain a breatholyzer test at the scene, and also failed to obtain a breatholyzer or blood test after arresting Cloud, alleging in the complaint that Cloud, being taken into custody, was too belligerent to be tested, and so the County was basing it's felony case only upon the arresting officer, Beltrami Deputy David Brook's, field observations. The complaint alleges that on January 1, 2003, the car Cloud was driving was observed on Co. Rd. 15, near Nebish, Minn., "driving in a very suspicious manner." The complaint alleges, "Deputy Brook observed that the ... [vehicle] was traveling at a higher rate of speed than the posted 55 MPH limit, and also observed that the vehicle was swerving over the center line, crossing the fog line on several occasions, and intermittently slowing down and speeding up." After stopping Cloud, alleges the complaint, "Deputy Brook detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage, ... observed that the driver [Cloud] had bloodshot, watery eyes as well as poor balance and slurred speech. The driver failed several field sobriety tests." The complaint alleges that, initially upon being stopped, Cloud gave as his, the name and date of birth of a passenger in the car (Jerry Lee Stillday). The complaint further alleges, "In the intoxilyzer room, Cloud had his handcuffs removed by a corrections officer. ... Deputy Brook began reading the implied consent advisory and was unable to finish before Cloud demanded an attorney and resumed his belligerent behavior. Cloud then screamed at Deputy Brook and ran at the deputy in an attempt to strike and tackle the peace officer. Deputy Brook then struggled with the defendant while corrections officers arrived to assist Deputy Brook in gaining control of Cloud. The defendant (Cloud) was then placed in a holding cell." The complaint lists 8 prior DWI convictions between 1985 and 2002, four of them within the last 10 years, three of those being in Hennepin Co. (Twin Cities area), and one in Cass Co. Initially, Cloud pled not guilty to the charges, and at hearing, on March 24th, with Cloud still in custody on high bail, Cloud demanded a speedy trial. Normally, when the defendant is in custody, this means that trial must be had within 60 days. But on May 24th, the 58th day after the demand, Cloud's public defender, Dee Sweeney, made, over Cloud's objections, a "Rule 20" motion which requested a determination as to whether he was competent to stand trial. In actuality, the transcript discloses that the problem was a dispute between Cloud and the public defender, and she was, perhaps, not prepared to try the case within the next two days. The transcript recites that Sweeney told the Court, "Our contact in the last two weeks has eroded his trust and confidence in me as his counsel," and Sweeney conceded that her actions in calling the Rule 20 hearing were against his wishes, "He would like to continue and have his trial next week." Cloud's testimony before the Court that day discloses no lack of competence on his part. Cloud told the Court, "I am against it [the Rule 20 motion]. I feel that I am not incompetent to stand trial, and the only reason this has come about now, is because I asked my attorney [Sweeney] what she has been doing for me. She indicated to me, nothing." Judge Holter nonetheless ruled that Cloud would have to undergo Rule 20 psychiatric examination. This delayed trial over 2 months more. In the end, Cloud was found competent to stand trial. In telephone interview, with trial long overdue, Cloud said, "The public defenders won't do anything for me." After being held, at this point, over 180 days, he had attempted to contact the State Public Defender regarding getting his trial; and he indicated then that he would file federal Habeas Corpus on his own behalf, to procure trial, or release. When he determined that he would have to defend himself, Cloud made several requests for access to the law library (adjacent to the jail), but they were denied. Nonetheless, he was able to get the necessary forms for Habeas Corpus, and Forma Pauperis by mail, from the federal District Court, and filed them by mail. In July interview at the Beltrami County Jail, Cloud appeared fully competent as he spoke. His everyday speech, however, sounded somewhat slurred, notwithstanding that he was obviously not intoxicated after being jailed for over six months. He again stated that he was not guilty of the DWI, and when confronted with the officer's field observations countered that he staggered because he has pins in both legs. He said that the officer never asked about his medical condition. Asked about why he was belligerent when at the LEC, Cloud said that the officer was checking things off on the Miranda Warning checksheet, as if his rights were being read to him, but in actuality, they were not read. Cloud was upset because he felt the officer was creating a false record of the arrest. He said that he has twice seen the videotape of the arrest; and only the second time, in July, could the officer be heard reading him his rights. He said that that had been inserted in the tape since his first viewing of it in March. ------------------------------------------------- RICH JARANSON BUSTED AFTER ... PRODUCE LARCENY? BEMIDJI -- It's hard to make heads or tails of this one, but sources say that Richard Jaranson was busted after taking a pea outside of the Beltrami County Humane Society. Beltrami Co. court records do disclose that he was cited 07/25/03, for disorderly conduct by way of exposing himself; but there is no mention of any theft of vegetables; nor any indication as to what the Humane Society would be doing selling peas. It is not known if the pea taken was recovered. Jaranson was scheduled to be arraigned before the Honourable Judge Benshoof on the Disorderly Conduct (M.S. 609.72, a misdemeanor) charge (case no. T8-03-3504), on August 15th; but failed to appear. A warrant was ordered for his arrest. Witnesses say that after taking the pea, Jaranson, 49, blatantly and arrogantly exposed himself to male and female volunteers and others in the Humane Society parking lot, and to traffic on Carr Lake Road, in front of the animal shelter. Jaranson was offered the opportunity to comment on the matter, but failed to return our call. Jaranson is reputed to be the illicit live-in consort of Karen Janov. Janov is a recent former president of the Humane Society, and retains a seat on its Board. Janov was also formerly the Executive Director of the misnamed and highly corrupt Northwoods Coalition for Battered Women (NCBW), and resigned when charged with obstructing justice in an incident where the NCBW women's shelter was allegedly harbouring a woman who had kidnapped some children, and Janov impeded officers attempting to serve a warrant to search for, and arrest, that woman. Janov pled guilty to that charge. (See The Karen Janov Matters at Living On The Edge at northernherald.com) Prosecutor Randall Berg said that consideration would be given to upgrading Jaranson's charge to the more specific Indecent Exposure under M.S. 617.23, which would be a gross misdemeanor if done in the presence of a minor under 16. A witness said that two minors under 16 were within observation distance when the act occurred. Berg, however, has not yet made the more appropriate charge. Janov, of course, worked closely with the corrupt Beltrami County Attorney's office when she was at NCBW. Retaliation. The corrupt Beltrami Humane Society (BHuS) Board has failed to address the matter, and appears to be treating a victim and witness, BHuS shelter manager Carolyn Van Wert, rather than Jaranson, as the problem for having reported Jaranson's indecent exposure. On August 25th, 2003, Van Wert was suspended from her job, and someone, believed to be Janov or another BHuS member, preeced* out an affidavit for search warrant accusing Van Wert of having, on her premises, several items, and $430 cash, allegedly missing from the shelter. The search warrant was prepared by Beltrami Sheriff's Investigator Brian Ball, signed by Judge Paul Benshoof, and executed only a few hours later by Deputy Mark Holter, Brian Ball, and others, at 11:30 a.m. August 25th at the residence of Van Wert and her mother, Pam Abels. After detaining Abels and Jeremy Van Wert for 2 1/2 hours during the search at the residence, Holter reported that none of the many items stated in the warrant were there. The false affidavit also accused Van Wert of neglecting animals on her premises, something she adamantly denies. In this, the deputies were accompanied, on the search, by Wade Hanson of the St. Paul-based Humane Society For Companion Animals. In the interests of humane treatment. Upon inspection of the premises and the animals, no neglect citation was issued. However, per Jeremy Van Wert, during the search, Hanson told one of the deputies, "If a dog moves, shoot him." Another deputy pulled out his mace can and threatened to mace Jeremy's toy fox terrier, a dog about the size of a Chihuahua. Tendrils of corruption. When not at BHuS, Karen Janov works with her daughter, Leah Pierce at Snow Goose Gifts, a Bemidji tourist trap. Pierce's husband, Brian, owns Pierce Concrete, Bemidji. * preece: a verb; to confidently, straightfacedly and blatantly lie; a term coined for the present Bemidji Police Chief, James Bruce Preece. --------------------------------------------------------- In Focus WOODCARVERS GATHER AT BLACKDUCK ! Following the Blackduck Ambulance Service's 1st annual pancake feed at the Sr. Center, viewers, buyers and exhibitors from all over packed the large Blackduck City Park, July 26th, for the 2003 Woodcarvers' Fest. This enormous gathering of artisans exhibited objects d'art, fine furniture, findings and supplies, topiaries, and just about anything that had to do with wood. For info re: next years event, readers may contact Rob Stomberg at 218-835-4949 Photo Captions (photos are not included in The Library edition): Gerry Hansen, pictured by his handmade wishing well, operates Replicas In Cedar at Baudette Minn. His work is excellent - it couldn't be better even if he could see. Caught on the other side of the camera, artist and Bemidji Pioneer photographer Monte Draper assisted kids and adults learning how to paint woodcrafts at a tent set up near park gazebo. Flying Canada Geese by Gary L. Bye, of Jackson, Minn. ------------------------------------------------------ In Focus NORTH STAR STAMPEDE AT EFFIE ! The City of Effie, Minnesota, just north of Grand Rapids, is always wall-to-wall with people the last full weekend of July. Rain or shine, that's the weekend of the North Star Stampede & Rodeo!! With North Star stands almost packed to capacity, and drawing cowboys and cowgirls from several states and Canada, event winners were: Bareback Bronc Riding: Jason Lenzen, Cook, Mn., 127 pts. on two head; Calf Roping: Ryan Olson, Melrose, Wi., 18.518 sec., Olson also took Steer Wrestling with 8.766 sec. on two head. Saddle Bronc Riding: J. J. Smith, Winterset, Ia., 137 points on two head; Team Roping: Cody Niesus, Buffalo, Mn. & Matt Otto, Thompson, Mn., 7.102 sec.; Pro Bull Riding: Brent Knutson, Page, ND., 71 points; Jackpot Bull Riding: Derek Stockman, Pine River, Mn., (Fri.); Shawn Kraske, Eveleth, Mn., (Sat.); Wild Cow Milking: Ray Bell, Motley, Mn., & Rick Van Buren, Backus, Mn.; Barrel Race: Soni Martins, Int'l Falls, Mn., 16.722 sec.; Wild Horse Race (2 teams tied): 1) James Forester, Stratton, Ont., Leroy Pitzen, Effie, Mn. & Bob Schwarz, Eveleth, Mn., 2) Charlie Loken, Cook, Mn., Randy Johnson, Kettle River, Mn., & Will Jarek, Carver, Mn. The Wild Horse Race involves, firstly saddling the wild horse by the three-man team (this is over half the battle - sometimes the winner is the horse! Several horses were never saddled and at least one contender was dragged the length of the arena), then riding it to the finish line at the opposite end. Photo Captions (photos are not included in The Library edition): Mud and lassos fly as the team of Travis and Bob Schwarz, Pine City and Eveleth, Minn., team rope their calf in 12.75 seconds (7.75, plus a 5 sec. penalty). One of the yougest cowgirls, barrel racer Nicole Curel, 12, of Pequot Lakes, rode the barrels Saturday in 19.218 sec. She practices about 3 hours a week with her horse, Jimmy. In summers, Nicole rides the rodeo circuit in the in the Nat'l Little Britches Rodeo Assn., performing every other weekend. Nicole's mother, Shari Curel, turns in a very respectable 17.822 in the barrel race. Eric Stockman, of Pine River, stays on his bull for the full count of 8. North Star's Howard Pitzen, left, said that he was pleased with the performances this 48th Rodeo, which set an attendance record. This year's featured the never (sucessfully) ridden, award-winning bull, "Leavenworth", a product of the North Star bucking stock breeding program. -------------------------------------------------------------- LAKELAND PUBLIC TELEVISION TO HOLD OPEN HOUSE Lakeland Public Television will hold an Open House at their Bemidji location on Saturday, September 6th, from 12-3pm outside of Bangsberg Hall on the Bemidji State University campus and at their Brainerd studio on Sunday, September 7th from 12-3pm at 422 NW 3rd St. Guests are invited to bring their cameras and get their pictures taken with Clifford the Big Red Dog, tour Lakeland's studio, learn about Lakeland’s new digital service, and enjoy cake, refreshments and activities for the kids. Rain or shine, visitors can come see all that Lakeland Public Television has to offer. ------------------------------------------------------------ PARK RAPIDS MAN ADDRESSES DIVORCE INEQUITIES Son Admits False OFP; Co. Agencies Assisted; Wife Concealed Son on Visiting Days PARK RAPIDS -- Harry Miller, of Park Rapids, is seeking visitation with his 14 yr. old son who lives with Miller's ex-wife at Little Falls and with whom Miller hasn't had visitation for 1 1/2 years. But he says that has been hampered in his efforts by a false OFP, and Morrison County, and other, agencies and the court system, notwithstanding that the OFP accusations have been admitted to have been falsely made, and Miller has also passed a polygraph test. Miller is under court order to pay $660 a month in child support, based upon his former job with Minn. Dept. of Agriculture, (MNDOA) and has not yet been able to get that modified. Following an injury, and losing that job, his earnings have dramatically declined, and unable to pay that amount, he was jailed for 30 days for non-payment, with driver's and other licenses now subject to suspension. He had owned a 240-acre farm, but his wife got that in the divorce. His ex-wife now receives income from renting that farm. Miller said that prior to the OFP, he'd drive from Park Rapids to Little Falls for visitation, and his wife would sometimes conceal, or refuse to permit him to see the son. The first few times, Miller reported this to the Morrison Co. Sheriff's Office, but when they took no action, he saw no reason to report later instances. Regarding the initial false OFP allegations, Miller says that the agencies and organizations involved (including Morrison Co. Social Services, Little Falls Middle School, Northern Pines Mental Center and the Morrison Co. Sheriff's Office) have made records which, Miller believes, have caused him to be dismissed from a job (taken after his job with MNDOA), "I have good reason to believe that," he said. Miller said that once the agencies make record of such accusations, they don't record the recantation and "you're always guilty and they don't give a ... [darn] if you're not guilty." In interview, Miller's son said that he wants to see his father and have visitation with him; and said that he initially made accusations of molestation in an OFP application because he was angry with his father, but that those statements were false. Miller said that his son had also recanted his initial statements in court, but the Court, by Judge Godzala, at Morrison County, nonetheless ruled in favor of his ex-wife (on visitation) without evidence to sustain the ruling. Miller said that his son's accusations came shortly after he had to remove his son's snowmobile privileges because the son had ridden over a neighbor's corn field, and then abandoned the snowmobile; and also after the son was barred from taking an out-of-state hunting trip because, per Miller, he wasn't adequately keeping up with his schoolwork, which was one of the terms of being able to take the trip. "We had an excellent relationship prior to this happening," Miller said. Addressing the problems caused by these sorts of false accusations, Miller, a former member of the Darling Township Board, criticized not only the judicial effect, but also the way these matters are handled by certain of the press and others. He recalled a similar case involving another Township Board member, who ran a day care center and so was severely damaged by the false allegations, "He suffered terrible embarrassment and injustice - both of us have been on the Town Board [of different townships] and have been very active in our communit[ies]. ... It made great headlines when they accused him of this ... [but] when he was cleared of all charges, there was no mention made ... whatsoever." Miller had hired Park Rapids attorney William Jones, Esq. to represent him in court on the visitation matter; but now, with Jones' failure to get the order modified initially, and Miller unable to pay further legal fees for Jones to further pursue it, Miller said that he now intends to represent himself in another effort to obtain modification of the visitation and support orders. ----------------------------------------------------------- THE GOLDEN CORRIDOR Along Highway 371 between Brainerd and Walker, where, in early spring, the glint of the sun on the new aspen and birch leaves turns the roadside to hues of green and gold. BUILDING AND BUYING IN THE GOLDEN CORRIDOR At the gateway to big tree country, with lakefront lots starting at about $1,600/acre (per Jack Dopier, Leech Lake Realty), and nice older starter homes can sometimes be found in the 40s and 50s; the Golden Corridor, from the northern Brainerd lakes to the south of Walker, is one of the last ground-floor opportunities to live in Minnesota's great Northland. But these values won't last long. Supply and demand have recently created an enormous boom in buying and building both residences and businesses, in the Golden Corridor; this has produced, and will continue to produce, dramatic appreciation in property values. The reason for the current value is because much of this area is between generations. The generation that made the area boom in years past is now largely retired; some are no longer with us. Many of the kids went to seek fame and fortune in the city. This reduced property demand; towns shrunk and prices declined. Now a whole new generation is discovering Northland living. Sue Larson, who manages the office at their (Sue & husband, Kevin) construction firm at Hackensack, said, for the last year or so, "there's a lot of people moving up to the area, and they've gotten younger in age. ... it's unbelievable [the building trade is] ... very busy up here; everyone wants to get away from the big city ... a lot of them come up in the summer ... sometimes they're still working [in the city] and they'd come up on weekends or spend vacations up here, fixing up, getting ready for the move..." Of the housing types, Larson said that typically, in Northland building, there are "a lot more country homes - they're big homes but they're a lot more wood ... inside and out. ... In the city you get into more of your vinyl, or your brick, ... a lot more country look in our area up here. K. Larson builds for between $100-$250/sq. ft., "It depends on how fancy you're gonna go," Sue Larson said, explaining that things like fireplaces, lofts, and finished basements affect the cost. Kevin Larson, who's built for about 30 years, typically supervises his crews at several projects at any time "always there with a tool belt on", being on-site at all of them constantly. Sue said he's, "very dependable - when he says he's going to be there, he's there. He gets the job done, and it's a good job. ... He can frame a house within a week to 2 weeks [depending on weather]." Sue said "Kevin's made a lot of handmade tables, ... furniture, cabinets, railings; ... the people say 'well, I would like a railing like this,' so he handmakes all the spindles ...." "[We've] got a lot of references ... both business and residential," she said. An option many area people are also choosing is the log home. These are not cabins - they're spacious elegant natural log houses. And a local producer explained that they really need cost no more than frame. Log homes are known for their longevity, lasting, if properly built, 150 years or more with proper maintenance. "There are still log homes standing around here that are well over 100 years old," said Dean Yungner, who, with his wife, Bonnie, own Red Pine Log Homes on 371, between Backus and Hackensack. "They fit into the area, here, as far as the rusticness; in the lakes area, logs fit," he said, with Bonnie adding, "the Up-North look." For Yungner, bigger isn't better, "We've got a pretty small crew that builds, and I don't want to get any more people involved because then you can't keep a handle on the quality; I'm not going to hire any people that I can't depend on," he said. There is sometimes a small waiting list for new home starts. Yungner explained the heat-efficiency, which is important through northern winters, "[A log absorbs and] ... stores the heat, and then, if the temperature drops inside, radiates it back out into the room ... so it has ... more even heating..." The R-value of logs, per Yungner, is about 1.5 per inch of solid wood, or up to about R-13.5 for 9" logs. Conversely, typical 1" hardwood siding has an R value of 0.91; 3.5" of fiberglass adds R-10.9; 4" brick is R-4.0 (source: Georgia State University-HyperPhysics resource - Dr. Rod Nave) The cost of a custom-built log home ranges from about $95/ sq. ft. to $125 for the most expensive all hand-crafted "scribed log" house. "I just feel that a log home will probably appreciate more than a ... frame home ... it's something that's very popular now, and I think it'll be very popular for years to come, Yungner said." Photo Captions (photos are not included in The Library edition): The waterfront at Hackensack 15-yr. Hackensack home builder Tim Paulson is depicted with a lakefront addition he recently completed. He explained that good quality work is his priority, "I work with the customer, do what they want," from drafting to completion. "I use Tyvek and 2x6 exterior walls," for good insulation. Typically, Paulson builds from $90-$140/ sq. ft. Interviewed while working with crew on a house, Paulson said, "I'm ... a hands-on contractor. ... I'm actually on the job, doing the work." Busy bees. Commercial property, which fits the rustic northern environment, is also booming here. At right, a new building goes up on the campus of Mann Lake Ltd. Mann Lake is one of the world's largest manufacturers and sellers of apiary (beekeepers') supplies. This very sizable firm does a global business from its headquarters at Hackensack. Red Pine Log Homes maintains their own milling facility for local logs. Logs stand ready to become future homes. One good way to see the whole area is by air. Backus Municipal Airport offers sightseeing trips, and tie-down space for people flying in from the Cities. ----------------------------------------------------------- THE MAGIC OF MOONDANCE !! WALKER -- While some of the other fests are down this year, Moondance enthusiasm just continues to grow. In this, its 12th year, again, about 20,000 people packed the Moondance site for the fest July 9th - 12th, 2003. Moondance is kind of an indescribable wonderland of its own. The diversity of Moondance is far more than we can fit on these pages; this year, for instance, Moondance Producers, Mr. & Mrs. Bieloh, built 3 well-manicured softball fields (with all the accoutrements, buildings, etc. - first-class as usual) on the grounds for tournament games (Mr. Bieloh has long been a Little League volunteer and coach). You just gotta be there. It's not at all like the other fests. It's comfortable, entertaining and secure - a place where you might come for a specific music set, but then, you just don't want to leave. The personal family involvement of the Bielohs is the key. The magic of Moondance takes over when one first enters the grounds, and it becomes the shortest 4 days of the entire year. Before you know it, it's over. But then, it's not that long 'til next year's! Photo Captions (photos are not included in The Library edition): THE MANY CORNERS OF MOONDANCE. Much more than just the main stage, the many nooks and crannies of Moondance have something for just about everyone! The audience stands in awe and cheers as Grammy winner Rockin' Dopsie Jr. opens the Main Stage Amusements. It's fine to get high at Moondance. Jim Boser, from Buckman, Minn., does it on the Rocket Rush Ejection Seat. Strapped in the basket, a crane pulls bungees, hung from high towers, tight. Then, well, the picture tells it best! What's it like? Said returning astronut Boser, "[Heck] of agood time!" Main Stage Talent. Conga drummer in the large and elaborate War ensemble; Joe Cocker; Joan Jett; Foreigner's Lou Gramm; Alice Cooper; lead singer with the band, Boston; Sammy Hagar; War. Staff & Security - The Moondance Team. With more people than comprise the entire populations of Walker, Cass Lake, Park Rapids and Bemidji, combined, packed into the comparatively small Moondance Fairgrounds; from the gate keepers to the bartenders to the Moondance team of over 200 county, city, and private security officers, all of the staff and security personnel have one single job: to make sure everybody can have a good time! And they do it well. Cass Co. Deputy, Sgt. Thompson said that even with the rain during heavy incoming traffic, "Things went real well. They've got it really well organized out here; Bill Bieloh's got a heck of a staff, they've been doing this for years now and they've got it down to an art. The staff out here is what really makes this thing go well. They've got a great bunch of people. The game plan's for everybody to have a good time and have fun." Blake Crow came up from Windom, Minn. to work the gate. The Shops & Food. As always, Moondance featured an eclectic mix of unique wares and good food. Cigar vendor Jim Flesch (Open Water, Walker) cuts a fine cigar for Troy Stewart, of Laporte. A distinctive woodcarving at Rashimah's imports. Nicole and Jessica serve up Elk Steak sandwiches at the Minnesota Wapiti stand. The Campgrounds. Coleman (R) helped sponsor the 2003 best site contest. Winners, in this year's sports theme, were 1st) Jack & Doug, 2nd) Moondance Island, and 3rd) MASH 4077th sites. One of the most desirable camping areas is the rustic North Campground, where the following photos were taken. These sites, however, cannot be reserved. The best sites go to the first to arrive! Friendly Fire. When the going gets hot, theres nothing like a pressurized spray to cool things down! The handpainted Moondance VW Microbus belongs to jammer Gabriel Williams. He's joined by his friends, from Brainerd, the Oscarsons (Nina, Randy, Chad, Troy and birthday girl, Kim (at inset)), Ben Williams and others. Their favorite bands so far? Dopsie, Thorogood, & Boston. Jonathan Milo, from Pequot Lakes, picks guitar at his site, joined by Rory Welu; Scott Floerchinger, Crosslake; Andrew Koch, Nisswa; Cody Gardner, Pequot Lakes; and Jason Dressel, Breezy Point. Favorite bands so far? Thorogood & Cocker, but they were waiting to see Cooper & Hager that night! JUST FIDDLIN' AROUND AT THE MOONDANCE JAM SALOON Jammers there remarked, and this reporter agrees, that although the big names on the Main Stage were very well received by the huge crowds of fans who flooded the grounds, some of the very best music at Moondance was at the Moondance Jam Saloon. The Saloon is a relaxed place, in the southwest corner of the expansive Moondance Fairgrounds, where you can sit and have a beer, up close and personal with the talented entertainers only a few feet away, and of course ... dance! With it's spacious floor, this is actually the best place on the grounds for dancing; and as Michael Doucet said when they were at Greenway, Cajun music is made for dancing! This year, the Saloon featured Cajun entertainers expert fiddler Curtis Coubello, the Treater Band with it's wide repertoire of Cajun and popular music that sets one's feet in motion, and grammy-winner Rockin' Dopsie and the Zydeco Twisters who did several sets in the Saloon after opening on the Main Stage. CURTIS COUBELLO, simply put, is an absolute master of his craft, which happens to be the art of playing fiddle. In addition to playing great straight fiddle, some of his fancier fiddling positions are shown on this page. "I'm not here for a long time, but I'm here for a good time," Coubello said, taking the stage at the start of his 3 days of Saloon performances. Despite his talent and the rigors of the entertainment circuit, Coubello remains a traditional Southern spiritual family man. Softspoken and totally unpretentious, he comes across as a regular working guy. And wherever Coubello is, thoughts of his family aren't far away. Asked what's new since he was last here in 2000, Coubello said, "The newest thing in my life is a brand-new daughter!" Coubello said that his repertoire has changed "a lot" over the last two years, "... a lot more moderate, up-tempo" tunes, but always with his trademark Cajun style. He said that he's gotten a lot more feeling for the music, "as I grow - I guess as I get older, my music gets better and better." Coubello, a fourth-generation fiddle player who started playing at the age of eight, is now working on his fourth album. On tour, he sometimes plays with the Treater band, but mainly plays and tours in several states with his own Louisiana-based band, The INSTA-GATORS. Speaking of the challenge of combining family life with the traveling that a music career requires, Coubello said that when the children are older they may be able to travel together more; for now, their mother keeps things running right at home when he's away. Still, the career isn't the easiest for a couple. "Dedication is the key, but the real key is love. ... She supports me in everything I do with my music," Coubello said, adding that her presence and influence has greatly enhanced his work, "... it's growing right now; an old saying goes, 'you've gotta have a good woman by your side and then you can be ultimate.'" With his older daughter Diamond six and already "very talented," and new daughter Skyler, Coubello says that whenever he has to travel, "I've .. got three women back home that love me and that are waiting for me to get back there...." Note: A cut from Coubello's Cajun Swamp Pop CD can be heard, for a limited time, at northernherald.com For booking info for Coubello or The Insta-Gators, call 225-247-2670 or 225-202-1274 Photo Captions (photos are not included in The Library edition): Coubello on the Saloon stage with the Treater Band. Fiddle in left hand, right (bow) hand behind back. Fiddling with bow in mouth. Someone else holds the fiddle. Below, two people hold the bow; Coubello plays, excellently, by moving the fiddle body. Someone else holds the bow, Coubello plays by moving the fiddle. With fiddle under the rear. In this shot, the fiddle is upside down, as Coubello plays (also upside down), never missing a beat. THE TREATER BAND also performed, sometimes with Coubello, throughout Moondance in the Saloon tent. With varying tempos, from traditional Zydeco (e.g. Mardi Gras Mambo, Zydeco Party) and Cajun in English and French, to popular music (e.g. Born on the Bayou, Susie Q, and That Old Time Rock & Roll) performed on Cajun instruments and with a zesty Cajun beat, to slow romantic numbers; these performers had no trouble keeping the large dance floor filled. Of their extensive and diverse repertoire, lead singer Charlie Duthu (shown at left) said that the band has been performing for 25 years, and "we play what the people want to hear." The band's name, Treater, derives from their traditional term for a healer. Explained Duthu, "Our ancestors were treaters. [They] ... did it with the power of faith and prayer, we do it with the music. He said that, at some performances, people would "show up in a wheelchair and before the music's over they're standing up and bopping around. Because it [the music] makes you forget your problems." The band, from Houma, Louisiana, is of Native American (Choctaw)-French origin. A veteran of past Cajunfests here, Duthu said, enthusiastically, "We've been doing this for many years, and it's so good to be out here in Minnesota. ... We feel so welcome.... It's a good feeling; the turnout is really great, we appreciate it!" The band is comprised of Duthu (vocals and washboard), bandleader Calvin Parfait (lead guitar and melodeon), Alvin Parfait (drums), Esther Parfait-Billiot (keyboard), and Troy Billiot (bass guitar). The Treater Band will return to Minnesota to play at the Bayou Boogie Festival at Grand Portage, Labor Day weekend. For booking info, call 985-876-7309 or e-mail: getarman5@msn.com website: http://go.to/TreaterMusic Photo Captions (photos are not included in The Library edition): Dancing to the Treater Band Above, enjoying the Saloon and sporting new hats from The Rhinestone Cowgirl stand are, from left, Barb, Steve, and Dawn, all from Brainerd. -------------------------------------------------------------- Northern Destinations ALL ROADS LEAD TO LAKE GEORGE, MINNESOTA The gateway to Itasca and Headwaters of the Mississippi. Whether stopping and dining on the way to Itasca, or as a destination in itself, from which the State Park and other nearby attractions can be explored, people enjoy the unique lakeside woodland rusticity and four-season recreation at Lake George. In addition to good food, the shops at Lake George offer some very unique merchandise, and many genuine bargains. Must sees include Tall Pine Bargain Center, Itasca Moccasin and the Jelly Jar. Tall Pine is a plethora of new and used practical merchandise at amazing prices - all those things that you've needed, but maybe didn't know it 'til you got there. A real deal is their western and other hats - usually $15 or more, even in the discount stores - starting at $5 here; boots from $15. To be sure they're open, call 218-252-3632. Itasca Moccasin is really THE place to get authentic moccasins in Northern Minnesota. Your foot is traced, and the mocs are custom-made for a perfect fit in the colour and style of your choice. And all this for a price that will surprise you - less than you'd probably plan on paying in a store for factory-mades. For those in a hurry, Itasca Moccasin also keeps a big inventory of already handmade mocs, in a wide variety of sizes, colours and styles, including both indoor and outdoor (hard sole) moccasins. ---------------------------------------------------------- In Focus FEST OF BLUEBERRIES AT LAKE GEORGE! LAKE GEORGE -- This year's well-attended Blueberry Fest (last weekend of July) featured a particularly well-stocked swap meet with more vendors and more selection of hard-to-find new, handmade, and used crafts and merchandise than before. Shoppers found everything from pottery to knickknacks to wicker goods, household goods, jewelry, novelties, and much more. In addition to the parade and swap meet, this year's event featured a quilt show and raffle, gospel concert, pie & ice cream social, Little League tourney, children's carnival & tractor pull, pie sale, bingo, pie eating contest, pig roast, blueberry educational booth, senior softball, firemen's bean feed, the Blueberry Ball with the Charlie Nason Band, blueberry hotcake breakfast, horseshoe pitching and, of course, the Blueberry Square Dance. Photo Captions (photos are not included in The Library edition): Roger and Beverly Olson brought wild jams & jellies. The Park Rapids Friendly Squares and the Lake George Blueberry Squares dance their way through the parade. Eve Sumsky of Tenstrike, demonstrated wicker work at Monie Martin's (of Bagley) wickerware booth. The Courage North Float Headwaters Shrine Club does fancy figure driving for the parade spectators, many who brought lawn chairs, lining both sides of the highway. The final parade entry wasn't in the line-up - he couldn't sit still that long - so he just followed, flying over in an acrobatic biplane and made a low pass over the crowd. After the parade, many of the festgoers enjoy a leisurely lunch at Pine Country Cafe. --------------------------------------------------------------- HUBBARD SHERIFF'S POSSE FUND RAISING DINNER: SEPT. 6TH PARK RAPIDS -- The Hubbard Co. Sheriff's Mounted Posse will hold it's annual fund raising dinner and horse camp at its Lake George Headquarters, Sept. 6th, at 6 pm. It's $7 and the quality of the AYCE BBQ dinner, in its ambient forest surroundings, is well worth it. Info & directions: 218-732-3331 ------------------------------------------------------------ In Focus -------- At Hackensack LUCETTE GREETS VISITORS TO CENTENNIAL SWEETHEART DAYS! One thing they know how to do in Hackensack, Minn. is have fun - come Rain or Shine! So rain on July 9th in this, Hackensack's 100th year, didn't dampen Sweetheart Days spirits much, they just moved the parade, and some of the activities to the 27th. And that Sunday Fest turned out to be one of the best, with food, kid's midway, games, and fun for all! Photo Captions (photos are not included in The Library edition): With the Centennial parade theme "Life In The Past Lane", Hack-Backus ACE HARDWARE'S float, depicting biffies, down through the century, took First Prize. Ahead of the Ace float, and it's heart-shaped Happy 100th Birthday Hackensack sign, elegantly walked Paul Bunyan and wife Lucette Diana Kensack. Their sign declares, "Outhouse Capitol of the World" and "Parade of Privvies." The Lucette's Pizza Float. Small people - small horses. The die-hard Birch Lake Ice Racers keep their food stand open even in the rain and also on the 27th after others had closed. This was THE place to get food! Horseshoe Tourneys ... ... and the horses --------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Good Deals FINALLY, A REALLY BETTER MOUSE TRAP Ingenious in it's simplicity, the Mice Cube(R) is a Lucite-type rectangular box of just the right size for a mouse, and with a one-way swinging door. When baited, the mouse walks in, but can't get out until you release it (outside, preferably) by slowly turning the cube upside down. It's that simple - the trap live-captures mice without harm, and there's never a need to touch the mouse. When used per the simple instructions provided, in our tests, the Mice Cube was highly effective, generally catching a mouse within a few hours of baiting. Reusable, this may be the last trap one would ever need; in repeated trials, the same trap caught mouse after mouse after mouse (after release and rebaiting, each time). The Mice Cube is sold at Wal-Mart, Bemidji for about $1.54 --------------------------------------------------------- NOTICE OF OPENING OF INVESTIGATION Have stains (either rust-colored or black) appeared on your clothes right after washing at certain bemidji laundramats? If so, please contact this newspaper at 218-759-1162. Source names will not be printed. ------------------------------------------------------------ THINGS THAT JUST DON'T WORK "There is no product that someone cannot make a little worse and sell a little cheaper. Those who consider price alone are this man's lawful prey." This column is cumulative, and provided for consumer awareness. Signed consumer submissions are welcome. HI-VAL (R) (I/O MAGIC (R)) CD-RW drives. In our test case, this product appeared to perform satisfactorily upon installation, but failed within 6 months. There have been other reports, including by technicians, of this product failing. The product is sold by Office Max and other retailers. SYMPHONIC (R) VCRS. Certain of these products are known, after a year or two of use, to sporadically malfunction, going into an error mode when the rewind or fast forward button is pressed. The machine then has to be manually turned on again, which ejects the tape and resets the counter to zero. As a result, frequently, when the consumer tries to fast forward or rewind, he may have to get up and reinsert the tape, and the counter place is lost. This product has been sold by K-MART (R) and other retailers. LEXAR (R) Compact Flash cards. These are touted as being compatible with most digital cameras, and Kodak (R) agrees. But in our test case, the Lexar 32Mb card produced sporadic errors when used with the Kodak DC120. The Kodak card (less than $1 more) did not give this problem. OFFICE MAX (R) REBATES. How can they make money rebating that much? Mail-in rebates are predicated on the theory that a lot of people won't send for them, and a lot of people will fall through the cracks. Office Max makes a practice of drawing in customers with offers of large rebates. But in our investigation, many people didn't get theirs. Firstly, there's lots of fine print on the rebate form, like rebates won't be sent to P.O. boxes. This lets out the entire City of Walker, where that's the only way people get their mail. There are lots of other loopholes that keep you from getting your rebate, and even compromise the returnability of the merchandise if you send for it. The bottom line is that if a manufacturer really wants to offer a bona-fide rebate, you'll get it at the checkstand - not by mail. HEWLETT-PACKARD (R) was once one of the most dependable brands of computer peripherals one could buy. But no longer. Consumers should be aware that particularly for long-term data storage and retrieval, HP products can no longer be relied upon because HP policy is to not continue support for those products. For example, people who, only a few years ago, bought the HP Colorado 800 MB backup device, sold as a permanent storage device, will now find that if it needs maintenance or repair, those services are unavailable. HP will tell the customer, effectively, that they're SOL (Simply Out of Luck). Data archived with the device is now, for all practical purposes, irretrievable and lost. Due to HP policy, users may find service for other HP products to become unavailable not too long after they are purchased; more dependable and integrious brands, in the long-term, may be a more worthwhile option. -------------------------------------------------------- AUSTIN PLAYS GRAND RAPIDS ! Photo Caption (photos are not included in The Library edition): GRAND RAPIDS -- Triple Minnesota Music Award (2002) winner Renee Austin wowed the Grand Rapids audience July 26th, 2003, with a unique blend of blues and pop numbers, as well as originals from her new album to be released in Sept., 2003. Austin's appearance in the Rainbow Inn's Garland Room was made possible by La Rosa Restaurant, in conjunction with Rainbow Inn. Her first CD, "Dancin' With Mr. Blue" took honors as the 2002 Blues Recording of the Year; Austin was named Best Female Vocalist, and Best Blues Artist. Austin, originally from Texas, now resides in Minneapolis. At the Rainbow, her first appearance in the Grand Rapids area, the multi-talented Austin performed on guitar, keyboard, and vocals, with her 5-piece band. The music, in varying tempos and sometimes with a Latin beat, was very listenable, very dancable stuff. Austin's booking agent is Blue Sky - Miki Nord: 612-332-3904; with info at reneeaustin.com ---------------------------------------------------------- GR AUDITIONS IN SEPT. Auditions for the Grand Rapids Players fall season will be held on Friday, Sept. 19th and Saturday, Sept. 20th. For more information visit www.grplayers.com or call 218-244-7546. Photo Caption (photos are not included in The Library edition): Small people - small ducks. Amy Wiese, of Pine River, displays her duckling entry at the Cass County Fair, held at Pine River, Minn., in July. ---------------------------------------------------------------- BOVEY TO TURN 100 The city of Bovey, Minn. will be celebrating its Centennial Sept. 6th, 2003. ------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 06/30/2003 - VOLUME 8 NO. 6 ------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism ----------------------- ANOTHER ITASCA CO. MAN CHARGED IN LIKELY FALSE ACCUSATION BY STEP-DAUGHTER Incurs $25,000 in Legal Costs; Charge Assisted by Women's Advocate GRAND RAPIDS -- Since practically the beginning of time, children have had disputes with the parents that raise and support them. It is not doubtful that Cain and Abel had a few spats and tantrums with Adam and Eve. But now, under current law and the way it is administered, when children, in an effort to get out of the house, make up stories about their parents, it can be extremely expensive, and the parents can actually be criminally charged and face prison time. A national newsmagazine recently asked, on it's cover, if children, nowadays, have too much power. Sheenah Choe Yoo Jin Paquin, a 16 yr. old adopted Korean child of Tom Paquin, of Coleraine, and Mrs. Jeffery Borash (formerly married to Tom Paquin), Grand Rapids, decided she wanted to live with her father, rather than her mother and stepfather, and didn't want to visit them anymore. So now her stepfather (married to Sheenah's adoptive mother), Jeffery Borash, 39, a Grand Rapids tile & flooring contractor, finds himself accused of unlawfully fondling her, accusations he adamantly denies. The six separate criminal charges, all stemming from the same accusation, carry up to 135 years in prison and/or fines totalling $185,000. The complaint, dated 03/28/03, and signed by Grand Rapids Police (GRPD) Officer Stephen Valley and prosecuting attorney Heidi Chandler, states that Sheenah Paquin told GRPD officer Brent Bradley, that when Borash would wake Sheenah up in the morning for school, he would give "her a back rub, then progressed to three or four occasions of him touching or rubbing her ... [private areas] ... on top of her clothing, and then multiple acts of touching and rubbing her ... [private areas] ... underneath her clothing by pulling up her shirt and pulling down her pants. She stated that he also attempted to French kiss her on multiple occasions. She stated that on one occasion he attempted to penetrate her [private area] with his finger." From this allegation, the complaint cites 3 counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct in the first degree under M.S. 609.342 Subd. 1(b), 1(g), 1(h)(iii) and 609.17; and 3 in the second degree under 609.343 Subd. 1(b), 1(g), 1(h)(iii). The charges, based on the girl's statements, without other corroborating evidence, and which do not specify any date, except for "May 2001 through approximately mid-July 2001" when the acts allegedly occurred; were brought by the office of Jack Muhar, Itasca County Attorney, with the assistance of an advocate believed to be from Grand Rapids' misnamed Itasca Alliance Against Sexual Assault, a women's advocacy organization which receives state funding for developing such cases, and are being prosecuted by Heidi Chandler of Muhar's office. Borash said that he had incurred, thus far, about $25,000 in legal fees, for two attorneys, to defend himself against the likely false accusations. The matter goes to trial in Grand Rapids before Judge Hawkinson September 9th, 2003. Sheenah Paquin is presently living with her (adoptive) father, Tom Paquin, and his wife, Melanie, in Coleraine. Tom procured, on 02/20/03, an order for protection which prevents visitation with her mother at the Borash home (case no. 31-F6-03-350). Tom Paquin, believed to be employed as a District Coordinator for American Family Life Assurance Co. (AFLAC), refused to comment on the facts of the case, and refused to permit Sheenah to do so. Jeffery Borash described Sheenah as a disciplinary problem child at times, particularly after her mother's divorce from Tom Paquin and remarriage to Borash. "[My wife and I] talked and I think a lot of this was Sheenah seeing her mother so happy; it's a sad thing to say that a daughter would do this to, you know, a stepfather and a mother," he said. He said that she had a history, at home, of making up stories for attention when she felt neglected. Court transcripts, as well as police interrogation reports, disclose disciplinary matters as a prime reason why Sheenah didn't want to be in the home of Borash and her mother (Borash's wife). In police interview, Sheenah's mother said, "she started getting in a lot of trouble at home ... I'm glad she's in therapy ... I've intercepted many of Sheenah's notes that she's written [to schoolmates, and others] since sixth grade [approx. 1999] ... that have been very alarming. My daughter has a tendency to sensationalize and she's done it for many years...." In an involved police interview, Sheenah reiterated her accusations, but inspecting the record, for the only one to which there was an independent witness (her mother, who happened to walk by Sheenah's room that morning), the record discloses a pronounced contrast between what Sheenah said and what her mother saw: Per Sheenah (from police investigation reports): "And I remember laying there and he's like on top of me trying to kiss me and I remember looking up and I saw my mom - like behind him - like her head in my doorway...." But Mrs. Borash told police that Jeff was just sitting on the side of the bed; "I went down to talk to Jeff ... the door was wide open ... Sheenah was there wide awake and clothes on and everything...." and Mrs. Borash reported no conduct that would be unusual where a stepfather has stopped by the room to make sure his stepdaughter was awake. Both Mr. and Mrs. Borash have said that Jeff had a good family association with Sheenah, with few conflicts except when guidance and discipline was needed. Sheenah's mother said that, during the time period when the acts allegedly occurred, "My daughter has never shown any discomfort or fear of Jeff whatsoever." And records disclose that Sheenah first began to accuse Borash, in speaking with schoolmates, much later, during a period, in late 2001, when she was having arguments and behavioural conflicts (teenage things, like whether she was old enough to be permitted to wear makeup) in the Borash household. Sheenah told the accusation to her father (Tom Paquin), over a year later, on the evening of February 19, 2003, immediately after her brother, a gifted child, for whom she had previously indicated a normal sibling rivalry, had broken two school records for athletic achievement. "... all this [the accusation] is very shocking to me because my daughter initiates - would initiate hugs in the morning and initiate wrestling - and - you know - goofing around," said Mrs. Borash. Jeffery Borash said that Sheenah's grandparents, Robert and Gladys Paquin, of Bigfork, seldom even visited the children, but he's heard that they're now spreading false rumours about him. Borash, in taped interview, indicated only fatherly interest, and no romantic affection for, his stepdaughter, "I love my wife," he said. He strongly denied what his stepdaughter had said: Northern Herald: "Would it be correct to say that at no time did you ever have any intentionally romantic contact with your daughter?" Borash: That would be correct. NH: Were there times when you would wake her up in the morning and ... massage her when there was contact with her endowments or private area? Borash: I never touched her endowments or private area, as you call them; there were times when, [in the evening, she'd ask] 'Jeff, you going to work tomorrow? Could you wake me up on the way out?' [I'd say,] 'I'll wake you up.' [The next morning] I'd open the door, I kneel down on the bed, I'd maybe rub her back ... her upper shoulders, [and say,] 'Sheenah, I'm going to work - you wanted to get up,' [she'd say] 'Thanks Jeff,' and out the door I'd go." Borash acknowledged that, at some time, unintended contact might have occurred, "when giving her hugs ... I felt uncomfortable giving her hugs ... I felt like she was pressing her [chest area] into my body ... at times she would straddle the side of my leg with both of her legs, you know, and I'd have to set a space limit there." As to the part of the complaint which alleges pulling up Sheenah's shirt and pulling down her pants and touching her private areas, Borash said that it was "totally" a lie, and was "probably written by the advocates." Borash said that the allegations that he tried to French kiss her were, "Totally a lie," and that he never did that. Reciting the part of the complaint that alleges that Borash tried to put his finger into Sheenah's private area, NH asked: "Did this ever happen?" Borash: "No, it did not." NH: "Did anything like it happen?" Borash: "No. ... I never attempted to put my finger inside her [private area.]" and Borash called that accusation an "outright lie." NH: "Nothing even remotely like that, or that could have been mistaken for that, ever happened?" Borash: "No." Diogenes's Lantern. Routinely, Northern Herald verifies credibility of statements using Voice Stress Analysis (VSA) - a kind of lie detector now used by many law enforcement agencies. Our version of VSA is experimental and has not been statistically evaluated as to accuracy and performance. Additionally, Northern Herald staff do not have expert training in the use of VSA for truth verification. Given that, from experience, we have found it to be an effective tool, even when used by Northern Minnesotans like us. Jeffery Borash's VSA analysis was one of the cleanest we've seen. At an 85% stress threshold, it showed no abnormal stress in his denial of each of the accusations, in several different samplings, with varied wording of the questions. The test indicated that Borash was being truthful when he said that has never French kissed Sheenah or had other romantic contact with her; that he never tried, intentionally, to put his finger in Sheenah's private area, and, further, that nothing like that, or which could even have been mistaken for that, has ever happened. --------------------------------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism ----------------------- NH EDITOR WINS $600 BILLION LAWSUIT Two Unconstitutional Bemidji Ordinances Overturned; Bemidji Ordered to Pay $3,001 Plus Costs MINNEAPOLIS -- Following a one-day court trial, June 10, 2003, with jury waived by both sides, the Honourable Judge James M. Rosenbaum, Judge of the United States District Court at Minneapolis, found for Northern Herald Editor Adam Steele, and, in an amended order issued June 16th, ordered the City of Bemidji and City Attorney Alan Felix to pay a total of $3,001 in compensatory and punitive damages, plus costs. The judgement came following trial of a First Amendment action brought for the City's attempted prohibition of the sale of Northern Herald by curbside vendors in Bemidji (case no. 99-CV-1862 JMR/RLE). In August, 1998, following Felix's having sent Editor Steele a letter threatening charges under two Bemidji ordinances if he continued to sell the Northern Herald at curbside, (then) Bemidji Police (BPD) Sgt. Michael Porter approached Steele, who was giving away complimentary copies on Irvine Ave. near the post office, and told Steele that if he continued to distribute the paper at curbside, Porter would "take you to jail today." The trial, to determine damages, followed a holding, in this case, by the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit which determined that the Bemidji "soliciting" and "obstructing" ordinances, which Felix had cited in his letter, were unconstitutional. The Court had, in November 1999, when the action was first filed, issued a restraining order against the City, restraining Bemidji from enforcing the ordinances. Northern Herald Publications, Inc. was not allowed to proceed as a party Plaintiff because the corporation could not, in the 3 1/2 years the case was pending, find a suitable attorney willing to take the First Amendment case for a contingency fee. Corporations, unlike individuals, cannot bring suit without an attorney; so Editor Steele brought the action on his own behalf. The City of Bemidji was represented by League of Minnesota Cities attorney Jon Iverson, of Minneapolis. BPD officers (former) Porter and Jon Hunt testified for the City. Importantly, the ruling establishes that First Amendment rights have quantifiable worth, and sets a monetary value on the value of loss of those rights, for 2.2 years, over an area the size of Bemidji. Felix's letter to Steele, dated August 5, 1998, cited the soliciting and obstructing ordinances (which require a permit for same) and required, for issuance of a permit to sell the Northern Herald, that Steele obtain liability insurance "with policy limits equal to those required of the City," and that "a substantial bond is mandatory." The costs of these would reasonably exceed what a news vendor would earn. If you don't think my way, get out of town. The letter concluded, "Of course, in light of this community's apparent unwillingness to embrace your ideas, another option may be your consideration of relocation to another community within this State or elsewhere which may be less concerned about the safety of it's citizens and more willing to embrace your way of thinking." In issuing the Judgement, Judge Rosenbaum said of Felix's letter, "His letter can fairly be referred to as a remarkable document.... That last sentence says more than I can comment on. ... This was a clear effort to restrain and bar him [Steele] from exercising his rights." In it's earlier ruling, the Appeals Court had noted that "... the City has applied, and apparently wants to continue to apply, the ordinances to Steele, whether or not he [does the things prohibited by the ordinances]." (The entire Opinion of the Appellate Court is available at northernherald.com) Editor's Note: At trial, in addition to denying that he threatened to immediately arrest Steele, (former) Sgt. Porter also testified that Steele stood in traffic, in front of the post office, "5 feet" into the street, from the curb. The many readers who have seen me vending the Northern Herald there will know that this is a blatant lie. City Attorney Felix tried to weasel out of the suit by claiming, on the stand, that the yellow curb in front of the Post Office was not just no parking, but also a no-stopping or standing zone. His Honour, however, saw through this ruse and said that the signs make it clear that it's just no parking - cars can lawfully stop to buy a paper. We forgive Felix, however, for his ignorance of what a yellow curb and a "no parking" sign mean. He's just the City's Attorney, after all. -- Ed. ------------------------------------------------------ DOPSIE TO HEAD MOONDANCE BILL, PLAY ALL 4 DAYS WALKER -- One of the most crowd-pleasing entertainers to ever have graced the Moondance stages, Grammy-Award winning musician Rockin' Dopsie Jr. and his Zydeco Twisters, will lead the Moondance evening playbill, performing on the Main Stage at 7 pm, Wednesday, July 9th, and then staying to play in the MDJ Saloon through the rest of the Jam. Dopsie, the son of Rockin' Dopsie Sr., recognized as the father of the Zydeco Cajun sound, last similarly performed at Moondance in 2000, when, after Dopsie's Main Stage performance, large numbers of fans migrated from the Main Stage area to listen and dance to Dopsie on the side stages. From his home, near New Orleans, Dopsie said that he was very much looking forward to playing at this year's Moondance; since his last appearance here, many Northerners have journeyed down to New Orleans to see him at Jazz Fest and Mardi Gras, and he's glad to be playing for them again here. "When I get on stage, I like to be involved with my audience as well; I like to get a lot of crowd participation," he said. Recently, Dopsie has been touring extensively, doing live performances in Dallas, Chicago, Washington, D.C., New York, and many other venues nationwide, performing for a national restaurant commercial, and releasing his ninth and tenth CDs. Dopsie's newest CD, Zydeco Party, was named by Offbeat Magazine as Best Zydeco CD, and will be available at Moondance. Zydeco Party is characteristic of Dopsie's live performances, with a lot of his unique brand of Zydeco, but also containing a variety of music, demonstrating Dopsie's versatility. The CD includes Dopsie's version of Bruce Springsteen's Fire, his arrangement of Mustang Sally, and tributes to Stevie Wonder and New Orleans' Ernie Cahill. "It's been a great year," said Dopsie, whose performance tour recently included opening for James Brown, "I got a chance to do a concert with one of my idols, actually opened up in Montgomery, Alabama for James Brown on his 71st birthday," he said. Of his band, the Zydeco Twisters, Dopsie said, "I take my hat off to those guys, 'cause, you know, every time we hit the stage, each and every one of them gives ... 110%." "This year's Main Stage performance - I'm coming up to Minnesota to do Zydeco. I'm going to do a lot of Zydeco, but it's gonna be a lot of high-energy Zydeco. A lot of dancing - some Rhythm & Blues - a little Rock feel to it. It'll be fun," Dopsie said. Dopsie promised that this year's would be his best concert; it may be, but that'll be a big job, as, if audience reception is any indication, any of his concerts would be hard to beat. "We're gonna have a Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler good time!" said Dopsie. ----------------------------------------------------------- MOONDANCE MAIN STAGE LINEUP Wednesday, July 9th 5 pm - Search For George 7 pm - Rockin' Dopsie Jr. & the Zydeco Twisters 9 pm - Indigenous 11 pm - George Thorogood & the Destroyers Thursday, July 10th 3 pm - T. Albert Lloyd & The Kingpins 5 pm - Corey Stevens 7 pm - The Fabulous Thunderbirds 9 pm - War 11 pm - Joe Cocker Friday, July 11th 3 pm - Mountain Ash 5 pm - Head East 7 pm - Joan Jett 9pm - Foreigner - Lou Gramm 11 pm - Boston Saturday, July 12th 3 pm - Groove Gypsies 5 pm - Mitch Ryder 7 pm - Rick Springfield 9 pm - Sammy Hagar & the Waboritas 11 pm - Alice Cooper THE MANY CORNERS OF MOONDANCE. One of the attractions of Moondance is its many diverse entertainment environments. In addition to the Main Stage shows, 24 different bands will entertain on the side stages, and the relaxed atmosphere of the MDJ Saloon will have a New Orleans tone, with performances by Louisiana entertainers Rockin' Dopsie, expert Cajun fiddler Curtis Coubello, and the Treater Band. After each evening performance, these entertainers will also perform from 1-2 am at Northern Lights Casino. Map Caption (images are not included in The Library edition): The complete Moondance Experience includes enjoying the area, while waiting for your favorite band to come onstage! Some of the most popular daytime activities include shopping at Walker's quaint and unique shops; taking an inexpensive Leech Lake Cruise on a genuine riverboat at Coborn's, the Northern Lights Casino, and trail riding, amusements or walking the wildlife park at Moondance Ranch (owned by the same fine and hospitable people who produce Moondance Jam). Hackensack will hold it's Centennial Sweetheart Days, commemorating the engagement of Paul Bunyan to its namesake, Lucette Diana Kensack, on July 8th & 9th; with Parade July 9th. For excellent area dining, recommended restaurants include Arthurs, on Ten Mile Lake, the nearby Horseshoe Bay Restaurant, The Wharf (in Walker) and Charlie's, with their Boathouse Bar. Charlie's is expected to offer a Bloody Mary breakfast buffet during the Jam - just the way to start each big Jam day! Photo Caption (photos are not included in The Library edition): Rockin' Dopsie Jr. (at center with washboard) & the Zydeco Twisters at Moondance 2000 ----------------------------------------------------------- LION SKATE AT LAPORTE LAPORTE -- The Laporte Lions will host rollerskating, every Friday night, from 7-9 pm, through the summer, at the LaPorte Community Hall. --------------------------------------------------------------- Northern Destinations --------------------- ALL ROADS LEAD TO LAKE GEORGE, MINNESOTA The gateway to Itasca and Headwaters of the Mississippi Whether stopping and dining on the way to Itasca, or as a destination in itself, from which the State Park and other nearby attractions can be explored, people enjoy the unique lakeside woodland rusticity and four-season recreation at Lake George. LAKE GEORGE BLUEBERRY FEST JULY 25TH-27TH!! All 3 days: Flea Mkt. & Arts & Crafts Sale! Build your own Chili Dogs, Fruit Cups, Ice Cream at Julie's Pine Country Cafe & Food Tent! FRIDAY 1 - 6 pm - Quilt Show & Raffle at fire hall 7 pm - Outdoor Gospel Concert "The Schimpps" at L. G. Bible Chapel After Concert - Pie, Ice Cream & Coffee at Bonnie's Diner SATURDAY 9 am - Little League Tourament 10 - Noon - Children's Carnival at Town Hall 10 am - Pie Sale at Senior Ctr. 10 - 4 Blueberry Educational Booth 11 - 2 - PIG ROAST Bonnie's Diner 1 - 3 BINGO at Sr. Ctr. 1 pm - Mini Pedal Tractor Pull 2 pm - Pie Eating Contest at Jelly Jar Senior Softball Game 4 - 7 Fireman Bean Feed at Fire Hall 8 pm - Blueberry Ball at Fire Hall featuring Charlie Nason SUNDAY 7 - 11 am - Fireman Blueberry Pancake Breakfast at Fire Hall 10 - 12 Horseshoe Pitching 1 pm - PARADE 2 pm Blueberry Square Dance at Fire Hall MANY OTHER EVENTS!! In addition to good food, the shops at Lake George offer some very unique merchandise, and many genuine bargains. Must sees include Tall Pine Bargain Center, Itasca Moccasin and the Jelly Jar. Tall Pine is a plethora of new and used practical merchandise at amazing prices - all those things that you've needed, but maybe didn't know it 'til you got there. A real deal is their western and other hats - usually $15 or more, even in the discount stores - starting at $5 here; boots from $15. To be sure they're open, call 218-252-3632. Itasca Moccasin is really THE place to get authentic moccasins in Northern Minnesota. Your foot is traced, and the mocs are custom-made for a perfect fit in the colour and style of your choice. And all this for a price that will surprise you - less than you'd probably plan on paying in a store for factory-mades. For those in a hurry, Itasca Moccasin also keeps a big inventory of already handmade mocs, in a wide variety of sizes, colours and styles, including both indoor and outdoor (hard sole) moccasins. ---------------------------------------------------------- FOR PEOPLE WHO ENJOY TOBACCO Despite what rude, arrogant and wimpy anti-smokers may tell you when they want you to stop smoking (which is whenever they see it), tobacco smoke is not a medically-identified allergen. So, when they say they're "allergic" to smoke, well, there's no such thing. --------------------------------------------------------------- MEN LOBBY AT CAPITOL ST. PAUL -- In the final days of the budget, a number of men gathered at the Capitol, May 28th, 2003 to encourage further future cuts to funding of the women's advocates and shelters, which have become known for using their tax-supported grant funding to suborn perjury before the courts, and to house women who have not been "battered," including ones who had kidnapped children from the custodial father, and where the shelter was used to harbour them when police were seeking their whereabouts. The men held a public awareness rally on the Capitol steps, and then went inside to speak, one-on-one, to legislators. Judiciary Finance Committee Chairman, Rep. Steve Smith, said that the advocates and shelters will see about a 3% reduction in funding this year; his committee had recommended a larger cut, but it was vetoed by Governor Pawlenty. The men will continue to push for greater cuts next session. For information, or to present your representative case to, or give testimony before legislators, affected men may call this newspaper at 218-759-1162, or email norher@uslink.net Photo Captions (photos are not included in The Library edition): Thomas Miller, of Grand Rapids, and Charles Aldrich of R-Kids, a men's and father's rights organization based in St. Paul. Brian Affeldt, also of R-Kids, came from Alexandria to attend the rally and lobby. Knute Gladen holds the Bear False Witness Bear. The Bear False Witness Bear, as interpreted by artist Kendra Mirabal, (then) 6th grade, Grand Rapids, was inspired by the practice of Grand Rapids' "ADVOCATES For Family Peace" and other courtroom travesties. ----------------------------------------------------------- In Focus LUCETTE'S BRINGS PIZZA TO HACKENSACK! HACKENSACK - Fresh pizzeria pizza is now available at Hackensack, on the North side of Minnesota's Golden Corridor. Cindy Paulsen, wife of area home builder, Tim Paulsen, took over the building where Yukon Bar and Grill and Senor Fuzzy's were, re-opening the sports pub area February 14th, commemorating the betrothal of Paul Bunyan and Lucette, and Lucette's Pizza restaurant in late May. The pizzeria features a full menu, not only pizza, but also reasonably-priced appetizers, soup & salad, sandwiches, and desserts. The extensive menu features Italian entrees including many pastas such as tortellini, fettuchini alfredo, chicken scampi and shrimp primavera, and chicken parmesan. All of the pastas come complete with fresh breadstick, and all the salad one cares to eat. There is also a children's menu; kids' meals come with a free sno-cone. Seniors receive a 5% discount. Many specialty pizzas are available; Paulsen explained, "those are Lucette's favorites: [they] include the Lumberjack, which is all meat for the meat lovers out there, Paul's Deluxe, which ... has everything on it - Paul likes it that way," she said. Lucette's also does highly confidential and classified work; "Our Signature Pizza ... is Lucette's Garden [veggie] Pizza. It's a secret garlic ranch sauce with red and yellow peppers, spinach, tomato, radish and zucchini with purple onions; it's just wonderful," Mrs. Paulsen said. There's also a barbecue chicken pizza, chicken alfredo pizza, a taco pizza, and the Birch Lake Beachcomber Pizza, which is a traditional Hawaiian pizza with pineapple. "What's special about Lucette's is all our ingredients are fresh, all our vegetables are ... the freshest kind, ... hand cut ... our dough and sauce are homemade, all with our family recipe. So you won't find a pizza anywhere else like ours!" said Paulsen. Photo Captions (photos are not included in The Library edition): Lucette's features a commodious dining area, and also dining tables in the Pub, below, where smoking is permitted. Cindi Paulsen, with head chef Ed Jones, and waitress Rita Balas ----------------------------------------------------------- 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 THINGS THAT JUST DON'T WORK "There is no product that someone cannot make a little worse and sell a little cheaper. Those who consider price alone are this man's lawful prey." This column is cumulative, and provided for consumer awareness. Signed consumer submissions are welcome. HI-VAL(R) (I/O MAGIC(R)) CD-RW drives. In our test case, this product appeared to perform satisfactorily upon installation, but failed within 6 months. There have been other reports, including by technicians, of this product failing. The product is sold by Office Max and other retailers. SYMPHONIC(R) VCRS. Certain of these products are known, after a year or two of use, to sporadically malfunction, going into an error mode when the remote's rewind or fast forward button is pressed. The machine then has to be manually turned on again, which ejects the tape and resets the counter to zero. As a result, frequently, when the consumer tries to fast forward or rewind, he may have to get up and reinsert the tape, and the counter place is lost. This product has been sold by K-MART(R) and other retailers. LEXAR(R) Compact Flash cards. These are touted as being compatible with most digital cameras, and Kodak® agrees. But in our test case, the Lexar 32Mb card produced sporadic errors when used with the Kodak DC120. The Kodak card (less than $1 more) did not give this problem. OFFICE MAX(R) REBATES. How can they make money rebating that much? Mail-in rebates are predicated on the theory that a lot of people won't send for them, and a lot of people will fall through the cracks. Office Max makes a practice of drawing in customers with offers of large rebates. But in our investigation, many people didn't get theirs. Firstly, there's lots of fine print on the rebate form, like rebates won't be sent to P.O. boxes. This lets out the entire City of Walker, where that's the only way people get their mail. There are lots of other loopholes that keep you from getting your rebate, and even compromise the returnability of the merchandise if you send for it. The bottom line is that if a manufacturer really wants to offer a bona-fide rebate, you'll get it at the checkstand - not by mail. ------------------------------------------------- BEMIDJI DOWNTOWN MEATS HAS NEW OWNER Photo Caption (photos are not included in The Library edition): Around here, if you want to draw a crowd, just put a barbecue out on the sidewalk! People line up as Dustin Merseth and grillmaster (in apron) Jesse Iverson serve up excellent and tasty homemade and freshly grilled brats and chorizo, with or without grilled onions, for $1.50, with drink, at Downtown Meats' Customer Appreciation Day, June 5th, 2003. Merseth, who said that he has a family background in meats, took over the store, located at 216 2nd St., NW, Bemidji, in May. Said Merseth, the business has "got a new face, and our team has put in an excellent effort. ... Come on down and take a look!" -------------------------------------------------- ESPRESSO IN BAGLEY! Photo Caption (photos are not included in The Library edition): Leah Mayrhofer serves espresso, as well as soup and sandwiches, pastries, bagels and other fare at Mojo Coffee House, 919 Central St. (Hwy 2), on the west side of Bagley. The coffee shop, owned by Katherine Ballard, has been open since last June. ------------------------------------------------------ UPCOMING EVENTS! 8/9 Corn Fest at Backus Great fun, great corn! At Backus, the hub of North Central Minnesota! 7/25-7/27 North Star Rodeo at Effie, Minn. The rootin'-tootin'est rodeo around! This is the one the top cowboys go to! 8/2 - 8/3 White Oak Rendezvous at Deer River An authentic recreation of an 18th century fur post. Lots of fun; low family rates: Adults $6, under 12 free, family $20 WILDLIFE REFUGE EVENTS: The Rydell National Wildlife Refuge, near Erskine, Minn. will be hosting the following events at 2 pm. The refuge is 2.5 miles S of U.S. Hwy 2, on Polk Co. 210. For more info, call 800-841-0172. 7/13 - Basics of Birdwatching 7/20 - Clay is Magic - Pottery 7/27 - Wildflowers 8/10 - Refuge Open House 8/17 - Shoreland Landscaping ------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 05/12/2003 - VOLUME 8 NO. 5 ------------------------------------- NORTHERN CLINIC NOW OFFERS HEALTH CARE CHOICE IN BEMIDJI Part 5 of a multi-part series resulting from our continuing investigation of health service practices in Northern Minnesota BEMIDJI -- A telephone conversation with MeritCare Clinic might have gone like this: Caller: "I was wondering if I could get a refill on my prescription?" MeritCare Receptionist (you never actually speak to your doctor): "I'll pass it along to the doctor and see if he'll call it in. Check with your pharmacy this afternoon." Caller: "How will I know?" Receptionist: "If he refills it, it'll be there." But sometimes things fall through the cracks, and sometimes, even where the doctor would have refilled the Rx, the message never reached him and the patient is left without medication after closing time; which for some, depending on the ailment, can be downright uncomfortable. That is MeritCare, Bemidji's behemoth Clinic, thought by many to be the only place to go in Bemidji for medical services. But it's not. Now, more reasonable Rx and refill policy and better communication with the doctor are just some of the many reasons why more and more people who would rather go to a doctor's office than be processed on an assembly line are finding better, more traditional service, at Northern Medical Clinic, 619 NW 5th St., Bemidji (218-751-4144). Northern Medical Clinic is actually an expansion of Dr. Brian Livermore's practice, which has been there since 1984. For years, Bemidjians who sought traditional doctor-patient services found them at Dr. Livermore's office. But in time, his practice filled and he could no longer take new patients without shorting someone. Now, at Northern Medical Clinic, he works with three additional medical service providers; all three of them accepting new patients. At Northern, if a medical urgency exists, a convenient appointment with one's personal physician or N.P. can generally be had the same day, if necessary. This contrasts sharply with MeritCare, where people wait for hours in "urgent care", only to be finally seen by whatever doctor or N.P. is on call, and who is likely to not be familiar with that patient's case and medical history. Unlike car parts, physicians, after all, really aren't interchangeable. Northern Medical Clinic Interim Manager, Kevin Gish, explained their service philosophy, "This is a small family practice clinic. It's not multi-specialty, it's not going to be all things to all people. But it's a very good primary practice, located near downtown Bemidji; it's accessible; we've got patient openings; and, we've got a good history - we've got tremendous patient satisfaction scores, and people like coming here." The best way to describe Northern Clinic is that it's like what going to the doctor's office used to be. Gish said that at Northern Clinic, they believe that the doctor-patient relationship makes "a tremendous difference. For example, Dr. Livermore has been seeing patients for well over a decade. ... He is tremendously familiar with them, with their families, with their health histories. Dr. Bailey ... is developing that rapport with her patients, and Gwen Vechota as well, Jill Cease ... all of them are getting tremendous patient satisfaction scores because these providers work with their patients ... trying to make this as much of an old time, hometown, primary care, family doctor clinic as possible." For advanced medical technology, Northern Clinic works in conjunction with the resources of North Country Regional Hospital. "We do have a fully functioning lab here at the Clinic, and we do have an X-ray machine; but to the extent that patients need ... CT scans, nuclear medicine, ultrasounds, MRIs, etc., and more complex lab testing, that generally goes to the hospital," Gish said. Northern Medical providers include Dr. Bonnie Bailey, and Nurse Practitioners Gwen Verchota and Jill Cease. Nurse Practitioners are Registered Nurses who have had advanced training in diagnosing and treating illness. Said Gish, "A Nurse Practitioner is what we call a mid-level provider ... they are an incredible resource for primary care that doesn't quite require the expertise ... of a physician." They perform many of the patient care functions which have historically been done by doctors, including diagnosing illness and prescribing medication. Would a Nurse Practitioner be qualified to treat, say, a sprain of the ankle? "Absolutely," said Gish, adding that if it turned out to be a fracture, the NP would refer the patient to an orthopedist, the same as a family practice physician would. Northern Medical Clinic offers extended hours, until 8 pm, on Tues., Wed., & Thurs., and is open from 8 to 5 on Mon. & Fri. Per Gish, they are presently looking at ways to further expand the schedule, including possible Saturday hours. Northern Medical Clinic is owned by North Country Health Services, which also owns North Country Regional Hospital. (Although located adjacent on the same campus, the hospital is not affiliated with MeritCare, which is owned by the entity that used to be known as Fargo Clinic). Photo Caption (photos are not included in The Library edition): Northern Medical staff, Dr. Brian Livermore, Dr. Bonnie Bailey, NP Gwen Verchota, NP Jill Cease; Nurses Holly Gregory, Jane Storlie, Kimberly Boben, and Kim Pauna; and support and administrative staff, Jessica Jackson, Casey Mrazek, Amy Walton, Robin Spangler and Kevin Gish. --------------------------------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism - WHERE'S THE CHIEF? ----------------------- BEMIDJI REFUSES POLICE CHIEF PREECE CELL RECORDS REQUEST BEMIDJI -- Amidst speculation that Bemidji Police Chief Bruce Preece has been in absentia a lot of the time, tending his business, Helicopter Flight Inc., at the Crystal (Twin Cities) airport (see Evidence Mounts in Bemidji Police Chief Preece Alleged Helicopter Scams, NH of 02/10/03, and related stories in NH of 07/27/02, and 05/04/02, at northernherald.com), and having calls forwarded to his cell phone so it would appear that he was here in Bemidji; Northern Herald made a request, last month, to inspect city records of his city-paid cell phone bills which would have indicated where he was when call delivery occurred. In a letter dated April 11th, from Julie-Fleming-Wolfe, one of several Twin Cities attorneys who work for the City of Bemidji (it's amazing that a city the size of Bemidji, with its own full-time City Attorney, needs to hire so much outside representation to cover its tracks! -- Ed.) refused to release the public-paid cell bills, claiming that they contain, "information considered private, confidential and nonpublic." ----------------------------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism - BEMIDJI FACISM CONTINUES ------------------------ BEMIDJIAN TOLD NOT TO DISPLAY CAR ON LAWN BEMIDJI -- Johnathan Parker, of 14th & Irvine Ave., didn't think much of it when, on April 30th, with the weather turning to Spring, he put a For Sale sign in his car windshield, and set it out on display on his lawn, facing heavily-traveled Irvine Ave. But the matter, apparently, was of import to Bemidji Planning Administrator Curt Oakes, who happened to see the car and told Parker to cease displaying it there. "This is on my lawn, in my grass in my yard," said Parker. "He [Oakes] proceeds to tell me that I can't sell anything on my property." Parker said that he called the City Attorney and asked "What happens if I put a rummage sale sign out in my lawn and my car happens to be in my rummage sale?" Parker said that the City didn't have a ready answer for that question, "I said, 'You know what, it's a crime for this guy to go around enforcing stuff and telling people there's laws; and for him to call me at home and bully me and not even be an official of the law. ... The police, they should enforce the law; and if there's a law, a lot of people in Bemidji are breaking it,'" Parker said, and added that no one at Bemidji City Hall could cite the ordinance that they claimed he was violating. But by the time Northern Herald inquired of Oakes, he had found one, and gave a different story. Oakes said that it was illegal for Parker to have his car parked on his lawn (i.e. not in the driveway). So, presumably, if Parker jacked the car up, poured a driveway under it, and let it back down, that would be OK then. ---------------------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism - Follow Up BELTRAMI DEPUTY UNNATURAL ACT CASE SETTLED BEMIDJI -- The federal civil rights case, remanded back to the State District Court, brought by Ryan Kemmer, an admittedly gay Bemidji man, against a Beltrami County (Bemidji) deputy, Ernie Beitel, for allegedly requiring Kemmer, when he was a minor, to perform oral romance upon Beitel; was settled January 29th, 2003, with payment by Beltrami County (or its insurer) of $9,250. As is usual with settlements, the settlement agreement did not specify whether or not the acts actually occurred. (See Bemidji Deputy Unnatural Act Case Remanded to State Court, NH of 10/28/02, at northernherald.com) Covers Fees. The agreement specified that the payment was to be made to Kemmer's Minneapolis attorney, Joni Thome, for costs, disbursements and fees incurred in prosecuting the suit. It is not known how much, if any, of the proceeds were finally received by Kemmer. Originally, the suit (USDC case no. 01-403 ADM/RLE) had been brought against Beltrami County, as well as the deputy, but the federal Court, in remanding to the State (at Beltrami County) Court, dismissed the County as a defendant, so the case proceeded only against Beitel, personally. Thome said that Kemmer "wants to get on with his life," and that, although Kemmer maintains that the act did occur, there was a practical question of whether a Beltrami County Jury would be likely to believe his testimony over that of a County Deputy. "Bringing claims against counties ... is not an easy task, emotionally, financially, and physically," she said. -------------------------------------------------------- 2002 Steele Spheres Awarded GRAHAM HAS SPHERES Danny DeVito, portraying a lawyer, once asked, "What do you call 1,000 attorneys at the bottom of the ocean? ... A good start." A clear exception, though, to the mediocrity of contemporary legal practice is found in John Remington ("Jack") Graham, Esq. We live in an era where it's hard to find, at all, a competent attorney to take a meritorious case for a reasonable fee, and present it competently, in the spirit of the law, representing the interests of the client and not selling those interests out for the sake of expediency or of the lawyer's own benefit. This speaks of the current state of the legal profession. But when John Remington Graham, a true patriot and officer of the Court, in the spirit of the Constitution and laws of the land, heard that Nevis Mayor, the Honourable Phil Harris, had come under unjust and unlawful attack from a corrupt City Council, Administrator, and City Attorney (see High Corruption Erupts at Nevis, in Living on the Edge, at northernherald.com), who tried to usurp Harris's mayoral duties, bar him from City Hall, and bring criminal charges in an attempt to remove Harris, Nevis's lawfully elected mayor, from office; and upon request by Harris, who did not have the funds to retain an attorney, Graham volunteered to take the case without charge to Harris, and even paid his own expenses to come from his office abroad to Northern Minnesota. Graham pursued the matter comprehensively, obtaining an investigation by the Minnesota Attorney General that brought a halt to the Council's unlawful usurping of the mayor's office; and then did the work necessary to the elimination of the corrupt, office-threatening, and unfounded criminal charges against Harris. Harris completed his term as mayor, without further incident, in fall of 2002. Each year, the Steele Spheres are awarded for Exceptional Performance and Valour in the Public Service both Within and Beyond the Call of Duty; and particularly in the face of adversity. Clearly, the 2002 spheres should go to this knight of the courtroom and defender of the common man, and of the Constitution, law, and justice in America. Mr. Graham exemplifies what a patriot and attorney, at best, can be. Said Graham, upon taking the Harris case, without fee, and as he wrote in a letter to the Minnesota Attorney General, "most people may not care that lawlessness has been allowed to run riot in the City of Nevis, but no patriot and statesman will countenance such a situation for a moment." Note: Graham, who was admitted to the bar of the Minnesota Supreme Court in 1967, and of the United States Supreme Court in 1971, is a former Crow Wing (at Brainerd) County Attorney, federal public defender, and Founding Professor of Hamline University School of Law. Graham is currently specializing in British, American and Canadian Constitutional law and history. He is the author of numerous published works, including his most recent, The Constitutional History of Secession, (Pelican Publishing Company, Gretna, Louisiana (2002)) which can be obtained at better bookstores. Photo Caption (photos are not included in The Library edition): Above, Graham, with Mayor Harris (at left), at courthouse after dismissal of false charge. -------------------------------------------------------- MOONDANCE 12 LINEUP SET WALKER -- Each year, MOONDANCE produces the Midwest's premiere musical event. The lineup is now final for what promises to be the most exciting Moondance thus far, and interest is running high. Per event coordinator Mark Ricci, the reserved camping has been sold out for some time. General camping is still available, though, and actually, this includes some of the most attractive sites on the grounds, which will be available on a first come - first served basis. Persons wanting the very desirable wooded rustic sites in the North Campground will want to get them soon after the campgrounds open, at 8 am Wednesday, July 9th; BUT, Moondance management has advised campers to not arrive before then, as waiting on the highway for the campgrounds to open is unsafe and will not be permitted. All new this year: Per Ricci, "Mr. Bieloh built three regulation softball ... fields," and new this year, during Moondance, will be a 35-team softball tourney, on the Moondance grounds, sanctioned by the World Softball League. The winning team will go to the World finals. A pre-jam qualifying tournament will be held June 21st - 22nd, and there will also be a party then with Johnny Holmes. Now, it's for UnImportant People, too! This year, half of the former VIP tent, including the bar, will be available to the public, and there is a new "Jampass," which, like the old VIP pass, includes food and beer, and access to special areas of the grounds. In addition to the Main Stage acts and regional bands, this year's Moondance will feature Cajun entertainers, Rockin' Dopsie, Jr., the Treater Band, and the exceptionally talented fiddler, Curtis Coubello, in the Saloon. Coubello is known for sometimes playing fiddle behind his back. Following Moondance, each day, from 1 to 2 a. m., these acts may also be seen at Northern Lights Casino, a few miles from the Moondance grounds. The campsite contest has been expanded with the addition of Coleman as a Moondance sponsor. Said Ricci, "With Coleman, we'll have a first, second and third place winner. ... Our total camping contest is nearly $3,000 in [camping gear and event ticket] prizes." This year's campsite theme is sports. Prizes will go to the most attractive sites with a sports theme. Coleman will also be allowing randomly selected audience members to test some of their new products, and Moondancers may get a chance to try some new Coleman stuff that they haven't seen before. This year, there will be hot air balloon teams from Kellogg's as well as Jack Daniels, and, as always, fireworks closing each night. Also new, will be a live broadcast by Twin Cities radio station KQRS. Said Ricci, "KQ[RS] is not known for attending events, promotionally. ... For the first time in a long time, KQRS will broadcast live each day, with Eric Raye, from Moondance Jam." This year, Moondance shuttle parking will be available at the lighted and asphalt Northern Lights Casino lot. Also new this year will be the availability of Famous Dave's ribs at the Jam. Said Ricci, "We know that Friday night will probably be the biggest night in event history, with Boston being the biggest mass appeal act [Moondance] has ever had." ------------------------------------------------------------- HACKENSACK SWEETHEART DAYS: JULY 8TH & 9TH HACKENSACK -- Snow or no, rain or shine, one thing they know how to do in Hackensack is have fun! And the schedule is coming together now for this, Centennial Year Sweetheart Days at Hackensack. The 2003 event will feature a Lions Pancake Breakfast, a Flea Market, Kid's Games at the City Park, and a Street Dance; as well as Horseshoe tournaments, and the July 9th Parade, in the theme "Parade Through Time". There will be 15 raffle winners - First prize is a 19' pontoon boat, 25hp Merc., and trailer. Each July, the Sweetheart Days fest commemorates the engagement of Paul Bunyan to Lucette Diana Kensack, Hackensack's namesake. Other events, in June, include Paul & Lucette's Anniversary Party, June 7th & 8th; Sweetheart Canoe Derby, June 14th & 15th; and Kids' Fishing Contests at 11 am - 1 pm on June 10th, 17th and 24th at Birch Lake. On July 5th-8th, The Ballad of Lucette will be performed at the Community Center, at 7 pm, except for the 6th, when the show is a 3 p.m. matinee. ---------------------------------------------------- BEMIDJI WILL WASTE $37,000 ON "PAVERS" BEMIDJI -- This summer, as in other years, Bemidji will replace part of it's pavered sidewalks, on a replacement schedule, whether needed or not. The 2003 replacements are estimated to cost $37,000 for materials and labour, per David Minke, Bemidji City Manager. The concept of using pavers, which are actually narrow bricks, made to be installed in an interlocking pattern to make a smooth sidewalk, was highly promoted to municipalities across the nation in the 80's; touted on the selling point that unlike concrete pavement slabs, when a crack, chip or break occurs, it requires replacement of only the individual small broken paver (a brick) rather than whole slabs of concrete. Although a bit more expensive than concrete, pavers were thus sold as being cheaper in the long run, and as a result, many cities tore up their concrete sidewalks replacing them with pavered walks. But in Bemidji, rich and fat on State (your tax) paid LGA (Local Government Aid), rather than replace the few broken pavers that need it, the Council has embarked on a schedule of total replacement of entire city blocks of its pavers. Asked why, City Manager David Minke explained the Council's rationale, "Each year there are separate segments that are done. ... We do some spot replacements if it's required ... but these bricks are about twenty years old, and so they start to wear both from the top and from the bottom. ... We have found it more cost effective, when an area becomes worn to the point that more bricks need replacing than don't need replacing, to replace that entire section. ... it's not generally feasible to remove one or two bricks, because you're not able to prepare the underlayment." But people don't walk on the bottoms of the brick. And underlayment and other mumbojumbo aside, the City is throwing out a lot of good expensive brick that still looks and serves fine as a smooth and level sidewalk. This year's paver job was contracted by the City to The Finishing Touch Landscaping. Pavers will be replaced, this year, on the S side of 5th St. between Beltrami and Minnesota Aves., the N side of 4th St. from Minnesota Ave. almost to Bemidji Ave., the SW corner of 4th & Bemidji, the W side of Beltrami between 3rd & 4th, the S side of 3rd, between Beltrami and Minnesota, the W side of Beltrami on the S 1/2 block between 2nd & 3rd, and a piece of 2nd between Beltrami and Minnesota. About 56,000 pavers will be used. Photo Captions (photos are not included in The Library edition): A workman installs new pavers at 3rd St. & Minnesota Ave.. The entire block on the S side of 3rd, between Beltrami and Minnesota Aves. (i.e. where the Senior Center, and some businesses are) was replaced. A section of Bemidji city sidewalk on a block (5th St., between Minnesota and Beltrami Aves., in front of First Federal Bank bldg.) slated for total replacement. About 5 - 10% of the pavers appear chipped. Piles of good brick removed sit by the Bemidji sewage treatment plant. People scavenge through the removed brick, much in good condition, for building or trim materials. About 42 palettes of pavers sit at the sewage plant, ready for installation this year. ------------------------------------------------------------- CORRUPTION FESTERS AT PIKE BAY TOWNSHIP MEETING CASS LAKE -- The Pike Bay area, on the edge of Leech Lake, is one of Northern Minnesota's most scenic vacation destinations. About 1,652 people reside here in Pike Bay Township, and some of them have taken exception to the township's management, and how their inquiries are being handled (or not) by the township Board. A local resident claims that she was treated with contempt at the May 13th Township Meeting (second Tuesday of every month at 7 pm) when she attempted to pose questions to the Board as to 1) the propriety of a $950 expenditure (insurance paid $700 of this) to repair a wrought iron gate, at the Township Hall driveway, contracted to Board member Richard Baird without bids or inquiry as to competitive price. The gate had been damaged when a car ran into it; and 2) a Board member's wife being appointed, at pay, to a vacancy in the town clerk's position, when there had been an offer, by a previous 20 yr. town clerk, to do the job free until the next election. And in recent months, residents have also questioned 3) the Board Chair appointing himself Police Commissioner (at an additional $500/yr.) over their two-person township Police Dept.; 4) $600 of expenditures for special meetings to fill the clerk's vacancy upon the resignation of the previous clerk earlier this year; 5) almost $800 in expenditures for 200 custom embroidered police uniform insignia patches ordered, delivered, and paid for last fall; and 6) whether the Township has ever taken formal action, by way o