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, 2003,2004, 2005 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 9 9/29/03 through 08/16/04 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 08/16/2004 - VOLUME 9 NO. 7 ------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism HEIRS ACCUSE FULLER, MASOG OF ESTATE LOOTING Park Rapids Heiress Says Items Missing, Files Petition To Remove Attorney John Masog as Personal Rep BAGLEY HOSTS ART IN THE PARK In Focus It's Fun For All At Hackensack's SWEETHEART DAYS In Focus It's Another Great ... SAND LAKE JAM Letters to the Editor IS IT LEGALIZED PROSTITUTION, OR THEFT? DISABLED ARE *SUPPOSED* TO HAVE ROTTEN TEETH DUKEKS, OF BAGLEY, TAKE GANDER MTN. BEMIDJI PRIZE Consumer Corner DEPARTMENT STORE DIGITAL PHOTO CENTERS - WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW WHAT DO YOU WANT ON YOUR TOMBSTONE? THINGS THAT JUST DON'T WORK REMER CELEBRATES FIREMAN'S DAY WAL*MART OFFERS VISITORS HOSPITALITY OTHERWISE LACKING IN BEMIDJI MOONDANCE SPECIAL FEATURE THE MAGIC OF MOONDANCE !! THE MANY CORNERS OF MOONDANCE AMUSEMENTS THE NEW MDJ SALOON THE SHOPS & FOOD STAFF & SECURITY CAMPING AT MOONDANCE - THE NORTH GENERAL CAMPGROUND VIPing THE TALENT HUEY LEWIS AND THE NEWS BRING DOWN HOUSE AT MOONDANCE XIII ! ZWARTE FILMS MOVIE AT MOONDANCE ! RONNIE BAKER BROOKS WOWS THURSDAY CROWD GREGG ROLIE'S NEW BAND FRIDAY SMASH ! A UNIQUE JACK, ONLY FOR MOONDANCE ------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 06/21/2004 - VOLUME 9 NO. 6 ------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism SUE BERKOVITZ: WHY? Interviews Disclose Multiple Instances of Alleged Estate Malfeasance, by Attorney and Gunshot Victim Hendrickson; Represented Heirs to Alleged Nursing Home Murder Leading Edge Journalism - Bemidji Police Corruption Continues BPD COWBOY CHARBONEAU ARRESTS RYAN NEWMAN FOR NONEXISTANT NO-DRINK ORDER. Newman Files $8 Billion Federal Lawsuit; Northern Herald Calls for National Guard; Martial Law SLAUGHTERS FIND NO HELP IN NORTHERN CHURCHES, BLIND AGENCIES GUNSHOTS, THEFT, PUNCTUATE WOODLAND HOME QUIETUDE In Focus TROOP 40 SERVES AT WALKER! The 2003 Steele Spheres GEORGE W. HAS SPHERES ART IN THE PARK AT BAGLEY, JULY 3RD SCHIEFERDECKER WOULD HAVE SPENT $THOUSANDS OF YOUR MONEY TO TRY TO KEEP $668 But Semons Insist on Hearing; Money Ordered Returned In Focus WALKER, MN - EST. 1896 CRUISIN' LEECH LAKE WITH THE COBORNS In Focus A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE In Focus PRO SOFTBALL ACTION AT MOONDANCE FIELDS HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL MDJ SALOON INAUGURAL NIGHT A SMASH HIT !! WALKER AREA DINING & in Hackensack WRANGLERS TO GATHER AGAIN AT NORTH STAR RODEO!! SKYNARD, SANTANA, HUEY LEWIS, JUST PART OF HUGE MOONDANCE LINEUP! MAC ROSTIE GARDEN TOUR IN GRAND RAPIDS In Focus LONGVILLE OFFERS NORTHERN RUSTIC CHARM HACKENSACK SWEETHEART DAYS - JULY 12TH-14TH Consumer Corner WE WITHDRAW OUR RECOMMENDATION OF USLINK ------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 04/26/2004 - VOLUME 9 NO. 5 ------------------------------------- WOLF RIDGE RAPTORS BIG HIT AT GR OUTDOOR SHOW Kylmanen, McNeal, Take Top Awards for Decoy Carvings Leading Edge Journalism - Follow-Up ATTORNEY GENERAL OPENS INVESTIGATION OF DAVE WALTERS Customers Consider Class Action Suit Leading Edge Journalism - Follow-Up PREECE SWINDLE TRIALS RESET FOR SEPT. 28TH CORRECTION (no, not even we are without sin) IT'S CHILI AT REMER IT'S SAND LAKE JAM!! KEMMER CHARGES CONSORT MURDERED AT BACKUS, THE HUB OF NORTH CENTRAL MINNESOTA ST. PAT'S AT REMER Editorials-Opinion ECONOMY BRIEFS by Adam Steele, C. P. A. INTEREST RATE WINNERS AND LOSERS OUTSOURCING - IS ALL THE HULLABALOO OVER IT DESERVED? Consumer Corner XMAS GIFT GONE AWRY IF YOU HAVE CALLER ID, YOU MAY BE MISSING IMPORTANT CALLS THINGS THAT JUST DON'T WORK Letters to the Editor GRAND RAPIDS READER RELATES EXPERIENCES WITH "ADVOCATES FOR FAMILY PEACE" In Focus MAPLES RUN IN NORTHLAND THE SPIRIT OF IRELAND UPCOMING AT THE REIF QUILTERS OFFER MOTHER'S DAY WEEKEND TOUR Guest Column COLLEAGUE REMEMBERS WHITNEY TARUTIS by Paul Kief, Esq. MENGELKOCH PRESENTS LECTURE ON NORTHERN HERALD HECKLER ATTENDS ACADEMIC SEMINAR HONORING MOTHER AT WALKER, PARK RAPIDS, MAY 8TH In Focus FUNNY GIRL FUNNY GUYS HACKENSACK TO GET NEW MOVIE THEATRE Direct Answers from Wayne and Tamara THE EFFECTS OF TRAMPING IN THE WORKPLACE, UPON PRODUCTIVITY AND MERIT ASK THE TAX GUY by Adam Steele, Certified Public Accountant PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS: CHECK OVER YOUR STATEMENT CAREFULLY TATTOOS OR BODY PIERCINGS ------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 03/08/2004 - VOLUME 9 NO. 4 ------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism SEARCH WARRANT ISSUED ON LOOKS Money Seized, Though No Connection to Drug Trade; Couple Faces Eviction FAVER SUED ALL THAT JAZZ! In Focus IT'S BACK TO HACK ! KIDS' ICE FISHING DERBY YOUTH HOCKEY CRAFT FAIR TREASURE HUNT AMERICAN LEGION CHILI FEED THE SNOWFLAKE QUEEN Letters to the Editor READERS TOOT OUR HORN ! SMOKERS: IT'S THEIR AIR TOO. WHOLESOME MIDWESTERN WIFE SEEKS CLARIFICATION FUNNY GIRL AT THE REIF IN MARCH YOUNG SPORTSPEOPLE TO BUILD DUCKHOUSES AT GR OUTDOOR SHOW REMER TO CELEBRATE ST. PAT'S 3/16 PREPARATIONS UNDER WAY FOR THE GREAT DANCE UNDER THE MOON -- A Northern Herald Restaurant Un-Review -- THE SILVER PIKE RESTAURANT AT NEVIS As it might be put by Bill Clinton: "Define Buffet" -- A Northern Herald Restaurant Review -- NORTHSTAR BUFFET at the Northern Lights Casino, Walker TAMKIN PLAYS BSU FIRST CITY SQUARES TRAMPING AT BSU STATE AGENCY APPOINTMENTS OPEN For Accountants Only by Adam Steele, C. P. A. TAX SOFTWARE: TAXACT IS BETTER WAY TO GO! CONSUMER CORNER Good Deal WAL-MART WILL OFFER DISCOUNT PAYCHECK CASHING DAVE WALTERS: "I DON'T HAVE TO LISTEN TO THIS ... [MANURE]" BEMIDJI TIRE AND AUTO WON'T STAND BEHIND DESTROYED ENGINE THINGS THAT JUST DON'T WORK ------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 01/05/2004 - VOLUME 9 NO. 3 ------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism ----------------------- CLINT BRUESTLE RESIGNS AFTER $250,000+ CONSTRUCTION BILLING "DISCREPANCY" Did Bemidji Hospital's Finnish Carpentry End Up In Bruestle's New Home? And Why Have It Done by Finns? Why not Norwegians or Swedes? BSU JAZZ FEST TO BE FEB. 7TH Leading Edge Journalism WILLIAM KOHLER IDENTIFIED IN AKELEY CAR WASH THEFTS Charges Pending in Coin Box Larceny At Backus, The Hub of North Central Minnesota IT'S CHILI AT BACKUS REYNOLDS CLEARED IN BAT INCIDENT John Reynolds, Father, Want Brian Winge Charged for Making False Complaint HOT CAKES AT BLACKDUCK In Focus ICE RACES ON AT LAPORTE! Editorials - Opinion DEATH PENALTY IS FINE, BUT IF GOVERNOR KILLS THE WRONG PERSON, HE SHOULD SWING -- Letters to the Editor TENNESSEAN OPTS OUT OF DATING GAME ASK THE TAX GUY by Adam Steele, Certified Public Accountant AN IRA CAN MEAN BIG TAX BREAK THIS YEAR! PARK RAPIDS ATTORNEY CHARGED INCREASE YOUR WORD POWER ! CONSUMER CORNER GOOD DEAL ON LITTLE FALLS AUTO REPAIR PROBLEMS WITH YOUR CELL PHONE COMPANY? COLD WEATHER COMMENTS AND COMPARISONS THINGS THAT JUST DON'T WORK In Focus Visiting Northern MEXICO IN TIJUANA PUERTO NUEVO ROSARITO ENSENADA LAS SENORITAS DE TIJUANA COMMON SENSE TIPS FOR ENJOYING YOUR STAY IN MEXICO. FURTHER READING & PICTURES - WEB RESOURCES HEADWATERS LEARNING CENTER SETS SPRING CALENDAR NEW HOMEBUYERS WORKSHOP AT WALKER "FUNNY GIRL" TO PLAY AT GRAND RAPIDS ------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 11/17/2003 - VOLUME 9 NO. 2 ------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism - Follow Up THIS IS BEMIDJI --------------- ANOTHER SWINDLE VICTIM FILES CLAIM IN POLICE CHIEF PREECE BANKRUPTCY Unchallenged Debts of Bemidji Police Chief Preece Discharged 10/15/03 BELTRAMI [IN]HUMANE SOCIETY, BELTRAMI COURTS STEAL SCHMIDT'S ANIMALS CLARIFICATION WAL-MART ISSUES NEW RECIPE BOOK ETHNICFEST, CAJUNFEST AT WALKER !! SHANNAN ADDRESSES MAJOR GVM'T COVER-UPS National Investigative Reporter Shatters Investigation Myths In Focus TWO WINE TASTINGS IN HACKENSACK !! CRIME COMES TO AKELEY Letters to the Editor --------------------- MAN RESTRAINED FROM HIS OWN DWELLING Sentenced to 86 Months FOR HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS, it's a natural! -- Northern Herald Restaurant Reviews -- THREE GOOD PLACES TO EAT IN THE GOLDEN CORRIDOR !! * * * * UP NORTH (WEEKEND BUFFET), HACKENSACK * * * TASTY PIZZA NORTH * * * LUCETTE'S PIZZERIA REIF CENTER'S BLUES FEST AT COLERAINE "PAGEANT" AT GRAND RAPIDS TOY DRIVE AT REMER HANUKKAH TREES - FREE ------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 09/29/2003 - VOLUME 9 NO. 1 ------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism - Follow-Up ----------------------------------- This Is Bemidji SWINDLE VICTIM, TRUSTEE, WON'T LET PREECE GET AWAY WITH IT Victim Files Claims of Embezzlement, Larceny Against Bemidji Police Chief, Bankruptcy Trustee Files Objection to Preece's Claim of Exempt Property Leading Edge Journalism TIM FAVER REFUSED TO PROSECUTE ASSAULT WITH TRUCK Victim in Land Dispute Claims Continual Harassment - Officials Refused to Act LAMB HELD OVER A YEAR WITHOUT TRIAL AT CLEARWATER COUNTY In Focus LAKELAND TV OFFERS MORE CHANNELS, OPEN HOUSE NORTHERN CRITTERS (photo caption) AUDITOR'S REPORT DISCLOSES MAJOR MISSPENDING BY WOMEN'S SHELTER Editorials - Opinion A TIME OF HOSPITALITY Letters to the Editor RENTER DISCUSSES "SLUM" CONDITIONS In Focus ABOUT 200 ATTEND HUBBARD POSSE FUN(D) RAISER In Focus SAND LAKE JAM In Focus -------- At Backus, The Hub of North Central Minnesota CORN FEST AT BACKUS!! SIGHTS FROM THE CLEARWATER COUNTY FAIR AT BAGLEY (photo captions) Direct Answers from Wayne and Tamara WALKING THE WALK Public Service Advertisement THE ENVIRONMENT CONSUMER CORNER --------------- THEY CALL THIS PROGRESS? Two Small Steps Backward For A Man (or Lady) ... A Giant Leap For Mankind THE VAST WASTELAND 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 HEWLETT-PACKARD(R) CELLULAR-ONE(R) ****************************************************************** TEXT OF ARCHIVED ISSUES BEGINS: ------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 08/16/2004 - VOLUME 9 NO. 7 ------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism HEIRS ACCUSE FULLER, MASOG OF ESTATE LOOTING Park Rapids Heiress Says Items Missing, Files Petition To Remove Attorney John Masog as Personal Rep PARK RAPIDS -- In the matter of the Estate of Roland Kotowski, a former Park Rapids dentist, deceased December, 2000, and in the wake of what appears to be the trustee's allowing of looting and misappropriations of the possessions in the decedent's house; Jerome Fuller has been removed as trustee over the decedent's trust; and action is under way to have Park Rapids attorney John Masog removed as Personal Representative (case no. P0-01-166) over the estate. In addition to the thefts and misappropriations, heiress Mary Kotowski has indicated that high and unnecessary legal fees, generated by Masog and the trustees, are consuming the estate and its income, which should rightfully go to the heirs. The last hearing was July 12th, 2004, at the Hubbard Co. Courthouse, at which time the court set October 12th and 13th, 2004 as the date for trial of the removal petition; with Masog's frivolous motion for summary judgement to be heard at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 9th. A settlement conference will also take place at that time. Masog appeared at the hearing represented by Steve Peloquin, Esq., who shares an office with Masog; Mary Kotowski, the heiress bringing the removal petition, was represented by Peter Grayson and Marcy Wallace, Esqs., of Minneapolis, who appeared at the hearing by speakerphone. At the July 12th hearing, Grayson and Wallace expressed concern over property which continues to be removed from the decedent's house without the knowledge and consent of the heirs (who have been barred, by the trustee, from the property). They said that the removal of seven pickup loads the previous week was only one incident of many; and that "all of the personal property belongs to the children [Mary, Mark, and John Kotowski]." Peloquin responded that the loads removed last week were "as I understand it," taken to storage. Peloquin denied, to the Court, "any knowledge" of the trustee's intent to improperly sell or dispose of the property, but added the disclaimer that these matters are handled by the trustee, not Masog. Prior to adjournment, the parties agreed to maintain the status quo (that is, not to illegally fence any more stolen property); and the Court noted the agreement. The decedent's will and trust specifies, in part, that his estate shall be distributed as follows: 1. Certain specific personal items, per a list appended to the trust instrument, should go to his heirs as indicated in the list; 2. His last medical and funeral expenses shall be paid from the estate; 3. From rental income from his lands in Lincoln County, Minn., a. $500 annually shall go to St. Peter and Paul Church of Ivanhoe, Minn.; b. the remainder of said income shall be paid annually in equal share to his children, [Mary and her two brothers], and to his grandchildren; and 4. All of the remaining trust assets [including a 320 acre parcel of land] shall be used to endow three scholarship funds established by the trust. The trust document names Jerome Fuller, of Park Rapids, as Trustee; and the will similarly names Fuller as Personal Rep for the Roland Kotowski estate. But in earlier proceedings, in the wake of alleged mismanagement and disappearance of assets, and the alleged filing of an inaccurate and incomplete inventory of same, the Court removed Fuller, the owner of a Park Rapids pawn shop, as Trustee and Personal Rep; and installed, instead, John Masog, Esq. as Personal Rep, and Donnie Wilkins as Trustee over the Kotowski trust. Now, Mary Kotowski alleges that the malfeasance has continued - that Masog and Wilkins are continuing to allow the estate assets to be pilfered, and seeks to have Masog removed. Mary Kotowski's interest in the approx. $750,000 estate amounts to her share of the Lincoln County rental proceeds, and personal items in the list; but she is also bringing the action because the other heirs, including her two brothers, and the scholarship funds, are losing their share of the estate to alleged plundering of same by the attorneys and trustees. She said, "My focus is to see that things are done fairly and equitably, and prudently," with fiduciary responsibility and an accurate accounting of the estate. She is also concerned about erosion of the estate due to Masog's needless legal fees, "Legal fees that are a mystery; Mr. Masog has been asked a number of times, 'What have you charged? ... Where has all the money gone?'" she said, maintaining that Masog has consistently refused to disclose to the heirs what he has charged to the estate. Mary Kotowski said, however, that those charges have affected the heirs - that she was supposed to have received about $5,000 as her annual share of the Lincoln County rental, but only got a check for approx. $1,400. She sent the check back for correction, but never received a reply. "From what I understand, that's what the legal fees are being paid from ... the proceeds from the rent, not the sale of any other property," she said. Additionally, Mary is advancing a claim against the estate for her out-of-pocket legal costs of $23,470.75 in having Fuller removed; as well as a claim for sums promised her by her father, for her returning to Minnesota, from Washington, to care for him during his last year. That claim, which includes promised college tuition, subsistence, lodging, and lost wages, totals $292,530.10 "That's what he promised me," she said; but she is faced with the problem that the agreement was never put into a formal document, and although there may have been contemporaneous writings or memoranda in the decedent's house relating to the agreement, all of the papers and documents in the house were removed and destroyed by the Trustee (Fuller). "OK Guys! I'm the Trustee; let's loot the decedent's house!" In interview, Mary Kotowski stated many instances of bargain sales of the decedent's assets to friends and relatives of the Trustee, and other irregular dispositions which could constitute breach of fiduciary duty. She said that, when Fuller was the Trustee, he sold some valuable Ducks Unlimited paintings to his brother-in-law Ren Holland. "[Holland] came with a pickup truck, I was in the office [a part of the decedent's home]. They locked the door (of the office - to bar access by Kotowski), Ren came in and he took a majority of the paintings and a majority of my dad's cast statues ... from Ducks Unlimited and a number of other things that I really couldn't inventory because I was locked in the office. I came out the front ... [but] I wasn't allowed to enter the [main portion of the] house ... they just kept filling up the pickup truck and then he [Ren] wrote a check for ... [approximately] $1,500 and then he left." Mary estimates the market value of the assets sold at about $5,000, plus sentimental value to the family. Mary Kotowski said that one of the Ducks Unlimited prints ended up being given, through Fuller, to one Joey Kaseman, and is now hanging in Kaseman's office. A D-5 dozer in the estate was sold to Don Wilkens's nephew for $5,000. "It easily would have brought $35,000 or so at auction," Mary said. A gem faceting tool in the house had been purchased by Mary Kotowski and her father for $5,000. They had split the cost and each had a 1/2 interest. But the trustee sold it to Doug Cheney for $500, without any notice to Mary. Also sold was Mary's .22 rifle that was stored in the house; she received no payment for it. "Mr. Fuller sold [it] through [his] pawn shop, and has refused to tell me who [he] sold [it] to," she said. Northern Herald has also learned, from a credible source, that although the heirs were not generally allowed, by the trustee, access to the decedent's house; the children of trustee Fuller could go in, and, allegedly, were manufacturing methamphetamine there. Mary said that it was the decedent's intent to change the will and trust, possibly removing Fuller, and recognizing the amounts he promised Mary, but when he called his attorney, John Masog, from his deathbed, to discuss the changes, "Mr. Masog was supposed to call my dad three times; he [Masog] never did show up [or return the calls] or talk to him while he [the decedent] was in the hospital; and then he [Masog] went on vacation and my dad died." In her efforts to remove Masog and make sure that the estate is properly administered, Mary estimates that she's expended about $45,000 of her own money on legal fees. Masog has not given an accounting of how much he's taken from the estate for his fees and other legal costs. Mary has prepared a complaint against Masog to the impotent Lawyers Professional Responsibility board (aka, The Foxes Who Watch The Henhouse), and is considering filing it. She said that her two brothers have already filed complaints. In her proposed complaint, Mary asks of Masog, "Where is missing property, funds, accounting, missing daily logs and receipts of last month of doctor's work - deposit books, patient files, disposition of personal effects, sale of property not belonging to the estate [i.e. belonging to the heirs, stored in the house, and now missing] ...?" Her proposed complaint continues, "Mr. Masog sought refuge under the guise of Mr. Wilkins and Mr. Fuller; he not only chose not to answer numerous questions made by my attorneys (at no small cost to myself and the trust as well), but postured a defense that was to threaten me with restraining orders and police incarceration should I attempt to find answers to these questions independently ...." Mary said that Masog, a former Assistant Hubbard Co. Attorney, "attempted to file a restraining order because, ... as the personal representative, questions were to be directed to him. Any time I called him, he became enraged." Masog, however, did not go through with applying for the threatened restraining order against Mary Kotowski. Her complaint continues, "My father's burial [deceased in 2000] has yet to happen ...." Per Mary, it took 2 1/2 years for the estate to pay for the cremation; and the burial of the remains has been held up because the estate has failed to pay for the headstone and burial. Mary also questions Mr. Wilkins's sale, as trustee, of the 320 acre parcel. He sold it to an acquaintance, Lance Larson, for $429,000; Mary had offered to buy it, on a two-year contract, for $620,000. As regards the seven truckloads of items removed from the house in early July, although Masog's attorney, Peloquin, maintained in open court that it was to be stored, Mary said that, when it was being removed from the house, there was present a young girl, a relation of Don Wilkens's wife. When asked what they were doing removing the property, per Mary, the girl told her that it was being taken out to be prepared for sale at auction. Mary's presence at the removal, and bringing it up the next week in court, may have averted that occurrence. When the items were being removed, Mary called 911, so that a police report of what was being taken would be made. The complaint continues, "I feel that Mr. Masog has used the trust's funds to unnecessarily elongate this matter, I feel that his antagonistic motives are intended to fuel a long term involvement which he can bill with unlimited abandon as he is unwilling to cooperate in encouraging any fiscal recording." In interview, Mary Kotowski produced a list of major items which are missing from the estate or from the decedent's house, without an accounting, by Masog, Fuller, or Wilkens, therefor. The list includes a canoe, a garden tiller, a wood chipper, a dust collector, 3 rock tumblers, antique fishing lures, jewelry, a "Mongolian manuscript", items stored in a vault, a large screen TV (which Fuller was to have received as compensation, but traded back to the estate for other property; then the TV "disappeared"), old decoys (known to have been taken by Royce Holland, but never paid for), Mary's coin and old currency collection estimated to be worth at least $300, and guns belonging to Mary's brothers. Mary said that, as trustee, Fuller cashed a Certificate of Deposit, of the estate, estimated to be worth, with interest, about $55,000; but he only deposited $50,000 of that into the trust's account. Also disposed of was a vehicle that was owned by Mary's brother John, which had been titled to their father, Roland, for convenience. John's actual interest in the vehicle was noted in a writing stored in the decedent's house. But when Fuller came on as trustee, he destroyed all of the documents in the house, eliminating any evidence of claims others may have against the estate, including, possibly, any contemporaneous notes regarding the agreements between Mary and her father for compensation for her care of him. "Every single piece of paper in my father's house is gone, he estimated [that] over 40 banker's boxes of paper were removed from the house and destroyed," she said. Mary Kotowski brought her action seeking an equitable resolution. "What needs to happen is what's legally proper. My father's original intents - none of them have been followed. ... I would just like my father's intentions and his promises to be upheld; the people who have done wrongdoing to be held accountable; the money and things that are missing to be replaced; and a public apology for being called names and having my reputation impugned," she said. Masog was offered the opportunity to comment, but declined. Related story: For further reading on the topic of alleged malfeasance by Minnesota attorneys in estate matters, see Sue Berkovitz: Why? in NH of 06/21/04, at northernherald.com ---------------------------------------------------------- BAGLEY HOSTS ART IN THE PARK BAGLEY -- Both Bagles (those who name Bagley as their home), and visitors from points remote, were treated to a Saturday of arts, in a wide variety of media, including music, July 3rd, 2004, set in the well-wooded Gazebo Park, at the Clearwater County Fairgrounds at Bagley. The eclectic and diverse Art In The Park presentation featured traditional fine art - paintings and the like - but also displays of Northland jewelry, woodworking, rock, metal and glass, ceramics, and fabric arts by exhibitors from throughout the region. Photo Captions (photos are not included in The Library edition): The very expert and highly listenable troupe, Hickory Wind , from Shevlin and Bagley, entertain guests at Bagley's Art In The Park, Saturday, July 3rd. They'll be performing at the Minn. State Fair, also. Bookings: 218-467-3524 Acrylics by Maureen O'Brien Glass block by Pane In The Glass designs, Bagley Marble clock by Clearwater Rocks, Bagley Embroidery earrings by Linda Bestul, Bagley Monie Martin demonstrates basket weaving Artistry in abalone and brass by Ashley Halverson, Shevlin ------------------------------------------------------ In Focus -------- It's Fun For All At Hackensack's SWEETHEART DAYS Note: In Focus features are primarily pictoral. Photos, however, are not included in The Library edition. HACKENSACK -- One thing they know how to do in Hackensack is have fun, and this year's annual Sweetheart Days fest, July 12th-14th was no exception - there was something for everyone! The theme of this year's event was Lucette's Luau, and, new to the myriads of activities, only some of which can be shown here, were the golf tourney, A Taste of Hackensack, and a scavenger hunt. Hackensack regularly hosts children's fishing contests every Tuesday, from 11 am to 1 pm, throughout the summer; those contests will continue through August 31st. The 1 1/2 hour parade included seven colour guards, from American Legion posts at Hackensack, Backus, Walker, Pine River, Nisswa, Brainerd, and the Fraser Nelson post. Photo Captions (photos are not included in The Library edition): First Lady Lucette Diana Kensack stands by the waterfront to welcome visitors to Sweetheart Days, which celebrate her betrothal to Paul Bunyan. What a Figure! Bonnie, of Hackensack Art kiosk Young gladiators duke it out on the Rock 'Em - Sock 'Em! Chelsey, of Menahga, enjoys the pony rides Horseshoe Tournament Making It Happen! Ryan Burns, of Spectrum Entertainment, and Sue Larson. Spectrum provided DJ dance music through the afternoon. The Birch Lake Ice Racers carve genuine smoked pork for their stand's BBQ sandwiches; only $3, and so good that if the pig could have known what he was bound to become, he'd have been proud! Hackensack Police Chief Mel Rateike leads the parade. Hackensack American Legion - Post 202 - Colour Guard Hack's Snowflake Queen, Lulu Bamboo Friends Forever's luau float took Third Place in parade judging. Of the over 60 parade entries, First Place went to Kevin's Auto Body, and Second to Hackensack Ace Hardware. Gordon Ford, of Hackensack, builds these. He drives his newest hybird "Let Freedom Ring" air car. Dance! Dance! Dance! The Ramona Fritz Band entertained for the street dance long into the night! --------------------------------------------------- In Focus -------- It's Another Great ... SAND LAKE JAM Note: In Focus features are primarily pictoral. Photos, however, are not included in The Library edition. HACKENSACK -- Under a fair marbled sky with temps in the low 70s, this year's 3rd annual Sand Lake Jam, held June 19th, 2004 - a bit earlier than past years', drew guests from all over, and featured four top bands, Ramona Fritz, Twilight Blues, Crow, and Westside. Whether camping, or driving in; having an impromptu game of baseball, biking, pitching horsehoes, having a campfire, enjoying the lake and the food, or just dancing, grooving, and hanging out, Sand Lake Jam offers a full day of laid back relaxation and entertainment - this year four great bands - at the Evensons' accommodating Deer Acres Resort, in the Deep Portage woods (near Hackensack), at an incredible price! From Hackensack, The Ramona Fritz Band is known for their classic rock repertoire; Twilight Blues for upbeat classic blues with a rock edge. Minneapolis-based Crow attained stardom in 1969 when their national hit, "Evil Woman (don't play your games with me)" made Billboard's top ten list. Capping the evening off, a winner of Ed McMahon's national TV Star-search, St. Paul-based Westside, delighted the audience with Las Vegas-style showmanship, and more, very danceable, music. Said lead singer Tony Green, "We want to get you dancing ... [with] fantastic vocals, horn section, and a whole lot of high energy choreography." Westside can be seen weekends at Arnellia's, St. Paul. Photo Captions (photos are not included in The Library edition): The Ramona Fritz Band: Kelly Sievers, Jack Erickson, Wayne Eckberg, Drummer John Valo (fill-in for Dave Fisher) From Backus, Twilight Blues Band: Leebone Sherseth, Tim Gryz, Donny Larson Tenters Lance Schmidt, Pequot Lakes, Sarah Steinhilber, Inver Grove Heights, "Just Pete", Brainerd and April Meyers, St. Cloud. RVing from Mille Lacs, Bill & Vicki King and Paul & Mary Baillif said that it's their first Sand Lake Jam, "Glad we came, we'll probably be back next time, too!" Jammers dance to Crow (top photo), and Westside (bottom photo group) Host, Dave Evenson: "We're all gonna have a good time!" Crow Westside Lead singer Tony Green invites audience members on stage to join in the antics & fun! Also of Westside: Petey G., Gerald Lee, Chicco Smith on sax, Shaunie S., Drummer & Founder, J.T. ------------------------------------------------- Letters to the Editor IS IT LEGALIZED PROSTITUTION, OR THEFT? My life definitely took a turn down the wrong road the day that she was introduced to me. Later on it would surface that all she was after was my money and the way she set about getting my money was to use the state's own system of child support. A system that is way out of whack and has no accountability in it whatsoever; she does not have to account for where she spends the money that is given to her, the money that is called CHILD support, and I believe is intended for ... let me see ... the child! Never mind that the money I pay out for the support of my child is far and above the actual cost of the child’s needs and that the rest of the money is left for his mother to do with what she pleases. Shame on me for having a job that was one of those they call a good job or one that paid well. That is what made me a prime target, ripe for the picking. She told me that there is no reason in this day and age for a woman to get pregnant unless she wants to! After she got pregnant and being the old fashioned guy that I am, I married her, she then said, "it's probably a good thing I got pregnant when I did, because, I don't think that you were ready to get married for a long time, if ever!" Now [she] and I have a child, were divorced in three years and the child support kicked in. I love my child dearly but the support I pay has taken the good job pay away from me. Why should I have even tried to better myself and get better jobs as I went along when the State allows her to take it away from me just by lying on her back. I have no problem supporting my child but why do I also have to support her? The State of Minnesota engages in fostering prostitution without prosecution. The state makes child support so lucrative that certain women gladly will lie on their backs and make children, for the money! Let me see, what is the definition of prostitution? prostitution ... noun: the act or practice of engaging in sexual activity indiscriminately esp. for money; also: the crime of engaging in such activity In the child support system children equal money. Have a child and the money just flows in, if you have picked a man with a good job. Never mind that it is a crime to be engaged in prostitution, Minnesota does not care about that as long as a child is conceived, and then woe to the "John" who will be indebted to pay far and above the actual cost of raising the child. I am not trying to say that all women who use the Child Support system are like this. Am only talking about the ones that abuse the system! From a guy who used to have a little money, all gone now! Thanks to the state run child support system and a regular girl turned prostitute. -- Chris Davis Grand Rapids, Minn. The woman's perspective From a lady who read this letter: I have to respond to that [letter].... It was recollection of "bygone days". SO true on Chris's way of thinking; he had no idea what was to come, she [the ex-wife] was only looking for security $$$ to ensure her survival. Quite a shame on his part...another nice guy taken for his $$$. Some women should simply NOT be mothers. They are not nurturing nor have the ability to love unconditionally. Unlike some of us left in this world, they are not open to the ability of prioritizing what matters in life. Well ... you and I were some of the few who have values left & what matters to us in our hearts and our hands...to make the difference. We are only 2 people, but we can change our lives and take into consideration the ability to change the things we cannot. KUDOS to Chris for speaking his feelings and expressing, what I feel, are the feelings of any hard-working man caught up in the bureaucracy of the "trapped man" with a good job, [who] can support children and habits of a bad woman !!!!!!! It is very unfair to those of us who begin lives with these men and care and love them...only to find that our lives are put on hold "'til the kid is 18". Our whole lives are disrupted by financial woes and the ability, the obligation... to move on and create a life with this person. These obstacles REALLY SUCK. We need to ask ourselves..."What is the sacrifice worth?" And Northern Herald replies: This is not actually prostitution. To call it that would not be fair to prostitution. Prostitution, where it is legal, is generally an honest and clean transaction where it is understood what goods are to be purchased, for an agreed price. The Minnesota divorce and child support system, conversely, is like hiring someone to build a house, have him walk off the job when it's only 1/10 done, and then he still expects to be paid for the whole house, in payments for the next 18 years. A contractor can't do this; but it's what, in divorce, the Minnesota State Legislature supports; it is a part of Minnesota law. Minnesota law presently bases a man's child support obligation not on what it takes to support the child, but rather, on a fixed percentage of his income (up to 25%). Many men with good jobs pay way more than the costs of the child's support, and the remainder is spent by the ex-wife to supplement her income from current tramping. It is noteworthy that, if the ex-husband is not making enough, the court can impute income to him. That is, make an assessment of what he might be earning elsewhere (like, if he moved to another part of the country), and base the child support on that figure, rather than what he actually earns and has; if he doesn't pay this higher amount that he doesn't have, his licenses can be revoked and he can be thrown in jail. This is unconstitutional, but that's never been a major obstacle in St. Paul, and it is the law in Minnesota. (In California, at least one court held a similar law to be invalid as constituting involuntary servitude.) It is also noteworthy that, where a man's income is below the poverty level - so that, were the couple together, they'd qualify for welfare based upon combined income (that is, the system says that they don't make enough to support themselves and a child); if the woman chooses to divorce, the man, nonetheless, is required to pay child support. And the woman's perspective points up the severe inequity in that, while the ex-wife is allowed to just go on with her trampy life, the man's is put on hold for 18 years; many decent women who have now found happy marriages with those men have objected to this aspect of current Minnesota law. Nothing herein should be construed as legal advice. We, at Northern Herald, are not attorneys - we make an honest living - so we are not allowed to give legal advice, and can only offer the illegal kind. -- Ed. ------------------------------------------------- Letters to the Editor DISABLED ARE *SUPPOSED* TO HAVE ROTTEN TEETH There are many of us people struggling to stay on the bottom of the money ladder in Minnesota. Living over 200% below the poverty line has always been a difficult, complicated series of hoops to be mastered. Paperwork alone is a nasty ordeal. In Jan., 2004, this lower rung got even more difficult. Gov. Pawlenty put in a co-pay for all medical assistance recipients. All medications have a fee, as do doctor visits; and dental is now completely out of our reach with a 50% co-pay. Myself and my friend now have teeth missing we can not get fixed. Instead of a proud citizen of the USA, I now feel very shabby, and like a derelict. I am ashamed to go anywhere and talk with anyone. My missing tooth, just like my friend's, is right out in front. Shame on you governor, trying to rebuild your budget from money taken from the poorest in our society, the disabled SSI recipients. Write to the governor. Tell him how this co-pay has made your life more miserable. [Name and address withheld by request] -------------------------------------------------- DUKEKS, OF BAGLEY, TAKE GANDER MTN. BEMIDJI PRIZE BEMIDJI -- Of 48 teams entered, paying $210. each, Stewart and Brenda Dukek, of Bagley, took the $1,600. grand prize, with their basket of six walleye weighing 19.26 lbs.; in the 4th qualifier of the 9-state Gander Mountain National Walleye Cup, held on Lake Bemidji Sunday, June 27th, 2004. The event paid the top 12 two-person teams that day from a purse of about $5,000. In addition to the top aggregate, the Dukeks also brought in the biggest single walleye, at 5.19 lbs. Second place ($800.) was taken by the team of Duane Hill, Bemidji; and Mike Lundberg, of Deer River, with 18.49 lbs. The national grand fish-off will be held in October at Lake of the Woods. Photo Caption (photos are not included in The Library edition): The Dukeks with fish, awards. ------------------------------------------------- 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 DEPARTMENT STORE DIGITAL PHOTO CENTERS - WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW "OK, just put your photo card in here; we'll take your high resolution shots, garbage them up a little, and put them on this CD!" That's what the clerk should say at many high-volume digital photo processing centers in department and discount stores, including Target and others. Unfortunately, the clerk isn't that informative - neither is the signage - and due to what they aren't told, many consumers unknowingly can get back a CD with photos of lower quality than what they shot. Often the clerk doesn't even know that the processing machine is programmed to change (compress) the images. Many hobbyists shoot photos with their cameras set to .jpg or another compressed format, anyway, so they can get more pictures on a card. Some, however, need maximum resolution and accuracy, and set their camera to shoot .tif The problem is, that often the program used by the high-volume processing centers automatically converts all of the photos to the less accurate .jpg format; sometimes changing the filenames and dates, too, making it harder to know what's what. So persons who shoot high-resolution should ask about this before having their photos processed. Specialty photo stores, such as, in Bemidji, Image Photography ($5/card) and Picture This ($8.99/card) can usually faithfully save the high-res photos to CD without compression. Of course, for best results - so one can control exactly what's happening - a person who takes a lot of pictures does best by having a card reader on his home computer, and learning about the picture formats (it's not that hard). When shooting vacation photos out of town, it's handy to be able to clear your card almost as easily as buying a roll of film. Be sure of what you're getting, though, on your CD. Terminology: .tif: This is a digital image in, generally, the highest resolution and accuracy. Totally uncompressed, it is a large file, usually 4Mb or more. Each pixel is mapped, and what you shot is what you get. When one retrieves and saves a .tif file, the file is unchanged. This very accurate photo format is used by professionals, and hobbyists who require the most faithful reproduction. It also may be the desirable format if enlargements are to be obtained. .jpg: This is a very commonly used "lossy" (where detail is actually lost - as contrasted to "LZW" compression which is nonlossy) compression format. With jpg, matrices (e.g. 2x2 or 3x3, depending upon the level of compression) of pixels are adjusted, and the result is stored as the new image. In this, the colours of the pixels are actually changed. Sharpness of the image may be decreased, although, because pixels are very small, the difference between a jpg and a tif may not be obvious to the naked eye, or on a computer screen, unless the photo is enlarged. (To easily see the difference, open a new blank (i.e. white background) greyscale Photoshop® screen, and draw only a straight black line somewhere in it. Save as a .tif, then as a .jpg. Close your window, reopen both files, enlarge until pixels are visible and compare. You'll see a lot of stray pixels in the jpg.) The new .jpg file may only be 1/10th, or less, of the size of the original .tif file. Due to file size and transmission time, jpg is the usual format for Internet or email use. However, each time the jpg file is retrieved, and then saved again in jpg format, it may be changed a little more. WHAT DO YOU WANT ON YOUR TOMBSTONE? Certainly not a chicken. But that's what you'll get when you buy today's Tombstone(R) frozen pizza. Yep, it used to be the premium pizza (still at a premium price). But no more; now their sausage & pepperoni pizza, for example, contains chicken disguised as meat. Time to buy elsewhere. And regardless of the brand, it's always important to check the small print ingredients box. Some of the others may contain chicken, or soy, instead of meat (i.e. beef & pork sausage), too. 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. For review of the following things that just don't work, from past issues, see Things That Just Don't Work from the main page at northernherald.com: * PATTON(R) Oil-filled Electric Radiators * CELLULAR-ONE(R) * HI-VAL(R) (I/O MAGIC(R)) CD-RW drives * SYMPHONIC(R) VCRS. * LEXAR(R) Compact Flash cards * OFFICE MAX(R) REBATES * HEWLETT-PACKARD(R) product support * carsoup.com ---------------------------------------- REMER CELEBRATES FIREMAN'S DAY REMER -- Saturday July 10, 2004, brought Fireman's Day to Remer. The all-day celebration included kids' games, a moon walk, a visit from Smokey the Bear (bears are not that uncommon in these parts, but one doesn't generally see a celebrity). Turkey sandwiches with all the trimmings were served, there were free root beer floats; as well as a beer garden with live music. Red Bull energy drink sponsored a Moto-Cross free-style exhibition featuring hill-cross gold medalist Levi LaValle. Adult games included a horseshoe tournament, Chamber of Commerce Bingo, a waterball fight, and trap shoot. Evening brought dancing at the Fire Hall with the very excellent band, The Killer Hayseeds. Photo Caption (photos are not included in The Library edition): The southern-Minnesota based hit pop country band, The Killer Hayseeds, which recently released their new album entitled, "...The Good Old Days" gave a highly polished performance at Remer's Fireman's Day, July 10th, and kept the packed Fire Hall dancing long into the night. The very capable band performed in varying tempos, including hits by Lynyrd Skynyrd and Charlie Daniels; and even some dance tunes with a big band tempo and beat. Lead vocalist Darin Essery, at lower left, has been performing since he was 17, and entertained that night on manolin, acousic guitar and fiddle. More: www.killerhayseeds.com ------------------------------------------------ WAL*MART OFFERS VISITORS HOSPITALITY OTHERWISE LACKING IN BEMIDJI BEMIDJI -- Time was, and it wasn't so long ago - about twenty years - when a person visiting or passing through Bemidji found all the tourist facilities he might need. There was a distinctive and historic log-sided tourist center, a historical center, and pedalboats for rent at the downtown waterfront. Families enjoyed a larger amusement park there, then. To keep in touch, there were lots of public pay phones (the Quest kind - not the private ones that often don't work) everywhere. Parking was easy, and if the visitor had an RV (or even if car camping) he could park it for the night right at the waterfront. There are times one needs a campground, but when between points, sometimes one just needs a place to park. These are the kinds of things that made people want to come to, and stay and buy in, Bemidji. In the '90s, though, the City adopted a wholly different attitude. The tourist center that WPA had built in the '30s was ripped out - seems our local Chamber of Commerce wanted new lakeside offices, so it was replaced with something that looks like a convenience store - devoid of the quaint charm the old structure had. The City, in reworking of the tourist center, also called, in the same project, for redesign of the parking lot and lakeshore reducing the area available for the amusement park (which was a major summer draw from other nearby towns, as well as an attraction for non-locals). They had to let their waterslide and some other features go. Location, location, location! The Historical Society was evicted, by the City, from the highly visible and often visited building that the Society had built at the waterfront. Now, at a cost of over a $million, they're housed in an obscure corner of the city where most don't even know where they are. The pedalboats and mini-golf, apparently, went the same way as did the concession stand at Diamond Point, a few years before. The public phones were ripped out from downtown, Union Station, and many other places - if one has to call for directions, reservations, or other info, it isn't as easy now. And as to overnight parking, or even stopping to look, at the waterfront, well, you saw the sign. And still, some wonder why more people don't want to come to Bemidji. Nowadays, the City is concerning itself with, at untold cost, putting up steel barricades to limit pedestrian access to the waterfront south of the bridge, and devoting bulging downtown street corners to display of atrocious eyesores that pass under the guise of "art". Street corners that could be used for a bench, a drinking fountain or a public phone - things that are actually needed and appreciated by visitors to, as well as residents of, the city. These are the kinds of services that make a city seem inviting and friendly - not some piece of twisted metal that was someone's idea of sculpture. Fortunately, for the vacationer, there are some genuinely attractive places here in the Great North. Places like Hackensack, Walker, Park Rapids, Deer River, Remer, Lake George, and many others. One of the few worthwhile attractions in Bemidji, Wal-Mart, is an easy jump off, and back on, the freeway for those staying elsewhere. And for those passing through Bemidji with an RV, the Wal-Mart here offers the hospitality that the City of Bemidji no longer does. It would be well if some of these Wal-Mart guys would run for City Council. They know a lot about dealing with the public - to where people want to come, and want to keep coming back - that they could teach to the people at City Hall. Photo Captions (photos are not included in The Library edition): This is Bemidji . . . . . . But this is WAL*MART ! This sign reflects Bemidji's hostile posture towards tourists and others. At the downtown waterfront park, it warns visitors that after 10 pm the lot is "closed," and vehicles, whether occupied or not, will be ticketed and towed. We're not sure why a park would have to close. What do they do? Put the squirrels away for the night? But if you visit Bemidji, don't plan on coming down and looking at the moonlight on the lake - our corrupt city council has decided that your car will be ticketed and towed, even if you're in it. Also, for no good reason, the City bans parking from 2 - 5 a.m. on downtown streets. This, of course, is a hardship for people who live in the second story downtown apartments, many of which don't have their own lots, and for their visitors. Fortunately, the Bemidji Wal-Mart is glad to have the guests the City of Bemidji doesn't want. Wal-Mart's hospitable policy is to allow (at those stores that can) overnight RV parking in the back of their lot, and they built their Bemidji lot plenty big and accommodating, so there's lots of space for this. Just makes plain sense. Good for business, good for PR, good for the traveler, good for everybody. Said Don Graziano, traveling from Hamilton, Ontario, "It's nice to park here, because you need stuff, you know - we stocked up on the stuff we need for tomorrow." -------------------------------------------------------- THE MAGIC OF MOONDANCE !! WALKER -- The bands, that one would never hear in person elsewise, are certainly the feature attraction - but it's much more. Axeman, one of eight Moondance campers, who hail from diverse points spanning Wayzata to Detroit Lakes, gathered at a site in the North General campground, said, "The bands are cool, but," he added that the secure and hospitable camping and Moondance environment are just as important to him. He complimented the Bielohs on their organization and infrastructure of the event, "[They've] done a [darn] nice job ... the roads, ... the lights ... [they've] sprayed for bugs.... We appreciate the effort [the Bielohs have] put back into it." This is the 10th Moondance for Axeman and his wife, The Hatchet. Photo Captions (photos are not included in The Library edition): Producers, Mr. & Mrs. Bieloh Brian Swanson met his wife, Connie, at Moondance 1993. Of St. Paul, they've been coming back ever since. Said Brian, "It's a good way to get away and have a good time with a bunch of friends." Connie added, "Bill and Kathy [Bieloh] are the greatest." Their favorite performer this year? John Fogerty. 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! AMUSEMENTS: Getting high at Moondance is perfectly OK. You can do it in this helium-filled closed balloon, secured by ropes attached to two harnessed guys on the ground who, in addition to letting it up and hauling it down, pull it across the grounds (within their area) for an overall view! Said returning astronut Mickie Silvers, above, from Grey Eagle, Minn., "I thought it was really awesome! I was a little scared at first, but it was really good ... I would do it again in a minute!" THE NEW MDJ SALOON: When a person just wants to sit awhile, but not miss good entertainment, they just might end up at the new, expanded, MDJ Saloon. And if a couple wants to dance, the big dance floor there is the best place to do it. Photo Captions (photos are not included in The Library edition): Chuck Halverson, Brainerd; Dadda Olafsdotter, from Reykjavik, Iceland, and Cindy, from Brainerd. Chuck says he likes the MDJ Saloon because, "It's usually where you meet the most people that you know." The lead singer of the band, "Heartbreaker", as they performed on the MDJ Saloon stage Wednesday afternoon. SHOPS & FOOD: Moondance can be a gastronomic experience. From foot-long corn dogs to pork chops to fresh grilled burgers and smoked turkey legs to Mexican and Mediterranean cuisine, one can be there all four days and still not try everything. Many of the shops, too, are distinctive. Stuff you've needed, but didn't know it 'til you got there. Photo Captions (photos are not included in The Library edition): Moondancers line up as Minnesota Wapiti serves up one of the best sandwiches on the fairgrounds; made with pure elk steaks on a bun, with or without grilled onions. Rashimah New poses with one of her unique wood handworks. She's an importer of these distinctive carvings in mahogany and teak from Indonesia and the far east. For those who hear the music and want to make their own, Mother Rhythm offers unusual drums, rain sticks, even didgeridoos. STAFF & SECURITY: It's the carefully managed Moondance security team, about 200 people drawn from many local and county law enforcement and emergency service agencies, as well as Moondance's own trained security staff, that ensure that everyone can have a good time! Photo Captions (photos are not included in The Library edition): Christie Johnson, a trained EMT from Walker, shown below on her ATV, has been working Moondance for six years, now, and staffs the on-site Emergency Medical Services facility, just in case someone needs assistance during Moondance. Johnson advised that dehydration can afflict people in the heat. "When you're drinking alcohol, you need to drink more water," she said, recommending that, to best enjoy the full 4-day event, "you should drink one glass of water for every beer you drink, to stay hydrated." Jeremy Bolen has come up from Burnsville for the past three years. He said he works either shuttle or security, "from 4 'til whenever they let us go." The shuttles ran, every ten minutes, 'til 2 a.m. Grand Rapids PD officers help out at Moondance. Shown are Tim, Steve, Bill, and Bill. Said Bill, of the work, "Very good, good crowd, nice people!" When asked, he added, though, that they'd been too busy patrolling and doing their jobs to listen much to the bands. CAMPING AT MOONDANCE - THE NORTH GENERAL CAMPGROUND For a lot of people, MOONDANCE isn't just a time to relax and listen to good music, it's also an opportunity for some fun camping on the large wooded grounds, with everything one might need nearby! Although sites in many of the campgrounds can be reserved (the most popular campgrounds may be sold out by January or February), for those who like a woody rustic environ, the North General campground offers the best. Catch is, that it can't be reserved - you've got to get up early in the morning because the best sites, by the creek, go at 8 a.m., opening day! This year's Campsite Of The Year award went to "The Love Shack". Photo Captions (photos are not included in The Library edition): Not all of the music was on the stage. Here, from South St. Paul, Jason Lundsten entertains friends Sean Henry and William Monday, and anyone else who happens by, in the North Campground. Said Monday, Moondancing for the first time, "I'll probably come back every year. ... It's alright!" Favorites so far? 1 vote for Allman, 2 for Skynard. From the site of Rich & Stephanie Ronning, Twin Cities. Matt Nohner, of Bemidji, was in the camping line at 6:30 a.m., but it was worth it - he and his friends, got the same site they've camped in for four years. Camped with him are Brent Utech, Walker, Tim Wesley, Bemidji, Doug Kimball, Minneapolis, Brittany & Chrissy Borst, Walker, Kevin Montpetit, St. Paul, and Alissa Goldberg, Brainerd. It was Montpetit's first Moondance experience, "It's a great time; I'll be back next year!" he said. Does he like it better than other fests he's been to? "Oh, yeah! [It's the] One and only - Moondance!" he said. His favorite entertainer so far? John Fogerty. Wesley's favorite was Edgar Winter, but he said his favorite thing about Moondance was, "Just hanging out ... camaraderie ... it's way more than the bands, definitely, definitely! You bring this many people in ... and it just brings out the life in everybody. - It's fantastic!" Alissa said that she was waiting to see Huey Lewis that night. Under the Camp Confused tent, Teresa, from the Twin Cities, wears a hat looking as if it might have been fashioned from a Golden Draft case. Here come The Judge! With an eye to a more beautiful Northern Minnesota, Moondancers at Jim Kelm's site in the North Campground helpfully issued ladies a rating as they strolled or drove by. VIPing When you've got an event this big, the question arises, "What do you do with the VIPs?" They've got to be able to come too, but how does one keep them from interfering with the rest of us UIPs (UnImportant Persons) enjoying the event? Moondance has the solution! They corral the VIPs in their own area, with a 6 foot secured buffer between them and us UIPs! And to make them want to stay there, they get their own seating in an elevated and shaded viewing platform, as well as a front-row sun deck, right by the Main Stage, a great free meal every day, all the beer they want, free, discounts on premium pour drinks and other perks! It seems to work. As one of the few UIPs ever to be allowed to venture into the VIP tent (at our own risk, of course), your Northern Herald reporter was able to get the above shots. If you've ever wondered what real VIPs look like, in captivity, this is them! Photo Captions (photos are not included in The Library edition): Going First-Class just makes dollars and sense for VIPs Blaine Baird of Sand Lake, Minn., and Anita Cloud of Inger, who said, "We're saving money by going VIP ... It's fantastic - they treat you good, the food's good - everything. ... By far, [its] the only way to go...." Dinnertime at the VIP tent! VIP Jesse Lamb, of Blaine Minn., and friends, enjoy their strip-steak dinners. "It's been very good," said Lamb of the VIP food. Rob Immonen, of Walker, mans his outdoor B-B-Q and prepares more great looking steaks! THE TALENT Moondance presented 48 bands during it's 4 days, 20 of them on the main stage. In addition to those shown here and on page 6, Main Stage acts included Rock & Roll inductee ZZ Top, and John Fogerty, (photo omitted due to the artists' performance photography restrictions); as well as Edgar Winter, Mark Anthony's Storm Project, The Amazing Fantastiks, Kory and the Fireflies, and The Fixx. Photo Captions (photos are not included in The Library edition): From Minneapolis, Big John Dickerson and the Celebrators performed his excellent, crowd-pleasing original music with an R & B motif, as well as established favorites, like "Sweet Home Chicago", opening day. ZZ Top closed Wednesday's stage, performing easy going original modern rock, including their hit, "Viva Las Vegas", and some blues. One of the unlikely looking trio mentioned that they'd been the same 3 members for 35 years, "and the same boots," he quipped. Pat Benatar Rick Springfield Chris Robinson & New Earth Mud presented a more traditional version of modern rock, with interesting overtones, such as using the guitar and synthesizer to replicate the type of sound that would be produced by a sitar. Their set involved some very expert instrumental work. Robinson performed some tunes on (amplified) acoustic guitar, accompanied by his lead guitarist, playing his electric, slide style. All in all, the music was kind of jazzy, lower key, very entertaining and very good; featuring excellent work on all of guitar, keyboard and percussion. The repertoire included a jazzy arrangement of "Making Love Under The Apple Tree". Randall Zwarte Rick Springfield invited Moondancers on stage during his performance, then came down off stage and performed in the audience. Still looking quite young and having quite the rapport with the crowd, he played hits including "Gloria", "Beautiful You", "Jesse's Girl", and tunes from his new album. Appearing Thursday evening, Lynyrd Skynyrd drew an immense crowd who came to hear them play a medley of their hit tunes, including "Down To The Swamp", and "Gone With The Wind". American patriots, they dedicated to the troops here and abroad, "Red, White, And Blue", which they've performed for American troops in Germany, as well as at Ft. Hood, Texas. John Waite and his band performed his crowd-pleasing brand of original mellow rock, including his hit "I Ain't Missing You", as well as Dylan's "Girl From The North Country." Little Feat Chain Lightning The Allman Brothers HUEY LEWIS AND THE NEWS BRING DOWN HOUSE AT MOONDANCE XIII ! WALKER -- Some have it, and some just don't. With Huey Lewis, there is no question. This seasoned entertainer has found the winning combination to produce music that drives the crowd wild. With great repertoire, an experienced presentation and stage presence reminiscent of the great crooners, like Dean Martin, combined with a full polished accompaniment, including vocal, sax, and brass, made popular by the Motown groups of the 60s, Lewis set the entire fairgrounds to boogying for the last Saturday night show. Lewis came on Saturday at about 11, and by about 12:30 a.m., a time when people generally are folding up to beat the rush out, Lewis's music had brought the biggest crowd of the whole Moondance out to the fairgrounds, dancing and cheering from the stage front to the farthest reaches, back by the MDJ Saloon and west concessions. Far from getting ready to go, in these early minutes of the morning, the crowd simply wouldn't let him leave, demanding four encores, which Lewis, and his eight newsmen, ably performed. THIS WAS REAL ENTERTAINMENT! All in all, Lewis gave a concert of almost 2 hours. At one point, and demonstrating his versatility, Lewis formed some of his musicians into a barber shop quartet to sing, "It's All Right" a cappella. His richly received repertoire included his hits "Heart and Soul", "Do You Believe In Love", and "So Happy To Be Stuck With You", as well as their instrumental arrangement of a rhythm and blues number. The crowd was wild for this star. Whether it was the showmanship, the Motown harmony, the Big Band orchestral excellence, or something else, Lewis has a winning combination, and Moondance hit a real winner with Huey Lewis and The News! There couldn't have been a better grand finale to this great Moondance, leaving everyone waiting for the next one - July 13-16, 2005; with same site reservations opening in August, 2004. Photo Captions (photos are not included in The Library edition): Huey Lewis And The News: Huey Lewis, Rob Sudduth, Ron Stallings, Marvin McFadden, Stef Burns, Johnny Colla, Sean Hopper, Bill Gibson, John Pierce ZWARTE FILMS MOVIE AT MOONDANCE ! Some Moondancers may end up seeing themselves in Randall Zwarte's new movie, "Road To Sturgis". Zwarte is shooting film at his stops, as he makes his way to Sturgis, SD, and filmed some of the Moondance audience during his performance here. "We got the movie deal when we were playing in Daytona ... We've been filming from March," said Zwarte, who said the filming would continue through their appearance in Sturgis in mid-August. The best segments will be selected for the movie. RONNIE BAKER BROOKS WOWS THURSDAY CROWD For those who didn't know him, Ronnie Baker Brooks and his band was quite a pleasant surprise in the Thursday afternoon show. His dynamic performance was very, very, skilled, with great showmanship. In plain English - it was great - and dazzled the audience, particularly when he came out to play in their midst, and again, when, propping his foot on a chair, he commenced to play his electric guitar with his tongue! Hailing from Chicago, Brooks's music can best be described as very excellent blues and easy listening rock in a variety of tempos. But words and pics don't do this guy justice - one has got to see and hear him live to appreciate it! Brooks said he gets the energy for his performance, "from the people in the audience, and the music. It starts with the music, and I try to give it out, and it kind of spreads around, you know, and they give it to me and I give it back - it's like a big circle." Of his music, Brooks said, "it's blues based; it's got the blues background; I try to touch on all my influences from, you know, growing up, and from my dad, Lonnie Brooks." From a music family and environment, Ronnie Baker Brooks said he's been playing "basically, all my life." Brooks's busy tour schedule will have him playing in Illinois in August, Missouri in September, then it's up to the eastern seaboard to perform October dates ranging from New York to Maine, and Montreal before the end of the month. The end of the fall finds him in the deep south; but returning to the Midwest December 27th to play The Charity Ball at Fargo, ND. For more information, including downloadable samples of Brooks's music, readers are invited to check out www.ronniebakerbrooks.com Photo Captions (photos are not included in The Library edition): Ronnie Baker Brooks delighted the crowd when he came off stage and into the audience to play. Maurice "Moe" Taylor, Drums Daryl Coutts, Keyboards Carlton Armstrong, Bass Guitar GREGG ROLIE'S NEW BAND FRIDAY SMASH ! "They're all phenomenal players; but the main reason why the band works is because they all understand what this music is...," said Rock 'N Roll Hall of Famer, Gregg Rolie, of the Gregg Rolie band, comprised of key Santana members, and playing the music Rolie made famous when he was lead singer for that group. Now that Carlos Santana has gone his own way, Rolie preserves the original sound, along with original members Alphonso Johnson and Michael Carabello, who imparts the congas, so important to their unique Latin-style beat that sets people's feet to motion. Timbales player Adrian Areas is the son of Santana's timbales player, Jose Areas. The Moondance performance was spectacular - very listenable, very enjoyable from beginning to end - and the crowd was highly appreciative as they filled the Moondance sandlot to get an up-close view. The band performed Santana favorites including Evil Ways, as well as Give It To Me, and other tunes from the new Roots CD. "I'm playing weekends, and I'm playing live ... and I'm just going to go tour until I drop," said Rolie, who put this new band together after recording his recent solo album, Roots, which he's termed "a tribute to my Santana roots." The band will play about 30 to 40 gigs on tour this summer; further info can be found at www.greggrolie.com Photo Captions (photos are not included in The Library edition): The Gregg Rolie Band: Gregg Rolie, Alphonso Johnson, Michael Carabello, Kurt Griffey, Wally Minko, Adrian Areas, Ron Wikso An ultralight glides by during Rolie's performance at Moondance. A UNIQUE JACK, ONLY FOR MOONDANCE Jack Daniels special representative to Moondance, Joe Mayne, displays a bottle of the new Jack Daniels Single Barrel. This is like Old No. 7 (the favorite - Jack's black label), except that it's aged in oak twice as long, and each barrel is numbered. The flavour of the whiskey is distinctive and peculiar only to that barrel - kind of like the vintage and chateau of a wine. For use at Moondance, Mr. Bieloh selected a special barrel (# 4-1548, bottled in June from rick #3), and bought the whole thing. This whisky was only available to Moondancers and the bottle labels bear the Moondance Jam 2004 logo. Although bottles of it couldn't be sold for off-premises consumption, they could be given away, if one bought a T-shirt ($50). Jennifer Powell, a direct descendant of Jack Daniels, was on hand to autograph bottles. ------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 06/21/2004 - VOLUME 9 NO. 6 ------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism ----------------------- SUE BERKOVITZ: WHY? Interviews Disclose Multiple Instances of Alleged Estate Malfeasance, by Attorney and Gunshot Victim Hendrickson; Represented Heirs to Alleged Nursing Home Murder SHAKOPEE -- On May 4th, 2004, Susan R. Berkovitz was convicted, at Minneapolis, of First Degree Murder and of Attempted Murder for a multiple shooting Sept. 29, 2003, inside the Hennepin County Government Center (courthouse). The jury found that she had shot attorney Richard Hendrickson, wounding him; and also her cousin, Shelly Joseph-Cordell, with whom Hendrickson had collaborated and whom Hendrickson had been representing in proceedings adverse to Berkovitz. Cordell was killed in the shooting. The current proceedings were in a matter brought against Berkovitz, by Hendrickson and Cordell, moving for a court order to prevent Berkovitz from seeking protection from the Court from further harassment by them. Berkovitz had been embroiled in a 3-year battle with Hendrickson, representing Cordell, and other family members, over a conservatorship for her aged father, now deceased. Although she did not stand to inherit directly from her father's estate, the remaining assets would have eventually passed to her through her mother's will (her mother, Anna, is living). She claims that Hendrickson's legal manipulations, keeping the estate open for years in protracted litigation, were consuming it. And, exhausted by the barrage of ongoing claims and litigation against her, she claims that the continued harassment by Hendrickson and Cordell, even after her father's death, finally drove her over the edge the day of the shooting. Berkovitz's public defender, however, failed to advance a defense of temporary insanity; and failed to call witnesses who may have been able to explain Berkovitz's state of mind. He also refused to bring pertinent requested motions, and to allow Berkovitz to testify on her own behalf. Berkovitz's motion for a new trial was denied, and she may base an appeal upon ineffective assistance of counsel. In the wake of Berkovitz's charging, several other people have come to the fore, claiming to similarly be victims of Hendrickson's lucrative legal shenanigans; one similarly had her inheritance "evaporate" in supposed legal fees prior to distribution; another's diabetic mother was murdered by discontinuance of insulin, presumably for inheritance reasons. Prologue. The trouble with dying is that one is not around to administer their estate, and assure that their intent is carried out. Asset-affecting decisions are often left to the executor or personal representative, and the attorneys who practice in what can be the very lucrative field of probate law. Like magic, these skilled barristers can make an estate disappear. Presented at the end of this article are ways that may avert this from happening. (Note: The attorneys and other legal professionals who are readers and supporters of Northern Herald, and hence, can do no wrong, are, of course, excepted, by special dispensation, from the following general discussion. When necessary, even we can be as hypocritical as a Christian. -- Ed.) Dying wasn't always this complicated. In the early days, shortly after Eve clodded the apple from the tree, thus releasing and acquiring divine knowledge of the irrevocable roles and relationships of men and women, and of good and evil; and, incidentally, introducing Death into the Garden (which Adam had speculated that, on some accounts, wouldn't be such a bad thing1) there wasn't that much to divvy up. Certainly not so much that anyone could earn his keep by doing it. Likewise in caveman days, it wasn't difficult. The heir apparent generally knew where, in the cave, the pile of shiny stones and bone tools was kept, and could take immediate possession of those that were not to be buried with the decedent. By and by, perhaps as punishment for man's inherently sinful nature, Providence created The Attorney. Attorneys married attorneys; and attorneys became as numerous as a blight of locusts upon the face of the land. The presence of this evil, and it's grip on the system by which people would resolve disputes, profiting thereby, can be traced as far back as the time of Julius Caesar. In fact, it was during that Roman Empire that the Plebeians, that is, the common people, sick of the hustling of the Patricians - the nobility, the lawyers of that time - demanded access to the Curia - the courts. It was granted. So the Patricians, fearing for their income and stronghold on the system, then had to scramble to maintain it. They found a way. They invented an obscure code of language that would have to be used before the Court. Such were the origins of what carries to this day as contemporary legalese.2 Nowadays though, a lot of people, even in Northern Minnesota, have learned to read and write. Some have even learned to read the corpus juris - the body of laws which dwells in the county law libraries. Astronomical filing fees (e.g. in Minnesota, $60 for a small claims action) must now be used to keep the people from the Courts. To keep them a sacred domain of government prosecutors and regulators, and, of course, for those private attorneys who have found a source of money that they can milk for their endeavors: their motions, pleadings, and other frolics played with and for their colleagues and friends before the Court's public stage. If someone's life or fortune hangs in the balance - well, that makes the play that much more interesting. Even with heightened public understanding of the law, probating a will is an area where most will not tread. Executors and personal reps of an estate often have to rely the advice of professionals - the probate attorneys - some of which find estates a brimming source which can be milked dry. The material you are about to read is something that Susan Berkovitz's jury never heard. She wanted to testify in her criminal trial, but her attorney would not allow it. The forces of justice determined that these were things that the jurors just didn't need to know: Susan R. Berkovitz was very close with her parents, Hyman and Anna Berkovitz, and particularly her father; and had lived with them for 41 of her 53 years. In their golden years, Berkovitz wanted to remain with, and care for her father - her siblings had lived out of state, away from their parents, for 40 years. A devoted daughter, Susan remained in the Twin Cities where she saw her parents frequently, taking them to restaurants, and, when surgery was necessary, staying with them in the hospitals, and cooking and providing nursing assistance at home. When Sue Berkovitz's sister, Sherilee Feldman, told her that she had arranged for Hyman and Anna to be moved (against Hyman's wishes, and a decision of which Susan was previously unaware) to a senior apartment in St. Paul, and asked Susan to look after their house, Berkovitz moved back to her family home in June of 1999. Susan stated that, during 2000, as her father's mind began to fail, the matter of the need for a conservatorship was initially discussed at her parents' apartment; her mother had arranged for an attorney [not Hendrickson] to be there for advice. She said, of that discussion, "When I initially talked about a conservatorship, my mother said, 'Okay.' ... My father had dementia, but, when I had said to my father, 'Do you want me to be in charge, Dad?' My father said, 'I want you to be.'" Susan's sister, Sherilee, however, opposed the conservatorship, with Susan as conservator, from the start. Per Susan, Anna asked the attorney to speak to Sherilee about it. Susan Berkovitz said that she first encountered attorney Richard Hendrickson, about Sept., 2000. He had been hired by her sister, Sherilee Feldman, who lived in California, and her brother, Robert Berkovitz, to represent them in an action to contest Susan's Petition for Conservatorship over their father, and to evict her from the family home. Susan said that, without consulting with her father, or his attorney, Hendrickson sent her a notice directing her to vacate the house. "Hendrickson wrote a letter to my Post Office branch manager telling them I'm a malicious trespasser [in the family home]; to return my mail ... [stamped] 'Return to Sender'." Also, about that time, Sherilee Feldman convinced Anna and Hyman that Hyman should sign over to her a Power of Attorney. She brought Hyman, 92 and in dementia, to an attorney's office to have the document prepared. Susan Berkovitz filed her Petition for Conservatorship which was opposed by her sister and brother, who convinced her mother Anna to join in the action and all of whom came to be represented by Hendrickson. According to Susan Berkovitz, during the proceedings, she nominated her cousin, Shelly Joseph-Cordell (who died in the courthouse shootings) to serve as actual conservator of her father's estate, with Susan allowed to make decisions concerning his care. She said that Cordell was officially appointed as conservator approximately July, 2001. Litigation, however, continued, and, as part and parcel of it, Hendrickson appears to have launched into a series of activities designed to discredit Susan, thus reducing her ability to successfully contest his legal efforts to further fragment the family, and, in the process, accrue legal fees. Hendrickson began to methodically destroy the family bonds and institute a series of expensive legal maneuvers. Being advised by Hendrickson, Susan's brother and sister encouraged her mother, Anna, to stop Susan's visits with her father. "My mother had stated that it was my brother and sister who said 'take her to court, don't let her visit anymore,'" Susan said. Presumably acting on behalf of Anna, Hendrickson procured an order, without substantial cause, limiting Susan to only brief supervised visits with her father, with whom she had lived for 41 years. The supervision was provided, at cost to Susan, by Cordell's firm - a Twin Cities general help and employment agency known as Rent-A-Daughter. With Hendrickson now involved with Susan's siblings, and Cordell, her relations with Cordell deteriorated. Said Susan, Hendrickson had advised her various relatives, and "I was being shut out from my father. ... Hendrickson would instruct my mother [Anna] not to allow me to see my father [at scheduled visits]," and when Susan would then try to visit, police would be called. Susan said one officer, responding to such a call told her, "You have a right to see your father," and on other occasions, police escorted her on a visit so she would not be harassed. "My mother would take the phone off the hook at the request of Hendrickson and my sister, so I couldn't even speak to my father." By May, 2002, Hendrickson, representing Cordell, obtained, on Cordell's behalf, a temporary (pre-hearing) restraining order against Susan; at hearing, the cause was ultimately dismissed. Other attorneys had been previously involved, opposing Berkovitz, but in interview, she stated that she held no animosity toward them; she had, however, been infuriated by Hendrickson's legal shenanigans which she believed were dishonest attacks upon her, and in bad faith. "I had been subjected to claims that Hendrickson would file and not provide me with copies [notice] of the hearing date, in his attempt to get default judgements against me. Richard Hendrickson had accused me ... of throwing blows at Shelly Cordell, but when she testified, she said I [only had] pointed a finger in her face .... " And Susan said that she believed that Hendrickson changed the inheritance that she was eventually to receive. Susan said that Cordell tried to bait her into violating the temporary restraining order that Hendrickson had put into place. She said, "Hendrickson and Shelly Cordell secretly moved my parents ... out of the State of Minnesota, to California, without giving me the opportunity to object ... they had tried to prevent me from seeing my father. ... My father had no intention of ever wanting to leave. He was born and raised, he lived all of his 94 years, in Minnesota. He was forced...." Susan added that before the move, she was supposed to pay Cordell's Rent-A-Daughter business $30 for supervising each 1 1/2 hour visit with her father, but, toward the end, she was being charged as much as $150 for a single half-hour. Susan also said that Cordell, as conservator of her father's estate, had, within one year, drawn "over $79,000 total," out of it. She added, "During that entire year, my father had no surgeries, no hospitalizations, she [Cordell] acknowledged never taking him to the doctor. The money was being used according to their own accounting: they were making long distance phone calls a lot; there was a charge when Hendrickson called Shelly's adult daughter in Connecticut ... Richard Hendrickson and Shelly Cordell were charging my father's estate for taking me to court ...;" and Susan said that Cordell had allowed Susan's sister to write checks on her father's account, for gifts to relatives, including Robert Berkovitz's (Susan's brother's) daughter. Susan said that Cordell was also writing checks, on the estate's account, to herself; and that Cordell was using estate funds to pay Hendrickson's legal fees for representing Susan's brother and sister in the action they had brought challenging Susan's petition for conservatorship. "... my brother and sister ... hired Hendrickson to contest the petition. My father never contested it. My brother and sister, therefore, should have used their own money [for the legal fees]. Shelly continued, on behalf of my brother and sister, paying Hendrickson's legal fees from the estate...." Although earlier reports in other media suggest that Berkovitz's motive in the courthouse shooting was that she was dissatisfied with receiving only 40% of her father's estate; in fact, she never received any of it. "I never got anything....," she said. Hyman Berkovitz died, at 95, in July 2003. Hendrickson has maintained that his will left all of his estate to his wife Anna. Susan estimated the estate as being worth $125-150,000. There was a codicil to the will that provided that should his wife precede him in death, then the kids would inherit. But this never applied. Susan said, "The codicil was given to my attorney by my mother's attorney," in approximately 2000. When asked if she challenged the 40%, Susan said, "Oh, absolutely not! That wasn't the issue at all." However, Susan would, eventually, stand to inherit her share of that part of the estate which remained following her mother's passing, per her mother's will. She was understandably concerned about the needless erosion of the estate. "The inheritance that my father left ... that was set aside for me," Susan said, was used to pay Hendrickson's legal fees in contesting her conservatorship on behalf of her brother and sister. She said, "My brother and sister contested the conservatorship, not my father." Yet she was given to believe that the legal fees incurred were charged to her share of the eventual estate. "My brother and sister [paid] a retainer that, I believe, was $5,000 from my father's estate when they hired Hendrickson. The continuous ... legal fees ... to pay Richard Hendrickson ongoing, in these last three years was taken from my father's estate. Over $40,000 was transferred from my father's estate. "... Richard Hendrickson was ... [consistently] filing legal papers, he would bring more actions, he would file more court claims, Hendrickson kept the issue in the court - he wouldn't stop over the last three years. Hendrickson refused to file the first accounting, I would put that in writing, 'I want a copy,' he refused; I ended up having to file a motion to compel - that could have been avoided if he would have done that [file the first accounting]; Hendrickson didn't want to file the final accounting, he'd get three extensions, it was the Court, finally, at my insistence, that would ask him to proceed. ... "[Hendrickson] would file documents - [he] would never provide me copies of the documents. Hendrickson would file claims and not provide me the notice of hearing. He told the Court, 'Well, my [Susan's] brother's gotta fly in, make Susan responsible to pay his tickets....' He was constantly sending me harassing letters - almost every week - for the first two of these three years." Per Susan, in a letter to a judge, Hendrickson characterized her as "a bizarre manipulative predator" because Susan had made an unsupervised visit to her father to bring him chocolate milk. Other witnesses have told Northern Herald that even in court, Hendrickson would make inciting faces at Susan and mimic her; Susan said that once, prior to a hearing, she accused him of "just trying to make money off of my elderly father's estate," and he replied with "a silent laugh, shaking his head, 'yes,'" Susan said that at one point, a judge ordered Hendrickson to return a small sum of money to the estate which was inappropriately expended for, among other things, his parking ticket. Susan recalled other instances of attempted intimidation and unprofessional conduct by Hendrickson. After a Conciliation Court action [post] to recover attorney fees, "Richard Hendrickson confronted me in the hallway; ... he faced me, ... his hand was raised, like, in a fist, as if to intimidate me ... he, like, made a step toward me, [then] he turned around and walked out the door. He was with Shelly [Cordell]." Susan's mother told her that Hendrickson had her "sign papers", and Susan believes that Hendrickson may have mislead her to change her will. Asked if Anna had a will, Hendrickson told Northern Herald, "I don't know and I wouldn't get into that." Berkovitz, who said that she had no previous criminal record, and could not have foreseen herself acting in this manner, said the three years of harassment by Hendrickson and Cordell, "drove me to react in a way that I have never reacted before." She said, "I never handled a gun before"; although she was planning to take a women's self-defense course and had recently visited a gun range, which, she said, was why the gun, and earplugs, were in her purse that day. She arrived at the courthouse that day to appear in one of the three cases of continuing litigation involving Cordell and Hendrickson. Susan said that she had filed suit in Conciliation Court to recover her attorney fees in the matter of the attempted restraining order by Cordell [ante] that was ultimately dismissed. She had also sought a temporary restraining order against Cordell to stop Cordell from continuing to make harassing phone calls to her over disputed fees that Cordell claimed Susan owed Cordell for the earlier supervised visitations with her father. Susan said the calls were, "demanding that I still owed her money to see my father." Susan said that she also brought the action against Cordell because, when he was living in St. Paul, Cordell had stopped her from seeing her father, "she would not set up the visits that she was court-ordered to do; she stopped my visits ... without rhyme or reason ... and she was double-billing me also." Her father having passed away three months before, Susan Berkovitz wanted to put the treachery and legal nightmares of the past three years behind her. Regarding Cordell and Hendrickson, Susan said simply, "I didn't want any more contact," and, accordingly, sought the restraining order. She said that when her temporary restraining order was served by the Sheriff on Cordell, "I got a harassing letter from Hendrickson ... demanding that I withdraw my petition ... otherwise, he's going to impose some bond or security upon me....," said Susan, "I mean, the letters wouldn't stop," she said. "They [Hendrickson and Cordell] were using my father's money for purposes not related for my father's care or benefit when my father was still alive ... and they were still finding ways of bringing me to court so they could charge my father's estate. My father's estate had no responsibility to pay any attorney fees, conservatorship fees or filing fees on issues being commenced against me. It was so frivolous ... IT WOULDN'T STOP," said Berkovitz, struggling, in the interview, to maintain her composure. In separate interview, Hendrickson said that they were in the courthouse the day of the shooting to appear on an action he'd brought against Berkovitz to stop her from filing these types of actions against himself and Cordell, which he considered "frivolous". He said, "A party can motion to the Court for a special hearing to have someone declared a frivolous litigant." Hendrickson was seeking that day to have her so declared, denying her further access to the courts for protection against future harassment. He said that he was prepared to serve her with a 1,050 page brief that day. Said Susan, "When I saw them [Hendrickson and Cordell] getting off the elevator, then things transpired." After the years of harassment, fracturing of her once-close family, the conspiracy to secretly move her parents away from her to the west coast, and continued harassment even after her father's death; something in her snapped, and the shooting occurred. The jury would ultimately find that the muzzle of Berkovitz's antique gun delivered to the thieving Cordell a one-way ticket to her new domicile in hell. For Hendrickson, however, Providence apparently deemed eternal damnation amidst flames that burn but do not consume to be too good for him, for now. He was wounded, and now is mostly recovered, to live out the rest of his putrid existence above ground, until it is time for him to join the likes of his ilk (a large antlered mammal -- Ed.) below. In post-trial interview, Berkovitz claimed that her primary attorney, public defender Daniel Homstad, "was not assigned to the case, he volunteered for it ... I had asked him numerous times ... to review documents with me, so we could prepare the case. His response to me ... was, 'What case? You don't have a case.' ... He had no interest in calling witnesses [whom Berkovitz had requested] ... after initially stating to me that he would call them ...." At least one of those witnesses, who allegedly lost his retirement income by the actions of Hendrickson, voluntarily attended the trial. But Homstad got the witness out of the courtroom by telling him to "wait out in the hallway", for three hours, and Homstad refused to call him to testify. The witness was still in the hallway when a janitor told him that Court had adjourned for the day. Berkovitz told Homstad, and co-counsel Diana Lugo, several times, that she wanted to testify on her own behalf, but, she said, they refused to call her to the stand. Concerned by his competence, or lack of same, and good faith representation of her case, Berkovitz had twice tried, in open court, to fire her public defender. "[Homstad] turned to me and said 'just sit down and shut up,'" she recounted, adding that Judge Thor Anderson, hearing the case, did not act on her request. In the conservatorship matter, several years ago, Susan had contacted Anderson's wife, also a probate attorney, for legal assistance. She declined to take the case, but Susan had discussed with her certain confidential information. For this, and other reasons, Susan asked that Anderson be now disqualified from hearing her criminal trial (disqualification of one judge, without a showing of cause, is generally allowed under Minnesota procedure). Berkovitz said that she asked Homstad to seek disqualification of Anderson, but Homstad refused. In jury selection, states Berkovitz, "My real concern was that some of the jurors came right out and said, 'I think she's guilty and I don't think I could ignore this;' the judge was still trying to convince them that they could be seated on the jury." Ultimately, the defense used some of its preemptory challenges to exclude those jurors, per Berkovitz. In interview, Susan Berkovitz stated that since her arrest, evidentiary items seemed to have disappeared from a storage locker she maintains. Among them are an original copy of her father's annuity contract showing her and her siblings as later beneficiaries, following the death of her mother. Instead, the prosecutor turned over to the public defender, as potential evidence, a copy of what Susan termed a "new" annuity, with her mother as sole beneficiary. She believes the change was made by Shelly Cordell. "My portion of the estate would be gone, because my brother and sister also have a Power of Attorney over my mother," she said. Additionally, "some double-billing statements by Shelly Cordell are missing; the prosecutor did not turn over my documents and I've asked my attorney [Homstad] numerous times, and he's not [gotten them]," she said. Following the trial, Berkovitz sent Judge Anderson a letter regarding the irregularities of her defense counsel, and particularly that she was not allowed to testify on her own behalf. The judge interpreted the letter as a motion for a new trial and scheduled a hearing for June 8th. On that date the motion was denied. On June 18th, 2004 Judge Anderson sentenced Berkovitz to life in prison for the murder of Cordell, and 15 years for wounding Herndrickson. She will eligible for parole in 40 years. Hendrickson - more garbage. The witness who spent three hours in the hallway without being called to testify was Gene Horn, of Golden Valley. Horn had, in 1991, sold his $180,000 a year solid waste disposal business, on a contract calling for him to receive half of the gross receipts, about $7,000 a month ($84,000/yr.), for life. After having paid approximately $200,000 over several years, the buyer defaulted on further payments; Horn sued for $600,000 - what he believed the contract to be worth over his anticipated lifetime. His attorney was Charles Shreffler of Minneapolis, who Horn believes to have sold his case down the toilet, and believes to be even more unethical than Hendrickson, if such a thing is possible. Under the court's Alternate Dispute Resolution rules, the matter was referred for arbitration. The arbitrator was to be Joyce Gordon, but, at the last minute, for whatever reason, Hendrickson was substituted in as the arbitrator. Horn suspects that Shreffler may have had a hand in this. Horn said that the arbitration took place between the attorneys and Hendrickson behind closed doors - Horn and his wife were not permitted to enter the room or to testify. At the conclusion, Horn's attorney directed him to sign a settlement agreement at which Shreffler, Hendrickson, and the buyer's attorney had arrived. It called for the matter to be settled, finally and without appeal, for the sum of $9,000 as a final and liquidating payment. Horn did not believe the amount was just, but felt pressured by his attorney (Shreffler) and signed the settlement. He said that, later, having considered the matter, he refused to sign the final settlement papers, but was ordered by the court to do so. An unsatisfactory arbitration award would have been appealable; a settlement, however, is generally not. MariJayn Duchene is a graphic designer living in St. Paul. An only child, she had been close with her mother, and since her father's death in 1965, family assets had been held in her and her mother's names, in survivorship bank accounts and joint tenancy. She stood to eventually inherit them. Per a chronology prepared by MariJayn: As MariJayn's mother, Jane Dorothy Duchene, became terminally ill, her uncle (her mother's brother), Roger Krause, of Edina, and his wife, Bessie, began to take more of an interest in her, and in her assets. At the same time, the Krauses began to make a series of reports to county agencies, accusing MariJayn of neglecting and abusing her mother and mishandling assets. Although the reports were ultimately found baseless, they appear to have been intended to discredit MariJayn, and possibly to be used in future legal proceedings. Jane Dorothy suffered from diabetes, and was developing cancer of the cerebellum. She also suffered from dementia (per MariJayn, Jane Dorothy believed Kennedy was the President). By July 2nd, 1986, the Krauses got her to sign a will leaving her assets to Roger Krause and his children. Bessie Krause, as Roger's wife, would benefit by this. But in September, 1986, Roger was suddenly diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas, in critical condition, and given only a short time to live. Bessie could still benefit, through Roger's will, but only if Jane Dorothy died before Roger. Jane Dorothy was being treated at Wedgewood Nursing Home, at Inver Grove Heights, by Dr. Victor Corbett, a diabetes specialist. Dr. Corbett had been treating her for diabetes since 1978. He had been recommended to her by Roger and Bessie Krause; he was a friend of their family and an associate of their son, Dr. Bob Krause. Dr. Corbett was treating her with the usual insulin therapy (she had been using insulin since 1975). On October 23, 1986, unknown to MariJayn (she did not have access to the medical records until the following year), Dr. Corbett issued orders cutting Jane Dorothy Duchene's insulin by 66%. Initially, a nursing home employee thought the order was a mistake, but Dr. Corbett, apparently, called back and reiterated it. This caused Jane Dorothy's condition to suddenly deteriorate, and induced diabetic coma by November 17th. On November 18th, Dr. Corbett ordered all insulin discontinued, killing her as surely as if he'd simply come into the room with a magnum and blown off her feeble grey head. Jane Dorothy died at 4:10 a.m., on November 19th, 1986. Roger Krause died Feb. 1st, 1987. In the probate hearings, MariJayn tried to establish that Jane Dorothy was not competent when she signed the new will bequeathing her estate to the Krauses, and to have recognized her joint tenancy in the family home. Opposing MariJayn was Bessie Krause, represented by, ... yep, ... Richard Hendrickson. The Court found for Krause, including that the joint tenancy in the house could be disregarded. B. William Murphy, M.D. sent a letter to the FBI, with copies to several U.S. Senators and congressmen, urging legal action against Dr. Victor Corbett. MariJayn also contacted state and local authorities, but the county attorneys in the three counties having jurisdiction weren't interested in pursuing a prosecution of Corbett. He's still practicing in St. Paul, and at ALLINA hospitals and clinics. He is also an associate clinical professor of medicine at the University of Minnesota. Per MariJayn, Dr. Murphy, after reviewing the medical history and Corbett's orders reducing insulin, affirmed her observation of Corbett's action as having no medical purpose except to kill Jane Dorothy Duchene. In response to our inquiry of Corbett on this, his nurse called and said that Dr. Corbett was out of the country 'til the end of the month, and "he has no comment." Diane Peterson, now living in Wisconsin, has known Richard Hendrickson since she was ten years old. He was the son of her father's best friend. So when, in 1987, Peterson's father was dying, it was understandable that he would contact Hendrickson to prepare his will. The will designated that the estate would be divided equally between Diane and her brother. She'd get 1/2 directly, her brother's half would go into a trust for his benefit. "After Dad died, [Hendrickson] put my brother's trust ... [into the care of] a man who was very untrustworthy - Terrence Larpenteur." But Diane's half was not distributed to her. During the probate and distribution process, said Peterson, "Hendrickson was taking my money and making it disappear, $5,000 chunks at a time, for whatever he was supposedly doing, which was nothing as far as I know. I couldn't get the money out of him, I couldn't get my dad's estate closed; there was no reason not to close it because it was very simple. Eventually, ... I found a stock certificate [which Hendrickson had allegedly prepared] for a company, Apostle Leasing, that was an illegal tax shelter. I was able to ... threaten Hendrickson with going to the IRS ... if he didn't hand over my dad's money." Peterson got her money, and then contacted IRS. Peterson continued, "My brother, Brad Olson, never got any money. There was also a cabin involved, in Rush City, Minn., and that eventually ended up in Terry Larpenteur's name." In approximately 1994, Peterson sued Larpenteur and secured return of the cabin. In the end, Peterson says that she and her brother recovered most of the $200-250,000 estate. "But it wasn't easy to do ... I didn't get back what he charged in attorney's fees ... [and] if I didn't have that ... stock certificate, I wouldn't have gotten any money out of Hendrickson ... he would have used it all up in any way that he could have. Once I had that slip of paper, he couldn't do anything." Terrence Larpenteur was also a fiduciary for the Ebeneezer Foundation, but, per Peterson, when she informed that foundation of his actions, he was fired. In interview, Hendrickson denied involvement in any unlawful tax shelter, and denied ever having had the conversation with Peterson in which she, allegedly, threatened to expose him. "There was no such thing," he said, adding, "she [Peterson] received everything that she was entitled to ... all the probate rules were followed...." Richard Hendrickson, in telephone interview, described Berkovitz's persistence in fending off the assault by her brother and sister, and trying to maintain a conservatorship to care for her aging father, "She fought everything," he said, "She started an unnecessary conservatorship; and then she ... fought the entire way for the conservatorship. She wanted to get control, she wanted to have the money put in her name; and she lost each and every step of the way." Hendrickson maintains that it was Anna that ordered Berkovitz to be evicted from the family home, "and ... at the time, ... her elder sister as attorney-in-fact for her father." Asked why Berkovitz would have come after him, Hendrickson said, "[Berkovitz] accuses everybody of everything; she lives in a different world than you and I." He added, later, "I have my own feeling about how dangerous she is to society; ... Berkovitz knows exactly what she's doing; she's calculating, she's getting the exact results that she has demanded; she needs to be put away for a long time to protect everybody." Hendrickson denied that Cordell overcharged Berkovitz for supervising visitation with her father, but acknowledged that the estate (with it's accounts under Cordell's control) was to pay half of the supervision fee; this would have provided Cordell with a pretense to be writing herself checks on the estate account; the accuracy of the amount she thusly paid herself has not been independently verified. Attorneys, primarily, represent themselves. Berkovitz said that had her witnesses been called, "it would have shown how [Hendrickson tended to keep cases in litigation longer than necessary, with] ... a motive of taking as much money [as possible] from my father's estate by charging my father's estate on issues that had nothing to do with my father's care or benefit ... Richard Hendrickson was using my father's money for his attorney fees ... [to file] actions that were being commenced against me that were frivolous and had no basis to them." In interview, Hendrickson acknowledged, "I wouldn't be surprised if, at one point, it was realized that you're [i.e. Susan is] costing your father a tremendous amount of money in legal fees and in conservatorship fees; because of her [Susan's] action [to establish the conservatorship]." At one time during the conservatorship proceedings, per Susan, Hendrickson sent a letter to her then-attorney, stating, "Susan's interest in the estate is gone." The following information is provided by Adam Steele, a practicing C. P. A. with specialized education in Estate & Trust taxation. Death and Taxes are two things that, for most, are certain; and preferably, they'd occur in that order. Up here, trusts are not frequently used - the rationale may be that most people don't have estates large enough to be taxable, anyway. Reducing taxability of large estates, though, is not the only, and may not even be the primary purpose of a trust. The trust, mostly, eliminates the need for probate. This is the area where attorneys can draw huge fees and where the intent of the deceased may be circumvented. Whom do you trust? In this scenario, all of the assets are transferred into a revocable "living" trust well before death. During life, IRS doesn't recognize the trust as a separate taxable entity - taxation and control of assets is generally as before. Upon death, however, the trust become irrevocable, and controlled by the Trustee (the person the grantor [you] appoints). The trust now, also, becomes a separate taxable entity. It files form 1041 (& state return) annually. The choice of an integrious trustee, of course, is very important. Many nominate the an expectant heir (this does not mean that the heir has to be pregnant) as the person who would have the least to gain by tomfoolery; this, however, is not necessarily always the best choice in all circumstances. As all assets are in the trust, there is now little or nothing passing through the will to probate - this may severely limit the potential for high probate fees, will contests, and estate fraud. It can minimize the opportunities for attorneys, and courts, to take their cut, and for the intent of the deceased to be defeated. The downside is that most people require an attorney to draft the trust instrument (Kids: Don't try this at home -- Ed.), that is, the document that establishes the trust. For this, and for other details of how trusts work, a reasonably honest and competent attorney (if one can be found) should be insulted. NH Note: The foregoing is not legal advice. We are not attorneys, so can only give the illegal kind. For legal advice on how trusts may be used to protect an estate, or other legal matters, a licensed attorney should be insulted. Endnotes: 1 Mark Twain, Eve's Diary; and Papers Of The Adam Family 2 Napoleon III, The History of Julius Caesar (last published in the English language about 1920) Photo Captions (photos are not included in The Library edition): Susan R. Berkovitz, as she appeared at Northern Herald interview, May 26th, 2004, at the Minnesota Correctional Facility at Shakopee. MariJayn Duchene, who claims to be another of many victims of attorney Richard Hendrickson. (Computer enhanced photo of Hendrickson - his horns are not generally visible to the naked eye, and only what appears to be part of his left horn was discerned by the camera, in the original photo). Original Hendrickson photo by Richard Sennot (Mpls. Star Tribune),and used here by permission. -------------------------------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism - Bemidji Police Corruption Continues ------------------------------------------------------------- BPD COWBOY CHARBONEAU ARRESTS RYAN NEWMAN FOR NONEXISTANT NO-DRINK ORDER. Newman Files $8 Billion Federal Lawsuit; Northern Herald Calls for National Guard; Martial Law BEMIDJI -- Thomas Newman, of Turtle River, Minn., is a Beltrami County citizen who stands up for his rights; so his family isn't exactly on the buddy list of the corrupt Bemidji Police Dept. (BPD) (administered by Chief Bruce Preece, who is known to have swindled over $1 million in phony helicopter sales, sometimes delivering a false FAA bill of sale) and other Beltrami County authorities. They'll cite or jail Tom Newman's son Ryan pretty much anytime they see him with a beer in his hand; regardless of whether he's committed any crime. As a result, he's grown a petty charge legal record that reads like a laundry list; but if one reads further, one notes that a lot of the charges are noted "no convictions", indicating that there was not legal cause for the citation or arrest. And with an improper jailing of Ryan in mid-May, the Newmans have gotten tired of their family being harassed; they've filed a federal lawsuit to put an end to it. Like many people, Ryan likes a beer now and then. He liked it before he turned 21, and some of the earlier charges involve allegations of minor consumption. Having become an adult last year, he can drink legally now, as long as he does it responsibly. But that didn't stop Beltrami's Finest on May 12th, 2004. Ryan's latest formal charge is one which resulted from his being discovered, stuck in a ditch that morning, by Beltrami deputies. He had, apparently, had a few beers, but knew when to stop. The deputies found that he was not legally intoxicated; nonetheless, unable to cite him for DWI, they cited him for careless driving and took him to jail. There is nothing in the record indicating that his driving was careless - just that he got stuck in a ditch as many people up here do. A few days later, BPD cowboy Tom Charboneau found Ryan, as a passenger in an auto stopped in the early morning of May 15th, 2004; Ryan had alcohol on his breath, but again, a field test showed that he was not legally intoxicated. Charboneau threw him in jail for the weekend, anyway, for violation of an alleged no-drink order. But come Monday, no charge was filed and Newman was released. Trouble was, that the supposed no-drink order, from a case on another baseless charge that had been ultimately dismissed, had also been dismissed and was no longer in effect. It should have been purged from the system. So Ryan had been held in jail for the weekend, without apparent legal cause. Accordingly, on May 20th, Newman filed, in the United States District Court at Minneapolis, a civil lawsuit against Tom Charboneau and several other Bemidji City and Beltrami County officials, for the false arrest and complicity therein (Ryan Newman vs. Tim Faver, Tom Charbono, et. al.; case no. 04-CV-2728). The suit seeks damages of $8 billion. At this time, the corruption of the City of Bemidji appearing to be so deeply seated that it cannot be reasonably extricated, and its causing the abridgement of rights, and unlawful detention of U.S. citizens, this paper now calls for the United States to send the National Guard to Bemidji, to establish martial law protecting the rights of citizens in Bemidji; until such time as that remote little burg can become self-governing in keeping with the laws and Constitution of the United States. ---------------------------------------------------- SLAUGHTERS FIND NO HELP IN NORTHERN CHURCHES, BLIND AGENCIES BEMIDJI -- It wouldn't seem that there are that many ways a blind person, let alone a blind couple, could support themselves. But when one is blind, they're sometimes resourceful and want to do more than just languish on what the government will provide. These people are looking for a hand, not a handout. In Northern Minnesota, though, the system isn't geared to these people who earnestly want to work; people who are handicapped, but are nonetheless used to and willing to help themselves. And, as it turns out, neither are Bemidji's employers; nor its massive churches nor others of what passes for religious and charitable institutions here. Elizabeth and Roosevelt Slaughter have been blind since birth. That didn't stop them from being gainfully employed in Des Plaines, Illinois, where they lived until 1999. Roosevelt worked as a darkroom technician for a photo processing firm, Elizabeth earned her B.A., in sociology, and teacher's license, and was employed as a social caseworker. Together, they built equity in their home, the sale of which provided money for a new home in suburban Bemidji when they moved here 5 years ago. Additionally, Elizabeth designed a line of greeting cards with both braille and large type; and started a mail order business. They are both accomplished musicians who have been able to further supplement their income by playing together professionally on piano and organ. With their music leaning toward gospel, they rented facilities and gave a well attended recital in Bemidji a few years ago. They also are available for weddings and other functions. But now, Bemidji churches have been unwilling to consider them for hire, and all but one has refused to allow premises use or rental for further private recitals. Speaking to the Slaughters, one might not even suspect their handicap unless they told him. For example, when this reporter pulled into their driveway, then backed the car up a little, Roosevelt came out to say he didn't have to park so far back. Nonetheless, they have been unable to find suitable work here, and State Services for the Blind (SSB - a division of the Minn. Dept. of Employment and Economic Development), refused to place Elizabeth in available employment for which she is qualified. When she left an unsuitable job at DAC, SSB also pretty much pulled the rug out from any home-based business she might undertake by requiring her to return the computer and specialized blind-oriented software she needs for that, as well as for day-to-day living. Elizabeth said that the equipment they need includes a reasonably up-to-date laptop computer, the JAWS screen reading program, Open Book scanning program, a braille translator, bar code scanner, color identifier, braille embosser, and braille paper. The equipment and software amounts to approx. $8,850. Cheryl Chappuis, of State Services for the Blind, at Bemidji, refused to comment on the matter. Presently, the Slaughters' only income is a small pension, and Roosevelt's Social Security (they don't qualify for SSI), much of which goes for the house payment. Much as a person with one leg can now, with a prosthesis, lead a relatively normal life; so it is with the blind. Technology now makes possible the things that enable a blind person to lead a normal day-to-day existence. But unlike the medical appliances, there is no stopgap in place to provide that simple technology to those with limited means. Per Elizabeth, "The computer, now, is not a luxury, but an essential tool for a blind person ...." She said that without it, they can't even read their daily mail, or distinguish canned groceries. A sample of the Slaughter's music will be available at northernherald.com For performances at weddings, events, etc., they may be reached at 218-755-1271 Photo Captions (photos are not included in The Library edition): Elizabeth and Roosevelt Slaughter on piano and organ Elizabeth displays her very professional greeting cards, embossed in braille. -------------------------------------------------------- GUNSHOTS, THEFT, PUNCTUATE WOODLAND HOME QUIETUDE PENNINGTON -- The area is true woodland living. Down dirt roads, several miles from civilization, with few neighbors, in the deep Minnesota Northwoods. It's where rustic and self-sufficient people go to live. Trouble is, it's remoteness also causes it to be off the beaten path of deputies' rounds, and a long way to go if an emergency occurs. Shirlean Jones and Peter DeClusin, her illicit consort, live here and have had considerable trouble with prowlers; seeing lights in the surrounding woods at night, and have suffered ransacking, severe vandalism and multiple thefts from their vehicles, and even a shot taken at their home. Yet, when they've made reports to the Sheriff's Office, although a squad was usually dispatched, deputies have taken no substantial action to arrest the culprits or prevent recurrences. Shirlean said, "Every time I call them, they come out and harass me, instead of...[arresting the prowlers.]" Beltrami Sheriff Winger, however, said, on May 17th, that his office was now taking the matter very seriously, and that he also planned to meet with Steve Day, of Leech Lake Tribal Police to find a resolution to this problem. Asked if the Sheriff's Office will respond in future sightings of the prowlers, Winger said, "Absolutely." But that doesn't mean the intruders will be prosecuted. We're dealing here with the corrupt office of County Attorney Tim Faver. Shirlean Jones said that she had spoken with Asst. Co. Atty. Randall Berg, but he failed to get back to her or return her calls regarding what action would be taken to prosecute identified trespassers. At one point, she was also told that one of the suspects was a drug informer, so would not be prosecuted. An absentee neighbor's house was also ransacked. Peter reported that although there were valuables there, most were not taken - but the drawers were gone through as if the intruders were looking for something. The doors to that mobile home have had to be boarded up. Also, the many vehicles in the neighbor's yard have been damaged. Like Peter's truck, headights and vehicle fixtures have been removed, and tail light lenses broken, as if trying to find something which might have been hidden there. It is reputed that the neighbor's son may have stashed a quantity of drugs on or near the property, and the prowlers may be trying to find it. As police have failed to make an arrest or deter the problem, on June 4th, Shirlean reported that she had gone to court to obtain a restraining order against Ken Harrison, who lives nearby and who Jones suspects is one of the trespassers, restraining him from their property; but Jones said that she would have to pay the Court $245 for the order before it would be served on Harrison. Photo Captions (photos are not included in The Library edition): Prowlers put a bullet hole in Jones's mobile home last fall. Trespassers ripped the radio, heater core, and other dash components from Peter's truck. ---------------------------------------------------------- In Focus TROOP 40 SERVES AT WALKER! Photo Captions (photos are not included in The Library edition): Several hundred eager diners lined up for fish & smelt at the Troop 40 Boy Scouts feed May 7th at Walker. The full meal included cupcakes with American Flags. Frymaster Bert Woodford is also Charter Rep for the scouts. A Navy vet, he served on the USS Enterprise in Vietnam. Serving at the feed are, from Walker, Jamie and Brian Munson, Bryan and Kyle Haugen, Nebill Ecklov, Daniel Arandt, Ryan Olson, and Paul and Matthew Artley; from Laporte, Michael Marion, Kyle Sanders, and Levi Linahl; Lyle Bronczyk, Benedict; Matthew Daniels and Adam McClung, Akeley; and Franklin Sawvel, Longville. 1%er. Adam McClung, 16, of Akeley, just made Eagle Scout. To receive this rank, he had to do a service project - he made 10 park beches for the City of Walker. The newer benches one might be sitting on in the parks and at the dock are probably his. He also had to attain 21 merit badges. Said McClung, "It takes a lot of time, hard work, and dedication. ... about one out of 100 Boy Scouts makes Eagle." An honor student, McClung is the first Troop 40 Scout to make Eagle before 17. With math and science as favorite subjects, he plans to become a surgeon, but that's a while off. For now, "I plan to stay in Scouting and help the younger kids," he said. ---------------------------------------------------------- The 2003 Steele Spheres GEORGE W. HAS SPHERES In a belated issuance (we are very old and we do things very slowly), the 2003 Steele Spheres were awarded to President George W. Bush for doing, affirmatively, what we all knew needed to be done in the Middle East, particularly in Iraq, in 2003. The Steele Spheres are awarded each year for Exceptional Performance and Valour, in the Public Service, both Beyond and Within the Call of Duty. There is a lot of rethinking going on right now - some speak as if we never should have taken action abroad. How soon we forget where we were when jets slammed into the World Trade Center on 9/11 and what we all knew, then, had to be done. Fortunately, we had a President who would do it; who recognized the assaults as "an act of war". He knew that the surprise assaults upon civilians of our nation were something that would continue if strong action wasn't taken. This was not an easy move for Bush to make - although authorized by Congress, it came amidst storms of peacenik protests at home, and faltering support abroad. But he had the spheres to do what had to be done to protect American security, and the world. The results of Bush's action are measured not but what has, but what hasn't happened. Bin Laden is still afoot, but he's been able to wreak no havoc here since 9/11. Here in the Northland, we note, for instance, that no arab-piloted Cessna has flown into Bemidji's 4West building. Al-Qaeda is substantially weakened now, lacking safe harbour, domicile, and training camps in Iraq and Afghanistan. They can do much less than before. And we tend to become complacent in peaceful environs. The Weapons of Mass Destruction protest has no place in this. Maybe Saddam had them, maybe he didn't. Saddam's numerous violations of the U.N. inspection resolutions kept anyone from knowing for sure. His public affront, threats, and past conduct were conducive to a reasonable assessment that they were likely there. A threat we had to neutralize. It's like someone who draws a gun on a cop. After he gets blown away, telling the cop that the gun wasn't really loaded doesn't invalidate the officer's prompt and necessary action. And some persist in saying that we don't know that Al-Qaeda was (is) active in Iraq. That they're just not there and we went after the wrong people. Uh, Mr. Berg was recently executed by Al-Qaeda after being held by Iraqi Authorities. Did someone miss a memo here? Hopefully, in the face of these mindless and forgetful protests, Mr. Bush will see fit to stay the course, and continue to do what we have to, in the Middle East, to ensure U.S. domestic security here at home. This award is in recognition of past accomplishments - it does not constitute a political endorsement of the recipient for future elections, and Northern Herald makes no such endorsement at this time. Photo Caption (photos are not included in The Library edition): The Steele Spheres ---------------------------------------------------------- ART IN THE PARK AT BAGLEY, JULY 3RD BAGLEY -- Bagley's 17th annual Art in the Park will be held July 3rd, 2004, from 10 to 4 p.m., at Gazebo Park on the Clearwater County Fairgrounds. There will be ethnic & American food, and live stage entertainment. ------------------------------------------------------------- SCHIEFERDECKER WOULD HAVE SPENT $THOUSANDS OF YOUR MONEY TO TRY TO KEEP $668 But Semons Insist on Hearing; Money Ordered Returned (LEADING EDGE JOURNALISM - FOLLOW-UP - For detailed original reporting, see Search Warrant Issued on Looks, NH of 03/08/04, post, on this Library page) BEMIDJI -- On January 30, 2004, Beltrami deputies and agents of the Paul Bunyan Drug Task Force served a search warrant on the residence of Rick and Denise Semon near Tenstrike. Trouble was, the warrant was badly flawed. It was clearly directed to a supposed manufacturing operation of the poison: methamphetamine. Denise Semon suffers from lupus, and the informant mistook her symptomatic facial scars for burns, which were speculated to be from a meth lab fire. What was speculated to be drug paraphernalia turned out to be only supplies for feeding plants. Rick Semon did not deny that he has used meth, sometimes called "speed" or "crank", but categorically denied making it. So, when the deputies asked him if he had any drugs, he gave them a small packet of the poison from his pocket. They continued with the search, which didn't turn up any other substantial results. But they did take all of Semon's money - $668 - from his wallet. Although Semon could state its source as being elsewise, deputies confiscated the money under the pretense of it's having been drug trade related. There was no evidence whatsoever supporting this contention. Without the money, the Semons were threatened with eviction, and had to apply for emergency assistance because they received an electricity shutoff notice. Several months elapsed since the search, with no formal action taken. Semon could have been charged with simple possession, but the warrant had been issued without apparent probable cause (no one saw drugs or drug equipment on the premises) and would likely be subject to a motion to suppress, making the possession evidence inadmissible. But the county still had the Semon's illegally-seized $668, and wasn't about to return it. Eric Shieferdecker is a hot shot in Beltrami Co. Atty. Tim Faver's office where he's an assistant county attorney. He has been known to spend thousands trying to avoid returning a $500 (max. est. value) hunting bow, which, it was eventually ruled, the County had no right to keep. (See Schieferdecker Loses Beltrami Bow Case, NH of 01/15/02 in The Library, v.7, at northernherald.com) Court rec