To get ALL the news from the Edge of the Frontier, subscribe to NORTHERN HERALD. Details on Home Page: http://members.aol.com/nhrld/index.html ****************************************************************** Copyright (c) 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 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 3 - 10/13/97 to 09/15/98 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 08/26/98 - VOLUME 3 NO. 16 ------------------------------------ Leading Edge Journalism DUDLEY, BURGOON FACE-OFF IN HUBBARD CO. DIST. 5 Leading Edge Journalism BEMIDJI POLICE PROSTITUTION OMNIBUS HELD, UNEVENTFUL Election '98 STEELE, LAWRENCE HEAD FOR PRIMARY IN HOUSE 4A FORS FELONY COUNT DROPPED Bemidji's Glass House of Corruption Crumbles 'GENE'S PLACE' BAR, BEMIDJI, RAIDED BY BCA BACKUS HOLDS CORN FEST NEW RECREATION COMMITTEE FORMED ELECTION PROCEEDS QUIETLY, ORDERLY AT WHITE EARTH WE LEARN FROM HEROES, PEOPLE WITH SUBSTANCE by Robert Morton, M.Ed., Ed.S. Connections . . . NEW, COMPETITIVE INTERNET NOW AVAILABLE IN BEMIDJI, OTHER NORTHERN CITIES Advertisement ADAM STEELE FOR STATE REP - DIST. 4A CONSUMER CORNER A SIGN OF GOOD BUSINESS CLIENT CLAIMS RIPPED OFF BY MEN'S ADVOCATE THE HARTHUN RECORDS Advertisement DANIEL PATRICK BROWN Candidate for Beltrami County Attorney ------------------------------------ ISSUE OF 08/05/98 - VOLUME 3 NO. 15 ------------------------------------ DANIEL PATRICK BROWN BRINGS BELTRAMI VOTERS CHOICE OF CO. ATTORNEY FAVER REFUSES INTERVIEW ANOTHER BEMIDJI OFFICER CHARGED VISITORS SWARM NEVIS FOR MUSKIE DAYS!! CANDIDATES VIE FOR HUBBARD COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE JOHANNSEN: A CAREER LAWMAN BURNS: AGGRESSIVE ABOUT IMPROVEMENTS GARY MILLS - REFUSED INTERVIEW VINING, NYBERG, OTHERS AT WHITE OAK DO IT AGAIN!! ADVERTISEMENT: ADAM STEELE FOR HOUSE 4A LETTERS TO THE EDITOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP AT SHEVLIN SAWDUST DAZE! NORTH STAR STAMPEDES AT EFFIE!! THE HARTHUN RECORDS DARTS SHOT AT CARS, ARREST, AT PINE RIVER ------------------------------------ ISSUE OF 07/15/98 - VOLUME 3 NO. 14 ------------------------------------ Leading Edge Journalism ----------------------- Bemidji's Finest at Their Very Best BEMIDJI POLICE PROSTITUTION PHOTOS FILED Omnibus Postponed - Bemidji Refuses Records Request LYNETTE RUSSEL CAUGHT STEALING NORTHERN HERALD Their Mission Continues EDUCATORS, ALUMNI AT ST. MARY'S, RED LAKE, REMEMBER, LOOK TOWARD NEW CENTURY SUMMER FESTS SWEEP NORTHLAND! At Akeley - Paul Bunyan Days At Bagley - The Centennial At Grand Rapids At Red Lake At Hackensack - Sweetheart Days COMING EVENTS - NORTH STAR STAMPEDE AND RODEO AT EFFIE COMING EVENTS - WHITE OAK RENDEZVOUS OASIS OFFERS DOWN-HOME COOKING WITH A FLAIR, IN PARK RAPIDS THE HARTHUN RECORDS Consumer Corner --------------- STATE FARM AUTO POLICYHOLDERS TO RECEIVE PLEASANT SURPRISE Editorial SHOULD THE BEMIDJI POLICE COMMISSION BE DISBANDED? ------------------------------------ ISSUE OF 06/24/98 - VOLUME 3 NO. 13 ------------------------------------ Leading Edge Journalism ----------------------- How Long Has This Been Going On ? TELL MAY HAVE KNOWN ABOUT "EXTRA-CURRICULAR" ACTIVITIES BEFORE INDICTMENTS REFORM PARTY DUMPS CROSS-ENDORSING AT CONVENTION Bemidji Crime GUN-TOTING "COWBOY" FROM BOTTUMS UP CAUSES STIR AT BEMIDJI RESTAURANT POLICE HAVE TO "HOGTIE" MAN IN BOTTUMS UP FIGHT ST. MARY'S TO HOLD ALL-SCHOOL REUNION AUGUST NUPTIALS PLANNED A BERRY GOOD TIME AT LAKE GEORGE !! TOURIST'S GUIDE TO LAKE GEORGE AREA FOOD & LODGING LETTERS TO THE EDITOR An open letter, from a reader, to the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe and Tribal Executive Committee: WITH A GRAIN OF SAND Advertisement ------------- BEMIDJI THE HARTHUN RECORDS Advertisement ------------- AIDS A National Epidemic CLEARWATER CO. FAMILY WANTS ANSWERS ON WHITCOMB DEATH Recipe Box IT'S BLUEBERRY TIME! Advertisement ------------- MAKE MONEY DAILY ! TAKE CARE OF INFANT FIRST, THEN GO BACK TO WORK by Robert Morton, M.Ed., Ed.S. ------------------------------------ ISSUE OF 06/03/98 - VOLUME 3 NO. 12 ------------------------------------ Pimp and Circumstance --------------------- POLICE PROSTITUTION INDICTMENTS CLIP TIP OF BEMIDJI CORRUPTION ICEBERG Defense Motions Filed; Police Corruption Evidence May Implicate Owner, Premises of Well-Known Bemidji Drinking Establishment Leading Edge Journalism SCHOOL LAND ACQUISITIONS PRODUCE VALUATION DISCORDS AKELEY'S PAUL BUNYAN DAYS OPEN SUMMER FESTS TOURIST'S GUIDE TO AKELEY AREA FOOD & LODGING LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Guest Column TELLING THE UNPOPULAR, UGLY TRUTH by David Grimes FIRST NOMINEE IN FOR 1998 SPHERES IS YOUR HOOD FLAG MISSING? GET A NEW HOOD FLAG, FREE, FOR FLAG DAY! ------------------------------------ ISSUE OF 05/13/98 - VOLUME 3 NO. 11 ------------------------------------ First Shot Fired in U.S. - Canadian War of 1998 DNR FOREST WORKER OPENS FIRE ON RAINY RIVER FIRST NATION FISHERMEN Leading Edge Journalism - Follow-Up CASE AGAINST FORMER CASS CO. DISPATCHER DISMISSED Ask The Tax Guy RECENT LAW GIVES SELF-EMPLOYEDS SIMPLE WAY TO PUT OVER $6,000/YEAR IN IRA FAMED 39TH SIGNAL BATTALION TO HOLD REUNION DAVID MARTIN CASE STILL PENDING TRIAL Leading Edge Journalism - Follow-Up FORS APPEARS FOR OMNIBUS Consumer Corner - Follow-Up HOUSTON FORD RENEGES ON OFFERED REFUND ROGNSTAD TURNS DOWN GUN PERMIT Letters to the Editor VISITOR GETS A TASTE OF BEMIDJI HOSPITALITY MAKE TIME IF YOU HAVE NO TIME FOR YOURSELF by Robert Morton, M.Ed., Ed.S. Eventide - Arts & Literature ROUGHING IT by Mark Twain ------------------------------------ ISSUE OF 04/22/98 - VOLUME 3 NO. 10 ------------------------------------ Leading Edge Journalism - Follow-Up FORS' ATTORNEY CHARGES DESTRUCTION OF EVIDENCE Parties Ordered to Disclose; Omnibus Continued to May 13 SMALL TECH FIRM MAY OFFER PROMISE OF CANCER VACCINE By Thom Calandra, CBS MarketWatch NOTE RE: VENDOR PRICING Follow-Up KRAKER DENIES LORY MOTION Bemidji Crime: CITIZEN'S PATROL NABS BAR EXITER, DRIVER, WITH .19 ALCOHOL Hard Times Saloon Not Charged BEMIDJI CONVENIENCE STORE ROBBED Leech Lake Primary Results JOHNSTON, REESE GO TO JUNE 9TH BALLOT Dist. 1: It's Michaud, White; Chase, Losh win in Dist. 2 BEMIDJI COMMUNITY THEATRE PERFORMS IN LOVE, SEX, AND THE I.R.S. EDITORIALS - OPINION Making Lemonade SHOULD THE PRESIDENT BE OUR NATIONAL STUD? Finally . . . a respectable night club near Bemidji. Letters to the Editor: SHOULD GAYS HAVE RIGHTS THAT OTHER PEOPLE IN ILLICIT RELATIONSHIPS DON'T? A CENTRALIA, WASHINGTON STUDENT WRITES Consumer Corner ALWAYS CHECK YOUR SCANNED GROCERY RECEIPT ----------------------------------- ISSUE OF 04/01/98 - VOLUME 3 NO. 9 ----------------------------------- FORS MOTION CHALLENGES ACCUSATIONS Leading Edge Journalism Accusers Named; Omnibus Scheduled EXCLUSIVELY in NORTHERN April 8th HERALD GOLDSTEIN ON LAWYERS WITH A GRAIN OF SAND The Candidates LEECH LAKE TO VOTE APRIL 14 ADVERTISEMENT - REFORM PARTY OF MINNESOTA FIGHTERS VIE FOR GOLDEN GLOVES AT CASS LAKE At The Reif "YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN" A SMASH IN GR ADVERTISEMENT - BEMIDJI COTTON MILLS ATWATER LEAVE COST NEARS $10,000 Consumer Corner CALLER ID A GOOD THING, BUT WATCH OUT FOR 'FEATURES' YOU DON'T WANT ----------------------------------- ISSUE OF 03/11/98 - VOLUME 3 NO. 8 ----------------------------------- DOUG PING WALLOPS LINDGREN IN LEECH LAKE MAIN EVENT Where Your Money Goes TEN EYCK, 27 SENATORS SUPPORT CONTINUING TAX-PAID GENDER CHANGE Northern Delegation Gets Low Score on 1997 Tax Voting Record 1997 NORTHLAND LEGISLATIVE VOTING RECORD ON TAX ISSUES DAVID ROUFS EARNS NATIONAL GUARD PROMOTION LEECH LAKE TO HOLD ELECTIONS GRAHAM TAKES TC REPUBLICAN AG ENDORSEMENT Signs . . . of a well rounded education. ADVERTISEMENT-BEMIDJI COTTON MILLS Editorials - Opinion YES, VIRGINIA, THERE IS A REFORM PARTY IN BEMIDJI. Season of Mass Deception Kicks Off - How The Dumbing-Down of the Electorate Begins - At the Grassroots Level WITH A GRAIN OF SAND... LETTERS TO THE EDITOR William Heatherington Consumer Corner HOUSTON FORD CUSTOMER BLOWN AWAY BY "PRICE SHOOTOUT" Bena Man Claims Attempted Overcharge, Misrepresentation of Warranty 5TH ANNUAL SLEIGH & CUTTER FESTIVAL ----------------------------------- ISSUE OF 02/18/98 - VOLUME 3 NO. 7 ----------------------------------- FISH TOURNEYS, GREAT JAZZ, SWEEP NORTHLAND FEBRUARY FISHING TOURNEYS CATCH NORTHLAND ANGLERS Leading Edge Journalism - Follow-up BCA REPORT ISSUED IN BEAULIEU SHOOTING; FAMILY CONSIDERS LAWSUIT FOR WRONGFUL DEATH ATWATER LEAVE COSTS BELTRAMI OVER $5,000 Musicians entertain at the monthly jam session at the Senior Center in Blackduck. SUICIDE SUPPPORT GROUP STARTS UP SEPARATION GRIEF SUPPORT SESSIONS BEGIN NEW GRASSROOTS LOBBYING ORGANIZATION TO FIGHT FOR TAX AND SPENDING CUTS Editorials - Opinion SHOULD MANUFACTURER, EMPLOYER AT RED LAKE BE PART OF THE VISION? Vision May Provide Rare Opportunity for Growth in Bemidji Area Editorials - Opinion EFFORTS TO SUPRESS FREE PRESS CONTINUE IN BEMIDJI Paul Bunyan Mall, Bemidji Police Try to Stop Curbside Sales of Northern Herald EASTER DRIVE FOR SERVICEMEN OVERSEAS UNDER WAY SNO-MO WEEKEND AT GRAND RAPIDS APPROACHES CONSUMER CORNER ----------------------------------- ISSUE OF 01/28/98 - VOLUME 3 NO. 6 ----------------------------------- CHAIRMAN HUNT RESPONDS TO PETITIONS States Four Points as to Validity; Tells Band of $60,000 Unauthorized Loan to RBC Members McARTHUR CENSURED BY TEC DAVID MARTIN ARRESTED, HELD IN 28-TIME RED LAKE SHOOTING BCA REPORT FORTHCOMING IN BEAULIEU SHOOTING BEMIDJI BOYCOTTS CONTINUE Editorials - Opinion DARKNESS COMES TO BEMIDJI GRAND RAPIDS . . . A UNIQUE BLEND OF COMMERCE, CULTURE AND COMMUNITY WHITE OAK READY TO OPEN ******************************************************** ----------------------------------- ISSUE OF 01/05/98 - VOLUME 3 NO. 5 ----------------------------------- CONSTRUCTION SITE SUICIDE UNDER INVESTIGATION Were Inappropriate Police Tactics Used In Responding to Call? ALLEGED ADULT ACCOMPLICE FACES DISORDERLY CONDUCT CHARGE IN 28-TIME RED LAKE SHOOTING Victim's half-brother died last year in Red Lake Jail RECIPE BOX Pigging Out NOT JUST BEANS Editorials - Opionion WELFARE REFORM WILL WORK FINE HERE BAREFOOT AND PREGNANT Contemporary Ladies' Perspective, Advice and Tips by Wanda Yoemans COOKIE CUTTERS, JELLO(R) MOLDS, AND CONFORMITY CHILD SAFETY TIP by Wanda Yeomans STRENGTHENING YOUR WORD POWER! CROSS LEAVE COSTS BELTRAMI OVER $4,000 CONSUMER CORNER Consumer Alert: GE Handheld Tape Recorders ************************************************** ----------------------------------- ISSUE OF 12/15/97 - VOLUME 3 NO. 4 ----------------------------------- BELTRAMI CHIEF DEPUTY CROSS RELIEVED County Clams Up But Unofficial Sources Allege Romantic Harrassment ANOTHER SHOOTING AT RED LAKE Federal Jurisdiction Invoked, FBI Investigating CLEARWATER RESIDENTS EXPRESS CONCERNS OVER HIGHWAY PLANS AT MEETING Follow Up LORY HEARING CONTINUED OVER 100 GOBBLE GOBBLERS AT NELL RAE'S, NEVIS Recipe Box LOGGER'S BREAKFAST KIMBALL'S 9 PT. BUCK TAKES BEAR CREEK 1ST PRIZE Editorial BRINGING PEACE ON WHITE EARTH BAREFOOT AND PREGNANT Contemporary Ladies' Perspective, Advice and Tips by Wanda Yoemans REFLECTIONS EVENTIDE ARTS & LITERATURE: THE CALIFORNIAN'S TALE by Mark Twain ******************************************************** ----------------------------------- ISSUE OF 11/24/97 - VOLUME 3 NO. 3 ----------------------------------- DNR RESURVEY MAY TAKE HUBBARD RESIDENT'S LAND SHERMAN ARRESTED AT CASS CO. OFP HEARING Follow-Up WOMENS SHELTER FUGITIVE REMAINS AT LARGE LORY MOTION SCHEDULED FOR DECEMBER 1 CONNECTIONS ... NEW ON THE NET: BOOTH WINS DIST. 1 CITIZENS' MEETINGS SET ON CLEARWATER FRONTAGE HOLTER HEARS GILBERTSON MOTION BOIS FORTE ELECTION INVALIDATED; NEW ELECTION TO BE HELD Letters to the Editor RESIDENTS PROTEST INCREASED RIGHT OF WAY ON CLEARWATER CO. ROAD 2 Letters to the Editor WHITE EARTH MEMBER QUESTIONS ATTORNEY ACTIONS Consumer Corner PHONE SLAMMERS AT IT AGAIN ----------------------------------- ISSUE OF 11/03/97 - VOLUME 3 NO. 2 ----------------------------------- ORIGINAL POSSE MEMBER SUSPENDED DIST. 1 CANDIDATES DEFINE PRIORITIES AT DEBATE, FORUMS FEDERAL DAM: A NEIGHBORHOOD THAT WORKS Editorial "CALENDAR FLUSHING" IS ANSWER TO BEMIDJI WASTE CRUNCH Letters to the Editor WHY ARE RENTS SO HIGH? Editorial OUR ENDORSEMENT FOR DISTRICT 1: NEWMAN BAREFOOT AND PREGNANT Contemporary Ladies' Perspective, Advice and Tips by Wanda Yoemans "FOR BETTER OR WORSE . . ." ---------------------------------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 10/13/97 - VOLUME 3 NO. 1 SECOND ANNIVERSARY ISSUE! ---------------------------------------------------------------- NEWMAN, BOOTH ANNOUNCE FOR BELTRAMI DIST. 1 New Faces Enter Race at 11th Hour MAN GARNISHED FOR CHILD SUPPORT WITHOUT PROOF OF PATERNITY POLICE OFFICERS, DEPUTIES HAVE VIKINGS CARDS FOR KIDS SCHOOL BOARD, COMMISSIONER CANDIDATE DEBATES, FORUMS TO BE HELD IN BEMIDJI (PICTURE CAPTION - PICTURE IN PRINT EDITION) (PICTURE CAPTION - PICTURE IN PRINT EDITION) (PICTURE CAPTION - PICTURE IN PRINT EDITION) BAREFOOT AND PREGNANT Contemporary Ladies' Perspective, Advice and Tips by Wanda Yoemans PROTECT YOUR CHILD'S RIGHT TO PRIVACY WHILE IN SCHOOL Rock Star FRANK ZAPPA on drugs HOW WE DISTRIBUTE ****************************************************************** TEXT OF ARCHIVED ISSUES BEGINS: ------------------------------------ ISSUE OF 08/26/98 - VOLUME 3 NO. 16 ------------------------------------ Leading Edge Journalism ----------------------- Election '98 DUDLEY, BURGOON FACE-OFF IN HUBBARD CO. DIST. 5 Budget Measures, Roads, Recycling . . . and Breeding Services Cynthia Dudley has been beautifying the Hubbard County Boardroom since 1994, serving on committees including County Based Purchasing, Parks and Recreation, Solid Waste, Labor Negotiating, Native American Issues, and others. The incumbent described her top priorities for the next four years as budgeting wisely regarding property taxes, more safe roads, including increased response for road conditions, and remaining dedicated on recycling with Solid Waste Integrated Systems of Pennington County (SWIS PENNCO) "to protect and enhance our environment," and find innovative ways to minimize cell [container] usage at the transfer station. Hubbard County now contracts out their solid waste services through SWIS PENNCO, Thief River Falls, which is a division of SWISCorp, Minnetonka. Budgeting Wisely. Dudley addressed the need for budgeting, acknowledging, "the school district's referendum is going to have a major impact on some of the property taxes in the district.... Any form of increased spending... is going to have some form of impact on our property taxes.... I intend to do my best to hold the line." Dudley illustrated past savings, while still providing essential services, by citing the zoning office and the highway department which have utilized privately contracted labor, rather than adding to the county payroll and indicated that this may have saved part of the cost of two county employees. Roads. Dudley cited the need to repair several gravel roads, including Co. 45, using calcium chloride, which helps to minimize dust. She expressed the need for bituminous (paved) surface on Co. 98, and stricter maintenance for Co. 118. Recycling. Dudley has been impressed with the job SWIS PENNCO has done for Hubbard County. "They utilize all their products that they get from us," she said, adding that the firm makes new products out of the recyclables, and composts much of the rest. "We're enhancing the environment by not sending this stuff to an incinerator; I think it's the wave of the future," she said, adding that, through SWIS PENNCO, Hubbard County was recycling over 50% of its solid waste, exceeding the state mandate that certain counties were having trouble meeting. Unlike some counties, such as Beltrami, which actually pay to have goods recycled, passing those costs on the residents, Dudley said that, in Hubbard, recycling through SWIS PENNCO has reduced its solid waste expense. But there was controversy when the contractor was chosen, "There was a lot of deception that SWISCorp would be more costly in the long run - they have not been," she said. Currently, the waste actually undergoes two recycling steps: It's first gone through by the county-funded DAC at the transfer station, before being taken by SWIS PENNCO. DAC returns a 50% "dividend" to the County from their profit. "7 or 8 thousand [dollars], this year, we got from DAC," Dudley said, adding that [unlike in Beltrami County] there is no additional cost from DAC, for the recycling work, other than what the county would otherwise fund to the agency. The current Hubbard waste fee is $90 per household. Business fees are based on volume, but recyclables are excluded from the fee. Other issues. Dudley is satisfied with the current Shoreline Ordinance and opposes DNR efforts to make it more restrictive. She said that she usually goes to all Association of Minnesota Counties [AMC, comprised of all 87 counties] meetings, having served on their environmental and transportation committees. She also makes a habit of attending AMC workshops, such as one on septic systems, which she said has made her more effective as a commissioner. Final words. "You need to vote for the person that can get it done," she said. Background. Dudley is married to Jeff Dudley, a logger. They have two grown daughters. In addition to Hubbard County work, she works as a paraprofessional for the Bemidji School District. She has been Vice-President of Crime Watchers, and has served on the Board of Directors of Northwest Juvenile Center, as well as on Headwaters Regional Development Commission and the Historical Society. Larry Burgoon, also running for 5th Dist. Hubbard Co. Commissioner, declined interview by failing to return our calls to schedule same. From what we know, Burgoon, of Becida, is married, a logger and, apparently, also a purveyor of breeding services, although the latter may be only a hobby. Burgoon achieved considerable controversy, when, in 1992, during his previous term on the Hubbard Board, he apparently confused his various occupations and offered his services (breeding) to an AMC employee at an AMC meeting. (Other attendees can only be glad that he didn't start logging there, too.) Unfortunately, being a novice to the practice, it seems as though Burgoon didn't realize that it's first necessary to have your clothes off. As put in a letter, dated December 21, 1992, from the firm of Larkin, Hoffman, et. al. Ltd, attorneys for AMC, to Burgoon, "You [Burgoon] came up behind an AMC employee and grabbed her and did a pelvic thrust into her backside." The letter also detailed unsolicited and graphic romantic comments, including one which we can't even print, at the same meeting, by Burgoon to another, married, AMC employee; and concluded with a notice that the AMC Board had unanimously banned Burgoon from future meetings. Asked how this action would affect Burgoon's current status before AMC, were he elected commissioner, Jim Mulder, of AMC, St. Paul, said that he would remain barred in lieu of other action by AMC membership. If elected, the inability to attend AMC meetings could impair his effectiveness as a commissioner. On other issues, a Hubbard County employee, at the Courthouse, remembered Burgoon, during his term, as one of the first officials to have spearheaded the idea of making the building no-smoking. -------------------------------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism ----------------------- BEMIDJI POLICE PROSTITUTION OMNIBUS HELD, UNEVENTFUL BEMIDJI -- Attorneys mostly used the hearing to iron out technicalities, August 17th, when Bemidji Police Dept. Sgt. Daryle Russel, Beltrami Deputy William Jon Atwater, Jeffrey Allen Pease, of Yakima, Wash. and Terry Charles Hollerud of Norwood, Minn. appeared before the Honorable Judge Benshoof for omnibus. BPD officer William Beise has also been charged. Several motions were pending before the court, including motions by attorneys Wallner and LeDuc for dismissal, but the attorneys were ordered to argue these by way of submitting briefs by August 31st. Beltrami County can look forward to seeing Chad LeDuc's briefs at that time. The state will have until Sept. 8th to respond. Asst. Attorney General Debra Peterson told the Court, regarding the defense omnibus motions, "It would be hard for me to respond" to allegations that were not specifically stated in the moving papers. She raised the example that an objection is made to hearsay evidence, but no such evidence is specified by Wallner and LeDuc. Hollerud's omnibus was handled separately. He appeared without counsel, as he had not paid the $750 that the Court had required for counsel to be appointed. He raised no omnibus issues, stating that he had no objection to the legality of the indictments, and pled not guilty. ------------------------------------------------------- Election '98 STEELE, LAWRENCE HEAD FOR PRIMARY IN HOUSE 4A The Minnesota House race has drawn 4 contenders in District 4A, which encompasses Bemidji, southern Beltrami, and northern Hubbard Counties. Running are incumbent Gail Skare (DFL), Doug Fuller (Rep.), whose campaign is managed by Bill Batchelder of Bemidji Woolen Mills, and two Reform Party candidates, who will face off in the Sept. 15th primary, William Lawrence, Editor of Ojibwe News, and Adam Steele, Editor of Northern Herald. Lawrence, previously, had not been visible in the Reform Party and had not caucused with it; Steele convened the Reform Caucus at the request of the 7th District Chair, and was a delegate to the State Convention. The Primary Candidates. Your editor has declined to interview himself, and relies upon advertising in this paper and elsewhere. Mr. Lawrence was offered the opportunity to be interviewed, but declined. Northern Herald, however, has come into possession of certain materials attesting to Lawrence's experience in public service. In 1986, while Lawrence, of Red Lake, was employed as Tribal Manager of the Ft. Mojave Tribe, near Needles, California, a special liaison, Elmer M. Savilla, was hired to determine the predicament in which Lawrence's administration might have placed the Ft. Mojave Tribe, and their relations with Red Lake. After investigation, and on March 28th, 1986, Savilla reported to the Red Lake Band: "... 1. The Fort Mojave Tribal Chairman [ Mr. Lew Barrackman] at that time, who hired Mr. Lawrence, is now the subject of community ridicule, unfortunately. It appears that his failing was that he placed too much trust and faith in Mr. Lawrence. "2. Mr. Lawrence took advantage of every opportunity to secure material things for himself, or for his own use; he convinced the Tribal Chairman that an airplane was needed to conduct his affairs; the tribe was making the insurance payments for him on a triple-wide mobile home located on tribal land, and which was destroyed by fire after Mr. Lawrence had moved his belongings out of it. We were told that Mr. Lawrence received the insurance payment. "3. There is a mystery surrounding the presence of a nine-passenger Chevrolet van which Mr. Lawrence apparently brought back from Bemidji on one of his frequent visits to Minneapolis ... [or] Bemidji. The van is still at the tribal office. It was said that it might be one of five [5] vans which were leased by Mr. Lawrence from a friend of his in Bemidji and was not repossessed or returned by Lawrence. "4. Mr. Lawrence represented himself to the tribe and to the community as an expert in economic development and as a Manager. When he left he had caused the following conditions: "a. the Fort Mojave Tribe was left with an unfinished farming project which left the tribe with a debt of $10.5 million. "b. the tribe was the subject of state-wide criticism and publicity and wide-spread ridicule from federal and state officials. The friendly and cooperative relationship which had existed for years between the tribe and the non-Indian merchants and community was completely destroyed. "c. the credit rating of the tribe was ruined. Utility companies turned off telephone and power usage until the tribe could pay cash. Local merchants would not deal with tribal accounts, and many still refuse to sell to the tribe now. "d. the tribe will not be solvent until the year 2005. It will take that long to pay the debts incurred.... "5. Probably the most damaging result of Mr. Lawrence's work there, at least to the people of the Red Lake Chippewa, is the fact that the name "Red Lake" causes apprehension and concern to the tribal members of the Fort Mojave Tribe.... This negative feeling of the grassroots Fort Mojave people for those from "Red Lake" is a terrible thing for Bill Lawrence to have caused...." In an unrelated matter, on May 16th, 1988, Mr. Lawrence was found guilty, in a Beltrami County court, of violating state fish and game laws by selling Red Lake walleye to gourmet stores, such as Lund's, in the Cities. He had been arrested with nearly 2,000 pounds of walleye fillets in his pickup truck, as reported by The [Bemidji] Pioneer of May 25, 1988. Note: Since publication, Mr. Lawrence has rebutted some of the Ft. Mojave allegations. His rebuttal can be found in NORTHERN HERALD of 09/16/98. ------------------------------------------------------ FORS FELONY COUNT DROPPED BEMIDJI -- After Bemidji chiropractor Gregory Fors failed to crack under the pressure, County Attorney Tim Faver dropped the felony charge which Faver had earlier brought, of Criminal Sexual Conduct in the Third Degree. The dismissed count involved an alleged affair with Connie Johnson, a former patient and employee of Fors' clinic. The complaint, filed by Faver, alleges that in May of 1994, Johnson consulted Fors regarding a yeast infection and that Fors had told her that it was due to sexual frustration by resisting his advances. The complaint states that they began having romantic relations in July, 1994, when she met him after hours in his basement, and the romance continued December of 1996. But per the successful defense motion, in her police statement (which was available to Faver), Johnson contradicted much of the allegations. As put in the defense motion to dismiss, "The statement that Connie Johnson gave to the police demonstrates that her involvement with Dr. Fors was entirely consensual. She states therein that she 'realized his intentions' in December, 1993... She relates several remarks, allegedly made months later by Dr. Fors, that a yeast infection and loss of weight were due to failure to have sex with him; said suggestions being inherently incredible on their face. ...The relationship between Connie Johnson and the Defendant began months later when, as Connie Johnson stated to police, 'I was just being attracted to this man.' ...This was during a period when... she had no sexual relationship with her husband.... Connie Johnson [in the police statement] specifically denies force, threats, references to a therapeutic reason for having the first sexual encounter...." Fors faces three misdemeanor counts for alleged incidents (not necessarily involving romantic intercourse) with three other women. Defense motions, based upon police statements, journals and sworn depositions of the women have also been made. In a count involving Tamara Rustand, the defense has argued, based on the police statement, "... he asked her if she wanted a sexual relationship. She then invited him to her house for sex. Sexual contact alleged was consensual." ---------------------------------------------------------------- Bemidji's Glass House of Corruption Crumbles 'GENE'S PLACE' BAR, BEMIDJI, RAIDED BY BCA BEMIDJI -- In what appears to be a continuing state-directed effort to crack down on corrupt practices in Bemidji, particularly implicating the alcohol trade, agents of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) served a search warrant last month on the bar known as Gene's Place, licensed to James Donald Hamilton. The raid was conducted by the gambling division of BCA, and sources have speculated that it concerned alleged unlawful gambling activities over and above those permitted by the bar's charitible gaming license. As charges have not yet been filed, no further information was available at presstime. It is not known whether County Attorney Tim Faver will prosecute the bar. Statement of the accused. Asked to comment on the incident, the person in charge at Gene's Place, which remains open for business, said, "You don't know squat." A search was also conducted at the Eagles' Club, Park Rapids. In earlier actions, BCA was involved in the investigation of multiple allegations of theft by swindle, against Bemidji Police Chief Robert Tell, and determined that he had improperly received funds from the City. Prostitution-related trials are now pending for several Bemidji/Beltrami law enforcement officers as a result of indictments returned by a Grand Jury convened by the Minnesota Attorney General's office. ------------------------------------------------------------- BACKUS HOLDS CORN FEST BACKUS -- If you like harvest corn, or just having fun, August 15th was the day to be at Backus - that was the day of their annual Corn Festival. The fest featured, this year, a flea market, games and a junior fishing contest, as well as the traditional parade and corn feed at the fire hall. Mrs. Fred Smith, an organizer, reported, "a real good turnout," and said, "Everybody helped so much this year." Hackensack American Legion took first place in the parade. Shawn Kish was crowned Backus's new Junior King, with the Junior Queen's crown going to Grace Bettino, with Chelsa Schwegel as runner-up. ---------------------------------------------------------------- NEW RECREATION COMMITTEE FORMED WALKER -- The Tri-County Leech Lake Watershed Project has announced the formation of a new committee to review and help guide recreational opportunities across the 750,000 acre watershed. Gary Lyall, of Woman Lake, is acting chair. Activities of a similar committee from the Remer/Longville School District were presented and expressed the need for towns to collaborate on providing more recreational opportunities and explore the need for facilities open year-around. TCLLWP will hold its annual meeting 10 am Sept. 17th, at Moonlight Bay Resort . The public is encouraged to attend. ------------------------------------------------------- ELECTION PROCEEDS QUIETLY, ORDERLY AT WHITE EARTH MAHNOMEN -- Determined to restore orderly government to the White Earth Band of Chippewa, voters went to the polls August 11th and selected John B. Buckanaga (609 votes) and Francis "Butch" Bellanger (204 votes) to run off, for chairman, September 30th. Other contenders fared as follows: Manypenny, 140; Dalve, 124; Weaver, 83; Ajootian, 43. Ralph "Bucky" Goodman (331 votes) and Elmer "Gene" Tibbits (130 votes) will run off for Dist. III Representative. Other results: Bevins, 117; Bray (Weaver), 76; Bellcourt, 68; Crowell, 43; Van Wert, Sr., 26; Fairbanks, 14. Support of McArthur's "interim" government was shown by the strong backing of Mr. Buckanaga, who was part of the interim Reservation Business Committee. Election officials at White Earth took special precautions to ensure the integrity of August's primary. There were three security personnel stationed at election headquarters where the absentee ballots were kept, and, amidst criticism of the susceptibilty of absentee voting to fraud, the Election Board established off- reservation walk-in polling places at Cass Lake and Minneapolis, reducing the number of absentee ballots needed from about 2,000 to only 444. Ballot boxes were escorted from the remote locations by uniformed officers. ---------------------------------------------- WE LEARN FROM HEROES, PEOPLE WITH SUBSTANCE by Robert Morton, M.Ed., Ed.S. Dear Mr. Morton- I'm a well-trained, computer salesperson but find myself discouraged with many business snubs and rejections. Do you know of any inspirational courses for sales people? - Anonymous Dear Anonymous- A friend of mine, Mike Waleryszak, President of Crescent Manufacturing in Fremont, Ohio, once recommended to me Life Success Seminars, Inc. Their inspirational seminars are highly effective. Also, study life itself! Successful salespeople have found that developing a good belief system about life increases their persistence and motivation. Read about great people who fought against all odds, like Winston Churchill, Martin Luther King, Helen Keller, Benjamin Franklin, etc. You'll uncover mysteries underlying each of their victories. For Example, by 1974, Hank Aaron of the Atlanta Braves blasted 710 home-runs and was 5 away from a great baseball feat - reaching Babe Ruth's all-time record. No one realized, except Aaron himself, that his batting victories emerged from what he learned from his defeats at the plate...1,262 strikeouts. I recall a man who failed in business, but didn't give up and ran for the Legislature the following year. He lost. So, he went back into business, but went bankrupt again. During the following two years he campaigned for Speaker, and lost, then for Elector, and lost. He ran for Congress two times, losing both races. The next three years he ran for the Senate, and lost, tried for Vice President, and lost, and vigorously campaigned for the Senate again, and lost. Depression and nervous breakdowns plagued this man, who finally ran for President of the United States, and won. He was Abraham Lincoln. These heroes constantly thought about what they wanted to become. They knew the price they had to pay for success and were committed to pay it. They simply worked hard, one day at a time and never gave up, until their dreams became reality. Read about such heroes, people with substance. You may someday discover your sales defeats weren't failures at all... merely ideas on the way to success. Don't quit! Robert Morton, M.Ed., Ed.S. is a school psychologist for Fremont City Schools and educational instructor at Bowling Green State University. Write him at the Child Study Center; 501 Croghan St.; Fremont, Ohio or Email: Rsmcoping@nwohio.com To this excellent psychological direction, your Editor, as a businessman and having been a salesman, must add, from a strictly business standpoint: If you're feeling snubbed by turndowns of your product, you're in the wrong business. Whatever product it is that you sell, it's important to recognize that, likely, 90% or more people either won't need or don't want it. Even if you really had a better mouse trap - most people don't have mice - of those that do, many have a cat. Efficient salesmanship is only 20% presenting your product. 80% of it is ferreting out those people who need and want it. Generally, this ferreting involves a time-consuming pitch of the product. Statistically, whatever the product, and whomever the salesman, it usually will end in a "no." Augmenting your efficiency in identifying your market will generally heighten performance far more than trying to be more persuasive. Each time you get a "no" you're one step farther in weeding out your non-market. That's what leads to success in sales. Know your market; project your stats realistically, that is, what percentage you can expect. Play those stats and rate your improvement against them - not a hypothetical 100% that not even Lee Iacocca could have achieved. Finally, if, to be happy, you have to be able to persuade 100% of the people of the benefit of your product,, you're in the wrong business. Try politics instead. -- Ed. -------------------------------------------------------- Connections . . . NEW, COMPETITIVE INTERNET NOW AVAILABLE IN BEMIDJI, OTHER NORTHERN CITIES USLink (not affiliated with USWest), a Pequot Lakes company which has been around for 14 years, has now introduced local-dialup Internet service in the Bemidji, Grand Rapids, Hackensack, Pine River and other Northern Minnesota exchanges, with a no busy lines guarantee. If the user gets a busy signal, he gets a free week of service. Unlimited access is available for $19.95 a month, or $53.95/3 mos.; and a $25 one-time setup fee. Included is 5 megabytes of web page space. Their number is 888-546-5287. Comparative Data. Bji.net (aka Internet Access, Inc.) Unlimited access: 19.50/mo., including 2 MB web space. Set-up fee: $8.95. There have been frequent busies during peak times, there has also been a problem with their modem not picking up - when you try to connect, the dial-up number just rings-on without connecting. This malfunction has existed, sporadically, for quite some time, and Bji.net is aware of it. - Bji.net could fix it, but apparently they have not been interested in doing so. Between the modem problem, and the busies, several tries may be necessary. You may, finally, get on-line only to be erroneously disconnected by the system and have to do it all over again. This, in our opinion, is not up to standard. At one time, back when Leo Anderson was running things at Bji.net, Northern Herald recommended this provider. In light of current service, we cannot recommend it now. Local exchanges include the Bemidji area. Bji.net: 218-755-9879 Paul Bunyanet. Rates for unlimited access are $19.95/mo., with a $9.95 setup fee. 2 MB web space is included. But you're dealing with the people at Paul Bunyan Rural Telephone Co-op. 1-800-276-8015 Northern Net has an extremely cumbersome automated answering system to handle customer service and inquiries, and information regarding their current pricing was not readily available. At the time of our last survey (3/97) their setup/ software fee was $39.95, and rates for access were: personal unlimited: $24.95/mo.; business, (150 hours including 2 MB web space): $29.95/mo. Local exchanges included Bemidji, Grand Rapids, Park Rapids, LaPorte and others. Their machine: 218-751-3199 ----------------------------------------- -------------------- ADVERTISEMENT -------------------------- PLATFORM PLANKS Primary (most important) Planks 1. To sponsor legislation making smoking mandatory in public buildings. If the Cancer Society can dish it out, they can take it. 2. To Preserve the American Goose. I will sponsor legislation removing goosing from the definition of romantic harassment. You've got to have some fun in the office. 3. TO SUPPORT LEGALIZED PROSTITUTION - BECAUSE IT SHOULDN'T JUST BE FOR POLICE OFFICERS. Further, the presence of purveyors of Personal ROmantic Services (PROs) in public places, such as St. Paul's University Ave., has caused inconvenience to the residents there. This industry, the World's Oldest Profession, is not going to go away. It needs to be legalized, zoned to a proper and unobtrusive area, regulated regarding health concerns, and finally, of course, taxed. Legalization will also remove corrupt influence from the industry. Nevada had the right idea. As to moral questions, well, what goes on on St. Paul's University Avenue isn't any less moral than what goes on in Bemidji's bars and I don't see those gals & johns getting busted for that; so we might as well be consistent. Let's put the PROs back in Prostitution! Other Planks 4. I will continue to support school vouchers, as certain districts continue to be more corrupt. But I would offer public schools a $50 library book credit for each inept teacher they fire, and $100 for each administrator. If they fire Rollie Morud, they get a whole new library with central air, and other amenities. 5. "If you have a touch-tone phone, press 1." So you punch in a bunch of numbers, then get connected to the "voicemail" of someone who isn't there. Is your time totally worthless? People who use these automated answering systems must think so. When you call a state agency, you want to speak to a person, not a machine. If elected I will sponsor legislation outlawing the use of these systems by State government and agencies. I will support discouragement of use of these systems in business. 6. To work toward forging a new law enforcement reciprocal pact between the State of Minnesota, particularly as concerns Beltrami County, and the great Nation of Red Lake. I want to see better ability to work with authorities of the Red Lake Nation so we can both work better to apprehend criminals that travel between these jurisdictions. I also believe there should be uniformity in automobile insurance requirements for registration of vehicles by the State of Minnesota, and by the great Nation of Red Lake. 7. To continue to work for gender equity, particularly as concerns equity towards men and fathers, in the family law courts. 8. To continue to work toward strong welfare reform. 9. I will continue to oppose no-fault divorce, and will work toward the new covenant marriage concept, which allows a couple to make a real commitment, instead of just playing house. 10. The right to defend yourself, family and property. When someone decides to commit a crime, they assume the risk for the consequences of their actions. I will sponsor and support legislation holding an individual harmless, both criminally and civilly (against suits) for action taken to defend himself, his family, or property during or immediately following a crime against the same, including in the apprehension of the perpetrator; provided that, if the victim inadvertently fails to kill the perpetrator, he may be assessed a $20 MinnesotaCare fee to offset the criminal's hospital costs. 11. I will continue to work toward Native American sovereignty and the inalienable right of these people to determine their own destiny. 12. To continue to oppose tax increases. 13. To continue to support our quality of life in Northern Minnesota. 14. I will continue to very stringently oppose crime and corruption in Northern Minnesota. HELP FIGHT CRIME AND CORRUPTION IN BEMIDJI. Whatever your party, CROSS-OVER (you know the criminal element will) in the September 15th primary. If we don't make it there, we don't make it. Whether you're usually a Democrat or Republican, we need your vote. Vote the Reform Party Primary Ballot, and vote Steele. 1. WON'T SUPPORT HIGHER TAXES. 2. NO CRIMINAL OR SHADY TIES. 3. PROVEN BY ACTION: AS STRONG ON NATIVE AMERICAN ISSUES AND SOVEREIGNTY AS ANY CANDIDATE. 4. PROVEN BY ACTION: WILL FIGHT CORRUPTION. ADAM STEELE FOR STATE REP - DIST. 4A THE LEAST OF FOUR EVILS Prepared and paid for by THE STEELE COMMITTEE, P.O. Box 1535, Bemidji, 56619 ----------------------------------------------------------- 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 A SIGN OF GOOD BUSINESS Amidst scattered reports of misscaning by Bemidji grocers, particularly on sale items, some stores are being more conscientious. Econofoods, Grand Rapids, is letting customers know that they've put their scanners to the test. They're sure enough of their accuracy to offer the item (up to $5) free if it misscans (certain reasonable restrictions apply). CLIENT CLAIMS RIPPED OFF BY MEN'S ADVOCATE We now investigate a Consumer Corner complaint regarding George Gilliland, doing business as Domestic Rights Coalition, St. Paul. Palmer Berg, of Bemidji, had consulted Gilliland, in January, 1998, regarding child support modification. Per the complaint, Berg drove to St. Paul to meet with Gilliland, who reviewed Berg's divorce papers. "He had agreed to make out the [legal] papers... his secretary (A & D services) would... mail them to me, so I could set the court proceedings for my child support reduction and get one child off my child support when he turned 18...," recites the complaint. "After waiting a long time and not hearing from him, I wrote letters asking how things were coming... no reply. Finally, I had to hire ...[an] attorney." Per the complaint, Gilliland and his assistant received a total of $1,745 from Berg, in January, for the promised services in preparing the documents. By May, 1998, with no documents rendered and no reply from Gilliland to Berg's inquiries, Berg demanded a refund. Per the complaint, he reiterated his demand in June and July, but to no avail. The complaint recites, "Debbie Deckard of A & D services did call me asking if they could do it yet because her husband had been in the hospital...." But several months had passed, the child had turned 18, and Berg requested a refund of the advance payment. Berg recites, "She called me again saying she would refund [the] money, except for the time she had spent... [at the January meeting]. "I said no, I wanted it all back as I could have told my local barber the same things and gotten the same results for nothing." Consumer Corner investigates. We contacted Gilliland for a response to Berg's claim. He refused to make any meaningful statement addressing the matter, although Deckard sent a response as follows: "[A] couple of weeks ago I called Mr. Berg and explained that I was working on sending him his refund. I told him I was doing the best I could. He wanted a 100% refund even though I spent 5 hours interviewing him, I felt his request was justified, and I agreed. I will be sending Mr. Berg a refund in full by the 15th of August, and probably a lot sooner than that." As of presstime, however, Berg has received no refund, and has now had to seek counsel for a lawsuit against Gilliland for the refund. Conclusion. George Gilliland, a former advertiser in this paper, has done some excellent work for men with his Domestic Rights Coalition, and maintains a communication network which is of value. Based on this case, however, we are forced to conclude that he is not always responsible in his business practices. If, for any reason, the work could not have been timely done, a refund should have immediately issued. We have suspended any further advertising of Gilliland or Domestic Rights Coalition of St. Paul, and we recommend that no advance payment be made for any services he might offer through other media. You may not get the services and you may not get your money back without cumbersome legal action. For men, and others, seeking representation on legal matters which cannot be adequately handled by local counsel, Northern Herald is pleased to now offer referrals to a qualified attorney, who will initially consult with potential clients without charge, and may handle some cases on a contingency (fee only if you collect) basis. For referral, call 218-759-1162. ------------------------------------------------------------- THE HARTHUN RECORDS James Harthun, a Vietnam veteran, now living in Bemidji, has spoken of highly unusual circumstances while in the service of his country, and is now endeavoring to procure his full military records to find out what actually happened to him. This is his story. This information is largely uncorroborated by official sources, and must be read as same. If correct, those sources, would, of course, have reason to fail to corroborate it. Recap: In previous installments Harthun described his Army enlistment, and leaving July 21, 1969 from International Falls for Ft. Bragg. In his second week of basic training, he claims to have been offered a soft drink, accepted it and the next thing he remembered was being carried out on someone's back. He woke up 4-5 weeks later in, seemingly, an abandoned military hospital, and said that he had needle marks all over his body ("I felt like a human pincushion.") Harthun then describes his being given a shot and awakening in his barracks. Shortly thereafter he was sent to Ft. Jackson, S.C., to attend Army cook school. But, per Harthun, he, and 5 other enlistees were met there by a man driving an expensive convertible, wearing a 3-piece suit and claiming to be their new sergeant. Alone with Harthun, The sergeant asked Harthun to impersonate him for a physical fitness exam. Afterward, the sergeant drove Harthun to Atlanta, saying that they'd "live the high life for the next 6 weeks" Harthun was given leave, though, and eventually received orders. He was shipped to a Special Operations Group known as "LZ Center." Following the fall of Khe Sanh, his sergeant ordered the men to fall out, "And as you go out, I'm going to give you a little pill. Every one of you will take this pill." The pill, says Harthun, affected his mental state, and he got in a fight with 5 other soldiers. A rocket attack, during the year Harthun was at LZ Center, blinded him for two weeks. About two or three days before he was to return to the U.S., his sergeant said they were going to Cambodia. (Previous installments are available at our at our web site See The Library, Vol. 3.) INSTALLMENT IV "I said, 'I'm not going to Cambodia, I'm going back to Chu Lai,'" recalls Harthun. Harthun made his case strongly enough that the sergeant took his men to the DMZ, instead. And fortunately so, as Harthun recounts what happened to those who did go on the "push" in Cambodia, "From what I understood afterwards ... everyone who went in on that push ... it was an ambush." From the DMZ, Harthun returned to the states on a 30-day leave. But, he recounts, he reported back for stateside duty early, to Fort Sam Houston, Texas. The head sergeant reviewed his orders and informed Harthun that he was being sent back to Viet Nam. Harthun recalls, "I said, 'Tom, I've only been home 15 days. Can they do that?' 'No,' he said, 'They can't do that ... This is against military law.'" Per Harthun, The sergeant confided to him, "You got some crazy records, kid, ... you know what I'm going to suggest? You get the hell off post, you get a hold of your parents and you have them get a hold of your state representative or ... senator - find out what the hell is going on here.... If you stay here you'll either go back to Viet Nam or go to jail." That was when Harthun took the advice and went AWOL. He hid in Nevada and Oregon while his parents contacted officials. "The next thing, I called and they said 'you're supposed to report back to Fort Sam Houston. You're not going to be charged with AWOL, ... and you won't be going back to Viet Nam.'" Harthun reported, but the staff at Fort Sam Houston didn't know what to do with him. Per Harthun, A major reviewed his records, and observed, "You've had cook school; Harthun responded, "No, Sir, I did not have cook school....," and he explained the records to the major, "They made me sign papers saying that I'd been to cook school" (continued next issue) ------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ADVERTISEMENT -------------------------- DANIEL PATRICK BROWN Candidate for Beltrami County Attorney Hamline University School of Law Admitted to the Minnesota Bar, 1993 Present Employer: WestGroup (West Publishing Co.), St. Paul It has been 9 years since the voters of Beltrami County have had a choice of County Attorney. Daniel Patrick Brown intends to see to it that they get one this year. He's strong on law enforcement, but believes that one man's law is every man's law and he'll see to it that the law, that's in the books he works with now, is applied uniformly, equitably, honestly and fairly for a better and more just Beltrami County. "I feel that the top law enforcement officer [the County Attorney] of a county is in a leadership position. The County Attorney provides an image that can be followed by the rest of the law enforcement and judicial personnel in the county. I feel that the County Attorney sets the example - that the County Attorney is the one that sets an example of integrity, sets an example of honesty, sets an example of pursuing crime, tracking down crime, making sure crime is prosecuted and justice served. "I graduated in 1993, Hamline University School of Law. I then took a position with Judge Harry Seymour Crump ...for a year as his judicial law clerk. After that I took a position at WestGroup in their reference department, and I've been a reference staff attorney at WestGroup for about 3 years now ... I train people [attorneys, other legal personnel and WestGroup staff] in the use of our WestLaw and WestMate programs.... "I was originally educated, in my undergrad degree, at the University of Wisconsin, River Falls, where I studied sociology and conservation... Over the period of time between my undergraduate degree and my attending law school, I worked within a tri-county treatment center; I worked with alcoholics and drug addicts; I provided out-patient education; I provided facilitation of group therapy sessions; managed and administered an aftercare apartment building - a supervised living facility for patients who had graduated from the treatment program." -- Daniel Patrick Brown In addition to his background in training lawyers and others on the West legal products, Daniel Patrick Brown has made appearances in Dakota County Court, appearing on behalf of clients; he has helped people defend themselves there, and has worked transactionally on modification of child support and divorce decrees. Daniel Patrick Brown: "In law school, my focus was primarily public, administrative or international law" Brown's team won an honorable mention in International Law Moot Court. Asked about off-duty law enforcement officers drinking at public establishments, Daniel Patrick Brown said, "If they had legally imbibed, then provided that they legally got themselves home and didn't cause any problems, there would be no reason to intervene; however, if this represented a pattern of behaviour, or if this was law-breaking behaviour," then Brown's view of it would be different. Would he prosecute both the officers and the bar, were officers found imbibing after legal hours? "Absolutely.... That's breaking the law. Nobody's allowed to break the law," Daniel Patrick Brown said. DANIEL PATRICK BROWN for Beltrami County Attorney Prepared and paid for by THE DANIEL PATRICK BROWN COMMITTEE -------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------ ISSUE OF 08/05/98 - VOLUME 3 NO. 15 ------------------------------------ DANIEL PATRICK BROWN BRINGS BELTRAMI VOTERS CHOICE OF CO. ATTORNEY BEMIDJI -- It has been 5 years since Tim Faver mislead the community and potential jurors, in the Richard Lory case by telling the press, before he had even spoken with Heather Lory, that the boy Richard Lory was accused of shooting was not one of the boys that gang-raped his 14 year old daughter. It has been 4 years since Heather appeared on the Sally Jesse Raphael show to ask why the other boys hadn't been prosecuted for the rape. It has been 4 years since Roy Martin's home life was destroyed by almost 7 months of jail, pending trial, for a crime he could not have committed and what a local television station called "the most bizarre trial in the history of Beltrami County." Roy was a Native American, the suspect was described as a white man. It has been 9 years since Tim Faver's then law partner, the previous County Attorney, Tom Keyes, died of an overdose of cocaine; and it has been 9 years since the people of Beltrami County have had a choice of who will be their top law enforcement official, the County Attorney. But Daniel Patrick Brown (no relation to the Dan Brown who previously served on Leech Lake RBC), a staff attorney at the WestGroup legal publishing company, St. Paul, has seen to it that the voters of Beltrami County, recently ravaged by a police corruption scandal, will have a choice this year. Brown, who will be newly-married, plans to make his family home in Beltrami County, coming here in October, and has filed for the County Attorney's post. Interviewed in St. Paul, Brown was tough on crime, and expressed an underlying concern that the law be administered equally and equitably, that one man's law has to be every man's law. He said, "I feel that the top law enforcement officer [the County Attorney] of a county is in a leadership position. The County Attorney provides an image that can be followed by the rest of the law enforcement and judicial personnel in the county. I feel that the County Attorney sets the example - that the County Attorney is the one that sets an example of integrity, sets an example of honesty, sets an example of pursuing crime, tracking down crime, making sure crime is prosecuted and justice served." Describing his background, Brown said, "I graduated in 1993, Hamline University School of Law. ...In law school, my focus was primarily public, administrative or international law." Brown's team won an honorable mention in International Law Moot Court. Brown continues, "I then took a position with Judge Harry Seymour Crump ...for a year as his judicial law clerk. After that I took a position at WestGroup in their reference department, and I've been a reference staff attorney at WestGroup for about 3 years now ... I train people [attorneys, other legal personnel and WestGroup staff] in the use of our WestLaw and WestMate programs.... "I was originally educated, in my undergrad degree, at the University of Wisconsin, River Falls, where I studied sociology and conservation... Over the period of time between my undergraduate degree and my attending law school, I worked within a tri-county treatment center; I worked with alcoholics and drug addicts; I provided out-patient education; I provided facilitation of group therapy sessions; managed and administered an aftercare apartment building - a supervised living facility for patients who had graduated from the treatment program." In addition to his background in training lawyers and others on the West legal products, Daniel Patrick Brown has made appearances in Dakota County Court, appearing on behalf of clients; he has helped people defend themselves there, and has worked transactionally on modification of child support and divorce decrees. Asked about off-duty law enforcement officers drinking at public establishments, Daniel Patrick Brown said, "If they had legally imbibed, then provided that they legally got themselves home and didn't cause any problems, there would be no reason to intervene; however, if this represented a pattern of behaviour, or if this was law-breaking behaviour...," then Brown's view of it would be different. Would he prosecute both the officers and the bar, were officers found imbibing after legal hours? "Absolutely.... That's breaking the law. Nobody's allowed to break the law," he said. FAVER REFUSES INTERVIEW Previously unopposed at elections, 9 year incumbent Beltrami County Attorney Tim Faver was offered the opportunity to present his reelection platform, but when offered the interview, he said only, "I have nothing to say to you." He did not want to be photographed for the paper. But we did get a picture, earlier, while we were there: (photo in print edition only-narrative follows) Is theft legal now in Bemidji? Ask the County Attorney. Above, the familiar plaid advertising flyers of Bemidji Woolen Mills were found among the public service literature in a rack in the waiting area of Tim Faver's office. There is no apparent explanation as to why the County Attorney's office is advertising for Bemidji Woolen Mills. Bemidji Woolen Mills is operated by Bill Batchelder, who is also the campaign manager for Doug Fuller (Republican candidate for House 4A) and who, apparently, encouraged Fuller to run. Batchelder is also the nephew of Richard Morton (deceased), former owner of the Hard Times Saloon, Bemidji. The attempted Bemidji blackout of the Northern Herald, last January, following our strong criticism of Morton's business practices, made statewide news. The attempted blackout was orchestrated by persons claiming to be friends of Dick Morton. If not personally involved, there is evidence that Batchelder was kept informed, on an essentially daily basis, of the progress of this pressure group that used threats against retailers, and theft of stacks of complimentary copies to try achieve their ends of keeping Bemidjians from getting the news. These attempts have continued long after the issue which criticized Morton. Recently, one person seen, by a waitress, stealing the papers at a restaurant was Lynette Russel (aka Lynette Rex), ex-wife of indicted Bemidji Police Sgt. Daryle Russel. Lynette Russel has also, reportedly, been seen in same the restaurant in the company of another of Morton's relatives. Theft of stacks of complimentary copies of newspapers, with the intent of keeping them from the public for whom the papers were intended, has been held a criminal act in several jurisdictions. The Lynette Russel matter was referred to Bemidji Police Dept.; Officer Michael Solheim took the complaint. But upon later inquiry, Solheim reported back to Northern Herald that the Office of Tim Faver, County Attorney, by his assistant, David Frank, refused to file charges or prosecute the theft. ------------------------------------------------- ANOTHER BEMIDJI OFFICER CHARGED Another Bemidji police officer, William Beise, has been charged in connection with prostitution-related violations. He joins Sgt. Daryle Russel and Beltrami Deputy William Jon Atwater, who were indicted by a state-called Grand Jury in May. Police Chief Robert Tell, reportedly, had no plans to take Beise, who was on personal vacation, off-duty. ------------------------------------------ VISITORS SWARM NEVIS FOR MUSKIE DAYS!! (picture captions - photos in print edition only): The well attended Muskie Days parade drew many area floats. Above, Miss Menahga, Joanie Isola, and Little Miss, Shyla Stomberg At left, Backus Junior Queen, Megan Hughes, and Junior King, Chris Flier Below, Pine River Royalty with Miss Pine River, Carrie Martin. Below, Susie Windels, Miss Sebeka, with her princesses ------------------------------------------------- CANDIDATES VIE FOR HUBBARD COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE JOHANNSEN: A CAREER LAWMAN "When I first went into law enforcement, I wasn't old enough to get into bars," said Cal Johannsen, a 25-year veteran of law enforcement. He's been Chief Deputy of the Hubbard County Sheriff's Dept. for the last 16 of those years. Johannsen said he started his career as an officer at Kelliher, in 1973 midway through his second year in the law enforcement program at Alexandria Vo-Tech. A Lake George resident, he worked at Kelliher for two years, then joined Sheriff Tolman's Beltrami County Sheriff's Dept. until going over to the Park Rapids Sheriff's Office in 1980. Posturing and priorities. Johannsen basically supports the current administration of the Sheriff's Office, but, "I think there's some updates and changes that can be made," he said, "We need to look at adding more staff, but we've also got to look at... budget crunches and we've got to be careful about how we do that." Johannsen said that staff is a primary need of the department which, most times, has only 2 men on each shift to patrol 1,008 square miles. He said, "Our county is getting so busy that the men complain about not having time to patrol anymore; all they do is run from call to call." And he also said that response time, due to manpower, was a concern, "... every call is important to the person who makes it. If your house was burglarized, you want to see somebody there right now; unfortunately, we can't always do that." Johannsen said that there are grants available for more manpower, but there was also a cost to the county that "has to be worked out with the County Board," he said. And he explained that while a grant might cover some of the cost of a new man, there would also then be the need for another car, which could run $30,000 or more. Also budgetarily, Johannsen said, "Our jail population has been running close to capacity...." and he said that it may be necessary to budget for an addition. He said the Sheriff's radio console has needed replacement for several years; it could cost as much as $150,000. And he also stated a need for better recording equipment, utilizing less space so 911 and other call records could be kept for more than 30 days, to be available if a need for them in court, in a complaint against the officer, or otherwise should arise. He supports more office staff so that officers will have more time to patrol by doing their reports by tape and have them typed by clerical staff, and that the clerical time is less expensive than the officer's. On crime, Johannesen said, "The crime rate has been going crazy... in Hubbard County the last couple of years; we've had an outlandish number of homicides; ... I don't know that there's anything we can do to prevent that other than visibility of squad cars...." Handgun Permits. "I don't really think it's the guns that are killing people - it's the person that's running [using] the gun," said Johannsen, and he said that unless there was a state imposed reason not to issue a permit, "I guess I feel that people have the right to bear arms...." he said. In cases where it appeared that a reason for nonissuance was invalid, he would be willing to talk to the person and look into the facts to determine if they had merit, "...investigate it, change my mind if they can show me reason.... I'm not beyond doing that," he said, "My goal... is to have an open door policy where I'm willing to meet any citizen of the county that wants to come in and talk to me,... I plan on being available..." Gender matters. Johannsen said that he was not inclined to believe one gender of spouse over the other in domestic disputes. He said, "We have to determine who the aggressor was." Complaints. Asked if he would be receptive to complaints that might come in against his officers, Johannsen said, "Oh, Absolutely." He said that mistakes are sometimes made and added, "I'm not going to take the word of an officer over someone else, but on the other hand, I'm not going to jump on the officer and ridicule him until I have a chance to check it out.... I guess I plan on treating staff people the same as I would citizens...." Final Words. I think that I will treat all citizens of the county fair, and with respect, and be willing to listen to anything anybody has to say. I'm not going to say that I will necessarily... do exactly what they want me to do... but ... if they have something that's worthwhile, I'm not above change." BURNS: AGGRESSIVE ABOUT IMPROVEMENTS Candidate Wayne Burns focused strongly on improving the efficiency of the Sheriff's Department. Posturing and priorities. "First off, the major thing we lack right now is just some leadership and some direction," he said, "we lack coverage, we lack manpower, and the manpower that we do have, we don't utilize them, necessarily, as well as we could." He addressed the need for faster response, "Right now ten minutes, for us, is good response time, so we definitely have to increase our manpower," he said, adding, "there's never been a time when there's been more federal grant money available... in the way of adding officers... that's one of our biggest concerns." Burns said that, four years ago, he campaigned for a substation in the northern part of the county; "Farden Township was gracious enough to donate a beautiful facility. We need to utilize that facility a little more effectively and get that to a position where our officers are basing themselves out of that office and they're available to the North end.... The north end suffers terribly just simply because we don't have the manpower to cover it," he said. Burns addressed the heavy crime in the lesser patrolled regions, and spoke of high numbers of calls in Farden and Helga Townships, saying, "...and the crimes that we're dealing with up in those townships are, quite often, crimes that are alcohol-related or have the potential for violence." Due to there often being only one officer in the area, "we're hoping and banking on the fact that Beltrami or Cass County can send officers in to back us up, and we shouldn't have to rely on outside agencies...," said Burns. Burns addressed other needed changes, saying "We're also going to bring nighttime supervision." He criticized the fact that, now, officers are usually unsupervised after about 4 p.m. "We do have to have somebody who's in a position to hold them [the officers] accountable, keep them active, keep them out on the road and make sure that the cars are in the positions that they need to be in, and that they're responding to the calls in a timely manner, said Burns. Referencing a failure to respond on a particular 1997 assault call, he said, "I believe that had there been prior supervision on that incident, that that officer would have never failed to respond to that call." And he said that while a faster response might not have stopped the crime which was in progress, it could have led to a stronger case, with better evidence against the perpetrator. Burns believes, budgetarily, that there needs to be more advance planning for expenditures; that obsolescence and capital expenditures can be foreseen so that when new equipment is needed, it can be paid for from monies built up proactively, in a fund for the purpose. Handgun Permits. Burns said that he believes in the right to keep and bear, and that he'll generally issue permits, "unless there would be extenuating circumstances, or circumstances about the person that would cause us to have concerns about his having access to firearms." Asked if he would look into the facts, in the event of a protested denial, he said, "No, I think that you have to look at it on an annual basis," and that people's lives change. Burns believes in firearms training for those who do carry. Gender matters. Asked if, in domestics, the woman is inherently more credible than the man, Burns said, "I wouldn't say inherently. ...The circumstances ... should assist the officer in determining who the aggressor was." And he said that he supports the policy of arresting the aggressor, whether it's male or female. Complaints. When complaints are received regarding an officer, Burns says he'll "be receptive and have an open door policy... My first conviction is to the officer.... My philosophy is that when the officers know that I support them, they're going to be more productive.... We have to investigate; we have to make sure the guys are doing what they're doing.... If you show the men you... support them, they're going to be more willing to accept some constructive criticism." Final Words. Burns said, "I truly believe that I have the leadership abilities and the passion to bring Hubbard County law enforcement up to a standard.... I want to make it the best it can be. This isn't a position I'm looking to as a one or two term candidate. I'm a young man with my best years in law enforcement ahead of me, and I'm looking forward to using those years to bring Hubbard County the finest in law enforcement." Burns has an A.A. in law enforcement from Alexandria Technical College. After college, he worked part-time for the New London Police Dept., coming to Park Rapids in Sept., 1988. He has been with Park Rapids Police Dept. since then, becoming an instructor in the use of force and deadly force. He also taught law enforcement, for six years, at Northwest Regional Training Center, Thief River Falls; and, for 5 years, at Range Technical College. GARY MILLS - REFUSED INTERVIEW Although he had earlier expressed a willingness to be interviewed, Hubbard County Sheriff candidate Gary Mills did not return our calls to schedule same. --------------------------------------------------------- VINING, NYBERG, OTHERS AT WHITE OAK DO IT AGAIN!! DEER RIVER -- Strains of traditional music from the Entrance Stage, punctuated by blasts of black powder fire, filled the air as visitors walked from the packed parking lot and embarked on the 1998 White Oak Rendezvous, July 31st - August 2nd. The White Oak Society members replicate the time of the voyageurs in Northern Minnesota. This was clearly their biggest and best Rendezvous ever. Late Saturday, special awards went to Aaron and Satera Kontz, Albert Lea, Catherine Albright, Anoka, and Cody Hansen, Brookings, SD, for their help in the library. The award for the best camp went to One Moc, with honorable mentions to Major Chaney and Mr. Dusty Badger. Those who missed Rendezvous will have a chance next year, August 6, 7 & 8th, 1999. (Photo captions - photos in print edition only): Roberta Guertin, of Grand Rapids, does her time in the stocks for hooliganism Covered wagon rides through the expansive grounds were available near Traders' Row The Cartographer, Robert LaSalle, explains how ships navigate. Cast of the special performance of Moliere's "The Jealous Husband" Smoke billows from Dennis Hill's muzzle in Saturday's Black Powder Shoot Canada's very original "Tanglefoot" was part of continuous entertainment on two stages. Kids and adults pack the storyteller's tent Irene Rodgers in her fingerweaving tent You could find out how to build a canoe at The Canoe Shed. ------------------------------------------------ -------------------- ADVERTISEMENT --------------------------- PLATFORM PLANKS Primary (most important) Planks ------------------------------- 1. To sponsor legislation making smoking mandatory in public buildings. If the Cancer Society can dish it out, they can take it. 2. To Preserve the American Goose. I will sponsor legislation removing goosing from the definition of romantic harassment. You've got to have some fun in the office. 3. TO SUPPORT LEGALIZED PROSTITUTION - BECAUSE IT SHOULDN'T JUST BE FOR POLICE OFFICERS. Further, the presence of purveyors of Personal ROmantic Services (PROs) in public places, such as St. Paul's University Ave., has caused inconvenience to the residents there. This industry, the World's Oldest Profession, is not going to go away. It needs to be legalized, zoned to a proper and unobtrusive area, regulated regarding health concerns, and finally, of course, taxed. Legalization will also remove corrupt influence from the industry. Nevada had the right idea. As to moral questions, well, what goes on on St. Paul's University Avenue isn't any less moral than what goes on in Bemidji's bars and I don't see those gals & johns getting busted for that; so we might as well be consistent. Let's put the PROs back in Prostitution! Other Planks ------------ 4. I will continue to support school vouchers, as certain districts continue to be more corrupt. But I would offer public schools a $50 library book credit for each inept teacher they fire, and $100 for each administrator. If they fire Rollie Morud, they get a whole new library with central air, and other amenities. 5. "If you have a touch-tone phone, press 1." So you punch in a bunch of numbers, then get connected to the "voicemail" of someone who isn't there. Is your time totally worthless? People who use these automated answering systems must think so. When you call a state agency, you want to speak to a person, not a machine. If elected I will sponsor legislation outlawing the use of these systems by State government and agencies. I will support discouragement of use of these systems in business. 6. To work toward forging a new law enforcement reciprocal pact between the State of Minnesota, particularly as concerns Beltrami County, and the great Nation of Red Lake. I want to see better ability to work with authorities of the Red Lake Nation so we can both work better to apprehend criminals that travel between these jurisdictions. I also believe there should be uniformity in automobile insurance requirements for registration of vehicles by the State of Minnesota, and by the great Nation of Red Lake. 7. To continue to work for gender equity, particularly as concerns equity towards men and fathers, in the family law courts. 8. To continue to work toward strong welfare reform. 9. I will continue to oppose no-fault divorce, and will work toward the new covenant marriage concept, which allows a couple to make a real commitment, instead of just playing house. 10. The right to defend yourself, family and property. When someone decides to commit a crime, they assume the risk for the consequences of their actions. I will sponsor and support legislation holding an individual harmless, both criminally and civilly (against suits) for action taken to defend himself, his family, or property during or immediately following a crime against the same, including in the apprehension of the perpetrator; provided that, if the victim inadvertently fails to kill the perpetrator, he may be assessed a $20 MinnesotaCare fee to offset the criminal's hospital costs. 11. I will continue to work toward Native American sovereignty and the inalienable right of these people to determine their own destiny. 12. To continue to oppose tax increases. 13. To continue to support our quality of life in Northern Minnesota. 14. I will continue to very stringently oppose crime and corruption in Northern Minnesota. HELP FIGHT CRIME AND CORRUPTION IN BEMIDJI. Whatever your party, CROSS-OVER (you know the criminal element will) in the September 15th primary. If we don't make it there, we don't make it. Whether you're usually a Democrat or Republican, we need your vote. Vote the Reform Party Primary Ballot, and vote Steele. 1. WON'T SUPPORT HIGHER TAXES. 2. NO CRIMINAL OR SHADY TIES. 3. PROVEN BY ACTION: AS STRONG ON NATIVE AMERICAN ISSUES AND SOVEREIGNTY AS ANY CANDIDATE. 4. PROVEN BY ACTION: WILL FIGHT CORRUPTION. ADAM STEELE FOR STATE REP - DIST. 4A THE LEAST OF FOUR EVILS Prepared and paid for by THE STEELE COMMITTEE, P.O. Box 1535, Bemidji, 56619 ----------------------------------------------------------- LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Well, I got some good news this week. Stillwater turned my phone back on, that is, I can now call home again. I have not been able to call since the end of January, the first workday after I returned from the post conviction hearing in Bemidji. ...My phone went off by magic in January, and came back on as if by magic this July. [During the block,] I could call other numbers, but I could not call home. Tim Faver... saw Linda and the kids at the hearing and did not like that. When I first got here, Faver sent papers to Stillwater showing that I had been convicted of assault and second degree murder with intent. That has caused me to do two more years at Stillwater [as opposed to the lower security facility where Lory is now] than what I otherwise would have had to do. ... One of the twins, Jason [Lory] was assaulted three weeks ago by two friends of the Bradachs. First they tried to beat him up, then they tried to hit him with a rachet and a piece of cement, then trey tried to run over him with their van. Jason said that he could not just run away because he had a girl with him that was wearing sandals. Jason has just got to understand that there is no self defense in Minnesota, especially if your last name is Lory. Anyway, Jason had to plead guilty to disorderly conduct, as did the other two guys. Jason had to take the public defender that was used by the Bradachs, which is a clear conflict of interest. ...[There have] been many threats against Heather. It must be abundantly clear by now that the... [County Attorney's] office refuses to protect my children.... Well, I just wanted to let you know what is going on. ...The guy that tried to cause me trouble in here was working for the rapists. The word in here is that he was even sent some money for consideration. But there is no chance that Stillwater will want to investigate that kind of thing. In fact, the authorities hid from me the fact that guy tried to kill me by kicking me in the head. I never knew that until I got back to the unit because I had been stunned for awhile. But several inmates had told the authorities that I had been kicked. Whenever a convict kicks someone, he is supposed to be tried, but, of course, this place didn't want any part of that.... It is as if rapists are another protected minority group in Bemidji. Criminals that assault honest citizens have more rights than the citizens that try to protect themselves and their children. There is just no right to self defense. Richard Lory Minn. Correctional Facility Bayport, MN This letter has been edited for space. Information contained in this letter has not been independently corroborated by this paper and is strictly the opinion of the writer. Richard Lory is currently serving a 12 1/2 year sentence on a conviction for second degree murder in the shooting of Bruce Bradach Jr., who, reportedly, had raped his [then] 14-year old daughter, Heather. Lory has maintained that the shooting was accidental --Ed. -------------------------------------------------- WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP AT SHEVLIN SAWDUST DAZE! SHEVLIN -- At left (photo in print edition only), Warrick and Kari Hallett of Glencoe, MN work hard on the "Jack & Jill Crosscut" Event at Shevlin's Sawdust Daze, July 18th & 19th. The event was won by Jason and Karmyn Wynard, of Aukland, New Zealand. The lumberjack competition at the annual Shevlin event features the World Championship Bowsawing Contest, which, this year, went to Matt Bush, of Crokan, NY, and draws participants from around the globe. Other First Place winners were Matt Bush on the Standing Block; 2-man sawing: Carson Bosworth of Bonner's Ferry, ID and Matt Bush; Underhand Chop: Jason Wynard; Production Sawing: Matt Bush; Axe Throw: Dave Jewett of Pittsford, NY, 1-man sawing: Dave Jewett; Unlimited Class Power Sawing: Warrick Hallett; Springboard: Matt Bush; Women's Single Sawing: Karmyn Wynard. --------------------------------------------------- NORTH STAR STAMPEDES AT EFFIE!! EFFIE -- Sunday's sporadic intense rains didn't dampen the crowd's enthusiasm at the Rain-or-Shine 43rd annual North Star Stampede and rodeo at Effie, Minn. It just made the cowboys' work a little more interesting as the fans cheered from stands that had turned into bouquets of multi-colored umbrellas. Photographed below, at left (photo in print edition only), Todd Holmes of Hinckley wrestled his steer to the ground in 10.2 seconds. Steer Wrestling involves riding horseback behind the steer, coming alongside, and the cowboy leaving his horse at high speed and coming down on the horns of the steer, grasping the horns (hopefully) to wrestle the steer in the process. In Sunday's competition, Holmes was the only contestant to connect with his steer. At center (photo in print edition only), the winner-take-all wildest ride bucking horse competition. No points are awarded for this event - the wildest ride wins it flat. The event went to Scott Nash of Aiken, South Carolina. Rodeo cowboys only get paid when they win their event. So they have to do a lot of it. At right (photo in print edition only), Matt Tellegan, a steer wrestler from Corcoran, Minn. says he rides the Minnesota Rodeo Association circuit. This was his third rodeo that weekend, and he'd been on the road all summer. "... you can take home some money, and it's just good people all around; it's just fun to go every weekend," he said. He said, of North Star, "I've been coming here for years, ever since I was a little kid. It's just a fun rodeo... it gives a lot of people who don't rodeo all the time a chance to come up here and if they want to try something, [they can] go ahead and try it." --------------------------------------------------- THE HARTHUN RECORDS James Harthun, a Vietnam veteran, now living in Bemidji, has spoken of highly unusual circumstances while in the service of his country, and is now endeavoring to procure his full military records to find out what actually happened to him. This is his story. This information is largely uncorroborated by official sources, and must be read as same. If correct, those sources, would, of course, have reason to fail to corroborate it. Recap: In previous installments Harthun described his Army enlistment, and leaving July 21, 1969 from International Falls for Ft. Bragg. In his second week of basic training, he claims to have been offered a soft drink, accepted it and the next thing he remembered was being carried out on someone's back. He woke up 4-5 weeks later in, seemingly, an abandoned military hospital, and said that he had needle marks all over his body ("I felt like a human pincushion.") Harthun then describes his being given a shot and awakening in his barracks. Shortly thereafter he was sent to Ft. Jackson, S.C., to attend Army cook school. But, per Harthun, he, and 5 other enlistees were met there by a man driving an expensive convertible, wearing a 3-piece suit and claiming to be their new sergeant. Alone with Harthun, The sergeant asked Harthun to impersonate him for a physical fitness exam. Afterward, the sergeant drove Harthun to Atlanta, saying that they'd "live the high life for the next 6 weeks" Harthun was given leave, though, and eventually received orders. He was shipped to a Special Operations Group known as "LZ Center." Following the fall of Khe Sanh, his sergeant ordered the men to fall out, "And as you go out, I'm going to give you a little pill. Every one of you will take this pill." (Previous installments are available at our at our web site See The Library, Vol. 3.) INSTALLMENT III Harthun refused, but was ordered again, so he took the pill. Harthun recounts, "Within 3 seconds of walking out that door, I found myself walking like a baboon. And I watched every man in front of me in line, in the dark, with nothing but flares going off, doing the same ... thing - like animals, walking down a ... trail. And how we split up, I don't remember... All I remember is that we split up, we [Harthun and another soldier] got back to my bunk. I took five black guys on in my bunk - that's what it did to me.... One of them just said something and whatever he said, I just went berserk on all of them. "It wasn't but a short time after that, they said we're going to the DMZ. It was right then that I got blown up... [We] very seldom got rocketed, but a rocket came in, it threw me off a bunker and I landed on my back and hit the back of my head and I bled through my eyes and my nose and my ears.... I was blind for two weeks. They sent me back to Chu Lai until my eyes healed up.... Then I come back out to the LZ. "And then, I was getting 'short.' It was getting to the time where I probably had two or three days left in the country... A sergeant comes in, says to me, '... we're going up to the DMZ - we're going to Cambodia.' I said, 'Well, I didn't know we were even fighting Cambodia.' "He said, 'Well, the Marines are going in and one of the Marine outfits isn't going to be able to make it, so we're going to take their place.'" (continued next issue) ----------------------------------------------------- DARTS SHOT AT CARS, ARREST, AT PINE RIVER PINE RIVER -- At least 5 cars, from Backus PD, Pine River PD and the Cass County Sheriff's Office, responded, at 9:35 p.m., Friday, July 24th, to a call, reportedly, that a person had pointed guns, from a car, at other motorists on 371. Above (photo in print edition only), the squad cars converged at the Tom Thumb, Pine River where a car had been stopped. Following a search of the car and trunk, police reportedly found BB or dart guns, made to replicate an actual pistol and shotgun, about 1/2 oz. of marijuana, and several open bottles, including both beer and liquor. Michael James Cox and Larry Olin McAninch, passengers in the car, were arrested for second degree assault in connection with the BB gun incident. Per the later filed court complaint, one of the subjects admitted that they'd been shooting darts at cars. A third individual, Stacy Schropp, was cited for driving with an open bottle. Appearing in Cass County District Court at Walker, Cox and McAninch were freed on $500 bond with omnibus set for September 8, 1998 on the second degree assault charges. McAninch was also charged with possession or sale of a small amount of marijuana. Schropp's hearing was set for August 3rd, but she failed to appear. ------------------------------------ ISSUE OF 07/15/98 - VOLUME 3 NO. 14 ------------------------------------ Leading Edge Journalism ----------------------- Bemidji's Finest at Their Very Best BEMIDJI POLICE PROSTITUTION PHOTOS FILED Omnibus Postponed - Bemidji Refuses Records Request BEMIDJI -- New information has been entered by Minnesota Asst. Atty. Gen. Debra Peterson, in the court files of two law enforcement officers here, and two others, indicted on a total of 14 counts of prostitution-related offenses. The new evidence is available to the public in the Beltrami court files of Bemidji Police Sgt. Daryle Russel (case no. K4-98-000597), Beltrami Deputy William Jon Atwater (K4-98-602), Jeffery Allen Pease, of Yakima, Washington, (K2-98-601) and Terry Charles Hollerud, of Norwood, Minn. (K1-98-606). Omnibus hearings, previously set for July 6th, have been continued (postponed) to August 17th, at 1:30 p.m. at Beltrami County. Hollerud appeared June 29th before the Honorable Judge Benshoof and said that he didn't have money to hire an attorney; the Court appointed the public defender, provided, that Hollerud pay some of the cost. Newly entered in several of the files are a set of 24 photographs, and further findings of the Grand Jury that: ù Defendants Russell, Atwater, Hollerud, or Pease "or another party to the conspiracy, did one of the overt acts alleged... [1] Contacting Terry Charles Hollerud to arrange for female strippers to be present for a party on approximately December 8th, 1997 [2] Negotiating a price for the above services [3] Contacting persons to invite them to the party, including Steve Anderson, Timothy Friis, Paul Gherardi, Randy Fitzgerald, William Beise, Timothy Lundberg, Steve Rankin [4] Informing individuals as to the cost of the party [5] Arranging a location for the party [6] Advertising the party by telling potential patrons to bring extra money for sex [7] Advertising the party by telling potential patrons that William Beise [Bemidji PD] had 'fun' with a stripper at the last party..." ù Defendants Russel, Pease, and Atwater "... intentionally promoted (or aided, advised, hired, counseled or conspired with others to promote) the prostitution of Dawn or others..." on July 7th, 1997 in Beltrami County. ù Defendants Russel, Pease, and Atwater "... knew that a position of authority had been used to induce or solicit Dawn or others to practice prostitution..." on July 7th in Beltrami County. ù Defendant Russel, Atwater, Pease, and Hollerud "... intentionally aided, advised, hired, or counseled or conspired with others to: (1) asked or persuaded (Dawn or others) to practice prostitution ... or (2) promoted the prostitution of Dawn or others..." on or about July 7th, 1997 in Beltrami County. ù Defendant Atwater "... intentionally promoted (or aided, advised, hired, counseled or conspired with others to promote) the prostitution of three females... [and] ... knew that a position of authority had been used to induce or solicit the three females to practice prostitution..." on or about October 1996 in Beltrami County. Other Incidents. Northern Herald's investigation of Becker County court files disclosed that Daryle Russel had earlier been the respondent on a petition for harassment order filed April 20, 1995 (case no. CO-95-475). The action was brought by Sharon Elijah, a Detroit Lakes resident who, apparently, was then involved in an unholy liaison involving overnight stays at Russel's home, in Northern Township, near Bemidji, where the incidents, leading to the complaint, allegedly occurred. The petition alleged harassing phone calls by Russel at Elijah's place of work, as well as assaultive behaviour while Elijah was visiting Russel for the weekend. It recites that they had been out drinking at the Eagles Club, Bemidji, and Russel tried to start an argument in the bedroom at 2 in the morning after they returned to his home. Per the petition, Russel was upset because Elijah had danced with her brother-in-law at the Eagles. The petition recites, "He was screaming and ranting and raving at me and I was really scared, Daryle then accused me of something sick going on between me and my brother-in-law... I told him ... I was leaving. "I got my clothes on and got my suitcase... I then tried to leave and he blocked the doorway... he then grabbed my bags and would not give them back... I tried to grab them away from him and he then intentionally pushed the bags away with such force that I was thrown into the counter and cupboard so hard that I was bruised and hurt and landed on the floor on my hands and knees. I got up and tried to get to the phone, I needed to call for help, I was really scared by this time. He grabbed the phone out of my hand and yelled at me, 'You are not going to get the people I work with involved in this.' ... He then took the phone out of the wall.... I went out to my car. He then... stopped me... by getting in the passenger's side ... he kept his hand on the shift lever and would not let me leave. ... I then started walking [to a neighbor's house]... he stopped me... getting in my way and pulling on me..." The petition recites that Russel told Elijah she could go and to go back to her car. He again got in the car, but finally got out and Elijah left at about 3:45 am, per the petition. The petition further recites, "Daryle was out of control, I did not want to go back in his house, afraid of what he might do to me, and knowing he had his work gun in the bedroom....I know that he will... come to my house; he has done this in the past when I've tried to break up with him. He has been emotionally abusive to me and plays all kinds of mind games." The file contains photos of Elijah's claimed bruises from the incident. On June 1, 1995, Elijah moved to dismiss the case telling the Court that she and Russel had gone into counseling. It was dismissed June 16, 1995 by Judge Saetre, 7th District. City refuses records. Being aware of certain disciplinary action reportedly taken against him, Northern Herald has further requested, from the City of Bemidji, to inspect the disciplinary file of Officer Jon Hunt, but the City, by Shirley Kubian, City Clerk, has refused to comply with the request. ---------------------------------------------- LYNETTE RUSSEL CAUGHT STEALING NORTHERN HERALD Lynette Russel, believed to be a former wife of indicted BPD officer Daryle Russel, was reportedly observed, by a waitress, removing a stack of complimentary copies of the paper from a Bemidji restaurant. The copies were marked "1 per person." Taking stacks of papers, even if complimentary copies, to prevent the public from having access to them, has been held a criminal act in several courts across the nation. The issue allegedly stolen was that of 6/1/98, reporting Daryle Russel's indictment. Lynette Russel, reportedly, is a regular customer of the restaurant, and, reportedly, has been seen there previously with a relative of Richard Morton, deceased, former owner of Hard Times Saloon, Bemidji. A complaint was made to Bemidji Police, but the investigating detective, Sgt. Jerry Johnson, was out of his office for the week and could not be reached, by presstime, for status of the matter. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Their Mission Continues EDUCATORS, ALUMNI AT ST. MARY'S, RED LAKE, REMEMBER, LOOK TOWARD NEW CENTURY RED LAKE -- "I'm certainly encouraged to see people coming back to make new acquaintances with the friends that they've gone to school with... reminiscing, telling stories and expressing their appreciation for the time they've had here," said Sister Phillip, Principal, of the St. Mary's Mission School all-class reunion which drew many, some from far away, back to Red Lake on July 4th. After 140 years, this was the school's first reunion but it may become a regular event. Attendance was estimated at about 150-200. In the chapel, Father Pat Sullivan outlined the history of the mission, which began with the arrival of the monks of St. John's Abbey in 1886 and the actual founding in 1888. But his talk to alumni wasn't only about the past. Father Pat spoke of the school's continuing mission to provide quality education that can be afforded. The school 's four sisters taught 80 students last year. Father Pat said, "Next year, we're projecting a 10 percent increase. The school is certainly going to continue to be in existence; the Benedictine sisters ... who have been teaching here for a number of years are continuing to be active here. In the last year, we've added a new Benedictine sister... who's been working with remedial reading, and so that's been a blessing for us." The school offers grades one through six. He said that tuition will remain unchanged this year, at $400 per student, or less if a family has more than one child enrolled. Scholarships will continue to be available to some students that, despite the low cost, might not otherwise be able to attend. Looking toward teaching trends as they enter the next century, Father Pat said, "I think we're beginning to, more and more, recognize similarities between Native traditional beliefs and practices, and spirituality in with our Christian Catholicism. Also, with the whole [of] teaching, the recognition that there's a number of ways to teach." And Father Pat spoke of how there's more knowledge now of people's sometimes hidden inherent abilities, people being "right-brained" or "left-brained" and thus being gifted in certain ways. He emphasized, "recognizing our own school and our own Church to utilize the gifts that are present and, kind of, bring them out." The reunion program was commenced with the Honor Song performed by the alumni and current student Eyabay Junior Drum Group, followed by the Father's address, the sharing of memories by alumni and a presentation of historical slides. Said Sister Luethmers, a fourth-grade teacher, "I just love children... I not only teach them, but I have fun with them." : Below, Sister Owen Lindblad, at right, discusses and autographs copies of her book, Full of Fair Hope which details the history of the Ojibwe and Red Lake. Copies of the book are presently available from St. Mary's Mission for $19.95. Rick Trujillo and his wife, Arlene (far right), an alumnus, traveled from Phoenix, Arizona to attend the reunion. Also shown, from left, Ron and Karen Stateley, Owen and Jean Beaulieu ------------------------------------------------------- SUMMER FESTS SWEEP NORTHLAND! AT AKELEY - PAUL BUNYAN DAYS AKELEY -- Crowds of hundreds lined the sidewalks as the Paul Bunyan Days parade and events drew myriads of visitors, this year, to this north woodland community. Hackensack's American Legion Post 202 led the parade and took the award for the best float, overall. Best Band honors went to North Branch High School. Fishing Derby top winners were Jordan Anderson with a 4 1/2 lb. bass, Butch Dunham with an 11 lb. 14 oz. Northern and Jason Durham, of Nevis, with the largest panfish. : There was no contest for the award for "The Most Humourous Float." The honors went to The Chairwomen of the Akeley, Walker and Hackensack region. This troup of 18 - 25 women does highly proficient military marching drill, with drum . . . and lawn chairs. Prospective Chairwomen may contact Mary Wallace, 218-547-2909 Ben Fenzel, 1998 Little Mr. Akeley Tiffany Crandall, Little Miss Akeley Miss Akeley, Melany Hamand AT BAGLEY - THE CENTENNIAL : Shopkeepers in period dress contributed to the ambience as Bagley kicked off it's 3-day July 4th Centennial Celebration. Above are Dave, Rachel and Krysten Lee of Bagley Mercantile, also in its 100th year. Later, there was with Junior Sumo Wrestling, above right, and, at right, a gala street dance, Friday night, at the Kubiak's Family Foods parking lot. These events were sponsored and organized by the Bagley Jaycees. DJ was by Music Trend. AT GRAND RAPIDS : At left, the Grand Rapids Players portray Wizard of Oz characters at the 23rd Annual Judy Garland Festival, held late in June at the the Judy Garland Birthplace, Grand Rapids. From left the players are: Katie Smith (Good Witch), Scott Strand (Lion), Ryan Olander (Tin Man), Abby Kneeland (Dorothy), Peter Kneeland (Scarecrow); not shown: Jean Cyronek (Wicked Witch) The festival drew large crowds of guests and Oz and Judy Garland fans. A volunteer related that one of the more remote visitors came from England. AT RED LAKE : The July 4th weekend is a double Independence Day holiday at the great Red Lake Nation, as it also marks the anniversary of the signing of the agreement, July 6th, 1889, granting its sovereignty. The nation celebrates with it's annual competition pow-wow that draws contestants from as far away as Saskatchewan. At right, the Cree Spirit drum group. Below, women dance in jingle dresses, and at far right, men in traditional pow-wow dress with fancy bustle. AT HACKENSACK - SWEETHEART DAYS : Lucette Diana Kensack (statue), Paul Bunyan's sweetheart & eventual wife, welcomes visitors to the Hackensack waterfront. A visitor looks over the plethora of merchandise at the flea market in the Sacred Heart Church lot. There'll be another sale August 12th! Women and children work in the crafts booth by the swim beach. ------------------------------------------------------------- COMING EVENTS - NORTH STAR STAMPEDE AND RODEO AT EFFIE EFFIE -- As the last weekend in July approaches, residents of Effie and the Bigfork Valley are preparing for the Big Annual North Star Stampede, July 24th-26th. This will be the 43rd go-round for Minnesota's largest and oldest open rodeo. The chutes, pens and arena are being repaired and everything is being made ready for the big weekend. The rodeo grounds are located at the North Star Ranch, 2 miles north of Effie, which is about 45 miles north of Grand Rapids on highway 38. The Ranch reports that over 150 contestants entered last year, and a record number are expected this year. Contestants from over 35 states and Canada have competed at the Stampede. Howard Pitzen, Chief Ramrod of the North Star Rodeo Company says that they have some new additions to the rough strings and, "I feel that we have a better string of stock than ever before. We are always in the market for bucking stock, though, and are always looking for that one special animal." For 1999, North Star will get new chutes, so a special item this year will be an auction of the old chute gates immediately following the Friday evening performance. ---------------------------------------------- COMING EVENTS - WHITE OAK RENDEZVOUS DEER RIVER -- The White Oak Historical Society, dedicated to remembering, teaching and preserving the history of Minnesota's 17th to 19th century voyageur days, will host their annual public Rendezvous, the weekend of July 31st-August 2nd. The rendezvous grounds are located just north of Deer River by the new White Oak Learning Centre. Deer River is about 14 miles west of Grand Rapids. As in past years, the Rendezvous will transport visitors back in time to Minnesota's rustic and romantic past. And also, as in years past, there will be excellent ongoing entertainment on their two main stages as well as a special performance of Moliere's light comedy, "The Jealous Husband," 6:30 pm, Saturday, in front of the Canoe Shed. Also new this year will be a special Musician's Jam with the entertainers, Friday afternoon at 2 pm in front of the Entrance Stage. Guests are invited to bring their instruments. At 2 pm Saturday, there will be a ribbon cutting for the White Oak Learning Centre, which conducts overnight programs for school children statewide, and dedication of the Rick Balen Library. Regular events and demonstrations will include (and we're just scratching the surface): black powder shooting, a voyageur camp, tomahawk/knife throwing, storytelling, ethnic dancing, nature walks, historic crafts such as canoe building and silversmithing, trader's row (some very unique items on display and sale), wandering minstrels and much more. The many unique entertainers on the two stages will include Faire Wynds (new), Gaels Celtic Group (new), Adam Granger from Garrison Keillor's Powdermilk Biscuit Band and last year's very excellent Canadian group, Tanglefoot. For more information on Rendezvous, the Learning Centre and the Voyageur period, see http://www.whiteoak.org or call 218-246-9393 or 800-472-6366. The White Oak Society is a non-profit organization. Special note from the Editor: This is really THE place to be, for at least one day, the weekend of August 1st. If you miss this, you're missing something good! We've even buried a $2 off coupon for you somewhere in this paper ! Can you find it? -- Ed. : The proud banner of the old Northwest Company hangs over the senior partners' table in the formal Dining Hall at the White Oak Society's Learning Centre. The Centre replicates the Company's White Oak Fur Post. Each school group session includes at least one formal meal in the hall with period custom and dress. : The Rick Balen Library is named for one of the Society's founders and contains over 2,500 publications, many donated by the University of Louisiana, through the efforts of Chuck Hamsa, historical works reviewer. The library contains not only works relating to the voyageur period in the Minnesota Northwest but also other works on Colonial America, Native Americans, the Shakers of Pennsylvania, and other general history. : Fire making. The tinder was sizzling in less than a minute. ----------------------------------------------------------- OASIS OFFERS DOWN-HOME COOKING WITH A FLAIR, IN PARK RAPIDS Visitors, as well as residents, of Park Rapids can always find a good bite to eat at the Oasis Family Restaurant by the Sinclair station on U.S. 71 north of town. Try their Chippewa Chicken (chicken breast on real fry bread) Sandwich - it's great! -------------------------------------------------------- THE HARTHUN RECORDS James Harthun, a Vietnam veteran, now living in Bemidji, has spoken of highly unusual circumstances while in the service of his country, and is now endeavoring to procure his full military records to find out what actually happened to him. This is his story. This information is largely uncorroborated by official sources, and must be read as same. If correct, those sources, would, of course, have reason to fail to corroborate it. Recap: In the first installment (NH issue of June 24, 1998) Harthun described his Army enlistment, and leaving July 21, 1969 from International Falls for Ft. Bragg. In his second week of basic training, he claims to have been offered a soft drink, accepted it and the next thing he remembered was being carried out on someone's back. He woke up 4-5 weeks later in, seemingly, an abandoned military hospital, and said that he had needle marks all over his body ("I felt like a human pincushion.") Harthun then describes his being given a shot and awakening in his barracks. Shortly thereafter he was sent to Ft. Jackson, S.C., to attend Army cook school. But, per Harthun, he, and 5 other enlistees were met there by a man driving an expensive convertible, wearing a 3-piece suit and claiming to be their new sergeant. He took the men for military photography, then, alone with Harthun, asked Harthun to impersonate him for a physical fitness exam. Afterward, the "sergeant" drove Harthun to Atlanta, saying that they'd "live the high life for the next 6 weeks" They arrived at night and went to a restaurant where two women, apparently known to the "sergeant" were waiting at their table. CORRECTION The first installment reported Harthun being 17 years old when he flew from International Falls to first report at Ft. Bragg. Documentation which has become available in this continuing investigation, however, indicates that he was 18 then. INSTALLMENT II They remained at the restaurant for about 45 minutes, but didn't dine. The menu cuisine was foreign to the 18-year old Harthun, "I understand pheasant," he said, "I didn't understand no pheasant under no glass." And uncomfortable with the situation, and with concern that he wasn't getting trained before he was to be sent overseas, Harthun asked to return to Ft. Jackson. They drove back. Upon arriving at the fort, the "sergeant" took Harthun to the Company Commander's office. Harthun recounts, "He went in first, I sat in the car, he came back out ... and he said for me to come in; this guy had a deal in his hand, he said, 'You got emergency leave,' he said, 'your mother's in the hospital.'" It was the first Harthun had heard of this, and Harthun says the hospital pretense was false, "She wasn't sick at all," but Harthun went home to Graceton, Minn. anyway on the "emergency" leave. Harthun says that he was there for about 6 weeks. He hadn't been given a date to report again, but had been told that they'd call him when he was to return to training. Hearing nothing, Harthun called the fort; he was told that he'd get his orders in the mail. "Finally [I got] a package in the mail with orders. It says to report to Ft. Lewis, Washington," Harthun said. Harthun went to Ft. Lewis, he recalls, "... there was a line about... a mile... long, it was raining, it was colder than... so I walked up to the last guy in line and I said, 'Hey, ... is this where you go to go to Vietnam?' 'Yeah,' he said, 'I've been standing here for a day and a half.'" Rather than wait in the line, Harthun visited his uncle, who lived in nearby Seattle, returning in about 3 days. By then the line was gone. Harthun reported and was shipped out to Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam. He describes the flight, in a stripped out military transport which he says, looked like a B-52 with "netting on the side that you'd sit on - cloth netting or straps," he said. "From Cam Ranh Bay, I was put on an old airplane and sent to Mac-V headquarters on the Da Nang side of Chu Lai." (Per Harthun, to this point he'd only received about 2 weeks of training and never received any of the cook school training he was supposed to have had.) A sergeant met the new arrivals and told them, including Harthun, that the next morning they'd begin 2 weeks of advanced jungle warfare training, there in Vietnam. "That night, a rocket came in, blew up a quonset just a couple doors down from us," Harthun said, and added that the next morning, when they were rousted up, he was told there wasn't going to be any advanced training, that instead, he was going to "LZ Center." LZ Center turned out to be a SOG (Special Operations Group), just South of the DMZ, and near another outpost known as the "rock pile." He describes the outpost as, "... mostly underground, [at] one end there's a fence - it's a little hilltop and one end is fenced off ... with this big, eight foot mesh wire fence and there's a gate and there's dogs, Doberman pinschers, and two guards at the gate." Harthun later found a sign which designated his SOG as the one known as "Black Death." Harthun recalls that he didn't get to change clothes or shower for a year, "I lived in mud for a year," he said. He said that hot meals were few, but sometimes came by helicopter. Though not having been trained, Harthun was in combat. He was one of 80 men assigned to the outpost, the 3rd of the 21st, 196th Americal Division. Following the fall of nearby Khe Sanh, another soldier, who happened to have been from St. Cloud, Minn. came seeking refuge, and asked Harthun to hide him. Harthun hid him in his bunker. Then, said Harthun, "[a] sergeant comes, and he stands at the doorway, and he says, 'Every one of you guys fall out. And as you go out, I'm going to give you a little pill. Every one of you will take this pill.'" (continued next issue) : An old and tattered photo depicting the six soldiers who, per Mr. Harthun, were brought together at Fort Jackson. Per Harthun, the soldier at front center is the man who arrived in a fancy convertible car, wearing a 3-piece suit and claiming to be their new sergeant, who later asked Harthun to impersonate him for a physical fitness exam. (see installment #1, last issue). Harthun said that shortly after the sergeant met the men at their billet, they were taken for this military photo, and then to dinner. The photo bears an inscription on the back, which begins, "To Jim," and is signed by another of the enlistees, Allen Whitaker. James Harthun is at bottom right. The photo is dated, on the back, November, 1969, but Harthun said that it may have been dated in error, by his mother, when she received the photo. ------------------------------------------------------- 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 STATE FARM AUTO POLICYHOLDERS TO RECEIVE PLEASANT SURPRISE WOODBURY, MN -- Minnesota State Farm insureds will find something unusual in the mail this year: A check from their insurance company. The State Farm companies are what are termed mutual companies. This means that when the claims turn out to be less than what is covered by premiums, the company returns the excess as a dividend to the policyholders in the states where this condition exists. This year, State Farm will pay about $891 million in policyholder dividends in the District of Columbia and 35 states, including Minnesota. About $11.2 million will be returned to Minnesota policyholders; the average amount of each dividend check is $12. State Farm started sending the checks June 8th. The checks are sent when the 6-month policies renew, so many policyholders will receive theirs between now and December, depending upon renewal date. A spokeswoman at State Farm, Woodbury, said that the practice of issuing dividends will continue in future years when claims are lower than the premiums were set to cover. ------------------------------------------ Editorial SHOULD THE BEMIDJI POLICE COMMISSION BE DISBANDED? State law provides that, rather than have hiring, firing and discipline of police officers attended by the City Council or Manager, a municipality may elect to delegate that authority to a three-citizen-member Police Commission. The theory is that this will remove a level of politics from the police personnel process. In practice, what it's done in Bemidji, however, is to implement an additional level of buffering - insulating city employees and officials from unwise decisions making it difficult to hold anyone accountable for them. As to the commission itself, most people don't even know it exists or who sits on it. It is comprised of appointed citizens, who, in the Chief Tell hearings, did not understand the labor law pertaining to removals, and were easily led about by the attorneys before them. The hearings went on for months. Because the commission is citizen-comprised, work schedules had to be dealt with, and there was a question of conflict of interest of one member, but a replacement member was not at hand. At one point, this commission, which would have to act on whether or not to retain the Chief, was so bamboozled that they asked for another attorney to be appointed for the commission to explain the law to them. This request was initially opposed by the City. Later, with the commission unsure of what they could or could not do, Phil Shealy, City Manager, called the shot by telling the City's special counsel to drop the action against Tell, restoring him to office. Either the Commission did not realize that they could do otherwise, or they preferred not to. All in all, the system of using a police commission furthered the return to office of Chief Tell, following his admission of, on many occasions, having unlawfully received money from the City. At criminal trial, Tell said it was due to "stupidity," and the jury let him off; but is this a quality we really want in our Police Chief? Now, the Bemidji Police Commission has been responsible for the hiring and retention of the officers recently indicted by the state-called Grand Jury, and also other officers who have had disciplinary problems while on the force, the records of which, Bemidji refuses to release. In spite of other good officers on it, the Chief has been ineffective in maintaining a well-ordered and integrious force. The commission has impeded, rather than promoted, positive change when needed. State law also provides for means to disband the police commission, vesting the authority, and direct accountability, for personnel change in the appropriate City official who can act without delay, and is trained and experienced in labor law as it relates to city management. Disbanding removes a buffer - it brings the personnel decisions a little closer to the voters. Those means should now be considered. : At above right, the shadow of corrupt fascism falls upon the new Maytag (equipped) Laundry at the South Shore Center, Bemidji. The laundry and tanning facility boasts that they have all new equipment, but if you do your laundry there, don't plan on reading the Northern Herald while you're waiting, as its information has been banned from the premises by the Ace Hardware staff who manage the laundry. The laundamat is owned by Ron Cuperus, of Cuperus Construction. Cuperus sits on the 3-member Bemidji Police Commission which returned Chief Tell to his office after his admission of wrongfully receiving municipal funds on phony travel vouchers, and now allows the continued employment of, and salary to Sgt. Daryle Russell, on paid administrative leave, pending trial on the Grand Jury prostitution-related indictments. Are we biased? Sure, we are - the cause of our bias is obvious. But there is a correlation here - it's funny how the same people who adamantly oppose the free availability of news information to Bemidji often ultimately turn out to be the same people who are rooted in, or have ties to, highly questionable or corrupt practices here. Informed people make informed decisions. Stopping the free flow of communication is the first step to developing a misinformed electorate and populace, and, historically, a corrupt or fascist regime. ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------ ISSUE OF 06/24/98 - VOLUME 3 NO. 13 ------------------------------------ Leading Edge Journalism ----------------------- How Long Has This Been Going On ? TELL MAY HAVE KNOWN ABOUT "EXTRA-CURRICULAR" ACTIVITIES BEFORE INDICTMENTS BEMIDJI -- Bemidji Police Chief Robert Tell claimed surprise following the recent indictment of of one of his lead men, Sargeant Daryle Russell, on prostitution-related charges, but new evidence has come to light indicating he may have had knowledge of irregular activity by some of the officers, particularly as concerns their relationships with certain Bemidji drinking establishments, long before the state-called Grand Jury indictment came down. There has been widespread speculation that some of the activities mentioned in the indictments may have been connected to those liquor establishments, and it is anticipated that more of the evidence that the Grand Jury saw will be made public by the July 6th omnibus hearing. A memo issued by Tell as early as February 1997 discloses the "cozy" relationship that existed between certain officers and the owners of some of those establishments, and possibly discloses his knowledge of violations. The memo, on Bemidji Police Department stationary, which appears to bear the initials of Robert Tell, states: "To: Police Department Personnel - To Whom It May Concern "From: Bob Tell, DPS "Date: February 27, 1997 "Re: Ethics "It has come to my attention that some members of this department are conducting themselves in a manner which does not represent the Department in the best light nor does it reflect favorably on the individual. "Most of the information relates unfavorably to the consumption of alcohol and its' [sic] effects. "I feel it is time to remind you that your employment as a Police Officer for the City of Bemidji and as a licensed officer of the State of Minnesota, carries with it certain responsibilities beyond the 8, 9 or 10 hour shift. Department Policy also provides that an action on or off duty shall NOT bring the Department into disrepute. It seems some have streched the limits to the point of breaking. "Stop and think of the position you are putting yourself, your fellow officers and certain proprietors of businesses, in. Bemidji City Ordinance regarding liquor establishments, require that they be closed and patrons gone at 0100hrs. Officers seen leaving at 0230 and later does not foster a perception that the business is complying nor does it reflect favorably on the officer. All it would take to jeopardize the officer, Department and business is for someone to have a video camera or a cell phone at these times to make life really miserable for all of us. Enforcement is our job. Please do not put any of your fellow officers in the position of having to do their job because of and against you or the results of your participation in questionable practices. "Thank you for your cooperation." ------------ Editors note: Bemidji is a city with more than it's share of crime. It is also a city which has courtrooms packed with persons answering citations issued for Driving While under the Influence. Yet, to our knowledge, the state statute, enforcable against the bar or bartender, for serving alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person, is almost never enforced. There have been other offenses by certain liquor establishments in Bemidji which have been reported, but did not result in enforcement action. And we have received other reports of lax disciplinary action by the administration of Bemidji Police Department as concerns the activities of some of it's own officers. Those reports are now being followed up and a request for information from City personnel files has been made. It remains to be seen whether the City will comply and deliver those files. Police officers, when off duty, sometimes become human again. This is necessary. If they stayed police all the time, they would become irritable and crabby and their job performance, as well as the level of service to the public would suffer. When they return to their human state, the single ones, as single men often do, may find a need to go out to the local watering hole to find comraderie, tramping, and maybe a suitable future wife (although unlikely - you don't find that many women who still have their virtue, and are thusly suitable for marriage, at bars). And some officers, married or not, just like to dance or shoot pool sometimes. There's no reason they should have to, say, go to out-of-town bars, where they're not known, for this. But the line is crossed where the relationship between the cops and the saloonkeepers becomes more than friendly arms-length business; that's when the officers are in a position to be compromised, receiving special concessions in return for same, and severe breach of law, as relates to alcohol, a regulated industry, and otherwise, becomes more probable. In this issue, we open reporting of the cozy relationship that, until recently, existed between law enforcement and the on-sale alcohol industry in the City of Bemidji and in Beltrami County. ------------------------------------------------------------- REFORM PARTY DUMPS CROSS-ENDORSING AT CONVENTION MINNEAPOLIS -- One of the more hotly debated items at the Minnesota Reform Party State Convention, June 6th, was the vote to end cross-endorsing - that is, allowing the party to endorse another party's candidate when there is no Reform candidate for a race. Although one of the party's founders, Dean Barkley, had strongly supported cross-endorsement as allowing the party to have some say in elections where it didn't have a candidate of it's own, and possibly becoming a pivotal voting block in close contests, another delegate to the convention objected to the practice because, he said that when the Reform Party cross-endorsed a major candidate in the last election, members of that candidate's party used it to mislead would-be reform contributors to contribute to their party instead. There were enough speakers on both sides of the issue that the rules normally limiting debate had to be suspended to allow most of them to speak. The Reform Party of Minnesota also voted to join the national Reform Party. The delegates voted unanimously to endorse Jesse Ventura for Governor. Ventura said, "The key issue, of course, is taxes. ...With the four billion dollar surplus that they decided to spend... tax freedom day is now May 16th for all Minnesotans... my ultimate goal would be to move it back to April 15th. Delegates also unanimously endorsed Alan Shilepsky for Secretary of State and Jim Dunlop for State Treasurer. A former Deputy State Treasurer, Dunlop opposes the office, and said he would help abolish it, phasing it out within two years. -------------------------------------------- Bemidji Crime GUN-TOTING "COWBOY" FROM BOTTUMS UP CAUSES STIR AT BEMIDJI RESTAURANT BEMIDJI -- Bottums Up (a Bemidji bar) DJ Mervyn Joseph caused upset at Country Kitchen, a local Bemidji restaurant in the early morning of June 14th, when he entered the establishment visibly packing his sidearm. Bemidji Police recovered a Ruger P-89 handgun, containing an empty clip, and one loaded magazine. According to the statement of Officer Chad Museus, who was called to the scene, Joseph, a dark-skinned Malaysian man, walked around with the gun tucked into his waistband, then sat down and glared at people. The officer spoke to several witnesses who "stated that they felt threatened by Joseph and by the presence of the firearm. They stated that they knew that he was drunk and many said that they did not know what Joseph was going to do with the gun... they stated that they believed that Joseph purposely had the gun in his waistband in such a way as to make it known that he had a gun. Some thought he did this to threaten them." Police came when called for a verbal altercation between Joseph and another patron. An independent witness said that, at one point, Joseph "took it out and said, 'I got a gun,' or something like that," although Joseph denied ever making that statement, or removing the weapon from his waistband and the police reports indicate that the argument actually began over Joseph's visible carriage of the weapon. Officer Museus reported that Paul John Dathe, another diner, asked Joseph why he had the gun. "Joseph then reportedly got upset and began yelling and asked Dathe 'if he wanted to go outside.' Joseph failed a sobriety test given following his arrest. Joseph said that, following the incident, he had been fired from his job at Aramark, the BSU food concession, and that he had been suspended from his DJ job at Bottums Up, and claimed that he was never actually paid for working there. But he was at Bottums Up when interviewed, June 22nd. A foreign student in the U.S. since 1995 and in Bemidji for two years, Joseph said that he planned on returning to Malaysia after finishing a final class at Bemidji State University. Asked about the incident, Joseph said that he carried the gun, with permit, "I was robbed once, and that's the reason," and that he "forgot to take it out" of his pants before entering the restaurant. He denied trying to intimidate anyone at the restaurant. He said, regarding the altercation with Dathe, "It wasn't my fault at all," and that Dathe had initiated the argument, possibly due to the visibility of the weapon, "He threatened me - to take me outside," said Joseph. Joseph was originally booked on charges of second degree assault with a firearm, but by the time he was arraigned June 16th before the Honorable Ninth District Judge Benshoof, the charges (Case No. T7-98-2778) had been reduced to violation of his handgun permit by "carrying for purposes other than those granted in the permit." Per BPD officer Regas's complaint, filed with the Court, "Alcohol use voids firearms carry permits." At the arraignment, Joseph requested appointment of the public defender, and was released on his own recognizance (without bail) on conditions including that he not possess firearms, and not leave the jurisdiction of the court. Appearing again on the 17th, Joseph entered a guilty plea, and was sentenced to the 3 days served, a $250 fine and surrender of his handgun permit. Joseph also has a case pending (T5-98-2844) for allegedly issuing a worthless check, in the amount of $54.85, to Food 4 Less. That case comes to trial July 15th. ----------------------------------------------------- Bemidji Crime POLICE HAVE TO "HOGTIE" MAN IN BOTTUMS UP FIGHT BEMIDJI -- Let's Go to The Fights. No, you don't have to go to Vegas for it. In Bemidji, it was enough to just go down to the Bottums Up bar, where two fights rocked the June 13th weekend. An eyewitness to the events told Northern Herald, "Well, there was one fight broke out behind me,... bouncers were jumping over the counter... there was about 6 or 7 bouncers pushing him out; ...one more fight that took place right at closing, and that happened right behind me by the bathrooms too... four or five hits and everything was over." Arrested in the first fight at 12:10 am, June 13th, and cited, by BPD Sgt. Jeff Sladky with disorderly conduct was Steven Michael Belland, 1215 Little Norway Trailer Court, Bemidji. The police report disclosed that Belland had to be placed in leg restraints as, when placed in the squad car, he tried to kick out a window. At least 4 officers were required quell the incident. BPD Officer Chad Museus reports, in papers filed with the court, that he responded to a call at Bottums Up for a fight; "I observed the subject fighting with Bottums' staff. He was rolling around on the sidewalk in front of the bar with a bouncer from the bar. He was swearing and causing a ring to form outside the bar around the fight.... [the subject] reportedly struck Kirby [a bouncer] in the face. He threatened other patrons and pushed several others outside the bar." Museus reports that he handcuffed the subject, but "officer Bellows attempted to place him in the rear of the squad car. The suspect then began kicking at the windows and yelling in the rear of the squad. Deputy Barnett, officer Bellows and I then removed him from the car and put leg restraints on him so that he would not be able to kick out any windows. He fought with us and we had to put him to the ground. He continued to fight until Sgt. Fitzgerald put the restraints on his feet. Belland, also wanted on a warrant in connection with a worthless check charge, was transported to the Beltrami County Jail, where he was released June 14th upon posting $100 bail. His court appearance on both charges was scheduled for June 17th before the Honorable Judge Benshoof, but he failed to appear and is now wanted, a new warrant having been ordered. Belland has been previously charged, in Beltrami County, with Theft by Check on 8/14/97, Criminal Damage to Property on 4/18/94, and Consuming or Possessing Alcohol in Public on 2/2/98. He has numerous traffic violations, some alcohol-related. --------------------------------------------------- ST. MARY'S TO HOLD ALL-SCHOOL REUNION RED LAKE -- An all-school reunion is planned to coincide with the July 4th pow-wow at Red Lake. The reunion will be at St. Mary's Mission School, and it will celebrate 140 years of existence on the Red Lake reservation. Included in the events will be an "open mike" time for teachers, graduates and community members to share experiences and memories. Sister Owen Lindblad will be at the reunion to autograph her recent publication, Full of Fair Hope, A History of the St. Mary's Mission. All past students and teachers at St. Mary's are invited. ------------------------------------------------------- AUGUST NUPTIALS PLANNED Sue and Dan LaPlant of Wasilla, Alaska , and Diane and Kenneth Moen of Bemidji announce the engagement of their children, Leslie Jo LaPlant and Erik Christian Moen. The bride-to-be, a 1988 graduate of Service High School, Anchorage, Alaska, is employed at Toyota, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Erik is a 1990 graduate of Bemidji High, and is employed by the Cedar Rapids Fire Department. The wedding will be at St. Jude's Church, Cedar Rapids, August 22nd, 1998. ----------------------------------------------- A BERRY GOOD TIME AT LAKE GEORGE !! Though we don't recommend it, there are still a few communities around where you could leave your doors unlocked and not worry too much. The morally strong community of Lake George is one such place. A favorite place for fishing in it's crystal clear spring fed lake, Lake George is also popular for its summer homes, antique and curio shopping, and of course, blueberries. Located about 8 miles east of the park entrance, Lake George is also a favorite stopping or lodging place for travelers to Itasca State Park and it's headwaters of the Mississippi River. For many years, people have come to pick blueberries in the pine woodlands surrounding Lake George. And each July, the town builds its Blueberry Festival (this year, July 24 - 26th) around that theme. Highlights of this year's fest will include, on Friday, a quilt show followed by a gospel music concert; Saturday will bring a tractor pull and, toward evening, a hypnotist show at the Fire Hall. Sunday will see a pancake breakfast, also at the Fire Hall, a midday parade, an old-time tug-o-war and a square dance exhibition. There will be woodcraft carving demonstrations at the Schoolcraft Gallery on Sat. & Sun., a craft fair all three days of the festival, and of course, lots of blueberries, pies, and blueberry products throughout the event. PICTURE CAPTIONS - (pictures in print edition only): Miniature windmills and all sorts of other crafts and curios adorn Bonnie's Boutique, just off 200 The Pine Country Cafe welcomes visitors to Lake George 7 days a week, year-around. Their house specialty - the Prime Rib sandwich is great, even if you don't usually like prime rib. On Sunday afternoons, they feature a jam session. Below, from left, Dick Lundstrom, Sig Scheldrup and Rick Amberry entertain the Sunday crowd. Eager fishermen frequently challenge the "Big Ones" in Lake George. There's public access, a pier and ramp on Co. 4, just South of 200 ------------------------------------------------ TOURIST'S GUIDE TO LAKE GEORGE AREA FOOD & LODGING DINING Emmaville Store & Cafe. On the Emmaville Freeway/Lake George Rd. (Co. 4) between Lake George and Park Rapids. Big Sunday Smorg 9 am-12 noon: Hot cakes, ham, sausage, toast, bacon, scrambled eggs, hash browns, biscuits & gravy. All you can eat, $3.95. It just makes you want to tie on your feed bag and chow down! Wed. is Taco Night - All you can eat 5-8 p.m. Pine Country Cafe. In Lake George. Open 7 days, full menu. Free music jam Sunday afternoons. Great Prime Rib sandwich. LODGING Lake George Pines Motel. Housekeeping units, weekly discounts. Coffee in room, propane station. Very clean, affordable. $25 - $48/night 218-266-3914 Mehlan All Season Resort. 10 cabins. $495 - $600/week. On lake, cabins come with boat. Motor rental. Scenic View. 218-266-3354 Taviani's Resort. 10 housekeeping cabins. $275 - $700/week. Reservations Recommended. 218-266-3664 CAMPING & RV PARKS Whispering Winds Resort. In Lake George on Co, Rd . 4, just south of 200. 14 sites. Dump station, flush toilets, hot showers. Lodge with food & ice cream, game room, tennis courts. RVs & camping: $15/night 218-266-3412 --------------------------------------------------------- LETTERS TO THE EDITOR An open letter, from a reader, to the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe and Tribal Executive Committee: I have in front of me Election Ordinance #7, adopted by the TEC on October 22, 1997. A review of all articles, 1 through 17, in Election Ordinance #7, reveals no authority for a Tribal Council, legal or illegal, in this case, illegal, to rewrite the election ordinance to suit their own purposes. Since when can a tribal staff person, Gary Frazier, and a tribal council attorney, Zenas Baer, rewrite a tribally mandated uniform election ordinance? Remember, these same people were purportedly responsible for the falsification of Election Ordinance #6, which made the 1997 elections of Vizenor and Turney unconstitutional, and their claim to office illegal. Article XII. Certification of Election Results, reads: "It shall be the responsibility of the General Reservation Election Board to certify the results of each election. The General Reservation Election Board shall convene in a place selected by them and at a time prior to 8 p.m. on the day following the election to receive the certification of the results of the election from each precinct and shall certify the return of the absentee votes. "The General Reservation Election Board shall publish and post within (2) days after the day of the election the results of such election, in the voting precincts, and in other public places throughout the reservation for the information of the tribal members. Such returns shall also be forwarded to the Tribal Executive Committee within the same time period." Nowhere does it state that the General Reservation Election Board has a duty to reissue absentee ballots. Under Article VIII, it's duties are to (1) conduct the election; (2) process and count absentee ballots; (3) certify the election results; (4) post election results; (5) safekeep election materials; and (6) consider recount requests. Nothing else! Under Article XIII. Safekeeping of Ballots, it states: "... The General Reservation Election Board shall return all unused ballots to the Tribal Executive Committee within seven (7) days following the day of the election." YOU SHOULD HAVE STOPPED THE JUNE 9TH ELECTION AT WHITE EARTH! Mr. President, in your June 8th letter to White Earth members, you state that you are a member of the Grand Portage band. Actually, you are the Chairman of the Grand Portage RBC. As Grand Portage Chairman, you are automatically seated on the TEC. Your peers on the TEC elected you as President of the TRIBE. As President you have responsibilities for all six reservations. As TEC member elected to the Presidency, you have sworn to preserve, support and protect the Constitution of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe. Don't you think it's about time to accept your responsibility, and do your duty, to preserve, support and protect the Constitution? Sure, you are Chairman of the Grand Portage RBC, but more importantly, you are PRESIDENT OF THE MINNESOTA CHIPPEWA TRIBE! Violet Annette Harper MCT Member enrolled at White Earth Cass Lake, Minn. ---------- We reply: The writer has raised some valid technical points which should not be overlooked in future elections. At the same time, the writers' anger with the TEC is misplaced. The goal of the dedicated TEC members is to ensure the governmental security of the people of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe. It has taken some time and that has upset some White Earth members. They do not have issue with TEC over this; the Tribal Executive Committee is like a glacier - by its nature it has to move slowly and cautiously, but when it moves, it can move mountains. Last winter, in response to it's people at White Earth, TEC took very strong action against one of its own members to ensure constitutional government, a fair election. This is what the people wanted - a new election to quell the unrest at White Earth and restore confidence in the government there. The theft of the absentee ballots at the recent election was something that could not have been foreseen, and corrective action in keeping with a fair election was necessary. We know of no other way this could have been accomplished than to reissue the ballots. We want to underscore that TEC has done it's job to restore lawful government, by the people, at White Earth. The White Earth RBC did its job also. It's now up to the White Earth members to hold fair elections. The theft of the absentee ballots was reprehensible, essentially treasonous. Whoever did this set peace at White Earth back farther than any official could, if they wanted to. We cannot speak strongly enough against whatever person or entity was responsible. The great Indian Nations are stronger now than they have ever been. The Minnesota Chippewa Tribe is stronger now than it has ever been. This strength is no longer gained by the instruments of violence, or of crime, it is gained by information, communication and Constitution and law. It is incumbent now, upon each and every one of those, at White Earth, who support Constitutional government, to ensure the orderliness of future elections, not act to impede them, and to report anyone who would act to defeat the lawful elections and government at White Earth. People who do otherwise, regardless of their affiliation, are not friends of White Earth. It is time to lay the matter of Election Ordinance #6 to rest. We investigated that matter and we agree that it may have been passed with irregularities, but if TEC wanted to overturn it for that reason, they could have done so. They have not, indicating acquiescence to Election Ordinance #6 as it now stands. Finally, we wish to reiterate what the TEC has done for the White Earth people who strongly protested the "interim" government and the way the previous administration came to be. Only last January, at an unrelated meeting, a very influential person, who knew what he was talking about, said, regarding a new election of the Chairman, that it wouldn't happen before year 2000. But it's going to happen this year. In the face of bitter opposition, TEC has done its job for the people of White Earth. So did the RBC. Now it's up to those people to ensure a fair and orderly election. ------------------------------------------------- WITH A GRAIN OF SAND World Matters Recently, President Clinton's trip to China has drawn fire from critics. We, at Northern Herald fully support the President going to China. The part we don't like is his coming back. Will our simulated air strikes over Albania produce a simulated cessation of hostilities? ------------------------------------------------- BEMIDJI A place where the mentality is such that THE RETAILERS WON'T SELL A FREE PRESS AND OTHER BUSINESS OWNERS LET THEIR EMPLOYEES STEAL STACKS OF COMPLIMENTARY COPIES. IT JUST MAKES YOU WANT TO COME HERE AND SPEND YOUR MONEY, DOESN'T IT? --------------------------------------------- THE HARTHUN RECORDS Much has been written about the atrocities, both as concerns the enemy, and sometimes our own soldiers, of the Viet Nam war. The declassification of documents has yielded much, previously secret, information and many men have made claim to having received unusual treatment in the military. One of the persons who claims that he may have been affected by covert military testing on it's own recruits is James Harthun, a Bemidji resident. Recently, the offices of U.S. Congressman Collin Peterson (Dist. 7) as well as Sen. Paul Wellstone have expressed interest in helping Harthun procure his records and find out what really happened following his enlistment and being sent to Ft. Bragg. This is his story. This information is largely uncorroborated by official sources, and must be read as same. If correct, those sources, would, of course, have reason to fail to corroborate it. The story is too long to present all in one issue, so it will be broken into installments in this and subsequent issues. INSTALLMENT I On July 21, 1969, James Harthun, 17, a new Army enlistee, left his home near Baudette and went to International Falls where he boarded a plane for Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. Harthun's cousin, having been drafted, was already in Viet Nam, and Harthun had requested to be sent to the same duty station. Per Harthun, the recruiter, at Bemidji, had told him "the only way I could do that was if I was a cook. I could go to cook school and become a cook.. I said 'I have no problem with that.'" After arriving at Ft. Bragg, "I was given two weeks of basic training; my second week of basic training, at about 4 o'clock in the morning, three DIs [drill instructors] came in ... my bunk was one of the middle bunks - not by the door... [the DIs] made a point of tipping my bunk over... I got up swinging, clipped the Drill Sergeant." Harthun recounts that the other soldiers pulled him off, and the drill instructors left, one of them telling them "lights out and everyone go back to bed." Harthun tipped his bunk back up and retired again until he was awakened at about 4:30. "A big guy came in... that I'd never seen before, wearing just regular fatigues like we were wearing... and said, 'You've got KP.' I said, 'No, I don't have KP - you've got the wrong guy - the roster's down at the end of the hall...' "'No,' he said, 'you got KP.'" Harthun assumed the detail was retaliation for hitting the drill sergeant, so went with the visitor. "He took me about three blocks from the barracks," said Harthun, "in the wrong direction from the mess hall; we went to a little eight by eight... building with nothing in it but two chairs, a wooden table... with one of them big silver coolers, like a water cooler. Then he says to me, 'Well are you thirsty?' I said, 'Well, am I the only guy on KP?' ... I said, 'Where are the other guys,' he said 'They'll be here, are you thirsty?'" Per Harthun, the person offered him a Coca-Cola, and Harthun accepted. "The man stepped out of the building and ... he couldn't have went anywhere - somebody had to have been right there, standing there and handing him two glasses, because he stepped right back in the room, but he closed the door behind him, went outside, come right back in with two glasses of Coca-Cola, handed me one and set the other one down by the cooler." "I took one drink out of it, and the next thing I remember, I had my head flapping on somebody's back and I could see the ground like I was being carried... he had me over his shoulder and he was running with me. "Then I came to again a little bit, and I'm laying on my back on the floor, and I take it I may be in the CO's office or something because there's all kinds of officers... what I see is brass - all kinds of brass on their shoulders and on their jackets... Then I went out again, I remember one of them saying, 'Don't let the son of a bitch swallow his tongue.' "The next thing I remember... a siren, I hear going off.... " "... I wake up in a room that's got, probably, twenty beds, like a hospital room, there are two people standing there looking over me and all I could see was their eyes. They had surgical caps... and surgical masks.... One was male and one was female by their voices." Harthun recounts that he asked where he was and was told that he was in the hospital; that he had a heat stroke. He asked how long he'd been there, but received no answer. The two in surgical masks left the room. Says Harthun, "I started looking - I had needle marks - [on] every part of my body there was to put a needle - between my fingers, between my toes, under my arms, my ear lobes, I felt like a human pincushion...." "When I first woke up in the hospital, I didn't remember anything," said Harthun, who said that he began to regain his memory after 2 or 3 days, "I was very groggy," he said. Harthun said that, shortly after regaining consciousness he got out of bed and saw that the other beds around him were empty. He said, "The place is quiet, like a morgue. This is supposedly a military hospital," he said, "I go out into the hall [through] these double doors, I look both ways, there's a nurse's station, there's nobody there - there's no doctors, no nurses, no noise. I look down the other way and there's a pay telephone." Harthun used the phone to call his parents, who, he recalls, asked where he'd been and why they hadn't heard from him. He told them that he thought he'd been in the hospital. Harthun recounts that when his parents received his call from the hospital, they spoke briefly to the company commander, telling him that they were coming to Ft. Bragg to see their son; although the commander told them that they couldn't come for about four days, they, reportedly, left immediately. Per Gladys Hathun, James' mother, she kept a journal of family events, including the period when James was in the service. The journal records that Harthun's parents left for Ft. Bragg on Sept. 3rd, 1969. That would place Harthun's period of unconsciousness at 4 to 5 weeks. This is loosely corroborated, per Harthun, by the period during which neither his parents nor his girlfriend received letters, which he says he wrote daily. Harthun said that after making the call, he returned to his room, and "I look up over the door and it's got a big sign that says, "Contagious Disease Ward' ... I got in my bed; these people came in, they took some blood out of me, and then they gave me a shot. It must have knocked me out because when I woke up again I was back in my barracks." Harthun recounts the circumstances of his regaining consciousness in the barracks, "This guy wakes me up, this sergeant, and he asked me how I feel, I said, 'I feel kind of tired - I don't feel good,' he says, 'well, we're going to go for a ride,' and then he put me in the back of his truck, and we went out in the woods someplace, and... [there] was a bunch of guys camped out in the woods." As a sidenote, Harthun mentions that although he was later sent into combat abroad, because he missed all but the first two weeks of basic training, "I never had my hands on a military weapon before I went to Viet Nam." The sergeant and Harthun delivered some boxes to the encampment, then drove back to the barracks; by that time, his parents had arrived. Harthun recalls that the company commander was upset because they'd arrived early, but he put them up in the visitors' quarters. Harthun recalls that he hadn't visited with his parents for more than about 10 minutes, when the sergeant who first had awakened him arrived, bringing a set of "dress greens," and ordered Harthun to get cleaned up, put them on and that Harthun was to go with him. They drove to Fayetteville, where, per Harthun, the sergeant asked him if he wanted to get drunk or patronize one of the "professional women" there. Harthun wasn't interested; the sergeant asked, "'Well, do you do drugs?' I said, 'No, I don't do drugs either ... I want to go see my folks.'" Harthun believes that the sergeant may have been attempting to prevent his parents from seeing him in his recently recovered condition. They went back to the visitor's quarters where Harthun visited with his parents, but after a day and a night, they were told they had to leave. After they left, per Harthun, the sergeant told him to pack his stuff into a duffel bag, "He had a Jeep waiting, he took me to the airport and they sent me to Fort Jackson, South Carolina, supposedly to go to cook school," said Harthun. "I was met there by a military car," said Harthun, "was taken to a place that looked like the Holiday Inn; there was four other guys there, they were just as confused as I was." The men were impressed, though, with the plush surroundings. Per Harthun, a man drove up in a large convertible car, wearing a three piece suit and said he was their sergeant. "We thought we'd died and gone to heaven," Harthun said. According to Harthun, the sergeant took the 5 recruits into town, to a bar, then to a restaurant for dinner. After dinner, the man who had identified himself as their sergeant called a taxicab for the other recruits, and, presumably, sent them back to their billet. The man in the three-piece suit confided to Harthun that he was due to take an airborne physical fitness test the following day, that he was concerned about passing it, because if he didn't he'd be shipped to Viet Nam, and that he wanted Harthun to impersonate him and take the test for him, wearing a shirt with his name tag on it. Harthun protested that he'd been in the hospital and probably wouldn't pass, whereupon the "sergeant" assured him that he'd do fine. The next day, "There was a line of ... between 70 and 100... guys waiting to take this test... a gymnasium full of guys," said Harthun. He related that he passed the test, was given a paper showing he'd passed, and went back outside where the sergeant was waiting in the car. Harthun gave him the paper with the physical fitness test results. Per Harthun, the sergeant then said they were going to drive to Atlanta for six weeks of "the high life." On the way, Harthun admired a new car on display, a Corvette, and he said that the sergeant offered to buy it for him and have it stored while Harthun was in Viet Nam. Harthun said that they arrived in Atlanta at night, and went to a plush restaurant where two women, apparently known to the sergeant, were waiting for them at their table. (CONTINUED NEXT ISSUE) ---------------------------------------------------------------- AIDS ---- A NATIONAL EPIDEMIC Over 1/2 the cases reported each year are people under 25. Since it's explosion in the '80 THERE HAVE BEEN MANY "SOLUTIONS" THERE IS ONLY ONE CURE: Personal conviction, Morality and Law which strongly supports LIFELONG AND FAITHFUL MARRIAGE to retard transmission in this generation, and stop it in the next. IF YOU'RE OLD ENOUGH TO THINK ABOUT ROMANCE, YOU'RE OLD ENOUGH TO THINK ABOUT MARRIAGE. AIDS IS A DISEASE THAT AFFECTS ALL OF SOCIETY. we can make it as unknown as we have made smallpox. IF WE REALLY WANT TO STOP IT, WE HAVE TO FIGHT IT AS A SOCIETY. A public service of this newspaper. ------------------------------------------ CLEARWATER CO. FAMILY WANTS ANSWERS ON WHITCOMB DEATH LEONARD -- His family members have pretty much reconciled themselves to the possibility that Jessie M. Whitcomb, 57, of Leonard, may have been up to no good when he died in a tragic, believed arson, fire in the early morning of October 12th, 1997 at the cabin of his ex-wife's financee, about 5 miles west of Greenbush, last fall. But they, nonetheless, want to know the facts - what happened - from the investigators so they can get on with their lives. "We want conclusion - it's hard to drive by there and see his vehicles just the way he left them," said Phyllis Phillips, Jessie's sister. The matter is under investigation by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), as well as by the Roseau County Sheriff's Office. It has been speculated that Whitcomb may have been involved in an arrangement to set the fire so insurance proceeds could be collected. He was, reportedly, on friendly terms with his ex-wife, Penny Jo Haupt, and her (then) fiancee, Louis Haupt. Or he may have simply been there when it started and was left. He died of smoke inhalation although, per Mrs. Phillips, the body was badly burned. Whitcomb had last been seen, at his home, the evening of Oct. 11th, by his nephew, Tim Phillips, Tim's son, John, and Dallas Rasmussen, a friend. Tim and John had left by about 9 pm. Police discovered the body, on October 13th, over a full day after the fire, pursuant to a call from Penny Jo. Pertinent questions, still unanswered, are how Whitcomb got from Leonard to Greenbush, as his vehicles were all at his home. Also, per Tim Phillips, Whitcomb kept his financial and legal papers in his freezer. But Phillips found them missing shortly after the death and Phillips said that Whitcomb's ex-wife, Penny Jo, was one of few people who knew they were there. Penny Jo has produced a will of Whitcomb which leaves the bulk of his estate to her. That will is now in probate and the family said that claims against the estate (Whitcomb's debts) will probably exceed its assets, including the value of Whitcomb's land. But Phillips said that Penny Jo might not have known that. In unrelated matters, Louis Haupt is currently pending omnibus, July 6th, on a Roseau Co. charge of Defeating Security on Personalty, (case no. K3-98-254); case filed 04/20/98; and Penny Jo will also have omnibus on the same date on charges of Theft by Swindle (K6-98-295) and Wrongfully Obtaining Assistance (K4-98-294), both filed 04/29/98. The Haupts are now believed to be living, appropriately, in Bemidji. -------------------------------------------- Recipe Box ---------- IT'S BLUEBERRY TIME! Blueberry Picking season is just around the corner and the wild berries will soon be available in abundance in Minnesota's North. Lake George Minnesota is the home of the Blueberry Festival in mid-July. Here are some favorite family recipes from their Lake George Blueberry Bake Book. BLUEBERRY PUDDING CAKE 2 cups fresh or frozen BLUEBERRIES 1 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. lemon juice 1 cup flour 3/4 cup sugar 1 tsp. baking powder 1/2 cup milk 3 Tbs. melted butter TOPPING 3/4 cup sugar 1 Tbs. cornstarch 1 cup boiling water Toss the blueberries with cinnamon and lemon juice 'til coated; place in 8" square baking dish. In a bowl, combine flour, sugar and baking powder; stir in milk and butter; spoon over berries. Combine sugar and cornstarch, sprinkle over batter; slowly pour boiling water over all. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes or 'til cake tests done. --------- BLUEBERRY CREAM CHEESE PIE 9" Baked pie shell or graham cracker crust 1 pkg. 3 oz. cream cheese 1 qt. fresh wild BLUEBERRIES 1 cup sugar 2 Tbs. lemon juice 3 Tbs. corn starch Spread cream cheese, softened with milk or cream over bottom of pastry shell. Place berries in pan - bring to a boil - slowly stir in mixed sugar and cornstarch. Cook slowly, stirring until thick. Add lemon juice. Cool - pour into shell. Refrigerate and top with whipped cream. Blueberry Pudding Cake is by Elsie Olson, Blueberry Cream Cheese Pie is by Marlys Ernhart. These recipies are excerpted from the Lake George Blueberry Bake Book, available at Lake George, Minnesota, home of the Blueberry Festival. Heard a good hotdish or other recipe lately? Send it to Recipe Box, Northern Herald, P.O. Box 1535, Bemidji, MN 56619. Selected recipes will be published in this column. ----------------------------------------------------- MAKE MONEY DAILY ! As a Bemidji Curbside Vendor of the Northern Herald. Students and Adults - Your Own Hours - Daily Earnings for spot cash or steady basis. You can be making $$s TODAY! Call 759-1162 NORTHERN HERALD Creating Jobs (for those who want to work) and Keeping the Press Free in Northern Minnesota. ---------------------------------------------------- TAKE CARE OF INFANT FIRST, THEN GO BACK TO WORK by Robert Morton, M.Ed., Ed.S. Dear Mr. Morton: I wish you would reprint your article about a professional couple in their 20s who both work full-time. The wife was 7 months pregnant and they were undecided about finding high-quality day care for their child, to be born in several months. Your response had a strong message for young couples.- K.S., Fremont, Ohio. Dear K.S.- Here was my response to them: However you decide to resolve your struggle between being a full-time job holder or stay-at-home mom, please understand I have an imposing dossier for predicting family outcomes...only after they occur. However, these thoughts may be helpful. The first three years of life are crucial to facilitate appropriate development. Studies show early childhood experiences exert valuable influences on later development: infants whose moms worked full-time during their first year of life showed more negative cognitive and social repercussions later on. Think about delaying work until your newborn is 18 to 24 months of age, regardless of the high-quality day care you can afford. Such care for infants and toddlers is extremely hard to find, and expensive. Also, beware of media information which claims high-quality day care benefits infants and toddlers as well as full-time parenting does. Many experts still question the impact such parent substitute care has, not only on infants under one year of age, but on different children in general. Lastly, realize some working moms have nearby parents who can provide day care; have husbands who lessen their work overload by being supportive, cooperative, and helpful regarding housework; or have employers who offer part-time work or maternity leave without sacrificing fringe benefits, job security or seniority. If this sounds like fantasy land to you, then consider delaying work or part-time employment. You have 30-plus working years left, so focusing your energy on child-rearing for several years isn't much of a sacrifice. Robert Morton, M.Ed., Ed.S. is a school psychologist for Fremont City Schools. Write to him about family or educational concerns at the Child Study Center, 501 Croghan St., Fremont, Ohio, or email: Rsmcoping@nwohio.com ----------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------ ISSUE OF 06/03/98 - VOLUME 3 NO. 12 ------------------------------------ Pimp and Circumstance --------------------- POLICE PROSTITUTION INDICTMENTS CLIP TIP OF BEMIDJI CORRUPTION ICEBERG Defense Motions Filed; Police Corruption Evidence May Implicate Owner, Premises of Well-Known Bemidji Drinking Establishment BEMIDJI -- A Beltrami County Grand Jury called, not by County Attorney Tim Faver, but rather by the office of "Skip" Humphrey, Minnesota State Attorney General, pierced the veil of Bemidji corruption when, on May 14th, 1998, it returned indictments against two law enforcement officers, including a powerful Bemidji Police Sergeant, and two others for prostitution-related offenses. Attorneys for some of the Defendants, who appeared May 15th in court before the Honorable Ninth District Judge Benshoof, at Bemidji, have lodged motions to dismiss the charges. All of the defendants were released on their own recognizance. The officers charged have been placed on administrative leave and are being paid from public funds during the pendency of the proceedings. Since his administrative leave began, at the commencement of the investigation last fall, Deputy Atwater, the son of Bemidji City Councilman Bruce Atwater, has received over $10,000 in salary. The Players. The charges are prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys General Debra Peterson, and Jon Audette, St. Paul. Indicted were Bemidji Police Sergeant Daryle Russel, Beltrami Sheriff's Deputy William Jon Atwater, Jeffrey Allen Pease, of Yakima, Washington, and Terry Charles Hollerud, of Norwood, Minn. Russel, 44, is represented by Chad LeDuc, the International Falls attorney who, in 1996, had represented Police Chief Robert Tell in connection with his suspension for alleged theft by swindle of Bemidji city funds, and who is currently repre- senting Thomas Crumpton, the DNR worker who allegedly opened fire on unarmed First Nation fisherman at Birchdale (See NH of 05/13/98). Atwater, 36, is represented by Bemidji attorney Robert Wallner who, in 1996, also represented Chief Tell on the criminal charges of alleged theft by swindle, and who had, in 1995 and 1996, represented Bemidji women's shelter Director Karen Janov when she was charged with obstruction of justice (See "Felix Cuts Janov Sweetheart Deal," NH of 3/22/96). Pease, 41, is represented by Steven Shermoen, IF, of the same law firm as Le Duc, and Hollerud, 49, who works at John's Meat Market, Norwood, upon appearing May 18th, requested appointment of a public defender. Tim Faver, appearing at that hearing in place of the Asst. Attorneys General, opposed the motion, and Hollerud requested three weeks to hire an attorney. Motions Filed. Attorneys for Atwater and Russel have filed motions to dismiss the charges, pursuant to Rules 10.01 and 17.06, on the grounds 1) of insufficient evidence; 2) that the charges "do not substantially comply with" requirements of law; and 3) that "the facts stated do not constitute an offense." It is anticipated that these motions will be heard separately from and prior to omnibus. The Charges and Facts Stated. Sgt. Daryle Russel (case# K4-98-000597) is charged, by the indictment, with 3 counts, including: 1) Aiding Solicitation or Inducement of Prostitution, Involving Position of Authority, in violation of M.S. 609.322 subd. 1a(4)(c); 609.05. The offense carries a maximum penalty of 10 yrs. and/or $20,000 fine. The indictment states facts: "That the Defendant, Daryle Allen Russel, intentionally aided another in the intentional promotion of prostitution, with said promotion being induced or solicited by a person in a position of authority," on or about July 7th, 1997 at Northern Township in Beltrami County; 2) Aiding Promotion of Prostitution (M.S. 609.322, subd. 3; 609.05 - maximum penalty: 3 yrs. and/or $5,000). Facts stated by indictment: "That the Defendant, ... aided another in the intentional solicitation, inducement or promotion of prostitution of an individual 18 years of age or older..." on or about July 7th, 1997 at Northern Township in Beltrami County; and 3) Conspiracy to Promote Prostitution (M.S. 609.322 subd. 3; 609.175 subd. 2 - max.: 1 1/2 yrs. and/or $2,500) "That the Defendant... conspired with others, to wit: William Jon Atwater, Jeffery Allen Pease, and Terry Charles Hollerud to commit the crime of promotion of prostitution with one or more of the parties to the conspiracy engaging in an overt act in furtherance of such conspiracy..." committed on or about the months of November and December, 1997 in Beltrami County. Deputy William Jon Atwater (case# K4-98-602) is charged, by the indictment, with 5 counts: 1) Aiding Solicitation or Inducement of Prostitution, Involving Position of Authority (M.S. 609.322 subd. 1a(4)(c); 609.05 - max.: 10 yrs. and/or $20,000) The indictment states facts: "That the Defendant, William Jon Atwater, intentionally aided another in the intentional promotion of prostitution, with said promotion being induced or solicited by a person in a position of authority," on or about October, 1996 in Bemidji.; 2) Aiding Promotion of Prostitution (M.S. 609.322, subd. 3; 609.05 - max.: 3 yrs. and/or $5,000). Facts stated by indictment: "That the Defendant, ... aided another in the intentional solicitation, inducement or promotion of prostitution of an individual 18 years of age or older..." on or about October, 1996 in Bemidji; 3) Aiding Solicitation or Inducement of Prostitution, Involving Position of Authority (M.S. 609.322 subd. 1a(4)(c); 609.05 - max.: 10 yrs. and/or $20,000) The indictment states facts: "That the Defendant ... intentionally aided another in the intentional promotion of prostitution, with said promotion being induced or solicited by a position of authority," on or about July 7th, 1997 at Northern Township in Beltrami County; and 4) Aiding Promotion of Prostitution (M.S. 609.322, subd. 3; 609.05 - max.: 3 yrs. and/or $5,000). Facts stated by indictment: "That the Defendant, ... aided another in the intentional solicitation, inducement or promotion of prostitution of an individual 18 years or older..." on or about July 7th, 1997 at Northern Township in Beltrami County; 5) Conspiracy to Promote Prostitution (M.S. 609.322 subd. 3; 609.175 subd. 2 - max.: 1 1/2 yrs. and/or $2,500) "That the Defendant... conspired with others, to wit: Daryle Allen Russel, Jeffery Allen Pease, and Terry Charles Hollerud to commit the crime of promotion of prostitution with one or more of the parties to the conspiracy engaging in an overt act in furtherance of such conspiracy..." committed on or about the months of November and December, 1997 in Beltrami County. Jeffery Allen Pease (case# K2-98-601) is charged, by the indictment, with 3 counts: 1) Aiding Solicitation or Inducement of Prostitution, Involving Position of Authority (M.S. 609.322 subd. 1a(4)(c); 609.05 - max.: 10 yrs. and/or $20,000) The indictment states facts: "That the Defendant, Jeffery Allen Pease, intentionally aided another in the intentional promotion of prostitution, with said promotion being induced or solicited by a person in a position of authority," on or about July 7th, 1997 at Northern Township in Beltrami County; 2) Aiding Promotion of Prostitution (M.S. 609.322, subd. 3; 609.05 - max.: 3 yrs. and/or $5,000). Facts stated by indictment: "That the Defendant, ... intentionally aided another in the intentional solicitation, inducement or promotion of prostitution of an individual 18 years of age or older..." on or about July 7th, 1997 at Northern Township in Beltrami County; and 3) Conspiracy to Promote Prostitution (M.S. 609.322 subd. 3; 609.175 subd. 2 - max.: 1 1/2 yrs. and/or $2,500) "That the Defendant... conspired with others, to wit: William Jon Atwater, Daryle Allen Russel, and Terry Charles Hollerud to commit the crime of promotion of prostitution with one or more of the parties to the conspiracy engaging in an overt act in furtherance of such conspiracy..." committed on or about the months of November and December, 1997 in Beltrami County. Terry Charles Hollerud (case# K1-98-606) is charged, by the indictment, with 3 counts, including: 1) Solicitation or Inducement of Prostitution Involving Position of Authority (M.S. 609.322 subd. 1a (3) - max.: 10 yrs. and/or $20,000) "That the Defendant, Terry Charles Hollerud, used a position of authority to solicit or induce individuals to practice prostitution..." on or about July 7th, 1997 at Northern Township in Beltrami County; 2) Aiding Promotion of Prostitution (M.S. 609.322, subd. 3; 609.05 - max.: 3 yrs. and/or $5,000). Facts stated by indictment: "That the Defendant, ... intentionally aided another in the intentional solicitation, inducement or promotion of prostitution of an individual 18 years of age or older..." on or about July 7th, 1997 at Northern Township in Beltrami County; and 3) Conspiracy to Promote Prostitution (M.S. 609.322 subd. 3; 609.175 subd. 2 - max.: 1 1/2 yrs. and/or $2,500) "That the Defendant... conspired with others, to wit: William Jon Atwater, Daryle Allen Russel, and Jeffery Allen Pease to commit the crime of promotion of prostitution with one or more of the parties to the conspiracy engaging in an overt act in furtherance of such conspiracy..." committed on or about the months of November and December, 1997 in Beltrami County. Hearings Set. At Hollerud's initial appearance, May 18th, Judge Benshoof set his arraignment for June 8th, to give him time to hire an attorney. The other defendants, who appeared May 15th, were scheduled for omnibus hearing July 6, 1998. Evidence May Implicate Bar Owner, others. By their nature, Grand Jury proceedings are confidential and the file is sealed. But evidence presented before the Grand Jury can come to light if the same evidence is subsequently entered in the current court file. There have been widespread rumours that some of the evidence placed before the Grand Jury and leading to the indictments may have included certain photographs believed to have been taken at a popular Bemidji drinking establishment. This contention is loosely supported by the Rule 7.01 disclosure filed by Peterson in the Atwater and Pease cases which divulges that State's evidence may include photographs, as well as search and seizure and wiretapping evidence, and, in the case of Pease, confessions, admissions or statements of the Defendant; and the Rule 9.03 Subd. 9 index which contains reference to photographs, audio and video tapes. The index references about 480 pages of material. It is anticipated that this evidence may be entered into the criminal file, and become public, by the July 6th omnibus hearing. Although strictly speculative at this time, if true, this could tend to implicate the owner of the drinking establishment in the web of high-level police corruption that ensnares Bemidji and part of Beltrami County. Northern Herald has reason to believe that others, including other law enforcement officials may be subject to indictment should a later reconvening of the Grand Jury occur. CHRONOLOGY OF INCIDENTS CITED BY THE GRAND JURY DATE LOCATION PERSONS INVOLVED OCTOBER, 1996 BEMIDJI ATWATER JULY 7, 1997 NORTHERN TOWNSHIP RUSSEL, ATWATER, PEASE, HOLLERUD NOV & DEC '97 BELTRAMI COUNTY RUSSEL, ATWATER, PEASE, HOLLERUD ---------------------------------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism SCHOOL LAND ACQUISITIONS PRODUCE VALUATION DISCORDS BEMIDJI -- Unwilling to meet property owners' replacement cost appraisals out of their massive $40 million budget for the new high school, and having, effectively, been given carte blanche by the voters in last fall's referendum approving the measure, Bemidji's ISD #31 school district administrators appear to be poised to take the residents' homes by eminent domain and condemnations are now imminent in the western part of Bemidji, along 5th St. (Division St.) where the school district proposes to locate the new school. One of the resident couples is Mr. & Mrs. Stanton Anderson of 2706 Division St. W. Stanton is a WWII veteran; as a Marine sergeant, he was at Pearl Harbor when it was attacked and fought in the South Pacific during his 5-year duty. The Andersons described their dilemma: They were offered $82,500 for their 9 acre property that was independently appraised 3/17/98, by Charles Quistgard, at $105,241 by the indicated market value by cost approach method; using the replacement cost method, it came in at $144,692. In addition to the appraisal, Jerry Hemstad, a realtor, estimated replacement value at $125,000, Ronald Steed, another realtor, said it would be between $125 and $135 thousand. Mr. Anderson also happens to be a former appraiser with over 20 years experience for Farmers Home Administration, Clearwater County; he figured the replacement cost at $128,305. Initially, Rollie Morud, ISD #31 Superintendent, offered the Andersons $60,000, last winter. Although the school's current figure, of $82.5K, determined by Johnson Appraisal Service, might approach what a current bid for the property might be in the depressed Bemidji market, if the Andersons wanted to dispose of it, the figure falls far short of what it would cost them to replace it when the school district puts them out of their home. Additionally, the matter is complicated by the fact that the property involves in-city acreage, and as such, is unique and, actually, may not be replaceable. The Andersons have owned their home since 1966, and don't especially want to move, particularly as they've had a special deck and facilities built on to accommodate their daughter who has M.S. and has to use a wheelchair. The Andersons have a letter from Dr. Hoody, a physician at MeritCare, Bemidji, corroborating the need for the work the Andersons did to widen doorways, etc. to accommodate their daughter's condition. These were costly improvements that they had to make, but they would not necessarily have raised the market value as reflected by Johnson's appraisal. They would be of value only if a new occupant (buyer) was disabled or had a disabled relative. The Andersons have said that they would be willing to relocate if the school paid an amount that would enable them to replace their home with reasonably comparable property. "I'd keep it if I could, but we'll sell it ... if they want me to do it, it's up to them to buy me ... the same kind of place that I've got here," said Mr. Anderson. Asked if he'd found a possible replacement, he said, "There ain't none around here. This is within a mile and a half of town, it's close when we go to see our daughter (in a nursing home); it's hard to find a place like this...." If the Andersons don't agree to the school's offer, they will be moved out by condemnation and will have to initiate legal action to try to recover a fair price. They recently received a letter, dated May 18, 1998, from a Minneapolis firm known as Conworth, Inc. (612-929-0044), which apparently now represents the school district. The letter stated, "This letter is to inform you that it is necessary for the Bemidji ISD #31 to acquire a fee absolute interest in the following described real property from you for the future development of a new high school... [property description]. The letter offers a total amount of $82,500, based upon Johnson's Appraisal of $79K, plus $3,500 for the mobile home on the property. Mr. Johnson said he based his appraisal on what he considered to be comparable sales and land values. "I'm of the firm opinion that properties' values are established by what someone will pay for them, rather than what it costs to replace," he said. When property is about to be taken by eminent domain, the reasonable cost of an independent appraisal is generally paid by the acquiring entity. It is always wise for property owners to get their own professional appraisal. Oddly, initially, the Andersons had approached Johnson Appraisal Service to be their independent appraiser, but Mr. Johnson turned the job down. He later agreed to be the school district's appraiser.. In interview, Mr. Johnson said he originally declined (for the Andersons) due to workload and a desire to not get involved in the school appraisal issue, but he said that "Rollie" later persuaded him to do it because the school needed an appraiser. ------------------------------------------------- VETS FILE "CLASS ACT" LAWSUIT OVER MEDICAL BENEFITS PENSACOLA, FL -- A class action lawsuit has been brought by two retired military officers to uphold the claimed government's promise of lifetime no-cost medical care for retirees with at least 20 years service. The case is now pending, with motions by both sides for summary judgement, before Judge Roger Vinson, United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida (case# 3:96CV349/RV). Plaintiffs Robert L. Reinlie, Lt. Col. USAF, retired, and William O. Schism filed the action of behalf of themselves and other similarly situated plaintiffs. The lawsuit has become known as "Class Act", having been so nicknamed by the plaintiffs' attorney, Col. George E. Day, of Day & Meade, P.A., Fort Walton Beach, FL. Per a release of the Class Act Group, Day, holder of the Medal of Honor and Air Force Cross, is "the most decorated officer since MacArthur." Nonetheless, Day, who joined the Marines in 1942 at the age of 17, became a pilot, served in combat and, for a time, was a P.O.W. (says Day, "there is no salary adequate for that"), was "kicked out" of mil- itary hospitals when he became 65. The lawsuit, particularly, challenges the need for military retirees over 65 to rely on medicare, or medicare supplemental insurance and pay the premiums associated therewith. The release alleges that three million retired veterans, in the aggregate, may be paying as much as $6 billion per year for medical care that was to be free; and that "as late as November 7, 1997 Army Recruiters still promised ... 'retire at 20 years and get free lifetime medical care.'" As a class action, the suit is open for persons to join in as party Plaintiff and seek their share of the eventual damages; per the Class Act Group, over 10,000 veterans of WWII, Korea and Vietnam have already done so. In recent action, the court ruled that plaintiffs may only recover actual damages, up to $10,000 each. Persons who want to become plaintiffs in the action are invited to contact Day at 1-800-972-6275. This action primarily affects veterans who joined the service prior to June 7, 1956. Further info is also available at Class Act Group's web site: http://www.classact-lawsuit.com Besides the legal action, the veterans plan a convention in Washington, D.C., this fall, to educate House and Senate members on the medical care promise, and a representative of an affiliated group, the Coalition of Retired Military Veterans, will be meeting with other veterans' organizations in Washington on June 4th. ------------------------------------------------- PONSFORD FATHER'S DAY FEST PLANNED PONSFORD - John's General Store in Ponsford, and the Carsonville Volunteer Fire Department & Auxiliary will join in hosting a Father's Day festival, Sunday, June 21st from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in downtown Ponsford. Events will include a Hog Roast from noon 'til 2, music by Clint Felker & the Common People from 2:30 'til 6, and the Pine Point Junior Drummers and Native American Dancers that afternoon. Arts and Crafts will be on display at John's General Store throughout the event. For further info: 218-573-3695 ------------------------------- AKELEY'S PAUL BUNYAN DAYS OPEN SUMMER FESTS When you only have a few months of summer, you make the most of it. That's what Northern Minnesota's summer festivals are all about. This is when the sun shines and so do each of our Northern communities! Ushering in the season with one of the first of the excellent fests is Akeley's 50th annual Paul Bunyan Days, June 26th - 28th. New this year will be a cradle race, and the first carnival in over 10 years. This year, there will be a new teen pageant as well as the Little Mr. & Miss Akeley awards. In addition to the events, the flea market and crafters are always a big part of the festival. The weekend long fishing contest will kickoff at 9 am Friday, with the 6th annual No Class Car Show Saturday, and National Enduro on Sunday. There will be a dance Saturday night and a special teen dance Friday evening. Stage coach rides will follow the Sunday parade. As always, there'll be lots of activities throughout the fest and fun for all! TOURIST'S GUIDE TO AKELEY AREA FOOD & LODGING DINING ------ Ann's Cafe. Conveniently located amidst the festivities, on Hwy 34 in Akeley. The Brauhaus. On Highway 34 between Akeley and Nevis. Authentic German. On our four-star system, they got five; need we say more? If you're in Bemidji, this is worth the drive. Rheinhessen Liebfraumilch by the glass, to complement your meal. Many entrees under $10. Dixie Drive-Inn. On Hwy 34 in Park Rapids. Emmaville Store & Cafe. On the Emmaville Freeway/Lake George Rd. (Co. 4) between Lake George and Park Rapids. Big Sunday Smorg 9 am-12 noon: Hot cakes, ham, sausage, toast, bacon, scrambled eggs, hash browns, biscuits & gravy. All you can eat, $3.95. It just makes you want to tie on your feed bag and chow down! Wed. is Taco Night - All you can eat 5-8 p.m. Headwaters Restaurant. In Akeley. Family dining in a rustic and picturesque setting. Hand-dipped ice cream. Sunday Special: Broasted Pork Chops - All you can eat: $5.45 Nell Rae's Cafe. Home Cooking in Nevis. Oasis Family Restaurant. Conveniently located in Park Rapids on Highway 71 North at the Sinclair service station. Good service, good food. No smoking. Parking for campers and RVs. Pizza Hut. Park Rapids. What could be more fun on a summer vacation day than pizza for LUNCH? It's here, classically good, and they bring out all you can eat, pizza after pizza, M-F, 11:30a-1:30p, for $4.50 Salad bar comes with, too! LODGING ------- Headwaters Motel. In Akeley. For reservations c all: 652-2525 Park Street Inn Bed & Breakfast. In nearby Nevis. Reservations: 652-4500 Other lodging may be available in Nevis. Contact the Akeley Chamber of Commerce: 652-3230 CAMPING & RV PARKS ------------------ Akeley City Campground. On 11th Crow Wing Lake. From Hwy 34, go to western edge of Akeley, follow signs. For reservations, call 218-652-2172. The heavily wooded campground and park is open all summer and features: flush toilets, showers, firewood (dead & down wood may be gathered), tables, fire rings at many sites, dump station, Sites: 28 RV with water & electric, $13; 12 tent, $10. Fishing (Walleye, Crappie, other) & boating. ------------------------------------------------ LETTERS TO THE EDITOR I am writing you with scorn and disdain over your editorial... [Should the President be Our National Stud?] of your April 22, 1998 issue. That you could print such misleading disinformation as fact is incomprehensible. In fact, the "old Minnesota law" is still a statute on the books. [That such laws, relating to nonmarital breeding are] "...as a matter of practicality, unenforceable...," that is simply untrue. People who receive speeding tickets rarely go to jail unless there are extenuating circumstances. Jails are not necessary for this crime. Idaho has such a law on the books and does successfully prosecute those criminals. In Minnesota, we harbor such people and in fact pay for their pleasure. What do I mean? Look at the unwed teen mother problem and tell me I'm wrong. Sex education isn't the answer, on the contrary, the rate of teen pregnancy has increased. But let's get to the crux of the issue. [You said] "Laws should not be made against things that naturally occur." Naturally occur? Are we animals that cannot harness our passions? And let's get one thing straight, Man cannot make laws, only ... God makes laws. Man only corrupts His laws through popular consensus. If you don't like that notion because of its religious and ethnocentric connotations, then consider this: Let's embrace all cultures and mores (multiculturalism). Let the 25-year old Hmong man out of prison because he was only practicing his culture by forced breeding with his 13-year old arranged wife. Let's make forced breeding a non-crime, since this act naturally occurs (unless you can show me that this act does not occur naturally, especially among a certain segment of our society). Let's practice cutting off the hands of thieves and robbers. Let's have no rules, laws, statutes and commandments; then we wouldn't have to punish anyone for anything. Let's make anything relative and not absolute. Like ancient, true, Israel, this nation was founded on God's laws. Only when we corrupt those laws do we have problems. Like the theocratic state of old Israel, we have asked for a King other than ...[the Lord] and ... his anointed son. Because of that, we must pay by receiving the curses put forth in Deuteronomy 28. Dave Gray, Grayhaven, Deer River Our Reply: There is something to be said for laws prohibiting nonmarital breeding when enforced consistently; that's why our editorial presented both approaches, including the argument for enforcement of those laws. But in Bemidji, we'd have to build some more jails fast. -- Ed. -------------------------------- "Yeah, I went to school at Hibbing, but we'd come over to Bemidji to party because the girls were easier there." -- A guy we met on the Iron Range ---------------------------------- Guest Column TELLING THE UNPOPULAR, UGLY TRUTH by David Grimes The twin lies of journalism are 1) Be accurate, and 2) Be objective. If journalists told the truth about even a few things, they would be more despised than they already are and newspapers everywhere would go bankrupt from the lawsuits. So we purposely refine the truth so that you, gentle reader, can swallow it without gagging, or worse, phoning your lawyer. It is not something about which we are altogether proud, but hey, it's a living. Still, there occasionally -- very occasionally -- arrives in our august profession a man or woman who, after years of refining the truth for popular consumption, finally hurls his typewriter -- or keyboard, as the case may be -- to the ground and shrieks: "Enough!" I, personally, have no idea what particular form of madness overcame Marcelle Quillen, the publisher of the Fountain Inn (S.C.) Tribune, on Thursday, June 6, 1929. All I know is that he was clearly fed up with "journalism as usual" and decided to do something about it, even if it meant putting the paper out of business, which it no doubt did. This is Quillen's unvarnished, unedited account of a wedding that took place in Fountain Inn that week. One can infer many things from this account, not the least of which is that Quillen was very, very sick of covering weddings: "POPULAR YOUNG COUPLE MARRIED THIS WEEK" "Mr. Robert Chetway and Miss Alice Broadkin were married at noon Monday at the home of the brideparents, Mr. & Mrs. P. D. Broadkin, Rev. M. L. Gassoway officiating. "The groom is a popular young bum who hasn't done a lick of work since he got shipped in the middle of his junior year at college. He manages to dress well and keep a supply of spending money because his dad is a softhearted old fool who takes up his bad checks instead of letting him go to jail where he belongs. "The bride is a skinny, fast little idiot who has been kissed and handled by every boy in town since she was 12 years old. She paints herself like a Sioux Indian, sucks cigarettes in secret, and drinks much corn liquor when she is out joyriding in her dad's car at night. She doesn't know how to cook, sew or keep house. "The house was newly plastered for the wedding and the exterior newly painted, this appropriately carrying out the decorative scheme, for the groom was newly plastered, also, and the bride newly painted. "The groom wore a rented dinner suit over athletic underwear of imitation silk. His pants were held up by pale green suspenders. His number eight patent leather shoes matched his state in tightness and harmonized nicely with the axle-grease polish of his hair. In addition to his jag, he carried a pocket knife, a bunch of keys, a dun for the ring and his usual look of imbecility. "The bride wore some kind of white thing that left most of her legs sticking out at one end and her bony upper end sticking out of the other. "The young people will make their home with the bride's parents, which means they will sponge off the old man until he dies and then she will take in washing. "The happy couple anticipates a great event in about five months. "Postscript: This may be the last installment of The Tribune, but my life's ambition has been to write up one wedding and tell the unvarnished truth. Now that it is done, death can have no sting." David Grimes is a columnist for the Sarasota (Fl.) Herald-Tribune. Column used by permission. --------------------------------------- FIRST NOMINEE IN FOR 1998 SPHERES PHOENIX, AZ -- The truth and good sense can sometimes cause stomach trouble. Although from out of the area, Arizona State Rep. Mark Anderson is a clear contender for the 1998 Steele Spheres. Liz Heron, a constituent, had written to state legislators asking them to improve child care for welfare recipients in school. She received a letter back. In it, Anderson suggested that she improve her financial condition by finding a new husband. Heron, a young, attractive single mother of three, commented that she found the letter "nauseating." Editor's Note: We wonder how Mr. Anderson feels about snow - there are some positions that could use his expertise and common sense in St. Paul . . . -- Ed. ------------------------------------------- Lifelong, Faithful MARRIAGE under traditional vows A Woman's Best Shelter --------------------------- IS YOUR HOOD FLAG MISSING? GET A NEW HOOD FLAG, FREE, FOR FLAG DAY! We are constantly amazed at the number of cars with empty flagholders in the Bemidji Area. You can see myriads of them in any parking lot. Flag day is June 14th. On Friday, June 12th, from Noon to 1 pm, we'll give away a hood or antenna flag to the first 60 people,* arriving in cars with empty flagholders, at the Tourist Center parking lot, by Paul and Babe, in downtown Bemidji. We'll even install it (most vehicles) while you wait! Show your colors and ride in style this Flag Day! Note: Some vehicles have an unsightly hood ornament packed into their flagholder. The cars come packed for shipping this way from the factory. If you have one of these, it must be removed from the flagholder for us to install your hood flag. To remove an unsightly hood ornament, carefully follow these instructions: 1. Park your car in downtown Bemidji for a few hours. See you June 12th! -------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------ ISSUE OF 05/13/98 - VOLUME 3 NO. 11 ------------------------------------ First Shot Fired in U.S. - Canadian War of 1998 DNR FOREST WORKER OPENS FIRE ON RAINY RIVER FIRST NATION FISHERMEN BIRCHDALE, MN -- On April 29, Thomas Crumpton, 39, allegedly fired the opening shot of the Great U.S. - Canadian War when he allegedly opened fire, from his residence at Birchdale, about 25 miles east of Baudette, upon two fishermen taking sturgeon from nets on the Ontario side of the international waters of the Rainy River. Fortunately, Crumpton was a DNR forestry worker, so his aim was predictable and the war has not yet produced casualties, save for a couple of shaken fishermen and Crumpton's now having to face charges. The incident comes at a time when hostilities are mounting over fishing rights in these and other U.S.-Canadian international waters. As it turns out, the fishermen were working for the fish hatchery on the Canadian side, and were taking a large number of sturgeon, live, to be used to obtain eggs and sperm for the hatchery, and then to be released. The men fired upon, Leroy and Gordon Wilson, are contract fisherman for the hatchery operated by the First Nation Band of Ojibwe. First Nation is located on a reservation of approximately 14 sq. miles, about 5 miles east of Birchdale on the Canadian side of the Rainy River. Jim Leonard, spokesman for First Nation, said, "We've developed a hatchery; this is our fifth year of operation." He said that the fish were being taken legally; First Nation has a commercial fishing license, but voluntarily has not used it for "6 or 7 years," preferring to take fish only for hatchery breeding purposes. Said Leonard, "They were lifting their nets and, without any warning, a shot was fired hitting the water near their boat. ... A guy [on the deck of his residence, across the river] was pointing a gun at them." Leonard said that the shooter, believed to be Crumpton, went back into his residence and re-emerged, still holding the rifle and yelling obscenities. "That's when they decided they should get out of there," said Leonard. Leonard said the fish were recovered a few hours later, and, apparently weren't any worse for wear owing to the incident or delay. Meanwhile, Koochiching County Sheriff William Elliot undertook investigation of the incident; Crumpton was charged with making terroristic threats, 2nd degree assault (a felony) and reckless discharge of a firearm (a misdemeanor). Represented by Charles LeDuke III, Esq., Crumpton was arraigned May 5th, at International Falls, before Judge Peter Hemstad who released him without bail, but under condition that he turn in all of his guns and not possess firearms, and tentatively scheduled an omnibus hearing for May 26th. Crumpton, through his wife, refused comment on the incident. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources responded quickly to the incident, stating in a release that Crumpton's alleged action was without authority of DNR and that he was off-duty when it happened. Crumpton, nonetheless, has been placed on investigatory leave, and DNR announced that they will conduct a personnel investigation into the allegation "to determine if any personnel action should be taken." Marcy Dowse, DNR spokeswoman, further said, in a release, "Any hostile actions that may have occurred are not condoned by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. While there has been a recent misunderstanding between the ...[DNR] and the Rainy River First Nation concerning the management of the fishery on the Rainy River, it is hoped that ongoing discussions can serve to resolve that misunderstanding." Speaking for First Nation, Jim Leonard said that they have been in contact with DNR, and a meeting with Rod Sandau, Commissioner of DNR, is planned for May 12th in St. Paul to discuss the incident and other matters pertaining to the fisheries issue. "I have no ill feelings against Mr. Crumpton," said Leonard, "it's a symptom of a much larger problem," that being conflicts with DNR on views of fishery management. Leonard said that the disagreement started last fall when DNR took 1,000 sturgeon to restock lower Minnesota lakes. "We want to ensure that the quantity [of fish in Rainy River] is adequate to sustain itself," he said. ------------------------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism - Follow-Up For further detail in initial report, see original story in issue of 8/11/97 (Click on "The Library - Volume 2" from our home page) CASE AGAINST FORMER CASS CO. DISPATCHER DISMISSED She Didn't Cash Insurance Check - New Charges Filed WALKER -- Ninth District Judge John P. Smith, dismissed, on April 1st, 1998, the case against former Cass County Sheriff's Chief Dispatcher, Joyce Malone, formerly of Hackensack. Malone had been charged with felony insurance fraud and theft by swindle. The case was dismissed on technical grounds that, practically speaking, it had been charged under the wrong statute. But the special prosecutor has refiled the charges and Malone may still have to stand trial. Per the filed complaint, (Cass Co. # K1-97-732) the Malones had reported a theft from their boat which allegedly occurred May 16/17th, 1997. Among the items listed in the theft report, and for which claims were filed with American Family Insurance Company, were an Impulse fish locator, valued at $1,039 and a MinnKota trolling motor valued at $700. The Malones received a check from the insurance company for $574.30 But a sharp-eyed Cass County Deputy, Robert Stein, became suspicious when he observed the motor, reported stolen, being used by the Malones with their boat at the Walker landing. And based upon findings by Stein, Agent Rick P. Loewen, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) executed a search warrant at Malone's home, where he found the fish locator and trolling motor which were identified by serial numbers. Per the complaint, Malone then "admitted she did make a fraudulent insurance claim .... she said she did this because the last time she was burglarized she did not receive money to cover what was stolen." Malone subsequently resigned her position as Cass County Chief Sheriff's Dispatcher, and contacted on the matter, she refused comment. Malone was represented by Paul Kief, Esq., Bemidji; due to conflict of interest, the matter was prosecuted by Aitkin County Attorney Bradley Rhodes, Esq. Kief brought a motion to dismiss the charges, and in his ruling dismissing both counts, Judge Smith wrote, "Count 1 of the complaint charges a violation of Minnesota Statute 609.611 Subd. 1 (a) (1) which relates to the application for, rating of, or renewal of, an insurance policy. There is nothing in the facts of this case that relates to an application for an insurance policy. There has been no motion to grant an amendment to the Complaint, therefore, this count is dismissed without prejudice." [In legalese, "without prejudice" has nothing to do with race or gender. It means, effectively, that, at the prosecutor's discretion, action can be brought again, for the same cause -- Ed.] Smith continued, "Count 2 alleges theft by swindle which requires that the Defendant "obtain property or services from another person." The Court is persuaded that this offense based on these facts was not completed. There is no charge of an attempt under Minnesota Statute 609.17, therefore, Count 2 must be dismissed." It is believed that the finding of noncompletion of the offense was because Malone had not yet cashed the insurance check. As of May 13th, however, prosecutor Rhodes had refiled the charge of insurance fraud under a different statute, and also charged Malone with attempted theft by swindle. Contrary to some speculation, Cass County Sheriff Jim Dowson indicated that he has no intention offering Malone re-employment with the Sheriff's Department following the dismissal, and said he believed that she was no longer residing in Minnesota. ---------------------------------------------------- Ask The Tax Guy RECENT LAW GIVES SELF-EMPLOYEDS SIMPLE WAY TO PUT OVER $6,000/YEAR IN IRA But You Have to Act Soon, for 1998 Many taxpayers are familiar with the tax-saving and retirement benefits of an Individual Retirement Account. The traditional IRA lets them put away and deduct (limitations apply) up to $2,000 a year. Effectively, it defers tax on those earnings until retirement, when you may be in a lower tax bracket. Now, there's a new vehicle for retirement savings. It's called the Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees, or SIMPLE. And the name is more complicated than the plan. It works for self-employed people, even if they have no employees, and allows them to put up to $6,000, plus 3% of earnings, into their IRA - substantially more than the usual $2,000 - with a corresponding tax deduction. The catch is that you have to act during the taxable year to set up the plan. Although you have until the due date of your tax return to make certain contributions to the IRA, the paperwork setting up the plan has to be done by October 1, 1998. Investment brokers that can set up a SIMPLE include American Express Financial Advisors (formerly IDS) and others. The investment advisor who sets up the plan should provide information concerning plan requirements, timing of contributions, etc. --- --- --- --- Selected questions submitted to this column will be answered by our Editor, who is an Enrolled Agent (enrolled to practice before the IRS). Questions may be submitted by mailing to: Tax Guy, c/o Northern Herald, P.O. Box 1535, Bemidji, MN 56619. Tax treatment of items may vary widely, depending upon individual facts and circumstances. Information given here is of a general nature, and is not intended to be used for the preparation of any specific return. If you think the information presented applies to your tax situation, you should discuss it with your accountant or barber. ----------------------------------------------------------- FAMED 39TH SIGNAL BATTALION TO HOLD REUNION CHASE CITY, VA -- A recent release announces that the most decorated Signal Corps unit in the United States will hold its first ever reunion in Augusta, GA, October 1-3, 1998. Units participating in this reunion will be the 3907th Signal Service Battalion (WWII), HHD, 39th Signal Battalion (all dates), the 44th, 176th, 178th, 232nd, 327th, 337th, 362nd, 505th, 518th, 545th, 550th, 595th, 596th, Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, and Delta Signal Companies. Also included are all present and former Signal Corps Instructors at Fort Gordon and Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. Anyone wishing to attend the reunion of this proud organization should contact R. A. Bugg, 241 High Street, Chase City, Virginia, (804) 372-3253, e-mail buggra@kerrlake.com or view www.kerrlake.com/buggra on the World Wide Web. The release provides some history: First activated in France, January 1945, the unit was designated the 3907th Signal Service Battalion and went on to participate in two campaigns prior to the end of WWII. Following the war the unit was inactivated and once again reactivated at Camp Gordon August 6th, 1951. At this time the unit was redesignated the 39th Signal Battalion. The battalion returned to peacetime West Germany in 1952 and after five years came back to its former home at Fort Gordon in 1957. By this time the unit was known as Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 39th Signal Battalion. In November 1961 the unit was alerted for deployment to South Vietnam. At this time elements of the battalion were dispersed throughout the United States: the 178th Signal Company (Support) at Fort Sam Houston, Texas; the 232nd Signal Company (Support) at Fort Huachuca, Arizona; and the 362nd Signal Company and Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 39th Signal Battalion were located at Fort Gordon. During its Vietnam service, the battalion fulfilled the Signal Corps’ long time tradition of “first in, last out”. Arriving on March 23rd, 1962, the units were dispersed throughout the entire country. Wire Teams deployed to lay telephone/teletype cable from the DMZ to the Mekong Delta. The 178th Signal Company (Support), with its headquarters first located at Qui Nhon and then Danang, provided vital communications to all Advisory Teams in I an II Corps areas while its sister company, the 232nd, did likewise in III and IV Corps areas. The most widely dispersed unit, the 362nd Signal Company, stretched over the entire country of South Vietnam as well as parts of Thailand. This unit provided microwave radio and tropospheric long line communications throughout these areas. The battalion headquarters was first located at Tan Son Nhut (near old Saigon), then to Vung Tau, on to Long Binh, and finally during the last stages of the conflict, the unit relocated to its original location at Tan Son Nhut. In addition to vital communication the battalion provided photography services, motor and air messenger service, advisory voice radio, and classroom/field training to South Vietnamese signalmen. During the last months of the war, members of the battalion also provided communications training to military personnel from Poland, Hungary, Canada, and Indonesia, assigned to the Four-Power peacekeeping force. On March 15th, 1973 the battalion stood down and became the last Regular Army battalion to leave South Vietnam. During almost 11 years in Vietnam, the unit was decorated with all 16 campaign streamers of the Vietnam conflict and five Meritorious Unit Commend-ations. The battalion colors were cased at Tan Son Nhut and escorted to West Germany where the 447th Signal Battalion was redesignated HHD, 39th Signal Battalion. Today the unit is located in Chievres, Belgium. ------------------------------------------------------- DAVID MARTIN CASE STILL PENDING TRIAL ST. PAUL -- David Martin, the alleged adult accomplice in the 28-time shooting at Red Lake, earlier this year, remains in federal custody, with no bail set, pending trial on federal charges of attempted murder. The matter will likely be tried this summer. The shooting was actually perpetrated by a juvenile, allegedly in Martin's company. No details are available, however, on the outcome of the juvenile proceeding, which is confidential. -------------------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism - Follow-Up For further detail, see original stories in issues of 4/1 & 4/22/98 (Click on "The Library - Volume 3" from our home page) FORS APPEARS FOR OMNIBUS BEMIDJI -- The omnibus hearing in the Gregory Fors matter was advanced to May 8th, where Dr. Fors appeared, accompanied by his family, including ex-wife Carolyn, before Judge Rasmussen. Although pleas are not formally accepted until omnibus (technical legal) matters are decided, The former Bemidji chiropractor entered a tentative plea of not guilty; the case was tentatively set for the June 2nd jury call calendar if it is not dismissed on omnibus motions. Fors' attorney, Marc Kurzman, had requested a speedy trial. Fors is charged with four counts of criminal sexual conduct in four separate incidents involving Connie Johnson, Tamara Rustand, Christie Reid, and Rebecca Hoffman. The women, as well as others, had earlier filed civil lawsuits, in Hubbard County, aimed at collecting on Dr. Fors' $3 million malpractice insurance policy. Fors was criminally charged by Beltrami County Attorney Timothy Faver last fall. The complaint alleges, as concerns Johnson, that Fors induced her to have romance "by means of deception and false represent-ation," that it would cure a yeast infection; and as concerns Reid and Hoffman, alleged improper touching in the course of examination or chiropractic treatment: Hoffman complained that he touched her breast when consulted about breast cancer, and Reid objected to massaging of the buttocks as part of treatment of her lower back pain. Conviction on criminal charges could make civil (monetary) awards easier to obtain. Matters raised at omnibus included a motion by Kurzman to dismiss all counts. In court, he reiterated that police statements and depositions tended to indicate that the romance with Fors was consensual on the parts of Johnson and Rustand, and as concerns Reid and Hoffman, Kurzman argued that there was no allegation that the doctor did anything but standard chiropractic procedures. Kurzman relied on police statements by Johnson where she stated, "I was just being attracted to this man," and that she specifically denied force, threats, or references to a therapeutic purpose for having the first sexual encounter. Kurzman referred to statements and depositions wherein, per Kurzman, Johnson had said that curing her yeast infection wasn't the reason she had romance with Fors, and he told Judge Rasmussen that the State's claim that it was is "patently incredible" on it's face. The motion further referenced a journal kept by Johnson which, per the filed papers, detailed other extramarital affairs she has had. Also referenced by Kurzman's motion was Tamara Rustand's statement, which, per the filed papers, indicates that Fors "asked her if she wanted to have a sexual relationship. She then invited him to her house for sex." In other omnibus matters, Kurzman told the Court that Bemidji Attorney Susan McKay, who is representing Rustand and Peggy Vernier in civil suits against Fors, had objected to use of "frivolous" materials, including the complainants' counseling records, for privacy reasons. Kurzman had attempted to procure disclosure of those records for use in this case, and on May 8th, he told Judge Rasmussen that those subpoenaed records would be kept sealed and not placed in the public file, or used until the Court had reviewed them in camera (confidentially) to determine their admissibility as evidence. Responding, Faver said that there have been numerous subpoenas for medical and psychological records; by May 15th, Faver would respond by filing a memorandum with the Court, and Kurzman would then have until May 20th to make his response. Faver said that based upon those papers, the Court could determine, confidentially, whether or not it would review those records. Kurzman then produced a list of the subpoenaed information and asked the Court to issue an order compelling production of those items which have not been received. Faver and Kurzman agreed to submit the question of probable cause on the record, including depositions and the police reports. Faver argued, however, "I haven't really had a chance to go through the depositions [but] . . . these are all jury issues ...." Kurzman responded, "We believe it's a question of insufficient evidence [that any crime had been committed] .... In regards to the State's claim [regarding Connie Johnson], ... Mrs. Johnson has admitted that it was a consensual sexual relationship.... It didn't get viewed as anything but a consensual sexual relationship" until her husband said that it wasn't. Kurzman's motion to sever (have separate trials for) the various charges was granted in part. Judge Rasmussen ordered that the Johnson matter, at least, be severed from the other three counts. Kurzman also moved for change of venue because he thought it would be difficult to find an impartial jury in Beltrami County. Faver opposed the motion, and the Court did not rule on it at that hearing. Judge Rasmussen also ordered that Faver and Kurzman continue to disclose to the other any new evidence; that failure to do so could bar use of that evidence at trial. All other omnibus matters were taken under advisement, with decision expected sometime after May 28th. ------------------------------------------------------- Consumer Corner - Follow-Up For further detail on this matter, see the initial report, "Houston Ford Customer Blown Away by Price Shootout", NH issue of 3/11/98. (Click on "The Library - Volume 3" from our home page) HOUSTON FORD RENEGES ON OFFERED REFUND A few issues back, our Consumer Corner reported that the problems Lloyd Dahl, of Bena, was having over a car he'd bought from Houston Ford, Pine River (and for which a salesman, there, tried to charge about $3,000 over the advertised price) had a happy ending. Following contact by Dahl's attorney, and in a taped interview, Bill Krassas, Finance Manager at Houston Ford, had offered to "unwind the deal", and return Dahl's trade-in and $800 down payment. Dahl was agreeable to this, but Northern Herald has been informed that that's not what happened. When Dahl took the car back, Houston subtracted $228.80 from the $800 down payment for "mileage." Emily Dahl claimed that they now could not get a car for what Houston refunded of the down they'd saved. "They really messed me up good," she said. For His Firm's Distinctive Business Practices, Northern Herald confers upon RICHARD HOUSTON recognition as an HONORARY BEMIDJIAN and we invite HOUSTON FORD to join the Bemidji Chamber of Commerce. -------------------------------------------------- ROGNSTAD TURNS DOWN GUN PERMIT BEMIDJI -- The issue of permits to carry handguns has recently been the subject of hot debate, and there has been proposed legislation which would force sheriffs and police to issue said permits on a consistent basis when there is no objective reason for denial. Currently, permits to carry weapons are issued at the discretion of law enforcement. Policy varies from routine non-issuance in the metro area; in the Northland, it is more common for the permits to be issued on application, and many people have permits. The nonissuance of permits, without valid and objective cause was an issue in the last sheriff's election. But James Harthun, of Bemidji, said that his application, though approved for last year, was, this year, turned down by Sheriff Rognstad, apparently without good reason. Harthun, who is totally disabled Viet Nam vet, suffering from permanent knee injuries and 5 cracked vertebrae from his service, said, "I'm not a criminal, I've never been convicted of anything ... not even DWI." "If a disabled veteran doesn't have the right to protect himself and his family, then who in the country does have the right." At presstime, Rognstad has not yet returned calls as to why the permit was refused, although a worker in the Sheriff's office said that if Sheriff Rognstad turned it down, it was the "right" decision. ------------------------------------------------------ Letters to the Editor -- This Is Bemidji -- VISITOR GETS A TASTE OF BEMIDJI HOSPITALITY On a beautiful spring day last Sunday, three friends and myself were traveling back from Park Rapids MN. We had gone there for the appreciation meal hosted by a student group at the University of North Dakota's International Center. We were welcomed by the Methodist and Lutheran churches there. We were shown the best of what North Dakota/Minnesota has to offer. We were treated with kindness and graciousness. On our way back we stopped in Bemidji MN and were shown something quite different. Sunday at about 3:30 in the afternoon we stopped at [Morell's] Chippewa Trading Post in Bemidji MN [Note: This is NOT affiliated with the excellent Chippewa Trading Post at Red Lake -- Ed.] . If you've ever been there you might remember it. It is across from the Paul Bunyan / Babe the Blue Ox statues. We stopped to buy some beads for an art project that I have been working on for my daughter. Upon entering the store my friend Richard began looking at some shoes with his wife and I and my Cehiwa began looking at jewelry. Before we left I had been accused of stealing, and we had all been accused of being drunk and dirty by the owner. The disheartening thing is I don't know exactly how this happened. Among the four of us we included a social worker, a poet, a doctor and a mother who has been honored with three UND student leadership awards within the last two weeks. My friend Richard holds the traditions of his Tribe sacred, his commitment to his people demands humility and service to others as its most essential tenets. His wife has spent much of her adult life as a volunteer at The Highground, a memorial to veterans in Wisconsin. My Cehiwa has spent the better part of her life doing work in mediation and conflict resolution and has been in various campus leadership roles throughout her academic career. I have worked my way through Dartmouth College, Oklahoma City University and Stanford University. I hold a Ph.D. and am an educator. Strangely, for a time I was Executive Director of the Native American Preparatory School. We had a program in Bemidji and pumped hundreds of thousands of dollars into the local economy. As a group we fit no stereotype at all. We are diverse individuals from different states and different nations. However, we are all Native Americans. For the owner of ... [Morell's] Chippewa Trading post in Bemidji MN, everything else we were meant nothing. "You people just come in to dirty my bathroom." and "I support you people." the owner said for no reason I can figure out (he has never supported any of us and I wonder if the "you people" he kept referring to meant the Natchez of Oklahoma, the Tribes of North Dakota or just a group of Sunday travelers from Grand Forks). Then the owner became truly abusive. "I hate dealing with you drunks" (None of us drink, even socially). When I went to my car to get some money to buy something he told my friend Richard. "Your buddy just left and I don't know how many of my beads he stole." Richard told him he was mistaken. The owner once again accused us of being drunk. I came back into the store and explained that I did not have to steal. He said I must be different from the Indians who usually came into his store and reiterated that he supported them anyway. He then said that "we" created a disturbance and told his wife to call the police. We left the store and he followed us out the door screaming at us on the sidewalk. It could have been worse, my children could have been there, my grandmother could have been there, the man could have become physically violent. I don't know what this man's day or week or life have been like. Obviously they've been pretty hard. I don't think that excuses him. For me, I don't know what to do. A few years back I received the most significant honor of my life. I was chosen Meko Tvstanakke, Protector of the People by my Nation. It is my honor and my obligation to use all means at my disposal to protect our people. Unfortunately, I see few ways to protect them from this man. There are no laws against racial and spiritual abuse. We pray and we forgive and we heal. This is the way we were taught and the way we live, but that doesn't change the fact that the efforts of one man have helped make Bemidji, MN a smaller, darker place; a place where I would caution people about bringing your elders or children. William Harjo Bray Grand Forks, ND arbeka@aol.com Mr. Bray: It is understandable that you may be a little bewildered by what happened here. Let us assure you that this faux pas was most probably just a simple case of mistaken identity. Most likely, the owner of Morell's mistook your distinguished and well-credentialed group for just average Bemidjians, white or otherwise, or visitors to our area, who are, by much of the Bemidji business community, to be treated with rudeness and contempt (although if the businessman thinks they're going to buy something, he'll save the overt rudeness until after they've left and are out of earshot). And he figured that, like the average Bemidjian or visitor, you didn't have a voice. As it happened, he was wrong on both counts. His tough luck. Those who fail to respect the rights and dignity of others, no matter who they or the others may be, deserve none of it for themselves. Our best advice to travelers coming to our exquisite region this summer is to gas up at Che-Wa-Ka-E-Gon in Cass Lake, and not stop 'til they get to Solway, except maybe for a snack at one of Bemidji's few well-managed businesses like the Paul Bunyan Sub Shop, Hardee's, KFC or Country Kitchen. There are many marvelous places to stay here in the Northland. Whether scenic and picturesque Pike Bay, Cass Lake, Lake George, Hill City, Akeley, Grand Rapids, Park Rapids by Itasca, Lake Lomond at Bagley or Belle Taine at Nevis, you can save yourself a lot of headaches and avoid having your dollars fuel a town that breeds crime, uncivilized conduct and internal corruption. Why deal with proprietors who think they don't really need your business, and, except for the money their visiting customers might leave behind, couldn't care less for them, not even to the point of common civility and the degree of respect owing to any other human being. -- Ed. Morell's was given an opportunity to respond to this letter and declined to do so. ----------------------------------------------------------- MAKE TIME IF YOU HAVE NO TIME FOR YOURSELF by Robert Morton, M.Ed., Ed.S. Dear Mr. Morton: I'm a non-working housewife with three kids and a wonderful husband. However, I live for my family and never have time for myself. I feel fortunate, but also that I'm missing something in my life. Are these feelings normal? If not, what can I do? - Anonymous Dear Anonymous: They're your feelings and you own them, so, I can't say, "You shouldn't feel that way." I can tell you that you're not alone, and these feelings are prevalent. You can spend time alone for self-discovery and for sharpening your mind and soul without sacrificing your important role as a mother and wife. True, you also may be taxi cab driver, house cleaner, child rearer, overall nurturer and counselor, meal planner and food service engineer, shopper, bill payer, etc. Take time for constructive privacy, and schedule it on your calendar. Instead of watching Jerry Springer, turn of all electronic mediums, save soft piano music. Ask yourself what you really want in life, what contributions you want to make in the world, what goals you would like to achieve. Focus on what's truly significant to you. You may want to raise even healthier and happier children, to improve your physical health, to improve your relationships with friends, to watch far less TV, to count your blessings more, or to pick and do an activity you've always wanted to do but never had the time to carry out. You're not getting selfish by attempting to get to know yourself better, for your family members will benefit from the inspired, new you. Your efforts to sharpen your mental, emotional and spiritual domains should include your major roles as mother and wife. Share your personal life plan with your husband, for it may inspire him, too. Without a mission in life, he may scramble up the ladder of success only to find it's leaned against the wrong wall. Robert Morton, M.Ed., Ed.S. is a school psychologist for Fremont City Schools. His advice column is a regular feature of this newspaper. Write to him about family or educational concerns at the Child Study Center, 501 Croghan St., Fremont, Ohio 43420, or email: Rsmcoping@nwohio.com ----------------------------------------------------- Eventide - Arts & Literature ROUGHING IT by Mark Twain NH Editor's Preface: Although known primarily for his novels, some of Twain’s best work was nonfiction. In ROUGHING IT, whence this excerpt is drawn, he describes his adventures traveling, prospecting and reporting in America’s mid-nineteenth century West. Chapters of ROUGHING IT are not necessarily presented here in the order in which they occur in the bound volume; each, generally, is enjoyable on its own merits. The complete published volume is available from finer booksellers and libraries. This story takes up after Twain's prospecting days, and a brief stint as editor of the Virginia City Territorial Enterprise, when the allure of travel and opportunity has taken him to San Francisco to occupy a reporter's berth. A reporter's lot in those days wasn't so dependable though, and as his work began to falter; in Twain's words, "one of the proprietors took me aside, with a charity I still remember with considerable respect, and gave me an opportunity to resign my berth and so save myself the disgrace of a dismissal." The reader should bear in mind, as concerns monetary amounts, that this was written in the late 1800's when a coin was worth something more than now. ROUGHING IT by Mark Twain CHAPTER LIX For a time I wrote literary screeds for the Golden Era. C.H. Webb had established a very excellent literary weekly called the Californian, but high merit was no guarantee of success; it languished, and he sold out to three printers, and Bret Harte became editor at twenty dollars a week, and I was employed to contribute an article a week at twelve dollars. But the journal still languished and the printers sold out to Captain Ogden, a rich man and a pleasant gentleman who chose to amuse himself with such an expensive luxury without much caring about the cost of it. When he grew tired of the novelty, he resold to the printers, the paper presently died a peaceful death, and I was out of work again. I would not mention these things but for the fact that they so aptly illustrate the ups and downs that characterize life on the Pacific coast. A man could hardly stumble into such a variety of queer vicissitudes in any other country. For two months my sole occupation was avoiding acquaintances; for during that time I did not earn a penny, or buy an article of any kind, or pay my board. I became very adept at "slinking." I slunk from back street to back street, I slunk away from approaching faces that looked familiar, I slunk to my meals, ate them humbly a with a mute apology for every mouthful I robbed my generous landlady of, and at midnight, after wanderings that were but slinkings away from cheerfulness and light, I slunk to my bed. I felt meaner, and lowlier, and more despicable than the worms. During all this time I had but one piece of money -- a silver ten-cent piece -- and I held to it and would not spend it on any account, lest the consciousness coming strong upon me that I was entirely penniless might suggest suicide. I had pawned everything but the clothes I had on; so I clung to my dime desperately, 'til it was smooth with handling. However, I am forgetting. I did have one occupation beside that of "slinking." It was the entertaining of a collector (and being entertained by him) who had in his hands the Virginia banker's bill for the forty-six dollars which I had loaned my schoolmate, the "Prodigal." This man used to call regularly once a week and dun me, and sometimes oftener. He did it from sheer force of habit, for he knew he could get nothing. He would get out his bill, calculate the interest for me, at 5 per cent a month, and show me clearly that there was no attempt at fraud in it and no mistakes; and then plead, and argue, and dun with all his might for any sum -- any little trifle -- even a dollar -- even half a dollar, on account. Then his duty was accomplished and his conscience free. He immediately dropped the subject there always; got out a couple of cigars and divided, put his feet in the window, and then we would have a long, luxurious talk about everything and everybody, and he would furnish me a world of curious dunning adventures out of the ample store in his memory. By and by, he would clap his hat on his head, shake hands, and say briskly: "Well, business is business -- can't stay with you always!" -- and was off in a second. The idea of pining for a dun! And yet I used to long for him to come, and would get as uneasy as any mother if the day went by without his visit, when I was expecting him. But he never collected that bill at last nor any part of it. I lived to pay it to the banker myself. Misery loves company. Now and then at night, in out-of-the-way, dimly lighted places, I found myself happening on another child of misfortune. He looked so seedy and forlorn, so homeless and friendless and forsaken, that I yearned toward him as a brother. I wanted to claim kinship to him and go about and enjoy our wretchedness together. The drawing toward each other must have been mutual; at any rate we got to falling together oftener, though still seemingly by accident; and although we did not speak or evince any recognition, I think the dull anxiety passed out of both of us when we saw each other, and then for several hours we would idle along contentedly, wide apart, and glancing furtively in at home lights and fireside gatherings, out of the night shadows, and very much enjoying our dumb companionship. Finally we spoke, and were inseparable after that. For our woes were identical, almost. He had been a reporter too, and lost his berth, and this was his experience, as nearly as I can recollect it. After losing his berth, he had gone down, down, down, with never a halt: from a boardinghouse on Russian Hill to a boardinghouse in Kearney Street; from thence to Dupont; from thence to a low sailor den; and from thence to lodging in goods boxes and empty hogsheads near the wharves. Then, for a while, he had gained a living by sewing up bursted sacks of grain on the piers; when that failed he had found food here and there as chance threw it in his way. He had ceased to show his face in daylight, now, for a reporter knows everybody, rich and poor, high and low, and cannot well avoid familiar faces in the broad light of day. This mendicant Blucher -- I call him that for convenience -- was a splendid creature. He was full of hope, pluck and philosophy; he was well read and a man of cultivated taste; he had a bright wit and was a master of satire; his kindliness and generous spirit made him royal in my eyes and changed his curbside seat to a throne and his damaged hat to a crown. He had an adventure once, which sticks fast in my memory as the most pleasantly grotesque that ever touched my sympathies. He had been without a penny for two months. He had shirked about obscure streets, among friendly dim lights, 'til the thing had become second nature to him. But at last he was driven abroad in daylight. The cause was sufficient; he had not tasted food in forty-eight hours, and he could not endure the misery of hunger in idle hiding. He came along a back street, glowering at the loaves in bake-shop windows, and feeling that he could trade his life away for a morsel to eat. The sight of the bread doubled his hunger; but it was good to look at it anyhow, and imagine what one might do if one only had it. Presently, in the middle of the street he saw a shining spot -- looked again -- did not, and could not, believe his eyes -- turned away, to try them, then looked again. It was a verity -- no vain, hunger-inspired delusion -- it was a silver dime! He snatched it -- gloated over it; doubted it -- bit it -- found it genuine -- choked his heart down, and smothered a hallelujah. Then he looked around -- saw that nobody was looking at him -- threw the dime down where it was before -- walked away a few steps, and approached again, pretending he did not know it was there, so that he could re-enjoy the luxury of finding it. He walked around it, viewing it from different points; then sauntered about with his hands in his pockets, looking up at the signs and now and then glancing at it and feeling the old thrill again. Finally, he took it up, and went away, fondling it in his pocket. He idled through unfrequented streets, stopping in doorways and corners to take it out and look at it. By and by he went home to his lodgings -- an empty queensware hogshead -- and employed himself 'til night trying to make up his mind what to buy with it. But it was hard to do. To get the most for it was the idea. He knew that at the Miner's Restaurant he could get a plate of beans and a piece of bread for ten cents; or a fish ball and some few trifles, but they gave "no bread with one fish ball" there. At French Pete's he could get a veal cutlet, plain, and some radishes and bread, for ten cents; or a cup of coffee -- a pint at least -- and a slice of bread; but the slice was not thick enough by the eighth of an inch, and sometimes they were still more criminal than that in the cutting of it. At seven o'clock his hunger was wolfish; and still his mind was not made up. He turned out and went up Merchant Street, still ciphering; and chewing a bit of stick, as is the way of starving men. He passed before the lights of Martin's Restaurant, the most aristocratic in the city, and stopped. It was a place where he had often dined, in better days, and Martin knew him well. Standing aside, just out of the range of the light, he worshiped the quails and steaks in the show window, and imagined that the fairy times were not gone yet and some prince in disguise would come along presently and tell him to go in there and take whatever he wanted. He chewed his stick with a hungry interest as he warmed to his subject. Just at this juncture he was conscious of someone at his side, sure enough; and then a finger touched his arm. He looked up, over his shoulder, and saw an apparition -- a very allegory of Hunger! It was a man six feet high, gaunt, unshaven, hung with rags; with a haggard face and sunken cheeks, and eyes that pleaded piteously. This phantom said: "Come with me -- please." He locked his arm in Blucher's and walked up the street to where the passengers were few and the light not strong, and then facing about, put out his hands in a beseeching way, and said: "Friend -- stranger -- look at me! Life is easy for you -- you go about, placid and content, as I did once, in my day -- you have been in there, and eaten your sumptuous supper, and picked your teeth, and hummed your tune, and thought your pleasant thoughts, and said to yourself it is a good world -- but you've never suffered! You don't know what trouble is -- you don't know what misery is -- nor hunger! Look at me! Stranger, have pity on a poor friendless, homeless dog! As God is my judge, I have not tasted food for eight and forty hours! -- look in my eyes and see if I lie! Give me the least trifle in the world to keep me from starving -- anything -- twenty-five cents! Do it, stranger -- do it, please. It will be nothing to you, but life to me. Do it, and I will go down on my knees and lick the dust before you! I will kiss your footprints -- I will worship the very ground you walk on! Only twenty-five cents! I am famishing, perishing, starving by inches! For God's sake don't desert me!" Blucher was bewildered -- and touched, too -- stirred to the depths. He reflected. Thought again. Then an idea struck him, and he said: "Come with me." He took the outcast's arm, walked him down to Martin's Restaurant, seated him at a marble table, placed the bill of fare before him, and said: "Order what you want, friend. Charge it to me, Mr. Martin." "All right, Mr. Blucher," said Martin. Then Blucher stepped back and leaned against the counter and watched the man stow away cargo after cargo of buckwheat cakes at seventy-five cents a plate; cup after cup of coffee, and porterhouse steaks worth two dollars apiece; and when six dollars and a half's worth of destruction had been accomplished, and the stranger's hunger appeased, Blucher went down to French Pete's, bought a veal cutlet plain, a slice of bread and three radishes, with his dime, and set to and feasted like a king! Take the episode all around, it was as odd as any that can be culled from the myriad curiosities of Californian life, perhaps. ---------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------ ISSUE OF 04/22/98 - VOLUME 3 NO. 10 ------------------------------------ Leading Edge Journalism - Follow-Up FORS' ATTORNEY CHARGES DESTRUCTION OF EVIDENCE Parties Ordered to Disclose; Omnibus Continued to May 13 BEMIDJI --Marc Kurzman, attorney for former Bemidji chiropractor, Dr. Gregory Fors, charged, at an omnibus hearing held April 8th before Judge Rasmussen, that the State had failed to produce evidence per disclosure procedures, and that one of the complaining witnesses, Tamara Rustand, had destroyed her diary which may have shown that any romantic activity with Dr. Fors was consensual on her part. Kurzman asked the Court for an order that no further potential evidence be destroyed. Fors has been charged, by Tim Faver, Beltrami County Attorney, with four counts of criminal sexual conduct in conjunction with these, and two other alleged matters. Kurzman said that the diary had been destroyed by Rustand after she spoke with another complaining witness, Connie Johnson, about the use of a "journal" Johnson had kept. Papers filed by Kurzman* state that Johnson's journal contains details of other adulterous affairs she had during both of her marriages, exculpatory evidence regarding advice she had been given by Fors, and that she voluntarily began the sordid and adulterous romantic involvement with Dr. Fors "because she had become attracted to him." Similarly, per Kurzman's moving papers, a tape recorded police statement from Tamara Rustand disclosed that Rustand felt flattered by Fors' initial attentions, and "... he asked her if she wanted a sexual relationship. She then invited him to her house for sex." Subsequently, Johnson, Rustand, and others filed a malpractice suit, brought by Bemidji attorney Darrell Carter, which seeks to collect against Fors' $3 million malpractice policy for the romantic involvement. A criminal conviction of the doctor, whose Bemidji practice has been terminated due to the alleged incidents, could assist in the collection of these monetary damages. Kurzman argued, April 8th, that pertinent evidence possibly tending to show his client's innocence of criminal acts was being withheld. He said that, on April 7th, Rustand had given a deposition in the civil suit, filed in Park Rapids, and that, per an order of Hubbard County Judge Mondry, Kurzman was prohibited from even being in the same building where the deposition was taken. He in now challenging Mondry's order before the Court of Appeals. Kurzman told Judge Rasmussen that now that the "victims" had filed their charges and claims, they were doing all that could be done to keep the evidence and full facts from coming out. Earlier, in the civil case, Carter had also brought a motion, on behalf of the women, which would have prevented them from being subject to discovery, a routine legal procedure that allows pre-trial questioning, and assists in bringing facts out in a civil case. County Attorney Tim Faver responded to a motion by Kurzman for production of evidence by the County Attorney by saying, "They're [the defense] asking for everything and giving nothing." Whereupon Kurzman responded, "I don't understand Mr. Faver's statement - we are turning it [the evidence] over as soon as we get it." The Court continued (postponed) the hearing to May 13th at 2 p.m., and ordered that, in the interim, 1) the prosecution and defense disclose to each other, within one week, any and all information and evidence they may possess; 2) that Faver respond, in writing and within two weeks, to Kurzman's Motions for Disclosure, Production and Suppression of Evidence (includes a motion to suppress evidence seized in an allegedly unlawful search of Fors' home, office and car); and 3) that Fors' former attorney, George Duranske III, of Bemidji, turn over to Mr. Kurzman the contents of Fors' legal file. *Note: For greater detail of the motions brought, facts alleged, and of the charges against Fors, see the 4/1/98 issue of Northern Herald, below, on this "Library" page. ---------------------------------------------------------------- SMALL TECH FIRM MAY OFFER PROMISE OF CANCER VACCINE By Thom Calandra, CBS MarketWatch PORTLAND, Ore. (CBS.MW) -- A tiny Oregon biotechnology company hopes a cancer vaccine will triple its stock market value this year. And boy, can CEO and President Denis Burger tell a story. "We are today a well-kept secret," Burger told CBS MarketWatch. Burger, an immunologist and a founder of 12-year-old Epitope, is telling investors that prospects for its peptide vaccine, which has completed Phase II clinical trials for colorectal and pancreatic cancers, should be enough to value AVI BioPharma at three times its current market cap of $77 million. The vaccine is designed to produce antibodies against a pregnancy hormone known as hCG. The hormone is present in cancers, acting as a growth factor for rapid cell division. "The hormone is like a do-not-disturb sign that fakes out the immune system, much like it does in pregnancies," said Burger. "Why does the fetus that is formed stay in place? The hormone blocks the immune system." Burger is hoping that a small Oregon investment firm, Paulson Investment Co., can help sell its story to new investors. AVI BioPharma expects to close on its purchase of Seattle’s ImmunoTherapy Corp. in June. That's the company that is developing the therapeutic cancer vaccine. Slow but grudging approval. Therapeutic cancer vaccines are winning slow but grudging approval from doctors and the Food & Drug Administration, according to Frost & Sullivan, a California medical research firm. Certainly, there are hurdles for the company, Burger and his backers say. One is the production of the vaccine itself. The California laboratory that produces it won’t be able to develop enough for Phase III trials that involve at least 200 patients for three to six months. Plus: Like many new biomedical companies, AVI BioPharma is losing money hand over fist. The company lost $3.6 million, or 36 cents a share, in 1997. READY TO GO. Burger says therapeutic cancer vaccines could immunize current cancer victims from further attack. Four types of cancer, colorectal, lung, breast and prostate, account for 55 percent of all U.S. cancers that are reported to physicians. "Very few people know that this vaccine is ready to go into Phase III trials," said Burger. The company expects FDA clearance for these human trials for pancreatic cancer sometime this year. The company also would like to try for colorectal cancer licensing for its vaccine, which is called CTP-37. "That's a much bigger market than the $1 billion market for pancreatic cancer," Burger says. The company's credentials include several well-known biotechnology  pioneers. Joseph Rubinfeld, an oncologist and co-founder of giant Amgen, has been on AVI BioPharma's board since 1996. Note: Mr. Callandra's column is found at http://cbs.marketwatch.com ---------------------------------------------------------------- NOTE RE: VENDOR PRICING Northern Herald will be introducing curbside vendors of the paper in the Bemidji area (we'd rather employ people than machines). The price of the paper, from these vendors will be 50 cents. This is necessary in order for the vendors to receive a reasonable amount for their services. This affects only street-vended copies that you may buy, at curbside, directly from the vendor. The price of Northern Herald at stores and coin racks will remain 25 cents, and we will continue to provide a limited number of complimentary and "house" copies at selected restaurants and other establishments. ---------------------------------------------------------- Follow-Up KRAKER DENIES LORY MOTION BEMIDJI -- Richard Lory's motion for post-conviction relief was denied by Judge Kraker in a decision rendered March 23rd in the Ninth District sitting in Beltrami County. Lory, who is now serving a 12 1/2 year sentence at Stillwater for the shooting death of a juvenile who raped his daughter, brought the motion, through his attorney, Robert D. Miller, Minneapolis, for a new trial because the prosecution failed to disclose that a prime State's rebuttal witness, at trial, former Sheriff's Investigator Ron Peterson, was under suspension and was, himself, under investigation for discreditable acts at the time of the trial. Had the jury known that, the defense argued, they might have weighted his testimony differently. Kraker's denial of the motion was based upon the premise that knowledge of this information, by the jury, probably would not have resulted in a different verdict. In his ruling, Kraker acknowledged that, "It is likely that information concerning Peterson's suspension would have assisted the defense. However, the burden placed on a defendant seeking post-conviction relief is far greater." Judge Kraker wrote, "In the instant matter, Defendant has failed to show that if Peterson's suspension had been disclosed, there is a reasonable probability that the outcome of the proceeding would have been different. ...While the State's failure to disclose Peterson's suspension maybe regrettable, it has not undermined this Court's confidence in the outcome of the Defendant's last trial." ------------------------------------------------------- Bemidji Crime CITIZEN'S PATROL NABS BAR EXITER, DRIVER, WITH .19 ALCOHOL Hard Times Saloon Not Charged BEMIDJI -- Per the filed complaint in Beltrami Case No. K2-98-176, at 10:35 p.m., February 6, 1998, Citizens' Patrol member Bruce Smith "observed an extremely intoxicated man leave the Hard Times Saloon and stagger" to a white pickup bearing Minnesota license no. 598-GUD. Smith called the dispatcher, per standard Citizens' Patrol procedure, and Detective Mark Nelson intercepted the driver, Melvin Allen Himmelright, 48, of Guthrie, who then tested .19 blood alcohol on the field sobriety test (.10 is legally intoxicated). Himmelright refused to test further after arrest, and was charged with Gross Misdemeanor Driving While Intoxicated (within 5 years of prior) and Gross Misdemeanor failure to test. Each count carries a maximum sentence of 1 year and/or $3,000 fine. Himmelright was freed on $1,000 bail and, through his attorney, George Duranske III, pled not guilty before the Honorable Judge Benshoof March 9th. The prosecutor was Alan Felix, Bemidji City Attorney. But on April 1st, when reappearing for trial, Himmelright agreed to plead guilty to the first count (DWI) and Felix agreed to dismiss the second count at sentencing, set for May 11, following pre-sentence investigation. Two letters have been submitted to the Court file: One from Lynn R Kistler, of Upper Mississippi Mental Health Center, and one from Craig Haggerty, M.D. of MeritCare Clinic, Bemidji. Kistler stated that the Defendant suffers from "panic attacks" and recommended against jail confinement. The letter indicates that Himmelright has become involved in an outpatient chemical dependency (e.g. alcohol) treatment program. Similarly, Haggerty said that Himmelright has a problem with chronic anxiety and depression and recommended against incarceration. Another Citizens' Patrol member has indicated that, since the arrest and because of same, certain Bemidjians have expressed opposition to the Patrol. We are aware of no action taken against, or investigation of Hard Times Saloon, or the bartender who served Himmelright, for having served alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Bemidji Crime BEMIDJI CONVENIENCE STORE ROBBED BEMIDJI --Police are seeking a 5' 8" - 6' man, described as being in his 40's or 50's, dark-skinned, average build, with long greasy hair that hangs a few inches below his shoulders, a large nose and with scars or "big holes in his face", in connection with a gunpoint robbery of the Orton's Gas and Convenience Store at about 11:30 p.m. on April 8th The robbery is being investigated by Detective Mark Nelson, Bemidji Police Dept. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Leech Lake Primary Results JOHNSTON, REESE GO TO JUNE 9TH BALLOT Dist. 1: It's Michaud, White; Chase, Losh win in Dist. 2 CASS LAKE -- Walter Reese and Linda Johnson were the clear winners in the at-large race for the Leech Lake RBC Secretary-Treasurer's seat, and as the two top vote getters, with 588 and 745, respectively, will go to the General Election Ballot June 9th. The total vote for that race was 1,561. Similarly, Peter White and Charlie Michaud captured the top two spots in District I, with 125 and 112, respectively, out of a vote total of 519. Lyman Losh and Nadine Chase will runoff in District II, their primary vote was 71 and 63, respectively, of 268 votes cast. In District I, Michaud's victory was largely due to his absentee vote (74) which was over twice his on-reservation total of 35. He gained 3 votes form Minneapolis. Johnny Fairbanks was the reservation favorite, with 25.16% of it's vote, but in the totals, came in a close third (no cigar). With an evenly distributed vote, White was the clear leader in the final totals, and was a close second counting the reservation vote alone. Absentee voting may also be a significant factor in deciding the Secretary-Treasurer's General Election race. In primary balloting, Johnston and Reese were very close (44.63% and 40.16%, respectively) in the combined reservation and Minneapolis vote. The big difference came in absentee balloting, where Johnston polled 176 to Reese's 76. By district, Johnston got 125, 82 and 274 votes in Districts I, II, and III, respectively, 88 from Minneapolis and 176 absentee; Reese polled 114, 94 and 223 in the same respective districts, with 81 votes from Minneapolis and 76 absentee. Differences in voter preference on and off the reservation were less of a factor in the District II race, with percentages not markedly different. -------------------------------------------------------------- Note: Due to different tab stops, this table may be distorted by some browsers. If all of the columns do not align, the data should not be relied upon. LEECH LAKE PRIMARY RESULTS VOTES OFF RES- ON RESER- ERVATION % of On- VATION VOTES* TOTAL % Res. vote SEC.-TREASURER Linda Johnston(Inc) 481 264 754 48 44 Walter Reese 431 157 588 38 40 Kevin Fairbanks 92 36 128 8 8 Daniel Brown 81 19 100 6 7 TOTALS 1085 476 1561 100 99** DIST. I COMMITTEEMAN Peter White 75 50 125 24 24 Charlie Michaud 35 77 112 22 11 Johnny Fairbanks 79 23 102 20 25 Mary Bebeau 29 22 51 10 9 Steven Jackson 43 6 49 9 14 Myron Fairbanks 32 15 47 9 10 Calvin Goggleye 13 8 21 4 4 Jim Humphrey 8 5 13 3 3 TOTALS 314 205 519 101 100 DIST. II COMMITTEEMAN Lyman Losh 57 14 71 26 30 Nadine Chase 40 23 63 24 21 Marlene Mitchell 37 21 58 22 20 Jack Seelye (Inc.) 26 14 40 15 14 Hilda Beaulieu 23 7 30 11 12 Tom Jones 4 2 6 2 2 TOTALS 187 81 268 100 99 * Includes Minneapolis and absentee vote ** Vote percentages shown may not total 100% due to rounding of fractional pcts. ----------------------------------------------------------------- BEMIDJI COMMUNITY THEATRE PERFORMS IN LOVE, SEX, AND THE I.R.S. BEMIDJI --Audiences went wild with laughter as The Bemidji Community Theatre players produced, as a dinner theatre, William Van Zandt and Jane Milmore's Love, Sex and the I. R.S. at the Northern Inn, Bemidji. Appropriately enough, the play opened April 15th, and continued four nights. The witty, well-acted play was based on a common predicament: A guy (Leslie) has his roommate (Jon) do his taxes. In the going, Jon discovers that they could both save some money if each was married, so he files their returns that way, as married . . . to each other. No problem until the auditor comes to call, at their home, with Jon's fiancee there and Leslie's girlfriend on the way. Of course, Leslie is pressed into playing, for the auditor, the part of Jon's wife. The plot follows, with many amusing twists and switchbacks in a Seinfeldesque style where the only law that seems to apply is Murphy's. The theme was lively, the acting zany and the piece was well-directed. In the overall, delightfully entertaining. This was the first of two plays Bemidji Community Theatre will produce this year, the other will be performed in the fall. Dick Lueben, BCT Technical Services manager, was pleased with the manner in which the play was received on their new stage at the Northern, and pointed out that it took certain additional preparation not required in a facility that's built as a theatre. This BCT production was directed by Dwight Lewis. -------------------------------------------------- EDITORIALS - OPINION Making Lemonade SHOULD THE PRESIDENT BE OUR NATIONAL STUD? With supermarket check-out newspapers carrying stories of yet another of the Chief Executive's flames, we wonder if it's time that, rather than waste time criticizing, we simply redefined the U.S. Presidency. In this, we note that the occasion is not just brought about by the Clinton administration, it's been going on for years, from Kennedy, ranging back to (per some historians) Washington. Maybe it's just time we recognized this presidential function and escalated it to it's proper stature - one that, as Americans, we can be proud of - the same as we do with movie and sports celebrities, and as has been done with multi-wived middle-eastern leaders for years. Perhaps the Presidency should be a symbol, a figurehead, if you will, of our national virility. Presented with the concept, a female reader said, "Well, maybe, but CLINTON?" Good point. The new definition may make folks like Schwarzenegger contenders in 2000 (word has it that Arnold, himself, is too devoted to his wife to actually be a serious candidate, though). Should The American Presidency carry, along with it's other duties, that of providing a global figurehead of American romantic prowessand manhood, in other words, a National Stud? Clinton's recent problems arise because we recognize nonmarital, particularly adulterous, breeding as immoral, sordid and filthy. But it's not illegal (laws which still exist, in some states, against nonmarital breeding are, as a matter of practicality, unenforceable - in Bemidji, for example, you couldn't build jails fast enough). One side of the coin is that this makes sense. Laws should not be made against things that naturally occur. Doing this is futile, it invites selective prosecution and because the law won't be obeyed, the visible disobedience invites an attitude of disrespect for the laws, generally, including those which can and should be enforced. Another side of the coin comes into view considering the time when such laws were enforced, universally (the old Minnesota law, for example, made both parties equally culpable). Some breeding did actually occur back then; but the law had the positive effect, that, as since many people don't like to hear about it, this kept it away from public view. You didn't kiss and tell. It kept it private and discreet as, if it's going to happen at all, it should be. The activity may have been illegal, but the police couldn't come into your bedroom and watch. A prosecution could be started if one of the illegitimate parties admitted the circumstance, but then, they'd go to the stocks too. This had the practical effect of preventing the pot from calling the hashish black, as the saying goes, and creating a public spectacle in the process. So there's some merit to this approach too, but only if enforcement is consistent. Laws have changed, though. We recognize the Presidency as the seat of administrative leadership; perhaps, here in the '90's, the solution to our consternation is to recognize it as a focal point of romantic leadership as well. Then, instead of meeting the morning news with raised eyebrows, we'll cheer on each of Clinton's new liaisons as they come to light. Glory to America! -------------------------------------------------------- Finally . . . a respectable night club near Bemidji. Apart from the downtown Bemidji dives, and the shady places in the "county", the classy Star of the North Dance Hall opened it's doors this month and welcomed over 700 guests at it's Grand Opening weekend. The plush dance hall, located just south of The Palace, at Cass Lake, and still undergoing some finishing touches, features top country music, and boasts a rustic knotty wood bar (shown below), generous-sized dance floor, a loft, corner balcony tables, and rich appointments throughout. Above, the Last Call band entertains before the big floor, to a packed crowd at the Star of the North. ------------------------------------------------ Letters to the Editor SHOULD GAYS HAVE RIGHTS THAT OTHER PEOPLE IN ILLICIT RELATIONSHIPS DON'T? I am writing to you because I feel there is a gross case of discrimination in my workplace, Freddie Mac, and there is a bill in the Senate to condone this activity. I hope you can help shed some light on this issue. I recently was faced with my partner, a women, of 10 years losing her employment in which she also lost her benefits. I inquired about benefits for my partner and was informed that the benefit was for same-sex partners only. My Human Resources Dept., at Freddie Mac, stated to me that since I am with someone of opposite sex I should get married. I believe this was a very personal comment that should not have been made but I will not dwell on that. I stated that same-sex partners can get married too and the reply back to me was something like - Well, that is illegal. I am very confused as to how this type of discrimination can possibly be allowed. I feel I am being discriminated against since I am a heterosexual. I have written to my Congressmen and State Senators with no response. The bill, S-1636, was introduced to the Senate on February 12, 1998. I find it amazing in this day and age that this and any type of discrimination is allowed in any workplace. Can you help expose this poor judgment and discrimination in the workplace? Thank you, Greg Mattes Germantown, Maryland Editor's Note: This bill, entitled the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act of 1998, was introduced by Minnesota's Senator Wellstone, with no co-sponsors, on February 12th, 1998 and is now pending before the Senate Finance Committee. As the letter writer indicates, it applies only to same sex partners, and is intended to give them, in federal employment, some of the same rights as spouses.. Interesting idea, but we'd add a rider making it applicable only where one of the partners had borne, or could bear, a child of whom the other partner is also a natural parent, as is the case with ordinary spouses. -- Ed. -------------------------------------------------- Letters to the Editor A CENTRALIA, WASHINGTON STUDENT WRITES I am working [in a school project] on your state, Minnesota. I am a 4th grader at Centralia Christian School and would like to have your state represented well when giving my report. I would appreciate any information you may have to share with me and my class. Please put this letter in your local newspaper. Sincerely, Chris Stone Centralia, Washington WE REPLY: Done and done! Gosh, where should we start? Firstly, we're not really a "local" paper, as the city newspapers of, say, Bemidji, Park Rapids and Grand Rapids are; we are a regional newspaper, encompassing a far greater area. Hence, we'll address your question from a regional standpoint and perspective encompassing much of North Central Minnesota. We live in a wonderful place abounding with opportunity and flowing with nature's beauty and bounty. It is a recreational paradise. There are grouse, pheasant, and deer so thick they are a major obstacle as you drive on our highways. Vast wetlands (Koochiching County is 96% wetland) produce ducks and other waterfowl. The land is bounded by majestic pine, aspen, birch and hardwood forests, and, of course, the sky-blue waters of our many lakes. Some say that a very large guy named Paul Bunyan once walked this state with his Blue Fox, (Note 1) "Babe", and the lakes were formed where she put down her paws in the wetland mud. As the legend goes (and we've updated it some), when Paul was finished walking the state, he had sore feet. That's when he invented the foot remedy that still bears his name. Even today, the Bunyan pad brings relief to many. Legend aside, let it suffice to say that if a person's time came, while he was living in the Minnesota Northland, he'd never know he was dead. That's because this is already the closest thing to heaven that there is. He'd think he was still just walking around town, 'til he noticed the townspeople around him were folks he hadn't seen for a while. People have varied reasons for moving here. One is the obvious quality of life; another is the pioneering spirit and self-sufficiency that comes with being apart from an urban infrastructure and the problems it brings. Although wages are, comparatively, low here, so is the cost of living. As an example, though heating oil costs the same as most anywhere else, many people heat with wood; this is a vast timberland and you can get stovewood here for $8 a pickup load, or less. A person with a little of the pioneering spirit can live well and reasonably; and this, combined with natural beauty of the region make it an ideal place for retired persons, not dependent on the wage base, who make up a significant part of our population. It is also an agricultural area, which contributes to an abundance of commodities and lower grocery costs, particularly for those who are fortunate enough to be married to women skilled in the domestic arts, and who know how to use, for instance, locally produced flour instead of preprocessed mix. Many of these fine products are produced by family farmers, and these devoted agricultural producers take a beating at the market and a loss most every year on the farm. They use these losses to, for tax purposes, offset the income they make from the regular jobs they often must have in addition to farming. Your Editor, by the way, is also a tax accountant, so has a bird's-eye view as to the profitability of farming. Author Howard Mohr, in his book, How To Speak Minnesotan, explains that we have no objection to people coming up here and trying to live off the land; we've been trying to do it ourselves for years. The land abounds with skilled and talented people who perform their many trades and crafts. As with anywhere, there are also the inept, a few morons, and those who lean toward criminality. These are sometimes the produce of the most well established families in the area. We also find something for these people to do, often by electing or appointing them to our public offices. Another significant sector of our population is made up of people, primarily single women with children, who have been drawn here by the combination of high Minnesota welfare benefits, coupled with the low cost of living. The area has been kind of a magnet for these people who could live fairly well on what the government has provided, often more than the area wage. This has contributed to a notably liberal area political perspective, as well as, in Beltrami County, the principal city of which is Bemidji, a 46.6% illegitimate birth rate and a 24% AFDC rate (Note 2). Hopefully, welfare reform will fix this. An interesting quirk in our voting system comes to light if one considers what would happen to the average working person, his rights, and his taxes, if governmental dependence became so desirable that, in an area, over 50% of the people came to be on it. As you can see from any map, two of the major cities in North Central Minnesota are Bemidji and Grand Rapids. The population of Bemidji proper is about 11,000, but additionally, a large number of people live nearby, outside the city limits, to avoid the nuisance that a corrupt (our opinion) Bemidji city government presents. A lot of people who move here build homes "in the county" in Northern Township, just outside the Bemidji City Limits. Grand Rapids is a very attractive small city of about 8,000, set on in the Iron Range. It's kind of a cultural center, with it's Reif Center for the Performing Arts, art galleries, and historical sites, including Judy Garland's birthplace. (Also, Bob Dylan is from nearby Hibbing.) Grand Rapids owes it's success, in large part, to the industry and benevolence of one man, Charles Blandin, who founded the paper company there which bears his name and now is a major employer in the community; he also founded the Blandin Foundation which finances many of the civic and arts improvements. Were it not for Blandin, Grand Rapids, which enjoys a thriving economy, might well have become just another Iron Range town whose prosperity rose and fell, on sort of a roller coaster, based upon the price and demand for ore. In this way, the City of Grand Rapids is sort of a tribute to the benefits of private industry and innovation. The City of Bemidji, itself, stands out due to it's high per capita crime rate, and, as one learns, it's perspective on crime and law enforcement. It's been called, by some, the Crime Capitol of Minnesota, and in our opinion, it's a good example of the kind of corruption that should be avoided by any community, and of what can happen when community members decide their elected and administrative officials not on the basis of who is most skilled in the arts of government and law enforcement, but on the basis of friendships, misinformation and simple seniority and familiarity. In the 1980's, Tom Keyes was elected to the county's top and most powerful law enforcement position; that of County Attorney. This is the person who, through something called prosecutorial discretion, ultimately decides which laws will be enforced by police, and which won't. He decides who to, and not to, prosecute. In 1989, Tom Keyes, our County Attorney, died of an overdose of cocaine. His law partner, Tim Faver, then became County Attorney and remains so today having been unopposed for reelection. He comes up again for reelection this year. In 1995, our police chief, Robert Tell, was accused of unlawfully taking money from the city. At trial, he admitted receiving, on the basis of incorrect travel vouchers that he had signed and filed, the money to which he was not entitled, and investigation tapes played to the jury indicate that he may have tried to mislead the investigators during questioning. Nonetheless, the jury bought his story that it was just a mistake and acquitted him. Phil Shealy, Bemidji City Manager, effectively, returned him to his office as police chief where he presently remains. To see the effects, one only needs to look at any of Bemidji's parking lots at the myriads of cars missing hood ornaments. Stealing hood ornaments was, at one time, a fad among Bemidji's youth and there was little done, officially, to deter it. This is the product of a prevalent attitude and philosophy, taught to children, that theft is just OK if for recreation or where the end is thought to justify the means. If you get caught, it can just be called a mistake. Bemidji State University (BSU) has about 5,000 students on it's picturesque campus. The school has some very learned and worldly instructors, as well as some for whom such adjectives would be inappropriate. The problem of Bemidji crime extends to the campus, where, last January, signs had to be posted warning law-abiding students of frequent thefts from student lockers and advising care about what was left in them. This type of criminal mentality is epidemic in the Bemidji area, but, as we shall see, does not extend to many of the other nearby communities and many of them are very fine places to live and do business. For some reason, the scope of the crime problem is limited and, fortunately, contained. The stats defy many stereotypes about who commits crime. Our data, which comes largely from recording thefts at honor coin racks, shows about a 60% theft rate within Bemidji - over half. In nearby Cass Lake, which is predominantly Native American, the theft rate was negligible. Likewise, in Bagley, where income levels are generally lower than Bemidji, theft from these unattended honor racks was far less. Lake George is a very attractive and morally strong community about sixteen miles to the southwest of Bemidji. There, theft was almost nonexistent. We want to point out that there are also many upstanding, hard-working, law-abiding citizens in Bemidji. People who are great to know and great to deal with. Unfortunately, per our data, they are in the minority in this community, so when we speak of the "average" Bemidjian, we're referring to the approximately 60% that our rough statistics indicate are prone to theft, other criminal activity, or the assistance of same, when they believe they can get away with it. We've suggested a few possible causes, but one thing is certain: everyone here pays for Bemidji crime. Whether it's the visitor who has to have his car repaired after vandalism, the taxpayer who gets fleeced in little-known county action, or the shopper who pays a higher price due to shoplifting. Sometimes the cost isn't only monetary, it's by way of less convenience. For example, a Bemidji gas & convenience store that was open all night now closes at midnight due to a recent armed robbery; bad checks have forced one major Bemidji grocer to recently stop cashing checks for more than $1 over the purchase amount. Although there are many attractive alternatives nearby in places like Walker, Akeley and Nevis (which, incidentally, has one of the best schools in the area), Bemidji is no longer the personable community people sometimes envision when they think of our exquisite region. Sometimes the questionable action takes more subtle forms in area business practices. Bemidji depends, to a large degree, upon tourism to bring money into the community. As they drive into town, the tourists may see billboards for Bemidji Woolen Mills, one of our oldest and most established businesses, run by Bill Batchelder. Advertising for the "mill" sometimes carries a picture of a lamb and the visitor might want to stop and take back a genuine, made-on-premises wool shirt, like he'd find at Pendleton and other woolen mills. As one enters the showroom, he's greeted by the words, "FACTORY STORE". But in interview about a year ago, Bob Batchelder, also a Bemidji Woolen Mills employee, disclosed that although some sewing of their jackets is done on the premises, and they make some quilt batting from raw wool, Bemidji Woolen Mills buys their wool clothing fabric, already processed, on the bolt. The ready-made bolts of fabric can be seen in their sewing room. "We don't weave any fabric," said Batchelder, and he confirmed that the wool shirts and many other products in their "factory store", including some synthetics, aren't made there at all, they're bought elsewhere and some of them are "private labeled" - that is, although produced elsewhere, they have a Bemidji Woolen Mills label sewn in. Confronted on this point, Batchelder said, "This is a retail store". Bill Batchelder is a long-standing member of Bemidji's Republican party, and this year is supporting (campaign manager of) a candidate for legislature, Doug Fuller, a Bemidji bartender. A crime problem such as we see in Bemidji is essentially moral and political. There is strong resistance to political change. Apathy is often blamed, but, in reality, deception of those who would get involved in lawful political action, is a standard tool. A good recent example is the Reform Party caucus in Bemidji. Minnesota is among a handful of states that still use caucuses - small meetings where people can get together at the grassroots level and discuss what they'd like to see done in the way of politics, legislation and candidates. Each party, the Democrats (DFL, here), Republicans and Reform, has their own caucus. The Reform Party caucus was scheduled and held in Bemidji on March 3rd, along with the other caucuses. It was listed with county auditors and advertised in this paper and in The Pioneer, Bemidji's local newspaper. But on the morning of the day that the caucus was to be held, The Pioneer printed, on their front page, an article which said that they were aware of no Reform Party caucus in the Bemidji area, thus discouraging those who might have wanted to attend and negating the effect of the paid advertising there - it's like if you advertised a Saturday garage sale on page 5, and the paper printed that there are no garage sales this weekend on page 1. In retrospect, the advertising manager offered to run the ad again, free, on the caucus's later reconvening, but The Pioneer reneged on this when their publisher, Omar Forberg, quashed that offer - it was his opinion, per the ad rep, that they'd done nothing wrong. This type of journalism may be fostered by ownership of that local paper. The Pioneer is owned by The Fargo (ND) Forum, which also controls other papers in Minnesota. Another solution to the problem is education and information, particularly keeping honest community members informed about what is going on around them. But, in Bemidji, there is also, understandably, strong resistance to this. Too many established people with too much to lose if the facts be known. At a recent community meeting concerned with better defining a vision for the Bemidji area, several persons in attendance cited a need for less provinciality and more communication. The latter is a function of, among others, the media. But the provinciality aspect takes its toll. Northern Herald, for example, is known for publishing news stories which have been suppressed (or just left out) by other area papers. Accordingly, there have been both official and unofficial attempts to ban the paper from Bemidji, and it's difficult to get there. Most Bemidji retailers won't carry it despite that many of their customers were buying it before the ban and look for it now. Presumably, the ban came about because a group of people had a different opinion than one which we published a few months ago, but, in reality, there had been substantial resistance to the paper's being available, in Bemidji, long before that. Many retailers would not allow it on their premises, and there have been several reports that roving bands of students, either from the high school or Bemidji State University, had taken it upon themselves to steal stacks of complimentary copies of the paper at various locations in order to prevent freedom of the information in Bemidji. Thieves and other criminals don't particularly care for the exposure of crime. This is not usually a problem, except in a community where the criminal element is in the majority, and/or where it has been elevated to political office, making it difficult to suppress. Although not considered a Bible belt, people here in Bemidji are religious, in a strange sort of way. Organized congregations and churches are popular and often packed, but many of the participants, though feeling self-righteous themselves, still seem to have some trouble with the basic Ten Commandments. Particularly, the ones dealing with adultery, stealing and that business about bearing false witness against thy neighbor tend to, kind of, throw people here. We hope this answers your question, as well as providing some more research leads for independent tangents of your report (i.e. Reif Center, BSU, Minnesota caucuses, et. al.). For significant past area news items, we also refer you to the "Living on the Edge" file, which is found on our web page (http://members.aol.com/Nhrld/index.html). You might be able to get access from your school or library (if you were a Bemidjian, of course, you might just steal it). ENDNOTES: 1 Some tell it as a Blue Ox. But where else have you heard of an ox that was blue? We figure that, as the legend has gotten passed down from generation to generation, the "F" just got lost somewhere in the translation. 2 Data for Beltrami County, Minnesota. Source: 1992 KIDS COUNT, MINNESOTA -------------------------------------------------------- Consumer Corner ALWAYS CHECK YOUR SCANNED GROCERY RECEIPT Bemidji Food 4 Less, Particularly, Sometimes Posts Sale Prices Everywhere Except in Their Computer. By and large, scanners make grocery shopping faster and easier - they cut down on time at the checkout counter. But, wherever you buy, they're no substitute for keeping a mental note of prices as you shop. Thanks to scanners - receipts are now itemized. Be sure to check yours to be sure the price charged was what was posted on the shelf or sign, and particularly, check the items you bought because they were on sale. You'll be surprised at how many errors (almost always in the store's favor) you'll catch. Sales are a great time to stock up on items you're eventually going to buy anyway. Many people buy a few more when it's on sale. When certain grocers put the sale price on the sign, but not in the (scanning) computer, the customer ends up buying more at the regular price. Many reputable stores go to meticulous lengths to be sure that the price advertised is the price charged; even so, errors can occur, so always check your receipt. On the other hand, some merchants seem more "careless" (and we use the term generously) about this than others. From limited sampling, we're aware of two instances at Food 4 Less, Bemidji, one involving muffin mix, and another for frozen pizzas, both on sale per the sign, but not per the checkout scanner (and we're not just talking pennies here). No telling how many people were severely overcharged for these items and just didn't notice. Other tips that will save you money! When unloading your cart, get in the habit of estimating your total as you go. This is easy to do if you round prices to the nearest 50 cents and it'll still be close enough for comparison. If the cashier's total is way different from yours, find out why from the receipt. If, after trying it a few times (it gets easier), checkout estimation is too tedious, then a cheap hand-held calculator can pay for itself. Enter the prices, per the shelf tags, as you shop. Modern cash register displays show a description of the item being scanned, and the price. A couple that shops together can make a habit of having one spouse unload the cart while the other watches the register display to be sure the prices being charged are what was on the shelf; and when done, they should, at least briefly, review the receipt. Again, you'll be surprised at how many errors you'll catch! Finally, if you catch a scanning error, give this paper a call and let us know how much it was, where it happened, and leave your name and phone number (no anonymous calls on this - we can't authenticate them, but names & numbers will be kept confidential). We'll keep a tally, and, if an unusual number of instances of scanning errors seem to be occurring at any particular store, we'll let readers know where they need to be particularly careful as to what they're paying. ----------------------------------- ISSUE OF 04/01/98 - VOLUME 3 NO. 9 ----------------------------------- The following story is Leading Edge Journalism - available EXCLUSIVELY in NORTHERN HERALD: -------------------------------------------------------- FORS MOTION CHALLENGES ACCUSATIONS Accusers Named; Omnibus Scheduled April 8th Note: This article contains literal terminology of parts of the human body and adult human acts. (We could not clean this one up without misquoting the legal papers.) It is thus unsuitable reading for children under 18, and for some over that. BEMIDJI --Following the depositions of the women involved, in a dynamic and well-styled motion, attorneys for Dr. Gregory Fors, D.C., challenged multiple accusations brought against him in criminal charges for alleged unlawful breeding and alleged romantic contact. Timothy Faver, Beltrami County Attorney, brought charges against Fors, last fall, in a four-count Complaint, with one count alleging a completed romantic act with Connie Johnson "by means of deception or false representation" that the act "was for a bona fide medical purpose", and with three gross misdemeanors alleging non-consensual romantic contact with Tamara Rustand, Christie Reid and Rebecca Hoffman. The complaint, filed October 30, 1997 (case no. K1-97-1292), alleges: "On May 1st, 1997, Sgt. Gerald Johnson of the Bemidji Police Dept. was contacted regarding allegations of sexual assault regarding Dr. Gregory Fors of the Northstar Chiropractic Clinic...." "T.R. stated that she had taken her daughter to Dr. Fors for treatment starting in December of 1995. She said that on one occasion, when she was at the clinic with her daughter, Fors approached her from behind and started to perform chiropractic manipulation of her head and neck area. She said that then Fors set up a series of X-rays for her and that following a consultation with Fors she started a program of chiropractic treatment with him. "T.R. stated that after her medical assistance for treatment ran out Fors proposed that she do voluntary work at the clinic in lieu of paying for her treatment. "She said that in the fall of 1996, she was downstairs in the clinic doing some filing. She said that Fors came up behind her and without her consent, put his hands underneath her shirt and touched her breasts. "C.R. was also spoken to. C.R. stated that she had been referred to Dr. Fors by her attorney in September of 1995 and received chiropractic treatment from Fors from September of 1995 through September of 1996. "She indicated that her chiropractic treatment was for an injury to her mid-back region that she received in a car accident.... C.R. said that in the course of treatment, Fors would strap her legs down and pull down her pants and underwear and massage her buttocks." The Complaint continues, "Officers also spoke to R.H. She stated that she was an employee of Dr. Fors at the clinic from January of 1995 through May of 1995. R.H. said that in March of 1995 she noticed some abnormal skin texture on her breasts and she asked Fors for some advice on what she should look for in terms of self-examination. R.H. indicated that Fors placed her in an examining room and left telling her he would return shortly. She said that approximately five minutes later, Fors came back into the examination room, came up behind her and put both of his hands down her shirt, placing them underneath her bra and fondling her breast. R.H. said that she did not ask for a physical examination or consent to such by force. "Investigators also spoke to C.J. She stated that she had become a patient of Dr. Fors in 1990 as she was having chronic neck and back pain. C.J. said that Dr. Fors was very attentive to her needs, dealing both with her physical pain and also being a good listener, offering her assistance for problems in her personal life. "She said that in May of 1994, she consulted Dr. Fors regarding a yeast infection. C. J. said that Fors told her that the infection was due to sexual frustration she was experiencing by resisting his advances. She indicated that Fors told her that if she engaged in sexual intercourse with him, it would be a healing process for her entire body. C. J. indicated that Dr. Fors told her that having sexual intercourse with him would be for a medical purpose. "During this time period, C.J. had been losing a considerable amount of weight to the point that it was affecting her health. When she discussed this with Fors, he told her that the reason she was losing weight was because she was subconsciously trying to die by not digesting food because her sexual needs were not being met." The Complaint continues, "C.J. indicated that she wanted to transfer to a different chiropractor, but Fors had told her that there was not another chiropractor in the area that practiced this type of chiropractic medicine. She had seen other chiropractors, but none of them were able to relieve her back pain. C.J. was also concerned about being able to pay another chiropractor as she had built up a considerable bill with Dr. Fors. When she discussed this with Fors, he told her that she could work off her bill by working for him in the office. "C. J. stated that Fors' treatment and advances continued until the first part of July, 1994, when she ended up having sexual intercourse with him in the basement of his practice. C. J. indicated that after the initial sexual intercourse in early July, Fors continued to provide her with chiropractic care and the sexual contact continued. She said that Fors made the sexual contact part of his treatment sessions with her, and he continued to tell her that sexual activity with him was good for her physical and emotional health. She said that the sexual intercourse continued until December of 1996." The Complaint cites charges, by section: Count I, Criminal sexual contact in the third degree, M.S. 609.344 Subd. 1(k); Subd. 2 (penalty: up to 15 years and/or up to $30,000), that Fors "engaged in sexual penetration with another, to wit: C. J. with said Defendant accomplishing the sexual penetration by means of deception or false representation that the penetration was for a bona fide medical purpose"; Counts II, III, and IV, Criminal sexual conduct in the fifth degree, M.S. 609.3451 Subd. 1(1); Subd. 2 (up to 1 year and/or up to $3,000 for each count), that Fors "engaged in nonconsensual contact with another," as regards T. R., C.R. and R. H. Fors responds. Source: Northern Herald is in possession of a copy of defense motions which have been represented as the same as those filed with the Court. They are sworn to by attorneys for Dr. Fors, Marc G. Kurzman, and Carol Grant, Minneapolis. The court file is temporarily not available for comparison. The following information derives from our copy. The defense motions, including a motion to dismiss the Complaint, set for hearing April 8th at 2 p.m., were prepared after depositions (sworn testimony) were taken from Connie Johnson, Christie Reid and Rebecca Hoffman. A supplemental filing is also expected following the deposition of Tamara Rustand. The motions appear to based upon what those women said in deposition. The motion indicates that legal actions may have been instigated by Bemidji attorney Darrell Carter, who represents the women in a large civil lawsuit which seeks high money damages, presumably to be paid by Fors' malpractice insurance coverage. Connie Johnson appears to be the "ringleader" of the women. The motion states, based on the depositions, "... all of the complainants, before approaching law enforcement or any investigative authority, met with attorney Darrell Carter. ... Mr. Carter arranged for discussion amongst the complainants of alleged "wrongful" activity of Dr. Fors. Their inter-'victim' communications were all initiated by Connie Johnson, her civil attorney Darrell Carter or her 'therapists' Terry and/or Judy Selby." Note: The Selby psychological firm has also been named in an unrelated incident in our files, as having aided Bonita Jones in her dispute with Jeffrey Hubbard. Jones subsequently confessed, in open court, to perjury with regard to her allegations against Hubbard, and is now a fugitive from justice. Connie Johnson (Count I). The motion recites, "The saga began when Connie Johnson admitted to her husband Darrell ... that she had been having a voluntary 'affair' with Dr. Fors. Her husband refused to accept his wife's voluntary infidelity and insisted there was no 'affair', she was not responsible...." The motion states that Darrell Johnson met with Darrell Carter the next morning, thereafter, Carter told the Johnsons that they should meet with the Selbys, which they did 6 days later. The motion states, "The Selby's [sic] have refused to honor medical release authorizations and produce all of their 'counseling' records in the civil proceedings." It relates that after having group meetings with the women, Darrell Carter referred them to the Board of Chiropractors, "where they gave statements to an Investigator for the Attorney General's office, Ms. Tammy Trinka, and then to law enforcement." The motion states that Carter then procured Orders for Protection (OFPs), based upon his own affidavit as to their alleged "fears"; "notwithstanding that the testimony at deposition to date establish that his clients had no basis for "Orders for Protection." The motion cites a journal maintained by Connie Johnson at the behest of Carter and the Selbys, "(a) Connie Johnson had extramarital affairs during her first marriage (she married at age 16 after becoming pregnant) and during her second marriage to Darrell Johnson, the most recent involving sexual intercourse with a friend of her husband, Michael Brown, in August of 1997; (b) The only 'advice' given Connie Johnson by Dr. Fors regarding a yeast infection was that... [she] try using a yogurt douche, which advice (in her words) 'worked'; and (c) Connie Johnson voluntarily began a sexual relationship with Dr. Fors because she had become attracted to him. She notes elsewhere in her "journal" she was constantly 'flirting with' and 'responding to' men she found attractive; and (d) The Selby's [sic] both attempted to cover up Connie Johnson's infidelities and also Darrell Johnson's stated intent to kill Dr. Fors; while they were simultaneously attempting to gain additional therapy patients and sessions to deal with people "abused" by Dr. Fors. The motion recites, "The statement that Connie Johnson gave to the police demonstrates that her involvement with Dr. Fors was entirely consensual. She states therein that she 'realized his intentions' in December, 1993... She relates several remarks, allegedly made months later by Dr. Fors, that a yeast infection and loss of weight were due to failure to have sex with him; said suggestions being inherently incredible on their face. ...The relationship between Connie Johnson and the Defendant began months later when, as Connie Johnson stated to police, 'I was just being attracted to this man.' ...This was during a period when... she had no sexual relationship with her husband.... Connie Johnson [in the police statement] specifically denies force, threats, references to a therapeutic reason for having the first sexual encounter...." Tamara Rustand (Count II). Tamara Rustand had alleged that Dr. Fors had engaged in nonconsensual sexual contact by way of touching her breast while she was filing in the office. The defense motions, however, disclose, "Police took a tape recorded statement from Tamara Rustand, wherein she elaborates that on the occasion of first sexual contact between Defendant and Tamara Rustand, he asked if she liked him hugging, and she said yes. She felt flattered by his attentions. He wanted to know if sexual contact bothered her and he would desist if it did. Some time later, he asked her if she wanted a sexual relationship. She then invited him to her house for sex. Sexual contact alleged was consensual." [page number references deleted] Christie Reid (Count III). The motion, after sworn testimony, alleges, "Christie Reid testified that she 'felt' that Dr. Fors' chiropractic treatment of her was 'inappropriate' because he (a) would tap the side (left or right) he wanted her to move when she was lying face down receiving adjustments...; and (b) would, while treating her lower back pain, massage her buttocks. "She indicated that no chiropractor, medical doctor or anyone with expertise... had ever indicated that Dr. Fors' treatment was inappropriate or in any way deviated from the standard of care to be given a patient in her condition. She further testified that... Dr. Fors never asked her out, never made sexually suggestive comments, and that she never told Dr. Fors that because she was a victim of sexual abuse while a child she might have been hyper-sensitive to any touching, even that necessary for medical treatment. "She concluded, after being contacted by Connie Johnson and learning of Ms. Johnson's allegations, that Dr. Fors had been 'disrespectful' towards her. "Ms. Reid also admitted in her deposition that she had lied in her sworn statements that she became suspicious after asking her boyfriend's brother whether Dr. Fors treated him the same way and learned that Dr. Fors did not; in fact, the boyfriend's brother told her that Dr. Fors did touch him like she had been touched. "She observed nothing that suggested that Dr. Fors acted with aggressive or sexual intent." The motion seeks dismissal of the count because, "In her statement to police dated 5-20-97, Christie Reid states that her actual back problems were right by her kidney area. The complaint does not allege that massage was inappropriate in light of either Christie Reid's complaining symptoms or actual medical condition." Rebecca Hoffman (Count IV). The motion recites, "Rebecca Hoffman testified that she had been told by staff at Dr. Fors' clinic that he had identified cancers in patients and referred them to medical doctors if he believed such a referral was appropriate. She had received chiropractic treatments as part of her fringe benefits at the clinic where she was employed for 3 months. She quit because she was in a subservient position (her job) at the clinic and didn't like the fact that Dr. Fors wouldn't change the way his office was run to meet her suggestions. "She has a history of cancer in her family. She questioned Dr. Fors about her concerns regarding breast cancer, he took her to an examination room, positioned her for an examination, left the room and returned 5 minutes later and 'placed his hand down the front of her dress and felt her breast'. The motion, from the sworn testimony of the woman continues, "She claimed that the examination by Dr. Fors lasted 5 minutes, that she didn't object or complain at the time. She claimed she didn't know at the time that chiropractors were trained in and undertook examinations for breast cancer. She went on to have another medical examination of her breast at the Planned Parenthood Clinic, and then she thought nothing further about it until approximately 2 years later (having been called by Connie Johnson and told of the allegations of sexual improprieties committed by Dr. Fors) when she was discussing her experience working at Dr. Fors' clinic with her boyfriend, explained Dr. Fors' examination of her breast for cancer and then 'one of us' stated, 'that wasn't an examination'. She then called Darrell Carter, learned of her 'options' including the civil lawsuits trying to collect against the $3,000,000.00 insurance policy and Dr. Fors' assets. "She concluded thereafter that Dr. Fors' examination was 'criminal' although she claims that no one influenced her decision to meet with Mr. Carter, engage his services, and make reports to the Board of Chiropractors and the police; notwithstanding that she observed nothing that would indicate that Dr. Fors acted with aggressive or sexual intent." The motion seeks dismissal of the count because. "Chiropractors are trained in breast exams. Rebecca Hoffman registered no verbal objection to ...[the alleged] examination. The Complaint does not establish that Dr. Fors' response to Rebecca Hoffman's complaint about skin 'texture' [on her breast] was inappropriate or that Dr. Fors had any way of divining Rebecca Hoffman's after-the-fact alleged objection to this procedure." The papers include a motion for production of evidence, seeking materials including, "counseling records of complainant Connie Johnson... whose MMPI Scale 6 (paranoia scale) is above 80, rarely seen unless 'there are serious reality distortions' (sources URCE Akerman and Cain 2d, p. 334)." The papers make mention of "a Selby & Selby therapist having been identified in police reports as calling patients to solicit more complaints against Dr. Fors." The motion references a search warrant, apparently executed by Bemidji Police at Fors' home, vehicle and clinic, and claims the search to have been illegal, both in its issuance, due to lack of cause, and in its execution, "The officers executing the search warrant engaged in a wholesale seizure of miscellaneous documents and records, notes and notebooks, computers and other materials not authorized to be seized in the warrant, For example, the contents of all three of the Fors' computers, including home computers, as well as business sale documents, were copied by the Bemidji police department, according to a police Supplemental Report dated 5-14-97. The motion further seeks production of medical assistance records and Crime Victim Reparation Fund applications of the complainants, and states that Selby & Selby records indicate that at least one of them was receiving medical assistance funds while also receiving funds from the Crime Victim Reparation Fund. If the matter goes to trial, Fors' attorneys have requested a special hearing 3 days before at which to present evidence of prior sexual abuse and/or sexual conduct of the complainants. Fors' chiropractic license was summarily revoked last summer, based upon the allegations alone. Fors' attorney on that matter, Roger Crabtree, Roseville, was quoted in The (Bemidji) Pioneer (5/14/97) as saying, "The Attorney General's Office is supposed to interview all complainants, but never, even to this day, have they interviewed Mr. Fors." Fors' former Bemidji Attorney George Duranske was similarly quoted in The Pioneer (7/18/97) as saying, "The public will come to see that this is a witch hunt - a man's career, business and reputation have been destroyed in a very short time without much examination of the facts." Fors' claims to have "passed" a polygraph and voice stress analysis (lie detector) tests on matters raised in the accusations. Such tests are often admissible in civil, but generally not criminal, trials. ------------------------------- GOLDSTEIN ON LAWYERS: What other profession has one of its own members hired to fight off another member of the profession? This would be similar to hiring a plumber to fix your sink and the plumbers' union hiring another plumber to keep your sink broken. --J. Arthur Goldstein Esq. The 5 Hour Law School http://members.aol.com/ronin48th/hope.htm This site is particularly worthwhile. It's written by the attorney who trains the guys down at West Publishing. --Ed. -------------------------------------- WITH A GRAIN OF SAND This box is satire - it should not be confused with our real news, which is more unbelievable. The fatal defect in Fors' attorneys' reasoning is that it assumes a woman of reasonable intelligence, hence the argument that she wouldn't take seriously the doctor's alleged overture that romance with him would cure her yeast infection. But we're dealing with Bemidji women here. If memory serves, it was Whizzer White who best delivered the opinion from the bench in Knutson vs. State (254 U.S. Supreme Ct. 4th 1086 (1973)) when he said, "The 'reasonable man' theorem of construction of law has no application when we're dealing with Bemidjians." Attorneys: Do not cite this -- Ed. ---------------------------------------------------- The Candidates LEECH LAKE TO VOTE APRIL 14 CASS LAKE --Leech Lake will fill three important tribal posts in primary elections April 14th, with the two top votegetters for each office going on to the general election June 9th. Filled will be The Reservation Business Committee (RBC, sometimes called the Reservation Tribal Council) positions of Secretary-Treasurer (reservation-wide election; Linda Johnston is incumbent) and District Representatives from Districts I (incumbent: Alfred Fairbanks) and II (incumbent: Jack Seelye). Not all candidates are profiled. We have interviewed as many of the Sec.-Treas. and District II candidates as possible. Omissions may be significant. In some cases, the candidates which a newspaper cannot reach for comment are very likely the same candidates who will be too busy or hard to reach for constituents should they achieve office. Secretary Treasurer. Voters will have a choice between candidates Walter "Frank" Reese, Linda Johnston (incumbent), Daniel Brown and Kevin Fairbanks. Walter Reese, 53, an Onigum resident, stated his three foremost priorities as the Constitution, job creation, and "helping people become entrepreneurs in their own businesses," at Leech Lake. Reese said in interview, "The Constitution does not work for the people," and he favors needed amendment, or possibly a new constitutional convention. "Right now, there's no due process for tribal members," he said. He addressed the issue of jobs, stressing a need for job training, and particularly in conjunction with information systems now coming into greater use. And also in connection with jobs, Reese favors assisting independent private ownership of new business. "The Tribal Council's got to get away from running the businesses," he said. Additionally, Reese is opposed to the closed and secret meetings the RBC has held in the recent past. At one such meeting last fall, the District Reps decided to take personal loans totalling $60,000 against the Leech Lake Band's line of credit, without required authorization from the Chairman or Secretary Treasurer. As to the secret meetings, Reese said, "No - none whatsoever - they should always be published and open to the tribal members," and the press. Walter Reese received his Bachelor of Science degree from BSU in 1992, and took postgraduate classes in the M.B.A. program at Metro State University in Minneapolis. In the 70's he worked at Honeywell and FMC as a defense development technician and engineer, and later as a systems mechanic for Potlatch. He has also been a business owner, and has frequently volunteered time to help with tribal administrative tasks. In closing, Reese said, "I'd like to see the people get out and vote. We have almost 2,000 eligible voters living on Leech Lake. I'd like to see them get out and vote - that's the most important thing we can do to make change to our government." Other candidates. Dan Brown declined to schedule an interview; a former Sec.-Treas., Brown was removed from office by recall vote in 1996 due to a felony conviction. Linda Johnston did not return calls despite two messages left. Kevin Fairbanks, of Ball Club, and brother of District I RBC incumbent Alfred Fairbanks, Jr., has no home phone and could not be reached for comment despite messages left with relatives. District II. There are six contenders for this seat, now held by Jack Seelye. They are: Tom Jones, Hilda Beaulieu, Jack Seelye, Lyman Losh, Marlene Mitchell and Nadine Chase. In the past, Seelye has been criticized by the Chairman for failing to appear at meetings and failing to make himself available to constituents. Hilda Beaulieu, 62, is a resident of Sugar Point, and is the widow of Truman Beaulieu. She stated her three foremost priorities as 1) Constitutional reform, "To get our government to be able to work together"; 2) Accountability, "We need to be more accountable to what the people say. We need to be more receptive to people"; and 3) Stronger leadership in the District Rep's office. On this, she said that a District Rep should be fair, honest and hard-working. "Right now, our representatives aren't available to us. They're not even available in the meetings," she said. Beaulieu pledged, if elected, to go out into the communities to meet with constituents and she said that she would also like to see the Twin Cities office of the Band reopened. Regarding the Chairman, she said, "Eli [Hunt] is doing a very good job. He doesn't have the support he needs from the District Reps. I think he's being blamed for some things that they are doing themselves. She would eliminate secret RBC meetings. "Welfare reform is here," she said, and spoke of a need for better training and "I look for more businesses owned by local Indians - this will create more jobs," she said. Beaulieu also touched on the need for more available housing, and on education. "We need certified teachers that care about our young people - I think we're not getting that right now," she said adding, "Young people are our future leaders - they need to be educated ...[and] responsible," and she said that parents needed to get more involved in their children's education. In closing, Beaulieu said, "I believe that I'm qualified to serve as District II representative and I'll work hard for a government that will serve the people." Beaulieu is presently Secretary-Treasurer of the Sugar Point Local Council, and regularly attends General Council meetings. Nadine Chase's three top agenda items are education, developing businesses on the reservation, and having the Tribal Council deal more with inter-governmental issues, i.e. federal and state legislative lobbying for Native American interests and protecting sovereignty. The 63 year old resident of rural Bena has been involved in Leech Lake government previously, having served on RBC from 1978 - 1984. She got her A.A. in accounting from Leech Lake Tribal College and worked at the Bug-O-Nay-Gee-Shig school as business manager through February, 1998. On Education, Chase said that she believes there needs to be a new high school at Bug-O-Nay-Gee-Shig, as well as a new building for Leech Lake Tribal College. "I would like to see that centrally located," she said, making reference to tribal college students in Bena, Inger and elsewhere across the reservation, and suggested it be near the Bug-O-Nay-Gee-Shig site. Turning to business development, Chase said, "What should happen ...would be a revolving loan program with minimal interest," to help people develop new businesses, and she believed that this could be administered by RBC. Additionally, Chase said that she was favorable to the Hunt administration and that she would like to see constitutional and election reform. She worked with the Tribal Executive Council on the recently passed Election Ordinance #7, which sets guidelines for elections. "The one thing I wanted to get through was voter registration," she said, focusing on a need for there to be a signed voter registration system (i.e. cards or a roster that would remain in file) so that the signatures of voters at the polls, or on absentee ballots, could be compared to their signatures on the master list for authenticity. She spoke of the problem that now, anyone can order an absentee ballot, falsely using the name of an enrolled member, have it sent to a new address, and submit it. She alleged that this has caused widespread election fraud. And she spoke of the quandary posed by the fact that there are so many band members living off the reservation that a candidate can win the reservation vote, yet lose the election due to heavy absentee balloting. She would like to see the Twin Cities office of the Leech Lake Band fully operational and helping Band members there access housing, job and health care services. Chase cited a need for more housing for elderly people on the reservation and would prefer housing in their communities so they don't have to move away; she also said she'd like to see a nursing home on the reservation. Chase cited a need for gymnastics and supervised recreation for youth. In closing, she said, "Think about the type of person you're going to vote for - that they're responsible, accountable, concerned." Lyman Losh, 53, of Sugar Point is a former Cass County deputy (1980-88) and more recently has worked for the Bug-O-Nay-Gee-Shig school in maintenance. His priorities include economic development, education and affordable housing for elders and single people. In this, he said that married people, particularly with children, receive preference in reservation-provided housing; that RBC is in the process of moving elders out of their homes and into senior apartment communities. Losh would rather see rehabilitation dollars made available so these seniors could renovate and remain in their homes. He spoke of a 3-6 month waiting list to be assigned housing, "What I'd like to propose is building more units for single and elderly people on the reservation," and he said he'd actively pursue funding for this. Addressing economic development, Losh referred to JTPA, and said, "There is money there to be used for enrolled members for training," and that RBC hasn't fully utilized this potential. Losh advocates a school board for Bug-O-Nay-Gee-Shig made up of community members, rather than the present RBC control of the school. He'd also like to see an independent board for Leech Lake Tribal College and the Head Start programs. Recent court cases, under Public Law 280, have precluded the Cass County Sheriff's Office from making routine traffic stops on the reservation and Losh says that he favors Leech Lake forming its own police department, but until that's in place, he also favors contracting with the Sheriff's Office for police services, at least vehicle policing. He particularly noted a problem on the reservation with uninsured drivers and vehicles without plates. Losh supports elimination of secret meetings of the RBC, and advocated getting the meeting information or minutes out to the public who were not able to attend actual meetings. Asked about his support of the Hunt administration, Losh was somewhat hesitant but finally said, "I think he's on the right track ...[he] needs support on the RBC ...if I'm elected I will work with... [Chairman Hunt]. Losh is Chairman of the Sugar Point Local Council and he said he feels good about going into communities to meet constituents; he said that, if elected, he will go to local council meetings at Sugar Point, Bena, Kego Lake and Smokey Point. He said that he will be accessible to constituents and there would be someone at the RBC office that will know his whereabouts at all times, in case he is needed. He intends, if elected, to spend at least one day per week in each of the communities so that people can contact him without having to drive to Cass Lake. Marlene Mitchell, 41, is the wife of Tom Mitchell, who is a carpenter with Leech Lake Housing. She is also, and has been for the past 10 years, Secretary-Treasurer of the Smokey Point Local Council, and is currently President of the local Indian Education Parent Committee. Mitchell, who lives at Kego Lake, near Longville, sees as foremost issues: 1) To work with the Tribal Council "in peace and harmony" developing internal controls starting at the top, and developing systems to help ensure accountability to the people; 2) To advocate for the enrollees represented. "The District Committeeperson must concentrate on the needs of their enrollees in their district and advocate [on] their behalf to see that their needs are taken into consideration when administering tribal programs," she said; and 3) education and economic development. On education, Mitchell sees room for improvement as to equal accessibility. "I support education for all tribal members who want to pursue a higher education," she said, "with my visiting out into the communities, I notice that some [students] are not funded equally to others." And she wants better funding overall so more can attend college. She criticized the current Leech Lake business strategy, saying, "We [i.e. the Band] own quite a few businesses," but except for the casinos, many aren't operating profitably. An advocate of business planning and forecasting, she said "What I'd like to see are business plans and marketing strategies where we will be able to maximize our profits and in turn we'd be able to provide better quality services for our tribal members. Mitchell supports Chairman Hunt's administration because, she said, she wants to move toward the future and restore the primary business committee function of the RBC. She is opposed to secret meetings of the RBC, "There shouldn't be anything to hide unless you're dealing with personnel management," she said. On censorship, she said, "If someone has something to say, they shouldn't be afraid to say it," adding that if they're speaking from misinformation, they'll find out about it, but they shouldn't be afraid to speak; "I think everyone has that right," she said. In addition to her key points, Mitchell said that she doesn't think housing is adequate, particularly for middle-class people on the reservation. In closing, Mitchell said, "I pray that I get the opportunity to listen to your issues and concerns and that I may serve you with compassion, dignity and respect." Candidates not profiled: Tom Jones does not have a listed phone and could not be contacted. Jack Seelye could not be contacted; there was no answer at his home, despite three attempts and he does not even have an answering machine. District I. Due to space, District I candidates are not profiled. They are: Charlie Michaud, Calvin Goggleye, John Mac Fairbanks, Steven Jackson, Myron Butch Fairbanks, Burton Luke Wilson, Peter White, Mary Bebeau and James Humphrey. Incumbent Alfred Fairbanks is not seeking re-election. --------------------------------------------------- From the Editor: "Political coverage is an arduous task. It's dry and boring to read, it takes up gobs of space, we have to use small, closely spaced type, and it doesn't sell papers. We'd get rid of it altogether if it wasn't the most important thing that we, as a paper, do." --Ed. --------------------------------------------------- ADVERTISEMENT FEEL LEFT OUT BY THE MAJOR PARTIES? FEEL LIKE YOUR IDEAS / VOTES DON'T COUNT? THEY DO. CAUCUS REFORM. Continuation of the District 4 Reform Caucus will be Thursday April 30th, 7:30 pm, at Bemidji High School, "B" Building, Room 126B Park in H.S. lot and enter "B" building, behind main building, by South door. Resolutions and Party Platform will be discussed, delegates will be elected. If there are things you think a party, or legislators should address, this is the time to make these things known. If you'd like to go the State Convention in St. Paul, this is the time to become a delegate or alternate. If you didn't know about the original convening, you can still participate in this re-convening. District 4 Reform Party Caucus Includes all precints in Senate District 4 in Beltrami, Hubbard, Cass, Wadena, Itasca Counties Prepared and paid for by the Reform Party of Minnesota -------------------------------------------------- FIGHTERS VIE FOR GOLDEN GLOVES AT CASS LAKE CASS LAKE -- The Palace's sports facility hosted 10 bouts March 22nd, 5 of which were Golden Gloves Regional Championship matches. The first fight matched Vince Merrill, Mille Lacs, with Brent Sam, who won at 130 lbs. Corey Littlewolf, Leech Lake, took the second over Brandon Weideweitz, Mille Lacs, 85 pounders. The third match (105 lb.) saw Henry Dodge, Keshena, WI over Bryan Sam, Mille Lacs. Damien Peters, Keshena, WI took the fourth over Mike Robinson of Leech Lake, both 104 lbs. In the fifth, Amos Laduke, Leech Lake won over Joe Lorenz, Duluth, 165 pounders. Desmond Escalante, Keshena, WI, won the medal in the Region VII Golden Gloves Championship over Dave Bower, White Earth (102 lbs.) in bout six. Likewise, Region VII GG Championships in bouts nine and ten went to Dean Peters, Keshena WI, who won against Tim Lindgren, Leech Lake, both at 125 lbs.; and Brad Croaker, Leech Lake who defeated Ben Ott of Wadena at 165 lbs. In bouts seven and eight, Region IV GG championships went to Joe Anderson who, at 156 lbs. defeated Derek Beaulieu, Bemidji; and Brandon Busse, Bemidji, 165 lbs., who won over Mark Leitheisen, St. Cloud. The new Region VII winners join current Region VII Champs, from Leech Lake: Nate Seelye, J.R. Robinson, Archie Larose, Romondo Papasadora and Amos Laduke; and from Red Lake: Tyrone Thunder. Champions in the 17 yrs. and older division advance to the Northern Minnesota Box-Off, April 4th & 5th, at Wadena. ------------------------------------------------------------- At The Reif ----------- "YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN" A SMASH IN GR Director Diane Olson, High School Cast Should Be Broadway-Bound When you want good classic entertainment in the Northland, you might well go to Grand Rapids. And once there, one of your best bets is the Myles Reif Center for the Performing Arts. The Reif is located next to Grand Rapids High School; the students have the benefit of workshops put on by The Reif's world-class artists, and they also have access to The Reif's facilities for their own productions. Such was the excellent production of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown", in four performances, March 19th-22nd. The play was a light-hearted musical comedy comprised of a number of skits based upon the "Peanuts" creation of the genius of Charles Schulz. It featured familiar themes such as Lucy's 5 psychiatric help, and, of course, the baseball game. The absorption of the character roles, by these high school players, was most impressive. The musical vocals, particularly those of Jeremy Henriksen (Snoopy), were polished and Broadway-style. All in all, the well-directed piece featured convincing and true-to-character acting as well as excellent vocals of a calibre to where a reviewer would think he was seeing a superb professional company of players. Even the makeup was very good. On a four star system, we give this group's work a five. Thunderous applause followed the play. Said one viewer, "...People still want to see a ... show that doesn't have any ...[vulgar] jokes, crotch-kicking, swearing, or gross out gags. You can't even find a Disney movie without that stuff any more." Cast. In addition to those shown in photos, the play featured Mindy Carlson as Sally, Tina Legueri as Peppermint Patty, Amy Bigwood as Frieda, Laura Aldrich as Marcy, BJ Titus as Pig Pen, Sara Johnson as "the little redheaded girl" and Joe Sobolik as Jose Peterson. The musical featured a chorus comprised of Katja Birkeland, Wally Brink, Matt Christensen, Nicole Collinge, Marissa Connolly, John Eltgroth, Cheryl Hyink, Tim Junker, Yordanos Kiflu, Gretchen Maurer, Rawney Nelson, Amber Schneeweis, Brecken Reasor and Melissa Wheelock; and a combo with musicians Heather Grover on piano, Mike Miller on Trapset, Mike Flink, percussion, Miranda Moos, flute and piccolo and Tim Saxhaug on bass. Musical direction was by Brian Stubbs; Student directors were Steven Candy and Luke Heiken. Steven Candy was stage manager. The play featured original choreography by Michelle Cassioppi, Mike Magner and Diane Olson, with adaptations by Marissa Connolly, BJ Titus and Deonne Shotley. -------------------------------------------------- ADVERTISEMENT BEMIDJI COTTON MILLS We buy our 100% Cotton shirts at retail market in the Cities and elsewhere, but we sew our label in right here! Visit our soon-to-open Factory Store The prices are nothing special But we sew in the word, "Bemidji" Not affilliated with Bemidji Woolen Mills - we're talking COTTON here. ------------------------------------------------------------ ATWATER LEAVE COST NEARS $10,000 BEMIDJI --The cost to Beltrami taxpayers of Deputy William Atwater's administrative leave, with pay, while he is investigated by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension now stands at about $9,267 since he was relieved of duty December 11th. His salary is $2,556 per month. Greg Lewis, County Administrator, has said that Atwater, son of Bemidji councilman Bruce Atwater, will be paid until the criminal investigation is completed, and a BCA spokesman indicated in January that that wouldn't be any time soon. ------------------------------------------------ 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 CALLER ID A GOOD THING, BUT WATCH OUT FOR 'FEATURES' YOU DON'T WANT US West recently brought Caller ID and a host of new services to parts of the Northland. It's now available in Bemidji and surrounding communities and will likely be available throughout the region soon. This is a handy service; it lets you return calls where the caller didn't bother to leave a message, and it pretty much puts an end to bothersome crank calls. A lot of people like to keep their numbers private; some persons and businesses have legitimate reasons for "blocking" their line - that keeps their number from showing up on your Caller ID box. They make calls the old-fashioned way, and if you want their numbers, you have to ask. US West also has a service that keeps you from getting "blocked" calls from these people. It's called "Anonymous Call Rejection. (ACR)." If someone who wants to keep their number private calls you, they get a recording that tells them they have to temporarily unblock their line by dialing *82 before the number, before your phone will accept the call. If the call is long distance, the caller is charged for both the initial call that didn't go through, and the second unblocked call. ACR may be desirable to those who receive a number of harassing calls; if it were mandatory, however, it would deny privacy to those desiring same; use of it on any line could cause the user to miss some calls, particularly where the caller did not know how to unblock the line. In an effort to promote it's new Caller ID, US West may be subtly pushing the ACR feature. It may turn up on your line even if you didn't order it. You can tell by looking at your US West bill. If it says Anonymous Call Rejection, even if there's no charge shown for it, it's probably on your line and you may be missing calls. If it's on your line and you didn't order it, you may call US West and have it removed without charge. Just say you want to remove "Anonymous Call Rejection." This does not impair your other Caller ID features - you'll still see the numbers of callers unless they have ordered their numbers to be private. Note: Harassing calls, even from a private number, can now be traced immediately after the call. Call US West for details. ------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------- ISSUE OF 03/11/98 - VOLUME 3 NO. 8 ----------------------------------- DOUG PING WALLOPS LINDGREN IN LEECH LAKE MAIN EVENT CASS LAKE --A fine weekend afternoon of sport was in store for all as the Leech Lake Boxing Club hosted Saturday at the Fights, March 7th at the Paradise Room of the Palace. The card featured 12 three round junior and senior class amateur bouts, climaxed with an exciting 5 round main event between Tim Lindgren of Leech Lake and Doug Ping of White Bear Lake, evenly matched, both at 130 lbs. The events were opened with The Flag Song performed by Cass Lake's Young Sunrisers Drum and singing group. The early bouts between the fast-moving lighterweights delighted sports enthusiasts with swift action. The first bout pitted, at 75 lbs. each, Vince Merrill, Mille Lacs, against Tim Taggert, Leech Lake. Taggert emerged the winner. The second saw the 85 lb. Ryan Ortiz, Frazee, triumph in score over 85 lb. Brian Wiedewitch, Mille Lacs. Bout number 3 was 102 pounders, and Jesse Taylor, Upper Midwest American Indian Center Boxing Club (UMAIC) at Minneapolis, gave Dave Bower, of White Earth, a solid pounding, and took some himself, before emerging the victor. 100 pounder Bryon Sam, Mille Lacs, won over Adam Ortiz, Frazee, same weight, in the fourth event. In Bout number 5, 70 lb. Loren Barrett, Minneapolis, was like condensed lightning ashe came out of the corner and went after Shawn Weyer, of White Bear Lake. Weyer, however, landed enough scoring blows to win on the judges' decision. Bout 6 pitted Tony Garcia, Frazee, against Roger Garbow, UMAIC, both at 150 lbs. Garcia took the match in 3 rounds. In the 7th event, both fighters weighing in at 108 lbs., Waylon Davis, Leech Lake, triumphed in score over Rich Dumont, UMAIC. A fighter to watch: Kevin Elsley (photo, page 1) came down from the Pan-Am Boxing Club, Winnipeg, to fight Patrick Fineday of Frazee. The fighters were evenly matched at 114 lbs. In the 3-round eighth event, Elsley fought with excellent and precision long punching style that took the match on score with determined finesse that would have led one to believe he'd been boxing quite a while. Surprisingly, the Winnipeg 9th grader who knew he had the bout won "halfway through the first round," also said that he'd only been boxing for 5 months. Elsley's Coach, Ed, who's taught boxing since 1968, spoke of his training, "We're teaching him to jab and then follow with a straight right," and reflecting on Elsley's performance in the ring added, "We hope we can keep him for the [year] 2000 Olympics." We may well be seeing Olympic material here. Of amateur boxing in Minnesota, the Pan-Am coach said, "They run really good shows, honest coaches, they look after their fighters - when it comes to matching, they make sure they're properly matched." All of the day's fighters were exactly matched on weight. On this, the coach said, "Henry Harper [Leech Lake Boxing Club] is really good that way. He watches pretty close." The ninth match had Ernie Budd, White Bear Lake, over Eli Pederson, Frazee, both 140 lbs. In number 10, Rory Flynn, Winnipeg, fought a precise and reserved bout, preferring to swing well-aimed punches only when he was sure he could penetrate. The reservation, however, may have cost him valuable points as his opponent, Dan Jones of White Bear Lake, went more on the offensive, not scoring with every punch, but landing enough to give him victory. Both were 139 lbs. Eleventh on the card was an exhibition match, without score, and was well fought between Nate Seelye, 112 lbs., Leech Lake, and Paul Dahl, 112 lbs., who came from Flandreau, SD for the bout. The twelfth event was the heaviest-weight senior class fight, at 175 lbs. each, which ended early when Brad Croaker, Leech Lake, landed a strong punch to the midsection of Troy Fox, Flandreau, SD. The referee stopped the fight in the first round and declared Croaker the winner. The 5-round main event featured 130 pounders Tim Lindgren, Leech Lake, and Doug Ping of White Bear Lake. The hard-hitting bout saw a knockdown of Lindgren in the fourth round, but he was up and on his feet again before the count, and finished the fight. Both fighters displayed good hitting style throughout the event; the judges decision was clear, however, and the match went to Ping on a 3-0 decision. After the hard-fought match, the tired athletes showed good sportsmanship and camaraderie as they exchanged a gesture of friendship immediately after the final bell and went to their corners to await the judges' scoring. Following the fights, trophy winners were announced. In the Junior Division, Rich Dumont received the award for the Fightingest Fighter, Loren Barrett was named Best Boxer. In the Senior Division, Brad Croaker took the award for Fightingest Fighter, with Best Boxer going to Doug Ping. Upcoming area boxing events include the Region VII Golden Gloves matches at Cass Lake, March 22nd, and the Northern Minnesota Golden Gloves events at Wadena, April 4th & 5th. Additionally, the Leech Lake Boxing Club athletes will be participating in matches at Coon Rapids on March 13th, National USA Boxing at Colorado Springs March 16th - 21st, the Upper Midwest Golden Gloves championship bouts April 19th & 20th at the Medina Ballroom, Minneapolis, and boxing events at the Black Bear Casino April 25th and June 30th. ------------------------------------------------ Where Your Money Goes TEN EYCK, 27 SENATORS SUPPORT CONTINUING TAX-PAID GENDER CHANGE Northern Delegation Gets Low Score on 1997 Tax Voting Record ST. PAUL --In a release last month, the Minnesota Family Council (MFC), St. Paul, called attention to the fact that Minnesota may be the only state where gender-change surgery may be considered a "medical necessity" allowing Federal Medicaid funding of the operations. Tom Prichard, MFC President said, "Altering the genders of its citizenry is clearly not an appropriate role of government." Following the release, Senator Arlene Lesewski (R-Marshall) closed the loophole by passage of her amendment to the Omnibus Health Bill (current session - SF 3396) declaring that "gender reassignment surgery and other gender reassignment medical procedures ... are not medically necessary." The senators who voted against the amendment (in other words, who voted to continue government funding of gender changes) included Northland Dist. 2 & 4 Senators Moe (D) and Ten Eyck (D), who were joined by (all DFL) Twin Cities Area Senators Anderson, Flynn, Pogemiller, Berglin, Foley, D. Johnson, Marty, Novak, Price, Spear, Betzold, Higgins, Metzen, Pappas, Ranum, Cohen, S. Kelley, Scheid and Wiener; and also by DFLers Janezich (Chisholm), Solon (Duluth), Lourey (Kerrick), Morse (Dakota), J. Johnson (N. Branch), Hottinger (Mankato), and Piper (Austin). David Skilbred, Legislative Assistant to Senator Moe's office gave as reasoning for Moe's vote, 1) Procedural reasons, 2) "There's court history involved here ... you can't deny medical benefits solely ... on the type of illness," 3) The cost involved - Skilbred stated that there were only 3 cases in the last 3 years and the total amount spent on all three was just under $20,000, and 4) That the legislation might be used to prevent medical attention to the rare cases of infants born with ambiguous gender. [Editor's note: All this fuss and expense over gender-change is ridiculous. If gals want to be guys - just send them to the barber shop - it'll cost $8 and they'll look just like funny little men. In the case of guys wanting to be gals, tell them to grow their hair for a few years - it won't cost us a cent. -- Ed.] 1997 scores on tax-related issues. In the state where people pay the 3rd highest income and sales taxes (source: Minnesota Taxpayers Association) the new Taxpayers League of Minnesota (TLM), St. Paul, has released it's 1997 legislative voting record on tax-related issues. Here's how Northland Legislators scored. House votes were tracked on the following 1997 bills: 1) To require "supermajority" approval for tax increases, making them harder to pass (failed 59-70) 2) Income Tax Cut (failed 64-66) 3) Income tax credits to return more of the state surplus to taxpayers (failed 64-67) 4) Increase individual state tax exemption by $625 (failed 63-69) 5) Providing new property tax relief for seniors by capping property taxes, for many, at 6% of income (failed 62-71) 6) Reduction of MinnesotaCare Provider tax from 2% to 1% (passed 91-40) 7) Reduction of top tax rate for cabins from 2.5% to 2% (passed 83-50) 8) Vote to support the final K-12 education spending bill, which provided tax credits for expenses related to public, private or home schooling (passed 108-21) 9) Minimum wage increase (passed 92-37) 10) Taxpayer funded stadium for the Twins (failed 47-84) 11) Omnibus Tax Bill - (According to TLM, "the taxpayer-friendly vote was to reject the bill which returned only a small fraction of the... state surplus to taxpayers." The Omnibus Tax Bill passed 101-32.) Senate votes were tracked on the following 1997 bills: 1) Lowering the "Price of Government" - the targeted % of personal income collected in taxes (failed 26-39) 2) Reduction of MinnesotaCare Provider tax from 2% to 1% (failed 24-37) 3) Refundable school choice tax credits (failed 22-40) 4) The final K-12 education spending bill, which provided tax credits for expenses related to public, private or home schooling (passed 50-9) 5) Minimum wage increase (passed 40-18) 6) Taxpayer funded stadium for the Twins (passed 35-30) 7) Omnibus Tax Bill (passed 39-26) 8) Providing new property tax relief for seniors by capping property taxes, for many, at 6% of income (failed 29-32) 9) Income Tax Cut (failed 24-38) 10) Gasoline Tax Hike of 4 cents a gallon (passed 34-31) 1997 NORTHLAND LEGISLATIVE VOTING RECORD ON TAX ISSUES (Source: Taxpayers League of Minnesota) See text above for description of numbered issues) Legend: Taxpayer-friendly votes are designated by "+". House Issues: TLM considers taxpayer-friendly votes to be, on House issues, a "yes" on items # 1-8, and "no" on 9-11. Senate Issues: TLM considers taxpayer-friendly votes to be "yes" on items # 1-4, 8 & 9; "no" on 5-7 & 10. HOUSE (Note: This table may become distorted on some browsers. If all columns are not aligned, this data should not be relied upon.) Representative Pty-Dist 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 % Edgar Olson D-2B - - - - - - - + - - 10 Irv Anderson D-3A - - - - - + - - - + - 18 Loren Solberg D-3B - - - - - - - + - - - 9 Gail Skare D-4A - - - - - - - + - + + 27 Tony Kinkel D-4B - - - - - + - + - - - 18 Kris Hasskamp D-12A - - - - - - + - - - 10 Steve Sviggum R-28B + + + + + + + + + - + 91 (Sviggum is House Minority Leader - votes shown for comparison only) SENATE (Note: This table may become distorted on some browsers. If all columns are not aligned, this data should not be relied upon.) Senator Pty-Dist 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 % Roger Moe D-2 - - + - - - - - - 10 Bob Lessard D-3 - + - + + - - - - - 30 David Ten Eyck D-4 - - - + - + - - - + 30 Don Samuelson D-12 - - - - + - - - + 22 ------------------------------------------------------------- DAVID ROUFS EARNS NATIONAL GUARD PROMOTION FORT RIPLEY --Private First Class David Roufs, a native of Grand Rapids now living in Bemidji, has earned a promotion to the rank of Specialist. The promotion was announced February 25th by Captain Kevin A. Olson, Commander of Company A, 434th Main Support Battalion, Minnesota Army National Guard at Camp Ripley. Per Olson's release, Specialist Roufs is currently using his National Guard educational benefits at Bemidji State University. He is married to Judy Roufs and his military expertise is food supply. Specialist Roufs reports one weekend a month and two weeks per summer at Company A's Camp Ripley armory. -------------------------------------------------------- LEECH LAKE TO HOLD ELECTIONS CASS LAKE --Filings closed March 2nd for three key Leech Lake Tribal offices to be filled by primary election April 14th, and general election June 9th. Candidates filing for Secretary Treasurer (4 year term) were: Walter "Frank" Reese, Linda Johnston (incumbent), Daniel Brown and Kevin Fairbanks. Filing for Reservation Business Committee (RBC), District I, were: Charlie Michaud, Calvin Goggleye, John Mac Fairbanks, Steven Jackson, Myron Butch Fairbanks, Burton Luke Wilson, Peter White, Mary Bebeau and James Humphrey. The seat is now held by Alfred Fairbanks. Filing for District II RBC were: Tom Jones, Hilda Beaulieu, Jack Seelye (incumbent), Lyman Losh, Marlene Mitchell and Nadine Chase. Candidate profiles will follow, next issue. --------------------------------------------------------- GRAHAM TAKES TC REPUBLICAN AG ENDORSEMENT ST. PAUL --Former Crow Wing (Brainerd) County Attorney and constitutional author John Remington Graham was chosen, February 17th, by the influential Twin Cities Republican Association as their endorsee for the Minnesota Attorney General's post. State Representative Charlie Weaver (R-49A) has also made a bid for the office, now held by Hubert H. "Skip" Humphrey III. Graham, who predicated his campaign on running against Humphrey, has now said that he will run even if Humphrey runs for Governor instead of seeking another term as AG. Graham, a tough criminal attorney, is best known for establishing one of the highest conviction records in the history of Crow Wing County, as well as his steadfast refusal to prosecute certain claims investigation showed to be groundless, in the face of strong pressure groups that wanted the individuals hauled into court anyway. Interviewed on this, earlier, Graham had said that he sent enough guilty people to prison; he didn't need to prosecute those who were innocent. Prior to receiving the TC Republican endorsement, Graham said, if elected, he would: 1) "Seek a reversal of the judgement of the Minnesota Supreme Court in Doe vs. Gomez, 542 N.W. 2d 17 (1996), which said that the state government is legally obligated to pay for abortions, even though the legislature has excluded appropriations by statute for this purpose." 2) That he would "move quickly to end illegal influence peddling by The Minneapolis Star Tribune in the Minnesota Supreme Court." Graham cited, as an example, large gifts made by the giving arm of the Star Tribune to the private foundation of Justice Alan Page, who participated and cast the deciding vote for the newspaper in Derus vs. Higgins, 555 N.W. 2d 515 (1996). Graham further told the Republicans that: 3) He believes that county attorneys are vigorously prosecuting crime on the street, but that Skip Humphrey has neglected corruption of public officers. As Attorney General, he would prosecute crime in government; and 4) He believes that the concealed carry bill now before the legislature would be a prudent means to protect the constitutional right of citizens to keep and bear arms and to reduce crime on the streets. Additionally, Graham has expressed his opposition, on constitutional grounds, to the stadium bill, to the recently passed stalking law which removes specific intent as an element of the crime, and to the ease with which Orders For Protection are issued, sometimes throwing people out of their homes, without proper notice, evidence and hearing. ----------------------------------------------------- Signs . . . of a well rounded education. This photo, taken late January, 1998 depicts the signs by the lockers at Bemidji State University, where students learn not only about the 3 Rs, but apparently, the "T" as well. The signs say, "WARNING! There have been numerous thefts from these lockers Fall Quarter! Please take this into consideration when choosing what to leave in your locker! ... -- Your Student Senate." ------------------------------------------------------- ADVERTISEMENT BEMIDJI COTTON MILLS We buy our 100% Cotton shirts at retail market in the Cities and elsewhere, but we sew our label in right here! Watch for our upcoming specials! ADVERTISEMENT ------------------------------------------------------------- Editorials - Opinion YES, VIRGINIA, THERE IS A REFORM PARTY IN BEMIDJI. Season of Mass Deception Kicks Off - How The Dumbing-Down of the Electorate Begins - At the Grassroots Level Northern Minnesota's Bi-Annual tribute to the [mis]leadng of the electorate began March 3rd with precinct caucus night. From this point forth, candidates have only 7 months to con the largest numbers of people into supporting them. Those who do will be the big winners in November! It kind of makes you feel proud to be an American! This year, we are without particularly heavy hitting vote-getters like former Rep. Bob Johnson (District 4A: Parts of Beltrami and Hubbard Counties, including Bemidji - 5 terms, 3 DWIs) and former Senator Skip Finn (District 4: Beltrami, Hubbard, Cass, and parts of Itasca and Wadena Counties - Finn is now serving time for felony conviction). Doug Fuller announced, at his Republican caucus, his candidacy for the District 4A legislative post now held by Gail Skare. Fuller's campaign manager is Bill Batchelder, who operates Bemidji Woolen Mills and is a nephew of the late Richard Morton, former owner of Bemidji's Hard Times Saloon. Fuller works as a bartender at Northern Inn, Bemidji. To many, the new Reform Party is, kind of, a breath of fresh air. It sometimes gives voters a clean, third, choice. Some see it as a threat, though, to the Democratic, or particularly, Republican parties. Reform candidates often, but not always, tend to be to the conservative side of center, particularly on fiscal issues. The first Tuesday in March is a special night when once, every two years, people get to gather at the most basic grassroots level - their neighbourhood precincts, and have input into party platforms and candidates. This is where many political newcomers first become a part of their party's political process. Unless you happened to be interested in the Reform Party in the Bemidji area. There, you might not have thought there was a caucus. On the day of the caucuses, The [Bemidji] Pioneer, the major Bemidji area daily newspaper, printed on their front page, "While Republicans and Democrats will attend precinct caucuses starting at 7 p.m., also joining in the political process are Reform Party supporters. That party plans on holding about 95 caucuses throughout the state, but The Pioneer isn't aware of any slated for the Bemidji area." [Italics added]. The Pioneer, apparently, didn't look very hard. Because the Reform Party caucus, for the entire Senate District 4 (5 counties), was held at 7 p.m. that night in Room 126B of the Bemidji High School. It had been, for several weeks before, listed with the county auditors (this is where a reporter, or anyone, would call to find out where the caucuses were) in all 5 counties, including Beltrami, for which the caucus was held. Additionally, the Reform Party had run a 3.9" x 2" ad in The Pioneer of February 25th announcing the caucus location as prescribed by The Secretary of State. The caucus was also announced in this newspaper, but distribution of the Northern Herald in the Bemidji area is suppressed both by certain retailers, including the two major Bemidji grocers, and by Bemidji City Management and police - many Bemidjians can't get it, which restricts their access to political, and other, news. Confronted on the error, The Pioneer maintained that it was a mistake. Giving them the benefit of the doubt, it may have been. But it would have been tough to make. That's because, a week before the ad ran, the Senate 4 Reform Party Convener (your editor, Adam Steele) contacted the Pioneer to see if the notice required by the Secretary of State would be carried as a free Public Service Announcement, or if it had to be a paid ad. The Pioneer salesman said he discussed it with the editorial staff, and determined that it had to be an ad - that the Pioneer wouldn't be printing caucus locations because there were so many of them. In actuality, The Pioneer did print the locations of the DFL and Republican caucuses in their March 3rd article. The [Bemidji] Pioneer is owned by The Fargo Forum, which also owns other Minnesota newspapers. Its publisher is Omar Forberg. The caucus. Given the illusion that there was no Bemidji area Reform Party caucus, it was attended only by the Convener who, after performing party business and the caucus formalities, recessed it until it could be reconvened, with notification to area Reform Party supporters. The reconvening will be in April, with date to be announced. One of the purposes of the caucus is to elect delegates and alternates to the State Convention, June 6th, in Minneapolis. Persons who desire information about the caucus, or may wish to be delegates from the Senate District 4 area (includes all of Beltrami, Hubbard & Cass and parts of Itasca & Wadena Counties) may call 218-759-1162 Note: This editorial, which is somewhat cynical about some elected officials, is only our opinion. We recognize that you may feel wholly represented by your political party, senator or representative. Those who don't now have the opportunity, in some areas, to be part of the ground-level of a clean third choice. -- Ed ----------------------------------------------------------- WITH A GRAIN OF SAND... Two guys at a Brainerd bar: Joe: "Have you heard the new gag about the Bemidjian?" Bill: "No, but, you know, I'm a BSU graduate." Joe: "That's OK - I'll tell it slowly." ------------------------------------------------------------- LETTERS TO THE EDITOR We, the William Hetherington Defense Committee, are once again asking you to write a letter on behalf of William Hetherington (no e-mail). We need support from those of you living outside the state of Michigan as well as from within - FOREIGN COUNTRIES INCLUDED. In the past these letter campaigns HAVE been successful, not because the “system” opened up the prison gates, but because behind the scenes these letters have influence and let the authorities know someone is watching. YOUR HELP MATTERS. We need you to act NOW! We NEED to tell the prosecutor that we are all watching this case! There has been a breakthrough thanks to Al Lebow of Fathers For Equal Rights America, MI, and follow up is needed. The details are below. CASE UPDATE: The Hetherington case is a complicated one, but essentially it boils down to a man accused of spousal rape during a bitter custody dispute. The prosecuting attorney used the case to “grandstand” to the feminist vote. He was running for state Supreme Court (in 1985 this was Robert Weiss). The Michigan State guidelines call for a sentence of between 6 and 10 years. Mr. Hetherington was sentenced to from 15 to 30 years. He has served 13. Over the years Mr. Hetherington was unable to acquire legal defense. His assets were frozen by the divorce court and the criminal court refused to recognize that he did not have the use of those assets. This situation continues to this day. In 1994 Hetherington’s case attracted the attention of attorney, Jeffrey Feldman of Miami, FL. Mr. Feldman took the case pro bono. Expenses were covered by donations to the William Hetherington Defense Fund. On January 26, 1998 Mr. Feldman presented the court with a Michigan MCR 6500 motion. This “brief” runs 94 pages and details all of the horrors experienced by Mr. Hetherington under the Michigan court system. Essentially, it asks that either Mr. Hetherington be freed or granted a new trial. Chief among the things enumerated in the brief was the discovery of new evidence (photographs) that directly contradict testimony provided by Mrs. Hetherington and two police officers. This evidence was suppressed by the prosecution at the time of trial. It is now seems apparent that the two police officers may have committed perjury. As of now, Arthur Busch, the prosecutor of Genesee County, MI, has been asked to respond to the brief by March 9, 1998. Originally we had feared that the sentencing Judge, Thomas Yeotis, would just let the brief lay around unread. However, thanks to the efforts of Al Lebow, Fathers for Equal Rights of America, MI, local media was stirred up and pressure was put on the system (through phone calls to the court house) to respond. THE NEEDED LETTERS We need you to write to the County Prosecutor to let him know that the public is watching: Arthur Busch, Genesee County Prosecutor, Genesee County Court House, 900 South Saginaw Street, Room 100 Court House, Flint, MI 48502 You should appeal to him to set Mr. Hetherington free. You should make a point of mentioning the new evidence that has been uncovered. You can also point out that Wil was denied his automatic right to appeal (28 USC 1915) because he had no money. However, also mention some of the major points made in the brief. These are listed below: In the end, we hope that the Hetherington case can be used as a beachhead that will benefit everyone. His case represents what can happen when feminist legislative rape reforms are married to the discrimination carried out against fathers in family court. When the two are combined, this (a Hetherington type case) is what you get. And we must speak out about this! MAJOR POINTS IN THE BRIEF Pages 2 through 6 enumerate 11 reasons for a new trial. Pages 6-7 elaborate on one major reason for acquittal: The law under which Hetherington was convicted was passed unconstitutionally under the Michigan State constitution. In the last pages of the brief we get a glimpse of the way legislators in many bodies throughout our land “actually” do business. That is to say that legislation is sometimes passed in haste without everybody knowing what they are voting on. New Evidence - The state concealed evidence - (two police officers at trial lied?) - pages 32, 34-35. Photographs taken by the police and withheld from the defense were uncovered by attorney Jeffrey Feldman 12 years later. These photographs contradict police testimony at trial. What is going on here ? Ineffective counsel - The brief enumerates many specifics, but one of the most startling facts is that an appeal was not granted because counsel failed to pay a $50 filing fee. Page 56. Judicial arrogance - Judge Yoetis accused Hetherington of being a liar. - Bottom of page 72. The judge was out of line. The prosecution tried to slander his character before the jury by claiming Hetherington is a "cross-dresser," which he is NOT! But so what, if he is? The prosecution tried to assassinate his character. Plea Bargaining - The court was going to set Mr. Hetherington free if he agreed NOT to go to trial. Page 73. They couldn’t have considered him to be much of a danger. William refused, went to trial and was sentenced to 30 years. He has already served 13! Sentencing Violations - Hetherington was sentenced 15 to 30 years where the guidelines call for 6 to 10. Page 70 and 71-74. Freezing Assets - Hetherington could not defend himself in criminal court because divorce court had frozen his assets. The criminal court refused to recognize this and even went so far as to renege on an agreement to appoint a public defender - pages 24-27, 57-58. Court Reporter Had Conflict of Interest - Court reporter failed to keep a complete trial transcript and failed to inform the court that she had made a prior criminal complaint against Mr. Hetherington. Pages 65, 69. For more information, William Hetherington’s web address is: http://www.ncfm.org/will.htm Special THANKS to Bradley Communications who are donating space in the April issue of Radio and TV Interview Report to William Hetherington’s case. National Coalition of Free Men E-Mail: ncfm@liii.com World Wide Web: http://www.ncfm.org Office: (516) 482-6378 And here you thought the railroad only went through Bemidji -- Ed. ------------------------------------------------------------ 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 HOUSTON FORD CUSTOMER BLOWN AWAY BY "PRICE SHOOTOUT" Bena Man Claims Attempted Overcharge, Misrepresentation of Warranty PINE RIVER --In about a 1/3 page ad in Bemidji's By Line newspaper of February 11th, under the heading of "20 USED VEHICLES UNDER $4950!" Houston Ford, of Pine River, listed a 1992 Dodge Dynasty at $4,485. The ad was worded such as to appear to indicate that the prices were good February 9th - 14th: Above the auto descriptions and prices it said "Houston Ford and Osterloh Co. Are having a price shootout! Feb. 9-14" Lloyd Dahl and his wife Emily went shopping for a car the day before (February 10) at Houston. They saw the Dynasty on the lot and were interested, so they took it for a test drive. Dahl said they heard a "slight noise" in the front end which was of concern. They asked the salesman, Donny Bowman, the price. At that point, said Dahl, the salesman became evasive and seemed to stall. "We were uncomfortable at the very moment we sat down at his desk," Dahl later said, adding that Bowman finally quoted a price of $7,895. Dahl asked about the noise and whether Houston had checked it out; Dahl reported that Bowman told him it was either the CV joint or ball joints; the service manager then tested the car and said it was ball joints. According to Dahl, when he told Bowman he didn't want a car with those defects, Bowman offered to sell him, for $795 additional, a 12 month/12,000 mile warranty that Bowman represented could be used "anywhere." (Actually, the warranty was valid at any "Certified" mechanic, of which there are many.) In the course of the transaction, Dahl had occasion to speak with Bill Krassas, Finance Manager at Houston Ford. Per Dahl, Krassas told him that the warranty would cover both the CV and the ball joints. Dahl bought the car and the warranty, putting $800 down, along with a trade-in van (an '86 Aerostar) for which Houston allowed $500. The next morning, Dahl's brother showed him the ad listing the car for $3,410 less than the price charged Dahl. "We were upset," said Dahl, who, with his wife and father, Butch, drove back to Pine River (about 60 miles). At Houston Ford, Dahl claims, Krassas told him "There must be some mistake ... in the advertisement." But after some arguing, Krassas agreed to honor the price, and, at the same time, offered him $200 more for his trade-in. The contract was rewritten and Dahl took the car back to his home in Bena. Later in February, Dahl took the car to an authorized warranty repair shop in Bemidji to have the noise fixed. But he was told by the mechanic there that the problem was ball joints, and they weren't covered under the warranty Dahl had been sold. "He [Krassas] gave us false information" as to what the warranty covered, said Dahl, adding that it turned out to be a "Class B" warranty which doesn't cover ball joints. Dahl made another trip to Pine River to confront Krassas with this information and ask Houston Ford to honor the warranty as it had been explained. Per Dahl, Krassas refused to repair the car in Houston's shop, and offered Dahl $500 total to leave the car and escape the contract. At this point Dahl had put $800 (the down payment) plus his trade-in into the deal. Krassas told him that his trade-in had been wholesaled and was not available for return. Dahl said that when he recounted the facts, that the warranty had been represented as valid to fix the noise problem, and that's why he bought it and the car, "Everybody got memory loss" and that Krassas claimed he had, at the time of sale, no knowledge that the noise was ball joints, notwithstanding that Houston's service manager had seen the car and had diagnosed the problem as ball joints. Dahl took the Dynasty back home and contacted an attorney. Follow-Up: Houston Responds. On March 4th, Northern Herald interviewed Rick Smith, service manager at Houston Ford, who refused any comment, and Bill Krassas. Krassas may have, by that time, been contacted by Dahl's attorney as he had a written statement prepared. The statement recited the facts of the sale on February 10th, and recounts Dahl's return the next day after he saw the ad. Krassas's statement then recites, "I check to see if this is the same car we were advertising, and found that it was the same car & we had a misprint in the paper of $3,445." [There is a $35 error in the statement's figures -- Ed.]. The statement continues, "I offered to unwind the deal or to honor the advertised price that we had. They also stated that the car had a noise in the front end. I had Mr. Dahl and Steve, our technician, ride together to locate the problem. When Mr. Dahl got back, he told me the problem was in the constant velocity joints and wanted to know if we would fix them. I said, no Houston Ford wouldn't fix them because the vehicle had been sold as is. However, your extended warranty does cover constant velocity joints with a $60 deductible and since they were in a hurry they could get their vehicle fixed at any service facility that had a certified tech on hand." Krassas's statement continues, "02/23/98 Mr. Dahl called me and said that he had stopped into ... [a Certified shop] and they would not fix the ball joints under the warranty. And wanted me to call them & find out why. He then would call me between 11:00 and 11:15 the next morning. I spoke with our service department to confirm that ball joints are not covered but constant velocity joints are. (Mr. Dahl never called back.)" Krassas's statement continues, "02/25/98 Mr. Dahl and a friend [actually, this was his father, Butch] stop in [to] talk to me about the problem he had with the 92 Dodge Dynasty. I asked them what he exactly wanted. He said, 'I want the ball joints fixed on my car by Houston Ford for free because Bill [Krassas] told him that they were covered under the warranty. And if he had known that [they weren't covered,] he would not have purchased the car.'" The statement then recites that Krassas offered to "unwind the deal" by canceling the contract, and returning the down payment and trade-in van. The statement says, "[on 2/25] ... I checked with Lee to see if we still had the van. We did ...." Dahl denies that any such offer was made, by Krassas, to unwind the deal, but said that Houston Ford had offered to void the warranty and remove its cost from the contract price upon return of the warranty card. Dahl further said that he was told, when there, that Houston Ford didn't have the trade-in van anymore; that they'd wholesaled it. A happy ending. By the time we interviewed Mr. Krassas, however, Houston Ford had reacquired the trade-in van, "We actually went and got the trade," he said. We asked Krassas if Dahl were to bring back the Dynasty that day or within reasonable time if Houston Ford would unwind the deal and refund the down and the trade; Krassas said that they would. In the end, the customer was given the option of staying with the deal, and paying for the ball joint repair, with the additional option of voiding the warranty and its cost, or unwinding the deal with return of the full down payment and the trade-in. Consumer Corner Analysis. As with many consumer matters, there are clearly conflicting versions of what happened and what representations were made. There are two distinct elements of concern, 1) Was the customer initially overcharged for the car, and 2) Was the warranty misrepresented? In the first element, if we give Houston Ford the benefit of the doubt and accept their explanation that the advertised price of $4,485 was a misprint, we are left with the conclusion that Houston's actual price for the car was $7,895., the price initially quoted and charged. Per a local reputable auto salesman, the '92 Dodge Dynasty NADA books at $6,100., retail. And that's with good ball joints. But fair market value of a car sometimes differs from the national book - you have to check the local market, so we did. On March 4th & 5th, there were 5 Dodge Dynasties priced in the Minneapolis Star Tribune classifieds. The range on the 93s was $5,250 to $5,888. The '92 was priced at $4,700 or best offer; the 'two 91s were $1,800 obo & $4,700 obo. If it was, as Houston Ford says, a misprint, then it follows that the car, at $7,895., appears to be priced significantly above market. Misprinted prices, legally, do not generally have to be honored. In the event of a true misprint, we don't know many car lots or other businesses that would agree to take a $3,000+ loss on the error. The alternative explanation is that there was no misprint; the car was priced at $4,485 and the salesman just saw an opportunity to make a cool $3,000+ on it. We also note, in this, that the type for the ad was not set by the newspaper in which it was run - it was supplied by Houston Ford or their agents as camera-ready copy. So they had the opportunity to proofread it before it ran. The matter of what was said, and when, as to the warranty and as to what was wrong with the car, is somewhat more complicated. The statements of the consumer, and of Houston Ford are sharply conflicting - it depends on who you want to believe. After the consumer had contacted an attorney, and possibly under pressure, Houston said they'd unwind the deal. Krassas also said they'd offered to do that on 2/25. But the customer denies this and said he'd been told on 2/25 that the van had been wholesaled and was not on the lot. And the customer's version is supported by Krassas's having said, to Northern Herald, on March 4th, that "We actually went and got the trade." The Moral. In car trading, the rule is Caveat Emptor. Always: 1) Research the market before you buy; know what the competitve price is for the model in question. 2) Read the fine print as to what any warranty covers. 3) If a salesman says something specific (i.e. a defect in the car you're buying) is covered or will be repaired, get it in writing. Ink is cheap and it really improves peoples' memories. 4) And finally, if you don't want your car shopping trip to involve attorneys, etc., buy from a private party or reputable dealer. What you don't know will hurt you. If there are problems with the deal, well, they can sometimes be remedied, but why buy trouble? ---------------------------------------------------- 5TH ANNUAL SLEIGH & CUTTER FESTIVAL HUBBARD -- Hubbard residents recently announced their yearly festival, held February 15th. Festivities included a sled full of prizes, chili, and Sleigh & Cutter Parade - BYOH (Horse). The release warned, though, "Sorry, no snowmobiles. The mules object!" -------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- ISSUE OF 02/18/98 - VOLUME 3 NO. 7 ----------------------------------- FISH TOURNEYS, GREAT JAZZ, SWEEP NORTHLAND BEMIDJI --The name for great jazz in the Northland is BSU Jazz Bands I & II. Jazz Band I lent it's awesome sound to the public at Bemidji, February 7th, at a Concert, at Bemidji High School auditorium, concluding their 25th annual Jazz Festival. The concert featured renowned jazz artist Jim ten Bensel and Walt Weiskopf who performed several numbers with the Jazz Band including the song, "Outsider" from Weiskopf's newest CD. Fourteen other bands, from various high schools and colleges in Winnipeg, Steinbach, Mitchell, Duluth, Blackduck, Bemidji and Wrenshall participated in the festival. Saturday's concert was opened by the Fort Richmond Collegiate Sr. Jazz Band; playing next was the Duluth East High School Band, followed by the BSU Jazz band and the featured artists. The concert was only a part of the 2-day annual jazz festival. Dr. Konecne explained that much of it involved the students having the opportunity to work with the great visiting jazz artists. "Each band had a half an hours' time, they usually played three pieces, and then the clinicians (Weiskopf and ten Bensel) actually rehearsed them - went up and worked with them - a real hands-on learning experience for them, that's what we were looking for," he said. Upcoming events for the jazz bands will include another concert in May, after which the band plans a tour, probably to Winnepeg, to play for the schools there and participate in clinics. Commenting on this year's festival, Konecne said, "It was great. The clinicians were fabulous and made my job easier. And I get such a great response from the participating bands. It's very important." 7-year veteran with the BSU jazz bands (he started playing with them while a high school junior), John Horgeshimer, tenor sax, interviewed just prior to the concert, said of the festival, "It was great. Overall, everyone's had a real positive experience." Regarding the bands visiting for the workshops, he said, "The bands that we get every year are really good... it's really nice because it gives them an opportunity to hear good American jazz.... Jim (ten Bensel) is from the Cities, he teaches down there ...he's really good with the kids. Tonight will be indicative of his enthusiasm for jazz." Jazz Stars Jim ten Bensel, from the Twin Cities (shown playing french horn), and Walt Weiskopf (far right on sax) came to Bemidji February 6th & 7th to perform and hold clinics (workshops) with the BSU jazz bands, conducted by Jeffrey Macomber and Dr. Steve Konecne (inset). ------------------------------------------------------- FEBRUARY FISHING TOURNEYS CATCH NORTHLAND ANGLERS February traditionally means Ice Fishing Tourneys in Northern Minnesota. By this time, the ice is safe in most areas. Even with the mild winter, it was about 20 inches at Blackduck Lake, where the Blackduck Jaycees held the first of their new annual fishing derbies. As the weigh-in closed and prizes were announced, honors went to Sara Keelee, 12, of Blackduck (see photo); Glen Smith, who took 2nd with a 3 lb. 8 oz. Northern; and Craig Tjepkes who pulled in a 3 lb. 7 oz. Northern for 3rd. Fourth to seventh places went to Avis Juelson, Tim Carouette, John Hodgson and Greg Moon, respectively. Logan Kile, 12, caught the first fish, a small perch, about 5 minutes after the start. The prize for biggest perch went to Dean Olafson with a 14 oz. catch, and Darrin Hanson took the award for the biggest rough fish with a 4 lb. 12 oz. eelpout (had it been Walker, a week later, this would have been the only game fish). Jeff Page took the prize for the smallest game fish with a 1/2 oz. walleye. The Blackduck tourney is open to all ages; this year, young people took many of the prize-winning fish. Said Jaycees President, Andy Thienes, of the event that drew about 600 entrants and created a veritable little city on the ice, "Excellent. Better than we expected," and he said the money raised would be used for, "kids' projects, [and]... community projects," adding, "We really appreciate the support from the communities all around us; from Blackduck, Northome, Kelliher, Bemidji. We appreciate their support [and] ...what they've done for us to make us a strong jaycees chapter in the area." At Bagley, the Lions held their annual tourney February 15th with prizes donated by Bagley merchants. Additionally, Crandall's Sports & Amoco, Bagley, provided minnows for the event. Tom Jones, of Bagley, took 1st place, $100 in cash and prizes, with a 3 lb. Northern. He also caught the 3rd place fish. 2nd went to Chad Stevens, Bagley, with a 2 lb. 8 oz. Northern. Joleen Lundeen had the first fish caught, a 2 oz. perch. The prize for the fisherman from farthest away went to Nick Knutson, who came up from Rochester, and the prize for the oldest fisherman went to Melvin Mathison, 82, of Bagley. Leroy Riewer, Lions President, was pleased at the large turnout on Bagley's Lake Lomond, saying they'd sold about 12-1400 tickets for the 233 door prizes also given away on the ice. He said the $1,500 to $2,000 raised would be used for the Youth Hockey Association, the Bagley Auditorium fund and other community projects. The Grand Door Prize of $200 was donated by 1st National Bank of Bagley, and by Wilde Construction; sleigh rides on the ice were provided by the Horse Fever Club. Fish, fish & more fish! Below, the Goodwin Family displays their prize winning fish in the Red Lake Boys and Girls Fishing Derby. The February 7th event, at Bass Lake, was sponsored by Red Lake Law Enforcement and Department of Natural Resources and was open to kids from 5 to 17. Above, Red Lake parents Andrew and Cheri Goodwin, with son, Charles, and daughter, Andrea, who both took prize fish. Charles holds his 1st place rough fish, a 1 lb. 11 oz. Crappie, and his 3rd place, 1 lb. 9 oz. Northern. He also took the 4th place perch at 3 oz. Andrea got the 1st place Walleye with the only Walleye caught. It weighed in at 1 lb. 4 oz. She also took the 5th place Northern at 8 oz. ------------------------------------------------ Leading Edge Journalism - Follow-up BCA REPORT ISSUED IN BEAULIEU SHOOTING; FAMILY CONSIDERS LAWSUIT FOR WRONGFUL DEATH BEMIDJI -- The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Appre- hension has closed the Beaulieu investigation without any apparent finding of wrongdoing by the officers involved (see Construction Site Suicide Under Investigation, NH of 01/05/98). The report, dated January 9, 1998, and prepared by BCA agent Steve Hagenah, who conducted the invest- igation, summarizes, "No evidence generated as a result of this report... case closed ... no arrest." The BCA report is based on statements of Bemidji Police Department (BPD) officers Charboneau, Sorensen, Beise, and Russell who were present at the incident. The statements indicate that Detective Nelson (BPD), and Beltrami Deputies Kovacic and Gherardi were also present. But the family still has questions. The shooting, termed a suicide, was also privately investigated by 20-year police veteran John LeMar, and the matter has been referred to Douglas Johnson, an attorney in Muscatine, Iowa. Said Johnson, "We're in the investigation stage," but he could not comment further, at this time, on disagreement with the BCA report. "There are some things we have questions about," he said, and Johnson stated, "We anticipate that it is likely that a suit will be filed." The investigations resulted from an incident, December 11, 1997, in which police received a 911 call from Allen James Beaulieu, 20, at about 5 am. Beaulieu had broken into the office trailer at a construction site on 30th St. NW, Bemidji, and used the phone there to call police. He said he was "going to shoot himself and a friend." Bemidji police, including a SWAT team, and later, Beltrami deputies arrived on the scene to find Beaulieu alone. Officer Charboneau was the first to arrive. Per his statement, Beaulieu was found holding a gun [later determined to be a sawed-off shotgun] to his chest. No other victim or hostage was involved at any time. After several hours of attempting to negotiate with Beaulieu, per Sorensen's statement, "It was decided that if negotiations broke down, and if Beaulieu removed his hand from the trigger of his shotgun, an attempt could be made to stun him with a beanbag round [a non-lethal device fired from a shotgun] and subdue him before he could shoot himself or someone else." From the statement, it appears that the suggestion to use the beanbag originated with Beltrami County Sheriffs' deputies. Sorenson's statement recites that upon arriving at the scene, "Deputy Gherardi showed Sergeant Sorenson that he had 12-gauge beanbag rounds..." Per the statement, when the opportunity arrived, and on Deputy Kovacic's order, Deputy Gherardi fired the beanbag, which struck Beaulieu in the chest area. He was momentarily knocked back from his sitting position, and his hands knocked back off of the shotgun. Per the police statements, Detective Nelson and Deputy Kovacic "sprinted to Beaulieu's location," but, before they got there, Beaulieu picked up the shotgun and shot himself. Certain questions have been raised concerning physical evidence, and Investigator LeMar has questioned the propriety of the police action. "There were no civilians in any danger, the police weren't in any danger.... Basically, he [Beaulieu] had no place to go.... If they had taken no action, he probably would have passed out," LeMar said. ------------------------------------------ NORTHERN HERALD - FOR WHEN YOU WANT YOUR NEWS STRAIGHT. NOT STRAINED. ------------------------------------------- ATWATER LEAVE COSTS BELTRAMI OVER $5,000 BEMIDJI -- Deputy William Atwater remains on paid administrative leave from the Beltrami Sheriff's Department during a pending Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) investigation. Since the leave began, which, per Marilyn Nelson, Beltrami County Personnel, was approximately 12/11/98, (this is also the date of the Beaulieu shooting, but we are unable to confirm any connection - it is presently presumed to be coincidental) it has cost Beltrami County approximately $5,798 plus benefits. Atwater's rate of pay is $2,556 per month. Neither the County, nor the BCA, would disclose the allegations against Atwater or reasons for the investigation, although it was indicated that, unlike the recent Deputy Cross suspension, which involved only departmental discipline, the Atwater investigation, requested by the Sheriff's Department, could involve subject matter leading to criminal charges. When investigation is completed, BCA will forward the information to the Beltrami County Attorney. It is not known how long Atwater will remain on leave as the investigation is completed. Due to its nature and complexity, "It's going to take a while," said BCA agent Terry Smith at Bemidji, who also said that information relating to the matter will be made public when the investigation is complete, but also said that it wouldn't be any time soon. Following Ron Peterson, and the Cross matters, this is the third high profile investigation within the Beltrami Sheriff's Department since 1995, shortly after Dee Wayne Rognstad took office. Interviewed as to when the questionable activity might have begun, former Sheriff Dwight Stewart, now North St. Paul Chief of Police, said, "To my knowledge, all items that required discipline within my department were taken care of at the time," and he stated he had no knowledge of any of the activities, for which Sheriff's staff have been recently disciplined, as having occurred during his administration. ---------------------------------------- Musicians entertain at the monthly jam session at the Senior Center in Blackduck. From left, Keith Sheehan, of Bemidji, Alvin Anderson, of Thief River Falls, and Arron Powers, of Bemidji. Also appearing in that February 7th combo was John Erickson, Northome, on guitar; Jim O' Laughlin, Northome, on piano, Barbara Maureen, Blackduck, on violin; Sig Scheldrup, Blackduck, on table steel guitar; Paul Reisinger, Clearbrook, on concertina; Rodney Martin, Wirt, drums; Richard Ferdig, Blackduck, bass guitar; Richard Maureen, Blackduck, harmonica; and Lee Coe, Tenstrike, playing the bones. The jam sessions will continue the first Saturday of each month, through the winter, from 1 to 5 p.m., followed by pot luck at 5. In May, the Senior Center may move the jams to the first Thursday evening. ---------------------------------------------- SUICIDE SUPPPORT GROUP STARTS UP by Northern Herald staff Due to a high suicide rate among Minnesotans, and an ever-growing need for support groups for individuals that have been affected by this desperate act of finality, starting March 3rd, 1998, the first support group for survivors of suicide, close friends and relatives of suicide victims, will be officially underway. The group will meet, every two weeks, at the Bemidji library, 509 America Ave., NW from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. The group is being founded by Jeff Miller, who lost his brother, Andrew, to this act of desperation. Interested persons may contact Mr. Miller at 218-759-9269. Miller has requested, if there are any mental health professionals that have had personal exposure to suicide, are willing to become guest speakers, or have other pertinent and helpful information, that they contact him. ---------------------------------------- SEPARATION GRIEF SUPPORT SESSIONS BEGIN BEMIDJI --A new support group for persons recently separated, widowed or divorced will begin nine weeks of sessions, March 2nd at 7:30 p.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church, Bemidji. Per a release, the program, which assures confidentiality, is designed to provide a supportive atmosphere for self-evaluation and will include group presentations, private reflection and small dialogue groups. Persons interested may call 751-4469 or 751-3442 -------------------------------------------- Advertisement IF YOU LIKE TO SMOKE KNOW WHERE YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS GO. In 1995, the AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY gave $6,000 in tax-deductible contributions to the "Minnesota Coalition for a Smoke-Free Society - 2000", a lobbying group that's trying to make it harder for you to smoke by increasing tobacco taxes and governmental restrictions. The American Heart Association also gave $6,000, and American Lung Association gave $500. Source: Minnesota Coalition for a Smoke-Free Society 2000 A PUBLIC SERVICE MESSAGE PROVIDED BY THIS NEWSPAPER -------------------------------------------------- Advertisement FEEL LEFT OUT BY THE MAJOR PARTIES? FEEL LIKE YOUR IDEAS / VOTES DON'T COUNT? THEY DO. CAUCUS REFORM District 4 Reform Party Caucus Includes all precints in Senate District 4 in Beltrami, Hubbard, Cass, Wadena, Itasca Counties Tuesday, March 3rd, 7:00 P.M. - Bemidji High School, "B" Building, Room 126B Park in H.S. lot and enter "B" building, behind main building, by South door. Prepared and paid for by Adam Steele as an independent expenditure on behalf of the Reform Party of Minnesota ------------------------------------------------------ NEW GRASSROOTS LOBBYING ORGANIZATION TO FIGHT FOR TAX AND SPENDING CUTS ST. PAUL --The Taxpayers' League of Minnesota recently issued a release announcing its formation and plans for the present legislative session. The organization states, as its main mission, "to organize taxpayers statewide to lobby for tax cuts and for reductions in the size, scope, and regulating power of state and federal government and to restore the influence of individual citizens and taxpayers." Leadership of the organization, located at 3030 Centre Point Drive, Suite 900, St. Paul 55113, (612-639-5346) includes Twin Cities businessman Michael Wigley, Chairman of the Board; Darrell McKigney, former congressional aide to (now Senator) Rod Grams, President of the organization; and David Storm, a former professor of political science, Carleton College, who serves as Legislative Director. McKigney is a former Executive Director of the Minnesota Christian Coalition. McKigney stated in the release, "Minnesota makes too many national 'top ten' lists in terms of high state taxes. We will be fighting to see that more money remains in the hands of the people who work to earn it in the first place." Per Storm, a top legislative priority is refunding the entire amount of an anticipated state budget surplus which they expect to be at least $1.3 billion. The organization is currently preparing ratings for all lawmakers based on their voting records in 1997 and plans to distribute them by the end of the year. ---------------------------------------------- Editorials - Opinion SHOULD MANUFACTURER, EMPLOYER AT RED LAKE BE PART OF THE VISION? Vision May Provide Rare Opportunity for Growth in Bemidji Area Grand Rapids is a beautiful and progressive city. And it is self-contained. Environmentally-friendly industry supports the city, and then some. What Grand Rapids is, is primarily due to the work of one man, namely Charles Blandin, who in the forties decided to share his wealth and innovation with the city on an enduring basis by creating the Blandin Foundation. The Foundation funds about $15 million annually in civic improvements and leadership programs (see also, Grand Rapids, NH of 01/28/98) As far-reaching as the benevolence of Blandin was, so is that of the foundation that bears his name; not limiting its help only to the Grand Rapids area, but now also to other communities around the state by way of the Blandin Community Partnership Committees which exist in Bemidji, Walker, Blackduck and Cloquet. At these public meetings, a steering committee, made up of the public in attendance from the community, discusses and develops a clear vision for community betterment and strategies to get there. In Bemidji, where the last Blandin-assisted vision was made in 1987, a first meeting was held January 5, 1998 to assess the community and update the vision. Findings were made available at the second meeting, February 3rd. Among the significant findings of the January assessment, in overview, were that Bemidji is located in an area where 1) Government employment is the leading source of wage/salary income; 2) Recreation (tourism) accounts for more than 20% of all jobs; and 3) Population growth is rapid. The meeting also considered the demography of Bemidji/Beltrami County by age, ethnicity and other factors, and defined isolatable and addressable factors which tend to put the community and its residents "at-risk" for poverty and social problems. The second meeting, conducted by Duane Lund, of the Blandin Foundation, and Nancy Allen of Bemidji, was well attended and continued the process of defining the vision. Persons in attendance volunteered for one of eight subcommittees which discussed matters of economic opportunity, education, access to services, recreation and culture, safety, environment, leadership, and racial issues. Although addressed by the economic opportunity subgroup, it was suggested that the matter of housing should have its own subcommittee. Work will continue at next public meeting of the committee, Thursday, March 5th, at 7 p.m. at the Middle School cafeteria. At the January initial assessment meeting, participant comments were requested. One suggested that "The circle of involvement was not large enough . . . I feel the Bemidji community extends at least 50 miles in all directions and these [people] should be involved." The same commenter pointed up the steep disparity of socio-economic strata, "The 'haves' are doing well, the 'have-nots' are doing terrible." The commenter hit on two very excellent points. Bemidji is impacted in many ways - as concerns economy, safety and culture, to name a few - not just by what happens within it's city limits but by it's greater region. When we think of economic opportunity, Red Lake, in particular, comes to mind. The disparity of income here, combined with a major potential workforce, leads to the conclusion that here may lie the greatest potential, as well as need, for economic development in the county. It is here that remoteness from existing major industry, and its accompanying problems of transportation and child care, have created unemployment high enough that in the last election debates one candidate ventured that the area might meet the 20% hardship area exclusion to new welfare work rules. These obstacles to employment and economic progress could, perhaps, be met by a manufacturing industry at, or near, the Red Lake Nation. We wonder if this shouldn't be part of the new vision. The specific product to be manufactured could come from a wide spectrum. Surely, there are some good ideas out there. It wouldn't have to be any earth-shaking innovation; one firm in Bemidji, for example, does a good business, and provides employment, manufacturing fishing lures. The only requisites would be that it be a product with a ready market, and that it be exportable - that is, something for which wide markets exist or could be developed off the reservation and preferably outside the immediate region. This is necessary both to bring funds into the economy, as well as (and even more importantly) to insulate the business from political trends which have crippled previous similar endeavors in that area. And it would have to be a product that would render the business self-sustaining. Child care problems could be met by on premises sliding scale day care, much as Anderson Fabrics has for its employees at Blackduck. Transpor-tation problems would be lessened by proximity to Red Lake, and could be further reduced by car pooling; some transporation for employees at shift changes might be industry-provided, if necessary. The possibility of a manufacturing facility at Red Lake was brought up at the February meeting, and the discussion brought out certain hurdles which would have to be cleared. One was communal ownership of land on the reservation. To be a dependable source of employment, an industry would require legal assurance that it couldn't be evicted or impeded due to political change. Another alternative would be to locate it near, but not actually on, reservation land. Does the potential exist for a manufacturing and employing facility at Red Lake? There are other considerations which must be evaluated in assessing the feasibility of the concept. At least one attendee from the Red Lake Nation came to the large February meeting. Others may want to come to the March 5th meeting and help arrive at a better vision for the greater Bemidji area, which, we think, includes our neighbours at Red Lake. "Three things have been our goal in the community. One is to be the employer of choice, two is to be the neighbour of choice, and three is to be the supplier of choice." -- John Chell, Blandin Paper Co. (separate from and not a part of the Blandin Foundation) -------------------------------------------------------- Editorials - Opinion EFFORTS TO SUPRESS FREE PRESS CONTINUE IN BEMIDJI Paul Bunyan Mall, Bemidji Police Try to Stop Curbside Sales of Northern Herald BEMIDJI -- Censorship in Bemidji, previously limited to Bemidji grocers and some restaurants and private concerns, took on official overtones last week as Bemidji Police moved to block the sale of the Norhtern Herald on public property near the Paul Bunyan Mall. Responding, apparently, to a request from Paul Bunyan Mall security, Officer Hunt, of the Bemidji Police Department (BPD), arrived in front of the mall at approximately 4:30 p.m., Monday, February 9, where he found Northern Herald Editor, Adam Steele, selling copies of the paper on the easement (public property) side of the concrete median in front of the mall parking lot entrance. At the scene, Hunt stated that Steele was on mall property, notwithstanding that he was on the sidewalk side of the MNDOT right-of-way markers. The curbside sales were temporarily suspended pending a determination by MNDOT of ownership and rights over that right-of-way. A Paul Bunyan Mall security guard had earlier told Steele that about 15 people who wanted sales of the Northern Herald stopped had complained to him that Steele was obstructing traffic. Steele maintained that, as he had only been there a few minutes that day, only one car had, by then, stopped to buy a paper while waiting for the red light to change, and there was no one behind that car. Standing on the concrete median, Steele was not in the path of traffic. Asked if he had observed any obstruction, the Mall security guard admitted that he had not. Also earlier, shortly after Steele arrived to sell the papers, Sgt. Michael Porter, also of BPD, had driven by and had stated that if he got complaints Steele would have to leave. It is believed that false complaints of obstruction of traffic were generated by persons seeking to suppress sale of the Northern Herald in Bemidji. In past weeks, certain persons who disagree with the Northern Herald have threatened several Bemidji retailers with boycott if they continued to stock the paper, and in Bemidji, retailers citywide have acceded to the pressure tactics to keep Northern Herald off of their shelves. Although the normal number of copies continue to be distributed in Bemidji through certain complimentary locations; the streetside sales were being piloted by the Northern Herald in response, and to make the paper additionally available, to readers who had called stating that they were unable to find the paper where they customarily buy it. The Bemidji retailers' boycott does not appear to be publicly supported. Although curbside sales were brief on the day they were suspended, they had been brisk at the same location the previous weekend without creating any noticible traffic impediment. Responding to the police action, Northern Herald contacted MNDOT the following day and ascertained that that agency does, in fact, control the right-of-way where the papers were being sold. A representative at the MNDOT office in Bemidji indicated that MNDOT had no problem with papers being sold there. Confronted with this and a request that Bemidji Police not harass future vendors, however, Phil Shealy, Bemidji City Manager, said that he'd have to see if Bemidji Police Chief, Robert Tell, "felt" that the sales would create a traffic obstruction before giving the go-ahead for the sales to continue at that location. In the interim, curbside sales in Bemidji remain temporarily suspended. Sales of newspapers on public sidewalks and thoroughfares are nothing new, and are, in fact, the most basic exercise of first amendment rights. Many remember the sidewalk news vendors of days past, hawking the latest issue. In recent times, availability at retail stores has made newstands and vendors obsolete for many publications, but in the 60's and 70's, curbside sales were used by the L.A. Free Press, the Great Speckled Bird (newspaper) of Atlanta, and many others when retail stores proved inadequate to market their publications. If there is actually that much concern by City officials over possible momentary traffic impediment in Bemidji, we wonder why beer trucks (semis) are allowed to park, fully blocking the Northbound lane of the two-lane Beltrami Avenue (a major downtown thoroughfare), with tailgates standing open, to unload liquor to downtown bars such as the Keg 'n Cork and Hard Times Saloon. These trucks actually do create a substantial obstruction for a substantial time. But for some reason, the City has not chosen to address this very real traffic problem. ------------------------------------------------- "If you want to gauge the freedom of a region or a nation, look first to their presses. In places where the press is truly free, the people will be too. Neither the estate of business, nor politics, can enslave a people whose press is truly free, open and accessible." -- A. Steele ---------------------------------------------------- EASTER DRIVE FOR SERVICEMEN OVERSEAS UNDER WAY A lot of people read about what's happening in Bosnia or Kuwait. In late 1995, a handful of gals, mothers and grandmothers decided to do something about it - to help the dedicated American troops overseas. So they formed the OM Cobra Team, headed by Patricia Dwigans (aka Cobra Mom) of Greenwood, Indiana, to organize the private sending of care packages, decorations, cookies and or greeting cards to the troops. OM stands for Operation M.A.L.E., an acronym for Make A Life Enriched. Said Dwigans in a recent release, "We think of the troops at Christmas, but what about rest of the year. We know Easter is still several weeks away, but in order to do a successful mailout we have to start at least 6 weeks in advance. We start shipping the packages on the 13th of March. Nothing comes to us. You send it yourself. All we do is supply a Unit's name." Operation M.A.L.E. is in touch with several of the commanders in Bosnia and Kuwait who help coordinate the operation. They just finished a successful Valentines mailout. Persons interested in sending an Easter package to an overseas unit may contact Operation M.A.L.E. (OM) for mailing information by sending a #10 self-addressed stamped (55¢ stamp) envelope to Pat Dwigans, 5088 Old Smith Valley Road, Greenwood, IN 46143. OM may also be contacted by e-mail to PatDee4915@aol.com or mpzs92a@juno.com Said Dwigans in the OM release, "Let's support our Troops and show them the USA SUPPORTS THEM, even if we don't believe in the Mission. We don't EVER want them to think they have been forgotten, like the Vietnam troops were. We may not believe in their MISSION, but we have to believe in THEM." In a release, Master Sergeant Alan A. Carver, US Army, stationed at Camp Doha, Kuwait, told how the program works, "Operation M.A.L.E. has been operating for many years here. Pat (Cobra Mom)[, along with her friends,] has been organizing this holiday package operation ... to US Soldiers, USAF Airmen, US Marines and US Navy. "We have about 2000 servicemembers here in this area and I'm the point of contact for this area. Once I receive these packages, I distribute among the servicemembers normally at holiday gatherings or in our dining facility on a large table. The servicemember stops by this table, selects an item or two and a card to write back to that person(s) or organization. We put a sign on the table that explains this operation and the persons or organizations that sent the package. The commander here is aware of this operation and highly supports the efforts of those individuals sending packages and thanks ...[them] for supporting United States Military stationed or deployed overseas. "We get many positive comments from servicemembers about this organization. Most of these servicemembers spend one year here away from their families and are unable to travel back home because of the mission here. As you know, Arab countries do not celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas or other holidays that Americans [do]. We are located 70 KM (42 miles) south of the Iraqi border and have a highly critical mission here. We also support other services in the area when they are deployed here. "If you have access to the Internet, you can check out our mission here at ARCENT-Kuwait. You can find us at: http://www.kuwait.army.mil/ and also at this one: http://www.kuwait.army.mil/ARCENT-KU/ARCENT-KU.html "Again, thanks to Pat, her friends and organizations for this highly successful operation and hope for continued support from the American people and families of American forces stationed overseas. Editor's Note: Northern Herald has investigated the legitimacy of Operation M.A.L.E. via several sources, including what appears to be valid U.S. military e-mail. It is our opinion that this organization is bona-fide and does what it purports to do. ----------------------------------------------------- SNO-MO WEEKEND AT GRAND RAPIDS APPROACHES GRAND RAPIDS -- The weekend of February 27th through March 1st brings a host of snowmobile events and meetings to Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Activities will be conducted by the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame (ISHOF), the Midwest Chapter of the International Snowmobile Council, and the Antique Snowmobile Club of America. ISHOF events will be at the Sawmill Inn, except as noted. They will include a booth that will be open Friday and Saturday; groomer equipment demos Friday 9 am-4 pm and Saturday, 9-3 at the Sugar Hills Recreation Area; Groomer Rap Session, Friday 6:30-7:30 pm, and Hospitality Room from 7:30 pm Friday night. Saturday will see an Antique Snowmobile Display from 9 to 5; Snowmobile Ride with the Antiques which leaves from Sawmill Inn at 10 am; performance of the Blandin Male Chorus at 5:30; Social Hour 5:30-6:30 pm; followed by the ISHOF Banquet Dinner (RSVP by February 23rd - 218-245-1725) from 6:30 to 7:30 and the 1998 Induction Ceremony at 8. The ISHOF meeting will be Sunday, commencing at 8 am. All events, including the dinner and meeting, are open to the public. Said Elmer Cone, Founder and CEO of ISHOF, "This is open to anybody and everybody that's interested in snowmobiling." Groomer Demos. This 9th annual groomer demonstration is co-sponsored by the Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources and, for the first time, will also include cross county skiing grooming implements. Per an ISHOF release, last year's event attracted over 200 interested individuals representing clubs, tours, foresters and local and state government agencies. Hands-on testing of the equipment is allowed. To get to these demos at Sugar Hills, take highway 169 S from Grand Rapids about 10 miles, go W on Co. Rd. 17 for 2 miles, and S on Co. Rd. 449 for 2 miles. Watch for Demo signs. Antique & vintage display and ride. The over 1,300 member Antique Snowmobile Club of America (ASCOA) was founded in 1976 by C. J. "Bud" Wieman, and is dedicated to the preservation of the remaining old machines that were instrumental in making snowmobiling what it is today. To be considered an antique, the snomo must have been manufactured in 1968 or before. The Club will provide a nine mile ride, escorted by the Itasca Sheriff's Snowmobile Patrol. New ISHOF inductees will include Roger Lampitt of Washington State, who will be an organizer; James Smail, Wyoming, and Victor Wood, New York State, who will inducted as Trail and Program Developers. The Midwest Chapter of the International Snowmobile Council will meet at the Sawmill on Saturday and Sunday. --------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- ISSUE OF 01/28/98 - VOLUME 3 NO. 6 ----------------------------------- CHAIRMAN HUNT RESPONDS TO PETITIONS States Four Points as to Validity; Tells Band of $60,000 Unauthorized Loan to RBC Members CASS LAKE - Amidst a packed crowd of about 140 supporters, some of whom had decorated the Paradise Room of The Palace, Cass Lake, by hanging, end-to-end upon the council table, and also on the stage and many of the walls, placards and signs voicing their support of Eli O. Hunt, Chairman of the Leech Lake Band of Chippewa, Hunt appeared at the January 8th hearing, scheduled by the Reservation Business Committee (RBC - also known as the Reservation Tribal Council) to consider his removal, and stated that he would not participate in such a hearing until the three RBC District Representatives who had sought to remove Hunt had also undergone removal proceedings. At the same meeting, Hunt later reported to the Band members that it had been discovered that, in November, the three District Representatives had, without authority, borrowed $60,000 against the Leech Lake Band's bank line of credit. As Hunt began to speak, the three District Representatives got up to leave, and a short skirmish broke out as band members tried to get them to stay for the meeting. Hunt founded his actions by telling the gathered tribal members that he had come, not to participate in the cancelled hearing, but to make a four point statement upon which his action was founded. In this, Hunt gave as cause: 1) "I agree to recognize and participate in a hearing for my removal only after hearings have been held to hear the charges on petitions presented last year against Al Fairbanks Jr., Jack Seelye and Myron Ellis. Article X, Vacancies and Removal, of the Revised Constitution and Bylaws of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe [MCT] require a hearing after a petition has been received by the Reservation Business Committee." "It is my desire to comply with the MCT Constitution and that is why it is my intention to comply with the requirement. However, it is a point of order that the hearing for the petition [against Hunt] can occur after Al Fairbanks Jr., Jack Seelye and Myron Ellis have their hearings." The Chairman drew resounding applause as he made each point; he spoke to the matter of District Representatives' salaries, saying, "...we have 30% unemployment...hundreds of people that are working for minimum wage. How can you justify paying ... $72,000 a year when they don't even come to work. ...Your District I Representative should be representing the people from Inger, Squaw Lake and Ball Club. Can you find him in the office? No! Does he come to your community and meet with you ...? No!" And the chairman said the same was true of Jack Seelye, the District II, and Myron Ellis, District III, Representatives. 2) Hunt stated that there had been no lawful validation of the number of signatures on the petitions for his removal. Although Hunt's opponents claimed the signatures were validated by the CPA firm of Larson, Allen and Weishair and Co., Hunt said, "I have given them notice, by letter, that there is no legal, valid contract between the Leech Lake Tribal Council and their firm. ...According to Ordinance #1, which is the Reservation Bylaws... the Chairman and the Secretary-Treasurer [Linda Johnston] are the only two elected officials that are authorized to sign official documents of the Leech Lake Band of Chippewa. ... There is no contact ...signed by either Linda Johnston or myself with this firm of Larson, Allen and Weishair, or with Robert Greyeagle [a mediator]. So if they think they're gonna get paid, wrong," said Hunt, who had issued an earlier release stating that because the firm of Larson, Allen and Weishair was not lawfully hired by the Leech Lake Band to validate the signatures, Hunt did not recognize their findings. According to the release, Larson, Allen & Weishair was hired by the law firm of Jacobson, Buffalo, Schoessler & Magnuson, Ltd., whose contract with the Band expired in November and was not renewed. "Since then, I have invoices ... that show that they are still acting in an official capacity on behalf of the Leech Lake Band," said Hunt. 3) Hunt said that there was no contract or agreement authorizing Robert Greyeagle, a mediator who apparently had been brought by the RBC District Representatives, to be there. The Chairman and the Secretary-Treasurer are the only authorized agents to engage the Leech Lake Band into contracts and agreements, and neither Hunt nor Johnston had approved Greyeagle's hiring. 4) Hunt's fourth point was that there are no rules or guidelines establishing procedures for validating a petition, or how a removal hearing is to be conducted. He spoke of his efforts to establish such procedures, "... October 3, 1997, in Onigum, at the quarterly meeting ... I presented a resolution that asked the council to assemble a petition review committee so that we could develop guidelines and procedures so that we could validate a petition. You know what happened...? Myron [Ellis] and Al [Fairbanks, Dist I Rep.] weren't there. The petition validation resolution was tabled," said Hunt. On other issues, Hunt addressed the tactics used by the petition circulators, saying, "you look at that petition and the valid, legitimate signatures that are on there, those are the same people that you see carrying that petition around this reservation lying about Eli Hunt, saying it's Eli Hunt's fault that this [or that] isn't happening..." Hunt later explained that one of the tactics being used by petition circulators was to tell people that RBC was going to give out a $1,500. per capita payment to tribal members and that Hunt prevented it. "I can tell you that there was never any [such] plan presented..." "I'll tell you what: people that are willing to be dishonest, they're good at stealing and they're good at lying and I'll tell you folks, when it comes to liars and thieves, Eli Hunt is on the other side of the fence - and I always will be," Hunt said. Speaking again to the validity of the claimed signatures on the petition against him, as well as employment coercion by the RBC, Hunt said that many people, whose names were purported to be on the petition, had come to him and told him that they never signed it. "I was able to get 44 affidavits from people that were willing to say 'I want my name removed,...' but yet, there's another group of people out there that said, 'That's not my signature, I never signed it, but I'm scared to sign an affidavit because I'm scared [I'd] lose my job.'" Referring to the unauthorized loan, Hunt said, "On November ... Jack, Al and Myron went to the bank and they borrowed $60,000 against our line of credit at the Cass Lake Bank. They did that without... asking the Secretary-Treasurer or myself. Now that's theft. There's no other way to put it. That's theft," said Hunt, who added that the controller, Linda Lyons, had told him that she was unaware of the transaction. Since the meeting, there have been mixed reports that Hunt would voluntarily submit to a recall election, but on January 25th the Chairman told Northern Herald, that that was not his intent, "Although there's talk that I was considering making the offer, I got a lot of advice from a lot of people who told me not to ... to make such an offer would be like conceding something, so I'm not going to do it,"and the Chairman stated that it was his understanding that a forced recall under these circumstances would violate the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe Constitution. Leech Lake Chairman Eli O. Hunt, shown receiving The 1997 Steele Spheres, the Northern Herald award for Exceptional Performance and Valor both Beyond and Within the Call of Duty. The award was presented, just before the January 8th meeting, in recognition of Hunt's excellent work at Leech Lake since taking office in 1996. An attendee had said of his first RBC meeting in 1996, "It was the first open meeting in 25 years." ------------------------------------------------------- McARTHUR CENSURED BY TEC Eugene "Bugger" McArthur was censured by the Tribal Executive Committee January 5th, for violating the MCT Constitution by assuming office before having been properly sworn in. Under the censure, McArthur is removed from the TEC until the White Earth Reservation Business Committee holds a hearing and acts on the charges against him. It has been speculated, by some, that the action could lead to a recall election. Editorial Note: We have not interviewed Chairman McArthur, but have heard from credible sources both positive comments, and that he is well supported by the White Earth people. Valid questions surrounding his election and assumption of office, however, have clouded his administration from day one. Should a new election occur, it could enable him to serve with the full confidence of White Earth. ---------------------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism - Follow Up DAVID MARTIN ARRESTED, HELD IN 28-TIME RED LAKE SHOOTING RED LAKE -- David Martin has been arrested for his role in the December 6th shooting of Donald Hoagland Jr. at Red Lake, and now faces federal charges of attempted murder. Hoagland was hit by 28 .22 calibre bullets fired by a 14-year old juvenile now believed to be "Geshig" Martin, nephew of David Martin. (See NH of 12/15/97, 1/5/98 for previous reports) Allegedly, the juvenile and David Martin arrived together at a residence where Hoagland was visiting a friend. Reportedly, Martin asked the juvenile, "Are you going to do it?" immediately before the juvenile began firing at Hoagland. The juvenile was arrested immediately after the shooting on federal charges in the nature of juvenile delinquency by attempted murder. All serious offenses at Red Lake, as a federal reservation, are investigated by the FBI. Although David Martin initially remained at large, charged, locally, with only disorderly conduct, per John Egelhof, FBI agent at Bemidji, Martin was arrested by federal authorities January 7th at Red Lake. He was immediately brought before Randall Burg, U.S. Magistrate at Bemidji, and, on January 13th, was arraigned on federal charges of attempted murder before the U.S. Magistrate in Minneapolis who denied bail and ordered that Martin be held pending trial. Martin remains in federal custody with trial expected within 90 days. Hoagland was released from North Country Regional Hospital, Bemidji, on January 9th after five weeks treatment there. He was transferred to the hospital at Red Lake where he spent the weekend, and went home for further recuperation January 12th. Per Hoagland's mother, Brenda May, Hoagland is now recovering well at home and, using crutches, is regaining his ability to walk. "He's a very strong person," May said. ------------------------------------------------ Leading Edge Journalism - Follow Up BCA REPORT FORTHCOMING IN BEAULIEU SHOOTING BEMIDJI -- The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Investigation has completed its report on the December 11th shooting, previously termed a suicide, of James Beaulieu, 20, at Bemidji (see Construction Site Suicide Under Investigation, NH of 1/5/98). Northern Herald will be receiving a copy of the report, and findings will be reported in our 2/18 issue. The private investigation, by special investigator John LeMar, of the shooting is continuing. Persons with information are encouraged to contact him at 751-3720. -------------------------------------------- BEMIDJI BOYCOTTS CONTINUE BEMIDJI -- Notwithstanding it's retraction of a controversial article from the 1/5 issue (did not appear in online edition), and reprinting of that edition without the item, pressure group tactics remain under way in Bemidji and some nearby communities to force retailers and advertisers to discontinue business with the Northern Herald. One member of the group stated that they'd like to so see Northern Herald quit publishing. It has been reported that opponents of the Northern Herald, in Bemidji, have approached merchants with petitions, estimated at about 100 signatures (validity unknown) and have threatened that if the merchants continued to carry Northern Herald, those signers would boycott their stores. Northern Herald has drawn past opposition, particularly in Bemidji, due to past coverage of controversial news items, particularly those which were not covered by other papers. Recent examples include full coverage, 1/5, of the independent investigation of the Beaulieu suicide. (No other paper told readers that police had fired a beanbag at the victim moments before the fatal shot occurred - they had only the official sourced version: merely a man shooting himself after a "standoff with police.") That the adult accomplice in the Hoagland 28-time shooting remained essentially, at large, was also exclusively covered in that issue (see follow-up, p. 1 of this issue). Coincidentally, he was ar- rested 2 days after our story broke. There has been past pressure put on Bemidji retailers. When told that the 1/5 copies no longer carried the controversial "obituary" item, one boycotting merchant said that they'd received pressure to discontinue before that issue. Northern Herald has received calls from many readers in Bemidji looking for copies, and has pledged to keep up Bemidji circulation, on a complimentary basis, if necessary, during the boycott. The normal number of 1/5 copies (after reprint) were distributed in the Bemidji area, though mostly at different than usual locations. -------------------------------------------------- Editorials - Opinion DARKNESS COMES TO BEMIDJI Censorship. Censorship is where a person, or group of people, seeks to prevent other people from discussing or reading what they want to. There was a time, in Russia, when one could not discuss political change. One could not consider and explore, openly, other, possibly better, ways of doing things. This was done to help ensure the survival of communism which enslaved millions. It didn't work. Fortunately. Free discussion was also discouraged in Nazi Germany with particularly disasterous results before that nation, too, fell. It's interesting that we usually find these examples in only the worst of places. Discouragement of free discussion is generally put in place only by those who have a lot to lose should the facts be known. Otherwise, there's no need to censor discussion of the subject matter as its merits will surface in free dialogue. Someone can always present an opposing viewpoint. For this reason, in this country, we normally only censor things that are obscene or profane, and then only when the material is wholly without significant social value (in other words, where no pertinent information can be derived from it and it has no aesthetic appeal). We also censor slander and libel (defamation). These things are the statement of facts (as opposed to opinion) which are damaging and untrue. No matter how disparaging a statement may be, if it is true, it is not defamation. Also, giving an opinion (e.g. as to a person's character) which is either stated as an opinion, or is, by it's nature, obviously one person's opinion of the subject, is almost never defamatory. Reporting and Boycotts (we could use the politically correct gender-nonsensitive term: youngpeoplecotts, but that would use too many letters.) It's hard to report news without stepping on someone's toes. Some papers try to tone it down - it's just a question of how accurate and descriptive you want your news to be. A good example is an article we carried about a severe casualty. We showed you a picture of where it happened. Seeing the surroundings added to an understanding of how it happened; the photo helped the reader visualize what occurred How could this raise objections? Well, the owner of that property (who had nothing to do with the casualty) is a prominent (and also, in many ways, very excellent) businessman. He was concerned that if people knew that this disaster happened on his property, they might be wary of buying it. Well, we could just describe it in general terms and not show you where it happened, but is that how you want your news reported? When news happens, or valid and useful opinion is given, it affects people, some of them adversely. The alternative to bearing with this is to not have candid opinion and accurate reporting of news. An excellent example of the latter was last year when a state study showed a correlation of certain factors with juvenile crime. Those factors were reported in another paper, except the one relating to single-parenting was left out. An inquiry of the agency that did the study disclosed that yes, it was a factor, but it was being downplayed so as not to offend single parents. This is like saying we're going to cover up a speed limit sign because it might offend a speeding motorist; we'll just deal with the wreck afterward. Once again, we think accurate reporting is more important. One can't walk on eggshells and still report the news. Constitutional free speech only precludes governmental prohibition. Nothing in the Constitution says that a particular merchant has to have something with which he disagrees in his store. If people want to buy something, though, it serves them to have it. Most merchants are good businessmen and know this. Boycotts are generally where a group of people disagree with something, so they, as a group, stop buying it. This makes sense; it brought coffee and beef prices down a few years ago when they were unreasonably high. A particularly destructive boycott, however, is where people threaten not only to boycott a product, but also any store that sells it. It would be like, if, in the Gallo wine boycott of a few years back, the protesters not only refused to buy Gallo wine, but also refused to purchase from any store which sold Gallo wine. This denies people free choice. In the case of media, it denies them the ability to decide what they want to buy and read. Once someone gets the idea, and knows merchants will go along, this type of coercion is not too hard to do. Suppose a newspaper ran an opinion piece on the acceptability of a certain alternative lifestyle. No matter which side the writer took, the paper would be subject to this type of attack. It would be easy for a few activists, on either side, to get a hundred of their friends to sign a petition that would be very intimidating to any merchant. Our legal counsel has said that this type of boycott is unlawful, though the remedy is filing a civil lawsuit and who has that kind of time to waste? More importantly, this type of boycott is really tantamount to extortion on the merchant. It is a disservice to other customers and should be strongly discouraged by retailers' policies. There's nothing wrong with a person not buying something he disagrees with, and trying to persuade others, by factual means, if any, to not buy the product. But when one endeavors to prevent others from having access to the product, by coercive means upon the retailers or distribution points, that crosses the line. When the product is literature, this is censorship. Some believe that censorship is permissible in some cases; but history has shown that it is not. Society cannot progress without open communication and when you start to supress some of it, even the most outrageous, it becomes hard to draw limits as to where to stop. That's why unfettered freedom of speech and the press is almost sacred in our society; it's why societies without it stagnate; they tend to be thought of as "dark ages" or "iron curtain" places. "We can never be sure that the opinion we are endeavouring to stifle is a false opinion; and if we were sure, stifling it would be an evil still." -- John Stuart Mill ----------------------------------------------------- GRAND RAPIDS . . . A UNIQUE BLEND OF COMMERCE, CULTURE AND COMMUNITY A more perfect example of industry working with community could scarcely be found. It is not unusual for a man, having foresight, to have pioneered his livelihood bringing industry and jobs to a remote and developing community, and to ensure his security doing it. But, in 1941, in anticipation of his eventual departure from this world, Charles K. Blandin decided that he wanted to give something enduring back to the community in which he had made his mark. So he then created the Blandin Foundation which has been responsible for many of the civic, charitable and arts improve- ments that make the Grand Rapids community what it is today. The Foundation is now wholly separate from the paper company. Funded by proceeds from the eventual sale of Blandin Paper Co., the foundation is essentially perpetual, distributing primarily annual income from those invested proceeds; last year, just over $15 million. "We do our local giving and we also have a statewide giving program, and the Blandin Community Leadership Program throughout the state," a spokes- person at the Foundation said. Some of the works funded by the Blandin Foundation include the Grand Rapids YMCA, MacRostie Art Gallery, Itasca Community College, including a local scholarship program, the Myles Reif Center for the Performing Arts, and environ- mental learning centers, state- wide. The Foundation has endowed two Grand Rapids City Parks. Brian Jarvi's "African Visions" collection was on display at the MacRostie Art Center (formerly known as Itasca Art Assn.) in downtown Grand Rapids through January 22nd. February events will include exhibits by Teresa Chudzik and Aaron Wenger. Above, the Blandin Paper Company, now owned by the Finnish firm, UPM-Kymmene, and, at above right, is Blandin Garden recreation site on the Mississippi River in downtown Grand Rapids. The firm employs about one out of ten working persons in Itasca County. Contrary to common northland belief, the firm does not now produce much newspaper stock. Per John Chell, public relations coordinator, Charles Blandin, then manager of the St. Paul Pioneer-Press and Dispatch, organized the resources to buy the firm, then the Itasca Paper Company, in 1917 as a dependable source of newsprint for the St. Paul paper. Blandin became owner of the paper company when he purchased the St. Paul newspapers in 1923, and during the great depression, went against the tide and expanded and remodeled the mill. Employment expanded to over 200 workers in the thirties. By 1955, Blandin saw a coming trend for lightweight coated papers for catalogues and magazines. It was then that he began to convert operations. History proved it a good decision. Blandin now ships about 450,000 tons of product per year to customers such as Spiegel and Time-Life Inc. Per Chell, newspaper stock production now is negligible. The firm is staffed by 970 employees and brings annual net sales of approximately $400 million to it's investors and the Grand Rapids economy. Said Chell, "Three things have been our goal in the community. One is to be the employer of choice, two is to be the neighbor of choice, and three is to be the supplier of choice. We see all three to be interrelated and critically important." Below, set amidst the woods at the end of 16th St., the Myles Reif (pron.: rif) performing Arts Center, which bears the name of the Blandin Paper Company CEO when funds were first dedicated for the Center, undergoes enlargement. The addition will house a new television studio and 2 new dance studios. Funding is from Blandin Foundation and a state grant. The center was originally built in 1981 from Blandin Foundation and school funds. It is unique, in that it is physically adjacent to the Grand Rapids High School, so school music and drama classes can be taught there. Additionally, when world-class artists perform at The Reif, as part of the booking, the performers almost always conduct a workshop with the high school students. Reif Executive Director John Marty explained that when jazz artist Maynard Ferguson, for example, comes in March, the high school students will get to attend a jazz clinic with this great musician. "It really is a rich combination; we provide a world-class facility for the preservation, exhibition, presentation and study of the arts. Part of it is to bring in professional artists of the highest calibre into our comm- unity and into our schools," said Marty. Reif has hosted the Vienna Boys Choir, the Feld Ballet and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. "But people still talk about Garrison Keillor being here for the opening [in 1981]," Marty said. ------------------------------------------- WHITE OAK READY TO OPEN Final touches are under way for the opening of the White Oak Society Learning Centre in Deer River. Beginning in early March, this unique northern heritage learning facility will host school children from around Minnesota for 3-day, 2-night sessions. Ray Nyberg, Executive Director of the Society, sat on a period Windsor chair as he explained that the objective is to teach kids to look at the environment from a cultural perspective, and teach an essential part of 18th century American History with a hands-on approach. Topics covered will be Cultural Issues, Anishinabe Tradition, and Differences in the Perspectives of the 1700's. Additionally, there will be Leadership Workshops and teaching of period trades. The curriculum, developed by principals and teachers at a local high school, will include The Fur Trade, Voyageur Life, Living in the Northwest, A Time of Changes, and very importantly, the formal Dinner, in character and period dress, with period manners and mannerisms. "The whole concept of the dining table was it was the one time in the day that families came together and visited," said Nyberg, and he commented upon how the role-playing can affect understanding the period, as well as cultural perception and self-esteem, "By getting the kids dressed - we can put him in a top hat, cravat and waistcoat and he'll feel differently and he'll be received differently.... All of a sudden, we've eliminated the peer pressure - It's OK to be different because your character allows that," he said. In addition to the Learning Centre, White Oak will hold its annual Rendezvous July 31 - August 2, and will offer family encampment and period activities, free, the week before. For information on this, people are invited to call 246-9393. Funding of the Learning Centre was made possible by a state grant with help from Sen. Lessard and Rep. Bob Anderson; White Oak is also funded by the State of Minnesota, LCMR and the Blandin Foundation. ------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------- ISSUE OF 01/05/98 - VOLUME 3 NO. 5 ----------------------------------- CONSTRUCTION SITE SUICIDE UNDER INVESTIGATION Were Inappropriate Police Tactics Used In Responding to Call? BEMIDJI -- That's what Special Private Investigator John LeMar wants to know, and discounting the official police reports, he wants people who knew the victim, were witnesses to any part of the event, or have any personal knowledge relating in any way to the victim's state of mind or the December 11th shooting, which has been called a suicide by Bemidji Police Dept. Chief Tell, to contact LeMar at 751-3720. Initial reports, per Tell's release, said simply that Allen James Beaulieu, 20, killed himself, after a nearly 3 hour standoff with police. What is known: At about 5 in the morning of December 11th, 1997, Beaulieu, who has no prior criminal court record in Beltrami County, telephoned police from the construction site office trailer of Cottage Park Townhomes on 30th St. NW, Bemidji. Beaulieu had apparently broken a window and forced the door of the trailer. Tapes of the phone conversation are not yet available, but Tell later told reporters Beaulieu had said he was, "going to shoot himself and a friend." Per Tell, and as substantiated by photos taken at the scene, the call was traced; several officers responded, including Bemidji Police, Beltrami Deputies, and the Headwaters Emergency Response SWAT team. Tell reported that there was actually no hostage involved at any time; upon arriving, police found Beaulieu, alone, probably near one of the houses under construction; Tell said he was holding a shotgun to his chest. At near 8 a.m., the weapon, a sawed off shotgun with 13" barrel, was discharged into Beaulieu's chest. Photos and X-Rays disclose the site of entry of the bird shot to be in the lower abdomen under the rib cage; a high concentration of shot may be seen in the upper left portion of the chest beneath the rib cage. Although, Per LeMar, autopsy report is not yet available, it is believed that this concentration of shot severed the pulmonary artery resulting in death. Photographs of Beaulieu, stated by family members to have been taken when he was in his coffin, show bruising at the upper forehead, and an unexplained abrasion on the back of the right hand, by and just outside the thumb, which appears to have happened just before death and the size of which correlates to what would be caused by a piece of shot entering the hand. If this proves to be a piece of lead shot, it complicates the simple suicide theory because both hands would have been required to hold the shotgun and would have been below the line of fire. A ricochet off of bone might have been possible. Also a problem is that the distance from the muzzle to the trigger is 21 inches. Given the apparent point of entry and trajectory of the shot, this raises a valid question as to whether, Beaulieu, who was about 5' 3", could have reached the trigger in the position that the gun would have had to have been held. Circumstances surrounding the shooting are also under investigation by Steve Hagenah of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, which is expected to issue a public report shortly. Questions. What family members and LeMar want to know is what happened in the intervening 3 hours between the police call and the death. In reconstruction, it appears that in those hours, a massive police squad shined a light on the subject (Beaulieu) and attempted to negotiate with him. Toward 8 a.m., police became concerned and felt that they had to do something. The subject was standing between the two garage doors (see photo) of the house under construction. Scattered reports indicate that a police momentary stunning device known as a "blocker" or "beanbag" was fired at the subject, striking him in the shoulder. As he went down, officers, who were within only a few feet on either side, approached the downed subject. At some immediate point, the shotgun discharge occurred. An essential question is whether the shot occurred before officers reached the subject, or in the course of a struggle with him. There is no question that the officers arrived intending to "defuse" the potential suicide; what is of concern is whether the methods were appropriate to the situation. Particularly, Le Mar said, "There were no civilians in any danger, the police weren't in any danger," and added regarding the subject, "basically, he had no place to go." LeMar believes that the subject may have been suffering from hypothermia in the 5 degree wind chill and that "If they had taken no action, he probably would have passed out. ...Offensive action is generally the last resort in a police action." LeMar believes the initial call to police was a call for help and said, "It's common practice [in a suicide situation] that response should be quiet... two or three guys, no red lights." LeMar, a veteran of 20 years police work in Muscatine, Iowa, has notified police of the independent investigation. He said that the family of the subject has retained an out of town attorney to represent them in a possible suit for wrongful death and violation of Beaulieu's civil rights. Certain information used in this story first appeared in The (Bemidji) Pioneer of December 12, 1997. ------------------------------------------ ALLEGED ADULT ACCOMPLICE FACES DISORDERLY CONDUCT CHARGE IN 28-TIME RED LAKE SHOOTING Victim's half-brother died last year in Red Lake Jail BEMIDJI -- Three weeks after absorbing 28 .22 calibre bullets at Red Lake, Donald Hoagland Jr. remains in condition which was described by nurses as "serious to stable." Hoagland's sister, Denise Stankiewicz, helping attend him at the hospital, said there had been several emergency surgeries; at one time, "the doctors didn't think he'd make it," she said. The family was given reason for cheer, however, when, on Dec. 26, doctors told Brenda May, Hoagland's mother, that he would probably pull through. "The fact that my son is going to survive is amazing... that's the best news I've had," she said. Stankiewicz had arrived from her home in Pennsylvania, where Hoagland had resided until last October, to help him. The family is taking turns providing 24-hour care at the hospital; another sister is expected to arrive this week. But Stankiewicz is worried. The motive for the shooting is still unknown and the accomplice of the 14 year old juvenile who did the shooting, an adult who arrived with the juvenile and was reported to have asked him, "Are you going to do it?" immediately before the shooting, remains at large. He was, per Stankiewicz, charged by Red Lake Tribal Police only with Disorderly Conduct for his part in the shooting. He, reportedly, was put under a very lenient form of house arrest which does not actually prevent his travel. The 14-year old faces only a juvenile delinquency charge before federal authorities. "I think the adults are using these young children to do their work," said Stankiewicz, "it's just sending a message that if you're under the age of ... then you can get away with anything," and she added that had it not happened on Red Lake, where federal jurisdiction applies, the shooter might have been triable as an adult in the state courts. Although officials refuse to comment, NORTHERN HERALD now believes that the juvenile shooter is known as "Geshig" Martin, and that the adult accomplice is David Martin, his uncle. Stankiewicz is concerned because no picture of the adult accomplice has been made available to hospital security or staff. "He could walk in here any time," she said, and charged, "The proper police procedures were not followed," regarding the photographing and fingerprinting of the juvenile and the adult accomplice. The event of Hoagland's having been brutally shot comes as a second blow to their family; "A year ago, my brother [David Turner] hung himself in that [Red Lake] Jail ... procedures weren't followed then either," said Stankiewicz. That supposed suicide occurred under a number of unusual coincidences and Stankiewicz has had trouble getting information. "I get a lot of conflicting reports," she said. Per Stankiewicz, at that time, the jail was equipped with video cameras, and there was a telephone person stationed in a room adjacent to the drunk tank where the hanging occurred. But Stankiewicz was told that the phone operator was away for some unknown reason, and she was also told that the video cameras weren't working although she claims that there was a video tape of people being booked on the same night the claimed suicide occurred. She claimed to have been told by a Red Lake official that people are often "roughed up" a little before being put in the drunk tank. Stankiewicz related that when she went to Red Lake Law Enforcement and insisted on details of the recent shooting, an officer told her, "[that] I was being very inconsiderate," she said. She related that she received little cooperation at Red Lake Law Enforcement, could get no straight answer as to who was keeping an eye on the adult accomplice, presumably under house arrest, nor could she ascertain what hours he was required to be at home. Said Stankiewicz, "He's under house arrest certain hours of the day and no one seemed to know what the hours are." "I just want answers," she said, "How many people are going to have to die before somebody says, 'let's start doing something'" about the juvenile justice system. Per Stankiewicz, there were two small children in the room where the shooting occurred. Editor's Notes: 1) Much of this story comes from unofficial sources. It is our policy to use credible and corroborable unofficial sources when information from official sources is unavailable, or those sources are not credible. In the course of our last report on this matter, Red Lake Director of Law Enforcement Ron Turney had provided misleading information as to the number of times Hoagland was shot, an item which, due to the bizarre nature of the shooting, was reasonably known to him; he is therefore no longer regarded as a credible source. 2) Many newspapers have a policy of not releasing names of juvenile offenders. We have no such policy. We think if there are young killers in your midst, it's healthy for you to know who they are. 3) Some of the procedures of Red Lake law enforcement, and of their courts, may seem unusual to residents of the United States. It must be kept in mind, in this, that Red Lake is a sovereign nation and thusly not subject to our Constitution or laws. Although we don't care for some of their policies, particularly as concerns the non-public nature of police and court documents, this newspaper firmly supports the sovereignty of the Red Lake Nation. They are entitled to determine their own destiny and governmental systems. Although their honorable people have been here for a long time, as a nation, Red Lake is comparatively young. If Red Lakers believe that they should have rights which are not currently in place, it is up to them to evolve their governmental systems, much as ours have done in the United States, and as they continue to do. No one has to live at Red Lake. Those who do, do so by choice; they do so acquiescing to be under the Red Lake jurisdiction and their laws. As long as Red Lake remains sovereign, we, as outsiders, have very little to say about it. 4) At the same time, American travelers should be aware that when they go to Red Lake, they are guests of the reservation visiting under a different system of rights and laws, much as if they were visiting Paraguay or The Vatican (you wouldn't expect, for instance, freedom of religion and separation of Church and State there). Due to the large number of recent shootings, and certain law enforcement policies, some may consider travel to Red Lake to presently be hazardous. ----------------------------------------------- RECIPE BOX Pigging Out So New Year's has come and gone; now you're wondering what to do with all that leftover ham? We'll give some tips in a moment. Sorry, we can't help with the lutefisk - just put the remains (which is what it was to start with) in the pantry for next New Year's Day - it'll taste about the same. One of the best things about making a ham, curing and baking in just the right seasonings, is subsequent days when you can just peel off a slice for good ham steak dinners. But what do you do when you just want ham for one evening without dealing with the baking and the whole-ham leftover regimen? You could buy a slice (ham steak) at the store; but often the taste will be bland from all the water with which the packers shoot it up to add weight, and it just doesn't have that clean home-cooked flavour. Here's a solution: You might want to try a ham steak from Backus Locker and Store, in downtown Backus. It'll have the same clean full-flavour as if you cooked the whole ham yourself. It's very lightly smoked, cooked and cured with just the right amount of seasonings and not too much salt, so it's ready to be pan-fried (just sear both sides in real butter) without having to add anything; and served with apple or corn muffins or mashed potatoes with red-eye gravy, and your favorite vegetable. If you do the math, the economics are good too. It's $3.59 a pound, but it's trimmed, boneless and relatively low water (a lot of whole-ham weight is water, bone and fat). And remember, ham is a rich meat. So a little over a half pound of this is a man-sized portion about right for your average lumberjack; Figure about a third to a half pound each as generous servings for normal people and kids. This is for those nights when you want the same good, clean and rich, farm-fresh and fully cured flavour as if you made the whole ham yourself from scratch, but it's been a long day and you just don't have time before dinner to go out and slaughter a pig. NOT JUST BEANS They say the Senate has their own version of bean soup, and the House has their different recipe. People have said, though, that this simple recipe is as fine as they've tasted; you can judge for yourself if it doesn't make beans something special! Start by soaking 4 pounds (dry weight) of the official Bean of the U.S. Navy (navy beans) overnight. Soak in a large vessel as they'll expand to about twice their original size. In the morning, drain and rinse the beans. Half fill your 14 qt. kettle with water (see water, below) and bring to a boil. When boiling, add the beans and adjust the water to where it's about two inches over the beans. Reduce heat and return to a very slow simmer. As the beans begin to simmer, skim the foam from the top of the water. Simmer the beans (adding water if necessary to keep the level just over the beans) until the beans are fully soft. If you add the other ingredients before this, the beans will take longer to cook. When the beans are soft, add 2 pounds of meat (see below), 3 tbs. salt, 1 tsp. coarse grind black pepper, a few drops (use very sparingly - you can always add more; too much will ruin the pot of beans) Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce and one cup of high grade maple syrup (See syrup, below). Simmer for another 3-4 hours. Serves two (for over a week) Beans should not be kept unfrozen for more than 4 days, so, unless you have a large family, you'll want to put some in the freezer. Use premium ingredients and good-tasting ham. This is an economical dish - A small investment in quality here will affect the quality of your eating for several days. Water: When cooking, always start with cold water. Why? Well, if you ever saw the bottom of the inside of your water heater, you wouldn't ask. The Meat: If using ham leftovers, remove all cloves and dice about a third of the half-ham (about 2 pounds). Use the fattier pieces for the beans, and freeze away the leaner pieces for breakfast. The syrup: Use either 100% pure maple syrup or Camp Cook Special 25% maple syrup. Bon Appetit! Heard a good hotdish or other recipe lately? Send it to Recipe Box, Northern Herald, P.O. Box 1535, Bemidji, MN 56601. Selected recipes will be published in this column. ----------------------------------------------- Editorials - Opionion WELFARE REFORM WILL WORK FINE HERE With the coming of the new year, we also bring to a close the era of welfare and welcome a new age of responsibility. No longer will a teenage girl, who wants "independence" from home and marriage, be able to just go out and get pregnant and be assured of an 18-year paycheck. No more will wives seek to divorce their breadwinners because they can live as well or better off the taxpayers. The movement we put into motion in 1992, first by exposing the reality of the welfare lifestyle, has borne fruit. It's cause for real celebration as we embark upon this New Year. The change has drawn more than it's share of concern, particularly here in the Northland with it's low number of jobs compared to the high number of welfare recipients. This disproportion is unusual - normally, people don't gravitate to places where there are not jobs for them. As we'll see, the easy availability of welfare affected that. Now, the question lingers, "What will become of the 1,300 or so welfare families in the Beltrami County Area - we don't have 1,300 jobs?" Various outlandish solutions have been proposed from government job creation (paying people for things we don't need done) to government paid child care and transportation. We might as well go to the top of Bemidji's 4 West Building with paper sacks of currency and start throwing it to the winds. These proposals have evoked considerable dissent; people don't see any reason why they should pay for child care for someone else's children. Over the years, our Northern population has become comprised of a disproportionate number of welfare families. Due to high benefits, Minnesota acted as a magnet, drawing cases from other states. Of these new Minnesota cases, the Northern Counties, particularly Beltrami, Cass and Clearwater, were a magnet for the rest of the state due to low cost of living. A family could live pretty well here on what the government provided. The resultant high welfare family concentration produced, in the adults and their offspring, one of the highest illegitimacy rates in the state (44% in Beltrami in 1992). This disproportion also explains the area voting trends favoring high spending and taxes; much of the vote is by families who pay no taxes but benefit from the spending. This type of environment also fosters political corruption in that the candidates promising more freebies, regardless of their moral integrity, responsibility, or administrative skills, tend to cumulate votes. The new welfare laws will engender changes, but not nearly as problematic as proponents of welfare would suggest. It'll work fine and it won't require more government spending. No, we won't find 1,300 jobs here - of the welfare families, we predict that area jobs will probably absorb about 200. Another 300 of so will be able to get married to an employed person, thus solving both the child care and the job problem. And the other 800 or so will "reverse-gravitate" here - they'll move to where there are jobs available: cities where the low employment rate has produced a thriving business environment hungry for new workers. The political effect will be to replace the tax-and-spend political demography that has become characteristic of these counties with one which is more representative of mainstream stable, working, tax-paying families. The real winners will be those families. Now if we could just find some candidates who represent those people . . . BAREFOOT AND PREGNANT Contemporary Ladies' Perspective, Advice and Tips by Wanda Yoemans COOKIE CUTTERS, JELLO(R) MOLDS, AND CONFORMITY Cookie cutters, Jello(R) molds, and conformity have one thing in common - they are all used to force similarity. While the first two are useful tools in the kitchen, the last, conformity, is the enemy of the individual and, therefore, society. To conform is to be similar or identical, to obey, to be compliant. One who conforms follows the crowd, they go with the flow. They don't make waves or rock the boat. The push to conform starts when the individual is an infant. A baby's height and weight are plotted on a graph and compared to a line representing the "average child." Developmental charts dictate when the child should sit up, talk, crawl and walk When the baby doesn't fit into the "growth and development Jello(R) mold" a new mom may feel something is wrong with her baby and herself as a mother. The "experts" push for early childhood intervention and special education. It is my opinion, based on my experience with my own children, that there is no real cause for concern in most cases. Babies are all different and learn to do things at different ages. Today's mothers need to relax and let their children develop as they will. After all, the human race managed quite nicely without all of today's "experts" for how many centuries? Insistence on conformity continues when the child enters school. Leo Buscaglia tells a cute, but too true, story in his book "Love" about a fictitious boy named Junior. The art teacher has the class draw a tree. She creates a model tree for them on the blackboard, it's a big green ball with a brown base that looks like a lollipop. The children all copy her drawing, except Junior. Junior knows trees, he climbs them, falls out of them, etc. He draws a magnificent, twisted, real looking tree. When he turns in his wonderful creation the teacher shrieks, "Brain damaged" Far too much of what passes for education involves drawing someone else's tree, painting their picture, singing their song, giving their answer. The individual is forced to conform to the mold. Freedom of thought or expression is exchanged for "public opinion". Individuality is stifled. The teacher is also a victim of the system. He/she is bound to conform to the curriculum, the textbook, the schedule, etc. John Stuart Mill said something worth thinking about "Whatever crushes individuality is despotism, by whatever name it may be called." The push to conform continues into adulthood. Fashion designers dictate what we wear. Advertisers bombard us with commercials. Personal opinion is replaced with "political correctness". At work we are encouraged to be "team players". If we dare to be different we are labeled weird or crazy and wrote off as unimportant. Conformity gives birth to complacency, which in turn creates apathy. We go through each day like robots, doing the same thing day after day, afraid to break out of the mold. In a speech made in 1961, John F. Kennedy said "....conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth". I feel that it is also the killer of creativity. During this century mankind has made some major technological advancements that have affected the way we live and work. However, most of the ground work for our present day technology was laid prior to 1950. T.V., radio, computers, telephones, Xerox(R) machines, synthetic fibers, plastics, and jet propulsion are just a few of the discoveries and inventions made prior to 1950. Since then we have basically added to what had already been done. What happened to our creative abilities? Prior to 1950, most children attended multi-grade one room schools. The learning environment was one of preview, learn, review as the teacher instructed the different grades. There was consistency in instruction as the same teacher instructed year after year. They got to know their student's strengths and weaknesses. The school was an important part of the community and served as a public gathering place. After 1950, the one room school house was rapidly replaced with the age segregated system of today. Because the teacher changed every year, consistency in instruction was threatened. This teacher no longer got to "know" her students. The school lost its place as a community center. Education became an assembly line operation with very little room for creative thought. Today, outcome based education (OBE) with it's testing of opinions and attitudes is a real threat to individualism and creativity. However, the current growth of charter schools and home schooling may help to reverse this trend. Nature teaches us that diversity is a thing to be valued. Nothing in creation is exactly like anything else. "....the most universal quality is diversity" (Michel De Montaigne). If we wish to become a growing, creative community we need to learn to appreciate and respect our individual uniqueness. We must also share our unique talents at home and work. A real team is made up of individual players, each with different strengths that work together to achieve victory. I leave you with this thought from Bertrand Russell: "One should respect public opinion in so far as is necessary to avoid starvation and to keep out of prison, but anything that goes beyond this is voluntary submission to an unnecessary tyranny." Author's note: In a future issue I plan to discuss how to encourage creativity in children. -------------------------------------- CHILD SAFETY TIP by Wanda Yeomans The use of helmets by children when riding a bike has become fairly common practice. According to a EEG technician at the Mayo Clinic the wearing of helmets should be expanded to include all activities that have the potential to cause a head injury. This would include: skating, sledding, rollerblading, skateboarding, snowboarding, etc. Head injuries can cause severe permanent damage and in most cases can be avoided. ---------------------------------- Show me a man with two pairs of good jeans and only one pair of legs, and I'll show you a spendthrift. --- A. Steele ------------------------------------------ STRENGTHENING YOUR WORD POWER! Words that aren't quite in Webster's Dictionary yet, but should be: 1. Incuriate (in-kyoor'-ee-ate) To arouse one's curiosity. Sure, you could say it that way; but why use four words when one will answer. Usage Example: I was incuriated by the theft charges against Chief Tell, but was relieved when the jury found it was all a mistake. Gee, it's good to know everything is on the straight and level at LEC. 2. Amsmalluous (am-small'-yu-us). Clear; concise. Usage Example: two attorneys arguing before the court: Lawyer 1: "The terms of this contract are highly ambiguous." Lawyer 2: "Au contraire, your honor. They couldn't be any more amsmalluous; and they indicate opposing counsel's client is three days late with his payment. Or is it three years?" -------------------------------------------------- CROSS LEAVE COSTS BELTRAMI OVER $4,000 BEMIDJI -- Beltrami Chief Deputy William Cross has been on paid administrative leave since November 18th as allegations are investigated. County officials will give no information as to the cause of the leave or how long it will continue. As of December 30th, the leave has cost Beltrami County taxpayers $4,188. per the office of the County Auditor. Asked about the propriety that such leaves for investigation be paid, Beltrami Commissioner Steven Booth said, "I've got a lot of confidence in [Sheriff] DeeWayne Rognstad," and said he would have made a correct decision as to whether the leave should be paid or unpaid. ------------------------------------------- CONSUMER CORNER Readers are invited to submit consumer complaints or compliments to this column, and to our Auto Service Forum. Send info c/o this paper, P.O. Box 1535, Bemidji, MN 56619 CONSUMER ALERT: GE HANDHELD TAPE RECORDERS For many years, the General Electric brand on a product was one upon which you depend. Their products were quality tested, known for reliability, and service was readily available. Things changed in 1987 when the GE (and also RCA) brandnames for consumer electronics (the items you're probably buying) were sold to a firm known as Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana; this firm now manufactures these products which are still labeled with the GE (and RCA) brand and logo. What's gone seems to be the old quality control. Consumer Alert: If you're buying a handheld portable tape recorder, you should be aware that the "GE" model 3-5363A (widely on sale in the Northland in a package marked 3-5363S) may be unreliable. A unit selected at random from the shelf proved defective in that the record level dropped (to almost nothing) during recording with no noticeable indication to the user. You don't find out there's no audible recording of part of your subject matter until you try to play it. Although there are several manufacturers of portable handheld recorders, Thomson has pretty much tied up the market for this type of product in the Northland. At Target, K-Mart, Walmart and similar department stores here, other brands are scarce. To purchase a more dependable brand, you may have to go to Duluth, Fargo or the Twin Cities, or purchase by mail order. On a positive note, if you have purchased defective merchandise of this type at K-Mart, it is their policy to accept returns, issuing a no-hassle full refund if you have the receipt. ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- ISSUE OF 12/15/97 - VOLUME 3 NO. 4 ----------------------------------- BELTRAMI CHIEF DEPUTY CROSS RELIEVED County Clams Up But Unofficial Sources Allege Romantic Harrassment BEMIDJI -- Pursuant to a NORTHERN HERALD investigation sparked by information from unofficial sources, Greg Lewis, Beltrami County Administrator, confirmed December 12th that Beltrami Chief Deputy William Cross has been relieved of duty and placed on [paid] "non-disciplinary administrative leave pending completing the investigation of the complaints alleged." Sheriff Rognstad stated only that Cross "is being paid" but was "not around [LEC] now," and otherwise, "no comment - this is a personnel matter." Unofficial sources believe the complaints to be in the nature of romantic harassment, but Beltrami officials, including Marilyn Nelson, Personnel Director, would neither confirm nor deny this, and provided no further information. Nelson refused access to any paperwork done on the matter. One source claimed to have been told by LEC personnel that if they talked about the matter, they'd lose their jobs. Deputy Cross could not be contacted for comment, and his estranged wife, Kathryn Cross, an ultrasound technician at MeritCare Clinic, Bemidji, failed to return our call. William Cross had filed for a divorce on 12/18/95, which matter was subsequently dismissed on motion of the parties, but refiled on 7/25/97 (case# 04-F3-97-855). That godless action remains pending before Judge Rasmussen. Attorneys are Steve Fuller, Bemidji, for Mr. Cross, and Thomas D'Albani, Bemidji, representing Mrs. Cross. A separation agreement first filed 10/30/95 remains in effect. Additionally, a Petition for domestic abuse Order for Protection (OFP) was filed 12/05/95 (case# 04-F4-95-1413) by Mrs. Cross, but was subsequently dismissed by the parties. An inspection of the file disclosed no physical abuse and the order appeared sought based on a telephone argument between the Crosses. The affidavit also recounted an instance where Deputy Cross allegedly offered to assist in the equitable division of marital property [divorce was then pending] by cutting a table in half with his chain saw. Had a domestic abuse Order for Protection issued, federal law could have prohibited Deputy Cross from possessing firearms, including when on duty. The divorce papers disclosed a personal association between the Cross and the Tell families. EDITORIAL COMMENT REGARDING THE ABOVE STORY In the not too distant past, violations of the Data Practices Act by Bemidji and Beltrami law enforcement officials were not unknown. Potentially damaging, and unproven information was freely released about persons who were "under investigation" giving rise to widespread and sometimes unfounded rumours. Bemidji Police Chief Tell is known to have, on occasion, violated this Act. Likewise, when citizens are subject to administrative review, the equivalent of a personnel evaluation but as concerns those in professional occupations, such as the recent Bemidji Dr. Fors case, it is not unusual for highly prejudicial information to be leaked before any final disposition of the matter is had. This publicizing of unproven allegations is particularly rampant where breeding violations are alleged, because, of course, you get a good audience. Everyone is interested in breeding - it carries a certain mystique and sells papers - although looked at rationally, the same people who are most interested and judgmental about other peoples' breeding habits have usually also done a little of it themselves. The interesting thing is, that whereas the Data Practices Act has been in some cases ignored by public officials, doing considerable and unwarranted damage to citizens, the County of Beltrami is very quick to hide behind it, disclosing as little as possible, when a County employee who, unlike a private citizen, is accountable to the public for his official actions, is involved. We'll help level the playing field, though, and, as much as possible, let you know what's going on with your public servants. To Deputy Cross's credit, the type of romantic violation alleged, if the unofficial reports of same are true, is characteristic of the many unfounded claims brought by women who have an axe to grind with men with whom (1) they've been professionally associated; or (2) for whatever reason, they've previously consensually bred; and now simply want something more than what was originally agreed upon in the business or romantic context. Current interpretation of law empowers these women and Deputy Cross has had occasion to investigate some of these claims. We only hope that, if and when he is returned to duty, the Deputy will have a somewhat more experienced and worldly approach to such matters, and the spirit in which such accusations are often made; as well as the wisdom of the law staying out of people's bedrooms. Regardless of the personalities or occupations of the people involved, and regardless of the possible unholiness of the situation, which unholiness is outside the domain of law enforcement, the people in those bedrooms usually know why they're there and, for whatever reason, are there of their own choice and volition. There were some burglaries last year. The law has higher and better places to be. ------------------------------------------------- ANOTHER SHOOTING AT RED LAKE Federal Jurisdiction Invoked, FBI Investigating RED LAKE --In the late evening of December 6th, an 18 year old Red Lake area man was shot numerous times and seriously wounded, allegedly by a 14 yr. old juvenile who was accompanied by an adult, per the Bemidji office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The FBI investigates all violent felonies in the Red Lake Area. Possible motive for the shooting could not be discussed as FBI's investigation is ongoing in conjunction with the Red Lake Police Dept. Identity of the victim has not been released. The alleged juvenile perpetrator is in custody, having appeared, represented by the Federal Public Defender, before U.S. Magistrate Randall Burg December 8th. Under federal guidelines, the matter is expected to be adjudicated within 30 days. The adult who accompanied the alleged perpetrator has not been charged. The victim survived the shooting and remains in serious condition. ----------------------------------------------------- CLEARWATER RESIDENTS EXPRESS CONCERNS OVER HIGHWAY PLANS AT MEETING BAGLEY-- About 45 residents packed the American Legion meeting room November 25th where revised details of the Clearwater County 5-year Advanced Road Plan, though 2002 were presented. Several residents had expressed concern over widening of the right-of-way which could encroach their property and devastate windbreaks and privacy tree lines. Right of way would be uniformly increased in many areas from 120 to 132 feet. The County plan, in 1998, calls for grading and resurfacing of CSAH 37, and work on CAR 60 and the judicial ditch. CSAH 5, 42 and 49 would be reconditioned, widened and overlaid. The CSAH 17 bridge over the Clearwater River would be replaced. In 1999, CSAH 12 and 47 and the Walkerbrook Access Road would be Graded and resurfaced; with CSAH 46 being reconditioned, widened and overlaid. CSAH 20 & 45 would receive aggregate base & bituminous surfacing, and CSAH 22 would get bituminous overlay. "One of the goals of the county is to get an all-weather road within 2 miles of each residence," said Lee Berget, County Engineer. But Ann Edevold, a resident South of Bagley, said, "If you guys make the road width what you want, I'm going to have to open a Hardee's and throw hamburgers out my window." Another resident, Leroy Ysen, spoke of dumpage of old asphalt in a slough near his well during a recent project. He said that upon his complaint about possible ground water contamination, Asst. Engineer Bradley Thorsen told him, "You probably got a shallow well and full of cow [manure] anyway!" Ysen's well is 235 ft. deep. A prime concern among residents was inconsistency in what they'd been told in the past, and actual road work done. --------------------------------------------------- Follow Up LORY HEARING CONTINUED BEMIDJI --The Motion of Post Conviction Relief scheduled to be heard December 1st before Judge Kraker has been continued (postponed). A new date for the hearing has not yet been set. -------------------------------------------- OVER 100 GOBBLE GOBBLERS AT NELL RAE'S, NEVIS NEVIS --Owner C.R. "Buck" Long called their first annual Thanksgiving feed a huge success as about one-quarter of the town turned out for the event, most making free will offerings. "We had turkey, ham, 2 kinds of dressing, mashed potatoes, green beans, pumpkin pie, all kinds of salad. ...We went through 5 turkeys and 44 pounds of ham," he said, "We had people clear from Iowa... Our oldest guest will be 105, December 12th. Per Long, who opened Nell Rae's Cafe last spring, the feed will be an annual event "As long as I own the place," he said. -------------------------------------------- Recipe Box LOGGER'S BREAKFAST As the days get colder, you want something hot to get you going in the morning. You want a hearty breakfast that's going to stay with you. Moreover, as the days get shorter, like your car, you may need a jump-start. This will get you ready to work in the snow and trees, or in your office. We humans can take a lesson from a higher animal, the horse. Horses like oats. But horse fanciers know that you don't usually feed a riding horse pure oats. In horseman's terminology, it gets them high. Oats make the horse so full of energy that he sometimes becomes unmanageable. Oats are a hot, wholesome high-energy food. Just the thing for these cold mornings when you need an energy boost. Some people haven't eaten oats for years. They didn't like them then and don't think they'll like them now. But they like oats in oatmeal cookies and oat bread; why not the cereal? Well, it probably wasn't made right. The rich sweet taste of oats should never be cooked to a "meal." This dampens both the flavor and texture. You want to enjoy the chewy goodness of each kernel. Try Hot Steamed and Buttered Oats this way & see if it doesn't get the job done: Start with a cup of oats. The special thick oats you get from the bins of your natural and bulk foods store work best, but regular rolled oats can be used. Some people like to use oats made by the Quakers. Over the years, the Quakers have produced many fine and wholesome things, and Richard Nixon. Their regular oats (not the instant or "quick" ones) work fine, but the non-denominational ones, which may be made by Jews, Presbyterians or Lutherans, that you get in bulk at your natural foods store will cost about 1/2 as much (e.g. 79 cents a pound for thick oats at Harmony Foods, Bemidji) and are as good or better (because you can get them thick). (Your old Quaker Oats(R) box, however, makes a great canister for storing usable quantities of your bulk non-denominational oats.) Forget your usual oatmeal recipe. Boil 1 cup of water, adding a dash of salt. When boiling, add 1 cup (this isn't a typo) of oats and boil briskly for about two minutes. If any foam forms on top, carefully skim it off. Remove from heat, cover and let sit for about 3 minutes. Serve with butter and brown sugar or pure maple syrup. Do not use margarine. Margarine is made from the oils of plants such as the safflower or corn. These noble plants produce a worthwhile product, in it's place. Some use it instead of butter for health reasons, but how can anything that came out of a cow be unhealthy? So hock your TV and buy a stick of real butter. We hope these higher prices are actually going to the farmers. This recipe makes about enough for one man-sized serving. Serving this with 3 (preferably Farmland brand) link sausages will provide the proper amount of protein and fat (yes, you need this too) for a well balanced meal as well as regularity (hence, the phrase "He's just a regular guy.") ------------------------------------------ KIMBALL'S 9 PT. BUCK TAKES BEAR CREEK 1ST PRIZE PARK RAPIDS --Jon Kimball, Park Rapids, was the big winner in the 1997 first annual Bear Creek Bait & Taxidermy Big Buck Contest with a 9 point buck weighing 201 1/2 lbs. Second place went to Paul Cermack of Lake George, with a 192 lb. 10 pointer. Dean Canfield, Isanti, came in third with an 8 point buck at 191 lbs.; fourth and fifth places, respectively, went to Mike Deiley, who came up from Anoka for the contest and hunt, 9 points, 187 1/2 lbs; and Tom Gereadts, Park Rapids, 8 points, 187 1/2 lbs. About 217 hunters vied for prizes, in the Nov. 8 - 23rd tourney, ranging from a $50 taxidermy gift certificate to a free shoulder mount of the 1st place buck. Editorial BRINGING PEACE ON WHITE EARTH It has been somewhat over a year now since Eugene "Bugger" McArthur took office, after a contested election at White Earth. Aside from the obvious impropriety of McArthur trying to name the election judge that would eventually hear the dispute, per a later IBIA ruling he lacked the authority to do so. A validly appointed election judge (Novak) found irregularities and ordered a new election. Yet McArthur continues to hold office. This is the crux of the unrest at White Earth. The sovereignty of the Indian Nations cannot be disputed. Notwithstanding certain aspects that seem unusual to some of us, they have the inalienable right to determine their own destinies and evolve their laws and governmental system. The tribe, as represented by the TEC, ultimately has this authority and this was upheld by the IBIA ruling. If as his supporters say, McArthur is indeed backed by a majority, he has nothing to lose by following Novak's decision and withstanding reelection. Simply recognizing Doyle Turner as Chairman would also be an injustice as McArthur, acting under a (later overruled) BIA decision, believed the poll which elected Turner to be invalid, and hence, McArthur was not a candidate. It is incumbent upon the TEC to restore confidence at White Earth that they have a duly constituted government, supported by a clear majority, under law. There is no more "interim." It's time for a new election. (For chronology and background, see Fireworks Erupt at TEC, NH of 5/19/97, in THE LIBRARY, accessable from the Northern Herald home page.) ---------------------------------------- BAREFOOT AND PREGNANT Contemporary Ladies' Perspective, Advice and Tips by Wanda Yoemans REFLECTIONS The curtain is about to close on the year 1997. Traditionally, this is a time to reflect on the past year and make resolutions for the new year to come. Not being one to break with tradition, I would like to reflect, not just on the past year, but on the past few decades. Maybe it's a sign of a personal mid-life crisis, but, my oldest "baby" recently turned twenty and is getting married this coming summer. Grandchildren are just around the corner. I find myself wondering what life will be like for them. What have we as a society accomplished in the past twenty to thirty years that will improve the life of our posterity? As research and reference material, I used a stack of old Reader's Digest magazines I found while unpacking boxes from our last move. Let's jump back to June 1992 and an article by Sally Quinn entitled "The Feminist Betrayal". Ms. Quinn discusses the problems that have been caused by the "anti-male, anti-child, anti-family, and anti-feminine" feminist movement and how the leaders of this movement have not practiced what they preached. According to Ms. Quinn, and I agree with her, one of the biggest mistakes that the feminist movement made was when they confused the work place with the home and tried to dictate how people should live their private lives. Ms. Quinn believed that the feminist movement was "dead" and "perceived as a fringe cause". Recent actions in Congress show that the feminist movement, with it's anti-man attitude is alive and well and still meddling in people's private lives. I would like to refer specifically to H.R.C.R. 182. This resolution would disallow joint custody of children in a divorce if one of the parents objects to it. Although more men are getting custody of their children, the facts are that women are still more apt to maintain physical custody in most cases. The term "friendly divorce" in a myth. I have yet to meet an ex-spouse who did not harbor angry feeling towards their previous mate. H.R.C.R. 182 would give those angry spouses, mostly women, another tool to dig at their exes with. Children are already too often pawns in these adult disagreements, this resolution will only worsen the problem. I am very glad that women now have freedoms that were denied to their grandmothers and great-grandmothers and that we are no longer tied to the stove by our apron strings. However, equal rights means that everybody has an even playing field - regardless of their gender! Much of our recent legislation has been aimed at taking men's rights away from them or giving women preferential treatment. I resolve that we call a cease fire in the gender war and fight for "human rights". Let's make the rules the same for everyone. Now, let's jump back to February 1990 and an article titled "What Is the Truth About Global Warming?" by Robert James Bidinotto. To quote Mr. Bidinotto, "We are being asked to absorb huge tax increases, indeed to change the way we live, to avoid an environmental catastrophe that may not occur." Whether or not the earth is "warming up" is as controversial today as it was in 1990. However, while scientists argue, lawmakers world wide are working to enact a treaty, the Climate Change Protocol, that will affect the lives of all of us and the economies of all nations who sign it. For the United States and her citizens, these effects will most likely be negative ones. It may, however, have a positive affect on illegal immigration from Mexico. As a underdeveloped nation, Mexico will not be bound by the regulations in the treaty and therefore will become quite popular with big business. Just think, thirty years from now the border patrol in Texas will be working to keep people in the U.S. Personally, I think all this hoopla over a possible one degree rise in temperature is stupid. Can you really tell if your house is 76 degrees or 77 degrees? Of course not. Last winter my 10 year old daughter asked about the "Global Warming" thing that they were always talking about on TV. When I told her that the scientists were claiming that the record cold temperatures were caused by "greenhouse gases" and the resulting rise in temperature she couldn't believe it. "You mean, they believe it is colder because it is hotter? That's stupid!" Out of the mouths of babes....... Our next jump takes us back to March 1987 and two topics that are still hot. The first is covered in an article titled "A Painless Way to Slash the Deficit" by Randy Fitzgerald. His solution to the government deficit is to contract services out to the private sector. It is a revolutionary idea whose time was past due in 1987 and should be carried out at all levels of government from our cities on up to Washington, D.C. Private industry is the backbone of this nation and can almost always do the job better and cheaper then any government agency. I would like to suggest an additional strategy that might help cut the deficit: Pay government workers, including elected officials, wages instead of salaries and put time clocks in all government offices. The second hot topic in 1987 is sex education in schools. It is covered in an article taken from "Time Magazine" and written by John Leo, titled "Should Schools Offer Sex Education?". Do to the threat of AIDS the Surgeon General, C. Everett Koop, is quoted as saying, "There is now no doubt that we need sex education in schools and that it must include information on heterosexual and homosexual relationships." According to the Mr. Leo, the Surgeon General was talking about "graphic instruction starting 'at the lowest grade possible.'" Needless to say, this started quite the stir in many communities and the debate continues. Does sex education really reduce sexual activity amongst teenagers? Statistics on the number of births to unwed mothers seem to say it doesn't. Has sex education reduced the chances of a teen contracting AIDS? Again, the results are questionable. Why does sex education appear not to be working? Could it be that a value free sex education program doesn't work to reduce sexual activity? There maybe hope in this area, Uncle Sam is now pushing for abstinence based "sex education" programs. Now parents need to start pushing at the local level. "No Sex" is the best "sex" for kids! Now, for our friends in Blackduck, we are going to jump back to June 1975 for a brief look at an article by Roul Tunley that first appeared in the "National Civic Review", entitled "How Safe Is Your Drinking Water?". Actually, this should be a concern for all of us. Community water treatment systems can become outdated, overloaded, and ineffective after a time. Population growth can make it necessary for communities to tap into new sources of water that may make it necessary for upgrades in their treatment facilities. Private, home wells are also in danger of being polluted. This was a threat faced by many this spring with all the flooding. Impure water is a major health hazard that can cause life threatening diseases. If you have any doubts about your drinking water, get it tested. A quick call to the county agent will tell your where to go and what to do if your well is contaminated. Something else to know, carbon filters are great for improving the taste and color of drinking water, but, they do not protect against bacteria or viruses. The past twenty to thirty years have seen some tremendous changes in technology. Home computers are almost as common as televisions were in the '70's. Improvements in medical technology have reduced the risks involved in many surgeries, and shortened the time it takes for recovery. In so many ways we have come so far it is mind boggling. However, when it comes to the basic, grassroot, day to day stuff we seem to be falling backwards. Divorce is up, teenage pregnancy is up, our government is still in debt, the war on drugs goes on, "equal rights" and "justice for all" are almost a joke. We can put little robots on Mars to send pictures back to Earth, but, we can't guarantee our water is safe to drink. I find our "progress" depressing until I remember that mankind really isn't in charge, God is, and then the future for my grandchildren looks bright indeed. --------------------------------------------------- EVENTIDE ARTS & LITERATURE ..................................... Especially for the holiday season, it is our pleasure to once again present Mark Twain's THE CALIFORNIAN'S TALE in it's entirety. The work, which recounts neighborliness of an uncanny proportion, first appeared in Twain's THE $30,000 BEQUEST (1893). The story is suitable for the whole family. There are some large words, but none which might cause embarrassment to parents should their children take the initiative to look them up in a dictionary, or use them; and, like most of Twain's work, there are no descriptions of things about which children need not know or wonder until their honeymoon night. .................................... THE CALIFORNIAN'S TALE by Mark Twain Thirty-five years ago I was out prospecting on the Stanislaus, tramping all day long with pick and pan and horn, and washing a hatful of dirt here and there, always expecting to make a rich strike, and never doing it. It was a lovely region, woodsy, balmy, delicious, and had once been populous, long years before, but now the people had vanished and the charming paradise was a solitude. They went away when the surface diggings gave out. In one place where a busy little city with banks and newspapers and fire companies and a mayor and aldermen had been, was nothing but a wide expanse of emerald turf, with not even the faintest sign that human life had ever been present there. This was down toward Tuttletown. In the country neighborhoods thereabouts, along the dusty roads, one found at intervals, the prettiest little cottage homes, snug and cozy, and so cob-webbed with vines snowed thick with roses that the doors and windows were wholly hidden from sight -- sign that these were deserted homes, forsaken years ago by defeated and disappointed families who could neither sell them nor give them away. Now and then, half an hour apart, one came across solitary log cabins of the earliest mining days, built by the first gold-miners, the predecessors of the cottage-builders. In some few cases these cabins were still occupied; and when this was so, you could depend upon it that the occupant was the very pioneer who had built the cabin; and you could depend on another thing, too -- that he was there because he once had his opportunity to go home to the States rich, and had not done it; had rather lost his wealth, and then in his humiliation resolved to sever all communication with his home relatives and friends, and be to them thenceforth as one dead. Round about California in that day were scattered a host of these living dead men -- pride-smitten poor fellows, grizzled and old at forty, whose secret thoughts were made all of regrets and longings -- regrets for their wasted lives, and longings to be out of the struggle and done with it all. It was a lonesome land! Not a sound in all those peaceful expanses of grass and woods but the drowsy hum of insects; no glimpse of man or beast; nothing to keep up your spirits and make you glad to be alive. And so, at last, in the early part of the afternoon, when I caught sight of a human creature, I felt a most grateful uplift. This person was a man about forty-five years old, and he was standing at the gate of one of those cozy little rose-clad cottages of the sort already referred to. However, this one hadn't a deserted look; it had the look of being lived in and petted and cared for and looked after; and so had its front yard, which was a garden of flowers, abundant, gay, and flourishing. I was invited in, of course, and required to make myself at home -- it was the custom of the country. It was delightful to be in such a place, after long weeks of daily and nightly familiarity with miners' cabins -- with all which this implies of dirt floor, never-made beds, tin plates and cups, bacon and beans and black coffee, and nothing of ornament but war pictures from the Eastern illustrated papers tacked to the log walls. That was all hard, cheerless, materialistic desolation, but here was a nest which had aspects to rest the tired eye and refresh that something in one's nature which, after long fasting, recognizes, when confronted by the belongings of art, howsoever cheap and modest they may be, that it has unconsciously been famishing and now has found nourishment. I could not have believed that a rag carpet could feast me so, and so content me; or that there could be such solace to the soul in wall-paper and framed lithographs, and bright-colored tidies and lamp-mats, and Windsor chairs, and varnished what-nots, with sea shells and books and china vases on them, and the score of little unclassifiable tricks and touches that a woman's hand distributes about a home, which one sees without knowing he sees them, yet would miss in a moment if they were taken away. The delight that was in my heart showed in my face, and the man saw it and was pleased; saw it so plainly that he answered it as if it had been spoken. "All her work," he said, caressingly; "she did it all herself -- every bit," and he took the room in with a glance which was full of affectionate worship. One of those soft Japanese fabrics with which women drape with careful negligence the upper part of a picture frame was out of adjustment. He noticed it, and rearranged it with cautious pains, stepping back several times to gauge the effect before he got it to suit him. Then he gave it a light finishing pat or two with his hand, and said: "She always does that. You can't tell just what it lacks, but it does lack something until you've done that -- you can see it yourself after it's done, but that is all you know; you can't find out the law of it. It's like the finishing pats a mother gives the child's hair after she's got it combed and brushed, I reckon. I've seen her fix all these things so much that I can do them all just her way, though I don't see the law of any of them. But she knows the law. She knows the why and how both; but I don't know the why; I only know the how." He took me into a bedroom so that I might wash my hands; such a bedroom as I had not seen for years: white counterpane, white pillows, carpeted floor, papered walls, pictures, dressing-table, with mirror and pin-cushion and dainty toilet things; and in the corner a wash-stand, with real china-ware bowl and pitcher, and with soap in a china dish, and on a rack more than a dozen towels -- towels too clean and white for one out of practice to use without some vague sense of profanation. So my face spoke again, and he answered with gratified words: "All her work; she did it all herself -- every bit. Nothing here that hasn't felt the touch of her hand. Now you would think -- But I mustn't talk so much." By this time I was wiping my hands and glancing from detail to detail of the room's belongings, as one is apt to do when he is in a new place, when everything he sees is a comfort to his eye and his spirit; and I became conscious, in one of those unaccountable ways, you know, that there was something there somewhere that the man wanted me to discover for myself. I knew it perfectly, and I knew that he was trying to help me by furtive indications with his eye, so I tried hard to get on the right track, being eager to gratify him. I failed several times, as I could see out of the corner of my eye without being told; but at last I knew I must be looking straight at the thing -- knew it from the pleasure issuing in invisible waves from him. He broke into a happy laugh, and rubbed his hands together, and cried out: "That's it! You've found it. I knew you would. It's her picture." I went to the little black-walnut bracket on the further wall, and did find there what I had not yet noticed -- a daguerreotype-case. It contained the sweetest girlish face, and the most beautiful, as it seemed to me, that I had ever seen. The man drank the admiration from my face, and was fully satisfied. "Nineteen her last birthday," he said, as he put the picture back; "and that was the day we were married. When you see her -- ah, just wait till you see her!" "Where is she? When will she be in?" "Oh, she's away now, She's gone to see her people. They live forty or fifty miles from here. She's been gone two weeks to-day." "When do you expect her back?" "This is Wednesday. She'll be back Saturday, in the evening -- about nine o'clock, likely." I felt a sharp sense of disappointment. "I'm sorry, because I'll be gone then," I said, regretfully. "Gone? No -- why should you go? Don't go. She'll be so disappointed." She would be disappointed -- that beautiful creature! If she had said the words herself they could hardly have blessed me more. I was feeling a deep, strong, longing to see her -- a longing so supplicating, so insistent, that it made me afraid. I said to myself: "I will go straight away from this place, for my peace of mind's sake." "You see, she likes to have people come and stop with us -- people who know things, and can talk -- people like you. She delights in it; for she knows -- oh, she knows nearly everything herself, and can talk, oh, like a bird -- and the books she reads, why, you would be astonished. Don't go; it's only a little while, you know, and she'll be so disappointed." I heard the words, but hardly noticed them, I was so deep in my thinkings and strugglings. He left me, but I didn't know. Presently, he was back, with the picture-case in his hand, and he held it open before me and said: "There, now, tell her to her face you could have stayed to see her, and you wouldn't." That second glimpse broke down my good resolution. I would stay and take the risk. That night we smoked the tranquil pipe, and talked till late about various things, but mainly about her; and certainly I had had no such pleasant and restful time for many a day. The Thursday followed and slipped comfortably away. Toward twilight a big miner from three miles away came -- one of the grizzled, stranded pioneers -- and gave us warm salutation, clothed in grave and sober speech. Then he said: "I only just dropped over to ask about the little madam, and when is she coming home. Any news from her?" "Oh, yes, a letter. Would you like to hear it, Tom?" "Well, I should think I would, if you don't mind, Henry!" Henry got the letter out of his wallet, and said he would skip some of the private phrases, if we were willing; then he went on and read the bulk of it -- a loving, sedate, and altogether charming and gracious piece of handiwork, with a postscript full of affectionate regards and messages for Tom, and Joe, and Charley, and other close friends and neighbors. As the reader finished, he glanced at Tom and cried out: "Oho, you're at it again! Take your hands away and let me see your eyes. You always do that when I read a letter from her. I will write and tell her." "Oh no, you mustn't, Henry. I'm getting old, you know, and any little disappointment makes me want to cry. I thought she'd be here herself, and now you've only got a letter." "Well, now, what put that in your head? I thought everybody knew she wasn't coming till Saturday." "Saturday! Why, come to think, I did know it. I wonder what's the matter with me lately? Certainly I knew it. Ain't we all getting ready for her? Well, I must be going now. But I'll be on hand when she comes, old man!" Late Friday afternoon another gray veteran tramped over from his cabin a mile or so away, and said the boys wanted to have a little gaiety and a good time Saturday night, if Henry thought she wouldn't be too tired after her journey to be kept up. "Tired? She tired! Oh, hear the man! Joe, you know she'd sit up six weeks to please any one of you!" When Joe heard that there was a letter, he asked to have it read, and the loving messages in it for him broke the old fellow all up; but he said he was such an old wreck that that would happen to him if she only just mentioned his name. "Lord, we miss her so!" he said. Saturday afternoon I found I was taking out my watch pretty often. Henry noticed it, and said, with a startled look: "You don't think she ought to be here so soon, do you?" I felt caught, and a little embarrassed; but I laughed, and said it was a habit of mine when I was in a state of expectancy. But he didn't seem quite satisfied; and from that time on he began to show uneasiness. Four times he walked me up the road to a point whence we could see a long distance; and there he would stand, shading his eyes with his hand, and looking. Several times he said: "I'm getting worried, I'm getting right down worried. I know she's not due till about nine o'clock, and yet something seems to be trying to warn me that something's happened. You don't think anything has happened, do you?" I began to get pretty thoroughly ashamed of him for his childishness; and at last, when he repeated that imploring question still another time, I lost my patience for the moment, and spoke pretty brutally to him. It seemed to shrivel him up and cow him; and he looked so wounded and so humble after that, that I detested myself for having done the cruel and unnecessary thing. And so I was glad when Charley, another veteran, arrived toward the edge of the evening, and nestled up to Henry to hear the letter read, and talked over the preparations for the welcome. Charley fetched out one hearty speech after another, and did his best to drive away his friend's bodings and apprehensions. "Anything happened to her? Henry, that's pure nonsense. There isn't anything going to happen to her; just make your mind easy as to that. What did the letter say? Said she was well, didn't it? And said she'd be here by nine o'clock, didn't it? Did you ever know her to fail of her word? Why, you know you never did. Well, then, don't you fret; she'll be here, and that's absolutely certain, sure as you are born. Come, now, let's get to decorating -- not much time left." Pretty soon Tom and Joe arrived, and then all hands set about adorning the house with flowers. Toward nine the three miners said that as they had brought their instruments they might as well tune up, for the boys and girls would soon be arriving now, and hungry for a good, old-fashioned breakdown. A fiddle, a banjo, and a clarinet -- these were the instruments. The trio took their places side by side, and began to play some rattling dance-music, and beat time with their big boots. It was getting very close to nine. Henry was standing in the door with his eyes directed up the road, his body swaying to the torture of his mental distress. He had been made to drink his wife's health and safety several times, and now Tom shouted: "All hands stand by! One more drink and she's here!" Joe brought the glasses on a waiter, and served the party. I reached for one of the two remaining glasses, but Joe growled, under his breath: "Drop that! Take the other." Which I did. Henry was served last. He had hardly swallowed his drink when the clock began to strike. He listened till it finished, his face growing pale and paler; then he said: "Boys, I'm sick with fear. Help me -- I want to lie down!" They helped him to the sofa. He began to nestle and drowse, but spoke like one talking in his sleep and said: "Did I hear horses' feet? Have they come?" One of the veterans answered, close to his ear: "It was Jimmy Parrish come to say the party got delayed, but they're right up the road a piece, and coming along. Her horse is lame, but she'll be here in half an hour." "Oh, I'm so thankful nothing has happened!" He was asleep almost before the words were out of his mouth. In a moment those handy men had his clothes off, and had tucked him into his bed in the chamber where I had washed my hands. They closed the door and came back. Then they seemed to be preparing to leave; but I said: "Please don't go, gentlemen. She won't know me; I am a stranger." They glanced at each other. Then Joe said: "She? Poor thing, she's been dead nineteen years!" "Dead?" "That or worse. She went to see her folks half a year after she was married, and on her way back, on a Saturday evening, the indians captured her within five miles of this place, and she's never been heard of since." "And he lost his mind in consequence?" "Never has been sane an hour since. But he only gets bad when that time of the year comes around. Then we begin to drop in here, three days before she's due, to encourage him up, and ask if he's heard from her, and Saturday we all come and fix up the house with flowers, and get everything ready for a dance. We've done it every year for nineteen years. The first Saturday there was twenty-seven of us, without counting the girls; there's only three of us now, and the girls are all gone. We drug him to sleep, or he would go wild; then he's all right for another year -- thinks she's with him till the last three or four days come around; then he begins to look for her, and gets out his poor old letter, and we come and ask him to read it to us. Lord, she was a darling!" -------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- ISSUE OF 11/24/97 - VOLUME 3 NO. 3 ----------------------------------- DNR RESURVEY MAY TAKE HUBBARD RESIDENT'S LAND HART LAKE TOWNSHIP -- The Department of Natural Resources says that now, as new technology has provided new methods of locating original survey markers, land owners will be able to more accurately delineate their property. But for Chris Roller, a Hubbard County dairy farmer near Guthrie, it's just another headache and he objects to DNR trespassing in trying to resurvey his land. The problem began about a year ago when Roller's neighbor Charles Vikre wanted an access road put in to his land. Vikre's property is bounded by DNR land to the West, Roller's to the North and East and Bohn's to the South. Roller refused to grant Vikre access across his land. That's when DNR became involved. Roller said that DNR surveyors came onto his property and began resurveying it. His son discovered the marked and cut trees and stakes while on the way to a deer stand at the back of the Roller property, November 8th. "I called the Sheriff's Dept.," Roller said, "a deputy arrived, but said there was nothing he could do." At a meeting convened with about seven local residents, November 11th, John Heineman, DNR asserted that the cutting and marking was on state land, not Roller's, per their new survey. Roller showed him the historical fence, but Heineman maintained that, per their survey about 75 feet is state land and that they were going to put a road through. Speaking for DNR, John Mathweg, area supervisor at Bemidji, maintains that the fence is along a line of magnetic, rather than true North, but said, "We are not going to go in there and do any cutting until it's clear where the ownership lies." And Mathweg allowed that due to new survey technology this same type of dispute could affect other landowners. "This isn't going to be a rare issue," he said. "I want to know what Mr. Vikre has over the DNR," said Roller, adding, "Stay off my land. ... I bought this place to be left alone." At far right, Chris Roller holds two DNR survey stakes that he removed from his (boundary now disputed) land. The dispute primarily affects the woodland in the background, west of Co. Rd. 45. In the foreground by the silos is Roller's pasture where he grazes dairy cattle. At immediate right, Roller displays with his left thumb and right index finger, the part of the stake left above ground near the pasture. Roller said that this stake posed a hazard to the bags of the cows. ------------------------------------- SHERMAN ARRESTED AT CASS CO. OFP HEARING WALKER --Wanda Jean Sherman, 33, was in for a surprise when she went to the Cass County courtroom on October 22nd to seek an Order for Protection against her former cohabitant, Leon Demo: Deputies were present to arrest her on a warrant for her assault on him. Per George Gilliland, Sr., men's advocate who accompan- ied Demo to the OFP hearing, he produced, for the Court, copies of court records documenting the assault charge and warrant against Sherman, and told Judge Smith, "She's not the victim, he is." Gilliland said that the OFP was accordingly denied and Sherman was taken into custody. Sherman had been a fugitive from justice since January, 1997 following the assault on Demo, last December. The original charge of fifth degree assault (Case No. 11-K7-97-10) was filed 1/3/97. Per Gilliland, Sherman was assisted at the October OFP hearing by two Legal Aid attor- neys and a women's adovocate. In preparation for the hearing, Gilliland and Demo determined that the warrant against Sherman was still outstanding and accordingly notified Sheriff's deputies to be present at the hearing to make the arrest. Sherman is charged with fifth degree assault after prior offense within 5 years, a gross misdemeanor. According to the filed complaint, dated December 30, 1996, "On or about December 8, 1996, at approx- imately 6:41 A.M. Cass County Deputy Sheriff Robert Karbowski received a call from Cass County Dispatch regarding an assault at the Leon Demo residence in Bena.... Demo had reported ...that a Wanda Jean Sherman, hereinafter Defendant, had just assaulted him." The complaint reflects that upon arriving at the scene, Karbowski learned that Sherman had gone across the street to the Wanda Smith residence. Per the complaint, Donald Headbird, a witness present at the time of the assault, "indicated that Demo did not provoke the attack or hit back, he just covered himself from the blows. Demo indicated that he had been bitten in the back, hit along the side, the eye, and scratched on the face and neck." Per the complaint, "Deputy Karbowski did observe the indications of assault on Demo that correspond with what he said. Deputy Karbowski advised Demo to obtain medical treatment and send him the ... records...." "Those records indicate that Demo had a large human bite to the left of the spinal column, approximately 5 x 5 centimeters, plus other scratches and abrasions...." The complaint notes previous assault convictions against Sherman, one for a prior assault on Demo, one for an assault on her brother, Jeff Sherman, and two assaults on other persons. Karbowski was unable to locate Sherman, who apparently had fled, immediately after the assault so the warrant was issued for her arrest. Following the October 22nd arrest, Sherman was released, October 24th, on $500 bail and on conditions including that Sherman not use or possess alcohol or controlled substances or enter any establishment selling same, and that she not go within 5 miles of Mr. Demo's residence. She is next scheduled to appear before Judge Smith November 24th. Prosecutor is Karlene Melhus of the Cass County Attorney's Office; Sherman is represented by Larry Kimball, Public Defender. Sherman had been represented by attorney Ron Cayko of Legal Aid, Brainerd. when in June, 1996, she sought an order to prevent Demo from possessing firearms. The file did not appear to contain record of that order having been granted. ---------------------------------------------------- Follow-Up WOMENS SHELTER FUGITIVE REMAINS AT LARGE BEMIDJI --Bonita Jones, former resident of the North- woods Coalition for Battered Women's shelter, Bemidji; and charged with perjury in conjunc- tion with false allegations in applications to the Court for Orders for Protection, remains at large and wanted on warrant without bail after her failure to appear for trial on June 25th, 1997. She is represented by attorney Paul Kief, who has been unable to contact her. This is the third time Jones has been a fug- itive from justice on this matter. -------------------------------------------------- LORY MOTION SCHEDULED FOR DECEMBER 1 BEMIDJI --Richard Lory, sentenced in 1995 to 12 1/2 years in the shooting death of his daughter's rapist, Bruce Bradach Jr., will move for a new trial at Bemidji, December 1. The matter is expected to be heard before Judge Kraker at 2 P.M.; Lory is represented by Minneapolis attorney Robert D. Miller. The motion is based upon the premise that, during discovery and trial, County Attorney Timothy Faver failed to disclose that a State's key witness, former Sheriff's Investigator Ron Peterson, was at the time under investigation and pending charges for official misconduct. Peterson later was terminated from the Sheriff's Department, and pled guilty to misdemeanor charges. Since he entered prison, Lory's wife, Linda Lory, who stood by her husband during trial, has sought a divorce. The Lory children have complained of harassment at school. ------------------------------------------ CONNECTIONS ... NEW ON THE NET: Both wine aficionados, and those who'd like to know more about wine will enjoy Winekey at http://www.winekey.com The site is maintained by Craig Levine and provides extensive information on both California and Italian wines by region and grape variety. -------------------------------------------- BOOTH WINS DIST. 1 By only a 40 vote margin, Steven K. Booth won the hotly contested Beltrami District 1 Commissioner's seat, vacated by Brad Nord, in the runoff election November 18th against Nancy Erickson. The unoffical count, Tuesday night, had Booth with 487 votes; Erickson, 447. Booth will take office at the November 25th meeting and has pledged himself to lower taxes. ------------------------------------------------- CITIZENS' MEETINGS SET ON CLEARWATER FRONTAGE BAGLEY -- Clearwater County residents, particularly those along Highways 2, 36 and 92 will hold meetings at Bagley to discuss County and State plans to modify those highways and extend right-of-way to a proposed 132 feet in many areas. Meetings are scheduled for Monday, November 24th at 7 pm at the Bear Creek Township Hall; there will be a public hearing on the County's 5-year Plan Tuesday, November 25th at 7 pm at the American Legion, Bagley. The public is invited to both meetings. ------------------------------------------- HOLTER HEARS GILBERTSON MOTION BEMIDJI --Judge Holter heard a Motion for Modification of support order brought by Russell Gilbertson on November 4th. Gilbertson appeared with men's advocate George Gilliland, Sr.; Mr. Frank, of the County Attorney's office, appeared for the County of Beltrami, to whose child support office the amount was payable. At the hearing, Frank said the child support was over $22,000 in arrears, since 1994. Gilbertson produced his income tax forms for the court, which showed income of $6,156 in 1996; $11,996 in 1995 and a $9,506 loss in 1994. He said he continued to be billed for child support even during the approximately one-year period, from June of 1994 to July of 1995, when he had custody of the child. Frank asked that the driver's license of Gilbertson, who drives for a living, be suspended. At presstime, the matter remained under advisement. ------------------------------------------------------- BOIS FORTE ELECTION INVALIDATED; NEW ELECTION TO BE HELD NETT LAKE --An election protest hearing was held November 6th, regarding the validity of the election, held October 9th, in which challenger Mark Drift received 25 more votes than incumbent Doris Isham, in the race for Tribal Chairman. The information was contained in a release by Donna Hoffer, Acting Executive Director at Bois Forte. Isham was represented by her attorney, Stephen Campbell. Beverly Steel, sitting as Election Judge ruled on the mat- ter November 13th, invalidating the election due to irregularities concerning absentee ballots. An election on the White Earth reservation was similarly invalidated last year for similar reason. The officials then elec- ted, however, remain in office. Bois Forte has indicated that a new election will be held, but a date has not yet been set by the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe. ----------------------------------------- IF YOU LIKE TO SMOKE KNOW WHERE YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS GO. In 1995, the AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY gave $6,000 in tax-deductible contributions to the "Minnesota Coalition for a Smoke-Free Society - 2000", a lobbying group that's trying to make it harder for you to smoke by increasing tobacco taxes and governmental restrictions. The American Heart Association also gave $6,000, and American Lung Association gave $500. Source: Minnesota Coalition for a Smoke-Free Society 2000 A PUBLIC SERVICE MESSAGE PROVIDED BY THIS NEWSPAPER ----------------------------------------------------- REACH YOUR FULL MARKET SHARE IN GREATER MINNESOTA For as little as $4 per column/inch! YOUR DISPLAY AD IN NORTHERN HERALD REACHES MINNESOTANS FROM GRAND RAPIDS TO BAGLEY, FROM RED LAKE TO PINE RIVER! TO PLACE YOUR AD, CALL 759-1162 WE MEAN BUSINESS --------------------------------------------------- Letters to the Editor RESIDENTS PROTEST INCREASED RIGHT OF WAY ON CLEARWATER CO. ROAD 2 As you all know, road construction began, then stopped, on Clearwater Highway 2, between Shevlin and Clearwater Highway 13. You may have also noticed that the right of way taken by the County went from 66 feet to 132 feet, in the process removing both property and rights from the affected land owners. That section of road will remain a rough, unfinished, frozen testament to efficient planning throughout this winter, forcing all of us into unsafe options for getting to State Highway 2. This project is the result of professional engineers and bureaucrats who have our best interests at heart. Right. I think I can safely say that we are all for road improvements, because that means an improvement in our quality of life. However, based upon what the County Engineer's office has said previously (and published in their 2002 Plan), the work was to have been along the following lines for the following reasons: 1) to improve safety by straightening the "S" curves on Highway 2 between State Highway 2 and Clearwater 13; 2) to repair frost heaving in the roadbed between State Highway 2 and Clearwater 36; 3) to add 4 feet of paved shoulders on each side of the road between State Highway 2 and Clearwater 36; 4) to remove and resurface Clearwater 2 between Clearwater 36 and State Highway 200; and 5) to resurface State Highway 200 (west) toward State Highway 92. Contrary to prior statements and publications from the Clearwater County Engineer's Office, it now appears that our County government plans to "revise" their contract with us and take 132 feet of easement all the way from State Highway 2 to State Highway 200 - and - establish a major snowmobile corridor through our communities. That is a far cry from "improving our road." Further, there is no reason whatsoever that shoulders cannot be added and the road improved within the 66 foot right of way already existing. All of us on this road stand to lose large chunks of land (in some cases, our front yards and wind breaks). The only possible beneficiaries of this "improvement project" are three private businesses along the route; one in Alida and two at Highway 200; the Headwaters [Itasca] State Park; the big rigs who fly through here overloaded, dodging scales; and the snowmobilers. The positive benefits to our community are far outweighed by the negatives. Although feelings vary from landowner to landowner about the rights (and abuses of those rights) of snowmobilers, there are several important issues which our County government has avoided discussing with us: 1) State and County laws already mandate that off-road vehicles MUST ride on the PRIVATE PROPERTY side of the ditches along state and county roads. This means that if and when an accident occurs, THE PRIVATE LANDOWNER IS LIABLE FOR DAMAGES, even if the injured party was clearly and illegally trespassing beyond the legally allowed boundary "granted" by the State and County; 2) Neither the State nor County government have offered to take responsibility for their actions - in assuming the burden of liability for mandating the public access to our private property. This is immoral on their part, and we should question our own government's "authority" to compromise our Constitutional and God given rights of property and well being; 3) We, as land owners, pay taxes out to the middle of the road, and have no say or use of the land within the right of way (even though it is our land). Now they want more, and offer us less than nothing in return. The rights of the State and County do not and cannot supercede the rights of the individual in this country. However, if we do not speak up, that is exactly what will happen in this case - and continue to happen in the future. We must let our government know how we feel and what we want. In my opinion, it seems that the County government, through the offices of the County Engineer, has implemented a strategy of selectively being less than truthful, complicated the issue with new "proposed" changes to the current 2002 Plan and tied it all up with on-going construction. They have tried to take this construction project to a point of no return in order to get what they've wanted all along: more Federal and State dollars - regardless of our needs or wishes. That is not democracy in action. The budget must be running into the multi-million dollar range, with nowhere to go but up, considering the County is relocating all the right of way utilities for over twenty two miles. What really warrants this kind of expenditure? Other issues also stand out. Hundreds of people who live and work here are affected by this project, and judging by the way things have gone so far it looks like this plan will take years to complete. Good for the contractors and bureaucrats - terrible for the communities. Investments in tree farming and cleared pastureland will be seized and bulldozed in the name of progress. Wetlands (which act as kidneys for our ecosystem) will be razed. Real estate values will falter for years (do you think the tax appraiser will notice and give us a break?) Services will be disrupted and travel within our communities will become more difficult for an extended period. Several homes, one church, and a cemetery are at risk of being eliminated altogether. Litter and noise pollution from increased traffic will impact the clean quiet spaces we all enjoy. Even the pristine Mississippi River will not escape being spoiled by silt as progress rolls through. We need all this "help" like we need more problems. Is this what we really want for our communities? You cannot complain about this Country if you do not participate in governing it. Please contact your county and township commissioners and exert all the pressure you can to make them listen to us and work for us. Contact Mr. Lee Burget, the Clearwater County Engineer, at 694-6520, and hold him accountable. All of you have an opinion. You may or may not agree with my points of view. That's one of the great things about our Country, freedom of opinion. But it only works if your voice is heard. Please consider that even if you do not live on this affected road, someday, you will be in a similar position - and without the support of your neighbors and community the government might wrong your rights as well. I strongly encourage you to attend the hearing in Bagley [reported elsewhere in this issue] and defend your rights. William J. Van Den Berg Shevlin, MN ---------------------------------------------------- Letters to the Editor WHITE EARTH MEMBER QUESTIONS ATTORNEY ACTIONS Miles Lord, Zenas Baer, David Lillehaug and R.A. Randall are well into the process of dissolving White Earth. They are committed to the "organic reform" of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe and its constituent bands. Organic reform, to them, means breaking down tribal governments into its most basic, elemental units - its citizens. NOT citizens of the Tribe and its reservations, but CITIZENS OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA. No more reservations - no more tribal government - just state government. Lord, Baer, et. al., needed some culpable, ignorant, naive puppets - Erma, Bugger [Eugene "Bugger" McArthur, Chairman of the White Earth Reservation Tribal Council], John B., and Hvezda to provide a tiny measure of legitimacy to their plans (tiny, illegal and unconstitutional). On October 14, 1996, Miles Lord ("co-chairman" of White Earth) wrote a letter to Gary Frazier, with Bugger's typed signature, asking for a more accurate list of White Earth enrollees. Purportedly, this list would be used to get an accurate handle on the demographics of certain federal programs, i.e. WELSA, health and education. The real reason was to get an updated voting list. On November 8, 1996, Zenas Baer (also "co-chairman" of White Earth) wrote a letter to Eli Hunt, Bugger and Clint Landgren [Bois Forte Tribal Council], which suggests that they initiate action to repeal Constitutional Interpretation 1-80 which states that only the Tribal Executive Committee can interpret the Tribal Constitution; and Constitutional Interpretation 2-80 which sets up a tribal court system He is right, since these interpretations have never been approved by referendum vote of the Tribal Members; but the real reason he is suggesting their repeal is that under either of these interpretations the Tribal Executive Committee could make the bogus government at White Earth null and void. On January 31, 1997, "Bugger" McArthur sent a letter, probably written by Zenas Baer, to Norman DesChampe [TEC Chairman]. Zenas forgot that he was supposed to be Bugger, and that it was supposed to be Bugger writing this letter [see Editor's note below]. Zenas (Bugger) is discussing the issue of his (Bugger) being seated on the TEC. Zenas (Bugger) suggests that the TEC not revisit (re-discuss) the issue of his (Bugger's) being seated. In the letter he (Zenas/Bugger) states, "One need not be a constitutional scholar to know that the TEC is not empowered to remove any of its members. The power of removal of TEC members is vested in the exclusive authority of the individual constitutional bands from which the TEC member was elected." You see how he (Zenas/Bugger) tries to cover up the fact that the election he refers to was rigged and a new election called for. You see how he (Zenas/Bugger) tries to cover up the fact that the election protests were not heard and that he (Zenas/Bugger) took office unconstitutionally. And that since he (Zenas/Bugger) took office unconstitutionally, he (Zenas/Bugger) could not remove an election judge and appoint a new one. You see how he (Zenas/Bugger) tries to cover up the fact that the TEC does not have to remove Bugger because he is not constitutionally a member. He is an illegally empowered anarchist! Lord and Baer are the pseudo-co-chairmen and Bugger is their puppet. What Zenas/Bugger aren't telling you is that it is their actions; their subterfuge, their cover-ups, their lies; that are causing the fractionalization of the TEC, and not those who disagree with them. What Zenas (Bugger) is not telling you is that the election in Leech Lake and White Earth and even the recent elections in Bois Forte are illegal because they were held under election ordinance #6 which was a forged document. There is no healing and reform at White Earth since the incumbents have never been constitutionally removed so that election was twice fraudulent. There is no healing and reform at Leech Lake since their TEC members are under fire for not following their election promises or their RBC mandated actions. There is no healing or reform at Bois Forte since Lord and Baer's Chairman Landgren was removed and their candidate Drift, under their orders, tried to take over Bois Forte's government the same way their puppet McArthur did at White Earth. Lord, Baer, Lillehaug, Randall and Moran are causing the fractionalization of the TEC and the tribe! The dissolution at White Earth continues - with their writing a White Earth constitution. Separation from the Tribe! The dissolution continues with the writing of Charters for each community. Separation of one community from another! The dissolution continues with having County Law Enforcement on the reservation. Paid by the Res but acting under state/county law! The dissolution continues by issuing Green Cards to all non-members. Aha! Now we are all alike. Just dissolve the RBC! No more (legal) RBC - No more Res. Totally dissolved! As goes White Earth, so goes the MCT and its other reservations. Organic Reform as prescribed by Lord, Baer, Lillehaug and Randall. Violet Harper White Earth Enrolled Member Cass Lake, MN Editor's Note: Literally, Interpretation 2-80 only gives the TEC the power and authority to set up a court system; it doesn't actually set it up. The writer of this letter's reference to "co-chairman" and to Zenas's taking office are figurative. McArthur is the sole sitting Chairman at White Earth. Miles Lord and Zenas Baer are very highly paid attorneys for the reservation. An inspection of the purported above referenced letter of January 31, 1997, presumably written by "Bugger" McArthur, has disclosed that the letter makes reference to McArthur by the pronoun "you" instead of "I", as if it had been written by someone else, and meant to be read by McArthur before sending it on over his own signature. For a better understanding of the chronology of events leading up to the matters addressed in this letter, we refer the reader to "Fireworks Erupt at TEC," (NH Vol. 2 No. 15, 5/19/97) As with all Letters to the Editor, we neither confirm nor disaffirm factual matters in content except as specifically stated, particularly with regard to the validity of legal conclusions of the writer. Letters do not necessarily reflect the position of this paper; we try to print all that represent valid, responsible, significant and important opinion within the community. -- Ed.] ------------------------------------------------ Consumer Corner PHONE SLAMMERS AT IT AGAIN Yep. Be listening for a call which purports to be from The AT&T Network. This is NOT the same as AT&T. If you do business with this "sound alike" you'll be switched, and lose your AT&T billing and good AT&T rates & perks, which despite all the gimmicks offered now by competitors, are still some of the best around. -------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- ISSUE OF 11/03/97 - VOLUME 3 NO. 2 ----------------------------------- ORIGINAL POSSE MEMBER SUSPENDED DEBS -- Debs resident Janet True recalls when DeeWayne Rognstad, then a Deputy under Sheriff Stewart, was patrolling the Beltrami Fairgrounds on foot in 1994. "I said, 'Get a horse,'" she relates, "he said, 'Don't I wish,' I said, 'Let's do something about it.'" When Rognstad was elected Beltrami Sheriff later that year, Mrs. True was one of the founding members of his Mounted Posse, and served as Sergeant, with about 50 other members. Now she faces suspension from the Posse due to allegations which, she says, she has never been given the opportunity to confront and respond to. Responding to inquiry on the matter, Sheriff Rognstad said, "It's a volunteer organization, ...They discipline their own. ... It's an issue for the Posse members." Rognstad had signed the August 22nd, 1997 suspension letter to True, suspending her from the Posse for three months. But True said she was never given copies of infraction incident reports when the incidents allegedly occurred, which she should have received, per disciplinary procedure, so that she could timely answer the accusations. The first she knew of any complaints, which allegedly date back to June, 1996, was when she received the suspension letter. "We do have a disciplinary procedures manual," she said, "If there's something that anybody sees us do wrong, they're supposed to fill out an incident report. I was unaware that they were compiling a list of infractions against me." The manual states, "In all cases, ... a copy [of the incident report] is placed in the file and one is given to the member...." Official reasons given, in the letter, for the suspension include: 6/96 - Public argument with an executive board member over equipment. 7/96 - Inappropriate behavior when demanding radio equip- ment from executive officers. 8/96 - Verbal reprimand by the liaison officer for inappropriate behavior regarding funding requests, misrepresent- ation of another organization, falsifying documents and violation of uniform protocol. 5/97 - Poor protocol at Posse meeting and training. Rude re- marks made to guest instructor. 7/97 - Inappropriate use of the Posse radio while working the raceway. 7/97 - Verbal reprimand by [Sheriff Rognstad] prior to the fair regarding [True's] participation and courtesy to fellow members. 7/97 Lack of participation during in-meeting training sessions (fairgrounds formation riding). True addressed the allegations in interview at Debs. As regards the 6/96 equipment matter, it resulted, True said, from a requirement that Posse members sign-in on a Blue Book. But the book was locked in the command vehicle. True admits that words were exchanged with Karen Krueger, lieutenant, but the dispute was resolved, with mutual apologies, shortly thereafter. True said she was not made aware of any on-going problem or hostility. Similarly, True denied any "demand" of radio equipment in the 7/96 incident. She said that she asked Krueger to bring her the radio, and Krueger didn't seem to mind. Per True, the 8/96 allegations of "misrepresentation of another organization," et. al., relate to her work at the Debs July 4th event. In addition to being a Posse member, True is also the Treasurer of the Debs 4th of July Committee. That committee had agreed to make a donation to the Posse for its service at the event. The Posse needed radios, and True had ascertained from other Committee members that they were in accord with earmarking the donation for radios; as Treasurer, she noted that on the donation check. This apparently enraged the Captain of the Posse, who demanded to see the Debs Committee minutes, which had been casually taken (as would be expected with a small village celebration committee); the agreement for earmarking of the funds for radios had been verbal by the committee members and was not reflected in the minutes. Apparently the Captain regarded this earmarking memo on the check as the "falsified" instrument, giving rise to the "misrepresentation of an organization." True said that the allegation that she was out of uniform at the 4th of July event is from when, after her patrol, she was off-duty. She took her horse home and returned to the event to attend the dance as would any other Debs resident. As she was off-duty, she was not in uniform at the time. (Note: Northern Herald covered the 1996 4th of July at Debs. We noticed nothing unusual in True's performance while on duty and we did observe her return to the dance, later, when off-duty.) True said that the meetings for which she was cited for "lack of participation" were optional meetings; one conflicted with a doctor's appointment, and at another, she couldn't bring her horse because of a truck break-down. In the raceway incident (7/97), True said Rognstad was not at his post at the grandstands. She advised the dispatcher that, "We really need him out here." True was not aware of how this constituted a violation of radio protocol. Per True, the Sheriff has had disagreements with several Posse members, and has told them to "change their attitudes or resign," she said, adding that since she started, as one of the originators of the Posse, membership has dropped from 50, to about 15. Rognstad stood behind his position with regard to Posse discipline, saying, "There has to be discipline. ...They're in a brown uniform; they represent the Sheriff's office. ...They have to represent themselves in a professional manner. ...It's a volunteer organization. ...If a person has a grievance, they have an option - they don't have to be in there." "What hurts me is that DeeWayne is my friend," said True. ------------------------------------ DIST. 1 CANDIDATES DEFINE PRIORITIES AT DEBATE, FORUMS Above, Beltrami County District 1 Commissioner candidates, from left, Nancy Erickson, Steven Booth, Tom Newman, Jeff Aakhus. Right, candidates engage in head-to-head debate on their priorities, and answer audience questions, at Northern Herald sponsored debate at Bemidji City Hall BEMIDJI -- Candidates for the Beltrami District 1 Commissioner's post discussed their issues and priorities at the Township Officers' Association forum, October 20th, at Northern Town Hall, and again at head-to-head debate, October 22nd, at Bemidji City Hall. Both events were well attended and audience members submitted several pertinent questions to the candidates. Welfare. Platforms emerged early on as Erickson stated at both the forum and debate her primary concerns in welfare reform to be transportation, child care and jobs. Erickson was a former secretary to County Administrator Greg Lewis, and currently works as an Eligibility Specialist for Beltrami Human (Social) Services. She also has worked with Human Services' Labor/Management Committee, is a Hope House Board member, former Treasurer of the Bemidji chapter of the American Cancer Society, and sits on the Beltrami Solid Waste Advisory Committee. "I want to address welfare reform as the number one issue," said Erickson, opening the debate with her priority issue. Erickson explained that the Federal Government will now be issuing block grants that the state will distribute to the counties, and spoke of state-imposed 5 year time limits on recipients. "The clock is already ticking," she said. "...when I started [at Human Services] ... you could not say to anybody, 'Have you considered getting a job - have you been looking for a job?' My job was to see that they received all the benefits that were available." "We face three major problems," she said, "...transportation,... How are people going to get to these jobs? The second problem is child care... The third is jobs. We have 1300 AFDC families in Beltrami County; where are we going to find 1300 jobs?" Booth, speaking to the issue in turn, said that reforms were in the right direction, but "I think that we're going to have the biggest problem in... putting a deadline on how long they're eligible...." Booth said that even with jobs, some assistance might be necessary, "I think that the jobs will come, if we can ... ensure that people can gradually get into it, you know, get a couple of raises... so that their buck goes a little bit farther. Newman said "...people have been dependent on government since the early 1700's." and criticized previous welfare reform efforts, such as the '60s CETA program which never appeared to return savings to the taxpayer. "There was money saved, but that money never went back to the people." Aakhus said on the issue, "This is brand-new for all of us... and it may not work." Aakhus expressed concern over the 5-year limit on benefits. He suggested creating businesses to put people to work and reiterated a need for child care, and education. Addressing the 20% hardship case exclusion, he said, "It seems to me there's a 20% number," [which could be waived from the time limitations]. Taxes. Mr. Booth, who served in the Marines for 18 1/2 years, attaining the rank of Major, and is now a businessman, operating CBS Fitness, Bemidji, chose "Continual increased taxes" as his primary debate topic. "If we all could take home a little bit more of what we earn, that dollar would go a whole lot farther.... 51 cents of every dollar that we make goes to taxes. ... You talk about job creation; the only thing that's going to create jobs is to have businesses be able to expand. One of the biggest detriments [to expansion] ...is that they have to pay so many doggone taxes," he said. Booth also argued lower taxes and higher take-home pay as a work incentive and as beneficial to the family. He spoke of a two-income household, "and [if] ... taxes weren't as high,... they may come to the conclusion that... 'one of us can stay home with our kids until they go to school, at least, so that we can raise our kids the way we want 'em to be raised instead of having to bring them to a day care." Booth said that area new business growth alone is creating an increase in tax revenue, "and yet our taxes go up every year." And he said that the taxes on his home have doubled since he retired from the Marines in May of 1994. "We need to do some intergovernmental agency teamwork... so we don't have to have an increase in taxes... to get what the community needs." Newman said that taxes have "gotten out of hand, and the conservative factor in Beltrami County is allowing it to do that..." Later, responding to an audience question, Newman stated his opposition to the property tax on the premise that a person, particularly one on fixed income, can have the home he bought with after-tax earnings again taxed away from him. Aakhus agreed with Booth, saying that most of his friends' taxes have also doubled, some tripled, since 1994. He noted that federally, even with the new budget reconciliation, "there's really not much coming back," compared to earlier increases. Erickson addressed the issue saying that residents' property tax bill "doesn't just represent levies by the county," and explained that to reduce county spending, "it is important for us to be able to examine the county budget ... and each department's budget." But later, responding to Aakhus's topic dealing with county spending, Erickson also said, "We're spending for your benefit and we need to hear from you if those services are services that you don't want. Citizens have to say 'I don't need this' or 'I don't want this.'" Crime and Justice. For his topic, Newman chose to address "the Beltrami judicial system," beginning, "Cost-effective savings usually start in the form of prevention.... We're all aware of the... feud" between the Sheriff and judges over furloughs. (There has been county cost for an accident, due to DWI, had on a furlough.) "This isn't cost-effective," he said. Cost-effective savings are through prevention, increase in the budget of the ... Sheriff so he can do his job to prevent crimes before they happen. Expenses triple once a person gets past the prevention; when he ends up in the court system and it's all at the cost of the taxpayer. It's better now to educate these individuals at a lower cost before you have to incarcerate them; rehabilitate 'em, and the rehabilitation starts in the community... there's no such thing as rehabilitation in prison. Newman was recently restrained from interacting with the Blackduck School District, over a matter stemming from Newman's protests of the school district trying to continue to teach Newman's child, whom he had removed to another district due to disagreement with Blackduck's methods. The Blackduck District's persistence may have been tied to additional funds available for each special needs child enrolled. Newman has filed a complaint on this with the U.S. Dept. of Education. Drawing on his experience in the school litigation, Newman criticized the Beltrami judicial system for "selective prosecution, open discrimination, prejudice and two sets of standards. My constitutional rights were stripped from me of freedom of speech...." He cited abuses of power that "have been going on for years... there's been deals made in the back room of the Courthouse.... The conservative approach is self-serving in this county. The system is an extreme failure and it's in need of a conscience." he said. Aakhus addressed the issue by saying, "the judges can affect the county budget," and cited placements and incarcerations, "that's going to cost the county money. Judges don't have a budget to work with... they have an endless amount of money that we as taxpayers have to spend." Erickson agreed that "judges have total discretion" in out-of-home placements for which the county picks up the tab. Moreover, she said, "What I find interesting is when I read my court section of my Pioneer (newspaper) and I see stayed this and stayed that and I'm puzzled why it is that people don't serve time." Booth reiterated Newman's comments on prevention of crime, saying, "Education, again is the best... investment we can make," and adding that Band-Aid® solutions cost us more money down the road. Booth dismissed the frequent excuses of disadvantage as a reason for crime saying that if that were true, "We would have had a whole heck of a lot more crime back in the 1930's... because everybody was poor back then...." Aakhus chose to address "County spending and budgets," saying, "I was alarmed when our outgoing auditor raised some questions about excessive county spending; cautioned us or warned us that something was amiss." The Board, this year has proposed a small, but the maximum allowable, tax hike. Citing the state-imposed limitation, Aakhus said, "Don't be fooled that County Board is the only one that's holding the costs down." He said, "One of the problems is that the three [taxing authorities] don't talk to each other," and proposed more intergovernmental cooperation to bring down costs. ---------------------------------- Northern Herald thanks all of the candidates, News-Line, Midwest Cable Communications, Inc., The Pioneer, the City of Bemidji, very importantly, accomplished moderator Roy Blackwood, and all others who provided facilities, coverage and help at the Debate at City Hall thereby making the event possible. To our knowledge, this was the first local event where the candidates could not only respond to questioning, but also define their own priorities, with discussion and rebuttal, thus better delineating candidate platforms and essential principles for a better informed electorate and a better Beltrami County! ------------------------------------ "Show me a tree that produces perfect and untarnished fruit. Fruit where nary a worm has bored and upon which no bug has trodden. Show me that tree which produces only shiny and unblemished fruit, and I'll show you a tree that's either been been laced with poison, or produces poisonous fruit on it's own." -- A. Steele, On Elections, and Candidates, generally ---------------------------------------- FEDERAL DAM: A NEIGHBORHOOD THAT WORKS FEDERAL DAM -- You can ask retired builder and former Mayor Ken Smith and his wife how different races and cultures get along in Federal Dam; they'll just look at each other and say that, well, "We've done it for 48 years." Despite there being a lot of Whites in this peaceful Leech Lake community, surprisingly, there's not a lot of disturbance and crime. The Mayor couldn't remember the last episode. The Smiths live in a well-appointed house he built on the East side of this community of about 116 people, a major hunting and fishing spot which Mayor Russell Lego said sees over 100,000 campers, hunters and fishermen a year, located 7 miles south of U.S. 2 from the junction at Bena. Ken and his Native American wife typify the attitude in this community, which is necessarily a mix of religions and ethnicity, but where all, also by necessity, live together in harmony and cooperation. "It's like one big family - everybody tries to participate," said Mrs. Smith, with her husband adding, "There's [sometimes] a little jealousy, but it's not to the point where it causes any problems." The Smiths spoke of the attitude of volunteerism in the community, "The women in town would want something... and they'd show up for meetings. ...Basically, they got our [volunteer] Fire Department started; they got the Community Center going." Mayor Lego said, "We gotta work together to exist," in the remote community and spoke of other projects under way, including a new city sewer system assisted by Cass County and housing rehabilitation thro- ugh Bi-County Cap. Regarding the sewers, due to go in next year, Lego said, "Everybody got behind it. There's been a lot of villages trying for [county funding for] this stuff; we worked a little harder, I guess. We had to come up with the right plan." And he added that the community is now working on a street improvement project. The community is remote; 7 miles off of the nearest major highway. Lego explained that many of the residents are retired, but some commute to work in Cass Lake and Grand Rapids. Tourism is, of course, a major industry with the 80 site Federal Dam campground located on Leech Lake. Town Historian Cecilia McKeg has written a book documenting the rich history of Federal Dam, which goes back to when it was a division point for the Soo Line railroad, with a 16 bay roundhouse for the trains, and about twice the current population, in the heyday of the railroads and railroad towns. Even in as tranquil a place like Federal Dam, disputes and feuds occasionally arise. But former Mayor Smith said, "The first thing you know, they're speaking to each other again - and it's over before you know it. Maybe they see one another down at the restaurant... and they're talking and getting along." --------------------------------------------------- EDITORIAL "CALENDAR FLUSHING" IS ANSWER TO BEMIDJI WASTE CRUNCH It was recently reported in another publication that Bemidji's wastewater facilities are only six weeks from reaching capacity. The blame is put on a defective cover, which they’re replacing. The cover has part of the plant out-of-operation. It should be fixed in time, but if not, Bemidji could face a shortage of adequate waste treatment. You can help with calendar flushing. Under Calendar Flushing, persons in houses with odd numbers would only flush their commodes on odd-numbered days. Even houses would flush on even-numbered days. This should get us through the crisis period until repairs are effected. This Calendar Flushing plan was inspired by the Bemidji City Council’s brilliant Calendar Parking idea, under which people will be able to park, this winter, and have their guests park, in front of their houses every other day. Under Calendar Flushing, on the days when you could park, you could flush, too. ------------------------------------------- LETTERS TO THE EDITOR WHY ARE RENTS SO HIGH? Aren't there any landlords out there that know what it's like to start over again, with little or nothing in their pockets? Or even some that really know how difficult it is, in this area, to keep food on the table, as well as a decent roof over their heads, and the bills paid? My family's beginning to think that all these things have been forgotten by all landlords and replaced by greed for the almighty dollar. At one point, not long ago, people with lower incomes were able to maintain a two-bedroom household for about $600 to $800 a month; that covered the rent, food and bills. Now, two years later, that's what the rent is on a two-bedroom house, with nothing included - not the heat, electric, gas, water, garbage, sewer or anything else. Most of these rental properties are in disrepair and the landlords don't fix them, even when their tenants have been paying their rent on time and in full each month. We know this to be true because some properties that we looked at a few years ago, we've seen again and the same things are wrong with them as the last time we saw them. Only, in some cases, those problems have gotten worse due to landlord inattention. Some of the places, apartments and houses, we've looked at were okay, if you don't mind a leaking ceiling from your upstairs neighbor's toilet, or spongy floors with stinking carpet (that was placed over the older nastier carpeting), broken windows (no storms or screens either), ill-fitting doors (that don't lock or seal tightly at all), along with miscellaneous plumbing, heating and electrical problems. Upon finishing our tours of these "living spaces," we would ask how much rent they were asking, and they would look at us with a straight face and say their exorbitant amount. At a few of these properties we were able to speak with the current tenants and found that their landlords had been told of deficiencies in the property that needed attention, as well as how long ago these things had been reported and were still unattended. Most of the rental properties now in Bemidji do not accept pets and a few won't take children either. We feel this is very sad. We have found that our pet has become like family. Just as our child is a member of this family unit. Yet if we wanted to keep the child or pet we'd have to pay an extra $50 to $100 or more each month. If I'm not mistaken, that's discrimination. The gist of the matter boils down to this: Rental properties have jumped their prices 100% from two years ago, yet the incomes in this area have only improved slightly (since the minimum wage was raised); the care a landlord gives to his rental properties has changed for the worse in the last decade. Yet if the tenant refuses to pay the rent because of this lack of attention, or if they get the problem fixed, paying only partial rent due to the repair bill, they may get evicted.1 If a renter were to calculate what they pay in rent in one year's time at the prices the landlords in this area want, they would find that they could have put a down payment on a Contract for Deed property. Something they could call their own in about 10 years or so. But I, too, live in the real world and know that is a lot more difficult than it sounds. I spoke with our old landlord and he stated that he's one of the very few left that's only charging minor amounts of rent for his properties. He also said, "I think it's ridiculous what others are charging, just for rent. Nothing included for $600 a month is just asking too much. Especially in this area. We're not the Cities." So I say to all landlords: LOOK at the area where you live, work and own property; CHECK the economy of your area and the job market; and THINK about your rental property, just like you do your own home, when it comes to repairs and general maintenance. DON'T BECOME A SLUMLORD. Please remember that your tenants are people too, trying to live and work in this community just like you. Just because someone doesn't work outside of the home doesn't mean that they don't work. I realize it's a college town but even students need to eat. Footnote: 1 Legal Aid may be able to prevent this sort of eviction or provide advice to tenants in this type of situation. Finally found a home, Joy Jader-Watkins Bemidji, Minnesota Editor's Comment: It has been about two years now since Bemidji instituted a new rental inspection law. As with most governmental intervention in private business, the net effect may have been detrimental. It sounds as though the quality of the rentals has not been largely improved, but the new law took some rentals off the market, creating lessened supply in an already tight market, and hence, higher prices. -- Ed. --------------------------------------------- EDITORIAL OUR ENDORSEMENT FOR DISTRICT 1: NEWMAN It's a tough call. Both Newman and Booth are ethical, fiscally responsible candidates. Either could do the job well. We'd like to endorse both, perhaps with them then running off in the general election, but it wouldn't work that way. Every now and again, we are given cause to wonder how a certain person got into office when no one we know voted for them. This is how it happens. We have to remember that this is a primary election with two other contenders who have built-in support from party regulars. A split of the independent, or party-moderate vote between the two most moderate and responsible candidates would likely leave the other two, Aakhus and Erickson, the winners going to the runoff general election. Our analysis: Erickson. Nancy Erickson has very well-seated ties to Beltrami County labor and the immense and wealthy Beltrami Human Services Dept. Although trying to present herself as a moderate in this non-partisan election, she also has long-standing ties to the Beltrami DFL party. The party of Representative Gail Skare, who last year stated the self-fulfilling prophesy that Welfare Reform could actually cost the taxpayers more than the welfare. When this kind of tripe is believed by your elected officials, you can bet it will. And in fact, in spite of welfare reform, the Beltrami County Board's proposed budget this year is the highest ever; as high as state limitations would allow it to be pushed. Erickson argues welfare reform by proposing expensive, presumably public-paid services. This is not the route to take. There's no need, for instance, for counties to subsidize (pay for) child-care to make adequate care available. All we have to do, as a state, is to relax overly harsh state standards such as those that recently shut down the excellent Anderson Fabrics workers' day care facility at Blackduck. When it's easy, again, to start a day care facility, more will be operated, with no tax cost; many of them would likely be run by former welfare recipients who like to take care of kids in their home anyway. But the DFL position has seldom favored less regulation over taxpayers' cost of letting the government call the shots. When asked about holding the line on taxes at the Debate, Erickson paraphrased the canned and overused liberal line, "We'll have to ask the taxpayers 'What services don't you want?'" This conjures up a vision of eliminating necessary services to save a few pennies. That's not how it is. Millions could be saved simply by reducing inefficiency and eliminating needless personnel without noticeably reducing, possibly even enhancing services. Questions need to be asked like, Why do we pay more for temporary placements of homeless women than it would cost to put them up in the city's finest hotel? If fiscal responsibility and necessary services at reasonable cost are what we're looking for, we're not going to find it in the person who's been doling those dollars out. Aakhus. A strong candidate with long-time and strong ties to the Republican party. A personable guy who'd make a good next-door neighbor. But Mr. Aakhus is unavailable to the public. In speaking with candidates, he was the only one who was never at his phone, despite many tries. He has an answering machine, and, apparently, returns the call that he chooses to; yours may not be among them. Nonetheless, we believe that Aakhus could be an effective voice for the conservative Republican faction, were it not for certain personality matters which seem to resurface now and then. One was when, three years ago, he advertised an NRA endorsement he didn't have. Confronted on this, he claimed surprise; as a former candidate, though, your Editor finds this hard to fathom. A candidate keeps pretty good track of what endorsements he does and doesn't have. The matter was called to our attention by an NRA member, who discovered it through the NRA magazine! Presumably, Mr. Aakhus, as a (claimed) long standing member, receives a copy. We're really tired of being lied to by elected officials and it's hard to teach kids honesty for a better future when they see this principle ignored from the White House on down. We can't change the White House or the World, but we can clean up our little corner of it. Additionally, there's the matter of juvenile crime. Only last year, Aakhus's 18 year old son accidentally set a $150,000 fire to a neighbor's home. Robert Aakhus was ransacking their garage at the time. Tests taken after Aakhus left the home and tried to break into a downtown Bemidji video store, where he was apprehended by police, showed him to have a .27 blood alcohol level (.10 is legally intoxicated, equal to about 4 strong drinks.) Some would say it's not fair to criticize the candidate for what his son did; but there's a connection that can be drawn. It is indicative of the level of respect for other people's property that was taught in the home, and this bears upon the parents and the household. It is this lack of essential respect for the property of others from which most of our juvenile crime problem draws. This has to be taught in the home at an early age. And it also calls in question whether the candidate would take a firm position on reasonable sentences tied to the crimes committed. Aakhus's son didn't serve a day for the damage done. It calls matters of judicial favoritism, and the candidate's position, on equal justice to deter crime on an equal and impartial basis (the only basis that works), into scrutiny. Aakhus has cited certain medical problems as explaining away his son's behaviour. If that was a valid excuse, Beltrami County would be ransacked daily ... by it's senior citizens. There's no adequate excuse for wanton, destructive, larcenous and malicious crime in civilized society. Booth and Newman. We treat these candidates together, because they are very similar. Both are moderate. Booth, admittedly, leans toward the conservative side, but we don't think he's more fiscally conservative than Newman (it would be hard to be; this is significant, coming from Newman, a man who lives on a fixed income.) Both appear just and responsible. Booth leans a little more toward concerns of business and has the brisk, military-efficient carriage of himself. He is clearly a more polished and eloquent speaker. Asked about continued funding of the women's shelter (which has over $200,000 in cash-equivalent savings and last year turned an $80,000+ "profit" after salaries, mostly at county expense) Booth was unable to commit to a position. Newman was better informed on the subject and while not saying he was opposed to a shelter for women who were truly abused, stated that he would not support continued funneling of money to the already rich program which was being used for family-destructive purposes for which it was never intended. Very importantly, Newman represents the average Beltrami County citizen. Racially, he's White, but not overly so ("I don't think Beltrami County knows about ... desegregation laws," he said in recent interview). He's had his share of knocks and is the more experienced for them. He well knows the perils of favoritism and abuse of power in office and how it bears upon the taxpayers and citizens. He's been there, done that. Neither particularly sympathetic to business, nor with strong labor ties, but who'll listen to both, not career military, but he did serve, receiving an honorable discharge, he's a regular Beltrami County guy; a guy you can talk to, the kind who is too little represented in elected offices and on the Board. Representation is what it's all about. As regards any candidate, voters need only ask, "Does he represent them?...Why?" Primary Election Strategy. As we said, we'd support either Newman or Booth. We hope that Booth, if he doesn't make it this time, runs in the future for other elective office - he's a good man and a good candidate. In a few years, we're going to need a state senator; we hope he's around then. But, in the primary, Newman and Booth can't both make it. The moderate vote isn't strong enough to be split and still produce a winner. We believe that Erickson is a very likely contender to be one of the two candidates, who will be selected at the November 4th primary, to go into the general election. She has deep-seated DFL-support, County-employee support and women's-vote support. The other one will be Aakhus, Newman or Booth. Of these three, we support Newman as the best representative of the average Beltrami County resident. But he'll need every vote he can muster to overcome Aakhus's deep-rooted Republican party-line following. A split moderate vote, between Newman and Booth, would leave Aakhus the winner and result in a General Election choice of Aakhus or Erickson. -------------------------- SUBSEQUENT EVENTS NOTE: By the time of posting of this online edition, the primary results were in. Booth and Erickson will be going to the General Election, November 18th. ----------------------------------------------- BAREFOOT AND PREGNANT Contemporary Ladies' Perspective, Advice and Tips by Wanda Yoemans "FOR BETTER OR WORSE . . ." "For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part." Have you ever wondered why some married couples faced with adversity can stick it out, and maybe even grow closer, while others fall apart at the first sign of trouble? The above statement, or something like it, appears in most marriage vows. So why does this promise hold more meaning for some than for others? People marry for many reasons, and they are not always the right ones. If the "marriage" is nothing more that a piece of paper signed and filed with a County Clerk, then it is doubtful that there is any real commitment between the parties involved. Marriages of this nature are doomed to failure from the start unless major changes in attitude take place in both parties. Although I am not an expert in the area of marriage counseling, I can speak from my personal experiences. Many years ago when I was contemplating my upcoming marriage to my first husband, I went to a preacher for counseling. He compared marriage to a team of horses pulling a wagon. Both partners must be pulling at the same time, in the same direction or the wagon will be destroyed. In the end, my first marriage proved to be a major mistake for both of us. For the better part of the time we weren't even hitched to the same wagon. Although we cared for each other, we were doomed from the beginning. Rebellion and fear of being alone were the primary basis for our marriage. It ended with much anger and resentment on both sides. Two children paid the price for our mistakes. My second marriage has seen as more hard times than my first and it just keeps getting better. In fact, one of my husband's favorite things to say is "Life doesn't get any better than this," even when everything seems to be going someplace in a handbasket. Why the difference? There are many contributing factors that make our marriage work. First, our love for each other is unconditional. No matter how upset we may get with the other, we still love. We are best of friends and sometimes friends fight. However, we have tried very hard never to go to bed angry. This keeps disagreements from growing into a long term resentment. We accept each other as we are. Neither of us has tried to change the other to fit into our little mold. We have many things in common and are happiest when we can work together. However, we each have our own interests and abilities that are different from the other's and we accept that. We know that people grow and change over time and that the person we married is not the person we are married to. We have always tired to encourage the other to cultivate their gifts and expand their experiences. Growth is a positive action that leads to a fuller, more joyful life. Alice Walker said this about friendship and growth, "No person is your friend who demands your silence, or denies your right to grow". Yet, the process of growing can be painful. We experienced this when my husband went to college a few years ago. The stress of a limited income, long hours of study, and time away from the family was hard on us. Many times we wondered if it was worth it. It was! Because I was his primary study partner, we both got quite an education. We also learned more about "pulling together". The past 14 years have had their financial highs and lows. We have been blessed with three wonderful children who try their best to drive us crazy. Together we have faced chronic illness and the uncertainties that that brings. There have been career changes and interstate relocations. Through it all we have hung together. Why? Because we are stubborn, pig headed and determined. For us there is no other option. I call it the "Horton complex". We said what we meant and we meant what we said (an elephant's faithful 100%). ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 10/13/97 - VOLUME 3 NO. 1 SECOND ANNIVERSARY ISSUE! ---------------------------------------------------------------- NEWMAN, BOOTH ANNOUNCE FOR BELTRAMI DIST. 1 New Faces Enter Race at 11th Hour BEMIDJI -- With both filings at about 4 p.m., Friday, September 26th, within an hour of closing, two relative newcomers to politics entered the Beltrami County District 1 Commissioner's race as Thomas G. Newman, 45, of Tenstrike, and Steven K. Booth, of rural Cass Lake filed for the office. Previously filed and announced candidates for the Commissioner's seat include Nancy Erickson, of Nymore, and Jeff Aakhus of rural Bemidji. Booth is the owner of the CBS Fitness (formerly Patton's Pro Sports) fitness spa. Asked, at filing, what he planned to do for the fitness of the Beltrami County, Booth replied, "I think that the most important thing is people recognizing the value of themselves." Retired now from the U.S. Marines after 18 1/2 years of service, Booth said that he thinks taxes are too high and believes that there is a juvenile crime problem in Beltrami County. Addressing this, he said, "I think that everyone who's in a position of leadership has got to make decisions ... those decisions have to be based on holding people accountable." Booth reserved comment on continued public funding of the Bemidji women's shelter. Newman, retired because of cardiac disability, said this condition will not limit his performance on the board "because I'm not a bleeding heart person," he said. Newman made news last year when his son, (then) a tenth grade Bemidji High School (BHS) student, was assaulted, on two separate days, in the BHS parking lot, while on his lunch hour. The assault was by older boys (Joshua Ward and Andrew Skaaren) who did not attend BHS, but were nonetheless allowed on the lot, even after the first incident was brought to the attention of school authorities. Newman was present at the second incident as he had stopped at the lot to speak to his son over the lunch hour. When Ward and Skaaren drove up, threatening the younger Newman, and Ward grabbed an aluminum baseball bat, Newman retrieved a bat of his own from the bed of his truck and drove the assailants off, smashing the rear window of the car they were driving in the process. The car was owned by Erika Kraft, daughter of Kenneth Kraft, Program Director at Bemidji's Gilfillan Center. At first, authorities refused to prosecute the assaults (See Faver, Felix Won't Prosecute High School Assault, NH of May 3, 1996), and Newman's wife claimed she was treated rudely at the Bemidji Law Enforcement Center. Newman, himself, was in fact charged with damage to property for the rear window (See Faver Dismisses Bogus Newman Charge, NH of November 18, 1996). But Newman insisted upon prosecution of the youths, and they were finally charged in June. Apparently, the bringing of the charge had a domino effect, as police also discovered Ward's implication in 7 other offenses ranging from contributing to the delinquency of a minor to possession of stolen property, to drug paraphernalia. After serving a light sentence in Beltrami County, Ward went to Warroad where he was allegedly involved in, and arrested for, a number of burglaries. He is currently serving a sentence for those at the Moose Lake Correctional Facility, due to be released in May, 1999. Newman's persev- erance in insisting on the original charge may have been a factor in the discovery of Ward's involvement in the other Beltrami crimes, as well as his having been a suspect (due to his record here) when the Warroad burglaries occurred. Newman is clearly armed with prior experience in dealing with juvenile crime, as well as personal knowledge of the favoritism and corruption within public authorities and he seems to know what to do about it. Asked, "If you saw juvenile crime occurring in Beltrami County, would you, as Commissioner, get out your baseball bat?" Newman replied that no, he'd notify authorities and "wait 'til the proper authorities came and arrested them, and make sure that they got arrested," adding, "I'm not basically a violent person, but I will defend the rights given us by the Consitution to the death." Addressing other matters, Newman said, "Taxes have run rampage in this County for the last 30 or 40 years. Just because a person wants a new building... doesn't mean it should be on the backs of the working people," and he said that the new Human Services Center is a waste of taxpayers' money. Similarly, as concerns public money for the women's shelter, Newman said, "I don't think they should be funnelling money to it... because the program is not being used for the purpose it was intended for - of helping people rather than destroying families... [and] male bashing. Specifically regarding allegations that have recently come to light that the shelter may be expending county money to provide housing for women who aren't actually battered, he said, "I'll bet only one woman out of ten belongs there," and called the other placements of women and their children at the shelter "tax-paid baby sitting." Newman has been infuriated by the inaction of the public schools as regards his son's assault and believes they should be accountable for what happens on school property. "The only gain that Rollie Murud [District 31 Superintendent] has made, is weight," he said. Newman believes that the proposed new high school building is unnecesary, and is particularly concerned with drugs at the school, where his children attend. "You have to get an administration in there that knows about drugs," he said, "...prevention doesn't mean turning your back; prevention means dealing with the problem." Addressing racism, Newman said, "I don't think Beltrami County knows about the desegregation laws that were passed by Congress in the 1960's - there's no such thing as 'whites only.'" Newman concluded the interview from his truck, outside the County Building, "What I hope to accomplish... is that everything should be done for the people of the County, not just the chosen few," and said that it seemed like the only thing they do as a Board that affects the whole county is when they raise taxes. Prior to his retirement, Newman was a Kidney Dialysis Technician. He served 3 1/2 years in the U.S. Marine Corps receiving an honorable discharge in 1973. ------------------------------------- MAN GARNISHED FOR CHILD SUPPORT WITHOUT PROOF OF PATERNITY BEMIDJI -- Call it Paternity Roulette. A gal sleeps with a bunch of guys. The lucky one who ends up the father of her child wins an 18 year wage garnishment. But in this unusual case, a rural Bemidji man won the garnishment order without paternity ever having been shown. Brian Preston, of Beltrami County, said the child, born February 7, 1988 to Wallis N. Humphrey, doesn't even look like him. But that didn't stop Beltrami County Social Services from seeking and receiving an order November 14, 1996, allowing the collection of child support from Preston's wages. The order was issued by Administrative Law Judge Alan W. Roeder, following a hearing attended by Preston, Humphrey and Jean Larson, Child Support Specialist, who appeared on behalf of Beltrami County. At the 1996 hearing, Preston was not allowed to argue or raise the issue that he might not be the father of the child. That issue was technically determined in an earlier paternity action, in October 1988. But Preston says that he never had notice of that earlier action, which resulted in an Judgment of Paternity being entered by Judge Terrance Holter. Said Preston, in recent interview, "They say they served me with papers; they never did. They say they served me in 1988 with papers in Eckles Township; I wasn't residing in Eckles Township. I lived right out here ... on Chokecherry Drive." Because the original paternity case file, Case No. F9-88-50264, is treated as confidential by the Court, the Proof of Service on Preston is not open to public scrutiny and could not be inspected for possible defect. As Humphrey had earlier told him that the child wasn't his, he didn't suspect that such an action might be brought. "She admitted to me that it wasn't even my child," said Preston. Apparently, though, Humphrey had told Social Services otherwise. Judge Holter wrote in the 1988 Judgment, his findings that "Brian D. Preston ... is the father of ... that... child ... who was born to Wallis N. Humphrey on February 7, 1988." "They say that I lost by default," said Preston, "but I was never served." Preston said that he never even knew that the judgment had been entered until July, 1996, "They sent a paper [to begin wage garnishment] to my work," Preston said. Preston's present wife Lisa, then "called the child support office to see what this was for. And then I found out it was for this child, and we tried to get blood tests, we went through all the procedures, and they denied it [the tests]," she said. Had he known of the original 1988 paternity hearing, Preston could have then challenged the allegations that he was the father; but when he first, in 1996, found out about it, and the Judgement, he was told that a challenge wouldn't be allowed. "They say they had a statute of limitations of 3 years," said Preston. Preston also claims to have been told by the court that he would need an attorney to reopen the case for blood test but the Prestons said they can't afford to hire an attorney and that the case was turned down by Legal Aid. "They wouldn't get involved because there was a judgement....We contacted many attorneys... and they [declined]... to take the case because of the judgement, and they said that there was a 3-year limitation on it and the three years is up, but we weren't notified of this until July, 1996," said Mrs. Preston. Mr. Preston was employed by Muller Logging, Cass Lake, until he suffered a work-related injury. He is now being garnished at the rate of $52.52 per week from his worker's compensation. "The child isn't mine... They won't give me a blood test to prove this," said Preston, "I don't see how the county can do this without even giving me a blood test, and I've offered to pay ... for the blood test." -------------------------------------- POLICE OFFICERS, DEPUTIES HAVE VIKINGS CARDS FOR KIDS ST. PAUL -- In conjunction with their 1997 Minnesota Vikings Crime Prevention Card Program, over 7,000 police officers statewide are armed with Minnesota Crime Prevention football trading cards. To get one, all a youngster has to do is ask an officer of a participating agency. In the course of the program, which runs through November 22nd, over 350 agencies (police and Sheriffs' departments) statewide will distribute 1.6 million of the cards. Cards are different each week. Each weekly card has a four-colour picture of a Viking on the front, and, on the back, biographical information of the player, plus a crime prevention tip. Featured players will include Jake Reed & Chris Carter, Robert Smith, Jeff Brady, Brad Johnson, Robert Griffith, Randall McDaniel, Leroy Hoard and John Randle. In the Northland, participating agencies include Bemidji Police Department, Clearwater County Sheriff's Office, Grand Rapids Police Department, and Menahga Police Department. This is the fifteenth year of the program, which is sponsored by General Security Systems Corporation in cooperation with the Minnesota Crime Prevention Association, and is designed to build positive relationships between young people and law enforcement. Said Charles Rix, of the Minnesota Crime Prevention Association, St. Paul (612-643-2576), "Since its first year, 1983, we have seen the demand for cards grow at a steady pace, and along with that growth, we have experienced development in our rapport with young people. ------------------------------------ SCHOOL BOARD, COMMISSIONER CANDIDATE DEBATES, FORUMS TO BE HELD IN BEMIDJI BEMIDJI -- District 31 School Board candidates will field audience questions at a forum, sponsored by the League of Women Voters (LWV), Tuesday evening, October 28th at the Bemidji City Hall. Information regarding this forum is available from LWV at 751-4895. Likewise, Beltrami District 1 Commissioner Candidates will meet in debate, and to answer audience questions, forum-style, Wednesday, October 22nd, 7:30 p.m., also at Bemidji City Hall. This event is. sponsored by Northern Herald in association with News Line, Midwest Cable Communications, and others. The public has been invited to both events, which will be moderated by Dr. Roy Blackwood, BSU School of Communications, and will be broadcast locally on cable Channel 2. --------------------------------------- (PICTURE CAPTION - PICTURE IN PRINT EDITION) Nevissians and others dance the "YMCA" above at the 1st Annual Nevis First Responders Barbecue and Street Dance, Sept. 27th at Nevis. Below, First Response team works the kitchen. From left, Steve Dudley, Bill Sather, Bob Potter, Gary Evers, Doug Meier, Frank Lang, Terry Lindow, Dusty Rhodes; at center, main chef, Al Huesman. Not shown, Chuck Durham. Durham stated, "For our first stab at it, we thought it was excellent - about 300 people." Said Huesman, "I started at 7 a.m., dry smoking, ... we did 20 hams." ------------------------------------------- (PICTURE CAPTION - PICTURE IN PRINT EDITION) From left, Dick Lundstrom, Sig Scheldrup and Rick Amberry entertain at the every Sunday afternoon (2-6 pm, except deer season) down-home country music Jam-fest at the Pine Country Cafe in Lake George. Other members of the troup, that Sunday, included Ethelyn Collver, and Bud & JoAnn Converse. Sponsors include The Music Place and Northwood School of Music. ----------------------------------------- (PICTURE CAPTION - PICTURE IN PRINT EDITION) The annual Meatball Supper, October 2nd, at First Lutheran Church, Bemidji, drew about 600, according to Pastor Vadis. "The ladies do a wonderful job of preparing, and everybody enjoys the food," he said. "These are the wonderful old cooks who have all the recipes perfected and just right. Real mashed potatoes, rutabagas, carrots - it's just wonderful, along with the meatballs. And they made lefse fresh, you know, for 2 days ... they peeled 125 pounds of potato for the lefse... this is the real thing," he added. The church received $6.50 ($3 children) per plate for the dinner. ----------------------------------------------- BAREFOOT AND PREGNANT Contemporary Ladies' Perspective, Advice and Tips by Wanda Yoemans PROTECT YOUR CHILD'S RIGHT TO PRIVACY WHILE IN SCHOOL Fall has arrived, schools are in session and the children are busy learning the three "R's", at least we hope they are. Today's public school "teaches" a lot more than academic basics. Controversial topics are integrated into the curriculum in such a way that parents must be constantly alert if they want to avoid having their child exposed to questionable teaching methods that are designed to affect the morals, values and beliefs of the child. Many of the techniques used may actually damage a child emotionally. Furthermore, while your child is "learning", school officials may be learning things about you and your child that are none of their business. Most parents are not aware that they and their children have protection from such intrusions into their privacy through the "Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (Section 439 of the General Education Provisions Act, 20 U.S. Code 1232h), otherwise known as the "Hatch Amendment. Section 439(a) has been in effect since 1974. Section 439(b) become law in 1978. The final regulation (34 CFR Part 98) went into effect on November 12, 1984. The Hatch Amendment makes non-academic courses that are designed to affect a student's behavior, emotions, or attitudes "opt-in" activities that require the prior written consent of the parents before the child is allowed to participate. Courses and activities that would most likely be covered under this Act include: Family Life, Sex Education, Drug and Alcohol Awareness (DARE), Values Clarification, Group Discussions of a non-academic nature, Diaries, Journals, Role Playing, Values Clarification, Moral Dilemmas, Autobio- graphies, Biographies of family members, etc. The following is a direct quote from the final regulations mentioned above: "98.4 Protection of students' privacy in examination, testing, or treatment. (a) No student shall be required............to submit without prior consent to psychiatric examination, testing, or treatment, or psychological examination, testing or treatment, in which the primary purpose is to reveal information concerning one or more of the following (1) Political affiliations; (2) Mental and psychological problems potentially embarrassing to the student or his or her family; (3) Sex behavior and attitudes; (4) Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating and demeaning behavior; (5) Critical appraisals of other individuals with whom the student has close family relationships; (6) Legally recognized privileged and analogous relationships, such as those of lawyers, physicians, and ministers; or (7) Income, other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under a program. (b) As used in paragraph (a) of this section, "prior consent" means (1) Prior consent of the student, if the student is an adult or emancipated minor; or (2) Prior written consent of the parent or guardian, if the student is an unemancipated minor. (c) As used in paragraph (a) of this section (1) "Psychiatric or psychological examination or test" means a method of obtaining information, including a group activity, that is not directly related to academic instruction and that is designed to elicit information about attitudes, habits, traits, opinions, beliefs or feelings; and (2) "Psychiatric or psychological treatment" means an activity involving the planned, systematic use of methods or techniques that are not directly related to academic instruction and that is designed to affect behavioral, emotional, or attitudinal characteristics of an individual or group." (from 34 CFR Part 98 - Student Rights in Research, Experimental Programs, and Testing) These regulations provide a process for filing complaints first at the local and state levels, and with the U.S. Department of Education. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in the withdrawal of federal funds from those in violation of the law. Parents may want to notify their child's school they do not want their child to participate in activities like those mentioned here without first being allowed to review the materials that will be used. Below are some questions that parents should ask as they preview the course materials to which their child may be exposed in the class room. 1. Does it attempt to affect your child's beliefs, attitudes, values, behaviors. feelings, etc.? 2. Does it reflect the morals and values that you are teaching in the home? Does it imply that traditional values are old fashioned or unworkable? Does it teach your child to doubt, question, or reject the values taught it in home? 3. Is it age appropriate? Does it expose your child to topics they are too young to understand, thus causing undo confusion or anxiety? Is it too explicit or graphic for the age of your child? 4. Does it involve filling out questionnaires or surveys about beliefs, attitudes, family life, medical history, religion, etc.? Does it involve revealing personal information about the child and/or his/her family? 5. Does it discourage the child from practicing their religious beliefs? Does it insinuate that religion is "old-fashioned" and unnecessary in this "scientific age"? 6. Does it involve role playing moral dilemmas, family life situations, personal problems, or political situations? Does it involve participation in open-ended group discussions, fantasy games, meditation, or hypnosis? 7. Does it dwell on morbid or depressing topics? 8. Does it include controversial or sensitive topics or subject matter? Do you agree with how these topics are dealt with in the curriculum? 9. Is the information given accurate and complete? This is very important in sex education and drug awareness courses. 10. Do you truly feel that if your child takes this course he/she will benefit and be a more responsible person or do you feel that the course will encourage your child to experiment or take unnecessary risks? Before allowing your child to participate in any questionable course or activity find out if you can have the child removed from the course if you notice adverse reactions (depression, anxiety, anger, rebellion, etc.) Be aware of the fact that controversial topics and questionable "teaching" methods can occur in any subject or course. Look through ALL your child's text books, work books, etc. Courses to pay particular attention to include: English, Health, Social Studies, Phy-Ed, Family Life, Home-Economics, Human Reproduction, and Science. Take an active interest in your child's education. Encourage your child to talk to you about what goes on at school. Follow your gut. If a non-academic course or activity makes either you or your child uncomfortable, don't give your permission. Finally, know what your educational options are if you should decide that public school is not for your child. -------------------------------------- Rock Star FRANK ZAPPA on drugs: "I can't understand why anybody would want to devote their life to a cause like dope. It's the most boring pastime I can think of. It ranks a close second to television." -- Frank Zappa, as cited in The Best of Uncle John's Bathroom Reader, The Bathroom Readers' Institute, Berkeley, CA ------------------------------------------ HOW WE DISTRIBUTE Every now and then, our retailers get asked why Northern Herald is sold there, when it's free someplace else. We thought our distribution method was obvious, but apparently not, so we'll make it so, here. Our philosophy is that although newspapers, generally, have to be sold, a person should be able to get the news even if he doesn't have a quarter. That's why we make over 1,000 complimentary copies (comps) available each issue. The catch is, you have to be fast. When something's free (especially something intrinsically valuable, like our issues) it doesn't last long. Comps are usually gone within a few days of the issue. There are three types of copies and locations; all are important to the Northern Herald information network: 1. Complimentary Locations. These locations have the purple-stamped complimentary copies. Anyone can get a copy free from these locations only, while they last. Because they are free, we can only leave a limited number of comps. When they're gone they're gone. Also, comp locations are not as dependable as sale locations, as sometimes we don't have enough to leave comps at all comp locations each issue. 2. Red-Stamped Restaurant/Commercial Copies. Sometimes you want something to read with your coffee, but you're not going to need to take it with you. That's why we normally leave about 5 red-stamped restaurant copies at many establishments. Enjoy one of these freely with your meal, and leave it for the next person to enjoy. If something catches your eye and you want to take it with, many of these same restaurants also have sale copies available. 3. Sale Locations and Coin Racks. Copies at these are not free. To avoid confusion (we at the Northern Herald are, after all, Northern Minnesotans, so it doesn't take much to confuse us) sale locations never have comp copies. The advantage to sale locations is, since the copies are paid, we can leave as many as needed. Although there have been some unexpected sell-outs, we usually leave enough. You can generally depend on sale locations to have copies for the full 3-week period of the issue. Any copy which is not specifically stamped "complimentary" or "restaurant" copy is a sale copy. Taking one without payment is theft. (What we don't understand is, If a person doesn't think our Leading Edge Journalism is worth a quarter, why would he want to read it to begin with?) Issues on coin racks are always sale copies. The coin racks accept Canadian coins, but they don't give change. Many publications, in our opinion, don't give the retailer a fair shake. The profit margin on some papers is as low as only 8%. We think this is ridiculous. That's why we pay our retailers 30%, a fair return for their valuable display space. Establishments with We invite anyone to get a Northern Herald free at our complimentaryracks also make the same 30% on sales. locations. That's what we leave comp copies for. But we ask that you not take a "free" copy from our sale locations. People who do this are stealing from the retailer, as well as this paper. As to the question "It's free down the street, why is it a quarter here?" we can only relate the story of Sol, the butcher: Customer: "How much are your lamb chops?" Sol: "$4.39 a pound." Customer: "$4.39?!!? Larry's Meats sells them for $3.59!" Sol: "So buy them from Larry..." Customer: "Well, Larry's out of them...." Sol: "Look, when I'm out of them, you can have 'em for a buck fifty a pound." **************************************************************** Copyright (c) 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 by Northern Herald and Northern Herald Publications, Inc. Limited Permission to Use Material: I. ANY USE OF MATERIAL NOT COVERED HEREUNDER REQUIRES SPECIFIC PERMISSION WHICH WILL, ON REASONABLE REQUESTS, GENERALLY BE EXPEDITIOUSLY GIVEN. Our policy is to facilitate journalism by the exchange of use of information and writings. We will not, however, allow regular use of material which is distinctive and proprietary to Northern Herald by any other publication within the same geographic market that we serve. II. NEWSPAPERS, OTHER MEDIA AND PERIODICALS may quote excerpts from this material, of amount up to a single entire article or story, for occasional use, within their regular publications (any issue of which is hereinafter referred to as a "subject publication") the bulk of which is material other than from Northern Herald, without further permission, provided: 1. AMOUNT. Not more than one Northern Herald story or article, or portion thereof, shall be so excerpted and quoted in any single issue of the subject publication without further specific permission; 2. The significant information must not be quoted out-of-context such as to distort its original meaning and readers' likely connotation; 3. At least five (5) days have elapsed since our original publication; 4. Northern Herald is cited, with reference made to the date of the issue in which the material first appeared, in type of not less than 8 point, as the source of the material. E.g.: Source: NORTHERN HERALD of 02/24/97; 5. This general limited permission DOES NOT apply to regular features, other than hard news reporting, and editorials written by the Editor, of Northern Herald. That is, it does not apply to captioned columns, e.g. Northern Herald's Consumer Corner, Barefoot and Pregnant, et. al., nor to any column which appears in Northern Herald with a writer's by-line other than "Northern Herald staff" or that of the Editor; a. As pertains to these materials, a short excerpt of not more than a single paragraph, from any such feature or column, may be quoted and used in keeping with the terms of paragraph II. (occasional use in regular publications the bulk of which is other than Northern Herald material), and of subparagraphs 2-4, above, without further permission; b. Certain columns, particularly those which appear with the WRITER'S OWN notice of copyright, may be proprietary to the writer, in which case their permission would also be required for ANY use; and 6. As used herein, "occasional use" means, with respect to any single type of material (e.g. hard news stories, editorial by the Editor, a portion of particular captioned column, et. al.) not more than one use of such type of material within any 6 month period. III. INDIVIDUAL END-USERS may, for their own non-commercial purposes, print or reproduce this material (Like we're going to track you down and sue you for printing it out on your home computer ?!!?) Any and all of these Limited Permissions may be withdrawn at any time.