To get ALL the news from the Edge of the Frontier, subscribe to NORTHERN HERALD. Details on Home Page: http://members.aol.com/nhrld/index.html ****************************************************************** Copyright (c) 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 by Northern Herald and Northern Herald Publications, Inc. MEDIA AND OTHER USERS: See Copyright Info and Limited Permission to Use - Revised 9/6/97 - at the end of this file. ****************************************************************** THE LIBRARY - VOLUME 6 - 10/11/00 through 09/01/01 THE NORTHERN HERALD LIBRARY OF ARCHIVED ISSUES ************************************ FULL TEXT FOLLOWS TABLES OF CONTENTS ************************************ There is no index, nor is one needed. If you are researching a particular subject, or person, use the FIND utility in your browser's EDIT menu (at top of your screen) to locate stories dealing with your topic. Contents are in order - are not hypertext - just SCROLL DOWN to find what you want - this file is cumulative and voluminous - you may find it expeditious to FIND (from your EDIT menu on Explorer and certain other browsers) for a keyword in the headline (as listed in these Contents), or to download and then search): CONTENTS - BY ISSUE (DESCENDING): -------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 09/01/2001 - VOLUME 6 NO. 11 -------------------------------------- HERALD, EIGHTH CIRCUIT FEDERAL COURT, BRING BEMIDJI INTO UNITED STATES Ruling Finds Bemidji Statutes Unconstitutional; Court Recognizes Discriminatory Enforcement In Focus DEER RIVER'S WHITE OAK TAKES VISITORS BACK -- An Obituary -- FLORENCE L. CAUGHEY CAMPBELL BENEFIT SEPT. 8TH COWBOYS RIDE AT NORTH STAR In Focus THE BLACKDUCK WOODCARVER'S FEST NEGLECTED DOG HAS TO BE EXECUTED AT BEMIDJI CORN FEST AT BACKUS! Editorials - Opinion DOES BEMIDJI NEED A FULL-TIME CITY ATTORNEY? KEEPING YOUR MARRIAGE ALIVE INCREASE YOUR VOCABULARY Letters to the Editor HAPPY RETIREMENT, JOE! CONSUMER TIP REMER CELEBRATES HARVEST! BLUEBERRY FEST AT LAKE GEORGE DIGGY'S - LAPORTE'S GOOD TIMES PLACE! -- Advertisement -- DOES CELLULARONE TURN YOU OFF? Consumer Corner READER OFFERS DENTURE ADVICE -------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 07/28/2001 - VOLUME 6 NO. 10 -------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism - Health Care In Northern Minnesota ----------------------- THE MERITCARE MONOPOLY AT BEMIDJI Part 2 of a multi-part series resulting from our continuing investigation of health service practices in Northern Minnesota Leading Edge Journalism - Follow Up HUBBARD/CASS CO. DOG KILLER RELEASED GRAND RAPIDS COWBOY COPS BLOW AWAY MAN'S TERRIER HACKENSACK COUNCIL BULLDOZES OVER CONSTITUENTS Residents Protested Being Awash in Casino Sewage; Leech Lake Cancels Deal In Focus SWEETHEART DAYS DRAW CROWDS TO HACKENSACK Guest Column BUDGET CUTS IS NO REASON FOR THE MEDIA SUCKING by Duke Skorich, Reader Weekly Editorials - Opinion IT'S TIME FOR GLASNOST AT LEECH LAKE SEN. LESSARD HONORED In Focus RED LAKE COMMEMORATES VETERANS, CELEBRATES INDEPENDENCE DAY In Focus MUSIC ON THE GREEN AT GRAND RAPIDS SERVICE AGAIN! AT GRAND RAPIDS, OF COURSE. CONSUMER CORNER Consumer Action DIAMOND MATCHES NOW SAFER Things That Just Don't Work WINDMERE TWIN WINDOW FAN A LETTER ON THE BLACKDUCK SHOOTING SPECIAL FEATURE: THE MAGIC OF MOONDANCE THE MANY CORNERS OF MOONDANCE WINE AND CHEESE THE SHOPS AND FOOD THE "OLD NEW ORLEANS" SALOON AMUSEMENTS THE CAMPGROUND & COMMUNITY THE TALENT CURTIS COUBELLO THE BYRDS CELEBRATION Look for some of the old, some of the new, too. SILENT PARTNER ------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 06/30/2001 - VOLUME 6 NO. 9 ------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism HUBBARD/CASS CO. DOG KILLER STILL AT LARGE BEMIDJI FAVOURITE JOURNALIST RECOVERING INTERESTS CLASH OVER THREE ISLAND PARK KINKEL'S KOLUMN from the office of Dist. 4 State Senator Tony Kinkel LICENSE FEES AND PERCH LIMITS In Focus WHAT'S NEW IN WALKER ?!!? BULLOCK PRE-TRIAL TO BE JULY 18TH Editorials-Opinion A LESS TROUBLING MODE OF EXECUTION Letters to the Editor HUBBARD CO. HAS MONEY FOR COMPUTERS, BUT NOT STREET SIGNS This Is Bemidji THE BEMIDJI POST OFFICE NO LAW AT BALL CLUB Merchant Has 6 Break-Ins in 5 Years - Will Close Doors ROOTIN' TOOTIN'EST RODEO TO BE AT EFFIE IN JULY BEMIDJI ART CENTER TO EXHIBIT "CONTEMPORARY NORTH" ------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 06/02/2001 - VOLUME 6 NO. 8 ------------------------------------- WALKER UNDER SIEGE BLOCK 25 - A COMMUNITY THAT CARED; A COUNCIL THAT LISTENED DNR SHUTS DOWN, RESTORES BIELOH'S POND FIREMEN HOLD ANNUAL SMELT FEED AT BACKUS Moondance 2001 THE TENTH - THE BIGGEST, BEST, MOST JAMMIN' MOONDANCE EVER ! SUMMERSET SUMMER MUSICAL TO BE AT WALKER BUNYAN'S Phillips 66(R) Gas, Convenience & Bait Opens at Akeley -- Good Things To Eat -- A FINE YEAR AT INDIAN MISSION In Focus THIS YEAR IN WALKER !!! VANDALISM INVADES BACKUS OPEN HOUSE AT COUNTRY GREENHOUSE, BEMIDJI NORTHLAND SCHOOL KIDS EXPERIENCE HISTORY, ENJOY DAY AT WHITE OAK Barefoot and Pregnant Contemporary Ladies' Perspective, Advice and Tips by The Lady Steele SAVE MAYONNAISE JARS FOR CANNING WINE, CIGAR EVENT HIGHLIGHTED WALKER'S MAY CALENDAR CORRECTION (no, not even we are without sin) Consumer Corner HAVE YOU BEEN DAMAGED/INJURED BY A PRODUCT? ------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 04/28/2001 - VOLUME 6 NO. 7 ------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism HEALTH CARE IN NORTHERN MINNESOTA --------------------------------- Part 1 of a Multi-Part Series Resulting from Our Continuing Investigation of Health Service Practices in Northern Minnesota NORTHLAND DENTAL PROVIDERS DRAW COMPLAINTS PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY COSTS GO THROUGH CEILING Some Dentists Charge Up to $712 for Cleaning; Some Insurers Refuse to Pay Exorbitant Fees MINNESOTACARE PATIENTS GIVEN THE BRUSH-OFF BY DENTISTS STATEWIDE Leading Edge Journalism - Follow Up BULLOCK FREED Kinkel's Kolumn - From the office of Dist. 4 State Senator Tony Kinkel --------------------------------- SENATE BUDGET CONTAINS IMPORTANT BENEFITS FOR NTC AND STATE COLLEGES For Accountants Only by Adam Steele, CPA TAASC BUYS THE FARM MOONDANCE 2001 TO FEATURE WINE, CHEESE TASTING A Sane Moment SECONDHAND SMOKE IS HEALTHY FOR KIDS. BEMIDJI STUDENTS TO VISIT WHITE OAK Guest Column SOMETHING UNSAID ABOUT TIMOTHY McVEIGH'S EXECUTION by Dave Duffy Letters to the Editor TIM PAWLENTY BOWS OUT COST OF BEMIDJI SUMMER GARDEN WATERING TO TRIPLE THE REWARDS OF BENEVOLENCE VENTO NAMED HONORARY RANGER NOW PLAY NORTHERN HERALD'S GAMBLING-BY-MAIL CASTLE SUPPORT PUBLIC EDUCATION WITH NORTHERN HERALD'S SIMULATED LOTTERY ------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 03/28/2001 - VOLUME 6 NO. 6 ------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism - Follow-Up ATTORNEY GROSS NEGLIGENCE IS FOCUS OF BULLOCK MOTION Expert Witness Says Grand Rapids Attorney Michael P. Gallagher Failed to Meet Even Minimal Standards of Representation; Judge Takes Case Under Advisement PRINCIPLES OF JURISPRUDENCE. BUILDING FOR A BETTER BELTRAMI STS BUILDS STRUCTURES, MORAL FIBRE YOUTHBUILD PROVIDES EXPERIENCE, HOUSING, WORK WHILE COMPLETING SCHOOL Ask the Tax Guy by Adam Steele, Certified Public Accountant CHOOSING A TAX PRACTITIONER - DEBUNKING SOME MYTHS Kinkel's Kolumn from the office of Dist. 4 State Senator Tony Kinkel AN ASSURANCE OF CHILDREN'S HEALTH CARE AN OPEN LETTER TO THE CITIZENS OF WALKER AND CASS COUNTY FROM BILL AND KATHY BIELOH MPR LOOKS FOR NEW TOWER FUNDING Letters to the Editor --------------------- TURN THE BUSES NORTH! SHOULD SNOMOS HAVE CARTE BLANCHE? --- A Northern Herald Restaurant Reviw --- ***** (FIVE STARS) ARTHUR'S TEN MILE LAKE INN. Welcome To Bemidji PARKING LOT FIGHT MARKS HARDWARE STORE OPENING BEMIDJI ART CENTER TO DISPLAY H.S. WORKS MACROSTIE TO FEATURE PAINTING EXHIBIT ------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 02/28/2001 - VOLUME 6 NO. 5 ------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism ----------------------- THE TECHNIMAR STORY How One Well-Heeled and Cunning Con-Man* Broke the City of Cohasset and Raided Fire and Police Pension Funds. *alleged Leading Edge Journalism ----------------------- BULLOCK WILL SEEK NEW TRIAL Imprisoned 3 Years on Uncorroborated Women's Shelter-Supported Allegations; Judge Grants Deer River Man New Evidentiary Hearing 2000 SPHERES AWARDED TO PARK RAPIDS PIZZA HUT MANAGER, GRAND RAPIDS CITY COUNCIL MARCH EXPO AT BEMIDJI ART CENTER For Accountants Only by Adam Steele, CPA -------------------- TAASC BLOWS IT BIG TIME THIS YEAR, SABERPRO MAY BE GOOD VALUE DISPUTE MARS PARK RAPIDS LEGION FISH DERBY Kinkel's Kolumn PROPOSED LOG RECOVERY PROVISIONS REMER LOG RECOVERER BALKS AT NEW BILL Says Environmental Impact Minimal; Law Change Will Shut Him Down In Focus ALL THAT JAZZ !! BSU Sponsors 28th Festival at Beaux Arts A LETTER TO THE EDITOR NEW POOL STORE IN BRAINERD POSTMAN SAVES THE DAY ------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 01/31/2001 - VOLUME 6 NO. 4 ------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism DURAN SHOOTING WAS APPARENT AMBUSH RESPONSE Attorney To Assert Self-Defense - No Drug Evidence Introduced Leading Edge Journalism - Follow Up NEWMAN CASE ENDS Soaring Cost of Prosecution Cited; Newman Accepts Alford Proposa UNSCRUPULOUS* BEMIDJI MERCHANT CONTINUES TO PUSH SALES OF FRAUDULENT PHONE CARDS * our opinion BEMIDJI WOMEN'S SHELTER WANTS TO EXPAND Releases Current Financials REGION 5 OFFERS INFANT/CHILD CAREGIVER SESSIONS 2001 MISSISSIPPI RIVER BUDGET AVAILABLE KINKEL'S KOLUMN from the office of Dist. 4 State Senator Tony Kinkel A PRIORITY: SENIORS' LONG-TERM CARE OPTIONS ASK THE TAX GUY by Adam Steele, Certified Public Accountant DISABLED? DON'T MISS PROPERTY TAX SAVINGS! In Focus WINTER SPORT, CHILI AT REMER !! IT'S BACK TO HACK !! Editorials - Opinion WORLD OVERPOPULATION THREATENS GALAPAGOS SPECIES FORESTERS TO MEET BEMIDJI FAMILY TO HOST URUGUAY STUDENT USASA SNOWBOARDING RESULTS BIATHLON RESULTS ------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 01/03/2001 - VOLUME 6 NO. 3 ------------------------------------- Red Lake - On The Move! RED LAKE OFFERS NEW TRANSIT RED LAKE TRADING POST BECOMES NEW IGA BSU JAZZ FEST TO BE FEB. 3RD WALKER SNOWMOBILERS PERFORM DARING & HEROIC THANKSGIVING DAY RESCUE KINKEL'S KOLUMN from the office of Dist. 4 State Senator Tony Kinkel KINKEL COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED AN OBITUARY - Morris William Kelly Consumer Corner A GOOD PLACE IN BEMIDJI TO TAKE YOUR CAR! Letters to the Editor LET'S KILL MINNESOTA'S WOLVES! In Focus BIG GAME FEED AT BECIDA Recipe Box FAITH EWERT'S SWEDISH BEAR MEATBALLS LOW COST SHOOTING COURSES OFFERED NORTHLANDERS HAVE SPOT IN BIATHLON ------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 11/08/2000 - VOLUME 6 NO. 2 ------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism CURIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES SURROUND LEISURE HILLS FIRING Leading Edge Journalism - Urgent Consumer Alert PHONE CARD SCAMS CONTINUING NEWMAN FILES FEDERAL SUIT AGAINST HOLTER, OTHER JUDGES CORRECTION (No, not even we are without sin) 8-WEEK ISSUE The Bemidji Post Office MOVING . . . TOWARD A LOWER STANDARD OF SERVICE LACK OF WILLING WORKERS CITED FOR SHORTENED BEMIDJI GROCERY HOURS In Focus BSU JAZZ PLAYS LEGION Editorials - Opinion THE 2000 ELECTION Letters to the Editor A VISITOR COMES TO UNDERSTAND BEMIDJI Guest Column by Professor David Schultz AN EDUCATED OPINION ON THE ELECTION USDC JUDGES ERICKSON, KYLE UPHOLD BEMIDJI PROHIBITION OF LITERATURE BEMIDJI MSUSA TO LOBBY WASHINGTON AUDITOR EXPLAINS MAIL VOTE TRADITIONAL MARITAL VOWS A Northern Minnesota Short Story AN APPLE A DAY by Dusty Kvasnicka UNLAWFUL DUMP DISCOVERED ON FULLMER PROPERTY Robert Morton's Family Journal by Robert Morton M.Ed., Ed.S. WE MUST DISCOVER OUR CHILDREN'S HIDDEN TALENTS ---------------------------------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 10/11/2000 - VOLUME 6 NO. 1 - FIFTH ANNINVERARY ISSUE! ---------------------------------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism BEMIDJI MAYOR PETERSON'S EXPENSES UNDER FIRE Leading Edge Journalism TERRY MELCHER ANNOUNCES AS WRITE-IN FOR BEMIDJI MAYOR 2B FACE-OFF AT BAGLEY HEATING PROPANE PRICES VARY WIDELY ACROSS STATE 48.9 cent high-low range in cities surveyed; Park Rapids highest at $1.399 Leading Edge Journalism PINE RIVER FIRMS' EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES QUESTIONED REP. DOUG FULLER'S RECORD "CONSTITUTION" PARTY? ARCHEOLOGICAL DIG AT BEMIDJI PAYS OFF HOW TO VOTE FOR A "WRITE-IN" CANDIDATE IN FOCUS - WHERE TO GO DESTINATION . . . BEAVER BAY GETTING THE CRABS . . . HITTING THE BEACHES . . . Editorials - Opinion -------------------- Where Are They? HIGH-PRICED GOLDBRICKING CONTINUES AT BEMIDJI CITY HALL Letters to the Editor A LETTER FROM RICH LORY CHILD BEHAVIOUR SEMINAR AT BAGLEY NOTABLE QUOTES Consumer Corner CONSUMER ALERT! MANY LONG DISTANCE CALLING CARDS CONTAIN SCAM DIST. 4A PUBLIC FORUMS ROBERT MORTON'S FAMILY JOURNAL by Robert Morton M.Ed., Ed.S. THE U.S. DEMAND FOR DRUGS CREATES THE SUPPLY ****************************************************************** TEXT OF ARCHIVED ISSUES BEGINS: -------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 09/01/2001 - VOLUME 6 NO. 11 -------------------------------------- HERALD, EIGHTH CIRCUIT FEDERAL COURT, BRING BEMIDJI INTO UNITED STATES Ruling Finds Bemidji Statutes Unconstitutional; Court Recognizes Discriminatory Enforcement ST. LOUIS -- The Eighth Circuit Federal Court of Appeals, on July 30, 2001, issued a landmark ruling in Northern Herald's, and Editor Adam Steele's $600 billion lawsuit against the City of Bemidji, its officers and several local retailers and others for denial of First Amendment rights to print and circulate the Northern Herald (Appellate case no. 00-3348MN). In it's filed opinion, reversing the summary judgement previously issued by the District Court in favor of the Bemidji City defendants, and remanding the case back to the Federal District Court for trial and determination of damages, the Court stated the Bemidji "soliciting" (ord. no. 6.39) and "obstructing" (no. 10.31) ordinances to be unconstitutional; and further recognized that Bemidji City officials including City Attorney Alan Felix and former Bemidji police Sgt. Michael Porter attempted to apply the ordinances to Steele's activity in distributing the Northern Herald even though nothing that the ordinances proscribe was being done. In the opinion, written by Circuit Judge Richard S. Arnold for the three-judge panel, the Court said, regarding the ordinances under which Bemidji can require discretionary permits and bonds, "... several salient features of the permit schemes run afoul of the First Amendment." The case results, in part, from an incident in 1998 where Editor Steele was distributing copies, wearing a sign that said "FREE - TODAY ONLY," on a downtown Bemidji sidewalk. Police Sgt. Porter threatened to take Steele, "to jail today" if he continued. Steele contacted City Attorney Felix, who concurred with Porter's action, ceasing curbside distribution of the paper in Bemidji. Although Judge Rosenbaum, of the Federal District Court at Minneapolis, in November, 1999, issued a temporary order restraining the City of Bemidji from enforcing the ordinances against Steele, that restraining order was subsequently dissolved by U.S. District Judge Kyle (St. Paul), to whom the case was ultimately assigned. In its opinion, the Appellate Court noted, "Neither ordinance on its face proscribes giving away newspapers that the donor is holding while standing on a City sidewalk. Nevertheless, the City has applied, and apparently wants to continue to apply, the ordinances to Steele, whether or not he attempts to sell his newspapers and whether or not he places them on City property." The opinion further looks at the ordinances themselves, holding them unconstitutional because 1) they vest the City Council and Police Chief with too much discretion to deny the permits; 2) the solicitation permit, if issued, is valid for only sixty days and then must be reapplied for; 3) the bond and insurance requirements of the ordinances "cannot be imposed as a prior restraint on protected speech"; and 4) "neither ordinance imposes a time limit on the City Council's decision to grant or deny a permit. ..." Precedential value. Under this ruling, the Bemidji soliciting and obstructing ordinances are, legally, unenforceable. The final word in determining the constitutionality of an ordinance is vested in the United States Supreme Court. Opinions of the Circuit Appellate Courts, however, are published in legal references such as Northwest Reporter, and, unless reversed by the Supreme Court, are generally followed by the District Courts within that multi-state circuit. This opinion may thusly be cited as authority by attorneys and others, should another corrupt little town try to ban it's free press by similar means. In its opinion, the Appellate Court noted a letter sent to Steele by Felix shortly prior to the incident involving Sgt. Porter, in which letter Felix cited the soliciting and obstructing ordinances, and stated that continued distribution of the Northern Herald at curbside without a permit was a violation punishable as a misdemeanor. Felix stated that the permit was conditioned on provision of insurance and bond. FELIX: IF YOU DON'T THINK LIKE ME, GET OUT OF TOWN. The Appellate opinion notes, "Felix warned Steele that the City would require, 'at a minimum, public liability coverage with policy limits equal to those required of the City,' ... [and that] 'a substantial bond would be mandatory.' ... Finally, Felix ... suggested that Steele find 'willing local, private outlets' to distribute his paper, commenting that 'in light of this community's apparent unwillingness to embrace your ideas, another option may be your consideration of relocation to another community ... more willing to embrace your way of thinking'" Further litigation. The case against the City now, on remand, goes back to the Federal District Court for trial and determination of damages. The City is represented by Minneapolis attorney Jon Iverson, who has indicated that the City intends to try to weasel out of paying damages on a theory of qualified immunity. That is, to say the municipal employees were just doing their jobs. At Nuremberg, the court held that jobs and orders or not, the World War II defendants should have known that it was wrong to gas and burn Jews. The Federal District Court will now have to determine whether a trained and licensed City Attorney should have known that it is wrong, in America, for a City to try to ban a newspaper from public distribution. Non-City Defendants. The Appellate Court let stand the District Court's ruling dismissing the suit against private retailers who banned the Northern Herald from their stores. That part of the ruling is expected to be further appealed, by Steele, to the U.S. Supreme Court. Note: The complete opinion of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit may now be accessed from the main page of the Northern Herald website. ------------------------------------------------------- In Focus DEER RIVER'S WHITE OAK TAKES VISITORS BACK Note: the In Focus feature is primarily pictoral. Photos, however, are not included in the Library Edition. DEER RIVER --White Oak Society is comprised of a group of people dedicated not just to the study of the Minnesota's romantic history, but living it. During the year, members of this non-profit organization, which also has a state-sanctioned learning centre that hosts public and private school student field trips, periodically come out to the expansive grounds to recreate the times of the voyageurs and the bourgeoise at White Oak, a recreated 1798 fur post operated by the Northwest Trading Company. And once a year, in early August, they throw open their stockade gates to the public who are invited to experience a piece of history at the annual White Oak Rendezvous. Photo Captions (photos are not included in Library Edition): Perry Vining, as post sr. partner Michael Cadotte greets a guest The band, Gibson, Martin & I perform on the White Oak main stage. FIRE IN THE HOLE! Mr. LaFreniere issues commands, in French, as his volunteer crew load about 1/3 of a pound of black powder into the cannon and prepare for firing. The traveling camp of Crazy Rose, equipped with her Anishinabe hunter's canoe. Crazy Rose received the award for most authentic camp from LaFreniere; true to her character, she still claimed, at the awards ceremony, that he stole her otter. Buying cups at the Company Store Ladies' tomahawk throw at White Oak Rendezvous The encampment of the 42nd Highland Regiment, Stewart's Company Requiem for a fallen comrade. After the public gates were closed, White Oak Society members remember Vietnam veteran Ron Mann, in the manner that he probably would have wanted. The memorial ceremony concluded with a 21-gun black powder arms salute. In Honor Guard, from Chapter 352 of Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), Grand Rapids, are vets Bob Stein holding the POW flag, Sgt. Henry Schumer, holding the VVA Flag, and Color Sgt. Gary Wildgrube with Old Glory. ----------------------------------------------------------- -- An Obituary -- FLORENCE L. CAUGHEY Funeral services for Florence L. Caughey, age 93, formerly of Perham and Bemidji, MN, will be Thursday, September 6, 2001 at the United Methodist Church, Perham, MN, beginning at 2:00 p.m., with the Reverend Elaine Foote-Blum officiating. Burial will follow in the Perham Village Cemetery, Perham, MN. Visitation at Schoeneberger Funeral Home in Perham is from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 5, 2001 as well as one hour prior to the funeral at the church. Florence died Sunday, September 2, 2001 at Haven Homes Nursing Home in Maple Plain, MN. Florence L. Caughey was born Florence Lillian Johnson on November 26, 1907 in Fergus Falls, MN, the daughter of Andrew and Freda (Lekman) Johnson. She graduated from Perham High School and subsequently married Lyle G. Caughey in Perham on September 1, 1926. Florence graduated in June 1944, with a B.S. degree in art from Bemidji State Teachers College (Bemidji State College), Bemidji, MN. She was an accomplished painter and a published poet and was invited to join the International Society of Poets of which she was a distinguished member at the time of her death. Florence and Lyle lived in Bemidji for many years while owning and operating the Bemidji Candy Company until its sale in 1975. In 1976, they moved to Brainerd, MN, after purchasing the Johnson Cigar Company there. They retired from business in 1981 and returned to Bemidji. Florence was preceded in death by her husband, Lyle; two brothers, Floyd A. Johnson and Russell J. Johnson, both of Perham, MN and a grandson, Jeff Bell. Surviving Florence is her daughter, Shadya, of Oceanside, OR; one sister, Marilyn (Don) Hanson, of Fargo, ND and one grandson, Tim Bell, of Bozeman, MT. Schoeneberger Funeral Home, Perham, MN, is in charge of the arrangements. (218) 346-5175 ----------------------------------------------------------- CAMPBELL BENEFIT SEPT. 8TH An event featuring games, entertainment, silent auction, kids' carnival, concert dance and a pork/venison dinner will be held Sat. Sept. 8th, 2001, with worship services Sunday morning, at the Bemidji waterfront, to benefit Gene & Carol Campbell. Dinner tickets are $5. In yet another apparent manifestation of Dangerous Child Syndrome (DCS), the Campbells were attacked and stabbed May 28th by their foster daughter's male consort. Patrons are encouraged, for their comfort, to bring lawn chairs and blankets. The event kicks off with a pancake breakfast Sat. from 8 to 11 am. ----------------------------------------------------------- COWBOYS RIDE AT NORTH STAR EFFIE --From the judges' tower, Howard Pitzen cautioned men to watch their wives and girlfriends, 'cause there were real cowboys about, as Northern Minnesotans and those who came from Canada and elsewhere for the event, were treated to one of the area's longest running authentic, the-only-bull-is-the-one-you-ride, rodeo. The last weekend of July, rain or shine, sees the North Star Stamp-ede at Effie; this years' event, July 27th-29th, marked its 46th year. Being an open rodeo, where, to use the words of cowboy Matt Telligan, "if they want to try something, [the cowboys can] go ahead and try it," North Star is the one that draws the cowboys year after year. Said South Dakota bronc rider Bob Cryan, "I've been here for, probably, the last 8, 9 years. ... I think it's just outstanding - the crowd participation, and the stock - it's just a fun time, I really like it." North Star ensures good bucking stock with its own bull breeding program, and each year, Pitzen goes to Miles City, Montana to find the best new bucking horses. North Star Ranch sometimes leases its stock to other rodeos. Photo Captions (photos are not included in Library Edition): Matt Bourman gets a good bull-ride, but no time. Bob Cryan, of Henry, SD, rides a bucking horse. For his ride, all Wyoming's Chad Brugeman gets is the crowd's applause. Howard Pitzen, Chief Ramrod of North Star Ranch. Featured this year was Oklahoma rodeo clown John Lynn. They only get paid if they win their event. The roping team of Glenn & Bergerson, Grand Rapids, drop the loop to the head, but in the end get no calf and no time. The Wild Horse Race involves saddling, as well as riding the unbroken animal. Only James Forester, of Ontario, finishes. Mary Hammer rounds the barrels in 17.364 seconds ------------------------------------------------------------ In Focus THE BLACKDUCK WOODCARVER'S FEST Note: the In Focus feature is primarily pictoral. Photos, however, are not included in the Library Edition. BLACKDUCK -- Extraordinarily talented woodcarvers and other woodworkers gathered July 28th at Blackduck to display and sell widely varied works, many of them unique, at the area's largest annual woodcarver's expo. Photo Captions (photos are not included in Library Edition): From the sublime to the serious, the only real rule was that it had to be crafted with wood. Arnold Person's Norweigian Brief Case. Woodburnings by Tom & Marlene Ackerman's Northwood Craft, Marcell, Minn. Although blind, Jerry Hansen, of Baudette, makes fine woodwork items, such as this ferris wheel planter. He said, "You've just got to be very conscious of the saw," and his wife helps with the staining, "for fear I'm gonna miss a spot," he said. Highly detailed Elk by Russ Klemz, St. Cloud -------------------------------------------------------- NEGLECTED DOG HAS TO BE EXECUTED AT BEMIDJI BEMIDJI -- To its owner, a dog is a valued friend and companion. But, too often, owners don't realize their neighbors don't see it the same way - to them, that best friend is a nuisance and sometimes a danger. That's why cities have leash ordinances. Having a dog at large is also a danger to the dog. Some owners, of course, neglect their animal's basic needs, anyway. According to the police report, on August 11th, 2001 at approximately 8:42 pm, officers received a report of a neglected German Shepherd at 715 18th St., Bemidji. Officers responding observed that the dog was chained, but had no food or water. Bemidji's Community Service (Animal Control) officer arrived at about 8 am the next day to find the dog now off leash and eating garbage. A neighbor told officers that the dog had been snapping at people. The dog had several puppies which she had placed in holes dug in the ground. Two were dead. "There was seven times I tried [to get the dog] ... it couldn't be taken safely, so I had no other choice," the officer reported. A neighbor corroborated that the officer tried, for about half an hour, to impound the dog; when this couldn't be done, the dog was shot. The puppies still alive were taken to Bemidji Veterinary Hospital, but there, vet Mike Kelly said he had no way to care for them and it was likely that they too would die. They were also then executed at the veterinary clinic. --------------------------------------------------------- CORN FEST AT BACKUS! BACKUS -- There are lots of things you can do in the Minnesota late summer. At Backus, the thing to do is eat corn! Each year, Cloie Smith arranges for a special crop to be grown at Pine River just in time for their annual fest which features the annual parade, games, a flea market and, of course, great corn at the fire hall. Photo Captions (photos are not included in Library Edition): Guests enjoy corn as more line up at the fire hall for the feed. Clyde Pebolt, of Backus said that it's his hobby, so he just sells his work at the annual flea market to buy more wood. His geodesic sphere was priced at $49.95, the redwood birdhouse at $59.95, with smaller houses from $9.95. Pebolt's wife added, "It's his hobby, it keeps him out of the house." Barb Zempel, of Pine River, displays her wildlife figurines at the Backus Corn Fest flea market. ----------------------------------------------------------- Editorials - Opinion -------------------- DOES BEMIDJI NEED A FULL-TIME CITY ATTORNEY? 2000 LEGAL EXPENSE BY CITY POP. F/T 2000 Per (2000 City Legal Capita CITY Census) Atty? Expense Expense Alexandria 8820 N $ 142,000 $ 16.09 Bemidji 11917 Y 208,706 17.51 Brainerd 13178 N 208,200 15.79 Fergus Falls 13471 N 96,548 7.17 St. Cloud 59107 Y 638,600 10.80 While the Bemidji City Council is looking for places to save money, including scaring the public with plans to cut essential services and key public safety positions like that of the Fire Chief, and people who bring in money, like the supervisor of the liquor stores, an answer to their perceived problem might be right under their noses at City Hall. Some cities use a full-time city attorney; most smaller ones don't. But no matter how you cut it, ours is one of the least cost effective. Brainerd had considered the position, but as Teresa Goble, Finance Director there, put it, "With our contract attorney, he doesn't work on our city stuff full time, so I would imagine there would be time wasted" if Brainerd made it a full time position. "And we'd have to have office space and support staff," she said. Nope, in a city the size of Brainerd, it just doesn't pay to make it a municipal position - there's not enough work. Last year, Brainerd paid their contract attorney $132,000 for misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor prosecutions, and $76,200 for general legal work - a total of $208,200. Al Felix might not be able to get that kind of money. His salary was $54,740 with $13,685 in benefits, and staff cost of $32,180. But, he's arranged to not have to handle misdemeanor prosecutions anymore, presumably to devote more time to the City's contract work. So, also, last year, Bemidji had to pay the County of Beltrami $42,000 for those prosecutions by Tim Faver's office. And it also paid $66,101 for other outside legal services, totalling a legal bill of $208,706. Making Work, Making Expense, Making Liability. Finally, there is the matter of how Alan Felix is spending the City Attorney's time and the City's resources. In 1998 he initiated City actions and ordered police to enforce odinances now held unconstitutional, that resulted in the City of Bemidji being sued by Northern Herald. This has involved many hearings, briefs, police calls (at about $100 per) and appeals legal services, as well as use of the City Attorney's paid time and resources. And now that the actions of the City of Bemidji, which were orchestrated, advised, and initiated by Al Felix have been found unlawful and unconstitutional; as a direct result of Al Felix's actions, with collaboration by City Manager Phil Shealy, and former police officers Robert Tell and Michael Porter, the City of Bemidji is facing a potentially bankrupting liability of up to $600 billion. All this trouble, expense and liability was for Felix's sole and dubious purpose of trying to keep a newspaper from being sold or given away on a public sidewalk - to keep one person from giving another printed matter on the street; a purpose that any reasonable person would know is not, in America, lawful or proper; something that Al Felix, as the City's chief legal counsel, should certainly have known in advising his City Council, Manager and police officers. It is still not known just how much the $600 billion lawsuit will cost the City. It may be that Felix maintained the City's obviously unconstitutional position as some self-serving ego matter - it's hard to say. But in these times of supposed economic crunch, if I were the City Council, I'd realize that Alan Felix is a liability. His bad judgement and erroneous legal counsel is costing the City taxpayers more money every day he's in office. Still, our Mayor and City Council aren't the brightest things in the world. It may be necessary for the money judgement to actually come down and the City to be held to pay it before this realization occurs. Still, if I were them, I'd fire Felix immediately, before he costs the City a dollar more and does more damage than he already has. Editor's Note: The stats presented here were generally easy to gather. The cities readily provided the detailed info in phone calls of a few minutes each. Except in Bemidji; here, per Mr. Felix's instructions, Northern Herald is only to be given city info on written request, so it took a couple of days. We thank Ron Eischens, Bemidji City Finance Director for his prompt and comprehensive attention to our request when it reached him. ----------------------------------------------------- KEEPING YOUR MARRIAGE ALIVE. Guys: Always take your wife out to dinner at least once a week. Set a day aside if you have to. Don't be chintzy on this - take her to one of the good quality restaurants advertised in this paper. Fast food & lunches don't count. Put the kids in their kennel, they don't go - she shouldn't have to supervise tonight - this is just for the two of you, like when you were ethically courting. It's her special night, when she gets to be pampered and waited on ... like she does for you the other six days. Also, at least once a month, send her a rose. It may not seem important, but it is. -------------------------------------------------------- INCREASE YOUR VOCABULARY: Correlation (kor'-e-la'-shen): The tendency of two or more events to occur at the same time or place, i.e. spring rains and better crops. Contrary to popular belief, correlation doesn't prove causation. For example, that children of divorced or unmarried parents have lower school performance doesn't mean divorce necessarily causes that - parents prone to divorce could just be genetically stupid. ------------------------------------------------------ Letters to the Editor --------------------- HAPPY RETIREMENT, JOE! Belated congratulations, Joe Vene. Best of wishes on your retirement as Superintendent of Northwestern Juvenile Center. Sorry I could not be there to celebrate with you. Your little sister Ginny, Two Harbors, Minn. ------------------------------------------------------------- CONSUMER TIP: A well kept area secret: Shoppers will find some genuinely good deals at the Tall Pine Bargain Center at Lake George. We're talking sharp new hats, generally priced elsewhere in the $20-30 range, for $7 - no kidding! Boots can be had for $15 and moccasins for $7. The store has a little bit of just about everything else; good used appliances from $2; furniture too! For days and hours, call 218-266-3632. --------------------------------------------------------- REMER CELEBRATES HARVEST! REMER -- Harvest Days at Remer, Aug 10th-12th, 2001, featured a flower and veggie exhibit, car show, snmos & ATVs, arts & crafts, huge flea maket, picnic in the park, the Friday Night Players, childrens' activities and games, fun run, B-B-Q, pie & ice cream social, street dance, battle of the fire departments and, of course, the parades. Photo Captions (photos are not included in Library Edition): The Arts & Crafts included detailed carvings by Jacob Froese, of Remer. Sam Crowell brought hard-to-find Hot Wheels to the Harvest Days Flea Market. Flea marketeer Steben Anderson, from Superior, WI, often provides a shirt, gratis, to handicapped patrons. --------------------------------------------------------- BLUEBERRY FEST AT LAKE GEORGE Photo Captions (photos are not included in Library Edition): Square Dancing in the Street is the rule, rather than the exception at Lake George's annual midsummer Blueberry Fest. Clement and Joan Beaulieu, of Rapid City, enjoy ribs while the country band with Scott Tammaro, plays at Pine Country Cafe's barbecue and blueberry pie & ice cream social. Travis Neese, Bemidji --------------------------------------------------------- DIGGY'S - LAPORTE'S GOOD TIMES PLACE! LAPORTE -- Among the Guthrie-Benedict-LaPorte crowd, Diggy's Doghouse is a favourite gathering place for fun and food. The lodge-style bar & grill features steaks up to a 20 oz. Porterhouse ($18.95 - not available all nights), Saturday prime rib ($13.95) and Friday AYCE boiled shimp ($13.95) specials, as well as more informal fare and a fresh & crisp salad bar with real bacon bits. Photo Captions (photos are not included in Library Edition): A family enjoys the peel-'n-eat shrimp special. Karoke at Diggy's draws out talent from the audience. ---------------------------------------------------- -- Advertisement -- DOES CELLULARONE TURN YOU OFF? YOU MAY BE ABLE TO RECOVER DAMAGES for service you paid for but didn't get. A few years ago, CellularOne was a dependable cell phone service provider with good, consumer-oriented policies in place. But recently management and policies have changed. They've initiated an aggressive marketing strategy without support backup, which has, in an effort to maximize profits, oversold their transmission lines without installing new ones. That's why you often can't dial out on your CellularOne phone. But you've paid for continuous service and CellularOne offers no adjust-ment for the many times you can't dial out and others can't call you. As to CellularOne's marketing strategy of offering lots of "free" minutes, without enough lines to handle the calls, it doesn't do a heckuva lot of good to have a lot of "free" minutes if you can't use the phone. No security. If you pay for a car phone so you or your wife will have security in an automobile emergency; well, if those oversold lines are tied up, in an emergency, you may be S.O.L. (simply out of luck). Faulty Equipment. As to their equipment (i.e. the phone they provide as part of your contract), CellularOne's idea of quality control is to send out untested equipment, and if the customer returns it, change it out (often for other faulty equipment). Some phones have had to be changed out many times before a good one was found. And, of course, you're being charged for service, even when, due to CellularOne's flawed equipment, you can't use the service. No Dependability. In order to better their cash flow, CellularOne has also instituted an aggressive new billing and charges policy where people who have regularly paid their bills may be surprised to suddenly find themselves "turned off." Again, your contract charges continue, while you do not have service. When you get turned on again, CellularOne may demand a $20 restoral fee even where the disconnection was due to their error. Tying you into a longer contract. CellularOne, perhaps realizing that many people will be dissatisfied with their new service, is presently requiring a two-year contract at signup. Other cell companies routinely require only one year. Of course, if CellularOne doesn't provide the service promised, that may render any contract void or voidable. But they realize that most people don't know this, and will pay the charges anyway. If you've had problems with CellularOne, you can always contact their customer service dept., but you may be put off by their current "The Customer Is Always Wrong" way of doing things. There's a better way: If you have: 1) Been erroneously shut off; 2) Been unable to call out due to all lines or circuits busy (fast busy signal when you try to call someone); 3) Missed calls from people who called when you know you were by your cell phone and you know it was on; 4) Have had "down time" due to faulty CellularOne equipment; or 5) Otherwise did not receive, from CellularOne, the dependable service that you paid for; YOU MAY BE DUE A REFUND FOR THE SERVICE YOU PAID FOR BUT AREN'T GETTING. Call 218-759-1162 and ask for information about the $2 billion class action lawsuit against CellularOne. -- Advertisement -- ------------------------------------------------------------- Consumer Corner --------------- READER OFFERS DENTURE ADVICE D.M. Shearer of Park Rapids shares this experience-taught tip: Consumers Beware -- If you are thinking of bypassing the dentist and going directly to a dental lab for dentures, please check with the Better Business Bureau on their credibility. 7 months - no refund - no dentures. Many phone calls. Scalped for $500. Editor's Note: And Northern Herald again reminds consumers to Never pay up-front (before you get the product) for Anything unless you're absolutely sure of the people with whom you're dealing. Most reputable businesses will C.O.D., or bill you, or accept a credit card. If they won't, there may be a reason. -------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 07/28/2001 - VOLUME 6 NO. 10 -------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism ----------------------- Health Care In Northern Minnesota THE MERITCARE MONOPOLY AT BEMIDJI Part 2 of a multi-part series resulting from our continuing investigation of health service practices in Northern Minnesota BEMIDJI -- It's Friday. Troubled by chronic insomnia, you've taken a retirement medicine that your doctor has, for years, prescribed. Now you notice that you don't have enough left for the weekend. Like almost all Bemidji physicians, your doctor does not have a private office of his own - he offices at the sprawling Bemidji MeritCare Clinic, a branch of MeritCare (formerly the Fargo Clinic) of Fargo, North Dakota. So you call your doctor at the clinic. You never get to speak with him directly, though; the call is intercepted by a MeritCare medical secretary - mostly a specialized clerk. You tell her you need your prescription refilled - she says that she'll check with the doctor and get back to you if there's any problem. Otherwise you can just pick up the Rx, to be called in, at the pharmacy. Not hearing back, you go to the pharmacy Saturday morning; but nothing has been called in. And you can't reach your doctor. Unlike most private physicians' offices, MeritCare has no physicians' exchange - a usual service where doctors receive important patient messages after hours. MeritCare's answer is if it's that important, you should go to the Emergency Room (of North Country Regional Hospital on the same campus as Bemidji's MeritCare Clinic) and pay the associated charges. After a sleepless weekend, you again, on Monday, call the pharmacy. They check with the clinic and find out that your doctor signed the prescription on Friday, MeritCare staff just forgot or didn't bother to call it in. This is Bemidji, and this is MeritCare Clinic - a sad excuse for what medical service, in most places, is and should be. The incident recited, as it concerns MeritCare, is documented. Similar errors concerning the mismanagement of patients' medical needs by MeritCare have been observed and are not infrequent - more the rule rather than the exception. Over the years, in Bemidji, MeritCare has induced doctors to forego private offices in favor of practicing at the MeritCare Clinic. There, instead of the usual doctor-patient relationship, Bemidji patients receive assembly-line style managed health care. One can make an appointment with his own doctor there, but often exigencies, which are less than what would usually be considered "emergencies" arise, and a patient needs to see his doctor on a day or two's notice. At most private medical practices, the patient would be worked in to the schedule. Not at MeritCare though - MeritCare's answer is what they call "urgent care" - a patient can come in that day, but, he'll be assigned to a doctor, usually not his own regular physician, on a random basis. The doctor who sees him will usually be wholly unfamiliar with his case, history, allergies, etc. If the patient has to return for follow up, he'll be seen by yet a different doctor. This is so even if the patient's regular doctor, who is familiar with his case, is in that day. The doctors are managed by MeritCare staff, and the patient's usual doctor, who knows his case history, may not even be informed that the patient is in. MeritCare management does not understand that, unlike auto parts, doctors are not interchangeable; or perhaps the clinic's management just doesn't care as long as the cash flow is okay. In Bemidji, due to MeritCare's monopoly, and the lack of private physicians' offices, a person seeking medical services has few options. There are as many doctors, both general and specialized, as one would expect for a city the size of Bemidji. But their offices are all associated in that, mostly, they all practice at the same behemoth clinic. This has taken its toll for reasons other than just medical. Some people have been refused service at MeritCare for political reasons. A case in point was when, in 1995, Roy and Patricia Martin, chronic arthritics who required frequent medical treatment, were refused service by their MeritCare physician. It seems that Roy had been falsely accused (and acquitted by a jury) of molesting Ida Stein Hightshoe, who happened to be a MeritCare employee. Shortly after Roy was exonerated and released from jail, his doctor told him he'd have to go elsewhere for medical service. But, in Bemidji, there's practically nowhere else to go but MeritCare. When the Martins left Bemidji, they cited inability to get needed medical care as a primary reason. Waive confidentiality? Bemidji is a talking town. There's a lot of talk here. When a patient first registers at MeritCare, he's given a purple form and told to sign it. It waives the right of confidentiality as regards diagnosis and other medical data. A patient cannot be compelled to sign the form, or may strike out certain paragraphs before signing, but most don't know this, and simply give MeritCare permission to discuss their case with others. Doctor's pay to see a nurse? In Urgent Care, there are sometimes waits exceeding two hours, even if the patient had an appointment. MeritCare also routinely asks Urgent Care patients to agree to be seen by a nurse-practitioner, instead of a doctor, at the same fee. Technology vs. the traditional doctor-patient relationship. A leading professional in a medical-related field summed up the problem by explaining that modern day health care management often just doesn't allow for the physician to spend enough time with the patient to arrive at a proper diagnosis and treatment. At the core of the alleged inadequacies of MeritCare seems to be the erosion of the traditional doctor-patient relationship. When doctors join the MeritCare system, in many ways, they give that up in favour of convenience (for the doctor), such as centralized accounts management and easier accessibility (again, for the doctor) of technology and medical-related services, such as lab work and X-ray. Still, in the old days, a doctor would come to your home, if necessary. He would have only his black bag with, but somehow managed to treat what ailed you. The doctor knew each one of his patients and cared for them individually to the best of his ability. Patients respected this, and besides, you didn't request a house call if you didn't have to, because it cost $6. Interviewed, regarding the standard of service, MeritCare's Administrator at Bemidji, Randy Beck, said, "We see 700 people a day.... the cost of medicine is very, very high ... it is almost impossible to meet all of [patients'] expectations ... we can't afford it. ... You're talking about what health care was like [in past times]. [There were illnesses that] back then, nobody knew how to treat - now, they know how to treat. There's been a cost to this technology." And Beck alluded that part of that cost has taken its toll in the ability of the patient to contact his own physician, when needed. "You try to balance how you provide the service to [the patients] with the amount of demands that all these people have, ... it's like any industry - we've gotta learn from these things and keep moving forward. ... Here, you contact your physician via the nurse," he added. In many places, physicians, due to the nature of their work, have seen fit to be on-call, if needed by their patients, even in off-duty hours. It's something that, historically, has gone with the turf of the well-paid medical profession. Addressing the MeritCare system, Beck replied that, usually, a doctor's workload may include 2,500 patients. He said a doctor should have time off, whether golfing or fishing or for family, when, even in an emergency, he should not have to be available. Another doctor can cover for him, without ever having consulted with that [i.e. the patients' usual] doctor about the case history, allergies and reactions, previously tried treatments, etc. "You have to have a system," said Beck, "... that manages it to the best of the ability. ... You have to have [interchangeability of] the physicians ... it's called 'medicine'. Medicine is the documentation of what goes on. And with that documentation, other providers [can provide the service.]" Beck said that it was not possible to "go back" to the doctor-patient relationship of days past, "in some ways it would be nice to take the best part of that system and the best part of this system and put it together. The only thing I can tell you is we're working at it," Beck said. Regarding the lack of competition, Beck said, "Physicians see an advantage of being part of a larger group ...." "We're ... interested in trying to solve problems," said Beck, "I would appreciate it if [patients with complaints] would just give us [in administration] a call. ... I have no problem with dealing with every patient who has an issue in our system ... we don't blow it off ... we treat every patient complaint as an opportunity to learn." Patients experiencing difficulties at MeritCare may contact Administration personally at the clinic, or are encouraged to call Mr. Beck, Mr. Warren Larson, administrator and MeritCare Administration at 218-333-5484. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism - Follow Up ----------------------------------- HUBBARD/CASS CO. DOG KILLER RELEASED PARK RAPIDS -- Dog owners in the Walker Area may want to lock their pets safely away for awhile, as Hubbard Co. Judge Jay Mondry has seen fit to release, on an amount of bail which might be appropriate for his traffic warrants alone, Ryan Daniel Planting, the young man who, without provocation and apparently "just for fun" shot and killed Susan and Chris (her son) Miller's pet collie in the Miller home, at Benedict, on May 24, 2001. Firearms season on Collies was not open at the time. Authorities did not even arrest Planting, 19, who was also wanted on a traffic matter, until over a month after the killing, notwithstanding that eyewitnesses at the scene left no question as to what had happened. (For more details of the circumstances of the brutal killing and the property damage, see Hubbard/Cass Co. Dog Killer Still At Large, Northern Herald of 06/30/2001, available at our website - address, p. 5) Planting, who lives and works in Hackensack, was arrested there July 4th (coincidentally, a day after our 6/30 issue hit the stands there). Asked, last month, about the delay in arrest, the investigating officer, Hubbard County Deputy J.T. Harris, referred the question to County Attorney Greg Larson, who said, definitively, "I can't answer that." And, following the arrest, in the subsequent bail hearing, Larson did not oppose the lowering of bail to $500 for the traffic warrants and the new felony and other charges, combined, which effected the release of Planting, who has previously failed to appear in court (on the traffic matters), after only a few days in jail. From blood spattered throughout the home, it is believed that the dog was chased and severely beaten, probably with a blunt instrument, prior to being taken into a bedroom and killed, execution style, with a 20 gauge shotgun. Harvey Hallet, Miller's male companion who lives a few miles away, estimated clean-up costs and damage to the home, which has seen the removal of blood stained carpeting, furniture, books and personal effects, due to the senseless killing, to exceed $5,000. "Every time we turn around we find more blood spatter around the house," Hallet told Northern Herald last month. Previously failed to appear. Prior to May, Planting's driving violations included failure to provide insurance and failure to obey a sign. His driver's license had been revoked. On May 5th, 2001, Planting, whose address appears in the court files as 3471 Co. Rd. 5, Hackensack, was cited (Case No. T-4-01-848) for speeding and subsequently charged with speeding, driving after revocation, and no insurance. Planting failed to appear on the traffic citation and on June 11th, a summons to obtain Planting's appearance for violation of conditions of release (apparently on previous traffic violations) was issued by the Court. Current charges. On June 22nd, 2001, about a month after the shooting, and based on that incident, Co. Atty. Larson filed charges (Case no. K9-01-389) against Planting of 1) criminal damage to property in the first degree (M.S. 609.595 Subd. 1 (3)), a felony carrying maximum penalty of 5 yrs. and/or $10,000 fine, and 2) cruelty to animals (M.S. 343.21 Subd. 7 - maximum penalty: $700 and/or 90 days), and had issued a warrant for Planting's arrest. Following Planting's July 4th arrest, he was arraigned July 5th before the Honorable Judge Hass. Hass set bail at $3,000 on all charges, and appointed public defender Don Dearstyne, of Walker, to represent Planting. On July 9th, appearing before Judge Mondry, at Park Rapids, Dearstyne requested release on recognizance (without bail); this was opposed by Larson and denied by the Court. But on July 13th, Dearstyne again appeared before Judge Mondry and requested bail be reduced to $500. Larson raised no objection to the reduction notwithstanding Planting's earlier failure to appear and Judge Mondry reduced bail to $500, which Planting posted that day and was released. The conditions of release include that Planting is not to go within five miles of the residences of Hallet or Susan Olson [Miller], and is not to possess or use firearms. The complaint, filed against Planting and signed by Hubbard County Chief Deputy Tim Archambault, recites, "On May 24, 2001 at 11:36 pm, Cory Groth reported Ryan Planting had just shot a dog with a person close by, and had taken off on foot. Deputies Krossen and Harris responded and went to the Harvey Hallet/Sue Miller residence in Lakeport township. Mr. Hallet stated that when he approached his home, Ryan Planting came outside carrying a shotgun. Mr. Planting threw the gun on the ground and then left. Inside the house was a minor boy [believed to be Derek Tysver, 15, of Hackensack] who was crying. [The minor boy] said Mr. Planting had shot the dog, a 7 year old Collie. Deputy Harris interviewed [the minor boy] who initially said he was sleeping, heard a gunshot and woke up to find that Mr. Planting had shot and killed the dog in the bedroom. "Deputy Harris observed blood all about the house, including the bed, carpet and floor. The cost of repair to the home was well over $500." In interview, Hallet said, though, that Derek Tysver later confided to another witness that he was actually standing in the bedroom doorway when Planting shot the dog with Chris Miller's 20 gauge shotgun, and that Derek had confided to Chris that he and Ryan had "been slapping the dog around in the face" before the killing. Chris Miller was not at home at the time of the shooting; only Planting and Tysver were there. Groth, who called the Sheriff's office, is believed to have arrived shortly after the shooting. Omnibus hearing has been set for August 13th, 2001 at 1:13 pm, before Judge Mondry at the courthouse at Park Rapids. ----------------------------------------------------- GRAND RAPIDS COWBOY COPS BLOW AWAY MAN'S TERRIER GRAND RAPIDS -- It must be open season on dogs. Jeff Julien reported that on Sat., July 14, 2001, Grand Rapids police officers came onto his property and shot his dog, an American Staffshire Terrier, without apparent cause. The dog was off-leash at the time and in violation of Grand Rapids' leash law. "I was doing dishes, heard a gunshot, came out and they were running around trying to shoot my dog some more," said Julien. Officer Hopkins, at GRPD, stated that the shooting was done by officer Frank Scherf, who, allegedly, was responding to a call that the dog had attacked someone. Hopkins, however, refused to identify any specific person who had made a complaint. Hopkins said that the dog, about 2 ft. tall, per Julien, had attacked Scherf when he arrived and Scherf found it necessary to shoot the dog. Julien said that the dog had been maced before the shooting, but officer Hopkins denied that Scherf carried mace. Officer Scherf refused to comment on the shooting, as did officer Jeff Cook, of Coleraine PD, who was one of several officers at the scene. Following the non-fatal shooting, the dog was taken to a veterinarian for treatment. Editor's Note: The use of the term "cowboy" herein is generic and does not refer to actual livestock engineers and wranglers. We realize that to compare those hard working guys to Grand Rapids cops would be demeaning and insulting to the real cowboys. ---------------------------------------------------------- HACKENSACK COUNCIL BULLDOZES OVER CONSTITUENTS Residents Protested Being Awash in Casino Sewage; Leech Lake Cancels Deal HACKENSACK -- Hackensack city council members turned a deaf ear, July 12th, 2001, to the roomful of city and area residents who had turned out for the meeting at the Hackensack Community Building to protest the imminent signing of an agreement under which the Hackensack wastewater facility would have processed 47,000 gallons per day of sewage from the Northern Lights casino and hotel. One area resident raised the point that the sewage output of the hotel and casino could well exceed the total wastewater presently produced by this city of about 250. But, in the end, it was the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe that may have heeded residents' concerns, and, when the time came, did not sign the agreement that the Hackensack council members had unanimously approved over their constituents' opposition. The Need Initially, the presence of the Casino, at the "Y" of 371 and 200, about 5 miles south of Walker and 7 miles north of Hackensack, might have helped draw tourism boosting the area's lodging industry. Now, however, the Northern Lights Casino has built its own hotel and has become more self-contained. Except for the matter of its waste. It was explained, at the meeting, that the casino's septic system didn't have the capacity to accommodate the 47,000 gallons per day of flow expected to be generated by the new expanded casino and hotel. The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, ("The Band") which owns the casino, initially, informally approached the City of Walker. While Walker never said "no" to the idea of processing the casino's sewage, a task force considering the concept expressed concern that further development at the "Y," as well as the casino's future needs, might overtax the present Walker wastewater treatment plant causing the necessity and cost of expansion sooner than Walker would otherwise require; while not turning down the idea, the task force encouraged The Band to consider its other options. One of those options was to run a nine mile long, 6 inch diameter, pressure-forced pipeline to Hackensack. Meetings not held The Band proposed a plan to Hackensack for which the Council was to have held a series of informational meetings to acclimate residents to the plan and take input. The Band made advance payments to pay for those meetings. In fact, at the only such meeting the Council held, of which most had notice, the July 12th meeting, by which time a final draft had been arrived at and was pretty much a done deal, the council was criticized for not making it public earlier in the process. Most of those present at that meeting knew of it only because one resident had singlehandedly publicized the small public notice, which had received little press attention, enlarging it and posting it in public places in Hackensack. The Plan - Final Draft The final draft, unanimously approved by the council, provided, in part: * For payment to Hackensack, whether or not the agreement was finally executed, of an application fee of $15,000 to defray the costs of meetings, engineering services, legal services (e.g. by the Hackensack City Attorney), and other prepatory costs. * The Band would construct the necessary forcemain pipeline from the "Y", capable of carrying at least 275,000 gallons per day (gpd) of effluent. * The Band initially made application to use 47,000 gpd of Hackensack wastewater treatment, for which it would, upon execution of the agreement, pay Hackensack a $223,810 "connection fee". * Hackensack would expand its wastewater treatment capacity to accommodate the additional 47,000 gpd; The Band would pay that cost of expansion, estimated to be $885,010. * The Band would pay to Hackensack a user fee for processing the sewage equal to about 90% (as the City would not have to maintain a connection infrastructure) of current residential rates, or about $3.18 per 1,000 gallons. A major concern of the residents at the meeting was that the casino might exceed its applied for amount of sewage (i.e. 47,000 gpd). Although the Hackensack City Engineer explained that, if the quantity, or strength, of the sewage exceeded that specified in the agreement, Hackensack would not be compelled to accept it; residents responded speculating that, should such an instance arise, and litigation ensue between Hackensack and The Band, it was conceivable that a federal court might issue an injunction forcing Hackensack to accept the excess sewage while the case was mired in stalled, or lengthy, litigation. It was that specter that the residents wanted to avoid by not opening the door to such downline possibilities by putting the pipeline, and initial sewage agreement, in place. Photo captions - photos are not included in Library Edition: A citizen rebukes Hackensack Mayor Eric Hedron at the packed meeting July 12th. Hackensack City Council members Deb Raiteike, Bill Green, Larry Ciha and Chris McKeown at the July 12th meeting. City Engineer Les Mateffy; City Attorney Ted Malby; Dana Stanko, Hackensack Public Works, and Jodi Knapp, City Clerk ---------------------------------------------------------------- In Focus -------- The IN FOCUS feature is primarily pictoral. Photos, however, are not included in the Library Edition SWEETHEART DAYS DRAW CROWDS TO HACKENSACK HACKENSACK -- Sweetheart Days 2001 drew visitors from all over to this picturesque Northern Minnesota city. This year's four-day Sweetheart Days, in a beach party theme, featured a car show, music in the park, volleyball, the annual horseshoe tournament, family mini-golf and basketball tourneys, a teen dance, merchant's bargain sales, kids' fishing contest, storytelling in the park, bike rodeo, "Newlywed Game", salad and sandwich supper, the big flea market, seniors' white elephant sale and pie and ice cream social, , family activities, pony rides, and, of course, the beer garden, parade, street dance, games, and concessions. The parade, of which many photos appear herein, was led by the American Legion Honor Guard, Post 202, of Hackensack, after which marched the Spencer Ross Post 134 from Walker, Post 613 from Pine River, and the Billie Brown Post from Nisswa. Photo captions - photos are not included in Library Edition: Lucette Diana Kensack, with Paul Jr., were standing at the Birch Lake Waterfront June 8th - 11th to welcome the burgeoning crowds that would fill the town for the 4-day fest and parade. Hackensack was named for Lucette, and Sweetheart Days commemorates her courtship by Paul Bunyan, a lumberjack and true Bemidjian, who earned his keep selling wooden nickels to unsuspecting tourists, to use in a nearby casino. (Being people of standards, they were later married, of course, shortly after Paul Jr. was born.) American Legion Honor Guard, Post 202, Hackensack, led the parade. The post celebrates its 66th anniversary July 28th, 2001 The Walker-Akeley-Hackensack High School Band in parade Ramona Fritz Band The semi-annual Flea Market at Sacred Heart Church teems with eagar buyers. The sale filled 2 large parking lots and there were, indeed, many unique items and buys to be found. Very attractive ball point, fountain and roller ball pens, handmade from wood and antler by Kelly Knutson, of Clearbrook, Minn. Auntie Em's Antiques Legion Post 202 Women's Auxillary Gladiators were armed with foam batons. Keely Sachser, 5, of Pine River, rides a pony at Sweetheart Days Just hanging around. This Velcro (R) wall is an interesting use for this versatile stuff that we never thought of. Get home, hang up the coat and the kids, and you're done. Laura Kaiser, of Backus paints younger guests' faces There were games for adults too. Two festgoers try to dunk each other in Water Wars. The black spot above the trees is the water balloon ammo. The Backus Scool parade float is an actual wood-fueled steam engine; also self-propelled was Gordon Ford's Hackensack-Vacationland USA air car, powered by its three propellers. In the Sweetheart Days beach party theme were the floats of Mark's Market, and Pauly's River House. --------------------------------------------------------------- Guest Column BUDGET CUTS IS NO REASON FOR THE MEDIA SUCKING by Duke Skorich, Reader Weekly I've never come across anyone who disagrees with the First Amendment. If there is any self-evident truth in America, it seems to be our right to free speech, religious freedom and a free press. It makes sense that we value that First Amendment, it has allowed us to disagree and argue over every other aspect of our society. What if we lost our free press? What if, not the ability of a free press to exist, but the whole notion of what a free press provides, just slipped away? I’m fearful we could be on the brink of just such a disaster, and we haven’t even begun to realize it. Our media, locally and nationally, is failing us. There is a frightening lack of enterprise and investigation in American journalism. Those of us who consume news are only learning what is allowed in a press release or spun and handled by public relations experts. That's not news, and it's not healthy for society. A free media can enrich and sustain a community or country. Media watchdogs keep elected officials in line and the public aware. Those are the positive contributions a free media should offer to a free society. In just the past few days, the local media has offered either bad or nonexistent coverage on stories that would be considered major news, if news mattered to our media. Our [Duluth] mayor was part of a League of Cities visit to Viet Nam. Unless I missed it, the newspaper didn't give this one inch of coverage! Wouldn't it be of interest to many people to know where the mayor has been, and to hear his impressions of the trip? There's a battle going on between the Duluth City Council and our two State Senators, Sam Solon and Doug Johnson. When the City Council discussed and decided to fight the Senators on the McQuade land condemnation, a leading television news station didn't even send a camera to the meeting! The DNR and National Parks Service have yet to issue a ruling on the matter of a private developer leasing the Spirit Mountain land for the proposed golf course. This didn't stop the Duluth News Tribune from announcing, "Golf Project Moving Forward" simply because the course developer made a presentation to the City Council on his plans. The days of journalism and news coverage for the sake of an informed populace have vanished in favor of advertising revenue and bottom line profits. Locally, newsrooms are comprised of fewer reporters than any time I can remember, (and I go back a long way in local news). Nationally, lay-offs in newsrooms are common, while rumors of Dan Rather's replacement are treated like lead story material. The focus is on image and anchors that look good. The concept of real news reporting struggles to survive while focus groups and overnight ratings dictate which pretty face will read to us next week. Coverage that could cause as little as one advertising dollar to be lost is not just discouraged, it's simply not done! Meanwhile, Mr. and M[r]s. J. Q. Public still depend upon local and national news to stay informed. But, we're not informed; we're just fooled. News directors and editors have told me they cannot offer better news coverage. They point to shrinking news budgets and, with straight faces, explain they don't have the "resources" to follow news tips or offer in-depth stories. It's very sad, they acknowledge, no one can afford to do news like they did in the old days. Telling me the Golden Years of journalism are the "old days", is no way to win my favor. I don't need to be reminded that I've been around longer than Denny Anderson or Barbara Reyelts. That aside, I don’t buy the lack of resources excuse. If covering news took big budgets, then the alternative papers wouldn't be able to offer the coverage we see every week! Let's face it, small shrinking budgets are better than no budget at all! Local alternative papers have followed the progress at the Tech Village, investigated the Spirit Mountain Authority, reported on the Andrew Slade firing, and continue to offer more real news than any other news source around. It's likely we'll become more dependent upon alternative papers, like this one, to stay aware of the most basic news affecting our city and our country. Somehow, they manage to crank out valuable information week after week, without anything approaching a "newsroom budget". It's not that news reporting isn't about money; it is. It's about money coming in the door; not going out. It's about making sure no pesky news story alienates an advertiser. It's about filling corporate coffers. And to make sure profits continue, we're the losers. In the 1970s, journalism schools were filled with eager students anxious to change the world. Watergate inspired many of those kids. Two reporters just following a story took down a President. What will inspire today's students to enter the world of journalism? Somehow, I don't think coming up with clever rewrites for a City Hall press release has quite the same appeal as the idea of following the money to get at the truth. Besides, there must be fewer jobs in journalism today than even a decade ago; those budgets are getting cut everywhere. What good does the right to a free press do us, when the very press we defend stops taking advantage of that right? Where will society be when we can't depend upon that freedom to deliver facts, news and information? News organizations, or those that claim to be, have an obligation to inform us. Their failure to cover the news for the sake of a fat bottom line is not just a disappointment; it shows complete disregard and disrespect for the right of the people in this nation to be told the truth. Unfortunately, for corporate owners everywhere, the truth has just gotten too expensive. The framers of the Constitution could never have envisioned the immediate news coverage we have enjoyed. They certainly didn't suspect a lust for profit and disregard for the value of the truth would threaten the right of our free press. What price will we pay when we have lost what the founding fathers believed to be essential to a free nation? Editor's Note: Duke Skorich writes for the (Duluth Northland) Reader Weekly. This column first appeared in their May 17th, 2001 issue, and is reprinted here with permission. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Editorials - Opinion IT'S TIME FOR GLASNOST AT LEECH LAKE When, 5 years ago, the Honorable Chairman Eli Hunt was voted in and began making sweeping changes to the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, one of the things he promised was more open government. It's come a long way, but not nearly far enough. Recently, Al Fairbanks, Jr., a former District Rep and relic of the old corrupt Finn/Pemberton era, lost a District Rep election by four votes. He challenged the election on, Northern Herald has been told, nineteen grounds. We have no reason to believe that any of his grounds hold water, nonetheless, we can't tell you even what they were, as the petition filed by Fairbanks before the Tribal Court, which would, in any state or federal court in the United States, be an easily accessible public document, is being treated as secret by The Leech Lake Band. Administrators say that the document is "open to Band members," but don't take cognizance that many Band members get their information through the newspapers. When Mr. Hunt took office, it was the newspapers that then alerted many of the Band as to what beneficial changes were in store. It's no different now. In the instant case, we were asked, by a Band member to cover this proceeding that they might know, with clarity and accuracy, what was going on. While there is no policy in place "gagging" the documents, in practice, the tribal administrators, many of whom don't routinely return phone calls, although not formally refusing to release the information, put enough barriers in the way that it becomes, as a practical matter, impossible for the press to get it. What it's like In this case, we initially approached the Leech Lake Election Board for Fairbanks's petition. The employee there told us we'd have to speak to his supervisor. We called back and spoke to her. She gave her name as Sue, but refused her last name. She said she'd see if she could release the documents and call back. That (the call back) never happened. When Northern Herald called back, Sue said she'd spoken to Joe Plumer, in the Leech Lake Legal Dept. and he said not to release the documents or permit inspection of same until we'd spoken to him. We tried Plumer several times - never spoke to him, but his assistant, Frank Bibeau, said he'd release the documents if Fairbanks gave his permission; despite several calls, Fairbanks could not be reached. "I don't even know where the document is, right now," said Bibeau. We went to the Court during normal business hours, but the office was closed, with a sign referring people with court business to Mr. Plumer's office. Northern Herald has run into these impediments on many occasions at Leech Lake. It's time for the barriers to come down. An evolving free society cannot evolve without freedom of speech and the press. Government documents, including court files, have to be public, that the public may know what their government is doing. To be kept integrious, government action must be open to public scrutiny - the people are the best watchdogs - it should be able to withstand this from both within and without. The secrecy of what should be public information at Leech Lake is primitive, corrupt, and not in the interests of a free government; the covert Leech Lake web of administrators that play cat and mouse games in which even their last names are secret, to impede the flow of information, is patently ridiculous. If Leech Lake is to be regarded as anything but a primitive government, policy needs to be put into place ensuring easy, uncomplicated and one call or visit access of the press to what should be public information, including petitions filed before the courts, court proceedings, tribal council meeting dates, resolutions and other government data. Much as Gorbachev brought major social progress through glasnost, or government open to the people and the press, to the former Soviet Union, it's time now for there to be a glasnost at Leech Lake. ----------------------------------------------------------- SEN. LESSARD HONORED CASS LAKE -- District 3 (Grand Rapids - Int'l Falls) state Senator Bob Lessard was honored Sat. July 14, 2001, by the dedication and naming of a canoe landing, on Cass Lake. " ... Bob, this is ... a tribute to you, for all your help on environmental issues for Northern Minnesota and Cass County. Thank you for being here with your family today," said Cass County Commissioner (and former Sheriff) Jim Dowson, representing Cass County, in dedication of Lessard's Landing, a small landing and park. The dedication commemorates work done by Sen. Lessard in establishing the Mississippi Headwaters Board as a joint powers board protecting the first 400 miles of the river from Lake Itasca to Royalton. Lessard thanked Rep. Larry Howes (R-4B) for his hard work in the areas of hunting, fishing and making Northern Minnesota what it is today, and said, "My mission has always been the preservation of Minnesota's lands and waters for our next generations." ---------------------------------------------------------------- In Focus -------- The IN FOCUS feature is primarily pictoral. Photos, however, are not included in the Library Edition RED LAKE COMMEMORATES VETERANS, CELEBRATES INDEPENDENCE DAY RED LAKE -- Among area Independence Day celebrations, one of the most colorful, unique and hospitable was the one at the Red Lake Nation, about 30 miles north of Bemidji. Here, Independence Day occurs on the 6th, not the 4th of July. That day commemorates the 1889 agreement with the U.S. government giving rise to the present day cohesive nation on Red Lake soil. This year, the Red Lake Nation celebrated 112 years of sovereignty with a three-day competition powwow, two feasts of renowned Red Lake Walleye - complimentary to the public and provided by the powwow committee and the Red Lake Nation, a stand-up comedian, and the honoring of 38 Red Lake veterans who served in the U.S. armed services in Korea. Al Thunder, Red Lake Cultural Coordinator, explained that the significance of July 6th to the Red Lake Nation relates to the Land Agreement of 1889, "...our (then) seven hereditary chiefs ... did not allot our land .... It's all in common for all the people in Red Lake. The U.S. government was told 'no,' we will not allot [divide up] our land. ... That's why, now, we can all feel very grateful and happy ... that this land was not sold or given to anybody else, it was kept for our own people. At that time, the old gentlemen [the hereditary chiefs] that were doing this stated that, it is not for us but for our children and our childrens' children ...." At 3 pm, Saturday, July 7th, in the powwow arena, the following Korean war veterans were honored when Red Lake Chairman Bobby Whitefeather presented jackets to them in recognition of their service: Fred Jones, Bo Brun, Don Needham, Billy King, Fabian Strong, Jerry Sargent, Donald May, Henry Cook, Ed Perkins, Marvin Hurd, Dennis Smith, Dan Needham, Calvin Spears, Pat Parkhurst, Robert Head, George King, Clarence Stately, Al Thunder, Eugene Stillday, Myron Smith, Billy Jones, Isadore Perkins, Quentin Fairbanks, Buck Sargent, Tom Stillday, Russ Nelson, Joanne Nelson, Bobby Sumner, Melvin May, Francis Brun, Albert King, Red Pemberton, LeRoy Garrigan, Jerry Rossbach, Jimmy Good, Archie Wilson, Charlie Cloud and Wally Kingbird. Photo captions - photos are not included in Library Edition: The flag of the sovereign Red Lake Nation flies the highest on this Independence Day commemorating the July 6th agreement of 1889 which gave rise to the Nation. The Stars and Stripes are there too, particularly in honor of the many Red Lakers who served in the United States armed services. These two views depict the circle of the powwow arena at Grand Entry, 7 pm, July 7th, which hosted over 200 dancers. At center are the flag and staff bearers. A fish feed is always a good thing. But Walleye? - and Free? This was a very generous (and excellent) meal! The public lines up for the feast at the Red Lake Humanities Bldg. by the powwow arena. Stephen Stillday, Red Lake Nation brave, in men's traditional dress; Aaron Stillday, at far left, wears the lady's jingle dress. Al Thunder, Red Lake Cultural Coordinator, was one of the veterans honored during the celebration. A member of the U.S. Air Force, he ran reconnaissance missions in Korea. Thunder said that because he was unmarried at the time, he drew a 30, rather than 18, month tour of duty abroad and served a total of four years. Veteran Calvin Spears wears his presented jacket. He served at an U.S. Air Force base in Korea in 1952 and '53 Ladies' jingle dresses and (in background) men's traditional. The Kingbird Singers drum group performs. Native American comic Mitch Factor -------------------------------------------------------- In Focus -------- The IN FOCUS feature is primarily pictoral. Photos, however, are not included in the Library Edition MUSIC ON THE GREEN AT GRAND RAPIDS Photo caption - photos are not included in Library Edition: Donna Reiter, left, and Jackie Surface enjoy the July 6th concert on the green by Grand Rapids' landmark Old Central School. Said Reiter, "These guys are great!" referring to the band, Hickory Wind, shown at leftmost photo. Hickory Wind, which plays folk/country and soft popular music, is from the Bagley-Solway area of Northern Minnesota. The band recently released a CD. Organizer Brian Carlson, above center, told Northern Herald that the music on the green is part of Grand Rapids' Arts in the Park summer program. The program exists due to a private gift by a lady who "wanted to see some music in this ... park." Carlson said that the program, now in it's fourth year and coordinated with the help of Mary Johnson and the City of Grand Rapids Recreation Dept., would provide music on the green every Tuesday and Friday evening through the end of August. "It's been fantastic this summer," he said. Talented bands interested in performing can contact Mr. Carlson at 218-327-1522 or by email at brian50@paulbunyan.net Carlson said that while the concerts aren't limited to any particular type of music, "the major thing that we look for is that it's family oriented ... and not too loud because we've got businesses" operating nearby, and added that past musicians have included folk, country, and soloists performing original tunes; there has even been line dancing, he said. ----------------------------------------------------------- SERVICE AGAIN! AT GRAND RAPIDS, OF COURSE. Northern Herald: "Now, let me get this straight, it looks like a gas station, but ... when a customer drives in here, you're actually going to put the gas into their tank?" Attendant Cheryl Hyink: "Yes. We also wash their windshields." NH: "In other words, it's just like normal, except that they don't have to get gas on their hands and they can probably pay you through their windows?" CH: "They just stay in their car and we do everything for them." NH: "And you're not going to charge them extra for that?" CH: "No." Yep, while Bemidji's wealthy merchants and welfare bums and government employees on the public dole don't care to work enough to even offer 24-hour nighttime shopping (things will change for the better when Wal-Mart, with its grocery, comes to Bemidji and puts some of those yokels out of business), Grand Rapids offers a breath of fresh air, as motorists there can enjoy full service gas available in this more progressive, cooperative, work and service oriented community. At above right, Rapid Pump Phillips 66 (at the Cub Foods) attendant Cheryl Hyink actually installs gas in a customer's car. This is something we haven't seen for a while, except at exorbitant prices (it doesn't really cost stations 20¢ a gallon more to put it in. When this photo was taken, July 6th, the GR self-serve price was also about $1.39). She efficiently cleans the windshield, too, while the tank is filling. Below, motorist Maggie Hauff pays for the gas at her truck window. Said Hauff, "I like not standing in the rain." And no more trudging through the snow and cold (in winter) to pay inside. You'd think gas stations would have thought of this a long time ago, but it's here now, 7 days, from 7 am to 10 pm at Cub, in Grand Rapids. ------------------------------------------------------------- CONSUMER CORNER --------------- Readers are invited to submit consumer complaints or compliments to this column, and to our Auto Service Forum. Send info c/o this paper, P.O. Box 1535, Bemidji, MN 56619 Consumer Action --------------- DIAMOND MATCHES NOW SAFER Our Consumer Corner of 09/13/2000 (available at the Northern Herald website - address, p. 5) first reported that certain book matches manufactured by D. D. Bean and Sons, in Jaffrey, New Hampshire, and sold under the Diamond Brands (of Cloquet, Minnesota) label, were unsafe: the match heads could explode and fragment on striking causing injury to persons and burns to clothing. Diamond, a well-established match producer, has since ceased to market this product and replaced it with a safer one. The new matches have red matchheads - the old, defective, ones were white. Things That Just Don't Work --------------------------- WINDMERE Twin Window Fan #WF-6200/049 Readers are cautioned against purchase of this dual window fan, sold by Menard's and other retailers. We tested two units selected at random. Of them, one stopped (both fans failed) after only a few days of use; on the other unit, one of it's two fans failed within three weeks. We also note that in it's advertising on the box, the fan is claimed to be "reversible" - i.e. can be used to exhaust, as well as intake air into the room. But upon inspection, the fan is not reversible electrically, by a switch, as a consumer might be led to believe. To "reverse" the fan, one turns it around in the window. We find this manufacturer's claim to be amusing - most fans are "reversible" in this manner. --------------------------------------------------------- A LETTER ON THE BLACKDUCK SHOOTING My Dear Friends in Blackduck, The recent news of the shooting in Blackduck saddens me a great deal and I would like to take a moment to write downs a few of my thoughts on this. Mark Patch was good friend of mine. We grew up together in Blackduck and I enjoyed his friendship and his unique personality. He was the type of person that was always willing to help me when I needed a hand. He was an expert mechanic and could fix anything on a car. He loved to play pool and spend time with his friends. Mark was a good father who enjoyed spending time with his family. I am deeply saddened by this shooting. It is another case of senseless violence that could have been avoided. Mark was a good friend that was there for me when I needed help, one of my regrets upon hearing this is that I was not there for him when he needed a friend to talk to. We all have to live life, and life has its inevitable ups and downs. Maintaining strong friendships and positive relationships is essential as we go through life. I hope we can learn as [well as] grow from this tragedy. Mark was not a bad person. He was not a violent person. He was a person that was having some problems and made some bad choices. I want to encourage everybody and especially young people to make positive and constructive choices in life. Maintain strong ties to your family and friends and be willing to reach out to them when life gets tough. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Mark Patch. I will miss Mark a great deal. -- Mark J. Biberg, 8th grade teacher, Mtn. Village. Alaska ----------------------------------------------------------- A SPECIAL NORTHERN HERALD FEATURE: THE MAGIC OF MOONDANCE WALKER -- It's more than the bands. Sure, that's the most obvious reason people will give as to why they're there, but the real reason they come back year after year is much more. It's a certain unique and intangible element that they find only at Moondance. A person who, maybe, just came to see one act, after it's done, is comfortable and just wants to stay - usually until everything is done at 1 am. Somewhat hard to articulate in words (you just gotta be there), it's put best as a mystical euphoric state, which begins when one enters the Moondance grounds and gradually subsides after he leaves. A state brought on not by drugs or alcohol, but rather simply by the environment that Moondance has created. One where people can have fun, pretty much be themselves and do and interact with others as they want so long as not to impede or harm anyone else, in a safe and secure place on the expansive open-air Moondance grounds, and in the presence of great entertainment, both from the stage, and sometimes from the other jammers themselves. Some say Moondance has romantic overtones, and it might for some, but after being there for four days - there's just so much to do - it's hard for this reporter (or his lady) to see how anyone would have the energy left for it. In the four days of Moondance, a community all to itself emerges from those residing in the campground for the duration, and also those arriving and returning for each day of the fest; so people know and greet each other cheerfully as they come and go, and exchange notes about what they've seen that day. Again, words don't adequately convey the Moondance Experience. But having been there and done it, first-timers and veterans alike, interviewed, said they'd be back every year. The comfort level and security of the Moondance environment is no small thing to create. It requires an incredibly large and well-directed staff to manage the enormous numbers of people efficiently and unobtrusively. They mostly stay in the background, but can be there at a moments notice if needed. Mostly they're not needed - unlike other fests, disturbances are not in the spirit of the upbeat and friendly Moondance crowd - still, Mr. Bieloh, Moondance producer, won't allow even the possibility of the specter of disturbance to mar his production, and provides the well-managed staff to ensure a pleasant Moondance Experience for all. Photo caption - photos are not included in Library Edition: Byrds Celebration live on the Moondance Main Stage THE MANY CORNERS OF MOONDANCE ----------------------------- WINE AND CHEESE The new wine and cheese tasting tent, produced by Moondance sponsors Canandaigua Wine Company, Keebler, and Wisconsin's Crystal Farms dairy, was a complete success as hordes of people came to sample the generous selection of 6 cheeses including a unique natural (not pasteurized process) Pepper Jack, 4 wines, and a hard cider. Atmosphere in the tent was gracious and hospitable, as one would expect. A $3 token covered the entire tasting. Said Joe Ewald, an event host from Johnson Bros. Liquor Co., St. Paul, "[Chilean wines] are one of the fastest growing imports. They're right up there with Austrailia. ... You can get great value wine for under ten bucks in a 1.5 (litre bottle)." These wines are available at most Northern area liquor stores. Tasted were Canandaigua's: Vina Santa Carolina (Chile) 1999 Merlot/ Cabernet Sauvignon An amusing wine - very, very palatable w/tannin that will resolve in time. Light red robe - strong legs - good taste of the fruit - would be excellent with red meat. Dryness about 2 on a scale of 1-5, 1 being driest. Vina Santa Carolina (Chile) 1999 75% Cabernet/25% Merlot Exceptionally good in full taste and aroma reminiscent of berries. Eminently drinkable despite being only 2 years old. Would go well with pork. Vina Santa Carolina (Chile) 2000 80% Chardonnay/20% Sauvignon Blanc Dryness of about 2.5, refreshing, slight herbal essence. Also tasted were Motif Touch of Raspberry; and "K" English draught cider (one of the best on the market). Photo caption - photos are not included in Library Edition: Kevin Lindstrom, of Bemidji, (at center inset, below) tastes the Merlot. "... It's a good wine," he said. THE SHOPS AND FOOD "Cuban Seed" cigars? Well, maybe, but how about real vintage Havana at real vintage prices? They were $4 a copy at Open Water's Moondance stand. Yep. According to tobacco rep Montana Jack, seems that a cigar manufacturer's (Grossman Cigar Co.) heir inherited a warehouse of 1958 cuban cigar tobacco, held for investment. With talk of the embargo lifting, he panicked and sold the 64,000 lb. lot to Armando Ramos. Because it's pre-embargo, you don't need Castro's permission, and jammers could enjoy their piece of the lot at Moondance, for a song, so to speak. Some of these cigars are still available, starting at $4, from Open Water, Walker. Photo captions - photos are not included in Library Edition: The legend on a box of Perdomo cigars says, "Made Exclusively for Moon Dance Jam 2001," The box was available from Open Water. Jim Flesch, of Walker's Open Water cigar store, at their Moondance outlet Some stands at Moondance were truly unique. Stuff you wouldn't find anywhere else. Rashimah's, above, operates fixed locations in four Minnesota cities. Owner Rashimah New explained that the one-of-a-kind mahogany eagle was a custom purchase, hand-carved in Indonesia and acquired directly from the artisan. THE "OLD NEW ORLEANS" SALOON Different Worlds. One of the things that makes Moondance (and Cajunfest too) a great experience for almost all, no matter what their tastes, is that the spacious grounds provide not just the Main Stage environment, but many other nooks and crannies, each with a personality of it's own. The diverse environments include the VIP Tent, the Beverage Tent, and the Saloon. The latter two boast their own stages and styles of entertainment. The theme of the hospitable Saloon this year was Old New Orleans and Mardi Gras. Jammers came in for beer and cocktails, of course, but also for Mardi Gras beads, a plate of crawdads, and to listen and dance to the great down-home Cajun music of the Treater band with Curtis Coubello, who came up from Louisiana for the event and, in addition to their opening performance on the main stage, entertained in the Saloon for all four days. Photo captions - photos are not included in Library Edition: Dave and Stephanie Peterson have been coming from Hibbing to Moondance for 6 years. They are joined by their friends, Kim & Dave, also from Hibbing. Said Dave Peterson, of Moondance, "We come down here every year, and it's a great time." Peterson said that he enjoyed the Saloon atmosphere and appreciated "a place to sit down for awhile." Dancing to the cajun Treater Band in the Saloon AMUSEMENTS Photo captions - photos are not included in Library Edition: It's fine to get high at Moondance. You can do it on the climbing wall, or not-for-the-feint-of-heart, you can be rocketed almost into outer space. At left, Brenda Salk prepares for her $20 trip on the "Rocket Rush Ejection Seat." It's kind of like a bungee jump in reverse. Strapped in the basket, a crane pulls the basket down until the cords that suspend it from two tall towers are taught. Then - well, the photo below tells it all. What did returning astronut Brenda (bottom right) think of it? "Oh, unbelievable," she said, laughing. "You have to try it ... This was something else!" Craig Magnuson, of Makinen, Mn., tackles the Wall THE CAMPGROUND & COMMUNITY Photo captions - photos are not included in Library Edition: Raising a cheer for Moondance (they've been coming since 1996) are, from Perham, Cheryl and Tim Lachowitzer; Nathan, Rick and Nancy Dinnel; and Tim & Denise Willis. From Walker are Doug & Doreen Lodge; Donnie Darwin; Dana Fisher; and Jeff Pels. And from Fargo, Mike & Dena Lachowitzer; and Terry & Judy Trader. Their favorite band? Ted Nugent. "Bill and Kathy, ... we thank 'em," the group said, adding that they'd like to see more 60's and 70's bands such as Aerosmith and Jimmy Buffet. "I'm having a ball," said Gwen Grell, from Grand Rapids, above left. Donald from Randall, added, "I met these guys five years ago [at Moondance] and have been partying with them ever since." It was Bruce Johnson's (Minneapolis) first Moondance. He said, "I've been [to We Fest]about 6 times ... I think I'm going to stop going there and continue going to Moondance ... I'm having a great time and I'm gonna keep on coming."Also shown are friends Tracy, Grand Rapids, Doug & Janet, West Fargo,and Adam, of FargoBird watching. From Webster's: booby: any of a number of gannetlike marine diving birds (genus: Sula) that feed on fish of warm seas. Broch Dombrovski says his favorite thing about watching the Moondance gate is, "I get to see lots of boobies!" They must be swimming inland. Sonny and Peggy Coffman, from Atlanta, Ga.; Mark & Gina Holetz, and Sandy Zumbrunnen, Pine River; Jerry Motyl, Longville; and at the grill, Rambo, from San Antonio, Tx. "It's my first [Moondance]- it ain't my last. We be back," he said. Christy has been coming to Moondance for 8 years. With her, from Brainerd, are Dugan, Moede and Dudley. Their favorite band so far? Molly Hatchet. Hojis, of Cass Lake and and Bruce, from Fargo Steve Burns of Lakeville and Shannon Francis O'Reynolds, Minneapolis. Said O'Reynolds, "I think Dylan really turned it on last night." THE TALENT Moondance 2001 hosted over 40 bands and entertainers. Only a few can be recounted here. CURTIS COUBELLO hails from Kinder, Louisiana, by the Lafayette area, where the Zydeco style of cajun music was born. An accomplished musician, Coubello sometimes entertains his audience by playing fiddle upside-down, behind his back, or by moving the fiddle body while someone else holds the bow. "I'm a fourth-generation fiddle player," said Coubello, who is world-toured and has released several albums. In interview, conversation tended toward family and it was clear that even when Coubello, a family man in the Southern tradition, has to be far away on tour, his son, 5, and daughter, 6, are always primary in his thoughts, "I call every day," he said. His daughter, Coubello said, is already exploring music, singing and dancing, and could well follow in the footsteps of Coubello, who has been playing since he was eight. Of his daughter, Coubello said, "I want to give her the world," and of her young talent, that in a few years, "I'll probably be working for them." After Moondance, his 2001 performance tour will take Coubello to Chicago, New York and Oklahoma. Hearing his performance, one cannot help but wonder where Coubello learned to play so exceptionally. "God. God gave me the talent," he said, "He gave it to my father, my father gave it to me. ... If you want to know the true testament of my fiddle playing, talk to God. God is my life. ... Since I was born, fiddle has been me, and guess what? It's gonna be me 'til the day I die." THE BYRDS CELEBRATION Look for some of the old, some of the new, too. Music is meant to be performed. Unlike the written word, music is preserved only by its performance. Few of us have ever heard Beethoven conduct his symphonies; but others, like Eugene Ormandy, have kept his music alive by performing it as true to its writer's intent as can be. Arriving at Moondance, after their 22 hour drive from Nashville, The Byrds Celebration performed many of the hits fans remember (Feel a Whole Lot Better When You're Gone; Turn, Turn, Turn) almost indistinguishable from the originals, to a cheering crowd. The Byrds Celebration, consisting of Michael Curtis, bass guitar; Terry Jones Rogers, lead vocals, harmonica and rhythm guitar; Scott Nienhaus, lead guitar, 12-string and mandolin; and Rick Ludlow, percussion; is dedicated to preserving the music of The Byrds, and also new music in the spirit in which The Byrds wrote and played. Rogers explained that The Byrds music was characterized by the lyrics of each song having something important to say, in a positive way, and underscored the importance and impact music has upon listeners' perception of things and events. Songwriters themselves, each November, all four of The Byrds Celebration attend The Frank Brown International Songwriter's Festival, in Alabama, where they can exchange ideas with other composers. The original Byrds, "gave up the ghost in 1973 or '74," Curtis explained. He continued that Michael Clark, one of the original members, reformed The Byrds about 1985, and Curtis came on board about 2 years after. About 1993, "Michael Clark died. He basically said 'don't stop doing this.'" The Byrds Celebration subsequently acquired the legal right to use the name to preserve the sound. Terry Rogers explained, "Michael Clark ... during [his] last months ... he would discuss with me ... how he wanted me to carry on the music and to make the Byrds name survive." They normally start each show by dedicating the performance to the memories of Michael Clark, Gene Clark, Clarence White and Grant Parsons. Curtis recounted the music industry trends responsible for the Byrds creativity, "We try to stay close to the recording sound and the raw energy that was going on at the time. ... People produce records differently today. ... The sixties had a great sense of competition between London, New York, Los Angeles and Motown. ... It was a beautiful thing - look at all the great music ... out of that period because of that competition," he said. Curtis, 52, the father of a 4 year-old, said that he started his family late, "Now I have a home, and a family, and it's the most wonderful thing I ever had in my entire life," he said. An accomplished songwriter, he's had his own a publishing company, Catpatch, since 1968. "My [now deceased] brother and I wrote a lot of songs in the 70s and 80s," including Fleetwood Mac's Blue Letter, Helen Reddy's Don't You Mess With a Woman, and their biggest work, co-authoring Southern Cross, which was performed by Crosby, Stills and Nash, and which The Byrds Celebration also played at Moondance. A political buff, Curtis doesn't mind voicing his opinion and likes the message the Minnesota Governor sends. "Jesse is the brunt of many jokes, and he's also a very intelligent man. He got elected, and said 'this is what we said we're going to do and this is what we're going to do' and it was like 'Somebody's really doing campaign promises and following up on them? What an amazing thing - how do you get that?'" Where is Byrds Celebration going? Terry Rogers said that the group would continue to do concerts preserving The Byrds sound and message, and also, "We're all songwriters in the band, so we have every intention of putting a new product out there. The only question is whether we'd be doing it as The Byrds; we'd probably not be doing it as The Byrds. ... Right now, we've just been using our names when we play a gig that's not a Byrds gig." Later this year, Byrds Celebration will be appearing at Nashville, Salt Lake City, Mount Pleasant, Mi., and Key West. SILENT PARTNER performed on the Moondance Main Stage, and also, on subsequent days, in the Beverage Tent. "It's a good time Rock 'n Roll band, actually. We play everything from soup to nuts," said Craig Engelhart, characterizing the sound of this Brainerd-based band that's been playing since 1988. "I'm just tickled we had the opportunity to be here," said Engelhart; "It just doesn't get any better than this," added band member John Holder. Silent Partner can be contacted at brainerd.net/~silent/ Photo captions - photos are not included in Library Edition: Curtis Coubello, at the Saloon and with the Treater Band on the Main Stage Byrds Celebration lead, Scott Nienhaus Michael Curtis Rick Ludlow on drums Terry Jones Rogers Craig Engelhart, and John Holder of Silent Partner; Engelhart on guitar in the Beverage Tent. Pat Benatar wasn't doing interviews, so we can't tell you much about her, but this is what she looks like, in case anyone was wondering. The Moondance lineup included Jakob Dylan, who performed with his band, The Wallflowers. ------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 06/30/2001 - VOLUME 6 NO. 9 ------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism HUBBARD/CASS CO. DOG KILLER STILL AT LARGE BENEDICT -- A particularly bizarre manifestation of the Dangerous Child Syndrome (DCS), of which much has been recently seen in Cass Lake and Park Rapids, has occurred in the rural Walker area town of Benedict, where, on May 24th, 2001, a young man viciously beat and then executed, at point-blank range, a family's pet Collie. Curiously, and although the killer, Ryan Planting, 19, of Hackensack, could have been apprehended shortly after the killing, when he was reported seen in public places bragging to his friends about his demented act, no such attempt was made until almost a month later, June 22nd, when Greg Larson, Hubbard County Attorney, filed charges and procured the issuance of a warrant for Planting's arrest. The killing occurred at the Benedict home of Susan Miller, where she lives with her son Chris. Harvey Hallet, her male friend, who resides a few miles away, also frequents the home. Hallet, who works in Walker, told Northern Herald that on the evening of May 24th, while he and Miller were at work, Chris and three other teenagers, Ryan Planting, 19, Derek Tysver, 15, and Kyle (last name unknown), were at the home. Chris Miller stated that at about 10 pm, he and Kyle went to get tackle from a self-storage in Walker so the four could go fishing. Ryan and Derek were to wait outside (they had been previously forbidden to enter the home) until the other two returned. On the way to get the tackle, Chris and Kyle stopped to help a senior female motorist whose car had broken down on the road. Chris used his pickup to tow her car to Hackensack. Before Chris returned, and at about 11 pm, Hallet arrived at the home after work. "The young man (Planting) came walking down the sidewalk, and had a smug look on his face and said 'Hello,' and kept walking down the driveway," he said. Hallet said that, inside, when Hallet discovered the blood, Derek told him that he (Derek) had been sleeping, heard a shot, and woke up to find Ryan running out the door. But Hallet said that Derek later confided to another witness that he was actually standing in the bedroom doorway when Planting shot the dog with Chris's 20 gauge shotgun, and that Derek had confided to Chris that he and Ryan had "been slapping the dog around in the face" before the killing. Chris and Kyle returned at about 11:30 pm. "I was outraged. I was seriously wanting to find him [Planting] ... myself, but I didn't," Chris said. Blood stains throughout the home indicate that the dog had been chased and beaten, probably with a blunt instrument, prior to being taken into a bedroom and shot in the throat from behind. "Every time we turn around we find more blood spatter around the house," said Hallet, who estimates the cost of cleaning and replacement of blood-stained carpet, furniture, belongings and fixtures to exceed $5,000. Hallet said that the bed, on which the dog was shot, had to be burned as the stench would not come out. Asked why the arrest of Planting was delayed for a month, the investigating officer, Hubbard County Deputy J.T. Harris, referred the question to County Attorney Greg Larson, who said, definitively, "I can't answer that." Photo Captions (photos are not included in Library Edition): Mr. Hallet & Miss Miller have been working hard to remove the many and massive blood stains which were dashed throughout the home and evidence the severity and lengthiness of the dog beating which took place before the shooting. Some stains, however, remain. Those above went though to the back side of carpet that had to be removed. This shell carrying No. 8 game shot, was employed in the execution - dog hair and dog debris remain in the wad. The dog's favourite toy, which the family mounted on her grave in their private pet cemetary. Harvey Hallet, Susan Miller and Chris Miller at Miss Miller's Benedict home, with their surviving dog, Woofer -------------------------------------------------------------- BEMIDJI FAVOURITE JOURNALIST RECOVERING DULUTH -- "Gas is always a few cents higher in cities whose names end in a vowel - and begin with a "B" - and have a 'dj' in the middle." It is his wry and highly relevant wit as in this excerpt from his editorial during the last gas crunch, as well as his keen ability to extract and print the nuggets, or most pertinent material, from lengthy news interviews in the field, that has made Brad Swenson one of Bemidji's most respected journalists and editorial writers. Swenson presently writes for The (Bemidji) Pioneer. But Mr. Swenson's style has been conspicuously absent from the pages of The Pioneer since late May. Swenson regularly visits and assists his mother, a senior citizen, who lives in Duluth. On May 22nd, while taking her to the public aquarium, Swenson's vehicle collided with another car at a downtown Duluth intersection. Although damage to the vehicle was not extensive, the impact caused Swenson to sustain a broken femur (the major bone in the thigh) which would require the implantation of a titanium rod and plate. Emergency fire crews were required to remove him from the vehicle, and Swenson was transported, by ambulance, to the hospital where he remained in the intensive care unit until early June. "There's, like, two lights within a hundred feet of each other," said Swenson, describing the dangerously confusing multiple intersection. He cleared the first light but was struck at the second. "I think, actually, they hit the front and spun me around ... I don't remember much of the accident ... it happened so quickly," he said. Swenson's mother, Elsie Swenson, 85, was injured, but not as severely. She suffered a mild head injury and is now recuperating at a Duluth nursing home. Although expected to return to Bemidji in early July, it may be awhile before Swenson's writing again graces The Pioneer's pages. Upon discharge from the hospital, he will need to undergo home care and medical rehabilitation to reacquire normal walking ability and movement. Swenson said that co-workers at the Pioneer, including Editor Kelly Boldan, have, "been really helpful and I want to thank them for the cards and letters and the prayers that they've had for me." Swenson graduated from UMD in 1978 as a communications major with a minor in journalism. At the university, he had been the Editor of the student newspaper, The Statesman, and received an award for his service to the school. After school, he worked for the Forest City Summit in Iowa, coming to The Pioneer, as a reporter, in 1980. By 1990, he had become the Sunday Editor, and was promoted to Managing Editor (same duties as Editor-In-Chief at most newspapers) by 1991. In the late 90's, with the restructuring of The Pioneer, Swenson, who has always had a flair for political news, became The Pioneer's Political and Editorial Page Editor. During recovery, Mr. Swenson can be contacted c/o The Pioneer, P.O. Box 455, Bemidji, MN 56619 Photo Captions (photos are not included in Library Edition): Leading Bemidji journalist Brad Swenson helps host The Pioneer's 100th Anniversary celebration and open house, March 1996. Now in good spirits and recovering well, following a recent auto accident, Mr. Swenson is expected to be discharged from the hospital, at Duluth, and return to Bemidji in early July. --------------------------------------------------------------- INTERESTS CLASH OVER THREE ISLAND PARK TURTLE RIVER -- Located just up Co. Rd. 23, out of this town named for the great river of turtles, lies one of Beltrami County's most attractive county parks. Long used by cross country skiers for its many winding trails, it is equally commodious during the summer, offering fishing, boat access, berrypicking, tubing and swimming. Local children, who access the park on All Terrain Vehicles, can frequently be seen swimming by the small waterfall where the lake flows into a stream by the picnic grounds. But even Bob Milne, who works for Beltrami County Natural Resources Dept., and sits on the Three Island Lake Park citizen Advisory Committee, admits that the appearance of one of Beltrami County's nicest tourist attractions may be, outwardly, hostile to tourists. And residents, nearby to the park, have complained of some skiers allegedly having cut unauthorized trails in the park, and of a part of a township road, formerly open to vehicles, having been "appropriated" by the park and wrongfully posted. Signs of the Times? One of the things that has always made certain states, like North Dakota, and Canadian provinces, such as Alberta, seem particularly hospitable to travelers is their plethora of free public campsites where people who have made substantial RV investments so be self-reliant and not dependent on tourist service purveyors can do so without having to pay the equivalent of room rent for an overnight parking space. In recent years, Minnesota also boasted this type of hospitality at rest stops and parks. But less so today. Although self-contained campers might otherwise be able to enjoy Three Island Lake, Milne said of the "Overnight Camping Prohibited" sign that the resort owners pressured the committee to put it up. (Do the resort owners really own the county now? And it makes little sense - RV owners aren't going to stay at a resort anyway - they'd just park it on the street, or K-Mart's lot or something. -- Ed.). The signs that have been most troubling to some local residents have included the one placed on Hillcrest (township) Road about 2/10ths of a mile before the road actually ends (sign "A" in map below). The sign marks the road as county park land and prohibits vehicles. One resident said that he had a disabled hunting permit last fall and could have otherwise hunted from his vehicle on that more primitive part of Hillcrest Road. But the Park sign, 2/10 mile too soon, forbade it. Also drawing complaint was the "Road Closed" sign (sign "C" in map) at the vehicle entrance to the park. According to a local resident, the sign has been removed in winter when cross-country skiers use the park, but placed there in spring and summer. Upon inspection, this road, to the mowed and manicured park picnic grounds and to the lake, was severely in need of grading but was drivable when dry. The effect of the sign, then, was to prevent access to the park by all except local residents who knew the road was usable, and their children who accessed it by ATV. Official response. Contacted regarding the sign matters, and also about allegations of unauthorized clearing of trails, (see photos above) County Administrator Greg Lewis said he knew of no complaints regarding the park. But Milne acknowledged that the sign on the township road would be moved back to the park boundary, the Road Closed sign replaced with a more appropriate cautionary sign, and that the road would be graveled and graded later this year. No action has yet been taken regarding the allegations of unlawful cutting of trails. Photo Captions (photos are not included in Library Edition): The sign-2/10 mile too soon. Although the township road (Hillcrest Road) appears to curve to the right, that is a private driveway. Local residents claim that the road continues into the clearing, for 2/10 mile past the sign before it "T"s with the park boundary and that vehicles should be permitted on that part. The park sign prohibits vehicles. A cleared, but believed to be unauthorized, trail is plainly visible from the old logging road, located within the boundaries of Three Island Lake County Park. The short trail, which could be used for cross-country skiing, ends up on a nearby resident's property line connecting the property to the logging road and other trails, but the owner there, who also owns a CAT service, denies having cut the trail. Branches, apparently cut by mechanical means (brush cutter, saw, etc.) and laid at the side, and a cut tree found at the start of the trail. Traveling north on Co. 23 out of Turtle River, tourists would see the Three Island Park sign and it's accompanying inhospitable Overnight Camping Prohibited sign. But when they make the turn to the left to go to the attractively maintained park, they'd encounter the Road Closed sign leading all but locals to believe that there was no access. Curiously, the park grounds have been mowed and maintained even though the road isn't. Local kids, arriving by ATV, can be seen swimming in the stream. ---------------------------------------------------------------- KINKEL'S KOLUMN from the office of Dist. 4 State Senator Tony Kinkel LICENSE FEES AND PERCH LIMITS As my legislative record shows, I have long worked to represent both the economic and environmental concerns of District Four. When it became clear that this year’s omnibus environment and agriculture bill was not in our region’s best interests, I knew that I could not support the bill with a clear conscience. For reasons that are unclear to me, the authors of the bill chose to eliminate the senior discount for a fishing license. Instead of buying a $6.50 license, seniors will now have to pay $17, the full rate for a license. While the cost may not seem like a lot, it makes a big difference to folks who live on a small, fixed budget. I can understand that prices may go up from time to time, but it is thoughtless at best that the state should jeopardize our seniors’ fishing rights just to raise a little extra money. The second flaw in the omnibus environment bill was its lack of compromise language on perch limits. As many of you know, yellow perch levels in Lake Winnibigoshish and Leech Lake have fallen dramatically in the past several years, prompting DNR officials to cut perch limits drastically. However, the same cuts intended to save the perch threaten the vitality of the resorts on these lakes. This year both the Senate and the House had bills that would have required the DNR to set the perch limits at an acceptably higher level. While the Senate bill (game and fish) was held back by its author, the House bill (environment and agriculture) made it to the conference committee level, so all its provisions could be considered for adoption. However, the House chose not to promote its own position on perch limits, and the perch compromise did not make it into the final version of the omnibus environment bill. As you can see, I voted against the omnibus environment bill not to sabotage it­the bill passed by a wide margin­but to signal my disapproval. The bill was unfair to District Four in two important ways, and I could simply not condone this bill this year. Editor's Note: Kinkel's Kolumn is a regular feature in this spring's issues of Northern Herald, providing session info direct from our Senator in St. Paul. Readers may contact Sen. Kinkel at G-9 State Capitol, 75 Constitution Ave., St. Paul, MN 55155 651-296-4913. This is strictly the Senator's space for his commentary, information and views. Northern Herald does not substantially edit this column, nor does this column necessarily reflect the position of this paper. In Focus -------- In Focus is primarily a pictoral feature. Photos, however, are not included in the Library Edition. WHAT'S NEW IN WALKER ?!!? Photo Captions (photos are not included in Library Edition): WILD BILL'S, just opened during June, at 509 W. Minnesota Ave. (just across from Northern Exposure) is a clearance store that has a little bit of everything. Matt Johnson, owner, displayed some of the store's hanging copper hummingbird feeders, calculators, designer sunglasses, jewelry and a large assortment of sportswear. Across the street from Wild Bill's, also on Minnesota Ave. is OJIBWE REFLECTIONS, opened by the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe in June. Ojibwe Reflections features fine arts and unique gifts. Among their sales stock will be found birch bark products, pottery, ornaments, objects d'art, dream catchers, Theodore bears, pillows, figurines, paintings and many other elegantly rustic area items. The store features blankets and clothing, including authentic Pendleton wool garments. (Some of the woolens sold in Bemidji, conversely, were not actually produced at the "mill" there that labels and sells them.) Becky Ernst's THE PINE NEEDLE, now in their second season on Minnesota Avenue, has just about everything one would need for many types of home needlecraft, including a wide selection of yarns, needles and supplies for needle point, cross-stitch, knitting and hardanger. Miss Ernst said, "We try to specialize in the good quality designs and accessories, fibers, [and] threads ...." Next to The Pine Needle, at 523 Minnesota Ave., is MAIN STREAM, run by Kent Fladeboe. Main Stream also opened in 2000 and features "weekend lifestyles casual clothing, ... [and] decor for a lodge-style home," the proprietor explained from their showroom filled with men's and women's sportswear, including an assortment of hats and slippers. ----------------------------------------------------------- BULLOCK PRE-TRIAL TO BE JULY 18TH GRAND RAPIDS -- The pre-trial of Richard Bullock has been moved to July 18th before the Honorable Judge Jon Maturi at Grand Rapids. Bullock was convicted, in 1997, of fondling his step-daughter, Spring LeFevre, but, after 3 years in prison, the judgement was vacated after it was demonstrated that he had been denied a fair trial due to ineffective assistance of counsel. Among other errors, trial counsel, Michael P. Gallagher, in the women's-shelter assisted trial, refused to let the original jury hear of the alleged victim's reputation for dishonest acts, and her stated vendetta against Bullock. ---------------------------------------------------------- Editorials-Opinion A LESS TROUBLING MODE OF EXECUTION On June 11th, 2001, mass-killer Timothy McVeigh was turned off. It was the first federal execution in 38 years. As is generally the case before such things, the Nation's social conscience became overwrought as the hours toward the killing passed. In the usual convoluted last minute discussions, even mass murderer* Janet Reno went on national TV to say that she thought the death penalty inappropriate. This is particularly meaningless in light of the fact that federal prosecutors under her office were responsible for McVeigh getting the death penalty. What is clear, from all of the hullabaloo, is that, as a nation, we have a problem accepting the death penalty. It isn't the death part that troubles us. Death is all around us every day and there isn't nearly as much commotion. You don't see top officials coming to the fore and saying an ordinary person, who is about to be killed on the highways, "doesn't deserve to die" for his doings during life. There's death in military conflict, on the roads, and from natural causes each day. No one raises a big stink (except the corpses) about most of these individual occurrences. Certainly, an average citizen's death on the highway never attracted as much countrywide concern as the death of this proven killer, McVeigh. It's obviously the penalty part (of "death penalty") that we don't like. As with many things, there's an obvious and simple solution. The mode of execution needs to be changed to one less troubling. Instead of having the executioner administer the deadly drugs in a closed room, McVeigh should have been given his belongings, and set free - told to leave the prison and go home. Then you give the executioner a pint of whisky, put him behind the wheel of his car and also send him home from the prison. When he runs over McVeigh on the way out, killing him, McVeigh becomes a statistic - not a martyr. A statistic which happens every day and causes the nation's conscience no trouble. * at Waco, if nowhere else. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Letters to the Editor HUBBARD CO. HAS MONEY FOR COMPUTERS, BUT NOT STREET SIGNS We in and around the Laporte area recently got new addresses and street signs. I don't know whose idea this was. Then in the June 15th [Bemidji] Pioneer there was an article on how our taxes are being raised to help pay for the new signs. Those which we did not even ask for. I think Hubbard County should have gone over their finances before they went ahead with this project. Then in the June 17th Pioneer, there was an article on how the Hubbard County commissioners were purchasing six new laptop computers to the tune of $3,938. I, among others, feel that if Hubbard County has enough money to buy six new laptop computers, they should have enough money to pay for these stupid-looking street signs without taxing us some more. Needless to say, we are taxed enough already, to the point where there are many homes going up for sale, and more to come - including ours. I would like to pat Lyle Robinson on the back for opposing this. Needless to say, Lyle, it didn't do any good. We in Hubbard County got along for many years without these street signs. I think it is a waste of taxpayers' money. Not only that, our address sounds like we are in the middle of New York. Those hotshots in the offices in Hubbard County forgot that it's only Laporte. I think it's time we start fighting some of these taxes or give the land back to the Native American Indians. We can't afford it. [Name & address withheld by request] NH REPLIES: The way to fight it is at the ballot box. If a county elects a guy with banking connections - well, they're used to spending other peoples' money anyhow. -- Ed. --------------------------------------------------------------- This Is Bemidji --------------- THE BEMIDJI POST OFFICE The Bemidji Post Office recently, with the addition of expensive equipment, became a mail sorting center. Bemidji did not deserve this distinction, and efficiency-oriented post offices will send their mail elsewhere for sorting. Postal rates will again go up on July 1st, partially to pay for this kind of waste of money on a nationwide basis. But as long as the expenditure has been made here and the Bemidji Post Office upgraded, we have to ask, WHY 1) Is the Post Office closed at 8 pm (for box pickup)? 2) Is the last mail pickup still no later than 6 pm? 3) Does it often take EXPRESS MAIL 2 days to go to/from Bemidji? 4) Has the service buzzer at the after hours window been disconnected? ------------------------------------------------------------- NO LAW AT BALL CLUB Merchant Has 6 Break-Ins in 5 Years - Will Close Doors BALL CLUB -- "There's no law in Ball Club." That's what certain arrogant members of the Alfred Fairbanks Jr. (former Reservation Tribal Council member) family, who live here, have been known to say when threatening people in this smaller, remote, mostly Native American community, located on the Leech Lake Reservation about 7 miles West of Deer River on U.S. 2. Although patrolled by the Itasca County Sheriff's Office, now the lawlessness of this area has claimed a victim business, the closure of which is sure to inconvenience all those residing nearby. Leo Donnell's Stop Inn store will close its doors permanently July 30th, 2001, due to crime. The store has sustained 6 break-ins in the 5 years it has been open. "I don't think anyone else can get insurance here again," said Donnell, who, 2 years ago, and following his 3rd burglary, put bars on the windows and doors. He said that the criminals of Ball Club, though, just tore the bars and door frame off, doing more severe damage to the building. Donnell said that, following previous break-ins, there have been arrests, but those apprehended were minors, who, under current law, of course, are allowed to commit severe crimes with relative impunity. Some have speculated that adult criminals, for this reason, have their kids actually perform the unlawful acts. The decision to close came when Donnell's insurer would no longer insure the business, leaving him to replace stolen stock and building damage. "It was just unprofitable to do it anymore," he said. Donnell offered his sincere thanks to all of his loyal customers for their patronage over the past 5 years. Unfortunately, and due to crime, many will have to now drive to Bena or Deer River for their convenience groceries. Photo Caption (photos are not included in Library Edition): Barred windows and doors evidence Ball Club's law enforcement problem, but did not stop the thieves. --------------------------------------------------------- ROOTIN' TOOTIN'EST RODEO TO BE AT EFFIE IN JULY EFFIE -- There are probably a lot of other things that Howard Pitzen knows. But after all these years, one thing he knows for sure is how to produce a heckuva good rodeo. Nationally, there are many rodeos - some with lofty names and titles designed to lure the paying public. Pitzen's North Star Stampede, though, is the one the top cowboys like to return to each year. And that's what really makes for a great show for the audience. This will be the 46th year of the North Star Stampede rodeo, July 27th - 29th at Effie, Minn. New this year will be the northern debut of rodeo clown John Lynn who comes to the Stampede at Effie from Lehigh, Oklahoma. Reputedly, Lynn's clowning sometimes involves his bull-riding gorilla. The North Star Stampede is Minnesota's oldest open rodeo - that is, one where the cowboys can compete without restrictions by association or organization. Said cowboy and steer wrestler Matt Tellegan, a few years back, "it gives a lot of people ... a chance to come up here and if they want to try something, [they can] go ahead and try it." To assure a quality rodeo, and leading to the distinction of North Star, is Mr. Pitzen's fussiness about their bucking stock. They want to assure each cowboy a good ride, and so, for years, North Star has had it's own breeding program designed to produce quality bucking stock. Often, North Star stock has been leased to other rodeo companies, but the best is generally brought back for the annual Stampede. Now, in its 46th year, the Stampede will again be followed, Saturday night, with the parade through downtown Effie, and permits free parking and camping the weekend of the rodeo. As usual, Mr. Pitzen advises campers to bring their own drinking water as there is no deep well on the rodeo grounds. Photo Captions (photos are not included in Library Edition): Troy Promersberger scores 83 points for his wild bull ride at last year's Stampede. There are many ways to ride a wild cow. This cowboy, at last year's Stampede, prefers to do it sideways. The round white thing, seemingly on the side of the cow, is actually his hat, still on his head. ---------------------------------------------------------- BEMIDJI ART CENTER TO EXHIBIT "CONTEMPORARY NORTH" BEMIDJI -- A collection of acrylic, oil and mixed media pieces created by Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin artists will be on display during July at the Bemidji Art Center, 423 Bemidji Ave,. Bemidji. Admission is free to the public. ------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 06/02/2001 - VOLUME 6 NO. 8 ------------------------------------- WALKER UNDER SIEGE When Something's Not Broken, You Don't Usually Fix It. Now, the Many Active and Concerned Citizens of This Quaint and Eclectic Village, That Has Sought to Preserve Its Unique Architectural Integrity, Have Come Together to Fend Off Threats to Destroy the Town's Charm and Beauty from Both Cass County and the DNR. BLOCK 25 - A COMMUNITY THAT CARED; A COUNCIL THAT LISTENED WALKER -- It's not known exactly whence came the idea for the City to sell historic Block 25 to the county for jail expansion, and possible relocation of Walker City Hall. Per Councilman Ken Bresley, additional space is needed for pre-sentence inmates. Cass County Administrator Robert Yochum brought the proposal to Walker City Administrator Steve Michael, which got it before the Council for their May 7th meeting. Yochum said that it came out of a joint City-County Committee formed to discuss expansion of the courthouse. But Councilman Scott Bruns, who was a member of that committee, said that the concept predated the committee, and came from the County. No one seems to want to accept responsibility for the idea - possibly because they would like to have a chance at re-election. What is known is that, in a remarkable show of community support, much of the Walker area showed up at the May 7th public hearing to soundly let their council know that they wanted the County's plan conclusively stopped. Specifically, per Yochum, what was before the Council were two proposals: 1) for an option for the County to purchase the West 90' of Block 25; and 2) for an option to purchase all of it excepting that part already owned by the County. The community speaks.. No one, other than certain officials, in the packed room, voiced support of the County's proposal. Said Councilman Bresley at the outset, "Option number 1 ... for the City ... [is] do nothing ... leave everything just as it is. The ramifications of that are ... have the County begin to relocate to somewhere outside of Walker for its expansion." Thunderous applause followed each citizen who next spoke. Bob Mallory had met with a group of Walker area people. He said that they recognized the County's logical need, but, "they're absolutely adamant about preserving Block 25, so obviously I like Ken's [Bresley's] 'number one' proposal." He said that he recognized the City's responsibility to work with the County on courthouse expansion, and "I think there are other solutions." Mallory told the Council that the image visitors get when they come to Walker, is a "very valuable asset. ... We've got the park on one side; we've got the grounds and the museum building and the Conservation Building [tourist center] on the other side. ... People who come to Walker, Minnesota can come around that corner, they're thrilled by Leech Lake, thrilled by the entrance to this town." Eric Myra called the rustic and historic chamber and tourist center building a "special place" and said "I think there's a lot of alternatives [available] to the County." Myra, a prominent Walker businessman, volunteered his services to help arrive at a working solution to the expansion problem. Tony Doughty spoke of his travels with his wife, "One of the things we notice, primarily with sadness, is that there's a great sameness that is happening in many, many towns throughout America ... but there are some towns we go into and it's not that way. Some of these towns have managed ... to prepare themselves to meet the future without selling their souls to do so. And Walker's one of those towns as well. There is something very special about that green space [of Block 25]. ...where we have Memorial Day service, that's where we kick off Ethnic Fest, ... it's the aesthetic core of this County and there must be some other alternative we can find that protects that. ... One thought Pat and I had ... you could take the entire law enforcement and judicial operations of the County and move it to Ah-Gwah-Ching." Several further citizens spoke during the hour public meeting, after which the Council convened to consider the question. At first Councilmen Reed and Bresley each moved that a committee prolong discussion of the issue with the County; but a citizen stood and said, "It is very obvious that the community wants to preserve that block. ... Why more meetings ...? With the public outcry here and support of that block, ... why not just deny it [the County proposal] and tell them to look elsewhere?" [Thunderous applause.] Bresley withdrew his original motion and replaced it with a simple motion that Walker deny the County's proposal, which was then passed unanimously. Picture captions (photos are not included in The Library edition): Walker Block 25. The peak-roofed marquee by the Stars and Stripes tells residents and visitors alike of current events and attractions. The historic Walker on Leech Lake sign directs them to nearby sights and sporting locations. The complex also includes the rustic Tourist Center and Chamber of Commerce, and the Cass County historical Museum. Walker and Walker Area residents pack the Fire Hall to standing room only (and that was tight) for the May 7th public hearing to discuss possible sale, by the City, of Block 25. The Walker City Council hears public testimony at a special public hearing just before their May 7th meeting at the Walker Fire Hall. At the table are councilmen Truman Reed, Scott Bruns, Mayor Brad Wahlof, councilmembers Pat Finney and Ken Bresley. Speaking in Opposition to the disposition, by the City, of historic Block 25, containing the Tourist Center and Museum were former Mayor Newell Ellis, Marge Rinke, Edy Asell, Herb Freeberg Bob Mallory, former Sheriff and present County Commissioner Jim Dawson, John Fellstool, Former Commissioner Irv Ostlund, Candy Barthel, Eric Myra, Tony Doughty. ------------------------------------------------------- DNR SHUTS DOWN, RESTORES BIELOH'S POND WALKER -- In 1988, Walker grocer Bill Bieloh, with city and DNR permits, dredged and built Bieloh's Pond as a memorial to his father, Jack. Since then, he has maintained the pond and added a fountain, and the park has become a significant Walker attraction for visitors as well as residents. "I just talked to a lady ... [who], every year they come up, their kids are down there feeding ducks...," Bieloh said. All that changed on May 1st when much to the despair and outrage of Walker, the DNR, through its Conservation Officer George Jurgenson, without forenotice to Walker or Bieloh, "pulled the plug" on the pond, ordering DOT to remove what DNR said was an unauthorized dam near Highway 371, that had been in place for 12 years and maintained the pond's water level. The shallow pond immediately dropped about 2 feet - enough to turn much of it into mere expanses of exposed wet sand. The origin of the water blockage is unknown. DNR has tried to assert that it was manmade; but Mr. Bieloh said that it was "just a natural buildup" of beaver wood, sediment and debris that got caught in the pond's required filter fabric and maintained the pond level. Dammed if you do, dammed if you don't. DNR justified their action by saying that some people nearby had complained of wet basements, but a DNR spokesman, when asked, failed to actually produce any specific instances of same, and Jurgenson admitted that any area water problems which might have arisen were not necessarily attributable to the pond. Jurgenson also expressed concern over obstruction of fish spawning in the small creek leading to Leech Lake. The DNR's action displaced waterfowl. Mr. Bieloh reported "there's three abandoned nests, the pair of nesting Canadian Geese that have been there for 4 or 5 years ... they just abandoned their nest this week." Ducks were seen standing in the middle of Highway 371 looking for wetland. Jurgenson said that, after the dam had been removed, he notified Bieloh of what they had done. The reaction of the Walker community was immediate. Former Councilman Willard Arends began circulating a petition which quickly filled with signatures, and Mayor Brad Wahlof took action to try to restore the pond. In St. Paul, both Sen. Tony Kinkel and Rep. Larry Howes took prompt action. Howes, on May 11th, had affixed to the House version of this session's wetland act amendment the clause, "The Department of Natural Resources [DNR], working with the City of Walker, shall restore the Bieloh's Pond," which was passed in the House as part of HF 1828. Kinkel supported action substituting the House File containing that clause for the previous Senate version of the wetland amendment. This was passed and sent to the Governor for his signature. Reportedly, at first, DNR would not consider a permit for a water control device, but within a few days, Larry Krampka, DNR hydrologist, expressed a willingness to discuss the matter, and on May 15th, met with Mayor Wahlof, City Administrator Steve Michael, and Mr. Bieloh at Walker City Hall, where DNR agreed to issue a temporary permit, to the City of Walker, to place a control device restoring water levels to not more than what they had previously been, while a long-term plan is being worked out. The newly-made water control device was put in place by City workers, assisted by Mayor Wahlof, resident Bob Mallory, and others, on May 16th. A week later, ducks were back and Mr. Bieloh reported that although the pair of nesting geese hadn't yet returned, the pond had otherwise been fully restored. Picture captions (photos are not included in The Library edition): Bieloh's Pond, a Walker city park, is home to geese, wild ducks, ducklings and birds, and is a favorite stopping point for residents and visitors alike. The newly-made water control device doesn't stop the water, but controls its rate of flow out of Bieloh's Pond. ----------------------------------------------------------- FIREMEN HOLD ANNUAL SMELT FEED AT BACKUS BACKUS -- Firefighting, particularly volunteer firefighting, takes dedication. But as firemen's duties come more and more to include paramedic and rescue work, it also takes money for the latest in life-saving equipment. Jaws Of Life, priced on a table at the fire hall, cost $15,000, and each firemen's safety equipment and insulated suit costs several thousand dollars. Each year the volunteer firemen at Backus, Minnesota, about 21 miles South of Walker, raise money for new equipment with their Smelt and (for the not so adventurous) Cod Fry. This year's May 5th event packed the fire hall and featured an endless plate of fried fish, potato salad, excellent fire hall baked beans - dark and well baked with plenty of molasses sugar, rolls, beverage and dessert for $7 (adults). Picture captions (photos are not included in The Library edition): Myrtle and Raymond Bradow have been driving up from Pine River for the Smelt Feed, "almost every year." They prefer the Smelt over the excellent Cod. "It just always seems to be real great," Mrs. Bradow said. Fireman Ron Hamilton dishes up the fish. ---------------------------------------------------------- Moondance 2001 -------------- THE TENTH - THE BIGGEST, BEST, MOST JAMMIN' MOONDANCE EVER ! WALKER -- It is still uncertain whether or not the tenth will be the last Moondance - what is certain is that interest in Moondance 2001 is running high. Although very suitable camping space remains, Moondance promoter Mark Ricci said that the popular North reserved campground was sold out as early as January. This year, the VIP tent has been moved to stage right for better viewing; and there will be a wine and cheese tasting tent. Moondance crews have been busy preparing for the traffic: The road leading to the grounds has been improved and as before, there will be secured remote parking lots with well-managed and fast shuttle service to the main gate. In past years, a person could ride in faster than he might walk from his car at other events' lots. Among music fests, quality and taste has always been foremost at Moondance. Said Ricci, "the difference between our event and [other fests] is Moondance is a mature event. ... Less than 2% of our audience is under 21 ...." This year's Moondance features 30 acts including multiple grammy winner Pat Benatar. Ricci explained that it took longer this year to finalize the band line up because, "we're very selective of who we put in there ... we want the best available that fits our event." Picture captions (photos are not included in The Library edition): Rockin' Dopsie Jr. at Moondance 2000 Eric Burdon on last year's Moondance Main Stage ------------------------------------------------------ SUMMERSET SUMMER MUSICAL TO BE AT WALKER LA PORTE -- Following a sell-out of all of their performances last year, this summer, The Summerset Players will perform the musical revue, "Come Journey With Us" at Horseshoe Bay's new convention center, at Walker, under the direction of Joanna Riden Aamodt. Opening night is June 20th, 2001 with additional performances July 11th, August 1st and 22nd. Tickets for the dinner show are $23 (includes dinner but not beverage) and reservations may be made by calling 218-547-1366. Cocktails begin at 5:30 p.m., with dinner at 6 and the show at 7. ---------------------------------------------------------- BUNYAN'S Phillips 66(R) Gas, Convenience & Bait Opens at Akeley AKELEY -- To better serve motorists along Highways 34 and 64, as well as the picnic, fishing and household needs of visitors and residents alike, Bunyan's opened it's doors in late May on the East side of Akeley. The store's 4 gas islands boast 24 gas pumps with 3 grades of Phillips 66(R) gasoline, and diesel fuel. In the store, shoppers will find both everyday foods and dairy, and also the not-so-usual, such as locally raised buffalo jerky, burger and steaks from the Johnson Bison Ranch at Nevis. Sportsmen will find bait, minnows, light tackle and ATV and dirt bike supplies. Mr. Kramer, an accomplished area historian, has, for many years, operated Paul's Museum, adjacent to the new store, which illustrates and documents northern life during the timber boom era, as well as the history of the many towns which sprung up in the vast Red River Lumber Co. operations area. One of the best things at the museum is Mr. Kramer himself - he's chock-full of anecdotes and information about early Minnesota legend and lore, and visitors who catch him in will find out some stuff they didn't know. Picture captions (photos are not included in The Library edition): BUNYAN'S owners Nels and Arlys Kramer; with well-stocked store at right inset. A scale model of early Akeley at Paul's Museum ----------------------------------------------------- -- Good Things To Eat -- A FINE YEAR AT INDIAN MISSION Erratic 2001 Maple Run Produces Superlative Product at Federal Dam FEDERAL DAM -- Due to unusual weather this spring, the tapping was touch-and-go. The trees started running, then they stopped, then started again; and the Kvasnickas and their crew of 5 workers had to work pretty much around the clock to get the sap out while the getting was good. Mr. Kvasnicka prefers not to use heavy equipment, which could damage his 160 acre maple farm. Instead, he uses traditional draught horses, which are more able to weave in and about the trees, to haul the maple sap to the gathering tanks. The farm is equipped with a custom pipeline to bring the sap from those tanks to the Sugar Shack or cooking house. Despite the weather, this year's production was 900 gallons of very superb syrup. Some think true maple costs a lot, but then, the sap, generally, reduces to syrup in about a 40 to 1 ratio. It can take many taps to produce enough for a single gallon and a little math reveals how much work, in tapping, gathering, hauling and cooking goes into each gallon of this traditional and natural syrup. This year's Indian Mission product is magnificent. It is a velvety, very dark amber syrup, with excellent sugar and lots of it and a particularly rich maplewood flavour - much like eating maple candy. It makes waffles an event. With the going price for more ordinary maple syrup at over $40 a gallon, this superior product, at $34, is quite the bargain. Picture captions (photos are not included in The Library edition): Above, Indian Mission Enterprises owners Bob and Corrine Kvasnicka, phographed before the wood-fired syrup evaporators in their "Sugar Shack" cooking house, used their stock of 3,500 buckets and over 6,000 taps to gather sap for 900 gallons of syrup during this year's unusual run on their maple farm at Federal Dam. Other natural products including birch barks, wild rice, jellies and jams are sold in the Indian Mission gift shop. ---------------------------------------------------------- In Focus (IN FOCUS is primarily pictoral; photos, however, are not included in The Library edition.) THIS YEAR IN WALKER !!! Some Things Old, Some Things New, Time is Borrowed, Pond's Still Blue For the birds. Whether feeding and housing outside birds, or looking for painted feathers and wildlife oriented decor to complement a room, those who enjoy birds will probably enjoy The Nuthatch, opened at Walker, March 14th, by Marcy Hanson, who has, since 1995, lived with her husband at Pine Point. "We just enjoy birds and birding," Hanson said of her inspiration for the shop, "[we have] everything from bird feeders, bird houses to good bird food - anything to support wildlife." The shop has a little bit of everything, including many varieties of brand name wild bird seed which compares favorably, in price, to that sold in discount stores. The Nuthatch is located next to the Fishing Hall of Fame, off 371 in north Walker. Would Hanson say the shop is for the birds? "I would say 'it's for the birds,' yes!" she said. A good cigar can usually be found at Open Water, in Downtown Walker., which also has men's gifts and custom picture framing. Now in its third year, Open Water is operated by noted Leech Lake fishing guide Jim Flesch, who not only can share fine smoking fare, but also some interesting sporting experiences while one is enjoying it. The Log Company opened it's doors May 25th, in the old former Village Motors building next to Subway® in downtown Walker. Ben Ott, owner of the firm, which produces a diverse range of log furniture, said what brought him to Walker was "the atmosphere of the town, and how popular the area is, and how nice all the people are." Ott said he'd built log homes for 8 years, and, "I was always interested in doing log furniture, and I decided to do it - just go for it!" Of his prices, Ott said, "Everybody can afford them - they're not outrageous," and said that they also do custom work. Picture captions (photos are not included in The Library edition): Hummingbird and butterfly feeders, and bird statuettes decorate a wall of The Nuthatch. ------------------------------------------------------------- VANDALISM INVADES BACKUS A sign was found posted on the door of the Backus Laundramat during May. It said: "With regret, we have decided that there is no alternative but to be CLOSED FOR BUSINESS EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY! "Due to the constant vandalism, and total disrespect for us and our properties, our efforts to keep this laundromat open for your convenience in Backus [have] become more than we are able to bear. "Our sincere Thank-You to our loyal customers for your continued support! "And we do apologize for the inconvenience the actions of others have caused you!!!! "The owners of the Backus Laundromat." ------------------------------------------------ OPEN HOUSE AT COUNTRY GREENHOUSE, BEMIDJI Picture caption (photos are not included in The Library edition): Owners Dwayne and Emi Totzauer at the well-visited May 12th open house commemorating their 5th season at the present location of Country Greenhouse and Garden Center, a few miles S of Bemidji on 71. The store, in business 10 years, total, is open year-around, with feed and pet foods (Purina dealer); plants, including annuals and perennials, veggies, fruit and other trees, shrubs, and hanging baskets; as well as ornaments,supplies, and other items the home gardener might need. ----------------------------------------------------- NORTHLAND SCHOOL KIDS EXPERIENCE HISTORY, ENJOY DAY AT WHITE OAK DEER RIVER -- White Oak Society is a group of people dedicated, not just to learning history, but living it, as they recreate late 18th century life on their expansive grounds just north of Deer River on Highway 6. And in its mission as a learning centre, each spring, White Oak hosts over 800 public and private school students who want to spend a day gaining insight into the region's heritage. In May, several hundred students from Bemidji, Nevis, Remer and Bagley schools had the opportunity to visit the fur post and tradesmen at White Oak. Chris Wade, 6th grade teacher at Nevis, said of this year's White Oak student outing, "Wonderful. We've enjoyed it every year. ... I think it just teaches them a different way of life ... in our classroom, we talk a lot about the fur trade in Minnesota history and this just kind of brings it to life for them so they can understand it better." Taylor Schroeder, 6th grader at Nevis said he saw, "a lot of fun stuff," and that his favorite exhibit was the blacksmith's demonstration of how period tools were made. White Oak (218-246-9393) will host an introductory adult (and kids) newcomer's event June 9th & 10th for those interested in the Society, or in Minnesota's early history. Public is invited. Picture captions (photos are not included in The Library edition): One of the post's bourgeoisie in his quarters. Louis LaFlash, White Oak Post's canoe builder, demonstrates how to make a birch bark canoe. The post blacksmith hammers a handmade nail on the anvil while his assistant heats the fire with bellows. An apprentice blacksmith, he explained, would be expected to produce about 200 of these nails before breakfast, and if he failed in the number, he might not get a meal 'til noon. Post cook Broken Toe tells the children, seated around the tripod, skillets and cauldron, of foods and food preparation methods of the period. --------------------------------------------------------- Barefoot and Pregnant --------------------- Contemporary Ladies' Perspective, Advice and Tips by The Lady Steele SAVE MAYONNAISE JARS FOR CANNING Spring is here. It's almost time to again think about putting away some of the bounty of the Northern Minnesota summer to enjoy when the harvest of August is just a memory blanketed by the snows of December. Whether it's produce, jam and jelly from your own garden; or wild blueberries and raspberries, you'll need canning jars, rings and lids. But if you use mayonnaise, you won't need to buy as many jars. That's because the Kerr® and other canning lids and rings happen to fit the standard quart Hellmann's® mayonnaise jar, and seals perfectly. The lids and rings also fit certain other, and some smaller jars (try it to be sure). If you save and wash those jars when empty, all you'll need to buy will be rings and lids, which are relatively inexpensive. ---------------------------------------------------------- WINE, CIGAR EVENT HIGHLIGHTED WALKER'S MAY CALENDAR WALKER -- In an elegantly-produced and extraordinarily hospitable four hour event, the public was invited, May 16th, 2001, to sample, gratis, a broad selection of fine domestic and imported wines, and very fine cigars, including pre-embargo Havanas, in a reserved room at The Wharf, in downtown Walker. The event was produced by Kevin Rohan, representative for Quality Wine & Spirits, in conjunction with cigar manufacturers' rep, Montana Jack of Cigar Outfitters, Foreston, Minn., The Wharf, and Jim Flesch of Walker's Open Water cigar shoppe. Rohan explained that the wines tasted were generally available at most Northland package stores. Wines tasted included Lindeman's (Australian) Shiraz (light red robe, spicy, fruity, overall very excellent - this was also The Lady's favorite); Sonoma Creek Cabernet Sauvignon (pronounced bouquet which fills the nose, very dry, light tannin, good acid); Renwood Zinfandel (a light red zin - perfumed bouquet, lots of sugar on the tip of the tongue); Raimat Tempranillo 1997 (Spain) (light red - just right sugar-acid balance, smooth finish - semi full but not overbearingly so); KWV Full Tawny Port (South Africa) (smooth and smoky); and Louis Latour Domaine De Valmoissine (France) (A light ruby Pinot Noir, particularly appealing to those who prefer a lighter red.) Picture captions (photos are not included in The Library edition): Kevin Rohan serves a guest. The tasting table featured crackers, brie and other cheeses to cleanse the palate and complement the wines. Montana Jack and Open Water's Jim Flesch. Guests sample cigars. The box pressed, 4 year aged, Indian Tabac Super Fuerte, available for tasting at the event, is an excellent Honduran cigar made with Honduran, Costa Rican and Nicaraguan long filler. It received, in August, 1999, Cigar Aficianado Magazine's highest rating for a non-Cuban cigar. Most of the cigars tasted, including the Havanas, are available for purchase at Open Water Cigar Shoppe, Walker; this Super Fuerte is $7.25 a copy. ----------------------------------------------------------- CORRECTION (no, not even we are without sin) The headline on page 3 of NH of 04/28/01 should have read: Moondance 2001 To Feature Wine, Cheese Tasting. --------------------------------------------------------- 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 HAVE YOU BEEN DAMAGED/INJURED BY A PRODUCT? If so, you can make a complaint via the Internet to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) (https://www.cpsc.gov/index.html) or you can make it by phone to 1-800-638-2772. CPSC investigates certain complaints; their zeal, however, may be subject to the ebb and flow of political administration and consumer protection may or may not be a major concern under George W. Bush's. Still, your complaint becomes part of the CPSC database and the public record and can help other consumers. A product liability attorney has recommended that, in addition to any other action that may be taken, a report of unsafe products be made here. ------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 04/28/2001 - VOLUME 6 NO. 7 ------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism HEALTH CARE IN NORTHERN MINNESOTA --------------------------------- NORTHLAND DENTAL PROVIDERS DRAW COMPLAINTS Part 1 of a Multi-Part Series Resulting from Our Continuing Investigation of Health Service Practices in Northern Minnesota PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY COSTS GO THROUGH CEILING Some Dentists Charge Up to $712 for Cleaning; Some Insurers Refuse to Pay Exorbitant Fees It was not so long ago that a person would see his dentist every now and then for a professional cleaning which would cost about $40. Even people who regularly brushed their teeth sometimes did this. It was not an end-all; if your teeth were so disposed, they'd rot and fall out anyway; but if they weren't, they'd look and feel better. This inexpensive regular professional cleaning is said to retard gum disease and tooth loss, and probably does. Now, though, with consumer interest in preventive dentistry on the upswing, a new twist has been added. Increasingly, when people go in for cleaning, they're being sold a cleaning "procedure" called root planing and scaling. MinnesotaCare reported that between 1998 and 1999, the use of this procedure increased fourfold. How to get $178 an hour with a 4-year degree. Root planing and scaling is typically performed by the dental hygienist, not the dentist. Typically, in Minnesota, the hygienist is required to have the equivalent of a Bachelor's Degree, although some may be married. Fees for the root planing "procedure" are usually stated as per quadrant (although it may be recommended for all four quadrants of the mouth). The hygienist sets an hour appointment for each quadrant; and our survey (taken among dental offices in Walker, Park Rapids, Faribault, Blackduck and Bagley) of fees charged ranged from $40 to $178 per quadrant, with charges most commonly totalling $400-600 for cleaning the whole mouth. Only one dental office surveyed, Dr. Warren Johnson's, in Faribault, said that they don't generally charge extra for root planing - it's just $47 for the cleaning, even if some root planing is done. Two dental offices, one in Walker and one in Faribault, refused to quote their fees by phone. Why should routine cleaning cost $400? Speaking to dentists and hygienists may result in varied attempts to justify the cost of this procedure. It is apparent that, recently, many dental offices have been sold a piece of expensive ultrasound equipment designed for ... yep, you guessed it ... root planing and scaling. One hygienist gave the cost of this equipment as a reason the procedure is expensive as it is. The other side of the coin, however, is that now, that equipment has to pay for itself by the hygienist's recommendation that it be used on enough people. At the rates being charged, though, the equipment has probably been paid for many times over. The procedure may sometimes be recommended where a patient hasn't had regular cleanings every six months; one dental office said that it might be used "if it's been a while since they've [the patient's] had a cleaning," and another hygienist explained to a patient, in a particular case, that the steep fee was as much as would have been paid over the years anyway, if the patient had had more frequent cleanings. This may cipher out, but it also draws the speculation that in cases where a person had opted for less frequent professional visits, some dental hygienists may then try to get their share by recommending this expensive procedure. Even if preventive dentistry is covered under your insurance plan, the expensive root planing and scaling may not be. One patient was insured through Blue Cross for preventive dentistry, but when the claim was submitted for root planing and scaling, Blue Cross paid less than $35 of the $135 charge, leaving the patient liable for the remainder. Tom Fields, MinnesotaCare Health Care Manager reported that MinnesotaCare pays $43.85 per quadrant. Dick Dierks, Executive Director of the Minnesota Dental Association, said, "Root planing isn't a new procedure ... [it] is an appropriate procedure for certain conditions...." And he said that he didn't think it was being recommended when it wasn't needed. Asked about the exorbitant fees hygienists were receiving for root planing, however, Dierks replied, "I don't know enough to comment on that." Eric Oyen, Actuary and V.P. of Delta Dental Plan of Minnesota's Oral Health Management Center, said that periodontal root planing and scaling is typically not covered under their preventative dentistry plans, but may be covered under some of their restorative dentistry plans. When covered, Oyen said that, usually and on the average, they pay about $140 per quadrant, with a 20% co-pay, and the precise amount they pay is governed by their agreement with each participating dentist. Delta's Manager of Public Affairs and Communication, Dimitri Senaratna spoke highly of the dentists with whom Delta Dental works, and reflected that, "We have noticed that dental costs in Minnesota are rising faster than the national average." He observed that the cost increases were more resultant of hygienists', rather that dentists', fees. He added that part of Delta's mission was cost containment and while Minnesota dental costs have been rising at a rate of about 10% per year, Delta had been able to hold premium increases to about 5%. Delta Dental Plan is generally available only through group or employer plans. ----------------------------------------------------- MINNESOTACARE PATIENTS GIVEN THE BRUSH-OFF BY DENTISTS STATEWIDE PARK RAPIDS -- A Park Rapids woman was insured through Minnesota Care, Minnesota's state-subsidized medical and dental insurance program. So, when she broke her leg, she received treatment at the hospital at Detroit Lakes. Unfortunately, in the course of administering the anesthesia, the anesthesiologist knocked out her front incisor, requiring follow up dental care. Her attorney advised her to see a dentist for evaluation. That's where she hit a dead end. It was reported to Northern Herald that in scheduling a dental appointment, as soon as the patient said she was covered by Minnesota Care, the dentists refused to schedule her. And in our follow-up investigation, including a survey of Park Rapids' six dentists, It was determined that no dentist in Park Rapids will accept new Minnesota Care patients. When the patient called Minnesota Care, a worker there tried to find a dentist in Walker who would accept Minnesota Care, but was unsuccessful; our investigation, however, turned up one area dentist, Dr. Restemayer, at Menahga (218-564-5192), who still accepts new Minnesota Care patients. The problem was not limited to Northern Minnesota; a corresponding survey of the 10 or so providing entities (dental clinics or individual dentists) at the small southern Minnesota city of Faribault, Minnesota produced similar results (Southern Heights Dental Group, there, refused to answer certain questions relating to their pricing, and their receptionist hung up on us). Dick Diercks, Executive Director of the Minnesota Dental Association addressed the problem, saying, "It is, apparently, difficult for a patient ... to find a dentist ... who's taking it [MinnesotaCare]. ... I think the Northwest area [i.e. Bemidji, Park Rapids, et. al.] is an area where access is a problem. ... The fundamental problem is a gross underfunding [of Minnesota Care] ... The program pays only about half the normal charge, so the dentist loses money." Asked about fees and funding, Larry Woods, MinnesotaCare Director of Health Care Operations, responded, "The rates paid by medical assistance and MinnesotaCare are the rates set by the legislature." He explained that the legislature determines that fees paid shall equal a percentage of base year average fees, and then the Purchasing and Services Delivery unit of MinnesotaCare applies that formula to the various procedures to determine how much will be paid for each. Tom Fields, MinnesotaCare Health Care Manager, told Northern Herald that, per this legislative mandate, "we pay about 54 cents on the dollar," for billed dental services. Regarding the dentists' charges, Fields said, "I don't know if they're expecting too much - they have high overhead costs and they would like to at least recover those." "The problem is that it appears that the inflation for dental services is going up faster than the legislature... [has granted funding increases]," said Fields. Fields explained that MinnesotaCare actually contracts out its medical and dental coverage through other, commercial, insurers such as Blue Cross and Delta Dental and the coverage a patient receives may be dependent on the plan he chooses. As to the quandary in which a patient, unable to find a dentist accepting MinnesotaCare is placed, Fields said that they should go to their end provider (the commercial plan) for assistance. "It is [sometimes] very difficult ... to find a dentist," he said, and Fields explained that, in some areas, there is a shortage of dentists and those who practice are placed in a supply/demand situation where they might, logically, want to limit the time they devote to the lesser paying MinnesotaCare patients. "In many rural areas ... dentists are retiring, but then, there are not new dentists to take their place. ... [This] sets up more of a seller's market ... whoever brings them the most money, economically, that's who you'd expect that they would see." Fields said that there are several measures in the current legislative session intended to improve MinnesotaCare service delivery, including some bills addressing the rates paid. MinnesotaCare convened a committee last year which made 27 separate recommendations, some of which are now before the session. In addition to greater funding, some of the recommendations deal with establishment of a "critical access provider" who would receive higher fees for providing additional services for more people, "all parts of the state would have some critical providers that people could get to," and a measure paying up to 85% of X-rays and diagnostic services for children. But for now, this doesn't immediately help the man whose fiancee couldn't find a dentist for her inadvertently damaged tooth [earlier in this story]. "I can see one or two of the [dentists] arbitrarily doing this [refusing new MinnesotaCare patients], but when they all do the same thing, that stinks," he said. He told Northern Herald that her adjacent tooth is also loose and is developing an abscess, yet she cannot get dental care on that either, under MinnesotaCare. "What I was amazed at, also, was MinnesotaCare's response: 'In two weeks, we'll get back to you,' ??" he said. ------------------------------------------------ Leading Edge Journalism - Follow Up ----------------------------------- BULLOCK FREED Court Finds Attorney Michael Gallagher's Actions in Women's Shelter-Supported Case Improper, Grants New Trial; Erroneously Imprisoned Deer River Man Released, Rejoins Family After 3 Years. DEER RIVER -- Richard Bullock, 38, said, "I wanna try to get my house fixed up," and said that he'd be working for his prior employer at Cohasset, come May 7th. "It feels ... I can't grasp the feeling of being home after being locked up," he told Northern Herald on May 2nd, a day after his release. It's been a while since Bullock has been able to work on his house. He was convicted, in 1997, of romantically fondling his step-daughter, Spring LeFevre, in a he said-she said prosecution devoid of hard evidence. Bullock has constantly maintained his innocence, and medical and other records corroborate it; that evidence, however, was never presented to the jury by his attorney, Michael P. Gallagher, who, early on, made statements indicating that he thought Bullock was guilty, and then sold the case down the toilet, so to speak, not presenting the strong exculpatory evidence that existed regarding Bullock's character, statements made by the alleged victim, her motive for falsely accusing Bullock and her reputation for previous dishonesty. Since 1997, Bullock has been imprisoned at Lino Lakes and other facilities (See previous coverage at The Library at our website) But on April 26th, the Honorable Judge Jon Maturi, who heard the original trial (case no. K8-96-1592), but did not previously know of the exculpatory evidence not presented by Gallagher, determined, in part, "... 2. The Defendant's trial counsel [Gallagher] did not make reasonable investigations in this case.... 6. Under the circumstances of this case, it was ineffective assistance of counsel to fail to introduce evidence or even attempt to introduce evidence about the victim's relationship with a 26 year old male, the victim's desire to go to New York with that male, the Defendant's refusal to grant permission for the trip, the victim's anger with the Defendant's decision and the victim's alleged threat to make the Defendant 'pay for causing her problems' made shortly before she came forward with the accusation of sexual contact. ... 9. Given the fact that the state's case rested entirely on the credibility of the victim, evidence relating to the victim's motive for making false accusations would be highly relevant and significant. .... 11. The performance of trial counsel was below an objective standard of reasonableness ... 14. The Defendant has shown that it is more likely than not that there would have been a different outcome to the trial but for the ineffective assistance of his attorney ... [and] 12. The Defendant was deprived of a fair trial because of the poor performance and errors of his trial counsel. ..." With this, the prior conviction was vacated, and a new trial ordered, with Bullock being released, conditionally without bail, pending the pre-trial which will be held June 12th before Judge Maturi. Even in the face of the mounting evidence of Bullock's innocence, Itasca County Prosecutor Jack Muhar is gung-ho to throw Bullock back in prison, though. He said, "The matter is moving forward along that track [toward a new trial] ... We have requested the investigating officer to update the investigation," and Muhar said that following that update a decision would be made as to whether to continue prosecution. "It would be inappropriate to speculate on that at this time," he said. The prosecution, however, may be impaired by the credibility of their witness in chief, the complaining witness and alleged victim, Spring LeFevre, who, at original trial, was coddled by the Women's Shelter Advocate; who, allegedly, committed dishonest acts before the trial, and who, since that trial has, reportedly, engaged in other dishonest behaviour including having stolen a car from the foster home (Miller's) where she resides. When contacted for comment, Grand Rapids trial attorney Michael Gallagher hung up on the reporter. Legal scholar and author, and former Crow Wing County Attorney, John Remington Graham, who was instrumental, on behalf of the Bullocks, in resolving some delays in bringing these issues to hearing, said, "There is a hysteria about sex crimes, about which prosecutors must be very careful lest innocent individuals be convicted and punished for crimes they just didn't commit. Flimsy evidence, which in any other context would not be received as credible, is often sufficient to get a conviction in a felony sex crime case, all because lawyers and other workers in the system accept it. In this particular case, the lawyer for the accused [Gallagher] uncritically accepted the evidence against his client and simply did not defend as vigorously as the circumstances warranted." ------------------------------------------------------ Kinkel's Kolumn from the office of Dist. 4 State Senator Tony Kinkel SENATE BUDGET CONTAINS IMPORTANT BENEFITS FOR NTC AND STATE COLLEGES When Governor Ventura announced his budget proposal earlier this year, many of those concerned about the future of K-12 and higher education were outraged. Fortunately, the Senate has recently taken action to address one of these concerns by putting together a very good higher education bill. The Senate bill will have a profound impact on Northwest Technical College (NTC). The highlights of the higher education bill that concern NTC include: * $134 million more in the base for Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU). This includes $11 million more for equipment and $11 million more for instructional technology. * $694,000 for NTC for technical college programs on the Red Lake, Leech Lake, and White Earth Indian Reservations. * $1 million for course or curriculum redesign that leads to a reduction of delivery costs of 25% (i.e. efficiencies through technology). * $3 million starting in fiscal year 2004 for technical program development grants designed to help campuses create new certificate, diploma and degree programs at technical colleges or consolidated community and technical colleges. To be eligible for the grant, colleges must allocate one-half of one percent of the state general fund appropriation to the college. A review panel consisting of faculty, administration, students and at least one member of industry will make recommendations on which campuses will get the grants. * Transfer of credits. The bill mandates that the Board of Trustees must implement the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum at all state colleges and universities by January 1, 2002. In addition the bill mandates that once a course has met the criteria for inclusion in the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum in an area of emphasis, it must be accepted for full credit in that area of emphasis at all MnSCU institutions. The bill also requires that a student manual be published identifying which courses will transfer. * Developmental courses taken by non-ESL and non-IEP students attending Minnesota colleges within one year of graduating from a Minnesota public high school will no longer be funded by the legislature, unless the total number of students needing developmental education goes from 32% (this is the current percentage determined in the MnSCU report) down to 15%. The bill further states that by 2005 the system must continue to reduce the number of students needing developmental education from 15% to 5%. In addition the bill requires that school districts be billed for the cost of developmental education unless they have an agreement with a Minnesota public post-secondary institution by July 1, 2002, to give the higher ed placement tests in high school and that the student passes the recommended course work to address the deficiencies. * Reciprocity. The Senate bill fully funds reciprocity. However, it requests that the MnSCU Board must review and report on the transfer policy of the states with which Minnesota has reciprocity agreements. * Technical and consolidated colleges will be directed to consult with instructional advisory committees when a technical program is proposed to be created, modified, or eliminated. If a decision is made to eliminate a program, students shall be notified and plans made to assist students affected by the closure. * The board will be directed to increase the percentage of total general fund expenditures for direct instruction and academic support, and report expenditure information to the higher education finance committees of the legislature by February 15 of each year. Although the details of the Senate K-12 budget are still being hammered out, this higher education budget proves that the Senate is committed to ensuring that Minnesotans can continue to be proud of its educational system in the future. Editor's Note: Kinkel's Kolumn is a regular feature in this spring's issues of Northern Herald, providing session info direct from our Senator in St. Paul. Readers may contact Sen. Kinkel at G-9 State Capitol, 75 Constitution Ave., St. Paul, MN 55155 651-296-4913. This is strictly the Senator's space for his commentary, information and views. Northern Herald does not substantially edit this column, nor does this column necessarily reflect the position of this paper. ---------------------------------------------------------- For Accountants Only by Adam Steele, CPA -------------------- TAASC BUYS THE FARM You could see it coming (see TAASC Blows It Big Time This Year, NH of 02/28/01). Tax, and tax software, necessarily changes every year. It's an annual thing for a 4 month season. If a software company really botches up a year's release, they don't have a chance to make it right. The effects were seen a few years ago when, after several years of operation, Accutax found it unable, due to new software glitches, to process its clients' returns - the next year, Accutax was no more. A software company or tax service bureau lives only from year-to-year, depending on each years' revenue to pay expenses. If, due to a major botch, they have to refund a lot of that revenue, they won't be around the next year. So it went with the Tulsa, Oklahoma, Tax And Accounting Software Corporation (TAASC), which has sold software products each year since the early 80's. The makers for years of a dependable product, in 2001, they released tax software, which apparently had not been adequately tested in quality control, and that was an insult to the accounting profession. By early February, TAASC's technical support lines were so jammed with complaints and questions as to how to get their product to work, that CPAs and tax practitioners around the country had waits on hold exceeding 10 minutes (not toll free), and often couldn't get through at all. In mid-April, TAASC notified its professional clients by a UPS next-day letter that support for their product had been overtaken by tax software corporate raider Intuit, to which TAASC's clients were referred, as TAASC would no longer be producing tax software. It was a well-earned demise; still, it comes at a time when mergers and corporate raiding have severely limited competition in the tax software market. Prior to this acquisition, Intuit had also acquired Lacerte, and the Parsons Technology tax product ($78 for the professional edition), in order to move their professional customers into Intuit's $850 Pro Series product. Intuit also produces the consumer product, Turbotax. This narrowed market, which Intuit has attempted to monopolize in order to sell its high priced product, will, no doubt, result in higher software costs which, ultimately will be passed on the consumer - the person who goes to an accountant to have his taxes done. Alternatives. There still are choices, however, even in the narrowed field. Judging by manufacturer's claims (we have not yet independently tested it, but expect to review it next year), one of the better possibilities may be the SaberPro tax product, manufactured by ATX forms in Caribou, Maine. Per ATX, their "Max" package ($595.+7% shipping, in 2001 for the 2000 tax year) prepares an unlimited number of federal individual, business and entity returns, and includes various state returns and extras. Third-party electronic filing is available for as little as $1 per return. ATX has other 1040 packages (i.e. federal only) from $149. plus shipping. Per ATX, these programs run on computers from 486 up. ----------------------------------------------------------- MOONDANCE 2001 TO FEATURE WINE, CHEESE TASTING WALKER -- Moondance has always been a cut above. From the start, that's what's made it stand out among Midwest music fests. While courtrooms have been packed with drunk drivers following We Fest, almost no such incidents have been reported in connection with Moondance. Last year, Bill and Kathy Bieloh, Moondance producers, introduced a token system designed to wholly eliminate underage alcohol purchases. And if a minor sneaks alcohol in, the Bielohs, who are usually on-site, see that the underage drinker is escorted to the gate and his/her ticket voided (a heavy price to pay). Like Cajunfest, Moondance is the festival for people with taste. Although it has always been a huge draw, Mr. Bieloh is always more concerned with quality than quantity. Whether it's a free ride in the "Neon Moon" limo to the Wild Animal Park (as was done in 1999) or free Mardi Gras beads tossed from the stage (last year), Moondance usually offers something over and above. This year, one of the tasteful extras will be a new tent where moondancers can go to taste wine and cheese between (or during) shows. Made possible by special agreements between Moondance, Crystal Farms Dairy, Keebler (a major sponsor of Moondance) and the Canandaigua Wine Company, the tent will afford Moondance guests a unique opportunity to enjoy a sampling of several of Canandaigua's different wines, with the proper cheese accompaniment. Canandaigua's extensive list of properties include Inglenook, Paul Masson, Cook's (sparkling wine), Columbia, Ste. Chapelle and Viña Santa Carolina (Chilean wine). ---------------------------------------------------------- A Sane Moment ------------- SECONDHAND SMOKE IS HEALTHY FOR KIDS. Being around it keeps them from growing up as wiry and paranoid fanatics - it teaches them to be tolerant of what's around them and enjoy certain things, even if they don't do them. "If all of the secondhand smoke was removed from the environment today, the public health effect would be zero to nil." -- Dr. Daniel Weeks, Epidemiologist and a noted former state medical officer A PUBLIC SERVICE MESSAGE PROVIDED BY THIS NEWSPAPER --------------------------------------------------------- BEMIDJI STUDENTS TO VISIT WHITE OAK DEER RIVER -- 285 students from Bemidji's Horace May, Hartland Christian, Schoolcraft and Northern Elementary schools will travel back in time when they visit the White Oak Fur Post and Learning Centre in Deer River, May 10th, 11th and 17th. There, they will learn about Minnesota's exciting fur trade history, as well as life on the early Minnesota frontier. The White Oak Fur Post is a replica of a late 18th century North West Company post. It features a blacksmith shop, canoe builder's shed, the Company Store, quarters, voyageur camp, cook and cooking area and an Ojibwe encampment. Each spring, White Oak Learning Centre hosts students from schools around the region. In 1996, Senator Bob Lessard helped lay the groundwork for the Learning Centre, which was built the following year with funding from the State, as well as the Blandin Foundation and others. During the first weekend in August, White Oak Society throws open its gates to the public for their annual White Oak Rendezvous. ------------------------------------------------------------ Guest Column SOMETHING UNSAID ABOUT TIMOTHY McVEIGH'S EXECUTION by Dave Duffy There's something unsaid about the coming Timothy McVeigh execution, scheduled for May 16. Many of us can feel it but are afraid to express it for fear of being labeled a Timothy McVeigh sympathizer, or for fear of being charged with condoning the murder of 168 innocent people, including 19 children, even for fear of being targeted by our government as terrorists ourselves. What is unsaid can be inferred from the absence of Internet e-mail or newspaper snail mail condemning McVeigh. In fact, it is the absence of much discussion at all about him. Sure, mass media reporters talk about him, and our government does, but ordinary people don't. When our federal government caused the deaths of 76 people at Waco, Texas, April 19, 1993, exactly two years before McVeigh struck, the Internet and local newspapers were aflood with heated chatter about how horrible and unjust our government was. And when the government acquitted its agents of all wrongdoing, and convicted the surviving Branch Davidians of minor offenses but sentenced them to 30 and 40-year prison terms anyway, there was outrage once more. You could not download your e-mail, surf the web, or read your local newspaper without being inundated with the outrage. Now that McVeigh is about to be executed on closed-circuit TV in the first federal execution in 38 years, there is relative silence from ordinary people, both on the Internet and in the local newspaper. Very little e-mail or letters to the editor, very little discussion pro or con. Why is that? We can't quite put our finger on it, can we, or we dare not express the horror in our heart at the coming moment, and the implications for freedom in this country. Let's review what many of us feel: * We accept the fact that Timothy McVeigh is a murderer and we sympathize with the victims' families. But we also understand that our government’s agents killed 76 people at Waco, including 19 children, many of whom died agonizing deaths vomiting their stomachs out from the CS gas grenades lobbed into the building. We sympathize with those victims' families also. * We accept the fact that Timothy McVeigh should pay with his life, but we cannot accept the fact that our government's agents got off scot-free for Waco, and some were even promoted in its aftermath. * We cannot accept the fact that the mainstream media remembers the victims of Oklahoma City, but is silent about the victims of Waco. You'd think no one died at Waco, or that there were no dead children there, or that there is no connection between the two events. * We are outraged by the fact that McVeigh shows no remorse for the deaths of the 19 children at the Murrah Building, but we are also outraged that our government shows no remorse for the deaths of the 19 children at Waco. * And no, we do not buy the government and mass media line that the Waco victims chose their end by their lack of cooperation with the FBI agents, BATF agents, and the tanks that besieged their home. They were nutty members of a religious cult? So what! Since when is that a crime? Our government created McVeigh by its actions at Waco, just as it creates terrorists around the world by its “police” actions in various parts of the globe. Is it any wonder that one of these created terrorists, one among the millions of people who were outraged by Waco, felt unable to gain justice through the normal legal channels, and sought revenge by trying to get at the BATF agents housed on an upper floor of the Murrah Building? Blowing up the Murrah Building was a horrible act by McVeigh, for sure, but that is what terrorists do. Look around the world at what the Arabs have done in Israel, or what they did here in the U.S., in New York, in 1993, at the World Trade Center. We view them as criminals, but they view themselves as justice-seeking terrorists. Terrorism is a terrible thing, whether it's committed deliberately by a government against its citizens, or by an individual who strikes out in a blind rage. When the anniversary of Waco and the Murrah Building arrive April 19, I will mourn all the victims, both those of our government and those of Timothy McVeigh. And when May 16 arrives, and Timothy McVeigh is executed, I will be saddened that his will be the only justice delivered that day. May 16 will be a major turning point for America. We will all get to see the double standard in action, in all its horrific nakedness: the lone terrorist dies, while the government terrorists go free. We will be rid of McVeigh, but we will understand that far more powerful terrorists still lurk among us. [Dave Duffy is publisher of Backwoods Home Magazine, POB 712, Gold Beach, OR 97444 1-800-835-2418 www.backwoodshome.com] Editor's Addendum: To be equitable, law must be consistent. One man's law must be every man's law. If the execution of law, as written, is inappropriate for one man, it is inappropriate for every man. It almost goes without saying, then, that McVeigh fully deserves to die for his crime. His crime was so heinous, so vile, that one would presume that a person doing same had to be crazy. But proceedings have shown that McVeigh wasn't crazy. He is simply evil. He committed, with malice and forethought the carefully planned killing of unarmed men, women and children. In such instances, law provides that the death penalty may be used. If it was ever justified, it is justified here. It is the manner of execution with which we take issue. Our process of law, again, must be consistent. Accordingly, it would be more appropriate if, instead of using lethal injection or the electric chair, McVeigh was executed in this manner: He should be placed in a compound at Waco, Texas; tortured and kept from sleeping by loud rock (or worse yet, opera) music for several days, and finally burned to death by incendiary bombing of the compound. His charred remains should then be extracted as proof that justice was carried out. We realize that, for this to be lawfully done, will require an act of Congress, and we encourage them to now look at this. Because consistency is important. Some would say that even for Tim McVeigh, this is cruel and unusual punishment - but it isn't - if this was ever appropriate for anyone, it is appropriate for a heinous criminal like McVeigh. And it apparently has been appropriate for some, as this is way our great nation has executed people in the recent past. It is the way this great nation, the United States of America, previously mass executed unarmed and nonresisting men, women, and children at Waco. With malice and forethought. People whose only crime was defying the FBI order to leave the compound. This is something that, when done in time of foreign conflict, on foreign soil, against foreign citizens, has resulted in prosecution and sentence (e.g. Lt. William Calley). Yet when done in time of peace, here, against United States citizens - people supposedly entitled to equal protection of the law - did not. We are only now beginning to fully realize the psychopathic criminality of the Clinton administration. We might have known from Whitewater, but most of the electorate either didn't believe it, or didn't care, when they re-elected him in 1996, and when, in 2000, they elected his wife to the New York Senate. This does not say much for the average American's regard for law. If there was any doubt before, of which he would be entitled to the benefit, then Clinton's last acts of pardoning many proven criminals finally and firmly confirmed and proved, for the American public, his contempt for equal justice under American constitutional law. This attitude, in our opinion, pervaded his cabinet as well. Lacking appropriate justice, it would be important that Americans realize that, now, mass murder is just part of executive privilege. Clearly then, in the interests of consistent and equal treatment under law, Congress should consider legislation mandating that McVeigh die in the way above outlined; and also, that following lawful charging, trial, and verdict of conviction, so would Janet Reno. -- Ed. --------------------------------------------------------- Letters to the Editor --------------------- TIM PAWLENTY BOWS OUT The call to Tim Pawlenty from Dick Cheney asking the MN legislator not to run for US Senate should not surprise anyone. The "good of the party" continues to be more important than the good of the people for both the Republicans and the Democrats. Maintenance or attainment of power now supersedes an individual's desire to serve his community. Of course, a man of true character can sometimes shrug off the reins of handlers and nay-sayers and pursue his dream. The fact that Pawlenty so easily dropped his plans after one phone call from another supposed "public servant" is more disturbing than the call itself. It also speaks volumes for the advancement of third party and independent candidates who do not have to genuflect before the party demigods. In case you are unfamiliar with Pawlenty, he is the new "golden boy" of the Republican Party. They have been marching him around the State to give speeches about generic topics. (In Rochester, he spent his time at the podium telling "Ventura jokes".) Still, he has the makings of a 21st century politician. He is relatively young and handsome, and quite glib. Yet he obeys his controllers and he never answers a question directly. Perfect candidate material for either of the two major parties. My prediction is that he will be Governor or a US Senator by 2008...unless somebody asks him not to. Tom Johnson, Vice Chair District One, Independence Party Rochester, MN 55901 --------------------------------------------------- COST OF BEMIDJI SUMMER GARDEN WATERING TO TRIPLE BEMIDJI -- Across the nation electricity rates in some areas have tripled; heating costs rapidly escalated last winter. Now the latest in utility hikes will hit Bemidji gardeners this summer. This latest round in a series of sharp public utility rate increases is brought to Bemidjians by Councilman Ralph Zachman, and the Bemidji City Council, which unanimously (with Councilman Downs absent) passed Zachman's Resolution 4844 at their April 16th meeting. The resolution will triple costs residents with city water pay for watering lawns and gardens. The deceptively worded resolution, which purports to eliminate "discounts" doesn't literally raise the per gallon price of the water, but, nonetheless, actually triples the cost of it by applying a sanitary (household, not street, drains) sewage charge to it, even though lawn water doesn't end up in those sanitary sewers. How Bemidji figures your bill. Bemidji charges for water use, as well as sanitary sewer use. The per gallon rate for the sewer is about twice that for the water. Because the water can be metered, and the sewer generally is not, Bemidji assumes that all of the water drawn will eventually end up in the sewer - so they apply the sewer rate to the amount of water drawn to derive the sewer charge. In past years, however, the city has realized that garden water doesn't use the sanitary sewer system, so they've applied a summer "sprinkling" rate to the sewer bill by basing the summer bill on the average sewage use during the non-watering period (i.e if your sewage use was 2,000 gallons during non-summer months, they'd charge for 2,000 gallons during the summer regardless of your increased water use due to lawn sprinkling). This made sense. The consumer paid for the increased water used, but not the sewage he didn't use. Resolution 4844 changed that, though, and applies the sewage rate to all water used unless the customer goes to the expense of installing a separate water meter, which costs about $99 plus plumber's fees. ------------------------------------------------------- THE REWARDS OF BENEVOLENCE GRAND RAPIDS -- The City of Grand Rapids owes much of its beauty, as well as prosperity, growth, and upscale economy to Mr. Charles Blandin, who established the Blandin Paper Company there, and also the Blandin Foundation which uses the proceeds from the sale, following Blandin's death, of his paper plant (which continues, under different management, as the employer of about 10% of the working people in Itasca County) to enrich the community with endowments for parks, beaches, the arts, including Reif Center, educational institutions, scholarships, and other public works (See Grand Rapids ... A Unique Blend of Commerce, Culture and Community, NH of 01/28/98, in The Library, Volume 3, at our website). Each year, the Blandin Foundation uses the interest and other earnings on it's principal to make about $15 million of grants. At the head of the board that decides who gets funded from the wealth that Mr. Blandin bequeathed, is Paul Olson, President of the Blandin Foundation. For the task of giving away the Foundation money, Olson, himself, received annual compensation in fiscal 1999 of $166,203 plus $23,726 in benefits, per the foundation's IRS form 990-PF. That's a lot of money for giving away money. But additionally, Olson is married to Kathryn Jensen, the Senior Vice-President, and next in charge at the Blandin Foundation. This union concentrates an enormous amount of power into one bedroom. Also in fiscal 1999, Jensen's compensation was $115,200, plus $20,345 in benefits. Paul Olson also sits on the Board of Directors of SOTA Tec, now a separate foundation which is associated with the University of Minnesota and the Mayo Clinic. SOTA Tec was started by Blandin Foundation, which claims to provide all of SOTA Tec's operating funds. ---------------------------------------------------- VENTO NAMED HONORARY RANGER ST. PAUL -- The U.S. National Park Service announced, in a release, that former U.S. representative Bruce F. Vento was presented, posthumously, with the Honorary Park Ranger Award, April 16, 2001, for his "strong leadership in preserving the environment and his dedication to the protection of wilderness and National Park System lands." Vento died in 2000. ------------------------------------------------------ NOW PLAY NORTHERN HERALD'S GAMBLING-BY-MAIL CASTLE Have all the fun, and about the same results of casino gambling without leaving your living room! Imagine! the same fun and effect, without getting dressed, and without driving and trudging through snow to/from your car. 1 hour gambling package - Replicates 1 full hour of gambling! Just send us $10 in quarters; we'll send you back $4 worth. 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We make it easy and convenient! -------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 03/28/2001 - VOLUME 6 NO. 6 ------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism - Follow-Up ----------------------------------- ATTORNEY GROSS NEGLIGENCE IS FOCUS OF BULLOCK MOTION Expert Witness Says Grand Rapids Attorney Michael P. Gallagher Failed to Meet Even Minimal Standards of Representation; Judge Takes Case Under Advisement GRAND RAPIDS -- The long-awaited hearing on Richard Bullock's Motion for a New Trial, based upon conflict of interest of his trial attorney, Grand Rapids attorney Michael P. Gallagher, and ineffective assistance of that attorney at trial, came before the Honorable Jon A. Maturi at 10:00 a.m. March 29th in the courthouse in Grand Rapids. Bullock was represented by attorney John Lind, of Duluth, who brought the motion. Testimony was taken from Bullock, as well as 5 other witnesses who said that, due to Gallagher's handling of the case, they were not allowed to present key testimony and evidence to the jury, including an overheard telephone conversation by the alleged victim in which she vowed revenge against her stepfather for his refusal to let her go to New York, the alleged victim's reputation for dishonesty, medical (counseling) records in which the alleged victim had denied that any abuse had occurred, and similar accusations made by the alleged victim against another person. A seventh witness, a highly credentialed criminal attorney, gave expert testimony that Gallagher's representation of Bullock at trial failed to meet even minimal standards of competence. Judge Maturi took the case under advisement, pending a motion to examine further evidence, with decision likely by the end of April. Case Background. Richard Bullock, 38, a scrap iron and bait worker who lived in Deer River, had been, in July 1996, accused by his stepdaughter, Spring LeFevre, then 13, of having romantically fondled her about a year before the accusation was made. Assisted by Grand Rapids' Advocates For Family Peace, a charge of first degree criminal sexual conduct was brought against Bullock (case no. 31-K8-1592), with Grand Rapids (then) public defender Michael P. Gallagher appointed to defend him. But Bullock testified that at their first meeting, Gallagher said to him, "I think you done it - why not be a ... [making love] ... man and admit it," and that Gallagher refused to present the exculpatory evidence that Bullock had requested, including key witnesses. Bullock was convicted, by the jury, essentially on the accusations of Spring alone and without corroborating evidence, and he was sentenced, in 1997, to serve 86 months in prison. He has already served over 3 years of the sentence and with good behaviour, would be due to be paroled in July, 2002. Hidden Testimony. At the March 29th hearing, at which Mr. Mason, of the Itasca County Attorney's office represented the prosecution, some of the witnesses were allowed to testify as to those matters that they had not been allowed to tell the jury. Testimony: Ruth Bullock. Ruth Bullock, Richard's wife and mother of the alleged victim, told of their marriage. She said that they met in 1989 in Michigan, where she lived, were married, and moved to Deer River in 1990. Ruth had 3 children by prior marriage: Nettie Jo LeFevre, Arnold LeFevre Jr., and Spring LeFevre. She said that they had no relationship with their biological father, Arnold LeFevre. Mrs. Bullock further testified that the only child who had been a disciplinary problem was Spring, as early as when she was in 3rd grade. Richard Bullock would later testify that he had tried to adopt the 3 children, but Arnold "said no." In 1996, Spring,, then 13, attempted suicide, later giving as her reason a breakup with a boyfriend. She was taken to Miller Dwan medical center at Duluth, treated and released. Ruth Bullock testified that, following the suicide attempt, Spring began seeing a Deer River psychologist, Lenore Bransford, who had prescribed Prozac for her. On July 26th, 1996, a friend, Wayne Shadley, drove Spring to her regular appointment with Bransford. But Shadley later returned and reported to Mrs. Bullock that Bransford's office had refused to let her leave after the appointment. She contacted the Sheriff's Office and Deputy Greg Lease told her that Richard was under investigation, apparently as a result of what Spring had told Bransford. Subsequently, Ruth Bullock, herself, was charged with child endangerment (for Richard's alleged actions) and Michael Gallagher was appointed to represent her in September, 1996. Following the Bransford appointment, Spring had been placed in foster care, and was later moved for permanent foster care at the Millers' foster home, north of Grand Rapids, where she presently resides. Ruth Bransford testified that in her child endangerment hearings, Spring did not attend, nor did attorney Gallagher ever interview Spring. Following the charging of Richard Bullock, Gallagher was also appointed to represent him. Ruth Bullock testified of Gallagher's conduct in her defense, "He wasn't doing anything - he was just sitting there," she confronted Gallagher on this and asked him why - this fomented an argument and when Gallagher simply failed to show up at her next hearing he was removed from the case. Ruth Bullock testified that she had several disputes with Gallagher in the course of her representation: "I asked him why he didn't talk to Spring ... I didn't think he could be my attorney and my husband's," she said on the witness stand. Recalling the first meeting between Gallagher and Richard Bullock, at which Ruth was present, Ruth recalled Gallagher opening the interview by saying, hostilely, to Richard, "And what do I need to represent you for?" and his saying, after Richard told Gallagher that he had never touched Spring, "Why don't you grow up and act like a man because I believe you done it." Further testimony indicates that Gallagher made this pointed statement at the inception of Richard's representation without Gallagher's ever having actually spoken to Spring. Ruth further testified that she had tried to give to Gallagher medical records from Spring's treatment at Miller Dwan. Per her testimony, those records contained interview notes showing that at the time of said treatment, about a month before Spring's accusation of Richard, but well after the alleged fondling was said to have occurred, Spring was asked by counselors at Miller Dwan whether her stepfather had ever touched her inappropriately and she had responded in the negative. Per Ruth's testimony, when shown those records, Gallagher refused to receive them and did not introduce them at the eventual trial. Ruth further testified that Gallagher refused to call key witnesses for Richard, both as to fact and character and character of Spring, even though he was given a list of same by the Bullocks, and when asked to utilize an investigator for the public defender's office, refused, saying, "I don't need it - I'll do it myself." Ruth said that the sole out of court meeting with Gallagher lasted about 10 minutes. She had subsequently made several phone calls to Gallagher and left messages, but the calls were not returned. She testified that neither she, nor Richard, were informed by Gallagher of a videotaped police statement made by Spring that would be used in court, and they didn't know of it until it was actually presented at trial. Testimony: Nettie Jo LeFevre: Nettie Jo LeFevre, 22, is Spring's older sister, now divorced and living in Hart, Michigan. She lived with Ruth and Richard Bullock in Deer River from 1994 through 1996 and was living with them when the offense allegedly occurred. Although she was willing to testify on behalf of her stepfather, she had not been contacted by Gallagher or asked to testify at the trial. She said, on the stand, "Our family ... was typical," and she regarded Richard Bullock as "my dad." Attorney Lind asked Nettie Jo, did she "love your dad," to which she replied, "Yes, I do." Nettie testified that about the time of Spring's accusation of Richard, Spring "was getting real bitter," and that Spring had been involved in acts of dishonesty, including theft of jewelry, which Spring had denied, but "later, Christy found the [stolen] items in Spring's bedroom. ... They did find it in her room, I was there when they found it," she said. Although the sisters were close, Nettie Jo said that Spring never said anything to her about inappropriate touching by their stepfather. Nettie Jo had tried to present her evidence. She said, "I tried to call Mr. [Deputy Greg] Lease to give a statement," but attorney Mike Gallagher intervened and said it wasn't needed and police never recontacted her. She said that she was willing to testify, but Gallagher never contacted her for her testimony. She testified that she was permitted to visit Spring at the Millers' foster home, but that the Millers had admonished her not to discuss the alleged offense with Spring lest she no longer be permitted to visit. Nettie Jo testified that prior to the accusation, Spring, 13, had had romantic involvement with a boy named Josh Bunker, and later, when swimming at a lake with her brother, Arnold Jr., had met a 26 year-old man from New York and wanted to go camping with him; Arnold Jr. told Spring that that "wouldn't be a good idea." Nettie Jo testified that later, the 26-year old man asked Spring to go to New York with him, but when Spring approached her stepfather, Richard Bullock, with the proposition, he refused to let her go. This was shortly before Spring made the accusation against Richard. Regarding why the trial jury never heard her testimony, Nettie Jo said from the stand, "I was willing to come to court at any time," and said she didn't know why Gallagher didn't contact her. Testimony: David Wayne Bixby. Bixby, 32, said that he was millwright at the wild rice plant who had lived in Deer River all of his life. He testified that he knew the Bullocks well by having lived with them (along with his wife and child) for about a month. He said that thereafter, he had visited the Bullocks, at their house, almost every day. Bixby testified that he never observed anything unusual between Spring LeFevre and her stepfather, Richard. Although he had been given a paper to fill out to be a witness, Bixby said that he was never contacted by Gallagher to testify at trial. He said that he had contacted several people to find out why he was not being called, by Gallagher, as a witness, but never received a satisfactory answer. Testimony: Joe Edminster. Joe Edminster testified that he lives near the city of Cohasset, where he owns a trading post, which is also a gas station and convenience and bait store. Part of his business involves production and exportation, to Chicago, of about 35,000 bough Christmas wreaths each year. Edminster knew the Bullocks personally, and through Richard's employment at the bait store, and in the family's making wreaths in the workroom of his trading post. Edminster said that Spring had the opportunity to make wreaths with the rest of the family, but mainly, just "played around" while her parents and siblings were working. In interview, prior to the hearing, Edminster had told Northern Herald that when the Bullocks were working at his location, Spring, then 12, "was always hanging around where I was making wreaths and stuff, and my wife came over ... and said, 'You stay away from her because she's trouble,' and you could see it, she was flirting and didn't look like a twelve year old." Edminster also earlier told Northern Herald of Richard's character, including his refusal to look at a Playboy magazine at an all male hunting cabin party, "Richard threw it back ... [and said] 'No, Ruth doesn't like me to look at these things' ... It's always stuck in my head because - a guy that thought enough of his wife not to look at a Playboy... is going to molest his daughter?" Edminster would have been able to testify at the trial as to both the character of Spring and Richard Bullock. "I talked to Ruth," he said from the witness stand at the March 29th hearing, and he had agreed to be a character witness, and Ruth had put him on a list of witnesses she submitted to Gallagher, but Gallagher never contacted him regarding testimony at trial. Testimony: Wayne Shadley. Wayne Shadley explained, from the witness stand, that he had lived in Cohasset for all of his 38 years, during the full term of which he had known Richard Bullock, and that they had gone to school together. Shadley testified that he frequently visited Bullock at Bullock's house, and that the family "get along pretty good." Shadley told the court, at the March 29th hearing, of another accusation Spring made at about the same time as her accusation of Bullock. Shadley said that he and his wife had taken Spring to Willow Lake to go swimming, and while on the outing Spring said that she'd been inappropriately touched by Chris Sherman, who Shadley said was "about 18." Shadley said that he knew of Spring's wanting to go to New York, and that she was angry because Mr. & Mrs. Bullock wouldn't let her go. Shadley also had driven Spring to her appointment with Bransford (the psychologist) the day the accusation was apparently first made. He said that after the appointment, Spring got into his car to be taken home when someone from Bransford's office came out, got Spring out of the car and refused to let her go home. Although Shadley had testified at Bullock's trial, he told the court at the hearing that Gallagher wouldn't let him testify as to Spring's behaviour right before she made the accusation. "They never asked me any questions about this guy from New York, or about the swimming," he said, adding that he wanted to tell more at the trial, but Gallagher wouldn't let him testify as to Richard Bullock's, or Spring's, character. Testimony: Shawna Jones. Shawna Jones, who now resides in Grand Rapids, told the court that she was Bullock's next door neighbor, in Deer River, from 1992 to 1997. She testified that Ruth Bullock and her daughters occasionally babysat for her. Attorney Lind asked, "Did you ever see anything inappropriate between Mr. Bullock and Spring?" Jones responded, "Never." And Jones told the court that it was on an occasion when Spring was babysitting her children that Jones returned to her home, unbeknownst to Spring, and overheard a telephone conversation that Spring was having with an unknown person. Jones testified as to what she heard, "She was really upset ... she [Spring] said 'Rick's not my dad - he can't tell me what to do' ... [Spring said that] she didn't care what she had to do, Rick [Richard Bullock] was going to pay [for coming between Spring and the 26-yr. old male]." Jones further testified that Gallagher never had any investigator contact her; although she was allowed to testify, Jones said she was not allowed to testify as to the overheard conversation. "He [Michael Gallagher] did take a statement as to my testimony, but didn't use that statement in the courtroom," she said. In the course of cross-examination, Mr. Mason read from the trial record and offered that some information regarding the telephone call was presented to the jury, although Mason did not indicate that Jones, as an eyewitness to same, was allowed to testify as to it, or that it was presented as testimony. When Mason was asked directly, by Northern Herald, if Jones was allowed to tell the jury, as an eyewitness, of the content of the overheard telephone call, Mason refused to answer the question. At 11:50 a.m., the court recessed, conferred, at 1:30 p.m., with Lind, Bullock and Mason in chambers, and reconvened at 1:45 p.m. at which time Richard Bullock took the stand. Testimony: Richard Bullock. Richard Bullock, who lived with his wife Ruth, and the 3 children at 536 4th St., Deer River, said that on the date of the first accusation by Spring, when she was detained by Bransford, her psychologist, Wayne Shadley arrived at the Bullocks' and told them what had happened at Bransford's office. Bullock testified heavily as to the handling of his, and Ruth's charge by attorney Gallagher. He told the court that, when Ruth was charged with child endangerment (under a CHIPS petition), Gallagher had told Richard Bullock that Richard couldn't attend his wife's hearing. He told the court that Ruth had complained that she had been treated rudely by Gallagher in his representation of her. He said that when he was served with a summons approximately October, 1996, he was never asked to consent to having the same attorney represent both him and his wife. There had been only one meeting, at Gallagher's office, between Gallagher and Richard Bullock; Ruth was also present at that meeting. At that meeting, Richard testified, he was asked by Gallagher for a list of witnesses and Richard produced same. Richard testified that Gallagher responded with, "Well, I'm not going to subpena all 20 of these people," and Richard later told the court that many of the witnesses he had requested were not asked, by Gallagher, to testify. "I asked him about medical evidence [relating to Spring's recent suicide attempt and containing her statement to counselors that Richard had never molested her], he said he [Gallagher] didn't think we need it," Richard told the Court. Richard testified that Gallagher also refused to show the jury a home video of the house which demonstrated that a couch, on which Spring had claimed the fondling had occurred, did not exist in the Bullock home at the time she alleged that the offense happened. Richard said that Gallagher first offered him 90 days and probation for a guilty plea, which Richard refused because he didn't commit the crime. Per Richard's testimony, Gallagher then responded by saying, "I think you done it - why not be a ... [making love] man and admit it." Breaking down on the stand, Richard said, "I never touched her." Richard told the Court that, following that exchange, he and Gallagher became angry with each other, and Gallagher concluded the meeting. After that, Gallagher never met with him again, except in the courthouse at appearances there. Rule 5 and 8 hearings were held before Judge Maturi on October 21, 1996, with a not guilty plea entered November 25th. The jury trial began May 29th, 1997. Of Gallagher's conduct at trial, Richard said, "He was rude - he wasn't doing what he was supposed to do." Richard said that Gallagher only interviewed the few witnesses that he would call briefly, after the jury was picked, and just before their testimony. Gallagher prepared two copies of his notes from interviewing the witnesses, and "I'm positive he handed one set to Bernie Bodine [the prosecutor at trial]," Richard said. Richard Bullock told the Court that Gallagher had done no trial preparation with him and, altogether, had only discussed the case with him for not more than 2 hours in the months prior to trial. On the second day of the trial, Gallagher again offered him a guilty plea with 9 months to serve. Attorney Lind produced, for the hearing, a filed document entitled Defendant's Witness List and Richard testified that he had never been shown the list by Gallagher, and he failed to call many of the people on it. One of his witnesses, Mrs. Romanelli, for instance, was waiting in the courthouse hall to testify, but Gallagher never called her to the stand. Testimony: F Scott Belfry. F. Scott Belfry is a particularly well accredited attorney from Cloquet, Minnesota, who specializes in criminal defense. In the first part of Belfry's testimony, Lind examined his extensive credentials. Belfry told the Court that he has been in practice since 1980 following his having graduated Hamline University School of Law. From 1981 to 1987, he worked for the Carlson County Attorney's office, achieving the post of Chief Felony Prosecutor. As such, in his last 3 years there, he handled 50-60 felony trials. Presently, Belfry is in private practice in Cloquet; he is also a part-time public defender for the 6th judicial district, and also does work for the federal public defenders. He estimated that since going into private practice in 1987, he has tried another 75 felony jury cases in federal and state courts. In 1988, Belfry was certified as a Criminal Trial Specialist, and in the 1990's, American Research Corporation cited him as being one of Minnesota's leading criminal attorneys. Conflict of interest. Belfry had reviewed the record of the Bullock trial and responded to Lind's questioning as to whether Gallagher's representation of both Richard Bullock and his wife constituted an unethical conflict of interest saying, "Yes ... the problem with dual representation ... [is] there may have been conflicting information ... the problem you have, there was an expressed opinion by the defense lawyer [Gallagher] as to his client's guilt or innocence [which] may have prevented him [Gallagher] from ... [adequately representing Bullock]," and Belfry testified that Gallagher should have removed himself from the case. Ineffective assistance of counsel. Gallagher had conducted no investigation whatsoever as to material facts of the case, nor the character of Richard Bullock, and Spring LeFevre, his accuser. Belfry said that although an investigation is not necessary in all cases, it is necessary in all romance-related accusations. He started, "In this particular case, the standard is," and cited an American Bar Association rule which requires that in such cases, all defense lawyers must conduct an investigation, "even prior to a plea." Belfry further testified that Gallagher had an obligation to try to get and produce for the Court the medical records allegedly containing Spring's statement that Richard had never molested her. Spring's similar accusation of Chris Sherman, which was never found to have sufficient credibility as to result in a charge, should have been brought out. "In sex cases," Belfry said, "... where it is a he-said/she-said situation," character evidence should have been investigated. Belfry told the Court that Spring's reputation for dishonesty should have been investigated. Further, Belfry testified that Gallagher had not spent nearly enough time preparing Richard Bullock for trial, and that, at trial , Gallagher should have made further inquiry of a juror who was connected with law enforcement, before allowing said juror to serve. Belfry said that it was unusual for Gallagher to not have shown Bullock an initial police video taped statement by Spring, which would be presented in court, and that Gallagher had an obligation to show it to his client and discuss it so that Bullock might have been able to better inform Gallagher as to fabrications and inconsistencies. In summary, Belfry said that Gallagher's representation of Bullock fell so far below reasonable standards of attorney performance, that had it not been for misperformance of Gallagher, alone, the outcome of the trial would likely have been different. In cross-examination, Mr. Mason pointedly asked Belfry, "You could have done a better job of this case?" To which Belfry calmly replied, "I think anybody could." Mason's Rebuttal. Mason rebutted the testimony by introducing, for the Court, original discovery documents which were provided to Gallagher, and which would normally be discussed between Gallagher and Bullock prior to trial. Mason introduced the documents in an attempt to show that Bullock was informed of same. But Lind recalled Bullock to the stand, where he testified that although those documents may have been provided by the prosecution to Gallagher, Gallagher had never shown them to Bullock, and he had not seen them prior to that day. It is of note that, although Bullock had produced expert attorney testimony as to shortfalls in Gallagher's performance, Mr. Mason did not call Gallagher to testify to try to justify his butchery of Bullock's case at trial, or in any way to try to explain his actions or omissions, why they might not have been prejudicial to the Defendant [Bullock] and why they should not constitute professional incompetence, or at the very least, in the instant case, ineffective assistance of counsel at trial. In conclusion, attorney Lind asked that the Court review certain privileged documents (probably the medical records) in camera before making a decision, and the Court took the matter under advisement. It is expected that an order determining whether Bullock is entitled to a new trial will issue by late April. ------------------------------------ PRINCIPLES OF JURISPRUDENCE. It is a well established principle of American jurisprudence that everyone is entitled to equal justice. Regardless of race, color, or creed, every person is granted access to precisely the amount of justice that they can afford. Sometimes, they even get a little more than simple justice; it has been speculated that a person with the money of, say, O.J. Simpson, could even commit murder with impunity, though it might cost them all of their wealth. It has also been suggested that, due to his position alone, the President, say, could also get away with this crime as a special privilege of office. People of little means, who have to rely on the public defender for representation, are not, of course, entitled to this standard. That a public defender, with heavy workload, cannot devote as much time to a case as, say, F. Lee. Bailey, does not render his representation inadequate merely because it could have been better. Still, the Bar Association has established minimal standards for representation. The very well accredited attorney Belfry testified that Michael P. Gallagher's performance on the Bullock case failed to meet even these very low standards of attorney performance. That Gallagher's job was so poor, that standing alone, had it not been for these deficiencies in representation, the jury would likely have reached a different verdict. This, then, was a key foundation of attorney Lind's motion to overturn the jury verdict and retry Mr. Bullock with proper investigation of the case, and proper representation at trial. ------------------------------------------------------------ BUILDING FOR A BETTER BELTRAMI STS BUILDS STRUCTURES, MORAL FIBRE BEMIDJI -- Headed by Ken Glidden, the Beltrami Sentencing to Service (STS) program provides a way that lesser offenders of limited means can pay off their public debt through good work, while at the same time, doing some jobs in the community that otherwise might not get done. Recently relocated to Beltrami Ave. at 7th St., Glidden said of the new digs, "These are wonderful - our efficiency has improved probably four to five hundred percent." Although STS had considered building new, this move, more efficiently, utilized existing office space vacated when Human Services moved to their present outrageous $5 million location. Remodeling was done by STS crews at a cost of less than $10,000 for materials. STS started as a pilot program about 1987; Glidden, who has been with STS since 1989, when Beltrami County became one of the three pilot sites, explained. There are four permanent crew leaders, as well as the Director, who are employees. The current STS operating budget, of about $160,000, is partially funded by the Minnesota Dept. of Corrections and partially by Beltrami County. "We try and make do with as little as possible. If something needs to be done, we don't necessarily jump on the bandwagon and seek to buy new stuff. We find ways to get the equipment we need to do our projects through hand-me-downs, through donations to our program, and other things, rather than costing the taxpayer more money; and we've been relatively successful in doing that," said Glidden. 2 riding lawn mowers and their fax/copy machine, for example, are donated equipment. Regarding the work crews, "At any given time, there's probably 30 to 50 people out working in the communities," Glidden said, so the program performs about $400,000 worth of community work per year. Some of the more dramatic projects have included overhauling the old lumberyard building, at Blackduck, for use as a law enforcement center; other, more routine projects include picking up and sorting donated clothes for charity (some of these go to such remote points as South America and Siberia; ("places that don't have any clothes ... that are really destitute," Glidden said). They also shovel snow and do mowing and raking on public property and parks, and for elderly people who can't do it themselves; work with DNR on public shelter materials, help control traffic at Finlandia, maintain public skating rinks, and do woodcutting for the Dept. of Soil & Water Conservation, with the resulting firewood wood put to sale at discount prices. This year, STS will be improving safety of the Beltrami fairgrounds bleachers. In addition to coordinating community work service, STS performs other essential law enforcement and probation functions. In Beltrami County, alcohol abuse is an endemic problem. New technology enables STS to provide home alcohol monitoring. The offender, under house arrest and a no-drink order, is periodically called, at home, via a special phone. When he speaks into the telephone, the device "reads" the alcohol, if any, on his breath, which is reported on the machine display at STS. The alcohol monitoring program is now used by about 10-15 people, at a cost to them of $2-$10 per day. Said Glidden, "Our program is a service organization. Every aspect of what we do is a service. We provide a service to the court system by providing an alternative whereby people can actually get their responsibilities taken care of and get on with their lives. ... We provide services to the community by doing work projects that wouldn't get done any other way. Our project is cost savings, moneywise, to the taxpayer. We can get people out of jail, do work here in the community ... [and] shorten their jail sentence ... Any time that's saved in a jail-bed-day is about $55 bucks a day. ... The community has been very supportive of the program." Speaking to Glidden, one gets the distinct impression that the job is more than just a 9 to 5 for him. "If I didn't believe in it, I wouldn't be in it," he said." (Photo captions - photos not included in Library edition): With this machine, STS performs urinalysis for Beltrami Law Enforcement STS's home alcohol monitoring device, display read-out and accompanying bracelet. ------------------------------------------------------- YOUTHBUILD PROVIDES EXPERIENCE, HOUSING, WORK WHILE COMPLETING SCHOOL BEMIDJI -- The Youthbuild program was established by the Minnesota Legislature in 1989, with the Beltrami program, administered by Bi-County CAP at Bemidji, one of the first in the state. Now, there are 12 funded Youthbuild programs in Minnesota with a stated purpose of working with young people who have not completed (i.e. dropped out of) high school, to enable them to finish school, and to "learn job skills and job readiness - and the original Youtbuild model was building houses," said Anne McGill, Executive Director of Youthbuild at her office at the Bemidji office of Bi-County CAP. "We're able to deliver service to support these young people in their needs, but they, in turn then, are making a contribution to the community by building housing ... either new construction or rehab...." Once youth are in the program, they are required to be continuing to work on their high school diploma; in practice, they spend about 1/2 of the time on projects, and 1/2 in studies, per McGill. Applicants, who may be 16-24, sometimes may have been out of school only a few months, but sometimes may have dropped out several years before. The Beltrami program has an annual budget of about $300,000 which pays for staff salaries, stipends for the workers (32 hours/wk starting at minimum wage), incentives and bonus money based on school performance, and support costs (additional monies provided to participants in need); it is funded by $75,000 per year of state money, and also, since 1994, by HUD. The current HUD grant is for 2 1/2 years and amounts to $700,000. Houses built are sold to low-income first-time homebuyers, who are responsible for securing their own financing. The money generated from a home sale is then recycled into the site and material costs for the next house they will build; "So the idea is, that we continually turn that money over - we sell a house, then that money, we use for materials for the next house," said McGill. Last year, Youthbuilders built 3 houses, with about 15 participants. Any person who's not in school and meets age guidelines can apply to participate in Youthbuilders by contacting McGill at Bi-County CAP. McGill said that although most students, after program completion, go for trade or other skills post-secondary training such as at NTC or the university, some have gone directly into construction work utilizing the knowledge and experience gained with Youthbuilders. (Photo caption - photos not included in Library edition): This new house was recently completed by Youthbuilders and will soon be sold to a fortunate family. -------------------------------------------------------- Ask the Tax Guy by Adam Steele, Certified Public Accountant CHOOSING A TAX PRACTITIONER - DEBUNKING SOME MYTHS Recently, a Twin Cities TV news report declared war on unlicensed tax practitioners, offered some horror stories and alluded that they were a danger to taxpayers. The implication was that Minnesota Dept. of Revenue (DOR) should, maybe, restrict the practice. What they didn't tell you was that, had they used a random data pool, they'd likely have found similar horror stories and severe errors emanating from some CPA offices. We know, we've seen and corrected them. I started my tax practice in Minneapolis in 1981. The following year, I suggested, through Sen. Boschwitz's office, federal tax legislation that was adopted. In 1984 I worked with DOR through a volunteer committee and designed a tax form, and in 1986, made statewide news (WCCO) when my office discovered that DOR had issued about 35,000 forms in error. The mistake was corrected, by mass remailing by DOR, in a day. I mention all this, not to boast, but only because, at the time, my office was one of the unlicensed tax offices that that Twin Cities news station is trying to warn you about, and to make the point that there are some very good unlicensed offices. If credentials were required back then, we might not have ever operated. Later, of course, in the early 90's, I qualified as what IRS calls an Enrolled Agent, and as a CPA in 1999. These prestigious credentials however, did not change the way I did tax, which has been, really, about the same since 1981. Notwithstanding what the TV journalists might tell you, this is the straight dope on choosing a preparer: 1) An unlicensed, uncredentialed practitioner may be very good. 2) That someone is a CPA is not any guarantee that he knows a lot about tax, or will devote sufficient attention to your return. Historically, in years when it was open, rather than confidential, the CPA exam has covered tax, somewhat, but one could have passed it without being exceptional in that aspect of accounting. 3) The IRS Enrolled Agent exam is very heavy on tax - more so, in my opinion, than the CPA exam in open years. If a practitioner has passed this test, it's a pretty good assurance that he knows the basics of tax, rather than general accounting. 4) The most telling elements, perhaps, are those that you will glean at the interview. Does the practitioner meet with you personally? Is his manner professional? When you ask questions, does he seem to know what he's talking about? Does he ask you a lot of questions about your filing circumstances? How thoroughly does he examine your financial situation? Does he use checklists? Does he try to examine more than just what will go on the present return, to be able to offer advice for next year? Does he give you an estimate of the preparation cost? Most importantly, during the interview, do you really feel like he's looking comprehensively and knowledgeably at your financial situation, or is it more like being on an assembly line and being processed out as soon as possible? Regardless of whether it's a highly credentialed accountant, or an unlicensed practitioner, these are the things that the consumer should look for, and evaluate before giving the OK to prepare the return. 5) By law, tax practitioners usually cannot give references; but you can ask your friends if they feel confident with whoever's doing their taxes. This season, one particular unlicensed and uncredentialed firm, H&R Block, is running a barrage of heavy-duty ads trying to impress you with their expertise. We don't know how they're training their employees now, but a few years back they just shot them through a quick tax course in the fall. Although they may be OK on some returns, I don't even want to talk about the H&R Block-prepared returns that, in past years, we have been asked to amend. ----------------------------------------------------------- Kinkel's Kolumn from the office of Dist. 4 State Senator Tony Kinkel AN ASSURANCE OF CHILDREN'S HEALTH CARE Far too many of Minnesota's children are falling through the cracks of our current health care programs. Although Minnesota has one of the lowest rates of uninsured children in the nation, there are still 48,000 children without heath care coverage on any given day. After seeing the flaws of the current system, the Senate has begun to move forward with a bill that would provide health care to every child in Minnesota by 2003. The bill, called "Cover All Kids" (S. F. 1844), would finally make good on a MinnesotaCare promise made in 1992 to make health care coverage available to all of Minnesota's children. If the bill becomes law, Minnesota will become the first state in the nation to ensure that health care is provided to virtually all children. Currently, the vast majority of the children who are without heath care coverage are eligible for MinnesotaCare. The "Cover All Kids" bill will focus on efforts to reduce barriers and raise the awareness of MNCare for the families whose children are already eligible. The major elements of this bill are: * Eliminating gaps in state health care by ending the four-month MNCare waiting period and by providing continuous 12-month coverage. * Reducing the number of bureaucratic barriers by providing a one-page, child-only enrollment application and express-lane eligibility triggers. * Helping families to find affordable coverage by setting up outreach efforts such as a toll-free hotline, eliminating premiums for families with the lowest incomes, and limiting premiums to 5% of gross income for other families. * Providing uncompensated care pool subsidies to health care providers who treat uninsured low-income children until all kids are covered. * Encouraging the improvement of preventive care by providing state grants. * Providing financial assistance for the initial preventive services for uninsured children when providers help families apply for coverage. If the "Cover All Kids" bill passes, it will be a major step forward in the Legislature's efforts to promote reform in health care coverage. By increasing the accessibility of health care for families with children, this bill will help to ensure that Minnesota's children will receive the services that they need. Editor's Note: Kinkel's Kolumn is a regular feature in this spring's issues of Northern Herald, providing session info direct from our Senator in St. Paul. Readers may contact Sen. Kinkel at G-9 State Capitol, 75 Constitution Ave., St. Paul, MN 55155 651-296-4913 ---------------------------------------------------------- AN OPEN LETTER TO THE CITIZENS OF WALKER AND CASS COUNTY FROM BILL AND KATHY BIELOH Within the last six and one-half years, our family has been subject to untruths and harassment pertaining to the behavior of an employee of the Moondance Ranch on November 12, 1994. It is the purpose of this letter to provide a factually accurate statement of what actually did happen. We deeply regret that Susan Hanson took her own life in August of 2000, and nothing in letter is meant to disparage her personally. She bears no blame. Joe Crandall, an employee of the Moondance Ranch, was charged with sexually assaulting Susan Hanson on November 12, 1994. Mr. Crandall pled guilty and was convicted of 5th degree assault, a misdemeanor. Bill Bieloh's sole connection to this crime was the employment of Mr. Crandall. On March 21, 1995, Jayne Hanson, as guardian of Susan Hanson, filed suit against Bill Bieloh, Mr. Crandall and the Moondance Ranch. Mr. Bieloh was insured for matters occurring at the Ranch and the civil case was settled. Jayne Hanson executed an agreement for settlement, which included, in part, an agreement that neither party would harass the other. Tragically, in August of 2000, Susan Hanson took her own life at the home where she resided with a friend in North Dakota. Immediately following this tragedy, the Hanson family began an effort to harass and spread untruths about Bill Bieloh and his family. Their conduct included publicly calling Bill a rapist, dumping milk on his head in a public restaurant, and making numerous public accusations that the Bieloh family was directly involved in the young girl's death. In particular, Jayne Hanson entered Mr. Bieloh's grocery store and yelled foul remarks and disturbed his employees. As a result of these events, Cass County District Judge John Smith issued a restraining order against Brett Hanson (an attorney and Susan's brother); Brian Hanson (Susan's father); and Jayne Hanson (Susan's mother). At that hearing, the Court did not issue a restraining order against her brother, Wade Hanson. Subsequent to that first hearing, on September 27, 2000, a second hearing was heard before Judge Michael Haas. Judge Haas found that Wade Hanson had made uninvited visits to Bill Bieloh and his family at the Country Club and Golf Course; Wade Hanson had made threats by lunging at Bill Bieloh; Wade Hanson had called the Bieloh family abusive names. As a result of Wade Hanson's behavior, Judge Haas issued a harassment restraining order prohibiting Wade Hanson from coming near the Bieloh family and harassing them further. We are certain that you have heard many things about this matter. Should anyone doubt the accuracy of the above cited information, we urge you to view the Court files which are public record in the Cass County Courthouse, or visit the Cass County Sheriff's Office and discuss this matter with the several deputies who worked on these matters. Some of the residents of Walker may continue to believe what they wish. We want this tragedy to come to an end for our family and the Hansons. At the same time, you must understand the following: 1. Joe Crandall, not anyone in the Bieloh family, was charged with sexually assaulting Susan Hanson. 2. The criminal charges against Joe Crandall did not include any allegations of sexual intercourse. 3. Both the Bielohs and the Hansons had previously employed Joe Crandall to work for them. 4. The matter was reported to the authorities with the encouragement of the Bieloh family. 5. The Bielohs have been shunned by some members of their own community who wrongfully believe Bill Bieloh or a member of his family was involved in a sexual assault against Susan Hanson. 6. The Court has intervened twice to put an end to the harassing behavior of four members of the Hanson family. We regret that this issue has been broadcast on national television and has portrayed our community in such an ugly manner. To the extent that other businesses in our community have been affected, we certainly regret that the recent episode of the Oprah Winfrey Show contained untruths and inconsistencies. Fairness should dictate that each of you examine the records and sort out the truth based upon the actual facts. The memory of young Susan Hanson deserves more than continued hatred and misinformation. Addendum by Adam Steele, Editor: Bill and Kathy Bieloh operate Bieloh's Family Foods, in Walker Minnesota. Additionally, we know from past reporting that Mr. Bieloh has been about as active in building the Walker Community as the number of hours in a day will permit. He operates major public events such as Moondance Jam, Cajunfest and Moondance Ranch Wildlife Park. The family personally supervises each Fest and Jam. At last year's Jam, he innovated a token system designed to wholly eliminate the possibility of minors trying to buy alcohol. Further, Mr. Bieloh has generously volunteered his time, resources, and money to support the Walker Volunteer Fire Dept. and Little League Baseball (he personally coaches). Each year, the Bieloh family donates large quanities of meat for the free wild game feed, produced each December for the Walker and neighboring communities, and held at the Bielohs' store. This is Northern Minnesota. Small town rumours grow faster than the wheat. It is particularly unfortunate, however, when they befall and demoralize a major community booster. They say every cloud has a silver lining though, and perhaps it's good that this sort of thing happens every now and then in order to remind us, and the rest of the world, of just how stupid and self-defeating we can be. -- A. Steele ------------------------------------------------------------ MPR LOOKS FOR NEW TOWER FUNDING Twin Cities Minnesota Public Radio (affiliated with, but not the same as KNBJ and KCRB) bigwigs, Tony Bols and Will Haddeland blew into the Northland last month, holding blitzkrieg meetings in Bemidji and Park Rapids to encourage listeners to solicit their legislators' approval of state funding for a new 1000' tower. The need. The Bemidji MPR stations are currently leasing space, through June, 2002, on a tower owned by Lakeland Public Television near Blackduck. But when the lease expires, Lakeland will then convert to digital TV under an FCC mandate, and the tower will not be support both the MPR equipment, and the Lakeland digital equipment. The lease to MPR, thusly, will not be renewed. Bols said that if MPR has to go to a smaller 400 ft. tower on which space might be leased, 60% of the people in Northern Minnesota who now listen to KNBJ and KCRB might not be able to receive those stations. So MPR wants to build a new 1,000 ft. tower at a projected cost of $895,000, utilizing $200,000 in state funds, $475,000 in federal funds, and possibly another $140,000 from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Lakeland has suggested joint construction of a tower that would meet their, and MPR's, needs but MPR has not found those suggestions in their interest. Although the meeting was public, and the Twin Cities MPR reps made a point of asking for comment from the audience, they were quick to cut off constructive comment and suggestions from members of the Bemidji community who were affiliated with Lakeland TV, and also other public broadcasters from elsewhere in the state who came to the meeting to share their ideas. When they tried to speak, Haddeland specifically asked for comment from other than from those affiliated with Lakeland TV, and KAXE public radio, Grand Rapids. Essentially, Haddeland and Bols weren't interested in any other educated commentary or suggestion from these colleagues in professional public broadcasting, or from others, not in line with the meeting's simple theme of shepherding Bemidji listeners to beg money from their legislators and throw that money at the problem. Although at one time Bemidji MPR stations practiced a political bias by excluding some candidates from their broadcast debates, in 2000 elections, they implemented a fairer policy, particularly for a publicly funded station. When Haddeland was asked if this would continue, however, he said, "We included a party in one of our [2000] debates because they had received ... [at least 5% of the vote] from one candidate back in 1998 [Haddeland may have been referring to Jesse and the Independence Party]. That party finished 7th in polling [in 2000]. It was a waste of our time and it was a waste of the listener's time." Editor's Note: At the end, Haddeland said that he could make no commitment for 2002 because he might not even be working there then. Which wouldn't be a bad idea. Northern Herald backs private support of public radio, and possibly public support as long as the stations continue to present fair, open-minded and unbiased political coverage of all candidates. And we put our money where our mouth is - Northern Herald is an underwriter of Bemidji Public Radio on station KNBJ. -- Ed. ---------------------------------------------------------- Letters to the Editor TURN THE BUSES NORTH! In light of the ongoing financial problems of our schools I have made some observations. I have expressed these to many parents and young adults in our area and they encouraged me to submit my suggestions in this manner. I have been looking at why so many of our students move out of the area after graduation and wonder if we, as educators and parents, are TRAINING them to do so. Look at our "field trips". Why is it that we send our kids to the Mall of America, Minnesota Twins games, Metrodome, Minnesota Zoo, Valley Fair, Guthrie, etc. when we have many of these activities in Duluth, Bemidji, Grand Forks, Hibbing, Grand Rapids, etc. Talk to the students...they say there is nothing in northern Minnesota! What about the Wolf Center, Lake Superior Aquarium in Duluth, trips to the Laurentian Divide discussing the glacial period and geological findings, Lake Itasca - source of our Mississippi River, the grand mound west of International Falls, tours of Historical Societies, local corporations, the mines, and numerous other EDUCATIONAL resources right in our own back yard and north of St. Cloud. Two years ago, my son and I spent a week at the Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center in Finland, near Ely. The experience was very educational and an outstanding experience for both of us. On our way home we stopped at Gooseberry Falls, the Split Rock Light house, Two Harbors Shipping Museum, Duluth Ore Docks, and numerous natural sites along the way. Riding in the car my son, of 10 years old, spoke with a wisdom beyond his years. He said, "Dad, instead of the schools always taking us to the cities for field trips why don't they turn the buses north and go to places like these?" It was an excellent question. I recalled chaperoning a trip to the Minnesota Twins game for the school one time. On the way home I questioned 66 kids on that trip. Two students knew the final score of the game and five knew who the Twins played. The trip lasted about twelve hours....I thought...for what? Maybe it's time to seriously look at the experiences we are trying to provide for our children. What are the expenses involved and the outcomes achieved. Maybe my son had a novel idea. Let's start a campaign to....TURN THE BUSES NORTH. Brian Carlson Grand Rapids, Minn. ------------------------------------------------------------ Letters to the Editor SHOULD SNOMOS HAVE CARTE BLANCHE? We would like to know why there is no law enforcement for the snowmobiles. You call DNR or the State Patrol, ask who to talk to; they send you to somebody who doesn't know either. But on March 2nd or 3rd, I read of a snomo accident in Bemidji. A snomo hit a pickup with a plow on it so hard, in the side, that it slid the pickup 6 to 7 feet sideways. I know of a man who has a groomed trail by his place. He has big hay fields and has No Trespassing signs up. Yet, instead of staying on the trails, they run across his fields. He plants seed for different types of hay. The sleds run across it and it freezes out and - no hay. There is a lady and her family I know that lives by a county road, and they [the snomos] come up out of the ditches within a few feet of her home. They [the snomos] have run over and killed young trees that they have planted. They run right down the tar roads when there is no traffic; as a matter of fact, we have seen them racing down the road. And there is a groomed trail a half mile down the road from here. They run right up on the shoulder of Highway 2 and keep up with the cars (so, you know they are speeding). I've seen snomos running the same ditch but going different ways, up over a guy's driveway, and run into each other. (I know of a man who lost his son last year due to this - came up over an approach and took his head off.) There are thousands of dollars [which] I'm sure are taxpayers' money, spent to build and groom trails for the snomos. There are thousands of miles in Minnesota for riding sleds. But yet they have no respect for other people's property. If you happen to be coming out of your driveway and one collides with you, you are at fault, not the snowmobile. There may be only a handful of them that don't obey the laws, but it makes it bad for the ones who do. And when the snow is gone you think the harassment is over. Here come the four-wheelers! More than likely, the same bunch. We have a sled, but we use the trails. They [the legislature and law enforcement agencies] should make and enforce better laws for the snowmobiles. [Name and address withheld by request] ------------------------------------------------------------ --- A Northern Herald Restaurant Reviw --- ***** (FIVE STARS) ARTHUR'S TEN MILE LAKE INN. When you want to take your wife out for truly elegant dining in the Northland, you just might want to go to Arthur's, about 4 miles north of Hackensack on Hwy. 371. Reasonably priced with all the amenities, including piano and dancing from 7-9 pm, Friday and Saturday night, now, Arthur's has added an excellent soup and salad bar with pate and fruit to complement your meal - the salad bar features tasty appetizers like oiled linguini with pepperoni, and their New England clam chowder is exquisite. Arthur's offers excellent unique side dishes, plus all-you-eat of their special dinners, which are: Wed.-Alaskan Crab Legs-$16.95, Thurs.-BBQ Ribs-$8.95, Fri.-All the (cut-it-with-a-fork-tender) great sirloin steak you can eat-$10.95, Sat.-Prime Rib-$12.95, Sun.-Fried Shrimp-$10.95. Arthur's is closed Mon. & Tues., is hospitable to both smokers and non, and features a full bar with good wine & drinks. ----------------------------------------------------- Welcome To Bemidji PARKING LOT FIGHT MARKS HARDWARE STORE OPENING BEMIDJI -- To welcome the coming of another undistinguished hardware store to Bemidji, a fight erupted in their parking lot within hours after the doors were opened. Bemidji police officers responded to a fight call in the store's parking lot at about 7:45 p.m., March 14th, less than 2 hours following the start of the grand opening. Officer Karson Ottness said, at the scene, that the cause of the fight was not related to the store's opening, and involved two people whose names could not then be released. One of the subjects was on the premises, police did not know the immediate whereabouts of the other. No arrests were made at the scene. The grand opening of the store (this paper is not on their Atlanta-based list of papers in which to advertise, so we won't be printing the name of the store - for discussion, we'll just call it Crud Heapot - the "t" is silent) featured a few crumbs thrown to Bemidji charities by the multi-million dollar corporation, and hors d'oeuvres catered by Northern Inn. A local building trades contractor gave his opinion of the opening: "[the] franks are good," he said. Although the store tried to give the impression of benefitting the community, Crud Heapot's business decisions are made in Chicago and Atlanta and are not attuned to local factors. A middle manager interviewed at the opening appeared frankly arrogant and contemptuous of local business saying that they would have to come up to Crud Heapot's standard. Initial prices did not appear to be anything special - just another store - a consumer, reviewing a brochure, said that Crud Heapot's prices, "can't touch Menards'." Editor's Note: As to the store, it is a major marketer coming into the podunk Bemidji business community - the proverbial big fish in a small pond. It is expected to make about as big a splash here as if a big Georgia catfish swam up the river to take a dump in one of our Northern cesspools. -- Ed. (Photo captions - photos not included in Library edition) A Sign of Quality? Where is the "A"? Sure, sign lights burn out, but not usually when they're brand new at the grand opening. Well, maybe they just got the parts from their own electrical & wiring dept. Police cruisers arrive to quell a parking lot fight at new store opening, in Bemidji, March 14th ---------------------------------------------------------------- BEMIDJI ART CENTER TO DISPLAY H.S. WORKS Artworks, in all media, of entrants in the High School Invitational will be on display April 2nd - 27th at the Bemidji Community Art Center, 426 Bemidji Ave. --------------------------------------------------------------- MACROSTIE TO FEATURE PAINTING EXHIBIT The works of Dick and Janet Green will be on display at the Grand Rapids MacRostie Art Center April 2nd through the 27th. ------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 02/28/2001 - VOLUME 6 NO. 5 ------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism ----------------------- THE TECHNIMAR STORY How One Well-Heeled and Cunning Con-Man* Broke the City of Cohasset and Raided Fire and Police Pension Funds. *alleged COHASSET -- The idea was "to provide an impetus for development of property in the City, to increase employment and otherwise promote ... public purposes and ... objectives...." So recites the wording of Section 2.01 of Cohasset City Resolution No. 20-1996, approving $12 million in bonds to be issued by the City of Cohasset, and repaid by Technimar. Of the $12 million, the City's portion of the actual risk would be $2.4 million, the amount that the City, itself, would guaranty, the remainder secured by other interests. It was thusly that, on Sept. 24th, 1996, the City of Cohasset walked onto the stage to play out its role in the Technimar saga, one that would, in the end, wipe out the reserves of the City of Cohasset and leave it liable for 1 1/2 times it's total normal annual levy; siphon over $14 million from the police and fire pension funds, and generate substantial losses to the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board, as well as a group of private investors. Technimar Industries Inc. was a prospective firm that was to build a plant at Cohasset, and become the first U.S. firm to manufacture finished Stonite; a synthetic granite, which, in the words of Cohasset City Clerk Debra Sakrison, is, "a synthetic stone that was used for tile, countertops, shower surrounds; ... [it's] in one of the airports in the Netherlands, it has been used for fireplace surrounds; it's a beautiful, beautiful product," which is made from silica, water and adhesive and replicated granite marble. David B. Welliver, the mastermind of the Technimar fiasco, is from a well-established Grand Rapids family which at one time owned Lake States Tree Co. His mother, Ann, is a member of the endowment board of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Grand Rapids. The family is also reputed to be well known to staff of St. Thomas College. It has been speculated that Welliver, who resides and did business in the Twin Cities, used these connections, including law enforcement alumni of that college, in becoming, in 1993, a fiduciary (money manager) to the Minneapolis Police Relief Association (MPRA) and, in 1996, the Minneapolis Fire Fighters Relief Association (MFFRA) pension funds, so to be postured to invest those funds heavily into his Technimar venture. Welliver, himself, graduated from St. Scholastica in 1983 and worked as a stock broker with several firms until 1989, moving, then, to a firm known as Standard Valuations where one of his duties was presenting reports to one of its clients, the St. Paul Police Relief Association. In 1992, Welliver became a registered investment advisor. He created a series of venture capital companies, and also investment advisor corporations, under various business names. In 1996, he was the President and 100% shareholder of D.B. Welliver & Co., which owned his investment advisory firm, Rothschild Investment Advisors, Inc. (RIA), and also owned his venture capital firm, Rothschild Capital Corporation (RCC); he also formed a limited partnership known as Rothschild Venture and Growth Fund, L.P. (RVG), the sole general partner of which was RIA. Welliver served as investment advisor to RVG. Per the Trial Memorandum filed on behalf of MPRA (the Memorandum), RIA depended heavily on funds loaned to it by RCC (the venture capital firm) to pay its expenses. In 1995, RCC generated large amounts of money by selling stock in the prospective Technimar Industries, Inc. Per the Memorandum, Welliver discovered that he was his easiest customer: as a financial adviser and manager he could direct his client's funds into this speculative investment. Also, per the Memorandum, Welliver enjoyed a lavish lifestyle during the period 1995-1997, presumably from fees "earned" through the Technimar investments. Some of that money may have been earmarked for equipment and operating costs and the inability to pay these expenses may have contributed to Technimar's ultimate downfall. By April, 1996, Welliver had funneled $5 million each from MPRA and MFFRA into his RVG venture capital partnership. Per the partnership agreement, at least 50% of those funds were to have been invested in a conservative S&P 500 index fund, with the remainder available for higher yield venture investment. In actuality, almost 100% of the funds, less Welliver's fees, were routed into Technimar. Later, Welliver provided to MPRA and MFFRA reports, dated May 31, 1996, showing their combined $10 million investments seemingly in compliance with the partnership agreement. It showed $5 million of partnership assets as invested in "S&P 500 Index" and another $5,120,107 in "Cash & Equiv. [cash equivalent - i.e. bank accounts, etc.]". In actuality, the RVG partnership had approximately $31,000 in cash & equivalent; it owned no S&P 500 funds whatsoever. Nearly all of the MPRA and MFFRA investments had gone directly into Technimar, which then paid Welliver his handsome commission. At no time were the police and fire pension fund boards aware of Welliver's fee agreements with Technimar. Subsequently, as their investment advisor, Welliver ordered the execution of MPRA loans totalling $9.1 million to Technimar and a $40,000 Technimar stock purchase. Initial Brokering - In The Beginning. Per the Memorandum, initially, in early 1995, Welliver began to sell stock, to his investment advisory clients, in a firm known as Technimar Industries, located in Houston, Texas. The stock was being brokered through a firm known as American Financial Services Group (American Financial), whose principal was Harry Abrams. Abrams had been barred for life from securities dealings, in 1990, by the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC). Although Welliver would eventually testify that he received a commission of 10 - 13% for selling the Technimar stock, financial information disclosed by later legal proceedings indicates that he was actually receiving approximately 65%; the remaining 35% of clients' money was forwarded to American Financial for the Technimar stock. But, by mid-1995, per Welliver's testimony, American Financial was not delivering the Technimar stock certificates to Welliver for his clients' investments. He initiated contact directly with Technimar, and met, in Texas with Technimar officers, Roberto (CEO) and Luis Contreras, who informed him that Technimar had never received the funds from American Financial for the stock. They concluded that they had been defrauded by American Financial. But Welliver took the opportunity to discuss with the Contreras' his proposal to raise $25 million in venture capital for a production plant if they would locate it on Minnesota's Iron Range. The Contreras' agreed, and by the end of 1995, Technimar had retained Welliver's firm, RCC, giving it exclusive rights to raise funds for Technimar. In 1996, the year of the MPRA, MFFRA, IRRRB and Cohasset investments, Welliver and his companies received, per his testimony, over $2.5 million in fees; in 1997, per the Memorandum, Welliver's firm, RCC, was paid $4,607,500. These fees continued to be paid until Technimar collapsed; they continued even after Technimar had overdrawn its account at Marquette Bank in an amount exceeding $800,000; and they continued, funded in part from additional loans arranged by Welliver, from MPRA, even after MPRA had discovered the extent to which Welliver, as their money manager, had invested MPRA funds in loans to Technimar and had given Welliver specific instructions to make no further loans of MPRA funds. Per the Memorandum, by summer, 1996, Welliver and Technimar had raised $14 million of the projected $25 million needed for the Technimar plant. A leasing of facilities in Cohasset had been arranged, with financing for the building arranged through Blackwater Properties, a partnership owned by Mortenson Construction Co., and Minnesota Power. Costs, though, had overrun projections and it would be necessary to raise at least $12 million more to start operations. That's when Welliver approached the City of Cohasset and proposed the $12 million Industrial Revenue bond issue which would provide the financing. The Cash Flow. On September 24, 1996, the bond issue was approved by Cohasset. The Cohasset bonds would be bought by the established Chicago firm of Heller Financial (Heller) which could either hold, or resell the bonds to their clients. Heller is well-reputed and a major player in the field of municipal and commercial financing. Technimar would make the bond payments, as they came due, directly to Heller for disbursement to the bondholders. As to disbursement of the $12 million, this amount, less routine bond discounts and fees to Heller (there is nothing indicating that these were unusual, or that Heller is, in any way, at fault for the eventual loss), was paid by Heller to the bond issue trustee who disbursed the funds to Technimar or their vendors (primarily Breton) for the equipment purchases. As with many issues, Heller required that the bonds be guarantied, to protect against default, by verifiable funds on deposit, or liquid securities. William Fahey, of Minnetonka, Cohasset's present financial advisor, explained that Welliver was able to satisfy Heller that he had approximately $8.4 million of the security, invested in mutual funds, possibly in large part from the earlier MPRA and MFFRA investments. TIF provisions allow a municipality to sell additional bonds for a cash reserve to guaranty up to 20% of their own (other) bond issue. Under this provision, Cohasset unanimously approved and sold another $2.4 million of bonds (20% of $12 million), depositing the funds in Cohasset's reserve. The remainder of the $12 million issue was collateralized by IRRRB. Ultimately, when Technimar began to collapse and defaulted on the bond payments due Heller, it is this $2.4 million for which Cohasset was left holding the bag. When Technimar defaulted to Heller, Heller recouped the $2.4 million that Cohasset had guarantied, by legally attaching the City's entire reserve fund. It is this reserve fund that would, ordinarily, have been used to pay the holders of the $2.4 million bond issue, to whom Cohasset was now indebted. Also in the course of Cohasset's financing of Technimar, there was a $1.7 million TIF bond issue for site improvements at the plant to be constructed by Mortenson and Minnesota Power and leased to Technimar. This amount has never been at risk; it is being paid back into the TIF fund in property taxes now being paid on the building by its current owner, Minnesota Power. Per Mr. Fahey, at 2000 year-end, it had been paid down to about $1 million. The Secret Agreement. The Cohasset $12 million bond issue was secured with the equipment that Technimar would use the proceeds to purchase, from an Italian firm known as Breton. Technimar needed both equipment and working capital for start up operations, and, before approving the financing, Cohasset had to be satisfied that Technimar would not have other, future, financial troubles - that this financing would be enough to make the plant viable and sustain initial operations. Cohasset was given to believe that the bond proceeds would be used to pay in full for all of the equipment. That assurance was necessary to secure the bonds. The City was also told that following the purchase of the $8,400,000 of equipment from Breton, Breton would then invest $7,600,000 of that back into Welliver's RVG, to provide Technimar working capital enabling completion of the plant and start-up. What the City couldn't know was that, through a separate secret agreement, made December 20, 1996 between Technimar, Welliver's venture capital firm (RVG), and Breton; Technimar and RVG were actually required to repurchase Breton's $7.6 million interest; per the secret agreement, that money had to be paid to Breton before all of the equipment would be shipped. During 1997, Welliver and his firms received over $4.5 million from Technimar. But they failed to pay Breton $6.6 million of the money required to secure shipping of the equipment. Breton, only partially paid, shipped some of the equipment, but not a key piece, known as a Vibracompressor, necessary to create the Stonite slabs. Additionally, due to the nonpayment, Breton revoked an earlier agreement to invest $1 million in Technimar stock, and imposed interest and storage charges totalling another $1 million. Per the Memorandum, Breton refused to ship the remaining equipment until all amounts owing had been paid; this default, together with the excessive fees paid Welliver, were direct causes for Technimar's eventual collapse. By November, 1997, Technimar's bank accounts were overdrawn by over $800,000. Technimar defaulted in payments to Heller Financial on the Cohasset Bond Financing and nearly all employees were released. Although Technimar initially filed for Chapter 11 reorganization, and procured an additional $300,000 in financing from IRRRB and MPRA, the reorganization was eventually reclassified as bankruptcy with Technimar's assets auctioned in March, 1999. David B. Welliver filed personal Chapter 7 bankruptcy (Third Division of Minnesota, Case no. 98-34454 (DDO)) and his debts were discharged in November, 1998. But MPRA and MFFRA, represented by the Minneapolis law firm of Best & Flanagan, filed suit (ADV No. 99-4281 (RJK)) challenging that the debts due MPRA and MFFRA were not dischargeable in bankruptcy because they were due to fraud, defalcation and embezzlement, as described in 11 USC § 523(a). Per the memorandum in that suit, in addition to the breach of fiduciary duty in managing MPRA and MFFRA funds in connection with the initial investments in Technimar, as manager of the police and fire pension funds, Welliver had also caused, without the knowledge of the fund boards, $9,100,000 of the pension funds to be loaned to Technimar, $7,530,000 of it in 1997, while Technimar was running out of operating funds, and the year Welliver received over $4.5 million in fees from Technimar. The Memorandum also states that Welliver made MPRA loans totalling $640,000 to two other firms, Dynamic Alarms, Inc., which was run by a Minneapolis police officer, and a firm called Garven, Inc. Both Dynamic and Garven were also clients of Welliver's RCC venture capital firm, and Welliver received substantial fees for arranging these loans. Following an inquiry by the Minnesota State Auditor, in November, 1997, Welliver, as their account manager, informed MPRA that MPRA would be unable to make its monthly benefit payments due to temporary delays relating to the maturity of bonds in its Payroll account. Police union head, Al Berryman, reviewed the accounts managed by Welliver "and discovered the extent to which he [Welliver] had made loans from these accounts to Technimar," recites the Memorandum, "On or before November 11, 1997, Mr. Berryman called Defendant ... and gave him explicit directions to make no further loans to Technimar." In the suit by MPRA and MFFRA, Welliver was represented by the St. Paul firm of O'Neill and Murphy, LLP. On March 10th, 2000, on the eve of trial, Welliver stipulated to judgement against him, personally, and for MPRA and MFFRA, in the amount of $14,605,000. which is not dischargeable by the bankruptcy. MPRA and MFFRA may now attempt to collect this judgement from Welliver within statutory time limits. The Cohasset Bonds. By 1999, Cohasset's share of the defaulted Technimar debt exceeded $3 million; 2.4 million as the otherwise uncollateralized portion of the original $12 million bond issue, plus interest and costs connected with the bonds. Rather than to declare bankruptcy, leaving its other obligations, including those to other bondholders, unpaid; or carry the millstone of the interest-bearing long-term debt, the Cohasset city council responsibly decided that it would be more palatable to the city's residents to bite the bullet and pay Cohasset's part of the Technimar loss all in one year. For property taxes payable in 2000, the city went from a $2 million levy, to $5 million (approximately); the increase was 155%. Total taxes (including city, county and school district) on an average $90,000 home went from (approximately) $600 to $900. Still, with only about 2,500 people in Cohasset, homeowners' taxes accounted for only a small part of the bill. Business taxes went from $648 to $828 on $22,500 of assessed value. The biggest hit was to Minnesota Power, which pays about 82% of the property taxes in Cohasset; they had to pick up $2.1 million of the Technimar tab on their 2000 tax bill. In 2001, Cohasset was able to return to their normal $2 million annual levy amount. Per City Clerk Debra Sakrison, "We levied the $3 million [more] to cover the [Technimar] bond in 2000," and she said that it was now paid; there should not be future tax effects. Cohasset Mayor Jeff Walker, a councilman at the time of the unanimous vote to finance Technimar, explained that the City saw enormous economic growth potential through the firm's locating there. But also, he explained, by the time it got to Cohasset, having the support of IRRRB, MPRA and MFFRA, Minnesota Power (by far the City's largest taxpayer) and Mortenson Construction, as well as of several state legislators, it was like a snowball which had gained enough momentum that it would have difficult to stop. There might have been adverse peer pressure from these supporters had Cohasset, the municipality which stood to gain the most from the plant's location there, not helped with its part (the $2.4 million guaranty was approximately 10% of the overall financing, since inception, of about $25 million). And to the council, who could not have known of Welliver's secret agreement with Breton, the investment looked promising and sound. It appeared to have a lot of outside capital. Welliver and the Contreras had first approached IRRRB, who contacted Cohasset. "The initial contact came from the IRRRB ...," whose participation was contingent upon Cohasset's, Walker told Northern Herald. He said that, as councilmen were lobbied by the IRRRB members, the Contreras, and the Economic Development Department of Minnesota Power; the project was looked on, by the council, favorably as not only increasing employment, but also the City's tax base, and cash flow into the community. "The most important aspect is creation of jobs ... then you have the property tax ... [and] in manufacturing ... you're bringing money into a community from outside your boundaries - that's where you really get the impact of economic development." "The City and Minnesota Power [have worked] jointly and very closely together on several of their projects, so, when they became involved, it seemed to lend a lot of support to the project," said Walker. Minnesota Power, which was to construct the building to be leased back to Technimar, has previously arranged building construction-leaseback agreements which Walker said have been "very beneficial to all parties." The direct benefit to Minnesota Power would be "to increase the industrial usage of their electricity," as well as provide a major tenant for their industrial energy park, he said. "It wasn't the business plan ... [or] the principals of the corporation that sold me," Walker said, "it was the fact that they had the support of the IRRRB, and Minnesota Power, and the political support ... [of] several state Senators and ... representatives, ... [such as] Senator Lessard, Representative Solberg and Senator Doug Johnson ... It's like a snowball - by the time it gets halfway down the hill, it's developed so much momentum that you can hardly stop it from reaching the bottom, and if you stand in the way, you're going to get run over. ... There was so much momentum built into this project by the time it came to us, it was very difficult for anyone to stand in the way. ... It's easy for me to say that I had reservations, which I did, but ultimately I voted in favor. ... It was eventually going to go through anyway, no matter what I said." Technimar never produced a finished piece of Stonite. Although the building had been constructed, and some of the equipment was in place, toward the end of 1997 it began to become apparent to Cohasset council members that the project was in trouble. "They had just completely run out of cash," said Mayor Walker, "the creditors demanded an audit of the books ... they had lost $14 million in 1997 ... which means to me that a lot of that was fund-raising expenses. They had no operational expenses ... they had horrendous salaries that they were paying to family members ... so, the management fees, the fund-raising fees, commissions, and the general administrative fees amounted to, roughly, $14 million." Management consultants were called in, but "nothing seemed to work," Walker said. In its last throes, Technimar filed for reorganization and protection under Chapter 11. "The judge ultimately ordered the dissolution of the company; they had no means of restructuring," said Walker. Mayor Walker, himself a CPA, said, "I hope people understand how these things occur and how cities become involved in some of these development projects. They have the best of intentions starting out; even with the best financial people, sometimes you can be duped; there's no way, sometimes, of stopping collusion. The City of Cohasset .... IRRRB ... Minnesota Power ... went in with the best of intentions. We were dealing with people that were not up front with us, and it's impossible to analyze things when you don't have the facts." With the Technimar debt, most of it picked up by Minnesota Power, behind Cohasset now, Mayor Walker is proactive about future growth, low taxes, and greater economic conservatism learned from the experience. Walker said, "The City of Cohasset has now enacted a business subsidies law ... [under] which we cannot provide more than $25,000 worth of business subsidies to any company unless they adhere to certain restrictions ... and we've also set a maximum cap of $200,000 under any circumstances. ... If you want your city to be protected, you go into the city council and demand that they set a cap on what they will provide for business subsidies. That's the only way to really protect yourself from this happening. This could have wiped the City out - could have bankrupted us - we're just fortunate that we got through it relatively unscathed." Mayor Walker explained that the city implemented a 10-year budget plan in 1994, which, were it not for the Technimar involvement, would have meant a flat city tax levy, without increase, through 2004. The city has reverted to that plan. "We hope to maintain that ... for the next 10 years. ...We're back to a static budget ... we agreed that we could run the City for 10 years without a tax increase. Within that budget we have capital improvements to our park and recreation facilities - we built a beautiful premier park ... Portage Park - our intention is to reduce our fixed costs ... we basically want to be debt-free within 5 years," he said. Mayor Walker administers Cohasset with the same number of city employees as 10 years ago. The city, now clear of the Technimar burden, and with its large expanses of open developable land with city services, appreciating home values, and tax rates that compare favorably to some neighboring cities, remains an attractive and desirable place for both people and major industry wanting to locate in the vicinity of Grand Rapids, which lies 5 miles to the East. "We do have a fully developed 300 acre industrial park. ... The taxpayer is getting, I think, a lot of bang for their buck in this city," said the Mayor. Editor's Note: Our call to David B. Welliver, for his statement, was not returned. -- Ed. Photo captions (photos are not included in library edition): No tracks in the snow punctuate the abandoned building, about a mile S of Hwy 2 on 87, that was constructed to house Technimar Enterprises. Cohasset Mayor Jeff Walker Cohasset built its new Portage Park without additional tax levies. CHRONOLOGY OF THE TECHNIMAR FIASCO (see main text for names and abbreviations) * Feb. 26, 1996 - IRRRB approves $3.1 million incentive package for Technimar, to be located at Cohasset. * March 8, 1996 - MFFRA invests $5,000,000 with Welliver and his firm, RVG. * April 1, 1996 - MPRA invests $5,000,000 in RVG. * Sept. 24, 1996 - City of Cohasset unanimously approves a $12 million bond issue (Res. # 20-1996) to finance Technimar. Of this, $2.4 million is secured directly by Cohasset reserves under TIF provisions, with the remaining $9.6 million secured by other interests, including IRRRB. Cohasset also had approved a $1.7 million TIF issue secured by the Technimar building. * 1997 - Welliver receives $4,607,500. in fees from Technimar. Minnesota State Auditor makes inquiry regarding MPRA investment. * November, 1997 - MPRA discovers over $7 million of unauthorized loans made by Welliver to Technimar, from MPRA funds. * November, 1997 - Technimar's bank accounts are overdrawn by over $800,000. Technimar, in default to Breton for equipment, defaults on Cohasset bond debt, and lays off most employees. * Feb., 1998 - Minnesota State Auditor criticizes the MPRA fund investment in the speculative enterprise. * April, 1998 - Questions are raised alleging that $500,000 Minnesota state training grant to Technimar was misspent for machinery. * May, 1998 - Three Minneapolis police union leaders are replaced - the financially troubled Technimar investment a prime issue. * June 23, 1998 - Technimar found in default of $274,659 (3 months') rent. Court eviction order is entered. * July, 1998 - Police and fire pension funds (MPRA, MFFRA) sue David Welliver for fraud in investing their funds in Technimar. * July 31, 1998 - Technimar files Chapter 11 reorganization. * August 14, 1998 - Minnesota State Auditor issues report charging that MPRA violated law in making Technimar investment. * November 24, 1998 - Debts of David B. Welliver discharged in personal bankruptcy. Welliver was the person who, as money manager for the pension funds and others, raised most of the money for Technimar. Welliver was also the contact who persuaded Cohasset and IRRRB to invest, and is believed to have skimmed very substantial salaries, commissions and fees from the investments. * Dec. 2, 1998 - Bankruptcy judge rules that private businessmen (Technimar Acquisition Group, Duluth) may foreclose on $4.5 million loan notwithstanding Technimar's Chapter 11. * Dec. 8, 1998 - Minneapolis police vote out top two pension officers, Richard Nelson and Al Berryman. * Feb. 24, 1999 - Three Minneapolis police officers file suit against union head Berryman and the pension fund for misinvestment of funds. * March, 1999 - Technimar equipment sold at bankruptcy auction. * December, 1999 - Cohasset adopts 155% property tax hike ($3 million additional levy), for taxes payable in 2000, to cover its Technimar losses. * 1999 - MPRA and MFFRA file adverse claim in Welliver bankruptcy for $14,140,000. * March 10, 2000 - On eve of trial, Welliver stipulates to judgement for MPRA and MFFRA for $14,605,000., this debt not dischargeable by his bankruptcy. MPRA and MFFRA may now attempt to collect this judgement to cover their losses. Editor's Note: Many of the items included here have been extensively documented in an ongoing series of about 25 articles by the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Additional details on specific entries can be found in these articles on their Internet archive website: http://www.pioneerplanet.com/archives/ (search for "Technimar") Retrieval of these articles is very expensive and requires a credit card. If you don't have a credit card, you can't read them. --------------------------------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism ----------------------- BULLOCK WILL SEEK NEW TRIAL Imprisoned 3 Years on Uncorroborated Women's Shelter-Supported Allegations; Judge Grants Deer River Man New Evidentiary Hearing GRAND RAPIDS -- In a little-known proceeding which was scheduled last November, but was unattended by media because it was left off of the public court calendar, the Honorable Judge Jon A. Maturi, on February 12th, granted to Richard Bullock, 38, a (before imprisonment) scrap iron and bait worker and 3 1/2 yr. Navy SeaBee veteran, from Deer River, an evidentiary hearing to be held March 29th, 2001 at 1 p.m. in Judge Maturi's Court, to determine if grounds exist for a new trial. To Bullock, his friends and family in Deer River, and Ruth Bullock, his wife who has stood by him through the ordeal, this was the first major step in correcting a grave error that happened over four years ago. In this, Mrs. Bullock had enlisted the help of former Crow Wing (Brainerd) County Attorney John Remington Graham, who has assisted Bullock's present attorney, John Lind, of Duluth. Although he had understood that he was to have been transported to Itasca County for the February 12th proceeding, Bullock was not brought from the Minnesota Correctional Facility at Lino Lakes and learned of the disposition later. A reporter following the matter was told by a court clerk, early that morning, that there was no such proceeding on the docket, and that Judge Maturi was out for the day. But at 9 a.m., attorney John Lind, representing Bullock, and an attorney from the office of John Muhar, Itasca County Attorney, convened, as scheduled in an order dated November 22, 2000, and argued the matter before Maturi, who then scheduled the March 29th hearing. Bullock is expected to appear in the Itasca County court at that time. The Charge. Richard Bullock was sentenced, in 1997, on conviction of a charge of first-degree criminal sexual conduct (Case no. 31-K8-1592) stemming from an allegation, made in 1996 by his step-daughter, Spring LeFevre, then 13, that Bullock had fondled her about a year before she made the allegation. (For additional information, see Family, Friends Await Bullock Appeal, NH of 12/08/99, in The Library at our website.) Grounds For New Trial. In his petition for post-conviction relief, however, attorney Lind argues that Bullock was railroaded by his attorney at trial, Grand Rapids (then) public defender Michael P. Gallagher, who, allegedly, told Bullock before trial, "Why not be a man and admit this because I know you did it," and then failed to present a substantial defense at trial. (Note: Michael P. Gallagher was also the public defender for Wendy Carlson, on a similar charge of romantic contact with a person under 18. Joe Burns, the husband of Carlson (now deceased), has made similar allegations against Gallagher in the nature of ineffective assistance of counsel. Among other things, Burns noted that Gallagher failed to raise the very important point that Carlson was in jail (for inability to pay traffic fines) on the day when the sexual offense with which she was charged was alleged to have occurred, and it would have been difficult, if not impossible, for her to have committed the crime when she was in jail. For details, see Deer River Skating Star Departed At 38, NH of 2/2/00, and Was Wendy Carlson Forced to Have Oral Romance with Itasca Co. Head Jailer?, NH of 4/26/00, available in The Library at our web site) Specifically, Lind's moving papers include allegations of: 1) Gallagher's aforementioned statement to Bullock; 2) Conflict of interest in that Gallagher had represented Bullock's wife on a child protection accusation; 3) Ineffective assistance of counsel in that Gallagher: * failed to conduct an investigation into LeFevre's mental health and prior treatment, and "prior reputation for dishonesty," prior statements to Shanna Jones regarding a motive to fabricate sexual abuse, motive to fabricate sexual abuse based on the Bullocks' family decision to prevent her (LeFevre, 13) from romantically associating with a 26-year old male (shortly before the accusation, the 26 year old male had asked LeFevre to go to New York with him; the Bullocks refused to let her go. Attorney Lind's Memorandum in support of the petition states, "... [LeFevre] went to a neighbor's house, Shanna Jones, and was overheard [by Jones], talking [on the phone] to this 26 year old male, where [LeFevre] stated [that] ... she would get out of the house one way or another, even if she had to say that he [Bullock] ... raped her." Gallagher failed to investigate or present this evidence in court, despite Bullock's repeated requests that he do so.); * failed to use, as evidence, medical records relating to LeFevre's mental condition and suicide attempts {reportedly, when LeFevre was treated at Duluth's Miller Dwan Medical Center for her suicide attempt, which occurred about a month before her criminal allegations, she was asked if Bullock had ever sexually abused her, and she had replied in the negative - this, presumably is contained in those medical records); * failed to introduce evidence relating to LeFevre's similar allegations against another male (the Memorandum states that Bullock had requested that Gallagher investigate this matter, but he failed to do so). * failed to call character witnesses requested by Bullock; * failed to call "witnesses addressing [LeFevre's] reputation for dishonesty" requested by Bullock; The petition also charges that Gallagher erred in jury selection, not objecting to venue, and failing to object to a taped statement of LeFevre taken when she was not mentally competent and under the influence of drugs. State's Position. In his answer to the Petition, Itasca Asst. Co. Attorney, W. James Mason, denied the claim of ineffective assistance of counsel, and argued that an evidentiary hearing was not necessary because even if the performance of Gallagher was deficient, "there is no basis to find that the defense was prejudiced by the deficient performance." (In English, this means that Mason was arguing that even if the jury knew of LeFevre's alleged dishonest reputation, suicide-treatment statements that Bullock had never abused her, and threat to make a false rape charge if she couldn't go to New York, they would have found Bullock guilty anyway and the sentencing would have been the same.) Circumstances of the Accusation. Ruth Bullock, Richard's wife, and mother of Spring LeFevre, has described her daughter as an incorrigible child. In July, 1996, about a week after the Bullocks refused to allow Spring to go to New York with a 26-year old male that she, reportedly, had been secretly seeing for about a month, and the day after Shanna Jones had overheard LeFevre say, on the phone, that she would make a false accusation of rape, Spring was taken to her psychiatrist, Lenore Bransford. "That was the last time we seen her [until, much later, visiting her at the foster home]," said Ruth Bullock. LeFevre was taken to Itaskin House, a juvenile shelter, and shortly thereafter, made a police statement containing the accusation against Richard Bullock. Although the accusations were made in July, 1996, Bullock said in interview that police didn't appear to act upon them until several months later, after Bullock had been asked and agreed to testify, in an unrelated matter, against Tom Neustrom, a local law enforcement officer. As evidenced by the presence, and address to the Court, at Bullock's eventual sentencing, of advocate Ms. Austreng, a (then) advocate for Grand Rapids' Advocates for Family Peace, the accusation had apparently been facilitated by that organization and/or their advocates. Police discussions and statements, in the court file, indicate that police gave greater weight to the accusations because of the details (which are uncorroborated and claimed, by Bullock, to be false) contained in them. (Past reporting has shown that where the women's shelters have been involved, perjured affidavits drafted and statements made with the assistance of the women's advocates, similarly, may be compelling and highly detailed, though fabricated. It is as if the shelters understand that that makes the false statements more likely to be believed. - See Women's Shelter Resident Charged in False OFP, NH of 05/03/96; Women's Shelter Resident Fails to Appear on Perjury, NH of 06/30/97; and related reports, in Living on the Edge, at the NH website) In an earlier interview, Ruth Bullock told Northern Herald that her husband, Richard, had requested to be examined by polygraph, but police and other authorities refused. In prior interviews, Bonnie Morris, Spring's grandmother, told of Spring's dishonest ways regarding theft of jewelry, and Lynn Calbery spoke of Spring's having stolen a car while living at Miller's Foster Home, where she was finally taken after the accusation against Richard Bullock. Interviewed in February, 2001, at Lino Lakes, Richard Bullock, who, with good behavior is due to be paroled in July, 2002, said, "I don't even know how to even describe [being incarcerated] ... I wouldn't mind being here if I would have done something, but ... being locked up for something I didn't do - I don't know how to even go about explaining...." Bullock lost 90 days good time because he refused to make a statement that he committed the crime, a requirement of prison sexual offender training. Asked directly if he had ever committed the acts with which he was charged, Bullock firmly said, "No, sir." Regarding Gallagher's representation at trial, Bullock said that when he requested that the Miller Dwan medical records and the other pertinent evidence be introduced, "Mike Gallagher said we didn't need it ... He never done any investigation work ... I gave him at least 20 people to contact [as character witnesses]," but Gallagher would not allow most of them to testify; nor did he introduce the testimony of Shanna Jones, regarding LeFevre's overheard telephone conversation where she disclosed her plan to make a false rape allegation to get out of the house. "They [the jury] never heard [my] ... side of the story - none of it," Bullock said. Earlier, Gallagher had tried to encourage a guilty plea, offering Bullock nine months, "I said 'I ain't taking nine months, I never done it.'" Bullock said that he was not satisfied, before trial, with Gallagher's work, but didn't think he could request another public defender. Bullock addressed the lack of evidence corroborating LeFevre's accusations, saying, "I can't believe they can take an allegation, with no proof, and convict someone on it." In a 1999 interview, Ruth Bullock recounted having spoken with Spring LeFevre at the Millers' foster home during a visit, "She said to me [that] it would all be over if she just told the truth. And so I says 'why don't you do it now?' she says, 'because I don't know what's gonna happen to me.'" Diogenes's Lantern. Northern Herald's version of voice stress analysis (VSA) software is experimental and has not been statistically evaluated as to accuracy and performance. Additionally, Northern Herald staff do not have expert training in the use of VSA for truth verification. Given this, Mr. Bullock's interview responses were analyzed using our implementation of VSA. Peak stress, above an 85% threshold, did not occur when key questions (i.e. whether he committed the alleged acts, or any similar criminal acts, at any time) were answered by Bullock in the negative. In other words, for what it is worth, he passed the test. Further, the VSA results indicated that Bullock was also being truthful regarding the evidence that he asked his trial attorney (Michael P. Gallagher) to present in court, and the attorney's refusal to do so. Picture captions (photos and illustrations are not included in library edition): Tiers of fencing, barbed and razor wire ensure the integrity of the medium-security Minnesota Correctional Facility at Lino Lakes, about 15 miles N. of St. Paul. A man accused. Richard Bullock, of Deer River, has already served over 3 yrs. of an 86 month sentence for a crime he says he never committed. The Northern Herald Bear False Witness Bear (artist: Kendra Mirabal) was inspired by the courtroom activities of Grand Rapids' misnamed Advocates For Family Peace and other women's "shelters" and advocacy organizations. ---------------------------------------------------------------- 2000 SPHERES AWARDED TO PARK RAPIDS PIZZA HUT MANAGER, GRAND RAPIDS CITY COUNCIL Each year, Northern Herald awards the Steele Spheres for exceptional valor and performance in the public interest, particularly if in the face of adversity. This year, two sets were awarded for year 2000, one to Lorie Mowder for her operation of Park Rapids Pizza Hut, and another to the Grand Rapids City Council for their diligence when a proposed citywide smoking ban threatened Grand Rapids. People who smoke have a place. When you go out to a restaurant you want more than just food. If it was just food you wanted, you could buy that at the grocery store and save some money. Restaurants are places of hospitality - that's what you're there for - to be waited upon with good food in hospitable surroundings. When you want one of the very best pizzas around, you might just go to Pizza Hut. Their nationally-franchised recipe is one of the finest, and their $4.99 lunch buffet - well, the sumptuous Caesar salad with real bacon bits and freshly shredded Parmesan alone is about worth the price; not to mention all of the great pizza, pasta, beverages, and even dessert pizza, that you can hold! But at the Park Rapids Pizza Hut, restaurateur Lorie Mowder has gone farther than just great food; she just said no to pressure groups and an industry trend to discriminate against people who like to enjoy a smoke with their good meal; Mowder steadfastly maintains her Pizza Hut restaurant as a place that's hospitable to smokers and non-smokers alike. People who like good pizza (and who doesn't?) in comfortable surroundings can be glad there's a restaurateur in Park Rapids who has Steele Spheres. Entire council has spheres. Some people who don't smoke have taken the attitude that, "I don't smoke, therefore, you can't, either." And they've encouraged some restaurants to go non-smoking. Sometimes those restaurants complain when about 25% of their business goes somewhere else. And sometimes moneyed and influential special interests, funded by tax-deductible contributions, put a lot of pressure on legislators and councilpeople to then ordain that all eating and drinking places be non-smoking, so their friends who already run non-smoking establishments won't be disadvantaged. But, last year, when such a measure was put before the Grand Rapids City Council, they, effectively, said, "Wait a minute - there are a few little things like the Constitution and property rights - the right of a business owner to determine how his business will be run." The Cancer Society, after all, isn't paying his taxes and expenses. And people, including tourists, who like to smoke, need a place where they're comfortable too. So they laid the proposed draconian (and possibly unconstitutional) ordinance to rest. Sometimes it takes Steele Spheres to stand up to influential and well-connected special interest pressure groups and do what's right for your constituents. Grand Rapidians can be glad and proud that their City Council has 'em. Photo captions (photos are not included in library edition): Above, Lorie Mowder, Manager of the Park Rapids Pizza Hut, and her cook, Darlene Hopkins (at left), prove that you don't have to be a guy to have Steele Spheres. Can a whole city council have Steele Spheres? Well, apparently so, as below, pro tem chairman Alan Fritz receives the 2000 Steele Spheres for the Grand Rapids City Council as councilwoman Barbara Sanderson looks on, at their February 12th, 2001 meeting. ---------------------------------------------------------------- MARCH EXPO AT BEMIDJI ART CENTER The Bemidji Art Center, 426 Bemidji Ave., will feature a BSU awards exhibition through March 30th. On exhibit will be works in all media including painting, ceramics, Native American art, sculpture and jewelry. The exhibit is open Tu-F, 10 am - 4 pm. --------------------------------------------------------- For Accountants Only by Adam Steele, CPA -------------------- TAASC BLOWS IT BIG TIME THIS YEAR, SABERPRO MAY BE GOOD VALUE This is very small type - so as to be readable by accountants, who, of course, wear glasses. Last year, we recommended Tax And Accounting Software Corporation's (TAASC's) professional tax package. It was excellent. But this year, they've apparently dropped the ball. Trouble is, that TAASC expects the professional to buy a new computer system every few years just to accommodate their software. This is a needless time and money expense for many - Windows 95 is still relatively new, as is lower speed (i.e. 166) Pentium technology. Both should be adequate to accommodate well written software. Last year's TAASC program ran fine on it. A professional would expect no major changes with TAASC for tax year 2000. But not so. This year's TAASC program has more bugs than an August picnic in the BWCA. When we tested the current year TAASC product, it immediately yielded several run-time errors disabling the program. An initial call to TAASC resolved one bug, but not the many others, and by mid-January their tech support phone lines were so busy, presumably from other accountants having the same problems, one couldn't even get through to leave a message. When their electronic filing fails, there's no reasonable error trap - it can cause the whole system to freeze, requiring a CTRL-ALT-DEL to reset the system. Hopefully, you get the picture. How little is your time worth? Although there are "work-arounds," unless your time is utterly worthless, you don't want to have to call TAASC at every phase of the preparation process to find out how to make their product work. In our humble opinion, the marketing of this product is an insult to accounting professionals, who can waste hours (literally) just trying to get the system up. Then waste a few more when they want to update their print units; and a few more calling TAASC at every juncture of many electronic filings. That's for those who can get through on TAASC's tied-up lines, and don't mind wading through hold times of over 10 minutes (not toll-free). This many problems of this nature is not usual. With most software, e.g. the old Best product, the high-priced ProSeries, and even the former Parsons product ($138 for the federal & state professional package; but no longer available due to Intuit's buy out), you just installed the disk and prepared the returns - as it should be. It is unfortunate that TAASC has dug themselves into this hole; but with season time at a premium, this is unacceptable to the professional practitioner. In alternatives, from the manufacturer's claims (we have not yet independently tested it, so can give no opinion) the SaberPro product is one of the more attractive on the market. It's produced by ATX, in Caribou Maine. Per ATX, their "Max" package ($595.+7% shipping) prepares an unlimited number of federal individual, business and entity returns, and includes various state returns and extras. Third-party electronic filing is available for as little as $1 per return. ATX has other 1040 packages (i.e. federal only) from $149. plus shipping. Per ATX, these programs run on computers from 486 up. --------------------------------------------------------- DISPUTE MARS PARK RAPIDS LEGION FISH DERBY PARK RAPIDS -- A big dispute erupted over a little fish caught at the Park Rapids American Legion Fishing Derby, February 3rd, at Fishhook Lake when two contestants learned the value of the prize it had won. LeAnn Levasque, Park Rapids, and Raymond Longfors, Menagha, who arrived at the derby together and fished from adjacent holes, each claim to have caught the 3.9 oz bluegill that was the sixth place fish, winning an ATV valued at about $4,000. Levasque and Longfors, each, now have restraining orders against each other. Levasque said that Longfors removed the fish from her pole, then she registered it. Longfors said that he caught the fish and asked Levasque to register it for him. Both have agreed to take polygraph tests as allowed by Legion rules, but the Legion Executive Committee decided not to require the tests and awarded the prize to Longfors, based upon statements from a Cold Spring couple, Duane and Susan Bocklund, who were fishing nearby and stated that they saw Longfors catch the fish. Editor's Note: There are many fishing derbys in this region, and it is unfortunate when a dispute of this nature arises in the midst of these fun events. Due to the large stakes awarded however, this type of controversy is likely where the rules are ambiguous as to "title" to the fish. One remedy might be to enact and make all participants aware of a rule which would require that the person who caught the fish register it, or at least be present (in the case of children or non-english speaking people) at the registration stand when the fish was registered. Title to the fish could then be made final at the time of registration -- Ed. Photo caption (photos are not included in library edition): LET'S SPEND THE SURPLUS! was the theme that resounded at a listening and learning session Sen. Kinkel held at Northern Township, Feb. 24th. Although the general public was invited to attend, teachers and township officers were disproportionately represented, as they took the time to show up and provide the input that may guide this legislative session. Said Kinkel, "I see more teachers here today than I have in 5 years of town meetings." The crowd that packed the Northern Town Hall was vocally in favor of using the surplus funds for education, nursing homes, and roads and bridges, rather than getting a rebate check or tax reduction. The Northern Township session was one of ten that the Senator held, in a strenuous two-day schedule, from Outing and Pine River to Turtle River. ------------------------------------------------------ Kinkel's Kolumn PROPOSED LOG RECOVERY PROVISIONS Editor's Note: Senator Tony Kinkel will be introducing a bill next week amending the sunken log recovery act passed last year. The Senator's office has provided a copy of the bill which it now makes available here for public comment. Following are the key changes and excerpted text from Sen. Kinkel's bill. -- Ed. Senator Tony Kinkel's proposed amendment to M.S. Sec. 103G.650, Subd. 3 and 4, which came at the behest of lakeshore property owners at Lake Plantagenet, would, primarily, change the act allowing sunken log recovery to: 1) require local approval before a permit is issued; 2) strengthen requirement of a complete application; 3) severely strengthen provisions relating to ecological effects, including a requirement of conclusive proof (the bill does not define what is "conclusive"); and 4) appropriate money for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct an environmental impact study of sunken log recovery. The amendment would be effective for now pending applications, as well as those submitted after passage. Precisely, the bill modifies the statute as follows: [Adds the following wording to Sec. 1. Subd 3. ... An applicant for a permit to recover sunken logs shall ... (5)]: "Provide resolutions approving the application from all townships and cities that border upon, or include, in whole or in part, the specific lake or the portion of the river where the log removal will occur; and (6) [existing text follows]" [Adds the following wording to Sec. 2. Subd. 4. ... The commissioner shall either approve, modify and approve, or deny an application ... ]: ", or determine that the information submitted with the application is insufficient. If the commissioner determines that the information is insufficient, the applicant may preserve the priority order of the application by resubmitting the application with additional information within 120 days from the expiration of the original 60 day time period." [Existing text follows.] [Sec. 2. Subd. 4 (4) is amended to read as follows (for this paragraph, newly added wording is italicized)]: In determining whether to approve an application, the commissioner shall consider:] "(4) whether the applicant has conclusively established, through the use of peer-reviewed biological studies and data that the project meets ecological criteria specific to the relevant type of lake or river for protection of fish, wildlife, and native plants and their habitats, including conclusive proof that there will be no harm from the effects of the projected resuspension of mercury, nitrate, PCBs, and phosphorous." [Adds the following new sections]: "Sec. 3. [SUNKEN LOG RECOVERY LEASES.] Before the commissioner of natural resources may approve an operations plan for a lease signed by the commissioner before the effective date of this section, the commissioner must attach the following condition to the lease under Minnesota Statutes, section 103G.650, subdivision 5, Paragraph (a): The commissioner must determine that the lessee has supplied information in the operations plan that conclusively establishes, through the use of peer-reviewed biological studies and data, that the project meets ecological criteria specific to the relevant type of lake or river for protection of fish, wildlife, and native plants and their habitats, including conclusive proof that there will be no harm from the effects of the projected resuspension of mercury, nitrate, PCBs, and phosphorous. The commissioner must determine that the conditions attached to the lease have been satisfied before allowing the lessee to recover any logs under the lease. The commissioner may extend the term of the lease under Minnesota Statutes, section 103G.650, subdivision 5, paragraphs (b) and (c), to accommodate the completion of a study of the effects of sunken log removal by the commissioner." Sec. 4. [APPROPRIATION; SUNKEN LOG IMPACT STUDY. $....... is appropriated from the general fund in fiscal year 2002 to the commissioner of natural resources for a study to determine the effects of sunken log recovery on fish, wildlife, and native plants and their habitats, including an analysis of the effects of resuspension of mercury, nitrate, PCBs, and phosphorous in aquatic ecosystems. This appropriation is available until spent. For the purposes of this study, the commissioner may issue leases for a specific lake or river that are not subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 103G.630, subdivision 5, paragraph (d), and that have not met the requirement of Minnesota Statutes, section 103G.650, subdivision 4." "Sec. 5. [EFFECTIVE DATE.] This act is effective the day following final enactment. Sections 1 and 2 apply to all applications for sunken log recovery leases submitted to the commissioner of natural resources but not signed by the commissioner before the day following final enactment." Editor's Note: Kinkel's Kolumn is a regular feature in this spring's issues of Northern Herald, providing session info direct from our Senator in St. Paul. Readers may contact Sen. Kinkel at G-9 State Capitol, 75 Constitution Ave., St. Paul, MN 55155 - 651-296-4913 --------------------------------------------------------- REMER LOG RECOVERER BALKS AT NEW BILL Says Environmental Impact Minimal; Law Change Will Shut Him Down REMER -- Not much is known to most people about the ecological impact of log recovery. But Craig Waddell, of Remer, is quite familiar with it. Waddell helped draft the log recovery bill that was introduced by Rep. Howes (R-4B) and passed the legislature unanimously. It was believed that the law would spawn a new industry in Minnesota promoting economic growth, employment, and surveying of lakes with expensive and sophisticated sonar which would locate unwanted debris, historical artifacts, ... and logs. The bill was drafted so to provide a hefty economic return to the State for logs found and removed. Acting under and relying on the new law, after passage, Waddell invested in the equipment, including the sonar, to perform commercial log recovery. He said he invested over $1/4 million, but after he complied with the law's requisites, in July, 2000, DNR refused to issue a permit to pull the logs. "They never let it off the ground ... It's been one change after another," said Waddell, "I've mortgaged my house to come up with the money [to start the business]," and said that, with the future of the business uncertain due to pending legislation and DNR's failure to issue the authorized permits, he couldn't now ask others to invest. As concerned environmental impact, "I performed a test pull for DNR - it proved it had the same ecological results as pulling an anchor," said Waddell, who added that the lakeshore home owners do more ecological damage with dock installation, or removal of shallow water dead-fall trees. "I certainly wouldn't have invested that amount of money.... I started a business at a time when the law said I could start a business," said Waddell, who is still paying operating expenses, including the high-limit insurance the law requires, and has made claim to the State for $70,000 of loss last year due to his not being able to operate, as the law said he should have been. Waddell said he became interested in surveying lakes because it would enable him to find artifacts and turn them over to the Minnesota Historical Society. The log business was a way to derive an income while doing that. Would the proposed amendment shut him down? "Oh absolutely," Waddell said, "It's almost impossible to make ... [sunken log recovery] happen under the bill" "What's happened to me is not right or fair," he said. ------------------------------------------------------ In Focus ALL THAT JAZZ !! BSU Sponsors 28th Festival at Beaux Arts Note: IN FOCUS is primarily pictoral. Phots, however, do not appear in this text library edition. BEMIDJI -- "This festival was ... special because two of my oldest friends in music were able to be here," said BSU Music Dept. Director Steve Konecne, following the concluding performance, February 3rd. Konecne met jazz pianist Frank Mantooth when they were both sophomores at North Texas State University. Photo captions (photos are not included in library edition): Dr. Steve Konecne, above, conducts BSU Jazz Band I. At each annual festival, the two best participating school bands, in the workshops, are chosen to open the concluding concert. For many years, the honor of one of these two places has gone to Orv Anderson's Ft. Richmond, Canada, Collegiate Jazz Band, shown above. The first band to play was the Coon Rapids High School Jazz Band (not shown), conducted by BSU alumnus Scott Vogel. Jim ten Bensel has been playing since 5th grade, but says that the motivating force that turned him to jazz was, "My brother would take me to every Louie Armstrong concert, every time Louie would come through town [Minneapolis] ... [also] ... Duke Ellington ... I was totally moved by those performances ... I wanted to play that music so bad ...," he said. Years later would find him performing on the same stage with Armstrong, which ten Bensel says was a highlight of his career. In addition to performing, ten Bensel teaches at the Twin Cities' MacPhail School for the Arts. Ten Bensel stresses "sensitivity": each band member's awareness of the other players and of the whole band; on this he complimented the BSU band. He has released one CD, "The Jambone." Sarah Shaw on fluglehorn and Amanda Drummond on alto sax are featured as BSU Jazz Band I plays Mantooth's arrangement of Duke Ellington's "Isfahan." The Band plays "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You", featuring trombonists Russ Sackett, Katie Roslie, Craig Moen and Hyram Price; with Jim ten Bensel. Visiting jazz pianist Frank Mantooth, who now lives in Kansas, has authored over 160 published arrangements. He normally tours in the spring, "and then I do a lot of writing in the fall," he said. Here he plays his composition, "Hinsdale," with the BSU Jazz Band, to a packed - almost standing room only - Beaux Arts Ballroom at the Jazz Festival. Later, Mantooth was allowed to actually conduct the band. Mantooth's first four albums garnered a total of nine Grammy nominations, and he recently released a fifth CD, "A Miracle." ----------------------------------------------------------- A LETTER TO THE EDITOR Thanks for still being the only newspaper for our area that still reports the facts, not just [what] the merchants want the public to know. [name and address withheld] ----------------------------------------------------------------- NEW POOL STORE IN BRAINERD BRAINERD -- Brainerd Pool & Spa opened its doors in January, 2001, taking over the location of the old King Koil mattress store at 17147 Hwy 371 N, about 3 miles North of Brainerd. The store is owned by Certified Pool Operator (CPO) instructor John Moorman and CPO Dave Rice, and features a wide variety of pool & spa accessories for commercial and residential use, as well as sales, maintenance, renovation, construction and installation of swimming pools and spas. Moorman spoke of the initial reception the store has received, "We've been surprised at how busy we've been - we only opened up last month." Brainerd Pool & Spa can be reached at 218-833-1000. ------------------------------------------------------- POSTMAN SAVES THE DAY PARK RAPIDS -- Letter Carrier Randy Berkman heard a faint tapping as he was delivering Lina Everhart's mail on River Dr. in Park Rapids in early February. Looking back at the house, he noticed the door was ajar and found Everhart, 93, on the floor. Apparently, she had fallen the previous evening while trying to lock up and had been there since. Berkman helped her up, and then called family members, and remained until they arrived to assist Everhart in resuming her household activity. A postal service representative said, "a letter carrier's job is more than just delivering the mail. They know their customers;" they know when they're out of town and when they're home. If he sees letters piling up in the mailbox, the letter carrier would routinely call law enforcement to make sure all is well. ------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 01/31/2001 - VOLUME 6 NO. 4 ------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism DURAN SHOOTING WAS APPARENT AMBUSH RESPONSE Attorney To Assert Self-Defense - No Drug Evidence Introduced PARK RAPIDS -- The shooting, by Carlos Louis Duran, of Juan Hernandez, at about 5:20 p.m., December 6, 2000, near 406 N. Park Ave., Park Rapids, appears to have been in response to an ambush designed "to scare" Duran and another man, by Hernandez and several of his friends. Hernandez was hospitalized and recovered, a .22 caliber bullet was removed from his left thigh. Duran was subsequently arrested and is presently held, at the Hubbard County Jail, on $35,000 bail and faces a charge of first degree assault (M.S. 609.221 Subd. 1) which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years and/or $30,000 fine. A review of statements filed by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), and other documents, in the case (K1-00-862), indicates that although some witnesses have suggested that there may have been attempted dealings between Duran and Hernandez involving a prospective purchase of a small amount of drugs, there was no transaction in progress at the time of the shooting. No drugs were found on any person involved, nor was there any evidence that persons involved were under the influence of any controlled substance at the time. Also, there does not appear to have been gang-involvement in the incident that led to the shooting. Although it appears that Hernandez attempted to intimidate Duran with the assistance of several others wielding sticks and a bat, those other persons were Hernandez's neighbors - not part of any organized gang. Court documents indicate that Duran had purchased the gun, a .22 caliber handgun, on the day of the shooting in response to threats of physical violence against him and his family, made by Hernandez. Duran had previously owned a 9mm handgun, but has no record of any gun-related offenses - in fact, Duran, 25, has no previous criminal record except for a minor consumption charge from 1996, a few months before his 21st birthday. Drugs. Although several witnesses close to Duran or Hernandez have alluded, in their BCA statements, to past conversations or contemplations between Duran and Hernandez which may have contemplated Hernandez purchasing a small amount of drugs for Duran, the various statements are inconsistent on this point. Duran's personal statement to BCA does not disclose this as a cause of the altercation, and Hernandez, in his statement, denies that Duran ever gave him money for drugs or otherwise. The players. Carlos Duran is the proprietor of Duran's Italian restaurant at 600 N. Park Ave. in Park Rapids. He lives with his wife and son in Park Rapids. Per his statement, Duran is a member of the Park Rapids Lions Club. Prior to his restaurant, Duran worked at Straight River Engineering and Manufacturing. Detailed information on Hernandez, including whether he has a past criminal background, was unavailable. He presently resides at the Park Rapids Apartments, 300 8th St. W., Park Rapids. From the statements, Hernandez appears to be known to people in Willmar, Minn., but was not well known in Park Rapids (from statement of Carlos Duran: "I don't know his last name - nobody does"). Motive and Background. What is obvious from statements filed is that there had been tension between Duran and Hernandez which had been building in the days just prior to the confrontation. Per Duran's statement, he met Hernandez when Hernandez, and later his friends, began to hang out at the pool table in Duran's restaurant. At one point, Duran asked them to leave. Said Duran (quotes are from his BCA statement), "[At first] ... I didn't have a problem with him. Well, he started hanging out more, and more of his friends started showing up ... it's a fine dining establishment ... it's not just a pool hall." Duran said that finally, when Hernandez and his friends came in while Duran and other Lions members were at Duran's discussing business following a Lions' meeting, "I refused to give them any quarters [for the pool table]," and Duran asked them to leave. Duran stated that he was also concerned because two of Hernandez's friends "looked pretty young" and the restaurant had a bar area. Duran said that, following the restaurant incident, he started getting phone calls from Hernandez asking, "What, I'm not good enough for your place?" and that the calls became more intense, including threats by Hernandez to kill Duran's family. Initial Confrontation. Per his statement, on the morning of December 6th, Duran and his brother-in-law Gene Hagen, went to Hernandez's residence to "tell him to leave my family alone." A physical altercation ensued; it is not apparent, from the statements, who first provoked it, but it is evident that it escalated. Duran said, "Juan [Hernandez] had his brother in there - he grabbed a knife." Duran and Hagen left Hernandez's residence. Per the BCA statement of Gene Hagen, he recalled Hernandez saying to Duran, as they left, "I hope you enjoyed your family," which was taken as a threat. Recites the BCA statement (of Special Agent Barker, Bemidji office of BCA), "Hagen stated that Duran was taking the threats from Hernandez very seriously." Duran's statement reflects that, following the morning confrontation, Duran went about his business chores, "I started booking bands for this Saturday 'cause we have a blues festival ...." The Gun. At about 3:30 p.m. that day, Duran bought a .22 cal. handgun from a local dealer. Duran said, "When he [Hernandez] said 'I'm gonna kill you by tonight,' I knew he was gonna make a move." Two Ambushes and Shooting. A short time later, Duran visited his cook, Marcus Alonzo, who lives in the 400 block of N. Park Avenue, not far from Duran's Restaurant. Alonzo said Duran wanted to take the gun he'd purchased to the range to try it out. Per the BCA report, "Marcus [Alonzo] stated that he had taken a litre bottle, to use as a target, and they had walked out of the apartment and walked out towards Carlo's [Duran's] vehicle." Alonzo stated to BCA Agent Barker, "All of a sudden, out of the corner of my eye, I see Juan's [Hernandez's] Cadillac and five, six, big guys come barreling outta that car yelling, 'We're gonna kill you - you know, you're ... [making love] ... dead.'" Per the BCA report, Marcus indicated that they both turned then and ran back into the [Alonzo's] apartment. Inside Alonzo's apartment, Duran made several panicked calls from his cell phone, including a call to his wife, as well as former employer Ron Layba. After a few minutes, Alonzo looked down the street, but didn't see Hernandez's Cadillac - only "a white car across the street, but he did not see anyone in this vehicle," recites the BCA report, which continues, "They then left the apartment and were in front of the apartment walking towards [Duran's] ... vehicle when this same group got out of the white vehicle and started running towards them. They [Hernandez's group] were again yelling that they were going to kill them [Duran and Alonzo] and ... [make love] ... them up. Marcus stated that he ran back to his apartment and said that he thought Carlos [Duran] was behind him, but saw that he wasn't." Hernandez's group was comprised of himself and several of his neighbors living at or near Park Rapids Apartments, including, but not limited to, Francisco (Frank) Medina, Jacob Sellers, Debra Sellers, and Jason Vogt, who drove the white Taurus sedan in which the Hernandez group arrived for the final confrontation. (Apparently they switched from Hernandez's to Vogt's vehicle after the previous confrontation, possibly so that Duran wouldn't recognize the vehicle.) Per the BCA report of Vogt's statement, "The purpose of the trip was to frighten Carlos Duran. ... Vogt reports Juan Hernandez carried a three foot long, one inch thick stick and Frank Medina carried an aluminum baseball bat." [To the best of your reporter's knowledge, there were no baseball games scheduled in that vicinity that evening.] It is not known whether there were participants in Hernandez's group other than the five contacted by police and named above; as it was after sundown, the number may or may not have been misestimated by Duran, who was clearly frightened by the ambush. He said, "There was about seven, eight of 'em, at least, they were shadow[s]; they all had black coats, they had their ...[stuff]... on; they were ready for battle and they all had ... [stuff] ... in their hand[s]." "The youngest kid - the first area that I shot at - he had something in his hand ... I could ... swear ... he pointed and I didn't know what to do," said Duran, "It was sundown - all I saw was their images [silhouettes] and I heard him [Hernandez say,] 'Come on ... your time to die; you're gonna die ... it was scary as hell ... I reached into my pocket, grabbed a gun, just started shooting." Duran fired wildly several times toward the approaching assailants; he denies that he was shooting at any person, which is corroborated by the fact that only one of the shots hit someone (Hernandez). "I wasn't shooting at nobody; I had no idea what I was doing, I just pulled it out and shot," Duran told BCA Special Agent Barker. Following the shooting, Barker retrieved a piece of trim board that he found in the street at the ambush site. Per the report of Vogt's statement, he heard shots fired, and heard Hernandez yell that he'd been shot. He then transported Hernandez to St. Joseph's hospital in Park Rapids while Debbie Sellers applied a tourniquet to his thigh. Per the filed complaint, the .22 bullet severed Hernandez's femoral artery, "the treating physician said, had the wound not been immediately treated, Hernandez would have died." Asked by Barker the reason he shot, Duran said, "Just not to die ... I've got a business, a wife ... just not to die." Duran was arrested without incident immediately following the shooting. His next court date has not been scheduled; attorneys were given 10 days to submit briefs following the January 24th omnibus hearing before Judge Mondry at Park Rapids. Duran, who has remained in custody since the December 6th incident, is represented by public defender Don Dearstyne, of Walker, who has indicated that an argument of self-defense will be maintained if the matter goes to trial. --------------------------------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism - Follow Up NEWMAN CASE ENDS Soaring Cost of Prosecution Cited; Newman Accepts Alford Proposa BEMIDJI -- In Minnesota, a towed vehicle doesn't have to be insured - as long as only two wheels are on the ground. But if a third wheel touches the pavement, you might have trouble. That's what happened to Thomas G. Newman, then living in Turtle River, on April 3, 1999, when a vehicle that he was towing on a makeshift hitch shifted on the hitch, allegedly allowing one of the raised wheels to come into contact with the road. And that was the start of one of the most involved and expensive traffic matters (case no. 04-T8-99-1200) in Beltrami County history, which has involved censure of one judge for holding a private meeting in chambers, and a federal suit against several other judges, as well as Beltrami Asst. County Attorney Eric Schieferdecker. (See Newman Files Federal Suit Against Holter, Other Judges, NH of 11/08/00; Chief Judge Cites Misconduct by Judge Holter, NH of 12/08/99; in The Library at the NH website) But on January 19th, 2001, Newman, citing the enormous public cost that the case had generated, agreed to an Alford plea and fine of $100. An Alford plea is one where, unlike a guilty plea, the defendant does not admit the offense, but nonetheless, for expediency, agrees to be sentenced for same, disposing of the matter. The file, with it's many contested motions, allegations of judicial impropriety and disqualifications of judges, had grown to a thickness of about 2 inches, for this alleged traffic violation. Per Beltrami County Deputy Teri Gunsalus's report, Newman was on the side of the road readjusting the hitch when she pulled over. "After looking at it, I was told that the tires were off the ground when it was on flat surface. ... the vehicle was being towed this way, but it had fallen off [of the hitch] when they hit a bump, and that's why they were chaining it." Ninth District Judge Jay Mondry, who normally sits in Park Rapids, held the pre-trial hearing on June 6, 2000. Following Judge Mondry's being named in Newman's federal lawsuit, claiming denial of civil rights in conjunction with the case, Judge Richard Zimmerman was scheduled to hear the trial on January 23rd, 2001. But Newman said that a few days before the trial, he was contacted by the prosecution and offered the Alford plea bargain. He said that he agreed to it due to the time and expense, including public expense that the case was requiring. Newman, currently pursuing a law degree in North Dakota, said that the resolution of the criminal case would not affect his civil lawsuit against the judges and prosecutor Schieferdecker. ------------------------------------------------------- UNSCRUPULOUS* BEMIDJI MERCHANT CONTINUES TO PUSH SALES OF FRAUDULENT PHONE CARDS * our opinion BEMIDJI -- Notwithstanding that the misleading advertising of many prepaid phone cards, including the In Touch product, sold by Lueken's Foods, Bemidji, has been well documented in previous issues of Northern Herald, (see issues of 10/11/00, and 11/08/00 at The Library at our website - address. p.5), and notwithstanding that at least one member of Lueken's staff has been notified of this scam, Bemidji grocer Lueken's Foods continues to push the cards with particular fervor. It is not known exactly why Joe Lueken, owner, is pushing the fraudulent cards so hard, or what arrangements he may have with producers of the cards, which debit users' accounts with unexpected and unstated charges so that the purchaser of the card often does not receive nearly as many minutes as he thought he would. Joe Lueken could not be contacted for comment - a store manager stated that he was in Hawaii from early January to mid-March and was not taking phone calls. These phone cards, particularly, prey upon those least able to afford the scam. Often they are bought by people who don't have home telephones or don't have other home long distance service. The cards are advertised at "as low as 2 cents a minute" or 974 minutes for $20. But there are surcharges that apply, even if connecting from a home phone (i.e. not a pay phone), and the amount of these surcharges is not stated on the card. In a test scenario, an In Touch card was docked over 3 hours for a 15 minute (approximately) call. It was also docked on a subsequent call where there was no answer. The total docking for the two calls (i.e. one of about 15 minutes, and the no answer - both made from a home phone) was 5 hours and 9 minutes of "card time" - the equivalent of paying $6.34 for those two calls. This is a far cry from the 2 cents a minute advertised. Since our original Consumer Corner broke on these cards, Northern Herald has received a barrage of phone calls from other people who have been ripped-off by various brands of phone cards - the very profitable scam has reached epidemic proportions and the best defense is to simply not buy the cards. Often, the cards provide no information as to the party or entity that manufactures and markets same, and one user, when calling the service number printed on the card, was refused an address to which he could send his complaint in writing. The card issuers have covered their bases well and it is difficult to hold them accountable as you don't know who they are - the long distance provider, shown on the card, is not generally the same as the card marketer. In some cases, the service telephone number on the card is just an answering machine and calls are not returned. Consumers who are defrauded by the cards are advised to first seek a refund from the store where it was bought; if this is unsuccessful, then to make a complaint to Minnesota Attorney General Mike Hatch, consumer fraud division, at 651-296-6196. Photo captions - photos do not appear in Library edition: An ad for the deceptively marketed phone cards is prominently displayed at the Lueken's entrance ------------------------------------------------------ BEMIDJI WOMEN'S SHELTER WANTS TO EXPAND Releases Current Financials BEMIDJI -- The shelter calling itself Northwoods Coalition of Battered Women (NCBW), at Bemidji, is now seeking to build a new facility, at a cost of about $1.2 million to accommodate 16 women, rather than the present 9, and is expected to shortly seek planning approval, grant funding and other contributions for same. The shelter provides housing for women who become suddenly in need of same. Previous investigation has shown that the women residing at the shelter are not necessarily "battered" or physically abused, but are often merely in the process of breaking up with a spouse or an illicit cohabitant. Services rendered at the shelter may include legal services by their affiliated advocates. Often women are encouraged to use the courts to seek Orders For Protection (OFPs) which may later be used to weight child custody arguments. In some cases, the shelter advocates have assisted women in filing affidavits which later turned out to be wholly perjured (see The Women's Shelters And The Law (a contradiction in terms) in Living On The Edge, at the NH website) and have suborned perjured testimony in court. The shelters, with their highly paid executive staff, some of whom may have been unable to keep employment elsewhere, receive the bulk of their funds from per diem charges made to the various counties for housing the women. The current Beltrami County per diem was not readily determinable, but when the NCBW total fiscal 1999 (tax year ending 6/30/00) program revenue amount of $302,114, per their filed IRS form 990, is divided by 9 (the number of women they accommodate, and then by 366 (days in the year), it yields a figure of $91.72 per woman, per day. The 990 also reported $177,312 in grants received, $27,499 in direct public support, $6,614 in interest from savings and $8,849 in other revenue for a total of $522,388 revenue for the year. From this, salaries and wages paid were $321,748, or about $97.68 per person served, per day. The balance sheet in the Form 990 shows total fund balance (equivalent to net worth) of $804,735, with $197,906 in readily liquid assets. Of note is the entry for $508,426 of assets shown as in "other investments" with no further explanation. This amount, taken from assets and placed in "other investments" is of note, given the amount of interest and dividends reported ($6,614). In an unrelated matter, another Bemidji shelter known as April's Shelter, a home for unwed mothers, recently had expansion plans halted in the wake of charges being brought against director Judith Selby. Selby, a local counselor, who with her husband also operated the (now closed) Selby and Selby practice at Bemidji, was charged with having vastly overbilled governmental medical programs, including billing Medicaid for client appointments during a period when the Selbys were actually in Australia. April's Shelter also derives substantial funding through government grants. ---------------------------------------------------------- REGION 5 OFFERS INFANT/CHILD CAREGIVER SESSIONS Region 5 Child Care Resources and Referral will be hosting the following free training sessions, at the Walker Public Library, Walker, for child care providers and other interested persons: Feb. 10th, 10:30am-12:30pm Subject: Special Issues (e.g. chronic illness, developmental delays, child abuse); Mar. 3rd, 10:30am-2pm, Subject: Language Development in Infants; Apr. 7th, 10:30am-12:30pm, Subject: Culture, Development and Learning. Pre-registration for these seminars is required. Contact Heidi Christensen, 800-422-7395, ext. 4 ----------------------------------------------------- 2001 MISSISSIPPI RIVER BUDGET AVAILABLE ST. PAUL -- The U.S. Dept. of the Interior has released the current budget for the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. Details are available from that office at 651-290-4160. The new budget provides $634,300 for resource stewardship and community assistance; $326,000 for visitor services and education; $503,200 for cooperative visitor facilities and $111,500 for park administration. --------------------------------------------------------- KINKEL'S KOLUMN from the office of Dist. 4 State Senator Tony Kinkel A PRIORITY: SENIORS' LONG-TERM CARE OPTIONS Dear readers: It is a privilege and a pleasure to be able to join you here on the pages of the Northern Herald. Thanks to this column, we will have the chance to look into the issues that will face our district this year and in years to come. Today I'd like to write about our area's long-term care needs: I hope this will be the first of many interesting and informative discussions to follow. Though the aging of America is no secret, it may surprise you to know District Four has one of the highest elderly populations of any district in Minnesota. This trend will only continue, as Minnesota's 85+ population will nearly triple in the next 50 years. In the meantime, older residents are demanding a wider variety of care services from a system that cannot find enough workers to meet current demand. It's apparent that we need to act now to avoid a long-term care crunch that will affect every single one of us down the road. On January 18th the Long-Term Care Task Force presented its report to the public. The Task Force listed 15 strategies the Legislature should pursue in 2001 to improve the future of Minnesota's long-term care system. Among the strategies: * Ensure adequate funding for the Elderly Waiver and Alternative Care programs to serve elderly diverted from nursing homes * Obtain more state flexibility in the federal regulations of long-term care * Expand tuition credits and loan forgiveness options, and develop a "GI Bill" to attract long-term care workers Of course, all this depends on sufficient funding during the upcoming two-year budget cycle. It will take strong action from a dedicated Legislature and equally strong support from concerned citizens to meet these challenges. Though it is too early to tell how things will unfold, I support these improvements and hope that we will make headway in this important area. Thank you for your interest in legislative matters, and for the honor of representing you in St. Paul. I look forward to sharing new issues with you next time, and I am eager to hear what you think needs to be done to meet our long-term care needs. Sincerely yours, Senator Anthony G. "Tony" Kinkel Editor's Note: Kinkel's Kolumn is a regular feature in this spring's issues of Northern Herald, providing session info direct from our Senator in St. Paul. Readers may contact Sen. Kinkel by mail at the State Capitol, St. Paul, MN 55155, by phone at 651-296-4913 or by e-mail: sen.tony.kinkel @senate.leg.state.mn.us Legislators receive a lot of calls; on important matters, it is generally best, instead, to send a hard-copy letter so the lawmaker will have signed written material (on paper) to which to refer. ---------------------------------------------------------------- ASK THE TAX GUY by Adam Steele, Certified Public Accountant DISABLED? DON'T MISS PROPERTY TAX SAVINGS! Property tax law of many states, including Minnesota, provides for special property tax reductions for certain persons who are disabled. The catch is that the existence of these provisions is not always well known, and the disabled property owner has to apply for the break to get it. Minnesota Statutes 273.13, Subd. 22(b) defines a special homestead property classification (class 1b) that applies to property used as a homestead by certain persons who are permanently and totally disabled or blind. Income limits, per the statute, apply. The special classification reduces the "net tax capacity" rate on the first $32,000 of market value from 1% to .45. After subsequent computations (the property tax computation is complex and there are several subsequent adjustments) a homeowner, with property valued over $32,000 might receive about a $150 annual saving. The actual savings in any specific case will vary some depending upon the taxing jurisdictions and questions as to specific amounts should be directed to the city or county assessor where the property is located. To apply for this special disability classification, homeowners may procure an application from their city or county assessor, or from Minnesota Dept. of Revenue, Property Tax Division, Mail Station 3340, St. Paul, MN 55146-3340, or may call 1-800-657-3831. The application must be filed with Minn. Dept. of Revenue at the above address. Editor's Note: We thank Don Taylor, of Deer River, for his submission which resulted in the above column, as well as Itasca County Assessor Larry Austin and the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes, who provided pertinent information. ----------------------------------------------------------- In Focus -------- The In Focus feature is primarily pictoral - photos, however, do not appear in the Library edition. WINTER SPORT, CHILI AT REMER !! photo captions: REMER -- Remer hosted it's annual Chili Cook-Off, UCC Bake Sale and finish line of the Minnesota 150K dog sled race Saturday, January 27th. Above, the judges of the Chili Cook-Off get ready to perform their solemn duty. From left, Mike Parent, Bob Bruckbauer, Jordan Perkins, Jeanette Bruckbauer, Dori Hanson, Shirley Perkins, Diana Slagle, Howard Knight, Carol Parent. What wine goes with chili? Well, the official wine selected for the judges' booth was Peter Vella White Zinfandel. The Cook-Off was held in hospitable surroundings at the smoker-friendly fire hall at Remer. Presentation is everything. Last year's winner, Sue Passard, has her chili ladle at the ready on silver platter. Shown with trophys to be awarded, Passard's layout included chips and salsa, sour cream, onions and two kinds of grated cheese. Dedicated polling officials examine for dimpled or hanging chads while tallying the vote for the Remer Chili Cook-Off People's Choice Award. Cheesecake photo: As delicious as what she's holding, the very beautiful and elegant Lady Steele models with Remer bake sale cookies and an excellent cherry cheesecake almondine which was quite the value at $5. At inset, bake sale coordinator Paula Murray. The annual bake sale occurs in conjunction with the Chili Feed at the Remer Fire Hall and benefits the United Congregational Church Sunday School. Murray said that they expected to raise over $100 this year for community projects and children's recreation. Competitor Gary Selinski praised Jim Ruyak's chili saying, "He gets better every year - some year he's [his chili's] gonna be as good as mine." This must have been the year, as Ruyak, shown dishing up chili, took First Place in the Cook-Off. Ruyak's recipe is secret, but the chili had suberb colour and texture, with a hearty blend of meat, pinto beans, onions, celery and bell peppers, and just the right amount of heat (about 2 on a scale of 5) which was excellent but didn't overpower the chili flavour. For $5, visitors got all the chili, and as many kinds, as they could eat. Sean and Dawn (not shown) Edmeier, and Stephanie and Cory Hays came up from Little Canada and Rosemount to enjoy the feed. Jim Ruyak took 1st, Helen Haase, 3rd and People's Choice, and Larry Holter, 2nd, place honors. Race committee V.P. George Donovan, who with wife, Jane, has coordinated the Remer sled dog race checkpoint for the past ten or so years, said, "This is real great! ...[There's] SNOW this year! The mushers coming in tell us the trail is AWESOME from Outing to Remer." There were 45 entrants, including two from Argentina, this year. With a total purse of $5,000, the race pays 15 places. Top trophy class honors went to Art Gloor of Bovey with time of 8:04, with Jamie Nelson, Togo and Dan Bergerson, Grand Rapids, tying for second with 8:31. In the professional class, top honors went to Robin Fisher of Cook, with 7:24. The race started at Aitkin, with the trail taking mushers to Outing, and finally Remer. The flash reflects in the eyes of Art Gloor's winning team as they cross the finish line. ------------------------------------------------------------ IT'S BACK TO HACK !! HACKENSACK -- For the first time, fireworks opened the annual 3-day Back to Hack winter festival at Hackensack. The display followed the annual free hot dog roast and bonfire Friday night, January 13th. Weekend festivities following the Friday kick-off included snomo radar runs on Birch Lake and the Chili Feed at the American Legion. Said Karen Shearen, President of the Northwoods Trail Runners Snomo Club which sponsored the radar runs, that it was going, "Real nice, everybody's enjoying themselves and we're getting a lot of people trying out the radar runs." As of noon Saturday, the best speed was 101 MPH. Photo captions - photos do not appear in Library edition: Snomos line up for radar runs on Birch Lake Karen Shearen at the Northwoods Trail Runners' outpost on the ice at Birch Lake This year's Back to Hack featured chainsaw wood carving by Grant Rogers, who came from Missoula, Montana for the fest. Rogers's raccoon carving, was one of the works on display. Rogers speaks to a visitor while Lucette Diana Kensack (Paul Bunyan's wife), for whom Hackensack is named, looks on by the Birch Lake waterfront. Rogers explained that even his most intricate carvings are chainsaw, finished with Dremel Mototools. Rogers owns Blued Pine Artworks in Missoula. Helen Arndt, and below, Robert and Evelyn Arndt enjoy chili prepared by Bernie Van Dyke, above, at the American Legion Feed. Van Dyke was serving an original recipe, and said she hoped to top last years' sales, which support Legion activities. Helen and Robert Arndt are from Jefferson, Wisconsin; Evelyn Arndt, 86, lives in Hackensack. ------------------------------------------------------- Editorials - Opinion -------------------- WORLD OVERPOPULATION THREATENS GALAPAGOS SPECIES More people, drawing on earth's strained resources, have to ship those resources in larger quantities - quantities that, if moved carelessly, or through eventual and inevitable mishap, can wipe out a delicate island ecosystem. The Galapagos Islands have long been one of the world's most renowned and protected ecological sites. In addition to researchers, many scientific sightseers go there each year; though in past years tourism has been regulated to avoid ecological damage. The Galapagos species have survived for millions of years, but may not survive 21st century human commercial technology. World overpopulation, which in recent years has decimated the great African, South American and Indonesian rain forests, where about 20% of the world's oxygen supply was, in recent years, generated; and countless hundreds of species of plants and animals, has now posed a direct threat to the Galapagos Islands ecosystem, home of the unique animals that inspired Charles Darwin's book, Origin of Species. The initial threat comes with the running aground of an Ecuadorian tanker, the Jessica, spilling about 185,000 gallons of diesel fuel off the coast of San Cristobal Island, one of the Galapagos Islands. 14 crew members of the ship were, reportedly, arrested pending charges. Unfortunately, none of the other people, who caused the overpopulation by indifferent breeding, were charged. For further details and photographs of this catastrophe, see The (Bemidji) Pioneer of January 25, 2001. A researcher writing for Discover magazine a few years ago, and following intensive study, reported that a tripling of the world's population which, per current growth rates would occur around 2040, could come only with the extinction of most other terrestrial species. This trend is now being realized in many areas of the world. For superb fictional reading based on the subject islands, readers are also referred to Kurt Vonnegut's excellent novel: "Galapagos" available from bookstores and libraries. -------------------------------------------------------- FORESTERS TO MEET The 2001 annual convention of the Minnesota Society of American Foresters will be held February 6-8th at the Holiday Inn at Ely, Minnesota. Over 160 forestry and natural resource professionals, as well as students, are expected to attend. The convention will feature several prominent speakers; topics to be discussed include: Forest Genetics, Forest Management, Timber Supply and Markets, Forest Fragmenation, Herbicides, Landscape, Forester Certification, GIS and GPS Technology, Insects and Disease, Recreation and Trail Management, Environmental Management and Road Design, and Silviculture of Quality Hardwoods. More info is available at 218-729-8480 or 218-743-3694. ------------------------------------------------------------- BEMIDJI FAMILY TO HOST URUGUAY STUDENT PAX Academic Exchange has announced that Bemidji's Buckanaga Family has chosen to host exchange student Ana Faget, from Uruguay, beginning in January, 2001. Faget will live in Bemidji and attend Nevis High School. Several student exchange programs continue to seek host families in Minnesota. Interested persons may contact PAX through Joyce Krueger at 218-732-5310. Also seeking host families is Unique Advantage Exchange Program at 248-634-8415 ----------------------------------------------------------- USASA SNOWBOARDING RESULTS Following are the results of the January 26-28th USASA Snow-boarding Competition at Andes Tower Hills, Kensington. Further competition will be held at Andes Tower Hills, Feb 3rd & 4th, with Nationals at Mammoth Mountain, California, March 19th-25th. BOARDER X RESULTS: Grommet boys (8-9) (1) Nick Odio, Alexandria, (2) Joey Ferguson, Alexandria Menehune Boys (10-11) (1) Bugree Boyum, Battle Lake, (2) Kale Eickhof, Grand Rapids ND (3) Jake Ferguson, Alexandria Breaker Boys (12-13) (1) Bo Johnson, Alexarndria (2) Ryan Sundberg, Alexandria Youth Boys (14-15) (1) Nate Odio, Alexandria, (2) Jared Ziesmer, Alexandria (3) Dan Meyer, Farwell (4) Brett Marusak, Alexandria (5) Andrew Sorbel, Alexandria (6) Jared Kram, Bemidji Junior Men (16-17) (1) Dustin Turcott, St. Cloud (2) Andrew Torfin, Alexandria (3) David Aarsvold, Alexandria (4) Jon Brogaard, Alexandria Jams Men (18-22) (1) Patrick Flaherty, Duluth; (2) Trenton Briese, Pierz; SLALOM RESULTS: Youth Girls (14-15) (1) Trista Briese, Pierz; Junior Woman (16-17) Heather Haarstad, Moorhead; Grommet Boys (8-9) (1) Nick Odio, Alexadria; (2) Joey Ferguson, Battle Lake Menehune Boys (10-11) (1) Burgee Boyum, Battle Lake; (2) Brian Robin, Prior Lake (3) Jake Ferguson, Alexandria (4) Kale Eickhof, Grand Foks, ND Breaker Boys (12-13) (1) Bo Johnson, Alexandria (2) Matt Armour, Alexandria (3) Ryan Sundberg, Alexandria Youth Boys (14-15) (1) Jared Ziesmer, Glenwood (2) Nathan Odio, Alexandria; (3) Jared Kram (4) Peter Kelly, Evansville Junior Men (16-17) (1) Jon Brogaard, Alexandria; (2) Joe Knox Jr., Nelson (3) David Aarsvold, Alexandria; (4) Darrell Kramin, Alexandria; (5) Dustin Sladek, Pierz Jams Men (18-22) (1) Patrick Flaherty, Duluth; (2) Trenton Briese, Pierz (3) Nathan Wisehart, Bemidji GIANT SLALOM RESULTS: Youth Girls (14-15) (1) Trista Briese, Pierz Junior Girls (16-17) (1) Heather Haarstad, Moorhead; Menehune Boys (10-11) (1) Brian Robin, Prior Lake (2) Kale Eickhof, Grand Forks ND (3) Burgee Boyum, Battle Lake; Breaker Boys (12-13) (1) Bo Johnson, Alexandria (2) Matt Arnour, Alexandria; (3) Ryan Sundber, Alexandria Youth Boys (14-15) (1) Nathan Odio, Alexandria; (2) Brett Marusak, Alexandria (3) Jared Kram, Evansville Junior Men (16-17) (1) Joe Knox, Nelson (2) Darrell Kramin, Bemidji (3) Jon Brogaard, Alexandria; (4) Dustin Sladek, Pierz (5) David Aarsvold, Alexandria; Jams Men (18-22) (1) Patrick Flaherty, Duluth; (2) Trenton Briese, Pierz; (3) Nathan Wisehart, Bemidji SLOPESTYLE RESULTS: Junior Women (16-17) (1) Kirsta Anderson, Farwell Grommet Boys (8-9) (1) Nick Odio, Alexandria; (2) Joey Ferguson, Alexandria Menuhune Boys (10-11) (1) Brian Robin, Prior Lake (2) Burgee Boyum, Battle Lake (3) Jake Ferguson, Alexandria (4) Kale Eickhof, Grand Rapids, ND Breaker Boys (12-13) (1) Bo Johnson, Alexandria; (2) Matt Armour, Alexandria; (3) Ryan Sundberg, Alexandria Youth Boys (14-15) (1) Jared Zeismer, Glenwood; (2) Nathan Odio, Alexandria; (3) Jonathan Pederson, Bemidji; (4) Peter Kelly, Evansville Junior Men (16-17) (1) Jon Brogaard, Alexandria; (2) Dustin Turcotte, St. Cloud 3) Andrew Hoefer, St. Cloud (3) Andrew Torfin, Alexandria (4) Darrell Kramin, Alexandria; (5) Mark Pederson, Bemidji (6) David Aarsvold, Alexandria; (7) Tyler Golberg, Alexandria Jams Men (18-22): (1) Dan Gilbertson, Bemidji (2)Jason Raymond, Bemidji (3) Emiliano Godiniz, Alxandria (4) Chad DeCourcy, St. Cloud (5) Nathan Wisehart, Bemidji; (6) Ryan Scholtes, St. Cloud HALFPIPE RESULTS: Youth Girls (14-15): (1) Carrie Bower, Alexandria Jams Women (18-22): (1) Kjersti Nyborg Hov, battle Lake Grommet Boys (8-9): (1) Nick Odio, Alexandria Menehune Boys (10-11): (1) Brian Robin, Prior Lake (2) Burgee Boyum, Battle Lake (3) Kale Eickhof, Grand Forks ND Breaker Boys (12-13): (1) Branden Dickie, Prior Lake (2) Matt Amour, Alexandria (3) Bo Johnson, Alexandria Youth Boys (14-15): (1) Nathan Odio, Alexandria (2) Jared Ziesmer, Glenwood Junior Men (16-17): (1) Dustin Turcotte, St. Cloud (2) Jon Brogaard, Alexandria (3) Brian Olson, St. Cloud (4) Jordan Hill, St. Cloud Jams Men (18-22): (1) Matt Gustafson, Alexandria (2) Ryan Scholtes, St. Cloud ---------------------------------------------------------- BIATHLON RESULTS Following are the first place winners competing for Minnesota Cup #6 at Elk River, in Pursuit Format: Sr. Men: Ryan Cameron, Minneapolis; time: 0:37.21 Jr. Men: Chris Gadacz, Elk River; time: 0:39:15 Youth Men: Dan Luoma, Maple Plain; time: 0:27:36 Sr. Women: Jill Troutner, Maple Grove; time: 0:34:28 Jr. Women: Beth Kolb, Marine; time: 0:34:02 Youth Women: Stephanie William, Grand Marais; time: 0:30:32 ------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 01/03/2001 - VOLUME 6 NO. 3 ------------------------------------- Red Lake - On The Move! RED LAKE OFFERS NEW TRANSIT Bus Will Operate Twice a Day At First, Across Red Lake Nation and to/from Bemidji. RED LAKE -- Red Lakers working in Bemidji will find the commute easier this year, and those living in Bemidji or Ponemah, but wanting to shop at Red Lake can do so, thanks to the new Red Lake Transit bus service, between Ponemah, Redby, Red Lake and Bemidji, initiated in December. The bus began service December 11th, with one midday route; in January it will make two round trips per day to allow for commuting, as well as shopping. "After the first of the year, we are hoping to initiate service twice a day to bring people in [and back] for jobs ... and then with the bus circulating around the reservation during the day for dial a rides," said Mike Ness, Red Lake Transit Administrator. Service within the Red Lake Nation is $1 per ride, between the Nation (any part) and Bemidji, it's $3.50 for a round trip. Initial operation is Monday through Friday and, per a release, the schedule is expected to coordinate with the Bemidji City Bus. The bus can carry 20 people. The initial schedule called for departure times as follows: Ponemah - 8 am, Jensen's Store - 8:20, Redby Store - 8:40, Red Lake IGA - 8:55, Littlerock Community Center - 9:05; the bus then goes to Bemidji and "delivers clients wherever they need to go in Bemidji for their shopping - whatever they want to do - and then returns to the reservation at about ... [1 pm], or so. The times are essentially open for coming back, simply because, it's for the clients. If somebody needs to stick around 'til two o'clock, if no one has any real objections, we'll leave the bus out here til two o'clock and bring them back - it's no problem," said Ness. The transit service planned to conduct a survey in late December to determine the best schedule for 2001, Ness said in a written release, "Our future bus service will be based upon the on the needs of the riders." Persons wanting updated schedule information, or to request dial-a-ride are invited to call 218-679-2395 from 8 am - 4 pm. Like many transit systems in Minnesota, Red Lake Transit was, in part, funded by federal block grants to the states and disbursed by the State of Minnesota pursuant to application made to the Minnesota Dept. of Transportation. The grant reimburses 80% of the capital (equipment) and 50% of the operating expenses incurred. "We might be possibly seeking private foundation monies as well so we can get more buses," said Ness. Per Project Manager Kent Ehrenstrom, annual operating expenses are projected at about $107,000. Said Red Lake Planning Director Linda Bedeau, addressing the need for transit on the Red Lake Nation, "We have a lot of people who need transportation, ... we are hoping that with the new transit system ... we would be able to provide services not only for the reservation but for people living outside the reservation in surrounding areas. And it is the effort of the tribal council to try to collaborate and work with other communities adjacent to the reservation. Bedeau said that the bus is expected to promote economic development within the Red Lake communities, "to go to work, have a paycheck ... go into the communities and spend their money." Bedeau, however, did not believe that the availability of bus service for access to Bemidji's large job market, would substantially reduce the need for welfare. It was also suggested that the bus could provide more educational opportunities for Red Lake residents to attend Bemidji colleges as well as providing access to health services and retail centers. Additionally, the bus provides a means for Red Lakers living in Bemidji and without other transportation to shop and visit in their hometown communities of Red Lake. The transit service, Bedeau explained, was the result of a task force having been appointed in 1997 to study transportation needs of the Red Lake Nation. Bedeau organized a committee "identifying the need, our vehicles, and what we have to do ... I took all of that information; we put it into a proposal in ... 1999, and ... got funded in 1999." Still, Red Lake is responsible for 20% of capital and 50% of the operating costs. Bedeau emphasized the importance of backing of the tribal council, "We cannot do the tasks ... unless you've got full support of the tribal council and hereditary chiefs. Because they're the ones that have the governing votes to make things happen, and they have been very supportive through ... this whole process. Carmen Beaulieu, Littlerock representative has been very instrumental in ... making sure we get to step two, step three, step four ... Chairman (Bobby Whitefeather) has been working on the state level ... all of the members ... helped us get to where we are today, so I'm very, very pleased and I want to thank all the members and the tribal council. Interest in a similar system has already spread to other Minnesota reservations which, due to remoteness from urban centers, also experience a transportation barrier. "I see that coming - I will be meeting with the Leech Lake Planning Dept. because they have called... and asked how we got this process [accomplished]," Bedeau said. -------------------------------------------------------------- RED LAKE TRADING POST BECOMES NEW IGA RED LAKE -- Big changes are in store for people who go to the store at Red Lake! And per Red Lake Nation Treasurer Dan King, who suggested and secured passage of the change, it has meant a 300% increase in business since this time last year; and people starting to come from Bemidji to shop in their home town of Red Lake - instead of the other way around. King, with B.S. and M.B.A. degrees from the University of St. Thomas, is also the CFO for all tribal enterprises and programs within the Red Lake Nation. Following substantial business experience with private firms, King turned his attention to the former Chippewa Trading Post, a retail grocer then buying from the Nash-Finch grocery supplier. "I felt our store was nowhere near it's potential," he said, "... we realized ... [Nash-Finch] wasn't meeting our needs," and said that, at times, the store wasn't even operating at a profit. To get professional day-to-day management, "we recruited Terry Sorquist," who had over 15 tears experience in managing grocery stores. Under King's and Sorquist's guidance, the store has undergone major renovation, and a new primary vendor designed to provide the quality and price for which shoppers look. Opened to competitive bidding, based not just on lower prices, but also a spectrum of services designed to result in customer satisfaction including a wide selection of merchandise, quality of product, and administrative help like training of store personnel and professional advice on store design, Fleming IGA, "one of the largest grocery wholesalers in the world," per Sorquist, emerged as the new primary vendor. Fleming IGA has operations extending as far as Australia, Europe and Southeast Asia. What consumers "will see is a bigger variety of products, - we went from 6,000 to over 14,000 products," said King, as well as lower prices due to regular IGA specials and almost 1,000 generic brands. Also new, customers can now special order other brands and items they want that would otherwise be hard to get here in the Northland. Sorquist emphasized the freshness and quality of the store's produce and meats, but also said that there's "no question" that the vendor change has brought better bargains with IGA's weekly specials, dollar days and power buys. Additionally, Sorquist pointed out, because Red Lake is a sovereign nation, tobacco and non-food items (i.e. paper towels, etc.) aren't subject to sales tax, saving $1.95 right there on a $30 purchase. The store's remodeling has included all new fixtures, 27 doors of new freezers, a six-deck 24' produce case ("It's state of the art - it's beautiful," said Sorquist) an expanded meat dept. with multi-deck smoked meat and deli cases, and a new frozen meat case. To enhance customer service, the store now boasts 3 new scanner-equipped checkstands and has a 24' Wall of Values. A new automatic entrance door will be installed in early January. On the overall, it was "a very, very positive change - a very good decision," said Sorquist. Citing the increased sales, King added, "Our community members are really responding to the [new] store," and said that it boosted community pride now that people could find what they wanted without having to travel outside the community. -------------------------------------------------------------- BSU JAZZ FEST TO BE FEB. 3RD BEMIDJI -- Here in the Northland, the name for great jazz is Bemidji State University Jazz Bands. True to form, the BSU Music Dept., headed by Dr. Steve Konecne, will produce the 28th Annual Jazz Fest Feb. 2nd and 3rd, 2001, concluding with the gala public performance Saturday at 7:30 p.m. New location. Although traditionally held at the old high school, those facilities are unavailable this year due to the ludicrous new school; accordingly, the concert will be held at BSU's Beaux Arts Auditorium which will have to be packed with chairs to handle the large audience of music aficionados that the Fest draws each year. On this year's playbill are jazz stars Frank Mantooth, who has played extensively in Chicago, and returning star Jim ten Bensel of Minneapolis. Both of these clinicians will conduct clinics and workshops with the student bands over the two day festival, and then will perform with BSU Jazz Band I at the big public performance. The jazz fest workshops and clinics are open to most schools, both secondary and collegiate, and normally draws talented participation from the best music academies in the Northland and Canada. The only limitation is the number of bands that can be accommodated. "We filled up real early this year," said Konecne. The two most outstanding visiting bands are, during the workshops, selected by the celebrity clinicians to also play at the concluding public concert. This year's celebrities. Frank Mantooth, who now lives in Garden City, Kansas, is a jazz pianist who has earned 9 Grammy nominations for writing and playing. Mantooth, who has written over 150 published arrangements, and has 4 CDs, has performed extensively in the U.S. and abroad, while writing regularly for the Kansas City Symphony Orchestra, the well-known Doc Severinsen's band, and the Madison, Wisc. Symphony Orchestra. Jim ten Bensel excited audiences at the '98 Fest and returns this year. This trombonist and brass player has toured with such greats as Henry Mancini and Stan Kenton and now teaches low brass at the Twin Cities' MacPhail Center and Hamline University. He has also performed with the Orchestra Hall Big Band at Minneapolis. "He's a very entertaining stage presence," said Dr. Konecne. In addition to the finale concert, public may also view the actual workshops and evaluation of the school bands, on Friday, 7-10 pm, and Saturday 9am-5pm at the Bangsberg Main Theatre, and the Recital Hall at BSU. ----------------------------------------------------- WALKER SNOWMOBILERS PERFORM DARING & HEROIC THANKSGIVING DAY RESCUE WALKER -- Five Walker residents, snowmobiling on Thanksgiving Day, 2000, are given credit for saving the life of Laura May Nelson, 61, of Akeley, whose car overturned that afternoon in a Walker lake. At about 2:30 p.m. that day, Jimmy Langford, Jerome Clark, Chris Anderson, Glenn Bredsen and Shawna Hiem "were out snowmobiling and we saw Laura's car upside down in Lake May," said Anderson. "Glenn, Jimmy and ... [I] went into the freezing water and tried to bust out the windows while Jerome called 911," he said. But they couldn't break the glass, so Shawna brought a pair of pliers that Anderson then used to break the window. "Then Jimmy pulled her out," said Anderson, who with Jimmy and Glenn then pulled her to safety at the shore. After the rescue, the snomoers put their jackets over Nelson until the ambulance arrived. Nelson, reportedly, had swallowed a lot of water, but was well enough to be released from St. Joseph's Hospital the following morning. Anderson expressed his appreciation to Benson's Grille at Walker for providing towels and dry clothes to the five after the rescue. Reflecting on the incident, Anderson recalled that there "wasn't another car on the road" due to the holiday; but somehow he and his friends got there just in time. "It was a good Thanksgiving," Anderson said. Chris Anderson is the owner of Anderson's Cove resort at Walker. --------------------------------------------------------- KINKEL'S KOLUMN from the office of Dist. 4 State Senator Tony Kinkel KINKEL COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED Senator Tony Kinkel (DFL-Park Rapids) has been appointed to serve on several key committees in the Minnesota State Senate. Kinkel was reelected to the Senate in 2000 in a landslide victory over Republican Bill Lawrence, to a seat he won in a special election in 1999 when he well outpolled former Bemidji Mayor Doug Peterson and Independence Party candidate Don Stephen. In a December release, Kinkel's office said that: Kinkel will serve on the Income and Sales Tax Committee, the Telecommunications, Energy and Utilities Committee, the Higher Education Committee and the Environment Committee. "I am honored to serve on these committees," Kinkel said. Kinkel said he is particularly pleased to be chosen to serve on the Senate Tax Committee. "Throughout my time in the Senate -- at the Capitol and at home -- people have continually shared their concerns about the impact that taxes are having on their family and business budgets. As a member of the Sales and Income Tax Committee, I will be in a good position to work for tax policies which are fair and which can hopefully reduce the tax burden for the residents of District 4." Kinkel said he is also ready to begin work as a member of the Senate Telecommunications, Energy and Utilities Committee. "The current plans to deregulate the electricity industry would be disastrous for consumers," he said. "As a member of the key committee examining that issue, I will be able to make sure the perspective of consumers in Northern Minnesota is heard in St. Paul." Kinkel will also serve on the Environment Committee and will continue as Vice Chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee. "I am pleased to again be selected for a leadership post on an important Senate committee," Kinkel said. "As Vice-Chair of the Higher Education Budget Committee, I will be able to promote policies that will meet the needs of post-secondary students and families from throughout the state." Kinkel also serves as Dean of Northwest Technical College, and is officed at the Bemidji Campus. Kinkel said he enjoys the challenges of serving in the Senate and is ready to start another term. "I am fortunate to be able to serve the people of Senate District 4," he said. "And I am particularly pleased to be serving on committees in the Senate where I can make a contribution to policies that will make a difference in the lives of people in our area." The Senate will begin meeting in session on Wednesday, January 3rd. Senator Kinkel can be reached at: G-9 State Capitol, 75 Constitution Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55155-1606. His telephone number at the Capitol is 651-296-4913 and he can be reached by e-mail at: sen.tony.kinkel@ senate.leg.state.mn.us. Kinkel's Kolumn will be a regular feature in this spring's issues of Northern Herald, providing session info direct from our Senator in St. Paul. -------------------------------------------------------- - AN OBITUARY - Morris William Kelly, age 82, of Minneapolis and Red Lake, died Saturday, December 30, 2000 in the Hennepin County Medical Center in Mpls. He was born October 26, 1918 in Red lake, the son of James William and Susan Kay (Howard) Kelly. He grew up in Red Lake until serving his country in WWII. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the European Theater, who made several drops behind enemy lines and was a Purple Heart Recipient. Morris is survived by a sister: Martha May of Red Lake, MN; his children: Carolyn (Ernest) Nevala of Sparta, MN, Kay (Richard) Wessman, Sr. of Chisholm, MN, Patsy (Dennis) Mitchell of Virginia, MN, Betty (Richard) Foy of Mpls. and Cheryl (Javier) Jimenez of Mpls.; 24 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; 9 brothers and sisters; and a son: Gerald Kelly, Sr. A wake began Wednesday, January 3, 2000 at 11:00 am at the Little Rock Center in Red Lake. Funeral Service was held 11:00 am Thursday in St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Red Lake, MN. Interment will follow in the St. Mary’s Cemetery. Pallbearers were: Chris Thompson, Russell Foy, Jeremy Foy, Gerald Kelly, Jr., Richard Wessman, Jr., Robert Wessman, Donald Kelly, and Keith Neadeau. Honorary Pallbearers were: Dennis Mitchell, Ernest Nevala, Richard Wessman, Sr., Richard Foy, Ronald Kelly, Daniel Kelly, and Robin Kelly. Family services provided by Bauman-Cron, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia, MN. To leave a memorial on-line, please visit www.baumanfuneral.com. ------------------------------------------------------- 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 GOOD PLACE IN BEMIDJI TO TAKE YOUR CAR! (Photo caption - photos are not included in library edition): Douglas Ruddick, owner and head mechanic at The Auto Clinic, cleans a brake rotor. Ruddick is a veteran of 16 years' mechanical work, the last five at The Auto Clinic, now at 702 Grant Ave. (1/2 block from the NTC campus), and at it's previous location on Midway Drive. Prior, Ruddick did mechanical work for several dealerships and also smaller shops. In addition to operating the shop, Ruddick serves on the Northwest Technical College Advisory Board to help plan worthwhile auto trade college curricula. "We're trying to plot out a comprehensive course that makes the most of a student's time ... in the automotive field," Ruddick said. Given the complexity of today's cars, he added, "We may try to get a more expanded program to go further than the regular two year degree ...." to better train more professional mechanics for the challenges they'll face. Ruddick said that he got into auto work because, "It had always been a hobby of mine, and I was out of the army and didn't really have a plan for my future. So, I decided to go to the tech school (NTC) here in Bemidji, and it turned out rather well." The Auto Clinic expanded considerably in size with its 1997 move from Midway Drive and Ruddick's acquisition of the present building; and Ruddick said that the business has grown as well. "It's grown quite a bit, and I have to attribute the success to the hard work of a lot of individuals - people that have helped me," he said. BEMIDJI -- Auto mechanics, even good ones, are prone to be the subject of negative commentary. Let's face it - auto mechanics enjoy about the same popularity as the accountant who represented you at a tax audit, or the guy who did your last tow. You didn't particularly want to be there to begin with, and so may not have fully appreciated the quality of the professional services rendered. Still, if those services hadn't been available, a bad situation could have become catastrophic. The skill of a good mechanic has been analogized to that of a doctor, with sidenote that there are hundreds of models of cars, and their automotive anatomy changes every year; there are crates of journals and reference manuals to keep up on. Human anatomy, conversely, usually occurs in only one basic model which hasn't changed much over a goodly while. Clearly, a good mechanic is a true professional and a valuable asset to any community. Given then, that mechanics often receive undue complaint, still, there are objective standards - things any motorist has a right to expect from his auto shop. A customer should be able to expect: 1) That the vehicle will be gotten into the shop in a reasonably timely and convenient manner; 2) That the trouble with the vehicle will be properly diagnosed and the faulty parts isolated without the expense of replacing possibly worn parts which are not the cause of the problem. The customer should not be expected to know what part is faulty - if he did, he'd be a mechanic; also unacceptable is the trial and error method of replacing part after part until the problem is found - a person could replace an engine before finding a shorted plug wire; and 3) That the mechanic will be able to fix the problem, at reasonable cost. Bemidji. While being careful not to improperly criticize competent tradesmen, we cannot ignore that in Bemidji, even with benefit of doubt given, good and skilled auto servicemen are hard to find. In one case a few years back, three different Bemidji mechanics, in three different popular shops, were unable to properly diagnose the cause of a cold weather power loss. It turned out to be fuel-line freeze-up - a bottle of Heet(R) fixed it. Our test scenario. For the following test case, we used The Brownmobile - the Northern Herald delivery vehicle - an '82 Chevette with well over 100,000 miles on it. In our test scenario, we compare three Bemidji shops which were consulted for the same problem. Many readers' cars may not be in 100% perfect condition, and so, the test scenario was designed to emulate that state; that is, like most older vehicles, the vehicle used for the test scenario had other things wrong with it, not related to the problem of which was complained. The test scenario, thus centers on the mechanics' ability to diagnose and correct the problem of which was complained (i.e. what you took it to the shop for) without recommending superfluous repairs that were not related to that problem. The problem: The vehicle would not start in moderately (i.e. 30o) cold weather, except after long cranking, sometimes requiring recharging of the battery. When it started, it ran rough, on only one or two cylinders at first. The idle speed was set too low and, when running, the vehicle frequently stalled at stop lights. The actual causes of the problem: 1) The carburetor fuel mixture was off. This was complicated in that a former owner of the car had mashed a piece of metal on the carb, preventing access to the set screw. Additionally, 2) several vacuum lines attached to the carb had become cracked, and 3) An electrical connection on the choke was defective. Scoring: By the foregoing objective standards, the following Bemidji shops rated, on a scale of 0 to 100, as follows: Tires Plus: 0 Champion Auto (service garage): 0 The Auto Clinic: 100 Narrative - The Auto Clinic scheduled the inspection promptly, and was easily able to diagnose the problem while the car was running warm. Mr. Ruddick took the car for a test drive (which no other mechanic had done) and quickly ascertained the symptoms, and that the same things which were causing the car to run rough would also make it hard to start. In the shop he correctly diagnosed the problem, observed the damage to the carburetor, and scheduled the repair, as the carburetor would have to come out for repair, for the following day. While diagnosing the car, he replaced one of the cracked vacuum hoses which made an immediate improvement in the running. The following day, he removed and repaired the carburetor, replaced the vacuum hoses and the faulty choke connection, and adjusted the fuel mixture and idle. The diagnosis and repairs were apparently correct as since the repair, the car has started immediately on all four cylinders, every morning, even in sub-zero weather without engine heating. The rough running upon startup is gone, as is the stalling at lights. The cost of the repair was about $80, very reasonable for over two hours' repair work, and there was no charge for the initial diagnosis (assuming that work was to be performed there) which required the better part of an hour, including test drive. Tires Plus* now claims to have a full service mechanical shop. When Tires Plus first came to town two years ago, they seemed highly conscientious and bore a promise of bringing a higher level of service to the Bemidji market. But what was now observed in the test scenario does not instill confidence in the mechanical capability of this shop. It was difficult getting the car into the shop. Tires Plus doesn't take appointments, yet we were informed that they were "filled up" for certain days - an apparent contradiction. We were told by Bob Dickson, the manager, that the car would have to be cold when they saw it, which would require leaving the car there overnight - something that could not be practically done. After several days, the car was gotten into the Tires Plus shop while warm, but with the running problems (roughness, stalling) evident. The mechanics were unable to properly determine the cause of the problem, and suggested things like air filter replacement, notwithstanding that the air filter had been removed during starting attempts with no difference. The replacement of several parts, including the sealed choke assembly, which, in the end, turned out to not be the cause of the problem, was recommended, and the mechanic appeared to have no clear idea of what the problem was. No testing of parts was performed, and, had work been authorized, it appeared that various parts would have been replaced until the right one was found. When the Tires Plus mechanic was asked to try adjusting the carburetor fuel mixture, he responded that the setting was sealed (i.e. that it was meant to be that way) and could not be adjusted. This was wholly erroneous. If the mechanic was not familiar with the Chevette carburetor, a check of the manual would have shown him where the fuel mixture set screw was. There is, on many cars, a duct-like hose that runs from the exhaust manifold to the carburetor intake. When the car is running, this warms air to the carb from the heat of the manifold. This part was missing from the test car (as it is from many older cars). The mechanic suggested that that was the cause of the starting problem and recommended replacement. This, however, made no sense - in the first start of the morning, when the problem occurred, the manifold was cold; starting performance would be the same with or without the hose. Finally Dickson acknowledged that a conclusive diagnosis couldn't be arrived at while the car was warm and said that if we had to wait until it wouldn't start and then pay to have it towed to Tires Plus, well, that's one of those things you sometimes just have to do. But, as we've seen, we didn't have to do that at all. All in all, the car was not gotten into the shop in a reasonable manner (particularly under the circumstances that it was unknown whether it would start the next day), it wasn't properly diagnosed, other unneeded (to correct the problem) replacements were recommended, and the car left the shop without the actual cause of the problem being corrected in any way. On a subsequent visit to Tires Plus for an oil change, we requested that the fuel filter also be replaced. Tires Plus changed the oil, but was unable to perform the simple fuel filter replacement at the same time, saying that their mechanic was tied up on another job. The quick fuel filter replacement would require scheduling yet another visit. We are forced to conclude that although Tires Plus appears competent to change oil and tires, they did not appear competent for the mechanical repairs (diagnosis and performance) in the test scenario. Additionally, customer convenience is not a priority - perhaps not even a consideration. Further, Tires Plus staff displayed a lack of confidence in their work and seemed particularly nervous about having to "stand behind" the diagnosis and the repairs that they might recommend. To their credit, Tires Plus often does offer very good buys on very good quality tires, they perform oil changes efficiently, and they are open and available for emergency mechanical service when other shops aren't. They may get you out of a jam, and are usually willing to, at least, try to fix the car. The emergency service and hours they offer are of benefit to the consumer. For involved and time-intensive mechanical repairs such as needed in the test scenario, however, Tires Plus did not appear to have a well experienced seasoned mechanic knowledgeable of the variety of automotive components presented, nor did they take the time to ascertain relevant information (e.g. that the fuel mixture was, in fact, adjustable) which may have assisted in a correct diagnosis. Champion Auto maintains a mechanical repair shop at the rear of their building. Apparently, it is very busy, though we have to wonder why. At first, it was not possible to obtain a timely appointment from Champion staff notwithstanding that Champion was informed that if it was not serviced, the car might not start on a subsequent morning, and might require towing. Upon further inquiry, the shop declined the job because it possibly involved carburetion, and Champion staff said that they didn't have a carburetor man. Despite several attempts, Champion failed to even examine the car. * This narrative pertains only to the Tires Plus at Bemidji. Other stores are independently managed and staffed - service at other Tires Plus stores may differ. ------------------------------------------------------- Letters to the Editor --------------------- Note: It is the policy of this paper to print responsibly submitted letters, reflecting valid opinion, no matter how ludicrous that opinion may be. Sometimes it is beneficial that such information be printed, if for no other reason, so that people will know what sort of movements are afoot. LET'S KILL MINNESOTA'S WOLVES! Total wolf delisting is needed immediately. The much anticipated appointment has been made. Gale Norton has been appointed to be the new Secretary on the Interior. In her acceptance speech she made the usual noble statement about being devoted to restoring endangered species. Hopefully this will include recognizing that money is being wasted on restoring some things such as wolves which are not endangered. This can and should be stopped immediately. Hopefully enough people will seize the opportunity and write Secretary Norton and their people in congress about this. In the meantime the USFWS is continuing to carry on as if wolves in the WI, MN and MI states were really brought from near extinction and continues to spend taxpayer dollars on their restoring effort. The reality of the situation is that these wolves were never endangered nor are they now. Minnesota does not have to have 1,500 wolves or 2,500 or none at all and Wisconsin with 300 to 500 to make any difference in North American wolf survival. To see this one has to only look at the huge Canadian wolf wilderness and the over 60,000 wolves that it has. These wolves cross over into the US at will. There is really no need for a wolf plan that guarantees 1,500 wolves in Minnesota or 300 in Wisconsin. Such a plan only continues spending public money on unneeded wolves. The problem is that nobody speaks these words to the USFWS. Things would be a lot different in the three states' wolf management if all USFWS interference was removed. Secretary Norton, are you listening? To see this only look at the number of people wolves benefit and those that they damage. Hunters, farmers and all taxpayers are damaged by wolves. Wolf benefactors are bureaucrats that live off of wolves and urbanites that want to hear wolf howls and see wolf tracks and kills. You can easily see that wolves damage more people than they benefit. All aspects of this wolf issue are covered very thoroughly in the People Against Wolves web site at home.centurytel.net/PAW/home.htm Be sure to log onto the Minnesota and Wisconsin sections for all the details. For People Against Wolves, Lawrence Krak, Gilman, Wisc. NH Editor's Reply: If there is a surplusage of wolves in Minnesota, caused by crossing from Canada, this is clearly an immigration problem. INS could control the number of immigrant wolves by requiring proper visas at the border. Of course, this has not worked with a much lower species - humans - to keep illegal immigrants out, and some of the ones that are here (in much greater number) have done far more damage than the wolves, including killing people. Still, we don't have an open season on illegal human immigrants, which, on some accounts, wouldn't be such a bad idea, except that it might include those of us who came here on the Mayflower. -- Ed. ---------------------------------------------------------- In Focus (In Focus is a pictoral feature. Photos, however, arenot included in the library edition) BIG GAME FEED AT BECIDA BECIDA -- It was another bountiful harvest of game, and even by 6 pm, December 2nd, the start of the annual game feed at the Becida Community Church, a substantial crowd had gathered to taste this year's delicacies of the wild. Each year, the church uses donated game as well as that provided by feast coordinator and head cook, Deacon Tim Ewert, to raise money for the youth fund for bible camp and scholarships. The event, with the all-you-can-eat meal, as well as wreaths for a free will offering, usually generates several hundred dollars; "People have to check their own heart, whether they want to give one dollar or five dollars ... it's what they can afford. ...What we're doing is just helping the community and helping our youth," said Ewert. Last year's (1999) feast didn't happen due to lack of donated game - hunters may have been reserving their take owing to Y2K concerns. This year's feed, however, boasted more than ample fare: There was venison (several ways, including chili), bear, duck, goose, rabbit, pheasant, turtle, barbecued beaver, freshly caught northern pike, trout and perch, with trimmings of wild rice, cole slaw, dinner rolls, baked potatoes and a selection of desserts. All this for a free will offering - you couldn't have done better! Not only was there a smorgasbord of the different varieties of game, but the preparation was outstanding. Pheasant, for example, is a delightful white meat, but is often dry. The feed's pheasant however, was moist, delicate, and in all ways superb. The roast venison had the tenderness one would expect from prime rib; the venison chili was also excellent and the teriyaki venison pleased the palates of those inclined to the oriental style (and, really, who doesn't like it?) with it's profoundly fine and full flavour. The bear stew boasted a generous supply of potatoes and carrots and lots of the full-flavoured taste of the bear. Additionally, Faith Ewert, Tim's wife, graced the food line with her delightful Swedish bear meatballs (recipe, p.7). For flattailers, the delectable barbecued beaver that has been a favorite at past Becida feeds was particularly good on the dinner rolls served. Through the dinner, volunteer servers brought platters of the just caught fish to the tables; the perch was well-breaded, flaky and snow-white as Minnesota perch should be. Said Scott Tammaro, restaurateur at Lake George, "It was all excellent - everything - from the venison to the pheasant to the beaver - it was a good variety, we really enjoyed it." Ewert was pleased with the success of the event and was particularly thankful for the many donations of game, "We had a lot of [donations of] deer and pheasants and ... the turtle, and ducks and geese. And so we ended up with a lot of donations this year because people just had extra. When you have extra, you want to share." Ewert also personally provided some of the venison, as well as bear and fish. He said that a lot of the game came from the congregation, but some was donated by people who hadn't attended the church; one diner thought the feed was a pot luck, and supplied his excellent fully prepared bear stew. (Photo captions - photos are not included in library edition): Eager diners formed a serving line from the start of the feed and new arrivals kept the fast-moving line going throughout the well attended event. Agnes Mickalson celebrated her 72nd birthday at the game feed. "Very delicious," she said. From someone who knows food: "I really liked the teriyaki venison," said Scott Tammaro, who with his wife, owns the Pine Country Cafe at Lake George Deacon Tim Ewert --------------------------------------------------------------- Recipe Box FAITH EWERT'S SWEDISH BEAR MEATBALLS This was Faith Ewert's crowd pleasing favorite at this year's Becida Game Feed. If the bear you shot wasn't Swedish, or if your local grocery is fresh out of bear, she said that other meats such as ground veal, pork or even burger may be substituted. 1 lb. ground bear 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs 1/4 cup milk 1/4 cup minced onions, or to taste 1 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. black pepper 1/2 tsp. ground allspice 1 egg 2 cups beef broth shortening In a bowl, mix bread crumbs, milk, onions and spices. Let sit for about 5 minutes. Add ground bear and egg to the bread crumb mixture. Blend together thoroughly with a spoon or by hand. Make into balls and brown in shortening in a skillet. Turn often. When browned, place meatballs and broth in an ovenproof covered dish. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour. As with many meats and wild game, bear should be thoroughly cooked and your work area and utensils sanitized. ----------------------------------------------------- LOW COST SHOOTING COURSES OFFERED GRAND RAPIDS -- Minnesota Shooting Sports Education Center will be hosting January and February DNR courses in 1) Adult Firearms Safety - $10; and 2) Advanced Hunter Education - $20. Interested parties may call 218-327-0583 for information or registration. --------------------------------------------------------- NORTHLANDERS HAVE SPOT IN BIATHLON LAKE PLACID, NY -- The following northern Minnesotans have qualified to compete in World Team Trials to be held January 2nd - 5th: Jamie Mueller, Brainerd, Ben Kremer, Duluth, Kara Salmela, Duluth and BethAnn Ellingson, Grand Rapids. ------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 10/11/2000 - VOLUME 6 NO. 2 ------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism ----------------------- CURIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES SURROUND LEISURE HILLS FIRING Nurse's Aide Reported Patient Conditions; Nursing Home Throws Up Veil of Secrecy GRAND RAPIDS -- A Licensed Registered Nursing Assistant (NA) has said that her former employer, Leisure Hills long-term care facility, Grand Rapids, had posted on its employee bulletin board the story of a worker at another nursing home who had made a complaint of patient conditions there to an ombudsman, and was subsequently fired. And the NA believes that it was posted as a warning to Leisure Hills employees to be silent about what was happening there. "You'd best leave us alone," was all Leisure Hills Administrator Laurie Sykes would say about their employee (the NA) being asked to resign, October 10th, about 3 days after she similarly contacted her ombudsman's representative about a Leisure Hills patient who had blood coming out of her ears, and, per the NA, was not being treated. Observing the patient, the NA stated that she had contacted Ralph Alberty, volunteer Resident Advocate for nursing home ombudsman Darlene Weber of Ponsford. Contacted by Northern Herald, Alberty claimed confidentiality privilege and refused to comment on the matter of whether he was contacted by the Nursing Assistant. Weber would not address the matter directly, but recalled Alberty contacting her about the alleged patient incident. She cited a Minnesota Dept. of Public Health survey of nursing homes, and said that deficiencies found at Leisure Hills were "nothing more than other nursing homes have." Per the terminated Nursing Assistant (NA), for several days a particular patient had been very sensitive to being touched. "It wasn't like her to be so tight," the NA said. Upon helping the patient to bed, the terminated NA, and other aides, observed blood and pus coming out of her ears; "We put a towel under her head so that she wouldn't stain her bedding," the NA said. The NA stated that she called the matter to the attention of the nurse on duty, but was told the next day that the doctor said not to do anything about it. "You could tell that she was in a lot of pain," said the terminated NA, who, after a few days of doctor's inattention to the patient's problem, told the other aides that she would contact the ombudsman. "Technically, we were supposed to keep our mouths shut and not do anything," the terminated NA said. When Alberty was at Leisure Hills the next day on other business, the NA brought the patient's condition to his attention. About 3 days later, she was told that she would be fired unless she resigned. Per the NA, the reasons stated to her for asking her to resign included "cutting diabetes patients' toenails" and giving a piece of candy to a patient who wasn't supposed to have it. But the NA said that she was only told that she wasn't to cut diabetes patients' toenails after she had done so, last spring. She was suspended for 3 days for the incident and didn't think it would later be used as a cause for termination. The NA admitted that she had given a piece of candy to another patient and was told only afterward that that patient couldn't have it. She said that, in asking her to resign, Leisure Hills maintained that she had given the patient another piece of candy after the warning, but the NA denies this. Since the forced resignation, the terminated NA contacted her union representative; she stated that the union tried to help, but she was told that ultimately it would come down to her word against Leisure Hills' and "I didn't think it was worth the fight," she said. She did qualify for unemployment as Leisure Hills failed to maintain an objective reason for requesting her termination and the Minnesota Dept. of Economic Security ruled that there wasn't justifiable reason for same. Finally, although having criticized administrative policy, the NA commended the work of the other aides and assistants at the facility, "They really dedicate a lot of their time," she said. ------------------------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism - Urgent Consumer Alert PHONE CARD SCAMS CONTINUING Since our Consumer Corner article, last issue, dealing with consumer fraud in the prepaid long distance calling card industry, Northern Herald has received several calls regarding other people who, similarly, have been ripped-off by a variety of these cards, sold, generally, at grocery or convenience store under various brands. We are now aware of numerous instances, and as a result of the epidemic proportions of fraud in this industry, now advise consumers against purchase of prepaid long distance cards regardless of the brand under which they are sold. There have been complaints even against very substantial brand names such as A T & T, as well as the smaller companies. These cards advertise a certain number of minutes for a prepaid price. Generally, complaints are that the cards are docked substantial minutes for connection charges that the consumer did not know applied - the amounts of these charges are sometimes not even stated on the card. The result is that often the consumer does not receive nearly the number of minutes advertised. In one case, the card was docked substantially even if there was no answer at the number called. In another instance (See Consumer Alert, NH of 10/11/00) a card, which advertised 2 cents a minute, was docked over 3 hours for a 15 minute call, a net cost of about 25 cents a minute. In another instance, a D & M card sold at Northern Store, Bemidji was docked far more than the customer understood per the advertising of the card, for about 15 minutes of calling. In this case, to their credit, Northern Store refunded, to the customer, the cost of the card. In another instance, a call reportedly made on a Premium Fee Card sold by Sta-Mart, Bemidji resulted in no ring, no connection. The card was nonetheless docked for time. A major problem with the cards, aside from overcharging, is lack of accountability. The cards often do not provide the name or address of the company issuing them, only showing the long-distance carrier (not the same company that markets the card) and a customer service number. In some cases, this may only be an answering machine, and calls are not returned. One user, calling a customer service number, and wanting to send a written complaint, was refused the mailing address of the card company. Most users who are excessively docked, of course, will not pursue a remedy for the relatively small amount of money; many will not even take the time to try to call customer service - this is where the card issuers can make a lot of money. Because telephone services are a public utility, it would not be unreasonable for the card companies to be subject to federal and state regulation to prevent the presently widespread consumer fraud. For the time being, if readers are overcharged, they should: 1) try to return the card to where they bought it; and 2) make a complaint to the consumer fraud division of Michael Hatch, Minnesota Attorney General (651-296-6196). If he receives enough of these he might do something (but don't hold your breath). A particularly insidious problem with the prepaid cards is that they rip-off the people least able to afford it: often people who buy the cards because they don't have a home phone. And these people are generally less likely to be able to do something about it when they get overcharged. Finally, these costly problems and a lot of tsuris (an acute pain in the rear) can be avoided by simply not buying the cards unless and until they can provide a reasonable assurance of quality and accuracy; clear advertising as to the actual costs including home and away from home "connection fees"; and an easily accessible means of correction if overcharges occur. For now, a better alternative to these over-the-counter prepaid cards that may not deliver what you think you're paying for is to procure a quality discount home long-distance carrier that provides a card for away-from-home use. -------------------------------------------------- NEWMAN FILES FEDERAL SUIT AGAINST HOLTER, OTHER JUDGES FARGO -- Former Turtle River resident Thomas G. Newman has filed a complaint seeking injunction and declaratory relief against Minnesota Ninth District Judges Terrence Holter (Beltrami County), Lois Lang, Jay Mondry, and Dennis Murphy, as well as Beltrami County prosecutor Eric Schieferdecker. The complaint (Case No. A3-00-143) was filed October 18th, 2000 in the United States District Court for the District of North Dakota, at Fargo, presumably due to diversity of (state) citizenship. The complaint shows Mr. Newman residing at the time of filing in North Dakota. Newman's complaint arose out of court proceedings relating to his having been cited for no proof of insurance on April 4th, 1999 (Beltrami County Case No. 04-99-T8-1200). The complaint alleges deprivation of federal civil rights in several occurrences within those proceedings. One of the occurrences of which was complained was an improper meeting, in Judge Holter's chambers, attended by Holter, Schieferdecker, and one of Mr. Newman's subpoenaed witnesses (in the no-insurance case). The complaint alleges that the witness was questioned in chambers without the Newman's knowledge. Following the irregular meeting, and Newman's discovery of same, Newman made a motion to remove Judge Holter for cause, but Holter denied said motion. On October 13th, 1999, however, Ninth District Chief Judge Lois Lang, sitting at Grand Rapids, found Holter in violation of Canon 3(A)(7)(a) of the Minnesota Code of Judicial Conduct for holding the closed meeting, and removed Holter from the case (see CHIEF JUDGE CITES MISCONDUCT BY JUDGE HOLTER, NH of 12/08/99). Newman's complaint also challenges the constitutionality of the practice frequently used in Beltrami County whereby if a person is charged with a crime but believes himself innocent and so refuses to plead guilty, the County Attorney then tries to bully him into the plea by threatening to add charges or increase the severity of the charge. The complaint alleges that when Newman refused to plead guilty to the insurance charge, Asst. Co. Attorney Eric Schieferdecker threatened to add a charge of disorderly conduct. Web of corruption? Schieferdecker is married to Bemidji attorney Rebecca Anderson, daughter of recently re-elected Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Russell Anderson. Rebecca Anderson is a partner in the Bemidji law firm of Fuller, Wallner & Anderson, Ltd. Newman's federal complaint further alleges failure of Judges Mondry and Murphy to remove themselves from the case for cause, and failure of Chief Judge Lang to remove Murphy, as well as failure of the Ninth District courts to provide a speedy trial (on the insurance charge), which Newman alleges he requested in writing, to Judge Lang, in 1999. Since filing the action, Newman has effected service of the Summons and Complaint upon several of the defendants, and answers or other responsive pleadings are expected to be forthcoming. ------------------------------------------------ CORRECTION (No, not even we are without sin) The 9/13/00 issue of Northern Herald erroneously reported that Bemidjian Linda Lemmer had requested the City of Bemidji's demolishing of a historic and valuable property at 200 Gemmel Ave., Bemidji. This was incorrect. Lemmer had actually only requested the demolition of a different property, at 150 Gemmel, which she owned. Thusly, it is still not known why the City demolished the publicly-owned (tax-forfeit) house at 200 Gemmel Ave., at a total public loss, including costs of demolition, estimated at about $10,075. ------------------------------------------------------ 8-WEEK ISSUE There are lots of great people in Bemidji (about 40%). In coming weeks, however, it will be necessary for Northern Herald to use all of its resources to perfect the appeal of its $600 Billion lawsuit against some of Bemidji's lowliest Scud and Crum. The purpose of the suit is to make Northern Herald more easily accessible to our readers (see story, elswhere in this issue). For this reason, it has been necessary to adapt our printing schedule. The next issue will be the issue of January 3, 2001. All ads and subscriptions have been adjusted so advertisers and subscribers will receive the proper number of issues contracted for. -------------------------------------------------- The Bemidji Post Office MOVING . . . TOWARD A LOWER STANDARD OF SERVICE BEMIDJI -- The Bemidji Post Office boasts one of the most up-to-date facilities around. While in many cities of roughly comparable size, employees keep the post office, sometimes housed in a much older building, open on a round-the clock basis, postal employees at Bemidji enjoy a newer modern and spacious building, and recently, one of the few automatic sorting machines in the state. Yet customer service has steadily deteriorated. In the early 90's, the Bemidji Post Office was open (for box customers, postage machine and letter drop) 'til 10 p.m. weekdays. There was also a service window with a buzzer, so if someone had an oversize package or something that had to be postmarked that day, they could give it to an employee. Last mail pickup was 7:30 and 8:00 p.m., depending on whether it was local or out of town. Now the last pickup is at 6:00 p.m., and the buzzer at the service window has been disconnected. If customers have something after 6 that needs to be postmarked that day, they're just SOL (Simply Out of Luck). The change in last pickup was very controversial. It was implemented while Dallas Radel was the postmaster as part of a scheme to have the mail automatically sorted at St. Cloud. Some people objected to the change because it meant that local mail not in by 6 wouldn't be delivered the next day. Nonetheless, Radel found it necessary so the mail could make the truck to St. Cloud. But the St. Cloud sorting plan wasn't implemented. Instead, the Bemidji post office got new automated sorting machines, enabling faster and easier sorting of the mail, locally. It is not known precisely why the last pickup, then, stayed at 6 p.m. It was no longer necessary to make the St. Cloud run. Under postmaster Radel, the Bemidji Post Office achieved a loss rate, measured in an independent survey by Northern Herald, of about 5.7% - over one piece in twenty. Confronted, during his term as Bemidji postmaster, with the survey results, Radel simply denied them. During his administration, closing of the lobby was cut from 10 to 8 p.m., although Saturday window hours were expanded to 1:45 p.m. (they have now, however, been cut to ending at 11:15 a.m.). In 1999, following the failure of his St. Cloud sorting scheme, Radel left the Bemidji Post Office. The "official" reason given was medical leave. In actuality, many hoped he would be transferred to some post office urgently in need of greater efficiency, like in American Samoa or something. Postal officials tend to be tight lipped on personnel matters, and you can't always believe what is said anyway, but latest word is that he is, indeed, being transferred - he has not returned to his former post at the Bemidji office. To supervise the implementation of the new mail sorting machines, Pine River postmaster Steve Stephan was brought in as a temporary post office Acting Manager. He has since been replaced by Warren McQuary, also temporarily while a new postmaster is being found. Per Pat Rankin, postal supervisor at Bemidji, it is not known when the position will be filled, the application deadline was October 25th. Despite the change in postmasters, reinstatement of previous hours and service levels, however, is probably not in the offing. Regarding the shortened last pickup time, and why it didn't go back to 8 p.m. following the scrapping of the St. Cloud plan and installation of the new machines, Rankin said that now the additional time was needed, "to process it [the mail]. . . the volume has changed over the years." Still, this did not explain why other high volume offices are open 24 hours. ---------------------------------------------------- LACK OF WILLING WORKERS CITED FOR SHORTENED BEMIDJI GROCERY HOURS BEMIDJI -- Bemidji consumers will no longer be able to get needed supermarket items in the small hours of the morning. The Johannesons' 24-hour Food For Less at Paul Bunyan Mall has been replaced by the newer Marketplace (also a Johanneson store) on the west end. But that Marketplace has gone to a 12 midnight closing. People wanting certain tobacco items face even shorter hours - those items are carried only at Marketplace's "convenience store" which is in the same building as the main store, but closes earlier. Interviewed, Rich Johanneson said that the store now had "winter hours," although the predecessor Food For Less store operated 24 hours, year-around. Johanneson cited area labor shortage and a lack of persons willing to work as a reason, in part, for the shortened hours. "Employment in this area is very difficult to fill. There is definitely a lack of available people for employment in all positions," he said, and mentioned the many help wanted signs that can often be observed on Bemidji's Paul Bunyan Drive. Beltrami County, of which Bemidji is the county seat, has one of the highest welfare rates in the state. With federal time guidelines approaching, some want to qualify cases here for longer duration under the federal hardship provision, and there has also been a political movement to continue funding persistent welfare cases with state dollars when the federal funds run out. Last year, Anderson Fabrics of Blackduck had planned to establish a factory operation at Red Lake which would have provided employment to persons with child care or transportation considerations that would have precluded them from working at the main plant. The plan was soon scuttled however; owner Ron Anderson cited, as the reason, a lack of interested, dependable workers to make up the small workforce needed to run the proposed satellite plant. -------------------------------------------------- In Focus BSU JAZZ PLAYS LEGION (In Focus is primarily a pictoral feature. Photos, however, appear only in print edition.) BEMIDJI -- The name for jazz in Northern Minnesota is BSU Jazz. Jazz and big band music lovers and dancers were treated to two nights of big band sound at the annual "Remember When" dance at the Bemidji American Legion, October 27th and 28th. It was a new generation of old-time swing. Along with BSU Jazz Bands I and II, each evening was capped off with a special appearance by visiting alumnus, baritone sax player Rod Joppru. Said Joppru, who considered teaching music, but now works for Bemidji Chrysler-Plymouth, "You want to play and if you want to teach, that's great. Playing is from the heart." Photo captions: The front row saxaphone section of BSU Jazz Band II, conducted by Dr. Jeffery Macomber, shown with slide trombone. Dancers at the gala event included the Top of the River Swing Club, dancing Tango, and Swing. BSU Music Dept. Director Dr. Steve Konechne conducted BSU Jazz Band I, which played several big band sets and famous numbers through the night, including Glenn Miller's smash hit, "In The Mood." Visiting alumnus Rod "Hacksaw" Joppru plays baritone sax. Priya Schellin on baritone sax Pianist Robin Samargia James Sprofka on sax ------------------------------------------------------ Editorials - Opinion -------------------- THE 2000 ELECTION It was a good election. We still don't know, exactly, who our president is, but that's OK. If we lived in Iraq, we'd know who our president was - permanently, until he died. Here in America, we should be thankful for the luxury of being able to not know who our president is. Nationally, the election prompted a lot of interest. As both major presidential candidates stank, it was bound to be close. This makes for good voter turnout. No matter which candidate is our new president, it probably won't spell a lot of change in the next four years. Gore is thought soft on gun-owners rights, but he won't be able to significantly erode them without the OK of Congress. What is worth worrying about, with George W., is the ability to pack the Supreme Court, which could significantly erode women's right to choose (really, this is not just a women's issue, it is also a men's and family issue), and could be lasting through many administrations. Hopefully, if George W. is our new president, Congress will take seriously its job, in ratifying Supreme Court nominees, of ensuring that they are open-minded, and bound to uphold the Constitution. In Minnesota, we cleaned house. We got rid of Rod Grams, the father of crime, whose idea of tax reduction involved giving federal tax savings only to people, including single people, with kids (e.g. the child tax credit, which Grams authored). Contrary to what Grams said publicly in his 1994 campaign, this measure came at a significant tax cost to single people without kids, childless couples, and seniors, who should have been able to share in federal tax savings. It was as if Grams felt that people with kids (including single parents) shouldn't have to pay tax on their earnings; that only non-parents should bear the nation's spending burden. Grams followed through on this idea by campaigning, in 2000, for a doubling of the child tax credit, to $1,000 per child, again at the cost of non-parents, including seniors. His theme was Families First. Hopefully, now that he doesn't have Washington to worry about, he'll be able to get his own family in order and keep his son out of trouble with the law in the Twin Cities. On a more local level, Bemidji also cleaned house, ousting long-time Mayor Doug Peterson, and electing 2 new City Council members. Additionally, the Ward 4 council seat vacated by the new mayor, Richard Lehmann, will be up for grabs in early 2001, so all in all, there will be 3 new councilpeople. Statewide, the influence of the Independence Party (IP) was ineffectual. Even well-known candidate and IP convert Tom Foley came in a distant third in his District 4 U.S. House race. It is believed that IP leadership's refusal (e.g. Rick McCluhan, party chair) to follow the rules and law, and effectively turning the party into a nonwelcoming elitist circus, has taken its toll. If people wanted that, they'd be Republicans. Jesse may have been the Minnesota Miracle, but his party didn't follow suit. The IP doesn't always back its candidates, but more indicative, it doesn't seem to matter whether or not it does. In District 4A, for example, your editor, who ran for State House as an IP candidate without any help from the party, and with less than $500 spent on the election, polled about as well, in 4A, as James Gibson, an IP U.S. Senate candidate who received a lot of party support and spent a lot on his campaign, including many expensive TV ads, some featuring the Governor's personal endorsement. It can well be said that, particularly in Northern Minnesota, but elsewhere as well, the Independence Party has failed to become a significant election factor. It can be done, though. The only prominent independent victory in the Northland was that of the very popular Dist. 3 State Senator Lessard, who left the DFL to run as an independent (not Independence Party) this time. His personal charisma was enough to sweep the polls in his Grand Rapids - International Falls district, major party or not. Also retaining their seats were Collin Peterson (DFL), 7th District U.S. House, and Tony Kinkel (DFL), District 4 State Senator. The Media. The conduct of northern media this election was exemplary. Although sometimes giving some extra coverage to their candidate, which is to be expected, the many northern media producers did an outstanding job of bringing the voters basic information about all of the candidates on the ballot in most of the major contested area races. Perhaps, in time, the national media will follow suit. Indeed, it would have been hard for a voter to have gone to the polls and not known the stands of the candidates in, at least, a few contests. All of the area media, including but not limited to The Bemidji Pioneer, DeLa Hunt Broadcasting (KDKK, et. al.), The Park Rapids Enterprise, The Cass Lake Times, The Walker Pilot, Northwoods News, Lakeland Television, KCRB and KAXE radio, as well as the many organizations which provided forums and debates (and believe me, we know how much time it takes to produce one of these), such as the Bemidji State University student groups, the many chapters of the League of Women Voters, and others who provided a place for candidates to make their stands, are all to be commended. At last issue, we noted that certain media had planned to exclude a party's candidate from their debate, but we are now pleased to report that, in the end, all ballot candidates were included. The process of political progress is slow, but enduring. All in all, the 2000 election ousted some old deadwood, kept some good statesmen, and, brought in some new blood that will work toward gradual progress in coming years. It was a fine election. ---------------------------------------------------- Letters to the Editor --------------------- A VISITOR COMES TO UNDERSTAND BEMIDJI I just discovered your newspaper by accident and I was really impressed with what I saw. Having spent a pretty good amount of time in Bemidji over the summer, I learned how ugly its seemy underbelly can be. [Name and address withheld by request] --------------------------------------------------- Guest Column by Professor David Schultz AN EDUCATED OPINION ON THE ELECTION (As Differentiated from Our Stupid Ones) What did the 2000 elections really resolve? Unfortunately very little. Yes, the elections produced clear winners and losers. Big money won, as did slick political advertising companies, voter indifference, divided government, and even the dead in Missouri. And there were losers—candidate honesty, Jesse Ventura, the city of Ventura, Minnesota, and greater Minnesota. Yet for the most part, after all the billions spent, speeches given, promises made, and miles traveled, the elections did little to resolve the future of Minnesota, the nation, and the issues that face us. Instead of the election yielding clear direction it demonstrated how divided we remain. Perhaps more than anything else, the 2000 elections demonstrated the victory of big money in politics. Nationally, this was the most expensive election ever, with estimates that $3 to $4 billion dollars was spent on slick political advertising that told us little about the candidates and instead distorted the truth. In New York, the Hillary Clinton U.S. Senate race reached $50 million, in New Jersey, the victor spent $60 million of his own money, and in California, a congressional race broke $10 million. In Minnesota, Mark Dayton demonstrated what $8 million dollars spent on television and a discussion of the issues could do. For Congress, the Bill Luther and John Kline race cost millions and the price tag to replace Bruce Vento was also in the millions. In the race to control the Minnesota legislature, the parties raised and spent millions of dollars and when the dust settled little was changed from before. If politics was already a sport for the wealthy, the 2000 elections reinforced the message that only the wealthy need apply. A second overriding characteristic of the election was clear voter indifference. At the presidential level few people were really charmed with either of the major candidates and despite the closeness of the race, half of America chose not to vote. Why? The candidates spoke only to a very narrow band of issues and voters and chose not to reach out. Second, few voters were vested in the campaign because the primaries were effectively over and the candidates determined before any of us had a chance to choose. Third, the candidates trivialized politics by using appearances on Letterman, Leno and other shows to campaign, thus turning government into an entertainment spectacle devoid of real substance. The election decision thus because one of who could do a better job telling a funny joke or reciting a 'top ten' list. Who could take them seriously? A ... [fourth] factor explaining the 2000 elections was that voters perceived that no matter what happened, little would change as a result of their vote. Many people see government as having so little impact on their lives, or that the parties and government are so divided, that nothing would happen as a result of the election. What can we expect as a result of what happened on election day? Nationally, we will have a divided government and a president without a mandate. In this state, no candidate or party spoke to the problems of urban development in greater Minnesota and how stabilizing family farms and farm economy is critical to the overall economic health of the state. Jesse Ventura once again demonstrated that he has no political coattails and that his political party has little life beyond him. In fact, the vote by the people of the [City of] Ventura to change the name of their town shows that while the governor may be popular, that popularity is not very deep. Overall, the 2000 elections resolved some important issues, but unfortunately, not the ones that one had hoped. David Schultz is a professor at Hamline University, Graduate School of Public Administration and Management, St. Paul. ------------------------------------------------------ USDC JUDGES ERICKSON, KYLE UPHOLD BEMIDJI PROHIBITION OF LITERATURE Appeal to Eighth Circuit Under Way ST. PAUL -- In a sweeping decision, United States District Court (USDC) Judge Richard Kyle, on August 29th, 2000, and following recommendations of federal Magistrate Raymond Erickson, sitting at Duluth, ordered all claims dismissed in the action (USDC Case No. 99-1862) by Adam Steele and Northern Herald Publications, Inc. against the City of Bemidji and 29 other defendants against whom allegations of suppression of free speech were brought. A notice of appeal to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals has been filed (Appellate Case No. 00-3348). The suit seeks damages of $600 billion against the various defendants for denial of constitutional rights. Of particular note in the ruling was Judge Kyle's order dissolving a temporary restraining order (TRO), issued November 19, 1999, by USDC Judge Rosenbaum, at Minneapolis, which allowed the Northern Herald newspaper to be distributed on the public streets of Bemidji. Prior to the TRO, persons selling the Northern Herald, or even giving away complimentary copies, had been threatened with jailing. At one time, Bemidji police Sgt. Michael Porter told a vendor, giving away copies of the Northern Herald on the sidewalk in front of the Bemidji Post Office, that if the activity continued he was going to "Take you to jail, today." Per Al Felix, City Attorney, Bemidji has reasoned that a person giving away literature constitutes an "obstruction" and is thusly prohibited by Bemidji's "obstructing" ordinance. Bemidji has maintained this throughout the action, notwithstanding that it has never been demonstrated that any bona fide obstruction of pedestrian or vehicle traffic, or substantial obstruction of view, was ever caused by the activity. The ruling by Judge Kyle, of course, operates such as to prevent the question of fact from being tried. The effect of the ruling is that, for now, Bemidji police may stop any person from disseminating any literature with which they don't agree on the streets, sidewalks, boulevards and other public places of Bemidji. As far as the First Amendment is concerned, Bemidji is dark. Curiously, last summer, there was a more substantial "obstruction" on Bemidji's Paul Bunyan Drive NW. Some people were advertising a car wash by holding large signs on the sidewalk. The multiple car wash signs were far more obstructing than the body sign that Northern Herald vendors wore when distributing the paper. In order to test the uniformity of application of the "obstructing" ordinance, a complaint of the car wash signs, on the public sidewalk, was made to Bemidji police Sgt. Daryle Russell, but Sgt. Russell stated that he would not act on the matter - that he would neither cite the car wash workers for the obstruction, nor ask them to cease. -------------------------------------------------------- BEMIDJI MSUSA TO LOBBY WASHINGTON ST. PAUL -- The Minnesota State University Student Association has announced in a release that Jason Schaumburg, student at Bemidji State University and native of Outing, Minn., will be in Washington, D.C. this month to lobby federal legislators regarding higher education issues. Schaumburg will travel to the nation's capitol with ten other students on Wednesday, November 15, 2000 as a part of a Minnesota State University Student Association (MSUSA) lobby trip. Students will meet with staff members of U.S. senators and representatives from the students’ districts, Governor Ventura's D.C. office, the Office of Management and Budget, and Education in the Workforce House committee. They also hope to meet with representatives from the National Economic Council, as well as the offices of the Assistant Secretary for Post Secondary Education and the Student Financial Aid Programs. The students have identified six priorities to lobby for while in Washington, D.C. Students will discuss the following issues and concerns with elected officials and staff: * The upcoming Reauthorization of the Higher Education Act (HEA). Students hope to communicate important issues for Congress to deal with as they revisit the HEA, including MSUSA's claimed needs regarding: increased funding for Pell Grants, a decrease in the age a student is considered independent from 24 to 21, high tuition rates, increased dependence on loans, the changing demographics of the student population, and need for student involvement in the writing of regulations. * Teacher loan forgiveness. In an effort to encourage students to become teachers and work in low-income areas, MSUSA supports increases in forgiveness of student loans for those students. * Elimination of the cap on student loan interest deduction. Currently, interest payments made during the first 60 months of student loan repayments are eligible for an above-the-line deduction on federal income taxes. MSUSA supports a repeal of the 60-month cap. * Education savings accounts. Taxpayers are able to deposit $500 per year into an Education Individual Retirement Account for children under 18. MSUSA supports increasing the amount of money that can be deposited into these accounts. * Denial of financial aid to those convicted of previous minor drug possessions. MSUSA is opposed to new rules for the Department of Education that prohibit students with drug convictions from receiving financial aid. * International student fee proposal. The Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS) has proposed a regulation that would require international students to pay a $95 fee to attend a college or university in the United States. MSUSA opposes the proposed fee. MSUSA is a non-profit advocacy organization that represents the students attending Minnesota's seven state universities. MSUSA voices student concerns to the state Legislature, the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees, the Minnesota Higher Education Services Office, the U.S. Congress and Department of Education. The association also promotes community service and cultural awareness through its Penny Fellowship, Nellie Stone Johnson Scholarship and cultural diversity programs, publishes a monthly newspaper, and serves as a clearinghouse for information and research on student issues. ---------------------------------------------------- AUDITOR EXPLAINS MAIL VOTE BEMIDJI -- Mail balloting caused some confusion in the re-cent election and sparked concerns of confidentiality, particularly among some voters who got their ballots back for correction. Those concerns were unfounded, however, Beltrami County Auditor Kay Mack explained. "Yes, [in smaller townships] town board members can designate their township as a mail ballot precinct," she said. But Mack said that if a person got their ballot back, that didn't mean anyone else knew how they voted. In mail-in voting, the voter places the mail ballot inside a secrecy envelope. This is then placed in the larger envelope sent to the Auditor's office. If there is an error, such as improper witnessing, etc., apparent on the outside jacket, the whole packet, including the unopened ballot is then returned, Mack said. If the outside jacket is in proper form, then the ballots are opened by two different election judges. One removes the outside jacket (containing identification) but doesn't look at the ballot; the other tabulates the ballots. Mack said that the person who removes the jackets shuffles them from time to time so that they can't be matched up with the ballots. ---------------------------------------------------- TRADITIONAL MARITAL VOWS The Husband vows to: * Love * Honor * Cherish The Wife vows to: * Love * Honor * Obey These are small things that when spoken, remembered, adhered to, and repeated from time to time, make the difference between whether a marriage is a haven or a battleground. Presented as a Public Service of this Newspaper. ------------------------------------------------- A Northern Minnesota Short Story AN APPLE A DAY by Dusty Kvasnicka Once, a long time ago before there was medicine for the humans, the only ones to have it were the giants and gods. The only way to get it was to ask the gods for some, but most of the time they would keep it to themselves for fear of running out. One day, a village of farmers were all becoming very sick and no one could figure out from what. They asked the gods for medicine and the gods said no. An apple a day, they had heard, kept the doctor away. If they were brave enough they could sneak into the giants' garden of golden apples to pick a few and return to the village and feed them to the sick. The next day the village chose a man to get the apples. The man that was chosen was enormous to the people but very small to the giant that guarded the apples. The giant was as high as the sky and had deceived the gods, so they punished him by making him hold up the sky. If he failed, the sky would fall and crush everyone. The brave man got to the garden and climbed the highest mountain to spot the best golden apples. He got to the top and found the giant staring at him. The giant roared and asked him what he was doing, and the man said he needed the apples to save his village from death. The giant asked him if he could save him the long climb by reaching down and picking them for the man. The man was unaware of the giant’s trick coming. The man gladly said yes, and the giant told him to hold up the sky for a brief moment. The man did as he was told, and the giant laughed at the fool and said he was to hold the sky forever. Realizing he was tricked, he asked the giant to at least show him how to hold it right. He did, and the man then let go. The giant was so mad, he kicked the trees, hoping to ruin the apples but they were flung to the other side of the mountain where they were easily picked up and taken to the village. All were eaten except for one, which was planted and still grows today. One a day keeps the doctor away. Editor's Note: Dusty Kvasnicka, 14, of Federal Dam, Minnesota, is a ninth grade student in the Walker School District. Although early in his writing career, he has authored several short stories. ---------------------------------------------------- UNLAWFUL DUMP DISCOVERED ON FULLMER PROPERTY BEMIDJI -- On November 16th, Glenn Bridgeford was surprised when he got to his home, just south of Turtle River, to find it filled with smoke. No, the house wasn't on fire, the source was on adjacent land belonging to Lawrence Fullmer, who had given R & R Tree Service permission to pile brush and burn it there. Trouble was, that the brush was placed over an old dump site containing tires and construction debris which, by the heat of the brush fire atop, ignited and burned producing the thick, black smoke that loomed into Bridgeford's home. Sheriff's deputies and, eventually, the Bemidji Fire Dept. responded to his call, but Bridgeford said, "I must have shoveled for about an hour," to put the fire out. On Friday, Beltrami Dept. of Environmental Services Director Bill Patanaude said, "There is a violation," but Fullmer would not be cited for now because he agreed to work with the Department to clean the site up. "We are reserving further investigation, and we will have an investigator on the site when the debris is uncovered," Patanaude said. ---------------------------------------------------- Robert Morton's Family Journal by Robert Morton M.Ed., Ed.S. WE MUST DISCOVER OUR CHILDREN'S HIDDEN TALENTS Dear Mr. Morton: Our son, age 9, repairs lawn mower engines; carves wooden boats from logs; and identifies every insect, bird and plant in our woodlot. Still, his self-esteem suffers because he functions below his classmates in reading and math skills. We worry about him not passing the 4th-grade reading guarantee. How can we help his self-esteem? -- Parents Dear Parents: Continue bringing out the best in your child, despite his weaker academic areas. All children possess a gift that becomes their special distinction. Your child was granted special capabilities which lie beyond the demands of school. It's crucial to watch for and foster such natural endowments in children. Often, innate gifts in children are stifled and annihilated by social condemnation. A fair-minded and righteous boy may be teased and called a "softie." Some day, his passion for justice may make him a great attorney, more so than his ability to prepare a brief. A polite and respectful girl may be teased for being the "teacher's pet." Some day, her mannerly skills may empower her to become a great diplomat. A scholarly child is labeled a "bookworm." Some day, he may grow into an award-winning scientist. An inventive child with a dreamy mind may be labeled "unmotivated to learn" because he neglects his studies. Some day, well, Thomas Edison ... need I say more? A child skillful in the use of tools may get the cold shoulder from academically-inclined students. Some day, every one may depend on him to repair, rewire, and remodel their prized possessions. Out of the vast range of special talents our children possess, more are apt to be rebuked than encouraged. Expose your child to a multiplicity of activities so his special gifts have a chance to show themselves. Then, his academic weaknesses will not destroy his self-esteem. Sometimes, time spent earning a scout merit badge or volunteering as a junior curator in a nature center beats passage of the 4th-grade reading guarantee. Robert Morton, M.Ed., Ed.S., owner of the Family Journal, is a practicing school psychologist in Ohio and educational instructor at Bowling Green State University. Write him about parenting or educational issues at the Child Study Center, 501 Croghan St., Fremont, Ohio 43420 or e-mail: Rsmcoping@nwonline.net ------------------------------------- ISSUE OF 10/11/2000 - VOLUME 6 NO. 1 ------------------------------------- Leading Edge Journalism ----------------------- BEMIDJI MAYOR PETERSON'S EXPENSES UNDER FIRE BEMIDJI -- Abuse of benefits by Bemidji City employees is nothing new or unique, the City takes a casual attitude toward it. In 1996, Police Chief Robert Tell admitted having wrongfully received about $2,000 on phony travel vouchers. When discovered, he repaid the money and City Manager Phil Shealy returned him to his job. Earlier this year, the Minnesota State Auditor requested a copy of the 20+ year Bemidji Mayor Doug Peterson's cell phone expense records, as well as all other similar Bemidji city expenses. As of last week, a representative of the State Auditor's Office could release no information, but said that it would be available when the investigation, if any, was complete. And critics of the mayor have homed in on his per diems. The Bemidji mayor's position is part-time. Day to day administrative business is handled by the City Manager, a highly paid executive position. So the mayor's part-time salary (in 1998) was $4,200, but he received over $9,000 in per diems. Per diems were similar in 1999, totalling $8,546 by the end of October. The mayor gets $100 for each full day (7 hours is considered a full day) at official functions, not including City Council meetings, but including council "workshops." The expenses are approved by Phil Shealy, the City Manager, and paid to Peterson. But political critics have recently questioned some of what Peterson is charging the city. The mayor has two cell phones, but on this, critics concede that it may be necessary so that he can speak out of both sides of his mouth. It is an honor to be in the Jaycees' 4th of July parade, but, each year, the Mayor also charges the City for 3-4 hrs. (i.e. 1/2 day - $50) for his being in it. In 1997, and on May 21st, 1998, Peterson charged the City a $25 per diem for the March for Jesus, presumably a religious event; in June, 1998, the per diem sheets disclose a charge for a meeting with Norm Coleman, which may have been political - Coleman was then involved in losing the Minnesota gubernatorial race. On the same day as the March for Jesus, the Mayor also, apparently, attended a meeting of Toastmasters - a speaking enhancement organization. And, of course, he charged the City $25 for that. Mayor Peterson was offered the opportunity to respond to the allegations made, but failed to do so. Calls were not returned. (Scan caption - illustration appears in print edition only): Where is he? Above, the Mayor's per diem form, and cell phone bill for August 3rd, 1999. He claims a full day's (i.e. 7 hours) per diem for the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities Conference at Bemidji. The cell bill shows that on that afternoon, however, calls were made, on his phone, from Little Falls, where Peterson also does (not City-related) business with Little Falls Granite Works. ------------------------------------------------------ Leading Edge Journalism ----------------------- TERRY MELCHER ANNOUNCES AS WRITE-IN FOR BEMIDJI MAYOR Incumbents Peterson, Lehmann, refuse to answer questions on campaign; calls not returned Two of the Bemidji Mayor candidates are well-known. So much so that neither found the need to participate in the pre-primary debate, or be interviewed to make their positions public. In the mayoral primary, in a field of five, including Bemidji Mayor Doug Peterson, Councilman Richard Lehmann, Terry Melcher, Corey Bailey and Alan Weber, BSU student Terry Melcher got more votes than the other two lesser known candidates put together, and announced, shortly after, that he'd run in the general election as a write-in candidate. Even with his strong showing, Melcher was outpolled, in the primary, by the two incumbent city politicians, Peterson and Lehmann. As the two primary front runners, Peterson's and Lehmann's names will be printed on the ballot. To vote for Terry Melcher, voters have to actually write his name in on the ballot line provided, and mark the write-in oval next to it. Melcher attributes the primary results to not having had enough time, by September, to organize a campaign and get his name and positions out well enough to overcome his opponents' built-in name recognition advantage. But now, Melcher has his campaign in full swing, with flyers, buttons and meeting the community. Still, the name might not ring a bell - Melcher believes signs are unattractive, and doesn't like to use them. To date, the only one he's posted is in his own front yard. Issues. Calendar Parking. Presumably to allow room for emergency vehicles in heavy winter snows, year-around calendar parking has been in effect in Bemidji for several years. But Melcher doesn't see a need for it in July. Calendar parking, where only one alternating side of the street can be used, effectively eliminates half of the parking otherwise available. It poses severe congestion, particularly near the University, and cars are often found illegally parked for want of a proper space. Said Melcher, "I think parking should be ... like it is down in the cities ... they declare a snow emergency" and alternating side parking is used for only 2 days to allow the snow to be cleared curb-to-curb. "There's no reason to have this calendar parking throughout the summer," he said. Taxes, Other Issues. Melcher is resolute in opposition to further city taxation, 1% sales tax or otherwise, and said that he generally opposes TIF financing; he believes the interests of current property owners are more important than developer's plans; favors a plan to help coordinate and promote Bemidji businesses' voluntary revitalization of Downtown, and supports strengthening the Sentence-To-Service program for rehabilitation of non-severe offenders. Melcher is "not impressed" with current city management and believes that Bemidji should look outside the Department to fill the position of retiring Police Chief Robert Tell. ------------------------------------------------------------ 2B FACE-OFF AT BAGLEY District 2B State Rep candidates Rod Skoe (DFL), and Doug Lindgren (Rep.), met and discussed education issues at a forum convened by the Minnesota School Boards Association at Bagley High School, September 21st. Lindgren is the owner of Harwood Oil service station in Bagley, and serves on the Copley Township Board. Skoe is the incumbent 2B Representative. Skoe said that he was concerned with rural equity and access in Internet rate structure. He encouraged a "look at" a 100% state funding proposal for K-12 education, and spoke of a proposal to "regionalize" education. "One way to save money is to cut back on the local boards," he said, but Skoe didn't say he'd support such a plan. "The local board is the most responsive," said Skoe. Lindgren, who has a BSU degree in education, emphasized, "You gotta keep your control [of the schools] around here, local ... you know what your students need.," and said also that he supports tax cuts, "I don't believe in taking money away from our children." -------------------------------------------------- HEATING PROPANE PRICES VARY WIDELY ACROSS STATE 48.9 cent high-low range in cities surveyed; Park Rapids highest at $1.399 With higher crude oil prices, Minnesotans will feel a sharp pinch of higher heating fuel bills this year, and propane is no exception. Prices are steeply higher statewide, compared to last year's cost, but, significantly, where you buy it can make more than a 60% difference in overall cost. In the Clara City area (Thoma Oil), the cash price for 500 gallons (.91/gal) was $455, with no charge for tank lease. But Park Rapidians buying from Columbia Propane would pay $699.50 for the same amount of gas, plus $36 for the tank lease. Competition in propane is limited because many users lease their tank from the propane company; another firm's gas may not be installed in a leased tank. The effect of this is particularly noticeable in Park Rapids, where one firm prices its propane at $1.199, but charges its customers with leased tanks (and so, who can't buy elsewhere) 20¢ more per gallon, in addition to the cost of the lease. The following chart depicts the retail cash propane prices, on Oct. 11, 2000, in various Minnesota cities - (note: chart may distort on some browsers - be sure columns align properly): Lease prices are annual, for a 500 gal. tank. TOTAL COST FUEL PRICE OF 500 GAL. CITY DEALER TANK LEASE + LEASE NOTE Clara City Thoma Oil .91 / $0 $455.00 1 St. Paul Cenex .969 / $0 $484.50 2 Crookston Ferrellgas $1.039 / $35 $554.50 Crookston Mid Valley Grain $1.03/$47.93 $562.93 Duluth Marv's N Shore $1.209 / $0 $604.50 3 Duluth CAP Trico $1.19 / $10 $605.00 4 Bemidji Cenex $1.11 / $60 $615.00 5 Grand Rapids Northwest LP $1.259 / $0 $629.50 6 Park Rapids Gas Service Co. $1.31 / $1 $656.00 7 Park Rapids Skelgas $1.24 / $60 $680.00 8 Park Rapids Columbia Prop. $1.399 / $36 $735.50 9 NOTES: 1) Supplier: National 2) Supplier: Cenex 3) Supplier: Amoco 4) Supplier: Cenex 5) Supplier: Cenex; $60 lease cost applies first 4 yrs., then $10/yr. 6) Supplier: Amoco or NGL; Fuel cost if customer owns tank: $1.16/gal.; Thermogas, a GR competitor, would not quote price by phone. 7) Fuel cost if customer owns tank: $1.19/gal 8) Fuel cost if customer owns tank: $1.14/gal. 9) Supplier: Solargas; first yr. lease is free; fuel cost if customer owns tank: $1.19.9 ------------------------------------------------------ Leading Edge Journalism ----------------------- PINE RIVER FIRMS' EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES QUESTIONED PINE RIVER -- A former worker for the Snowy Ridge Co., a Christmas tree farm located between Backus and Pine River, has made strong accusations against the firm, alluding to the hiring of immigrant workers and others at substandard pay, collusion with another employer, and threats of bodily harm. Except as noted herein, the allegations are presently uncorroborated and the Cass Co. Sheriff reported that his office has not yet been notified of the claims. Michael Allsup, of Pine River, said that in summer, 2000, his third season of working for Snowy Ridge, as field foreman he observed at least 16 immigrant workers whom he believed to be from Mexico or Columbia. Allsup's duties included picking up the workers where they were housed near Pine River, and transporting them to the day's work site in the tree fields. Allsup said the various workers, some of whom may have been illegal immigrants, always worked in groups of four, and were employed under the pretense of being a single group of four immigrant workers who had visas. The allegedly illegal workers worked under the names of the four legal workers; that each day, he'd pick up a different group of four. "I observed at least four groups of four ... ," said Allsup, adding, as one of the legal immigrants was named Mario, "There was different Marios every time." Allsup said that 3 of the workers were ill, with symptoms that appeared to be leprosy. Allsup had also been asked to house some of the immigrants. In interview, Backus resident Kendall Stone, operator of Snowy Ridge, claimed that he had only hired four immigrant workers who worked for him "for a couple of weeks," and that they had permanent work visas. Stone had not seen the visas, but said that the workers were referred to him by a nursery near Brainerd, which had indicated to Stone that they were visaed. Stone said that they, as well as Allsup, were independent contra-ctors, rather than employees, but when Stone was asked the amount of their pay, he became evasive and would not state an amount. Said Allsup, "Sometimes they'd ask to go to the store and ask for money for food and stuff because they weren't getting paid." Allsup said that the immigrants "disappeared" mid-summer. Stone said he believed they (the original group of four) were in Foley, Minn. or New York, but Allsup expressed concern due to threats that he said Stone made to the workers, including claimed allusions, by Stone, to a field in Barclay Township, north of Pine River, where Stone allegedly had threat-ened that bodies had been buried. Allsup said that Stone has a reputation for harassing ex-workers when he sees them in town, and, in past years, the harassment has resulted in complaints to law enforcement; but per Cass County Sheriff Randy Fisher, no formal comp-laint has been made to his office for this alleged recent activity. Said Allsup of the immigrants, "I feel bad for them - they're hard working - it's not their fault they're being used like that." Allsup said that, during this period, his pay "would come out to about two bucks an hour ... he'd [Stone would] have us write down some hours" [on time sheets] " ... to come out to whatever he wanted to write the check for." And Allsup said that the paychecks Stone wrote him would sometimes bounce. Per Allsup, at about the same time as the disappearance of the immigrant workers, Stone told Allsup that he could no longer pay him, and asked him to work without pay, offering him a share in the tree farm instead. Allsup refused and ceased to work for Snowy Ridge. Allsup has alleged collusion between Snowy Ridge and another Backus/Pine River based business, Citywide Windows, which is in the business of commercial window cleaning and has about 150 accounts, of which Allsup knows, with leading merchants in Bemidji alone, as well as accounts in Brainerd, Park Rapids, Walker, Grand Rapids, Pine River and the Twin Cities. Stone acknowledged referring Allsup to Citywide for additional employment, but denies any business affiliation between Snowy Ridge and Citywide. He said he'd only seen Ron Spartz, operator of Citywide, once in passing since January, 2000. The work Allsup did for Citywide involved driving, each day, from Pine River to the city Allsup had been assigned to work that day. Once, there, Allsup would clean the windows on that city's route. As an independent contractor, Allsup paid the costs of his cleaning supplies, and vehicle costs, in a vehicle sold to him by Spartz. Allsup would drive about 200 miles a day. The agreement with Spartz called for Allsup to be paid a "commission" of 40% of the amount paid by the customers to Spartz for the cleaning jobs. But Allsup never saw an accounting, and questions some of the amounts he was told. "It's a cash business - there's a lot of cash involved," said Allsup. Allsup said that he asked Spartz to withhold taxes, "I asked him to, over and over; he wouldn't do it," said Allsup. At Citywide, Allsup said, an average week's gross pay would come to about $500 for six long days' work. "I'd leave at about 2 in the morning to do places like Perkins [Bemidji]", and Allsup said he'd usually work until 5:30 p.m. or later. But from his gross pay, Allsup would have to pay gas, oil and repairs, for the 1200 or so miles of driving each work week, as well as cleaning supplies and the vehicle payment to Spartz. Allsup said that left only about $200 for a work week which approached 100 work hours, including driving. And Allsup sometimes lost time due to vehicle breakdowns in the cars and trucks Spartz sold him for work. One, a 1984 Ford Bronco, without reverse gear, was sold by Spartz to Allsup for $2,800, with $540 down and the balance to be deducted from Allsup's pay. There was no written contract for the terms, per Allsup, nor any set amount that was to be deducted each period, "It would be $100 ... $150 here, half a paycheck there." Allsup had to pay the route expenses from what remained. Allsup stated that Spartz has a hobby salvage yard with many cars; that Spartz once tried to sell Allsup a car without a title and suggested that Allsup simply switch the plates with his old car. Toward late September, while still working for Citywide, Allsup was approached by Kendall Stone of Snowy Ridge and again asked to work for him without pay. Allsup refused. Two days thereafter, he was given, by Spartz at Citywide, an assignment of more work than could be done in a day. When Allsup protested, he was fired. "I had about 100 places [in Bemidji] to do in one day - I couldn't do it," said Allsup. Allsup said that as to the last pay owed to him from Citywide, Spartz "never paid me - won't answer my calls." Northern Herald attempted to interview Spartz by telephone, but reached only an answering machine at his number; the call was not returned. Allsup said that the employment practices he experienced are not unique in the area and because he refused to accept them, he has been blackballed for work. "These employers are doing whatever they want with people ... I'm a hard worker ... you're supposed to be able to expect a fair wage for fair work. ... Nobody else around here will hire you because they're doing the same darn thing." ------------------------------------------------------ REP. DOUG FULLER'S RECORD ST. PAUL -- In his two years, Fuller was chief author of 42 bills, including one (HF 3971) which would have allowed special pension rights to Bemidji Mayor Doug Peterson, and one (SF 0551 - Fuller was chief author of House version) further limiting parents' ability to discipline children. Dougs. Coincidentally both Doug Fuller's 1998 House, and Doug Peterson's 1999 failed Senate, campaigns were managed by Bill Batchelder, operator of Bemidji Woolen Mills, a Bemidji firm which has sold wool shirts, made elsewhere, under it's own (i.e. Bemidji Woolen Mills) label. The firm advertises heavily to tourists who want something from Bemidji (WHY?). Fuller's HF 3971, while not mentioning Peterson by name, would have allowed a PERA buy-in if one was an "eligible public official"; the bill then went on with the definition, "(b) An eligible public official is a person who: (1) is currently a member of the general employees retirement plan of the public employees retirement association; (2) was born on February 5, 1939; (3) currently serves as the mayor of the city of Bemidji; and (4) was first elected to public office as a Bemidji city council member in November 1968." Everyone who fit that definition could qualify, but at present, we can only find one person, Mayor Doug Peterson, who fits the bill. Fortunately, the bill was referred to committee, and has not re-emerged. Law enforcement doesn't discipline kids, now, neither can parents. SF 0551 is a bill, now law, which further constrains the ability of parents to discipline their children. It defines a crime of "malicious punishment of a child," but lacks guidelines and makes criminal any act which "evidences unreasonable force or cruel discipline that is excessive under the circumstances." Many parents have already been harassed by county Human Services (HS) under prior law, and some are afraid to spank their delinquent and errant children who sorely need it. Without further guidelines in the law, administratively, what is "reasonable" is left to the opinion of the enforcing agency, usually a county's Human Services (HS) Dept. SF 0551, specifically, makes punishment which does not result in substantial bodily harm a gross misdemeanor. So, not only spankings, but even needed repeated "time-outs" or "grounding" could be construed, by certain pea-brained HS workers as cruel and "excessive under the circumstances." This law, with it's lack of guidelines is a Pandora's box. In a nutshell, SF 0551 gives government agencies more invasive power to enter the home and intervene in private family matters. And taxpayers are paying buchu bucks for this "service." During his term, Dist. 4A State Rep Fuller was chief author of the following House bills (HF) and House versions of Senate files (SF) (complete text of bills can be found at the Minnesota State Legislature web site, accessible from the Northern Herald site, address, p. 5): HF0014 Persons convicted of criminal sexual conduct considered ineligible to be licensed as teachers SF0551 Domestic abuse orders for protection and enforcement procedure modifications, enhanced criminal penalties, cash bail increases, and admissible evidence clarifications provided. HF0621 Arson definition expanded to include flammable gas and combustible liquids, unauthorized student use of ignition devices within educational buildings prohibited, and criminal penalties imposed. HF0628 Independent school district Nos. 38, Red Lake, 115, Cass Lake, 299, Caledonia, and 306, LaPorte, maximum effort capital loans approved; bonds issued; and money appropriated. HF0842 Cross-country ski pass provisions modified. SF1002 Child neglect and endangerment; booby traps, theft of anhydrous ammonia; laser assault. HF1055 Child neglect and endangerment; consecutive sentencing; booby traps; theft of anhydrous ammonia HF1067 Orders for protection service short form notification authorized, domestic abuse crime sentences and provisions modified HF1328 DNA; convicted predatory criminals required to provided biological specimens for analysis. HF1382 Bemidji authorized to exercise power of eminent domain for acquisition of specified trust fund land. HF1480 Bureau of criminal apprehension facilities constructed in St. Paul and Bemidji, and money appropriated. HF1503 Attorney fees awarded in specified municipal contract cases. SF1604 Sanctions conference procedure established to impose probation sanctions for violations, and judicial districts requested to develop procedures and forms. HF1630 Commissioner of human services data access expanded, county retention of overpayments modified, photographic evidence provisions clarified, and federal waiver allowing administrative disqualification for medical assistance requested. HF1642 Sanctions conference procedure established to impose probation sanctions for violations, and judicial districts requested to develop procedures and forms. HF1705 Beltrami, Marshall, and Roseau counties unpaid back ditch assessments payment provided; and money appropriated. HF1770 Senior nutrition meals provided increased funding and money appropriated. HF1815 Beaver damage control program authorized activities clarified and money appropriated. HF1824 Ambulance services; first responder standards modified, emergency medical technician and instructor certification provided, training program approval required, fees and misconduct reports provided, and criminal and civil penalties imposed. HF1836 Manufactured homes located on real property purchased under contracts for deeds tax liability removed. HF1837 Automatic external defibrillators purchase and study funding provided, and money appropriated. HF1840 Emergency medical services complaint investigations appropriated money. HF2060 Minnesota correctional facility-Sauk Centre authorized to accept parole status youth. HF2154 Local bridge road approach funding authorized through previous transportation bonding authority. HF2327 Inmates required to apply assets towards incarceration costs, impoverishment of innocent spouse prevention provided, transfers of assets permitted, and criminal penalties provided. HF2368 Bureau of criminal apprehension satellite facility design and construction provided, bonds issued, and money appropriated. HF2607 State university proximity statutory restriction exemption provided to Bemidji for an on-sale liquor license. HF2641 Independent school district No. 316, Greenway-Coleraine, school bank pilot project authorized and school bank pilot project made permanent. SF2677 DWI; driving while impaired crimes and provisions recodified and simplified. SF2748 Ambulance service and emergency medical technician (EMT) requirements modified. HF2748 Specified offenders required to register under the predatory offender registration law for life. HF2994 Ambulance service and EMT requirements modified. HF2995 DWI; driving while impaired crime provisions recodified and simplified. HF3014 Independent school district Nos. 38, Red Lake, 115, Cass Lake, 299, Caledonia, 306, LaPorte, and 914, Ulen-Hitterdahl, maximum effort capital loans authorized; bonds issued; and money appropriated. HF3193 Beltrami county hospital construction moratorium exception provided. HF3194 American Indian history center and museum construction initiation deadline postponed. HF3288 Bemidji headwaters science center constructed, bonds issued, and money appropriated. HF3487 Forest resources council activities and forest inventory assessment appropriated money. HF3748 Local government in lieu of tax payments increased. HF3970 Bemidji state university American Indian history center construction deadline extended and money appropriated. HF3971 Bemidji elected official allowable service credit purchase in the public employees retirement association (PERA) authorized. HF4059 Bemidji state university and Northwest technical college improvements provided, bonds issued, and money appropriated. ------------------------------------------------------ "CONSTITUTION" PARTY? BROOKLYN PARK -- In a state marked by large regions caught, to paraphrase Bemidjian Allen Weber, between the Bible and the bottle, and following the lead of Pat Buchanan and the Reform Party, yet another new political party appears to have postured itself to garner a few votes, at least enough for major party status, by appealing to the special interests of religious wrong splinter groups. Oddly, it calls itself the Constitution Party, and has qual-ified for a place on November's general election ballot. The Constitution Party's candidate for U.S. Senator, from Minnesota, is David Swan, a Brooklyn Parker who bills himself at his Internet site as "Minnesota's only 100% pro-life candidate for United States Senate." Swan further characterizes the Constitution Party as "The only party that has a plan to end abortion, not just talk about it." ------------------------------------------------------ ARCHEOLOGICAL DIG AT BEMIDJI PAYS OFF (Photo captions - illustration appears in print edition only): David Kluth, Field Director for the Leech Lake Reservation Heritage Sites program described the initial exploratory dig, on Bemidji's Midway Drive where a new road is scheduled, as "very productive," so now, a major archeological excavation, of "40 units" is under way to remove as many artifacts as possible before the road goes in. Kluth said the exploratory dig unearthed, in good condition, "thousands of artifacts, as well as fire hearth which we dated to 1500 years ago." Since the dig resumed, it has found arrowheads, pottery (shown below left) and animal and fish bone which bear evidence of having been cooked. The important historical work, however, has not been without setbacks. Three weeks ago, the site was vandalized at night, probably by Bemidji youth, and all of the carefully placed elevation markers were torn down. LEC and the Citizens' Patrol were notified, and the damage has not reoccurred. A "flake" generated during the making of stone tools. Below right, an arrowhead estimated to have been from the Blackduck or Sandy Lake culture, 500-1200 years ago. These pottery pieces have been identified as from the Brainerd culture, 2000-3000 years ago. --------------------------------------------------------------- HOW TO VOTE FOR A "WRITE-IN" CANDIDATE At the polls, voters have a choice of those candidates listed on the ballot, and other candidates who run "write-in" campaigns. For the following illustration (in print edition only), we use the Beltrami County sample ballot, and the Bemidji Mayor's race, but write-in votes are generally allowed in all Minnesota general elections, and for all offices. The line on the ballot, under the other candidates' names, is for write-in voting. ----------------------------------------------- In Focus - Where To Go ----------------------- DESTINATION . . . BEAVER BAY When going to the North Shore of Superior, as many people do this time of year, some stay in Duluth (where you can't smoke in the restaurants), Two Harbors or Grand Marais. One of the best places to stay, and one of the best values, however, is Beaver Bay, about halfway up the Shore. Good lodging can be had for about $40, plus tax, and as a bonus, one of Beaver Bay's restaurants has a unique Sunday Buffet that's almost, in itself, worth the drive. A logical halfway stopping point, from Beaver Bay, one can explore north (Temperance River, Tofte, Grand Marais) as well as south (Split Rock Lighthouse, Gooseberry Falls, Two Harbors) in an easy drive. Reasonably priced comfortable accommodations can be found at the Beaver Bay Motel, the Inn at Beaver Bay, and the Whispering Pines Motel at Illegan City., about 8 miles north of Beaver Bay. (illustration caption - map in print edition only): From North Central Minnesota, the fastest way to get to Beaver Bay (in good weather) is to take 169 out of Grand Rapids to Hibbing, then 37 E to 53 S to Hwy. 16 E to Hwy 15 until it "T"s at Co. 2 about 44 miles N of Two Harbors. Go North on 2 briefly - just over the railroad tracks there's a good wide gravel road (not on the maps) that goes East to Hwy 4 at Lax Lake. Take Hwy. 4 S about 6 miles to Beaver Bay. (photo captions - photos in print edition only): The Sunday buffet, on until 3 pm at Northern Lights Restaurant, Beaver Bay, isn't just a meal, it's an event. In country elegant decor, the sumptuous food tables featured both the traditional and the exotic, including original creations of Chef Tom Porter. For $8.90, a diner can have his fill of eggs, waffles and syrup, biscuits & gravy, baked ham, bacon and links, uniquely seasoned hashbrowns with cheese, wild rice bread, homemade soup, spiced apples, wild rice stuffed mushrooms with 7 cheeses, Scandinavian fruit soup, fish cakes made from fresh caught bluefin, blueberry muffins and salad bar. The coffee is 100% Colombian, robust, prepared in the Chef's special way and served with real 1/2 & 1/2. Both smokers, and those who don't, can enjoy the restaurant's best seating area, on the enclosed veranda overlooking the restaurants' gardens and, of course, Lake Superior. GETTING THE CRABS . . . New on the (Bemidji) Great Wall Restaurant buffet line is crab sushi California Roll. The restaurant has also added a cook-to-order barbecue grill, and features crab legs four nights a week (M, W, F, Sa); All you can eat, including good szechwan, all for $7.95! HITTING THE BEACHES . . . The American Cancer (aka Communist) Society nuts have made it to where you can't smoke in California, at least not at indoor restaurants and bars, so you might not want to go there. But if you visit San Diego, anyway, you'll find your best lodging values near Point Loma. In a city where you can pay over $100 a night for not as good locations, several Point Loma motels, such as Sportsman's Lodge (619-224-3434) offer civilized accommodations, without the expensive frills, for about $40, plus tax, per night for two. And you're within 5 minutes of the airport and walking distance (2 blocks) of the harbor and many good restaurants including Point Loma Seafood Company, the place where San Diegans in the know go to eat great, inexpensive, and very fresh seafood. For good deals in more formal dining, you might try World Famous on Pacific Beach. They're known for their lobster bisque, and certain nights, there's free all you can eat hors d'oeuvres at the bar - for the price of a drink, you can build yourself a fine little dinner here while watching the sun set over the ocean. If your tastes run to The Blues and good Cajun food, one of the town's best kept secrets is Chateau Orleans, also in Pacific Beach. There, you'll find more Cajun food than a normal person can eat for about $20, an acceptable wine list, live blues while you dine (Th-Sat), and an ample (heated patio) smoking area. As an extra bonus, if you pick up a copy of the San Diego Reader, or visit their web site, you'll often find a 2 for 1 coupon good for dinner at Chateau Orleans. ---------------------------------------------------------- Editorials - Opinion -------------------- Where Are They? HIGH-PRICED GOLDBRICKING CONTINUES AT BEMIDJI CITY HALL New Voicemail System Makes Dodging Calls Easier Along with high corruption, usually comes bilking of the taxpayers. To less serve the taxpayers, the highly paid clerks and administrators at Bemidji City Hall now have an automated answering system that prevents constituents from even reaching a receptionist who can tell them who's there, and who might be able to answer their question. For instance, at 1:38 p.m. on Sept. 20th, 2000, a normal working day during normal working hours, a Bemidjian, calling city hall to discuss, say, a water bill, would have been unable to contact anyone at the Water Dept. They would have just gotten voicemail. There's an option "if you need immediate assistance," but, in the Bemidji City Hall style, it went nowhere - didn't connect the caller with a person; in fact, at that time on that day, it wasn't even working (to match the City personnel). At that time, on that day, you also couldn't reach by phone 1) the City Clerk, 2) the City Manager 3) a person at the Bemidji "general information" number, or 4) The Sewer/Refuse dept. The Parks Dept. says it needs more money; a good way to get it isn't the proposed 1% sales tax increase. Just send an efficiency expert into City Hall to recommend which half of City personnel be immediately fired, and which half be kept on and caused to work a full 40-hour week. Use the money saved for Parks. It's going to take an administrator who is willing to do wholesale firing of dead wood to put the City back on a sound economic base. -------------------------------------------------------- Letters to the Editor --------------------- A LETTER FROM RICH LORY ... The state has moved me again, this time to the home building program in Ottertail County. ... So far, I dislike it here very much. I cannot run because no recreation is offered. I can't call home because a 15 minute call costs $8.00. And the State took my legal papers and put them in storage, and took my typewriter and sent it to my home. I am still appealing in the federal courts, but this move will make it impossible to do my work on my case. As you may know, I'm doing the federal part of the appeal myself, pro se. Richard Lory Fergus Falls, Minn. Editor's Note: Following a very controversial trial, including testimony of a Sheriff's Investigator who was later relieved of duty and dismissed, Richard Lory, a Beltrami County resident, was sentenced, in late 1995, to 12 1/2 years in prison for the shooting death of a 17 yr. old boy, Bruce Bradach Jr., who was part of the gang rape of his 14 yr. old daughter. Lory has maintained from the outset that the shooting was self-defense; that the Bradach boy was forcibly preventing the family from leaving when they went to talk to the boy's parents after the assault. -------------------------------------------------- CHILD BEHAVIOUR SEMINAR AT BAGLEY BAGLEY -- Mahube Child Care Resource and Referral will present Children's Behaviour: Where Do I Fit In, on Monday October 23rd, 2000, 6-9 pm at the Bagley ECFE room. The program is offered to the public, parents, child care providers and profess-ionals. Fee is $7.50. For details, readers may contact Christina Bredeson, 218-732-7204. --------------------------------------------------------- NOTABLE QUOTES: "I thought Jesse's coattail was longer than it was" -- Bill Lawrence, Republican Dist. 4 State Senate candidate, at 9/16/00 MSUSA forum at BSU, explaining why he joined and left the Independence Party. ------------------------------------------------------- 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! MANY LONG DISTANCE CALLING CARDS CONTAIN SCAM There's an old (corrupt) business philosophy that it's OK to rip-off a lot of people for a little money, so long as you don't take too much from any one person. After all, who's going to bother to sue for just a few dollars? The result? Buchu profits. This philosophy was followed by certain utility companies, then (fortunately for all) class-action suits came along. The latest mass marketed scam involves the long distance prepaid calling cards commonly sold at grocery, convenience, office supply and other stores. The United States Postal Service even sells a card. These cards promise a lot of calling at phenomenal rates. The price is attractive, but you might not get what you're paying for. Readers are advised to use extreme caution, when considering buying these cards, because several fail to deliver, and there's no ready accountability (if yours doesn't work, what are you going to do, sue across state lines? Most people wouldn't even write in for a refund - if they had the address, which may not be on the card. That's why these cards are now so profitable and so widely sold.) What can happen when you use a card. We are aware of several cards that failed to deliver, but for the sake of example, we'll recount a test scenario using the In Touch card, sold at Lueken's Foods, Bemidji. This card promises 974 minutes for $20, or a little over 2 cents a minute (although the card advertises 2 cents a minute, flat). Like most cards, an automated voice tells you how many minutes you have left at the beginning of each call you make. In our test scenario, it reported that 9 hours and 51 minutes remained on the card. A call of about 15 minutes ensued. Then the card was used again, but this time, the automated voice reported that less than 6 hours now remained on the card - the card service had docked the card over 3 hours for a 15 minute call! The next call resulted in no answer; again the card was docked - now only four hours and 42 minutes remained - the card had been debited a total of 5 hours and 9 minutes for one 15 minute call and one "no answer"! That made the true cost of these two calls about $6.34 on the card - a far cry from the 2 cents a minute advertised. (The test calls were made from a residence phone, additional debits would apply if a pay phone was used.) Also, the card would be docked if the user followed the card company's directions merely to find out how much time remained. A customer service number was provided on the back of the card, but this turned out to only be an answering machine. And even if one wanted to sue the producer of the card, it would be difficult as the card contained no identification of its manufacturer or marketer - no accountability. This scenario is not unique. Another brand of prepaid phone card tested became invalid after only one short use. And the brand of the card is not necessarily a guarantee; we are aware of a complaint regarding an AT&T brand card. ----------------------------------------------------------- DIST. 4A PUBLIC FORUMS For voter information, accurate forums with all three, the Republican, DFL and Independence Party candidates, will be convened by The League of Women Voters on the following dates and times: LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS FORUMS: BEMIDJI: OCT. 26, 7 PM, at CITY HALL PARK RAPIDS: OCT. 30, 7 PM, at COUNTY COURTHOUSE - LOWER LEVEL The 10/26 Bemidji forum will also be broadcast live by Charter Communications, cable CHANNEL 2. Following original publication, Lakeland TV, KCRB radio and the (Bemidji) Pioneer agreed to also have all three candidates in their 10/23 (7 pm - Channels 9 & 22) televised debate. We thank the LWV, Charter, and KAXE as well as Lakeland TV and KCRB radio for their actions in the public service. --------------------------------------------------------- ROBERT MORTON'S FAMILY JOURNAL by Robert Morton M.Ed., Ed.S. THE U.S. DEMAND FOR DRUGS CREATES THE SUPPLY Dear Mr. Morton: I'm researching whether or not we should expand the "War On Drugs" by supporting the Colombian Army's drive to fight narco-terrorists in their country, or concentrate efforts here at home, teaching our kids to "Just Say No!" to drugs. An educator's input would be appreciated. - College Student. Dear Student: The huge U.S. demand for illegal drug consumption will continue to uphold the supply. A price markup of 4,000 percent arises from the time that poor Colombian farmers sell coca leaves to when cocaine is peddled on America’s streets. In 1986, a group of us represented Sandusky County at the Northern Ohio Drug Abuse Awareness and Prevention conference in Cleveland. Patrick McLaughlin, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, hosted this seminar. He told us that military spy planes would be used to identify incoming, nonscheduled flights over the Caribbean Sea; that undercover CIA and DEA agents were already operating in South America; that an Organized Crime Task Force would begin to identify drug cartels and seize their stock portfolios; that 1,000 FBI agents would be reshuffled to focus exclusively on investigating drug traffickers, etc. Then, McLaughlin ann-ounced that we would lose the drug war if we emphasized attacking the supply side. He shared what a DEA undercover agent in Columbia once told him: "Whenever we ask the Colombians 'What are you doing to eradicate coca fields?' they reply, 'What are you doing to stop people in the U.S. from spending billions for their illegal drug consumption?'" I wonder how McLaughlin views the billions of U.S. dollars which will be spent on this previously attempted strategy to attack the supply side of drugs in Columbia. Would he prefer these resources be spent to lessen the demand for illegal drugs here at home, to guide our kids to "Just Say No!" to drugs? Supply always satisfies demand. Prevention is the key, for once a child is abusing drugs, the "Just say No!" strategy doesn't work... it's too late. Robert Morton, M.Ed., Ed.S. is a practicing school psychologist and owner of the Family Journal. Write him about family or educational concerns at the Child Study Center, 501 Croghan St., Fremont, Ohio 43420 or e-mail: Rsmcoping@nwonline.net **************************************************************** Copyright (c) 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 by Northern Herald and Northern Herald Publications, Inc. Limited Permission to Use Material: I. 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