11-21-12 Chronicle A-Section

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The McLeod County
Being in minority new to Newman
By Rich Glennie Editor Even though he won re-election, state Sen. Scott Newman, R-Hutchinson, is on the move — out of his current office at the state Capitol and into another office. That is the ritual when your party goes from being the majority to the minority. That is what happened Nov. 6, when the DFL captured both houses of the Minnesota Legislature with a DFL governor in Mark Dayton. Newman, who represents the newly revised Senate District 18, was an easy victor for a second term. Elected in 2010, Newman and all the state senators were on this year’s ballot because of redistricting. Newman said the balancing act at the moment is getting the offices moved, since he has to move out of one at the same time some DFLer moves out of another. Another experience for Newman will be as a minority member of the Legislature for the first time. “I’ve always been in the majority. It will be a new experience.” His first stint in the Minnesota House was by special election after state Rep. Tony Kielucki resigned. The Republicans controlled the House at the time. When he ran for the state Senate in 2010, Republicans captured the Senate for the first time in 40 years. “We all like being in the majority,” Newman said. “But we’ll do the best we can.” Newman said he gets along with members across the aisle, and pointed out that 150 bills were passed in the last session either unanimously, or nearly unanimously.
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“The partisan bickering (portrayed by the metro media) is nowhere as bad as folks are told. But we do have philosophical differences. But 98 of the legislation is bipartisan legislation.” He said the conflicts often are more on an “urban versus rural” divide. The main areas of disagreement come when omnibus bills on the budget, taxes or bonding are brought forth. “That’s the ones we fight over.” As to political critics, Newman said, “We will be criticized no matter what we do.” He said he is criticized for not compromising, and he gets criticized for not standing up for his principles. “Then if we compromise, like the 2011 budget
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Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2012 • Glencoe, Minnesota Vol. 115 No. 47
Scott Newman
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Scott Newman
Healthy Minnesota?
Commissioner: State needs to ‘rebalance’ its spending
By Rich Glennie Editor A Meeker-McLeod-Sibley Healthy Community Forum held last Wednesday at the Hutchinson Event Center aimed to educate the need for healthy communities and to “increase the understanding and support for healthy living initiatives under way in the three counties.” To bolster that effort, the group had Dr. Ed Ehlinger, Minnesota Commissioner of Health, as its main speaker. It also solicited the efforts of the current Miss Minnesota, Siri Freeh, who spoke about her efforts aimed at reducing obesity in Minnesota. Also, a panel of four advocates spoke about some of the local efforts under way to address community health issues. They included emcee Allie Freidrichs, who gave an overview of the MeekerMcLeod-Sibley SHIP (statewide health improvement program); Joanne Searl, of Meeker County Memorial Hospital; Nancy Mellesmoen of Tri-Valley Migrant Head Start in Glencoe; Mitchell Wentzlaff, a student and FFA president at Sibley East High School; and Tracy Hassan of the Heart of Hutchinson program. ***** Ehlinger called the SHIP efforts “the most powerful in-
School lunch participation down; feds’ rules blamed
By Rich Glennie Editor A visibly frustrated Glencoe-Silver Lake School Board and its food service managers discussed how to improve participation in the school lunch program at the Nov. 12 GSL School Board meeting at Lakeside Elementary in Silver Lake. Statistics from the first two months of this school year showed a marked decrease in students eating the school lunches and the free breakfasts. The culprit appears to be the new federally mandated school lunch guidelines that aim at attacking obesity in students. A main component of the new guidelines is portion sizes, in which maximum portions are set by the new guidelines. John Durtschi, district manager of Chartwells School Dining Services, said one of the greatest challenges involves the maximum portion sizes that the new federal rules demand. Many students feel the portions are not large enough. “Acceptance by students has been difficult,”Durtschi said. “Participation is lower than expected.” Participation fell on average 119 meals a day in September and 138 a day in October compared to last year at the secondary level. Numbers were “flat”
Chronicle photo by Rich Glennie
Dr. Ed Ehlinger, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Health, held up some props as he spoke about commutervention I’ve seen” to ensure the good life in Minnesota. But he said cuts in education, public health and human services have caused Minnesota, traditionally number one or two in the nation in overall health, to fall to number six. “We’re losing status with other states in health care,” Ehlinger said, even though
nity health issues ranging from diet to exercise. also will grow. Educational funding for prevention has decreased over the years, and the state is not investing as much in public health, Ehlinger said. What is being done in public health education and prevention is being done at the local level, he added.
Minnesota is where initiatives like the D-Day (don’t smoke day) campaign began. He pointed to Minnesota’s ranking 42nd in binge drinking, and the state’s obesity rate “is getting worse.” It also coincides with more people not being active enough, he said. As Minnesota becomes even more diverse, Ehlinger said the health disparities
School lunches
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Health forum
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County Board raises tip fee for Spruce Ridge
By Lori Copler Staff Writer The McLeod County Board of Commissioners more than doubled the tip fee at the Spruce Ridge Landfill — to $3.50 from $1.50 per ton — apparently frustrated with Waste Management’s new contract with the city of Glencoe to provide one-sort recycling. Waste Management also owns Spruce Ridge. Commissioner Sheldon Nies introduced the motion Tuesday morning. “We have some large concerns about this contract,” said Nies. First, Nies said, the Waste Management contract with the city of Glencoe will cost Glencoe taxpayers about $77,000 in 2013, based on an estimated 2,000 households who will pay a city-imposed $2.90 per month fee for the single-sort recycling. The county sponsors a five-sort recycling program — funded through the tip fees collected at the landfill — at no additional charge to residents through fees or taxes. When the county instituted its recycling program, Nies said, the goal was to “take these products and not have a cost to our constituents.” Second, Nies said, Waste Management will not be taking the recyclable material to the coun-
Grand jury indicts deputy for alleged assault
A McLeod County deputy sheriff was indicted by a grand jury Oct. 19 and faces four charges — two felonies and two misdemeanors — regarding a shooting incident while he and other members of an emergency response team were executing a search warrant April 13. According to documents filed in McLeod County District Court, Deputy Mark Eischens “intentionally discharged a firearm under circumstances that endangered the safety of another …” According to a news release from the McLeod County Sheriff’s Office, department policy is that “a criminal investigation is initiated when a deputy is involved in this type of incident.” The matter was referred for investigation to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), which turned over its findings to McLeod County Attorney Mike Junge. Junge, in turn, referred the case to Sibley County Attorney David Schauer. Junge and district judges Terrence Conkel, Thomas McCarthy and Michael Savre have all recused themselves from the case. A grand jury was convened after the matter was referred to Schauer and returned the indictment. An indictment is a determination that there is probable cause to believe the offenses have been committed by a defendant. It does not mean that a defendant is guilty; that is determined in future court hearings. In addition, evidence at a grand jury hearing is presented only by prosecutors, not the defendant. The defense presents its evidence and witnesses during the criminal trial. The alleged incident occurred while Eischens and other members of an emergency response team executed a search warrant at a home northeast of Biscay on April 13. Harry Lee Ondracek, who was at the home, was grazed by a bullet, taken to a hospital where he was treated, then booked on fifth-degree drug charges. Eischens is facing a felony charge of assault in the second degree - dangerous weapon and a felony charge of possessing a dangerous weapon and discharging a firearm that endanger safety. He also faces a misdemeanor charge of assault in the fifth degree - inflict or attempt bodily
Grand jury
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County Board
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Weather
Wed., 11-14 H: 48º, L: 29º Thur., 11-15 H: 47º, L: 30º Fri., 11-16 H: 46º, L: 27º Sat., 11-17 H: 45º, L: 31º Sun., 11-18 H: 48º, L: 33º
Looking back: It was weather whiplash last week going from a high of 72 to a low of 15 in a day and a half. Uff da! Date Hi Lo Rain Nov. 6 42 ......36 ..........0.25 Nov. 7 46 ......34 ..........0.00
Nov. 8 Nov. 9 Nov. 10 Nov. 11 Nov. 12
57 52 72 49 24
......33 ..........0.00 ......33 .........0.00 ......43 ..........0.44 ......18 ..........Tr.* ......15 ........0.10*
Chronicle News and Advertising Deadlines
All news is due by 5 p.m., Monday, and all advertising is due by noon, Monday. News received after that deadline will be published as space allows.
* Snow. Temperatures and precipitation compiled by Robert Thurn, Chronicle weather observer.
The McLeod County Chronicle, Wednesday, November 21, 2012, page 2
Happenings
Rod & Gun Club set to meet
The Brownton Rod & Gun Club will have its annual meeting and election of officers Monday, Nov. 26, at 7 p.m., at the clubhouse. Nominations for one board position are needed. Goon legs will be served for lunch.
Christmas luncheon, sale set
First Congregational Church, 1400 Elliott Ave., Glencoe, will host a Christmas bake sale, craft sale and luncheon from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 1. Live music will be provided by Creekside Jazz.
Chronicle photos by Rich Glennie
‘Nunsense Jamboree’ coming
This holiday season the GSL Panther Association will sponsor performances of “Sister Amnesia's Country Western Nunsense Jamboree,” another in the series of the “Nunsense” plays. Many of the characters return from last year’s show. This production will be directed by Randy Wilson and performed at the historic Glencoe City Center. The December performances will include two dessert theaters and four dinner theaters. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased on line at www.glencoemn.org or at the Glencoe City Center Offices. The GSL Panther Association is a non-profit organization that helps subsidize the GSL school facilities.
Christmas hymn sing/concert
St. John’s Lutheran Church will host an organ Christmas hymn sing and concert at the church at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 28. The concert will feature Christy Ittel playing favorite Christmas hymns on the church’s organ with the choir and audience accompanying her. All are invited.
A Healthy Community Forum, sponsored by Meeker-McLeod-Sibley County Public Health, was held at the Hutchinson Events Center on Nov. 14. The forum included a panel of area representatives who spoke about the success of their specific health initiatives and programs. Above are, from left, Joanne Searl, dietician with the Meeker Memorial Hospital, who spoke of the dietary changes in the menus and vending machines at the hospital; Mitchell Wentzlaff, president of the Sibley East FFA chapter, who spoke about the school’s garden program that grows vegetables for the school lunch program; Nancy Mellesmoen, of the Tri-Valley Migrant Head Start program in Glencoe; and Tracy Hassan of the Heart of Hutchinson program. At the left is Miss Minnesota Siri Freeh, who said her project is to address the growing obesity problem in Minnesota and nationwide. She picked that as her project after her father suffered a heart attack.
Health forum Continued from page 1
While Minnesota has one of the best medical care systems in the world, it is being overwhelmed now with obesity, heart disease and diabetes cases. Ehlinger said 90 percent of health care dollars are now going into medical care and only 10 percent into public health and prevention. “SHIP is in the middle of everything we do,” Ehlinger said in efforts to change lifestyles and promote prevention. The major cause of health issues, Ehlinger said, are “individual choices” to use tobacco and alcohol, or to eat poorly, or not stay active enough. He said, for example, the increased consumption of sugar has dramatically increased diabetes rates nationally. There is need to align all the health care efforts in order to produce healthy communities, Ehlinger stressed. SHIP, begun in 2008 as part of the federal Affordable Care Act, is one major component, but Ehlinger said the state Legislature has cut SHIP support by 70 percent in the last biennium. He said the only way to “bend” health care costs is through prevention, which would require less need for medical services later on. He said health care professionals need to work with businesses in a partnership to promote and support healthy living. “We’re seeing wonderful partnerships,” Ehlinger said. The commissioner stressed the need to “rebalance funding” between prevention and treatment. “Keep people safe and healthy and not at-risk,” he said. Ehlinger also emphasized that the state has “under-invested in primary care. Primary care is the only place that improves health and lowers costs.” Ehlingler said Minnesota is spending the right amount of money on health care, “but not the right way. We need to balance medical care (too much) with public health (too little). And we need to look 10 to 25 years down the road.” ***** Freeh, in her role as Miss Minnesota, said she took on the obesity issue after her father had a heart attack. A nursing student, Freeh said since that heart attack, her father has “made significant lifestyle changes.” She said the primary prevention piece for a healthy heart “is a healthy lifestyle.” The changes need to come early, Freeh added. “I’m passionate about working with kids,” she said, because they are “very open to healthy habits. “I’m excited, but very concerned. This is the first generation that is predicted to not outlive their parents,” Freeh said. ***** Searl is a Meeker County Hospital dietician, who has been able to change the offerings in the hospital’s lunch program and its vending machines to offer more healthful options. She also convinced the hospital administration to cut portions and cut prices appropriately. Combined, the hospital’s own “garden-to-the-table” program with the Litchfield FFA chapter, fresh produce is offered in the hospital’s lunch program. Searl said that is an example that the local partnerships are working. The same was true at Sibley East High School, where Wentzlaff said the vegetables farmed by the FFA members produces “locally grown vegetables for the lunchroom.” Hassan said the Heart of Hutchinson program was the idea of Hutchinson Leader Editor Doug Hanneman with the aim of changing eating habits. The program has several major approaches, like eating a family dinner together, the school’s Walking School Bus program, and the promotion of health screenings “to understand where we are, (establish) the starting point,” she said.
Community Thanksgiving set
First Congregational Church of Glencoe will host the annual community Thanksgiving dinner at noon, Thursday, Nov. 22. Everyone is welcome. There is no charge, but a free-will offering for the McLeod Emergency Food Shelf will be accepted. If attending, RSVP if possible by Nov. 19 by calling 320-864-3855. The community dinner is sponsored by Glencoe area churches.
Blood drive slated Nov. 28
The American Red Cross has scheduled the Glencoe community blood drive for 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 28, at the Glencoe City Center ballroom. To make an appointment to donate, call Nelda at 864-3475.
Vocal band concert Dec. 6
The Home Free Vocal Band, a five-man band with no instruments, will perform a Christmas concert at 7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 6, in the high school auditorium. The band, which first appeared in Glencoe last October as part of the Glencoe Concert Association series, makes the audience think it is hearing drums, bass, horns and other instruments, but it is coming from the five male voices. “No effects. Five guys. Five mics. One stage, no instruments,” said spokesman Adam Rupp. The show also is full with lights, fog snow and family entertainment for Christmas, he said. Tickets are available at the door or can be ordered online at http:/www.homefreevocalband. com/christmas/glencoe.html.
Corrections & Clarifications
In the Nov. 7 article about the city of Glencoe going to a one-sort recycling program, the contract is for five years, not three years as stated. It also stated Glencoe residents have an option to stay with the current five-sort recycling offered by the county. That is not true. Once the one-sort program begins in January, that will be the only option, according to City Administrator Mark Larson. ***** The Chronicle strives for accuracy in its reports. If you find an error, bring it to our attention. Call 8645518 and ask for Rich Glennie, editor.
Glencoe Seniors meetings set
The Glencoe Senior Citizens Club will meet on Tuesday, Nov. 27, at 12:30 p.m., in the senior room at the Glencoe City Center. Sheephead and 500 will be played. All area seniors are welcome to attend. The seniors also are looking for canasta and pinochle players, and are open to suggestions for other board and card games.
Michaelis benefit Nov. 25
A spaghetti dinner benefit will be held for Dustin Michaelis of Glencoe, on Sunday, Nov. 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Arlington Community Center. A silent auction also will be featured. In late December 2011, Dustin was diagnosed with Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma, a rare type of soft tissue sarcoma cancer. Dustin currently travels to the National Institute of Health in Maryland every 28 days for treatment. All proceeds benefit Dustin and his family. Supplemental funding provided by Sibley County Thrivent Financial For Lutherans.
‘Behold the Star!’ set Dec. 2
The Buffalo Creek Community Choir will present “Behold the Star! A Christmas Journey to the Light of Christ” on Sunday, Dec. 2, at 3 p.m., at Grace Lutheran Church in Brownton.
Wee Friends’ vendor fair
Wee Friends Creative Preschool will be hosting the vendor fair on Saturday, Dec. 8, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the First Congregational Church, 1400 Elliott Ave., Glencoe. Thirteen vendors will be at the event.
Day of prayer set Dec. 6
“Over the past few months, as a church, we have felt an increasing burden to pray for our country and community along with praying for those who may be hurting in McLeod County,” said the Rev. Jonathan Pixler of Berean Baptist Church. “Please join us on Dec. 6 at Berean Baptist Church, and together we will pray for healing and a move of Holy Spirit to touch lives in a powerful way,” Pixler said. Soup and sandwiches will be provided at 6 p.m. and then together join in prayer and singing from 6:45 p.m. to 8 p.m., allowing participants to pray specifically for: Our country, our community and our families.
Start your engines.
When you’re a little older, you’re a lot wiser. You know a healthy body powers an active lifestyle, and engines with higher miles need more tune-ups. Now that you finally have time to do what you’ve always wanted to do, shouldn’t you make time to keep your engine running? Visit www.grhsonline.org to learn more about our providers. To make an appointment, call 320-864-7816 or toll free 1-800-869-3116.
Jr. high band, choir concert
The Glencoe-Silver Lake Lincoln Junior High bands and choirs present their first concert of the year on Monday, Dec. 3, at 7:30 p.m. in the GSL High School auditorium. This free concert will feature over 100 instrumentalists and vocalists from Lincoln Junior High School.
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The McLeod County Chronicle, Wednesday, November 21, 2012, page 3
GSL Board to proceed with $1.5 million ECFE addition
By Rich Glennie Editor The Glencoe-Silver Lake School, meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 12, instead of Monday, agreed to proceed with a $1.5 million building project for the district’s Early Childhood/Family Education (ECFE) and Early Childhood/Special Education (ECSE) programs. The proposed building project, which includes an addition onto the northwest corner of the Lincoln Jr. High building, will be paid for with about a $1 million lease levy spread over a 15-year period, and the district will use an additional $500,000 from its capital funds. The ECFE/ECSE project is a small part of the $17.8 million building bond project that was rejected by voters in two referendums. But GSL Superintendent Chris Sonju said the district’s space issues are not going away, especially after the district found it had a largerthan-expected kindergarten class at the beginning of this school year. The space needs at the Helen Baker Elementary became even more critical. Last month, the School Board agreed to hire another kindergarten teacher, but not add another classroom because there is no additional space in the Helen Baker facility. The new kindergarten teacher assists the other five kindergarten teachers. But Sonju stressed Tuesday night that the space issue still needs to be addressed for the next school year because this year ’s large kindergarten class moves into the first grade next year, in the same Helen Baker building. To gain additional classroom space at Helen Baker, the board debated building the ECFE/ECSE addition and move those programs out of Helen Baker and into the Lincoln Jr. High building. The current ECFE addition would then be remodeled for classroom use at Helen Baker. After the 6-0 vote, Michelle Sander, district business manager, said the vote allows the district to proceed with survey work at the Lincoln site “sooner rather than later,” and gives a glimmer of hope it can be completed for use next school year. But Sander said the project still must pass though the Minnesota Department of Education’s Comment and Review process, which requires more detailed plans for the project and how to fund it. Board Chairman Clark Christianson asked when the board certifies the lease levy to collect the taxes on district properties. “When is the lease levy vote?” Sander said work will begin immediately on the Review and Comment process and with the district’s bond counsel on the financing details. She said the goal is to have all that data together in January or February with the selling of the bonds taking place in May or June. She said the district’s $500,000 capital funds could be spread over two school fiscal years. Sander said the digging for the project could begin in the spring. Prior to the vote, Jan Mackenthun, director of the ECFE/ECSE, asked the board to maintain the classrooms in the new addition for those programs and not use those classrooms for other programs in the future, like kindergarten. She said when the ECFE addition to Helen Baker was built with state grant funds and ECFE funds in 1994, it was for the intended use of ECFE “for the life of the building.” She wanted that guarantee with the new addition at Lincoln. Christianson responded that the district is committed to the ECFE/ECSE program. “We’re investing a lot of dollars (into the project).” He asked why Mackenthun was questioning the district’s commitment to the programs. Christianson said the ECFE/ECSE and Learning Readiness programs are integral to learning for GSL’s youngest students. He said families using the district’s early learning program “usually stay” with the district. It makes sense to start with ECFE.” Christianson said the upgrades to the early learning programs are apparent with the Lincoln building project. “ECFE is getting a pretty good upgrade with this (project).” Board member Anne Twiss said she understands Mackenthun’s concerns, and she said the building addition is specifically being designed for the ECFE/ECSE and Learning Readiness programs. Twiss said, as a current board member, she does not want to tie the hands of future boards by never allowing the new ECFE rooms to be used for kindergarten or other uses. “But I support ECFE/ECSE with my whole heart,” Twiss said with emotion in her voice. Board member Jamie Alsleben agreed with Twiss. He stressed the need to get input from staff “to do the design correctly. That's very important.” He said the project design needs to “look at what works and what will make it even better. If we do this, then let’s do it right.” Asleben said ECFE/ECSE is important because its starts students “on the first educational piece in the system” and the district needs to do it right. Board member Gary Schreifels, who lost in his reelection bid, encouraged the board to maximize the classroom spaces in the new addition, a criticism of the referendum building plans in the past. “Good luck with the project,” he added.
Council approves canvass of election
In a brief one-minute special canvassing board meeting Tuesday, Nov. 13, Glencoe City Council, minus council member Greg Copas, approved the results of the Nov. 6 election. The results included Kevin Dietz replacing Copas as the Precinct 4 council member beginning with the first meeting in January. Mayor Randy Wilson and Precinct 1 council member Dan Perschau also were re-elected to new four-year terms. But there were write-in votes in the City Council races as well. In Precinct 1 race, Rick Corrick received two votes, and with one each for Wesley Olson, Kurt Schmidt, Duane Klaustermeier, John Salsbury, Steven Olmstead, Milan Alexander, Jason Zehnder, Dietz (just a last name), Kelly Kruckman, Carrie Fox, Greg Post, Scott Conklin and Merrill Nelson. In the mayoral race, 26 write-in votes were cast in the city’s four precincts. In Precinct 1, Bruce Zehnder, Lowell Ueland and Ryan Lemke received two write-ins each with Salsbury, Charles Shamla, Bob Curfman, Gary Vogt and Jason Zehnder getting one each. In Precinct 2, Ryan Lemke received three write-in ballots with one each for Anthony Butterfield, Gary Ballard, John Schrupp and Gale Roth. In Precinct 3, getting one write-in each were Kermit Terlinden, Al Artmann, Lemke and Olmstead. In Precinct 4, one write-in each went to Ballard, Bruce Schiroo, Leo Ackerson, Roger Hilgers, Bryan Fillbrandt, Mike Cornwell and “Brub Galey.” A total of 2,597 votes were cast, and the voter turnout of registered voters in Glencoe’s four city precincts ranged from 88 percent to 92 percent.
Grand jury Continued from page 1
harm; and a misdemeanor charge of dangerous weapons - recklessly handle or use. The sheriff’s office news release said Eischens, 41, has been a deputy sheriff since Oct. 1, 2001. In that time, “there is no history of discipline in his personnel file,” although there is “one letter of recognition in 2008 as well as one letter of appreciation in 2008.” Along with being a patrol deputy, Eischens also has been a field training officer, defensive tactics/use of force instructor, firearms instructor, Taser instructor, and a member of the McLeod County Emergency Response team. Eischens is currently on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the court proceedings, and also was released on his own recognizance by the court after being booked. He is being represented by Robert Jon Fowler, an attorney for Fowler Law Firm, which is the general counsel for the Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police. A contested omnibus (evidentiary) hearing has been set for Dec. 17 in McLeod County District, and a jury trial has been set for Jan. 7, 2013.
New Fiber-toHome project takes shape
ARLINGTON — The Arlington Enterprise reported that a new slimmer, trimmer Renville-Sibley Fiber-to-theHome project is in the works after the Sibley County Board opted out of the more expansive, expensive original project. The new fiber optic project eliminates the rural areas and concentrates on communities like Green Isle, Gaylord, New Auburn, Winthrop, Gibbon, Fairfax in Sibley County, Lafayette in Nicollet County, Brownton and Stewart in McLeod County and Buffalo Lake in Renville County. Arlington voted not to get involved in the project.
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Operation Minnesota Nice
The Operation Minnesota Nice project is under way and Linda Krueger of Glencoe said she has already put together and mailed 25 boxes of supplies for military personnel overseas, “and it’s only November!” she added. Krueger, who mailed 29 “care packages” to soldiers last year, said she will continue until she runs out of donated supplies and funds. The donated materials are stacked in her living room, above, and she said she uses every square inch of the postal boxes to get every-day items to soldiers who may not be able to get them during their deployments. Krueger said it is not too late to get donations to her. If interested, call her at 320-864-5944. She stressed to people to “support our troops, every little bit helps. Making a difference … one package at a time.”
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County Board Continued from page 1
ty’s Materials Recycling Facility (MRF), where it is processed and then marketed elsewhere. That will result in a loss of revenue for the solid waste department, Nies said. Losing the products generated by a city of Glencoe’s size can significantly impact the Solid Waste department’s revenue, Nies added. Nies said when the county first instituted the tip fee, it was $1 per ton. Later it increased to $3 per ton, in 1998. But because Waste Management “partnered” with McLeod County in collecting its recycled products, the county lowered the tip fee to $1.50 in 2001. However, the county recently took requests for proposals for its recycling collection contract, and switched to West Central Sanitation. Since that time, the city of Glencoe has negotiated its own contract for recycling with Waste Management, for the single-sort program set to start Jan. 1. Commissioner Paul Wright, who sits on the MRF committee with Nies, seconded Nies’ motion to increase the tip fee. Wright said the MRF committee has had several meetings regarding the issue. “This has been hours of frustration,” Wright said of meetings with various involved parties. Wright also pointed out that the increase was “merely putting fees back to where they were before, with a slight increase.” And, Wright added, to point out to Waste Management, “that OK, we’re not partners any more.” The motion to increase the fee passed unanimously. In addition, Nies made a motion to have McLeod County Attorney Mike Junge look into the “legalities” of the issue. First, Nies said, the county had to file a solid-waste plan with the state, and the city of Glencoe’s contract with Waste Management is not in that plan. And, Nies added, the county has an ordinance governing solid waste, and he is not sure how private city contracts are governed by that ordinance. That motion also passed, with Commissioner Kermit Terlinden voting against it.
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Falling participation in school lunches needs to be addressed
Our view: While intentions are great, following federal lunch guidelines hit roadblock — students
ood seems to be on the minds of many this time of the year, with Thanksgiving on Thursday and the Christmas holiday season set to kick off. But food also has been prevalent in discussions on several levels lately, especially when it comes to trying to deal with obesity, not only in adults, but children as well. Miss Minnesota Siri Freeh spoke about her campaign to fight obesity during a talk at the recent Healthy Community Forum in Hutchinson. Other speakers, including Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Ed Ehlinger and others, also stressed the need for more healthful lifestyles and better decision making. There are local initiatives aimed at attacking the problems. Last week, the Glencoe-Silver Lake school lunch program came under scrutiny when it was noted that a trend was developing —fewer students are eating school lunches after the federal mandates were imposed earlier in the year. Those mandates, spurred by First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” initiative, determined what is good for students to eat and how much they should get as meal portions. The problem is ... it’s not working. The intentions of the federal initiative are right on — to provide healthier foods and restrict the intake of junk food. The other part of the initiative is to get youngsters off their duffs, outside playing and spending less time in front of the TV or computer screens. In other words, burn off those calories being consumed. The sad part about it all is that the federal government needs to be involved at all. Is that not part of parenting? Is that not the responsibility of the parents to feed their children healthful foods in appropriate portions and ensure their children are busy and active? The answer is yes. Sadly, the reality is parents either do not have the time, or do not take the time, to do that vital job. So government initiatives and em-
O
pinions
The McLeod County Chronicle, Wednesday, November 21, 2012, page 4
F
ployees are trying to fill the void. The school lunch program is a prime example of government efforts gone amok. The initial attempt at “social engineering” school lunches hit a roadblock — students. GSL statistics indicate a trend of fewer students, especially at the secondary level, participating in the school lunch program. In September, Chartwells School Dining Service reported that there were a total of 10,985 meals served compared to 13,244 in 2011. In October, the number was 11,348 this year compared to 12,886 in 2011. Even breakfasts, which are free, declined with 1,778 served in September of this year compared to 2,218 last year. October numbers were 2,083 this year and 2,223 last October. While the numbers are not disastrous, they seem to indicate a downward participation trend. Why? The GSL School Board offered several reasons. First, the kids do not like what is being offered. Some of their favorite items are gone, replaced by less desirable food choices. Second, the portions are too small. The one-size-fits-all approach of the mandates simply does not address the needs. It may work for younger students, but offering similar portions to a 200-pound, active athlete is not adequate. When students need to supplement their school lunches with a bagged lunch from home, something is wrong. The GSL Board is right to ask for changes. Adjustments to the mandates need to be made, and soon. Otherwise, the school lunch programs will dip into the red, and that will jeopardize the free-breakfast programs like that offered at GSL. As with most mandates, the details are better left to be worked out at the local level. But, as usual, that common sense is left out of the equation as bureaucrats higher up the “food chain” think they know best. Let the local experts figure it out. They know how best to get the desired results. — R.G.
America is truly blessed this Thanksgiving
Back when I was a kid, Thanksgiving was the last Thursday in November. In order to stimulate a weak economy, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt changed things a little, setting the fourth Thursday of November as the date. It seems in that day the big push for Christmas shopping started the day after Thanksgiving. Thus moving things up a week in November with five Thursdays, there would be more days to shop. Traditionalists in that day didn’t cotton to new ideas, so many of us had two Thanksgivings a couple times in the period before World War II. It took a few years, but now we all observe the fourth Thursday. That’s why it is coming this week. In the spirit of our ancestors, it is good to give thanks for the many blessings we have enjoyed these past 366 days. Some of us may not be too excited about the results of the recent election, nonetheless selecting our leaders by ballots not bullets is a priceless freedom. We may not agree with our elective officials, yet we enjoy the freedom to express our opinions without fear of recrimination. Some sections of the nation’s farm belt suffered from a lack of moisture. Our area did not. Not only were our farmers afforded an opportunity to harvest bumper crops, but due to the law of supply-and-demand (as many sections of the farm belt came to enjoy the many freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution, but our leaders — and the many brave servicemen and women — have by words and deeds battled to keep it ever so. Couple that with the blessings of nature, and our great natural resources make the United States of America the light on top of the hill that draws people. America has never had to build barriers to keep people in, but rather there is such a desire from the rest of the world to share our bounties that we are called upon to limit how many can come in. Immigration is what built this republic. At one time or another, our forefathers came from different continents. Immigration is still important. It is good. But illegal immigration is not. This nation’s Founding Fathers were religious people. We are afforded an opportunity to worship as we like — or not worship, for that matter. Just as we stand ready to battle anyone who would attempt to take from us our liberties, so, too, should we ever be ready to defend our religious freedoms. God bless America. Chuck Warner, former owner/publisher of the Brownton Bulletin from 1953 to 1986, is a current member of the Brownton City Council.
Chuck Warner
in with less desired yields) commodity prices were very favorable. One of my friends observed: “There’s going to be a whole lot of new pickups in Brownton.” We may not be living in the land of milk and honey, but we sure are close. When disaster strikes, anywhere around the world, Americans are very ready to offer assistance. Not only has the American Red Cross, our Salvation Army and U.S. churches and other institutions been in the forefront of helping the lessfortunate around the world, but the United States leads all nations in foreign aid. Each year, billions of dollars of our taxpayers’ money flow to other nations to assist them in meeting the needs of their people. Compared to most areas of the earth, Americans are very blessed. Not only have our people been able
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Handling of charter commission legal, but not moral
To the Editor: The Charter is the Constitution of our city. Anyone with reasonable judgment could see that the handling of the Charter Commission by the city was a disgrace, from loading the commission with city personnel to its handling of the charter changes. Although still unbalanced and unfair, it took a citizens’ petition and a judge to replace two charter members with non-city personnel. One of the commission’s primary duties was to equalize the voting precinct numbers. (After contacting the League of Cities, I found out that this was not a necessity!) To the commission’s surprise, someone had already redrawn the precinct lines without their input. Mark Larson, our city administrator, told the commission in a letter that Chris Christenson, the county highway engineer, outlined the districts — which was not true. Larson appeared in Christenson’s office with the map already redrawn, ready for printing. I mentioned this discrepancy at a Council meeting. After the meeting, Larson repeatedly asked me if I had talked to Christenson about this. I said I had, twice on the telephone and once in his office. Witnesses present, he called me a liar. I attended one of the first Charter Commission meetings. The agenda was prearranged. A printout with suggested charter changes was handed to the commission members. Chris Hood, an outside attorney hired by the city, presented each change. The commission briefly discussed and approved all the changes for that meeting. One change included new rules regarding our city administrator’s position: He (or she) no longer need be a resident of our city and no longer need be appointed, but is secure in the position until retirement or death. Hiring Hood for charter changes was unprecedented. In the past, Glencoe has used its own city attorney. Minnesota statute sets a suggested cost of $1,500 in legal fees for a city our size. I brought this cost up at a Council meeting. Mayor Wilson assured the public that the attorney fees would not reach this figure. This was not true. The taxpayers of Glencoe paid almost $17,000! Hood is the city attorney for seven different cities of which three are charter cities. He only attends three City Council meetings a month, one in Northfield and two in Winona. The rest of the cities use e-mail and other correspondence to communicate their questions to Hood. Should Glencoe follow suit and save the cost of having a city attorney present at our council meetings? More often than not, our city attorney does not know the answer to questions on the spot. Why not save the money and simply e-mail her
Question of the week
The city of Glencoe opted for Waste Management to handle its recycling services after the county went with another hauler. Waste Management offers a one-sort pick-up service. Which do you perfer: one-sort or the multi-sort programs? 1) One sort 2) 3-sort 3) 5-sort 4) Do not plan to recycle Results for most recent question: As we go to the polls, whoever is elected president will be faced with major issues. What is the most important issue he will face? 1) Get the economy growing/reduce unemployment — 42% 2) Address the rising cost of health care — 11% 3) Balance the federal budget — 18% 4) Get past political gridlock in Washington, D.C. — 27% 5) Get out of Afghanistan — 2%
104 votes. New question runs Nov. 22-27
Gary Ballard
Turn to page 5
The McLeod County
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Founded in 1898 as The Lester Prairie News. Postmaster send address changes to: McLeod Publishing, Inc. 716 E. 10th St., P.O. Box 188, Glencoe, MN 55336. Phone 320-864-5518 FAX 320-864-5510. Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Entered as Periodicals postal matter at Glencoe, MN post office. Postage paid at Glencoe, USPS No. 310-560. Subscription Rates: McLeod County (and New Auburn) – $34.00 per year. Elsewhere in the state of Minnesota – $40.00 per year. Outside of state – $46.00. Nine-month student subscription mailed anywhere in the U.S. – $34.00. Address changes from local area to outside area will be charged $3.00 per month.
Chronicle
Staff William C. Ramige, Publisher; Rich Glennie, Managing Editor; Karin Ramige Cornwell, Advertising Manager; June Bussler, Business Manager; Sue Keenan, Sales Representative; Brenda Fogarty, Sales Representative; Lori Copler, Staff Writer; Lee Ostrom, Sports Writer; Jessica Bolland, Alissa Hanson and Lindsey Drexler, all production; and Trisha Karels, Office Assistant.
Letters The McLeod County Chronicle welcomes letters from readers expressing their opinions. All letters, however, must be signed. Private thanks, solicitations and potentially libelous letters will not be published. We reserve the right to edit any letter. A guest column is also available to any writer who would like to present an opinion in a more expanded format. If interested, contact the editor. richg@glencoenews.com
Ethics The editorial staff of the McLeod County Chronicle strives to present the news in a fair and accurate manner. We appreciate errors being brought to our attention. Please bring any grievances against the Chronicle to the attention of the editor. Should differences continue, readers are encouraged to take their grievances to the Minnesota News Council, an organization dedicated to protecting the public from press inaccuracy and unfairness. The News Council can be contacted at 12 South Sixth St., Suite 940, Minneapolis, MN 55402, or (612) 341-9357.
Press Freedom Freedom of the press is guaranteed under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or the press…” Ben Franklin wrote in the Pennsylvania Gazette in 1731: “If printers were determined not to print anything till they were sure it would offend nobody there would be very little printed.”
Deadline for the McLeod County Chronicle news is 5 p.m., and advertising is noon, Monday. Deadline for Glencoe Advertiser advertising is noon, Wednesday. Deadline for The Galaxy advertising is noon Wednesday.
McKenna called to duty; police seek replacement
By Rich Glennie Editor During a brief 35-minute Glencoe City Council meeting Monday night, approval was given to Police Chief Jim Raiter to start the process of hiring a “full-time, temporary” officer to replace Glencoe Police Officer Erin McKenna, who is being called to active military duty. Raiter told City Council that McKenna was notified Oct. 29 that she is being deployed for about six months to Afghanistan next April. That would put the police department at five patrol officers and two administrators with an additional 116 shifts to cover between April and October next year, Raiter said, and would leave the department short of patrol officers. “We are at the minimum now,” Raiter said of the city’s police coverage. Raiter said the department currently employs four parttime officers with full licensure, but three of those also work for McLeod County, which is short staffed, too. He asked to be able to hire a full-time temporary officer for one year and begin field training that officer in early 2013 in order to be ready when McKenna leaves in April. Raiter also said he was not sure McKenna would be back in six months, either. He said he has three applicants already, and one is from his reserve officer list. Mayor Randy Wilson said that while he favored hiring a temporary officer for nine months, “we need good, qualified people to apply.” City Administrator Mark Larson said the temporary officer position would not be covered under the union contract with the police federation. Once McKenna begins receiving her military pay, she is off the city’s payroll until she returns and would resume the current wage of an officer, according to City Finance Director Todd Trippel. In a related matter, Raiter also updated City Council on the new “snowbird” ordinance enforcement that has issued 122 tickets during the first weeks of November. Raiter said warnings were issued beginning Nov. 1 through Nov. 4. The first night, 300 warnings were handed out. The second night it was down to 25. While many people got the message with the warnings, not everyone did. The first week of tickets netted 83 violations. Each citation is $25. The second week another 59 tickets were issued. “They are going down,” Raiter said. in 2011, it was a 38-cent increase across the board and in 2010 it was a wage freeze, according to Trippel. The city staff is putting the finishing touches on the 2013 budget, and Larson said it currently sits at $33,000 more in revenue than expenditures. The city budget will be approved by City Council in December. • Agreed to deed city well No. 3 and the lot it sits on to Seneca Foods for $1. The lot, located at 110 E. 8th St., has been owned by the city for years, and the well was taken out of service in 2001, according to Public Works Director Gary Schreifels. He said the building housing the well is in tough shape, and the well has been capped after “the city had no use for it.” The city currently has three wells about 800 feet deep, Schreifels said. “They are very viable wells we use almost every day,” he added. Larson said Seneca approached the city about the old well. He said to bring the well back up to code “would be sizeable cost, but less than drilling a new well.” About the only time Seneca uses city water is during the off-season (October to June) when the pea and corn packs are completed. Otherwise, it uses its own wells. Larson said deeding the property to Seneca is “being a good neighbor” to a good business to the community. The resolution to draft a deed to transfer the property received unanimous approval. • Heard from Dave Meyer, Glencoe Light Plant manager, that the new east side transmission line project is on schedule and nearing completion. Meyer told City Council that the power lines have been strung from the Diamond Avenue substation west to near Jungclaus Implement on Chandler Avenue. The rest of the line from Chandler Avenue to the Armstrong Avenue substation are expected to be completed soon. Work on the Diamond Avenue substation continues with the majority of the building construction completed. • Heard that the refurbishing of the flume slide at the Aquatics Center has been completed and the flume slide has been repainted. • Closed the meeting to discuss negotiations for a land purchase for an impound lot. • Gave third and final reading to Ordinance 579 that cleans up language in the city charter and recodifies the charter.
The McLeod County Chronicle, Wednesday, November 21, 2012, page 5
State Legion Commander Don Pankake of Hutchinson
Al Gruenhagen, left, shook hands with Robert Hatz, who was honored for 60 years of continuous membership with Glencoe Legion Post 95.
Erin McKenna Beginning Dec. 1, the fines are increased to $50 as indicated in the new ordinance. If the vehicle needs to be towed, the bill runs close to $200 for snowbird violations. Asked how the public was notified, Raiter said it was written about and advertised in both city newspapers, noted through the electric bills beginning in October and going through next April and posted on the city’s website. The snowbird warning also is posted on signs at the nine entrances into the city, he added. Council member Greg Copas said the notification in the electric bill is at the bottom of the monthly statements and many people look at the “balance due and not read the rest of the bill.” Larson added the no-parking information also has been aired on local radio and is posted on the city’s electronic sign in front of the City Center. Wilson said the city has tried its best to make residents aware of the new snowbird regulations. The ordinance bans all on-street parking on city streets between the hours of 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. from Nov. 1 to April 1. The ban also extends until the streets are plowed curb-to-curb after snow events. In other matters, City Council: • Sent to its Nov. 28 finance committee meeting for further discussion about a 2.5 percent pay raise for city employees and new information about the city’s health insurance costs and how they impact the proposed 2013 city budget. Larson said the city was notified it will not see an insurance premium increase in 2013. He had budgeted a 15 percent hike into the budget. Also built into the proposed 2013 budget was the 2.5 percent cost of living wage increase. Last year, city employees received a 2 percent increase,
Legion Post 95 honors its own
The Glencoe American Legion Post 95 held its annual membership banquet on Nov. 14 and honored long-time members Robert Hatz and Gale Roth and past Legion Post 95 Commander Ernie Breyer. The club also used the event to pay tribute to Veterans Day. The annual banquet was held at the Glencoe VFW Club for a dinner catered by Bump’s Family Restaurant. Guest speaker for the event was American Legion State Commander Don Pankake of Hutchinson. Hatz was honored for 60 years of continuous membership with Legion Post 95 and Roth was honored
Gale Roth for his 50 years with the Post 95. Breyer was honored for his years of service as com-
Ernie Breyer mander of Post 95 from 2005-12, and he was presented with a plaque and a gift.
City Center added to National Registry
Glencoe has been notified that the Glencoe City Center building, the former school building opened in 1933, has been named to the National Register of Historic Places, effective Oct. 17. Glencoe City Administrator Mark Larson said the designation allows the city to be eligible for Minnesota legacy grant funds to help complete restoration work on the building, now known as the Glencoe City Center. Larson said two projects are being looked at: The first is to complete work on the other two restrooms on the first floor, the boys’ across from the chamber of commerce office, and the girls opposite the city offices. The other project is to complete the outside work on the north wall of the City Center, where the main building was attached to the 1956 addition before the addition was removed for the City Center project. In a letter to Mayor Randy Wilson, the Minnesota Historical Society informed the city of the designation. “By recognizing the significance of your property and planning for its preservation, you are participating in a national movement which aims to preserve, for the benefit of future generations, our cultural heritage,” wrote Barbara Mitchell Howard, deputy state historic preservation officer.
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Police Report
The deluge of citations continued to be issued last week throughout the community over the winter “snowbird” ordinance that bans on-street parking in the community between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. until April 1. Police issued 11 citations overnight on Nov. 9; seven on Nov. 10; 17 citations on Nov. 11; four on Nov. 12; eight on Nov. 13; four on Nov. 14; nine on Nov. 15; nine on Nov. 16; another 15 on Nov. 17; 14 on Nov. 18; and five more on Nov. 19. In all 103 “snowbird” citations have been issued in the past 10 days. Another 31 were issued the previous week. In other matters last week, police received a call from Carver County Nov. 10 that a pickup full of hay bales was driving with no lights on the back end, westbound on Highway 212 near the Carver County line at 9:45 p.m., and there was no State trooper in the area at the time to respond. The vehicle was not found. A Next BMX bicycle was found in a yard in the 2400 block of 11th Street on Nov. 11. It was brought to the city garage. A property damage report was received Wednesday evening, Nov. 14, from a residence on 11th Street. It appeared paint had been splashed on a vehicle. Police were called back to an earlier domestic incident on 12th Street, Nov. 14, when the male involved threatened suicide to his mother and brother. The man, with a piece of glass in his hand, took off from the residence. He was later located at Casey’s General Store and placed in a 72hour hold. On Friday, at 1:38 p.m., a vehicle that had been cited three times for violating the “snowbird” ordinance for parking was towed away. The vehicle was in the area of Ford Avenue and 11th Street. During a traffic stop at 16th Street and Elliott Avenue at 6:11 p.m., Friday, police noticed expired tabs on the vehicle. Also discovered was expired registration and the driver had a suspended license. The driver also had no proof of insurance and was issued two citations. A theft was reported at the high school on Monday, Nov. 19. The item was located and returned to the school.
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Building Permits
The following building permits were approved by the Glencoe City Council Monday night, Nov. 19: Harpel Brothers, 2305 E. 10th St., footings/foundation permit. Lowell Rickheim, 1916 E. 12th St., reroof. Glencoe-Silver Lake Schools, 1825 E. 16th St., storage building. Tony Stepien, 1327 E. 15th St.., window replacement. Glencoe-Silver Lake Schools, 1825 E. 16th St., mechanical permit. Susan Olson, 831 E. 13th St., mechanical permit. Hantge Bros., 830 E. 13th St., house demolition. Carrie Behrandt, 1614 Hennepin Ave., handicap ramp.
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Gary Ballard Continued from page 4
with the questions? This will give her time to respond with answers before the next meeting. On Nov. 5, I approached the Council and asked if the Glencoe citizens had the right to vote on the new charter after the commission’s changes. The Council gave a resounding, “No!” From my understanding, Minnesota state statute requires 51 percent of voters to authorize a new charter. It seems only fair that the citizens of Glencoe vote on the charter, but fairness doesn’t always exist with our city leaders. Our last city election shows citizens’ dissatisfaction. Gary Ballard Glencoe
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The Professional Directory is provided each week for quick reference to professionals in the Glencoe area — their locations, phone numbers and office hours. Call the McLeod County Chronicle office for details on how you can be included in this directory, 320-864-5518.
The McLeod County Chronicle, Wednesday, November 21, 2012, page 6
Brownton City Council hires part-time chief, full-time officer
By Lori Copler Staff Writer On a 4-1 vote at a special meeting Tuesday, Nov. 13, the Brownton City Council hired Ken Bauer as its parttime police chief and re-hired Jake Binnebose as a full-time police officer. Binnebose had been a fulltime officer until his resignation in early September to accept a job with the Sibley Medical Center, although he has continued as a part-time officer for the city. Binnebose’s resignation was followed within weeks with the resignation of Brownton Police Chief Ron Kelm Jr., leaving vacancies for both positions in the twoperson police department. Since Kelm’s resignation, Bauer, a part-time police officer for the city and a parttime McLeod County deputy, has been acting as a temporary chief. At the special meeting Nov. 13, Bauer suggested hiring Binnebose back with a salary of $21 per hour, up from his previous salary of $18.54 per hour. The proposed increase drew sharp criticism from council members Chuck Warner and Norm Schwarze. “I am very uncomfortable with someone resigning and leaving, then giving them a better than a $2 an hour raise to come back and work for us,” said Warner. Bauer said that he will be adding more responsibilities to Binnebose’s job description, which should be compensated. “His responsibility will be much more than it was before,” said Bauer, noting that his own position as a police chief will be part time, necessitating the assigning of some administrative duties to Binnebose. Bauer also said he wanted to make sure Binnebose was making a living wage, and that having someone with experience on board will make the transition easier. City Clerk Cindy Lindeman pointed out that the city was currently accepting applications for a full-time officer/chief, and had set a salary range of $17 to $20 an hour. “Now, the position is changing and the salary is increasing,” said Lindeman. She also said the city has to abide with comparable worth rules to ensure that all employees are being paid on an equal basis for equal work. If the City Council changes its expectations of a full-time officer, “you need to outline it in a job description,” Lindeman added. Lindeman also warned the City Council about basing a salary decision on someone’s financial needs, rather than the position. “You need to think about the position you’re filling, not the person filling it,” said Lindeman. Even with an increase, Bauer said, the city should save about $20,000 a year by going with a full-time officer and a part-time chief, rather than two full-time people. But concerned about the potential impact on comparable worth, the City Council leaned toward a smaller raise for Binnebose. Council Member Doug Block suggested offering $20 an hour, the cap that was established in the salary range published in the advertisement, with the understanding that if Binnebose didn’t accept the offer, the City Council would begin scheduling interviews with applicants. While Warner went along with a subsequent motion on Block’s proposal, he still expressed concern about offering the raise. “I was very happy with what Jake did while he was here, but he did leave us,” said Warner. Schwarze, who voted against the motion, was more blunt. “I just feel like we’re rewarding someone for quitting,” Schwarze said. Bauer also addressed his status as a part-time chief, saying he had discussed the issue with the Minnesota POST (Peace Officers Standards & Training) Board, which said that while it is unusual, there are “probably 10 to 15 towns (in Minnesota) that have a part-time chief.” Bauer said he would probably work about 20 hours a week, while Binnebose would be full time, including on-call hours. On Binnebose’s days off, the McLeod County Sheriff’s Department would take calls until a parttime officer came on duty. Bauer also said he is currently working on updating the police department’s policies and making sure they mesh with those of the city. In other business, the City Council held a closed session to discuss real estate negotiations for properties within the flood area as part of its flood mitigation project.
History
From the Brownton Bulletin archives
100 Years Ago
Nov. 22, 1912 O.C. Conrad, Editor Word was received here over the phone at about 4:30 o’clock Monday afternoon that the New Auburn mill, owned by Reimers & Pierce, was burning. A few autos filled with volunteers hurried to the scene, but reached there too late as the large structure was half burned to the ground. The origin of the fire is not definitely known, but is supposed to have been started in a hot box in the upper story of the building. Mr. Henry Engelsmeier and Miss Laura Anna Louise Janke were united in marriage Wednesday evening at the Biscay church. They will immediately begin housekeeping on the Engelsmeier farm one mile north of town. Agent Wilson was transferred Thursday from the local train station and placed in charge of the Milwaukee’s business at Glencoe. It is a conceded fact that “Wils” enjoys the reputation of being one of the most courteous, obliging and agreeable agents on this line and, in order to show their goodwill and esteem toward Mr. Wilson, members of the Improvement Association hosted a “smoker” in his honor Tuesday evening with over 30 members present. the picker. His clothing was torn from his body before the machine was brought to a stop, and he was severely cut across the stomach and abdomen, but fortunately, no bones were broken. He was rushed to the Hutchinson Community Hospital, where he is recovering. The Brownton High School junior class will present “A Million Dollar Joke” Friday. Cast members include Della Kohls, Roland Winterfeldt, Louella Rennecke, Burton West, William Albrecht, Donald Bipes, Oliver Zimmerman, Norma Klawitter and Gladys Grunewaldt. Robbins, Kari Lipke, Dana Helgeson, Kelly Maiers, Heather Voelker, Lynn Friedrichs, James Becker, Larry Hoffman, Kimberly Maiers, Sara Dwinnell, Travis Redmann, Jason Eitel, Jennifer Knick, Nicole Hahn, Angela Olesen, Kelly Herrmann, Jenny Lamprecht, Jenny Kalenberg, Cindy Hagen, Jody VonBerge and Tammy Uecker.
21 Brownton seniors met on Monday
Brownton Lions will again sponsor tree for hospice program
The Brownton Lions Club is again sponsoring the Christmas Remembrance Tree to benefit the hospice program. The tree is located near the Brownton Community Center and is lit with lights in remembrance of or in honor of loved ones. The suggested donation is $5 per light. Sponsor forms are available at Security Bank & Trust Co., Brownton and Glencoe downtown locations, and available on this page.
10 Years Ago
Nov. 20, 2002 Lori Copler, Editor McLeod West High School will present “The Wizard of Oz” Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the McLeod West Elementary Auditorium in Stewart. The cast includes Amanda Peterson, Jimmy Pessek, Emily Olesen, Amanda Maiers, Merrick Schenk, Joseph HermodsonOlsen, Gary Paul, Nathan Fredrickson, Jessica Wiechman, Kelly Schuette, Laura Doerr, Ali Benson, Darren Bumgardner, Teresa Hermodson-Olsen, Melissa Benson, Leah Kirchoff, Brenda Nelson, Jessica Wiechman, Ryan Rettmann, Nikki Lindeman, Tonya Brugman and Paige Sikkila. The McLeod West staff will host a benefit dinner Sunday for Nicholas Markgraf, son of Curtis and Renee Markgraf of Brownton. A non-cancerous growth in his lung was discovered during an appendectomy, necessitating further surgery. Nicholas Markgraf is a student at McLeod West; his father is a custodian for the school. McLeod West’s Brent Pichotta was chosen by KNUJ radio as its defensive player of the year in football from a field of 25 schools. During the season, Pichotta recorded 107 solo tackles, 112 assists, 11 tackles for losses and four sacks.
50 Years Ago
Nov. 22, 1962 Charles H. Warner, Editor Mr. and Mrs. Albert Lindeman will be guests of honor at an open house Sunday, Dec. 2, for their golden wedding anniversary. Bussler Durocs has gone international — buyers from Santa Domingo and the Dominican Republic purchased 20 purebred gilts, which were trucked to Miami, from where they will be flown by plane to their destinations.
Twenty-one Brownton senior citizens met Monday at the community center for a catered Thanksgiving meal. Cards were played after the meeting and meal with the following winners: 500, Jerome Ewert, first, and Gladys Rickert, second; pinochle, Ruby Streich, first, and Ordell Klucas, second; and sheephead, Lil Lindeman, first, and Harriett Bergs, second. Leone Kujas won the door prize. The next meeting will be Monday, Nov. 26, at 1 p.m. All seniors are welcome.
Light a Light for Hospice
Christmas Remembrance Tree
$
on the
CRAYO concert set for Dec. 2
The Crow River Area Youth Orchestra will have its winter concert Sunday, Dec. 2, at 4 p.m., in the Hutchinson High School Auditorium. Both the Varsity Strings and the Symphonic Orchestra will perform. A special guest will be Alexander Sandor, professor of piano and theory at the University of Wisconsin, Superior. He will be the playing Piano Concerto No. 2, first movement, by Sergei Rachmaninoff with the Symphonic Orchestra. Sandor also give an informative recital Saturday, Dec. 1, at 2 p.m., in the Hutchinson High School Auditorium. The program will be Sandor playing his favorite ragtime pieces. Piano teachers and their students are especially encouraged to attend this. It will be free and open to the public. Sandor received his master’s degree in piano performance from the University of Arizona and his bachelor’s degree in piano performance from the University of Wisconsin-Superior. Sandor has worked at the Interlochen Arts Academy as an accompanist, both improvising music for dance classes and playing for student recitals. He has performed as a soloist with the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra, Itasca Symphony Orchestra, Red Cedar Symphony, UWS Chamber Orchestra and Long Prairie Chamber Orchestra. He is the organist at the United Presbyterian Church in Superior, Wis. Sandor has recorded CDs featuring ragtime favorites. The Crow River Area Youth Orchestra is directed by Michael Zellgert of St. Cloud. Members come from a 60-mile radius, including the communities of Buffalo Lake, Cokato, Dassel, Darwin, Glencoe, Hector, Hutchinson, Litchfield, Olivia, Silver Lake, St. Cloud, St. Joseph, the Twin Cities and Willmar.
Brownton 5.00 per light (suggested donation)
Name ________________________________________ In Remembrance ________________________________ OR In Honor of ____________________________________ Number of Lights________________________________ Total $____________________________ Make checks to: Brownton Lions Club
20 Years Ago
Nov. 4, 1992 Lori Copler, Editor Florence Reiner of rural Stewart has found a way to blend her love of sewing and her love of the Minnesota Twins baseball team — she is making quilts from the “Homer Hankies” made popular by the Star Tribune during the 1987 and 1997 World Series championships. McLeod West High School will present “It Was a Dark and Stormy Night” Friday and Saturday. Cast members include Tina
And mail to: Brownton Lions Club P.O. Box 437 Brownton, MN 55312
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75 Years Ago
Nov. 18, 1937 Percy L. Hakes, Editor A serious accident occurred on the Charles Reiner farm in Collins Township on Monday of last week when Jake Lamp, who is employed on the farm, was working with a corn picker and, in some way, his clothing became enmeshed in the gears of
From the Stewart Tribune archives
100 Years Ago
Nov. 22, 1912 A.F. Avery, Editor Stewart friends were shocked to learn Sunday of the death the previous evening in the city hospital in Minneapolis of Ole Holm, former proprietor of the local creamery and identified with Stewart’s business and social life for a number of years. He purchased the local creamery with G.G. Effertz in 1904, and sold his share in the same in 1911. An insane woman named Mrs. Fred Shonka, living near Winthrop, took her 7-month-old baby and, placing it on a stump, chopped it up with a broad ax. day morning at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Stewart. Little Dickie Hakes suffered a distressing accident Wednesday morning when he caught an index finger in an electric mixer. Medical attention had to be given the injured member, which was severely torn. were named to the Circle 8 AllConference team. Maiers played center and Kirchoff was the nose tackle on the team.
30 Years Ago
Nov. 24, 1982 Dave Stoltz, Editor Contaminated dirt was dug out of an area of about 75 feet by 75 feet and about two feet deep behind the Streich Oil bulk plant Friday, where about 2,000 gallons of number one fuel oil were spilled Wednesday night. Cleanup efforts are expected to continue through Tuesday. The Stewart community was saddened by the death of a longtime resident, Harry Goodman, 88, who died of heart failure Nov. 8 at Remer while deer hunting with his sons, Leo and Lester. The Goodman family moved to Stewart in 1936, where Mr. Goodman was in the creamery business for 13 year, and then operated the Gibbon Produce for 23 years, retiring in 1975 at the age of 81.
Thurs., Nov. 22 — THANKSGIVING DAY AA Group Mtg. next to Post Office in Stewart, 8 p.m., call 320-212-5290 for info. Mon., Nov. 26 — Tops Weigh-In mtg., 55:30 p.m.; Brownton Senior Citizens Club, 1 p.m., Brownton Community Center; Brownton Rod & Gun, 7 p.m. Tues., Nov. 27 — Narcotics Anonymous, Brownton Community Center, 7 p.m.
SECURITY BANK & TRUST CO.
128 4TH AVE. N. • P.O. BOX 279 • BROWNTON, MN 55312-0279 PHONE (320) 328-5222 • FAX 320-328-4045 Member FDIC
50 Years Ago
Nov. 22, 1962 Kermit T. Hubin, Editor Allen Woller, Stewart’s 1962 captain and outstanding end, was named to the all-area football team by the Willmar Tribune. Mr. and Mrs. John Ebent were honored on their golden wedding anniversary at an open house Sunday by about 250 relatives and friends.
BROWNTON CO-OP AG CENTER
7735 St. Hwy 15 • Brownton, MN 55312
To the Stockholders of the Brownton Co-op Ag Center: You are hereby notified that the Annual Meeting of the stockholders of the Brownton Co-op Ag Center will be held at the Brownton Community Center in Brownton, County of McLeod, State of Minnesota, on December 7th, 2012 at 1:00 o’clock to take action on the following matters: 1. The reports of officers, directors, and committees. 2. The election of directors. 3. To transact any business which may properly come before said annual meeting or adjournment, thereof. Dated at Brownton, Minnesota this 21st day of November, 2012. /s/ Dean Zimmerman, Secretary
75 Years Ago
Nov. 19, 1937 Harry Koeppen, Editor Miss Helen Mable Navara, daughter of Mrs. Nettie Navara of Collins Township, and Alfred Urban, son of Frank Urban Sr. of Silver Lake, were married Tues-
35 Years Ago
Nov. 24, 1977 Kermit T. Hubin, Editor Two members of the Stewart High School football team, Kevin Maiers and Dan Kirchoff,
‘Bluegrass Christmas’ set for Dec. 6
Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson will present the eighth-annual “A Bluegrass Christmas With Monroe Crossing” on Thursday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m. “The Midwest’s Premier Bluegrass & Gospel Quintet,” Monroe Crossing is touring in support of its new CD, “The Road Has No End.” While the evening’s program will include songs from this latest recording, “A Bluegrass Christmas with Monroe Crossing” prominently features selections from the group’s seasonal sampler “The Happy Holidays.” Old familiar carols, such as “Silver Bells,” “Holly Jolly Christmas” and “Up On The Housetop,” get a warm bluegrass feel from the banjo, fiddle and mandolin. Also are seasonal favorites like “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” Oh Come All Ye Faithful,” “Angels We Have Heard On High” or “What Child Is This?” and a few holiday surprises too. Peace Lutheran Church is located at 400 Franklin St. S.W., Hutchinson. Advance tickets are on sale in Hutchinson at the Chamber of Commerce, 587-5252; Clay Coyote Pottery, 587-2599; Grandma Vi’s Pies, 587-8420 and at Peace Lutheran Church, 5873031. More information about Monroe Crossing is available at www.monroecrossing.com.
SAMPLE BALLOT
Brownton Co-op Ag Center Place an X in the box preceding the name of the person you wish to vote for. Vote for only one in each group.
Sample
c c c c c c c c
Director #6 Three-Year Term Gerald Harbarth Lonnie Lindeman ________________________________ ________________________________ Director #7 Three-Year Term Dean Zimmerman Gregg Dahlke ________________________________ ________________________________
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The McLeod County Chronicle, Wednesday, November 21, 2012, page 7
County Board OKs funds to pave Luce Line Trail
By Lori Copler Staff Writer After well over an hour of listening to constituents Tuesday morning, the McLeod County Board of Commissioners voted 4-1 to dedicate $500,000 from its capital improvement projects fund for the development of the Luce Line Trail into a paved recreational trail. The commissioners heard a wide variety of opinions — from those who felt a paved trail will bring economic development, to those who feel the money could be better spent on other projects, to those who advocated a paved trail as a fitness tool, and to adjoining land owners who expressed concern about easements, maintenance and crossing rights. Hutchinson Mayor Steve Cook said the proposed paving of the trail, which stretches from Cedar Mills to the Twin Cities, has been an ongoing issue for over 20 years. Paving proponents have tried to get state bonding money for the project and, in fact, were successful in getting the project in the 2010 bonding bill. However, Cook said, then-Gov. Tim Pawlenty “vetoed all of the trails” in the bill. Cook said proponents then decided they would have a better chance at attracting funding if they entered into a collaborative effort. To that end, the city of Hutchinson has pledged $750,000 toward the project, the city of Winsted has proposed $100,000, and the Department of Natural Resources has committed $500,000. The group has approached McLeod County for a $500,000 contribution. If the county approved that contribution, Cook said, about $1.6 million of the trail’s estimated $3.5 million cost would be met. The group would then seek additional bonding money from the state in 2014 to finish the project. Cook said the $1.6 million in local dollars would be spent in 2013 to get the trail ready for paving in 2014, if the project is included in the bonding bill. Proponents said a paved trail will help attract people from outside the county to McLeod County where, it is hoped, they will spend money. There were some questions about using county money to help promote economic development in Hutchinson, but Silver Lake City Administrator Kerry Venier said a paved trail will help his community, too. Venier said that currently, traffic passes by Silver Lake at 65 miles an hour as residents go to Hutchinson to shop. A trail, he said, brings slower traffic with bicycles and pedestrians. “Maybe people will slow down, stop … eat at Molly’s Cafe, maybe head downtown,” said Venier. Steve Stotko, mayor of Winsted, said improving the trail is part of the city’s economic development plan, hoping to attract dollars to the retail community. “Are there other ways we can spend $100,000? Absolutely,” said Stotko, but investing in economic development is a priority. But others argued against spending tax dollars on the trail, saying there are more pressing needs that could be addressed with those dollars. Gene Feltmann of Lester Prairie said there are residents on gravel roads who would like those roads paved (“or at least get some dust coating”), and the courthouse needs security upgrades. Those issues also need money to fix, Feltmann said. Lee Henke of Brownton said the trail only impacts part of the county. Henke, who also owns land near Lake Marion, said his property taxes have risen dramatically in the past couple of years, and he does not want his tax money to go to the trail. “People in Brownton and Stewart will probably never use that trail, and probably 95 percent of the people in Hutchinson won’t, either,” said Henke. Glenn Sladek of rural Hutchinson said he has no problem with the paving of the trail. “Just don’t use tax dollars to do it,” Sladek said. But Chris Schultz of Winsted said he feels the paving of the trail will be a good return on the investment of his tax dollars, because it will bring economic development to Winsted. Schultz said he owns commercial property in Winsted, and noted that businesses have seen their property taxes increase 40 to 60 percent in the past year. But if businesses develop along the trail, Schultz indicated, the tax base will broaden and be beneficial to all taxpayers. After a great deal of discussion, Commissioner Bev Wangerin made a motion that the county support the trail project with $500,000 from its capital improvements project fund. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Sheldon Nies. Wangerin said that she liked the fact that various communities were collaborating on the effort, and felt without that collaboration, any effort to attract additional state money would fail. Commissioner Paul Wright echoed Wangerin’s sentiment, pointing out how collaboration among the county, fair commission, snowmobile clubs, and various ag associations, as well as an archery club, had brought about much-needed improvements to the fairgrounds. “And they’re (the buildings) full all the time,” said Wright. Wright also noted that the county spends a significant amount of money on its parks. And while the parks are not used by all county residents, “they are always full.” Collaboration among various organizations, Wright said, “is a model that has done a lot in the past. Hopefully, it’s the one that’s going to slam the home run (for the trail).” Commissioner Ray Bayerl cast the lone dissenting vote, saying that while he understands the stances of the trail’s proponents, he feels the county also needs to protect the property owners along the trail. Before the county committed any money, Bayerl said, he would have liked to have made sure that all of the easements and crossing agreements were in place.
Submitted Photo
McNeil honored by Masons
On Oct. 29, Maurice “Maurey” McNeil was honored by Hope Lodge No. 42 AF & AM for 50 years of continuous membership in the Masonic Lodge. Brother Masons and their wives, McNeil’s wife, Carmen Forcier, his son Keith and his wife, widows of Masons and various friends helped McNeil celebrate at Dubb’s with a meal followed by the presentation of his 50-year pin and certificate by Honorable Thomas McCarthy, past grand master of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota. Forcier did the ceremonial pinning of the award on McNeil. McNeil joined the Masons on March 12, 1962. The ceremony was followed by some storytelling and reminiscing by McNeil and friends.
Cross, Aguilar named Lions poster winners
Bethany Cross, a sixthgrade student at St. Pius X School, and Krystal Aguilar, an eighth-grade student at Lincoln Jr. High, have taken the first step to becoming internationally recognized artists by winning local competitions sponsored by the Glencoe Lions Club. Cross is the daughter of James and Elaine Cross of Glencoe, and Aguilar is the daughter of Israel and Rosentina Aguilar of Glencoe. Their posters were among more than 375,000 entries submitted worldwide in the 25th annual Lions International Peace Poster Contest. Lions Clubs International is sponsoring the contest to emphasize the importance of world peace to young people everywhere. The posters were selected for their originality, artistic merit and portrayal of the contest theme, “Imagine Peace.” Glencoe Lions Club President Gary Koch said he was impressed by the expression and creativity of the students at both schools. “It is obvious that these young people have strong ideas about what peace means to them. I’m so proud that we were able to provide them with the opportunity to share their visions,” Koch said. “Bethany’s and Krystal’s posters will advance to face stiff competition through the district, multiple district and international rounds of competition if either is to be declared the international grand prize winner, “ Koch said. One grand prize winner and 23 merit winners will be selected. The grand prize includes a cash award of $2,500, plus a trip for the winner and two family members to New York City, N.Y., for the awards ceremony at Lions Day with the United Nations. The 23 merit award winners will each receive a certificate and a cash award of $500. “Our club is cheering for Bethany and Krystal as their posters advance in the competition, and we hope their vision will be ultimately shared with others around the world,” Koch said.
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Fri Nov 23 to Thu Nov 29
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2.50
320-587-0999 www.statetheatrehutch.com
Submitted photo
Bethany Cross, left, and Alexis Medrano were named the first and second place winners at St. Pius X School for the annual Glencoe Lions Peace Post contest.
WACONIA THEATRE
651-777-3456 #560 • 109 W 1st St
STADIUM SEATING & ALL AUDITORIUMS HAVE HD DIGITAL PRESENTATION AND 7.1 DIGITAL SOUND
~ CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED ~
NOW PLAYING FRI., NOV. 23 – THURS., NOV. 29 NEW ADMISSION PRICES: ADULTS $7.00; CHILD, MATINEES & SENIORS $5.00
Twilight Part 2 PG-13
12:15, 2:30, 4:501, 7:251 & 9:451
Rise of the Guardians PG
12:30, 2:35, 5:00, 7:05 & 9:10
Wreck-It Ralph PG
12:25, 2:30, 4:551, 7:001 & 9:05
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12:35, 3:35, 6:351 & 9:35 12:10, 2:40, 5:051, 7:051 & 9:10
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November 24, 2012
7 p.m. - Wendinger Band
12:20, 3:20, 6:501 & 9:30
1) Show Times for Mon.–Thurs., Nov. 26-29.
Crow River Country Club
Hutchinson, MN
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Submitted photo
Deanna Bondhus, left, and Krystal Aguilar were named the second and first place winners, respectively, of the Glencoe Lions Peace Post contest at Lincoln Jr. High School. Other contest finalists announced by Ron Dahlke, Glencoe Lions Club Peace Poster committee chairperson were as follows: Alexis Medrano, son Maria Medrano, second place, St. Pius X School; Deanna Bondhus, daughter of Scott and Virginia Bondhus, second place, Lincoln Jr. High. All first and second place winners will receive a cash award from the Glencoe Lions Club. Locally, Cross and Aguilar will be honored for their participation at a Glencoe Lions Club meeting in early 2013, as they and their parents will be guests at the club’s social meeting. Also, posters received in this year’s contest will be displayed at the Glencoe Lions Club booth at the Glencoe Expo on Feb. 16-17. Past international grand prize and merit award winners can be viewed at www.lionsclubs.org. Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organization with 1.35 million members in more than 46,000 clubs in 207 countries and geographic areas. In addition to its efforts toward conquering blindness, the organization has made a strong commitment to community service and helping youth throughout the world.
Bake Sale & Country Store
Fellowship Center
First Evangelical Lutheran Church
925 13th St. E, Glencoe
(320)234-6800
766 Century Avenue • Hutchinson
SATURDAY, DEC. 1 9 A.M.-1 P.M.
Free entertainment by “Jack Noennig & The Community Strings” 11 a.m.
Serving: Hot Turkey Sandwiches, Homemade Pies, Coffee.
~ Public cordially invited ~
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SHOWTIMES GOOD FROM 11/23-11/29 Digital Projection In All Theatres RISE OF THE GUARDIANS(3D) PG Sorry, No Passes Or Discount Tickets Accepted! 3D Surcharge Applies Fri-Sat-Sun 1:20 4:20 7:10 9:25; Mon-Thurs 4:20 7:10 9:25 LIFE OF PI(3D) PG Sorry, No Passes Or Discount Tickets Accepted! 3D Surcharge Applies Fri-Sat-Sun 1:00 4:00 7:00 9:45; Mon-Thurs 4:00 7:00 9:45 LINCOLN PG-13 Fri-Sat-Sun 1:20 4:35 7:45; Mon-Thurs 4:35 7:45 TWILIGHT: Breaking Dawn Pt. 2PG-13 Sorry, No Passes Or Discount Tickets Accepted! Fri-Sat-Sun 1:15 1:45 4:15 4:45 7:00 7:20 9:35 9:55; Mon-Thurs 4:15 7:20 9:00 FLIGHT R No Passes! Fri-Sat-Sun 1:00 4:00 6:50 9:40; Mon-Thurs 4:00 6:50 9:40 SKYFALL PG-13 Sorry, No Passes Or Discount Tickets Accepted! Fri-Sat-Sun 12:55 3:50 6:45 9:40; Mon-Thurs 3:50 6:45 9:40 WRECK IT RALPH(2D) PG Fri-Sat-Sun 1:10 4:10 7:05 9:30; Mon-Thurs 4:10 7:05 9:30
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Organ Christmas Hymn Sing & Concert
Wednesday, Nov. 28 • 7 p.m.
Christy Ittel will be playing popular Christmas hymns on our updated organ with the choir and audience accompanying her.
Everyone is invited to this one time opportunity to enjoy a live Christmas carol event. Accepting free will donations and items to support the McLeod County Food Shelf.
We can help!
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The McLeod County Chronicle, Wednesday, November 21, 2012, page 8
GSL audit delayed, but indicates healthy budget
By Rich Glennie Editor At the Glencoe-Silver Lake School Board meeting on Nov. 12, GSL Business Manager Michelle Sander told the board that the audit report was being delayed another month and should be ready by the Dec. 10 meeting. Prior to that December Board meeting, the annual Truth in Taxation hearing will be held on the proposed 2013-14 budget. That budget is expected to be approved at the regular board meeting that follows that night. But the audit report for fiscal year 2011-12 that ended last June 30, typically ready by the October meeting, is not ready due to “scheduling conflicts” with the auditing firm, Sander said. Instead, Sander presented a draft audit report on Nov. 12 that indicated “our financial statement looks healthy.” Sander said revenues were higher by $460,000, and expenditures were over $16 million. The budget finished within $20,000 of the actual budget, she said. “It says we are watching our budget.” The unassigned fund balance in the general fund topped $6.2 million in fiscal year 2011 or about 40 percent of the budget, Sander noted. Fiscal year 2012 will end with about $5.9 million fund balance or about 37 percent of the budget. “We’re still on track with our fund balance policy,” Sander said. “There is a healthy fund balance in all funds,” Sander said, with slight increases in food service and community service funds. Sander also reported that there are some minor window and door projects remaining to be completed from this year’s capital projects. Also, she said a building permit has been drawn from the city to build a new garage on the east side of the high school. The pouring of concrete for the garage is expected this week, and the high school industrial technology class is expected to begin the construction on the garage in January, Sander added. In other matters, the School Board: • Was given a demonstration of the new iPads being used in the Lakeside classrooms at the third and fourth grade levels. Math teacher Scott Pica gave demonstrations on how the iPads are being utilized, and how excited the students are to use them. • GSL Superintendent Chris Sonju said the Glencoe Rotary Club and junior high fund-raising project to build a well in Zambia is close to its goal. • Approved the school board election returns. The results were incumbent board members Jamie Alsleben and Kevin Kuester won new fouryear terms and newcomer Donna VonBerge unseated incumbent Gary Schreifels for the other board position. The three board members will be sworn into office at the Jan. 14 board meeting. • Approved another section at the high school for the Plato Recovery Program for the second and third trimesters at a cost of $6,365. GSL High School Principal Paul Sparby said the Plato Recovery online program is aimed at students falling behind in reading and math. It is used at the high school level for remedial courses, and at the junior high level to address needs of students taking the MCA standardized tests, which they need to pass to graduate. Sparby said 23 students were identified for the program and are not getting the needed help right now. Sparby said the program provides “immediate input” so teachers can zero in on what the students need to work on. The request is just for math students, Sparby said. “It’s additional dollars,” Sonju said, “but it’s money well spent.” • Approved a contract with McLeod County Public Health Nursing Service to hire Kevin Peters as the new school nurse. It will cost up to $4,873 for the year. Peters will replace Debra Butler, who resigned. Also approved was the hiring of Kimberly Ruschmeier as the K-6 fund-raising coordinator/volunteer coordinator, replacing Brandy Barrett, who resigned to take over the new kindergarten instructional assistant position. • Accepted the resignation of Dawn Heuer as the license practical nurse at the high school. • Approved the family leave request by Emily Foss, kindergarten teacher, from around Feb. 14 to April 29. • Named Robb Decorsey, Clara Noland and Kelsey Bussler as co-junior class advisers. • Heard an American Red Cross blood drive is scheduled at the school on Dec. 12. • Heard that the following students were named to the second annual Wright County Conference Honor Band, which will perform Jan. 12 at Hutchinson High School: Steph Chastek, flute; Beth Bonillo, clarinet; April Brady, clarinet; Yodee Rivera, clarinet; Alyson Winn, clarinet; Lizzy Gran, clarinet; Jordon Bergemann, bass clarinet; Richard Wilson, baritone saxophone; and Mariah Guldemann-Chiariello, trombone. • Heard that the GSL fall musical students and crew began a Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund collection during the two weeks of fall musical performances. The goal is to collect $1,000. As of Nov. 12, the collection was about half way to the goal, Sparby said.
People
Daughter for Cavazos, Bargas
Angelica L. Cavazos and Leonardo I. Vargas of Glencoe announce the birth of their daughter, Matilde Genesis Vargas, on Nov. 10, 2012, at Glencoe Regional Health Services. Matilde weighed 5 pounds, 13 ounces, and was 18 inches in length. Her older brother is Leonardo I. Vargas Jr. Grandparents are Maria Marquez of Brownsville, Texas, and Leticia Herrera of Glencoe.
Hutchinson, CreekSide want to continue yard waste program in county
By Lori Copler Staff Writer The city of Hutchinson is hoping to keep a yard waste program going with other municipalities, the McLeod County Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) heard Monday morning. McLeod County is planning to cut funding of the yard waste collection program in half in 2013 and eliminate funding altogether in 2014, in order to divert funding to new recycling opportunities. Jeremy Carter, Hutchinson city administrator, said the city and the CreekSide composting facility are hoping to reduce invoices to participating cities by 25 percent in 2013 to help them absorb the loss of revenue from the county. Under the current program, there are yard waste sites in each community, with the county paying the cost of monitoring, grinding of branches and hauling the waste away to CreekSide in Hutchinson, where it is reused as mulch and other products. Carter gave a hypothetical situation of a city that currently is getting $5,000 from the county for its yard-waste site costs. In 2013, Carter said, that amount will be reduced by half, meaning the community would receive $2,500 from the county and would need to come up with the other $2,500. Hutchinson and Creekside are proposing to pay half of that community’s cost, or $1,250, to help out. Doing that in 2013, Carter said, will give Hutchinson time to work with the other cities in the county on a way to continue the program in 2014, when the county funding completely goes away. “It’s still a valuable program, and we’d like to see it continue on a countywide basis,” said Carter. “The question is, how do we keep it going with the funding going away.” Carter also noted that there is a cost involving the portable grinder, but felt that CreekSide and the city of Hutchinson should “take that out of the equation” when dealing with the other communities, and concentrate on billing just the costs of grinding and hauling. Carter said meetings will now be held with the other county communities to discuss how to continue the program past 2013. In other business Monday, the SWAC: • Heard that the everyweek collection of recyclable material had resulted in an increase of 8-1/2 tons of material in the first month alone. • Heard statistics regarding some of Solid Waste’s newer programs: — Employee household hazardous waste collections at Tetra Pak, HTI and Miller Manufacturing had resulted in a total of 77 people turning in 5,300 pounds of material. — Eighty-four individuals had recycled mattresses, and with recycling of mattresses by retailers, the total is over 300. — Two hundred thirty-six used infant and toddler car seats had been dismantled and the material recycled so far in 2012. Solid Waste Coordinator Sarah Young said that number “doesn’t include seats we have here that are waiting to be dismantled.” Young also said a national insurance company had been in touch with McLeod County Solid Waste about increasing the program beyond the county’s borders, making McLeod County a state or regional “hub” for recycling car seats. — Over 500 people attended an open house Thursday, Nov. 15, at the Solid Waste facility in Hutchinson. Young said those attending had the opportunity to recycle one appliance for free, and 213 appliances were collected that day.
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Farrell, Werth are inducted
Hailey Farrell and Genise Werth, both of Glencoe, were among 13 students at Ridgewater College in Hutchinson to be inducted into Phi Theta Kappa, an international honor society for students enrolled in two-year community colleges. The induction was during the fall semester at Ridgewater College, Hutchinson Campus. Also inducted was Bonnie Fries of Hamburg.
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Daughter born to Goldens
John and Debra Golden of Glencoe announce the birth of their daughter, Erin Debra Dell, on Nov. 4, 2012, at Glencoe Regional Health Services. Erin weighed 9 pounds, 3 ounces, and was 21 inches long. Her older siblings are Matthew and Addison John “A.J.” Grandparents are Alvin Krueger of Hutchinson and John and Eva May Golden of Menomonie, Wis.
Presented by Steven J. Franta and Patrick A. Lowther
Son to Tobias, Rodriguez
Lisbet Tobias and David Rodriguez of Glencoe announce the birth of their son, Anthony Izael Rodriguez, on Nov. 9, 2012, at Glencoe Regional Health Services. Anthony weighed 7 pounds, 12 ounces, and was 19-1/2 inches long. Grandparents are Norma Avila of Glencoe, Miguel Angel Rodriguez of Arlington, Herlinda Torres of New Auburn and Filiberto Tobias of Eagle Pass, Texas.
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Herrmanns announce birth
David and Keri Herrmann of Glencoe announce the birth of their son, Ethan John, on Nov. 9, 2012, at Glencoe Regional Health Services. Ethan weighed 7 pounds, 5 ounces, and was 19 inches long. He joins his siblings, Danielle and Evan. Grandparents are Lyle and Tammy Dallmann of Woodruff, Wis., and Gary and Barb Herrmann of Cologne.
Pastor’s Corner
Matt Harwell, DCE Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Glencoe
Son to Wilkens family Nov. 10
Chad and Natalie Wilkens of Plato announce the birth of their son, James Raymond, on Nov. 10, 2012, at Ridgeview Medical Center in Waconia. James weighed 7 pounds, 1 ounce, and was 18-1/2 inches in length. His older brother is Johnathan.
I suppose I should talk about Thanksgiving…
I
Son born to Neubarth family
Ryan and Tabitha Neubarth of Norwood Young America (NYA) announce the birth of their son, Travis Ryan, on Nov. 11, 2012, at Ridgeview Medical Center in Waconia. Travis weighed 7 pounds, 14 ounces, and was 19-1/2 inches long. His older brother is Tyler. Grandparents are LeRoy and Carol Dreier of NYA and Roger and Phyllis Neubarth of NYA.
Clarkin family notes birth
Derek and Stacy Clarkin of Prior Lake announce the birth of their daughter, Isla Mae Clarkin, on Oct. 25, 2012, at Fairview Ridges Hospital. Isla Mae weighed 6 pounds, 7 ounces, and was 20 inches in length. Her older sister is Brynn Olivia. Grandparents are Bruce and Kathleen Exsted of Silver Lake, Steven and Rebecca Clarkin of New Ulm and Donald Zimmermann of Hastings. Great-grandparents are Florian and Marietta Nowak of Silver Lake, Elizabeth Woodward of Roseville, Bonnie Zimmermann of Hastings and Beverly Clarkin of Falcon Heights.
PERSONALIZED & CUSTOMIZED
n all seriousness, Thanksgiving is most likely one of my favorite holidays. I am always excited to talk about Thanksgiving. While I was in college, I decided one year that I wanted to do something unique to help mark the occasion. I decided that I would make a record of why exactly I was thankful for the people in my mother’s family. I tried to be as personal, descriptive and thorough as possible. I never got around to finishing the list for my father’s family before his mom and stepdad passed away. I regret missing that opportunity. As you might be rapidly preparing to receive family and friends into your home for Thanksgiving, I would like you to pause and take a moment to reflect on God’s Word. Paul’s epistles in the New Testament are some of the neatest pieces of the Scriptures. Don’t get me wrong, it is all wonderful and truly God’s Word, but sometimes it seems that God’s message through Paul translates quite nicely into the life of the Church. Paul was not a great speaker. Paul was not the revolutionary leader the church was hoping for at the time. Paul surely lacked the qualities of a game-changer (as the world perceived them) in his ministry. By the grace of God, something different took place. His ministry had a tremendous effect on the church. This week, how can Paul’s words impact your life, having tremendous effect through the work of the Spirit? Think about this. Paul starts the majority of his letters to the early churches with a salutation that expressed his thanks to God for the receivers of his letter. Wow. Take for instance in Philippians when he writes, “I thank my God every time I remember you” (Phil. 1:3, NIV84). Wow, again. I might have been on to something when I intentionally wrote out why I was thankful for my family. However, I am far from actively thanking God every time I remember those people He has put into my life. Though miles separate me from my family and the ravishing effect of Alzheimer’s impact on my grandfather, we will all be together this Thanksgiving. I am definitely thankful for my entire family this year. The challenge from God’s Word is this: Who do you thank God for every time you think about him/her…throughout the year? The process of being thankful for those around him was not just a cognitive exercise for Paul. Read Philippians 1:1-11. Pray about it. Read it again. By the power of the Spirit, you can live it, too. By the way, I am thankful for each of you this Thanksgiving. No force, human or otherwise, can hold back the power of the Gospel as you and I share it with others in Glencoe and McLeod County. Blessings! Oh, and eat a little extra turkey for me. Hug a loved one. And join me in asking God to let the Gospel permeate every part of our life!
This weekly message is contributed by the following concerned citizens and businesses who urge you to attend the church of your choice.
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The McLeod County Chronicle, Wednesday, November 21, 2012, page 9
Singing Friends Chorus prepares for series of Christmas concerts
By Richard Mark The Singing Friends Chorus will present a series of three Christmas concerts in central Minnesota communities. The first performance is Sunday, Dec. 2, at the Church of Peace, 424 Franklin St. N. in Norwood Young America (NYA). The second concert is Saturday, Dec. 8, at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 211 Adams Ave. S., in New Germany. The third singing event is Sunday, Dec. 9, at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 1400 Elliott Ave., in Glencoe. All concerts begin at 2 p.m. During the December Christmas performances, a freewill offering is taken. Money goes toward the purchase of new concert music and to defray other chorus expenses. After each concert, dessert, coffee and juice are served. The Singing Friends also are featured as part of “Stille Nacht,” the German-language Christmas service set for Saturday, Dec. 22, at 10:30 a.m., in St. John’s Lutheran Church, 101 Second Ave. S.E., NYA. This special German worship service is broadcast live on radio station KDUZ, 1260-AM, Hutchinson. The central Minnesota singing ensemble has 32 singers and performs in Carver, McLeod, Sibley and surrounding counties. The chorus is directed by Karen de Boer of Glencoe and accompanied by Carrie Knott of Winsted. The soprano/alto/tenor/bass choir presents two annual singing events: spring musical shows in April and Christmas concerts in December. The Singing Friends also entertain at senior centers, local churches, nursing homes, and civic and community events. They sing a wide range of musical compositions, including patriotic numbers, world music, Broadway musicals, classical choral music, spirituals, folk songs, and popular tunes from all different eras. Chorus singers are from Cokato, Cologne, Glencoe, Green Isle, Hamburg, New Germany, NYA, Waconia, Watertown and Winsted. Members range in age from their 30s to their 80s — and come from many walks of life. This past spring, de Boer was awarded a Minnesota scholarship to attend the annual Chorus America Conference, which was held in Minneapolis. Chorus America is a national organization that promotes choirs and choral music. In addition to guest speakers, musical workshops and conducting master classes, de Boer heard many great musicians and choral groups, including VocalEssence, Cantus, the Minnesota Chorale, the National Lutheran Choir, and the Rose Ensemble. It was at the Chorus America Conference that de Boer met Minnesota composer Roger Towler of Sauk Rapids. She was introduced to Towler’s Christmas work, “Sing Alleluia.” The choral number, which combines dancelike rhythms and a jubilant text, is featured in the Christmas concerts. The Singing Friends Chorus performs this Christmas composition, which also includes a French horn solo. In addition to the Roger Towler piece, highlights of the December concerts include Peter Willhousky’s Russian-tinged favorite, “Carol of the Bells;” Benjamin Britten’s haunting dou-
Submitted photo
The Singing Friends Chorus will perform worship service at St. John’s Lutheran three Christmas concerts in December at Church in Norwood Young America on Norwood Young America, Dec. 2, New Dec. 22. The chorus is directed by Karen Germany, Dec. 8, and Glencoe, Dec. 9. de Boer of Glencoe. The chorus also will perform at a German ble-choir work, “A Hymn to worship. Some of these insinging should be a joyous the Virgin;” along with two clude: “Joseph! Was da?,” happening. It should not be well-known Christmas songs, “Maria Durch ein Dornwald limited to people of a certain “Mele Kalikimaka” and ging,” and “Leise Rieselt der age or level of musical train“White Christmas” — and a Schnee.” ing. The chorus experience is rousing arrangement of Local members who sing captured by one of the “Deck the Halls.” with the chorus include the group’s favorite pieces, “How At the end of the concert, following people from Glen- Can I Keep From Singing,” the audience joins the chorus coe: de Boer, Jim Eiden, which has become a signature to sing “O Little Town of Renee Engelmann, Sandra song for the choir. Bethlehem” and “Angels We Frederickson, Carrie Knott, For more information or to Have Heard on High.” Meredith Lieser, Richard volunteer to sing in the choFor the December German Mark, Shari Templin, Carol rus, contact the Singing Christmas service, the Urbach, Don Urbach, John Friends director Karen de Singing Friends Chorus perWinter and Dennis Wolter. Boer at 320-864-2742. forms prelude music and sevThe Singing Friends Choeral musical numbers during rus believes that choral
Churches
BEREAN BAPTIST Corner of 16th Street and Hennepin Avenue, Glencoe Johnathon Pixler, Interim pastor Call 320-864-6113 Call Jan at 320-864-3387 for women’s Bible study Wed., Nov. 21 — Women’s Bible study, 9 a.m.; service on Glencoe Cable Channel 10, 8 p.m Fri., Nov. 23 — Men’s Bible study, 9 a.m. Sun., Nov. 25 — Sunday school for all ages, 9 a.m.; worship, 10:20 a.m.; service on Glencoe Cable Channel 10, 10:30 a.m. Tues., Nov. 27 — Men’s Bible study, 6 a.m. Wed., Nov. 28 — Women’s Bible study, 9 a.m.; service on Glencoe Cable Channel 10, 8 p.m. CHRIST LUTHERAN 1820 N. Knight Ave., Glencoe Katherine Rood, Pastor 320-864-4549 www.christluth.com E-mail: office@christluth.com Wed., Nov. 21 — Men’s breakfast, Bible study, 8 a.m.; bell choir, 5:30 p.m.; no confirmation; no senior choir; televised worship on Channel 10, 2 p.m.; Thanksgiving eve service with communion, 7 p.m.; also gathering of food for food shelf. Thurs.-Fri., Nov. 22-23 — Offices closed. Sun., Nov.25 — Christ the King Sunday; worship with communion, 8:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.; no Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; no adult education; Calvin Alsleben baptism at 10:45 a.m. service. Mon., Nov. 26 — Televised worship, 3 p.m. on Channel 10. Tues., Nov. 27 — Ladies fellowship at Gert & Erma’s, 10 a.m.; circle Bible study, 1 p.m. Wed., Nov. 28 — Men’s breakfast, Bible study, 8 a.m.; televised worship on Channel 10, 2 p.m.; bells, 5:30 p.m.; confirmation, 6:30 p.m.; choir, 6:30 p.m.; lay minister meeting, 7 p.m. CHURCH OF PEACE 520 11th St. E., Glencoe Joseph Clay, Pastor Wed., Nov. 21 — Thanksgiving eve service at Friedens, 7:30 p.m. Sun., Nov. 25 — Worship at Church of Peace, 10 a.m.; confirmation class, 9:15 a.m.; Toys for Tots collection, decorate for Christmas following service. ST. PIUS X CHURCH 1014 Knight Ave., Glencoe Anthony Stubeda, Pastor Wed., Nov. 21 — Presentation of the BVM; morning prayer, 8 a.m.; school Mass, 8:20 a.m.; no religious education (RE) classes; Thanksgiving Mass, 7 p.m Thurs., Nov. 22 — No Mass, or school; parish offices closed. Fri., Nov. 23 — No Mass or school; parish offices closed; St. Pius X Christmas tree sales at Coborn’s begin, 9 a.m.; no Spanish Mass. Sat., Nov. 24 — Reconciliation, 4 p.m.; youth group tie blanket tickets before and after Mass; Mass, 5 p.m. Sun., Nov. 25 — Mass, 9:30 a.m.; Spanish Mass, 11:30 a.m.; youth group tie blanket tickets before and after Masses; no Spanish RE classes; Catholicism series at Holy Trinity, 4 p.m.; Mass at Holy Family, Silver Lake, 8 p.m. Mon., Nov. 26 — No Mass; no CUF meeting; HandS committee meeting, 6:30 p.m. Tues., Nov. 27 — Morning prayer, 7 a.m.; Mass, 7:20 a.m.; junior choir, 2:50 p.m. Wed., Nov. 28 — Diocesan pension board meeting, 1 p.m.; evening prayer, 5:40 p.m.; Mass, 6 p.m.; grades K-6 RE classes, 7 p.m.-8 p.m.; grades 7-11 RE classes, 7 p.m.-8:15 p.m. FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH UCC 1400 Elliott Ave., Glencoe Rev. Linzy Collins Jr., Pastor E-mail: congoucc@gmail.com Wed., Nov. 21 — Circles meet; Thanksgiving day dinner preparation; choir, 6:30 p.m. Thurs., Nov. 22 — Community Thanksgiving dinner, noon. Sun., Nov. 25 — Worship, 9:15 a.m.; no Sunday school; rosette making, 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Mon., Nov. 26 — Rosette making, 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Tues., Nov. 27 — Rosette making, 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.; Bible study, 9:30 a.m.; hanging of the greens, 1 p.m. Wed., Nov. 28 — Choir practice, 6:30 p.m. FIRST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN 925 13th St. E., Glencoe Daniel Welch, Senior Pastor Ronald L. Mathison, Associate Pastor 320-864-5522 www.firstglencoe.org E-mail: office@firstglencoe.org Wed., Nov. 21 — No public school confirmation; Christ Chimes, 4 p.m.; Gospel Ringers, 6 p.m.; senior choir, 6:15 p.m.; Thanksgiving worship with communion, 7 p.m. Thurs., Nov. 22 — Thanksgiving worship with communion, 9 a.m.; KDUZ live radio broadcast. Fri., Nov. 23 — Offices closed. Sun., Nov. 25 — Worship, 8 a.m.; fellowship, 9 a.m.; Sunday school, 9:15 a.m.; KDUZ radio broadcast, 9:30 a.m.; worship with communion, 10:30 a.m.; Spanish worship, 6 p.m. Mon., Nov. 26 — Altar guild decorating, 6 p.m.; Praise Folk, 8 p.m. Tues., Nov. 27 — Bible study, 9:30 a.m.; Common Cup diaper distribution, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; voters assembly, 7 p.m. Wed., Nov. 28 — Public school confirmation, 3:30 p.m.; Christ Chimes, 4 p.m.; Gospel Ringers, 6 p.m.; senior choir, 6:15 p.m. GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod 1407 Cedar Ave. N., Glencoe Rev. James F. Gomez, Pastor Matthew Harwell, Director of Christian Education E-mail: office@gslcglencoe.org Wed., Nov. 21 — No Kids Praise or REVEAL, 5:30 p.m.; church office closes at 3:30 p.m. Thurs., Nov. 22 — Thanksgiving worship with communion, 9 a.m.; church office closed. Fri., Nov. 23 — Office closed. Sun., Nov. 25 — Choir, 7:45 a.m.; worship with communion, 9 a.m.; Kingdom Quest, FUEL, adult Bible study, 10:15 a.m.; Community Strings, 4:30 p.m.; LIVE, 7 p.m. Tues., Nov. 27 — GSLC Bible study, 9:30 a.m. Wed., Nov. 28 — Kids Praise, 3:15 p.m.; REVEAL, 5:30 p.m.; F3, 7:30 p.m. ST. JOHN’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN 4505 80th St., Helen Township Glencoe Dennis Reichow, Pastor Wed., Nov. 21 — Grades 5-6 catechism, 3:45 p.m.; grades 7-8 catechism, 4:45 p.m.; choir, 7:30 p.m. Thurs., Nov. 22 — Thanksgiving worship, 9 a.m. Sat., Nov. 24 — Decorating for Christmas, 9 a.m. Sun., Nov. 25 — Worship, 9 a.m.; Sunday school, 10 a.m.; Bible class, 10:20 a.m. Mon,. Nov. 26 — Sunday school teachers meeting, 7 p.m. Tues., Nov. 27 — Table Talk, 7 p.m.; choir, 7:30 p.m. Wed., Nov. 28 — Grades 5-6 catechism, 3:45 p.m.; grades 7-8 catechism, 4:45 p.m.; Christmas carol hymn sing, 7 p.m. GRACE LUTHERAN 8638 Plum Ave., Brownton Andrew Hermodson-Olsen, Pastor E-mail: contact@grangerization.org www.gracebrownton.org Wed., Nov. 21 — No confirmation class; Thanksgiving worship, 7 p.m. Sun., Nov. 25 — Worship with communion, 8:45 a.m.; Sunday school, 10 a.m.; cantata rehearsal, 6 p.m. Mon., Nov. 26 — Newsletter deadline; worship broadcast, 6 p.m. Tues., Nov. 27 — Bible study, 9 a.m.; 125th anniversary committee, 6:30 p.m. Wed., Nov. 28 — Confirmation class, 4 p.m.; choir rehearsal, 7 p.m. IMMANUEL LUTHERAN 700 Division St., Brownton R. Allan Reed, Pastor www.immanuelbrownton.org Wed., Nov. 21 — No Bible study; no confirmation classes; chapel worship with communion, 6:30 p.m.; bell choir practice, 6:30 p.m.; vocal choir practice, 7:30 p.m. Thurs., Nov. 22 — Thanksgiving; worship, 9 a.m. Sun., Nov. 25 — Worship with communion, 9 a.m.; register for Dec. 2 communion; Sunday school, 10:15 a.m.; coffee fellowship, 10:15 a.m.; no Bible study; Channel 8 video. Wed., Nov. 28 — Bible study with pastor, 9 a.m.; confirmation classes, 4 p.m.; bell choir practice, 6:30 p.m.; stewardship meeting, 6:30 p.m. CONGREGATIONAL Division St., Brownton Barry Marchant, Interim Pastor browntoncongregational.org Wed., Nov. 21 — Pilgrim service, 7 p.m. Sun., Nov. 25 — Worship, 9 a.m.; Bible study and Sunday school, 10 a.m. ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN Stewart Robert Lehner, Pastor Wed., Nov. 21 — Thanksgiving eve worship, 7 p.m. Sat., Nov. 24 — No worship. Sun., Nov. 25 — Sunday school, 9 a.m.; worship, 10 a.m. Tues., Nov. 27 — Pastors’ text study, 10 a.m. Wed., Nov. 28 — WELCA sewing, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; seventhgrade confirmation, 3:30 p.m.; eighth-grade confirmation, 5:30 p.m.; budget committee meeting, 7 p.m. ST. BONIFACE CATHOLIC Stewart Wed., Nov. 21 — Mass, 9 a.m. Thurs., Nov. 22 — Thanksgiving day Mass, 9 a.m. Sun., Nov. 25 — Mass, 9:15 a.m. ST. JOHN’S CHURCH 13372 Nature Ave. (rural Biscay) Robert Taylor, pastor 320-587-5104 Thurs., Nov. 22 — Thanksgiving service, 9:30 a.m. Sun., Nov. 25 — Sunday school, 9 a.m. ; worship, 10:30 a.m. CROSSROADS CHURCH 10484 Bell Ave., Plato Scott and Heidi Forsberg, pastors 320-238-2181 www.mncrossroads.org Wed., Nov. 21 — Youth and adult activities night, 7 p.m. Sun., Nov. 25 — Worship, 10 a.m. Wed., Nov. 28 — Youth and adult activities night, 7 p.m. ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN 216 McLeod Ave. N., Plato Bruce Laabs, Pastor 320-238-2550 E-mail: stjlplato@embarqmail.com www.christ-4-u.org Wed., Nov. 21 — Midweek, 6 p.m. Thurs., Nov. 22 — Thanksgiving worship, 9 a.m. Sun., Nov. 25 — “Time of Grace,” TV Channel 9, 6:30 a.m.; worship with communion, 9 a.m.; Sunday school, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 10:10 a.m.; decorate church for Christmas. Tues., Nov. 27 — Newsletter deadline; Glencoe visits; prayer meeting, 5 p.m. Wed., Nov. 28 — Youth choir practice, 5 p.m.; Midweek, 6 p.m. ST. PAUL’S UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 308 First St. N.E., Plato Bill Baldwin, Pastor www.platochurch.com Wed., Nov. 21 — Office open, 9 a.m.; men’s coffee, 9 a.m.; adult choir, 6 p.m.; Thanksgiving worship at Friedens County Line Church, 7 p.m. Fri., Nov. 23 — Office open, 9 a.m. Sun., Nov. 25 — Sunday school, 8:45 a.m.; Totenfest worship, 10 a.m.; fellowship time, 11 a.m. Mon., Nov. 26 — Bible study, 7 p.m. Wed., Nov. 28 — Office open, 9 a.m.; men’s coffee, 9 a.m.; confirmation class, 5 p.m.; adult choir, 6 p.m. IMMANUEL EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN New Auburn Bradley Danielson, Pastor E-mail: immanuellc@yahoo.com Wed., Nov. 21 — No confirmation; Thanksgiving eve service, 7 p.m. Sun., Nov. 25 — Worship, 9 a.m.; fellowship time, 10 a.m.; no Sunday school. Wed., Nov. 28 — Seventh-grade confirmation, 4 p.m.; eighth-grade confirmation, 5 p.m. GRACE BIBLE CHURCH 300 Cleveland Ave., Silver Lake Dr. Tom Rakow, Pastor 320-327-2352 http://silverlakechurch.org Sat., Nov. 24 — Men’s Bible study, 7 a.m.; Christmas decorating, 9 a.m. Sun., Nov. 25 — “First Light” radio broadcast on KARP 106.9 FM, 7:30 a.m.; pre-service prayer time, 9:15 a.m.; worship service, 9:30 a.m.; Sunday school, 10:35 a.m.; open shooting for Centershot graduates, 11:45 a.m. Wed., Nov. 28 — Confirmation class, 6 p.m.; prayer time and puppet practice, 7 p.m. Dial-A-Bible Story, 320-3272843. FAITH PRESBYTERIAN 108 W. Main St., Silver Lake 320-327-2452 / Fax 320-327-6562 E-mail: faithfriends@embarqmail.com You may be able to reach someone at the church every Tuesday through Friday. Don’t hesitate to come in (use church office door) or call, or e-mail at faithfriends@embarqmail.com. Sun., Nov. 25 — Worship, 10 a.m.; coffee fellowship to follow service; memorial committee meeting, 11:30 a.m.; Christian education cookie bake following coffee. Wed., Nov. 28 — Light supper, 5:30 p.m.; WOW classes, 6 p.m.; choir practice, 7 p.m. HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC CHURCH 712 W. Main St., Silver Lake Anthony Stubeda, Pastor Thurs., Nov. 22 — Thanksgiving Day Mass, 9 a.m. Fri., Nov. 23 — No Mass. Parish offices closed. Sat. Nov. 24 — Wedding, 2 p.m.; Reconciliation, 5:30 p.m.; Mass, 6:30 p.m. Sun., Nov. 25— Mass, 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.; Catholicism series at Holy Trinity, 4 p.m. Tues., Nov. 27 — Mass, 8 a.m.; quilting, 9 a.m.; Parish Adminstrative Council meeting, 6:30 p.m. Wed., Nov. 28 — No morning Mass; grades 1 through 6 religious education classes, 5:30 p.m.; grades 7 through 11 religious classes, 7:15 p.m. FRIEDEN’S COUNTY LINE 11325 Zebra Ave., Norwood Joseph Clay, Pastor Wed., Nov. 21 — Thanksgiving eve service at Friedens, 7:30 p.m. Sun., Nov. 25 — Worship at Church of Peace, 10 a.m.; confirmation class, 9:15 a.m.; Toys for Tots collection, decorate for Christmas following service. THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS 770 School Rd., Hutchinson Kenneth Rand, Branch President 320-587-5665 Wed., Nov. 21 — Young men and women (12-18 years old) and scouting, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Sun., Nov. 25 — Sunday school, 10:50 a.m.-11:30 a.m.; priesthood, relief society and primary, 11:40 a.m.12:30 p.m. Wed., Nov. 28 — Young men and women (12-18 years old) and scouting, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. WATER OF LIFE CHURCH IGLESIA METODISTA LIBRE Clinica del Alma 727 16th St. E., Glencoe Spanish/bi-lingual services Nestor and Maria German, Pastors E-mail: nestor2maria@hotmail.com Sun., Nov. 25 — Worship, 2 p.m. ST. PETER LUTHERAN CHURCH 77 Second Ave. S. Corner C.R. 1 and Second St. S., Lester Prairie David R. Erbel, pastor Sun., Nov. 25 — Worship, 9 a.m.; Sunday school and Bible study, 10:15 a.m. Mon., Nov. 26 — Office open, 9 a.m.
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The McLeod County Chronicle, Wednesday, November 21, 2012, page 10
Scott Newman Continued from page 1
bill, where we spent $1.5 billion more and I voted for it .... I hated myself for that,” Newman said. That bill shifted funds from education to balance the budget and ended a shutdown of state government. “Democracy is messy, and the stakes are high,” Newman said. “The vast majority of us run for office to make communities and the state a better place. We just have different visions on how to accomplish that.” In the majority, Newman said committee members have an opportunity to “vet, flush out ideas. It is more difficult for a minority bill to get a hearing. That’s up to the chairman.” He said the goal of a minority committee member is to amend the majority bill. When the majority totally ignores the minority, “it will get ugly and noisy.” Newman expects his committee assignments to be made soon. He added he “preferred to follow the money” on the finance, tax and commerce committees, “but I will probably end up on the judiciary and public safety committees” because of his legal background. The goal of the Republican minority in the next two sessions will be more of a “watchdog,” Newman said. “If they (DFLers) go too far, we’ll get noisy.” With control of the Legislature, “DFLers can literally do what they want,” Newman said. But he warned if Gov. Dayton tries to push a $40 billion budget and repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), “I think the people (voters) will set them straight in two years.” When it comes to bonding bills, the DFL majority needs at least three Republicans to vote with them for passage. But Newman said getting the additional votes on bonding bills is easier if the funds go towards projects in a legislator’s district, like the Mankato, Rochester or Duluth civic center plans. ***** As to Newman’s agenda, “It’s still the reduction in the size and growth of government. That did not happen with Gov. Dayton (and his vetoes).” Some of the big issues next session may be what to do with the state’s sex offender program that locks offenders up for life. He said it is a nonpartisan issue, and the program “is expensive.” Also, how to address the costs of public defenders, especially who pays for appeals, may be debated next session. And of course, the budget is always a main topic, Newman said. “I fear there will be an increase in taxes.” Newman pointed to 2011 in which the state had revenues of $30 billion and received another $4 billion in federal stimulus money. “That $34 billion was put on the table, and we (Republicans) said ‘take it or leave it.’” Gov. Dayton came back with a $39.5 budget proposal, and in the end the two sides compromised at $35.5 billion, or $1.5 billion more than it had in revenues, Newman said. That is when the difference was made up with a shift in public school education funding and using tobacco funds. “I regret that approach,” Newman said of leaving all $34 billion on the table to start with. Newman said the governor wanted $39 billion the last time, and he predicts it will be over $40 billion for the next biennium. While he admits the state revenues have improved over the last year or two, “there is not enough to cover what is being proposed. We don’t have it.” Newman is optimistic that Republicans can work with rural, more conservative DFLers on the budget, including new DFL Majority Leader Tom Bakk, DFLCook, who is known as a fiscal conservative. What Gov. Dayton will get, may depend on what Sen. Bakk gives him, Newman predicted. As to new House Majority Leader Paul Thissen, DFL-Minneapolis, “he’s an urban guy,” Newman said, implying spending is not an issue. Even if state revenues come in at $34 billion to $36 billion, Newman said “I don’t see a reduction in spending,” and Dayton may ask as much as $43 billion for the next biennium. He reminded all that the state still owes $2 billion to school districts in Minnesota. ***** While Newman, District 18B state Rep. Glenn Gruenhagen, R-Glencoe, and District 18A state Rep. Dean Urdahl, R-Grove City, all won re-election, “We live in a little pocket of conservative folks,” Newman said. Statewide, Republicans took a drubbing. “It was a bad Republican year,” Newman conceded. “We have to retool.” As to the amendments, including the voter ID amendment he championed in the Senate, Newman said he was “disappointed” and “surprised.” The biggest surprise, he said was “the precipitous fall” in popularity of the voter ID from one year earlier. Polls a year earlier had 70 percent to 80 percent of those polled in favor of voter ID. “That was the reason it was on the ballot. I don’t have an explanation,” Newman said, but he did say opponents of the amendment “out spent us 2-to-1. Money talks.” Newman said the amendment really lost popularity when high-profile people like Secretary of State Mark Ritchie, Gov. Dayton and former Republican Gov. Arne Carlson “were dead against it. “I never intended to disenfranchise anybody,” Newman stressed. He also said there were exaggerations about the costs of the new voter ID requirements at the local level. He said the state was to pick up those costs. Asked if it could come back as a tweak to current statutes, Newman said that already had been tried and the governor vetoed it. “It was a very partisan bill because it would have eliminated the voucher system (on same-day registration). That is made-to-order voter fraud,” Newman added. “And the DFL is very happy with the voucher system.” As to the defeat of the marriage amendment, Newman said it is almost certain that DFLers will “take a run at DOMA.” But he said voters rejection of the amendment, “was not a statement in favor of gay marriage.” The pro-amendment side “was outspent, again. I was surprised (it was defeated). I expect to see movement on the gay marriage issue in the coming session,” Newman added.
Chronicle photo by Rich Glennie
Lions donate dictionaries
The Lions clubs of Glencoe, Plato, Silver Lake, Brownton and New Auburn continued the Lions’ program of giving away dictionaries to each third-grade student in the Glencoe-Silver Lake School District. Members of the Glencoe Lions stopped in the third-grade classroom at First Lutheran School on Friday morning and presented personal dictionaries to , front row, from left, Rebekah Welch, Kyle Hagen, Beau Christensen and Rebecca Dammann. In the middle row are Jordan Mickolichek, Logan Ober, Abagail Gruber, Paris Stradtmann, Lauren Bernstein, Elise Betcher, Madigan Primmer and Cassidy Rislund. In the back are Lions Ron Dahlke, Elmer Schuette, student Lars Borg, Lions Bill Curtis, Marv Gustafson, Sandy Dammann and Karen Glennie. The group also stopped at St. Pius X Catholic School on Friday morning and joined Lions from Silver Lake, Plato and Brownton to present the dictionaries Monday afternoon at Lakeside Elementary in Silver Lake.
5 Lions clubs present dictionaries
A total of 172 copies of “A Student’s Dictionary” were distributed by members of the Lions clubs of Brownton, Glencoe, New Auburn, Plato, and Silver Lake to the thirdgrade students and thirdgrade teachers of GlencoeSilver Lake Lakeside School, St. Pius X School, First Lutheran School, and homeschooled third graders in the GSL district. The five Lions clubs presented each third-grade student with “A Student’s Dictionary,” which is the student’s personal property and can be kept by the student for use throughout their school years. This dictionary was approved by the schools’ administrators, and is planned to be used in the third-grade classrooms throughout this school year. The Lions clubs and the Dictionary Project, the dictionary’s publisher, provide this dictionary to aid third-grade teachers in their goal to see all their students end the school year as good writers, active readers, and creative thinkers. The objective of this program is to provide school children with their very own dictionaries for use in school and at home, starting at the age when their education switches from “learning to read” to “reading to learn,” which typically occurs in the third grade of elementary school. “A dictionary is perhaps the first and most powerful reference tool a child can own,” said Ron Dahlke of the Glencoe Lions club. “This particular edition’s usefulness goes beyond the usual spellings, pronunciations, and definitions as it also contains maps and facts of the countries of the world, facts about states, the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, biographies of the U.S presidents and more,” Dahlke said. “It is a companion for solving problems that arise as a child develops his or her reading, writing, and creative thinking abilities. Students benefit from an increased self-reliance and resourcefulness inspired by the maxim “look it up” Dahlke said. “This project is an opportunity for children to expand their vocabulary, and for many, the first opportunity to actually own their own dictionary,” Dahlke said.
School lunches Continued from page 1
at the elementary school level. The main concern, Durtschi said is at the middle school and high school level. Durtschi cited a lot of negative media publicity shortly after the new federal mandates were announced. He predicted the downward trend will turn around, but perhaps not this year at the secondary school level. Bernie Getzlaff, GSL food services director and a Chartwells employee, said a survey of students a couple of weeks ago was “disappointing,” because there was a lot of criticism, but not many suggestions of how to improve the food choices. Another survey, to be conducted by student government, is being planned, she said in hopes of getting more concrete ideas. “In some ways, my hands are tied with the new regulations,” Getzlaff said. The aim of the new federal rules on school lunches is to address the growing epidemic of obesity among young people in the country. “Kids are not becoming obese on school lunches,” said angry board member Kevin Kuester. He suggested the federal and state officials — who made up these new guidelines and the smaller portions being dished out to students — should be asked to come to GSL “and eat the same meals kids are eating.” While Chartwells is only doing what is required, Kuester said, federal officials “need to figure out where obesity is coming from, and it’s not from school lunches!” He pointed to after-school eating habits, along with lack of exercise and activities as bigger culprits leading to obesity in students. Durtschi said his gut feeling is the middle school students may be more accepting of the school lunches than the high school students, but the two groups are lumped together in the statistics. The new federal rules have eliminated some popular foods, including the selfserve salad bar, Durtschi said. “We can’t do that this year,” and staff is now required to mete out proper portions. GSL food service has the same food, same cooks “but different quantities of some items,” Durtschi said. On the positive side, GSL is certified to receive the additional 6 cents per meal (reimbursement),” Durtschi said. “A lot of parents have talked to me,” Kuester said of the new school lunch program. “Consider a survey of parents.” Kuester said there also needs to be a better understanding of portion sizes. “The government does not realize that one size does not fill all,” Kuester said. He cited the example of giving the same portions to an 80pound eighth-grade girl and a 200-pound high school boy. Durtschi agreed that one size does not fill all and added that some officials at the state level “recognize that, too. But the USDA guidelines dictate.” Board member Jason Lindeman said as the federal government tries to solve the obesity problem, “they’re starving our kids. That makes no sense. We have to deal with it, but it makes no sense.” Getzlaff noted more students are bringing bagged lunches to school. Often, they also buy school lunch as well, she said. There will be changes next year, Durtschi said, like only 100 percent whole-grains, but he added that GSL already is heading in that direction. Durtschi said there will be changes in the breakfast programs in 2013-14 in which, for example, the portion sizes for fruits will increase from a half cup to a full cup. Lunch prices also will be increased another 10 cents next school year, according to the federal guidelines, Durtschi added. Asked about food waste, Getzlaff said she has not witnessed that at GSL. She said when the students do not like something they say “no thanks” and leave it. “I’ve seen more waste at other schools than I’ve seen here,” Durtschi added. Schreifels also asked how the lower participation in school lunches will impact the district’s ability to offer free breakfast to students. Durtschi said GSL’s lunch program will remain profitable and “be solvent for next year.” But he added that several years down the road, the district may need to look at whether to continue offering free breakfasts to students. “If you turn participation around, it will make a decision next spring a little easier,” Durtschi said.
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