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Thursday, April 3, 2014

Volume 98; Number 39

www.bladepublishing.net staff@bladepublishing.net

A community newspaper serving Browerville, MN and surrounding areas. USPS 067-560

75

Todd Board will consider raising refuse costs to haulers and property owners
By Rin Porter At the March 25 work session, Todd County Commissioners heard a presentation from Solid Waste Supervisor Jeremy Clasemann about the need to increase Todd County tipping fees charged to garbage haulers and county environmental fees charged to property owners. The current Todd County tipping fee is $65. Morrison County charges $65 tipping fee at its landfill. The Perham Resource and Recovery Facility charges $84.50. Clasemann and Solid Waste Director Mike Hanan suggest that Todd County raise its tipping fee to $74.50 per ton. Clasemann reported that the Solid Waste Department also recommends raising the countys environmental fee charged to property owners from $40 per year to $45 per year. The reason for the requests for fee increases is that the Solid Waste Department wants to establish a capital equipment reserve fund to provide for future equipment needs. The board will consider the requests at a future meeting. Other county employees also attended the work session to present their concerns about issues facing their departments. Interim Auditor/Treasurer Denise Gaida appeared before the board, along with Assessor Chris Odden and Recorder Cheryl Perish to request that the job description for a new hire already authorized by the board be changed. The three department heads agree that the greatest need in their division is for an additional employee for the GIS (Geographic Information System) area. Currently there is only one employee working in the GIS area, where previously there were three. The single employee is over a year behind on some of the GIS work, because one person cannot do the work of three people. Gaida, Odden, and Perish emphasized that GIS work must be kept current because it is the basis for 911 services in the county. Commissioner Dave Kircher supported the change. He said, Updating the maps is critical to 911 services. The board discussed the request and agreed to take it up at a future board meeting. Katherine Mackedanz and other employees from Health and Human Services (HHS) presented information for commissioners on a proposed County Social Host Ordinance and a proposed update of the County Tobacco Ordinance. HHS personnel believe strongly that ecigarettes should be included in the County Tobacco Ordinance because the main ingredient in these products is nicotine the major addictive substance in tobacco. Kircher, a former Todd County Sheriff, objected to the entire concept of the County Social Host Ordinance because the issue is already covered under existing state law. The board asked Mackedanz and the other presenters to draft proposed language for the two ordinances and discuss them with County Attorney Chuck Rasmussen before returning to the board for further consideration of the two proposals. Gaida asked the board to consider authorizing county-wide budget training as the county prepares to draft the 2015 budget. Gaida said she has no experience in preparing the county budget, and pointed out that there are several new department heads who also have no Continued on page 12.

Total Express gas station closes; owner refuses comment

Honor Society inducts new members

By Rin Porter The Browerville Total Express employees received word on March 24 that the gas station would close on March 31. A manager told the Blade the employees were notified by the owner. All the gas was removed from the tanks on March 25. Employees were instructed to sell all the other merchandise in the store at 50% off. We called owner Julie Klaphake, but she refused to speak with us. She referred us to her attorney, but did not give the attorneys name. A store manager told us all eleven employees would lose their jobs. She did not know whether the store would be sold to a new owner and the employees hired back. Three of the employees were full-time, with the rest part-time workers. Court records show a recent small judgment in 2014 against Julie Klaphake and Total Express of Browerville, Inc., awarded in favor of Zarns Oil Company of Little Falls. We wondered about the effects of the gas station closing on the school district, the city, and local businesses. Supt. Scott Vedbraaten said the Browerville School District buses are leased, and so the district buses will not be affected by the gas station closure. But the schools vans purchase gas locally. Now that Total Express is closed, Vedbraaten said that the vans will use district credit cards to fill up the vans in other communities as the vans pass through them transporting students. The Aksamit Transportation Company provides buses to the district, and the buses use diesel fuel, which they purchase from a different vendor, not Total Express. Aksamit Transportation will not be affected by the gas station closure. No one from the city of Browerville was available for comment over the past weekend. We did try to contact Mayor Mike Aksamit, but he did not return our call. City Administrator Lynn Fabro wrote in an email, The closing of Total Express is terrible for our community. Its impact on the City business is that now our public works department will now have to drive to Clarissa for regular fuel. The good thing is that the Fire Dept. and Ambulance are all diesel vehicles so they are not impacted.

On Thursday evening, March 27th the National Honor Society members inducted the new 2014 members at their annual banquet. Members include: Benton Johnson, Trent Johnson, Jackson Polak, Jake Iten, Abigail Irsfeld, Emily Busch, Cody Hansmeyer, Emily Lisson, Katelyn Middendorf, Katelyn Kellen, Catherine Aksamit, MaKenna Hegseth, and Dominique Ludwig.

WEEKLY WEATHER REPORT


Tue. April 1 Snow/Wind 32/12 Wed. April 2 Partly Cloudy 38/29 Thur. April 3 Cloudy 36/27 Fri. April 4 Snow/Wind 39/22 Sat. April 5 Sunny 43/24 Sun. April 6 Partly Cloudy 48/34

The Browerville Blade, Page 2

PEOPLE PAGE
Katie Ranney and Michael Johnson, Brainerd, girl, Emma Grace, 7 lbs 9 oz, March 26, 2014 Cassie and Josh Miles, Nisswa, boy, Maddox Allen, 6 lbs 1 o, March 26, 2014

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Obituary

Pre-School Open House & Kindergarten Round Up


Eagle Valley Public School District #2759 will be holding their annual Pre-School Open House & Kindergarten Round Up on Tuesday, April 8, 2014 from 6:307:30 p.m. at Eagle Valley Schools, 106 Frank Street South, Clarissa, MN. All interested students and parents are encouraged to join us to learn about all that Eagle Valley has to offer! Refreshments will be served, opportunity to meet the teachers and children will especially enjoy our fun Scavenger Hunt tour, Childcare is provided. For more information contact Eagle Valley 3218-756-3631 or www.evps.k12.mn.us

Kayla Sue Hairsine Kayla Sue Hairsine, 28, Eagle Bend, passed away unexpectedly at the Tri County Hospital in Wadena on March 25, 2014. Funeral services for Kayla will be held Friday, April 4, 2014, 2 p.m., at Faith Lutheran Church in Eagle Bend with Pastor Melissa Ehrhardt officiating. Kayla was born November 6, 1985, in Browerville to David and Candace (Farmer) Hairsine. She attended Eagle Valley High School, graduating in 2004. Kayla worked for Dans Prize for seven years. In 2011 she traveled to Thailand with her family to visit her father. Kayla loved dancing, singing, laying out in the sun and hanging out with her friends. Her life was her family; she loved going to her brothers football games. Kayla was very caring and had a smile that would light up a room. Kayla is survived by her son Kandin Ahrendt, Eagle Bend; mother Candy Schauer, Eagle Bend; father David (Phu) Hairsine, Thailand; grandmothers, Nancy Farmer; Rochester, and Addie Hairsine; Casson, siblings: Tanith (Romie) Rech, Browerville, Joisan Donovan, Eagle Bend, Shane (Lillian) Hairsine, Bemidji and Jacob Schauer, Eagle Bend; three nieces; and seven nephews. She was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Joseph Farmer and Carl Hairsine and best friend Nikki Bryniarski. Arrangements by Iten Funeral Home, Browerville. Joyce D. Grindahl A memorial service for Joyce D. Grindahl will be held at 11 am, April 19, 2014, at Lincoln Evangelical Free Church in Cushing. A pot luck meal will be held after the service. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Ruth Hobbs Benefit


A benefit for five year old Ruth Hobbs, diagnosed with lukemia in December 2013, of New York Mills, will be held Saturday, April 5, from 4 - 8 pm, at the New York Mills School. A dinner, bake sale and silent auction will be held. Monetary donations are being accepted at any Wells Fargo Bank under the Ruth Hobbs donation fund or mail to PO Box 8, Wahpeton, ND 59074.

Free Chronic Disease Self Management course


Live active. Live healthy. CentraCare Health Long Prairie is offering a free six week Chronic Disease Self Management Course, starting May 14. This course, taught by two certified RNs at CentraCare Health Long Prairie, will help participants cope with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, osteoporosis or arthritis. The course teaches participants how to manage stress, increase physical activity, manage their medications and have good nutrition thus enhancing their quality of life. The course will be held from 2 to 4:30 p.m. in the Chapel at CentraCare Health Long Prairie. It is also open to caregivers of a person with a chronic condition. Class size is limited to ten participants and is free of charge. All participants should be committed to attending all six classes. To register or for more information call (320)732-7231.

its ReadyCare doors, located within the Tri-County Health Care Wadena Clinic via the facilitys main entrance at 415 Jefferson Street North, Wadena. Starting Tuesday, April 1, ReadyCare will provide walk-in care and same-day appointments for illnesses and injuries that do not require emergency room care, but could worsen if treatment is delayed. ReadyCare fees are consistent with clinic visit fees, and covered by insurance at the same level. Coordinated care ensures that complete treatment records are available to the patients Tri-County Health Care primary care physician for follow-up as needed. With same-day appointments and day and evening walk-in service, ReadyCare is an ideal resource for those times when the need for a medical visit is unexpected, such as cuts, burns, sprains or fractures that do not require a visit to the emergency room. In addition, ReadyCare is staffed to provide treatment for colds, flu, fever, sore throats, abdominal pain/stomach aches, urinary tract infections (UTIs), sprains, allergic reactions, pink eye, minor lacerations, viral illnesses, earaches, bacterial infections, seasonal allergies and minor trauma. ReadyCare fills the gap between primary care and the emergency room, offering patients increased convenience and cost savings. Walk-in Care & Same Day Appointments DAYS AND EVENINGS: Mon.-Thurs. - 8:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. Fri.- 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Sat. - 8 - noon ReadyCare should not be used for chronic conditions, medication refills for chronic conditions, chronic pain, missed appointments, wellchild exams, annual exams or second opinions. Severe emergency care deals with illness or injury serious enough to require immediate medical attention. Please call 911 and use the Emergency Department if you are having trouble breathing, or think you are having a heart attack. You should also go to the Emergency Department if you have uncontrolled bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or sudden slurred speech or numbness, which could be a sign of a stroke. For more information, visit www.TCHC.org, or call (218) 6311100 or 1-800-880-DOCS (3627).

Division I-AA All-American. Matt was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the sixth round of the 1998 draft. Appearing in 228 career games, including 18 playoff contests, Matt spent 11 seasons with Minnesota and four more with the Baltimore Ravens. He was named the 2011 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year for his off-the-field service, as well as his playing excellence. From 5-6:45 p.m., Tri-County Health Care (TCHC) staff will provide free lab testing and screenings for glucose, cholesterol, PSA, thyroid, blood sugar, body fat and blood pressure. Informational booths will be available on a variety of health topics pertinent to mens health and a complimentary light meal will be available at the same time. The evening program will kick off at 7 p.m. with a panel of Tri-County Health Care medical professionals participating in a Question and Answer session with Mens Night out participants. At 8 p.m., the evening will conclude with Matts presentation, The Arrow Principle Becoming the Person You Were Meant To Be. Admission to Mens Night Out is free; however, seating is limited and pre-registration is required by calling 218-632-8725, registering online at www.TCHC.org or by e-mailing tchcevents@TCHC.org.

Kevin Faust
Kevin Faust of Todd County, MN has been selected as a winner in America's Farmers Grow Communities, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund. Kevin Faust selected Central Minnesota Chaplaincy to receive the $2,500 donation in Todd County, MN.

Photography - black and white, any subject. Photography - story telling: photo or group of photos that depict a story. Photography - nature, animals, landscape, featuring scenes of water, land, vegetation, trees, wild or domestic animals, and/or buildings. Photography - human interest featuring, adults, children, people of other cultures. Photography - abstract, fine art. Photography may be enhanced if done by the exhibitor. Photos need not be framed, must be a minimum of 8 in. by 10 in. and a maximum of approximately 16 in. by 20 in. A regional student art show will also be held in conjunction with the adult show. Schools in the Freshwater Education District are invited to participate. Those schools include Staples Motley, Bertha Hewitt, Browerville, Eagle Valley, Henning, Long Prairie-Grey Eagle, Pillager and Verndale. The show will be open to the public from noon to 9 p.m., Friday, May 16, and 9 noon-7 p.m., Saturday, May 17. Area artists will demonstrate their art Saturday afternoon. Other events at the auditorium during the weekend include the Staples Motley High School Commencement Concert, 7 p.m., Friday, and a dance recital, 7 p.m., Saturday, by A Time to Dance students.

Looking Back
50 years ago - April 2, 1964 Winners of the Browerville Commercial Club ham drawing were: Frank Twardowski, Mrs. Con Brechner, Mrs. John Hudalla, Dick Becker, Mrs. Cecil Bentz, Bob Hadash, Chuck Geraets, Violet Bentz, Mrs. Joe Soule, Frank Motzko, Herman Irsfeld, Mrs. Bill Zigan, Sr., Gus Drong, Albert Gorman, Val Lamusga, Mrs. Louis Becker, George Gonsior, Dean Carstensen, and Wilber Doble 25 years ago - April 6 1989 The Browerville City Counsel voted unanimously to procced with a plan to put in all new light fixtures (18 of them) and sodium vapor lamps with 23000 lumens (250 watts) at a cost of $8.25 per month. The the change in the lamps the citys light bill will actually be about $60 less a month.

Staples Rotary Art Show calling for entries 50th Annual Art Show set for May 16-17
Pre-registrations are now being accepted for the 50th Annual Staples Rotary Arts Show May 16-17 in the lobby of Centennial Auditorium in Staples. For pre-registration or to have a brochure mailed, call Marci Lord at 218-894-5400, ext. 3011 or email mlord@isd2170.k12.mn.us. Exhibits will be accepted from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, May 15. Artists may exhibit their work or enter it for juried competition. Exhibited art may also be for sale. There is no limit to the number of items artists may exhibit in the non-juried portion of the art show and there is no fee for non-juried items. Juried exhibits are limited to six items in each class. Recognition ribbons will be awarded and no entry fee will be charged. The 2014 Photography Theme Category is Grandchildren, Nieces and Nephews. The other categories are: Art, including all types of original paintings or drawings. General Crafts, featuring pottery, decoupage, ceramics, sculptures, jewelry, collages, metalwork. Fibrous Craft, including all needlework, quilting, sewing. Wood Craft, featuring carvings, wood sculpture, objects made substantially of wood products.

Former NFL center, Matt Birk, to speak at Mens Night Out


Tri-County Health Cares annual Mens Night Out program will be held on Monday, April 14 at the Wadena Memorial Auditorium. Mens Night Out is a free educational event on health, for men ages 18 and older. Matt Birk, the 2014 Mens Night Out Keynote Speaker, has been inspiring audiences across America since his retirement from the National Football League. Matt grew up in Minnesota and attended Cretin-Derham Hall High School in St. Paul. He was a Cub Scout, a member of the National Honor Society and played pretty much every sport there was to play. After high school, Matt attended Harvard University and earned a degree in Economics. While playing for the Harvard Crimson, he received several football honors, including All-Ivy League and

Milestones
Happy Birthday this week to: Apr. 3: Kelly Callahan, Donna Sovich, Jeremie Steinert, Jim Pogreba; Apr. 4: Paul Baron, Debbie Bromeling, Margie Host, Michael Deering; Apr. 5: Roger Katterhagen, Jeff Myrum; Apr. 6: Dennis Sovich, Bob Heid, Sandy Folkenson, Diana Goodrich, Justin Host, Jonathon Couchey, Jo Maschler; Apr. 7: Daryl Becker, Walt Lucas, Jordan Tyrrell; Apr. 8: Ramona Steinmetz; Apr. 9: Michael Katterhagen, Jennifer Zigan, Bill Zimprich

Births
Amanda and Cameron Matter, Sartell, boy, Jameson Cory, 7 lbs 13 oz, March 20, 2014 Amanda and Kevin Olson, Long Prairie, boy, Lucas John, 6 lbs 7 oz, March 22, 2014 Autumn and Randy Nelson, Motley, girl, Leah Rose, 6 lbs 12 oz, March 22, 2014 Wendy and Tristan Banks, Brainerd, boy, Mason Michael, 7 lbs 11 oz, March 22, 2014 Meranda Richards and Steven Hopkins, Pine River, girl, Isabella Rose, 5 lbs 15 oz, Amanda and Cameron Matter, Sartell, boy, Jameson Cory, 7 lbs 13 oz, March 25, 2014 Brittnee and Trevor, Ottertail, girl, Temperance Kristi Lynn, 9 lbs 6 oz, March 26, 2014

Tri-County Health Care opens ReadyCare


An unexpected cold, flu or other minor illness can be a real nuisance, creating a domino effect that may include sick days, alternate childcare or time away from daily activities. When a person gets sick, there is one goal to get better immediately. Unfortunately, finding time for a visit to the doctor can often prove challenging due to conflicting schedules, difficulty scheduling an appointment or the lack of a relationship with a primary care physician. To provide patients with immediate access to quality health care, Tri-County Health Care has opened

The Browerville Blade, Page 3

HAPPENINGS
CORRECTION
The cutline under the March 27, 2014 Browerville Blade front page picture of the Browerville Honor Guards new jackets should have read the American Legion and VFW, not just the VFW. this service has made a positive impact on their lives. The survey can be accessed April 1 through April 30 from library computers or from griver.org, the library website. Individuals must be 14 or older to take the survey. It is anonymous, available in English and Spanish, and takes 10-15 minutes to complete. For more information about the Impact Survey, visit http://impactsurvey.org. regular intervals. The same holds true when it comes to having your septic tank pumped and cleaned. Septic tanks are designed to settle solids to the the bottom, oils and grease to the top and relatively clear water in the middle. It is this clear water that is discharged to the drainfield. If regular pumping and cleaning is not done, the solids, oils and grease can build up in the tank and enter the drainfield. Allowing this to happen shortens the life of your septic system or worse, destroy it. The best insurance for promoting a long life for your septic system is to have it pumped and cleaned by a septic professional at least once every three years. The cost for this service definitely outweighs the cost of installing a new system. Regular maintenance of your septic system, just like your car, will save you money (as well as headaches) in the long run. For more information concerning septic systems and how to maintain them, please go to our website or contact us directly at (320) 732-4420. where we came from, said Dale Nordquist, Extension economist in the University of Minnesota Center for Farm Financial Management. 2012 was a very profitable year for Minnesota farms. Land rental rates have been catching up with the increased profitability of crop production. Most crop producers were in pretty good shape to handle a down year. The question is how long will these reduced profits last? Dramatic drops in crop prices Corn and soybean prices dropped dramatically. Net return per acre of corn dropped from $377 in 2012 to minus $24 in 2013. Soybeans went from $216 net return per acre in 2012 to $85 in 2013. The price of sugar beets dropped from $65 a ton to $35. Sugar beet producers lost an average of $300 per acre in the Red River Valley and west central Minnesota. Price was not the only factor that led to reduced profits for crop producers. Yields were down due to a cold, wet spring followed by developing drought conditions in parts of the state. The statewide average yield for corn was 160 bushels per acre compared to 171 in 2012, below the ten-year average of 167 bushels. Soybean yields were down from 46 to 42 bushels per acre. Meanwhile, the cost to grow an acre of corn increased by 10 percent. Land rental rates increased by 15 percent for corn production. The full extent of this has not been felt by crop producers yet, said Ron Dvergsten, Farm Business Management (FBM) instructor/FBM program coordinator at Northland Community & Technical College in Thief River Falls. Cash flow was not a problem through much of the year as producers sold 2012 crop at high prices. Most of the decrease shows up in the reduced value of inventories at the end of the year. That means cash flows for 2014 are really tight. At current prices, many producers will lose money on cash rented land in the coming year. Feed factors reduce livestock profits Livestock farms faced high feed costs for much of the year;

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Browerville City Council meets the second Wednesday of the month at 7 pm in the Browerville City Hall Browerville AA and Al-Anon meet every Wednesday at 8 pm at the Todd County DAC Building

Upcoming Programs at Eagle Bend Library


The Eagle Bend Public Library is offering the following programs and activities. 1, 2, 3, Count With Me April 12 Preschoolers to 2nd grade children are invited to the Eagle Bend Public Library for 1, 2, 3, Count With Me Storytime on Saturday, April 12, 10:30 to 11 a.m. Attendance limit is 8 and registration is required. The Deaf Duckling April 14 The Mixed Blood Theatre will perform The Deaf Duckling at the Eagle Valley Elementary School in Clarissa for children in grades K 6 Mon., April 14, 2 to 3 p.m. The production will be performed simultaneously in spoken English and American Sign Language by a cast of deaf and hearing actors. It is open to homeschoolers. Tips on Using the GRRL Website April 15 A program for adults, Tips on Using the GRRL Website, Tue., April 15, 6 - 7 p.m. Ellen Peters will demonstrate how to find information on the library website, including viewing upcoming events, highlighted resources, and tips on using the online catalog. Registration is required. For more information, contact the Eagle Bend library at 218738-4590.

Septic system maintenance


If you happen to live in a town or city with a municipal sewer system, the treatment of what goes down your sink or toilet probably isnt a great concern to you. If your toilets work and your tub drains, life is good. Paying your utility bill is likely the only worry you have relating to sewage treatment. If you live in a rural area, you likely depend on a septic tank and drainfield to take care of your waste water. Owning your own sewer treatment system requires a basic knowledge of how your system works as well as how to maintain it for long, trouble free operation. Owning a sewer treatment system is a lot like owning a car: They are expensive Like a car, a septic tank and drainfield can be quite costly. System costs can range from $6000 to 15,000 for a single family home. They should never be abused Just as we try not to overwork or abuse our automobiles, the same should hold true with a septic system. Systems are designed to treat standard toilet and wash water wastes. Make every effort to keep other waste products from entering the system. They should receive regular maintenance Everyone knows that if we expect our cars to last a long time, we must change the oil at

Minnesota farm incomes drop dramatically in 2013


As corn prices declined in the fall of 2013, so did farm incomes for a majority of Minnesota farms, according to a joint analysis conducted by Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) and University of Minnesota Extension. Overall, net farm income was $41,899 for the median farm. That compares to $189,679 in 2012, a 78 percent decrease. While crop farm incomes plummeted due to declining commodity prices, livestock farms did not fare much better as incomes for dairy, hog and beef farms also declined. The analysis used data from 2,063 participants in MnSCU farm business management education programs, 111 members of the Southwest Minnesota Farm Business Management Association and 41 participants working with private consultants. A decline from 2012 levels should not come as a big surprise. We have to remember

Area libraries conducting Online Impact Survey in April


Central Minnesota library users are being given an opportunity to help shape the future of how library technology will affect their lives and their community. Great River Regional Library (GRRL) will conduct an online technology impact survey during April to find out how patrons use the librarys computers and Internet connection, and how

feed prices did not decline substantially until harvest. While the price of milk, pork and beef were all up from the previous year, the combination of high feed costs and lower values of feed inventories reduced livestock farm profits. Milk sold for $20.34 per hundredweight compared to $19.63 in 2012. With a cost of production of $19.92, dairy farmers made 42 cents on every hundred pounds produced or about 5 cents per gallon on average. Market hog prices increased from $63 per hundred pounds in 2012 to $66 in 2013. Market beef prices increased from $122 per hundredweight in 2012 to $125 in 2013. Prospects for livestock producers are better for the coming year. After several years of high feed costs that benefited crop producers, the tables will likely be turned in 2014. Prices are projected to be strong for all major livestock sectors this year, Nordquist said. And feed costs will be much lower so livestock producers should have a very good year. The one wildcard for pork producers is the spread of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV). While the virus is not transferred to humans, it can be devastating to pig herds and cause severe financial consequences. 2014: Tighter margins ahead Crop producers will see much tighter margins in 2014. The good thing is that most crop producers come in to the year with very strong working capital positions, Dvergsten said. Another plus is that fertilizer prices are down. But other costs, including land rent, are projected to increase. It is likely that many crop producers will have to use some of their working capital to cover losses in the coming year. The statewide results are compiled by the Center for Farm Financial Management into the FINBIN database which can be queried at www.finbin.umn.edu. 2013 regional reports and reports from previous years can be found on the MnSCU Farm Business Management website at www.fbm.mnscu.edu.

Peggys Potpourri
About 1,000 quarter pound hamburgers come from the ground beef in one 1,000 pound steer (from just the normal beef ground into ground beef) The world's largest apple peel was created by Kathy Wafler Madison on October 16, 1976, in Rochester, NY. It was 172 feet, 4 inches long. (She was 16 years old at the time and grew up to be a sales manager for an apple tree nursery.) Australia has the lowest precipitation of any of the worlds inhabited continents. (Antarctica gets less.) 70 percent of Australia gets less than 500 mm (20 inches) of rainfall per year. An estimated five million olfactory receptors are clustered in the membrane at the upper part of our nasal passages. These receptors help us distinguish among thousands of different odors. The South American anaconda is the largest snake of the boa constrictor family. The largest specimen ever recorded was 62 feet long and a foot in diameter. Most likely items involved in accidents at homes: bicycles, stairs, doors; in that order. Julius Caesar wore a laurel wreath crown to hide the fact that he was balding. How did hammocks get their name? They were first made from the fibers of the hamack tree. To keep your feet warm, put on a hat. 80% of all body heat escapes through your head. In most watch advertisements the time displayed on the watch is 10:10 because then the arms frame the brand of the watch (and make it look like its smiling). Springtime is the land awakening. The March winds are the morning yawn. ......... Lewis Grizzard

Peachy Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce


2 cups peaches 3 eggs, lightly beaten 1 (14 oz.) can 1 1/4 cups hot water sweetened condensed milk 1/4 cup butter, melted 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 4 cups French bread, torn into small pieces CARAMEL SAUCE 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup butter 2 tablespoons light corn syrup 1 teaspoon vanilla Preheat an oven to 325. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Chop the peaches and lightly mash them in a mixing bowl. Combine the sweetened condensed milk and eggs; add them to the peaches and mix well. Stir in hot water, melted butter, cinnamon, and vanilla. Stir the bread into to the custard mixture until the bread is completely moistened. Turn the pudding into the prepared baking dish. Bake until a knife inserted in the center of the pudding comes out clean, about 1 hour and 10 minutes. While the pudding is baking, combine the brown sugar, 1/2 cup butter, corn syrup, and vanilla in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes or until just slightly thickened. Let cool slightly. Remove the pudding from the oven and let it cool for about ten minutes before serving. Serve warm with the caramel sauce. Cool and cover any leftover pudding and store in the refrigerator

The Browerville Blade, Page 4

OPINIONS
Hi all,

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Home invasion
A person just never knows what is going to happen at their house when theyre gone. My wife and I went on a trip last week. Since we were going to be gone for just over a week, Duke and Louie, the dogs, went over to spend the time with our son, Damon. It would save him the bother of having to come over and take care of them every day, and they do enjoy going over to play with his dogs. The place was completely unguarded for the time we were gone. When we arrived home Saturday night, we noticed five deer near the house as we drove down the driveway. Its not uncommon to see deer in the drive, but they usually dont come so close to the house. Nothing else seemed amiss, so we took a shower and collapsed into bed. The sun had risen by the time I rolled out the next morning. I grabbed a cup of coffee and went out onto the porch. Nine deer By Walter Scott were coming up from the lake toward the house as though they had gone for a drink and were coming to the house for breakfast. I looked at the side yard where the bird feeders hang and discovered something had already been there for several meals. Before we left, my wife had filled all the feeders and put out a new bird seed block. One of the feeders was been knocked down and emptied. The rest were still hanging where they belonged, but were also empty. The block that usually lasts close to a month was gone. I looked up the driveway to see four more deer coming toward the house. Quite a number of deer had learned to converge in the yard with the bird feeders. Looking about, I noticed the lid to the trash can was in the yard. I picked it up and took it back to where one or more raccoons had been feasting from the garbage can. Fortunately, there were more things they liked to eat than to spread around. It was not too big of a mess, but more than I wanted to deal with early in the morning. I heard a turkey gobble and walked back around the porch. Three gobblers were coming across the dam, strutting and gobbling as they came closer. Im not sure if they were coming for bird seed, but if so, they were out of luck. Something white caught my eye far up in the lake. As I watched, I was finally able to make out we had ten trumpeter swans move in while we were gone. Assorted ducks and Canada geese swam around the edges feeding on underwater grasses. When my wife got up, we enjoyed watching all the wildlife around us. The swans made a few flights past the house and landed back in the water. The turkeys moseyed down the face of the dam and out into the pasture. We decided if we were to leave for a month, the wildlife would move into the house. They would be sleeping in our bed and getting cold drinks from the refrigerator. Living close to nature, a person has to take the good with the bad. If a home doesnt have human activity and big dogs keeping raccoons out of the trash cans or deer away from the bird feeders, wildlife will take advantage. Given enough time, we could have a real home invasion.

Letter from the Country


Rain, snow, sleet, wind. It changes all the time. A few days ago we were being warned of up to a foot of new snow, possibly mixed with rain to begin with. On Sunday the forecast had been changed to rain during the day on Monday, followed by snow overnight into Tuesday morning. Now, it looks like we will receive mainly rain, and not very much of it at that. I sometimes wish the forecasters would just admit they really dont know whats going to happen. It does still sound as though the northern portions of the state could receive a significant amount of snow. I am glad we are not supposed to get another snow storm. I am ready to be done with it. Of course, I really dont like the wet, sloppy, muddy season much better, but at least the temperatures are warmer. Sunday morning there was wildlife of all manner out and about. I had up to twelve deer at a time feeding in the yard while geese, sand hill cranes, pheasants and even a grouse or two made their presence known. In the midst of all the activity and racket, I caught a glimpse of two rather large raccoons slinking along the back side of my pond where I recently put out a nesting box for the geese. Now I do believe that all creatures have a place, but the place for these two raccoons is not near my yard, or my hopefully nesting pair of geese, so I decided they needed to be deterred from visiting the area again. I left Benjamin in the house, in case he found them before I did, and headed out to track them down, rifle in hand. My intention was not to kill them, but defend myself if I did actually come upon them unexpectedly. I never did. After nearly two and half hours tracking them through the snow in the pines behind my barn and pond, I had seen nearly every inch of the eighty acres. I was amazed at how much ground those raccoons could cover in a short period of time. I finally followed their tracks to the northern property line; they continued walking. For now I believe theyre gone, but I have a feeling they will be back. I may need to borrow a live trap again this spring if they decide my yard is a good place to call home....... At least it was nice weather for a walk. The upside is that I did not find any dead deer on my extended walk. I was afraid that I would, having found several last spring. It appears that feeding them all season long did help. Its now late Monday morning and starting to rain a little, but no snow. Lets keep our fingers crossed. I am going to go for now and finish this paper for the week. Ill write again later. Aaron

April is.......
International Guitar Month, Keep America Beautiful Month, National Anxiety Month, National Humor Month, National Welding Month, National Garden Month, and Uh-Huh Month April 1 - One Cent Day April 2 - National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day April 3 - Tweed Day and Don't Go To Work Unless It's Fun Day April 4 - Tell-A-Lie Day April 5 - Go For Broke Day April 6 - Sorry Charlie Day April 7 - No Housework Day April 8 - All Is Ours Day April 9 - Winston Churchill Day and Name Yourself Day April 10 - Golfers Day April 11 - Eight-Track Tape Day April 12 - Look Up At The Sky Day April 13 - Blame Somebody Else Day

April 14 - National Pecan Day April 15 - Rubber Eraser Day April 16 - National Stress Awareness Day and National Eggs Benedict Day April 17 - National Cheeseball Day April 18 - International Jugglers Day April 19 - Garlic Day April 20 - Look Alike Day April 21 - Kindergarten Day April 22 - National Jelly Bean Day April 23 - Read Me Day and World Laboratory Animal Day April 24 - National Pigs In A Blanket Day April 25 - National Zucchini Bread Day April 26 - Richter Scale Day and National Pretzel Day April 27 - Tell A Story Day April 28 - Great Poetry Reading Day and KissYour-Mate Day April 29 - National Shrimp Scampi Day April 30 - National Honesty Day

The Browerville Blade


Box 245, Browerville, MN 56438-0245 - USPS 067-560

(320) 594-2911
Publisher/Editor: Aaron Quirt Office Manager: Peggy Freyholtz Ad Sales: Stacey Rushmeyer SUBSCRIPTION RATES: In Todd County - $22.00 In Minnesota - $27.00; Out of State - $32.00

BLADE PUBLISHING, LLC


Postmaster: Send address changes to the Browerville Blade Box 245, Browerville, MN 56438 Published weekly Second class postage paid at Browerville, MN 56438

Email; staff@bladepublishing.net

The Browerville Blade, Page 5

LEGAL NOTICES
SAP 077-623-009 SAP 077-644-001 CP 14:62 CP 14:67 CP 77-14-01 CP 77-14-06 City of Hewitt Street Project This is an abbreviated advertisement. A full advertisement can be viewed by going to the Public Works website at H Y P E R L I N K "https://egram.co.todd.mn.us/" https://egram.co.todd.mn.us/ Loren Fellbaum Public Works Director/ Engineer Todd County
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Thursday, April 3, 2014

MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 395 JOHN IRELAND BOULEVARD MS 650 ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA 55155-1800 ********************** ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS **********************
FOR HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE PROJECTS WITH BIDS RECEIVED UNTIL 9:30 O'CLOCK A.M. ON April 25, 2014 PROPOSAL TO FURNISH AND DELIVER ALL MATERIALS AND TO PERFORM ALL WORK IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONTRACT, THE PLANS AND THE APPROVED DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION "STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS FOR CONSTRUCTION, 2014 EDITION" (USING ENGLISH UNITS), ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF TRANSPORTATION EXCEPT AS STATED OTHERWISE IN THE SPECIAL PROVISIONS, WHICH ARE PART OF THE PROPOSAL, FOR: PRIME SP: 7708-39 CONTRACT ID 140058 STATE PROJECT NO. 7708-39 (T.H. 71=004) FHWA PROJECT NO. NHPP 0071 (313) LOCATION: In Todd County on T.H. 71 From 650' North of CR 21 to 330' South of 1st St. in City of Browerville TYPE OF WORK: Grading, Bituminous Surfacing, Watermain, Sanitary Storm Sewer, Lighting and ADA Improvements LENGTH: 0.892 Miles STARTING DATE: June 2, 2014 COMPLETION DATE: October 31, 2014 NOTICE TO BIDDERS: If you are submitting a bid via "Two Way Electronic" bidding, you need not return the hard copy proposal (all other requirements shall remain in effect). If you are utilizing ANY OTHER ACCEPTED METHOD OF BID SUBMITTAL, YOU MUST RETURN THE DOCUMENTS INDICATED IN 1209. You must initial changes made in the "Bid Schedule" and acknowledge addenda on Form 21126D, which is attached to the back of the proposal. BID RIGGING IS A SERIOUS CRIME. IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION CONCERNING COLLUSIVE BIDDING, EVEN A REQUEST TO SUBMIT A COMPLIMENTARY BID, PLEASE CALL THE MINNESOTA ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE AT TELEPHONE NO. 651-296-1796
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ASSESSMENT NOTICE
Important Information Regarding Assessment and Classification of Property This may affect your 2015 property taxes. Notice is hereby given that the Board of Appeal and Equalization for Iona Township shall meet on April 10, 2014, 9:00 am, at the Townhall. The purpose of this meeting is to determine whether taxable property in the jurisdiction has been properly valued and classified by the assessor, and to determine whether corrections need to be made. If you believe the value or classification of your property is incorrect, please contact your assessors office to discuss your concerns. If you are still not satisfied with the valuation or classification after discussing it with your assessor, you may appear before the local board of appeal and equalization. The board shall review the valuation, classification, or both if necessary, and shall correct it as needed. Generally, an appearance before your local board of appeal and equalization is required by law before an appeal can be taken to the county board of appeal and equalization. *The board of appeal and equalization meeting will be scheduled by appointment only. Please call the Todd County Assessors Office to schedule an appointment. Phone (320) 732-4432 Given under my hand this 10th day of March, 2014. Iris Hegseth, Clerk
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Todd County Health & Human Services Minutes of the Meeting of the Health & Human Services Meeting held on February 25, 2014
Call to Order The Todd County Board of Commissioners met in the Todd County Historic Courthouse in the City of Long Prairie MN on the 25th day of February 25, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. with all members present. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. Approval of Agenda On motion by Neumann and second by Kircher, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote: To approve the agenda as presented with the following addition: Rainbow Rider Discussion Approval of Minutes On motion by Erickson and

TODD COUNTY 2014 BITUMINOUS PROJECTS


Closing date: April 30th, 2014 Sealed bids will be accepted until 10:00 A.M., April 30th, 2014 by the Todd County Public Works Director/Engineer and County Auditor/Treasurer at 44 Riverside Drive, Long Prairie, Minnesota 56347 for the following construction projects: SAP 077-621-018

second by Neumann, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote: To approve the January 28, 2014 minutes as read. General Mike Steinbeisser and Kim Decock, Adult/Disability Services Unit Managers gave an update on the MnCHOICES. The launch date for this program is in August, 2014. Training has been done with Step 1 and Step 2 and the County is still waiting from the State for Step 3. Lisa Chapin, Financial Support Services Unit Manager reported on the MNSure Update. The County currently has 220 cases enrolled in MNSure. This is a 26% increase. On motion by Kircher and second by Erickson, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote: To assign Randy Neumann as the second Commissioner for the MTW Community Health Board temporarily until the newly elected Commissioner is in place. Phil Johnson, Energy Assistance Supervisor gave an update on the Energy Assistance Program. Crisis Assistance has increased due to the propane prices increasing. Vendors have been great to work with during this time. Phil also held discussion regarding the MN Rental Deferred Program. Katherine Mackedanz gave an update on the Drug-Free Communities Grant. $125,000.00 is available through this grant and she will be working on writing this grant. This additional grant money would make it possible to work with other communities in addition to Long Prairie-Grey Eagle and Browerville which they are working with now. If this money is granted to Todd County, it would make this possible through the year 2019. Alicia Bauman, Program Coordinator for CentraCare Health Systems, gave a presentation on the increasing availability of tobacco products now. 1 in 7 MN high school students have tried snuss with 9 out of 10 current smokers that started before the age of 18. Nearly 30% of high school student have tried flavored cigars or cigarillos (MDH). Ever use of e-cigarettes among high school students doubled from 2011 to 2012 (CDC). They are asking the County to assist in policy communication, signage and implementation of activities throughout our community. Discussion was held regarding the increased service that have provided by Rainbow Rider. They have not been reimbursed for by MNDOT over the last 10 years, which finds that they have ended fiscal year 2013 in a deficit. On February 20, 2014 Rainbow Rider Transit Board passed a motion to inform each county of their 2013 budget deficit as well as the projected 2014 budget deficit and they intend to have each county make up the shortfalls. The Commissioners asked that Harold Jennissen, Transit Director attend the next Commissioner Meeting March 18, 2014 for more information. Social Services Fund Warrants

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On a motion by Neumann and second by Kircher the following motion was approved by unanimous vote: To recommend to the County Board the approval of all claims as presented on the Integrated and Disbursements Audit List for the Board on record at the Social Service Office, Courthouse Annex, representing claims in the amount of $105,486.16. On a motion by Neumann and second by Kircher the following motion was approved by unanimous vote: To recommend to the County Board the approval of all claims as presented on the Integrated and Disbursements Audit List for the Board on record at the Social Service Office, Courthouse Annex, representing claims in the amount of $147,507.58. On a motion by Neumann and second by Erickson the meeting was adjourned for the month of February, 2014. On a motion by Kircher and second by Neumann the preceding minutes of the Health & Human Services Meeting held February 25, 2014 were duly approved by a unanimous vote by the Todd County Board of Commissioners at the Social Service Board Meeting held on March 25, 2014. Witness my hand and seal Gary Kneisl, County Board Chairperson Denise Gaida, Todd County Auditor-Treasurer WARRANT LISTINGS Vendor Name COMMUNITY & FAMILY SRVS LLC $5,772.80 DHS $12,505.98 #4453 Foster Care Provider $4,836.00 FRESHWATER EDUCATION DIST $6,000.00 HEARTLAND GIRLS RANCH $5,456.00 KINDRED FAMILY SRVS $11,311.59 MERIDIAN SERVICES INC $4,044.57 NORTHERN PINES MENTAL HLTH CTR $30,225.50 NORTHWOOD CHILDRENS SERVICES $11,952.67 PINEHAVEN YOUTH AND FAMILY SRVS INC $22,648.04 PRODUCTIVE ALTERNATIVE INC - FERGUS $3,365.86 TODD COUNTY DAC $6,321.32 WEST CENTRAL REG JUVENILE CTR $3,208.33 PAYMENTS LESS THAN 2000 $19,858.92 Final Total $147,507.58 DHS $23,573.62 DHS - MSOP-MN SEX OFFEND ER PROGRAM $6,900.60 ITEN FUNERAL HOME $5,067.00 V #12192 $2,545.04 PERISH/ALAN $4,179.35 RURAL MN CEP INC $13,296.24 TODD COUNTY AUDITOR/ TREASURER $15,096.10 PAYMENTS LESS THAN 2000 $34,828.21 Final Total $105,486.16 On a motion by Kircher and second by Neumann the preceding minutes of the Health & Human Services Meeting held February 25, 2014 were duly approved by a unanimous vote by the Todd County Board of Commissioners at the Social Service Board Meeting held on March 25, 2014. Gary Kneisl, County Board Chairperson Denise Gaida, Todd County Auditor-Treasurer
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Property Transfers
WTY Lyda Cich etal to Mary E Kuhnau 2-28-14 pt Lots 10,11,12 Blk 17 Browerville rec 3-7-14 WTY Curtis L Krieg etux to Trustees of the Curtis L Krieg Trust dated 12-8-04, deed dated 2-5-14 S2NE4 and NW4NE4 23-130-35 rec 3-7-14 WTY Curtis L Krieg etux to Trustees of the Curtis L Krieg Trust dated 12-8-04, deed dated 2-5-14 SE4 23-130-35 rec 3-7-14 WTY Aspen Platation LLP to Alan Clm Gettle 3-7-14 pt SE4NE4 35-131-35 rec 3-7-14 SP Wty Fannie Mae aka Federal Natl Mtg Assn to Bryan G Motl etux 2-19-14 Lots 9 & 10 Blk 2 Wilsons First Add to Staples rec 3-7-14 WTY-JT Michael A Schwarzkopf etux to Jerome E eichers etal 3-4-14 W2SE4 6132-34 rec 3-10-14

Student News

The Browerville Boy's Basketball Team was the Section 5A Team All-Academic Champions with a team GPA of 3.609. The team and coach were recognized during the State Tournament and also receive individual certificates for their accomplishments in the classroom.

Harrison Christensen of Browerville participated in the 40th Annual Knights of Columbus State Free Throw Championship held March 29 at Cathedral High School in St. Cloud. Christensen won the local contest in Browerville and the regional competition in Sauk Centre, competing against other 13 year olds. At the State competition he shot 25 of 25 free throws, the only perfect score in over three years at any division. Harrison would like to thank the Knights of Columbus for all their support.

SPRING FLING FUN

Browerville Public School Lunch Menu


Mon. April 7: Mini corn dogs, FF/ketchup, bakedbeans/green beans, apple/orange, milk Tue. April 8: Sub sandwich,tri taters/ketchup, cucumbers, pineapple/pears, milk Wed. April 9: BBQ pork or baked turkey, mashed potatoes/ gravy, peas, peach slices/orange, milk Thur. April 10: Hamburger/ cheeseburger, corn/broccoli, tatertots, applesauce/pears, milk Fri. April 11: Cheese pizza, green beans/carrots, apple/ orange, milk

The Browerville Blade, Page 6, Thursday, April 3, 2014

Browerville students named to Girls All-Conference Basketball were Crystal Pearson, Quinn Kircher, and Paige Callahan. Honorable Mention: Kendra Buchta and Kale Knutson

Tiger Sports
Tue. April 8: BB hosts Kimball; SB hosts Swan-ville; Track @ BBE Thur. April 10: BB @ St Johns; JH Track hosts Pillager Fri. April 11: BB hosts BH/ Verndale; SB @ Eagle Valley

Browerville students named to Boys All-Conference Basketball were Bryce Irsfeld, Jordan Thielen, Cody Hansmeyer, and Trent Johnson

The Browerville Blade, Page 7

Thursday, April 3, 2014

NO APRIL FOOLS, CRACKDOWN ON DISTRACTED DRIVING IS REAL


OFFICERS ARE NOT FOOLING AROUND, WARN OF ENFORCEMENT PROJECT April 11 20 will be specially targeted dates for distracted drivers in Minnesota. Extra patrols including troopers, deputies and city police officers will rally for ten days to curb the distracted driver and the resulting crashes in an enforcement effort. This project will last several more days than last years similar efforts by officers. Distracted driving remains one of the top driving concerns for traffic safety officials in Minnesota. Texting is an issue with drivers of all ages and will be a strong focus during this enforcement project. Current state law prohibits everyone from texting while driving. Regional Public Information Officer, Sgt. Jesse Grabow says, We have to continue working together to create a traffic safety culture in Minnesota, and one way to do that is to get everyone to take personal responsibility for their own actions behind the wheel. These special enforcement and education efforts are components of the states Toward Zero Death (TZD) initiative. A primary vision of the TZD program is to create a safe driving culture in Minnesota in which motorists support a goal of zero road fatalities by practicing and promoting safe and smart driving behavior. TZD focuses on the application of four strategic areas to reduce crashes education, enforcement, engineering and emergency trauma response.

ASK A TROOPER
By Sgt. Jesse Grabow of the Minnesota State Patrol Question: In my defensive driving class recently, the instructor talked about trains and rail safety, and I thought this would be a good topic for you to inform the public about. Thanks! Answer: I have responded to a few of these types of crashes during my career and they can bring a lot of unnecessary misery for sure. Collisions with trains are mostly preventable. Car driver inattention and impatience are cited as the most common factors contributing to motor vehicle/train crashes. In the recent past, our partners at the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) have worked to share the following general rail safety tips with the public to make sure they are not in the way of a train: Motorists should always stop their vehicle when crossing gates are down or lights are flashing; wait for the crossing gates to rise and lights to stop flashing; look both ways, listen and proceed with caution. Also, motorists need to obey all signs and signals at railroad crossings and never stop their car on railroad tracks; always keep their car behind the white lines when approaching an intersection at railroad tracks. Motorists and passenger should get out of the car immediately if it stalls while crossing the tracks, then call 911 or the emergency notification number located on the railroad signal equipment. If a train is coming, abandon the car. Proceed quickly towards the train at a 45-degree angle, so that if the train strikes your car, you will be safe from flying debris. Bicyclists and pedestrians should always look both ways before crossing railroad tracks, cross only in designated areas and avoid crossing when gates are down. They should be aware that trains may operate any time throughout the day and night in either direction, and please know that walking on the railroad tracks is illegal. If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Trp. Jesse Grabow Minnesota State Patrol at 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-2205. (You can follow him on Twitter @MSPPIO_NW or reach him at, jesse.grabow@state.mn.us).

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month


Each year, county boards, governors, and the president of the United States proclaim April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Like all proclamations, this one is about creating a public awareness of an issue that is affecting our lives, communities, and nation. In the United States each year, there are over 237,000 victims of sexual assault and or rape, and those victims are ages twelve and up, and can be boys or girls. These crimes can and do happen in any community. This years focus of Sexual Assault Awareness Month is on youth with a theme of Its Time.To Talk About It. Teens and young adults are a very vulnerable population when it comes to being sexually assaulted, and knowing as many facts and as much information about preventing these attacks as you can is of vital importance to parents and youth. A twelve year old is most likely dealing with changing emotions, a physically changing body and some new found desires brought on by puberty, all of which are natural, but can also put them in harms way. So here are a few facts to help us understand sexual assaults. For instance would you have guessed that two thirds of sexual assaults are perpetrated by someone that the victim knows? I am guessing that most of us prefer to think that it is the person in shades and a leather jacket that jumps out of the bushes. Not so, and another unsettling fact is that over fifty per cent of rapes and/or sexual assaults happen within one mile of a victims home or in the home. Scary thought, right? So how do we protect our youngsters from these life-altering victimizations? We do it by having an open and honest conversation about healthy sexuality, supporting and portraying healthy sexual development, and by talking, talking, talking to our young adults about healthy relationships and respect for one another, and providing them with safe environments. If you would like more information about staying safe, or have been a victim of a sexual assault, and would like someone to talk to, or to know your rights as a victim of a crime, please feel free to contact Hands of Hope Resource Center. We have FREE and CONFEIDENTIAL advocacy services. You can contact us at 320-732-2319, toll free at 888-732-2319, or on our 24hour crisis line at 1-800-682-4547. If you would like to stop in and talk in person we are in Courthouse Annex 1 {Health and Human Services} building at 119 3rd St So in Long Prairie, and we are in the office Monday thru Friday from 8:30 to 4:30. Stay safe! Respectfully Submitted by Connie J Nelson, Hands Of Hope Resource Center

Property Transfers
TRUSTEES DEED Trustees of JMJ Co, a trust dated 11-794 to Trustees of the D6 Co, a trust dated 9-20-13, deed dated 3-10-14 Lot 1 Blk 1 Red Pine Acres Plat Two, rec 3-10-14 WTY Darrell E Bacon to Trustees of the D6 Co, a trust dated 9-20-13, deed dated 3-1014 Loot 1 Blk 1 Red Pine Acres Plat Two, red 3-10-14 WTY-JT Sherry Jane Johnson to Daniel A Sweeney etux 2-26-14 pt NE4NE4 14132-33 rec 3-11-14 QCD Joanne E Crider to Reining Farms aka Reining & Sons fka Robert Reining & sons 2-20-14 S2NW4 & NW4SW4 29-132-34 rec 3-1314

TRUSTEES DEED Robert & Carol A Theisen as trustees of the Robert P Theisen as Trustees of the Long Sunset Views Cabin Trust dated 3-814 Lot 23, Blk 1 Spring Beach rec 3-13-14 DEED of SALE Maureen A Routzahn as personal representative of the estate of Dorothea June Gorman aka D June Gorman to Premier Mailing Corp 3-7-14 SW4NE4 & pt SE4 32-133-33 rec 3-13-14 QCD-JT John Louis Larson etux to John Louis Larson etux 3-6-14 W2NW4 Sec 4 and E2NE4 5-127-35 rec 3-14-14 QCD-JT Mark J Quistorff etux to Mark J Quistorff etux 3-12-14 pt W2SE4, pt SE4SW4, pt Lot 2, pt Lot 3 21-127-35 rec 3-14-14

Browerville Schools

The Browerville Blade, Page 8, Thursday, April 3, 2014

Tiger Scrapbook
American Heritage National Bank
Browerville 320-594-2215 Long Prairie 320-732-6131 St. Cloud 320-654-9555 Located at 617 N Main St Browerville, MN

www.logbank.com

www.tolifsonphotography.com visit us on facebook OR Call 594 -2262

SUPPORT OUR SCHOOLS! Be A Part Of The Tiger Scrapbook Each Season Call Stacey For Details 320-594-2911

Browerville Blade Todd County Country Courier


1-320-594-2911
staff@bladepublishing.net
PROUD OF OUR STUDENTS

Allen Hoelscher Marty Host 594-6410 Browerville

Proud To Support Our Students!

Kathys Korner Kurls

Beauty Service For The Whole Family

Land O Lakes
Browerville Plant

320-594-2211
PO Box 246, Browerville

M-T-Th-F-Sat.~ 1/2 Day


Browerville,MN 594-6202

Were proud of our students!


Long Prairie Packing
Supports Our Local Communities

Clarissa Drug Store Clarissa, MN 1-218-756-2242 Hours M-F 8 am - 5:30 pm Sat 8 am - 12 pm

Duanes Repair
Call for your appointment today!

We are proud to support our students


Browerville Public School
Farmers Co-op Feed Store 594-2415 594-2711
Parts Tools Feed Seed Animal Health Pet Supplies

594-6189 Main Street


Tune-ups Oil Changes & More!!

Aksamit Transportation, Inc.


Mike and Jenny and our drivers

Transporting Americas Pride

Total Express
Gasoline Deli Lottery Picadilly Pizza Videos 457 Main St S Browerville Pizza Hotline --> 320-594-6220

www.itenfuneralhome.com

WITH OFFICES IN BROWERVILLE


320-594-2242

& CLARISSA
218-756-2214

Statema Backhoe Service, LLC


Andy Statema 320-594-2912 Free Estimates For On-Site Septic Systems Basements Designs Front End Ponds Excavating Loader Waterlines Site-Prep Work

Todd County Thread Sheds


Good Quality Used Clothing, Household Items, Shoes, & Misc.
Thread Shed I Browerville 320-594-6456 Thread Shed II Staples 218-895-5023

Thread Shed III Sauk Centre 320-352-2829

SEE MORE SCHOOL PHOTOS AT :

WWW.TCCOURIER.COM

The Browerville Blade, Page 9

AROUND THE COUNTY

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Sheriffs Report
At 4:24 pm, March 3, Keli Roline, Verndale, struck a Verndale school bus on 197th Ave, south of Verndale. Roline was unable to stop due to ice covered road conditions and hit the bus head on. The bus was stopped at the time and Rolines vehicle was traveling at a very low speed at the time of the accident. There were students on the bus, but no one was injured. Both vehicles were able to be driven from the scene. On March 18, at 11:43 am, a two vehicle accident was reported on County 38, west of Long Prairie. A truck, driven by Lee Fearing, was backing onto County 38, when he was hit by a truck driven by John Rueckert. No one was injured in the accident, both vehicles sustained minor damage. On March 27, at 12:53 am, the sheriffs office responded to an alarm at the Little Sauk Legion Post 417. Upon arrival deputies observed a broken window in the business. A vehicle was stopped in the area a short time later and Jeffrey T. Walker, 29, of rural Burtrum, and Jacob L. Bucholz, 33, of rural Grey Eagle, were arrested in connection with the burglary. Charges are pending with the Todd County Attorneys Office. Anyone with information concerning any of these cases is urged to call the Todd County Sheriffs Department at 320-732-2157 or 1800-794-5733.

Court Report
Court appearances are First Appearance, RU8 (second appearance), and Omnibus (third appearance) March 24: Travis R. Radford, Alexandria, appeared for a probation violation hearing. Gabrielle C. Billman, Motley, appeared for a review hearing. Angela M. Techam, Flensburg, appeared for a settlement conference. Brandy E. Peterson, Grey Eagle, appeared for a plea hearing on disorderly conduct charges. A presentence investigation was ordered and sentencing set for May 5. Matthew E. Peterson, Menahga, appeared for a settlement conference on fifth degree possession of marijuana charges. Lawrence J. Pachan, St. Joseph, appeared for an omnibus hearing on two counts of DWI charges. Bernardino Jimenez, Swanville, failed to appeared for an RU8 hearing on no proof of insurance and uninsured vehicle charges. A warrant was issued. Allen C. Erickson, Long Prairie, appeared for an omnibus hearing on two counts each of third and fourth degree criminal sexual conduct. An April 21 settlement conference was scheduled. Patrick J. Neuer, address unknown, made his first court appearance on charges of theft and defeating security on realty. An omnibus hearing was set for April 28. Chad D. Holen, Long Prairie, appeared for a plea hearing on fifth degree possession of marijuana charges. Sentencing was set for May 5. Jeremy W. Peterson, Long Prairie, pled not guilty to charges of two counts of DWI and driving after suspension. A jury trial was scheduled for April 23. Tracy L. Thompson, Sebeka, pled not guilty to charges of two counts of DWI and driving after revocation. A pre-trial hearing was set for April 21. Tuesday, L. Weekley, Staples, made her first court appearance on charges of second degree assault, terroristic threats, fifth degree possession of marijuana, domestic assault, and obstructing the legal process. Bonnie L. Kemper, Grey Eagle, made her first appearance on charges of interfering with a 911 call and domestic assault. An April 10 RU8 hearing was scheduled. Kenneth J. Moscho, Sauk Centre, failed to appeared for a court hearing on charges of exceeding the number of units of vehicles. A warrant was issued. March 25: Marguarette R. Norwood, Browerville, appeared for a bail hearing. A March 31 evidentiary hearing was scheduled. March 26: Christopher D. Stone, Browerville appeared for a probation violation hearing.

Traffic Citations
Todd County Sheriff Eugene T. Buzie, Browerville, terroristic threats-$590.00, 30 days, supervised probation, 5 yr, complete domestic abuse counseling at own expense, not use/possess weapons, no contact w/victim(s), DNA sample, $143.00 restitution Kris J. Dvorak, Eagle Bend, collision w/unattended vehicle$290.00, 10 days, stayed 10 days, 1 yr, restitution reserved Jeffrey R. Hoeschen, Long Prairie, DWI-$515.00, 90 days, stayed 86 days, 2 yr, supervised probation, 2 yr, chem depend eval, MADD impact panel Daniel Ruiz-Zamorano, Long Prairie, no valid license-$190.00 Daniel S. Wegg, Owatonna, expired plates-$120.00; 40/30$40.00

Long Prairie Police Enrique C. Contreras, Long Prairie, marijuana possession$750.00, 62 days, supervised probation, 5 yr, chem depend eval, no alcohol/controlled substance, random testing, not drive w/o valid drivers license Bryan R. Fallon, S St Paul, DWI-$820.00, 365 days, 335 days stayed 6 yr, supervised probation, 6 yr, chem depend eval, MADD impact panel Sarah B. Farris, St Cloud, drive after revocation-$290.00 Staples Police Brookeanda R. Hame, Verndale, drive after revocation-$290.00 David A. Roberts, Staples, 64/55-$130.00 Dylan D. Shequen, Staples, careless driving-$485.00, 90 days, stayed 90 days, 1 yr, supervised probation, 1 yr, chem use assess, MADD impact panel

DNR Darren L. Berger, St Cloud, possess over limit-$140.00 William E. Hohenstern, Long Prairie, possess over limit-$265.00 Keith E. Jones, Sauk Centre, possess over limit-$140.00 MN State Patrol David D. Long, Clarissa, window tint too dark-$140.00 Michelle Richter, Verndale, 65/55-$130.00 Erika D. Breitbach, Elrose, 89/60-$290.00 Dario A. Garcia, Brownton, marijuana in motor vehicle-$140.00 Omar Hernandez-Sanchez, Villard, no MN drivers license$190.00 Mae E. Jackson, Grand Forks, ND, 80/70-$130.00 Taylor E. Lavalley, Elbow Lake, window tint too dark-$140.00 David D. Long, window tint too dark-$140.00 Rochelle N. Nikolai, Moorhead, 80/70-$130.00 Christian J. Nordquist, Waseca, 70/60-$130.00 Lindsey M. Reinbold, Long Prairie, 65/55-$130.00 Michaela E. Schrimpf, Goodhue, 84/70-$140.00 Michael B. Traxler, Long Prairie, no seat belt used-$115.00 Jesse J. Vorpahl, Hillman, 89/60-$290.00

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency seeks lake ice data from citizens
Though it seems this harsh winter will never end, the big spring thaw has arrived across much of Minnesota. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is asking citizens to document one of the most important indicators of spring for our state the date on which ice disappears from a lake, or lake ice-off. Lake ice-off is an important milestone for the state each year, particularly for anglers and water enthusiasts whove been waiting all winter to launch their craftsand themselves--into the water again. But lake ice data the dates of both its appearance and disappearance could also be an indicator of changing climate trends. The MPCA collects ice-on and ice-off data and makes it available to researchers and the Department of Natural Resources State Climatology Office. The more data available to researchers, the better they can track climate trends and their effects on lake health, local wildlife, and citizen lake use. Citizen observers make it possible to maintain records of ice data across the state on a huge numbers of lakes. The MPCA defines ice-off as the date when ice is essentially gone from the lake. If there is some ice pushed up on shore, but the water is ice-free, the ice is considered to be out. Normally, lakes do not refreeze in the spring once the ice has gone, but if ice does form again after the majority of it has melted, record both dates of ice-on and ice-off for the spring. The most important thing is for the observer to document their own perception of ice-off for the lake in question. For one observer, that might mean the ability to navigate a boat from one point to another; for another, it might mean that a lake is ice-free as far as they can see from their house. It is, however, critical for each observer to use consistent criteria from year to year. All ice-off dates, any clarifying definitions, and questions can be emailed directly to the MCPAs ice data collection program at ice.pca@state.mn.us.

Browerville Blade, Page 10

Thursday, April 3, 2014

SERVICE DIRECTORY
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Ardis Ebnet, Designer/Consultant 320-732-3739

John P. Nei DDS William H. Peterson DDS Michael J. Winge DDS


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Clarissa Drug
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M-F 8 am-5:30 pm Sat 8 -12 noon Check for different Holiday Hours in the Newspaper
carp into southwestern Minnesota. Also last year, nearly 8,000 boats arrived at Minnesota water accesses with drain plugs in; more than 1,200 had vegetation attached and 134 had zebra mussels attached. These were all violations of AIS laws. Fortunately, DNRtrained watercraft inspectors were onsite to stop the owners and remove the invasive species before launching. The public is our first line of defense against AIS, said Ann Pierce, DNR section manager. It only takes a few minutes to make sure your boat and equipment are cleaned, all water is drained and drain plugs are removed before leaving the water access. This truly is an example of an ounce of prevention being worth a pound of cure. Enforcement and watercraft inspection together represent the largest segment (43 percent) of the programs annual 2013 budget of about $8.5 million. The budget also covers management and control of invasive aquatic plant species such as Eurasian watermilfoil and curly-leaf pondweed and education. For more information, and a PDF file of the 2013 annual report, visit www.mndnr.gov/AIS.

Bald eagles on spring migration back to Minnesota


Bald eagles are migrating back to Minnesota and may be seen in large numbers across parts of the state over the next few weeks, according to the Department of Natural Resources. "Ice is breaking up along the rivers, so it's definitely time for folks to keep their eyes out," said Lisa Gelvin-Innvaer, DNR regional nongame wildlife specialist. "It all depends on the weather. Its typical to see eagles coming through our area in mid-to-late March, as waters begin to open up and snow melts. Only two states, Florida and Alaska, have greater nesting populations of bald eagles than Minnesota. In 2005, researchers estimated there are more than 1,300 active nests in Minnesota. Fall migration typically occurs as lakes and rivers freeze over, since most eagles prefer a diet of fish. Bald eagle wintering grounds ideally contain open water, ample food, limited human disturbance and protective roosting sites. Not all bald eagles migrate southward in the fall, GelvinInnvaer said. In southern Minnesota, it's common for some eagle pairs to stay the winter, especially during milder winters. This winter weve had a lot more snow and cold temperatures than last year, GelvinInnvaer said. It makes carrion a bit harder for eagles to find. Bald eagles that stay local may begin courting and nesting as early as December or January. Other bald eagles return to their breeding territories, as soon as a food source is available. "Eagle migration hotspots are a bit of a moving target, so it's hard to say where the eagles are right now," GelvinInnvaer said. "In Minnesota, the biggest migrations tend to be along the Minnesota River corridor, the north shore of Lake Superior and around Lake Pepin in southeastern Minnesota." Adult bald eagles are easily identified by a white head and tail contrasting with a dark brown body. Bald eagles attain full adult plumage in their fourth or fifth year. In flight, bald eagles are sometimes confused with turkey vultures. However, bald eagles have a tendency to soar on flat, boardlike wings, while turkey vultures fly with their wings in a v-shape. Bald eagles are an example of how they and many other wildlife species benefit directly from donations made to the

nongame wildlife checkoff on Minnesota tax forms. Checkoff dollars fund research, surveys and education for more than 700 nongame wildlife species. Each dollar donated is matched by funds from the Reinvest In Minnesota account. The DNRs nongame wildlife program is now streaming live video of a nesting pair of bald eagles on its website at www.webcams.dnr.state.mn.us /eagle. For additional information on bald eagles or where to view them, go to www.mndnr.gov/birds/eagles/w inter_wabasha.html or www.mndnr.gov/snapshots/bir ds/baldeagle.html.

DNR report: Aquatic invasive species violation rate drops; still 1 in 5 boaters breaking the law
With another boating season just around the corner, Minnesota boaters and anglers need to continue to take steps to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS). While the rate of AIS violations dropped in 2013, one in five boaters is still breaking the law, according to a newly published annual report from the Department of Natural Resources. The decrease is good news, but we have a long way to go, said Lt. Col. Rodmen Smith, DNR Enforcement Division assistant director. We need to think zero.

The invasive species violation rate dropped to 20 percent last year from 31 percent in 2012. The rate is the proportion of people who were issued citations at roadside check stations set up by DNR conservation officers. Far too many people are still not following the law, Smith said. Boaters and anglers are legally required to clean boats and equipment and drain all water to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. This year, the DNR will increase efforts to ensure boaters follow the AIS laws. Activities highlighted in the 2013 invasive species of Minnesota report: DNR watercraft inspectors, who inspect boats and equipment at water accesses, conducted 123,000 inspections an increase of nearly 62 percent since 2011. More than 1,000 lake service providers have received AIS training and permits. During the first full year of its operation, the AIS Advisory Committee began conversations with boat manufacturers on design modifications to ensure boats drain water more effectively. Initiated risk assessments on the potential for transporting veligers in residual water of recreational watercraft. Collaborated with the Iowa DNR to install an electric barrier on Lower Gar Lake in Iowa to help prevent the migration of Asian

The Browerville Blade, page 11

- Action Ads Action Ads deadline is Friday at noon.


Complete Beauty Service for the Entire Family

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Rates & Policies


Classified Ads: . . . . . . .15 words = $7.00 each additional word 15 Advertising Rate: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4.25 per column inch Inserts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 each $80.00 per thousand Card of Thanks: . .Up to 25 words = $7 25 to 50 words = $10.50 Over 50 words, 5 each additional word In Memory: . . . . . .Up to 25 words = $10 25 to 50 words = $12.50 Happy Birthday Ads . . . . . . . . . . . .(3 inch) with picture = $15.00 Copies: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 1/2 x 11 20 each, 1 side 2 sides =30 11 x 17 = 35 each, 1 side 2 sides = 50 Engagement, Birth, Wedding . .announcement with photo $15.00 Engagement, Birth, Wedding . . .announcement no photo $10.00 Obituary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .no photo $6.00 Obituary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .with photo $10.00 FAX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .first sheet $1.50 each additional sheet 20 Notary Fee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$5.00 Error responsibility: It is the responsibility of the person placing the ad to check for errors and notify our office with corrections. We reserve the right to edit or reject any copy or illustration that does not meet our standards. Letters to the Editor: Letters are welcome and will be published at our discretion. The Browerville Blade reserves the right to refuse, edit or ask for changes in any letter submitted for publication. All letters must be signed and include the authors name, address and a phone number. Printed letters will include only the name and address. Letters to the Editor should include opinions and ideas but should not be personal or libelous. Letters to the the Editor should not be confused with Cards of Thanks Endorsing letters: A letter written only to endorse a political candidate will be considered an advertisement and will be charged as such. Todd County Country Courier: Circulation 10,000 plus Ad rates: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$6.00 a column inch Inserts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 each $80.00 per thousand Deadlines: Browerville Blade: All news and advertising should be at the Blade office by Friday at 3:00 p.m. for publication the following week Country Courier: The Courier is published 11 times a year, mostly on the first Friday of each month. Deadlines are at the week before the first Friday of the month.

Grain Market Report


Corn............................................................$ 3.92 Bu. Soybeans................................................. $13.50 Bu. Prices change daily, call for current price

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I along with others was able to stop. There is still an anti 2nd amendment presence in the hallways of our capitol. As always, I am committed to stopping any restrictions that come forth. Another issue last week was Medical Marijuana. Governor Dayton has caught some heat after telling parents of children advocating for Medical Marijuana, that they should just buy it off the street. This is an unacceptable statement by our Governor. Telling parents to purchase illegal drugs from a drug dealer is very dangerous. I have put the link below if you care to refer to this story. http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/ 2014/03/26/mother-says-daytontold-her-to-buy-pot-illegally/ Thanks for taking the time to read my update. Feel free to reply with comments and concerns. Feel free to contact my office at any time. I am available at 1-651-297-8063 or at Sen.Bill.Ingebrigtsen@senate.mn Bill Ingebrigtsen State Senator District 8 Office Phone Number 651-297-8063

Pro Ag Services Eagle Bend 218-738-2552


Todd County Employment Opportunity In-house and External Posting
Summer Help (Seasonal Temporary) The Todd County Public Works Department has an opening for a temporary Summer Help Position located at the Long Prairie Shop. This position is scheduled for the 13 week summer construction season (mid May mid August). Job Description: The primary purpose of this position is to assist the Sign Technician in the installation of E-911 and road signs throughout the county. This position will also be required to assist the Maintenance Division in a variety of maintenance related activities and the Engineering Division in a variety of road construction inspection related activities as well. Minimum Requirements: This position requires a high school diploma. A basic knowledge of operating machinery and a basic knowledge of the use of a computer is a plus Applicants must possess and maintain a valid MN drivers license. Applicants must pass a background check. Applicants must be able to lift up to 75 pounds. Compensation: $9.00 per hour only. This is a non-exempt, non-union temporary position. How to apply: Required application materials are available at the Public Works Department (44 Riverside Drive, Long Prairie, MN 56347), the County Administration Department (215 1st Avenue, Suite 300, Long Prairie, MN 56347), or on the Todd County Website (HYPERLINK "http://www.co.todd.mn.us/"www.co.todd.mn.us). All applicants must complete an official Todd County Application for Employment to be considered for these positions. Completed applications may be e-mailed to HYPERLINK "mailto:lori.jorgensen@co.todd.mn.us"lori.jorgensen@co.tod d.mn.us, or mailed/delivered to the County Administration Department. Application Deadline: April 25, 2014
Todd County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and curren employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
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Bartender Wanted:
The Browerville Liquor Store is currently accepting applications for a part-time bartender. Competitive payscale with flexible hours available for individuals who know how to treat customers and work well with others. Contact Manager Angie Benning at 320-594-6445
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Senator Bill Ingebrigtsens Weekly Update


Friends, It was quite the week last week at your State Capitol. We are in a full sprint to get this legislative session completed. This week also featured the Perham FFA students and many more. Please stop by, if youre in the area during the legislative session. Finance This week in finance we heard a couple of bills. None of which were all too controversial. Bills ranged from employment service bills to grant allocations for human services. Next week I expect to be very busy in finance as we begin discussions on our supplemental budget. This is a great opportunity for the DFL Majority to fix their mistakes that were made

last year. I remain committed to working with the majority party to help them return the money back as they have just publicly said they would do. Environment, Economic Development and Agriculture This week in Environment we heard numerous bills that were laid over to be included in our biannual bonding bill. Projects this week ranged from ice rinks, trail projects to rural water projects. We will begin work next week on the supplemental budget in this committee as well. Capital Investment The Capital Investment committee did not meet this week. I do expect this committee to start meeting quite regularly. This years bonding bill is expected to be possibly the largest ever. When we consider projects, bonding is intended to help improve basic infrastructure such as roads and bridges or provide a distinct regional benefit. As the legislature moves forward on hearing these projects, essential priorities should be considered. Hot Button Issues Last week a press conference was held to discuss the new legislative office building the DFL Majority slipped in the tax bill last year. The conference held by Republicans called for support on a bill introduced to repeal the new building. I have offered similar legislation. This $90 Million dollar building is completely unnecessary and fails to prioritize our tax dollars. This building project was not brought to the capitol investment committee as it should have been. Our leadership instead, attached to last years TAX bill and was able to pass it without the 60% majority; such a project would normally need in the senate. Also last week included some gun legislation movement, which

DNR promotes conservation officer


Lt. Shane Kirlin, a conservation officer with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, has been promoted to the rank of captain and is now training and recruitment manager for the agencys Enforcement Division. I look forward to expanding our current officer recruitment efforts and working with division training staff to ensure our officers have the skills and abilities that will enable them to successfully carry out the DNRs mission, Kirlin said. Kirlin has extensive training in areas such as use of force and leadership. He graduated from the Conservation Officer Academy in 2001, and was assigned to the Montevideo field station. He transferred to the Madison field station in 2003. He was promoted to a southern regional position in 2006 and was also named District 4 supervisor the same year. Prior to joining the DNR he was a deputy with the St. Louis County Sheriffs Office for nearly four years.

Kirlin attended the University of Minnesota Duluth completing a bachelors degree in biology and psychology. He also attended Hibbing Technical Colleges Law Enforcement Certification Program.

DNR QUESTION OF THE WEEK


Q: With the potential for wildfire season this spring, is there anything people can do now to protect their homes and cabins? A: Now, while the snowpack is still here, burn brush piles. If there is less than 3 inches of snow on the ground, a burning permit is required. Check with a local forestry office.

Late winter is the best time to prune trees. Look at the trees and shrubs within 100 feet surrounding the cabin or house. Eliminate ladder fuels by pruning 6 to 10 feet up from the ground. Thin out evergreen trees so branches are 10 feet apart. Maintain a 10-foot space between the crowns of trees. Clean roof and gutters of any wood any pine needles, leaves or debris. Prune off tree branches touching the house. Move wood piles outside a 30-foot zone surrounding the cabin or house. Make sure the chimney has a spark arrestor. For more information go to www.mndnr.gov/firewise. -Linda Gormanson, regional Firewise specialist

Annual Sand Hill migration is a wonder of nature

The Browerville Blade, Page 12, Thursday, April 3, 2014

April Fools' Day: Origin and History


THE UNCERTAIN ORIGINS OF A FOOLISH DAY
April Fools' Day, sometimes called All Fools' Day, is one of the most light-hearted days of the year. Its origins are uncertain. Some see it as a celebration related to the turn of the seasons, while others believe it stems from the adoption of a new calendar. New Year's Day Moves Ancient cultures, including those of the Romans and Hindus, celebrated New Year's Day on or around April 1. It closely follows the vernal equinox (March 20th or March 21st.) In medieval times, much of Europe celebrated March 25, the Feast of Annunciation, as the beginning of the new year. In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII ordered a new calendar (the Gregorian Calendar) to replace the old Julian Calendar. The new calendar called for New Year's Day to be celebrated Jan. 1. That year, France adopted the reformed calendar and shifted New Year's day to Jan. 1. According to a popular explanation, many people either refused to accept the new date, or did not learn about it, and continued to celebrate New Year's Day on April 1. Other people began to make fun of these traditionalists, sending them on "fool's errands" or trying to trick them into believing something false. Eventually, the practice spread throughout Europe. Problems With This Explanation There are at least two difficulties with this explanation. The first is that it doesn't fully account for the spread of April Fools' Day to other European countries. The Gregorian calendar was not adopted by England until 1752, for example, but April Fools' Day was already well established there by that point. The second is that we have no direct historical evidence for this explanation, only conjecture, and that conjecture appears to have been made more recently. Constantine and Kugel Another explanation of the origins of April Fools' Day was provided by Joseph Boskin, a professor of history at Boston University. He explained that the practice began during the reign of Constantine, when a group of court jesters and fools told the Roman emperor that they could do a better job of running the empire. Constantine, amused, allowed a jester named Kugel to be king for one day. Kugel passed an edict calling for absurdity on that day, and the custom became an annual event. "In a way," explained Prof. Boskin, "it was a very serious day. In those times fools were really wise men. It was the role of jesters to put things in perspective with humor." This explanation was brought to the public's attention in an Associated Press article printed by many newspapers in 1983. There was only one catch: Boskin made the whole thing up. It took a couple of weeks for the AP to realize that they'd been victims of an April Fools' joke themselves. Spring Fever It is worth noting that many different cultures have had days of foolishness around the start of April, give or take a couple of weeks. The Romans had a festival named Hilaria on March 25. The Hindu calendar has Holi, and the Jewish calendar has Purim. Perhaps there's something about the time of year, with its turn from winter to spring, that lends itself to lighthearted celebrations. Observances Around the World April Fools' Day is observed throughout the Western world. Practices include sending someone on a "fool's errand," looking for things that don't exist; playing pranks; and trying to get people to believe ridiculous things. The French call April 1 Poisson d'Avril, or "April Fish." French children sometimes tape a picture of a fish on the back of their schoolmates, crying "Poisson d'Avril" when the prank is discovered.

One of the most amazing sights in nature is the migration of the sand hill cranes near Kearney, Nebraska each spring. An estimated 500,000 cranes stop over at the Platte River on their way north from their wintering places in south Texas. The cranes head to Canada, Russia, and Minnesota, where they lay two eggs and raise their chicks. Twice a day, at sunrise and sunset, visitors from all over the U.S., and more than 60 countries, come to the stretch of river between Kearney and Grand Island to view the cranes taking off at dawn and returning at sundown. During the day, the cranes feed on insects in cow manure and on waste corn in farmers fields, gathering strength for the remainder of the trip to their nesting grounds. They stay in Nebraska for four to six weeks each year. The Rowe Audubon Center is the main location where visitors gather to view the cranes. Photos by Rin Porter.

Commissioners, continued
experience in budget work. Commissioner Randy Neumann and Commissioner Rod Erickson supported Gaidas request. She will obtain cost estimates for budget training and return to a future board meeting to present them and request approval to hire a trainer. Harold Jennissen appeared before the board to discuss the Rainbow Rider deficit once again. Todd County already contributes to Rainbow Rider funding, but since the State of Minnesota reduced the grant to Rainbow Rider, the transit service needs to find money to balance its budget, or make cuts in services. Todd Countys share of the deficit for 2013 is $12,057. Todd Countys share of the deficit for 2014 is estimated to be $26,420. Kircher said the board is deeply concerned about these issues. Jennissen said he could order route cuts, but thats not right for rural Minnesotans who need transportation. The work session lasted more than two hours. No decisions or votes can be taken at a work session, but plenty of discussion is encouraged.

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