5th Annual Memory Walk is Best Yet
Results are in from the fifth annual "Memory Walk" held earlier this month in Wright County to benefit the Alzheimer's Association. Event chair Jill Pingel says 250 walkers raised between 22 and 23 thousand dollars, up significantly from the 16 thousand raised last year. Pingel says part of the success has to be attributed to W.W.E. professional wrestling star Brock Lesnar who agreed to make an appearance to help raise money. Pingel says the groundwork is already being laid for next year's event. |
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Coleman Supports Energy Bill
Minnesota Senator Norm Coleman is pressing for an energy bill which he says is good for Minnesota. The bill includes significant renewable fuels money, and a plan for job creation in northern Minnesota. Coleman says some environmental groups have opposed the plan because of provisions that they feel would endanger Minnesota's north woods area, but he feels that the positives of the bill as it stands now, far outweigh any perceived negatives. |
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Day of Remembrance in Rocori for Victims
Governor Pawlenty has proclaimed today a day of remembrance in honor of the victims of the Rocori High School shooting last week. He's ordered all state flags to be flown at half staff, and is encouraging moments of silence and reflection. 17-year-old Aaron Rollins was shot and killed, and 15-year-old Seth Bartell remains in critical condition. The accused shooter has been charged with 2nd degree murder in juvenile court. Locally, Buffalo High School Principal, Dr. Nick Miller, says teachers and administration were clearly shaken by the events, though he believes the district's high school is very safe. Plans are being put into place to continue with practice lock-downs that will include the students.The drills could take place next month, or in early November. |
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Drought Shrinks Crop Yields
Wright County's fall harvest is continuing, but the drought of this past summer has left many farmers with some very limited crop yields. Wright County F.S.A. Director Kevin Bergquist says while actual yields vary widely across the region, most crops are significantly smaller than average due to the very dry growing season. Bergquist says one positive note is that because of the dry conditions, most crops are coming out of the field needing little, if any, additional drying. That could preserve a slim profit margin for some producers. |
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FEMA Grant to Maple Lake Fire Department
New federal grant money will soon help another Wright County fire department. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved a grant of close to 30 thousand dollars to the Maple Lake Fire Department for improvements to fire operations and firefighter safety. The grant monies may be used for training, wellness and fitness programs, and new protective gear and firefighting equipment. |
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Local National Guard Troops Likely Headed to Iraq
Members of a National Guard battery in Wright County could be headed to Iraq in the near future. Another 150 Minnesota National Guard members of the "D" battery in Monticello were alerted Thursday of their possible deployment that could last up to 18 month, as much as 12 months of which could be in southeast Asia. Currently about 2000 state National Guard troops are on federal active duty. Another 1 thousand guard members begin training soon for a mission in Kosovo. |
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March For Maria This Weekend
Supporters of Lake Maria State Park near Monticello will hold their annual fundraising walk for the park this weekend. The annual "March for Maria" will benefit non-budgeted programs such as those conducted at the environmental center, and will help re-condition the display area of that center. Members of the Friends of Lake Maria State Park say state budget cuts have taken their toll on parks across Minnesota, and Lake Maria is no exception. The "March for Maria" will be held Sunday from 11 AM to 2 PM. The march begins at the park's environmental center, and will continue on the hiking trails in the park. For more information on the march, call (763) 878-2325. |
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New Sheriff's Patrol Districts in Wright County
Six new patrol districts are being developed by the Wright County Sheriff's Department. The on-going population boom in the area has prompted the change according to Sheriff Gary Miller. Miller says 8 to 10 patrol deputies and a detective will be assigned to each of the areas, and a new computer tracking system will help the department evaluate its response needs. The change is in the works, and could be operational soon. |
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Saddle Up For The Cure - Fund Raising Event This Weekend
A unique fundraising event this weekend will benefit research in the battle against breast cancer. October is national Breast Cancer Awareness month, and this Saturday, the Minnesota Equestrienne all women's precision drill team will host the "Saddle Up For The Cure" fundraising trail ride at Elm Creek Park in Dayton. 100 or more riders are expected for the 3 1/2 hour ride, all raising at least $150 each. Proceeds from the trail ride will benefit breast cancer research through the Susan G. Komen Foundation, the nation's largest private funder of breast cancer research. For more information, or last minute donations, call (763) 441-0514, or log onto the group's website at http://www.mnequestrienne.com . |
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Small Business Barometer Somewhat Brighter
There have been a few upturns in the state economy over the last few months that has small business leaders a little more optimisitic than last year as the fourth quarter of the year opens. Mike Hickey is the state director of the National Federation of Independent Business. Hickey says small companies in Minnesota have had a rough time in recent years, and his group is lobbying the state legislature to try to convince lawmakers to avoid large tax increases, or other actions that would hit small employers hard. Hickey says however that small businesses are the backbone of not only Minnesota's economy, but the nation as a whole, and his group is hopeful that small businesses will pull the country out of what some have identified as an economic recession. |
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State Employee Contract Vote Outcome to be Announced Today
Results of a vote by unionized state workers are expected today on the latest contract offer. Members of the AFSCME Council 6, and MAPE unions were urged by their leaders to reject the state's latest offer, which includes a two-year wage freeze, and a new health insurance package that would require sharply higher out-of-pocket expenses. Even if workers reject the contract offer, it would not automatically mean a strike. Depending on how close the vote is, more negotiations could be called. State officials however, say that the current offer is the best they can do under the current budget situation. |
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Teacher of the Year Nominations Now Open
Nominations are now being accepted for Education Minnesota's "Minnesota Teacher of the Year" award. Pre-K through 12th grade public or private teachers may be nominated. Minnesota teachers have traditionally done very well nationally as well. Minnesota is second only to California in the overall number of teachers that have gone on to win the national "Teacher of the Year" award. Four Minnesota educators have won the national award in previous years. To receive a nomination form, call 651-292-4875, or get a form on-line at www.educationminnesota.org. The next Minnesota Teacher of the Year will be announced next May. |
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