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| KRWC News 10/13/03 - 10/19/03 |
2nd Student Shooting Victim Dies, Local Schools Contintue to Review Emergency Plans
Schools across the state, including here in Wright County continue to review their emergency plans, and to critique their security in the aftermath of a school shooting at Rocori High School in neighboring Stearns County two weeks ago. 14-year old Seth Bartell became the second student to die from injuries sustained in the shooting. Bartell died Friday afternoon at St. Cloud Hospital. District 877 Superintendent Tom Nelson says that drills that may simulate a shooting-type incident and a school lock-down may take place at Buffalo High School this fall. Nelson says if the district goes ahead with the drills, they will notify parents in plenty of time for questions or concerns to be addressed. |
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BCT Fall Comedy
The Buffalo Community Theater opens the first of two weekends of light-hearted fun tonight with the comedy, "You Can't Take It With You". The classic 1937 comedy concerns the daily happenings of the eccentric Sycamore family in New York City. Performances this weekend are tonight and Saturday night at 7:30 PM, and Sunday afternoon at 2 PM at the Discovery Center Auditorium in Buffalo. Next week, performances will run Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings at 7:30. Tickets are available at Renaissance West in downtown Buffalo, at the door, or by calling the BCT ticket hotline at (763) 682-9454. |
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Blood Supplies Dangerously Low
Wright County Red Cross officials say the nation's blood supply is dangerously low. Officials with the American Red Cross say that inventories on most blood types is only 3 to 4 days, with type "O" blood in even shorter supply. Recent disasters such as Hurricane Isabelle have dramatically raised the need for blood, but at the same time have also contributed to slower collections. To find a blood drive in our area, log on to the Wright County Red Cross Chapter web site at www.wrightctyarc.org, or call 1-800-GIVE LIFE. |
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C.R.P. Programs Still an Option For Some Farmers
Wright County farmers who are in the middle of the fall harvest should take a close look at some of the less desireable croplands to see if they may be better suited for being enrolled into the Conservation Reserve Program, or CRP. Wright County Farm Service Agency Director Kevin Bergquist says some on-going programs may apply for marginal croplands, or areas that are prone to erosion. For complete information, contact the Wright County F.S.A. office at (763) 682-1982. |
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Cold Weather Rule Takes Effect Today
Minnesota's "Cold Weather Rule" takes effect today. State law prohibits utility shut-offs due to lack of payment during the cold weather months of the year. Customers who fall behind on their bills, or who anticipate having trouble meeting their heating bills need to fill out cold weather rule plan forms and make arrangements with utilities for payment. Under a change in state law this year, all households certified to receive energy assistance will automatically be provided cold weather rule protection. Minnesota's "Cold Weather Rule" will remain in effect through April 15th. |
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Funeral Services Today for 2nd School Shooting Victim
Funeral services are scheduled for today for 14-year-old Seth Bartell, the second Rocori High School student to die following a shooting at the school three weeks ago. Bartell died Friday at St. Cloud Hospital. At a press conference on Wednesday, parents of Aaron Rollins, the other student who died in the shootings said that the whole community of Cold Spring and surrounding areas are in a state of shock and feel the overwhelming loss. The Rocori school district has been awarded a 50 thousand dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Education to help with costs related to special circumstances surrounding the shootings. |
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Grand Jury Probes Rocori H.S. Shootings
Testimony is underway for a grand jury in neighboring Stearns County considering a 1st degree murder indictment in the Rocori High School shooting nearly three weeks ago. 15-year-old Jason McLaughlin of Cold Spring is still in custody after allegedly shooting and killing 17-year-old Aaron Rollins, and wounding 14-year-old Seth Bartell, who died last Friday at St. Cloud Hospital. Cold Spring Police Chief Phil Jones was among the first to testify. Grand jury proceedings are always private, which is especially true in this case because a juvenile is involved. |
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Maple Lake Comprehensive Plan Meeting Scheduled
A town meeting will be held later this month in Maple Lake to get input from citizens on the city's comprehensive plan. The draft plan was developed from input from a previous town meeting in January, as well as from workshop sessions with city officials and staff. The plan is used in future decisions affecting land use, zoning, and development density. The town meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 30th at 6:30 PM at the Maple Lake High School Cafeteria. All residents, local and state lawmakers, and any other interested persons are encouraged to attend. |
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Public Hearing on MN Dot Land Acquisition Policies
A state senate committee will investigate land acquisitions methods used by the Minnesota D.O.T. in acquiring property for construction projects. State Senator Dean Johnson of Willmar called for the hearing after the Minneapolis Star-Tribune ran articles last month alleging that MN Dot offered property owners substantially less than their property was worth, even in cases where they had information indicating that the land value was higher. The public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, November 5th in St. Paul. More information is available from Senator Johnson's office at (651) 296-3826. |
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Rape Suspect Pleads Guilty
The suspect in the rape and assault of a Buffalo woman early this year recently plead guilty to charges in the case. The Wright County Attorney's office says 20-year-old William Bell of St. Paul entered the guilty plea on 1st degree criminal sexual conduct and attempted aggrivated robbery charges at a continuation of an omnibus pre-trial hearing last Friday. Bell was the only suspect in the case of a woman who was attacked in the parking lot of a Buffalo apartment complex in the early morning hours of January 5th. Wright County Attorney Tom Kelly says Bell agreed to the guilty plea in exchange for a slight reduction in sentencing. The plea is expected to result in a 10 year prison sentence followed by 5 years of supervised release. Sentencing is scheduled for Monday, October 27th. |
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Time for Flu Shots!
The influenza season is close at hand, and for many, that means it's time for their annual flu shot. Health officials expect the same types of influenza could invade this year as were seen last year, therefore the flu vaccines include protection against the same strains as in 2002. Anyone over age 50, people under age 50 who have comprimised immune systems or other health concerns, health care and long-term care workers, and many others are advised to get a flu shot. Anyone who is allergic to eggs, have a high fever, or have had a severe reaction to the flu vaccine in the past should not get a flu shot. Flu shot clinics are being held at supermarkets and drug stores throughout the area. Residents may also get a flu shot at WOW van visits throughout the area. |
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Waterfowl Hunters Urged to be Watchful for Swans
The annual waterfowl migration is continuing, and Minnesota DNR officials are urging waterfowl hunters to be careful not to mistake a swan for a goose. Two trumpeter swans were shot during the opening weekend of the waterfowl season at the Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area in neighboring Anoka County. DNR officials say the protected birds are generally 3 to 4 times the size of a typical snow goose, and have very long necks as opposed to the relatively short necks of snow geese. Shooting a swan carries a hefty price tag, and could cost a hunter their hunting privileges for up to 3 years. |
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