27th Great American SmokeOut Observed Today
Millions of Americans who are hooked on cigarettes will try to "kick the habit" today during the 27th annual "Great American SmokeOut". The American Cancer Society encourages smokers to try to quit for at least one day, in an effort to improve their health, and lower their cancer risk. The no smoking day started in Wright County in the 1970's when Monticello Times publisher Lyn Smith challenged the community's smokers to quit cold turkey for a day. The idea caught on, and later went statewide in Minnesota, and still later, became a national, and to some degree, an international event. If you need help trying to break the smoking habit, call 1-800-ACS-2345. |
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3-Day Nuclear Power Plant Drill Begins Today
A 3-day emergency preparedness drill involving the Monticello Nuclear Power Plant begins today. Local, county, state, and federal officials will be involved in the exercise which will simulate a radiologial emergency at the Monticello plant. The drills are conducted every two years as required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Up to 100 people are expected to participate in the various segments of the simulation, which measures the preparedness of all agencies to handle a potential nuclear emergency. |
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Counterfeit Check Ring Uncovered
Authorities in St. Cloud say they have uncovered a counterfeit check ring which they believe was responsible in passing more than 20 thousand dollars in bad checks in five counties, including Wright County. Eight people were arrested late last week in St. Cloud after police searched a motel room, finding computer equipment which they believe was involved in making the checks. |
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Final Day of Nuclear Power Plant Drill Today
The 3-day emergency preparedness drill involving the Monticello Nuclear Power Plant wraps-up today. Local, county, state, and federal officials are involved in the exercise simulating a radiologial emergency at the Monticello plant. The drills are conducted every two years as required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Up to 100 people are expected to participate in the various segments of the simulation, which measures the preparedness of all agencies to handle a potential nuclear emergency. Motorists may see participants in the drill taking samples today at several Wright County locations, including near the MN Road test center near Albertville. |
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Former Senator Durenberger to Host Citizens Health Care Forum Wednesday in St. Cloud
Former Minnesota U.S. Senator Dave Durenberger, the Chair and C.E.O. of the National Institute on Health Policy hosts a special citizens health forum in St. Cloud on Wednesday. Governor Pawlenty has asked the former senator to help discover what Minnesotans want from their health care. Durenberger's group is expected to give recommendations to the Governor regarding addressing health care cost issues during the next legislative session. The citizens forum will be held at the St. Cloud City Council chambers Wednesday from 7 to 9 PM. The meeting is free and open to the public. Reservations are requested by calling (320) 251-2940. |
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Funeral Services for Former Annandale Fire Chief
Funeral services were scheduled for this morning in Annandale for a longtime area businessman and former Fire Chief. Russell Howard died in Annandale on Thursday at the age of 77. Howard was the owner / operator of Howard's Plumbing and Heating for more than 30 years, and served for 36 years on the Annandale Fire Department, including 25 years as the city's Fire Chief. Howard was also involved in the Annandale Conservation Club, and the Annandale Snowmobile Club. |
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Highway 241 Project Included in Federal Transportation Funding
Congressman Mark Kennedy has announced that trunk highway 241 in St. Michael is one of the road projects which has been approved for federal dollars. Some 300 thousand dollars has been earmarked for the project in the 2004 fiscal year Appropriations Conference Report from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The U.S. Highway 10 interchange in Ramsey, and the 10th Street project in St. Cloud also have been approved for 200 thousand dollars each. Congressman Kennedy says the bill will help keep rural communities connected to cities both large and small. |
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Homestead Status Deadline for 2004 Approaching
Property owners who want to claim homestead status for 2004 on a property that was not receiving that tax break previously, need to file information with the County Assessor's office by December 15th. The deadline applies to homeowners who recently purchased, or constructed a home that had not been receiving the homestead tax break in the past, or to change the status of a previously owned property such as a lake cabin that they now plan to live in throughout the year. For complete information, or answers to any questions you may have, contact the County Assessor Greg Kramber at the Wright County Government Center. |
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Longtime Country School Teacher Remembered
A longtime teacher in country schools in the area will be remembered at funeral services today. Beatrice Marohn of Maple Lake died Saturday in Buffalo at the age of 91. Marohn taught at various country schools for decades, ending her teaching career in 1974 with the Maple Lake Public School District. Funeral services for Beatrice Marohn are scheduled for 1 PM at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Middleville Township. |
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Major Snow Storm Ahead?
Weather forecasters say the potential for a major blast of snow could roar through Minnesota over the weekend, possibly leaving behind as much as 6 to 12 inches of snow. Snow is expected to start this evening, with the potential for heavier snow through much of the day Sunday. Stay tuned to KRWC Radio for complete weather details through the weekend. |
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Maroon Day on December 19th
The State Patrol says there will be a sea of maroon on state roadways in mid-December. Friday, December 19th has been designated as "Maroon Day." All sworn members of the State Patrol regardless of rank or assignment will be on patrol duties for a day in an effort to promote public safety through enforcement and education. Maroon Day will focus on drivers who are impaired, speeding, driving inattentively or aggressively, and drivers or passengers who aren't buckled up. |
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Monticello National Guard to go Active
More than 140 members of Monticello's National Guard unit will depart soon for active duty in the middle east. Members of the Delta Battery of the 216th Air Defense Artillery Battalion were put on alert in September, and were notified recently that they would be activated for service in or near Iraq. About half of the 144 soldiers in the Delta Battery live in the Wright and Sherburne County area. Families, friends, and the community as a whole are invited to attend a formal farewell ceremony Saturday at 1 PM at the Monticello High School Auditorium. An early Thanksgiving dinner for the soldiers and their families will be hosted by the National Guard following the ceremony. The unit is expected to officially depart for duty on Tuesday. They could be active for up to 18 months. |
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Nuclear Power Plant Drill Continues
The 3-day emergency preparedness drill involving the Monticello Nuclear Power Plant continues today. Local, county, state, and federal officials are involved in the exercise l simulating a radiologial emergency at the Monticello plant. The drills are conducted every two years as required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Up to 100 people are expected to participate in the various segments of the simulation, which measures the preparedness of all agencies to handle a potential nuclear emergency. |
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Rep. Kielkucki to Become Deputy Secretary of State
State Representative Tony Kielkucki of Lester Prairie, who confirmed recently that he would resign his legislative seat this month, has announced his career plans. Kielkucki says he has accepted a Deputy Secretary of State position, and will step down from his Minnesota House seat on Monday. Kielkucki was first elected to the Minnesota House in 1996, representing Wright, Meeker, and McLeod Counties. Recent re-districting narrowed his area of representation mainly to the McLeod and Meeker County areas. The 52-year-old republican says the democratic process is only as good as the election process, and he looks forward to the new challenge. A special election will need to be held to fill the vacant seat. There's been no word yet from the Governor's office as to when that election might be held. |
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Rep. Urdahl Pushes for Ways to Keep Milk Transportation Costs Down
State Representative Dean Urdahl is looking for ways to help milk producers keep transportation costs down. Urdahl formed a dairy study group this summer, comprised of industry leaders, producers, and dairy stakeholders. The group looked at ways that industry or legislative initiatives could help address concerns within the dairy industry. The Grove City republican has suggested a milk trade program, common dispatch, or other voluntary programs that could help daiy producers keep their milk hauling costs down. Due to the declining number of dairy producers, many processors have to travel farther to contract milk. Urdahl says that costs the average Minnesota producer about 18 cents more per hundredweight than a producer in Wisconsin, and more than 30 cents more than a California producer. |
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Trial Date Set for State Representative Dick Borrell
A January 5th trial date has been set for State Representative Dick Borrell of Waverly. Borrell faces charges of false political campaign statements stemming from a mailing sent to voters claiming that criminal charges had been filed against opponent Darren Knight. Knight had been cleared of any wrong-doing in a complaint filed by Borrell about two weeks prior to the 2002 elections. Borrell's attorney has asked for a change of venue in the case, and reportedly has acknowledged that a plea bargain has been discussed. |
