Animal Ag Conference Next Week
Farmers and community leaders from central Minnesota are invited to participate in a day-long animal agriculture conference next week in Willmar. Congressman Collin Peterson is slated to address those on hand, along with other ag experts from the University of Minnesota. The event is scheduled for Thursday, January 8th at the Willmar Holiday Inn. For more information, call (320) 214-7475, or e-mail the Kandiyohi County Economic Development Partnership at edp@kandiyohi.com. |
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Buffalo Man to Serve on Livestock Advisory Task Force
A Wright County man has been appointed by Governor Pawlenty to serve on the newly created livestock advisory task force. Don Berg of Buffalo will represent Land O' Lakes, Incorporated on the panel which will evaluate the competitive status of the state's livestock producers and processors, and will develop specific recommendations to support the retention and growth of the industry in the state. The task force is made up of 14 individuals from the livestock industry, agricultural finance, producer groups, and state government. |
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Local Musician and Radio Personality Dick Gatzke, Dies at Age 79
Family members have announced that a well-known country musician and radio personality from our area died over the weekend. Richard "Dick" Gatzke of Elk River died Sunday at the age of 79. Dick was a radio personality at stations in the region, including here at KRWC, where he hosted "Dick's Country Treasure Chest" Sunday afternoons for several years. Gatzke was also a pioneer ham radio operator and electrical and sound engineer. Funeral services for Dick Gatzke will be held Thursday morning in Elk River. |
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Longtime Wright County Physician Dies in Arizona
Family members have reported that a longtime area physician has died. Dr. Ashley Whitesell died December 19th at an Arizona Hospice Center at the age of 69. Dr. Whitesell helped to start the Buffalo Clinic, and the Buffalo Hospital in its current location. He also served for a period of time as the Wright County Coroner. Funeral services will be held in Phoenix on Wednesday, with another service in the Twin Cities later this month. KRWC will have full details when they are announced. |
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Rep. Borrell Avoids Trial
A State Representative from Wright County has entered a court plea that avoids a court trial that was to start today. Friday, District 19 B State Representative Dick Borrell of Waverly entered an "Alford" plea of guilty on one count of distribution of false political campaign materials related to a mailing that went out to some eleven thousand voters just days prior to the November 2002 election. With the "Alford" plea, Borrell does not admit wrongdoing, but acknowledges that based on evidence against him, a jury could find him guilty. Borrell has accepted terms forcing him to pay 15 hundred dollars to cover court costs, and issue apologies to Darren Knight and County Attorney Tom Kelly. If Borrell has no same or similar charges against him for one year, the matter will be dismissed. The charges against Borrell came after a grand jury found that claims on Borrell's literature stating that write-in opponent Darren Knight had been charged by Wright County Attorney Tom Kelly for defamatory remarks and false campaigning were untrue. |
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Rep. Dean Urdahl Proposes Measures to Keep Rural MN Vital
District 18 B Representative Dean Urdahl of Grove City says he will introduce several new measures in the coming legislative session to help the dairy industry, and outstate Minnesota's job outlook. Urdahl proposes investment tax credits for farmers who modernize, low interest loans and grants for farmers who install methane digestors, and several other incentives which he says will help ensure that rural Minnesota remains a vital part of the state's economy. The first term republican represents portions of Meeker and Wright counties in the Minnesota House. |
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Sherburne County Fugitive Sought
Sherburne County Sheriff's Department officials are asking for help from the public in locating a fugitive wanted on drug and weapons charges. Aaron Beliveau is wanted for the manufacture and possession of methamphetamine and possession of a sawed-off shotgun. A search of the man's residence on Friday turned up what authorities describe as an operational meth lab. Anyone with information about the whereabouts of the man should contact the Sherburne County Sheriff's Department immediately. |
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Waverly Citizens to Meet -For Pete's Sake-
A group of concerned citizens will meet in Waverly this weekend to discuss ways to help keep a longtime business in the community. After more than 25 years, Pete Chimielewski, owner and operator of Pete's Grocery is contemplating selling or closing the business. Many residents feel the small community supermarket fills a need for the community, and they'd like to see the store stay open. The town meeting is set for Saturday at 3 PM at the Waverly City Offices. Any interested persons from the area are invited to attend. |
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Wright County Township Officers Meeting
Wright County Township Officers are reminded again of their first meeting of the new year this week. Township Officers Association Chair Ralph Ordorff asks all members to attend the meeting which has been changed to Wednesday evening at 8 PM at the Wright County Government Center in Buffalo. |
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