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| Back to: Home > Local News & Info > KRWC News Archives 2004 |
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| KRWC News 7/5/04 - 7/11/04 |
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Arson Fire Prompts Sheriff's Department to Seek Help From Public
The Wright County Sheriff's office is asking for the public's assistance in the investigation of a recent arson fire. Sheriff Gary Miller says a cabin on Lake Francis in French Lake Township burned to the ground early Thursday morning, and investigators have determined that the fire was deliberately set. Officials were called to the scene at 4695 Rhoades Avenue Northwest around at around 4:45 AM on July 1st. When the first South Haven fire fighter arrived on the scene a few minutes later, he found the cabin fully engulfed in flames. The Sheriff's Department was assisted by the Wright County Fire Investigations Team, made up of representatives from fire departments across Wright County. Anyone with information on the fire is encouraged to call the Arson Hotline at 1-800-723-2020, or the Wright County Sheriff's Office at (763) 682-1162. A reward of up to $2500 is being offered for information leading to the identification of persons responsible for the blaze. |
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County Fair Event Reminders
Events are coming together for the 2004 Wright County Fair. Youngsters are invited to attend the Wright County Historical Society's country school program at the historic Welker one-room schoolhouse located on the fairgrounds. The school program will simulate a classroom setting in a country school with 6 grades learning together in one room. This year, the program is based on schoolbooks from the late 19th century from the museum's collections. Call (763) 682-7323, or 1-800-362-7323 for reservations. The Fair Board is also reminding area residents that "mega-passes" for the carnival rides are being sold at a reduced cost at many area supermarkets and other businesses throughout the county. |
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Filing Window for November Elections Opens Today
The filing window opens today for all offices up for election in November. Minnesota Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer says all candidates for state or federal offices must file an Affidavit of Candidacy. Candidates running in multi-county districts for federal, state, or judicial offices must file with the Secretary of State's office, and those running in districts contained entirely in one county must file with their respective county auditors. With the exception of the office of U.S. President and Vice President where the filing window ends September 14th, the filing window for all other offices will remain open through July 20th. |
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Holiday Travel Strong Despite Higher Gas Prices
Many people will be heading home today after a very long holiday weekend which started last Thursday for many, and continued through the weekend. Triple "A" estimates close to 39.5 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from their home over the holiday weekend, up a little more than 3 percent from last year's 4th of July holiday period. Of those who are traveling, most are in their cars, and are paying the price. Triple "A" says the average price of a gallon of self-serve unleaded gasoline in the Twin Cities metro region is $1.77, up 27 cents a gallon from last year's $1.50 price per gallon on the 4th, but down more than 20 cents per gallon from a month ago, when a gallon of gas was averaging close to $2.00. |
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Long Holiday Weekend Wraps up With National Holiday Observance
Though the official Independence Day in the U.S. was Sunday, today is also observed as an official holiday this year because of the Sunday holiday. That means all Federal, State, County, and City offices are closed today. Post offices are closed and there is no mail delivery. Most banks are also closed, but the majority of retailers and service stations do plan to be open normal hours today. |
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Monticello Riverfest, Waverly Daze Conclude
Two summer celebrations wrapped up Sunday in Monticello and Waverly. Despite some early morning rain on Sunday, the weather cleared in time for parades, music, and other festivities in both communities. In Monticello, Casey Angell was crowned the new Miss Monticello, with Tifani Stang and Kate Roden princesses. Kristine Retka was named Miss Congeniality. The 2004 Monticello Riverfest Medallion Hunt was running all the way to Sunday morning when Alejandro Sanchez of Big Lake found the medallion in some thick brush near a fire hydrant on Minnesota Street. In Waverly, great crowds came out for the weekend events, including the Sunday parade and the crowning of the new Waverly royalty. Miss Waverly 2004 is Sarah Jacobson, and Princess is Blair Sawatzke. The next community celebration in Wright County is this coming weekend as St. Michael celebrates its Heritage Days. |
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Monticello's Riverfest Begins
Events for the 2004 Monticello Riverfest get underway today as the community celebrates the 4-day summer festival. The "Cool Family Fun Night" will feature classic and modern cars at the Pioneer Park on School Boulevard from 5:30 to 8:30 this evening. Other events include a concert from the Monticello Community Choir, the KRWC Road Show, concessions, a petting zoo, and pony rides. continues through Sunday. |
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Mosquito Season at its Peak, West Nile Cautions
The peak of the mosquito season is here. While the pests have been bugging humans for centuries, a new health threat from mosquitoes has been seen in just the past few years in Minnesota. West Nile Virus has been spreading west, and two years ago, reached Minnesota, and Wright County. West Nile is carried by mosquitoes, spread to birds, and can be transmitted to humans and animals such as horses. Two years ago, many horses in Wright County became sick or died from the virus. Last year however, due to an aggressive inoculation program by owners and veterinarians, very few horses became infected. There is no vaccine against West Nile for humans, however, but Christine Austin-Roehler with Wright County Public Health says though West Nile can make you very ill, and in some cases can be fatal, it is much less likely for people. The best defense against West Nile is to try to keep mosquitoes at bay with a good quality repellent with DEET, wear long clothing while in heavily infested areas, and to try to avoid the most active time for mosquitos, at dawn and dusk. |
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Secretary of State's Voter's Guide 2004 Now Available
Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer says her office has released the new "Minnesota Voter's Guide 2004." The voter's guide lists the offices that will appear on the ballot this fall, dates for the primary and general election, and voter qualifications. The voter's guide also tells about the process for absentee balloting and tells about new identification requirements put forward by the federal "Help America Vote Act." For copies of the new Voter's Guide, contact the Secretary of State's office at (651) 215-1440, or 1-877-600-8683. You may also access the Voter's Guide online at www.sos.state.mn.us. |
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Three Wright County Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor Seats Open in November
Though they aren't the most prominent offices on the November ballot, the three Wright County Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor seats up for election are very important in terms of the environment. SWCD Supervisors set local conservation priorities, and work with local governmental units on environmental issues. Supervisor positions will be open this fall in Districts 2, 4, and 5. For more information regarding the positions, contact the Wright Soil and Water Conservation District office in Buffalo at (763) 682-1970. |
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Veteran's Memorial Park in Buffalo Taking Shape
The new Veteran's Memorial Park in Buffalo is beginning to take shape. The new park is located at the former site of the old “tin man” water tower atop the highest hill in the downtown Buffalo area.
The location of the park has a rich history, and once was a park for travelers and residents alike to take in the unique view of Buffalo Lake and the surrounding area.
Ground shaping and the installation of retaining walls are among the most visible of the initial work being done. If all goes well, the first visitors to the new Veteran's Memorial Park could be welcomed by early fall. |
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Wetterling to File for 6th District Congressional Seat Today
Patty Wetterling is expected to make it official today, as she formally files as a candidate for Minnesota's 6th Congressional District. Wetterling had formed a campaign committee in late April by filing with the Federal Election Commission, but today will file the necessary paperwork with the Minnesota Secretary of State's office to be on the ballot in November. Wetterling is the DFL-endorsed candidate who will challenge incumbent republican Mark Kennedy. |
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