Merry Christmas

"I am not alone at all, I thought. I was never alone at all. And that, of course, is the message of Christmas. We are never alone. Not when the night is darkest, the wind coldest, the world seemingly most indifferent. For this is still the time God chooses." ~ Taylor Caldwell

We finally brought a Christmas tree home over the weekend. It is a rather long story on why it took so long, but the good news is we have one.

We waited until Sunday to go looking and because the Vikings were playing some team in some big important game, we were short of time. One suggestion was to just go out to the woods by our house and cut one down.

The 150 acres we call "our" woods does belong to us — in a way. It is our association land. We are not allowed to cut any trees from there. So what my husband meant was to cut one down from the state land that is nearby.

Now, I truly believe there is something wrong with having a stolen, illegal Christmas tree. I refused and put up a fight.

I won. Sort of.

So we thought we would just drive the 20 miles into town to the gas station at the Hwy 18/25 junction. I saw 3 trees there just the day before and they looked fine. Nice full balsam firs with soft fragrant boughs.

Well, by the time we got there, there was only one tree left.

There is a reason it was the last tree.

But not to let my son down, I said, "Oh look! They saved the best tree for us!"

He looked at me like I was a martian. A green one.

It is a tall skinny tree, perfect for our small living room with vaulted ceiling. The first Christmas we were at the house I wanted the biggest tree. So we got a 16-foot tree. It looked a lot smaller in the field let me tell you. By the time we got it home, up and decorated, it took over our whole house. We had to tie it to the wall to keep it from tipping over.

We wont do that again. But it is funny to remember.

So, now we have this tall skinny tree with miss-placed branches. It is like parts of it forgot to grow.

I told my son that the holes in it are perfect! Because if you are sitting at the dinning room table and look through one of the holes, you can still see the TV!

He bought that.

But there really is no such thing as an ugly Christmas tree. Look at Charlie Brown as an example.

Once we got it decorated, it is the most perfect tree we have ever had.

Well, maybe that is a stretch, but it looks nice. A simple, silly, sort of looking tree. But it is the thought that counts.

I am off for a few days to spend Christmas with my family. I am so looking forward to that. All of the LaMoore's and parts of our extended families will be together in Walker for at least one full day. We have so much fun, it is unbelievable.

My sister has a cabin on Leech Lake that can sleep all of us comfortably. The boat house sleeps about 4 people comfortably, but no plumbing in the winter. That can be a problem as it is a long hike back up to the main house. But the view is spectacular from inside the cozy warm room with a gas fireplace for heat.

The rooms of the cabin are filled with laughter whether we are all playing games, preparing a meal, unwrapping gifts, or just sharing stories over bottles of wine. I can just hardly wait to get up there.

I hope all of you cherish your memories of past and make new ones.

God bless you all and Merry Christmas!

Peace.

"The only real blind person at Christmas-time is he who has not Christmas in his heart." ~ Helen Keller

Small town politics

Reading the comments on the Messenger online regarding DeCoursey's latest move
(See City pays legal bill at

http://www.millelacsmessenger.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=19488&TM=41591.84

When you live or work in a small town it is easy to feel comfortable in your own skin, in your own hood. Sometimes you get so comfortable you forget there is more to the world than what is under your feet or as far as you can see out your window.

And like the song says,

"Every last one, route one, rural heart's got a story to tell, Every grandma, in law, ex-girlfriend, Maybe knows you just a little too well. Whether your late for church or you're stuck in jail, Hey words gonna get around. Everybody dies famous in a small town."

But to the outside world, Isle is looking a little more like a comical made-for-TV-movie.

One of my favorite comments on the web is from "Paul" wherever he is from.

"This story is a prime example of why I love the Mille Lacs Messenger. There is always something good to read, whether its the politics of Isle that have been going on for years and years, or the more recent McGrath issues. or even the stuff with the tribe. The Messenger always has something that makes me chuckle and think, even though its entertaining, I'm glad I don't live up there."

It is entertaining around here sometimes. The sad part is when Paul said he is glad he doesn't live up here.

Actually, I have said I am glad I don't live in Isle myself. I just work here. And I have, on rare occasions, wished I did live in Isle. But just for the wonderful friends I have here. My friend Tammy was baking cookies the other day and enjoying a glass of wine while it was snowing. She had gone skiing in Father Hennepin Park earlier. We were texting and if I didn't live 37 miles away, I would have been able to walk over and join her. OR ski over, even better. As it was, even my little Jeep didn't want to make the trip. It would have been an hour drive each way in the heavy snow. So, we just texted. (Is that a word?)

Every town — big or small — has ups and downs. I live in a small town on the other side of the big lake. Even smaller than Isle but bigger than McGrath. And technically, I don't live in town, so I don't get a vote in the politics of Garrison. There are only 213 people in Garrison. And not very many of them attend the council meetings. But the city attorney is usually at every meeting. The planning and zoning people are usually at every meeting and so is the fire chief, all of the council members, the mayor, a city clerk that is totally amazing, and the city engineer. The council members are not afraid to ask questions or to second guess the mayor or the attorney or the engineer if they think something isn't right.

Sure, not everything runs smoothly in Garrison all of the time. I can remember when the sewer was just a dream (now reality) and when MnDOT talked of the Hwy 169 bypass. Those issues got people a little ruffled. But for the most part, it runs smoothly.

I can assure you that if Mayor John Schley said he wanted the city to cough up nearly $30K for his personal legal fees, Cathy Thompson would put her foot down — or up his hind-end. And so would Pat Charlson and Polly Williams. They would question it thoroughly. While the issue might get tabled until the next meeting where it might get passed, they wouldn't just take John's word. They would question it and think about it before they cost the tax payers that kind of ching.

Pat and Polly have resigned from the council. Both will be missed. They have done well for the town. I hope the new council members, Lori Puente and Matt Beiver will be able to ask questions and speak up. I really don't doubt that they will.

Back to the comments: Mike A. suggests the city sue DeCoursey in a class action suit. He even suggested there is probably no shortage of attorneys out there to take on the case. Maybe he is one of them?

DeCoursey was found not guilty of the crime and had the case expunged. That should have been the end of it. But he is the one who wont let it go.

And maybe he should.

But people, it is time to fight back.

Peace.

Wake up Isle people! Don't miss tomorrows paper

Along with all of the usual variety of local news about weather and Santa and singing for the holiday, you will find some very interesting information about the city of Isle and the latest antics of the soon to be previous mayor Mike DeCoursey.

Apparently, DeCoursey held a little personal fundraiser where he is the beneficiary and the tax payers of the city of Isle are the donors. DeCoursey out-smarted the people again as he finessed the city council members into believing the city should pay for his legal fees in his criminal court case earlier this year when he was accused of assaulting a police officer. The cost to the tax payers of Isle — $29,500.

I have got to hand it to DeCoursey. His rough-hewn smooth talking had the council believing that the city attorney advised them to pay the bill. When in actuality, DeCoursey himself told our Messenger reporter Diane Gibas after the meeting, that his private attorney suggested he try to get the city to pay the bill. DeCoursey did not consult the Isle city attorney on the matter.

Way to go, DeCoursey. Good thing he got that taken care of a mere three weeks before his term as mayor of the city of Isle is over.

As for the city council, I cannot believe only one of them questioned this latest move by DeCoursey. Even arch enemies of the bearded bureaucrat voted in his favor. As for the vote, DeCoursey himself should never have been allowed to vote on this issue. He should have abstained from voting as he was the direct subject of the vote. It would not have mattered, as it turned out there were three aye votes without DeCoursey's (and one nay). It is perhaps a potential matter of ethics.

DeCoursey merely said he has no personal financial gain from voting. Excuse me? The vote resulted in a chunk of change for DeCoursey. Whether he gives it to his attorney to pay for his own personal legal fees, DeCoursey still benefits from the money. He received a top-rated attorney for his personal criminal defense — for FREE.

Maybe each citizen in Isle should have just written out a check payable to DeCoursey for about $42.15. Not each household, each citizen — men, women and children. I am sure that in these tough economic times, they would be happy to give the mayor an early Christmas present.

Apparently, DeCoursey said he is pursuing a civil case against the officer and "any money" he receives will be turned over to the city. They got that in writing. So, if the people of Isle don't remember anything they should remember that DeCoursey said any money. The civil suit, by the way, the city already agreed to pay for out of their pocket, too. Remember the $5,000 down payment to an attorney for a lawsuit on behalf of the city for plaintiff's they couldn't even tell you who they were.

The story in this weeks paper says the council decided to press charges against officer Connolly for the Isle days incident. Ok, a couple of things are wrong with that statement. Diane said they were the words of the council and DeCoursey so she didn't want to correct them. But I will just point a couple of things out.

First of all, the city council cannot press charges against anybody. Only the County Attorney can file charges after a complaint has been made and then investigated by law enforcement such as city police, or county sheriff's office. An investigation by a private firm does not count in a criminal case. Basically, the city wasted the money they spent on that private firm when it comes to any criminal case.

If you remember, the city paid for that private firm because they said they had asked several law enforcement agencies to investigate it and none of the would do it. Just a thought here, but maybe because they didn't think there was a case to investigate.

Secondly, the city still didn't say what the allegations against Connolly are. Nobody has said publicly what the case might be.

When speaking of DeCoursey and the Isle Days incident, Russ Jackson got it right when he said, "In my opinion he wasn't acting in any official capacity for the city." DeCoursey himself testified on the stand under oath that he was protecting his wife. He didn't say, "as mayor of this city I am protecting this citizen." He said he was protecting his wife.

Good thing he got the money before the end of the year and the end of his term.

Peace.

Mille Lacs Band election wrangling

The former Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe chief executive Melanie Benjamin announced her plans to run for re-election several weeks ago. She filed for certification by the Band Assembly and she was denied the opportunity to run for re-election. They said she was not eligible.

Since then, the matter has been brought before the Tribal Executive Committee, not once but twice. The committee met again on Monday, Dec. 8 in a special session to discuss the election certification.

Sources who were at the meeting said the committee heard arguments from Herb Weyaus and MLB solicitor general Rjay Brunkow. Apparently the question was raised as to why Benjamin wasn't certified in the first place, because in the eyes of the TEC she met all of the criteria according to the Minnesota Chippewa Tribes Constitution.

Weyaus said it was because Benjamin was convicted of stealing money from the tribe. When the committee asked if Benjamin had indeed been charged, tried and convicted of any crime, Weyaus said yes — in his eyes. "Her removal is our conviction," he said.

When the committee asked if she had been charged, tried and convicted in any court, Brunkow said she could be charged in tribal court within two weeks. Brunkow explained in a follow up phone call later what he said was if his office could conduct interviews and build a case he would be able to charge Benjamin in tribal court, under tribal law.

That is not the same as being charged in State or Federal Court. In Tribal Court, under Band statutes and tribal law, Benjamin could be charged and tried. Any conviction in tribal court would have no baring on state or federal law. For the sake of argument, let's say the tribal court makes a ruling that Benjamin is guilty. The only means of punishment the ML Band has is basically restitution and they can withhold her per cap payments and other funding. There is no jail agreement in place between the ML Band and any county or tribal jail. Benjamin could still be charged and tried in state/county and/or federal court.

I asked Brunkow why, when the alleged crime was committed in Mille Lacs County, and the crime allegedly involved quite a bit of money, did he not refer the case to the county and have the county investigate and leave the charging decisions to the county attorney. Basically removing any possible conflict of interest and it may perhaps have been a faster means to the end than waiting for the federal government.

Brunkow said the Band is cooperating with the federal government.

The TEC said this is a constitutional issue and they have an obligation to uphold the Constitution. They made their opinion clear this is not an issue of "who we like and who we don't." It is constitutional. Period.

The TEC passed a motion that their interpretation of the constitution and election statutes that Benjamin is eligible to be a candidate. The motion was seconded, voted 9 in favor to 2 against. Weyaus and Blake were the 2 votes against.

Now comes a tricky part. The primary election will be held next Tuesday, Dec. 16. The ballots have apparently all been printed prior to the TEC meeting. Benjamin is not on the ballot. The MCT does not recognize write-in votes.

It will be interesting to see what happens next. The Band can take action to post pone the election long enough to re-print the ballots and put Benjamin on the ballot. That most likely will not happen, Brunkow said.

The election will most likely continue as is, unless something major comes up between now and then — in four days.

So, what happens after the election? What are the possible consequences to the Band for not recognizing Benjamin as an eligible candidate? Even after the TEC recognized the Band Assembly is not in accordance with the MCT Constitution?

Mark Anderson, attorney for the MCT said there are a couple of possible scenarios:

1) The TEC may do nothing. They may take the stand that the ML Band held a valid election and should not punish the newly elected.

2) The TEC could decide not to recognize the newly elected chief. The Chief would, then, not be recognized by the MCT. It would be like there is no chief of the Mille Lacs Band.

3) The TEC could censure the ML Band in future votes. The representatives from Mille Lacs could attend TEC events, but they may not be eligible to have a voice.

What actually will happen, is not known. We will not know until after the vote.

I asked Brunkow why the Band didn't just put Benjamin on the ballot and let the people decide if they felt she was worthy of the position or not. Brunkow maintained the position that Benjamin is guilty of a crime — although not charged, tried or convicted in any court, tribal state or federal. The Band would like to attain restitution and find a mechanism to keep this from happening again.

Hummmm, isn't that mechanism already in place? Isn't that what the seperation of powers is suppose to do? Isn't that Herb Weyaus's job as secretary treasurer? to oversee all financial operations of the Band? And if he could not be bothered with the housing development department, then there is the commissioner of finance that is suppose to oversee the financial operations of the departments. One would think there would be a series of checks and balances in place and SOMEBODY should have noticed there was a bunch of money missing, or that bills were not being paid and that houses and buildings were not being built. If they don't have time to deal with housing monies, are they doing everything they can to ensure the gaming monies are put in the right place? What about the funding for the Band members trust funds? Who is watching that money?

Just a thought.

Peace.

When thank you is not enough

Not what we give, But what we share, For the gift without the giver Is bare.
~James Russell Lowell


I am truly amazed at the kindness and generosity of people. Words cannot express what is in my heart about how I feel after the Benefit for Michael Wachsmuth on Saturday, Dec. 6.

Where do I start to thank everyone? And how do you say thank you to people for changing the world through their expressions of kindness?

The benefit was a huge success and thanks need to go out to everyone for making it happen. Every dollar and every cent donated either by items for the auction, raffle tickets, poker tournament, pig roast, time and talents, mailed in checks or the donation jar added up to quite a lot.

How much? I am pleased to inform you that we exceeded our goal. I don't have the exact dollar amount (because I forgot to write it down) but through all combined efforts the total came to over $11,000.

Thank you all.

I need to thank all of the volunteers who put in many hours of planning before hand and worked their butts off on Saturday. Thank you.

A giant thank you to Tim and all of the dealers from the Mille Lacs Grand Casino who volunteered their time, some taking the day off from work, or sleep, to work the benefit and some giving up a good day's wages so that they could be there for the benefit. I was amazed and grateful. Thank you.

Thank you to Bugs Haskin, Mary Simon, Donna Benson, student Kayla Cash of Nay Ah Shing schools and all of the students of Nay Ah Shing schools who worked very hard to raise over $1,100 to donate and to those who donated. Thanks for all of the items you put together for the silent auction. That still just blows me away and the amount of quality items you brought in and the money each one generated. Bugs, Mary, Donna and Kayla also donated their time on Saturday to help and collected more donations by offering pictures with Santa from Pow Wow pics with the proceeds going to the benefit. Thank you.

Thank you to Mark Tadych and his staff at the Blue Goose. Thank you all for all of the cooking and serving you did and for just being there. Mostly for putting up with some of our demands (requests?) but you were all fabulous to work with. Thank you.

Thanks to everyone who worked hard to collect donations and to those who donated items for the silent auction and raffles. Thank you.

Another giant thank you to Carl Larson and Ron Lingwall who cooked two full pigs in below zero windchill temperatures. The pig was fabulous! And you guys are the greatest for volunteering your time and talents. Thank you.

Thanks to every poker player and to every person who enjoyed the pig roast. And to everyone who came in to participate in the benefit in anyway. If you were unable to donate dollar amounts, your presence at the event was gift enough. Showing support to Michael, his family and a community event such as this was huge. Thank you.

Thanks to all Garrison civic organizations who donated. When we asked you, you didn't hesitate. You just got out your checkbooks and helped to make it happen. That is so huge. Thank you.

If for any reason I left anyone out, I can assure you it was not intentional and I deeply apologize.
Thank you everyone.

I think that Michael would have been proud to see his community come together they way they did. It was Michael's nature to be happy, and make sure that everyone around him was as happy as they could be.

Saturday was a good day. There were many stories about Michael and yes, there were a few gallons of tears. But mostly, the day was good. There were laughs overriding the tears. And people felt good.

There is nothing that can compare to the experience and deep feelings when one loses a loved one. The experience can test one's faith, not only in God, but in human nature. My hope is that those who feel tested will approach their feelings honestly and work through the pain.

Sometime through tragedy comes good. I have talked to a couple of people (names withheld for privacy) who said that through this entire tragedy came good. It brought people together, strengthened relationships, helped some people better understand themselves and new friendships were forged.

I spoke with one who was frustrated that so much attention and emphasis was placed on Michael when others also need help. True. And when someone asked me to sum up in a few sentences why a person should donate to this particular cause when there are so many other causes and deserving people to help, I simply said, I have no reason for you to give to this or any other cause. You simply need to follow your heart. When you feel strongly enough about something, when you are passionate, you don't necessarily need an explanation in words. Hopefully your actions will speak for you. Follow your heart. Give where you can. Do what you can. But do so with your heart.

I will be forever thankful for the new friends I have made and what I have learned about myself and the people in this community. I know that my journey is not complete. I have much to learn. I am just so glad that I met such wonderful people through this. We shared a lot of tears and a lot of laughs.

And that is what Michael would have wanted.

Thank you all.

Peace.

Good day to be working

Oh my gosh it has been a busy day!

It started out, I was on the radio this morning (3Wi) to promote Michael's benefit tomorrow at the Blue Goose in Garrison. Remember, I am a writer, not a speaker. I was a little nervous, but it was so short, I think I did OK.

Then picked up a bunch of stuff for the silent auction and in to the office I went.

There was a bad accident on Hwy. 169 about 10:30. I went. Talked to the usual FD and law enforcement personnel and some of the people who were first on the scene.

That was an amazing story of everyday heroes. Those people were just going about their regular routine and came upon an accident. They pulled people from a burning vehicle and put the fire out with fire extinguishers. They attended to wounded.

In my eyes, each and every one of them are heroes.

Then on to my other duties as assigned — working on stories for next week's edition of the Messenger.

Here is a little run down:

* Mille Lacs Band election certification eligibility
* Kids Quest at casino update
* Garrison City Council
* Community choirs
* Usual run down of felonies (there have been a few this week)
* Perhaps an update on Michael's benefit
* Fatal accident near sandstone where a local 23-year-old gal from Aitkin was killed.
* Anything else that comes up between now and Monday and anything I forgot

During all of this busy-ness today, I just have to say that I am very grateful that I have a job. Seriously. And I am not just saying that to butter-up my boss. (I am not sure if he even reads this blog to tell you the truth.)

It is just that with so many people out of work right now, I am very lucky to be working. The Star Tribune and the St. Cloud Times both just laid off over 20 employees and the Brainerd Dispatch laid off 10.

Yep. I am darn lucky to have a job.

Peace.

p.s. Please remember to come to the benefit for Michael Wachsmuth on Saturday at the Blue Goose. Thank you.

Everyday heroes

he⋅ro

1. a man [or woman] of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his [or her] brave deeds and noble qualities. 2. A person who, in the opinion of others, has heroic qualities or has performed a heroic act and is regarded as a model or ideal. Dictionary.com

The Mille Lacs area is full of every day heroes. They are mostly a silent humble bunch who go about their day just doing their job — whatever that may be.

And suddenly, they get the call that somewhere, someone needs help for whatever reason.

These unsung everyday heroes respond. Mostly volunteer. They do their thing, touching someone's life. Perhaps they save a life. Perhaps not. Perhaps save a house or a building. Perhaps not. Perhaps find a missing person. Perhaps not.

But the men and women who volunteer for our local fire departments and search and rescue are everyday heroes. Without much recognition.

The fire that destroyed Merit Enterprises last Friday turned out firefighters from several area fire departments. The men and women battled that blaze for over 9 hours, one of the firefighters wives told me.

What did he get paid for his efforts? One dollar an hour is what it ended up to be. And he lost a day's wages at his regular job.

The building is a total loss. People's lives are on hold having lost their total business for the owners and the employees are wondering what they are going to do now as well. Nearly 30 people were employeed at that factory. It is truly a heartbreaking story. You can read it in entirety on our web page and view some photos. Go to www.millelacsmessenger.com

Although the building could not be saved the firefighters worked for hours tyring to do so. A wise old fire chief once told me that sometimes, all they can save from a burning building is a photo or two. Those photos can become the most precious thing in a person's life from that day forward.

To all of the men and women who gave their time and effort to fight that fire, I salute you. To the members of the medical field, the ambulance crews ready to help, I salute you. You are all everyday heroes.

The Mille Lacs County Search and Rescue team is also volunteer. That crew dedicated several hours (every daylight hour) every day for about 25 days in an effort to find Michael Hedin of Maple Grove who went missing from his fishing boat on Oct. 29.

Search and rescue teams from several neighboring counties assisted in the efforts as well as the National Guard.

Weather conditions throughout most of the search were not pleasant to be diving in the lake, or on a boat on the water or flying above the water. But I don't know of anyone of those men and women who complained. They were dedicated to their mission with compassion.

They were all volunteer. They were all mostly local.

My hat is off to you all and I salute you.

I was talking with CW5 Curtis Skoog the OIC from the National Guard mission crew one night after a day of searching. He lives in the Cities but he told me that if he ever considered moving out of the Cities, he would definitely consider moving to this area. Not because of the fishing or hunting, but becase of the people. The first thing he would do if he moved here would be to join the Search and Rescue team. Because of the people. He told me the search and rescue crew he worked with on the Mille Lacs Lake missing angler mission were some of the best folks he has ever met.

I think that says a lot for all of you everyday unsung heroes.

The firefighters, medical crews and search and rescue teams have all very recently shown remarkable distinguished courage and abilities and should be admired for their brave deeds and noble qualities. According to Dictionary.com that makes you all heroes.

Thank you.

Peace.

"Those who say that we're in a time when there are no heroes, they just don't know where to look." — Ronald Reagan

Happy Thanksgiving

“We cannot do great things on this Earth, only small things with great love.” Mother Teresa

Well, folks, that's it for me for the day. I have a few errands to run before heading south for Thanksgiving dinner with my family. South meaning Cannon Falls.

I just love getting together with my family. We have so much fun together you just could not imagine. I have three siblings who are some of the most awesome people I know. And their spouses are just as cool, adorable and lovable as my sibs.

Not to mention all of my way-cool nieces and nephews! Don't get me started. I am so proud of all of the them — big and small ones.

Where would any of us be without my mom and dad? Not to mention how very cool they are.

I am so thankful for my family. I have been truly blessed.

Happy thanksgiving to all of you!

Peace.


“We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.” Frederick Keonig

Michael Wachsmuth's benefit still on

"Firemen never die, they just burn forever in the hearts of the people whose lives they saved." ~Susan Diane Murphree

Although Michael Wachsmuth, a Garrison Firefighter, lost is battle with brain cancer, the benefit that was scheduled prior to his passing is still going forward as a memorial benefit. The Garrison Fire Auxiliary Association and the Garrison Fire Relief Association are working together to raise nearly $10,000 to cover the funeral expenses for the family.

DATE: December 6, 2008
WHERE: Blue Goose Inn, Garrison. Hwy. 169
WHAT AND WHEN: There will be a couple of things going on. Come for all of it, or part of it. You decide what works best for you.

Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament from 1 pm - 5 pm (Pre-registration is suggested as space is limited.) A suggested donation of $25 will be accepted for a buy-in to the tournament.
PIG ROAST with tons of trimmings: from 3 pm - 5 pm. Suggested donation of $10 per plate ages 12 and older. $5 per plate for children 11 years old and younger.
SILENT AUCTION and prize drawings will be held throughout the day.

If you have any items you would like to donate to the silent auction please contact either me or Renee Breun.

Thank you for your support.

Peace.


Any monetary donations are being accepted by making checks payable to:

The Garrison Fire Relief Association (Put Michael's name in memo line)

Mail checks to:
Garrison Fire Auxiliary Association
Attn: M. Wachsmuth
P.O. Box 254
Garrison, MN 56450

The entire community of Garrison has been involved with the benefit and is contributing in so many ways. Individuals and organizations have stepped up to offer support and help for one who so unselfishly served his community as a firefighter. I can't tell you how touching it is to witness such an outpouring of support.

Thank you all. I hope to see you Saturday, Dec. 6.

Peace.

Granola bars and cheese

I have come to the conclusion that I have a new pet. Despite valiant efforts to remove the flying squirrel from my house, he has defied them all. He has decided to stay. And why would he want to leave? He has an ample supply of food and it is toasty warm inside.

I am convinced he has learned to open and close the cupboard and refrigerator doors. We started finding granola bars in his nesting area on Saturday morning. Whole granola bars. Where he got them, we do not know. All of our snacks and cereal items have been placed in sealed plastic totes. And, actually, we have not had that kind of granola bars for a couple of weeks. So, either he found a stash somewhere in the house that I am unaware of, or he is going to the grocery store and buying his own to bring home and store up for the winter.

This morning, I found individually wrapped cheese slices in his hiding place. Well, my dog, Anna, found the first slice. The second slice was in his little "house."

The only place we store our cheese is in the refrigerator. The only logical explanation for finding cheese slices in his house, is that he learned to open the refrigerator door. And close it when he is done.

I am ready to set up night vision cameras in my kitchen. I don't have the equipment, but I think it would be very interesting to see how he does it. Perhaps the DNR would like to do a study on this smart little squirrel.

In the mean time, as long as he has made himself a pet, I think we should have a "name that squirrel" contest. My son thinks we should name him Rocky - as in Rocky and Bullwinkle. Bandit comes to my mind.

Feel free to weigh in on the naming of the squirrel. There will be no prizes for the contest. It is just for fun.

Having a flying squirrel as an unwanted pet is unique to say the least. I would prefer that we did not have this critter living with us, but I guess that is not my decision.

Peace.

An intruder in my home

He came into my home under the cover of night. Creeping through my house like a thief. He stole precious pieces of our lives — some of what I treasure most.

It wasn’t just that he was taking things that didn’t belong to him, he became destructive vandalizing our personal property. He destroyed items that were dearest to my son — things that he had had since he was a baby.

This monster is shredding clothes, stuffed animals and toys and eating all of our food.

This intruder to our lives has returned over and over again, almost nightly. Just when I think the nightmare is over, he is back.

We have asked him — begged him — to leave on his own accord. “Please, just let yourself out the way you came in. I promise I won’t tell anyone. Take what you need and go,” I begged him.

He refuses to listen.

The authorities are powerless. There is nothing they can do.

And when I first found him crouching in my kitchen rummaging through my cupboards, he seemed about as startled of me as I was of him.

I might not feel so badly about having to protect my family and rid the world of this continuous deleterious behavior pattern that has developed, had I not looked into his eyes — those almost too-big-for-his-own-head brownish-black eyes.

He is very cute. Adorable even. It is hard to think of that cute little face as a criminal. But tough as it may seem, that is what he is.

And just like that he was gone. Not gone from our lives for good, but gone into hiding to return again later. Sometimes several times a night.

I am loosing so much sleep laying in bed wide awake with the covers pulled tight up under my chin, waiting for his return. Knowing that at any moment, he will be back and the torture will continue.

This has been going on for at least three weeks. I haven’t had time to give it a lot of thought, but now it is as though his presence in my house is consuming my every thought.

It is time to take matters into my own hands. May God forgive me for what I might do.

Tonight, I am going to set a trap. Maybe two. Maybe even more.

I need to get that that little flying squirrel out of my house.

Yep. The intruder in my home is a flying squirrel. And let me tell you, while they are cute and adorable outside, they take on the appearance of a monster when they are inside.

Having critters of the outside world come inside is one of the hazards of living in the woods. It is going to happen. I have to admit, this little flying squirrel, while it is more destructive, it is less scary than when we had bats in the house. Then, I moved out for a week.

But this little flying squirrel has got to go. I really just want him gone. Well, to be fair, it could be a she flying squirrel.

But I doubt it.

Peace.

Firefighter funeral - Michael Wachsmuth Nov. 15

Michael Wachsmuth's funeral was Saturday, Nov. 15. These are some of the photos I took that day. You can see more on the Mille Lacs Messenger website at www.millelacsmessenger.com and click on the Big Blue Button on the right side of the screen.

Peace.

Michael Wachsmuth, Garrison Fire Department

Michael J. Wachsmuth
Garrison Fire Department
Born into this world on July 16, 1985
He left this world on Wednesday, November 12, 2008

May God welcome him into His house.

Funeral arrangements are:

Visitation For Mike will be held at Nelson Durand Funeral Home Friday, Nov. 14 at 6:00 to 8:00 pm
202 8th Ave NE Brainerd

There will be a Firefighters Funeral with a Procession from Nelson-Doran Funeral Home in Brainerd to Garrison, Saturday, Nov. 14. Line up fire trucks at 11:00 am to arrive at Garrison at 12:00.

The procession will arrive at Light of the Cross Lutheran Church at 12:00 pm. Address is 27170 Monroe Street Garrison, MN. 56450
Viewing from 12:00 to 1:00 pm.
Funeral at 1:00 pm.

Any Fire Departments not wanting to be in the procession but at the funeral can meet at the Garrison Fire Hall for a Static Pass-by.

Any participation would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You Bruce Breun
Please contact Captain Mike Schneider who will be serving as Funeral Officer, at 651-503-3353.

Michael will receive the full firefighter type 2 funeral given to honor his service to the community. It is a service performed with great care and tradition dating back hundreds of years.

There will be a procession from the funeral home in Brainerd to the Church in Garrison prior to the service. All fire departments across the state are encouraged to participate by dedicating a vehicle to the procession. Law enforcement agencies are also encouraged to participate as a gesture of solidarity.

Rest in peace, Michael

"Firemen never die, they just burn forever in the hearts of the people whose lives they saved." ~Susan Diane Murphree

Michael passed away today.

There is pain no more for Michael.

His suffering has ended.

I ask that God bring him safely home and be with his family and friends to bring them comfort. Michael is at peace.

It is difficult to not be sad. He was such a young man at 23. My heart aches for his family and friends for the loss they feel. My heart aches for all who knew him and for those who didn't have the opportunity to know him.

When a loved one dies it can feel as though something dies within our own hearts. A cloud covers our hearts and our eyes fill with tears. A physical ache that overpowers every other emotion and turns our lives upside down. This is hopefully temporary.

We try not to mourn his loss but instead celebrate his life. He was such a happy guy.
Renee Breun and I went down to visit him yesterday. He was surrounded by family. His room in ICU was over flowing with those who love him.


Wednesday, November 12 seemed like a good day to die for Michael.


"Angels descending, bring from above,
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love." ~Fanny J. Crosby


Peace.

p.s.

Michael did not die in the line of duty. But he is still a firefighter. This is for you Michael:


The Fireman's Prayer


When I am called to duty, God,

Whenever flames may rage;

Give me strength to save some life,

Whatever be its age.

Help me embrace a little child

Before it is too late

Or save an older person

From the horror of that fate.

Enable me to be alert

And hear the weakest shout,

And quickly and efficiently

To put the fire out.

I want to fill my calling

And to give the best in me

To guard my every neighbor

And protect his property.

And if, according to my fate,

I am to lose my life,

Please bless with your protecting

My children and my wife.

- Author Unknown

Michael's will to live

Just to set everyone straight, Michael Wachsmuth is hanging on. Michael is, however, in a coma.

Michael's request for his doctors and family late last night was that he be removed from the ventilator. The issue was discussed last night and the decision was made to wait until today. This morning, the family met with doctors and Michael again.

The machine has been turned off. Michael's heart stopped momentarily. But it started beating on it's own and he is breathing. There is just fresh air under his nose, or something like that.

As of 3:05 p.m., Michael is still fighting. Although he requested to be taken off the machines, he has a will to live. Or it is God's will.

Renee Breun and I drove to Rochester yesterday. Michael had a lot to say. To everyone.
He had specific instructions for everyone to follow. He spoke with his parents Mike and Laura, each separately one-on-one. He also had private conferences with his sisters Krista and April, his brother Andrew, his cousin Jeremy, his uncle Kenny, and the rest of his family and his friends had time to visit.

He asked me to come talk with him. He had me sit in the chair to his pillow and I looked into his eyes.

He had a lot to say but first and foremost he wanted you to know right now is that he was not afraid to die. "I am happy," he said. He said that a lot. And he smiled. A lot.

He was not angry, at the world or the doctors or anyone. He said given the choice between life and death he would rather chose life. But he is a card player and he played the hand that was dealt to him.

He was in pain yesterday, he finally admitted. He said he could feel it in his head and in his body he said. The nurse pumped him with more fentanyl and other pain medications.

Before the drugs to hold he had a lot more to say, most of which I will write separately in "Michael's wish" (coming soon). He mouthed the words and I needed help interpreting parts. His family was near to help me out.

Before he closed his eyes, he said, "I am done. I am ready."

I looked into his eyes. He knew, and I knew, it would be the last time we saw each other in this world. I rubbed his head with fuzzy black hair and said, "Peace, Michael."

And he said, "I am. Thank you."

And he closed his eyes to sleep.

Renee and I left shortly after. His family stayed. He later, with everybody he loved near, he asked to be taken off life support. After discussions with the family and doctors, it was decided to wait until morning.

Earlier in the day before I had my heart-to-heart with Michael, I spoke with one of his neuro doctors. Dr. Tamika Burras showed me and some family members his last MRI and explained what was going on and what they should expect next.

Before she began, she stressed that now was the time for Michael. If anybody had anything to say to him, they should do it then. "It could be hours or days," she said.

The primary tumor is on his brain stem. It is much larger than a quarter. Surrounding the tumor is fluid in a sac that makes it appear even larger. All together it, "it is extremely large," she said.

Because of the location on the brain stem, the tumor is inoperable. It is also putting pressure on his involuntary reflexes like breathing. He is also a quadriplegic and he cannot swallow.

There is a secondary tumor within his spinal column. This tumor is thick and runs from the edge of C-1 to far edge of C-4. Again, the doc said, "That is also extremely large."

She spoke a bit and answered all questions we could think of. Michael had requested to be resuscitated should he "code" - heart stop. Because he is on a vent, and because of his request, he cannot be moved to a different place to die.

She explained what would probably happen before his heart stops beating, he will slip into a coma. He would not wake up from the coma. And he would pass peacefully.

She did not believe that he would survive without the vent. However, Michael has once again, defied the odds. He is still alive.

So that is where we are at now.

Now is a time for prayer. It is not the time for anger, rumors, resentment. It is time for compassion. Pray for peace and comfort for family and loved ones during this difficult time.

Peace.


“Love is stronger than death even though it can't stop death from happening, but no matter how hard death tries it can't separate people from love. It can't take away our memories either. In the end, life is stronger than death.”

Yes, wedding bells

I am so sorry to have forgotten to mention some of the happiest news about Michael. Yesterday, Sunday, Nov. 9. Michael was married to his long-time sweet-heart Kayla. It was a very special ceremony complete with a pastor. (Technically, there is some confusion about a certified marriage license, but it doesn't really matter. Knowing Michael, he was most looking forward to the wedding night!) What matters most is the smiles the event brought to Michael's face. He smiles so much as it is, but apparently his wedding day meant the world to him.

As for his parents comments, I need to ask Laura, (so Laura if you call me that would be great,) but I have talked to Mike Sr. He said it was a great day. It was so much fun to see Michael laughing and smiling so much. Kayla is such a sweet-heart and they have known each other for, "like forever."

I will get more info on the wedding I am sure. Apparently, the whole room was full of happy people. At the center of it was Michael.

Thanks to Michelle for the note about the wedding.

Peace.

Michael's fight

I received word from Jeremy via text message. With his family members present, Michael has said his good-byes and final requests as of 1 p.m. this afternoon. It appears it is a time of waiting right now.

Through Jeremy standing by Michael's bedside in Rochester, Michael said thank you to everyone for their support and prayers. He wants his "story told from the beginning to his last breath so that this doesn't happen to someone else."

I will try to figure out exactly what he meant by his statement. As Jeremy continues to fight, his vitals are up and down. Then Jeremy had to go. He'll call me back later.

Michael's journey has been trying on both him and his family. I cannot imagine what it is like for any of them. In a few short months Michael has gone from having the stomach flu to celiac disease to bartonella, to brain cancer. It is malignant and inoperable. And that is where his story ends for some. But Michael wants more.

I will continue to give you more information and share what Michael has to say in the next few days.

Peace.


“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children...to leave the world a better place...to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Fighting a big fight

“Impossible situations can become possible miracles.” — Robert H. Schuller

I know I used that same quote not too long ago, but it is true. Sometimes the impossible can become the possible.

Michael is fighting. More important than his willingness, or need, to fight is
the fact that he believes he can win. Nothing is more important in life
than believing in yourself. With Michael wanting to fight -- and doing
a pretty good job -- and with prayers from those who also believe, who
knows what can happen.

Miracles happen everyday. Most of the time they are so small we hardly accept them as miracles. Things like sunshine, friends, love, the moon. It's the big miracles that make people stop and say, "Hey! That is a miracle." Like the birth of a baby,surviving a terrible accident, broken bones healing.

Or healing someone who is sick.

Like Michael.

All we can do is pray. The rest is up to God.

Peace.

The 23rd Psalm

Michael's family is in the midst of a dark hour. They have difficult decisions to make right now. Michael's body is shutting down. But his mind is very sharp. He knows what he wants and is trying to hang on "for his family" he said.

I hope he is not afraid. I hope that if it is God's will he will fight. I hope that if it is God's will, he will not.


The 23rd Psalm:


Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need!

He lets me rest in the meadow grass and leads me beside the quiet streams. He gives me new strength. He helps me do what honors him the most.

Even when walking through the dark valley of death I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me, guarding, guiding all the way.

You provide delicious food for me in the presence of my enemies. You have welcomed me as your guest; blessings overflow!

Your goodness and unfailing kindness shall be with me all of my life, and afterwards I will live with you forever in your home.

-- The Book (Tyndale House Publishers)


Or if you prefer the King James version:

The 23rd Psalm

The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul:
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name' sake.



Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: For thou art with me;
Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies;
Thou annointest my head with oil; My cup runneth over.



Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever.

-- KJV

Peace.

Love is stronger than death

It is with a very sad heart that I write today.

Michael's tumors have grown. So much so, the doctors will not start treatment. One of the stipulations for treatment was for Michael to be able to breath on his own — without the use of the ventilator. I am afraid that is not possible at this time either.

I received an email from Jeremy, Michael's cousin yesterday afternoon just as I was getting ready to leave the office. I sat down, put my head in my hands and prayed. While I did, the tears began to flow. And I prayed some more.

Here is the email from Jeremy Wachsmuth:

this is the hardest and most emotional update yet. i have deleted this five times cause i just don't know how to say this. so i will just be straight to the point. Michael had a mri today and the tumors are twice the size they were a week ago. this means there will be no treatment. he will be moved out of the hospital to somewhere for him to be comfortable until dies. i do not know where this will be yet. . . . i now just ask everybody to pray for him to go through this with the least amount of pain as possible. thank you all for your support you have given.
jeremy

As you go about your daily chores, please take a moment to think about and pray for Michael.

As of right now, I don't have a time line. I don't know if they will be able to move him. I know the family is looking at options. They are taking with doctors and clergy and will update me when they can.

Fishgirl44 asked a question in comment to the last entry. She wanted to know if Michael would be coming home. To his mom or his dad's, she asked.

In my opinion, the answer to that question is difficult and depends on your beliefs.
I don't believe Michael will make it back home to either is mom's or dad's house. And that is very sad realization. But it might be time to go to his Father's house.

Miracles can happen. And, "with God, everything is possible." (Matthew 19:26)
I don't want to sound all gloom and doom. So I just pray. I know that there is a plan and I sometimes question the reasoning for the plan. Some things, just don't make sense. To me. And to others. This brain cancer of Michael's is one thing that doesn't make sense.

Someone else posted a comment that said, "he doesn't deserve this." I don't think that is part of the plan. I don't think that God points to certain people and says, "I will give you inoperable brain cancer. And you will have breast cancer but live 30 more years. You there in the sun, I will give you melanoma and the other one next to you will just get wrinkles."

I don't think That God gives people, or allows them, to get illnesses — or to not get illnesses because that person is good or bad — deserving or not deserving. I think those judgements are left for the day at the Pearly Gates.

I just got a call from a young girl named Sam. Sam knows Michael and offered to help with the benefit planned for Dec. 6. One thing that Sam said at the end of our conversation is probably what a lot of people are feeling. Sam said, "I am really scared."

I think that situations like this do scare people. People of all ages. But Sam, put it in words.

Perhaps that is why the one comment talked about deserving. We don't understand why things happen. It is confusing. And that scares us.

What Michael needs more than anything is compassion. Love. Positive energy. Prayers. Michael needs to know he is not alone. We all need to tell him that in any way we can.

“Love is stronger than death even though it can't stop death from happening, but no matter how hard death tries it can't separate people from love. It can't take away our memories either. In the end, life is stronger than death.” - Unknown author

God bless Michael, his family and his friends.
Peace.

A miracle for Michael

“Impossible situations can become possible miracles.” — Robert H. Schuller


Not all things can be explained. Some of life's questions are easy and there is a definitive answer with reasoning behind it. Like 2 plus 2 equals 4.

It is the big questions that are hardest to understand. Those questions that simply ask, "Why?"

There are sometimes no answers to that question.

Garrison firefighter Michael Wachsmuth has been diagnosed with fibrillary astrocytoma. A malignant brain tumor.

I will not attempt to explain what it is. Rather I pulled a quote from the Mayo Clinic website and put it here. Just Google it if you want more information.

Astrocytomas originate from cells called astrocytes and are most commonly found in the main part of the brain, the cerebrum. People can develop astrocytomas at any age, though they are more common in adults. Astrocytomas in the base of the brain are more common in young people.

Mayo Clinic is highly experienced in treating astrocytomas. Mayo Clinic in Minnesota is ranked No. 1 in Neurology and Neurosurgery by U.S. News & World Report.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/glioma/astrocytomas.html?wt.srch=1&wt.mc_id=Yahoo&keyword=minnesota_brain_tumor_astrocytoma&campaign=mcr_neurosurgery&state=minnesota&OVRAW=astrocytoma&OVKEY=astrocytoma&OVMTC=standard&OVADID=3274130013&OVKWID=32084089013

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrocytoma

I rode along with Bruce Breun, Mike Schneider and Jason Stiernagle, some of the Garrison firefighters, yesterday as they went to visit their firefighting brother. When we arrived, Laura, Michael mother gave us the news. The diagnosis was malignant brain tumor and the prognosis is grim. She asked us to be positive when we talked with her son. A request that was easy to understand.

She said Michael is unable to move from the neck down and still had a breathing tube in his throat. He can move his head slightly to say yes or no. He can blink his eyes and he can smile. He is anxious to get the tube out of his mouth so he can at least mouth words. Right now, since he cannot move his arms, he cannot use sign language. Communication is difficult for him at this point.

But when those firefighters walked into his room in the ICU unit on Mary Brigh at the Mayo Clinic, I could have sworn Michael's face was glowing. Seeing him talk with his brothers was a wonderful thing.

He smiled a lot yesterday morning. He complained only a little. He was hungry and wanted to eat real food. And he wanted that tube out of his mouth more than anything.

He gets along quite well with his nurse, Erin. I think he has a crush on her. I think it will be much easier for him to flirt with her when he does get that tube out. For to see him smile can turn any body's heart upside down.

Erin said she enjoys working with Michael. That he is a sweetheart and a fighter.

And that he is. He is a fighter.

He needs to keep on fighting. He needs to regain his strength. He needs to be able to breath on his own.

Michael's astrocytoma is a grade 4 and is inoperable. His hope for survival clings to a thread of a chance for radiation to shrink the tumors and stop the spreading. To begin any treatment, he needs to get off the ventilator and breath on his own.

Please pray for Michael to fight. Please pray for Michael to be able to breath on his own so that he can begin treatment.

What is needed now is a miracle for Michael.

Peace.

“Miracles happen to those who believe in them.” — Bernard Berenson

Michael Wachsmuth condition worsens

The family of Michael Wachsmuth wish to thank everyone for your continued support and prayers. If you read the comments posted on the last blog entry, you know Mike is not doing well at this time.

Michael had surgery on Friday. The doctors performed a biopsy and confirmed the spots are tumors. They do not know what kind at this time. One doctor told Mike Sr. they are "rapidly growing" tumors. The pathology report is estimated to be done at the earliest Monday late, and most likely Tuesday or Wednesday.

On Saturday, Michael was able to move his fingers and toes, however, by Sunday, he had little movement from the neck down. He can blink his eyes and Mike Sr. believes Micheal knows what is going on around him.

Michael is unable to breath on his own. He was placed on a ventilator yet he still tries to move his mouth and lips. The doctors will replace the endotracheal tube (that is inserted through the mouth) with a trach tube. (A tracheostomy is a surgical procedure on the neck to open a direct airway through an incision in the trachea (the windpipe).

Mike Sr. said the doctors have told him Michael's condition is grave.

In an email to me this morning, Jeremy, Michael's cousin wrote: "Please every one pray for Michael, pass this on to family and friends the more people that pray for him the better. thank you for all your support. I will do what I can to update you."

That pretty much sums it up.

Prayers are needed.

Peace.

Mike Wachsmuth scheduled for surgery

Michael Wachsmuth, the Garrison firefighter fighting for his life is scheduled for surgery today. Apparently the start time was to be sometime around 9 a.m.

The doctors are performing a biopsy on his lower spinal area. Any surgery to the spinal column is risky. There is a concern of paralysis post op.

No other information is available at this time.

Please say a prayer to give wisdom to the doctor's minds, skill to the doctor's hands, compassion to all who care for Mike, and strength to Mike for a positive outcome.

Peace.

Time for a quickie update

I just got off the phone with Jeremy. He just got back from the hospital visiting Mike.

They are waiting for the results of the MRI today to decide if and when they should do the biopsy.

Mike has a trach tube in his throat for breathing and a feeding tube in his nose. According to Jeremy, Mike is not happy about the tube in his throat. He wants it out.

He is communicating by sign language which makes it difficult for those who don't understand signing. But the nurses gave Mike a sign language alphabet cheat sheet so he could figure it out.

Although communicating in sign language, Mike and Jeremy had a heart-to-heart chat, or hand-to-hand. Jeremy and Mike talked in private. Jeremy said he had to turn towards the window so Mike could not see him cry. He actually said "tear up," because big tough guys don't "cry" you know. (Jeremy will probably not be happy I just wrote that either.

Jeremy sent a photo of Mike taken today. I will not publish it, I don't think because it is very sad. He looks very uncomfortable with all of those tubes everywhere and lines running up and down both arms. There are machines and monitors all over his room. But the thing to remember is he is in one of the worlds best hospitals. All we can do is pray that God gives the doctors the wisdom to figure out this mystery.

Peace.

Update on Mike, prayers needed

I spoke with Mike Sr. and Jeremy late last night and today. Here is what I know:

Mike was going in for another MRI around noon today. Jeremy had just gotten down to the Mayo and would wait until he got out.

There is another spot on his spine - apparently in his lumbar region. Mike is scheduled for surgery tomorrow, Friday, Oct. 31. The doctors are going to do the biopsy.

Mike said they will start in the lumbar region. If they do not get a satisfactory result - meaning some clue as to what is going on -- they will start to biopsy the other areas starting with spots (lesions) in his neck (cervical).

The surgery is risky and partial or full paralysis is a possibility.

Mike told Jeremy that he is tired of being sick. He just want to find out what is wrong so he can get better.

Please pray for Mike and his family.

Peace.

Firefighter fighting for his life

Mike Wachsmuth is a Garrison firefighter fighting for his life right now. He is currently in the ICU at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester.

I first heard of Mike Wachsmuth's condition from his dad, Mike Wachsmuth. Now I am not entirely sure if one is a Jr. and the other Sr., but for simplicity sake, they will be here.

Mike Sr. told me of the medical mystery surrounding his 23-year-old son, Mike. My heart just about broke in pieces listening to him speak of his son.

Covering the news about the fire department and on the scene at fires of course, is how I first met Mike Jr. He is a favorite launch captain of many folks in Garrison as well having worked at Garrison Sports piloting both some Garrison Sports launches and at the Blue Goose.

Please go to the Messenger website and read the story on Mike. Here is the link. If it doesn't work, copy and paste it to your browser. You know the drill.

http://www.millelacsmessenger.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=19287


I know Mike, Jr. He is a very nice young man who has been on the Garrison Fire department for 5 years. He signed up on his 18th birthday, so I am told. This picture was taken at an early morning fire this summer. There were actually two house fires that morning. The first call came in somewhere round 3 a.m. Mike responded with the rest of his crew. The second call came in around 5 a.m. I think, if I remember correctly, they were on their way back to the barn (fire hall) when that call came in. They turned around and went back. The second call was only a couple blocks from the first. (Arson is suspected in both houses.)



But the crew put both fires out. The first house was totally engulfed when they arrived and unfortunately, it burned to the ground. They were able to save a couple of walls on the second house. That's when I got there. It was still dark, but getting brighter. The boys were tired. Very tired and very hot. Mike was there and giving it his all.


I found out last night that Mike did not have the biopsy. The doctors warned him of the risk of permanent paralysis if anything went wrong. They are holding off on the biopsy. Mike Sr. told me the docs did some more tests yesterday. They took fluid from his eye for one test. Sounds painful. They need to wait for results. Mike Jr. is also scheduled to be seen by an ear, nose and throat specialist. He can't swallow anymore at all, apparently. After the ENT's take a look they are possibly going to insert a feeding tube, either parctial or full. And he mentioned something about a lung test, too, but I don't know what that is.

I have mainly been talking with Mike Sr. and his nephew, Mike's cousin, Jeremy Wachsnuth. Jeremy and Mike Jr. are close. Coming from a small town (Garrison has a population of 213 for those who don't know) most people know each other. I know both Jeremy and Mike Sr. pretty well. Mike Sr. has been my boat driver on several occasions when I have needed to get out on the water for a story, or for fun. Mike Sr. would do just about anything to help someone. Anyone. Even though he likes to pretend he is crabby sometimes, you just have to look into those blue eyes to see the truth.

I met Jeremy through Mike Sr. and have had many occasions to talk with him and hang out for a bit. Jeremy is a stubborn young guy — it may run in the family. What also appears to run in the family is the urge to help people. I know that if I ever needed anything, Jeremy would be there.

That appears to be the same with Mike Jr. Why else would he be so involved with the fire department?


The picture with the girls is Jeremy and Mike at the eelpout festival in Walker. Leave it to those boys to find girls in bikinis while ice fishing!

Here is what Jeremy wrote in an email to me this morning after his visit with Mike Jr. yesterday: "It was really a hard day to be with him today. I think the hardest yet. He is so tired of being sick he asked the doctor for the biopsy knowing that he may not ever walk again after that."

Jeremy took this picture of Mike in the hospital while he was a Mercy before he moved to Mayo. He know has IV's running in his arms so they can feed him and deliver medication.




Mike's illness is still a mystery. Quite frankly, it sounds like an episode of the FOX series "House." I wish it was because on that show, almost always, House comes in at the end and figures out the whole mystery and saves the patient's life.

Right now I am asking for your prayers, for Mike, for his family.
I will post updates when I hear more. Both on my blog and on twitter.

Peace.

Racing news from North Central Speedway

The dirt track racing season has been over for a little over a month now but folks from North Central Speedway are still making the news.

Brandon England of Wahkon has made Rookie of the year! Congratulations Brandon. For all other standing, check out the NCS website. http://www.racencs.net

Speaking of the NCS website, according to the NCS website, there is a new contact person for track information. If you have any questions, call Tim Boeder @ 218-330-9072. If I remember correctly, Tim worked on corner two.

Word on the street is Peggy stepped down and is gone. I don't have details.

If you are missing the action provided to racing fans in Brainerd every Saturday night all summer long (except for the seemingly endless rainouts), check out a video made early in the season at NCS. Unfortunately, it rained that night, too, so the video ended abruptly.



No need to worry about the lack of racing action, the ISOC snowmobile racing season starts up in about four weeks with Nationals held at Spirit Mountain, Duluth.

Let the snow fly!
See you at the track!

Peace.

This is funny and a good point

In case you missed this on Brett's blog, I thought I would post it here so you all faithful readers of my blog will get a chance to see it. It is funny and makes a very good point.

Peace.

See more Ron Howard videos at Funny or Die

I want to run for Vice President

I have never really had any political aspirations before. But with Sara Palin running, she may have just given me the inspiration I need.

I mean every girl just wants to have fun, right? That is what Cyndi Lauper says.

(Watch this video!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tqf9PuKi63E
Girls Just Want to Have Fun
Girls Just Want to Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper. Classic happy song.

So, Ms. Palin decides to run for VP, or is asked by McCain, whatever. The woman has it all.

She can fly an airplane and give birth. She can field dress a moose in 15 minutes. She has a world champion snowmobile racing (not to mention pretty cute!) husband and rumor has it she can play the flute.

Well, I jump out of airplanes, I have no intention of every shooting a moose other than with my camera and I don't even like to fillet a fish (although I have, I just choose not to), I ride my own snowmobile and shoot snowmobile racers (with my camera) and I play the trumpet and guitar.

I might be qualified.

Qualifications aside, what intrigues me most is her new wardrobe budget.

The republican party has paid -- so far -- $150,000 for new clothes and $13,000 on makeup for Sara since she accepted the nomination.

OK, that was just a couple of months ago, right?

If she gets that much money on clothes and make up, I want a run at it.

Apparently, the republican party claims they will donate the clothes to charity after the election. Well, sign me up for that charity! I would take her hand-me-down clothes, but used makeup is a little unsanitary. Just maybe.

What if they win? Does she get to keep the clothes if she wins? And if she spent that much in a couple of months, how much will she spend when she is in the second office at the White House?

I just have to wonder.


Peace.


p.s., I found this video on YouTube, too. Something to watch in your spare time.

Court decision is final

The higher court has ruled, the decision is final. The stay issued by the Appellate Court Chief Justice Alivina Aubele to postpone the removal hearing of Melanie Benjamin has been vacated. The Band Assembly, rather the RBC, (Reservation Business Committee who are actually the same people as the Band Assembly) cannot be held in contempt of court, and the removal of Melanie Benjamin stands.

So, what does that mean in English? The court of appeals decided the chief justice made a mistake in issuing the order to postpone the hearing. They withdrew the order. They canceled it as though it never existed.

But they didn't make the decision lightly. They took their time — nearly two full days — to come to a decision. In an 18-page ruling — a published document from the court — they explained how they came up with their decision. They cited similar hearings and rulings. They did some research. Their decision is final.

Once they made their decision, however, they basically slapped the hands of the Band Assembly. They said they were very disappointed the Band Assembly chose to ignore a court order. Even if they believed it to be invalid, it was still a court order and they should have taken a different route to dispute it, they said. The Band Assembly, or PBC, should not have just gone ahead and ignored it, the court said. "You cannot just take the law into your own hands," the ruling stated.

But after the court declared the order invalid, they could not go ahead and claim the Band Assembly was in contempt of the order, even if they wanted to, because the order was vacated. So they — Band Assembly — is off the hook on the contempt charge.

But the court decided they could issue a fine. They charged the Band Assembly $500 for ignoring the order. They slapped their hands and said they were naughty. It is unclear, even to the OSG (Office of the Solicitor General) whether the court is charging each member of the Band Assembly — there are 4 of them — individually $500, or it the $500 should be paid by the Band Assembly as a whole. The OSG is going to find out.

The $500 fine could be compared to taking a child's GameBoy away for a half hour as punishment for disobeying his parents. It doesn't hurt much and not for very long.

So once the order was declared invalid, the court agreed they had no jurisdiction under the separation of powers government to interfere with the removal process of an elected official. So the decision of the RBC — the Band Assembly — to remove Melanie Benjamin from office is final.

I have to say that Melanie has been a public class act in this entire process. She proclaimed her innocence and continued her daily activities. She held her head high as she waited the outcome. Her staff was instructed to continue on with their work, even up until they were all escorted out of the government center by Tribal Police.

When it came time to enter the room for the hearing and when she walked into the court room, she did so with dignity.

That shows courage.

Since the final ruling from the Court of Appeals, a source close to the office has said some of Melanie's previous staff members have been asked to come back to work. They didn't know what to do and asked for advice from their previous boss. She told them to go back to work. To do their jobs to the best of their ability. To be respectful.

That shows the wisdom of a leader.

Whether Melanie is innocent of the accusations made against her, or she is guilty of them has yet to be determined. There have been no formal charges filed in any court of law. Therefore, there has been no trial and there has been no conviction.

Whatever you believe on that aspect is your personal choice at this point. Everyone has a right to their own opinion. I don't know what goes on behind the scenes in Melanie's world. All I can attest to is how she has treated me, and how she has acted in public. She has always been fair and respectful to me. She returns my phone calls personally — not through her PR firm — whenever possible. She has always exuded an air of dignity when in public — at least where I have seen her.

I hope I can say the same thing about the new administration in the Chief Executive's office.

Nothing new yet

Just a word to let you'll know there was a hearing in Mille Lacs Band court of Central Jurisdiction this morning before special magistrate judge B.J. Jones and the Mille Lacs Band Appellate Court.

Both sides argued. Both sides feel they did a good job and will come out winners. But the Judges have not made a ruling to the best of my knowledge as of 5:15 p.m.

I could go into the details. There were some pretty amazing quotes and sound bites. But to tell you the truth, I am tired and still have to go to a photo shoot tonight.

Actually, the Mille Lacs Band government center is closed today in honor of Columbus Day. Which is called Indian Day according to Band members.

So, anyway, there is nobody at the government center to issue a statement. We should know tomorrow whether or not the court ruled that the court ordered stay was proper and if the Band Assembly will be held in contempt for ignoring the order.

Where we go from here is any body's guess right now.
Stay tuned . . . .

Peace.

Some tough times ahead

“Never forget that everything Hitler did in Germany was legal.” - Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Many of life's circumstances are created by three basic choices: the disciplines you choose to keep, the people you choose to be with; and, the laws you choose to obey.” - Charles Millhuff


Face it, this is not an easy time for the people of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. (See the Messenger website for details.)

My editor always says, "There are always two sides to every story and the truth is usually somewhere in between." I believe that to be true.

Some pretty serious accusations have been made of late. The rest of the great big world is worrying about certain issues of great importance. The word "economy" has become a dirty word. The stock market is crashing. The Petters investigation has become national news and the upcoming presidential election is complicated with mud-slinging by each candidate.

There is a bit of mud-slinging going on in our little corner of the world regarding one of the most important issues to hit this region, and the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe in at least 25 to 30 years. That is just my opinion. I haven't been here for that many years. But this is serious.

The removal of a tribal elected official, specifically the Chief Executive, is comparable to the impeachment of a United States President. The matter should be looked at and scrutinized very carefully. Challenges should be made and argued.

The removal of Melanie Benjamin as Chief Executive of the Mille Lacs Band is being challenged. I would expect nothing less.

It might be hard for some people to understand traditions and culture that differ from our own. But I am almost certain that within every culture there is embedded into the souls of the people an intricate balance of knowing right from wrong.

We teach our children from a very young age the difference between right and wrong. When they grow up, we hope they use that knowledge from our teachings and what they have learned at school and in life, to make the right choice when forced to decide what is right and what is wrong.

We hope they make decisions that come from the heart.

I applaud those who stand up for what they believe and don't back down when times are tough. These are tough times for the people of the Mille Lacs Band.

I don't know who is right and who is wrong in this particular instance. It is certainly a test of adherence to moral and ethical principles all the way around. But I applaud both sides for standing firm to their beliefs.

There is a hearing on Monday in Tribal Court. Challenges have been made. Arguments need to be heard. And decisions must now be made.

Peace.


"Give us clear vision, that we may know where to stand and what to stand for - because unless we stand for something, we shall fall for anything."
~ Peter Marshall, US Senate Chaplain 1947

Statement by Melanie Benjamin

This just in:
A press release has been issued for immediate release on behalf of Melanie Benjamin of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. I have posted it here in its entirety. It was written by or on behalf of Melanie Benjamin. I did not write it. But I believe firmly in freedom of speech. Benjamin is entitled to this freedom of speech.


BENJAMIN WILL HAVE DAY IN MILLE LACS TRIBAL COURT

Onamia, MN – Despite the efforts of a Band attorney, Melanie Benjamin will in fact have her day in court at a public hearing set for 8:30 a.m. on Monday, October 13, 2008. A judicial panel is scheduled to hear arguments about why proceedings removing her from office as the Band’s Chief Executive on October 8 were illegal. Benjamin was just re-elected in June, 2008, with 60% of the vote.

In a meeting with Solicitor General Rjay Brunkow in his office on September 30, Benjamin and Brunkow discussed Legislative Branch plans to hold an October 8 hearing to remove Benjamin from office. When Benjamin asked about her right to due process, Brunkow stated, “You are not entitled to due process. This is the end of the road.”

“I was stunned,” said Benjamin. “As tribal leaders, much of our time is spent dispelling myths out there that constitutional protections and civil rights don’t apply in Indian country. And here was the lead attorney for the Band who is supposed to know something about the law telling me that I had no right to due process.” Benjamin has denied any wrong-doing.

Attorney Bill Gardner, who served as Counsel to the Chief Executive, was in the room with Benjamin. “What he said was so astonishing I couldn’t believe he was serious.” Gardner questioned Brunkow regarding procedural due process and protection of property interests, insisting Band laws required a minimum amount of fairness in any hearing. “He insisted that the Chief was not entitled to due process. He made clear that when the decision was made by her accusers, that was the end of the road for her.”

Gardner said when it became obvious Brunkow wouldn’t change his mind, they notified Brunkow they would proceed to court.

Court Order Ignored
The Band Assembly had circulated a petition calling for the removal of Benjamin citing several accusations. Benjamin has denied the accusations. A legislative hearing and vote of Band Assembly was scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on October 8, 2008.

Prior to the hearing, Chief Justice Alvina Aubele of the Court of Central Jurisdiction issued a stay delaying the proceedings until constitutional protections could be assured. In a move that startled the Minnesota Indian legal community, the Band Assembly chose to ignore the court order, buoyed by Brunkow’s extraordinary assurance that Band Assembly was above the law and the court had no authority over them. Brunkow has attempted to defend his claim in a recent interview with the Mille Lacs Messenger (October 8, 2008, Mille Lacs Messenger).

Many experts are concerned about the legal implications of this move and the message being sent to tribal members and the outside public. “This is now a crisis of constitutional proportion. The legal process should be allowed to play out. We don’t just take the law into our own hands,” said Jay Kanassatega, of Leonard Street and Deinard, who helped write the Statutes in the 1980’s.

Benjamin is saddened to see decades of work positioning the Band as a progressive tribal government undone. “There are people, elders, who spent years working on the separation-of-power system of government we have in place at Mille Lacs and they’re in shock. If the Chief of the tribe has no due process, what about the average Band Member? How are Band Members to go into tribal court and show respect for our court’s decisions when they know the Band’s own lawyer and elected officials don’t show the same respect?”

The public hearing will take place at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, October 13, 2008, in tribal court chambers on the Mille Lacs Reservation.

* * * End of Press Release. * * *