"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
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
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,
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.
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.
(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.
Monday, December 15, 2008
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.
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.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
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.
~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.
Friday, December 5, 2008
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.
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.
Monday, December 1, 2008
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
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