Messin' With the News

An ATV adventure

2009-06-17T11:46:00.001-05:00

I was just reading the June/July issue of Minnesota Off-road Magazine and found a feature article including some local highlights.

The story is written by Jerry Bassett (not sure if there is any relation to the local Bassetts or not) and is about an extended ATV trip along the Soo Line Trail.

Isle's Les Pinz is one of the riders featured in the article along with three other riders. The group traveled from Isle to Cass Lake.

The group is a bunch of "avid snowmobilers" who set out for their first ever long distance ATV ride. "As it would turn out, the trip wouldn't be as easy as a snowmobile tour and would offer an adventure or two," Bassett wrote.

The group encounters some challenges as they make their way along the 360 or 380-mile journey. The smooth path of the Soo Line "disintegrated into a seemingly little used and minimally maintained path.... we went from the irregular chatter of the corridor trail to picking our way over ruts, through mud holes ad around downed trees."

Now that sounds like my kind of ATV fun.

All-in-all, the article made me want to try the adventure myself. Having never been on an extended snowmobile trip, I have no idea what it would be like. But I am willing to pack up my Yamaha and give it a try. But it sounds like I may need a mechanic along for the ride.

I made the mistake of mentioning it to my Editor, Brett. Now I have a new assignment.

I am not sure when I will make the journey, but I am willing. After all, the article closes that long distance ATV rides can be quite nice, "if you have the right companions, prepare for the unexpected and enjoy the journey."

So who wants to go for a ride?

Why is this news?

2009-06-17T11:26:00.002-05:00

June 6, or 7, 2009 Herb Weyaus was hospitalized.

On May 24, 2009 a veteran New Jersey state lawmaker was hospitalized in Massachusetts after suffering a mild heart attack while watching a college lacrosse game. The 71-year-old Sen. Anthony R. Bucco was resting comfortably and was expected to be released from an area hospital days later.

Sen. Tim Johnson, D-South Dakota, was hospitalized in December 2006 after he suffered stroke-like symptoms in his Washington office, his staff said.

On Monday, June 1, 2009 Sen. Robert C. Byrd, developed a serious infection and was treated in the hospital with antibiotics.

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger broke his leg skiing in Dec. 2006.

Singer Beyounce fell down the stairs during a concert in July 2007.

These were all top sotries in various national news publications at different times.

Why is it that these people's illnesses and injuries have became headlines?

Because these people are important to the communities they serve. They may not like that their feet failed them and they fell down the stairs, or that their heart attack was discussed on national TV. But that is the way it is when people are public figures whether political or performers. Sometimes the two are interchangeable.

Yet here in our front porch, Herb Weyaus, Mille Lacs Band secretary/treasurer and one of the areas most influential people (depending on which side of the border you happen to live on) was hospitalized over the last week with what appears to be a serious heart condition. No information is being released by the Mille Lacs Band Government or their public relations firm.

Weyaus holds the purse strings to millions of dollars. It would be nice to know what is going on. Who is in charge while he is recovering?

This would have been an opportunity for the Band to make a public statement and reach out to the community. But instead, they chose to keep his illness a "private family affair."

The Band cries out to be treated as an equal state and then spins on the heals of sovereignty and divine independence and power.

The St. Cloud hospital as of Friday, June 12 has Weyaus listed in fair condition. He was upgraded to good condition as of Monday, June 15. No other information is releasable by the hospital according to HIPPA regulations.Whatever the case may be, Weyaus is a stubborn old goat. It will take more than a triple or quadruple or whatever kind of bypass to keep him down long I am sure.

While I certainly understand privacy issues and HIPPA regulations, the fact remains that he is a public figure. He is a government official. People have the right to know what is happening with their government leaders and who is watching the store in his absence.

My dad was hospitalized this week as well. While my dad had a knee replacement surgery and is now recovering at home, I worried about him. As I am sure Mr. Weyaus' family is worried about him.

My thoughts and prayers truly are with Mr. Weyaus and his family and I wish him a speedy recovery.

Perhaps the Mille Lacs Band government could issue a press release to extinguish all of the rumors that are floating around and help to get the truth out to the people they serve.

We are waiting for the news. Why? Because it is news.

Balancing in quicksand

2009-04-14T14:05:00.006-05:00

As a writer, I hope for my work to be meaningful. There are not a lot of Pulitzer Prizes given away to journalists of community newspapers. (Although I would be extremely honored.) So sometimes, I feel like I am treading water in a sea of quicksand. No matter what I do, I just get sucked into a vortex moving from one story to another.

I honestly try to give every story 100% of my attention and sometimes, it seems to my editor, they get more. When I am truly inspired, I dive right in to the story and begin to feel what my subject may be feeling. Because to me, that is how I try to make you, the reader, feel something, too. I take something away from every interview and every story. I learn something new all the time. I try to put in parts of the story or certain insights that other people would skip. And if what I write ends up meaning something to someone, or someone learns something or is inspired, I feel I have done a good job for the day.

I have felt a sort of quiet honor a couple of times when I have walked into a business or an establishment and saw something I had written framed and hanging on the wall.

I have felt a stronger, yet still quiet honor when I have gone to some one's house and they have saved an article I previously wrote, or a photo I had taken, and hung it on the wall in the garage or stuck it to their refrigerator.

I am always humbled when someone thanks me by a note, or card or personally, for something I have written when it is accompanied by heartfelt words of "Thank you." Hugs are even better.

Those things make me feel like something I did actually meant something, to at least one person.

I wrote a profile article about Denny Johnson, a local Garrison man, a few months ago. During the interview, he told me his life's story, like only Denny could. While his voice spoke of interesting tales, his face and his eyes held his emotion, escaping for brief moments scattered throughout our interview.

Denny passed a way a couple of weeks ago. His funeral was last Monday. Denny was a presence in Garrison that will be greatly missed. I was surprised to tears, honored and humbled when during the service Pastor Chris said, "The family asked me to read this. . . ." and he began reading from the article I had written, several months prior.

My words sounded different when read allowed from the pulpit of a church. I wiped away tears that I tried hard to keep inside. Some tears were for Denny. Admittedly, some tears were for me. I was proud that what I had written meant something to one man and his family.

I don't want to sound like I feel like everything I write is worthy of such honor. I know that to not be true. But every once in a while, something comes along to remind me of why I chose to write.

"The role of a writer is not to say what we all can say, but what we are unable to say." ~Anaïs Nin

My friend Mark, called me a day or two after the funeral, just to remind me of that very thought. He made me cry again. But this time, I had found some sort of equilibrium.

And I haven't worked out all of the bugs yet but I am learning to balance in the quicksand.

Rest in peace, Denny Johnson. And thank you.

Peace.

Welcome spring!

2009-04-13T15:15:00.002-05:00

I wore my sandals for the first time in Minnesota yesterday — actually outside without socks. I even went bare-foot for a little while. It was nice to feel grass between my toes. Of course, we were a little south of the Brainerd Lakes area. We were spending quality time with my family at my brother's house in Jordan. They have said good-bye to the snow and all of the lakes south of Princeton, it seems, are free from ice.

It is only a matter of time before we can say that up here.

I love holidays. I love holidays for the meaning of the day whether it is Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, birthdays or the 4th of July. But also, those are times when families gather. At least my family. We try to make a point of getting together as much as we can. It seems lately, we need a holiday to do so.

We were missing a few members of our family this year due to work and other family events, but the majority of us were together. And we had a wonderful time. We have not been together since Christmas. That is just wrong. But understandable.

Thanks to Louie and Jeanne for hosting our Easter celebration. I hope those last two eggs are found before too long. :-)

It was so nice to be able to spend so much time outside without snow. It is so nice to have warmer weather returning. It might even make it up north here. When it does, I will welcome spring!

Peace.

Presumption of innocence. Something to ponder?

2009-04-08T11:40:00.005-05:00

There are many issues historical and current in American government with which I simply do not agree. On the other hand, there are many that I do believe are fundamental to our survival. Our law makers turn issues into laws, which are made a part of our statutes. These laws are created, and then often times amended, bended, molded, modified, interpreted, reconstructed and often times distorted to no resemblance of the the original. It is all part of the system.

There are "good laws" and there are "stupid" laws — laws that make sense to the average person and laws that do not seem to make any sense to anyone and the principals of the judicial system are even more confusing.

But there is one issue that makes sense to me. One that is fundamental to all human rights. That is the presumption of innocence.

According to our United States legal system, those who are accused of a crime are innocent until proven guilty. The burden of proof lies on the prosecution, which must collect and present enough evidence to convince a judge and jury (who are ordered by law to consider only the facts, testimony and evidence) that the accused is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If there is any doubt, the accused must be acquitted.

The presumption of innocence has been quite popular in the 20th century. The United Nations incorporated the principal in 1948 into the Declaration of Human Rights. In 1953 the principal was added to the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

On April 3, 2009 the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Band Assembly group consisting of chief executive Marge Anderson, secretary treasurer Herb Weyaus, district 1 rep. Sandra Blake, district 2 rep. Marvin Bruneau and district 3 rep., Harry Davis each signed their names to a letter to all Band members stating the complete opposite of this very basic fundamental human right.

The letter states: "The former Chief Executive has still not proven her innocence in tribal court..."

In other words, the government of the Mille Lacs Band believes that people are guilty until they prove they are innocent.

When I asked the solicitor general Rjay Brunkow about that, I said it sounded backwards to me. He did not agree with the word backwards. So I changed it to opposite. The result was the same. He told me in no uncertain terms, he believed that is the law. That when the Band created their statutes, it was originally innocent until proven guilty. But that changed sometime in the 80s or 90s he said, to be more in lines with tradition.

His explanation sounded more backwards to me than the original thought, so I did some research.

My sources tell me that at one point it was tradition for the accused to be guilty until they proved they were innocent. The accused had to basically run a gauntlet and if they survived, they were found innocent.

That tradition was changed and deleted completely in the 90s because it was such an extraordinary violation of the Indian Civil Rights Act.

Current Mille Lacs Band Statutes annotated Title I, Civil Rights Code, Section 12, states in no uncertain terms:

"In any criminal legal proceeding each person shall be presumed innocent until proven guilty."

Read it for yourself at: http://www.millelacsojibwe.org/statutes.asp

So, here it is in everyday language: everyone should be considered innocent until it can be proved that you are guilty. If you are accused of a crime, you should always have the right to defend yourself. Nobody has the right to condemn you and punish you for something you have not done.

I just wonder which interpretation is opposite? The April 3 letter to the Band, or the Mille Lacs Band statutes?

Now that is something to ponder.

Peace.

I am back

2009-04-06T09:18:00.005-05:00

Well, I am back from New Orleans. It is apparent that I again, thought I would have all kinds of time to write while down south, obviously I was mistaken. There are only so many hours in the day. We worked hard towards our goal of saving the world, one house at a time. And evenings were busy experiencing down home Cajun everything.

While I have so much to tell you all, for right now I will be brief. The most important lesson I learned on this trip is summed up in a quote. Author unknown to me: "Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain."

The people of New Orleans are survivors, but they certainly know how to dance in the rain. The last half of the week we worked in the upper 9th ward -- an area hit hard by flooding and most people are not back in their homes. Those who are living in their homes, are doing so because it is their home. It is their neighborhood. It is their life.

As far as neighborhoods go, this is one that we were warned not to keep valuables in the vehicle, lock the doors and don't go wandering off by ourselves. While we did lock the doors, I never felt threatened by anyone. I didn't wander too far away from our job sight, because we were busy working, but did take every opportunity I could to talk to the neighbors and other local workers.

I just love the people of New Orleans. They are so alive! They are happy. Which brings to mind what my mom has told me since I was a little girl. The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; but they make the best of what they have.

Life goes on in New Orleans and the people continue to dance in the rain.

More to follow with a recap. For now I say...

Peace, baby.

New Orleans - Day two

2009-03-31T20:14:00.003-05:00

Well, we have certainly been busy. We are working on a home for Mr. and Mrs. Elliot in the Gentilly neighborhood. The entire neighborhood was under water -- along with 80 percent of the city of New Orleans.

While there has been much improvement to the city housing issues as a whole, an outrageous number of people are still without homes to live in.

The Elliot's are some of them. They are a family with grown children and they have adopted a couple of young children from what we know so far. Their home is quite large, actually. There are four bedrooms and two baths. There are 18 doors in the house. And today, put on nine door knobs.

Up until today, I had never installed a door knob. So, quite frankly, I am rather proud of myself. We have been painting and installing shelving. We are putting on the finishing touches. All that is left on the punch list is a little clean up and then the electricians, plumbers and appliance guys will come in and finish their deals. Most important, soon the Elliot's will be able to come home. They have been waiting nearly four years.

After work tonight we drove down to the lower 9th ward -- ground zero, as some refer to it.

I have been to the 9th ward three times now. Each time, I get an overwhelming feeling of sadness. Loneliness. Emptiness.

Not for me, but I feel for the people who used to call the neighborhood home.

I walk the streets that used to have children playing soccer, double-dutch, laughing and riding bikes. There is none of that. I can imagine clothes hanging on the line blowing in the breeze. Folks sitting on their front porch in the afternoon talking to neighbors as the stop by. There is none of that.

A few homes still sit in shambles. A few fema trailers remain. Many front door steps lead up to nowhere as the homes have been demolished. A few piles of rubble remain scattered here and there. Grass grows on some lawns to waist high. It is very lonely.

Yet there is also a deep sense of hope.

There are many brand new homes being built. And they are pretty cool.

They are built higher than the older homes that were there before. They are about 12 to 15 feet on cement pillars. Cars park under the homes and elaborate staircases lead the families to their front doors. Many have solar panels on the rooftops. These new homes are being built, or contracted by a company called Make It right. I will find out more about them, and let you know.

That is the hope. People do want to return to their neighborhoods. They want to come home.

I stood for the first time on the Levy by the canal where a barge hit the wall. I was speechless. I stared for a while in silence. And then started shooting. I will post some photos to my blog within a few days (hopefully).

We drove through Musicians Village on the way home. The original theory behind the neighborhood. A man from a radio station decided that in order to get people to come back to the city, they needed the music. In order to get the musicians to come back, they needed homes. He organized a deal with Habitat for Humanity and they began building homes the musicians could afford in order to come back.

And the music played on. The people came back.

The homes are brightly colored and all about the same style and size. But each one is unique.

We met "David" who is a very friendly old guy living in Musicians Village. He told us the story and showed us his home.

He said, "You know, I could never understand how people could live in California where they continually have earthquakes. Those people keep going back and rebuilding after each earthquake. I never understood. Until Katrina. Until I had to move away from New Orleans and live in Texas. I never wanted to come home before so much as I did after living in Texas. This is my home. And I am back to stay."

Peace.

Good morning from Louisiana!

2009-03-29T09:18:00.002-05:00

We just crossed the boarder into Louisiana after a wonderful breakfast at the Waffle House in Brookhaven, Mississippi. Everything is so green here. It was fun to wake up to green after driving through a bad snow and ice storm in Iowa and cold rain and hard winds all through Missouri. It is warming up to 50 degrees now. I understand it is already warmer than that back home in Minnesota.

There are 6 of us packed into a Suburban. Five girls and Gary. Anne Shields, Abby Leach, Gary Keifenheim, Carrie Bang, Jenny Orsborn and me, of course.

It is really not too bad, sleeping in a Suburban. Except for the fact that I feel like a cripple and my hair looks like something one might find on First Avenue in Minneapolis at 3 a.m. But that is why I brought a hat.

We should be arriving at Hope Haven in a couple of hours. Then I am thinking that a shower would be a great idea before we go or a long walk to stretch all muscles and joints. We will be on the jobsite at 8 a.m. tomorrow and we are all very excited about it. We will know more about what our assignment is when we arrive.

Until then, I am taking in the lush sceanary. Abby is texting, Gary is doing a crossword. Carrie is napping. Jenny working on her computer. Anne is driving.

TTFN!

Peace.

Calling all angels

2009-03-27T13:47:00.003-05:00

"In helping others, we shall help ourselves, for whatever good we give out completes the circle and comes back to us." - Flora Edwards

In less than 24 hours the Traveling Angels will be somewhere between Zimmerman and New Orleans as we continue our mission. We are trying to change the world, one house at a time.

The Traveling Angels are a small group of individuals from mid-Minnesota who believe in extending a helping hand. Some of the group have gone to New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina left her devastating autograph in August of 2005. This will be my third trip to New Orleans since the hurricane and my second trip with the Traveling Angels.

Part of me feels like I should be in Fargo, Moorehead or anywhere along the Red River. I should be sandbagging or rescuing pets. But like a friend of mine said today, "You are only one person, Viv. You can't go everywhere."

The Traveling Angels does disaster relief work wherever we are needed. The group has helped in New Orleans, Cedar Rapids, Hugo, and a few other areas in flood or tornado recovery. Most of us have become rather attached to the city and the people of New Orleans. So far, we have planned an annual trip to continue recovery efforts there. Since it is so far away, we have to plan weeks ahead of time.

The Red River expected to crest sometime tomorrow at 43 feet, we feel we may be headed up north when we return from down south. The flood waters in the valley are expected to last at least a week. Once the waters recede, the real nasty work comes in. That is usually when the Traveling Angels step up, too.

There are a lot of things to consider after the water recedes. There are mold hazards, disinfecting wells, food safety, fuel oil contamination, personal safety issues and other things to think about. The Traveling Angels have been through it all. While it is at times rather unpleasant work during the moment with the smell of mold, stagnant water and memories that have been lost forever stick in your eyes, nose and throat, the reward comes at the end of the day knowing that we have helped.

New Orleans has come a long way, but they still expect years for full recovery. The Traveling Angels are a faith based non-denominational group and we connect with Catholic Charities who provide boarding and the volunteer organizational issues. In other words, they give us a roof over our heads, a place to sleep and dinner, and give us our volunteer assignments.

This year, as it stands right now, we will be once again staying at Hope Haven, which is an old Catholic Mission center. And our assignment (so far) will be painting 425 houses. OK, there are 425 houses to be painted and we hope to at least get one of them done. Like our motto says, we can change the world, one house at a time.

I posted a slide show of New Orleans previous two years. I don't know what happened to the music. It has music to it when I made it, but apparently I did something wrong uploading it to the blog. Anyway, the photos are there. Click on the center of the slide show and then click again for full screen. The pictures tell the story.

You can also check the archives of this blog from July 2008 to read about Cedar Rapids trip last year. There are photos from that trip as well.

So, I will be heading home to pack soon and then ready myself for a long drive. It took us 24 hours and 17 minutes last year I believe. I could be off by a few minutes.

Follow me through my blog and I might post to Twitter from my phone while out and about. It would be great to have you tag along.

"We are, each of us angels with only one wing; and we can only fly by embracing one another." -- Luciano de Crescenzo

Peace.

Transparency in government

2009-03-27T08:46:00.004-05:00

Yesterday, Gov. Tim Pawlenty unveiled a new website, titled TAP Minnesota -- www.mmb.state.mn.us/tap -- Now anyone with a computer can access this website to find out how much money the state is spending and where. Essentially, the state has put the big checkbook registry online.

The new site is called TAP, which is short for the Transparency and Accountability Project.

The site is to be updated daily. With just a few clicks of your mouse you can find how the state is spending your money — all of it — including special funds as well as the general fund. You can find information for 2007-09 listed by state agency, funding source or the vendor receiving the payment. Private data are omitted.

Pawlenty said at a news conference where he demonstrated the new website that he anticipates the TAP site to be a powerful new tool. "Taxpayers are paying the bills for government in Minnesota, and we think they should have a chance to look at the checkbook register and see where all this money is going."

Wouldn't it be nice if all governments were so open and transparent?

Just something to think about.

Peace.

Tribal Court calls for new election

2009-03-24T11:28:00.000-05:00

The Mille Lacs Band Tribal Court of Appeals last week invalidated the results of the Dec. 16 special election won by Marge Anderson.

In a four-part decision dated March 17, the court also ruled that a new election should be held, that former Chief Executive Melanie Benjamin should be allowed on the ballot, and that Marge Anderson should continue to serve as chief until a new election is held.

The decision resulted from a lawsuit by Benjamin, who was not allowed on the ballot for the special election after the Band Assembly voted to remove her from office following allegations of misuse of Band funds.

Solicitor General Rjay Brunkow said additional appeals may be filed in the case, and the Court of Appeals ruling does not affect any potential criminal cases against Benjamin.

For more on this story, see www.millelacsmessenger.com and next week's Messenger.

Thank you for letters

2009-03-17T12:48:00.003-05:00

Last week I wrote an editorial in the Messenger that mentioned conspiracy theories in government. I mentioned that they do and have existed for as long as time.

Probably the most well known turned out to be the believe it or not true story behind the Watergate Scandal in the '70s. What started out as a theory resulted in the resignation of President Nixon in 1974 and the arrest of several people in government.

Tips and inside information were given to several reporters. Media coverage in the New York Times, Time magazine and the Washington Post was extensive. Two reporters from the Washington Post relied heavily on anonymous sources during their investigative reporting. Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein found information suggesting knowledge of the misdeeds by the Nixon administration to the American public led deep into the Justice Department, the FBI, the CIA and the White House. The most famous anonymous source was named Deep Throat.

The identity of Deep Throat was one of the biggest mysteries of American politics and journalism for over 30 years. Woodward and Bernstein gave their word they would not reveal his identity until he died or consented to going public.

In 2005 the truth was known. FBI Deputy Director William Mark Felt, Sr., was Deep Throat. He died in 2008 at the age of 95. In his book, A G-Man's Life written before he died (obviously) he wrote: "The bottom line is, we did get the whole truth out. Isn't that what the FBI is suppose to do?"

I do not deal with the FBI on a regular basis even though I do have a few FBI numbers in my Roll-a-dex. I am not asking people to become the Deep Throat of Mille Lacs County. But the bottom line here is also, we want to get the whole truth out.

There were several theories as to the identity of Deep Throat prior to Felt's confession. Some people considered Deep Throat was a compilation of several sources with individual threads of information woven together to become the mastermind of Deep Throat. But Woodward put that theory to rest when he confirmed Felt's identity.

I have received quite a few emails and letters from people writing of various issues they believe to be conspiracy theories. I thank you all for the tips. It may take a while to get to all of them. Several of the "ideas" are better letters written to your Congressmen or Senate or State Representatives. I thank you for your vote of confidence, but I don't think I can do anything about changing the name of the Rum River, or change history books about who should be called Native Americans, or get income taxes abolished. I tried to get Mother's Day and Father's Day switched around once. (Father's Day should be on fishing opener in May and Mother's Day should be in June when school is out. That just makes sense.) But the Governor didn't have much time for that idea.

My point is, thank you for the letters and ideas and theories. Keep them coming. Even if they are only threads of information. I thank you for trusting me. Trust is a two-way street. Confidential sources are confidential sources. Period. In Washington D.C. and in Mille Lacs County. Especially with me.

We want to get the whole truth out.

Peace.

Happy Birthday Barbie!

2009-03-09T16:24:00.003-05:00

I am so excited for Barbie's birthday. If I were still a little girl I would have all of my Barbies out and have a big Barbie Birthday party! Actually, if I had time and knew of anyone else who still has their Barbies, I might be inclined to have that birthday party right now anyway.

I have always been a big Barbie fan. I got my first Barbie when I was three years old. My Mom used it as a bribe to get me to sleep through the night. It worked and I got my first Barbie.

She was beautiful! I played Barbies all the time. My Mom sewed all of the clothes for her and all of the other Barbies that followed including Skipper, Midge, Twist and Pose Barbie, Francie, Malibou Barbie, Ken, and many more. I still have some of the clothes.

My sister and I and all of our little friends would play for hours. We made furniture out of stuff we found around the house. Egg cartons were great for either a couch, or a bed depending on how you flip the carton. They were also good for bedroom shelves and closet organizers. They held those little plastic Barbie shoes and accessories just perfectly!

Our imaginations were endless. Then came the Camping Barbie and the Barbie Townhouse. Beauty Shop Barbie, Mall Barbie, School Teacher Barbie, Holiday Barbie, Spy Barbie or Secret Agent Barbie, Astronaut Barbie, Doctor Barbie, and so many more. They just came out with the Tattoo Barbie. I think I need one of those for my collection. I guess she comes with stickers you can put on her yourself and some for you, too!

My original Barbie had stiff legs and arms. She didn't move at all. According to the New York Times, it had been determined that if the 11 1/2-inch doll were 5-foot-6, her measurements would be 39-21-33. One academic expert calculated that a woman's chances of having Barbie's figure were less than 1 in 100,000.

Not every girl liked Barbie. And some parents and women's feminists groups criticized her saying it was not good for girls to hold themselves up to such high standards as Barbie. Here's the deal, Barbie was good for role playing and imagination. My Barbie could fly to the moon. She raced cars and kicked Ken's butt doing it. She could pitch a tent faster and climb the highest mountain better than Ken. Actually, my Barbie dumped Ken and went with G.I. Joe because he had a Jeep.

Right now, the 50th anniversary Barbie is on sale at Target for $3. I absolutely have to have a 50th anniversary Barbie. I got my first Barbie about 5 years after she first became available. If I still had her, and she was in mint condition in the box, she would be worth approximately $25,000, apparently. But the way I played and all of the adventures my Barbie had, she would not have been in mint condition. I lost her in a flood about 15 years ago. She was being held for me in a storage unit near the Minnesota River Valley near Bloomington and one spring it flooded. I think My Barbie is in the Gulf of Mexico now. Actually, I think she would have turned into Rescue Barbie and saved lives the whole way down. She had a good life.

My point is, Barbie gave an outlet for my imagination. I could be anybody and anything I wanted to be through my Barbie. She was beautiful and smart. And I think all girls should have a role model like that.

Happy Birthday, Barbie!

Peace.

Me, my Jeep and my iPod

2009-03-08T22:15:00.004-05:00

I just returned from a weekend road trip. It was a weekend photo shoot at snowcross in Hayward, Wisc. As always, the racing was fast and furious. Saturday's weather was awesome and even with an SPF45, I got sunburned on my face. Possibly a little windburn, too.

So the trip home was nice. I like driving. I like driving a lot. My dream car (if I ever win the lottery) is a Jeep Wrangler so I can drive these beautiful back roads topless. The Jeep I mean.

Until I win the Lottery, I have settled for a Jeep Grand Cherokee. I like it, but I can't go topless. I just have to put the windows down.

So, there I was heading out of Hayward, Wisc. traveling east on Cty. Rd 77. It is a beautiful road. I had the windows open and the radio cranked. As if I have not subjected my ears to enough decibels from the roaring of the snowmobiles. But I was in the mood for a little fresh new country music.

I lost the radio station before I got to Danburry, so I plugged in my iPod.I couldn't decide on a playlist, so I chose starting at the beginning of all of my songs in my library. I started at the beginning — Songs that begin with the letter "A."

By the time pulled into my garage, I had listend to 54 songs. I am not done with the letter A yet.

Surprising to me were all the good songs with titles that begin with A. I had a great trip home.
And now, I am going to take 4 Advil and go to sleep.

Pease.

Weekend wrap

2009-03-02T16:48:00.004-06:00

Snowcross racing was fabulous at Hill City's Quadna Mountain Park for the ISOC Minnesota Regionals over the weekend of Feb. 28 through March 1.

With some of the hottest racing of the season, Brainerd's Dan Ebert #602 Arctic Cat took the final in the Pro Open class.

Another Arctic Cat rider Cody Thomsen #682 of Nisswa, took the checkered for the final in the Semi Pro class.

Both of the finals — semi pro and pro classes — were amazing races with the battle for the number one spot intense.

The rhythm section on the down side of the Bunny Hill was getting a little squirrelly towards the end of the weekend and it appeared riders may have trouble in the finals. But they all appeared to navigate without much trouble. Some contact was made a couple of times, and other riders took advantage and used the uneven-ness (is that a word?) for passing.

Both Thomsen and Ebert appeared to have the same strategy. Neither one got the hole shot and hung back just a little giving just enough pressure to the guy in front of them until the final laps when lightening struck. They hung on to the lead position to take the checkered.

The weather was great and the racing could not have been much better. Team Bauerly hosted an after race party family style with food and entertainment (and 50 cent tap beers for the over 21). Folks were having such a great time, they passed a hat and took up a collection to have the band play just a little longer than their scheduled cut-off time of 8 p.m.

Coming up the weekend of March 6 through 8 is round number 7 on the national snowcross tour in Hayward, Wisc. Only one race after Hayward, so if you haven't made it to one yet, try the tour in Hayward.

See you there!

Peace.

Viv is in the House

2009-02-19T11:25:00.002-06:00

So, I am sitting in the "House Gallery" right now as I write. I am shadowing Rep. Gail Kulick Jackson for the day. And it has been a busy day.

Right now she is on the floor busy listening to others discuss their points of view while trying to get their amendments passed.

It is difficult to follow along, actually. I don't have a program. But there is a screen in the corner that says we are on Amendment HDS-015. Whatever that is.

I have to let you know, I have been asked, four times now, to not lean on the ledge to take pictures of the floor. So, here's the deal — besides them calling me "ma'am" which upsets me a bit — they think I might jump or something. There is no humanly possible way for a person to fall over this ledge where I am sitting. I suppose, that might be a stretch, which is exactly what I would have to do to fall over. The ledge is like 2-feet wide with a golden railing on this side. Of course, it is only less than waist high and I suppose that some super uncoordinated person could potentially fall over, but come on.... I am a professional. ;-)

A really nice gal sitting behind me said that they (security?) will come and yell at you if you even touch the gold railing. The only sign in here just says, do not put anything on the ledge. It doesn't say anything about leaning or touching.

So anyway, there are roll calls, advice, rulings, matters of parliament inquiries, and a lot more going on.

They are discussing mandates right now. One rep. said he trusts his county board, another said it's not about trusting anybody simply to amend the rule. I wish I knew what they were talking about. There is a vote right now and Gail pushed a button. Every vote she makes is counted and a matter of record. Everyone can see exactly how she votes on every issue.

I guess I missed the actual number of the house file on that last one. But it took a matter of 15 minutes for the discussion and the vote and now on to H.F. 392. Amendment something that I can't read.

Oh, oh. Here comes that guy with the badge again. I think I leaned too far over.
I am going to have to go for now and sign in later.

BTW, Diane Gibas is shadowing Sen. Lisa Fobbe. She is doing something else right now and Diane came in here to check this excitement out, too. We will break for lunch soon and then on to some other items.

Oh, here he comes... the dude with the little gold badge... the railing officer..

Gotta go.

Peace.

Morning blaze

2009-02-10T17:15:00.006-06:00

It has been a busy day in the news room.

This morning while interviewing a very interesting gentleman in the Spotlight Cafe in Garrison, (who happens to be a retired firefighter) we noticed the big engine from the Garrison Fire Department take off South on Hwy. 169.

"Sorry, Bob," I said. "Can we finish this interview later? I think I should go see what those boys are up to."

"No problem," he said. "Go."

I followed the engine truck to a house fire. A two-story old farm house, that apparently was over 75 years old, the homeowner thought. She was not home at the time the blaze began. But her 14-year-old son was.

He was using his computer while waiting for the school bus about 7:30 or so he thought. The bus was late. And that might have been a good thing.

Brandon, called his mom to let her know the bus was late and while he was talking to her, the smoke detector began screaming. Brandon was able to help his cousin out of the house, with the help of a neighbor. And the neighbor was able to help retrieve the families two dogs, who were in crates inside the house.

The 32-year-old man suffered minor injuries. Brandon and the dogs are OK.

Brandon might be considered a hero. He is in my book.

Along with the brave men and women of the Garrison Fire and Rescue Department of Crow Wing County and Onamia Fire Department in Mille Lacs County.

The family wishes to express their greatest appreciation to the fire fighters for trying so desperately to save their home.

More on the story later.

Peace.

Murder charges filed, 911 transcripts released

2009-02-10T17:13:00.001-06:00

Murder charges filed
911 transcripts released

by Vivian Clark
Messenger Staff Writer

A transcript of the 911 calls made by the Kanabec County couple that was killed in their home near Ann Lake in Mora on Sunday, Feb. 8 has been released.

Larry Steenerson, 61, died at the scene and his wife, Lois Steenerson, 66 died shortly after she was taken to a nearby hospital.

The couple apparently called 911 reporting someone was in their house trying to rob them and reported shots had been fired.

The 911 dispatcher lost contact with the couple a few times and repeatedly called back to continue a conversation while law enforcement was in route.

Dispatch 1: "Larry, what's going on in that house?"

Larry: "They're trying to kill us here, Craig (ohh!) Craig Hohenwald (Ohh! Ohh!)."

After that, the transcript reports the dispatcher heard breaking glass and struggling and the repeated cries of "Ohh! Ohh!" apparently from Larry Steenerson.

Lois Steenerson apparently picked up the phone and told the dispatcher, "They stabbed us."

Lois had apparently been stabbed in the neck and believed she was dying.

Charges were filed on Tuesday, Feb. 10 in Kanabec County District Court against two people in connection with the stabbing deaths of a Mora couple.

Craig Hohenwald, 27, of Brook Park, Minn., was charged in Kanabec County with two counts of second-degree murder with intent and two counts of second-degree murder without intent in the stabbing death of Larry Steenerson and his wife, Lois.

Jennifer Seiberlich, 28, of Mora has been charged with aiding Hohenwald after the killings.

Multiple agencies including Kanabec, Mille Lacs and Pine county sheriff's offices, Mora police, the Minnesota State Patrol responded to the 911 calls shortly after the calls began at around 10:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8.

A Mora police officer was the first to arrive, according to the formal complaint from the Kanabec County District Court.

The complaint states the officer saw a man wearing a dark colored coat running from the front door of the house toward a parked car in the driveway.

The male got into the passenger side and the car immediately backed up and began to travel in the direction of the officers squad car, according to the complaint.

The officer stopped the car. He saw a female in the driver's seat and a male in the passenger seat. The complaint states the male began to exit the car. The officer drew his hand gun and ordered the male to raise his arms in the air.

The officer recognized the male as Hohenwald from previous contact with the man, according to the complaint. The officer noticed Hohenwald had a large amount of blood all over both arms from his hands to his elbows and on his head and chin. While waiting for backup, the officer heard Hohenwald utter something about his family and a real estate or land deal.

The officer identified the driver as Seiberlich.

With the suspects secure, and back up on the scene law enforcement entered the home to find what has been described as "horriffic" by Kanabec County Sheriff Steve Schulz.

The complaint described large amounts of blood throughout the house. Lois Steenerson was found, still alive, but barely breathing in a bedroom. She had a stab wound above her shoulder between her collar bone and her shoulder blade on the left side of her neck and appeared to be very deep into her chest.

She was transported to the Kanabec County Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Larry Steenerson was found in an office-type room, according to the complaint, that had a large amount of blood covering several surfaces of the room. Steenerson was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics at 11 p.m.

A medical examination later indicated he had been stabbed 30 - 40 times by a sharp force object, according to the complaint.

Officers located a bloody gun and bloody knife in the car that Hohenwald and Seiberlich were traveling in earlier when the officer found them.

The attack on the couple appears to be based on an ongoing civil dispute over a property transaction valued at $200,000, the complaint states.

Content © 2009 Mille Lacs Messenger

Double homicide in Kanabec County

2009-02-09T17:50:00.002-06:00

Double homicide in Kanabec County

by Vivian Clark
Messenger Staff Writer

A 61-year-old man and a 66-year-old woman were apparently stabbed to death at a residence on 230th Avenue in Knife Lake Township, east of Ann Lake near Mora on Sunday, Feb. 8.

According to Kanabec County Sheriff Steve Schulz two suspects have been arrested.

Charges are pending for Craig Mathew Hohenwald, 27, of Brook Park, and Jennifer Ann Lind Seiberlich, 28, of Mora. Both were arrested at the scene in connection with the homicide. It is believed that the victims knew one or both of the suspects and that this was not a random incident. There was some sort of financial issue, involved, but details are uncertain, Schulz said at a press conference on Monday, Feb. 9..

Schulz said his office was called to the address shortly before 10:30 p.m. in response to several 911 emergency calls. At least one call came from inside the residence, Schulz said.

Both Mille Lacs County and Pine County sheriff''s offices were called to assist as well as the Mora Police Department and the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

The male victim was pronounced dead at the scene and the woman was transported to the Kanabec hospital where she later died. The identity of the victims is being withheld pending notification of family.

Schulz described the scene as "horrific."

"It''s been a bad day," Schulz said. "A very bad day."

The case is currently under investigation.

Best Snowmobile Athletes in the World To Compete at BIR

2009-02-05T10:27:00.005-06:00

International Raceway February 6-8; Top X Games Athletes to Compete

The top professional snocross racers on the planet, as well as the leading freestyle athletes anywhere will invade the Brainerd International Raceway for Round 4 of the AMSOIL Championship Snocross Series, February 6-8, 2009.

Fans in attendance will witness the world’s best snowmobile riders compete side-by-side for
more than $250,000 on a racetrack littered with huge jumps and insane terrain. Racers will
fly more than 80-feet in excess of two-stories high as they negotiate one of the most
challenging snocross tracks the Midwest has ever seen.

Winter X Games Champions including Tucker Hibbert and Levi LaVallee along with
freestyle kings Paul Thacker and Sam Rogers will be there, giving area fans the only
opportunity of the year to see these incredible riders in person.

The weekend heats up fast Friday night with the Monster Energy Slednecks Invasion
Tour freestyle showcase. The top freestyle athletes in the world will perform some of the
most insane tricks ever seen on a snowmobile including a back-flip! Riders will launch their
snowmobiles from a freestyle ramp to a backdrop of infused rock and free swag for the
fans. Joining them will be the biggest names in snocross racing for an evening of hospitality,
autographs and family fun.

Admission is Free with a Weekend Pass or just $10 without.

Competitive juices flow early Saturday morning with qualifying, culminating with the
first of two Main Events at 4:00pm.

This all-out showcase of the top Pro and Semi-Pro riders anywhere will be non-stop action. There’s also free snowmobile demo rides for the kids and adults as Yamaha lets fans experience their new Nytro snowmobile while one lucky youth demo rider will have a chance to win a new Arctic Cat kids snowmobile.

Capping off the weekend will be Sunday morning qualifying and the second Main
Event feature with Semi-Pro and Pro finals at 1:00pm.

Plus Yamaha freestyle phenom and X Games competitor Jeff Mullin will bust out some of the sickest tricks you’ve ever seen aboard his Yamaha Nytro during the Main Event intermission to further heat up the action.

Racing gets underway at 9:30am both Saturday and Sunday, and race fans will want to be
sure they are in the stands for the two Main Event feature races Saturday and Sunday.
Advance tickets are on sale now at www.isocracing.com

What you need to know:

What: AMSOIL Championship Snocross Series, the Biggest Names Go Bar to Bar on
a National Stage.

When: February 6-8, 2009; Pro and Semi-Pro Main Event Saturday at 4:00pm and
Sunday at 1:00pm.

Where: Brainerd International Raceway, Brainerd, Minnesota

Schedule of Events:

Friday: Doors Open at 5:00pm
6:00 – 6:45pm: ISOC Pro-Rider Autograph Jam Session
7:00pm-7:20pm: Monster Energy Slednecks Invasion Tour
7:20pm – 8:00pm: Pro Practice Session
8:00pm – 8:20pm: Monster Energy Slednecks Invasion Tour

Saturday: 4:00pm: Pro and Semi-Pro Main Event; 8:00am gates open with
qualifying action starting at 9:30am.

Sunday: 1:00pm: Pro and Semi-Pro Main Event with Yamaha freestyle show during
the intermission; racing starts at 9:30am.

Tickets:
FREE with Weekend Pass Friday Night Monster Energy Slednecks Invasion Tour; $10 without
$25 One Day Adult Pass – Valid Saturday or Sunday
$35 Weekend Adult Pass
$10 One Day Children Pass (ages 7-15) – Valid Saturday or Sunday
$20 Weekend Children Pass (ages 7-15)
Children 6 and under FREE

Advance Tickets available at www.isocracing.com

Who:
Professional snocross and freestyle athletes including:
 Tucker Hibbert Multiple X-Games gold winner, current points leader.
 Levi LeVallee - Winner of two gold medals at last year’s winter X Games.
 Steve Taylor – Professional Yamaha snocross standout and X Games competitor.
 Carly Davis – Currently the fastest woman on snow and Pro-Women points leader.
 Ryan Simons – X-Games competitor and podium regular hailing from Alberta.
 Paul Thacker – World record long-distance jumper and freestyle athlete.

Plus:
 Kids 120 demo rides with a chance to win a 120 Arctic Cat for everyone who rides
courtesy of Arctic Cat and Christian Brother Motorsports. Winner announced Sunday
at 2:00pm.
 Yamaha demo rides for adults, aboard their latest 2009 models.
 Free Pit Passes ($10 value) from area Polaris dealers while supplies last.

For more information visit ISOCRacing.com

New series on the web at www.millelacsmessenger.com

2009-02-03T15:32:00.006-06:00

Okay, so I had this great idea. Admittedly, I am not the first one in the world to come up with this idea. But if it works, it will be a first for the Messenger.

I am thinking about an ongoing series on the website of just "Man on the Street" (or woman, or kid, or whoever) interviews. You never know what the interviews will be about. It could be a live "Mess Asks" or just, "hey you ... what are you doing today."

So watch this video and let me know what you think. Do you think I should do more? Or quite while I am ahead?

The first in the series is "Liberty Man."

So, you see these people all the time. The men or women holding signs on the side of the road. I am not talking about "will work for food" signs. I am talking walking billboards — advertising signs. Like places going out of business, or car wash today, or big sale, or whatever.

So, I have always wondered, who does that kind of job?

I found Aaron. I am guessing at the spelling of his name, because I couldn't understand him. But Aaron likes being a sign dude. He takes his job very seriously. I talked to him for a good 6 minutes and he didn't stop waving his arms for much more than a second.

Watch the video. You will see. Then let me know.

Peace.

Love lines

2009-02-03T12:49:00.004-06:00

Hey folks! Do you have a special someone in your life? You should let them know by sending a Valentine's Day love line in the Mille Lacs Messenger!

Or perhaps you have a secret crush on someone and want to keep it secret and make it public at the same time! You can do that. Send a secret message to your secret interest and maybe they will figure it out — then again maybe they wont. And maybe you don't want them to know, but express your feelings at the same time. What a perfect way to let your feelings out and keep people guessing at the same time!

Send a message to your kids, your mom, your dad, your grandma, grandpa, wife, husband, auntie, uncle, the neighbor, the bait shop, the grocery store clerk, your favorite bartender . . . the list is endless!

Just send a message. Make them clever or cute, funny or serious. No matter which way you play it, they are cheap and fun! And a very special and thoughtful gift to last a lifetime!

Have fun!

Peace.

Charlie's letter

2009-01-21T09:06:00.003-06:00

"A dog is the only thing on earth that will love you more than you love yourself." - Josh Billings

It has been a difficult couple of days. The last few weeks have been hard, actually. Watching the health of my old dog Bob deteriorate. It was time to release him.

Dr. Debbi came out to our house and we were prepared. Physically. Jeff had dug a hole in our little woods and built a fire. He got Bob's hunting sleeping bag ready and spread out by the fire. Jeff put pheasant feathers and a full wing next to Bob. Hunting was by far that dog's greatest passion. We said good-bye to a dear old friend. Charlie put a piece of string cheese next to him. A favorite treat of Bob's. But when I asked Charlie why he gave him string cheese, he answered simply, "In case he gets hungry on his way to heaven."

Charlie is heartbroken. The tears have not stopped.

I let him stay home from school yesterday so he could mourn the loss of his "brother." And I asked Charlie to write his feelings down to help him cope.

Charlie wrote a letter to Bob. He and Jeff went out to the grave and read it to him later.

This is Charlie's letter to Bob: (with Charlies spelling and punctuation included)

Dear Bob,

Hi, Bob. This is Charlie. I just wanted to write this to you because I miss you so much!

It was Martin Luther King Jr. Day when you got the shot. A special day for a special dog. I told my friends about you. They felt bad. Even after you were gone, I layed next to your body and cried. Now today, January 20, 2009, I am not in school. I needed to get my mind back to normal. And I can't stop thinking about you. I love you so much!

Bob you had a very happy and long life. Filled with joy, playing, sitting together in the yard watching the lake, (if you remember) and some sadness. You were an excellent hunting dog and I wish I could have seen you do it. You and I had a lot of good times together. Playing, teaching me how to walk, walking in the woods with Dad, even teaching me my first words: "No Bob!" and so much more. You even saved my life Bob! When I was younger and I swam out too far, you came out and I hung on to you as you swam back to shore. You kind of taught me how to swim, too. (When you accidentally knocked me off the dock.)

So much fun then you started to get old. You were struggling too much. And you were in so much pain. We had to give you the shot. It was painful for you and us. That night, some things happened. There was so much crying. We put your tag on the (toy) stuffed black lab, and more crying. Daddy said your spirit would sometimes be in the stuffed lab. And remember Kim? She said if I ever needed to talk to you, just close my eyes and reach out in my mind and pet you.

Everyone who knew you will never forget you and will always love you. But most importantly, Mom, Dad, Webe, Anna and I will always love you the most. And will never forget you.

I love you so much, Bob!

Love,

Charlie

Good-bye my friend.

Peace.

It's time

2009-01-19T13:27:00.002-06:00

"I think we are drawn to dogs because they are the uninhibited creatures we might be if we weren't certain we knew better. They fight for honor at the first challenge, make love with no moral restraint, and they do not for all their marvelous instincts appear to know about death. Being such wonderfully uncomplicated beings, they need us to do their worrying." ~ George Bird Evans, Troubles with Bird Dogs

My husband called me at work this morning to let me know it's time. Time to say good-bye to our old dog, Bob.

My husband has taken care of some essential details.
He has made the appointment. Dr. Debbie will be at our house tonight.
He has dug a spot in the woods by our house next to our beloved old Zeke who preceded Bob in death about 12 or 13 years ago.
He has Bob's favorite blanket ready to go with Bob.
He has made arrangements for a funeral service. He has set up our portable Weber fire pit so we can all say good-bye in warmth. And Bob loved hanging out with us by the fire.
Everything is in order.

But it is very difficult for me. How do you really prepare yourself to say a final good-bye to one who has given you years of unconditional love? Who listens to your every complaint and looks at you with big brown eyes saying, "It's okay. Just pet me and you will be fine." ?? Who listens to you when you are sad and doesn't try to figure out why you are sad, he just loves you for who you are?

It is going to be hard for my son. He has never had to experience the pain of losing a dog. The deaths of our bird and even his goldfish were almost unbearable for him. This, this is going to be very traumatic. My son loves his pets as much as they love him. Bob has been with my son every step of his 12-year life.

Bob was a high spirited pup until he was at least 6 — probably longer. He wasn't trained very well. That is not his fault, but ours. He was very stubborn and didn't listen unless we said, "Hungry?" or "Go for a walk?" And he drooled a lot.

But he loves us. And we love him.

Bob had a specially difficult time last night. He needed to go out about 2 a.m. so my husband let him out. He did his business and then in the way many dogs do, Bob started to wander away. He laid down in the snow and gave up, my husband said.

But my husband wouldn't let Bob give up like that. I think because he wasn't ready. He carried Bob back into the house and laid him down on his dog bed. He looked at Bob and I knew what he was going to say next.

"I know. It's time," he said.

I went back to bed and prayed that Bob would pass away in his sleep. But when I woke up, I heard the thumping of his tail hitting the floor as he wagged good morning, to each of us.

I started to cry.

The scientific description of man's best friend is a canine. From that came the word dog. I can only imagine that is simply because dog spelled backwards is God. And as far as I know, God is the only other that can love people — all people — so unconditionally.

The biggest problem with having a dog is that they don't live nearly long enough. But I am certain Bob will be in dog heaven before dinner time tonight.

It is hard to say good-bye to one of your best friends.

I'm leaving work early today. It will certainly be a tough drive home.

But it is time.

Peace.

"You think dogs will not be in heaven? I tell you, they will be there long before any of us." ~ Robert Louis Stevenson

The Zen of Minnesota

2009-01-12T16:02:00.002-06:00

Let's face it. Winter in Minnesota is cold. It is suppose to be cold. We are famous for it. It just hasn't been real cold — or snowy — in a long time.

It is cold this winter. And snowy. Just as the Farmer's Almanac predicted.

We were fortunate to have a bit of a warm pattern the last week. But are now in the midst of a cold snap we Minnesotans like to say when there are a few days in a row that are below zero. The further below zero we go, the more like Minnesotans we become. We brag about how cold it is here. In reality, I don't much care for it. But this is where I live, so I make the most of it.

I don't hide indoors. In fact, I am outside a lot in the winter. But right now, I am paying a bit of a price for spending so much time outside last weekend. While most parts of my skin were covered up, my face was almost entirely exposed - for 13 hours on Saturday and about 10 hours on Sunday. Now, my skin is dry, itchy and windburned. I am going to do a story on winter skin care so you can find out how to treat yourself better than I did. And that is my job. To inform the public. So watch for that story in the next couple of weeks.

There are a few things you can do to prepare for the cold:

1) move
2) hide
3) just bundle up and enjoy the ride

Okay, maybe "enjoy" should be replaced with "endure."

I am outdoors a lot all year round. Summer is good, although a bout with melanoma now requires sunscreen of SPF45 or higher all the time.

I do not like to be cold. But I like snow. And snow sports: skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. So, I have learned a few things about trying to stay warm.

Hint No. 1: Cover up! Exposed skin can get burned in more ways than one. I always use SPF45 moisturizer on my face -- year round. And I try really hard not to get sunburned. But right now, after a weekend shoot outside, I am windburned. And my face hurts. Although it really wasn't that cold this weekend, (until the sun went down) I should have covered up my face more to protect from the wind.

Hint No. 2: Layers. You can always take clothes off, but if you are out and about it is often hard to find an extra clothes. Unless you are out shopping. But if you are on a trail of any kind somewhere in the middle of nowhere, it might be hard to find an extra layer.

Hint No. 3: Cotton is not good in the winter. Not in the cold outside anyway. I will not give up my Egyptian cotton 600-thread count sheets but I won't wear cotton next to my skin in the winter.

Here's the deal: while cotton does absorb moisture - like from sweat - it traps it in the cotton. The last thing you want is to be wearing a wet shirt walking outside when it is 20 below zero. Or even 20 above. If you are going to perspire while outside, don't wear cotton.

There are a lot of good alternatives. For nature lovers, go wool. May I suggest SmartWool. It is by far my most favorite brand. It is soft, not itchy, it is thin, warm and wicks away moisture. SmartWool comes in socks (of all weights for all activities) and underwear in tops and bottoms. It is a tad bit on the pricey side, but well worth it if you want to stay warm. It is actually a blend of wool and polyester - at least the socks are. I will have to check the label on my underwear. But the great thing about the socks is they don't fall down and bunch up in your boots in the arch of your foot.

There are several good synthetics available, too. Polypropylene is a good choice for long underwear. Again, also thin and wicks away moisture. Several brands of that are available, too.

Silk is a good insulator, too. If you just need a thin layer, long silkies are a good choice. Ultra thin and warm. Although, not as warm as wool.

Hint No. 4: wear a hat. Not just earmuffs. Who cares if you get hat-hair. Everybody will be sporting that wonderful "bedhead" look - unless of course you are bald - when you take your hat off. Or just get a cute hat and don't take it off.

The hat hint comes with mittens and/or gloves. Although mittens are much warmer than gloves, sometimes you need to use your digits individually. And it is harder to drive wearing mittens than it is wearing gloves.

Hint No. 5: Don't stick your tongue on anything metal. I have a super funny story about a personal experience I had in kindergarten on that very subject. It involves a dare from my brother, Christmas Eve church service and my little ruffled bottom tights. But that is another story. Maybe a column. Maybe not. But I teasingly tell my brother I will never forgive him for that. Truth is, it is funny now. And I learned something from the experience. I'll never stick my tongue on anything metal in the middle of the winter again.

There you have a few hints. Add some of your own tips to stay warm in the next few days.

So, yes, it is cold here. And there is really nothing we can do about it. And in the words of Buckaroo Bonsai remember: "Wherever you go, there you are."

Peace.

Why we didn't do the story

2009-01-09T14:45:00.002-06:00

"You aren't famous until my mother has heard of you." - Jay Leno

A story ran in the Mille Lacs County Times. It didn't run in the Mille Lacs Messenger. And there is a good reason.

The story headline is "DWI for snowmobiler." Now, it is good to inform the public that snowmobile riders can get a DWI for riding their sled with a blood alcohol level that exceeds the legal limit of 0.08 percent. Just like driving a car. There is no reason for people to be operating any vehicle while they are intoxicated — especially with a PBT reading of 0.223 percent.

The story is of a criminal act. The defendant resides in the northern half of the county and is the son of a public figure. But that still didn't make the grade in our books for making it news.

People have asked why we didn't run the story.

We could have. Freedom of the Press guarantees that. And Freedom of the press is "to be guarded as an inalienable right of the people in a free society. It carries with it the freedom and the responsibility to discuss, question and challenge actions and utterances of government and of public and private institutions. Journalist uphold the right to speak unpopular opinions and the privilege to agree or disagree with the majority."

Amen.

It is our policy at the Messenger to make every attempt to accurately report on criminal activity within our readership area. A crime was allegedly committed here. And we didn't run the story.

Why?

Our crime writing policy at the Messenger continues to be that we report on felony level crimes or above. With a few exceptions. If the crime, or alleged crime, was committed at a lessor level than a felony and was allegedly committed by an elected official or public figure, that may make it into the paper.

But just because a person is the son, or daughter, of a public official doesn't necessarily make the news.

This alleged crime was a gross misdemeanor. Not a felony. It didn't pass the policy test.

While writing crime stories, I read a lot of criminal complaints from the District Court. Sometimes, often times, I read them in total shock. It is hard for me to believe what one human being can do to another human being. Violent crimes are the worst criminal complaints to read. Sometimes, I want to cry. Sometimes I do. Sometimes I want to throw-up. And I haven't — yet. Just that little bit of bile in the back of the throat once in a while.

There are some criminal complaints that make me chuckle and even laugh out loud. Some people are just funny no matter what the situation and it gets written up by the law enforcement officer that way. Some people are not really trying to be funny, it just comes across that way sometimes. And then some people think they can get away with whatever they want. Some people think they are above the law.

While the entertainment value in the criminal complaint of the story that we didn't run ranked way up on the top, it still couldn't pass our test.

If you are total curious now about the story we didn't run, I haven't checked, but would be willing to bet you can find it on the Times website.

There are exceptions to our policies at the Messenger. And the Editor, Brett Larson, can run (pretty much) whatever he chooses. Although we try to stick to our own rules as much as possible.

Have a great weekend! Ride responsibly. Have fun and enjoy the snow!

Peace.

Gotta love Minnesota!

2009-01-06T09:53:00.002-06:00

Yep, that was the actual temperature yesterday, Jan. 5 on my way in to work. But the good news is there was no wind chill. So it actually felt more like, um, well, -29. In the sun, however, it felt like about only -20. So that wasn't so bad.

It warmed up to 5 above yesterday and I was almost sweating it felt so warm.

But now today, it is a heat wave! It was 10 ABOVE zero on my way in this morning. Almost took a picture of that, too, but I was in shock. So a big whopping 40 degree difference to the plus side and it is warm. I didn't even wear a hat today. I did bring one, tho, just in case. One just never knows when the weather can change around here. We are expecting a little dusting of snow today. Just enough to wreck a girl's hair spray.

Have a great day! It is a warm one!

Peace.

"Weather is a great metaphor for life - sometimes it's good, sometimes it's bad, and there's nothing much you can do about it but carry an umbrella." ~Pepper Giardino

(and an extra hat, mittens and bog boots, a shovel maybe, some de-icer, an emergency car kit with blankets, flashlight and chocolate .... BTW, you can quote me on that part.)

Bob and me

2009-01-02T12:32:00.002-06:00

"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole." ~Roger Caras

Yesterday, I took my son to see the movie "Marley and Me." I hadn't read the book. But I wish I had. I might not have gone to the movie.

It was a very good movie. But it hit too close to home for me right now. My son, too.

Everyone had said that the movie was funny. Hilarious even. Then a neighbor stopped by before we left and told us the ending. I hate that when people do that. Especially when I just told him that we were going in less than an hour. So, for that, thanks Herb.

So, if you haven't seen the movie and plan to, please stop reading right now. I don't want to be a Herb.

The movie mirrored my life in so many ways. The greatest link is one I am fairly certain I share with millions of people. That is the bond of love between a human and a dog.

Dogs are amazing. They are the ultimate example of unconditional love. No matter how long you leave them at home alone, when you return they are there to great you with a big wet kiss and tail just a waggin. They truly make you feel like you are the most important person in their life — at least for that moment and maybe at feeding time, too. So for those moments, which happen twice a day each, I am the center of my dog's universe. And it feels good.

There is nothing that can make a person laugh and smile as much as the sight of a puppy licking a child's face. Or grandma or grandpa's face for that matter. Or my face. Or yours.

The only major drawback to having a dog is that their lives are too short.

I have three dogs. I really only wanted one dog — especially at over 70 pounds each. But two dogs were rescue dogs, so to speak. And, while I sometimes feel overwhelmed by the smell of wet dogs in the summertime and am always missing a shoe and sometimes can't find a place to sit on my own couch, I wouldn't give them up for anything.

They never talk back or get sassy. They always want to play but can be just as happy sitting on my lap and reading a book.

I talk to them like they are my best friends. They seem to understand everything I say. Except the part about "no shoes." They never give bad advice and seem to always agree with me in the end.

My dog Bob is nearing 15 years old. That is about 105 years old in dog years — if they still do that.

He is a big 95 pound black lab.

My husband and I brought Bob home a couple of months after we were married. Of course, we just went to "look" at the puppies. Who "looks" at puppies? If they look back at you, then you are sunk.

We drove over an hour to a kennel that had a dog with the bloodlines of our other dog, Zeke, who was getting up in years. My husband said no dog would ever be as good of a bird dog as old Zeke, so he wanted to find lines that may come close.

We looked at the puppies and Bob picked us out. He was the chubby one chewing on his sisters ear. When we walked in, he cocked his head first one way and then the other and then just jumped up on the little fence and stared me in the eye, wagging his tail like it could fall off if I didn't pick him up.

We took him home. And that was the start of our love hate relationship for the first few years.

Bob was wild. His middle name is "Rowdie." And I can't even remember all of his other legal kennel names. We just call him Bob.

Just like in the movie, Bob was kicked out of obedience school. He made it through puppy kindergarten with flying colors, but when it came time for on-leash training, he was walking me. I was asked not to bring him back, because he was disruptive in class.

In the first couple of years of Bob ate a lot. Not just puppy chow. He ate his leash.

He ate our phone. He ate our TV remote control. He ate one shoe from every pair of shoes I owned. Usually the left shoe for some reason.

He ate our coffee table. It was cherry wood. If there was anything left on the floor, he ate it.

And then he ate our wedding album.

He went through the back door. Actually jumped through the window. It was closed. It was glass -- not a screen. And that resulted in a $600 vet bill. He tried to go through the front door, but the mailman stopped him. We were put on notice by the post office.

He was bitten on the lip by a muskrat. Actually, the muskrat attached himself to Bob's lip. He tried to shake the critter off, but was unsuccessful. That was a $300 vet bill.

Most people wouldn't let us bring Bob to their homes. If we had to bring him, we were usually asked to leave him in the car.

He ate the car. Well, just the back seat.

Through the years, Bob stopped eating things, other than dog food. He ate a lot of dog food. But he settled down as most labs do around the age of 6 years old. He was still a handful and was not very good on a leash. Besides, he ate most of them in his early years.

He was very good with babies and little kids. They could crawl all over him and he didn't mind. Well, sometimes he looked to us to rescue him. But he never growled. When he had enough he would just walk away. In fact, that is how my son learned to walk.

My son grabbed on to Bob's back — he really grabbed two handfuls of skin and fur and pulled himself on Bob's back. Bob would start to walk away and my son toddled behind him. My son was 8 months old when he walked, thanks to Bob.

Moving up to the north country in the woods was the best thing for Bob. He didn't need a leash. But he is a very social dog and never really did respond to the words, "Come, Bob." Whenever he would hear kids laughing or smell food, he would take off. And just keep going.

Several times, he would walk half way around the lake visiting people and getting scraps of food along the way. He would eventually find his way home. Most of the time. Except for when he didn't.

The dog tag is one of the worlds best inventions. Someone would eventually call saying, "Um, I think I have your dog. Rather, your dog is at our house again. Can you come get him? Please? He is eating my garden." (Bob loves veggies.)

Or we would drive around the lake calling him, or whistling. And when he would see us, he would run to us with the biggest grin on his face as if to say, "Oh, there you are! Where have you been? You missed out on so much fun! You will never believe what I did today... first ...."

He was usually covered in mud, or had rolled in a dead fish, but he was always wagging his tail and very happy to see us. He looked up at me with those big brown eyes that seemed to say, "Oh, I love you so very much. All the time. Please scratch my tummy and can I have something to eat?"

Bob turned out to be "The best dog I have ever hunted behind," my husband now says. Some of his friends would invite him to go bird hunting and if my husband couldn't go, they asked if they could just borrow Bob for the weekend. We never let him go without "his Dad." It just wasn't right.

Bob always knows when "Daddy's home!" He can hear that diesel a mile away. Well, actually, everybody can, but Bob always knew before the rest of us. And he knew when it was time for the bus to bring his best little buddy home from school. Bob would start pacing and circling by the door until the bus arrived at the top of our driveway.

Fast forward a few years. Bob is quite grey around the face. His eyes are pretty cloudy. It is hard to see inside of him. And Bob can't see out very well anymore. And he can't hear very well. So, when he wanders off, he can't hear us calling. We rely more and more on us seeing him. Or the dog tag and a phone call.

But he is still happy and continues to make us laugh and smile. He is a very good, big soft cuddly foot warmer. He hunted his last time at the age of 12 and then he retired a happy dog. He is now allowed to have a nibble of pheasant now and then as a reward for his years of retrieving.

Now, he is 15 years old. He doesn't move very fast anymore and often forgets why he went outside. His legs freeze up and then he can't move. The week it was 20-plus degrees below zero I thought Bob was not going to see Christmas. But he made it.

It is sad to realize that your faithful friend of 15 years is not going to be around much longer. He has been a pain in the neck and the checkbook, he ate a lot of special stuff that I can not ever replace, and he has been a couch hog, but I am going to miss him more than anything.

In the movie, "Marley and Me," I cried for at least the last 20 minutes straight. Sobbing by the end. So were most of the people sitting around us. It was as though I was watching my dog die on the big screen in front of me. And I know I will be experiencing the real thing any day now. My son sniffed a lot, too. On the way home, he said, "I tried really hard not to cry mom, but I couldn't help it. At the end, I thought about Bob."

The seasons of Bob's life are almost over. He seems to be ok most of the time. He wags his tail. He eats. He drinks. He eliminates. I don't think he is in any pain. He is just very slow. While he can't jump up on the beds anymore, he can still make it onto the couch most of the time. And he has finally figured out what the dog bed on the floor is really for. He sleeps a lot. And he sleeps hard. He still has those doggy dreams — you know the ones, like he is chasing after a chippy and his four feet are all going and his tail is wagging. I have to jiggle him to wake him up in the morning to go outside. And every morning as I walk up to him I wonder if this is going to be the day that he doesn't wake up.

In the end, I hope that is the way he goes. Peacefully. In his sleep. In his own time.

I have complained about having 3 dogs and I don't think I will ever have 3 dogs at one time again. But I can't think of 3 better dogs to have.

They say, all dogs go to heaven. I know Bob will. I am going to miss Bob. Until then, I am just going to keep loving him and talking to one of my very best friends.

Peace.

"I talk to him when I'm lonesome like; and I'm sure he understands. When he looks at me so attentively, and gently licks my hands; then he rubs his nose on my tailored clothes, but I never say naught thereat. For the good Lord knows I can buy more clothes, but never a friend like that." ~W. Dayton Wedgefarth

Merry Christmas

2008-12-23T15:24:00.002-06:00

"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

2008-12-23T10:30:00.002-06:00

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

2008-12-15T14:12:00.003-06:00

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

2008-12-11T16:42:00.009-06:00

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

2008-12-09T15:08:00.005-06:00

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

2008-12-05T17:08:00.003-06:00

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

2008-12-01T17:31:00.004-06:00

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

2008-11-26T16:16:00.002-06:00

“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

2008-11-24T15:10:00.005-06:00

"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

2008-11-24T11:17:00.002-06:00

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

2008-11-20T14:02:00.002-06:00

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

2008-11-18T14:39:00.008-06:00

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

2008-11-13T12:45:00.005-06:00

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

2008-11-12T17:17:00.000-06:00

"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

2008-11-12T14:47:00.004-06:00

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

2008-11-10T17:49:00.003-06:00

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

2008-11-10T13:38:00.003-06:00

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

2008-11-08T15:27:00.002-06:00

“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

2008-11-07T15:35:00.002-06:00

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

2008-11-07T13:27:00.003-06:00

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

2008-11-05T17:37:00.003-06:00

“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

2008-11-03T08:40:00.003-06:00

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

2008-10-31T10:46:00.002-05:00

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

2008-10-30T16:52:00.000-05:00

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

2008-10-30T14:06:00.000-05:00

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

2008-10-29T09:35:00.000-05:00

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

2008-10-24T14:18:00.000-05:00

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

2008-10-24T13:08:00.000-05:00

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

2008-10-22T17:21:00.000-05:00

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

2008-10-16T16:11:00.000-05:00

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

2008-10-13T18:11:00.000-05:00

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

2008-10-10T17:55:00.000-05:00

“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

2008-10-10T11:27:00.000-05:00

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. * * *

The law of the Rez - a new chief in town

2008-10-08T19:08:00.000-05:00

“Laws control the lesser man... Right conduct controls the greater one.” - Mark
Twain

“Nobody has a more sacred obligation to obey the law than those who make the law.” -- Sophocles

Wow. What a day.

If you have read the Messenger website, then you already know. Mille Lacs Band Chief Executive Melanie Benjamin has been removed from office effective as of 11 a.m. this morning.

I wont go into details — you can get that from the news story. I hope you read it all and keep going back daily for updates as they happen.

I cannot say one way or another if I think Melanie Benjamin is innocent or guilty of the accusations of the petition. Because I don't know that. Nobody does, really. Except for her.

I will say that no formal criminal charges have been filed therefore no convictions have been made. All I can tell you is there is a federal investigation "ongoing" regarding some pretty big amounts of money (Millions) being miss-appropriated by at least one department of the Mille Lacs Band. Solicitor General Rjay Brunkow confirmed there is an investigation by the Federal government, but when I call the federal people I get the standard FBI statement, "I can neither confirm nor deny such an investigation exists."

Please.

Anyway, more on that later.

So Melanie presented a court order at the removal hearing in the Band Assembly chambers this morning, issued by the Band's Chief Justice. The court order basically said the hearing for the removal of Benjamin from office was canceled for the day and would proceed at another date.

The Band assembly said they didn't have to oblige the court order. They said that they have power over the court in this matter.

OK. That deserves a big "What the???"

Did the Band Assembly really say they are above the law?

Apparently they did.

They said that the Minnesota Chippewa Tribal Constitution gave them the power.

After conversations with several Indian legal law professors and a bunch of other people all day, I have a sore ear for one. But I learned a few things.

The MCT Constitution was written a long, long time ago for the six tribes of Chippewa residing in Minnesota. About 25 or 30 years ago, the Mille Lacs Band members voted to create there own Band statutes. The MCT said they could, so they did.

Mille Lacs Band was (and is) still a member of the MCT in good standing. While they were guided by the MCT, rather still under the umbrella of the MCT, they created their own government and they became a sovereign nation.

They are the only one of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribes who have a separation of powers government. They created three branches of government — judicial, legislative and executive and called it a separation of powers. Each branch was created to have co-equal power. If there were problems between any two branches, the third could step in.

The rules, or laws, of the MCT still govern the Mille Lacs Band but they created their own set of laws and statutes that are in addition to the MCT Constitution to govern the entire Mille Lacs Band. These statutes are the law.

Under the Band statutes it says under no uncertain terms, if the Mille Lacs Band Court issued an order, it was an order. "The rule of law is supreme in an orderly society," Jay Kanassatega said. He is the guy who wrote the Mille Lacs Band statues in 1983 and was the first Solicitor General for the Mille Lacs Band under the new separation of powers.

He told me today that any government body that acts against a court order is a very serious circumstance.

The Band Assembly publicly ignored a court order today. Kanassatega is concerned about what kind of a message that will send to the Band members? How can they banish some Band members under the Band statutes, but ignore the Band statues when it suits them? Can they pick and choose which laws to obey and which laws to ignore? Is the joint
session above the law?

"The legal process should be allowed to play out," Kanassatega continued. "We don't take the law into our own hands."

But Brunkow said that because of a case law Nixon v United States (Not Pres. Nixon) the MCT Constitution delegates authority to the RBC - Reservation Business Commission, or the 5 elected officials) and because of that the judicial branch has no authority when it is a non-jurisdictional political question. Which in his eyes this is.

So what happens now? What is in store for the Band members with the newly appointed interim chief executive Herb Weyaus?

Only time will tell. He has officially only 141 days in his newly "appointed" position. That is unless he chooses to run in the special election for the position of Chief Executive. He will have 81 days to file if that is his plan. We don't know yet.

Stay tuned.

Peace.

“Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws.” -- Plato

Everyone has a story, especially if they survived WWII

2008-09-25T12:12:00.000-05:00

"Age is opportunity no less,
Than youth itself, though in another dress,
And as the evening twilight fades away,
The sky is filled with stars, invisible by day." ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

I was in Milaca yesterday for a meeting. After the meeting I was at first self-absorbed in what I was doing, loading my camera back in the Jeep and thinking of returning phone messages that came in while I was in the meeting. I didn't notice the elderly man walking slowly, shuffling his feet and using a cane as he walked toward the curb.

He was having a bit of trouble getting his feet and cane to cooperate to lift his leg the 5 inches up the curb so he could walk on the sidewalk.

I hesitated for a moment figuring he'll make it. But then I just walked over and grabbed his arm.

"Can I help you up the curb, Sir?" I asked him politely.

"Oh, why it would be my pleasure to let you help me, miss," he said.

It is wonderful to be called miss instead of ma'am. This cute old gentleman with his wonderfully aged face, lots of gray hair and slow moving body wearing a John Deere ball cap and a Chevy Truck jacket.

"I used to move pretty good," he said. "Didn't need a cane. I could walk just fine on my own until I was in an accident a little while ago."

He pointed to his car and proceeded to tell me all about the accident. It never would have happened if the bank across the street from his credit union didn't have CD's at 2 percent higher than the credit union. He was in a hurry to get there before it closed, and so on.

Well one thing led to another and I stood there in the street while he was on the curb telling me story after story about his life. His eyes twinkled and the expression lines near his eyes and mouth were like a map of mostly happy times.

He is 88 years old. He was on his way to the barber shop to get a hair cut and then off to the casino to play some Black Jack.

He has won more times in his life than he has lost, he said. Not just gaming. He was talking about life as a whole.

He was in the service. A World War II veteran as a matter of fact. I have only met a couple WWII vets in my lifetime. They are becoming harder to meet. But each time has been an honor.

Bernard continued to tell me stories as the minutes ticked by. I stood there listening for nearly 30 minutes. And I could have listened to him for hours. But I knew my editor would not have liked that if I listened to a man talk all afternoon and didn't come back with any copy for the paper.

Still, I listened a while longer, standing in the street.

Finally I regretfully asked Bernard if I walk him to the Barber shop just about 50 feet from where we were standing. He was thrilled. "Won't they be surprised? Can I tell them you are my girlfriend?"

"Sure," I said. And smiled.
He was grinning mischievously.

Bernard has a friend who lives in New York. They were in the service together. Both survived WWII and still talk to each other once a week, he said.

I asked him if I could call him sometime so we could talk some more. I would be very interested in writing a nice Veteran Story on a WWII vet.

"Oh, I don't think you should call me," he said. "It wouldn't be proper." He didn't want people to get the wrong idea.

I understood. So I said. "If I may be just a little forward, then Sir, here is my card. You can call me," I said.

He grinned. And walked into the barber shop.

"Look here!" he announced. "This is my new girlfriend."

I was charmed by Bernard. I love talking to older people because they are walking history books. And don't care about what they say anymore. And Bernard is still planning for a future. He is 88 years old and buying a new CD. That is optimistic.

I am so glad that I took time to help Bernard get up onto that curb. I may never see him again, or have a chance to write some of his WWII stories, but I shared 30 minutes with a hero.

I was honored.

Peace.

“Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, But beautiful old people are works of art.” -- Eleanor Roosevelt

Letters to the editor: Garrison walleye

2008-09-23T12:32:00.000-05:00

“The ideals which have lighted my way, and time after time have given me new courage to face life cheerfully have been kindness, beauty, and truth.” — Albert Einstein

In this week's Messenger on the Mailbag page you will find politics as usual for 6 weeks before a presidential election. You will also find a little letter from a guy named Jeff Swanson of Saginaw, Texas.

He is complaining about the new paint job on the Garrison walleye. Apparently, Mr. Swanson does not like the new look of the freshly painted statute of the giant fish on the concourse. He disagrees with the caption that was printed under the photo that appeared on the front page of the Messenger on Sept. 3.

Everyone has a right to their opinion, I will give him that much. But for him to go further and state that I miss-quoted a women and her family, I have a problem with that statement.

Mr. Swanson, were you there? Umm.... no. That women I talked to and her two daughters were truly excited to be there and yes, they did say the fish was pretty.

Perhaps you were trying to be funny, Mr. Swanson. But I am not laughing.

Mr. Swanson has a cabin somewhere in the area and lives in Texas. He stated that he disagrees with the statement that it is better than new. He disagrees, along with most of the people living in and visiting Garrison, he said. I guess he has asked most of them.

That is a pretty bold statement for a non-Garrison resident to make. "Most" of the people? I don't even know the opinion of "Most" of the people, Mr. Swanson. And I talk to a lot of people in and around Garrison. Everyday. But certainly not most.

According to the Census bureau in 2000 the city of Garrison has a population of 213, 113 households, and 48 families. Then there is Garrison Township in which there were 796 people, 355 households, and 246 families residing in 2000. Add in the people just passing through town driving right by the walleye: according to MnDOT the average number of vehicles that pass through Garrison on Hwy. 169 on given day is 8,200 — on a busy summer Sunday afternoon that number jumps to 15,800.

That is a lot of people, Mr. Swanson. I am glad you have the time to pole "most" of them when you are visiting from Texas.

The folks I have talked to are glad that the walleye has been fixed up — repaired and painted. Did you know he was missing a couple fins for the past several years? The paint was faded and chipped and the stand was practically falling over. Comparing pictures of the fish before and pictures of the fish after, there is definitely a difference. He is definitely in better shape now, than he was before.

I truly believe there are not a lot of things better in life than getting new clothes, a new hair cut and color, and most definitely new shoes. Those are a few of my favorite things that always brighten my day.

Change is good for the soul. Take hair styles for instance. In the 80s we had mullets for the guys and big hair for the gals. Now? I don't know too many guys still sporting a mullet — not even Billy Ray Cyrus — and not too many gals have wild permed-looking hair and spray their bangs stiff-straight with AquaNet.

I understand that walleye is not alive. But the people I have talked to who live in the area are happy that someone took the initiative to put a fresh look on that old tired fish. I think that walleye does seem to be a little brighter.

Mr. Swanson ended his letter with this statement: "I hope that when I come back to my cabin again that they repainted our walleye to look like a walleye."

"Our" Walleye? I think our walleye looks fabulous.

Before:
After:

What do you think?

Peace.

“For every beauty there is an eye somewhere to see it. For every truth there is an ear somewhere to hear it. For every love there is a heart somewhere to receive it.”
— Ivan Panin

Goldfish and groceries

2008-09-22T16:07:00.000-05:00

I am not much of a Wal-Mart fan. There are some political reasons, but mostly because I don't get that warm-fuzzy feeling when I walk into the local Wal-Mart — which is only when I have to.

Mostly, I get a creepy feeling. I have only been in the local Wal-Mart a couple of times. Once, I needed a Halloween costume for my son and we had exhausted all other stores in the city. We walked in to Wal-Mart and found the perfect thing for $1.87 and we were out the door. We saved some money and rolled back down the highway.

Another time I was in there, was midnight when I was told in no uncertain terms by a 10-year-old, and 11-year-old and a 13-year-old that we needed bug spray and coolwhip. I know, an odd combination. It was some project the kids were planning for the next day and the mosquitoes had been terrible. We ran out of Off. And the coolwhip was some sort of trap set at their top-secret-kids-only-fort. Anyway, where can you get bug spray and coolwhip at midnight? Yep. Wal-Mart.

There are some odd ducks at that store at midnight. I am sure I looked a little odd myself carrying a combination of bug spray and coolwhip. But I had a logical explanation for those items. I think.

Still, I was a little creeped out by some of the strangeness. I didn't think I would ever go back.

Well, on Friday afternoon, Shark died. He had been one of the 29 cent feeder goldfish I bought my son three years ago. He had definitely outlived his life expectancy, but it was sad for my son nonetheless.

So yesterday, I needed to get a replacement goldfish and some groceries. Where else can you go to get a goldfish and groceries in one stop? Wal-Mart.

I don't know my way around that store at all and went up and down the isles several times looking for my items. I ran into a friend I hadn't seen in a while and met her sister. We laughed and exchanged jello recipes and were on our way.

I saw another familiar face and her daughter, we said "hi" in passing and were on our way.

Seems a lot of people I know shop at Wal-Mart. But I am still not convinced it saves money. Or time. Even for one-stop trips looking for goldfish and groceries.

And then I passed another couple I knew. I smiled. They didn't smile back. I know I am not on their top ten list of favorite people. But maybe they didn't see me and that is ok with me.

Charlie and I had all of the groceries in the cart and had used the instant hand sanitizer several times since we walked in. All we needed was the goldfish. We had to wait 10 minutes for help in the pet department.

We got the fish ($4.98) and waited in line 10 more minutes and we were out the door. Loaded up the Jeep with the stuff and my son was happy with his new fish.

So far, at least this morning, the new fish, named M.T. (kidspeak for Mark Twain (Charlie's favorite story right now) was still alive.

I just don't get that warm-fuzzy feeling from that store.

Vigilante mayor?

2008-09-10T08:55:00.000-05:00

I write a lot of the crime beat, police blotter stuff for the paper. Last week I wrote about a local Mayor (Bock Mayor Dennis Girard) who was caught on tape tampering with a vehicle and disabling it so that it wouldn't run. When a deputy asked him about it, he admitted to the deputy that he did it. His excuse was he got the wrong car. He thought it was somebody else's.

Hummmm....

At the time the story was published, no criminal charges had been filed. Somebody sent us a tip regarding the incident and I gathered my information from the Sheriff. A citation was issued after the paper had gone to press, and formal charges are pending.

Well, in this weeks paper you will find a letter to the editor from a woman in Bock defending the intentions of the meddling mayor. She wrote that his heart was in the right place.

The letter states the Mayor and his wife "regularly" drive sober cab for people who have had too much to drink and that they have opened their home to allow people a place to sleep it off when libations have been excessive.

Apparently, she stated, that the Mayor was trying to keep a drunk driver off the road this time as well. This time, he didn't drive the person home, he disabled the car so she couldn't drive herself.

Only he got the wrong car.

The letter states that the Mayor tried to apologize to the woman whose car he messed with.

Sometimes, the words "I am sorry" have no meaning.

The letter states, "Dennis Girard's heart was in the right place. Its unfortunate that he may be punished for trying to do a good deed."

On the surface it appears from the letter to the editor that this mayor is a good person and was trying to do a good thing.

But if he was in the habit of giving sober cab rides to people why didn't he just drive the person whom he was trying to save home in the first place?

Word on the street is the driver refused his help. So the mayor took matters into his own hands. In a vigilante move, he decided the person shouldn't drive, so he tried to make it so the person wouldn't, couldn't drive.

Only he got the wrong car.

Now he thinks he can just say I'm sorry and move on.

What if the person whose car he did disable, an innocent person, was in a hurry to get to work. What if the driver had been told by the boss, "If you are late one more time you are fired. No excuses." What if the driver of the disabled car was on the way to an emergency doctor's appointment or to pick up a child from school, or a friends.

There are a lot of what ifs I could come up with. The bottom line is the meddling mayor messed with the wrong car when he tried to play cop, judge and jury.

Dudley Moore once said, "The best car safety device is a rear-view mirror with a cop in it." Perhaps the mayor should have called one. Some people need to see the bars to stop drinking too much at the bars.

Peace.

A bully in the Senate?

2008-09-02T11:31:00.000-05:00

“You may fool all the people some of the time, you can even fool some of the people all of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all the time.”

Abraham Lincoln American 16th US President (1861-65)

There has been a lot going on around the area that had me more than a little exasperated. I haven't blogged for a while because my mom always used to tell me if I didn't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.

Well, I guess that hasn't stopped me much before, so I can't let it stop me now.

I don't often voice my political views. I like to think I am not a democrat, nor a republican, nor an independent, nor green, nor any other party affiliation. I don't vote for a party -- I vote for a person.

So, here is a major quandary in the Republican party -- at least in the Senate District 16.

Sen. Betsy Wergin resigned her position to take a different job on the Public Utilities Commission. I like Betsy. While I didn't agree 100% with everything she did (I don't often agree 100% on anything) I think she tried to do a good job.

So now Mark Olson is running for a seat in the state Senate on the republican ticket. This is rather alarming to me.

He was representing district 16B in the House of Representatives since 1992 and then expelled -- kicked out -- by the House Republican caucus in December 2006.

He was asked to leave the party.

Why?

Apparently a jury of 12 of his peers agreed with the County Attorney that Olson assaulted his wife. He was found guilty of domestic assault. Although he was convicted of a misdemeanor and not a felony, the cause should set off some alarms in people's brains. He assaulted his wife.

He was convicted of one count of misdemeanor domestic assault by intending to cause fear of bodily harm. He was acquitted of intentionally inflicting or attempting to inflict bodily harm.

He said he didn't intentionally hurt his wife. That he merely grabbed her by the shoulders and placed her on the ground.

On Nov. 12, 2006 Olson's wife, Heidi, called the sheriff's office. She told deputies that her husband pushed her to the ground three times. Apparently in her words he pushed her to the ground -- "placed" her on the ground in his words -- so hard that he left bruises. Deputies noted the bruises in the initial call report.

Mrs. Olson testified in court July 2007 that she feared for her life during the confrontation. She also said he pushed her down and that he told her she ruined his life.

The incident occurred when Heidi challenged his point of view about the treatment of her 13-year-old autistic son, according to the Elk River Star, August 2007. Heidi has five children from a previous marriage.

Here you have a couple in an argument. Couples argue. That is they way it is. Apparently, this couple does not see eye-to-eye on parenting techniques. That happens, too. But, when Mark was challenged by his wife, a woman, and the mother of children that are not his biological children, and one of those children is autistic, he got angry.

Anger happens.

But he didn't stop at anger. He used his hands to hurt another person -- his wife. He used his hands to reinforce his thought process.

I take issue with any man who takes his anger to another level and hurts a woman or a child.

And get this, in the trial, his attorney tried to say that HE was the abused spouse. Heidi hit him several times in two years, the attorney said. If that was really the case, why had he not reported it? Perhaps because he was not afraid of his wife. He was not afraid that she could physically hurt him.

She did admit in court that she hit him once in the chest. Most likely a defensive action.

Olson was quoted in the Aug. 27 issue of the Messenger saying, "If I believed that I assaulted my wife, I would have resigned from the Legislature."

Hmmm.... dictionary.com says:

as·assault –noun
1. a sudden, violent attack; onslaught: an assault on tradition.
2. Law. an unlawful physical attack upon another; an attempt or offer to do violence to another, with or without battery, as by holding a stone or club in a threatening manner.
3. Military. the stage of close combat in an attack.
4. rape1.
–verb (used with object)
5. to make an assault upon; attack; assail.

He hurt his wife. She said so. She said he hurt her and that he scared her so that she feared for her life. The deputies saw bruising on her body.

He was convicted of causing fear.

He believes his conviction is unconstitutional. He doesn't believe that our court system actually helps families. He doesn't believe that we should have laws that convict people for getting angry.

He believes that couples involved in an investigation of abuse or whatever, should be allowed to be together while giving statements to law enforcement. (Perhaps so that one can continuing threatening the other?)

Apparently the defining word for Mark Olson is what he believes.
I am not sure what color the sky is in his world, but it is blue in mine.

What matters on election day is what you believe.

There are other issues on his list of positions Olson outlined in his newsletter to which I do not agree. Fortunately for him, I am not a constituent in district 16. But if I were, I wouldn't vote for him on his positions regarding abortion and global warming alone. But physical abuse is never OK. Causing someone fear for their life is never OK.

But the main issue is he is a hot head who resorts to violence when he is angry. He is a bully by definition.

Do you want that in the Senate?

Do you want that guy making laws for you?

Peace.

It's the people

2008-08-11T18:04:00.000-05:00

“Life is partly what we make it, and partly what it is made by the friends we choose.” — Tennessee Williams

The cool thing about people is that they are all different. People watching at We Fest is about as good as at an airport. Only most people at We Fest are wearing less clothes and have had more to drink.

We could start with the outfits, or lack thereof. But I think that goes without saying. Just think of a festive crowd spending all day outdoors in the hot summer sun listening to music, doing a little dancing, enjoying some good food and a lot of beverages. As the day progresses, I think it is more than just tequila that makes some clothes fall off.

Of course, there are a few genuine cowboys (and girls) walking around in their Wranglers or Levis sporting a shiny belt buckle. Some of the buckles are genuine PBR series - and I don't mean Pabst Blue Ribbon. The buckles attach to a belt that actually holds their pants on without showing any underwear. It is nice to see jeans that fit well. Of course, they have on real boots, that have maybe spurred a horse or two. You can just tell by the way they walk.

I like talking with people. All kinds of people. And in the process of trying to sell them a pair of super soft elk skin or ostrich boots, I sometimes learn a whole lot more about their personal lives than I had really intended. Most of the people I will never see again. Some I know will be back. Some I hope will.

There was Nick from Little Falls. He has been coming to We Fest for many years, four I think he said. He is seasoned. He is 22, has two brothers and a half sister. He has had three pairs of boots in his life. He is now going on four.

Another young man, unfortunately I don't remember his name, but he said his grandfather passed away not to long ago. He was given his grandpa's old Tony Lama boots that he wore nearly everyday of his life, at least what this young man could remember. He never saw his grandpa in any other boot or shoe. The boots had been re-soled many times, but recently, he just let them wear out. The boots had holes on the sides where his toes and managed to wear down the old cowhide. Not unlike the old man himself, I imagined. People, like boots, sometimes just wear out. I imagine those boots told a story of many miles walked and hard days at work.

This young man is saving his grandpas boots. They are going on a shelf — left all tattered and worn just they way his grandpa left them — in tribute to the old cowboy. Now, this young man bought himself his first pair of Tony Lama boots from us. He hopes his will last for many years as well. And when they are as worn and broke in as his grandpas, they are going on the shelf next to grandpa's old boots.

Putting on a pair of boots just makes you walk a little taller and take on a little strut. I

People say the darndest things. My cousin Joe and I were sitting outside the shack just relaxing between rushes and watching people. Some young kids sat down next to us. The boy was 21 and was having a good time. We talked for a while and then he said, "I hope when I am your age I am still out here having as much fun as you guys are. And you look pretty good for someone in your age category, too."

Hmm... I asked him how old he thought I was. "You look 35 and he looks 37." Not too bad we both thought. As we are somewhere in that age category -- give or take a few years.

There was a group in the VIP campground who were a lot of fun. "Why Curt?" But why not Cameron?

Jen and I were able to go backstage a couple more times. While I like watching the performers from back there, I am also very interested in what goes on behind the scenes.

The entire stage is probably bigger than our entire office building at the Messenger. What the people see from out front, is only about half of it. It takes a lot of people to put on a show — any show. Think of any plays you did in high school and how many stage crew people you had working. Now multiply that by top recording artists, their bands, their sound guys, their roadies, their light guys and whomever else they need.

Then the We Fest production crew is there as well, making sure that the other crews have everything they need. It is simply amazing.

There is this little corner on the west side of the stage where all of the equipment is. I like to hang out there when I am allowed the privilage of being on stage. This is where the sound guys are. And believe me the sound is just about as good as it gets in that corner.

One small section has a couple of chairs crammed in between equipment cases. On several occassions during the performances I found a couple of crew members catching a few winks. That is totally understandable. You see, I suppose when you are a stage crew, you have seen a gazillion performers. You have done your job setting up and need to wait to tear down to be ready for the next performer. This goes on all day long for them and after the last act of the night, which usually ended around 1 a.m., their work is still not done. They have to be ready for the next day to do it all over again.

Those guys work hard. And I noticed that their work does not go unnoticed by those who depend on them. The performers thank them, and the production staff, like Tom and Kitty Kat, thank them. It all looked pretty genuine to me.

It's the people.

The performers are real people. I was most impressed by Little Big Town and Sugarland. They seem so nice to the fans and all of their crew. Each time there needed to be a guitar switch, the guy thanked his helper with a smile and a nod or a wink. And went on to perform and give that same smile and wink to the fans.

After their shows, they walked around backstage and through the VIP campgrounds like they were just ordinary people. Not snobs who thought they were too good for the campers. I think that was also a tribute to the fans at We Fest. They didn't mob them, or run screaming towards them. They walked up casually and asked if they could have their picture taken or get an autograph. Oh, I am sure some fans might have been a little worse, but for the most part, that is what I saw.

I was a fan of Billy Ray Cyrus in the 90s. He was cute, and he had that mullet thing going on. I must say, that he is still pretty cute. Afterall, he is in my age category. (he is one year older than I am.) I prefer the no-mullet look he carries now and the view from backstage was fabulous. Oh, and he sounded great, too.

It's the people.

I will miss seeing the families and friends of all of our vendor neighbors. I can't possibly mention them all, but you all are fabulous neighbors.

Even though time goes on and we go to our own little places in the world, we know we will be together again. We may think back to our week at We Fest and a tear may fall or the smile may spread wide across our face. No matter where this crazy world takes us, I don't think anything will ever change so much to the point where we're not all still friends.

So, to all of my new and old We Fest friends, Thanks, again. I had a great time. See you next year.

Peace.

Backstage on Friday

2008-08-09T08:58:00.000-05:00

Jen and I took a little break and went back stage. We ran in to Tom Kat back there. He is the MC of the entire weekend. From what I know, he is an all-around-pretty nice guy. His wife Lynn, (Kitty Kat) also helps with stage production. I am certain they do so much more.

So, Tom Kat asked me if I would like to go on stage for a while. Surely, I wouldn't turn down that opportunity. I have seen many acts behind the scenes, and each one is different not only because of the performers, but because of each crew. And Jennifer had not had the opportunity to do so, so we went up with Tom Kat.

I did not have my big camera with me, only my cell phone camera. But here are a couple of pics I shot of Little Big Town from back stage.

Down to the right is a shot of Tracy Byrd's tour bus. Nice tire, huh?

Oh, I almost forgot. We met Pat backstage. Pat is a steel worker. He is the guy who climbs around in the steel frames and hangs all the lights for the show. I thought I took a photo, but it didn't work out.

So, we were walking around back stage talking to people who work there. We met Brian and Jim, the backstage stage steps guards. They keep guard the steps where the performers walk up to the stage.

So there at the top of the stage was a tree of some sort. It was filled with women's bras. So, I just had to ask. "Why are all those bras on that tree?"

Kenny Chesney was the main act and the closer for Friday night. He was to perform a couple hours later. Apparently, women in the audience have been known to throw undergarments up on stage while he is performing. Well, Kenny's stage crew apparently save them all. "They throw out the ratty looking ones," Brian said. But they keep the rest.

I took a picture, with my cell phone, but you will just have to trust me on this one, that it is very colorful and there were garments in all sizes.

(Brian and Jim)

(Arlyn and Barb, west gate security for back stage. Arlyn has been at the same gate for over a decade of We Fest concerts. Her husband, Don works the east gate. Barb's husband Ed works there as well, but we didn't see him much. I like to go to the same gate when I go back stage and I have been chatting with these two gals for over three years. They guard that gate with nearly the tenacity of the sentinals at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers. Nobody gets in without a pass when they are at the gate. And they are there all the time.)

Well, this is all for now. We have to get ready to set up and get back out to the boot shack. I have a ton of stories to share, so come back later for another update.

Peace.

So far at We Fest

2008-08-09T08:32:00.000-05:00

So here we are. We arrived on Wednesday and set up the boot shack. Things went pretty smoothly. It is always fun to see the area when it is only the vendors, all happy to be there and busy doing their thing, getting ready for the 47,000 or so people to rush through the gates on opening day.

It is a reunion of sorts, too, as most of the vendors are repeats. Year after year, they come to the same spot. It is like a neighborhood, or a bunch of little neighborhoods. Everybody gets pretty close and while each booth is separate, behind the scenes we all work rather well together.

The coffee shop (they also sell smoothies and iced coffees, and so on) is right next door to the east. And to the east of that is the hot wings shack. If I am not mistaken, the same people own both of them.

Mark is own of the owners. For his real job, he is a chiropractor. Dr. Mark brings along his table and is very kind to give us each an adjustment each morning. Something that is highly cherished and much appreciated after a day of standing on your feet all day. Not to mention bending down to help people try on boots and shoes.

Dr. Mark brought with him this year a massage therapist. She has also become quite popular. As each of us are treated to an adjustment and/or massage, we start to walk taller and move a little smoother, more fluently.

And the coffee is an excellent boost as well. We will get to the chicken wings in a bit. One word of warning, I think my lips are still swollen from trying the XXX hot wings. With the very first bite, a sweat broke out upon my brow and upper lip. I am not sure what cools that burning sensation off better; water, milk, bread or beer. After a short debate, I tried them all, substituting potatoes for bread.

My lips still burn.

To the west of us are Matt and Kenny. They own a food shack. I have to be honest, I am not entirely certain what all they have, but one of the main attractions is a roast beef Sundae. It is mashed potatoes, covered in shaved roast beef and gravy, followed by more mashed potatoes and gravy sprinkled with cheese and topped with a cherry tomato. It looks a lot like an ice cream sundae and goes much better with beer.

They also sell burritos, shrimp and chicken bites and other tastey morsels. But I highly recommend the sundae.

When the gates open the very first day and the people come in, things start to get interesting.

More to come later....

On the road and behind the scenes

2008-08-05T12:03:00.000-05:00

"Music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it rest, heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from heaven to the soul." -- Unknown

Hello there! I just a few hours I will be pulling on my cowboy boots and on the road heading up to WE FEST in Detroit Lakes. For those who don't know what that is (my east coast friends!) it is the premier outdoor country music festival. For three days, country fans will be entertained by some of the top names in the industry including but not limited to Rascal Flatts, Taylor Swift, Leann Rimes, Kenny Chesney, Winnona, Sugarland and so many more I can't even list them all!

I have been to the Soo Pass Ranch (We Fest Land) many times over the last couple of decades. (OMG, I sound old!) I took some time off when my son was very small, but I have been back the last few years.

But, I am not just a festival goer. I work there. If you can call it that.

It is a long story of how this all got started. If you are interested, I can tell you sometime. Let me know. But the gist of it is, I work at the boot shack — JC Sales — selling western boots. That's right — cowboy boots. And cowgirl boots and sandals, too.

There we are! The JC Sales gang.

Life as a We Fest vendor is much different than that of the average festival goer. In many ways I think it is much more fun. I have been both.

But not very many people get to see the behind the scenes stuff that vendors are allowed. So, I am going to take you there with me behind the scenes — really.

Keep watching my blog this week for my life as a vendor. I will take you behind the vendor booths, the security, the maintenance, the garbage, the beer and back stage. Who knows where I will end up or who I might bump into. (Last year I ran smack into Trace Adkins. He is a really big guy and I bumped into him walking down the backstage steps — right into his belt buckle. Umm, it was a very big belt buckle.)

So stay tuned. Me and my friend Jen are hitting the road early Wednesday morning. If there is something you want to see, let me know and I will do the best I can to find it for you.

Here are a couple more pictures from last year. Enjoy and come back soon!

Peace.

“Music and rhythm find their way into the secret places of the soul” -- Plato

Addicted to texting

2008-08-05T10:45:00.000-05:00

"The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place."
- George Bernard Shaw

So the new law went into effect in Minnesota this past week. No more texting while driving.

While I almost hate to admit it, I have driven and texted at the same time before. I have even — once, just once — been driving, talking on the cell phone with one person using the hands free head set, and texting another person. Not the smartest thing to do.

So, no more. I admit it is a bit of a distraction. Not just while driving, but all the time. I have friends whom I don't even talk to anymore. We stay in touch on a daily or weekly basis and never say a word. We just text.

We can even send and receive photos to one another by phone, so there is really no reason to have to actually meet people in person. I can actually shop with my girlfriends in three different cities at one time and we are not even connected to the Internet! Here's how it works: I can take a picture with my cell phone of any item I am looking at or thinking about buying. Put it in a text message and send it off to one of my friends. With photos attached to the text message, I'll send a text like: , "What do you think of these shoes?" with the photos attached. Or, "do you think mom would like this blanket?" or even, "do these jeans make my butt look big?"

As good girlfriends always do, they will text me back with all the right answers and advice. Even if I don't want to hear it.

But no more texting while driving. I have been going through some withdrawal symptoms. But I am getting better. It is one day at a time right now. It has been a difficult, albeit safer week on the road.

At least for now, anyway, I can still talk on the phone. I use a hands-free device that usually makes me sound as though I am talking under water with a bucket on my head. I try not to talk about anything too serious or stressful and if I need to take notes, I pull over.

But still, talking on a cell phone while driving is also a distraction. I might try ot give that up, after I recover from no more texting.

And I can still text and shop. For now.

Peace.

Mohawks are back?

2008-08-04T15:31:00.000-05:00

"Fashion is the science of appearance, and it inspires one with the desire to seem rather than to be." - Henry Fielding

Fashions come and go, I realize that. But I have seen a lot of kids sporting Mohawk hairdos lately. I just have to wonder why?

When I was in high school there was a kid named Wes. He was a little on the unusual side. And quite the entrepreneur. He was always doing something a little crazy. Like the time he showed up at our senior prom dressed as a girl with a guy as his date. Neither one could find a date, apparently. Wes did not make a very attractive girl, and he tried hard not to. They were kicked out. Or should I say asked to leave? But there was some kind of bet involved and I am sure he made a little cash.

Wes was known for having some crazy-fun theme parties. Usually ending up with many kids in his backyard pool — Not always by choice and swimsuits were not required.

He had great toga parties. Everyone had to be in costume. Which went over quite well in the pool later. Or not so well, depending on how you looked at it. And everyone looked. It is hard to swim in a queen size sheet wrapped around your body, just so you know.

But then there was Wes' all time classic-never-to-be-outdone party. He had a Mohawk party. For a $3 cover charge, he shaved his head into a Mohawk. Well, his dad actually ran the razor while the rest of us watched amazed.

I am not sure how much money he made, but there were nearly 600 students in my class and at least half of us were at that party. The picture made the yearbook. I think it was classified as an "extra curricular" activity. I am not sure, though. I would have to look that one up. It was definitely not a school sanctioned activity.

But that was 1980, folks. Mohawks and toga parties were a fascination and certainly a passing trend. I have not heard of a toga party in quite some time. College maybe, but not since then. And I just don't get the Mohawk thing now. I see kids of all ages from 6 to 26 sporting the spiky look, sometimes in dramatically bright unnatural colors like purple or green.

While I can somewhat understand it in kids participating in extreme sports like motocross and back-country radical snowboarding. These kids are usually older and most likely made the decision on their own with or without parental permission.

But the 6-year-old with the purple Mohawk must have had parents like Wes. Parents are responsible for what their children look like in public until they are at least 18-years-old, or have a job and can pay for their hair cuts themselves. Well, that is what I tell my 11-year-old. Who by-the-way, desperately needs a haircut as far as I am concerned. He has about 3 weeks to wear it long and then will get the new school 'do whether he likes it or not.

Apparently Mohawks are a fashion that will never go out of style — they just look ridiculous year after year.

Peace.

"Fashion is what you adopt when you don't know who you are." - Quentin Crisp

p.s. In case you are wondering, my trip to the dermatologist resulted in another biopsy, which turned out to be benign. I'm good to go for another three months.

Here comes the sun and the SPF45

2008-07-21T15:48:00.000-05:00

I just found out I have an appointment to see the dermatologist tomorrow morning. I had completely forgotten about it. The appointment I mean. Not the skin cancer. The last time I was in the derm clinic, I had made a bunch of appointments for the next three years, so forgetting the dates is really not unforgivable. They told me they would call me to remind me and I told them that is a good thing. Turned out I was right. Good thing they called. I almost did a radio spot for that same time.

So, just in case you have no idea what I am talking about, I posted here in my blog a copy of my recent column that appeared in the July 16 edition of the Mille Lacs Messenger.
And for a really old column on the subject, copy and paste this address into your browser.

http://www.millelacsmessenger.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=17926&SectionID=2&SubSectionID=&S=1

So anyway, here is the column from last week's paper. Wish me luck tomorrow!!!

Here comes the sun and the SPF45

A couple of weeks ago I introduced the Messenger readers to a new found comrade — a fellow cancer survivor, Tim Joy (a/k/a/ Captain Hook).

He was diagnosed with malignant melanoma about the same time I was. It was February. It was cold then and clothing wasn’t optional. In fact layers of clothing was the norm and accepted attire this past winter. Lots of layers.

When my dermatologist told me I would need to make changes in my life I nodded and said I would. He told me the first year after being diagnosed would be the hardest.

I had no idea.

I have always been a sun worshiper. To me, there are not a lot of things that can compare to the pure pleasure of lying on the dock or on my pontoon soaking in the sun. The heat radiates to my bones, warms my soul and I just let my mind drift away to anywhere.

I don’t take a lot of time to do nothing. Most of the time I am running in a million directions at once. Raising my son and running a household while working fulltime and trying to save the world one house at a time on my days off doesn’t leave a lot of time to do nothing.

My son is growing up now and requires less constant attention and entertainment so the last couple of years have given me more freedom to sometimes do nothing. During the three months of summer, just about any weekend (when not on an assignment) for a few hours during the peak rays of sun (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) you could find me on my dock soaking in the sun.

In reality, sunbathing isn’t doing nothing. I am using solar energy to recharge my batteries. It works for my garden lights, so it should work for me. That and the fact that even cellulite looks better when it is a nice shade of golden brown.

So there I was last February learning that my vanity-driven-sunbathing-battery-charging days were going to have to be over. No longer will I be able to take a 20-minute vacation at the tanning salon, or spend time on the dock — or even outside — without totally covering up my skin with clothing and a big floppy hat.

The reality of that didn’t hit me until summer came. And I am not certain it has really kicked in completely. Finding sunscreen with an SPF45 or greater isn’t all that hard. It is remembering to put it on every day and keep reapplying throughout the day when I am in the sun.

I forget to cover up. When it’s hot, the last thing I want to do is wear a long-sleeved shirt. As for the hat thing — I agree with Tim Joy, I hate that hat. It messes with my hair style and I can’t take photographs with the brim of a hat getting inside my view finder. Since I physically feel fine and always did, I sometimes tend to forget I even went through the ordeal. Until I see the ugly scar on my arm. Which happens several times a day.

I agree with Tim, that hearing those three words, “You have cancer” was life-changing. Although I am working on changing my habits on the outside, it is what changed on the inside that matters most to me now. The scar is a constant reminder to not take myself so seriously, or the rest of the world for that matter. Little moments are the best and sometimes one smile means more than all the flowers in my garden.

I don’t want to hide from the sun. But I will use the SPF45.

“Just living is not enough... One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.”
- Hans Christian Andersen

Vivian Clark is a Messenger staff writer. vclark@millelacsmessenger.com

Messenger website attacked

2008-07-17T10:18:00.000-05:00

Just in case you have been trying to access the Messenger website, and are wondering why it hasn't been updated in quite sometime, well, apparently we were attacked. Just our website, not our entire network.

So, please hang in there. Hopefully we (or our host) will get the bugs worked out and you can all be up to the minute on all the news that is new in the Mille Lacs Lake area.

Peace.

Photos from Cedar Rapids

2008-07-16T13:52:00.000-05:00

Here is our group from Minnesota who went down to Cedar Rapids, Iowa to help with the flood recovery. We are standing with Leonore in front of her house as we started out on Saturday, July 12.

If you haven't done so already, please read my blog posting of "Angels in Iowa." I wrote the blog first and then posted the pictures so it shows up pictures first and then the blog.

Anyway, I posted a couple of pages of photos from Cedar Rapids. They are in no particular order. So there I was, after a delightful picnic in the park, on a tour of the devastated area and me — a photographer — without my camera. I took these photos with my cell phone. Just in case you were wondering. Except for this photo. This one was taken by a FEMA photographer, Greg Henshall, who followed us around for a while getting stories and photos for the FEMA newsletter.

As soon as I figure out how to get the others posted, I will add them.

Thank you.

Peace.

Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.--Anonymous

Photos from Cedar Rapids, Iowa 4

2008-07-16T13:46:00.001-05:00

Photos from Cedar Rapids, Iowa 3

2008-07-16T13:37:00.001-05:00

Photos from Cedar Rapids, Iowa 2

2008-07-16T13:35:00.000-05:00

Photos from Cedar Rapids, Iowa

2008-07-16T13:32:00.000-05:00

The angels in Iowa (trip to Cedar Rapids)

2008-07-16T11:30:00.000-05:00

“We are, each of us angels with only one wing; and we can only fly by embracing one another.” ~ Luciano de Crescenzo

We meet some of the nicest people even in their darkest hours. When all they have known is gone, there is nothing left but what is inside the heart. Their true spirit shines.

In mid-June, days of heavy rain soaked Iowa filling 9 rivers across the state which overflowed their banks.

On June 12, the Cedar River didn’t just spill over the banks, it poured over resulting in the historic 500-year flood.

Nearly 4,000 homes were evacuated and over 400 city blocks were completely under water. The historic Czech Village was under 8-feet or more of water. Hormel foods corporate offices and the Spam museum were flooded out as well as many other major businesses. A railroad bridge collapsed. And many main trunk roads to, from and within the city were closed.

And the water rose.

The Cedar River crested at nearly 32 feet — 12 feet higher than the record set in 1929.

Only one out of a dozen or more water wells supplying clean drinking water was working as floodwaters knocked out electricity that supplied the wells. Clean drinking water was nearly non-existent.

The preliminary damage was estimated at nearly $737 million.

Now one month after the flooding, recovery efforts continue.

I, and five others from Anoka, Zimmerman, Elk River, Onamia and Harmony Minnesota went to Iowa to help our neighbors.

The six of us left on Friday, July 11 driving over 6 hours to Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
We were almost to the city limits when Jenny Orsborn, our group leader, said, “Here it comes. Can you smell it?”

It is a smell that once you experience it, you never forget it and you know the instant you smell it what it is.

It is the smell of stagnant water. It is the smell of mold. It is the smell of a flood.

It is the smell of every personal photograph, kindergarten artwork, high school diploma ... gone.

It is the smell of grandmothers wedding dress ... gone.

It is the smell of everything held dear to the hearts of the people ... gone.

We, the six of us, have all smelled it before. The air smelled just like New Orleans.

It was interesting to compare and contrast the two devastating floods. But too much to do in one blog.

For now, I will say from what I observed, Cedar Rapids is already at only one month past the flood, they are already ahead of some areas in New Orleans. It appeared to me and our group that at least every house in the flooded area had already had at least some work done.

But the recovery takes time. They are estimating full recovery will take years. We know this to be true after New Orleans.

Those homeowners who can complete the work themselves are by all appearances doing so. But the elderly and others unable to do anything are having a hard time.

On Saturday we worked on one house on A street — 10 blocks from the river. Leonore had lived in her home for many years and raised her family there.

We gutted her house on the first floor taking everything out from the floorboards to the sheetrock and insulation stripping the walls to the 2 X 4's up to 4-foot on each wall.

I pounded a hammer into the sheetrock and ripped it from the wall. Next came the insulation. Fiberglass insulation works like a wick in an oil lamp for floodwater. It was all moldy and had to be pulled.

That is where the long sleeved shirts donated to us by Adidas came in handy. I itched from head to toe.

It was not easy work. And it was dirty. We did it for Leonore.

Piles grew on the front curb. A pile for wood scraps, a pile for appliances and a pile for trash.

And it smelled.

A shower has never felt so good as after working on Saturday.

Michele Schwable in our group has family members who live in Cedar Rapids. They were very kind and feed us a delicious picnic with homemade southern fried chicken, potato salad and all the fixin’s. We ate in a beautiful park, and then were given a guided tour of the areas affected by the flood. I will try to post some photos later.

Sunday, we went to the home of Becky and Fred. They were a lovely older couple and I fell in love with Becky immediately. She just shines.

Fred and Becky were not nearly as far ahead in the game as Leonore was. Leonore had family who helped her out a lot. Fred and Becky were trying to do for themselves.

They were in a completely different neighborhood that was flooded by a creek that spills off from the Cedar River near the Cargil plant. The area was never expected to flood and the couple had no flood insurance.

Water filled their basement. And a lot of it was still there.

As Dave, Gary and Jenny tore up the carpet in the living room, Anne and Michele were packing up pieces of Becky and Fred’s life from the kitchen. All of their pots and pans, dishes, utensils etc. were still occupying the cupboards and needed to be moved out.

I was trying my hardest to pack up Becky’s family China from an antique cabinet in the dining room.

Becky sat nearby me and told me tiny pieces of her family history through memories as I wrapped each item in old pieces of clothing to protect them.

When I finished with the China cabinet, I moved on to help Fred pack up the den.
Fred was a collector in his eyes — a pack rat in Becky’s eyes. He saved everything. His important papers he kept in a safe. The safe was presumably ok and protected from the floodwaters. Everything else in the room was basically destroyed.
But it was very difficult for Fred to decide what could be saved and what could be tossed.

He was also an artist. He painted mostly and a lot of his paintings were in that room. All were destroyed.

Over 30 years ago he had painted a portrait of his first wife. She passed away several years ago. The painting was destroyed. He tossed it into the trash bin.
“I guess I can paint another,” he said with a tear forming in the corner of his eye.

I picked up a small antique sewing table which stood only about thigh high. It was covered in thick green mold.

I tossed it onto the growing pile outside.

I picked up a toss pillow off the couch and water poured from the pillow onto the floor. I dropped it into the trash bin.

I picked up a throw blanket and water again poured from the blanket as if I had turned on a faucet.

Under the blanket was mold growing. Tall white fuzz like something I grew in a petri dish in microbiology class in college.

The smell was too much.

As I wheeled the over-flowing bin to the curb to add to the pile, I cried. The heat and the smell and the emotion of the day had gotten to me.

It was a difficult and dirty job but very rewarding when we finished.

We stripped down to our under garments right there in the street changing into our clean traveling clothes. Most of our work clothes were tossed into the pile on the curb in front of Fred and Becky’s house and left behind.

We gave hugs and shared tears and laughs with Fred and Becky before we left for home.
The 6-hour drive home was more subdued than the drive down there. We were all tired. We were achy. And we smelled.

When I got home late Sunday night, I stood in the shower for nearly 30 minutes just letting the water cleanse my skin and refresh my soul.

That was the best shower I have ever had. Somehow even better than the day before.

Our bodies were tired, achy, scratched and bruised. A couple of us in the group came home with sore throats and coughing. Two days after my return I could still taste mold in the back of my throat.

But our coughs and aches and pains will go away. The emotional pain felt by Leonore, Fred, Becky and the thousands of people in Iowa who lost everything will last a lifetime.

We did what we could to help ease their pain.

Jenny calls us her Traveling Angels. Her motto is “we are saving the world, one house at a time.” The group has participated in disaster relief from New Orleans, Rushford, Hugo and Iowa. And that is just the beginning.

If you would like to volunteer for clean up in Iowa there is much to do and many ways to help. Not all jobs are as dirty. Individuals or groups who want to volunteer can sign up online with Corridor Recovery at: www.corridorrecovery.org/CedarRapidsArea.asp or call volunteer hotline at (319) 540.4810.

The people of Iowa will thank you and you meet some of the nicest people. Tell them the Angels sent you.

Peace.

“Be an angel to someone else whenever you can, as a way of thanking God for the help your angel has given you.” ~ Quoted in The Angels' Little Instruction Book by Eileen Elias Freeman, 1994

The fine art of fireworks

2008-07-10T15:06:00.000-05:00

“You are born an artist or you are not. And you stay an artist, dear, even if your voice is less of a fireworks. The artist is always there.” - Maria Callas

Next to Christmas and my birthday, I think the 4th of July is my favorite holiday. It is just so much fun.

I have always loved fireworks. Growing up in Bloomington, my parents brought us kids to see the 4th of July fireworks every year. Whether we were at our cabin on Round Lake (near Park Rapids), or went on a picnic somewhere in the cities , or had a backyard BBQ with friends, no matter where we were, we always went to see the fireworks.

I remember one year we went to the old Met stadium in Bloomington. My dad parked the gold Ford Galaxy 500 and he pulled an old green and weathered Army blanket out of the trunk and spread it on the hood of the car and let us sit there eating popcorn brought from home. We were dressed in our jammies in case we fell asleep on the way home. I never did. I was just too excited.

I sat there on the edge of the hood with my neck cranked all the way back and my eyes on the sky waiting for 20 minutes before it was even dark. "You are going to get a sore neck" my mom said to me. I didn't care. I just didn't want to miss a thing. And I never ever did.

Fireworks have always been a wonderment for me. So when I got the idea to go behind the scenes to find out how the shows are put together, I didn't know what I would find. Exactly. Did I want to know the secrets? or keep the mystery in the fire?

Knowing the secrets and finding the truth behind the scenes is in my blood. I had to know.

It was an amazing experience for me. Being that close to the process of setting them up and then shooting them off was one to add to my “coolest experiences ever” list.

Lon Schmidt, the go-to PIC (person in charge) was very tolerant of my never ending questions. He often chuckled and I wasn’t quite sure if he was laughing at me or laughing with me. Either way is OK with me. And when he asked me if I wanted to pull the trigger to start the show I was stunned. I believe I stared with that doe-in-the-headlights look ... “Um, are you serious? Yeah! That would be awesome!”

And it was. Simply amazing.

It was an unbelievable feeling to pull that trigger and fire those explosives while standing less than 200 feet away. Lon warned me of the dangers of being so close, but I didn’t think twice. I wanted to be there. And I stayed up close when I was done.

I could not only see the fireworks I have always marveled at, but that day I could feel them. The explosions shook the ground sending vibrations through my feet that traveled through every inch of my body. It was an unbelievable fantastical sensation. Every one of my senses was alive. Smoke filled the air on the ground and above the tree-line sometimes so thick I could not see 200-feet in front of me. It was a slightly electrified sulphuric/medicinal/gun powder type of smell almost like when you blow out a Eucalyptus candle. Or 10,000 of them.

I watched more of what was happening on the ground than what was happening in the sky. A much different view of fireworks than I had ever witnessed before. And at times the pitch-black night became as bright as daylight when several went off simultaneously. Pieces of shells that resemble coconuts dropped to the ground all around me.

I could not believe Lon when he said the show lasted 24 minutes and 45 seconds. It was one of those feels-like-20-seconds-and-I-don’t-want-it-to-end moments. My heart was still pounding and I could feel my legs shaking. It was almost like landing on the ground after a parachute jump.

I did not once ever feel the danger. My brain knew it was there lingering on the edge, but I didn’t feel it. Perhaps it was because I felt comfortable after watching the way the crew worked to make sure everything went off the way it was suppose to. Murphy’s Law is always a possibility, but I didn’t think of it. And thank the Lord, nothing went wrong.

I thank Lon and the crew for putting up with me and showing me the ropes. I will never forget such an electrifying experience.

I have heard nothing but kudos from the towns-folk about the show. It really was one of the best shows Garrison has ever had. From my point of view it was by far the best on the lake and quite possibly the best show north of the Taste of Minnesota. If it were simulcast to music on the radio, it would be the best in Minnesota.

Happy Independence everyone.

Peace.

p.s.
And then Jeff Foxworthy said, "You may be a redneck if... your lifetime goal is to own a fireworks stand." I don't want to own one, but I do like to pull the trigger.

Check out the video at http://www.millelacsmessenger.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=18754&TM=64553.52

War and peace ... peace and war

2008-07-01T10:04:00.000-05:00

“The earth laughs in flowers.” - E.E. Cummings

Flowers are one of the things I look forward to most about summer. I don't have exquisite gardens, just a few little beds and some pots on my deck and patio. But flowers add so much with the bright colored blooms on long stems bending in the breeze off the lake sending soft gentle scents to linger in the air. It is as though the earth is if not laughing then at least smiling when the flowers are blooming.

The vibrant colors draw hummingbirds and butterflies nearer to see sometimes staying long enough for me to photograph them.

Apparently, the lovely flowers also draw other creatures.

I woke up yesterday and looked out my window at my flowerbed. I knew I would find the naked little marigolds resting peacefully on the edge of the flowerbed.

But to my extreme horror all of the bright red flowers were gone, too! Nibbled off leaving nothing but the tall stems.

I am telling you I just about cried.

I don't know the name of those flowers, but they were cool. Bright red blooms with big petals on tall stems and the broad big green leaves with rounded edges. They were just cool.

And now they are naked.

This is war.

The more I think about it the more I believe the culprits to be deer. Living by a lake surrounded by woods, this is not hard to believe. But I thought having three big dogs might discourage the wilder animals from coming into our yard at all. I guess that alone will not do it.

I enjoy living in the woods. There is so much to offer. And I don't want to fence off my yard or even the flowers. I just don't want the deer to eat them.

But then I was thinking, I had the opportunity to enjoy them for a few days. I looked at all the beauty they offered and a sense of peace they gave me. They made my home looked more alive.

I suppose I need to look at it through different eyes. If the deer needed the flowers for nourishment, then they needed them more than I did.

I don't really need the flowers to make my home more alive. There is almost always activity buzzing either in the yard or by the water. There are neighborhood kids running to and fro leaving behind a trail of bikes, hula-hoops, baseballs, basketballs, squirt guns and a slew of other toys. One look and it is easy to tell our home is alive.

Still, the flowers offer a sense of balance to the chaos that sometimes comes with so much activity. And they were beautiful to look at. At least for a little while.

Peace.

p.s. Just another way to look at it:

“I realized that Eastern thought had somewhat more compassion for all living things. Man was a form of life that in another reincarnation might possibly be a horsefly or a bird of paradise or a deer. So a man of such faith, looking at animals, might be looking at old friends or ancestors.”

William Orville Douglas

Life at the lake

2008-06-27T16:50:00.000-05:00

OK, so I finally got around to planting my flowers for the year. Usually, I am done with this project by around Mother's Day. But weather did not allow that to happen this year. Then I ran short on time, and a balance in my bank account.

When all the stars aligned last Saturday, I purchased my new flowers.

For the last few years, I had been trying to go totally perennial. The plan was, I could spend a little more one time and let nature take Her course, the lovely plants and blooming flowers would just come back year after year and I would not have to spend another dime.

Well, nature certainly did take Her course. I have been battling little varmints that eat my plants. Some apparently choose to eat them from the roots up. Others wait until spring when the fresh green shoots begin to surface and then chew the vegetation down to the dirt.

This year, some of my favorite flowers didn't make it.

I had it. I decided the plan wasn't working and went back to annuals. I got a variety of really cool looking blooming flowers and plants with various textures and colors. I can't pronounce, nor spell, any single one of them. Just cool looking flowers with vibrant colors. I kind of arranged them in the bed in front of my house but tried to make it look like it was not symmetrical, but had some sort of nature flow. All in all, I thought it looked beautiful.

I had heard that rabbits did not like marigolds. I am not particularly fond of them myself. But some are not so bad. So I bought a flat of them to plant on the perimeter of my front yard flower bed. The plan was to surround the pretty flowers with the marigolds to keep the bunnies away.

The plan was working. For about three days.

On the fourth day I looked out my front window and to my horror, every bloom from the marigolds had been picked off each and every plant during the night.

I did not see any little bunny tracks in the soil, so I am left wondering who ate them? I am thinking a deer tip-toed up the the house and helped himself to a midnight snack. Some little fury critter ate them all, that is all I know for sure. Now I have naked marigolds surrounding my unique flowers. And I am afraid for their lives.

There are definite pluses to living in the woods. And there are a few minuses as well.
The frustration of the swallowed up marigolds is running second to the frustration of adequate Internet service.

I currently have dial up. I am too far away from any box to receive cable or DSL. So finally broke down and decided to take the leap to satellite Internet service.

Three weeks of waiting for the provider to tell me it would work left me ecstatic with anticipation of surfing the web, transferring files, sending emails with large photo attachments, video phone conversations and instant messaging that is really instant and down loading music at warp speeds. My son was looking forward to being able to watch a three minute You Tube video in three minutes instead of 20 minutes.

The technicians were out at my house this morning installing the dish -- bigger than the satellite TV dish by twice, but at least not the size of the dishes from the 80s.

I was thinking aliens would be able to find my house quite easily now.

Much to my disappointment, after the three hour install, or should I say install attempt, I learned that the dish thing really wont work at my house unless I cut down a tree -- or at least the top half of it.

I think it is a sacrifice I am just going to have to make.

I will miss that tree. But I will get over it as long as I can surf the web.

Now I need a chain saw....

Peace.

Music is what feelings sound like

2008-06-26T14:33:00.000-05:00

“Music and rhythm find their way into the secret places of the soul.” -- Plato

I have been to a few outdoor music festivals in my life. There really is something special about listening to music on a perfect summer night when the mosquitoes are gone, the sky is clear and a slight breeze is blowing. Top it off with a full moon and the stage is set. Ready to kick back and enjoy some fabulous music.

That is how it was on Friday, June 20 at the Log Jam held at Jacks on Mille Lacs.

The crowd was slight compared to what the venue could host. I suppose the word hasn’t gotten out about the quality of music. Or perhaps, it is that troubled economic insecurity and high gas prices that kept people away. All in all there were about 1,000 people in attendance, according to festival coordinators.

For those who did not go, you missed some fabulous people watching and some simply amazing music.

Ah, About the music:

I listened to Charlie Parr on the small stage at dusk. He is at least a one-time Minnesota Music Awards recipient and his talent is incredible. “I am pretty shy, really,” he said after his show. “I just like to sing.”

Very humble, too, I might add. It was great.

The headliner band that night was Trampled by Turtles. I had heard of them before as they are also Minnesota Music Awards recipients. But really didn’t know what to expect. As the time drew every nearer for the band to perform, the crowd gathered as close as they could to the stage. With hundreds of people vying for a pirme spot up cloe to the stage, the ceremonial “Log” was placed on the stage (later removed by security) and the band each drew pulls off a Jameson Irish whiskey bottle and passed it through the crowd to their delight.

When the music started, the fans went wild. Well, in their own “blissful” way. No one was out of control. Mostly people listening, singing along, cheering but all “happy” and smiling and dancing.

The music was amazing. The band, made up of Dave Simonett, Erik Berry, Tim Saxhaug, Dave Carroll and Ryan Young all sit in chairs in a straight line across the stage. Apparently, the leader will not let them stand. (A little trivia — unconfirmed — I heard.)

But whatever the reason, I have not seen so much heart poured into an instrument since I left the House of Blues in New Orleans. Each member of the Turtles gave so much it is amazing they didn’t leave with bleeding fingers from all of the intense guitar picking. And perhaps they did.

They are a Band native to Duluth and are pretty big regionally. They are building a solid national following as well. Time will tell.

Reviews from the fans were:

“They have heart,” Beth Goshey from Crosby and Duluth said.

“They are the best thing to happen to blue grass in a long time,” Mike Hilbrand of Grand Forks said.

“They are in my top ten. Right there with the Grateful Dead,” Berdine Swanson of Lake Bronson said.

Hillbrand added, “When people think blue grass and banjo they get a little freaked. Like they think of some weired dude sitting on a porch. But these guys are not like that. They are so together and talented. Their lyrics are something everyone can relate to.”

The people watching:

I suppose you could call it a “hippie” scene. Women in long layered skirts sewn from cotton or hemp, tank tops and bare feet. Body piercings, tattoos and dreadlocks were prevalent for many of the male gender (and a few of the females). The accessories were mostly delightful natural, handcrafted items with beads, stones, and recycled bottle caps and such. A very earthy feel.

The attitudes of the festivalgoers were one of happiness and bliss. Smiles on most faces. A very few blank stares. But all seemingly very laid back. Comfortable in their own skin. Sort of the happy-hippie-peace-and-love feeling. I felt the need to find a daisy and a big yellow smiley face sticker to put on my Jeep. But there were none for me to find.

Vendors:

I first visited with Zoey. She is a 7-year-old girl who makes and sells hula-hoops. I think her parents actually do most of the work, but this little girl has a sales pitch that was very hard to turn down.

Not only does she sell the circular toys for kids of all ages, she gives lessons. She and her friends crowded around and tried to teach me a trick or two. Now I can hula-hoop with some of the best of them. We have contests at my house all the time. But Zoey has some tricks I hadn’t thought of before. Like I said, she tried to teach me, but I am not sure my knees can handle it. Maybe I just need practice.

“Always start to the right,” Zoey’s friend Tyrone said. He is 9 years old. “The key is to keep your body moving — just the bottom part — not the top. And don’t let the hoop go crazy.”

I think I will try that.

Then I had my aura read at Aura Borealis by Christy Steinbach. It didn’t hurt. I don’t know exactly how it was done, but it was a pretty cool experience. I guess I have a rather large aura. And my charkas (all 7 of them) were pretty much OK. I tend to be pretty balanced, she said. At least I was at that moment.

Then I had a lesson on the Djembe — a drum native to West Africa. It is the healing drum for the planet and unification of all people, Matthew Mueller of Cannon Falls said. He runs Pachyderm Recording Studio as his "real" job. Artists like Nirvana, Live, P.J. Harvey, Soul Asylum, The Jayhawks, and many more have produced hit records there. While he has met some pretty big names, this dude is not too big for his shoes — when he wears them. He also takes his drums — about 20 to 30 at a time — into schools to give lessons to kids.

“The kids love it,” he said.

Guess that about sums it up.

Oh, wait - Save the earth - reduce - reuse - recycle, or at least pick up your own trash.

There is one more thing I would like to point out. Honestly, this was one of the cleanest outdoor music festivals I have attended. I did not see trash strewed around the ground, or empty cans or bottles tossed haphazardly.

Perhaps it is the peace-love-save-the-earth attitude of the majority of the festivalgoers. But whatever it was, I wish it were contagious. I have seen more garbage left on the streets after local parades during the “Days” celebrations at all of the towns scattered around the lake. Even empty water bottles left on the bleachers at little league baseball games. It saddens me to think people cannot, or will not, pick up after themselves and find a trashcan and recycling bin.

Maybe I should get myself one of those Djembe drums.

Bluegrass and outlaw country music are a very welcome festival in my book.

Peace.

"Without music, life would be an error." - Friedrich Nietzsche

faith in human nature

2008-06-20T19:21:00.000-05:00

“I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.”

- Martin Luther King, Jr.

It has been a while since my last blog. I could tell you that I have been so dreadfully busy that I haven’t had much time. But that would not be entirely honest. While I have been busy, I have also been disenchanted.

I can’t blame it on anyone or anything in particular. There are a lot of issues that contributed to my mundane feelings. With local issues clouding out the seriousness of the bigger world I sort of just threw my hands in the air and gave up. Defeated.

Throughout my life I have, for the most part, been a positive person. Not exactly a Pollyanna but I could find the silver lining in just about anything. When life brings you lemons, make lemonade sort of thing.

People were my biggest issue. I had been tossed so much negativity that even the largest pile of the largest hematite could not deflect.

In this business a person needs some pretty tough skin. I can usually hold my own and don’t take things personally. But I just couldn’t squeeze anything else out of the lemons life had given me. I just came to work, did my job and went home. I could not understand what happened. Boring and mundane is not usually my thing. What is the world coming to?

I needed some fresh air to blow the cobwebs out and start over.

And then I came across a story that restored my faith in human nature. I heard of a family that reached out to young girl and her family, and totally, unconditionally helped them. They helped for no other reason than because it felt right.

You will be able to read the story in an upcoming issue of the Messenger. I hope you will find something in the story that inspires you. Whether it lifts your spirits only a little bit or it inspires you to go out in the world and “pay it forward” I hope you will find someway to connect to it.

The family had the means to help financially. While, unless I win the lottery, I don’t see a major donation to anyone or any charity in my near future. But there are so many other things people like me can do to help.

I will continue to do all I can to keep holding on to what I believe is true. That people really are good. Sometimes you just need to feel temporarily defeated to get your feet planted back on the ground and heading in the right direction.

Peace.

My opinion on gill nets

2008-06-03T13:35:00.000-05:00

Opinions are like (noses), everybody’s got one.

“The foolish and the dead alone never change their opinions.” - James Russell Lowell

The story of the lost tribal gill nets on Mille Lacs Lake has generated a lot of talk. Much of the discussion has quieted down.
A lot of people have posted comments and questions on the Messenger web page and on blogs. Some of the questions have been thoughtful while others have been redundant. The questions that have warranted answers have been answered, or so it seems.
Except for a couple. One in particular asked of me by “John.” He wanted to know if I had changed my position regarding gill nets.

While I don’t believe I ever spelled out my position, or opinion, about gill netting in particular (show me word for word if I did), I have given John's question a lot of thought.

As a writer, I am first an observer. I like to interview people in person, or be on the scene of whatever it is I am covering so I can see first hand what it is all about and feel some of the emotions. I listen to people. I watch people. I watch the whole situation as best as I can. Get the big picture. I sometimes get lost in the listening and the watching. But I feel I have to, to be able to tell the story. And then as a writer I tell you what I have found.

As a writer, what I think and feel, or my position on a subject, doesn’t really matter. As the writer, I should be out in the margins, not even a sidebar to the story. Because that is where writers belong. If I become a part of the story, then I am not an observer. If I am not being an observer, then I cannot be a storyteller.

There are exceptions, of course, to every rule. An op/ed piece is completely different than a hard news story and/or a feature story. However, some feature stories can be written in first person, and then of course, that puts me in the story. Opinions and editorials are of course, what they are.

But news is news.

I watched the entire story play out before my eyes. I was actually in a boat, on the water, in Garrison Bay and St. Alban’s Bay the night the ice floe moved in covering a story on electro fishing. I am not an expert, but there was barely a wind. The water was calm and it was a beautiful sunset. I gave no thought to the floe lingering just out of my view. And I watched as Band members set their nets for the evening.

I finished gathering electro fishing information and went home. It was well after 10 p.m. when I left the bay. I remember it being quiet. Peaceful. Not much wind to speak of. Only a gentle lapping of the waves on the rocks at the landing. Apparently, a few short hours later, something changed.

The following morning, I stopped by Garrison Bay again. I had no idea there were nets trapped below the surface when I first pulled into the parking lot. One look at the bay, and knowing there were 100’s of nets set the night before, and watching Band members struggle to maneuver their boats through the ice, I knew.

So I watched.
I listened.
I watched some more.
And the rest of the story has been written.
This is what I do.

I stand behind the facts as I have presented them to you — as they have been presented to me. The only factual information I have is from biologists and law enforcement from the Minnesota DNR and GLIFWC. Anything else is heresy and cannot be construed as fact without means to back it up.

What I have watched playout before my eyes since then has done nothing to increase my view of mankind.

Peace.

Gillnets not forgotten

2008-05-21T13:05:00.000-05:00

It has been a few weeks now since the tribal gillnets went missing under the ice of Garrison Bay. While 10 of the 15 nets have officially been recovered, as I write, they are investigating the possibility of two more found near Myr Mar yesterday (waiting for confirmation from GLIFWC) which would bring the official recovered net count to 12. That means three are still missing.

A gillnet was found on the east side of the lake near Big Point. However it has not been determined if that is one of the infamous Garrison Bay ghost nets. It was an old net and no tag. And it is still under investigation.

The remaining nets may indeed become ghost nets. Then again, perhaps they are not really missing at all. Maybe they have already been removed from the lake without telling anybody.

Is that a possibility? Sure it is. I can imagine the questions: What about citations? Why are the people responsible not being held accountable? Why can't they find them all? Somebody must pay.

GLIFWC has answered the citation question on a weekly basis. And here it is again: There is an ongoing investigation. Until such time when the investigation is complete, there will be no citations. They have also said, if the outcome of the investigation indicates, people will be held accountable.

It has been less than three weeks since the nets went missing. But there are those who want heads to roll now. Including my head.

The issue of agendas has been brought up recently. I have to wonder about some agendas. Why are people so excited and want justice and punishment for what they see is a crime that may or may not have even been committed in the first place when it is about fish, or fishing rights, or netting?

But when a drive-by shooting occurs, or a woman is assaulted, no one cries for immediate justice. There doesn’t seem to be an outcry for justice when habitual offenders continue their cycle. There doesn't seem to be a demand for a speedy investigation when a cop lost his gun in January (that investigation remains ongoing). No one cares that there is a growing need for the services of our local food shelves and the supplies can't keep up with the demand. No one cares when people we know are losing their homes to foreclosures.

No one cares. Unless there is a fish involved. And that fish belongs to a tribal member.

I don't see the entire angling community up in arms when when some angler catches a 20-inch smallmouth bass thinking it is the world record rock bass. What about culling or keeping illegal length fish or going over the limit? Or saving fillets in the freezer for a fish fry? You all know it happens, and no one cries out angerly for justice. Why is ok to take a female walleye in the winter, summer or fall and not the spring? Either way, that female is removed from the reproduction cycle. No one cries out if a handful of anglers "make a mistake."

Absolutely these things happen. And absolutely wrong doing or mistakes are not an every day thing. Only a handful of the thousands of anglers who visit Mille Lacs annually try to bend the rules to suit themselves. But it happens.

Only a handful of nets were lost, but that it is a big thing.

Since the day they went missing there have been some pretty fantastic comments from all sides of the issue — the good vs. evil, the black and white, the we and the they. I have heard and read comments that have been spun-sugar bullcrap, cut-throat arrogance and some with clearly no grip on reality at all.

There has been a lot of name calling directed at me. My favorite was from a guy in Sartell, who compared me to a dog who barks too much and suggested my boss put a muzzle on me.

I have been accused of having an agenda, of not reporting facts, of not doing proper investigating. I was practically accused of signing the treaty in 1837.

While I appreciate the sentiment behind the accusations, I truly must confess: I wasn’t around then.

Steve Fellegy wrote what he called his last column for the Mille Lacs Messenger published in last week’s paper. He wrote that for the last 18 years the Messenger has been consistently reporting on a “racially based issue” of the gathering rights lawsuit with disregard to the facts, merits and what the mirror reflects. Perhaps Jim Baden and Joel Patenaude would take issue with that remark.

He wrote the proof of that is in plain view on staff blogs — mine and Brett’s. I don’t believe I ever wrote about the gathering rights lawsuit — blog or otherwise. I didn’t live here, nor had I even heard about the treaty rights lawsuit 18 years ago.

Fellegy wrote that Messenger readers have been denied what the mirror truly says. Those are his words. And quite frankly, it does not make sense. He talks about potty training and the birds and the bees and a need for change and looking in the mirror. What I heard was smoke and mirrors.

Some folks sent comments online claiming they are pulling their subscriptions and advertising in the Messenger because they have had enough.

Other comments say the facts in the Messenger are twisted and distorted to fit the agenda of the writer. (I believe that was meant for me.) This person also wrote that I have been “back stabbing” to reinforce my agenda.

So, I am confused. Readers want facts reported. Not lies. Good. I agree.

When I wrote the facts readers said I had an agenda. Because the facts didn’t fit with what they wanted to hear. They wanted blood. And not your blood but that of the netters. And possibly mine. Is this the racially based issue Fellegy spoke of?

I have no agenda about fishing (or cops losing guns for that matter). I have no agenda except the public’s right to know the facts and truth. I wrote the truth.

If I had an agenda, maybe it would be to end world hunger and homelessness. Or stopping domestic assault. That might be my agenda. If I had one.

Where are the facts to support the claims that I did not write the facts? If there are pictures of hundreds of dead and rotting fish found in the water, still in the nets, where are those photos? Why is it that the lost nets that were recovered within the same time period contained only a few fish and all were alive? Those are facts that are backed by biologists and law enforcement.

Mr. Fellegy said on the Fox News piece: "They're doing it (gillnetting) because they can just to spite our government and our society. That's the only sound reasoning you can come up with."

Maybe that is the only reason you can come up with Mr. Fellegy.

Who is doing what for spite?

If we, the Messenger, really wanted to give readers misinformation, write lies and cover-ups, we wouldn’t be dumb enough to let readers comment on our website or our Mailbag page. If we are really as bad as Steve Fellegy says, why would we have let him write for us in the first place?

The story of the lost gillnets will slowly be moved to the back burner where it will continue to simmer. In time, it will come back to a boil. But how long until it boils over?

“Don’t make me use uppercase.”

Peace.

The Stranger and the Lost Mille Lacs Nets

2008-05-12T17:39:00.000-05:00

For every action there is a reaction.

Every once in a while we are startled out of our comfortable habits and ways of thinking and forced to try something original. Unfortunately, often times the first reaction to something out of the ordinary is fear. Or anger. Or perhaps both.

For years different people have been telling me to think outside the box. And for the most part I do. But at the core of any thought, whether inside or outside the box is the search for the truth and what is right. Even while thinking outside the box, stay true to the center and search for the truth and believe in what is right.

A wise man once told me that doing the right thing is sometimes hard. Especially when everyone around you doesn't seem to feel the same way.

I can't say that I have always done the right thing. Nobody is perfect. Even my Pastor said he hasn't always done the right thing. Thank God for forgiveness. But that doesn't mean I don't try. Most of the time.

The recent incident involving the tribal gillnets that went missing in Garrison Bay last week has brought a lot of emotions back to the surface in and around this community. In the mix are fear and anger.

I received an email with a different view today. Written in a thought provoking poem. The author asked to remain anonymous. I asked if I could post it here and my request was granted.

Please read it with an open mind. And see if you can see in a different light — outside your box of comfortable thoughts.

THE STRANGER AND THE LOST MILLE LAC NETS
By Anonymous

They cast the net,
But something occurred.
A whirlwind of sorts
In a few short words.

A Stranger came
To Galilee.
And simply said to:
“Follow me.”

Simon and Andrew
Left nets in the Sea.
And John and James left theirs
In Galilee.

The Stranger would do
The will of God,
And this the fishers knew
From just one nod.

Important not, was the boat or the net.
Important less, were the fish they’d get.
Suddenly, their hearts filled with eternal goals.
For they thought not of fish, but of men and their souls.

So if a net is lost,
On the Lake called Mille Lac,
Think of the Stranger,
Before you attack.

A parable unfolds,
Before us this day.
We can choose to hate,
Or to go another way.

Because when for thee,
The final bells doth toll,
How you act on a lost net
May impact your soul.

Peace.

The ghost story of gill-nets on Mille Lacs Lake

2008-05-07T17:34:00.000-05:00

There has been a lot of talk regarding the ghosts of Mille Lacs. It is a somewhat frightening story I am sure will be told around campfires, bait shops and blogs for years. The story is drumming up fear in folks from near and far.

I know I am afraid.

This is a true ghost story. The names have not been changed to protect either the innocent or the ignorant.

Last week on a calm Tuesday, April 29, tribal members from Wisc. set 233 gill-nets in the open water of Garrison Bay on Mille Lacs Lake. A large ice floe was drifting several miles out to the center of the vast lake. As predicted the winds shifted and picked up speed in the early morning hours of April 30. Many tribal members began pulling their nets at about 3 a.m. By 6:30 a.m. many more were scraping boats through the ice in efforts to recover their nets.

However, by the end of the day on Wednesday, 15 of the 233 nets were ultimately not recovered.

Local anglers, self-proclaimed professional fishermen, resorters and more were infuriated. Some even set out in watercraft to the icy waters themselves. Were they out to help in the search efforts to save the fish caught in the missing nets in an effort to protect the fishery in which they claim they have a vested interest? Their intention is not entirely clear.

Draw your own conclusion. A local guy and some pals went out in a boat on Saturday, four days after the nets went missing. They allegedly found several of those missing nets. They allegedly documented the locations of the nets and took photographs of 100’s of rotting fish held captive within the nets. Did they turn the information over to Minnesota DNR officials or GLIFWC conservation officers to help get the nets out of the lake?

No. Allegedly, arrangements were made with an undisclosed media source for exclusive rights to the story on the nets and the fish, including photos of the nets and fish. I haven’t seen the photos. I was told other media (Messenger included) may be privy to them after the obligations of the exclusive offer have been met.

For someone who is so afraid of the ghost nets lurking under the surface of the water, it would — one might think — make sense to do everything possible to get the nets out of the lake as soon as possible.

I am afraid. I am afraid of ignorance. I have heard comments that include other people’s fears such as the fears that the drifting ghost nets are going to continue catching fish, get caught in boat motors when anglers hit the water for opener this weekend, or even catch loons and small children swimming in the shallows.

Facts from GLIFWC:
On April 30 15 gill-nets went missing in Mille Lacs Lake.
By May 3, 8 of the 15 have been found.
In all 8 nets there were a total of 29 fish for a total of 67 pounds. All fish were healthy and alive. There were no dead and rotten fish.
A daily catch-rate average that exceded 67 pounds was applied to the 15 missing nets as of April 30.
GLIFWC does not seek to minimize the significance of the lost nets. They are diligently searching for the remaining nets nearly 20 hours a day.

Gill-nets set in inland lakes such as Mille Lacs are bottom set nets. They are weighted to the bottom of the lake, Bill Mattes, GLIFWC great lakes section leader said. If the buoys break free, the nets sink because of the weights. They are not floating gill nets like in the ocean. They do not drift around the lake. It is more likely that a lost net will be on the bottom of the lake in a ball, Mattes said.

To think a lost gill net will fish as well as when first set is “akin to thinking a rod and reel lost overboard with a baited hook will continue to fish as well as when in the hands of an angler,” Mattes said.

As to allegations of rotting fish, the water temperature in Mille Lacs is cold. Near 40 degrees. The ice was not even out when the nets went missing. To think the fish caught in the nets were rotting within four days is absurd. So far, the facts support this theory as well. All of the nets recovered have held only live fish. True, each day that goes by decreases the chances of finding live fish in the nets.

As to loons getting caught in the missing nets, well that is a possibility because loons dive for their meals. But as for small children, I find it hard to believe parents would allow children to swim in any lake when the air and water temperatures are below seasonal averages. I mean it is just too darned cold.

The lost nets could potentially be caught in a boat motor. However, it is unlikely as the nets are most likely on the bottom of the lake. If boaters are in the shallows, they should be concerned, as always, to what may be under the surface of the water.

Should the tribal members have placed their nets in the water in the first place with weather threatening to move the ice floe? Who knows. What I do know is I have seen many anglers go out in unsafe weather conditions because the lure of fishing dictates. I don’t claim to understand the mentality of those so drawn to fish that they would put their lives at risk. But it happens.

What to do if you find a gill-net:

A suspect area may show up on a fish finder as a big blob or a line of small fish. The gill-net floats will show up on fish finders as a small fish because the air trapped inside the float is akin to the airbladder of a fish. That is what fish finders are seeing. Report the finding of any nets to local wardens or conservation officers so they can investigate and pull it out of the water if it is indeed a ghost net. Call GLIFWC: 1-800-943-4447 or MN DNR at 1-800-652-9093. The DNR can call GLIFWC.

I am afraid. I am afraid for the spirit of mankind. I have only heard two people express concern for the lives of anyone on either side of this situation. The first was a woman on shore at Garrison Bay Wednesday morning. She was a tribal member who struggled to get her nets off the lake. She did, but others from her tribe did not. “Those men are risking their lives out there,” she said. The second was Mille Lacs Band commissioner of natural resources Curt Kalk. His first question when he heard about the situation was, “Did anyone get hurt? No. OK, now we deal with it.”

I am afraid because people walk around with tunnel vision, expecting things to happen their way. If that doesn’t happen they stomp their feet, puff out their cheeks and take their bat and ball and go home leaving the rest of the team at the bottom of the ninth inning with bases loaded.

If you put yourself on an island, do not be surprised to find yourself alone.

Peace.

Jim update: the wonder bread boy

2008-05-07T09:54:00.000-05:00

I did have a chance to visit with Jim again. It turns out he was wrong on his prediction of only a day or two. But I can tell he is tired. So very tired.

On Saturday I sat with him for a while and just chatted about nothing in particular. Sometimes that is all it takes.

I met one of his daughters. She has a smile so genuine one can only smile back. Don Kiffmeyer stopped in as well and we all had some good laughs.

Jim was in good spirits and seemed to be at peace.

I stopped by again last night. Jim was sleeping soundly taking in deep breaths. I am not sure if he knew I was there but I held his hand and said a prayer. And told him I loved him. Without opening his eyes, he said it right back.

I met another of his daughters last night, too and had a chance to talk with her and Mary. It is evident his family loves him by the smiles that magically appear when they talk about Jim or tell a story from his life.

They have been busy putting pictures together that represent a life full of memories. I couldn't help but laugh at quite a few of them.

Jim and his family were the original Wonder Bread family spotlighted in newspaper and other ads. That sure got a chuckle out of me.

Seeing pictures of him riding his dirt bike through the river in like the 70's made me laugh, too.

Of course, there were the family photos with the kids -- and Jim -- with 80's hair! Now that Always makes me laugh. Especially when I look at pictures of myself from the 80s. Not a good decade for fashion, but the music is still good.

Jim always told me he had a great life. He did everything he ever wanted to do. He loves cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, planes, and probably everything else with a motor.

He was a pilot and had his own flight school. He scuba dived and fished in many oceans. He loves Corvettes. He loved to travel.

And most of all he loves his family.

I was reminded recently that it is important to not say you love someone unless you really mean it. But if you mean it, tell them often. Because people do tend to forget.

We had some really good times together while he had his health. It is sad for me to realize that through his dying, he has taught me so much about life. And I will never forget him. He is Jim, the Wonderbread Boy!

Peace.

Au revoir mon ami, Jim. It's been a great ride

2008-05-02T10:04:00.000-05:00

Thursday, May 1, 2008

I stopped to visit my friend Jim this morning. “Hi there, Handsome,” I said to him.
There is every possibility that was the last time I will see him.

He apologized for not getting up. “I’m sorry you have to see me this way,” he said surrounded by the comfort of his own bed complete with fluffy pillows and a soft comforter. The hospice people were to be coming later. And a priest.

“Don’t be silly. You look comfortable.”

He noticed I have lost some weight. I said thanks and that I had been working on it, but would give anything for a Dairy Queen hot fudge banana malt.

He told me I should just have one.“Don’t worry about stuff like that, Viv. If you want a malt you should have a malt. There just isn’t enough time in life to skip out on having malts. I know. Trust me. It all works out in the end.”

I laughed. A little. “I’ll keep that in mind. Is there anything I can get for you?”

“A couple more years would be nice. Right now I would take a day more.”

I held back the tears as he told me he felt in his heart that he had a day, maybe two left on this earth. That would be a good time to be wrong, Jim.

We talked for quite some time. Jim has always some great stories to tell. We have quite a few laughs over quite a few cocktails in recent years. I wish I would have known him longer. He has had a great life. But that is just about come to an end. He shared with me some very wonderful things. Some of them I will share with you.

“It’s been a great ride,” Jim said.

Jim has no regrets about his life. That is the way you should live, he said. “If I had the chance to do it all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing.”

But he does wish he had more time. He said he feels bad that he will be leaving his family. He has some great kids, he said. He is lucky. He is especially worried about Mary, his wife. “She is wonderful. I don’t know what I would have done without her,” he said.

Here are just a few pieces of advice Jim shared with me today.

- Do the right thing every day. When you can look yourself in the mirror at night and know you were a good person that day, it was a good day. Have lots of those.

- Just get a long with people.

- Don’t be jealous of what other people have. You want something, make it happen, get it yourself, or get over it.

- There is no time for petty things.

- When you are lying down in the last few days of your life, it is not the big events that you remember. It is the little everyday stuff that can take my breath away. Those are important. Hang on to them.

- Make a lot of memories.

- There is not a lot that is better than a great day on a bike or on the water. Sun and wind feel good.

Jim said more. He always has more to say.
He said he has been thinking about religion a lot lately. It’s no surprise.

“I’ve never been a real religious man. I believe in God. But not so much in religion,” he said.

He was “kicked out of the Catholic church” many years ago when he got divorced and then remarried he said. So, he didn’t have much time for religion. But he knows there is a God and he believes in Him and he believes in heaven.

“There will be one more angel in heaven, Jim. I am counting on you to shake things up a bit up there.”

“And I will be there watching you. Wear your sunscreen. If you feel someone tapping on your shoulder and there is nobody there, you can just know it is me.”

Thanks for all the advice, Jim. I stopped and bought myself a Dairy Queen malt. I shared it with a cat that’s been hanging out behind the office. I named the cat Jim.

I will be thinking of you often, Jim. And miss you very much. I will be waiting for a tap on my shoulder.

It’s been a great ride.

Bon au revoir mon ami. Jusqu'à ce que nous rencontrons encore. Good bye my friend. Until we meet again.

Peace.

The inspiration of magic

2008-04-29T10:03:00.000-05:00

New Orleans, Louisiana is a magical place.

Aug. 29, 2005. The wind blew and the water rose. Most of the world watched as Hurricane Katrina made land and turned that land into a sea of broken dreams for many of the people of New Orleans.

Even those whose homes were not affected by flooding found themselves evacuated as they had no electricity. With that came no source for food, water, telephones and more of the items the rest of us take for granted.

For 30 days or more the people of New Orleans were displaced, discouraged, disillusioned.

That was three years ago. Some folks say they will never return. Others are trying hard to rebuild their lives. For many, that means rebuilding their homes.

I fell in love with the people of New Orleans — the artists, the musicians, the guy on the street, the homeless family living at the shelter, the lady at the gas station. Every one of them has something valuable to share with the world. And they will if you let them.

I spent a week with the Minnesota Katrina relief team helping to rebuild the city, one house at a time, volunteering through Operation Helping Hands, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. As we worked on our assigned projects some of the folks from the neighborhoods would stop to visit.

They were old and they were young. They were curious and they were grateful. They were receptive and they were kind. They were inspiring.

The people in those broken neighborhoods most touched my heart. Their houses and entire neighborhoods may have been broken, but their spirit was not.

A house represents security, a place to start the day and a place to finish the day. A home is comfort, family, friends and love. When the people of the flood damaged parishes of New Orleans say to you, “Welcome to my home,” it is empowering to them. They have accomplished much.

To be a small part of that, is awesome. One week of volunteering was more fulfilling than almost anything I can think of that I have done in my life so far. We were not polishing diamonds in the rough, we were doing something real. By rebuilding homes we were changing lives. As Jenny Orsborn, our group leader, said, we are saving the world one house at a time.

To look at the changes that have been made in the last three years is inspiring. To see a community come together and know that I was a tiny part of making someone's dream come true is amazing. More important than the progress you can see with your eyes is the progress you can feel in your heart.

NOLA is a magical place. The city has a pulse. You can feel it reverberating in your bones. The architecture is beautiful. Artists from all venues are everywhere, in studios, galleries and on the street. And the music . . . ah, the music . . . is alive.

What makes the heart beat of the city is the people. The people of NOLA are strong, spirited and soulful. And those who can, are coming home.

Peace.

p.s. Please read my story in this weeks edition of the Mille Lacs Messenger on sale at news stands tomorrow, April 30.

I love my Jeep

2008-04-26T13:50:00.000-05:00

It is hard to believe it is April 26. I woke up this morning and looked out the window to find about 3 inches of snow. That's not so bad, I thought. It wont last long. The plows will be out shortly and the rest of it will melt soon. It was a nice thought.

I had an appointment to get my tires rotated, fix a slow leaking tire and check the breaks. All something I had been putting off for quite some time. But the leaky tire was starting to leak faster, so I had to keep the appontment. When it came time for me to leave home to go into town (25 miles) I looked out the front window and could not even see across the lake. I couldn't even see the island in the middle. The snow just kept on snowing. And blowing.

But I had to go, so go I did.

The highway wasn't so bad going into town. It did not appear the plows had been out, but traffic kept a path pretty clear.

Once in town, the roads were fine. Wet and sloppy, but better than the highway.
Got my Jeep taken care of. The breaks are fine. The tire is fixed and they were all rotated. Good for another 6,000 miles or so.

The DJ on the radio said it was clearing up. Pearing through my windshield it appeared to be worse. Of course, the radio station is on the other end of town, so I will cut her some slack.

Driving back home east on hwy. 18 the road had not been plowed. And it was white out conditions. I am not kidding. I could not see 50 feet in front of me for a long time. The scary part was when all of the sudden a plow heading straight for me appeared out of nowhere!

So, I took the first chance I could and hit the back roads.

Now, here, it was clear that while the highway was not great, apparently plows had made a pass or two. Compared to the back country roads, which indeed had not been plowed. The snow was piling up close to at least 6 inches with drifts on the sides about 2-feet.

That's the best thing about a Jeep. My Jeep loves the snow! I felt like I could have been in a Jeep commercial even.

As I drove through the drifting snow it was spraying up the sides, blowing back in the wind. I would hit a pothole coverd in snow and muddy globs of snow covered the windshield, hood and side windows.

With a swipe of the wiper blades and a little blue juice, me and my Jeep just kept on going. Up and down the rolling hills and winding dead-end road we just drove. Still close to white out conditions when I passed a field, but in the woods it was near Jeep Nirvana.

It was almost sad to make it to the end of the road and into my driveway. My little adventure was over. Its a Jeep thing. You wouldn't understand.

I kicked the built up snow off from all the wheel wells and chipped away the ice build up on the wiper blade. I put my friend -- my Jeep in the garage and bid farewell for the day.

Oh, but in about an hour, I will have to leave again. I have a couple of weekend assignments for the paper. One is a the annual Smelt Fry at the VFW and the other is the Onamia Senior Prom grand march. I feel bad for the girls who must be dissappointed they might have to wear their Uggs instead of strappy little sandals to the dance tonight.

Naw, what am I thinking. This is Minnesota. The girls will wear their strappy little sandals tonight. Cripes, they wear them all year long anyway.

It is April 26 and this snow too will melt. But for now, I am going to grab some fresh coffee and just enjoy it for a while. And then head out into the wide white yonder. Only in a Jeep.

Peace.

Instincts - the beast within us

2008-04-25T10:02:00.000-05:00

“Good instincts usually tell you what to do long before your head has figured it out.” -- Michael Burke

It amazes me that even while 90 percent of the lake is still covered in ice, the loons know when to come home. Instincts are amazing.

I heard the loons last Saturday. Actually, Charlie said he heard them a few days earlier, but I didn't hear them myself until then. On my way to work driving around the north side of the lake yesterday I saw two of them. The were peacefully floating along in the 15 to 20 feet of open water along the shoreline and diving under the ice.

It is a sure sign of spring, even when we are expecting 3 to 6 inches of snow tonight, I know it will not be long until the lake is completely free from ice.

Animal instincts lead the loons to water and tell them when to fly to the sun in the fall. Instincts tell the robins where to dig for worms. Instincts tell the bears when to wake up and when to crawl into a soft bed for the winter. Instincts tell a lone wolf how to find a pack or when to move on.

People have instincts, too. Like a voice within us, our instincts give us that gut feeling when something just feels so right that it can't possibly be wrong. Our inner voice tells us when it is time to move on, or when to dig deeper. If something just doesn't feel right, a trigger goes off, telling us so.

The difference between animal instincts and human instincts are that we humans have a few things that set us apart from the animals. Besides opposable thumbs, we can feel. We can think. We can rationalize. We can dream. We can love.

Our instincts can also become clouded by those very things that set us apart from the wild and free animal kingdom. The noise from everyday life can become so loud that we cannot hear that tiny voice within. Sometimes we feel trapped like a caged animal, or boxed into a corner with no way out except the way we came in.

But the clouds can blow away. We can shut out the distracting noises. We can free ourselves from the trap we set for ourselves.

It all goes back to the basics. We need to know when to listen to the voice and we need to trust our instincts.

“As the traveler who has lost his way, throws his reins on his horse's neck, and trusts to the instinct of the animal to find his road, so must we do with the divine animal who carries us through this world.” -- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Peace.