Flip of a coin decides who gets county job

New 800 MHz radio project almost completed

One of the new towers for the 800 MHz system is located between Buffalo and Montrose just east of CSAH 12.

By Ed DuBois

      A flip of a coin at the Wright County Board meeting this week decided which vendor would get a demolition job when the two quotes were both the same.

      In another matter during the Tuesday, Jan. 19 meeting, the Board reviewed a 800 MHz project update.  The county’s new 800 MHz radio system is almost ready for final acceptance.  The Board also adopted a dangerous dog ordinance.

      The coin flip involved a demolition job for the county at 8388 Needham Ave. N.E., Otsego.  Schmitz and Sons Excavating of rural Monticello and Gibby’s of rural Maple Lake both provided the exact same quote, $4,325.  One difference between the two quotes was that Schmitz provided details regarding the work that would be performed.

      Following some discussion, during which Commissioner Jack Russek suggested a coin toss, Commissioner Pat Sawatzke offered a motion to flip a coin.  Schmitz was the winner.

800 MHz

      A new 800 MHz radio system, which is being established in many counties across the state and has capabilities that will be very helpful during major emergencies, is nearing completion in Wright County, after months of work, and is expected to be operational soon.  Final acceptance of the $4 million system is expected at the end of February.

      Training for firefighters, police and Sheriff’s Office personnel is taking place in January and February.  Some firefighters and law enforcement officers already have radios, and Lt. Greg Howell of the Sheriff’s Office, who is serving as the 800 MHz administrator, reported, so far, he has received no negative feedback.

      Bill Swing, the county’s information technology director, and others have been working with consultant Mike Mazzitello of GeoComm on the project.  Grants of $718,200 and $42,141 are helping the county with the cost of radios, tower sites, a tower monitoring system, and more.  Swing has estimated the project will have a $303,045 surplus, which will help the county’s budget.

      Howell reported on a few other counties.  He said Kandiyohi County has been online since mid-December 2009 and has been positive about the transition from their old system.  Sherburne County has been online since mid-summer 2009.  Meeker and McLeod Counties will make the transition within the next two years.

HIRINGS

      Hiring social workers and a custodian at the Wright County Human Services Center was a topic for discussion when Board Chair Dick Mattson said the county should not be hiring due to the recession and a lack of funds.  He said counties “all around us” have put a freeze on hiring, and he pointed out that citizens have lost their jobs and businesses have cut back.  “We seem to the have no fear,” he stated.

      Commissioner Pat Sawatzke, who serves on the Personnel Committee, explained that state and federal revenue for social worker positions meets or exceeds the cost of the positions.  It would be more expensive not to hire the social workers, Sawatzke contended.

      Mattson said he would like to see proof that the county is receiving the state and federal revenue to which Sawatzke referred.  He would like to see a budget line item showing that revenue.

      Repeating his concern about spending, Mattson indicated that other county officials seem to think they live in a “land of plenty.”

      Commissioner Jack Russek pointed out that in some cases it is better to have social workers dealing with problems.  The alternative could be jail time for certain individuals, and that would cost the county money, Russek said.

      Mattson said he could support hiring a custodian, and when Commissioner Elmer Eichelberg offered a motion to hire a custodian it passed unanimously.  When Eichelberg offered a motion to fill three social worker positions, it passed 4-1 with Mattson opposed.

DANGEROUS DOG RULES

      Crossroads Animal Shelter, which provides services for the county regarding dangerous dogs, had suggested adopting a dangerous dog ordinance.  Doing so establishes formal rules and requirements, and it also sets up a hearing process for those who may want to contest a dangerous dog designation.  The County Board adopted a dangerous dog ordinance last Tuesday.

MINNCAN

      The Board discussed a request from the Minnesota Pipe Line Company (MPL) regarding a pipeline project called MinnCan.  The pipeline passes underneath Ditch 15 in Wright County near Cokato.  MPL says the pipeline is 42 inches below the ditch bed, and the planned depth was 60 inches below the bottom of the ditch.  The state requires 54 inches.  The company is seeking a variance or a modification to the permit issued by the county.

      Kerry Saxton of the Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) was asked to look into the matter.  He said he needs survey information from MPL to help address the situation.  The Board asked Saxton to write a letter explaining what he needs and provide the letter for the board chair’s signature before it is sent to MPL.

Buffalo civic leader Gordy Burkland, 97, passes away

Gordy Burkland

      Gordon H. “Gordy” Burkland, a lifelong resident of Buffalo, business leader, veteran and civic leader, died last Sunday, Jan. 17, 2010 on his 97th birthday.

      He was born in Buffalo on January 17, 1913 to John and Freda (Risberg) Burkland.  He was the youngest of six children.  He was a graduate of Buffalo High School and the University of Minnesota.  He married Linda Cook in St. Paul in May, 1940.

      Gordy was a veteran of WWII, having served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific.  He was aboard the USS Reno when it was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine on Nov. 3, 1944.  After the war, Gordy joined his father as co-owner of the Burkland & Peterson store in Buffalo.  He owned the store, renamed Burklands, until 1974.  He also owned Burklands’ Style Shop in Slayton.

      He believed in contributing to his community and was a Wright County Commission and a member of the Buffalo School Board for many years.  He was an active member of Buffalo Presbyterian Church and Rotary, served on the City Council, and represented Wright County on the Central Minnesota Mental Health Center Board of Directors.  He was involved with the Minnesota Retailers Federation for many years and served as chair of the Minnesota Small Business Advisory Council.  Gordon was a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow and was a recipient of many awards, including the 2007 Kurt Weiche Memorial Outstanding Citizen Award.

      Gordy was an avid golfer and member of the Buffalo Heights Golf Club for most of his life.  He loved to travel and was a fan of Buffalo High School basketball, Gophers football and the Vikings.  Gordy helped inspire the BHS boys’ basketball team before they won the state championship a few years ago.  He took great pleasure in his many friends, his children and his grandchildren. He enjoyed life and in his own words, “died with a full heart.”

      Gordon was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Linda Cook Burk-land, and his five siblings.  He is survived by: his three children, Jean (Jerry) Udesen of New Brighton, Jill (Randy Freisinger) Burkland of Houghton, MI, and Bruce (Cathie) Burk-land of Jackson, Wyo., as well as seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

      A funeral service was held Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2 p.m., at Buffalo Presbyterian Church, with a gathering one hour prior to the service at church.  Interment took place at Lakeview Cemetery in Buffalo.  The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo served the family.

      Memorials are preferred to Buffalo Presbyterian Church, the City of Buffalo Downtown Flower Fund, or the American Cancer Society.

Incumbents unopposed in township election filings

      The filing period for the March 9 township elections concluded on Jan. 12.  In most of Wright County’s 18 townships, incumbent supervisors and clerks are running unopposed.

      A few of the townships, Clearwater, Silver Creek and Southside, are conducting their elections in November instead of March.

      The candidates follow:

ALBION TOWNSHIP

      Clerk: Debbie Uecker (incumbent).

      Supervisor: Bob Neumann (incumbent).

BUFFALO TOWNSHIP

      Clerk: Cheryl (Schmidt) Bohnen.  (Incumbent Ruth Jans did not file for re-election.)

      Supervisor: No one filed.  (Incumbent Donald Schmidt did not file for re-election.)

CHATHAM TOWNSHIP

      Clerk/Treasurer: No one filed.  (Incumbent Francis Munsterteiger did not file for re-election.)

      Supervisor: Arnold Goerke (incumbent).

CLEARWATER TOWNSHIP

      Clearwater Township’s election is taking place in November.

COKATO TOWNSHIP

      Clerk: Brad Morris (incumbent).

      Supervisor: Wesley Hoffman.  (Incumbent Tim Gosswiller did not file for re-election.)

CORINNA TOWNSHIP

      Supervisor: Richard Naaktgeboren (incumbent).

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP

      Supervisor: Michael Barfknecht (incumbent).

FRENCH LAKE TOWNSHIP

      Clerk: Roseanne Peterson (incumbent).

      Supervisor: Paul Erickson (incumbent).

MAPLE LAKE TOWNSHIP

      Supervisor: Gerald Giebenhain (incumbent).

MARYSVILLE TOWNSHIP

      Supervisor: Richard Sawatzke (incumbent).

MIDDLEVILLE TOWNSHIP

      Clerk: Joey Berg (incumbent).

      Supervisor: Jim Raymond (incumbent).

MONTICELLO TOWNSHIP

      Supervisor: Franklin Denn (incumbent).

      Supervisor: Brett Holker (incumbent).

ROCKFORD TOWNSHIP

      Supervisor: Joel Kjome (incumbent).

SILVER CREEK TOWNSHIP

      Silver Creek Township’s election will take place in November.

SOUTHSIDE TOWNSHIP

      Southside Township’s election will take place in November.

STOCKHOLM TOWNSHIP

      Clerk: Diane Johnson (incumbent).

      Supervisor: Paul Davis (incumbent).

VICTOR TOWNSHIP

      Clerk: Sharon Glessing (incumbent).

      Supervisor: Burton Horsch (incumbent).

WOODLAND TOWNSHIP

      Clerk: Gloria Janikula (incumbent).

      Supervisor: Ken Pawelk (incumbent).

Haiti Gardens founders happily surprised when contacting friends following earthquake

Wilky Estinvil (left), pictured (months ago) next to his home on a very crowded hillside, stands next to Celidon Jean Antoine, Haiti Gardens promoter in a rural area, Connie Lahr and little Willenson Estinvil at their feet.  Note the beautiful container vegetable gardens setting on the cement block ledge and homes in the background.

Yvette Papillon is pictured (months ago) with a plate of vegetables from her rooftop garden.  Her home (in background) collapsed with her elderly sister-in-law inside.  The Lahrs would have stayed here had they gone to Haiti.  (Photos courtesy of Pat and Connie Lahr)

By Ed DuBois

      After living in Haiti from 1985 to 1989 and establishing a Haiti Gardens program, Pat and Connie Lahr of Maple Lake were packed recently for their 12th trip back to Haiti.  However, all flights were canceled after the terrible earthquake near the capital city, Port-au-Prince, on Tuesday, Jan. 12.

      The Lahrs had been going back to Haiti roughly every other year.  Concern-ed about friends in Haiti, they attempted to call them by phone and were happily surprised when they were able to make contact with some of their friends.

      “Two of three people who have been receiving support through Haiti Gardens were affected by the earthquake,” Connie said.

      A 79-year-old woman, Yvette Papillon, lost her home.  Uninjured, she was able to leave Haiti and travel to Montreal, Canada, where she is recouping.  Sadly, an elderly sister-in-law lost her life due to the earthquake.

      Connie said she spoke to Wilky Estinvil by phone and learned his hillside home, where he lived with his wife and three sons, is no longer habitable.  He has moved to his home area, Hinche, located far north of Port-au-Prince.

      Another friend who lives away from large populated areas was not affected by the earthquake.

      “We have not heard about all our friends in Haiti.  We are still crossing our fingers, hoping and praying they are all okay,” Connie said.

      The Haiti Gardens program has helped families in Haiti grow garden vegetables for food.  The program has led to work with the school system in Maple Lake, teaching local students about gardening techniques.  Connie mentioned Pat has been working lately on showing students some methods for collecting and using rainwater.

      The Haiti Gardens program has also led to the establishment of a small Gardening Worldwide organization.  The Lahrs and others get involved with an annual promotion that generates funds for the organization.

      They are not certain whether or not they will be able to go on their trip to Haiti later this year.  Meanwhile, they hope and pray that all their friends are alive and well.

Meth lab located, and three people arrested

      The Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office reports three arrests were made recently at an alleged meth lab in Big Lake.

      On Wednesday, Jan. 13, the Sherburne County Drug Task Force (DTF) executed a search warrant in the 18000 block of 146th St. N.W. in Big Lake Township.  While at the residence, investigators discovered a meth lab that was actively producing methamphetamine.  Investigators arrested Glenda Lawson, 71, of Big Lake; Charles Green, 47, of Anoka; and Gregory Longley, 49, no address, for the manufacturing of, or the conspiracy to, manufacture methamphetamine, as well as other controlled substance charges.  All three parties were booked into the Sherburne County Jail.

      According to Sheriff Joel Brott, the Sherburne County Drug Task Force conducted an investigation into unlawful drug activity at a residence located in Big Lake Township.  During the course of the investigation, the DTF officers were able to gather enough evidence to obtain a search warrant for the residence.  The DTF investigators, along with members of the St. Cloud Drug/Gang Unit, CID investigators and Sherburne County deputies, executed the warrant.  The three aforementioned suspects were present at the residence, and one of the individuals indicated he was actively “cooking” methamphetamine on the property.

      A search of the property was conducted.  Methamphetamine, psilocybin mushrooms and marijuana were found inside the residence, the sheriff said.  An active meth lab was located in a shed next to the residence.

      DTF investigators dismantled the laboratory equipment allegedly being used to manufacture methamphetamine.  T&R Services, an independent company, was called to safely take possession of the laboratory equipment and associated chemicals and destroy them.

      The Elk River Fire Department and Ambulance assisted the Sheriff’s Office at the scene.

      Lawson, Green and Longley remained in the Sherburne County Jail pending arraignment.

St. Michael Station proposal includes hotel, restaurants

      A preliminary site plan for a project called St. Michael Station was recently approved by the St. Michael City Council, reports the Crow River News.  Located at I-94 and Highway 241, the development proposal includes a hotel, fast-food and sit-down restaurants, a convenience store, and office/retail space.

      The proposed site is north of Highway 241 and west of I-94, across from Cinemagic.  The development firm involved with the project is the Hans Hagen company.  City council member Cindy Weston said a similar Hans Hagen development in Plymouth has electronic signs that look nice and work well.  A representative of the development company said a sign along the freeway in St. Michael would not include an electronic message.

      The city will need to work with the development on plans for traffic signal lights at the intersection of Highway 241 and O’Day Ave., which would serve as the entrance to St. Michael Station.

      In a recent Journal-Press feature story, St. Michael history book author Bob Zahler said Albertville originally began as a train stop called St. Michael Station.

 
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