BHS Music Listening Team going to State

Buffalo High School’s four Music Listening teams placed among the top five at the regional music listening contest on Friday. The winning team of (from left) Jenna Ernst, Abby Huff, Abby Smith, and Coach Michael Walsh will represent Buffalo at state next month. (Submitted photo)

      The Buffalo High School Music Department hosted Region Five of the Minnesota State Music Listening Contest on Friday and the Bison swept the rest of the field by claiming the top three spots.

      Music Listening is an academic competition that measures students’ knowledge of music throughout history. Over the past four months, students throughout the state have studied about 50 compositions varying from medieval Gregorian chant to renaissance madrigals, to classical symphonies to contemporary pop music.

      On Friday, students met in 10 regional tournaments to determine who had mastered the material. Students worked in teams of three to identify pieces of music from as little as two-second excerpts, and answer complex questions about the composers, the specific compositions, and how each piece was influenced by the cultural events of that time period. The most difficult task in the contest is the “Mystery Round”, in which students listen to pieces they’ve never heard before and are asked to identify the composer who wrote them, based on their knowledge of each composers writing style.

      Buffalo High School has a long history of success in this activity and has sent a team to state in 11 of the past 14 years, winning the state championship in 2004. This year has been no exception. Four teams from BHS competed against teams from Park Center, Osseo, Champlin Park School, and Maple Grove High Schools as well as the PACT Charter School.

      The teams from Buffalo placed first, second, third and fifth in the regional on Friday. The top two teams from each region advanced to the state championship, which will be held on Friday, Feb. 5, at Augsburg College. Unfortunately, only one team per school is permitted to advance to state, meaning Buffalo’s top team will be joined by the fourth place team form Park Center. Members of Buffalo’s regional championship team are Jenna Ernst, Abby Smith and Abby Huff.

      Coach Michael Walsh said the trio was formed three years ago when they were all freshmen. They experienced immediate success and have advanced to state in both their sophomore and junior years. This is their last chance to take the state crown and hope that their years of experience will serve them well in their efforts to reach that goal.

      Members of the second place team were Joe DuBois, Anna Huff and Neil Gleason. Placing third were Jonathon Hank, Mark Johnson and Bergen Nelson. Buffalo’s fifth place team consisted of Emma Pearson, Madelyn Roseen and Elizabeth Thompson.

Board split 3-2 due to tight times

By Ed DuBois

      The poor economy and its impact on the county budget resulted in a discussion about cutting some costs when the Wright County Board considered a request for attendance at a national conference.  The matter was part of the Tuesday, Jan. 26 board meeting.

      The request was from County Highway Engineer Wayne Fingalson.  He asked for authorization to attend the National Assoc-iation of County Engineers (NACE) Annual Meeting and Management/Technical Conference with Assistant County Engineer Virgil Hawkins.  The event takes place April 25-29 in Forth Worth, Texas.

      Fingalson mentioned Hawkins has been nominated for an award to be presented at the event.  He also said the 2011 Annual Meeting is taking place in Minnesota, and the Minnesota delegation will be inviting this year’s attendees to come to Minnesota next year.

      Commissioner Pat Sawatzke said he knows Fingalson works at the events and goes there for the right reasons, but he is opposed to out of state events during tight economic times.  He stated that going to out of state events sends the wrong message when funds are lacking.

      Sawatzke mentioned that Fingalson has also attended a Washington Fly-In event in past years.  Fingalson replied that he will not attend the Fly-In this year.

      Commissioner Jack Russek commented that it would be nice for Hawkins to be on hand if he wins the award for which he is nominated.  Hawkins has worked hard, the Board was told.

      Commissioner Rose Thelen said the money saved by Fingalson and his level of commitment to the county should be enough to be allowed to attend the NACO event.  He should not have to beg for it, she stated.

      Board Chair Dick Mattson said attending the event in Texas seems to him to be an extravagance during a time of economic difficulty.

      A motion to authorize attendance at the NACO event passed 3-2, with Sawatzke and Mattson opposed.

      In other business:

TRAIL IDEA

      During a review of the Jan. 6 Transportation Committee of the Whole minutes, the Board accepted a recommendation that the county act as a sponsoring agency in a joint application by Hanover and St. Michael for 2014 enhancement funds.  The money would be used for the construction of a trail along CSAH (County State Aid Highway) 34 from CSAH 19 in Hanover to Beebe Lake Park.  The county is not expected to contribute to the cost of the project.

DANGEROUS DOG FEE

      The Board scheduled a hearing on Feb. 16 at 9:30 a.m. regarding the establishment of a dangerous dog registration fee.  Possible fee amounts could range from $100 to $500 a year.  Crossroads Animal Shelter could be the collector of the fees, which would help pay for paperwork and signs for the property of the dog owner.  The Board recently adopted a dangerous dog ordinance.

MISC.

      In other actions, the Board:

      * learned that Parks Department events in January were well attended and more events are planned;

      * discussed an offer for the county to purchase land in Silver Creek Township for the parks system; and

      * scheduled a hearing on Feb. 16 at 9:45 a.m. regarding grant applications for the Bertram Chain of Lakes regional park project.

Golf rounds up, but revenue flat at local courses

      People want to golf, but, because of the poor economy, they want to golf when it’s a good deal.

      That’s what been happening at the local golf courses during the recession.  Joe Malone at the Wild Marsh Golf Club in Buffalo said the number of rounds has increased over the past three years, but revenues have been flat.  Discounts have been offered to keep the golfers coming, but about 15 percent of them have been walking instead of renting a cart, and they are not spending much in the pro shop and clubhouse.

      Bruce Quady at Buffalo Heights Golf Club had a similar story to tell.  Local golfers are still coming out, and that is keeping the number of rounds up, but they are choosing less expensive options, such as nine holes of golf instead of eighteen.  Many walk the course instead of renting a cart.

      Low greens fees have been offered at Buffalo Heights.  For example, an 18-hole special after 4 p.m. saved $9.  With a cart, a $22 fee was offered.

      Weekends were busy when the weather was nice, said Quady.  He surmised that many local golfers did not want to drive far to golf because of the price of gasoline.

      Buffalo Heights offered a few incentives for people to sign up as members.  If they signed up for 2010 by October they got the 2009 price.  The senior package stayed at last year’s price, which Quady said is a good deal.

      Malone said expenses have been cut and the budget has been reduced at Wild Marsh to make up for a lack of increased revenue.  Plenty of people are golfing, but “they are looking for a deal.”

      “We have been offering lower fees at the quieter times, and many golfers have been playing during those times,” Malone said.  Meanwhile, “daily fee play has been okay, and we have hosted many tournaments.”

      An effort is currently underway to increase memberships with very low rates.  For example, a single City of Buffalo resident membership that regularly costs $700 can be obtained for $595 until March 1.

      Roy Quady, a Wild Marsh Board of Directors member who serves on a city Golf Course Development Committee, said a Wild Marsh membership drive has been underway since Jan. 1.

      He commented that the city-owned course is part of the many services offered by the city, but there seems to be somewhat of a disconnect between Wild Marsh and the city residents.  The membership drive is also an information drive to help bring about a closer connection, Quady said.

      The highest number of memberships in one year at Wild Marsh was 161, Malone said.  Last year, there were 142 memberships.  The goal in 2010 is 300.

      Malone is encouraged by the Buffalo City Council, which recently agreed to a three-year commitment to the city-owned course, and then they will “take a hard look it.”

      “We need the community’s support,” Malone commented.  “We are excited about the prices, and we feel they are very affordable.”

      Bruce Quady talked about a $90,000 assessment Buffalo Heights needs to pay for a city sewer line improvement that is helping with a flood problem near a creek through the course.  The assessment is a huge impact on the golf course budget, he said.

      “We didn’t have the money to fight it in court,” he added.

      Making payments on the assessment is a struggle, especially with revenue down due to the recession.

Two indicted in alleged mortgage fraud scheme

      A federal indictment was unsealed last Tuesday, Jan. 26 following the arrest of a Minnesota man in Florida on charges related to mortgage fraud. The indictment, filed under seal in U.S. District Court in Minnesota on Jan. 20, 2010, alleges that Michael Anthony Prieskorn, 35, of Ellendale, with assistance from Richard Mathew Laho, 54, of Buffalo, orchestrated a mortgage fraud scheme through which Prieskorn received more than $5 million from investors who purchased approximately 70 residential properties in Florida and Minnesota between December 2006 and April 2007.

      Specifically, the indictment charges both men with 23 counts of wire fraud, one count of mail fraud, and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota.

      Prieskorn, who was arrested in Florida, also was charged with two counts of engaging in a monetary transaction.

      Laho will be summoned in Minnesota.

      According to the indictment, the defendants conspired to obtain mortgage loan proceeds fraudulently by making false representations and promises and withholding material information about the purchase of residential properties. The indictment states that in 2006, Prieskorn, under the business names Blackstone Sales and Maine Estates, negotiated with builders to purchase numerous residential properties in Florida and Minnesota at discounted prices.

      Laho, a mortgage broker, worked with Prieskorn to solicit investors with good credit histories to buy some of the properties, allegedly telling them the mortgage loans as well as the deals themselves would be risk free.

      The defendants also allegedly promised each investor $5,000 for every property purchased with his or her name and credit history. Furthermore, the defendants allegedly represented that Blackstone or Maine Estates would maintain the properties, make the monthly mortgage payments in addition to paying other related expenses, and, ultimately, sell the properties.

      During the course of the alleged scheme, Prieskorn and Laho reportedly assisted and caused others to assist investors in securing mortgage loans by, among other things, temporarily depositing money into the bank accounts of those investors to make it appear they had sufficient assets to qualify for the loans they sought. Those actions, however, were concealed from the lenders. In addition, Prieskorn allegedly advised investors to misrepresent the true nature of the real estate transactions on HUD-1 forms, which were prepared for closing and subsequently provided to the mortgage lenders.

      After the closing on each of the 70 properties, Prieskorn purportedly received a portion of the loan proceeds, described in the closing documents as “management fees” to Blackstone Sales, Maine Estates, or other entities. According to the indictment, those so-called management fees ranged from $18,000 to $228,000 per property and totaled more than $5 million for the 70 properties.

      Although Prieskorn allegedly promised investors he would pay the mortgage loan payments for a minimum of nine months, he failed to do so. As a result, short-sales and foreclosures occurred, damaging investors’ credit. In August 2007, Prieskorn mailed a notice to the investors, indicating that Blackstone Sales had been acquired by Sydney and Lloyds.

      In addition to the conspiracy charge detailed above, the indictment alleges the defendants’ actions caused wire transfers on 23 dates between Jan. 19, 2007, and April 17, 2007. Moreover, the indictment alleges that on April 9, 2007, the defendants caused documents to be sent through the U.S. mail relative to one of the properties of this alleged fraud.

      Finally, as to the two-count charge against Prieskorn that he engaged in illegal monetary transactions, the indictment alleges he withdrew $20,000 in fraud proceeds from a Maine Estates bank account on May 1, 2007, and on May 7, 2007, made a wire transfer of $225,000 in fraud proceeds from a Maine Estates bank account to another bank account.

      If convicted, the defendants face a potential maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each wire fraud count, 20 years on the mail fraud count, and 20 years on the conspiracy count. Prieskorn faces an additional 10 years on each monetary transaction count. All sentences will be determined by a federal district court judge.

      This case is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division, the Eagan Police Department, the Minnesota Department of Commerce, the United States Secret Service, the Minnesota Financial Crimes Task Force, and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy L. Perzel.

      An indictment is a determination by a grand jury that there is probable cause to believe that offenses have been committed by a defendant. A defendant, of course, is presumed innocent until he or she pleads guilty or is proven guilty at trial.

Green Acres confusion addressed during meeting set up by Koch

Fielding questions for her panel, State Senator Amy Koch (left) conducts a meeting during which about 70-80 people sought answers to questions about Green Acres.

By Ed DuBois

      Much discussion at a special meeting aimed at clearing up some of the confusion regarding the Green Acres program focused on a May 1 deadline to decide whether or not to keep nonproductive land in the program.

      Productive farmland is classed 2a, and nonproductive land is classed 2b.

      An estimated 70-80 people attended the meeting.  One of the attendees commented toward the end of the meeting that very little time remains to work with the County Assessor on determining exactly which land areas are 2a and which are 2b.

      “We don’t know what is 2a and what is 2b.  How do we make a decision?  This doesn’t make any sense at all,” the man said.

      He was speaking at a gathering set up by State Senator Amy Koch (R-Buffalo) at the Albertville City Hall last Friday evening, Jan. 22.  A panel of county and state officials provided information and addressed questions.

      County Assessor Greg Kramber has said in the past that one of his chief concerns about recent changes in the Green Acres program is the task of determining what is 2A and 2b.  He commented last Friday that the cost of this task is huge as assessors go through and dissect each farm.  He added that he has found that telling others about the program is difficult because “I don’t understand it completely myself.”

      Koch commented that as the changes were being passed by the Legislature in 2008, Kramber was one of the first people to say the changes would be a disaster.

      John Hagen, assistant director with the Minnesota Department of Revenue’s Property Tax Division in the area of information and education, was on the panel.  He suggested the Legislature might consider moving back the May 1 deadline to give everyone more time to understand the changes and make decisions.

      Koch said she was in favor of repealing the changes made in 2008, but, instead, many changes were rolled back in 2009 instead of repealed.  The result has been confusion.

      To make matters worse, various factors, other than Green Acres, have worked against farmers and significantly increase property taxes for many of them.  An information document was provided at the meeting, and it described a “perfect storm” for agricultural land value increases.  Factors include a strong market for productive agricultural land, a decline in the market for residential and commercial property, and the phasing out of Limited Market Value, which helped keep taxes down.

      It was mentioned that the Legislature might consider a circuit breaker to help relieve the increases.

      Meanwhile, farmers are dealing with higher property taxes, and one of the programs they relied on to help keep taxes down, Green Acres, may not help as much in the area of nonproductive land.  Several people in the audience last Friday commented that they might be better off cutting down trees and turning wooded areas into land for crops or livestock.

      The state is offering alternatives for nonproductive land, such as a Rural Preserve Program and a Managed Forest Land program.  The County Assessor’s Office has fact sheets available about these programs.

      In regard to the May 1 deadline, those who withdraw their 2b land from Green Acres by that date will not have to pay back three years of deferred taxes.  The payback will be in effect for those who withdraw after May 1.

      The changes made in 2008 called for a seven-year payback, but it was brought back to three years in 2009.  Many people felt the 2008 changes went too far and were ill conceived.

      During a question and answer session, Kerry Saxton of the Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) asked those whose 2b land no longer qualifies for Green Acres to consider the alternative programs, such as the Rural Preserve Program and the Managed Forest Land program.  As someone who encourages conservation, he said he does not like to hear people talk about changing their forests into pastures or cutting down trees and plowing up the land.

      Julie Blackburn, assistant director with the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, said the comments she heard during the meeting last Friday are good feedback to take back to the Legislature.

      One attendee said the tax law is trumping conservation, and it needs further revision.

      The state and county officials on hand appeared to agree with that statement.

Gifted education proposal approved by BHM Board

By Ed DuBois

      Back when the Buffalo Hanover Montrose (BHM) School Board approved major budget reductions two years in a row, five full-time equivalent positions in the Gifted/Talented Program were among those that were eliminated.  But one position was reinstated last spring in an attempt to keep Gifted/Talented programming alive.

      During the Board’s meeting last Monday, Jan. 25, a proposal for the start of an alternative gifted education program, which had been presented by Laura Halldin during a Jan. 11 board workshop, was approved.

      Prior to board action, a mother of a likely gifted education candidate spoke in favor of the proposal.  She said the needs of gifted students are not being met, and she warned that parents could take their children elsewhere for gifted programming.  The Board was told that, even though gifted students get A’s, they are “left behind” if they are not challenged and not helped with reaching for their full potential.  Her daughter lamented that, without gifted programming, “all I get is extra homework.”  The student has exceeded her mother’s abilities to help in math.  The Board was also told that gifted programming helps students in areas other than academics, as well.  It helps with developing socially, for example.

      Halldin’s proposal calls for starting up in the 2010-11 school year with fourth, fifth and sixth grade students, and with a possible expansion the following year in the seventh grade.  Second and third graders could be added, as well.

      The first two years are to be a pilot program, which will be evaluated.  To continue beyond the first two years, the program will need to be self-sustaining, and this could be helped along by open enrollment.

      Supt. Jim Bauck told the Journal-Press people from other school districts are already calling with questions about the start-up of a new BHM gifted program.  Students who enter the program from other school districts would bring per pupil state aid funds with them, and these funds could help the program sustain itself.  Other school districts in the Wright County area are not offering gifted education.

      In about a year from now, Halldin could present another proposal to offer gifted education for a next level of candidates.  The highest level students are being invited into the new program in 2010-11, and the next level includes a group of students who could benefit from enrichment activities and classes.

      In other business:

IMPROVEMENTS

      During a preliminary capital outlay presentation, the Board discussed some possible buildings and grounds improvements.  An upgrade or a replacement of the electronic sign at the high school was discussed.  The sign is not working, and a decision on whether to repair it or replace it will need to be made.

      Meanwhile, a new sign is needed at the middle school, and a decision will need to be made on whether to install a conventional sign or an electronic sign.

      The Board also discussed the possibility of installing a set of flashing yellow lights at a crossing in front of Northwinds Elementary School.  The safety of students crossing CSAH (County State Aid Highway) 12 is a serious concern.  The lights could be activated by a button on a post.

PROUD OF

      Nothing was officially listed on the Board’s “Proud Of” agenda segment, but Supt. Bauck said he is proud that Board Chair Dave Wilson was recognized as a WCCO Radio Good Neighbor on Jan. 21.  Wilson was honored for starting the annual Rotary Club’s Car Raffle 15 years ago and helping raise funds for the benefit of the community.

MISC.

      In other actions, the Board:

      * received a report on Extended Day Title I Kindergarten;

      * approved budget assumptions that will help guide the building of the school district budget for next year;

      * approved new high school courses, Reading Enhancement and Algebra 1.5; and

      * received a report on a hair dye fundraising effort for American Red Cross help in Haiti.

DONATIONS

      The Board accepted the following donations:

      $138.58 from Wells Fargo Giving Campaign to HES;

      $500 from Pearson Bros. of Hanover to HES;

      $410.10 from Boxtops for Education to PES;

      $100 from RMG Refer a Friend Program to DES;

      $100 from Zach Nelson family to the ESCE Program;

      $3,400 from Lowes for parking lot lighting and to develop a

sensory garden for students with autism at TES;

      $150 anonymous donation to TES for families for the holidays; and

      $1,292.10 from General Mills to MES.

NEXT MEETINGS

      Upcoming meetings include:

      * Board Retreat, Friday, Jan. 29, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., District Office Conference Room;

      * Board Workshop, Monday, Feb. 8, 4:30 p.m., Northwinds Elementary School; and

      Board Meeting, Monday, Feb. 22, 7:00 p.m., Board Room at Discovery Center, Buffalo.

Buffalo and Maple Grove schools team up to help Haiti

Maple Grove's Hahn Chang (left) and Buffalo's Graham Wyatt (right) have joined forces for the "Hair Dying for Haiti" fundraiser. Each student will dye their hair a vibrant color if their school can raise at least $1,000 for the Haiti earthquake victims. (Submitted photo)

By Heather Reinhart

School News Editor

      When Buffalo High School senior Graham Wyatt heard about the tragic earthquake in Haiti, he wanted to do something to help. Wyatt and his friend, Hahn Chang of Maple Grove, were talking about the quake when they crafted the idea of turning a fundraising effort into a joint venture between their two high schools.

      Their fundraiser, Hair Dying for Haiti, has taken off in just a short period of time. Wyatt and Chang both set the goal of raising $1,000 and if that goal is met, they will dye their hair in a crazy, vibrant color. Among the options are blue, green, and orange.

      “The goal is to try and raise as much as possible and to dye our hair as incentive,” Wyatt said. “I’m a little (nervous), but it’s a good cause and it’s worth it.”

      Wyatt and Chang met last summer when the pair was invited to represent the state of Minnesota in the Boys Nation program. The two have remained in touch ever since and both wanted to play a role in helping those in Haiti. They created a web site, www.hairdyingforhaiti.org, and have set up a group on Facebook that had more than 600 members after the very first week.

      The main efforts are going in at Buffalo High School and Maple Grove Senior High. Posters have been set up at both schools and collection efforts are underway this week at BHS. (The collection for Maple Grove Senior High School will be the week of Feb. 1.) At BHS, several student groups have joined the cause including Globally Minded Student Activists, Student Council, and Green Team.

      “I can’t do it by myself,” Wyatt said. “The most rewarding thing so far is seeing the other individuals and how much effort they’ve put in and seeing that happen. The administration approved it and has let the school kind of rally around the idea.”

      Wyatt and Chang are also seeking others who will pledge to have their hair dyed if the school can meet its goal of raising $1,000. Those not wanting to make such a strong commitment can show their support by purchasing colorful hair extensions that are put into their hair and last anywhere from three weeks to three months.

      Senior Emily Anderson has joined forces with Wyatt and is leading that cause. She learned how to apply the extensions from a friend’s mother, who works in a salon. The extensions (available in blue, pink and purple) are being sold for $5 each, or three for $10, and will be available at the high school and at home basketball games this week.

      “It’s just a fun way to get involved in Graham’s cause,” Anderson said, adding that $300 was raised through hair extension sales in the first few days.

      Sophomore Kaelie Lund has also been heavily involved in the fundraising efforts at BHS and said it has been a lot of fun.

      “I’ve always wanted to get involved in something like this and to actually be able to make a difference in a tragedy like this,” she said.

      Lund said the students were supportive of the cause after the very first meeting and added that she will do whatever she can to help raise funds for the victims of the Haiti earthquake. Lund is a member of the One-Act Play cast at BHS, but said that as soon as the season is over, she will dye her hair too.

      Last year, Lund went on a mission trip to Jamaica with her church and that is when she really began to understand the needs that other countries have.

      “I’ve always wanted to help others and when I went to Jamaica it just started to grow,” she said.

      Wyatt also wanted to include the community in the fundraiser, so last week he went around town with Anderson and Lund to see if local business would allow donation boxes to be set up. The boxes have been set up at 11 businesses in Buffalo for community members to donate to the cause. All donations are going to the American Refugee Committee, and boxes have been set up at: Buffalo Books & Coffee, Setterberg Jewelers, House of Lo Chinese Restaurant, Hallmark, On State School of Dance, Sterling Drug, Gold’s Gym, Coborn’s Grocery Store, Klein Bank, Ivy Gate, and BJ’s Deli.

      “We wanted to connect the community as well,” Wyatt said.

      The efforts don’t stop in Buffalo and Maple Grove. Wyatt and Chang have also included information on their web site about how other schools can start similar fundraisers. They even used their connections from Boys State and Boys Nation to contact student leaders in other Minnesota High Schools.

      “This is the first time I’ve really taken an initiative to really get something started,” said Wyatt. “If I’m going to be sitting here in Minnesota in a very privileged life, I thought my time would be better spent trying to do something that would help others.”

      Wyatt had Chang selected the American Refugee Committee because they will donate 100 percent of the money raised directly to Haiti, and won’t take out any administrative costs. All checks should be made to “BHS-Hair Dying for Haiti”. Donation boxes will remain up around the community through the first week in February. After all donations have been collected, one large check will be sent to the ARC.

      As for the hair dying, Wyatt said that after all donations have been collected, he will get together with anyone else from Buffalo that has pledged to dye their hair and will head to a local salon to have it done professionally. Those wanting to help Wyatt and Hahn pick a new vibrant color for their hair can vote for their favorite color on-line at www.hairdyingforhaiti.org.

Kid Kare to host Helping Hands for Haiti event

      A Helping Hands for Haiti fundraising event is being hosted by the Kid Kare program of the Buffalo Hanover Montrose School District.  A Kid Kare Craft/Bake Sale and Silent Auction are taking place Thursday, Feb. 4, 3:30 to 8:30 p.m., in the Discovery Center, 301 2nd Ave. N.E., Buffalo.

      The Kid Kare children are donating time and talents as they make craft items for the sale.  Staff members are donating their time in the kitchen for the bake sale.  Many local businesses have been helping with donated items for the silent auction.

      Come and help the children of Haiti.

      If you are interested in donating to the fundraiser, please come to the event or call Kid Kare at 763-682-8746.

      All proceeds will go to the Save the Children emergency Haiti Fund.