Letters to the Editor
May 22, 2013
To the Editor:
As some of you may know I’ve been a long time resident of the Bertha area. Recently working in the role of Bertha Ambulance, City Council and chair for the Bertha festivities, i.e. Bertha Days and Harvest Festival. Approximately 4-5 years ago it was brought to the city council’s attention by the auditor that “the city” cannot fund (financially, nor employee’s paid time) city festivities. At that time I decided to take on the roll of president if you will, of the festivities committee and volunteer my time.
It was my idea that this should be a community run event, not one person taking on the entire planning of events. The members of the fire department and spouses stepped up as well and helped make the first year a huge success. However, by the end of the weekend the entire group were overwhelmed, sore and bordering on heat exhaustion. It was decided that the next year more people would need to be recruited as the fire department could only handle so many activities.
Over the last few years only a handful of exceptional people have stepped forward to help plan and organize these events. Every year I host two to three planning meetings at the Community Center, advertised by newspaper announcements, flyers and Facebook. Every year the same four people show up. Last year I decided it would be my last year of organizing, however, I was unable to find anyone who would want to take my place. So here I am this year, organizing, quite honestly on my own.
In other nearby towns, fundraisers are held to offset the costs, committee’s are formed and jobs are delegated. The first two years I was involved in planning Bertha Days we had no funding. Any event that occurred came from literally begging our businesses for monetary donations. In our neighboring towns Community Clubs, Chambers, Lions etc are all actively involved in the planning, organizing and events the day of, but even they are seeing declining participation.
As you may or may not know, the Bertha Lions club has dissolved due to declining interest. The Commercial Club was changed to a Community Club some time back to hopefully get more community members involved and not rely so heavily on our limited businesses. The Sports Boosters as well has seen a decline in participating over the years. The remainder of the clubs/organizations that used to assist, have members who are no longer physically able to help or have “paid their dues.” Many years the same volunteers assisted with community events over and over, nobody has stepped in to replace these folks.
Bertha is becoming a younger town again, many homes are filled with families and young people now, and not older residents. We need people to step up and help or there will not be a “Bertha Days” in the future.
I remember when I was a child, going from event to event- turtle races, vendors the BIG parade, kiddie parade, kids games and face painting in the park. None of these events, and more, will be occurring this year. Unfortunately, you will see this year a very bare list of events. There is no money and no volunteers. Many people come forward to say they are interested in volunteering, however, again last year, many events were unmanned as nobody showed up.
How do we fix this? I don’t know. A suggestion I’ve heard, and rather like, comes from another community down the road, “why don’t we share city festivities and their planning?” For example: Clarissa in 2014, Eagle Bend 2015, Bertha 2016, Hewitt 2017. Each year the designated town celebrates, volunteers from every town assist each other. Or, do we write off what “has been” and carry on with our summer.
The last planning meeting for “Bear Country Days 2013” will be held on June 6, at 7 p.m. at the Bertha Community Center. If you are truly interested in volunteering to organize and run events, please come.
Medley Shamp
To the Editor:
Thanks to the Independent News Herald for having two reporters that have always kept the people of this area informed concerning the Todd County Commissioners. These two persons mentioned would be Carol Becker (who is now retired) and Karin Nauber, who continues to provide detailed coverage of their meetings. Also, thanks to Kathryn Edenloff for reporting on the county commissioner of the 5th District and the town hall meeting of April 29. We have repeatedly asked the 2nd District commissioner to have a town hall meeting. Initially he said he would meet with a few people. Later he said he did not want to have a meeting for a couple of reasons.
1. No one would attend;
2. He was busy.
He was reminded that 80 plus people attended a meeting concerning the MPCA and their tactics less than two years prior to the current date. Legislators in attendance said it was one of the best and most well attended town hall meetings they have ever seen. The pending issue of hiring a county administrator is of equal or greater concern when we consider the cost to be in the millions of dollars over the next ten years.
Once again we ask that before a decision is made concerning a county administrator position, that you would listen to the concerns of the local citizens in your district. In the Independent News Herald dated May 1, 2013, you were taking county staff input concerning the administrator position, but neglected any concerns expressed by your constituents.
We ask that you have a town hall meeting with an agenda centered around the concerns regarding the administrator and other issues similar to the 5th District town hall meeting. We will assist by making all the arrangements, so please respond ASAP. To be continued...
Wayne Wendel
Eagle Bend
To the Editor:
I am deeply ashamed of our legislature as well as Governor Dayton for passing and signing the same-sex marriage bill into law in Minnesota. I believe our great state is better than that.
All three of our great monotheistic religions, Christianity, Islam and Judaism, have taught for thousands of years, without equivocation, that the homosexual activity of sodomy is a grave sin. The Christian Bible, the Jewish Torah, as well as the Muslim Koran all teach that sodomy is sinful.
My Christian church (Catholic) teaches that homosexual activity is objectively sinful, and that we should minister to those so afflicted, helping them to lead a sexually chaste life. My pope, Pope Francis (in 2010 Cardinal Bergoglio) when confronted with civil authority imposing same-sex marriage on all of Argentina, wrote, “This is not simply a political struggle, but an attempt to destroy God’s plan. It is not just a bill (law) but a move by the Father of Lies, who seeks to confuse and deceive the children of God.”
I completely agree, and I hope and pray that the next legislature will repeal this civil law, which is so clearly contrary to God’s Eternal Law.
Sincerely,
Peter Etzell
North Mankato
May 15, 2013
To the Editor:
It is May, month of sunshine, flowers and Memorial Day.
Just this past week we offered our Memorial Poppy, handmade by veterans. The makers are paid for each poppy they finish. This activity is helpful as therapy and a small monetary aid. This is the only poppy which is handmade.
Where does each donation go?
Every cent of your donation goes into our Rehabilitation fund, to be used for the benefit of sick and needy veterans and their immediate families.
It helps to purchase gifts for the Auxiliary Gift Shops at the Veteran’s Medical Centers at Christmas time. Here a veteran can select gifts for their families free of charge.
It helps to sponsor ice cream socials, coffee hours, bingo parties for hospital patients and provides prizes and refreshments.
It makes it possible for us to purchase postage stamps, stationery, socks and personal grooming articles, etc., which are distributed by volunteer American Legion Auxiliary members. These are all free of charge to the veterans.
It enables the Auxiliary to remember veterans in convalescent homes or confined to their own homes due to illness.
All this and many more benefits are derived from the donations received from an American Legion Auxiliary Poppy.
Remember those less fortunate than you and those who sacrificed so much for their country in its hour of need. Please help us to keep up this good work.
Barb Petersen
Clarissa
May 8, 2013
To the Editor:
EVERY DISTRICT SHOULD HAVE A MEETING!
On April 29, 5th district Commissioner Randy Neumann met with constituents for public discussion. The meeting was well attended, an agenda was prepared for each person. This type of meeting should be held by all commissioners in their respective districts. These meetings are beneficial to the public and should be for their commissioner as well. Transparency is very important and getting input from the public helps in this area, plus it gives people who can’t attend commissioner meetings a chance to be heard.
Many topics were covered. One hot topic was hire an administrator, or not, hire a coordinator, or not? Everyone gave input agreeing, NO to both, agreeing the county commissioners need to step up to the plate. Do the job they were elected to do, without administrator or coordinator. Most all felt we are paying supervisors, managers and employees—we should use those people if they need someone to talk to. If the supervisors and managers do not feel they can handle this job, give up their increase in salary. This could be used to pay a commissioner extra to go in once or twice a week to handle these situations. Preferably the presiding chairman for their term.
Levy versus bonding, and the consensus was raise the levy. Everyone felt we have been robbing Peter to pay Paul for too long. This should have been adjusted in previous years. There seems no way around not raising the levy. A deficit spending budget hasn’t worked and can’t continue.
Union contracts, employee comp study, budget, construction on Annex Building, reasons why Commissioner Neumann voted no, when he did and open discussion were topics talked about. The input from those present, including some township board members to stop layering government. Todd County has worked well, with less problems without an administrator or coordinator, commissioners you can do this job!
Elected officials doing their jobs. Listening to the public comments and taking them seriously. Letting the public know they can attend work sessions and have input with a smile. People can be helpful if given the chance.
Contact your commissioner and ask for a district meeting, you deserve to be heard!
Kathern Edenloff
Osakis
April 24, 2013
To the Editor:
April 21st through the 27th is National Volunteer Appreciation Week. Hands of Hope Resource Center would like to take this time to recognize and honor our volunteers that dedicate themselves to our agency in many ways. No matter what role each plays they are all an important part of our agency. Without them we would not be able to do this work. We appreciate them so much for all that they do.
Karla Montag
Hands of Hope Resource Center
To the Editor: That’s it, I’ve had enough! On Saturday, April 20, the snow blower comes off the tractor again and the tiller goes on to stay. It’s time to start thinking of things like gardening and cruising the senior center in the old convertible. Winter has been way too long, so let’s just declare it over and done with. There, I feel better already.
Speaking of the gardens, we had our spring meeting on Tuesday, April 16. Mostly it was just me, that big Swede Lyle Danielson and about seven gardeners. Possibly we didn’t get the word out good enough, or maybe folks just didn’t want to shovel their driveway to come to a garden meeting. Anyhow, if anyone has questions or wants to reserve their spots, call Lyle at the Chamber of Commerce at 320-732-2514. If anyone would happen to have any tillers they no longer use, would you consider donating it to the gardens? It would be nice to have a couple to keep there for folks to share.
The Country Cruisers Car Club had their election of officers. It was a great day for the club. We re-elected Ray Hendershot president. Ray is the greatest at running the club so I am really glad we convinced him to serve again. He said he was sick of having my handprints all over the back of his shirt. What can I say, some people just really deserve a pat on the back. (OK maybe I should have used some go-jo first. I thought a little grease and oil would help to slide him back into office). By re-electing Ray, we also get to keep Anne Dalton as super treasurer. Bob Sorkness is VP, Lori Haugland is secretary, Wally Brever is Sergeant at Arms and Lloyd Graves is cruise director. I commend the club for having sense enough to not re-elect me. I wonder how come, if Wally is really Brever, why wasn’t he Sergeant at Arms when I was VP? Why does Lloyd need to use a big “L” and a little “l” to spell his name?
It was also a very sad day for the club. Delbert and Joyce Ehnes belong to our club. They are the best people you could ever hope to meet. Joyce has been our treasured secretary, but had to resign because Delbert has serious health problems. Would you join us and put them in your prayers and most positive thoughts?
Happy spring my friends,
Tony Towle
Long Prairie
To the Editor:
So proud of our Eagle Valley HS graduates, Diane Booker, Simon Weber and Justin Boseck. Keep these kind of articles coming. I love reading about our former graduates.
Wanda Tepley
Eagle Bend
To the Editor:
In life we all have choices; however, a person loses that choice when they become a victim of a crime. April 21-27 is National Crime Victim’s Rights Week. No matter what the crime, a victim does have rights and it is important for them to know their rights….
1. A victim has the right to be notified:
• Prosecution process and the right to participate in it.
• Contents of any plea agreement.
• Change in court proceeding schedule when a victim has been subpoenaed or requested to testify.
• Final disposition of the case.
• Appeals filed by the defendant, the right to attend the oral argument or hearing, and the right to be notified of the final disposition.
• Proposed sentence modifications of the offender, including the date, time, and location of the review and the right to provide input.
• Release or escape of the offender from prison or custodial institution of transfer to a lower security facility.
• Offender’s petition for expungement.
• Right to request restitution.
• Right to apply for reparations.
• Information on the nearest crime victim assistance program or resource.
• Petition to civilly commit an offender, outcome of that petition, and notice of
• Offender’s possible discharge/release from civil commitment.
2. Right to Protection from Harm:
• Right to a secure waiting area during court proceedings.
• Right to request that home and employment address, telephone number, and birth date be withheld in open court.
• Right to request that law enforcement agency withhold identity from the public.
• Protection against employer relation for victims and witnesses called to testify and for victims of violent crimes and their family members who take reasonable time off to attend court proceedings.
• Tampering with a witness is a crime and should be reported.
3. Right to Participate in Prosecution:
• Right to request a speedy trial.
• Right to provide input in pretrial diversion decision.
• Right to object orally or in writing to a plea agreement at the plea presentation hearing.
• Right to object orally or in writing to a proposed disposition or sentence.
• Right to inform court of impact of crime orally or in writing at the sentencing hearing.
• Right to inform court at the sentencing hearing of social and economic impact of crime in persons and business in the community.
• Right to be present at the sentencing and plea presentation hearing.
• Right to submit statement regarding decision to discharge/release offender from civil commitment.
4. Right to Apply for Financial Assistance:
• Victims of violent crime may apply for financial assistance (reparations) from the state if they have suffered economic loss as a result of the crime.
• Victims may request the court to order the defendant to pay restitution if the defendant is found guilty or pleads guilty.
• Victims may request that a probation violation hearing be scheduled 60 days prior to the expiration of probation if restitution has not been paid.
5. Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Harassment Victims:
• Right to be informed of prosecutor’s decision to decline prosecution or dismiss case along with information about seeking a protective or harassment order at no fee.
• Protect against employer retaliation for victims to take reasonable time off to order for protection or harassment restraining order proceedings.
• Domestic abuse victims have ability to terminate lease without penalty or payment.
• Sexual assault victims can make confidential request for HIV testing of offender.
• Sexual assault victims do not have to pay the cost of sexual assault examination.
• Sexual assault victims may not be required to undergo a polygraph examination in order for an investigation or prosecution to proceed.
In 2012, Hands of Hope Resource Center assisted 974 crime victims in Todd County. It is important for our community to support and encourage victims of crime to utilize their rights. If you are a victim of a crime, we encourage you to reach out for help by contacting Hands of Hope resource Center at 320-732-2319 or on our crisis line at 1-800-682-4547. Committing a crime is most often an individual’s CHOICE, however being a victim of a crime is not a CHOICE!
Becky Bruder
General Crime Coordinator
April 10, 2013
To the Editor:
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and for many of us that brings to mind such things as the Sandusky Scandal, school hazing incidents and so on. These incidents are definitely sexual assaults, but there are also many, many individuals that are sexually assaulted on a daily basis, that never make the news, and that never report to law enforcement or other agencies for help, statistics say that only one in four sexual assaults are reported. In the state of Minnesota there are an estimated 61,000 victims of sexual assault each year, and nearly 18,000 of them are children. In a recent report from the U.S. Department of Justice, it is stated that most sexual assault victims are between the ages of 12 and 34 and live in rural America, and 78% of these victims report that their attacker is someone that is known to them, not the stranger that hides in the dark, but friends, family, classmates and other acquaintances.
For our own feelings of safety and comfort, we all like to think that this is stuff that happens in other neighborhoods, and to other people, and I am not trying to rattle that feeling of security, but in 2012, the Sexual Assault Program at Hands of Hope served 37 adult and 15 juvenile victims of sexual assault, and keep in mind that one in four victims report. Like any other crime, this has changed lives, not only for the direct victim, but parents, family, co-workers, friends and often whole communities.
So what is the definition of a sexual assault? Any sexual activity engaged in without explicit consent of the other party. Rape is sexual intercourse without explicit consent of the other party. We may have figured that out, but did you also know that besides the sexual gratification hoped for in these assaults, the other overwhelming component of a sexual assault offender is to show power and control over the victim and or to humiliate that individual. These same goals are often in the mind of a husband that rapes his wife, (one in seven rapes are marital rapes, and yes, NO means NO even if there is a marriage license). Before I get any rebuttals about me being a “man-hater”, or that I am indicating that only women are victims of sexual assaults, I am not saying that all victims of sexual assault are female, I know that is not true, but much like domestic violence, statistics show again and again, year after year that most sexual assault and domestic violence victims are still female. Men often times don’t feel that they can report, that they will be considered unmanly. Not so, anyone can be a victim. Minnesota spends $120,000 a year to house one sexual offender in the Minnesota Sex Offender Program. Sexual violence costs Minnesota over $8 billion annually in prosecution and incarceration, medical and therapy expenses. Zero state dollars are spent in primary prevention.
As individuals we need to teach our children gender respect and equality. If someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, encourage them to reach out for help, and they can do that by calling Hands of Hope Resource Center at 320-732-2319 or on our crisis line at 1-800-682-4547.
Respectfully
Connie Nelson, Sexual Assault Prevention Program Coordinator
To the Editor:
Prior to returning to the city council, I don’t see how it’s favorable for our city to take on such a venture as the new park north of town. It seems the city of Hewitt will bend over backwards, and if need be do flips, for a park—the city has more than enough parks! This money would be best suited to improve our streets or to build sidewalks so our citizens are not walking down the middle of the street (even just one street at a time).
At one meeting it was suggested that with this organization, it would not cost us anything. I am sorry, there is nothing free in this world. It is going to cost the city and the residents and possibly those outside the city money to build this park that we do not need. It is a nightmare waiting for some fools to take on.
Now I say this, I was elected for the people. All persons in favor of this park, write or e-mail me and all whom are against it should do the same. I will vote accordingly.
It should be pointed out that there is at least one council person who is on the committee, and when asked they are against it, yet when it comes to a vote, this person says yes to it. I am a council person who screams I do not want it and yells it out loud at the meetings.
I need to know what my fellow people of Hewitt want, for I am your newly-elected representative.
Donald Fitzgerald
Hewitt
fitz@arvig.net
March 27, 2013
To the Editor:
Many have heard the saying “it takes a village to raise a child.” It is a well-kept secret that the B-H administration and school board is proposing to eliminate the Family and Consumer Science (Home Ec) program. The purpose of keeping this a secret until the decision has been made so that there is no student, family or community input is a drastic disservice to our students and community. With budget concerns and declining enrollment, the district has some tough decisions to make concerning the education of our children and the future of our school. My questions and concerns stem from the lack of communication and input from our communities as to the needs of our students and possible solutions to declining enrollment.
Yes, the district has a District Advisory Committee which is made up of members of the K-12 Leadership Team. You will be able to find this information on the B-H School District website. To find this click on District, then School Board. Under Agenda and Items, scroll down to September 2012 where the Annual Report on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Achievement for 2011-2012 is hidden (6.1 Annual Report).
Why is the membership of this committee comprised of all employees of the district? Out of the 13 members, ten do not live in our district. There is no representation from our religious community, single parent families, blended families, foster families, senior citizens and our elderly population, or our students. We do have representation from families who open enroll their children—these include only those who are employed within the district. MN Statute 120 B.11 Subd. 3 states: that whenever possible, parents and community residents shall comprise at least two-thirds of the advisory committee. When speaking with a few of the members who serve on this committee there has been very little if any discussion concerning our students’ curricular needs, and just as important, what can be done to increase enrollment within our district.
Why eliminate the FACS program when every one of our students will be consumers purchasing food for themselves and their families as well as making food related decisions and preparing food, finding enjoyable employment, and making clothing, housing and financial decisions for the rest of their lives? The argument given by administration is low enrollment numbers. It’s not a wonder this has occurred when the district has not had a FACS licensed teacher in the program for the past two and a half years. It is very difficult to support and promote a program without an appropriately licensed teacher who is passionate and is willing to put in the time and effort to market the program. Along with that are the unending scheduling issues. When scheduled opposite required core classes, the program does not have a chance. Yet, it contains curriculum and content that is so important for our students’ self-esteem, life long skills and future success in the family and work force. The unwillingness of administration to work with the staff to develop a schedule for students which meets the needs of each and everyone of our students has created conditions where it is impossible to maintain or increase enrollment in FACS classes as well as other curricular area.
Well village, it’s time you take a stand for the future of the children who attend the B-H school as well as for the future of our school district. Once a program is eliminated (no matter what the program), it is very difficult to reinstate it. Take a look at some of our neighboring school districts.
I propose that we invest in our students and district. What are our students’ needs? Our families and community needs?
Why are so many of our students leaving? (The cost of 23 students transferring (not moving) out of our district during the 2012-2013 school year at approximately $8000 per student reduced our district revenue by approximately $184,000. When $5224 per pupil unit is the general education formula allowance this is equivalent to three full-time experienced teachers).
Curriculum? Qualified teachers who actively support the programs that they were hired to teach and are willing to put in the time and effort it takes to market the programs?
Student/family satisfaction and trust in our district?
What does our district have to offer?
Why are we encouraging our students to opt for post-secondary options and on-line classes when they could be in one of our classrooms with a face-to-face teacher who actually cares if they “get it”? Many of the college credits students attain while in high school will not transfer to the colleges they choose to attend. And why are we sending our young students to post secondary early to compete with the 53% of college graduates who are currently under or unemployed?
The FACS curriculum supports the core standards as students have the opportunity to use math, science, and communication skills in real life situations. It is inclusive of the SCAN skills as well as soft skills that students so desperately need not only as they enter the work force, but in their personal and family lives.
The goals of FACS programs are to educate our students to think constructively, make sound decisions, solve problems and manage resources. Taught using a hands-on experiential approach, learning occurs in the context of real life situations and repeated practice is encouraged. Students are expected to be actively involved in learning in a participatory, supportive environment and to have the opportunity to practice and develop skills as related to content topics. The emphasis on FACS programs is on issues relevant to today’s individuals and families, and skills critical to successful living and working in the 21st century global society.
I believe that all the programs offered at B-H are important for our students. Pitting programs and staff against each other in order to save another isn’t in the best interest of our students, staff, school district and community. In all fairness to students, if FACS courses are dropped due to low enrollment, then every class with low enrollment should be dropped. Saying that one curricular area is more important than another is not ensuring that “All Students Will Succeed.”
Yes, I believe it takes a village to raise a child. Well, it’s time the village(s) start standing up for what is in the best interest of our students, our district and communities.
Sincerely,
LaNette Aeling
Retired B-H/Verndale FACS Teacher
To the Editor:
Current law says child sexual abuse victims immediately know they are injured and have until age 24 to file a lawsuit. Considering it can take decades for victims to confront the abuse, statutes of limitation are woefully short and act as an arbitrary barrier to justice. I know because I am a survivor of child sexual abuse.
I was sexually abused by our parish priest at age 13. I suppressed my pain so deep that I didn’t recognize I had been abused until well into adulthood. Even as a well-educated, full-grown man, the abuse continues to challenge and haunt me.
At age 39, I was able to find the courage to seek justice against my abuser and those who helped facilitate the abuse. After five years and publicly reopening those wounds, my case was dismissed by the Minnesota State Supreme Court because the statute of limitations had expired. I was re-victimized by the system designated to protect me because I couldn’t seek justice on my own time frame.
The Minnesota Child Victims Act being considered at the State Capitol would eliminate the civil statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases, allowing victims to seek justice at any time against the abuser or institution that facilitated the abuse. This legislation respects and acknowledges the healing process, while encouraging victims of child sex abuse to come forward and potentially identify abusers who may still be abusing children.
Child sexual abuse is a public health epidemic. Support the Minnesota Child Victims Act.
Sincerely,
Jim Keenan
Savage
To the Editor:
As the Gourley Premium Pork site is being constructed those of us opposed to this Confined Animal Farming Operation (CAFO) continue in our endeavors to understand why this type of facility was allowed to move in and take over an area with long-time farmers and families residing so close.
Interested citizens are invited to attend a community event hosted by opposition to this CAFO. This event will be held at Sheila’s Place in Rose City on Saturday, April 6 at 11 a.m. The agenda for this event will begin with two representatives of the Social Responsible Agriculture Project (SRA), one of whom is a hog farmer practicing socially responsible, sustainable agriculture. A question and answer session will follow, with the event ending at 2 p.m.
This event is free to attend. Sheila’s Place has graciously agreed to discount a meal for this event.
Please join us.
Deborah J. Dowell
Osakis
March 20, 2013
To the Editor:
The article, Celebrating Reading at Bertha-Hewitt, featuring the celebration of reading enjoyment by elementary students and school staff was wonderful. In an age when much of reading is done during abbreviated blips on screens, or quick glimpses in advertising, Bertha-Hewitt School and its teachers deserve applause for this annual day associating books with fun and enjoyment.
As a mother of three, grandmother of four, and former teacher I give Bertha-Hewitt’s Roxanne Lundeen a high-five, and the Independent News Herald kudos for featuring the event so colorfully! Thanks!
Therese Masters Jacobson
Alvarado
March 13, 2013
To the Editor:
The sexual abuse of children is a public health epidemic, increasing the risk of alcohol and drug abuse, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress and suicide in adulthood. It sometimes takes decades for victims to come to terms with the abuse, but our current law only give victims a narrow window in which to seek justice.
Recent surveys show one out of every two Minnesotans know someone who has been sexually abused and 10 percent of Minnesotans were sexually abused as a child. As a network of advocacy centers across Minnesota which provide support services to victims of sexual abuse, we see the effects of sexual abuse every day.
A bipartisan group of legislators has introduced the Minnesota Child Victims Act (SF 534/HF 681) that would lift the veil of protection that many abusers and the institutions that ignore the abuse hide behind by eliminating the civil statute of limitations.
This legislation acknowledges the healing process and allows survivors to confront the abusers or the institutions that facilitated the abuse on their own timetable. The Minnesota Child Victims Act encourages victims of child sex abuse to come forward and potentially identify abusers who have never been brought to justice.
Seeking justice and protecting children is not a partisan issue; it is a moral issue that should unite us all. A diverse coalition of child advocacy organization and law enforcement officers has endorsed the Minnesota Child Victims Act. We encourage the legislature to join us and support Minnesota Child Victims Act.
Donna Dunn
Executive Director
Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault
March 6, 2013
To the Editor:
My Friend
Do you know him?
He is a nice young man; quiet, non-judgmental, hardworking, independent, private and funny.
He graduated from BHHS
and so did his honey.
He likes his man toys,
his guns and his music.
He loves the outdoors;
all seasons and weather.
He’s been sick for a year
and finally knows why.
He got sick from a tick.
He has thought he might die.
His health is real bad.
His business is sold.
He does not know if he
will ever be ‘back,’
healing will be a long road.
We’ve waved to my friend
as we drove by the “shop.”
We’ve bought parts and supplies.
We’ve asked for advice.
We’ve had morning coffee
together and helped one another.
We’ve brought broken equipment. He could fix it like no other.
Chad Hurtig is my friend.
He’s been so sick
and in so much pain.
He’s been unable to work,
relax or play.
It’s been a life changing year;
a hard row to hoe.
But Chad is a fighter
and does not give up hope!
Pray for Chad and his wife,
every morning and night.
If you see him downtown,
wish him good health.
And remember to ask,
“What can I do to help?”
Mitch & Kelly Messer
Bertha
February 20, 2013
To the Editor:
I would like to thank Kevin Klimek for responding to my letter with civility. Thanks Kevin and I really mean that. Some people are getting way to crazy. I think you and I would probably agree on many things, but not everything and that’s a good thing.
I too belong to the NRA. I also am flat out in favor of the flat tax. If that isn’t enough to put me on the liberal hate list, I also favor reining in, or eliminating redundant, ineffective or stupid government agencies. Would that in itself be redundant? How about voter photo I.D.? As far as I can tell, the only votes it might suppress are the second, third and fourth etc.
Is changing medicare and social security as we know it really a bad thing? Couldn’t we at least talk about it? After all, the way we know it is going broke. Shouldn’t we try and reform it so it’s there for the next generation and the ones to come later?
I don’t listen to talk radio. The media I was referring to was network news and nearly all the major papers. I used to always listen to network news, which is probably why I also had a low opinion of Bush. After Obama said we shouldn’t watch Fox news I had to find out why. The reason was soon obvious. They don’t pander to Obama. This would be the 5 o’clock news. I also still tune in to the networks, out of curiosity as to how they will twist, edit or omit certain news or events unfavorable to the agenda they are currently advancing.
As an example did anyone see the estimated 400,000 to 600,000 pro-life demonstrators on the networks? Of course not, they were all to busy covering the few hundred anti-gun protestors. Fox showed both by the way. Why isn’t this president asked about the terrorist attack in Benghazi Libya that left four Americans dead? I wish all the networks would just report the news factually and call it a day.
We also agree on how fast people forget who started two wars and caused this financial mess. I myself had forgotten until I started doing some checking. Turns out it wasn’t just Bush. Congress actually voted for the wars. Therefore it was once again congress that stuck our piece of plastic into that thingamajig so we wouldn’t need cash. I had also forgotten, (or didn’t pay attention) the fact that for the last two years of the Bush years, Democrats controlled both houses of congress. Maybe it’s time we should quit blaming Bush and just admit that it is our fault for keeping in office, people who, for the good of the country, should probably be kept in jail.
As an independent conservative, I find myself wondering how our government, in my lifetime, has become so corrupt, divided and dysfunctional. I think term limits have become absolutely crucial to restoring good government. I have voted for what I thought were conservatives in both parties. I’m also astounded that conservative democrats have allowed their party to be taken so far to the left. How come no one speaks out about this? Is it possible they no longer exist? Are they afraid of the smearing by the liberal media which is sure to follow? It’s a good thing we have each other my friends. It will likely be up to us to clean up the mess when the cesspool known as Washington D.C. implodes on itself.
Tony Towle
Long Prairie
To the Editor
My name is Megan Crist. I am just a simple girl and I’ve always wanted just a simple life. I’m from Browerville where I grew up with my parents Roger and Lynn Noska and siblings Sheila and Lance. I currently live in Niantic, Illinois with my husband, seven- month-old baby boy and two dogs. I was a student at Milikin University studying molecular biology in hopes of someday being able to make a difference for patients as a doctor. I used to love to run long distances and marathons, especially for St. Jude’s Children Hospital. I am currently a sergeant in the Army National Guard and in 2008-09, I deployed to Afghanistan with A-Co 634th BSB out of Mattoon, Illinois. My entire life has been active, busy and hectic, but I loved every minute of it and always made time for the simpler things in life like being goofy, relaxing with family and friends, and making fun in the everyday rush hour. All of these minor details may seem unsubstantial, which they are because I’m just a small town girl who no one knows. I, however, have a story that I would like the public to hear so that awareness and hopefully, someday help and relief can be brought to all those that suffer from the debilitating disease known as Lyme Disease.
My story started on August 31, 2012, well that’s when I first was aware it started anyway. This is the day that I was told that at 26-years-old, I would need a pacemaker if I wanted to live. I was devastated, but so very hopeful that my chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, weakness and fatigue that I seemed to develop during my pregnancy would leave me alone and let me get on with my life as a new mommy. When the cardiologist that would soon become my biggest advocate asked me if I had ever been bitten by a tick, had a rash or achy joints last summer, I though he was crazy. Surely a severe third degree AV block had nothing to do with a darn tick, but it put a bug in my ear at least. The next morning, September 1, 2012, I got “Sparky” my pacemaker implanted. The surgeon again asked me if I had a tick bit or a rash, and it hit me like a ton of bricks that five years ago, back in the fall of 2007, while I was in basic training, I had a big rash. The rash was on my left quad and kept expanding outside of the pen marks I had drawn to watch it. I also felt pretty sick for a few days after I noticed the rash, but didn’t think much after that. I started having weird black out dizzy spells a few weeks later, was more tired and started having migraines every now and then, but I never rally thought too much about it because I had went to the doctor and was told that I was okay.
Other symptoms of numbness and tingling of my arms, legs, hands and feet started appearing after my pacemaker was implanted. I became more fatigued and started to feel like I was literally losing it. I literally could not study for my tests or function to write a paper to save my life. I seriously thought I was losing my mind because this at one time was just second nature for me. I loved school, but I couldn’t focus or concentrate on anything anymore. I couldn’t even function enough to do something as simple as the laundry or clean my house. Later on, other joints started hurting, my eyes started getting blurry, and at times I felt like I couldn’t hear a thing because everything seemed like it was under water. I literally thought my body was falling apart. Throughout the months after my pacemaker was implanted, I know I drove probably twenty plus doctors nuts and countless nurses as well because I kept going in to the Emergency Room or calling begging for them to help me. My family even called the ambulance service several times.
The chest pain that I was having was absolutely awful and I would sometimes pass out because I couldn’t breathe and was having such intense chest pains. It was terrible! I felt and knew deep in my heart and soul that I was going to die if they didn’t stop being so ignorant and help me. I got prepared because all my labs kept coming back negative and all the doctors would tell me that I was crazy, had anxiety and needed to see a psychiatrist, among a million other excuses. Without laboratory evidence, I knew they weren’t going to do anything. Even with a positive test, I knew it would be a battle. They told me anything and everything and refused to listen when I said that my problem isn’t cardiac, but Lyme Disease.
I eventually got referred to a doctor by my biggest advocate and fighter that had first put the Lyme Disease idea in my head. My cardiologist knew where to send my labs and what tests to run. I was finally tested positive for Chronic Lyme Disease, but my fight continued. I went from doctor to doctor trying to find a doctor I could trust that would treat me appropriately so that I would have a chance to get my life back. Eventually through a close friend who also suffered from Lyme Disease, I found a doctor in my small hometown that completely thinks outside the box to treat his patients. I was so relieved to find a doctor who would be in m corner and would help me fight back. I also made an appointment with a well-known Lyme Disease specialist in Washington D.C. that has had a lot of success treating patients with Chronic Lyme Disease.
Currently, I am on my third month of IV antibiotic therapy. I take lots of oral antibiotics as well as many other supplements to help build my immune system back up. My obstacle now lies with the insurance companies. They will not pay for any of my treatments because my physician in D.C. is controversial and does not abide by the standard protocol the CDC (Center for Disease Control) or IDSA (Infectious Disease Society of America) has in place to treat patients with Lyme Disease. He, however, treats patients until they are better, which on average takes 7-9 months, rather than the four weeks the CDC and IDSA guidelines state. My non-military insurance will not pay for any of my treatment because they deemed this was due to my military service. The military, however, takes forever and a day to get any type of paperwork done, so I’m sure it will be awhile before I get any type of coverage or help from them.
The bottom line is that my IV treatment will cost between $4000-$7000 a month, out-of-pocket, not including supplies to maintain my central line, my oral antibiotics, supplements, labs or the out of state trips I have to take to Minnesota or D.C. every 4-6 weeks. I know it’s going to be a long, hard battle, but I am just really hoping that from my story, my struggles and heartache, that this community can come together to bring awareness to this debilitating disease. I hate that I had no clue about Lyme Disease until I was diagnosed. I would absolutely hate for anyone else to have to endure any of this, let alone the disease itself, so awareness is key. The disease doesn’t have to get as bad as it did for me, if it’s caught early enough. Preventing ticks on the skin and knowing what to do if you do get one is essential to spare people from a lot of tears. Recognizing the symptoms and believing your body when things seem a little off is just as important. Don’t ignore your body.
Part of the problem with Lyme Disease is that doctors don’t know a lot about it, don’t know how to test properly for it with the flawed tests that are actually available, and then if you happen to test positive by complete chance, most doctors have not even the slightest clue as how to attempt to treat you properly. So patients, such as myself, are forced to travel long distances and forced to pay a lot of money that should be covered by their insurance companies. This treatment is medically necessary unless you want to lose your life. I however, do not accept that! I don’t accept defeat from this disease! I don’t accept this for my life or for anyone else with Lyme Disease. I also don’t accept this problem within our own healthcare system being ignored. Research needs to be funded, doctors need to be educated, insurance companies need to cooperate, and awareness needs to be spread!
Knowledge can help save lives. I have started a facebook support group: Central IL Lyme Awareness & Support with hopes for the support group to grow so that this disease can be recognized and we can get help for those suffering with Lyme Disease in the community.
To the Editor:
As some of you may know I’ve been a long time resident of the Bertha area. Recently working in the role of Bertha Ambulance, City Council and chair for the Bertha festivities, i.e. Bertha Days and Harvest Festival. Approximately 4-5 years ago it was brought to the city council’s attention by the auditor that “the city” cannot fund (financially, nor employee’s paid time) city festivities. At that time I decided to take on the roll of president if you will, of the festivities committee and volunteer my time.
It was my idea that this should be a community run event, not one person taking on the entire planning of events. The members of the fire department and spouses stepped up as well and helped make the first year a huge success. However, by the end of the weekend the entire group were overwhelmed, sore and bordering on heat exhaustion. It was decided that the next year more people would need to be recruited as the fire department could only handle so many activities.
Over the last few years only a handful of exceptional people have stepped forward to help plan and organize these events. Every year I host two to three planning meetings at the Community Center, advertised by newspaper announcements, flyers and Facebook. Every year the same four people show up. Last year I decided it would be my last year of organizing, however, I was unable to find anyone who would want to take my place. So here I am this year, organizing, quite honestly on my own.
In other nearby towns, fundraisers are held to offset the costs, committee’s are formed and jobs are delegated. The first two years I was involved in planning Bertha Days we had no funding. Any event that occurred came from literally begging our businesses for monetary donations. In our neighboring towns Community Clubs, Chambers, Lions etc are all actively involved in the planning, organizing and events the day of, but even they are seeing declining participation.
As you may or may not know, the Bertha Lions club has dissolved due to declining interest. The Commercial Club was changed to a Community Club some time back to hopefully get more community members involved and not rely so heavily on our limited businesses. The Sports Boosters as well has seen a decline in participating over the years. The remainder of the clubs/organizations that used to assist, have members who are no longer physically able to help or have “paid their dues.” Many years the same volunteers assisted with community events over and over, nobody has stepped in to replace these folks.
Bertha is becoming a younger town again, many homes are filled with families and young people now, and not older residents. We need people to step up and help or there will not be a “Bertha Days” in the future.
I remember when I was a child, going from event to event- turtle races, vendors the BIG parade, kiddie parade, kids games and face painting in the park. None of these events, and more, will be occurring this year. Unfortunately, you will see this year a very bare list of events. There is no money and no volunteers. Many people come forward to say they are interested in volunteering, however, again last year, many events were unmanned as nobody showed up.
How do we fix this? I don’t know. A suggestion I’ve heard, and rather like, comes from another community down the road, “why don’t we share city festivities and their planning?” For example: Clarissa in 2014, Eagle Bend 2015, Bertha 2016, Hewitt 2017. Each year the designated town celebrates, volunteers from every town assist each other. Or, do we write off what “has been” and carry on with our summer.
The last planning meeting for “Bear Country Days 2013” will be held on June 6, at 7 p.m. at the Bertha Community Center. If you are truly interested in volunteering to organize and run events, please come.
Medley Shamp
To the Editor:
Thanks to the Independent News Herald for having two reporters that have always kept the people of this area informed concerning the Todd County Commissioners. These two persons mentioned would be Carol Becker (who is now retired) and Karin Nauber, who continues to provide detailed coverage of their meetings. Also, thanks to Kathryn Edenloff for reporting on the county commissioner of the 5th District and the town hall meeting of April 29. We have repeatedly asked the 2nd District commissioner to have a town hall meeting. Initially he said he would meet with a few people. Later he said he did not want to have a meeting for a couple of reasons.
1. No one would attend;
2. He was busy.
He was reminded that 80 plus people attended a meeting concerning the MPCA and their tactics less than two years prior to the current date. Legislators in attendance said it was one of the best and most well attended town hall meetings they have ever seen. The pending issue of hiring a county administrator is of equal or greater concern when we consider the cost to be in the millions of dollars over the next ten years.
Once again we ask that before a decision is made concerning a county administrator position, that you would listen to the concerns of the local citizens in your district. In the Independent News Herald dated May 1, 2013, you were taking county staff input concerning the administrator position, but neglected any concerns expressed by your constituents.
We ask that you have a town hall meeting with an agenda centered around the concerns regarding the administrator and other issues similar to the 5th District town hall meeting. We will assist by making all the arrangements, so please respond ASAP. To be continued...
Wayne Wendel
Eagle Bend
To the Editor:
I am deeply ashamed of our legislature as well as Governor Dayton for passing and signing the same-sex marriage bill into law in Minnesota. I believe our great state is better than that.
All three of our great monotheistic religions, Christianity, Islam and Judaism, have taught for thousands of years, without equivocation, that the homosexual activity of sodomy is a grave sin. The Christian Bible, the Jewish Torah, as well as the Muslim Koran all teach that sodomy is sinful.
My Christian church (Catholic) teaches that homosexual activity is objectively sinful, and that we should minister to those so afflicted, helping them to lead a sexually chaste life. My pope, Pope Francis (in 2010 Cardinal Bergoglio) when confronted with civil authority imposing same-sex marriage on all of Argentina, wrote, “This is not simply a political struggle, but an attempt to destroy God’s plan. It is not just a bill (law) but a move by the Father of Lies, who seeks to confuse and deceive the children of God.”
I completely agree, and I hope and pray that the next legislature will repeal this civil law, which is so clearly contrary to God’s Eternal Law.
Sincerely,
Peter Etzell
North Mankato
May 15, 2013
To the Editor:
It is May, month of sunshine, flowers and Memorial Day.
Just this past week we offered our Memorial Poppy, handmade by veterans. The makers are paid for each poppy they finish. This activity is helpful as therapy and a small monetary aid. This is the only poppy which is handmade.
Where does each donation go?
Every cent of your donation goes into our Rehabilitation fund, to be used for the benefit of sick and needy veterans and their immediate families.
It helps to purchase gifts for the Auxiliary Gift Shops at the Veteran’s Medical Centers at Christmas time. Here a veteran can select gifts for their families free of charge.
It helps to sponsor ice cream socials, coffee hours, bingo parties for hospital patients and provides prizes and refreshments.
It makes it possible for us to purchase postage stamps, stationery, socks and personal grooming articles, etc., which are distributed by volunteer American Legion Auxiliary members. These are all free of charge to the veterans.
It enables the Auxiliary to remember veterans in convalescent homes or confined to their own homes due to illness.
All this and many more benefits are derived from the donations received from an American Legion Auxiliary Poppy.
Remember those less fortunate than you and those who sacrificed so much for their country in its hour of need. Please help us to keep up this good work.
Barb Petersen
Clarissa
May 8, 2013
To the Editor:
EVERY DISTRICT SHOULD HAVE A MEETING!
On April 29, 5th district Commissioner Randy Neumann met with constituents for public discussion. The meeting was well attended, an agenda was prepared for each person. This type of meeting should be held by all commissioners in their respective districts. These meetings are beneficial to the public and should be for their commissioner as well. Transparency is very important and getting input from the public helps in this area, plus it gives people who can’t attend commissioner meetings a chance to be heard.
Many topics were covered. One hot topic was hire an administrator, or not, hire a coordinator, or not? Everyone gave input agreeing, NO to both, agreeing the county commissioners need to step up to the plate. Do the job they were elected to do, without administrator or coordinator. Most all felt we are paying supervisors, managers and employees—we should use those people if they need someone to talk to. If the supervisors and managers do not feel they can handle this job, give up their increase in salary. This could be used to pay a commissioner extra to go in once or twice a week to handle these situations. Preferably the presiding chairman for their term.
Levy versus bonding, and the consensus was raise the levy. Everyone felt we have been robbing Peter to pay Paul for too long. This should have been adjusted in previous years. There seems no way around not raising the levy. A deficit spending budget hasn’t worked and can’t continue.
Union contracts, employee comp study, budget, construction on Annex Building, reasons why Commissioner Neumann voted no, when he did and open discussion were topics talked about. The input from those present, including some township board members to stop layering government. Todd County has worked well, with less problems without an administrator or coordinator, commissioners you can do this job!
Elected officials doing their jobs. Listening to the public comments and taking them seriously. Letting the public know they can attend work sessions and have input with a smile. People can be helpful if given the chance.
Contact your commissioner and ask for a district meeting, you deserve to be heard!
Kathern Edenloff
Osakis
April 24, 2013
To the Editor:
April 21st through the 27th is National Volunteer Appreciation Week. Hands of Hope Resource Center would like to take this time to recognize and honor our volunteers that dedicate themselves to our agency in many ways. No matter what role each plays they are all an important part of our agency. Without them we would not be able to do this work. We appreciate them so much for all that they do.
Karla Montag
Hands of Hope Resource Center
To the Editor: That’s it, I’ve had enough! On Saturday, April 20, the snow blower comes off the tractor again and the tiller goes on to stay. It’s time to start thinking of things like gardening and cruising the senior center in the old convertible. Winter has been way too long, so let’s just declare it over and done with. There, I feel better already.
Speaking of the gardens, we had our spring meeting on Tuesday, April 16. Mostly it was just me, that big Swede Lyle Danielson and about seven gardeners. Possibly we didn’t get the word out good enough, or maybe folks just didn’t want to shovel their driveway to come to a garden meeting. Anyhow, if anyone has questions or wants to reserve their spots, call Lyle at the Chamber of Commerce at 320-732-2514. If anyone would happen to have any tillers they no longer use, would you consider donating it to the gardens? It would be nice to have a couple to keep there for folks to share.
The Country Cruisers Car Club had their election of officers. It was a great day for the club. We re-elected Ray Hendershot president. Ray is the greatest at running the club so I am really glad we convinced him to serve again. He said he was sick of having my handprints all over the back of his shirt. What can I say, some people just really deserve a pat on the back. (OK maybe I should have used some go-jo first. I thought a little grease and oil would help to slide him back into office). By re-electing Ray, we also get to keep Anne Dalton as super treasurer. Bob Sorkness is VP, Lori Haugland is secretary, Wally Brever is Sergeant at Arms and Lloyd Graves is cruise director. I commend the club for having sense enough to not re-elect me. I wonder how come, if Wally is really Brever, why wasn’t he Sergeant at Arms when I was VP? Why does Lloyd need to use a big “L” and a little “l” to spell his name?
It was also a very sad day for the club. Delbert and Joyce Ehnes belong to our club. They are the best people you could ever hope to meet. Joyce has been our treasured secretary, but had to resign because Delbert has serious health problems. Would you join us and put them in your prayers and most positive thoughts?
Happy spring my friends,
Tony Towle
Long Prairie
To the Editor:
So proud of our Eagle Valley HS graduates, Diane Booker, Simon Weber and Justin Boseck. Keep these kind of articles coming. I love reading about our former graduates.
Wanda Tepley
Eagle Bend
To the Editor:
In life we all have choices; however, a person loses that choice when they become a victim of a crime. April 21-27 is National Crime Victim’s Rights Week. No matter what the crime, a victim does have rights and it is important for them to know their rights….
1. A victim has the right to be notified:
• Prosecution process and the right to participate in it.
• Contents of any plea agreement.
• Change in court proceeding schedule when a victim has been subpoenaed or requested to testify.
• Final disposition of the case.
• Appeals filed by the defendant, the right to attend the oral argument or hearing, and the right to be notified of the final disposition.
• Proposed sentence modifications of the offender, including the date, time, and location of the review and the right to provide input.
• Release or escape of the offender from prison or custodial institution of transfer to a lower security facility.
• Offender’s petition for expungement.
• Right to request restitution.
• Right to apply for reparations.
• Information on the nearest crime victim assistance program or resource.
• Petition to civilly commit an offender, outcome of that petition, and notice of
• Offender’s possible discharge/release from civil commitment.
2. Right to Protection from Harm:
• Right to a secure waiting area during court proceedings.
• Right to request that home and employment address, telephone number, and birth date be withheld in open court.
• Right to request that law enforcement agency withhold identity from the public.
• Protection against employer relation for victims and witnesses called to testify and for victims of violent crimes and their family members who take reasonable time off to attend court proceedings.
• Tampering with a witness is a crime and should be reported.
3. Right to Participate in Prosecution:
• Right to request a speedy trial.
• Right to provide input in pretrial diversion decision.
• Right to object orally or in writing to a plea agreement at the plea presentation hearing.
• Right to object orally or in writing to a proposed disposition or sentence.
• Right to inform court of impact of crime orally or in writing at the sentencing hearing.
• Right to inform court at the sentencing hearing of social and economic impact of crime in persons and business in the community.
• Right to be present at the sentencing and plea presentation hearing.
• Right to submit statement regarding decision to discharge/release offender from civil commitment.
4. Right to Apply for Financial Assistance:
• Victims of violent crime may apply for financial assistance (reparations) from the state if they have suffered economic loss as a result of the crime.
• Victims may request the court to order the defendant to pay restitution if the defendant is found guilty or pleads guilty.
• Victims may request that a probation violation hearing be scheduled 60 days prior to the expiration of probation if restitution has not been paid.
5. Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Harassment Victims:
• Right to be informed of prosecutor’s decision to decline prosecution or dismiss case along with information about seeking a protective or harassment order at no fee.
• Protect against employer retaliation for victims to take reasonable time off to order for protection or harassment restraining order proceedings.
• Domestic abuse victims have ability to terminate lease without penalty or payment.
• Sexual assault victims can make confidential request for HIV testing of offender.
• Sexual assault victims do not have to pay the cost of sexual assault examination.
• Sexual assault victims may not be required to undergo a polygraph examination in order for an investigation or prosecution to proceed.
In 2012, Hands of Hope Resource Center assisted 974 crime victims in Todd County. It is important for our community to support and encourage victims of crime to utilize their rights. If you are a victim of a crime, we encourage you to reach out for help by contacting Hands of Hope resource Center at 320-732-2319 or on our crisis line at 1-800-682-4547. Committing a crime is most often an individual’s CHOICE, however being a victim of a crime is not a CHOICE!
Becky Bruder
General Crime Coordinator
April 10, 2013
To the Editor:
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and for many of us that brings to mind such things as the Sandusky Scandal, school hazing incidents and so on. These incidents are definitely sexual assaults, but there are also many, many individuals that are sexually assaulted on a daily basis, that never make the news, and that never report to law enforcement or other agencies for help, statistics say that only one in four sexual assaults are reported. In the state of Minnesota there are an estimated 61,000 victims of sexual assault each year, and nearly 18,000 of them are children. In a recent report from the U.S. Department of Justice, it is stated that most sexual assault victims are between the ages of 12 and 34 and live in rural America, and 78% of these victims report that their attacker is someone that is known to them, not the stranger that hides in the dark, but friends, family, classmates and other acquaintances.
For our own feelings of safety and comfort, we all like to think that this is stuff that happens in other neighborhoods, and to other people, and I am not trying to rattle that feeling of security, but in 2012, the Sexual Assault Program at Hands of Hope served 37 adult and 15 juvenile victims of sexual assault, and keep in mind that one in four victims report. Like any other crime, this has changed lives, not only for the direct victim, but parents, family, co-workers, friends and often whole communities.
So what is the definition of a sexual assault? Any sexual activity engaged in without explicit consent of the other party. Rape is sexual intercourse without explicit consent of the other party. We may have figured that out, but did you also know that besides the sexual gratification hoped for in these assaults, the other overwhelming component of a sexual assault offender is to show power and control over the victim and or to humiliate that individual. These same goals are often in the mind of a husband that rapes his wife, (one in seven rapes are marital rapes, and yes, NO means NO even if there is a marriage license). Before I get any rebuttals about me being a “man-hater”, or that I am indicating that only women are victims of sexual assaults, I am not saying that all victims of sexual assault are female, I know that is not true, but much like domestic violence, statistics show again and again, year after year that most sexual assault and domestic violence victims are still female. Men often times don’t feel that they can report, that they will be considered unmanly. Not so, anyone can be a victim. Minnesota spends $120,000 a year to house one sexual offender in the Minnesota Sex Offender Program. Sexual violence costs Minnesota over $8 billion annually in prosecution and incarceration, medical and therapy expenses. Zero state dollars are spent in primary prevention.
As individuals we need to teach our children gender respect and equality. If someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, encourage them to reach out for help, and they can do that by calling Hands of Hope Resource Center at 320-732-2319 or on our crisis line at 1-800-682-4547.
Respectfully
Connie Nelson, Sexual Assault Prevention Program Coordinator
To the Editor:
Prior to returning to the city council, I don’t see how it’s favorable for our city to take on such a venture as the new park north of town. It seems the city of Hewitt will bend over backwards, and if need be do flips, for a park—the city has more than enough parks! This money would be best suited to improve our streets or to build sidewalks so our citizens are not walking down the middle of the street (even just one street at a time).
At one meeting it was suggested that with this organization, it would not cost us anything. I am sorry, there is nothing free in this world. It is going to cost the city and the residents and possibly those outside the city money to build this park that we do not need. It is a nightmare waiting for some fools to take on.
Now I say this, I was elected for the people. All persons in favor of this park, write or e-mail me and all whom are against it should do the same. I will vote accordingly.
It should be pointed out that there is at least one council person who is on the committee, and when asked they are against it, yet when it comes to a vote, this person says yes to it. I am a council person who screams I do not want it and yells it out loud at the meetings.
I need to know what my fellow people of Hewitt want, for I am your newly-elected representative.
Donald Fitzgerald
Hewitt
fitz@arvig.net
March 27, 2013
To the Editor:
Many have heard the saying “it takes a village to raise a child.” It is a well-kept secret that the B-H administration and school board is proposing to eliminate the Family and Consumer Science (Home Ec) program. The purpose of keeping this a secret until the decision has been made so that there is no student, family or community input is a drastic disservice to our students and community. With budget concerns and declining enrollment, the district has some tough decisions to make concerning the education of our children and the future of our school. My questions and concerns stem from the lack of communication and input from our communities as to the needs of our students and possible solutions to declining enrollment.
Yes, the district has a District Advisory Committee which is made up of members of the K-12 Leadership Team. You will be able to find this information on the B-H School District website. To find this click on District, then School Board. Under Agenda and Items, scroll down to September 2012 where the Annual Report on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Achievement for 2011-2012 is hidden (6.1 Annual Report).
Why is the membership of this committee comprised of all employees of the district? Out of the 13 members, ten do not live in our district. There is no representation from our religious community, single parent families, blended families, foster families, senior citizens and our elderly population, or our students. We do have representation from families who open enroll their children—these include only those who are employed within the district. MN Statute 120 B.11 Subd. 3 states: that whenever possible, parents and community residents shall comprise at least two-thirds of the advisory committee. When speaking with a few of the members who serve on this committee there has been very little if any discussion concerning our students’ curricular needs, and just as important, what can be done to increase enrollment within our district.
Why eliminate the FACS program when every one of our students will be consumers purchasing food for themselves and their families as well as making food related decisions and preparing food, finding enjoyable employment, and making clothing, housing and financial decisions for the rest of their lives? The argument given by administration is low enrollment numbers. It’s not a wonder this has occurred when the district has not had a FACS licensed teacher in the program for the past two and a half years. It is very difficult to support and promote a program without an appropriately licensed teacher who is passionate and is willing to put in the time and effort to market the program. Along with that are the unending scheduling issues. When scheduled opposite required core classes, the program does not have a chance. Yet, it contains curriculum and content that is so important for our students’ self-esteem, life long skills and future success in the family and work force. The unwillingness of administration to work with the staff to develop a schedule for students which meets the needs of each and everyone of our students has created conditions where it is impossible to maintain or increase enrollment in FACS classes as well as other curricular area.
Well village, it’s time you take a stand for the future of the children who attend the B-H school as well as for the future of our school district. Once a program is eliminated (no matter what the program), it is very difficult to reinstate it. Take a look at some of our neighboring school districts.
I propose that we invest in our students and district. What are our students’ needs? Our families and community needs?
Why are so many of our students leaving? (The cost of 23 students transferring (not moving) out of our district during the 2012-2013 school year at approximately $8000 per student reduced our district revenue by approximately $184,000. When $5224 per pupil unit is the general education formula allowance this is equivalent to three full-time experienced teachers).
Curriculum? Qualified teachers who actively support the programs that they were hired to teach and are willing to put in the time and effort it takes to market the programs?
Student/family satisfaction and trust in our district?
What does our district have to offer?
Why are we encouraging our students to opt for post-secondary options and on-line classes when they could be in one of our classrooms with a face-to-face teacher who actually cares if they “get it”? Many of the college credits students attain while in high school will not transfer to the colleges they choose to attend. And why are we sending our young students to post secondary early to compete with the 53% of college graduates who are currently under or unemployed?
The FACS curriculum supports the core standards as students have the opportunity to use math, science, and communication skills in real life situations. It is inclusive of the SCAN skills as well as soft skills that students so desperately need not only as they enter the work force, but in their personal and family lives.
The goals of FACS programs are to educate our students to think constructively, make sound decisions, solve problems and manage resources. Taught using a hands-on experiential approach, learning occurs in the context of real life situations and repeated practice is encouraged. Students are expected to be actively involved in learning in a participatory, supportive environment and to have the opportunity to practice and develop skills as related to content topics. The emphasis on FACS programs is on issues relevant to today’s individuals and families, and skills critical to successful living and working in the 21st century global society.
I believe that all the programs offered at B-H are important for our students. Pitting programs and staff against each other in order to save another isn’t in the best interest of our students, staff, school district and community. In all fairness to students, if FACS courses are dropped due to low enrollment, then every class with low enrollment should be dropped. Saying that one curricular area is more important than another is not ensuring that “All Students Will Succeed.”
Yes, I believe it takes a village to raise a child. Well, it’s time the village(s) start standing up for what is in the best interest of our students, our district and communities.
Sincerely,
LaNette Aeling
Retired B-H/Verndale FACS Teacher
To the Editor:
Current law says child sexual abuse victims immediately know they are injured and have until age 24 to file a lawsuit. Considering it can take decades for victims to confront the abuse, statutes of limitation are woefully short and act as an arbitrary barrier to justice. I know because I am a survivor of child sexual abuse.
I was sexually abused by our parish priest at age 13. I suppressed my pain so deep that I didn’t recognize I had been abused until well into adulthood. Even as a well-educated, full-grown man, the abuse continues to challenge and haunt me.
At age 39, I was able to find the courage to seek justice against my abuser and those who helped facilitate the abuse. After five years and publicly reopening those wounds, my case was dismissed by the Minnesota State Supreme Court because the statute of limitations had expired. I was re-victimized by the system designated to protect me because I couldn’t seek justice on my own time frame.
The Minnesota Child Victims Act being considered at the State Capitol would eliminate the civil statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases, allowing victims to seek justice at any time against the abuser or institution that facilitated the abuse. This legislation respects and acknowledges the healing process, while encouraging victims of child sex abuse to come forward and potentially identify abusers who may still be abusing children.
Child sexual abuse is a public health epidemic. Support the Minnesota Child Victims Act.
Sincerely,
Jim Keenan
Savage
To the Editor:
As the Gourley Premium Pork site is being constructed those of us opposed to this Confined Animal Farming Operation (CAFO) continue in our endeavors to understand why this type of facility was allowed to move in and take over an area with long-time farmers and families residing so close.
Interested citizens are invited to attend a community event hosted by opposition to this CAFO. This event will be held at Sheila’s Place in Rose City on Saturday, April 6 at 11 a.m. The agenda for this event will begin with two representatives of the Social Responsible Agriculture Project (SRA), one of whom is a hog farmer practicing socially responsible, sustainable agriculture. A question and answer session will follow, with the event ending at 2 p.m.
This event is free to attend. Sheila’s Place has graciously agreed to discount a meal for this event.
Please join us.
Deborah J. Dowell
Osakis
March 20, 2013
To the Editor:
The article, Celebrating Reading at Bertha-Hewitt, featuring the celebration of reading enjoyment by elementary students and school staff was wonderful. In an age when much of reading is done during abbreviated blips on screens, or quick glimpses in advertising, Bertha-Hewitt School and its teachers deserve applause for this annual day associating books with fun and enjoyment.
As a mother of three, grandmother of four, and former teacher I give Bertha-Hewitt’s Roxanne Lundeen a high-five, and the Independent News Herald kudos for featuring the event so colorfully! Thanks!
Therese Masters Jacobson
Alvarado
March 13, 2013
To the Editor:
The sexual abuse of children is a public health epidemic, increasing the risk of alcohol and drug abuse, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress and suicide in adulthood. It sometimes takes decades for victims to come to terms with the abuse, but our current law only give victims a narrow window in which to seek justice.
Recent surveys show one out of every two Minnesotans know someone who has been sexually abused and 10 percent of Minnesotans were sexually abused as a child. As a network of advocacy centers across Minnesota which provide support services to victims of sexual abuse, we see the effects of sexual abuse every day.
A bipartisan group of legislators has introduced the Minnesota Child Victims Act (SF 534/HF 681) that would lift the veil of protection that many abusers and the institutions that ignore the abuse hide behind by eliminating the civil statute of limitations.
This legislation acknowledges the healing process and allows survivors to confront the abusers or the institutions that facilitated the abuse on their own timetable. The Minnesota Child Victims Act encourages victims of child sex abuse to come forward and potentially identify abusers who have never been brought to justice.
Seeking justice and protecting children is not a partisan issue; it is a moral issue that should unite us all. A diverse coalition of child advocacy organization and law enforcement officers has endorsed the Minnesota Child Victims Act. We encourage the legislature to join us and support Minnesota Child Victims Act.
Donna Dunn
Executive Director
Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault
March 6, 2013
To the Editor:
My Friend
Do you know him?
He is a nice young man; quiet, non-judgmental, hardworking, independent, private and funny.
He graduated from BHHS
and so did his honey.
He likes his man toys,
his guns and his music.
He loves the outdoors;
all seasons and weather.
He’s been sick for a year
and finally knows why.
He got sick from a tick.
He has thought he might die.
His health is real bad.
His business is sold.
He does not know if he
will ever be ‘back,’
healing will be a long road.
We’ve waved to my friend
as we drove by the “shop.”
We’ve bought parts and supplies.
We’ve asked for advice.
We’ve had morning coffee
together and helped one another.
We’ve brought broken equipment. He could fix it like no other.
Chad Hurtig is my friend.
He’s been so sick
and in so much pain.
He’s been unable to work,
relax or play.
It’s been a life changing year;
a hard row to hoe.
But Chad is a fighter
and does not give up hope!
Pray for Chad and his wife,
every morning and night.
If you see him downtown,
wish him good health.
And remember to ask,
“What can I do to help?”
Mitch & Kelly Messer
Bertha
February 20, 2013
To the Editor:
I would like to thank Kevin Klimek for responding to my letter with civility. Thanks Kevin and I really mean that. Some people are getting way to crazy. I think you and I would probably agree on many things, but not everything and that’s a good thing.
I too belong to the NRA. I also am flat out in favor of the flat tax. If that isn’t enough to put me on the liberal hate list, I also favor reining in, or eliminating redundant, ineffective or stupid government agencies. Would that in itself be redundant? How about voter photo I.D.? As far as I can tell, the only votes it might suppress are the second, third and fourth etc.
Is changing medicare and social security as we know it really a bad thing? Couldn’t we at least talk about it? After all, the way we know it is going broke. Shouldn’t we try and reform it so it’s there for the next generation and the ones to come later?
I don’t listen to talk radio. The media I was referring to was network news and nearly all the major papers. I used to always listen to network news, which is probably why I also had a low opinion of Bush. After Obama said we shouldn’t watch Fox news I had to find out why. The reason was soon obvious. They don’t pander to Obama. This would be the 5 o’clock news. I also still tune in to the networks, out of curiosity as to how they will twist, edit or omit certain news or events unfavorable to the agenda they are currently advancing.
As an example did anyone see the estimated 400,000 to 600,000 pro-life demonstrators on the networks? Of course not, they were all to busy covering the few hundred anti-gun protestors. Fox showed both by the way. Why isn’t this president asked about the terrorist attack in Benghazi Libya that left four Americans dead? I wish all the networks would just report the news factually and call it a day.
We also agree on how fast people forget who started two wars and caused this financial mess. I myself had forgotten until I started doing some checking. Turns out it wasn’t just Bush. Congress actually voted for the wars. Therefore it was once again congress that stuck our piece of plastic into that thingamajig so we wouldn’t need cash. I had also forgotten, (or didn’t pay attention) the fact that for the last two years of the Bush years, Democrats controlled both houses of congress. Maybe it’s time we should quit blaming Bush and just admit that it is our fault for keeping in office, people who, for the good of the country, should probably be kept in jail.
As an independent conservative, I find myself wondering how our government, in my lifetime, has become so corrupt, divided and dysfunctional. I think term limits have become absolutely crucial to restoring good government. I have voted for what I thought were conservatives in both parties. I’m also astounded that conservative democrats have allowed their party to be taken so far to the left. How come no one speaks out about this? Is it possible they no longer exist? Are they afraid of the smearing by the liberal media which is sure to follow? It’s a good thing we have each other my friends. It will likely be up to us to clean up the mess when the cesspool known as Washington D.C. implodes on itself.
Tony Towle
Long Prairie
To the Editor
My name is Megan Crist. I am just a simple girl and I’ve always wanted just a simple life. I’m from Browerville where I grew up with my parents Roger and Lynn Noska and siblings Sheila and Lance. I currently live in Niantic, Illinois with my husband, seven- month-old baby boy and two dogs. I was a student at Milikin University studying molecular biology in hopes of someday being able to make a difference for patients as a doctor. I used to love to run long distances and marathons, especially for St. Jude’s Children Hospital. I am currently a sergeant in the Army National Guard and in 2008-09, I deployed to Afghanistan with A-Co 634th BSB out of Mattoon, Illinois. My entire life has been active, busy and hectic, but I loved every minute of it and always made time for the simpler things in life like being goofy, relaxing with family and friends, and making fun in the everyday rush hour. All of these minor details may seem unsubstantial, which they are because I’m just a small town girl who no one knows. I, however, have a story that I would like the public to hear so that awareness and hopefully, someday help and relief can be brought to all those that suffer from the debilitating disease known as Lyme Disease.
My story started on August 31, 2012, well that’s when I first was aware it started anyway. This is the day that I was told that at 26-years-old, I would need a pacemaker if I wanted to live. I was devastated, but so very hopeful that my chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, weakness and fatigue that I seemed to develop during my pregnancy would leave me alone and let me get on with my life as a new mommy. When the cardiologist that would soon become my biggest advocate asked me if I had ever been bitten by a tick, had a rash or achy joints last summer, I though he was crazy. Surely a severe third degree AV block had nothing to do with a darn tick, but it put a bug in my ear at least. The next morning, September 1, 2012, I got “Sparky” my pacemaker implanted. The surgeon again asked me if I had a tick bit or a rash, and it hit me like a ton of bricks that five years ago, back in the fall of 2007, while I was in basic training, I had a big rash. The rash was on my left quad and kept expanding outside of the pen marks I had drawn to watch it. I also felt pretty sick for a few days after I noticed the rash, but didn’t think much after that. I started having weird black out dizzy spells a few weeks later, was more tired and started having migraines every now and then, but I never rally thought too much about it because I had went to the doctor and was told that I was okay.
Other symptoms of numbness and tingling of my arms, legs, hands and feet started appearing after my pacemaker was implanted. I became more fatigued and started to feel like I was literally losing it. I literally could not study for my tests or function to write a paper to save my life. I seriously thought I was losing my mind because this at one time was just second nature for me. I loved school, but I couldn’t focus or concentrate on anything anymore. I couldn’t even function enough to do something as simple as the laundry or clean my house. Later on, other joints started hurting, my eyes started getting blurry, and at times I felt like I couldn’t hear a thing because everything seemed like it was under water. I literally thought my body was falling apart. Throughout the months after my pacemaker was implanted, I know I drove probably twenty plus doctors nuts and countless nurses as well because I kept going in to the Emergency Room or calling begging for them to help me. My family even called the ambulance service several times.
The chest pain that I was having was absolutely awful and I would sometimes pass out because I couldn’t breathe and was having such intense chest pains. It was terrible! I felt and knew deep in my heart and soul that I was going to die if they didn’t stop being so ignorant and help me. I got prepared because all my labs kept coming back negative and all the doctors would tell me that I was crazy, had anxiety and needed to see a psychiatrist, among a million other excuses. Without laboratory evidence, I knew they weren’t going to do anything. Even with a positive test, I knew it would be a battle. They told me anything and everything and refused to listen when I said that my problem isn’t cardiac, but Lyme Disease.
I eventually got referred to a doctor by my biggest advocate and fighter that had first put the Lyme Disease idea in my head. My cardiologist knew where to send my labs and what tests to run. I was finally tested positive for Chronic Lyme Disease, but my fight continued. I went from doctor to doctor trying to find a doctor I could trust that would treat me appropriately so that I would have a chance to get my life back. Eventually through a close friend who also suffered from Lyme Disease, I found a doctor in my small hometown that completely thinks outside the box to treat his patients. I was so relieved to find a doctor who would be in m corner and would help me fight back. I also made an appointment with a well-known Lyme Disease specialist in Washington D.C. that has had a lot of success treating patients with Chronic Lyme Disease.
Currently, I am on my third month of IV antibiotic therapy. I take lots of oral antibiotics as well as many other supplements to help build my immune system back up. My obstacle now lies with the insurance companies. They will not pay for any of my treatments because my physician in D.C. is controversial and does not abide by the standard protocol the CDC (Center for Disease Control) or IDSA (Infectious Disease Society of America) has in place to treat patients with Lyme Disease. He, however, treats patients until they are better, which on average takes 7-9 months, rather than the four weeks the CDC and IDSA guidelines state. My non-military insurance will not pay for any of my treatment because they deemed this was due to my military service. The military, however, takes forever and a day to get any type of paperwork done, so I’m sure it will be awhile before I get any type of coverage or help from them.
The bottom line is that my IV treatment will cost between $4000-$7000 a month, out-of-pocket, not including supplies to maintain my central line, my oral antibiotics, supplements, labs or the out of state trips I have to take to Minnesota or D.C. every 4-6 weeks. I know it’s going to be a long, hard battle, but I am just really hoping that from my story, my struggles and heartache, that this community can come together to bring awareness to this debilitating disease. I hate that I had no clue about Lyme Disease until I was diagnosed. I would absolutely hate for anyone else to have to endure any of this, let alone the disease itself, so awareness is key. The disease doesn’t have to get as bad as it did for me, if it’s caught early enough. Preventing ticks on the skin and knowing what to do if you do get one is essential to spare people from a lot of tears. Recognizing the symptoms and believing your body when things seem a little off is just as important. Don’t ignore your body.
Part of the problem with Lyme Disease is that doctors don’t know a lot about it, don’t know how to test properly for it with the flawed tests that are actually available, and then if you happen to test positive by complete chance, most doctors have not even the slightest clue as how to attempt to treat you properly. So patients, such as myself, are forced to travel long distances and forced to pay a lot of money that should be covered by their insurance companies. This treatment is medically necessary unless you want to lose your life. I however, do not accept that! I don’t accept defeat from this disease! I don’t accept this for my life or for anyone else with Lyme Disease. I also don’t accept this problem within our own healthcare system being ignored. Research needs to be funded, doctors need to be educated, insurance companies need to cooperate, and awareness needs to be spread!
Knowledge can help save lives. I have started a facebook support group: Central IL Lyme Awareness & Support with hopes for the support group to grow so that this disease can be recognized and we can get help for those suffering with Lyme Disease in the community.
