Better Newspaper ContestPress Photographers PortfolioAll Weeklies27 EntriesFirst Place: Detroit Lakes Tribune, Brian Basham Good collection of photographs running the gamut of emotion and enterprise. Nice work! Second Place: Jackson County Pilot, Ryan Brinks Wide variety of types of photos, angles and lighting. Good job! Third Place: Hinckley News, Terry Bullock Nice job. Only critique would be to watch your crops; some need to be tighter and others not so much.

2011-2012 Minnesota Newspaper Association

PORTFOLIO DAILY WINNERS ON BACK

2011-2012 Better Newspaper Contest

Typography & DesignWeeklies up to 1,50010 EntriesFirst Place: Citizens Advocate, Henning Creative uses of photo placing, photo sizing, mixed headline font and good use of spacing lines to divide up the sections without looking chaotic. Fun to look at and open up. Second Place: The Parkers Prairie Independent, LLC Clean lines to follow. Nice use of color. Nice page headers. Consistently good overall appearance. Third Place: Minneota Mascot I liked the teasers with the tilted photos. Good color and graphics. Clean lines. Creative without being chaotic.

Volume 4, Number

Serving Renville Coun ty 52

RegisterSince 1872

Renville CountyFreiborg in Nicaragua A3

Weeklies 1,501-2,50015 Entries

A continuation of

Olivia Police Offic

Internet safetyer Michelle Jensen

the Olivia Times-Journal

and the Renville County

Thursday, MarchStar Farmer News

1, 2012

has taken special

for your kidstraining to teach children how to stay

$1.00

Academics and staff:

By Shelby Lindrud Staff Writer The Jaguars and Warriors came face-to-face Feb. 21 but not on the basketball court or wrestling mat. Instead the school boards adminstration of BOLD and and RCW met across a table at Kathys Place in Sacred Heart, to discuss ways the Hwy. 212 neighbor s could work together to bring the ties to area students. best opportuni-

A partnership in the making?Class ideas for ITV FACS, college courses included and maybe even ag. Were a county that is very integrative in ag, said BOLD Board Chair Russ Lesniak. Sharing classes could bring more class choices not only to students, but also have smaller class sizes, more one-on-one student-teacher interaction, as well as save money and staff.

By Susan William s Pete, Wanta-know Editor Wally and Look Me Louie. At What may be obvious Its your right to essarily so for children, to adults is not nechave a good time even when its simple. on the Olivia Police Officer Michelle Jensen, through a partnersh ip Internet Bureau of Criminal with the Minnesota Apprehension (BCA), Turn to page A2 educating elementa is ry St. Marys to be savvy children at BOLD and users of the Internet and social media. As a part of the BCAs Against Children (ICAC) Internet Crimes task force, Jensen made two presentat ions specifically targeting each age group one for through second-graders, kindergarten through sixth-graders a second for third on how to be responsible and stay safe while using the Internet. Stopping the interactiv e video Jensen uses for the younger set, she asks questions of her audience to see how well they understa nd the material and reviews Photos courtesy NetSmart the four rules for online z safety Elementary children Officer Michelle Jensen Photo by Susan Williams What should you talks with a BOLD may often think of and young teens do if you see somethin entation on Interne elementary student that makes you a g t ing like above, but predator as lookgraders Feb. 14. Jensenand real world safety to kindergarten after her pres- etc.? Answer: uncomfortable, afraid, sad, tell a trusted adult. is part of the Minnes through secondthey can also look how many realize sions Internet Crimes What Against Children task ota Bureau of Criminal Apprehen- Answer: should you not share online? below. This small as in the picture your name and address. force. Should you meet Jensens presentation part of Officer people from the internet face to face? Answer: sixth-graders about to third through Never, dont meet anyone offline. wisely, clearly brings using the Internet What does it mean the message home. to use good etiquette Answer: not being ? rude or mean online. To each of these questions there were three possible answers to choose from. In For the younger a set, couple of cases, at least a third of the K-3cartoon characters graders chose the wrong answers. A trusted adult is like Clicky (above) defined for the children as a parent, are used in an interac- illustratio a cop, a teacher. Outlaws, using ns of bad guys, are tive video to get character the as those who dont follow the Internet ized message across. laws and rules Meet Me Mack, Potty-m outh

safe

First Place: Renville County Register, Olivia The best overall-designed newspaper presented in this design. A tough decision between this and the second-place finisher. I liked the easy-toread type, clear headlines and subheads. Good use of white space. Good newshole and just and overall attractive newspaper. Headlines on front pages are too close in size. Would prefer dominant headline. Second Place: Rosemount Town Pages Close second-place finisher. Like this paper for the same reasons. I do believe there is simply too much white space in the paper. Still a welldesigned publication. Thanks. Third Place: Annandale Advocate Consistently well-designed paper with easy-to-read typeface and body text. As in the case of the winner, Id prefer a dominant headline. A pleasure to read. Like the quality newsprint of the top finishers. Im jealous.

There are ways we added Lance Bagstad, can do this, RCW superintendent.

BOLD and RCW paired in the past, have already bringing ITV classes for both districts, and the two schools would like to repeat it. It really worked out want to build on that well and we success, said BOLD Superintendent Tom Farrell. How can we build off opportunities for kids? learning aries of that are going The beneficito be the kids.

After 31 years of service to cities, Daniel Hoffman plans to seek the elusive walleyeBy Susan William s Editor If youre reading this Thursday, Daniel Hoffman will

Hoffman retires

BOLD K-12 Principal Kip Lynk had the idea of both BOLD being on the RCW and same curriculum cycle, meaning they would go out and buy new textbook other curriculum supplies s and together. Having a common lunch menu was Turn to page A2

Talk

By Shelby Lindrud Staff Writer When Berdelle Enestved t first started working in 1984 for what would become RCW it was a time of change. We were sharing Enestvedt recalled, and pairing, as Sacred Heart school the Renville and districts began the process of coming together. Now as Enestvedt after 28 years with gets ready to retire the district, times continue to change, as RCW operates under one roof and iPads are in the hands of most students. It doesnt seem like its long, Enestvedt commen been that ted about the length of time she has worked for the school. Enestvedt came to working six years with the school after Tribune and raising the Granite Falls four children as a

Last day of school near for Enestved thomemaker before that. I liked the school thought it would be environment, fun, She started in Sacred Enestvedt said. Heart, doing elementary clerical work. When the pairing began she was moved into the district financial section. Ive never had a clear definition, of my job at that time, said Enestvedt. I did whatever needed to be done. In 1986 Enestvedt Renville building and moved to the when LuAnn Decknatel retired Enestvedt took over as the district administ rative assistant. In her 28 years Enestved t has worked with 24 school board intendents and has members, six superbeen through the school districts ups and downs. All totaled, she worked for school districts, while four different never leaving her desk. Ive seen it all. Its been very, very interesting, Enestved t said. Its had its moments. Some of the hardest came with the closing of first the Danube school and then Sacred Heart. And both of those were caused in part by RCW falling into statutory operating debt (SOD). Today, however, Enestved t sees a very sound district. Seeing the successes programs and students, of individual getting out of SOD was a day of celebration, Enestvedt said. Other ed the establishment bright spots includof RCW and bringing all of the grades under one roof. It doesnt matter as long as the education we provide is good, Enestved t commented. Technology changed Enestvedts job Turn to page A2

Photo by Susan Williams Olivia City Counci former city administ already be the rator of Olivia l and starting his thanks Daniel Hoffma Member Terry Kohout (foreground left) ment at home infirst day of retirehis retirement coffee n (r) for his work as city administrator Rush City Jan. 19. Attorney at midway between the Twin about Chamber member and former Olivia Cities Steve Area and Hinkley. Director Chris Hettig Hettig and Renville County HRA/ED After four-and-a-half A are in the backgro theres a lot more und. Hoffman said Olivia and a total of 31, years in silver(not gray as Hoffmans than when he first his kids call it) in his hair came to town.

Weeklies 2,501-5,00019 Entries

Turn to page A2

Hoffman

Enestvedt

After 28 years with RCW and its precursors, Berdelle Enestvedt is administrative assistan retiring from her position as t.

Photo by Shelby Lindrud

First Place: Litchfield Independent Review Nice-looking front page; great photos and good use of them; nice graphics. The newspaper has a clean look to it while providing local news each week. After looking through the entries, we feel like we have an idea of what your community is like. Second Place: Northfield News Good front-page design. Liked the use of photos throughout. Appears the staff provides a variety of information to its readers with everything neatly packaged. Third Place: Anoka County Union Nice front-page designs and especially like the Our Readers Respond part of the Viewpoints page. Would have liked to see more action photos rather than posed still shots, but, overall, a nice paper.

Page 2

2011-2012 Better Newspaper ContestCaucuses fire up party faithfulMore than 12,000 readers today

ELECTION 2012

Weeklies over 5,00012 Entries

hutchinsonleader.com

BELOW: David Allen of the Independence

Party at Tuesdays caucus.

....... . ................... ... . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .WEDNESD.AY,. FEBRUARY. 8,.2012 . . . . . . ............................................. ..............................

LeaderHUTCHINSON

$1

STORIES ON PAGES 6A, 7A

TARGET: PET OVERPOPULATIONA veterinary clinic on wheels came to Hutchinson on Sunday. By days end, four dogs and 37 cats were spayed or neutered.By KAY JOHNSONStaff Writer

About Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter

N

ext time you spot a feral cat with a notched ear, dont feel sorry for it. Its a good thing. It can mean that the cat Spay has been treated by the Minnesota Neuter Assistance Program, also known . as MN SNAP For each feral cat, we clip the ear see while under anesthesia, so you can from a distance the cat has been altered a and vaccinated, said Dr. Sue Spence, staff. member of MN SNAPs veterinarian disThe benefits include a decrease in that ease, fighting and the bad behaviors are annoying. than tracking and Its more effective killing, which perpetuates the problem, Spence added. Altered cats will stay in an area. Over time, you will see a decrease in their numbers because they arent reproducing. On Sunday, the Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter hosted the MN SNAP mobile surgery unit. This was the

The Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter has taken in more than 4,000 animals since 1999. It helps Hutchinson and surrounding communities care and place stray, abandoned and surrendered animals. Adoption hours are 5 to 7 p.m. 1 Tuesdays and Thursdays, and from to 5 p.m. Saturdays. The shelter is by the main entrance of the McLeod County Fairgrounds, 880 Century Ave. S.W., Hutchinson. Fundraising events include: the Pets on Parade Pet Walk, Saturday, May 19; Rummage and Bake Sale, Sept. 7-8; Cans for Critters, aluminum can recycling at the shelter, working at dog shows, the Cash Wise brat stand, the pie social at Music in the Park and Holiday Pet Portraits. For more information, visit the shelters website at heartofminnesota.org, call: 320-234-9699, or e-mail: contact@heartofminnesota.org.

First Place: Hutchinson Leader OK, do you really need to put on A1 that you are Minnesotas best nondaily? It definitely shows, no matter what judges say. This paper rivals many metros in its approach to creating centerpieces and making the paper not only pleasing to the eye but inviting. The headline type weights were mixed up well. I like how you do not deviate from the two basic fonts. Great local photography and use of staff-created graphics. Nice work, Hutchinson! Second Place: Red Wing Republican Eagle Tough call between second and third, but Red Wing gets the nod for strong use of photos on the inside pages. Page A1 is nicely designed. Other than the type used for the 9/11 story, I liked the typography. Great local photos, too. Nice treatment of the sky boxes. Third Place: Forest Lake Times Strong front pages; very nice spread for the 9/11 anniversary. Nice mix of local photos. Too bad you have to print in one section; it limits your use of color.

Did you know?

One female cat and her offspring can produce more than 420,000 cats in seven years. An estimated 90,000 homeless cats and dogs are killed in Minnesota each year. Approximately 80 percent of impounded cats are killed in U.S. shelters every year. Spaying and neutering will stop the cycle of breeding and

See ALTERED PETS Page 8A

a dog for spaying during the Brie Dorcy and Nikki Shiers prepped CERTIFIED VETERINARIAN TECHNICIANS Hosted by the Heart of Minnesota AniPrograms visit to Hutchinson on Sunday. Minnesota Spay Neuter Assistance team provided services to 41 animals. mal Shelter, Dr. Sue Spence and her

STAFF PHOTOS BY KAY JOHNSON

killing. Euthanasia of homeless pets is the No. 1 killer of cats and dogs. Statistics courtesy of Minnesota Spay Neuter Assistance Program online at mnsnap.org.

SHE HELPED OTHERS FIND SAFETY

AND HEALING

PARTY LeavservLINESs battle to others Con ing the GR ative OWINGAlliance for Victims make it rougdirector Jo Piehl, executive h for of the McLeod friends and colleagues business / 7A of Domestic Violence, is retiring. Her advocate. say victims couldnt have had a better

PAINS

By JORGE SOSAStaff Writer

... domestic

75 cents violence is Newsstand

going to affect someone INSIDE you know, whether you know it or not.Jo Piehl

In 2011, domestic violence in claimed the lives of 34 victims Minnesota. The year before, the death toll was 29. The year prior, 25. Stopping domestic violence and helping its victims find safety and healing is a never-ending battle. Lives literally hang in the balance. And on March 30, Jo Piehl will to retire after seven years of helping lead the charge in McLeod County. Piehl has been the executive director of of the McLeod Alliance for Victims Domestic Violence since April 2005. I feel like Im 30 but Im really going to be 60 this year, she said. Its just time to enjoy my friends and and get rid family on my own terms of some of this stress It gets tough to be trying to save the world all the time.

In a recent interview, Piehl advised this reporter, If you can, make this (story) about domestic violence and not about me. Because domestic vioor lence is going to hit you sooner is later. Because domestic violence going to affect someone you know, whether you know it or not. But Piehls friends and colleagues let her dodge the limelight. wouldnt Hutchinson Police Sgt. Joe Nagel, a former alliance board member, was on the hiring committee that interviewed Piehl and recommended her for the leadership post. She came in at a pretty rocky time, he said It wasnt an easy task that she had when she jumped into

oil concern theAuthoritiesa are investigating SHOWSTOPPERS HEAD s lingerof/fire that consumed cause 8B a rural Silver Lake house ThursTO STATE / 10A day night.WEATHERPartly cloudy. Details, 3A

S. Sudan turns 1; border ,By JORGE SOSAStaff Writer

Rural Silver Lake house fire under investigation

23 11Sundays high

Sunday nights low

INSIDEOPINION / 9A SPORTS / 8A A & E CALENDAR / 2B

www.owatonna.com

TUESDAY

A & E CINEMA / 3B LIVES REMEMBERED / 4B CLASSIFIEDS / 6B

CALL USQUESTIONS ABOUT DELIVERY OR SUBSCRIPTIONS: 320-234-4142 OTHER INFO: 320-587-5000 VOL. 132 NO. 11 26 PAGES IN 2 SECTIONS

2012 HUTCHINSON LEADER

this deal. Piehl would be the fourth person to serve as the agencys director just in the year she was hired.

See PIEHL Page 5A

Senser gets 3+ years in hit-and-run crash. LOCAL NEWS, 2A

Sentenced

Tires and more since 1984!

Tra c stop nets $235K (320) 587-5250 in pot, pair www.TownAndCountryTire.net of arrestsastrain@owatonna.com

According to the McLeod County Sheriffs Office, the fire was reported shortly before 11:15 p.m. The house was on 195th Street, east of Silver Lake, and a half-mile west of Falcon Avenue. Silver Lake Fire Chief Dale Kosek said the home was uninhabited. The way it sounds, he said, it had been sitting empty for over a year. Kosek noted the house was owned by a private party and it was totally burnt down. He could not speculate as to whether it was a possible case of arson. Its hard to say, he added. There were no power or utilities to it. The investigation is ongoing. Lester Prairie firefighters and Silver Lake Ambulance also responded to the scene.

Dailies under 10,00010 Entrieswww.faribault.com

July 10, 2012

78436

On stageMusic in Owatonna slates bluegrass show . LOCAL NEWS, 2A

By AL STRAIN

Mostly Sunny

OWATONNA A mud ap that caused a semi trucks tires on the interstate in Steele to smoke County led a Minnesota State Patrolm discovery of 235 pounds an to the of marijuana and the arrest of two Raven Caldwell, a California men. 14-year-old from Alberto Dorta Owatonna, watches the Oaklawn, Kan., as volunteers unload tornado. Caldwel Rodrigu ez, 36, of l and her family drove collected househo and brought them ld items for victims the donated items to Wichita on June Projects left out of Los Angeles and of she collected from 30. (Photo courtesy Minnesota to Kansas of the Wichita Eagle) bonding bill try again Pablo Vazquez, 56, . of Fontan a were LOCAL NEWS, 2A each charged with rst-degree possession of a controlled substance and rst- Rodriguez degree sale of a controlled substan ce. Each charge is punishable by between By DEREK SULLIV AN four and 40 years in dsullivan@owaton na.com prison and a $1 million ne. OWATONNA Fourteen -year-old Each man was Raven Caldwell is just getting started. also charged with Caldwell, who will be importi ng a con- Vazquez High School ninth-gr an Owatonna ader this fall, dotrolled substance across nated enough househo state ld e charge carries a penalty borders. moving truck to residentgoods to ll a of up to 35 years in prison with Owatonna junior ravaged Oaklawn, Kan., s in tornadothe possibility on June 30. She, of a $1.25 million ne. makes waves on state along with her family and neighbors, collacrosse scene. e quality of the marijuan lected the items over a two-month span. a was not listed in the report. To bring awareness to SPORTS, 1B her campaign, she Neville, a spokesperson But Doug put up iers around Owatonn for the Minnesota Department of various household goods. a asking for Public Safety, said 235 pounds of A er dropping o the marijuana can range in price from WEATHER lawn, a suburb of Wichita, items in Oak$235,00 0 to Kan., Caldwell $705,000 depending started preparing for on the quality another donation. of the plant. She plans on bringing items to two othOn July 5, a state trooper er communities that was travhave recently dealt eling north on Interstat with natural disaster e s. On in the process passing 35 and was heavy rains caused massive June 19-20, a semi-tractor ooding in trailer. While passing, Duluth. A few days later, the trooper noa ticed smoke coming wildfire s caused damage half of dozen Raven Caldwell helps High 85 Low 61 from the trucks unload a box of through out the Oaklawn tires. Colorado. , Kan., tornado. (Photo collected household items for victims Local weather of courtesy of the Wichita According to the report, Page 7B is project was a lot Eagle) the troopof fun, er observed the front said. I want to keep helping. Caldwell picked overseas charities. Her mud ap for the mother, I want to do Tayna Artmann drive axle was stuck it again. , said before helping peo- lections. ey would box items or hang under the front ONLINE portion of the tires ple in other counties e idea came out of and smoke was , she should look in iers four to ve days a week. Soon, there coming from the ap was stu piled througho took at Owatonna Junior a class Caldwell her own backyard. Check out videos, and tire. ut the apartment High and basement. I agree with e trooper slowed and class, called Be the Change, School. e photo galleries and activated required stu- Caldwell said. her. We need help here, his emergency light As more and more items dents to research a project, ere are more homeles the OPP poll on and pulled the showed up, s Artmann started truck over in the vicinity persuade others to help make a poster, people than there should be owatonna.com. of mile for such a She eventual contacting organizations. and learn all they good country. post 31 near Ellendal could about a charitab ly decided to e. Vazquez and le cause. Rodriguez were both Helping Hands of Wichita. work with His ough it Caldwell said many identi ed, and of the students family and was Caldwells project, her Rodriguez was reported neighbors helped with ly driving the the colvehicle. Or find us on See GOODS on 3A Facebook & Twitter See STOP on 3A

First Place: Owatonna Peoples Press You could tell there was a lot of thought that went into the layout, particularly with the use of staff-designed graphics and cutouts. The pages were not just thrown together - very well planned. Good work. It was a challenge to determine first and second in ths category. A lot of good work, here. Second Place: Faribault Daily News The Daily News does a nice job of planning its pages. Use of type is consistent. While I am usually not a fan of heads in all caps, the way the Daily News uses them works. I really like the extreme horizontal sky boxes on A1. Very unique. Photos are large and the paper does not use wire art as a crutch. Third Place: Marshall Independent The Independent has some nice design elements and the front page has a wide variety of stories and art.

Still trying

Owatonna teen reaches out to vict

GATHERING GOODSims of natural disasters

Sticking it

CALL US

Delivery: 444-2361 Newsroom: 444-23 79 Classi eds: 444-23 99 Advertising: 444-238 6

COMING UPCounty attorney reports uptick in number of prescription drug arrests.Vol. 98, No. 161 2012

[|xbIDFDCy0 01 kzU

INDEX

while my family came owatonna.com to visit him. And several decades ago option for many, accordin that wasnt an OWATONNA For g to Diana Sunthe last 13 years, dwall, Julia Anderson and her founder and executive director of Infamily have sent bal- fants Remembered in Silence, loons to their angel in heaven. Inc. Sundwall said she decided eir angel, Tyler, was born to start the on Oct. 15, program 25 1998, at the old Owatonn a Hospital, but a full-term years ago a er she gave birth to was diagnosed with a stillborn son, Derek. genetic birth defect I was treated fantastic called lethal neo-natal by the hypopho fatal metabolic bone disease. sphatasia, a staff, and then, it was unheard nursing of to see, He lived for 2 hold and hours and 37 minutes, but the bond Ander- wanted touch your dead baby, she said. I son made with her son to help one person. in that time has been unbreakable. e organization quickly could help more than just realized that it The hardest part was one person. IRIS ing him when he took actually hold- assists 6,000 to 7,000 bereaved parents and his last breath, family Anderson said. (The members each year in Rice doctors) knew he boring and wasnt going to make counties hospitals and funeral neigh- Owatonna resident it, Julia Anderson and homes. loons her family hold on him off the oxygen and so they took at the Owatonna to the strings of ballet me hold him Memorial Gardens See LOSS on 3A who lost her son, Tyler, to a fatal neo-nat Cemetery last October. Anderson, al bone disease balloonsastewart@ to celebrate her sons 13 years ago, sends LOCAL 2A-3A // birthday. (Submit ted photo) OPINION 4A // RECORDS 5A // COMMUNITY 6A // CALENDAR 6A // SPORTS 1B-2B // COMICS 3B // CLASSIFIEDS 4B-7B

By ASHLEY STEWA RT

Area group aims to help grie parents deal with loss of ving infants

Dailies 10,000 and over7 Entries

First Place: The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead The Forum visual editing staff demonstrates a willingness to take chances with non-traditional story forms, while staying within the bounds of its type and color rules. Nice use of photos, graphics and illustration. Second Place: Duluth News Tribune This newspaper presents the news in a clean, well-ordered format. Third Place: St. Cloud Times Great photo editing and a balanced layout make this newspaper a pleasure to read. Page 3

2011-2012 Better Newspaper Contest

Editorial Page as a WholePAGE 2A Tuesda

Editorial

y, October 4, 2011

The Times

er week Its newspap

Weeklies up to 1,5005 Entries

gs, engagements, deaths, weddin school report births, crime, court, for many things business accomplishments, of other day-to-day hearty appetite 80 and a variety nt People have a In fact, nearly activities, sports also stay on top of importa apers included. regularly. We of our in life. Newsp read newspapers al news events. decisions that affect the lives percent say they being celebrated as Nation mental for ev- govern This week is ). Its a great time readers. pers is even greater aper Week (NNW to realize the importance nce of newspa Newsp on governThe importa a moment the watchdog role ate to the eryone to take in every day life. one considers play death of when that the media plays. From Waterg lead role the newspapers writing about ment played the Some have been some time, especially with local level, newspapers have life better for quite all the doom- in exposing corruption and making n once said, newspapers for pers. Despite s Jefferso major daily newspaAmericanstwo out of three all of us. President Thoma whether we should sayers, 150 million per last week. Thats pretty Were it left to me to decide pers or newsnewspa ment without newspa not hesitate adultsread a have a govern I should say the least. the most trusted papers without a government, impressive, to still represent the latter. people want Newspapers a moment to prefer have experienced a decline in America. When going on, where source of news Many newspapers past few years. But thats and know whats the they turn to into get the facts circulation has in readership over turn? Thats right, you think they years theme, coincidentally, not the case at The Times. Ourhave added several do This One 20 percent. We the newspaper. Your Number creased nearly Newspapers this year. are for NNW is hundred new readers incredible value. They News. an to for newspaSource for Local Newspapers are ition out there e and delivered bar. not limited to, easy to navigate, totally portabl There is stiff compet itors include, but the price of a candy y rds, x for less than obituar pers. The compet Facebook, Twitter, billboa the your mailbo rs, not ready for websites, blogge on. Newspapers are the communities pers committed to radio and televisi erce competition, newspa page. We remain nothing less. But, despite the thank you. Print is not dead. we serve. Our readers expect t newspapers, life well, e life withou are alive and than 7,000 weekly as it is lived in Just try to imagin is are there more snapshot of life are condent If it was, why newspapers who report what without the weekly t that we and 1,400 daily communities week after week? our area. Its a scary though never allow sers alikewill believe the happening in their quite healthy. readersand adverti reason, we t e we take the im- to take place. For some Newspapers remain be curbed withou operate becaus We continue to We cover events appetite of our readers wont news seriously. of portance of local and our greater community pers in their lives. newspa in Blooming Prairie and Freeborn counties. Dodge, Mower comprehensive Steele, be the most Our role is to nitys historical record. We the commu source of

t? nner tonigh Whats for di

like I know that actually lookscant help but PERS I Prairie Counwhat I am doing The Blooming 100 others that at its current forget about the too far to the RAMBLINGS try Club has been years. just a little location for 60 able mile- went fairway. other This is a remark ng can be fruscourse. Although gol stone for the localinto my love, Being is very exciting. with Before I get the trating, it ion, with the afternoon sometimes frustrat talk a little able to spend friendI will and having a little a blast. game of golf, of what is friends is always bit about the history Country ly competition nt to point Prairie It is so importa t the Blooming Per Kvalsten course weren out that if the Club. would have club was loe to at the course many people The old country HOT made it a practic to play the time when I was Road 3 here, d wasnt prepare fami- always each other near the County was of- to drive much more facing with cated when the grass ont. It communicate Its a dilemma two werent in good PURSUIT game they love. turnoff to Clarem 1936. e. There were to report the and the greens in lies every night. dinner? fam- at mealtim t from I am so thrilled of the club. shape. cially opened would reques short-lived. sary Whats for into the uptable: ask things I This course was the course 60-year anniver Many hours go and I can that play rs quite often or my children at the dinner women caused ily membe interestThe men and World War II ment while mom of the course was something golfers tournaments and at this club and the manage de- keep each other. And the kids what ed to them durfor all of us local that. to cancel many for good. yet, speak run the course ing that happen they had to dador better you for food on the and by 1942 it closed to say in 1951 and board that the back. when I say thank s to the counr ing the day ing newsworthy scramble to put serve a pat on I am pleased comes togethe Congratulation a loyal base and the was open and share someth tables, dinner The course has world. each try club, the community of golf the new course going on in the Blooming Prairie of golfers that hit the links for all to enjoy. ime has al- golfers for 60 great years focusing on golfers from a ing For me, dinnert le family es day, depend But instead of should be Rick Bussler ding areas had week, sometim r of course. I and good times. It is someth be s valuab and the surroun to the food, familie far ways beenas my children get to dis- place to play locally. about my ing on the weathe the golfers at to cherish, to celebrate and on something And t by listening times concentrating exactly why I can talk Through bad having a time. and busier with life, Im can bene know Now time proud of. Its between adults. has rethe local coun- the club are so loyal. Every more important. and children older and more how cussion the greatest distrac- love of golf and I am good, the course with parents playing three of realizing more area. the clubhouse ing and has meal One in the together r. mealtime is try club. I beganbuddies and I I walk to Bloom mained a staple precious our time day, tions from quality at the table togethe My course thrive to say that the marked the 10th been over the soup of the I want to see the It is a place is where I think its im- years ago. enjoyed the fun and proud y Club Last week the cell phone. s to set strict have always Prairie Countr not shy to tell for another 60 years. Family Day: A a sandwich or hotdish. to familie ing Prairie anniversary of y I would love efforts with portant for everyone, includ- challenging Bloom course is I play and I am With Your where someda him It appears my in rules about Day to Eat Dinner has been Club. This other people that. ment at the take my son out and show be paying off effort dad, turning off Country mealtime may community and Family. The ing mom and The manage an asset to the to play. I love National Cenin my the game I love. during meals. launched by the and Substance a big way. second-to-none the centers the cell phone a r is forging something special good club is According to has never been ter on Addiction Eating togethe e benets. golng. I may not be very book. There bia University. research, kids who eat meals par- some other positiv say fami- at it, but when I make that shot Abuse at Colum wants to show more frequently with their ors The center smoke, Nutrition educat point of eatmakes a differ- ents are less likely to make a how dinner toto drugs. They are lies that families eat r are more apt drink or use encewhen do well in ing togethe vegetables to the more likely to gether, that is. better self- add fruits and remember, also school and have As long as I can meal. always been a esteem. Day was celeating meals has While Family Institute in week, my household. In 2010, Search ed 89,000 ebrated nationwide last The high priority in I recall eating survey nt end there. Minneapolis As a youngster, r in grades six it should family dinners is a day with Donald R. Pichne kids nationally job every week. of beauty of meals three times nal Owasiblings. Many through 12 on the subject nce any day Owatonna We like the additio Dear Editor: my parents and t re- they make a differe and oththe Times. involved grand- family meals; 46 percen What a great award tonna news in year. times it even work. and uncles. eat ve or more of the next time someone . Keep up the good er great honors each parents and aunts time for ev- ported they The do a great dinner, at their families You and your staff t meals with 24 percent said yells, Whats for This was sacred you go together, interac week while (or your house, make sure fameryone to be t. per week and connec of making they ate once with each other in hot pursuit meal. A a family of their families. a part of your Since Ive had the less) with say children ily time children tried to instill Researchers Octobersup- meal with parents andwill go a my own, Ive Farmington editor@farmingtonindepe r my children. Ill sense of family 6, 2011 that at the table togethe a happiendent.com same value in ing harder and develop a r g understanding admit its becom go in many port and an cares about them. long way in creatin old. kids er househ harder as my teen- their family for them to and healthi ons in their crazy eat It is also a chance directi being people we always age years. But g. see their parents in conversar in the evenin om all engage as they n dinner togethe irieonline.c of the time. very young childre www.bloomingpra Well, at least most old, weve tion. Even THE CURRENT In our househ

Club turns 60 BP Country

First Place: Blooming Prairie Times A difficult to decide category. I gave Blooming Prairie first place because of their editorials some entries did not have them. I think local editorials are the heart of the opinion page. Good overall use of opinions and columns. Not the most appealing pages in the competition but the best overall content. Second Place: Minneota Mascot An overall effective opinion page. I like the mix of white space, the bottom-of-the-page staff photos and the looking back-reminiscing section. Well-written guest columns. Would have received first-place had there been a local editorial. Third Place: Kenyon Leader Appealing to the eye, an effective opinion page that certainly engages its readers.

Page 6A

Opinionts and our ofce Heidi Murray --

OR LETTER TO THE EDIT ards ns on the aw Congratulatio

Independent

way to go. Its moving this maps, slightly surpass impactFarmington schools ? MAKE ADEQU in . Our reunion If you are, ATE ry for your guests ic ingprairieonthe right direction. identified a family reunion own your itinera PROGRESS TOWARD in its econom . Dont at www.bloom hospitality and as failing to t of your for while theyre visiting te for NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND Times website Farmingto go to the have you though the site ABOUT THE POLL: make not a pure scienindustry of an advoca GOALS GETS A trators raged n adminis- BP to required as shows gross re-the on. This poll is forget to be leisure travel progress toward of Austin LOT OF ATTENTION here at home! $11 BIL- city national Readers are encoudont ignoreabout the current questi create community discussion right EACH n these To the editor, in MN of over such results. With progress YEAR, ceipts No Child Left events? wonderful lodg- tourism l Corey is the Ex- BUT IT m to cast their opinio is intended to Behind IS ONLY ONEChery Austin has I am disappointed inly. 245,000 jobs LION annual s views but MEASUor of the Austin line.co required by federal regu- rather ic dining next weeks paper. sota, goals. facilities, fantast every a- ecutive DirectRE OF WHETHER sampling of c A lation reader this poll will be published in ti In Minne s Buthe school board's decithey Commonl ing SCHOOLntion and Visitor by tourism and y referred just about of to Conve IS SUCCEEDING Results from cant. But sion to notare created of issues. nobody in the district reimburse ets to the options as AYP,over lists imaginable, and some of reau. le travel. That interpr Homecoming week Mr. Burke for his legal in Mower County vorreleased looks at the AYP list at this time the best attractions availab is here and - each year easy I, along 1,300 jobs again. Its time to crazy Subscription Rates fees. The investigation judges teachers pretty impres and conver- our state!to understand. But stand. But it spark stories ere in the right for long pertakes more formance alone. Thats n and reserves days andthe Letters truth behind the list into his alleged behav- staff and I are here anywh Tourism Coordinator The sations aboutwith our solely on the editor necessatons of fun. Steele, Dodge, Freebor ry. digging to see that Editor whether is much more sive! My Homecoming week counties: $35 ota: $38 edit letters when Letters to the iors and threat of legalyou celebrate local Mower this complicat- those subgroup one of results. Administrators published online. schools are living up to help be to ed. s missed use the Staff year all people to write Elsewhere in Minnes action, I am sure, ge was jammed AYP listin may their missions of educatits goals by just a fracWe Out of full of our readers as one encoura Editor as a way of packed state: $40 F of them r A continuation aTimes i n g t o n caused his family signifelement in a wide range The opinions to the Editor are Letters to of fun activities you could the ing students. s tion of a k Bussler do Prairie Letters ng Elementary er..................Ric percent the ofof data ideas and opinion Bloomi Publish icant emotional distress School, for equivalenAnderson the formcontribution to the allow them nicating your friends, but yet to Ethics that healthyl commu withwith a goal being to r......Ann t Thats a good thing. of half vital General example, is on the list Manage Editoria .Per Kvalsten aof of the Times with each other, we have the as well as financial disWe need to hold of form a more accurate this come, community for all homecom- l staff news in a fair editoria Editor............ of students performa a e to ideas on the The News and make a better our schools not making WINNING WEEKLY nce,All picture. ing game against Northfieldto present the r...........Lori Trostem exchang letters must be signed tress. That is abhorrent. strives on schools to highA STATE AWARD Ofce Manage essence. ing, Inc. Please bring his/her letstan- this year, identifiedAYP in ..........LeMar Nelson page. Bussler Publish and accurate manner. The whole scenario Wesubmit e-mail and people. Friday and the lovely home- ces against the Times Staff Writers Farmingt orth the writers must dards. But for Southw 058-340 in mail or are on 2010 in Farmingtons coming dance the any grievan n of the editor. smelled of a witch hunt USPSimportant s its also the performance of spe-...........Michelle a M. Rogers High person, ves or submit a tele............ on Tuesday realize schools on following School has been on ter Deadlines ........Tin Interest Story to to the attentio Published Weekly Place, cial County the themsel night. cation. Roepke identify a regular basis. Firstthat Human education students Writer.. from the start, and it Send Address to: ter: theres more than AYP News Photo sts..............Lisa Fuller phone number for veri in theseWe see list for y, 4 p.m. letFirst Place, and Advertisement .Fawm To kick students Ad Speciali ............five years run- teachers eddoing t proved to be so. Postmas The Times to Advertising: Thursda off the activities, Best results who ning. Opinions express any discussion on ........................ That is Berhow Second Place, Noon ke frustrating. not necessarily represen good Saturday we had News: Friday, Local Breaking News Tera Lee says she P.O. Box 247 about whether a school receive free or reduced- Designer........Lu the Tiger Second Place, Graphic But the school has ters do work and we see stuthe Times. 55917 priced school meals, also views of do amazing Homecoming fun run; does not want to start a ng Prairie, MN the dents on showed good Bloomi is succeeding. category through things. people (Awards in under 1,500Association.) the brought food to donate precedent of paying Phone: 507-583-4431 Minnesota The numbers progress. We believe Farmingtons Passing or failing on Newspaper Minnesota to still Farmington Food Drive the legal fees for people Fax: 507-583-4445 om the list or off is an easy C o m p r e h e n s i v e terribly impressiv arent schools are moving in and online.c e, but the right direction. Assessment reading ran their hearts within the district who bloomingprairie discussion to have. test. in part that out. On List is because or no Its Thats easy to Sunday most school are investigated and list. under- the school clubs, had a long organizations and local found innocent. Until businesses put together their this state adopts tort awesome homecoming reform, in which the floats for the parade on Wednesda accuser pays all legal y. It all started fees if the accused is to found innocent, what is get c r a z y there to stop the when the unscrupulous from conschool tinuing their vendettas w e e k against him or others began, they don't like? because Mr. Burke is a not only watchdog for the taxdid payer. He one of the we h a v e first for this district. school What a joy it was when a n d he won this seat. I felt Marissa Opp sports, like I was finally reprewe were also encourag sented, that there was ed to participate in activities someone finally on the like Mondays Amazing side of the taxpayer on Race and extreme bowling, the school board. Tuesdays Pack the Pool, taco I am certain many of Tuesday and movie night; Wednesda his opinions are unpopys parade, coronation ular with the school disand bonfire; and Thursdays trict, the teachers and Flood Fields and Jam the Gym. the their union who, I Participating in everythin believe, are more g would consume your accustomed to having whole week, so most people school board members only took take part in the ones be their lapdogs. they are most interested in, but Julie McKnight and I hope everyone attended at Julie Singewald as well least one. Participating in these as the other school activities is what makes homecom board members who ing week so fun. voted for this investigaAfter a full week of tion squandered taxhomecoming activities dont payer dollars. And forget about the big homecom there are no conseing game. This year our quences for them? varsity football team is going They were able to up against the y, October 5, 2011, page 4 cause another person Northfield Raiders, Chronicle, Wednesda and they want every one emotional and financial The McLeod County of you Tiger fans out in the distress and they walk stands cheering them on to victory. off Scott free after Be sure to wear your Tiger wasting over $20,000 attire to school or work and of taxpayer money? go completely crazy for the And all at no cost to game; Im Thanks to my recent talking face paint, hair travels, Ive s e c u them? Nothing out of rity been thinking a little paint, bit more glitter, everything! The a saber one day and their pockets? No usual about airport security. than guards life at crazier put up you look the more fun when the guard claimed a fight sleepless nights? least a little it will It cant be easy to be swords be. an airport bit easier. were not allowed. What I would conguard in these days As of heightened I discovere Saturdays sider a good use of taxThis isnt a sword, homecom terrorism concerns. Every d you stupid dance will be a highlight ing day you before vacasecurity guard, the payer money is to inveshave to make decisions for passenger students. This years about what tion, might have said. Its tigate Julie McKnight, people are allowed to the homea saber. Now, carry on an T r a n s coming dance is taking what are you doing Julie Singewald and p o rairplane and what with that rubplace constitutes a tation on Saturday at the high ber glove? the other school board Safety potential threat. You school. have to deter- Adminis With all this exciteme members who voted for The list bans pellet tramine, for example, guns, gun nt that the full- tion has going on, dont forget parts and gun-shaped this investigation, for comsize tube of toothpast to lighters, but e I packed is piled safe and do your homeworstay it doesnt mention collusion with the a pretacceptable for the duration k. I nail guns. dont mean to sound Though maybe those teacher's union and the Editor to bossy trip, but that the shaving of my ty exhausare covered (or preachy) but the under tools. cream I tive former superintendent teachers had in the same be two different things. list of probably will load on only good things passenger to obstruct Mr. Burke's he old saying is you can bag wasIt really boils down to what should The list bans martial the same for the three flights arts prior toknow by the time they grad- s are not allowed weapons in general amount of homework attempts to get public manipulate statistics anythe to pack in their students as every final leg fromdeand throwing carry-on luggage. stars other week, so be sure you want to information and then way Minneapo get the Amsterdam to the real important specifically, but uate? Perhaps So, a guard to to never has to wonder lis. education commuup with that before you keep if appear to take a stance it doesnt trumped up charges to sired result. The I a know how question is do theyspear gun is an allowable go off on Chinese can only hope some U.S. Deobject. finger traps. and have all kinds of get Mr. Burke, a nity loves statistics, and the with Dutch He grow throughout learn to continue to just has to check legally fun at the dude has along the list. activities partment of their elected representative of Education, a face like a babys heinie lives. the record, This is a list that covers listed For of thanks to my Educa- the rest of above. and prithe Homework and school thing from hand grenades everyThe job whose opinions and Minnesota Department confiscated toiletries. public schools, to es- its not. Also expressly come is statistical informato gelon You tion, first, with homecoming vate youre prods, throwing positions they disliked,thrivesworking cant win when schools for that matter, life- forbidden: cattle type candles (both out) a lot of not far it keepssecurity checkpoin a solid foundation for to vehicle a tion. behind of course. After tablisht. Or, most dangerou stars and, perhaps airbags, which off the school board inApparently, is a good tip for rather, you employed. all, all s government bureaucrats always the But people Often, public educa- of all, gel shoe those of win. long learning. inserts. these events are school disgrace. Then they you who dont think d with nonnever appreciat of sponstatistics only tell a parte that, floattion gets so sored activities. ing seat cushions arent could continue their But successes and failures of the just because overextende explains The fails to reenough of story of the threat of rubber gloves that tools that a safety education issues that it list Homecoming week is fantasyland spending and are seven inches measure when you travel secret jail a fun public school system. cells lingers member that core job. Often, the time for everyone sprees unchecked. Case in everyLast week the Min- over nearly are allowed, a or less in length by air. less of then point. interactio , so get public schools become n you have. People reinvolved and have more of helpfully You can see how I think what that screwdrivers, wrenches adds nesota Department of Education fun. In seem to resent that. things get teaching establishment and and tricky. Navigatin between school, all the Instead yearly progress McKnight, Singewald, pliers are all allowed leased its adequate in a scanner activiAdd states public that a social services safety net. schools if they are whats allowed g the rules about ties offered and doing the lets you less than et al did to Mr. Burke (AYP) reports on whether concern of teaching core curriculum, the last know But my passengers prefer invaluabl seven inches long. That is be a real mine and whats not can better left minute changes on your most immediate TV set. and his family is crimi- charter schools. Glencoe-Silver and the field. get too involved in issues for the guard e boxers or briefs, AYP. homeis the remote control for who coming outfit, Im sure nal and that should be Mines, by like Lakes schools did not make and nobody wants teaching right from than an You just shouldnt do things the way, are to parents uncertain whether a screwdriv is to be your friend. At youll It has given me more grief not least skills, er is specifical warn a them. leastwrong,in in fact be ready for this week investigated. It would not teaching socialtool. steerNone of that that to older people. At ly mentioned in the abad choices. to finalmoment is a failingpotentiall irate reader. GSL youre secly be over; but remembe TV sets with sepation on be worth every penny. So does that mean person for crying out loud! y clear of have twoit the stulooking at their unmentio ing students The list expressly bans both my ATM explosive materials. So, go r machine to only comes onceWe school system? No. It means particu- nables. biggest failure of public eduI went to ahead and try to carry The Mary Rassmussen, The one in the living swords home,sabers, remotes. and where which that rate a year so Fortunately, there them on. funds from my I can someMe? I just dents did not do well on have fun and make some wifes) has to be turned some be in the Farmington group are cation mayonly assume means withdraw need room (my bank had some shaving memAYP tests a to make the averageeither cannot or will not supsomeone cream. lar test.resources different sequence to checking account, and the ories. parents showed reading and on and off in a certain up to learn.checkpoint of students each year in the back changed the machines! with port their childs efforts at the eduMarissa Opp is a sophofunction. The same with When those dissimple withpublic math proficiency. What started as a But what is the role of more at Farmington except using a different they can tutorial room TV,High to do too tricts do not achieve AYP, drawal turned into a harsh cation? Is it being asked School. Her column appears sequence. technology. to the latbe penalized. about modern computer mastered either much? The simple answer only First, week. mastery of every other I have never But if those tests are the I can never Proof, again, that my ter question is yes. progress sequence; and second, question lacking. As means of measuring student technology is seriously The answer to the former those staremember which is which. need a rudiwith in reading and math, well, if I needed another reminder. ward is high school graduates My wife has become familar it! snapshot of core curtistics are an incomplete What began as a straight-for $220 darn mentary knowledge of the is its stuthat this refrain: Gall into a social GSL and its ability to teach wrinkle. The only thing (Im clean$100 withdrawal turned riculum math, science, First, I new Hrrumpf! Gosh dang it! the account. need to dents. withdrawal in a split second.and got the same is the PIN for studies and English; they a bit here) Dear! d tests ing up the language familiar. I ; they Despite these standardize me get this None of the screens look pressed the wrong button read and write proficiently life disCome here and help $80, and real Whats results, GSL is a great school and panicked. $20. I went after the other need to be employable in or two (blankety-blank) TV going! I will not What haptrict. Just take a moment Using that same logic, after high school and college.special- came away with $200. button obor the because the sequence again? be look into the school buildings are into the buy another new car, either, just to pened? Pushed the wrong But they do not need to Of course, my wife comes There from that button classrooms for yourself. in disgust. Id have to read the manual wife, viously. So who put ists by the time they graduate how the room, shaking her head my know great things happening besides to show turn on the radio. I have stations there? high school. They need to How many times do I have another program the radio AYP test results. Had I stayed there to learn to become specialists.make. out my Karen, Im clueless. I also cannot you? Are students learning? Absolutely. quesbecause minute, I may have cleaned One test does not a student stuto required I assume that is a rhetorical Do the But the AYP reports are out how to get from FM jeopardize account altogether! Look at the big picture. at figure No tion. If I answer, I may know how to comply with the federal After several years of working AM. So its FM all the time. havent dents coming out of GSL that wields my life. out how best judge Child Left Behind law sitting in Think thats sad? I still it, I had finally figured to learn? That may be the to enfor Well, Then, of course, I can be system the TV remote control ATM contraptions work. federal mandates and dollars other TV whether the public school mastered these of with the the living room with the take a player. Im it out. I figsure districts are complying or the VCR or the DVD I didnt exactly figure is doing its job. And it may graduwife is gone). Into take and retape era of tech- (because my if these the law is flawed that law, whether still in the 8-track ured out what steps lifetime to determine evitably, I press the sequence but down. grade Thank goodness for grandnot. TV, peated that until I had it ates today really make the and enworks in the backroom figuring nology! Complying with the law I went to the bank fully children. with AYP. to what screws up her TV. R.G. many times suring students are learning may the conBut Ive waited long enough to do what I had done I just keep reminding her type in obsolete, they need to learn to graduate before. Push these buttons, money ensure VCRs have become DVDs, tract is for better or worse. the so maybe I can outlast that dollar amount and, voila, too. pops out. with this Now the bank comes up

Burke should be reimbursed

assist Eileen Chao local residen Should the city tourism even on tourism! support staff you make your Letter to for Miniimpact here to help ofcial By Cheryl Corey Im happy have an getting a road planning are n! natural to For examp conHappy Autum a class plans! Visitor Guides, city thetoeditortourism hastsnow when feelle, are youngTHE LIST OFWe canssupplyplanning mizers expansion? you Austin SCHOOLS cerned or will you be attendi report that see year? How about ed agriculture and assist with FAILING TO in

sses Tourism pa

I

AYP results not necessarily cause for alar A week mREADER POLL QUESTION: 48% 2%50%

I NDEPE NDENT EDITO RIALINE READER POLL ONL S TUDEN T VOICE S QUESTION IS: RESULTS agricultureDenitely Not sure No

ed your Have you receiv u shot this year?

full of activity at FHS

Weeklies 1,501-2,5006 Entries

First Place: Farmington Independent Clean, bold design. Local cartoon is a nice touch. Student column should get young people reading the page. Editorials on local topics show concern about community. Second Place: Jackson County Pilot Good to see poll results as well as staff editorial. Publishing lots of letters shows readership is engaged. Third Place: Rosemount Town Pages Would have appreciated seeing letters to the editor instead of publishing the contact info for public officials so often.

GSLs lack of AYP a concern, but learning is still happening

O

A list to claonthe carrypini rify s ons

N ATHAN H ANSEN

Weeklies 2,501-5,00014 Entries

T

dized testing Our view: Only using standar is not realistic to judge a schools success

First Place: The McLeod County Chronicle, Glencoe Strong editorials. Lively columns. A lot of community engagement and discussion. Whats not to like? Second Place: Litchfield Independent Review The whole page is a lively forum for discussion. It is what an editorial page should be. Third Place: The Tower Timberjay, Tower/Soudan A spirited forum for community discussions.

a Dont change things without

warning

Rich Glennie

online at s.com w w w. g l e n c o e n e wholding town meetings Local legislators will be What do you think in their districts this fall. should be their top priority? 1) Fixing our roads funding 2) Restoring education 3) Creating jobs budget 4) Balancing the state Starting to agree on something 5) question: Results for last weeks Tangen basketball coach Don Long-time GSL boys as a coach. hearing over his release recently had a public School the Glencoe-Silver Lake How would you grade of the situation? Board in its handling A 42% B 3%

vote

You can

Question of week

Letters to Editor ly benefited area county. The the Stimulus dollars have great Center: the only ones inreceived a number Brownton Area Civic itself hascounty To the Editor: you can examine County $87,050. around of grants, which Some people in McLeod Some people like to kick at Recovery.gov. American dollars are for yourself also provided extendhave been critical of the the notion that stimulus The ARRA Act of inand Reinvestment and Recovery wasteful government spending,very ed unemploy ment benefits known as columnists in this 2009per haps better health insurance subsidies around cluding two this money COBRA federal stimulus dollars paper, but the fact is that 15 months (combined with to and our local chil- for up 100 these parts yet local residents bene- was spent to support provide much the state of Minnesota covered ). premiums county taxpayers have greatly 111th drens education, help The res- percent of COBRA fited from the policy. public transportation for County recipients this bill and Presi- neededof the area, and is helping to Qualified McLeod this support while Congress passed idents appreciated law. t public civic surely dent Obama signed it into I gath- build a significan they got back on their feet. According to information events facility in Brownton. e difficult economic times

Page 4

2011-2012 Better Newspaper Contest

6AWEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 2012 HUTCHINSON LEADER

OpinionEDITORIALS, LETTE RS, COMMENTAR YSchacherer and Editor Doug Hanneman

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishm ent of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances .

FIRST AMENDMENTLETTERSLetters must bear the writers address and daytime phone number. Letters can be mailed, dropped off or sent via email to: news@hutc hinsonleader.com.

Weeklies over 5,0007 EntriesCheers and Jeers must be the names of businesses. signed. The Leader will not print All correspondence editing or refusal is subject to of publication without explanation.

CHEERS & JEERS

By Publisher Brent

EDITORIAL READER LETTERSPraise, criticism and other insights

First Place: Hutchinson Leader Lively, information-packed, easy to read. An all-around treat. Second Place: Morrison County Record, Little Falls Strong commentary and writing. A fine editorial page. Third Place: Echo Press, Alexandria A great forum for discussion.

ey, the sign is blue thats in the city logo, said John blue now. Olson, Hutchinson Public Works We cant tell manager. It also makes the signs you how many stand out more than From Kristi Schmidt the green. times we heard work second jobs To date, three of the Hutchinson that last week when to make ends 20-by-6 signs people began have been painted. meet. There are not to keep them here noticing some of The one on the and the entrance signs many profeseast end of the city sions out there with Its time to show our end this now. I am not a teacher, to Hutchinson had along but married to the children what it been way 7 will be repainted State Highone. I see the time, education these people amount of means to act like It looks nice, many repainted. adults and figure energy, effort, soon. have that people told dedication, devotion you would need to The two signs at the this out. It benefits us. We agree. do that. our whole comand passion town along Adams sound end of that you must have munity. We want to What if your own The signs originally to be a teacher. I Street Southchild was a attract great docfive and east and State Highway see the time it takes teacher? Wouldnt tors, great educators now four were you think they away from my erected in the early , great leaders to 15 South are completed, but own family. It hurts deserved better after this community and 1990s as a project shrubs have me deeply when sponsored by sevyou saw all that this is not the begun to obscure I hear its only a nine-mon went into it and it way to do it. eral civic groups. approaching hit closer to Ten years later, the th posimotorists view of tion or theyre home home? I know when signs were sandblast The teachers demands them. That probmy children by 4 p.m. ed arent lem will be resolved every day. Neither head out the door unprecedented. They ed the original forest and repaintcould be more this summer in the morning, I are fair and green a color when false. want good, decent, deserving. How could chosen because the the shrubs are trimmed hard-working Hutchinson we not want back. educators teaching If youre wonderin better for the ones The planning, correctin Ambassadors were g where the shaping our them. And one of g, love and what mysterious fifth sign continuing education childs future? If you sor groups. The Ambassa the sponwe have here in Hutchinsthats went, all we is dont think they dors wore on. can tell you it is in and never stops. Most constant deserve it, why dont If this teacher contract green blazers at the being stored are you try to do time, and the impasse somewhere, and will days and a lot of teachers 12-hour continues, they will their job for just one sign matched their reappear this leave, and rightday, I bet youd attire. have to summer at the north fully so. We need to change your mind. Another 10 years end of town do what we can passed and the along State Highway signs needed repaintin 15. Until a few years ago, ing to the rescue were g again. Comthat sign several comwas at the northwes munity leaders including t corner of the Bill Corby, intersection of Highway Robert Hantge, Corey 15 and Stearns, and North High Drive. representatives from But the construcCitizens Bank tion of a roundabo & Trust Co. and the ut at that interHutchinson section forced its Public Works Departm From Mary-Anne Olmsted-K removal. So this ent. ohls summer, it will reappear Tourism. The leaders visited Crow River Area Youth at a new local groups to Orchestra location on the east take part in. Hutchins raise nearly $7,000 Hutchinson is working representative on the side of Highway for the project. on should Hutchinson to develop 15, between KDUZ this, also. The city work with Hutchins Donors included Center for the Arts and the Outpost. the Hutchinson has begun investon Center for the board We like the signs and ing in old structure Arts and its partner Ambassadors, Hutchins s the the new organizations to on Rotary, color choice. And and the former Episcopa Depot develop these things American Legion, My parents moved we appreciate the Masonic Temple here. They are to Duluth in l church hard work shown however, I would the crux to expandin Lodge 59, Independ the early 1980s. At by the like to encourage that time, ent Order of g the tourist who took on the project citizens trade. Odd Fellows, 3M, manufacturing companie Duluths the citizens and business I. B. Burich Family and found leaders to s were donors to pay for also look into how Foundation and Hutchins closing down, empty Duluth hasnt gained it. they buildings all on ComOne question we structures and groups can help turing industry back its manufacmunity Foundation. along the freeway asked of Mr. and around the The city is also to where it was become Olson Inn strong forces to draw in the 1970s. It is still kicking in a little more canal of Lake Superior ARSHALL was: Why does the sign carry people into the working on than were comnDEPEnDEnT$1,000, only the name of community. that. However, it is but not contribut mon. Duluths waterfron the city? Why isnt ing any labor to thankful it did t looked it like have the foresight project. The money very different then. One organization UESDAy EBfor athe that signs in other communities and vision to look that is at the is paying heart of this is the at what was then, announce Welcome private contractor The Duluth mayor Hutchinson Cennew to do to Glenand City Councoe or Welcome ter for the Arts. While plored. Today, tourism and unexblasting and painting the sandcil decided to look to Cosmos or to a new industry many have on-site, as well somethin probably thought helping that city thrive.is what is as miscellaneous to help rejuvenate g similar to that? of it as a place to repairs. it. That This can also Even tiny Darwin go to see art hanging be done here. The was not going to require industry We think the broad managed to unification of city, on walls or to base of supnew strucsqueeze take classes, it is really businesses nonprofit port is characteristic tures, necessarily, but remodel, s and individuof Hutchinsons entrancea few more words on its a lot has become the collective more. It als through Hutchins can do attitude revamp and tear down signs a few years ago toward such projon Center for old ones. It collabora- the by proclaiming, If you tion of many organizat ects. People here also expected the Arts could do exciting lived rally around projcity to look at what things for youd already be home. in Darwin, improve the visibility ions to this community. ects like this and figure was unique about itself and capitalof the arts in out a way to Mr. Olsons response this community. It get them done. ize on that. It took On June 1, the Hutchins was as simple seeks to team up investment from on Center as the Hutchinson with businesses and of the Arts will be city, businesses and But why the change signs message. having its annual individuals to individuals to Were concise. he sponsor many exciting fundraising event, working together The idea was to make blue? said. Not curt. with The Night of the it the same Just concise. draw people to come events to Arts. Come, learn vision. So what was the same more about the this new indusvisit Hutchinson. RiverSong is organization and try that was started a fine example. what it has to offer. in the 1980s and Consider it an opportun now has put the city The Smithsonian magazine did a on the map not ity to help segment on Hutchins only for CHEERS & JEERoodbye for now, and good riddance, no Child world? the United States, but for the to visit. Whatthe 10 best small towns cial placeons future growth as a speto visit. did they all have in S Readers praise and common? Arts and Left Behind. criticism the cultural events to was one of 10 states to get Cheers and many thanks to the minnesota week to scrap easily one of the thank unidentified good go-ahead last you to the law enforcem Samaritans who ent manpersonnel who arrived education offered their assistanc most frowned upon federal at theteach to the e ONLINE READER to assist, the Hutchins husbands motorcyc following my nCLB forced teachers to scene dates in America. Health make the gradeArea tagged a le accident on on it was POLL Views from www.hutc Mothers Day. For didnt your test and if a schoolstaff. Care Ambulanone thing, giving hinsonleader.com an F is ce and ER readers we are forever grateful. assistance, failure. Giving our schools g all the circumstances, A special Mike for them that F without considerin and Kathy Silvernale the of our schools are, was,

H

The fresh repainting and overall sprucin g up of the Hutchinson entrance signs is a symbol of how city leader s want to welcom e visitors

Bold, blue welcome

Teachers deserve a fai r deal

or be faced with a Hutchinson hulking mass of incompleteness. to look at the big picture. Lets entertain that thought In my opinion, there Thirdly, they state, Businesses will for flaws in Reps. Shimanskare several enjoy an enhanced Heres whats not going a moment. environment. away letter to the Hutchinso i and Urdahls What exactly does the problems in our that n schools and lished May 20, detailing Leader pubhere in rural Minnesot mean out cities and the deteriora a? And that we ting roads voted for the Vikings why they will capture revenue and infrastructure stadium. in our state. The that otherwise may have gone to vote for the stadium First, they state, Citizens tribal casinos and is wont pay a single penny so on. So now were than proof of misplace nothing more for the stadium. hoping to divert d priorities. But they fail to tell revenue from one Wouldnt you have us thats only if area all liked to see everything works Whos going to make to another? such a spirited debate out perfectly. At up that shortand additionthe end of the day, fall? The taxpayers al funding for our the . schools? Because hook. And that means state is on the while the jury is out Fourthly, they state, on taxpayers. That the plain fact is this issue not any stadium has whether or Secondly, they state, been worth the The was not going will absorb any construct team to disappear until investment, everyone we had a stadium can ion-cost overruns and also deal in place and money spent on educationagree that pay for any that, is money enhancements. What Target Field, someday Just as with well spent. guarantees do we will look we have that will back on this new The only thing I can happen? Can you stadium and know point to any construct we made the right reading the represent think of after decision by buildion projects atives' letter is you know of that ing it. I have more Rep. Urdahls recent come on time and bad admission of on budget? If the hope is not a strategy. news why he really voted team for the stadium. pay, guess what? The cant or wont The representatives Rep. Urdahl didnt taxpayers will say building the opened their be on the hook to address with Sometim Viking's stadium was finish the stadium the right thing es we need to to step back from the do. He said, This legislative issue was a vote to help preserve our majority.

From Colin Clark

Motive for supportin g stadium plan question ed

Dailies under 10,0007 Entries

First Place: Marshall Independent Nice, succinct summary of the issues that matter in your community. Great mix of editorial board, staff and community viewpoints. Second Place: The Daily Journal, Fergus Falls Great job holding the community accountable with strong editorials. Third Place: Mesabi Daily News, Virginia Lots of great entry points and opportunities of offer views. Good mix of voices.

Arts: A good draw for Hutchinson

4AI T

,m . -m , F . 14, 2012

G

The only failure is NCLB itself

EDITORIAL

OPInIOn

Kaity the law was simply Lyons forced to teach to the test; parIn the coming weeks, parents said schools were the stigma associated with Leader readers will new byline. Kaity notice ents werent pleased about Lyons, a 2010 graduatio called a failure because it didnt meet a Hutchinson High n their school being of wanted more control School and standards; states said they University, is writing federaljunior at Bemidji State stories as she explores students, and teachers are graded. use her English major over how schools, ways to simand Spanish minor. have their wish, but they cant The current Im interested in Well, states now the publishing aspect, got a pass. Its now up to Is the Minnesota question is: thinkingsince Im home this summer, and theyve ply sit back, Department of Education I thought Id try to implement their respective guidelines, ment s new measurewriting) to see how these 10 states (newspaper has a good plan in the works than tool helping you understand school performan I like it, she said. the former measurem minnesota ce better You can read her t continues to ent tool used under firstand we think story about retiring No Child Left umpire Fred Haffley that will benefit schools as the governmen level. In- Behind? softball in todays sports section. to nCLB at the federal will debate major reform schools in label,Kaity Lyons minnesota

LEADER INTER will argue that nCLB had major . Teachers and Few N Meet unfair and unrealistic

like how diverse some most part, unfair.

flaws and that

What do you think

Reader poll question50% 35% 15%

of the Vikings stadium

funding deal? Total votes: 213

It works for me I hate it I have no strong feelings about it

stead of the pass-fail categories: Reward, Priornow be put in one of three 15 percent of schools get the be desity, and Focus. The top bottom 5 percent would Reward label, and the the 10 percent of schools ignated as Priority. Finally, achievement gap in minnesota that most contribute to the schools and would be would be targeted as Focus districts and the state to their charged with working with ming student groups, inaddress the needs of low-perfor from low-income famiminority students, those factors that were cluding students lies, and special education ignored under nCLB. and isnt messing The state knows were watching date of six years target around its put an aggressive nt gap by 50 percent. for schools to close the achieveme tell. There might be Time will Is this a perfect system? pale in comparison to the insome bugs, but they would Left Behind. festation known as no Child

T

options Questions about power

PUBLIC FORUm

To the editor: cheaper power options ConReading the Feb. 2 Cleaner, the impression the Energy for Otter Tail letter, I get for Clean Up the River Envisultant and Policy analyst ntalist who wants to and ronment (CURE) is an environme power plants at Big Stone folshut down the coal fired to natural gas, for the Hoot Lake unless they convert lowing reasons: ly rise in the to significant 1. Coal prices are forecast customer and investor pockcoming years. and so protect etbooks. 2. To protect public health. for the man from And so I have a few questions

CURE: item 1 on? 1. On what data do you base pollution control equip2. Do you have data on the on installing at those power ment that Ottertail plansquantity of pollutants that will be plants? And what is the the equipment is installed? released into the air after risks to us, due to pollutants 3. What are the health power plants are finished? after the upgrades to the Phil Drietz Delhi

CONTACTING YOUR LEGISLATORSState Senate

20 years. Forma l plans have yet to exist, at least on paper. The only specific expansion plans took shape in 1996 Good morning, St. when MnDOT Cloud and area govern area. ments began focusElliott wanted to Twelve years ago, ing on a connection make one between I-94 thing clear: While was one of the first the Times and Highway 10 we seek news orgainput from local by replacing the nizations to give coaches for readers the Minnesota Highw each sport and we ability to post comme ay 24 bridge bereceive nts on their recommendatio tween Clearwater news stories on its website. ns, and Clear Lake. make the final decision we In the spirit of online Witnesss this Times s. chat Our View So what factors rooms, readers were from October of enter into those decisions? 1997: Improve ted to post comme permitnt JOHN BODETTE links from I-94 to Performance during mously. The person anonyHighway 10 to EXECUTIVE EDITOR the season, not potentia reduce traffic, the comment (they who made which stressed the become mance in college l perforthe publisher of importance of this or beyond. the comment, project, then pro How well each not the Times) didnt jected to cost at athlete did and the talent on promot most $50 million use his or her real have to the rest of . name. What with e discussion of issues Of course, such the team. Some followed was an civility. transportation upaccomplishoften intense ments may have grades seldom happe debate here and This is the directio been tougher nationally on n quickly, and to do with a weak need to go, Johnson n we allowing anonym this project appear team. ous posts. said. s no different. The level of compet We arent alone Since then, we made Witness this Times in this efition many the athlete faced. fort. All Gannett efforts to bring Our Accomnewspa civility to 10 years later: High View almost plishments in Class and broadcast propert per story posts. Our way 24 work is most recent AA may have been more vital to future of use Facebook comme ies will effort was to add meaningful our region. The 24/7 nts. The because of the level Times is a Gannet tion of report abuse moderaJune 11, 2006, piece t newspaper. petition of comalerts expressed supby off-site monitor To help readers than in Class A, port for a prefer in this s. if all other things are change, we have red route for this However, we still equal. online receive new connection; to help answer questio links Year in school. encouragement the price tag by from many A senior ns. Yes, may get an edge then had risen to you will need to people to do more be registered about $150 million to make other factors are again if all with Facebook to people identify themse . And that brings nearly equal post us to today. The over an underc ments. Go to www.fa comwhen posting comme lves lassman. draft MnDOT study cebook. nts. com to register. Elliott also made discussed last It is quick, week highlights that in the end it the point easy and free. If Facebook how the is subjecyou dont regtive. He likened connection has cleare proposed ister with Facebo Last week, we announ it to political ok, you wont d most of the endorsements. Some be able to post on that Facebook registra ced necessary steps. sctimes. people All thats needed may disagree and be required for people tion will com. But you dont is the $242 million make an exhave to cellent case that register again on for the project. comments on Times to post it is a wrongour site. content Yes, $242 million headed decision starting Wednes We also have a link for a connec. day. to FAQs tion originally set about the Facebo A final question this wont elimina While ok was te to cost $50 mildont we have All-Are why process and items comment or uncivil comme abusive lion. to rememnts, it should a teams in all sports? The ber. Please read help people get a answer is the important But it is bound to better idea based partly on information. of the identity of get even more the the author of expensive. MnDO ness of the coaches willingthe comment. When the change T leaders say making nominationsto help in funding for the connec Wednesday, all the is made We still will have comments for the a way for tion wont tea on

or the right of the peaceably to assemble, it wont be people and to petition the Contact Opinion are be- contraception someday, Pagepromfor a redress of grievance government also intended to protect religious soon. For now the bishops e. When Editor Randy Krebsend. Its that imost Americans can s. at 255-8762 lievers from state interferenc or rkrebs@s the ising a fight totcloudtim which religious hardly believe were es.com. the state insists that onesanothers, portant to them, a fact ofCatholic having a national debeliefs be supplanted by , then Obama was well aware. bate about birth conoutrage, in this case by secularism leaders are justified in their Obama trol in the 21st argue that the state is eswho helped those might one century more than tablishing a religion in contravention especially care reform and now feel with health avail50 years after The Pill became beof the Constitutions intent? acts betrayed. able and decades after condoms The new health care reform Exhibit A: Sister Carol Keehan, well, came as commonplace as, Catholic Health Associamandate that Catholic institutions birth con- CEO of the care balloons. pay for insurance to cover drugs is tion, who supported the health that St. nt Obama The reason for the incredulity a 103 State Office Building, trol and even abortifacie act with assurances from having 94 OUR VIEW because were actually not To repeat: (aka morning-after pills) runs Senate office phone: 651-296-50 Catholics rights of conscience l te.mn debate about birth control. of condeeply contrary to fundamenta that would be protected, despite criticism E-mail: sen.gary.kubly@sena leaders. The debate is about freedom Catholic teaching. The argument CHARLES KRAUTH underfrom many other Catholic AMMER Pill. this science. It aint about The is signifimany Catholic women ignore WASHINGTON POST She has now met the crowded comepisode B: particular church This particular WRITERS GROUP side of Obamas bus. Exhibitwho admandment is a non secant because the Obama Archbishop Timothy Dolan, Advertising: 8 a.m.5 Obama in quitur. The church has ministration has provided had a private meeting with said he nDEPEnDEnT p.m. weekdays. rates: By consistently stood by this the narrowest conscience november, after which he rule. Subscription Volume 152, number 138 teaching. Catholics comprotection in our nations was hopeful about the final carrier or by mail in Lyon mit adultery and lie, too, Established 1873 history, according to legal Headlines to that effect unleashed County and adjoining s public rela(507) 537-1551 but they dont want or exexperts who are challenging counties, $137.80 for 52 to condone Planned Parenthood tions rule. We blog pect the church the administra Publisher weeks, $76.70 for 26 tions whirlwind, prompting cave 13 those actions. have a long tradition in this weeks, $39.65 for one Russell D. Labat, ext. 107 headlines such as Will Obama Although Catholic country of working around Editor weeks, $15.20 for one to Catholic bishops? churches and their direct religious differences so that Per Peterson, ext. 126 month or $11.45 for All Apparently not. viohave employees are exempt Advertising Manager people are not forced to month with E.Z. Pay. is Obamas calculation must a women who Tara Brandl, ext. 116 from the new rule, all late their religion to satisfy other mail in minnesota been that there are more the Circulation Manager $200.20 for 52 weeks, secular mandate. This is ATHLEEn those other Catholic-spon- want insurance coverage for birth Julie michelson, ext. 117 for 26 weeks, the debate. entities, from $100.10 sored essence of control than there are obedient and Office Manager won ARKER $50.05 for 13 weeks And schools to hospitals to To women who merely Catholics. Although Obama nonvote $16.70 for one month. is Last week the Minne Jane Sovell SynDICATED COLUmnIST charities that employ want help paying for birth with 54 percent of the Catholic Creative Services outside of minnesotaAll Catholics, have to comply control, this may seem an ment of Transportatio sota DepartManager WASHINGTON last time, he may have miscalcuREADERS VIEW Estimates monolithic $210.60 for 52 weeks. n gathered obnoxiously silly discussion. worth Deb Johnson or pay prohibitive fines. Iowa minus one lated. Women are not a Its Catholic is with some local subscriptions are nonre- S month, noted. But the larger issue personal folks Production/Press are that notre Dame University,as vote, and evenanothersomeand barring yet though at fundable. member of the Manager freight transportatio to talk about paying attention to even Religious rules resurwhich hosted President Obama women may disagree with respect it rection, or someth and Audit Bureau of Circula- not inconvenience. That inconvenience, do n. The impetus Terry Zinnel speaker in 2009 love commencement for the meeting belong in our laws have church, they still theing of They tion. way affects the be permanent. similar it serves poor. is a draft MnDO by the way, neednt beliefs providing against howls of protest, would and how improbability, its and T Hours: Cir- The Independent (USPS problem of of custom$10 million in annual fines. study aimed at buildin Christians or I would is a to respond Department The immediate any other reli-afto pay s of many Europeancontrol, Mitt like Obama, birth control to may Romney versus g the case for ques- 330960)like legal newsdelivery want gious group. Membe cant Gingrich. In a match Newt birth control to those who the gov- countries where you speeding how quicklculation (for problems): 7 the Nov. 27 Your daily to Thats some expensive birth Democrats, but they dont paper published Turn Rederace, and y freight can groups will continu rs ford it can be massaged of such be married by a state must dol- heres the scoreca see their church beaten up. ves baby. except Sunday and three be shipped betwe tions p.m. weekdays, 7 fining marriageIndepend- to will lead rd. e isa.m.5 ernment can hand out contraceptiin and church weddin billions of the right to define to have And were talking official many consequences. en the Twin Cities Romney has manage These are tough, emotional holidays by the case we to the gs their own d I fully and St. Cloud, and a.m.11 a.m. Saturdays.agreeat P.O. Box 411, marto the poor as is already But the lowed,worth of recogniare al- down, to weather sure. But consider that lars but not lost services rules that affect sues, to be the debates because beyond. Sundays. For deliv- ent withminn. 56258. the title, but little shut only their zed Closed some states, for instance.is one of poor if creation law. The Catholic charities byespeshall, membe unscathed. Howev marchfreedom allow even nazis to The study notes be-else in the of al chaos, religious liberty ery ically er, the specifof newspaper, calla.m. IEntered article. as periodicals issue of rs. That is freedom that of as entity we believe so fervently in legal well as educationa separate how religion. would like to point freight trucks on al principles 7 a.m. and 10 called a civil union where Catholic brittleness he .showed believe at tween cities paid out Interstate 94 be-noon and 1 every case at marshall, that those foundation revision. of expression We should forcially in inner provide the only stabil- when confronted freedom of conin postage same-sex couples There is no reason News: 9 a.m. to isnt really up for tween St. Cloud with the does not schools often forchurch fulfill 4 mn 56258. least as strongly in weekdays, liberalization: of civil rights of them to attempt to include kind of informed for Catholics sake, and the Twin Cities the need because Send address p.m. to midnight As to the separationthose ity in poor childrens lives. the our science, not onlyfollow-up Sundays. Postmaster there have been travel an averag t, rulesstate argument that church crit- laws already define extensive consequ p.m. changes to Independen and in law, which would e speed ofto midnight Whatever the odds are that on questions that Bret Baier many but also for our own. ences. limit Saturdays. Closed49 to 54 mph during peak other peoples freedom mind that advantages forchange its position tossed his way Tuesday GrantingBox 411, marshall, P.O. citizenship ics keep raising, keep in ing was church may married driving hours. . This Business office: 8 a.m.5 vote) to562580411. right simply reaffirm couples and it creates Foxs Speci