Tuesday, April 24, 2007

April 24, 2007 - Tuesday - Grafton, ND

Even if your on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit
there.
-----------------------
The current temperature is 50 degrees.
Yesterdays H/L temperature was 68/43
Normal H/L temp for this date is 59/34
The high on this date in 1990 was 80 degrees. Now that,... was global
warming.
==============================
====
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
==================================
L O C A L news & stuff,.. mostly stuff.
------------------------
Graftons local radio station, KXPO, should be commended for there
efforts in suggesting "we" shop at home whenever possible. For the past
several days, if not longer, I have enjoyed hearing "our" local radio
station promote "shopping at home" and, the value that small communities
can obtain by doing so.
I might also point out that the suggestion applies to every community
not just "ours". Thanks a million KXPO!!!
------------------------
For those that truly believe competition is good, and, that everyone
benefits from it. You might try convincing the folks in Park River of
that. Rumor, has it, one of their Doctors will be leaving Park River and
going to the new medical facility in Grand Forks. The one that claims it
won't effect Altru, or any of the surrounding areas medical facilities.
They (the new facility) say they will only be intercepting patients that
would be going on to Fargo,... of farther. YAH RIGHT.
-----------------------
We attended Grafton High Schools Grand March Saturday evening the
annual prelude to the dance. I was especially proud to watch our
grandson (Nick) two granddaughters (Jenny & Krystal) and a nephew
(Justin) participate with their dates. Let it suffice to say that the
hour I spent watching the young representatives of our community and
surrounding area was exceptionally gratifying. It should also be noted
that their dress and demeanor was nothing short of exceptional.
All of those involved in the evenings success are to be commended,..
highly.
++++
Chris sent the following note in regard to the prom. >>> Gary,
I am writing in reference to this year's prom at Grafton High School.
Hats off to the junior class and prom committee for organizing such a
great prom.
Thanks also to Mr. Albrecht, Mr. Fetsch, Mrs. Fetsch, Mr. Paul Bina, and
everyone else that helped put on this year's prom.
It went very well, and was well organized. Such a great crowd too.
Thank you Gary for all you do with the 'Skeeterville Gazette' in the
Spring, and the 'Shivercity Gazette' in the winter.
Chris Larson <<< Thanks a million for caring and sharing Chris. I
can't close without mentioning how wonderful you and your date looked
that evening as well Chris. And, I must admit, you look alot different
in a tux than when your behind a microphone at a hockey game.
------------------------
The other day I mention Bob Levos (on his birthday) and, received the
following note. >>> Gary, within a very broad range, probably no matter
how much you compliment Bob Levos you could not overdue it. It is fair
to say that Bob's tenure at American Crystal has resulted in millions
and millions of more dollars to the Red River Valley. Maybe others would
have come up with these ideas, but what we know is Bob did. Thanks, Bob.
I have been on a few boards that have conducted a "nationwide search"
when looking for a new employee. Here is what I have observed. The
people who have been the most successful have been from here (ND and NW
MN). In colleges in the past just think of Loftsgaard at NDSU and
Clifford at UND. Just watch what will happen now with Gary Hagen at
Mayville, and John Richmond at Wahpeton. At Crystal it was Al Bloomquist
who made the transition to the coop work. Even though Horvath is from
Milwaukee I am sure it was working with people from here that has made
him the successful president he has been, and I expect the same from
Dave Berg. We very seldom need a nationwide search. We raise, or at
least teach, our own.
Ralph Kingsbury <<< Thanks a million Ralph. I should point out, as it
was to me, yhat no-one individual in an organization "makes or breaks
it". I mentioned some of the areas Bob played a significant roll in. Of
course others were involved, however, the 17th was Bobs birthday and
that was the day to remember his participation in the company that I
too, spent so many years of my life with.
----------------------
As expected, Wal-Mart rumors continue to abound. >>> Hi Gary,
I am not an expert, so please don't use my name but I think Grafton
should go for Wal Mart.However, I hope that your "planning
commission" will be very involved before a permit is given to them.
The plus side of Wal Mart will be added employment, additional taxes,
and they do sponsor local events. (I believe that a certain
percentage of their profits are returned to the community. Hey, maybe
new baseball jerseys!) One thing that is nice for your senior
citizens, is that at Christmas they have the store open for seniors
only,they help you chose gifts for the grandchildren and even gift
wrap them for you, while you arehaving coffee. And at an
extradiscount! Theplanning commission in my town limited the
square footage for groceries so as not tobecompetition for the
markets. They carry a very small variety of food items but it is nice
for the customer to be able to pickup that one iteminstead of
having to go to the market for it.We do not have a gas station; we
do have a optical department which is leased to a local eye doctor.
As we didn't have ashoe store when it was built,Wal Mart has a
pretty big shoe department. So my opinion is to work with them so
they will be an addition to Grafton and not a competitive store. Our
city resisted it for several years, now that it is here, I have heard no
complaints against it. But your city officials have to be
the"leaders" and Wal Mart has to be the "follower". <<< Thanks a
million for caring and sharing. So far, we haven't even heard if our
city leaders are for, or against a Wal-Mart.
++++
You might be able to guess which side this note leans. >>> Don't use my
name please.....
I'm all for Wal-Mart-- it would keep people from driving to Grand
Forks and attract a lot of the small town people (Cavalier, Langdon,
Park River, Fordville, Drayton, St Thomas).... it's a good thing. I
think it would attract more business and increase the business of our
current ones! <<< This one too, is self explanatory.
--------------------------
Speaking of birthdays. Today (Tuesday) is the day that Dan Gowan
celebrates the anniversary of his birth. I have had the pleasure of
working with Dan for a great many years. At a time when I truly needed
someone that I could rely on to tell me what they thought and not what
they thought I wanted to hear. Dan Gowan was there. Whenever a helping
hand or additional effort, was needed. Dan Gowan was there. Whenever my
inabilities would appear, Dan would appear there too.
For those reasons and a myriad more, I wish my good friend and fellow
sugar tramp Dan Gowan a HAPPY BIRTHDAY.
Though I received the following quote from my good friend Howard
Wendelbo. It most certainly applies to Dan Gowan as well. EACH OF US
IS A VITAL THREAD IN ANOTHERPERSON'S TAPESTRY;
OUR LIVES ARE WOVEN TOGETHER FOR A REASON.
One of the best things to hold onto in this world is a friend.
-------------------------
There is still time to enter the Annual Firefighters Calendar Drawing.
Please do. Unfortunately, as I understand it, the general participation
in this years drawing is down significantly from previous years. If you
happen to find a spare twenty dollar bill, or two, and wonder where it
could go that it would really help. My son and his fellow volunteer
firefighters would really appreciate being considered. 368 drawing for a
total of $11,520 in cash prizes.
==================================
GOTTA - GO - WORK - ON - MY - DASH
==================================


Write if you can, call if you can't, and, tell your loved ones they are,
before it's too late.

No comments: