Wednesday, January 31, 2007

January 31, 2007 - Wednesday in Grafton, ND

Todays Gazette is brought to you by The colon, (:). Not just any old
colon, but, (pardon the pun), the colon that personifies "the
introducer." The colons primary function, in layman terms, is to
introduce a long quotation. Unfortunately, there is another type of
"colon", the one that Is often associated with the process of
flatulence. :-)
-----------------------
The current temperature is 3 degrees.
Yesterdays H/L temperature was 9/-13
Normal H/L temp on this date is 17/-2
It's not always this cold here. On this date in 1993 it was 40
degrees,.. above.
==================================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
"Smoking makes ignorance visible."
==================================
L O C A L news & stuff,.. mostly stuff.
------------------------
Michelle Schumacher sent the following "update" on Joanie Silewski's
Benefit.
>>> Subject: Joanie's benefit
You and all of your reader's are wondering how the benefit for Joanie
Silewski turned out. All I can say is WOW. People who speak bad of
small town's should think twice about what they say. When you live in
a small town and there is a tragedy in a family it is amazing how the
whole community will get together and help this family out. From all of
the donations to all of the help it is amazing. Like Joanie said "I did
not realize how many people cared about me" From Wally's donating ALL
of the food to Susie and her staff doing all they did to help at
Marketplace, This benefit was a big success! I loved the fact
that Joanie and her family were able to be there. That was not the
plan at first. We all did not think she would be here for the
benefit. But, she had a talk with her doctors and they said it would
be ok for her to be there. I also would like to thank everyone that
helped out not only with the benefit but with the thoughts and
prayers they are sending to Joanie and her family. She has a long
road ahead of her and I hope the prayers will continue to flow her way.
Mickey <<< Thanks a million for caring and sharing Mickey
------------------------
Question of the day: Can you translate the following quote? "Du
sublime au ridicule il n'y a qu'un pas."
-------------------------
I received the following "comment" after mentioning the effect Mexican
food has when I eat it. >>> Hi Gary
Just read your Gazette, laughed very hard, and you made my day!!
Next time I see you eating Mexican food, I WILL make sure I'm sitting
across the room and not by you!!!! Love it. Take care. <<< Thanks a
million for caring and sharing. The next time you see me eating Mexican
food,... I... will be sitting across the room.
-------------------------
I don't think the following note relates to any of Grafton's
Supermarkets. Then again I suppose anything is possible. My friend Lloyd
shared this story.
Subject: SUPERMARKET ENVIRONMENTAL SIMULATION
The new Supermarket near our home has installed an automatic water
mister to keep the produce fresh. Just before it goes on, you hear the
sound of distant thunder and the smell of fresh rain. When you approach
the milk cases, you hear cows mooing and experience the scent of
freshly-mowed hay.
When you approach the egg case, you hear hens cluck and the air is
filled
with the pleasing aroma of frying bacon and eggs.
The veggie department features the appealing odor of freshly buttered
corn. ---
--- I don't buy toilet paper there any more.
Lloyd Hanson <<<<
Thanks a million for caring and sharing Lloyd. I'm not sure,
however, I don't think those "features" have reached small town America
yet.
------------------------
It seems like everyone complains about the problems of the day. No-one
seems to ever come up with solutions. Until now, anyway. Ron sent us the
following "solution". He wrote: THIS CAME FROM A MEMBER OF OUR COAST
GUARD AUXILIARY FLOTILLA AT WHITNEY LAKE AND THOUGHT I WOULD SEND IT OUT
TO SEE IF YOU ALL THINK IT MIGHT WORK!
Everyone concentrates on the problems we're having in this country
lately: illegal immigration, hurricane recovery, wild animals
attacking humans in Florida.
Not me, I concentrate on solutions to problems. The result is a
win-win situation:
+ Dig a moat the length of the Mexican border
+Use the dirt to raise the levies in New Orleans
+Put the Florida alligators in the moat.
Any other problems you would like for me to solve today? <<< Thanks
a million for caring and "curing" Ron. Let us know when you release the
alligators.
-------------------------
I am pleased welcome Linda (Fisher) Cariveau to the Gazette family. I
am especially pleased that she included such a wonderful note with her
request.
Linda wrote: >>>> Hi Gary, I am writing to request the Shivercity
Gazette. I have had my mother Donna Fisher or my sister Tami Byzewski
send it to me. It has some great info and jogs some great memories. My
name is Linda (Fisher) Cariveau. You may remember me as a snot nosed kid
at the end of the block? Eventually grew up and did some babysitting for
you and Patty. I remember those days on Summit Ave., playing with
Curtis and Cathy Shablow and having their "Umma" make our afternoon
snacks, having a "crush" on the cute Kirchoffner boys, running with the
Barr girls (6 of them if I remember right), watching Dennis Czapiewski
"peel" out of his driveway, and playing dress up with Elaine. I remember
the Watkins family and the fire at Gail Freedlands from the electric
blanket being left on. Having that big bully Charles Fredrickson
throwing snowballs at me. Brad Flem across from us (he was cute too).
I'm trying to remember that gal that lived on the same block as
Czapiewski's I think she was from Germany? Was her name Hermena? I think
she was a cook at the Country Kitchen? Well those were the days. Now,
I live in the country near Wolverton MN, continue to be happily married
for 27 years, (to the same guy). I am an RN. A clinical Coordinator on
the Oncology unit at MeritCare Hospital in Fargo and have two daughters
19 and 21. Thank You in advance for sending me the Shivercity Gazette.
Linda Cariveau <<< Thanks a million for caring and sharing Linda,
and welcome to the Gazette family. The only snot nosed kid I ever
remember on Summit Ave. was me. Although,.. if I remember right. Mike
Staffne, Ron Radford, Jim Misialek, Bob Barr and Darrel Brateng were
trying to "teach" me how to "chew snoose". And,.. a few seconds after
they convinced me I should swallow,... instead of spit. I had both ends
running. If you know what I mean? Aren't memories wonderful?
==================================
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.

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

January 30, 2007 - Tuesday in Grafton, ND

Todays Gazette is being brought to you by AIDA's FAMILY RESTAURANT.
======= ( EL MOLCAJETE) =======
~ Located on the North End of Hill Ave ~
----------------------
The current temperature is -1 degrees.
Yesterdays H/L temperature was 13/-5
Normal H/L temp for this date is 17/-3
It was cold enough last night to freeze the milk on a cats whiskers.
==================================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
"Smoking makes ignorance audibe."
==================================
L O C A L news & stuff,.. mostly stuff.
----------------------
Obviously the folks at AIDA's Mexican Family Restaurant were just
trying out their new "OPEN" signs the other day. According to their
advertisement in Mondays Weekly Source. They are officially opening
"TODAY" Tuesday, January 30th.
The city of Grafon now offers two (2) official Mexican Food
restaurants. And, of course we shouldn't forget the fabulous South of
the Border dishes offered at JR's Bar in Oakwood, every Wednesday night.
I'm not really into Mexican food, most of it turns my behind into a blow
torch, however,.. I've been told, by those that know, JR's Burritos are
the best you can get,... north of the border..(the south one)
-----------------------
If your the kind of person that believes memories are wonderul. Your
also the kind of person interested in preserving memories of the past,
for those in the future. Heritage Village does just that. I am please to
share the following note from Heritage Village regarding their last
"fund-raising" venture at Generations.
>> Heritage Village Fish Fry Fundraiser <<
Gary,
Heritage Village Board members are very pleased with the turnout of the
1st ever Fish Fry Fund-raiser that was held in the lower lever of
Generations, Fri. Jan 26.
We served about 140. Actually, we ran out of Walleye. We had no idea
of how many to prepare for. Next time we will try for a larger crowd. We
hope to run another one in March. A big thank you to all who donated
time and items for this event. Without the support of our dedicated
board and all the businesses who donated items for this, this would not
have been possible for us to do.
Thank you again, and hope to see you in March. I will email you when we
have established a date.
Thank you
Heritage Village Board of Directors <<<
Thanks a million for caring and sharing.
--------------------------
Caring and sharing is the foundation upon which the Gazette was
started. It cleanses the soul and eases the mind.
With that in mind, I am pleased to join John and Agnes sharing their
memories.
>>> Good morning Gary... I am writing IN MEMORY of OUR DEAR Daughter.
She passed away 20 years ago today (TUESDAY, Jan. 30th). Her name was
RACHEL LYNN BEIER, she was only 16 years old. It was a brain aneurysm so
she left us and this world with no warning. She was an "A" student, in
band, a cheer leader, and a majorette. She worked 2 part time jobs (Getz
Rexall Drug & Granny's), I'm sure many will remember this SAD time. She
left her young brother (Darrin) behind, they were so close. Life has had
it's up and downs since then in our lives, BUT is on the right track
now. Just wanted to share this today as it seems at times like only
yesterday. Thanks for letting me share this. RACHEL'S MOTHER,
Agnes Beier <<<
Thank you so much for caring and sharing Agnes. Our thoughts and
prayers are with you, on this very special day.
------------------------
Speaking of caring and sharing. I received a wonderul letter and a
super contribution from Ron LaMont. Ron has found a way to contribute to
two fantastic local organizations. Thanks a million Ron. 5 Grafton Area
Volunteer Firefighters tickets have been purchased, in the name of The
Lutheran Sunset Home, courtesy of Ron LaMont. Already, all three are
winners, and, I hope that trend continues.
ALSO,.. I received a check in the mail requesting two tickets be
purchased in the Grafton Area Volunteer Firefighters name, in memory of
a special person. I was also asked to not include the names in the
Gazette. Of course, I will honor that request as well. However, I'll
never forget those wonderful individuals either.
-------------------------
I received a special request from the subscription department, (me). I
would really appreciate a little more information than just a email
address for those wishing the Gazette. A name (a real one) address AND,
if possible a little bit about you would be fantastic. If you prefer I
not welcome you "personally" in the Gazette, that's fine, it happens
often.
Without a name and address, it does get difficult trying to figure out
the right letter to use in my rolodex. If you know what I mean.
==================================
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.

Monday, January 29, 2007

January 29, 2007 - Monday in Grafton, ND

Todays Gazette is brought to you, in spite of it's inequities.
---------------------
The current temperature is 6 degrees.
Yesterdays H/L temperature was 17/-17
Normal H/L temp on this date is 17/-3
We are presently under a "winter weather advisory".
If yesterday wasn't the coldest day of the year,.... it sure felt like
it.
==================================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
"Smoking makes ignorance audible."
==================================
L O C A L news & stuff,.. mostly stuff.
-----------------------
What a difference a day makes.... I think there was a song with a
title like that. Then too, there's "What a difference a word makes". I
don't think there was a song like that. I am sure, however, that often a
word certainly does make a difference.
Take the word "not" for instance. According to Webster, the word 'not'
is an elementary expression of negation. Obviously, I'm not in any
position to dispute Webster about anything. Certainly 'not' about the
definition of the word 'not'.
However, when I sent out a note from Sue Matcha, Walsh County Records
Social Editor, the other day I inadvertently "omitted" a 'NOT'. SO,....
let me set "my record" (pardon the pun) straight byinserting a "NOT" in
the proper spot.
Sue said, and, I should have sent. >>>The Record still provides many
"FREE SERVICES" to our readers. We do "NOT" charge for obituaries or
wedding, engagement, new arrival and first birthday announcements as
many other area newspapers now do. <<<
Please forgive me Sue, for not putting the 'not' in the proper spot.
----------------------
Rumor has it that the former Gillespie Meat Market building is off the
market again. Most of us remember Gillespie's as the main street meat
market owned and operated by the two butchers named Butch. Then Mark
McGregor purchased the business and but his mark on the butchers block
(pardon the pun). Then Mark "moved on" and the building was taken over
by the Grandy Travel Agency. Now, if the rumor is correct, Grandy's
Travel Agency will make way for yet another kind of agency. We can only
hope the "new owner" has travel insurance. (That too, may or may "not"
be a pun)
Or, so it seems to me.
-------------------------
===== HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! =====
It seems like only yesterday that Dr. J. R. Gaustad celebrated his
birthday. It wasn't, however, because his birthday is TODAY, Monday
January 29.
Happy Birthday Dr. Gaustad. You don't look a day older, than you did a
year ago when you celebrated the anniversary of you birth.
------------------------
So far, I haven't heard the results from any of the benefits held in
our community over the weekend. I'd be very surprised if most folks
aren't interested in knowing.
Once again, I must extend my families sincere gratitude to Susan
(Hagen) Corneillie and the entire staff of Market Place on 8th for
opening their hearts and facilities for the benefit of so many.
Often, I'm afraid, folks forget the significant cost and burden
incurred when places like the MarketPlace donate their time, talents and
their facilities for so many "worthwhile" community functions.
It would behoove us all to remember how important the MarketPlace is to
"our" area, when we are looking for a place to dine or entertain.
--------------------------
Speaking of benefits, participation and gratitude. We would like to
express our sincere appreciation to Susan Conway for participating in
this years Annual Grafton Area Volunteer Firefighters Calendar Drawing.
Thanks a million Susan, for helping our local firefighters be all they
can be. Your 2007 Grafton Firefighters Drawing ticket is in the mail.
==================================
GOTTA - GO - WORK - ON - MY - DASH
==================================
"If you don't tell me, I won't know. If I don't know, I won't tell
you."


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

Saturday, January 27, 2007

January 27, 2007 - Saturday in Grafton, ND

01/27/07 SATURDAY
===== == It's another early one == =====
Todays Gazette is brought to you with the hope a cure for LEUKEMIA can
be found.
=== PLEASE PLAN TO ATTEND ===
=== The Joanie Silewski Benefit ===
Spaghetti Dinner, Auction, Bake Bale, Ice Cream Sundae. (tonight -
Saturday)
~~~~ MARKETPLACE on 8th. ~~~~
======= From 4 to 9 pm. =======
Joanie was recently diagnosed with leukemia. Proceeds of the
benefit will help offset some of the expensive medical costs incurred
from extended Mayo Clinic stays, both previously, and in the future.
I know prayer can work wonders. However, you may have noticed, even
after the minister prays for the Lord to fix the roof, he still passes
the collection plate to pay for the roofer. I hope everyone will do the
same for Joanie.
==================================
"To know what is right, and then not do it,.. is the worst form of
cowardice."
==================================
L O C A L news & stuff,.. mostly stuff.
-------------------------
The light "dusting" of snow forecast for us overnight, turned a bit
tempestuous for a time. Visibility was near zero, or less. Cars going in
the ditch and all the while local body shop owners, and snow removal
operators are looking skyward, giving thanks,.... and,... hoping no-one
gets hurts. It is a small town you know.
--------------------------
Yet another new business opened it doors in Grafton this week. Housed
in the same building that Gil Clairmont once distributed Bridgemen Dairy
Products. The El Molcajete, promises Authentic Mexican Cuisine.
El Molcajete and it's sister business venture AIDA'S are located on the
north end of Main Street in Grafton. Actually, you really can't miss the
place. It's painted up like a Tiajana Taxi.
----------------------------
REMINDER ~~ SUNDAY ~~ REMINDER
SOUPer BOWL SUNDAY
Super Soup, Superb Entertainers, and Superior Entertainment....
All for the enhancement and the advancement of our Local Domestic
Violence Program.
You will enjoy a variety of homemade soups, garlic bread,
bars and a beverage.
PLUS ==== PLUS ==== PLUS ==== PLUS
Matt Houska will play from 11 - 11:30, Brent Hermans will caress his
piano keys from 11:30 - noon, Kelly Smith will entertain beginning at
12:15 and Students from Dana Tisdale's Bella Voce Studio of Voice will
round out the venue.
------------------------
I'm pleased to share a message from Sue Matcha in response, I suspect,
to the mention of her work in the Walsh County Record. Sue wrote. >>>
Good Morning Mr. Moe
Thank you for your kind comments in the Gazette about the latest edition
of The Walsh County Record. The editorial staff here at The Record
strives to bring the news to our readers as timely and accurately as
possible. We can only do this if people keep us informed about what is
going on in the area, so all you Gazette readers should feel free to
give us a call, either about events or about someone with a special
talent.. I also want to let everyone know that unlike many other
newspapers in the area, The Record still provides many "FREE SERVICES"
to our readers. We do charge for obituaries or wedding, engagement, new
arrival and first birthday announcements as many other area newspapers
now do. The Kittson County Enterprise is correct to a point about
advertising. Without adequate paid advertising, a small town newspaper
struggles to survive. Again, I thank you for the services you provide to
Gazette readers. ~ Sue Matcha, Walsh County Record Social Editor. <<<<
Thank you Sue, for your kind words. After receiving the previous note
from Sue, and wanting to share it with everyone. I sent the following
note to her. >>>> Thank you Sue, for caring and sharing. I would
really like to include your note in a future Gazette if it is okay with
you.
Of course I agree that a paper can only exist with the revenue
dollars generated by advertising. Unfortunately, the only way newspapers
can genuinely expect to "sell" advertising, sufficient to sustain
itself, is if they provide enough interesting information to entice
people to read them. Sue, your articles, and those of Todd and
Stacie, are a major portion of that requirement in the Walsh County
Records organization. Along with the written world, I believe even more
important today than ever, is the visual one. Pictures are worth a
million words. Good, meaningful pictures, will sell more papers today
than ever before.
Or so it seems to me.
The Grafton community can, and should, be very proud of the
work and efforts of the Walsh County Record Organization. I certainly
am.
Sincerely
Gary
---------------------------
Our subscription department (me) is pleased to add Gerry McGregor to
the Gazette family. We can always use another voice in Bismarck, and I
look forward to Gerry doing just that.
==================================
GOTTA - GO - WORK - ON - MY - DASH
==================================
Our local Volunteer Firefighters only got called out twice today. Then
again,... the day isn't over yet.


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

January 27, 2007 - Special Edition

~~~~~ A Very Special Edition ~~~~~
Todays Gazette is brought to you with our deepest and most sincere
condolences to Beryl White, in loving memory of her dear husband, and,
my wonderful friend, Wendell White.
----------------------
It is with deepest sorrow that I share the message of the passing of
Wendell White.
My Websters Dictionary doesn't have a word significant enough, nor
fitting enough to properly describe the man I have come to know as
Wendell White.
Many knew Wendell, most much longer than I, tho' no-one thought more
highly of Wendell than me.
Never once from the first day we met, have I heard a harsh word, or,
even a sign of morosenees.
Wendell hitch-hiked a ride, as I understand it, from Park River to
Fargo to volunteer for active duty in the United States Marine Corps.
At the age of 21, Wendell was reputed to be one of the youngest Marines
to hold the rank of Sgt. Major. (In the short time I have known Wendell,
I can understand why.) Wendell proudly possess' a glossy photograph of
the famous flag raising at Iwo Jima. As a soldier serving in Tinian,
Saipan and Iwo Jima. The photo was sent to him by Joe Rosenthal of the
San Francisco Chronicle. Rosenthal, you might remember became famous for
his photo of that historic event. With the photograph Joe Rosenthal also
added his personal greeting to Wendell.
Wendell served "our" country in World War ll from 1942 to 1945.
God knows he was tested, parkinsons not one of the least, he always
smiled and carried more than his share of grief.
Along with his allegiance to his country, in 1943, he married his
lovely wife Beryl and maintained his devotion to her til his dying day.
(I can now understand why.)
Wendell and Beryl have one son Warren who lives in Wisconsin.
Wendell shared the same respect for his land as he did for his God, his
wife, his son, and his country.
He was a highly respected member of the electrical profession, a member
of the Park River Federated Church and a long standing member of his
church governing board. Along with memberships in various organizations
in the community, Wendell was, Chairman of the Board, and,... Member in
Good Standing, of the country he loved and fought to keep free.
Wendell's smile could speak volumes, and his chuckle no-less. He a was
gentle, soft spoken man, certainly one of the best. We will miss Wendell
White to be sure, but we will never forget him.
Heaven will be a better place, when Wendell White arrives.
~~~~~~ Wendell White ~~~~~~~
July 29, 1923 -------------January 27, 2007 They don't make dash's,
longer than that.
==================================
GOTTA - GO - WORK - ON - MY - DASH
==================================
I didn't plan an sending out a Gazette today. Unfortunately, I didn't
expect my friend Wendell to leave us today either.


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

Friday, January 26, 2007

January 26, 2006 - Friday in Grafton, ND

==== KIND OF EARLY EDITION ====
Todays Gazette is brought to you by the Heritage Village FISH FRY
FUNDRAISER
In the basement of Generations.
Serving starting at 5pm. Take out orders available by calling 520-1207
or 360-4096. Serving--Walleye, baked potato, baked beans, cole slaw,
roll cake and beverage.
-----------------------
The current temperature is 24 degrees.
Yesterdays H/L temperature was 24/11
Normal H/L temp for this date is 16/-4
==================================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
"Smoking makes ignorance visible."
"To know what is right, and then not do it, is the worse kind of
cowardice."
==================================
L O C A L news & stuff,.. mostly stuff.
------------------------
According to Wednesdays Walsh County Record. Top Quality Motors will be
moving into the former Johnson Sales and used car lot on the west edge
of Grafton. Jim and Joanne Otto currently own Top Quality Motors in East
Grand Forks and have operated that business successfully for the past 24
years. They are looking forward to expanding their operation into the
Grafton area.
For awhile I was beginning to believe the "rumor" of their coming, in a
earlier Gazette, wasn't true. We wish Jim, Joanne and the entire staff
at Top Quality Motors the very best in their new venture.
I should also commend Todd Morgan, Editor and the Record for Top
Quality's front page feature. It was wonderful.
---------------------------
The Records front page also featured a super writeup on the recent St.
Thomas Booster Clubs Fish Fry. The folks at St.Thomas do a super job of
supporting their community and deserve a boatload of credit. I find it
interesting that they served 835 dinners. 535 of those dined in at
Rookies, and, even more surprising, 55 dinners went to the Grafton
Lutheran Sunset Home, Hancock Place and Villa De Remer residence also in
Grafton. While another 30 dinners went over to Drayton's Tisdale Manor.
Wouldn't it be wonderful, if Friday nights Heritage Village FISH FRY
Fund-raiser in the basement of Generations could get the same level of
participation?
-------------------------
Speaking of papers, newspapers in general, that is. I've had the
opportunity to revisit the advertising policy of the Kittson County
Enterprise,... in the solitude of my Gazette library. You may remember,
the Enterprise claims that advertising is the lifeblood of a newspaper
and without it a newspaper would cease to exist.
After reading the latest issue of the Walsh County Record, a very
interesting and informative edition, I might add. I have decided, there
is, in my opinion, a distinct possibility the individual that wrote that
policy for the Enterprise was somewhat in error.
I believe it's the 'people' that make a paper. People,.. in my opinion,
are the lifeblood of a newspaper. Without readers, advertisers wouldn't
waist their money advertising.
-----------------------
If you get a chance, read the story in the last Record of Doris
Rudnik's new business venture. Look for Doris' Gourmet Soup in your
local grocery store. Sue Matcha, record staff writer, should be
commended on the masterful composition of Doris' new venture.
------------------------
REMINDER ~ PLEASE REMEMBER
The Joanie Silewski Benefit Saturday.
Spaghetti Dinner, Auction, Bake Bale, Ice Cream Sundae. MARKETPLACE on
8th.
======= From 4 to 9 pm. =======
Joanie was recently diagnosed with leukemia. Proceeds of the benefit
will help offset some of the expensive medical costs incurred from
extended Mayo Clinic stays both previously and in the future. Even if
prayer is all you have to offer, please offer them freely.
------------------------
SOUPer BOWL SUNDAY, Super Soup, Superb Entertainers, Superior
Entertainment....
All for the advancement and enhancement of our Local Domestic Violence
Program.
You will enjoy a variety of homemade soups, garlic bread, bars and a
beverage.
PLUS ==== PLUS ==== PLUS ==== PLUS
Matt Houska will play from 11 - 11:30, Brent Hermans will caress his
piano keys from 11:30 - noon, Kelly Smith will entertain beginning at
12:15 and Students from Dana Tisdale's Bella Voce Studio of Voice will
round out the venue.
-------------------------
Former Warsawonian, Bart Plutowski, is the newest member of the Gazette
family. Welcome Bart. Our guarantees are limited to the cost of the
subscription. If, at some point, you feel you are not getting the cost
of your subscription in babble, bull dung or buffoonery. Just let us
know and,.... puffff, you won't be pestered again.
------------------------
The boys from Fargo South came to Grafton in a fancy new "Greyhound
like" bus today. Thinking they were going to open up a 55 gallon barrel
of butt whoopin' on us. They didn't, just about anyway.
The boys from the biggest town in the state did leave us with a tiny
chunk of humble in the last few seconds of the game. They left town with
4 points and "we" had to stay home with 3.
Oh well, if they wouldn't have, and we would have. It would have been a
different game altogether. Or so it seems to me.
==================================
GOTTA - GO - WORK - ON - MY - DASH
==================================
If you don't tell me, I won't know. If I don't know, I won't tell you.


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

Thursday, January 25, 2007

January 25, 2007 - Thursday in Grafton, ND

===== PRETTY EARLY EDITION =====
Todays Gazette is being brought to you by fantastic tasting Walleye, a
giant plate full of fabulous Spaghetti and a Super Bowl of Scrumptious
Soup topped off with a Taste Tantalizing Ice Cream Sundae.
-------------------------
The current temperature is 5 degrees.
Yesterdays H/L temperature was 17/5
Normal H/L temp for this date is 15/-4
Today is the first day of Raumin-gone.
==================================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
"Smoking makes ignorance visible."
"To know what is right, and then not do it, is the worst form of
cowardice."
==================================
L O C A L news & stuff,.. mostly stuff.
--------------------------
Whether you are simply a consumer, or, a died-in-the-wool connoisseur
of the fine art of culinary wizardry. Grafton is the place to be this
Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Your participation in all three of this
weekends Delightfully Delicious display of nutriments, will be very much
appreciated by all those involved.
Where else can one satisfy the need for nourishment, fortify our local
domestic violence program, and, help defray some of the monstrous
medical liabilities incurred by the John & Joanie Silewski family?
-------------------------
ADVERTISING, everyone knows it pays. BANG for the BUCK, It goes without
saying, everyone expects the BIGGEST BANG, for the least bucks. I was
reading the Kittson County Enterprise the other day and found their
"Advertising News Policy" most interesting. (It follows)
The policy of the Kittson County Enterprise, in ascertaining what is
advertising and what is news, is based on one simple test.
If an individual, business, club, church, or organization charges for
admission to an event, for an item, service, etc. It will be considered
advertising or if it is an "intent to invite" i.e., baby shower, bridal
shower, open house, etc.
In other words, "if you charge, we charge."
Advertising is the lifeblood of a newspaper and without it a newspaper
would cease to exist.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
HOLY SMOKES, I THOUGHT. That pretty much sums it up, I thought.
Then,... during a research session in the Gazette Library, I got to
thinking. Can it really be that plain and simple? Is,.. I wondered,
advertising truly the lifeblood of a local small town newspaper?
Then, for a moment, (while I was completing the paperwork) I let my
mind wander and it was asking, What came first, the chicken or the egg?
I know,... that one confused me too. Then I started thinking.?.? If I
couldn't find anything interesting to read in the paper. Why on earth
would I buy one. It also follows then, I think, if I (and everyone else)
didn't buy a paper because there wasn't anything of particular interest
or importance in it anyway. Why in heavens name would any logical sound
business venture, spend perfectly good money, advertising in a paper
that nobody reads anyway?
Now I'm not real sure, yet, it may take another trip or two to the
library, but I'm guessing "that" is probably why "some" small town
newspapers are loosing readership.
For the most part. A newspaper is nothing more than "a hard copy" of
the news we hear on the way to work, or Granny's, or the library for
that matter. O, no, it's not just "nothing more". It's a whole lot more!
It's much easier to remember something when you see it in print. It's a
valuable solid "resource" we have learned to rely on.
Information over the airwaves is timely that's true. However, try and
"re-listen" to it when the radio station goes off the air. The three
functions being held in Grafton over the weekend is truly "BIG NEWS" in
a small town. They ARE the kinds of items people buy papers for. When
people buy papers, businesses will demand to advertise in them as well.
It seems so easy. --- If we charge, they charge. They charge us for
putting the "news" and information in the paper so we have a reason to
buy it. Then they charge local businesses to advertise in it.
There must be more to it than that. Maybe it isn't quite as easy as it
sounds. Maybe small town papers need to adopt a simpler Advertising News
Policy.
Maybe it could be something like, "If we don't tell them, they can't
tell us."
Or so it seems to me.
==================================
GOTTA - GO - WORK - ON - MY - DASH
==================================
"The Gazette will only continue, as long as the membership continues to
participate." Or so it seems to me.


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

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

January 24, 2007 - Wednesday in Grafton, ND

Todays Gazette is brought to you by the Valley Ambulance & Rescue
Service and the fantastic group of volunteers that make "VARS" possible.
-------------------------
The current temperature is 23 degrees.
Yesterdays H/L temperature was 19/5
Normal H/L temp for this date is 15/-4
==================================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
"Smoking makes ignorance visible."
"To know what is right, and then not do it, is the worst form of
cowardice."
==================================
L O C A L news & stuff,.. mostly stuff.
-------------------------
The mention of small towns, their locations and great people, gave
Ralph reason to share the following. >>> Concerning Poland
ND, or any other missing town at least in our area: there is a good
chance it was 6 miles from another town that is still standing if it was
located along a railroad line. That is because the steam locomotives
needed to take on more water every 6 miles. That was the level of the
technology of the time. Notice Ardoch, Minto, Grafton, Auburn, St
Thomas, Glasston, Hamilton, Bathgate, Neche. There must have been a
water tower at least between Manvel and Ardoch. They are all 6 miles up
the track from the previous town. Also, Grafton, Nash, Hoople, etc, etc.
Of course there were the so-called "inland" towns like Mandt or Warsaw
with no railroad. They existed because if you look at the lay of the
tracks those areas were too far for the farmers to go for a general
store. Everything was hauled to those towns one wagon load at a time. It
was a long way to the elevator for those farmers - an 80 bushel wagon
load at a time. Shovelled on one scoop-shovel full a time.
I had a great aunt who homesteaded north of Moose Jaw Sa. She left early
in the morning with a wagon load of grain. Got to town and dumped it.
Headed home and got 1/2 there when she pulled into another farm to spend
the night. Always had her rifle by her side because the wolves followed
her all the way there and back.
Sorry to hear about Glenn Kerr. A lot of the reason for American
Crystal's success can be attributed to people like Glenn. Always did his
job right.
Ralph Kingsbury <<< Thanks a million for caring and sharing Ralph. It's
my understanding that it wasn't only the railroad engines that required
water at regular intervals, but also, that the 5 to 7 mile distance
between communities (10 to 14 round trip) was a reasonably good days
jaunt for a team and wagon as well.
==================================
Folks in and around the Grafton area shouldn't have a problem finding
a place to take on nourishment this week.
FRIDAY: the Heritage Village Fish Fry starting at 5 til gone at
Generations (the former Eagles Nest)
SATURDAY: the Joanie Silewski benefit Spaghetti Dinner, Sundae, Bake
Sale and auction at MarketPlace on 8th, 4 til 9
Sunday: TRI-COUNTY CRISIS Interventions - SOUPer Bowl Sunday. Featuring
a Super Selection of SOUP's and assorted goodies. Serving 11 to 1:30 at
St. John's Parish Center on the south end of Western Avenue in Grafton.
-----------------------
Glenn Kerr was not only a significant influence on me and my
profession. He left a lasting impression on the rest of my family as
well. Our daughter Wendy wrote to following about Glenn. >>>
Dad, I know I have told you over the years my love for Glenn. But I
must tell you when I would see him in a store which WASN'T often over
the last several years... he would make my heart jump....like ALL the
guys you worked with over the years, he treated us like family. My
heart is very heavy and sad tonight and in a strange way happy for those
he will be with now, with his chuckle. I remember Glenn and Vicky coming
to our house to visit and I remember her being so quiet...I still can
point out in my cupboard which crystal bowl they gave us for a wedding
present.. As my girls get older I realize that my family is different,
in the way that your co-workers were, and for the most part, STILL, are
a big part of our lives.
When I mentioned Glenns passing to my daughters, with tears in my
eyes, they wanted to know how I knew him and after explaining that you
worked with him they looked at me a little strangely and said... thats
it,... he was grandpa's friend! For which I guess in a way I am thanking
you now for including us kids in your work and letting us be friends,
with yours......
I love both <<<
Thanks for caring and sharing Wendy.
My Webster dictionary describes "family", as 1. household 2. parents
and their children 3. relatives 4. all those descended from a common
ancestor, lineage 5. a group of similar or related things. I have
learned over time, that the closer one comes to belonging in all 5, the
easier it is, to fashion ones dash.
----------------------
Again this year, as in the past. Several individuals are purchasing
Grafton Area Volunteer Firefighters Calendar Draw tickets in the name of
numerous deserving organizations and charities. When you think of it,
it's a super way of contributing and benefiting more than one function
at the same time.
That explains why, throughout the days and weeks of the drawing, you
might see a winner listed, as an example, Lutheran Sunset Home --
Courtesy of Ron LaMont.
My sincere thanks goes out to Ione and Wally this week for purchasing
ten tickets in the Firefighters name.
-----------------------
I am pleased to welcome Don (Bim) Swartz to the Gazette family. Not
only is Don the insurance agent/owner of DSI, he is our just across the
street neighbor.
==================================
GOTTA - GO - WORK - ON - MY - DASH
==================================
P.S.
Bill & Don, please let me know if this one makes it through.


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

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

January 23, 2007 - Tuesday in Grafton, ND

Todays Gazette is brought to you by TRI-COUNTY CRISIS INTERVENTION
6th annual SOUPer BOWL
-----------------------
The current temperature is 8 degrees.
Yesterdays H/L temperature was 30/5
Normal H/L temp for this date is 15/-4
You snow birds may notice that our "normal" low temp for this date has
started increasing. It's already up to 4 degrees,... below zero.
==================================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
"Smoking makes ignorance visible."
==================================
L O C A L news & stuff,.. mostly stuff.
------------------------
The morning coffee crew is getting smaller every day. Don left Sunday
for Jamaica, Darrel leaves Tuesday morning for Cancoon (I've never been
there so I can't spell it), Donny is leaving Sunday for Arizona, and,
Wednesday we begin our 6 weeks observance of Raumin-gone.
Shirley and Larry left Sunday morning for the sunny south. However, for
some reason, shortly before they hit the South Dakota border they
decided to leave their motorhome in Wahpeton and come back and spend one
more night at home. Rumor has it, it's God's way of checking Larry's
(and ultimately Shirley's) blood pressure before he gets to far away
from home.
------------------------
Jack Babinski's question concerning the early town of Poland spawned
the following note from Dan. He wrote, >>> Fluff Jones has the land
around that Poland site at this time. Looks more like a concrete batch
plant now. <<< Thanks Dan, some of the older folks may remember Fluff's
dad Clive.
Then Connie sent an even better description with her note. >>> Hi
Gary,
Jack Babinski wrote asking about the town of Poland, ND. I don't
remember ever hearing of Poland, ND but I have a book titled 'North
Dakota Place Names' by Douglas A. Wick. This is what it says about
the town of Poland, ND. Poland (Walsh County). This was a Soo
Line RR station built in 1903 in SE 1/4 Sec. 32-155-51, Walshville
Township., six miles east of Ardoch. It was named by settlers from
Poland, with the name being suggested by area pioneers Frank Nice and
Joseph Michalski. The post office was established January 13, 1906
with Andrew Hobbs pm in his general store, and it closed April 30, 1919
with mail to Ardoch. The only population figure reported was a count
of 1 in 1940.
Enjoy your newsletters Gary. It's the first thing I read when I
open my emails. Thank you for taking so much of your time to give
enjoyment to so many of us.
Connie Sondeland <<< Thanks for caring and sharing Connie. I didn't
realize "Poland" was so close to Grafton.
----------------------
I was just thinking about mentioning the price of gas in the area when
my red light "blinked" with the following note.
Subject: update and gas
Hey, remember a couple years ago when you said gasoline wouldn't get to
$2.00 a gallon? You were right!! It's $1.99 9/10 here in Drayton, and
another dime cheaper in Grand Forks. Of course since you made that
prediction it's been as high as $3.30. The sad thing is, now that it's
down to under 2 bucks people seem to think they're giving it away. I
wonder how low it will go before it goes the other way again? I'm
guessing not too much lower, I'll bet we don't see $1.50 again, which by
the way would have seemed higher than heck 3 years ago. <<< Thanks a
million for the note, and the update on auto propellant Lee. I'm not
sure what to say, except that I feel equally strong,... both ways.
-------------------------
Did I mention that the all you can eat SOUPer Bowl is Co-Sponsored by
the Crescent Masonic Lodge # 11 of Grafton?
Or, that Supplemental Funds are provided by Thrivent Financial for
Lutherans? Did I remember to mention there would be a delicious variety
of soups, crackers, veggies, bars, and a beverage. ALL between 11:00 am
and 1:30 pm at St. John's Catholic Parish Center on the south end of
Western Avenue in Grafton? If I didn't, I should have, and, I should
have mentioned that the FANtastic SOUPer BOWL event will be this Sunday,
January 28.
I'm sure most already know that ALL proceeds go towards the TRI-COUNTY
CRISIS Intervention, "our" local domestic violence program. All
HOMEMADE!!!!
-----------------------
Heritage Village Fundraiser
FISH FRY FUNDRAISER TO BE HELD AT GENERATIONS (EAGLES) LOWER LEVEL
FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2007
SERVING -- 5PM--TILL GONE
WALLEYE, BAKED POTATO, COLE SLAW, BAKED BEANS, ROLL,
CAKE, COFFEE
ADULTS $10.00 children10 under $7.00
CALL THE FOLLOWING NUMBERS FOR TAKE OUT ORDERS
701-520-120 701-360-4096
--------------------------
Joanie (Schumacher) Silewski's Benefit.
Please plan to attend the best dog-gone Spaghetti Dinner you've ever
eaten.
It is planned for this Sat. from 4 to 9 at Marketplace on 8th There
will also be an Auction, Bake Sale and Sundae Bar.
Any and all items donated to the Auction or Bake Sale will be very much
appreciated.
Please drop off any items at Marketplace on Friday, January 26th
after 4pm or
Saturday morning after 9am. We need lots of baked goodies - so please
spread the word!
Anyone willing to help set up, can show up at Marketplace on Friday the
26th around 6pm.
Any questions, suggestions, donations etc--contact people are: Mickey
701 331-3874 email is ilovecamping64@yahoo.com Sandy 701-352-3619 -
Julie 701-454-3373
Susie C. 701-352-3072
-------------------------
We are very please welcome Johnny Watkins to the Gazette family.
-----------
Ours thanks goes out to Carolyn Edwards, Ole Aasand and Dan Molde for
joining Grafton Fire Departments Calendar Drawing and helping our
Volunteer Firefighters be all they can be.
-------------------------
It is with deepest regret that I share the passing of a long time
friend, mentor and fellow sugar tramp Glenn Kerr.
Glenn Kerr, age 82, of Drayton passed away this past weekend. He
was an Agriculturist in Drayton for many years and retired in 1991.
Glenns funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the Skjeberg Lutheran
Church in rural Drayton.
No visitation is planned prior to the funeral service.
==================================
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.

Monday, January 22, 2007

January 22, 2007 - Monday in Grafton, ND

Todays Gazette is brought to you for the benefit of Joanie (Schumacher)
Silewski.
= Saturday January 27 from 4 to 9 =
~~~~ MARKETPLACE on 8th ~~~~
---------------------
The current temperature is 19 degrees.
Yesterdays H/L temperature was 22/9
Normal H/L temp for this date is 15/-5
The best way to predict the future is to help create it.
==================================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
"Smoking makes ignorance visible."
==================================
L O C A L news & stuff,.. mostly stuff.
----------------------
Grafton has another new resident. Casey Moe arrived in town Sunday
afternoon and will be living with Jade, Ty and Trevor Moe. Casey is a
delightfully fluffy, and colorful Yorkie puppy. It's my understanding
that Casey was intended to be "everyones" puppy. However, as soon as he
entered the household, it appears as though Jade, being the oldest (by a
full minute) claimed dominant possession.
Casey seems to have about the same colorations as Gypsie although I'm
guessing he'll be a bit bigger.
--------------------------
Maybe someone remembers Poland, the town, I'm pretty sure it was long
before my time. >>>
Gary
Have you ever heard of a town in ND named Poland. It was between Oslo MN
and Ardoch ND about 4 miles from the river. It had three or four
elevators, a store, and a dance hall. I had never heard of it until I
read it in the Walsh County Heritage book.
I too enjoyed the story by Frank McCann of the hardships of his Grand
Parents and their children. Thanks Frank. I worked for George McCann
driving a beet lifter in the field.
Jack Babinski <<< Thanks a million for caring and sharing Jack. And, I
might add, rumor has it Jack will be coming "home" for Grafton's 125
year anniversary celebration too. And, so the rumor goes, we will also
have a bona-fide Grafton Band Concert, and maybe more, this year as
well.
-------------------------
I'm guessing Donald LaBerge would really like to hear from all former
Grafton Band members who are planning on "coming home". I gotta believe
their concerts will be one of the highlights of the celebration.
--------------------------
Subject: Heritage Village Fundraiser
FISH FRY FUNDRAISER TO BE HELD AT GENERATIONS (EAGLES) LOWER LEVEL
SPONSORED BY HERITAGE VILLAGE.
WHEN: FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2007
WHERE: GENERATIONS (EAGLES) LOWER LEVEL
TIME: SERVING -- 5PM--TILL GONE
MENU: WALLEYE, BAKED POTATO, COLE SLAW, BAKED BEANS, ROLL,
CAKE, COFFEE
PRICE: ADULTS $10.00
CHILDREN 10 AND UNDER $7.00
PLEASE CALL THE FOLLOWING NUMBERS FOR TAKE OUT ORDERS
701-520-120 701-360-4096
THANK YOU
VERNA SHEREK
+++++++++++
Joanie (Schumacher) Silewski's Benefit. The Spaghetti Dinner is
planned for this Sat. from 4 to 9 at Marketplace on 8th
There will also be an Auction, Bake Sale and Sundae Bar.
We would like to have Derek's friends, teammates, classmates etc.. work
at the benefit running the Sundae Bar and helping clear tables, empty
garbage etc.. Any hockey players or classmates (12 or older) who would
volunteer to work a shift (aprox. 2 hours) please email Kris Stewart at
kristinlee202@yahoo.com or Ross Stewart at northdakotanut@msn.com or
call Kris (360-5050) or Ross (520-9147)
We are also looking for adults willing to work a shift. Any and all
items donated to the Auction or Bake Sale will be very much appreciated.
Mary (Tom) Dusek , is lining up people
to work - please call her if you are willing to work - 352-1651 (work)
or 352-3468 (home).
Please drop off any items at Marketplace on Friday, January 26th after
4pm or
Saturday morning after 9am. We need lots of baked goodies - so please
spread the word!
Anyone willing to help set up, can show up at Marketplace on Friday the
26th around 6pm.
Any questions, suggestions, donations etc--contact people are:
Mickey 701 331-3874 email is ilovecamping64@yahoo.com
Sandy 701-352-3619 - Julie 701-454-3373
Susie C. 701-352-3072
Joanie, John, Christopher, Brittney, and Derek truly appreciate all of
the
support, love, and prayers they have received during this challenging
time. Thank-you!
P.S. Joanies husband John is the son of Chet (dec) and Patreace
Silewski, and Jim (dec) & Millie Kalbrener's Grandson.
---------------------------
EACH OF US IS A VITAL THREAD IN ANOTHER PERSON'S TAPESTRY;
OUR LIVES ARE WOVEN TOGETHER FOR A REASON.
One of the best things to hold onto in this world is a friend.
(Thanks again Howard)
---------------------------
Gary, Would you please put in a plug from the Tri-County Crisis
Intervention Center Souper Bowler Fund Raiser. It will be held on
Sunday, January 28, at St. John's Parish Center in Grafton from 11:00 to
1:30. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for children and your ticket
include a huge variety of homemade soups and bars, along with some fine
entertainment. This is a great way to support the domestic violence
programming in our area. I have tickets for this event, as do other
board members and employees of TCCI. If anyone would like a ticket, they
can call me at 360-3678 or e-mail me at dandtnovak@gft.midco.net. Thanks
and hope to see a good crowd at this fund-raiser.
GAZETTE SPORTS SECTION:
as reported by Chris Larson.
Greetings to all Shivercity Gazette readers. This is a first in a
series of updates from Grafton Spoilers athletics.
The hockey team defeated West Fargo 2-0 on Thursday, behind stellar
performances by Mike Sand.
The basketball team defeated Valley-Edinburg as well on Thursday.
Over the weekend, the wrestlers participated in a tournament & the GPR
Spoiler hockey team played Wahpeton-Breckenridge at home. We won that
one 6 to 3. Chris Larson
==================================
GOTTA - GO - WORK - ON - MY - DASH
==================================
"If you don't tell me, I won't know. If I don't know, I won't tell
you."


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

Friday, January 19, 2007

January 19, 2007 - Friday in Grafton, ND

===== REALLY EARLY EDITION =====
Todays Gazette is being brought to you by in memory of Jennie Coulter
McAnn.
-----------------------
The current temperature is 6 degrees.
Yesterdays H/L temperature was 22/11
Normal H/L temp for this date is 14/-5
The SPOILERS hockey team squared off with the boys in West Fargo
Thursday night. Good ol' maroon and gold scored two points, and,... West
Fargo didn't.
==================================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
"Smoking makes ignorance visible."
==================================
L O C A L news & stuff,.. mostly stuff.
------------------------
For a while Thursday morning it was starting to look like Transystems
were going to use the intersection by Schumacher & Sons as a stockpile
site. Rumor has it, (it's a fact) the side of one of their trucks opened
up as the truck rounded the corner, and a few tons of sugar beets
spilled out.
Fortunately, within minutes, Denton Offut's Heavy Towing (and, beet
recovery) was on the scene and had them picked up and hauled away.
--------------------------
Those that knew Frank Kubesh would agree, he certainly was a good one.
For those of you that couldn't make it to Frank Kubesh's funeral,... you
also missed a good one. I received the following note from Dave the day
after the funeral.
>>> Hi Gary,
I was hoping to shake your hand yesterday at Frank Kubesh's funeral for
the fine job you do on the Gazette. Unfortunately, it didn't happen. I
am glad to have had the opportunity to sit next to your brother A.K.
during the service and meal. A.K. and I were busy getting caught up on
each others lives, and reminiscing of our childhood years tearing up the
neighborhood with Goober in the late 60's and throughout the 70's and
remembering what a gem of a man Frank Kubesh was. I'm sure Frank is in
Heaven looking down saying "I can hear you just fine now"! When you go
home you always think about the good ol' days. A large part of those
days involved A.K., your brother John, sister Ann, your daughter Wendy,
Curt Shablow, Kathy Kirchoffner, Tommy Watkins (and GOOBERS SISTERS) the
Berg sisters, the Fishers, the Janikowski's, running around Chandler
field for hours in the summer almost nightly, playing "Army men with
Goober and A.K. in your dads greenhouses (and always getting scolded by
Ann on how much trouble we would be in if we broke a window or killed
any plants!)... on and on and on. I guess if there is anything good that
ever comes out of a funeral it's a flood of good memory's. I always seem
to forget or laugh about the bad ones. One thing I was hoping to ask
you, which I'm sure others are wondering, what are you referring to when
you close with "GOTTA - GO - WORK - ON - MY - DASH"?
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK GARY, AND THANKS FOR WHAT YOU DO!
Dave Wosick <<< Thank you for caring and sharing Dave. There are many
ways to explain "the dash". Frank Kubesh may well be as good an example
as one could ever hope to find. Frank was born on May 13, 1915 ---
"DASH" --- January 14, 2007. You see Dave, it wasn't the date Frank was
born, that's so important, or, even the date Frank died, that is so
very important. It is the myriad of absolutely wonderful things that
Frank accomplished between those dates (the dash) that is truly
important. Or so it seems to me.
--------------------------
The response from the Jennie Coulter McCann story has been nothing
short of fabulous. Ralph wrote. >>>
Frank McCann's story should be printed in a little book and everyone
should have a copy. It should sit right by that other book everyone
should have. The one that people started writing several hundred years
B.C.
When times get "tough" we should all read out of the old
book and then read Frank's. Just imagine what that woman must have been
made out of. Not to in any way take from her fortitude, and obvious
faith, but the truly amazing thing is that woman had a lot of company in
those times. Not everyone though. Otherwise she wouldn't have been able
to buy all that land from those who quit. That proves that she
recognized that for those who saw it, problems presented opportunities.
Ralph Kingsbury <<< Thanks Ralph
+++++
Ruth wrote, >>> Hi Gary:
What a wonderful story about the McCann family. What a nice message from
the Ohio Fox Hunters. I was curious what brought them to North Dakota.
It was great to read about them -- why they picked "our great city" and
how nice they are and enjoyed by so many people in Grafton. Curiosity
killed the cat but satisfaction brought it back. Keep up the good work.
Ruth Glover <<< Thanks Ruth. I notice the for sale sign is still out
front of the old "Ringsak" home place" on Cooper Ave. We'd be happy to
have you back in town.
++++
Suzanne Burns sent this note. >>> Gary: Just wanted to let you and
Frank know how much I enjoyed the story of Jennie McCann. Thank you,
Frank, for writing it and you, Gary, for making it available to so
many. Suzanne <<what we do.
++++
Lloyd sent this one. >>>> Gary:
The moving story of a pioneer family coming into the Minto area of the
Dakota Territory is much appreciated. Perhaps some of your readers
would also be interested in another moving story of Dakota pioneers as
depicted in the novel "Giants In The Earth" by Ole Edvart Rolvaag. Here
is a short bio of Rolvaag.
Ole E. Rolvaag -- Biographical Notes
Date of birth: April 22, 1876, Donna Island, Norway
Date of death: November 5, 1931, Northfield, Minnesota
Ole Edvart Rolvaag. Author and professor. Fisherman in Norway, 1892-96.
Emigrated to the United States in 1896; worked as a farmhand in South
Dakota 1896-98. Graduated from Augustana Academy in Canton, South Dakota
(later Augustana College, Sioux Falls), 1901; B.A., St. Olaf College,
1905; M.A., St. Olaf College, 1910. Studied at the University of
Christiania (later Oslo), Norway, 1905-06. Professor, Norwegian language
and literature, St. Olaf College, 1906-31. Author of Norwegian language
textbooks and novels, essays, and poems about the Norwegian-American
immigrant experience. His novels, Giants in the Earth and Peder
Victorious, originally written in Norwegian, were published in English
translation in 1927 and 1929, respectively. They received international
acclaim as accounts of immigrant pioneer life on the Dakota prairies in
the 1870s. He worked to preserve and enrich the Norwegian cultural
heritage in the Northwest, 1914-25; helped found the Society for
Norwegian Language and Culture in 1910 and the Norwegian-American
Historical Association in 1925; was secretary there from 1925 to 1931.
Knighted (Order of St. Olav) by King Haakon VII, Norway, 1926. The Ole
Rolvaag Memorial Library at St. Olaf was named for him in 1944.
--
Lloyd W. Hanson <<< Thanks a million for caring and sharing Lloyd. Proof
positive that Norwegians did more than just row sailboats across fjords
with giant horns on their heads.
------------------------
My sincere gratitude goes out to Lynn Flanagan and Lynn Ebert for
helping our area Firefighters be all they can be.
==================================
GOTTA - GO - WORK - ON - MY - DASH
==================================
"It is only by the 'exchange' of ideas that correspondence and
conversation can become a worthwhile pasttime." GLM


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

Thursday, January 18, 2007

January 18, 2007 - Thursday in Grafton, ND

Todays Gazette is brought to you by Grafton's upcoming 125 year
anniversary celebration.
-----------------------
The current temperature is 23 degrees.
Yesterdays H/L temperature was 22/11
Normal H/L temp for this date is 14/-5
==================================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
"Smoking makes ignorance visible."
==================================
L O C A L news & stuff,.. mostly stuff.
------------------------
Although I haven't received any official report of a merge, or, for
that matter, even a working agreement. However, one might deduce by
looking at "our" local channel three that the Bremer Bank and United
Bank were planning a merge and had already purchased the rights to "our"
local channel 3. As a matter of fact, one might even conclude the
St.Thomas Booster Club is in "Cahoots" with them as the same 40th annual
"Walleye Fish Fry" at Rookies in St. Thomas this Saturday from 4 to 9
was played steady on Grafton's TV Channel 3 for many hours.
Although, on the surface, playing the same advertisement "steady" all
day and all night might seem like a great idea. I seriously question how
long people can be expected to continue looking at channel three as a
reliable source of area business, and, information medium, with the
obvious lack of both recently being broadcast.
-----------------------
Who won the game, last night, or, for that matter, who even played?
Questions often asked throughout the sports season by those basking in
the sunshine to the south. The following note resembles several notes we
receive. >>>
Dear Mr Moe:
If you please, could you perhaps keep us all up to date on the various G
and GPR Spoilers achievements this year? The WC Record website is hard
to read, and the GF Herald, well, I remember well their anti-Spoiler
bias. I know, I could subscribe to the Record, but I just want to know
how the boys and girls are doing this year.
Thanks <<< If someone would be willing to share our area schools current
events, and there outcome, I would be happy to share them, in some sort
of abbreviated form, whenever time, and, space allows.
------------------------
If your looking for a "SUPER" bowl of soup, on superbowl Sunday. Please
give the following note serious consideration.
>>>> Gary, Would you please put in a plug from the Tri-County Crisis
Intervention Center Souper Bowler Fund Raiser. It will be held on
Sunday, January 28, at St. John's Parish Center in Grafton from 11:00 to
1:30. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for children and your ticket
include a huge variety of homemade soups and bars, along with some fine
entertainment. This is a great way to support the domestic violence
programming in our area. I have tickets for this event, as do other
board members and employees of TCCI. If anyone would like a ticket, they
can call me at 360-3678 or e-mail me at dandtnovak@gft.midco.net. Thanks
and hope to see a good crowd at this fund-raiser. Twila <<< Thanks for
caring and sharing. Who knows? Maybe all the folks that went to the
Federated Church Chili feed will show up for a SUPER bowl of soup too.
--------------------------
A while back I mentioned that a wonderful women donated a building in
Minto to be used as the school house. I am pleased to share a little
more of that story, provided by her grandson Francis McCann. I found it
very interesting, I think everyone will. He wrote >>>
Jennie Coulter McCann was born in Ireland in 1844 and immigrated to
Ontario, Canada with her family in 1848. Jennie married George McCann
(my grandfather) in 1865. Together they had seven children; four boys
and three girls. John, born in 1865, the oldest and George (my father)
born February 1880, the youngest.
In the spring of 1880 George and Jennie along with
Jennie's mother and brother and their seven children set out for the
Dakota Territory. They traveled by train to Fisher, Minnesota. From
there they traveled by ox cart to a site about three miles southeast of
Minto where the Forest River enters the Salt Lake. There they set up
there claim on 80 acres of land.
In the late fall of 1880 George put a sack of wheat on his
shoulders and set out walking to Grand Forks to get it ground to flour.
On the way he fell through the ice. That night after leaving the sack of
wheat at the mill he slept in their barn in his wet cloths. After
getting back to the farm with the flour he became ill with pneumonia and
died.
Now Jennie was left with seven children, her mother and
brother to spend her first winter on the prairie. She worked the farm
with the help of her older children, and her brother would hunt and fish
for food for the family.
Records show that it was a warm, sunny day in March of 1882,
Jennie's mother and brother along with one of her daughters went to
Minto by horse and sled. On the way home a killer March blizzard caught
them in the open prairie. The sled upset and broke a rail. Jennie's
brother had to leave his mother and niece and go for help. When help
arrived at the sled they found that Jennie's mother had taken off her
coat and wrapped her granddaughter with it. The grandmother was frozen
to death but the little girl was fine.
Jennie wanted her children to have some education. In the
spring of 1883, working with others, she helped to get the first school
started in Minto by providing a school house. All the children had a
limited education as school was held only when the weather was mild
enough for travel. In the early years school was held in the late fall
and early spring as the boys and girls were needed at home to get the
field work done.
By 1901 Jennie's son Robert had died and Jack the oldest
had left to homestead in Canada and the three girls were married. Jennie
and her two youngest sons moved from Minto to a farm north and west of
Voss. They rented 300 acres and bought 160 acres which they farmed for
almost twenty years. In 1918 they bought eight hundred acres of land one
mile north of Voss. The land cost one hundred dollars per acre but two
years later land prices had dropped to fifty dollars per acre. Many
farms were given back to the banks at that time. Even with the loss of
her brother in 1921 and another son in 1922 Jennie and her youngest son,
my father, kept the land.
Jennie McCann died in 1925. She had out lived her
husband, brother, mother, and two sons. She came to the Dakota Territory
when there was nothing more then a sea of grass. When she died the
Territory was now a state with roads, railroads, towns and schools. We
thank these early pioneers for having the fortitude to stay with the
land under the worst of conditions that North Dakota could give them.
Submitted by Frank McCann
What a wonderful story. Thanks a million for caring and sharing Frank.
==================================
GOTTA - GO - WORK - ON - MY - DASH
==================================
I'll bet there are many stories out there that would be absolutely
wonderful to share.


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

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

January 17, 2007 - Wednesday in Grafton, ND

====== REALLY EARLY EDITION =====
------------------------
Todays Gazette is brought to you by The Heritage Village in Grafton.
The new home of "Uncle Sig's" fabulous collection of antiques and
marvelous memorabilia.
------------------------
The current temperature is 8 degrees.
Yesterdays H/L temperature was 1/-19
Normal H/L temp for this date is 14/-5
Notice that the "normal" low temp on this date is minus 5 degrees.
That number should start going up again,..... soon.
==================================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
"Smoking makes ignorance visible."
==================================
L O C A L news & stuff,.. mostly stuff.
-------------------------
Everyone would like to believe the Lord often works in strange ways. I,
for one, certainly believe that. The Nativity placed in Leistikow Park
first suffered the loss of the donkey, then later the boy child was
stolen out of the crib. The Nativity, of which I speak, was built and
donated to the Federated church by Wilmer Nilson, making it, needless to
say, a cherished keepsake of the entire congregation. I am pleased to
share the following note from Rev. Lee. He wrote, >>>>
Just as we received our donkey back to the Nativity at the Park after
it went for a short vacation, as to where is a mystery, our baby Jesus
returned to the church this past Sunday. I went to the church Sunday
afternoon to lock the doors and our baby Jesus that was taken from the
park was laying on the lift chair by the stairs. Who brought it
back...I have no idea. God does work in mysterious ways.
Rev. Lee <<< Thanks for caring and sharing Rev. Lee.
----------------------
Joy and Roseann, daughters of Harold Bliss, wrote the other day looking
for a man named Clarence Madland. We shared that message with the
Gazette family and, received the following response to that inquiry.
>>> Gary: Hope you & Pat are staying warm!! Anyway: this is for Joy and
Roseann Bliss..........Clarence Madland was a single man - and was a
farmer West and North of Park River. In fact, he lived on the West side
of Highway 32, No. of the Bible Camp right at the corner of hiway #32
and Co. Road No. 11. The next farm west of him would have been the
McIntyre's farmstead. Clarence had a brother named John and John's
wife's name was Olive. Olive was one of 4 girls and her maiden name was
Orstad. There is an Arnie Orstad that lives here in Grafton - but I'm
not sure if he's a brother or not. I'm quite sure that Clarence Madland
would be buried in Garfield Cemetery - which is about 2 mi. south of
Edinburg or about 3 mi. or so North of Clarence's homestead. Also: I'm
thinking that they (Madland's) may have been related (by marriage or
something) to the Holand family - who also lived in the same area.
Peter Holand (& wife Donna) live here in Grafton and he's teacher @
Grafton School (shop - I think.) Joy - may remember me as Loretta
Windingland. I belonged to Garfield Church (when we were younger) and
Joy and I & Pastor Wayne were on a number of different Luther-league
trips - as we got to be friends with some of the young folks from Our
Saviour's here in Grafton........Anyway: if these girls come up this way
this summer sometime - and need someone to show them where these places
are - I'd be more then happy to help. ...........I do remember Clarence
& he was a very nice fellow.............. Later Gary.......... take
care.............L. Moe <<<
And, there you have it ladies. Gosh I hope we don't have the Orstads
and Orsunds mixed up. Also, I would be willing to share phone numbers
and e-mail addresses, if both parties agree. Aren't memories wonderful?
--------------------------
Rumor has it that Doris' Gourmet Soup is now on the shelves of our area
food stores. The following note from Mary Stark gives a bit more insight
to Doris' new venture. >>> Gary,
Thanks for mentioning Doris' Gourmet Beans. We just made ham soup
with them and it was fabulous. Doris Rudnik is my aunt. She grew
up in Minto in my Grandparent's care. She started attending
Friendship's day program a few years back and has thoroughly enjoyed
going there. About a year ago they started talking to her about
getting her own apartment. She has now moved to Grafton and lives
with two others in an apartment on Eastern Ave. It is a wonderful
apartment that is easy for her to get around in her wheelchair and the
staff is very caring and helpful.. Friendship has also gotten her
business going. They are helping her fill the bottles and market them
in the area stores. Friendship does everything possible to help make
Doris reach her potential.
Friendship is a wonderful part of Grafton and we are very thankful that
they are involved in Doris' life.
Thank for giving her business a little boost. I believe you can
also get the beans at Friendship.
Mary Stark <<< Thanks a million for caring and sharing Mary. We
certainly wish Doris the very best in her new venture.
-----------------------
The response from Bill Shininger's note yesterday has been nothing
short of fantastic. Although it's not my intent to belabor the issue. I
would like to share a few comments in that regard.
One note said. Very interesting info from the Ohio fox hunters.
Thanks.
Ralph Kingsbury wrote. >>> Gary, I didn't know that fox and coyotes
had residency. Then of course we need to remember all the federal money
that comes into ND for wildlife maintenance. Ohio sends more money to
Washington than they get back. ND receives back much more than it sends.
Tell our friends from Ohio to keep coming back. (Thanks Ralph, you just
did.)
This one is especially meaningful to me. It comes from a bona-fide,
card carrying member of a Native American clan. An avid sportsman, a
super person, a fellow sugar tramp, and, a very close friend.
Mike wrote: >>>
Wow!!! What a well wrote note from the Ohio fella. They sure sound
like a nice group. You folks are lucky to have them choose your area for
vacationing. Hope they continue to enjoy the beautiful outdoors up here
in the north country!! Mike S. <<<< Thanks a million Mike. You have a
keen & accurate sense of observation.
------------------------
Speaking of observation. What happened to that wonderfully new format
on "our" local channel three. For a day or so it actually looked like
someone really wanted folks to use that channel. It seems we have
reverted back to seeing exactly the same things, over and over and over
for days and weeks and months. Then, I had to wait for everything to go
around "three times" before I figured out that the 25 percent off
summerwear ad, didn't say by who, where or when. Only that the sale will
end on 1/31/06 --- I guess that was last years sale,...... maybe.
--------------------------
Thanks to Linda & Frank McCann, Roger & Lynette Moe, Dr. J. R. Gaustad,
Ron Thompson, and Rod Glennen for your contributions to this years
Firefighter calendar draw program. And, I should add, thanks also, to
all you folks that prefer your name not be printed.
It seems like I am getting more requests from folks that want to buy
tickets and have other worthwhile charities name put on them. I'm not
sure, but I think that's called "getting a bigger bang for a buck."
Whatever it's called, it's a darn nice gesture. Or, so it seems to me.
==================================
GOTTA - GO - WORK - ON - MY - DASH
==================================
The Gazette works best, when the folks that read it, write it. Or so it
seems to me.


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

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

January 16, 2007 - Tuesday in Grafton, ND

Todays Gazette is brought to you Doris' Gourmet Soup. Assembled and
packaged right here in Grafton, North Dakota.
----------------------
The current temperature is -17 degrees.
Yesterdays H/L temperature was -1/-19
Normal H/L temp for this date is 14/-5
The national weather service says we can expect winter weather or
winter like weather, for the rest of the winter.
==================================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
"Smoking makes ignorance visible."
==================================
L O C A L news & stuff,.. mostly stuff.
-------------------------
Rumor has it that a, "previously owned", vehicle dealership from the
Grand Cities to the south will soon be operating out of the former
Johnson used car facilities on the west side of Grafton. I'm not sure
who, However, I was assured they would be Top Quality used cars.
--------------------------
Paper work for a new automotive service center to be housed in the
former Heritage Ford Chrysler building is under way and expected to be
completed soon.
---------------------------
Advertising, as I mentioned yesterday, is an extremely important part
of any business strategy. Obviously Slumberland of Grand Forks, Fargo
etc, etc, understands that importance too. They sent one of their huge
trucks, complete with a giant picture of a mattress and their company
name and address to town yesterday. They backed the truck into the
driveway of a home on the busiest intersection of town. (Main street and
hiway 17). What a perfect spot for a giant advertising sign for a out of
town business. Newman Sign Company couldn't have picked a better spot.
Obvious too, is the fact that the folks living at that residence must
not have been aware that Grafton True Value and Landowski's Furniture
both sell top brand bedding for a safe and sound and restful sleep.
Small town USA, use them, or loose them. Or so it seems to me.
-------------------------
I've received a significant amount of correspondence lately about "Our"
friends from Ohio. All of it has been positive, with one exception.
Almost everyone that writes, or asks, would like to know more, about the
group that travels so far to enjoy our area and spend time with us.
So, I am pleased to share a note Bill sent shortly after returning
home. He wrote.
Hello,Gary
I'm happy to let you know that we all arrived at home in Ohio
safely Friday evening. As we separate and each go our own way, we shake
hands with a smile, thank each other for the camaraderie, friendship and
fun we've shared over the past two weeks and look forward to next year.
Similarly to the way we leave Grafton.
In response to 'disgruntled', I admit the $27 license to hunt fox
and coyote is a very reasonable fee. We actually feel we become
residents of the Grafton area for two weeks. We patronize local
businesses: i.e. Hansons, motel Leonard, Grannys, Napa, Auto
Wash, Pizza Hut, Pamida, Alco, Dennys, Simonsons, Grafton Drug,
Schumachers, Market Place, among others, where we pay North Dakota sales
tax. Not to mention the business we patronize in the Fargo and Hunter
area on the trip both ways.
We patronize and participate in Grafton area fund raisers. I
enjoyed looking over the wrestling schedule posted in the window at
Simonsons. And took some pride in knowing that I had a small part in
supporting that program. We are as much residents for our time there
as any other seasonal resident during their stay.
Our group shares a great deal of respect for the out doors
and nature. Kind of obvious since we come 1200 miles to Grafton to spend
time outside in January. We wouldn't consider destroying property public
or private or disposing of trash anywhere except the proper receptacle.
It saddens us to see that all people who travel the rural roads don't
feel the same.
Myself, I'm a farmer, I own and operate a seed company and
serve as chairman of our local soil and water conservation district. My
roots in conservation run deep. Steve is a drainage contractor and
farmer he's fascinated by the network of ditches, dikes, rivers and
topography. He has a great respect for mother nature and the power of
water. Gary a gunsmith runs a shop and store selling outdoor
recreation gear. His business depends on people sharing his
appreciation and respect for the out of doors.
Chuck is a retired parks officer who spent his entire career studying
nature, maintaining natural areas and enforcing the law. Currently he
helps his brother-in-law Bob in spring and fall plant and harvest.
During summer he helps Steve. Bob W. Operates a grain farm with his
two sons it seems pretty obvious that a farmer would be fascinated by
the rich agriculture heritage of the Red River Valley. His desire to
pass his business to his sons gives you an idea that he has a vision
for the future which includes the next generation working hand and hand
with mother nature. Bob S. the newest member of the group is a retired
railroad engineer. He's spent many years seeing the country from a
different perspective. His family has a long history as outdoor
sportsmen. He is currently president of the Lytton Fox Hunters Club.
Our club consists of about 40 active members; the club
started in the 1950s as an organized social group of primarily farmers
who enjoyed hunting. For many years there was a bounty on fox since they
raided many hen houses. Today our club is primarily a conservation club.
Many members enjoy hunting/fishing and have interest in wildlife
habitat, conservation, community service and hunter safety.
We made our first visits to the Grafton area more than ten
years ago in search of snow. At home snow fall in recent years has
become sparse. Our primary method of hunting is tracking on foot.
Without snow that becomes very difficult. Residential encroachment on
farmland and natural areas has also been a detriment.
In answer to the question about fox in Ohio yes we have some fox.
Similar to North Dakota the fox population is down largely due to
increased coyote population. Fox and coyote almost never inhabit the
same area. They compete for habitat and food. When there is a
confrontation between the two, almost never do both participants
survive. A coyote being approximately three times the size of a fox
requires much more food. Their food of choice appears to be venison and
in the spring while feeding their young the young of any species makes a
tasty meal.
In Grafton, the coyote population has been on a steady rise
for the last ten years. We've been seeing two to three times as many
coyote as fox, but things are looking up for your local fox population.
This year all of the fox are healthy, five years ago most of the fox had
sacroptic mange which is transmitted from one animal to another by
contact i.e.: its mate or young. Mange is almost always a death
sentence.
Hunting as a wildlife management tool is an interesting
concept. By selling licenses, management of this natural resource is
funded. The concept is best understood through the eyes of a Biologist
or Agriculturalist. The hunting process tends to eliminate animals who
are ill, injured or old.Thus the remaining animals are stronger, more
healthy, younger, faster and more intelligent. Now having more
habitat making them more prolific with offspring sharing these same
characteristics. Of particular importance, is the likelihood that since
these animals are healthy a resistance to disease is being bred into the
species.
In animal husbandry or plant breeding, we term this process culling the
herd or population. Thus insuring the survival and productivity of the
population. In Ohio there are urban areas where hunting is not allowed,
now the wildlife population is so high the animals are diseased. So the
state is paying professional snipers to cull animals. Disease is a
natural process, but sometimes nature is very cruel. Maybe you've heard
of aids, smallpox or polio.
I understand not everyone feels the same way about hunting.
I hope this sheds some light. We are all entitled to our own views and
opinions on many topics, such as religion, politics and the environment.
All concerned people, can rest assured that we left plenty of critters
for seed. The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is looking out for
the interest of all critters, as well as yours and mine.
Gary, you are welcome to do as you wish with any or all of
this information as you see fit. Thank you for all you have done for us.
I am sure you realize this is my view from my side of the fence.
Bill Shininger <<< Thanks a million for caring and sharing
Bill. Thanks also to the rest of "our" Ohio Fox Hunting Friends for
picking Grafton, and, north eastern North Dakota to enjoy you passion
for the great outdoors. Thanks as well, for participating in several
local projects while your here.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
====== HAPPY BIRTHDAY ======
--- TOM & NICOLE HARTJE ---
Tom celebrated the anniversary of his birth Sunday. He also has 44
reasons why he doesn't need any more candles.
Nicole will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of her first day on
earth.
Happy birthday Tom and Nicole
We love you both very much!!!
==================================
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.

Monday, January 15, 2007

January 15, 2007 - Monday in Grafton, ND

==== REALLY EARLY EDITION ====
Todays Gazette is brought to you by the brand new look of the Grafton
area Chamber of Commerce Channel 3
-----------------------
The current temperature is -17 degrees.
Yesterdays H/L temperature was 9/-16
Normal H/L temp for this date is 14/-5
When I woke up Saturday morning. The temperature outside, was 60
degrees,.... colder than the milk in our refrigerator.
==================================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
"Smoking makes ignorance visible."
==================================
L O C A L news & stuff,.. mostly stuff.
-------------------------
I really like the "new" local channel 3 format. I've always believed
advertising pays. Evidently Menards also agrees with me. Just the other
day, Menards sent one of their pickups loaded with "merchandise" and
parked it on Hill Avenue (main street) right in front of Barb's property
management office. Obviously, for anyone that didn't know better, they
would almost have to believe that the folks from Barb's Property
Management were promoting the idea of "their" tenants "saving BIG money
at Menards."
Of course, it should be mentioned. If enough local folks bought into
that idea. Barb's Property Management wouldn't have any people to move
into the property that they manage.
Mind you, I'm not suggesting in any way, that Barb's Property
Management had anything to do with the Menard's truck, loaded with
supplies, parking in front of their office for several hours. It could
well have been one of Menard's latest Corporate plans to send a truck
down here and advertise "purely by association." Or so it seems to me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OKAY,.. so I changed my mind. The other day I received a note that
bothered me more than a little. Certainly, that's what it was intended
to do. At first I decided not to share it with everyone and so only
shared it with my family and hunter friends. Now I've changed my mind.
Today, I will send the note, and, my initial response. Tomorrow I'll
share a couple messages that are more indepth, precise and
representative of the caliber of folks from Ohio I have come to refer to
as "Our" Ohio Fox Hunters.
The original note and the first installment, as sent to close family.
>>>
I received the following note from a disgruntled Gazette member.
After pondering his "barbs" a minute. I decided I would answer him
directly, rather than thru the remaining 4,500 (innocent) Gazette
membership.
If you feel I am in error, please let me know. >>>>> HE WROTE >>>>
Gary
I would like to know just how much does a "Ohio killing for fun fox
hunters" have to pay for a out of state license. Probably not
enough! Don't they have any fox in Ohio, or did they kill them all
off.
Tom
==============
I responded with the following. >>>>
Thanks for the note Tom,.... I think.
I suspect that my Hunting Friends from Ohio pay the State of North
Dakota the going rate for the right to hunt here. Much the same as the
state of Minnesota charges me for KILLING fish in their state when I go
there to fish. Likewise, I'm sure, North Dakota charges Minnesotans, or
folks from any other state, the going rate for them to go to Devils Lake
and KILL fish there as well.
Tom, I'm not sure, that I completely understand the inference of
your message. At first glance it appears to me to be absolutely and
completely vindictive. Then again, maybe, I have misunderstood your
intentions. Personally, I couldn't force myself to hunt anything with a
gun. For some reason, however, I am able to "KILL" fish with a fish
hook.
Over the years I have met many folks that have tried to
convince me that "KILLING" any living being is wrong, and, that
certainly may be true. Of course, often, while those same folks are
telling me we shouldn't KILL. They're slapping (KILLING) mosquitoes,
flies, rats, mice, lice, and or a multitude of other living creatures
that inhabit our world.
I think it has been written. "Let he without fault, cast the first
stone, and, let he with fault, help pull the stone boat home to build
fences to keep unwanted critters out."
Or something like that.
Thanks again Tom, from your fish KILLING friend to the
north. Gary Moe
+++++++
Tomorrow I'll share "our" Hunter Friends side of the story.
----------------------
------------ NOW THEN ----------
We're looking for Clarence Madland.
Dear Gary,
I surely have been appreciating receiving your Shivercity
Gazette...a very worthy avocation.
My sister, Joy, and I are writing a book about our uncle, Vernon
Ellingson, of Grand Forks, ND ( a brother of our mother's) who served in
World War II as a private first class in the Army. During the service
years, he wrote many letters home, and we have 300 of them, both to his
parents and to our parents in Grafton.
In one of the letters, he refers to a Sergeant Clarence Madland who
was at Camp Barkeley with him, and who was originally from Park River
and single, Lutheran, and Norwegian (just like our uncle was).
Anyway, in searching the death index, I found him listed as having died
at Grafton in September of 1986 at the age of 77. Would you be so
kind as to ask people if they would know him, and, if so, if they have
any biographical data on him, like whether he was married, what he did
for a living, whether he had any children, and what kind of a person he
was.
We would really appreciate any help you might be able to give us.
Kind regards,
Rosanne and Joy Bliss <<< Thanks for the note Rosanne. There is a
chance someone out there remembers Clarence. Maybe one of our funeral
homes could give some insight as well.
-------------------------
If I hadn't read the Grand Forks Herald Sunday, I would never have
known that Chip Shereck (1990 GHS) and Tammy Jo Pesch would soon be
putting their feet under the same breakfast table. January 26 as a
matter of fact. Chip is the son of Diane Shereck and the late John
Shereck.
====== CONGRATULATIONS ======
Tammy Jo Pesch and Chip Shereck
From the Patti & Gary Moe family tree,
and, from the entire Moe gene pool.
-------------------------
I am SADDENED to report the passing of a long time friend, neighbor
and wonderful person. Frank Kubesh passed away at the Lutheran Sunset
Home. From the first day Frank Kubesh and Gladys Watkins met, something
very special happened. He not only fell in love with a wonderful women,
he fell in love with a fantastic family as well. Frank was an
exceedingly kind and gentle man. A soft spoken individual with
significant respect and staunch loyalty. I shall always remember Frank
as a giant of a man, in a small body. Likewise too his friendly smile
complete with a bright twinkle in his eye.
With our deepest sympathies and condolences to the Frank Kubesh family,
and God's speed to our friend Frank.
From Patti and Gary Moe
==================================
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.

Friday, January 12, 2007

January 12, 2007 - Friday in Grafton, ND

Todays Gazette is brought to you in part, by the 2007 SummerFest. June
21thru23
AND Grafton's 125th Celebration.
----------------------
The current temperature is -19 degrees.
Yesterdays H/L temperature was 25/-15
Normal H/L temp for this date is 14/-5
It's cold enough to go ice fishing in the water closet.
==================================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
"Smoking makes ignorance visible."
==================================
L O C A L news & stuff,.. mostly stuff.
-------------------------
I have always believed the Strand Theatre offers anything one could
hope for in a small town theatre. A few days ago, St. Thomas area
resident, Tom Kennelly, praised and shared his positive experiences at
the Strand Theatre with all of the Gazette membership.
I am very pleased to share the following note again with regards to the
Strand Theatre. >>> Hi, Gary!
THANK YOU SO MUCH for the Honorable Mention of our humble little
theatre in your Shivercity Gazette!
I will certainly be printing it out for Tom to see (and probably
frame), and I know he will appreciate it more than words can say.
Tom and I celebrated Four Magical Years on December 10th, which
means I can pretty safely say I joined the Strand Staff about 4 years
and 3 months ago. That time has passed like a blink, but I can
guarantee he still leaves me speechless. The dedication he has to
that theatre is exceeded only by the size of his heart and his love for
the children that enter our doors.
It warms my heart tremendously to know that others see it as
clearly as I can, because I am blessed with a pretty exceptional vantage
point.
Keep on keeping on - we love the Gazette!
Gratefully,
Tammy Henriksen <<<<
Thanks a million for caring and sharing Tammy. Arlo would be very
proud of the way his son Tom caresses the operation of Grafton's oldest
movie house, The Strand Theatre.
-------------------------
Murphy's back again, and still in the same part of town. This time,
about mid-afternoon, "our" Volunteer Firefighters had a chance to haul
all of their equipment to the residence at 1402 Lavergne Avenue. I
haven't heard how all the smoke ended up in the garage or it's origin.
However, it wasn't long and the guys wearing hats with a Maltese Cross
on them were rolling up their hoses and heading back to the fire hall.
It seems crazy, but every time the weather conditions turn difficult,
"things" seem to start on fire.
+++++
Speaking of fire and Firefighters. This would be a great time to thank
Don Folson and Jake Jacobson for joining this years Grafton Area
Volunteer Firefighters Calendar Draw program. Thanks a million guys, I
gotta think it makes going out in below zero weather, with a water hose
in your hand a little easier when you know "that other folks really care
too."
Or, so it seems to me.
--------------------------
They left, with winds blowing up snow squalls making it difficult to
see. Because of that, our Fox Hunting Friends from Ohio decided it was
time for them to go home. They are truly an interesting group. They
don't come here to burn and pillage our land. They won't even walk on
anyones land unless they have permission. They are law abiding, God
fearing men that come to our area for a week or two expecting nothing in
return except the same respect every United States Citizen is entitled
to.
From Farmer to Gun Smith, County Agent to Railroad Engineer, it would
be extremely difficult, if even possible, to find a better group of
individuals to welcome into our community. They are gone for another
year, I will miss them, we will miss them, and, we'll be waiting for
their return again next fall.
---------------------------
The subscription department sent the following note and I must admit.
It did take awhile before I decided to share it with the group. After
you read it I'm sure you'll see what I mean. >>> Hi Gary,
The former Jo Ann Wentz and I have connected after many years of
not living in Grafton. She has been sending me your
newsletter, The ShiverCity Gazette. I have to admit, reading your
temperatures does make me shiver! I returned to Grafton in 2002 after
about 26 years of not visiting, not enough vacation time to do so
before then. However, I have been in California since 1964. Yes, I
saw a lot of changes but a lot of familiar faces. Grafton is
still home. In any event, I would love to be added to your e-mail
list for the "second" best publication around. You have to forgive
me for considering the GHS Alumni Newsletter is the best but when
it is in my mailbox I drop everything and read it word for word!
Tell Patty hi!
Keep warm and keep writing,
Annmarie Settingsgard <<<
Thanks a hundred Annmarie, we will be pleased to add you to the
membership list and welcome you to the Gazette family. Stay home nights,
work overtime weekends and plan on coming home and help us celebrate
Grafton's 125 year anniversary June 21, 22 & 23. I'm not exactly sure
whats being planned yet, but I'm guessing it'll be more fun than putting
Lyman Bjerken Crosely on the front steps of Central School. AND, with a
little luck, Don LaBerge will be successful in orchestrating (pardon the
pun) a city band for the momentous occasion. Maybe, they could even
practice in the basement of the former Fields Dry Cleaning building.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It was on a Thursday, I remember it well. I was walking up and
down the Halls of St. Josephs Hospital counting floor tiles, door knobs,
and watching nurses running in and out of every room but the delivery
room. Dr Teevens walked by and said don't worry lad, I've never had one
refuse to come out yet, and into the labor room he went. I headed for
the fountain and, just as I was taking a drink, I heard Dr. Teevens
shout, "you better go get us some help, it won't be long now." Then
nurses seemed to come out of the woodwork, and, they were all heading
for the delivery room. I kept walking past the door hoping to hear
"something" on the other side. Then I took another drink, then I stood
by the nurses station, then another drink. Just then I heard a cry like
I've never heard before (it was our first born you know) and it sounded
like all hell was breaking loose in there. It sounded almost like
someone was fighting or something. (Joe Frazier was born that day in
1944)
Anyway, as I stood by the door listening, I could hear the nurses and
Pat talking, faster than (Rush Limbaugh 1951) normal and then I found
myself agreeing with Bobby Vee who was signing "Take Good Care of My
Baby on our local radio station KGPC.
Yup, it was a bit more than 24,193,900 minutes ago when Dr Teevens gave
our first daughter her first spanking and she joined 179,323,175 other
legal American Citizens.
--- HAPPY BIRTHDAY - Kelly Jean ---
Your Mother and Father love you very much.
P.S.
And, if I remember right, when I asked Dr. Teevens why it was necessary
for him to slap my little girl so hard. He replied, (tongue in cheek)
"because she's the reason I couldn't plan on going to the lake this
weekend." When I reminded him it was Thursday, he paused, then said,...
hummm. Dr. Teevens was our family Dr. for a good many years and we
thought the world of him. Gosh I miss seeing him come into MarketPlace
to eat on the weekends.
==================================
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.