Monday, August 06, 2007

August 6, 2007 - Monday - Grafton, ND

The 50-50-90 rule: Anytime you have a 50-50 chance of getting
something right, there's a 90% probability you'll get it wrong.
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The present temperature is 63 degrees.
Yesterdays H/L temperature was 85/58
Normal H/L temp for this date is 83/57
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"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
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L O C A L news & stuff,.. mostly stuff.
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The first thing I noticed upon my return is Wally's is still Wally's
and the closest Wal-Mart is still Grand Forks.
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I also noticed the 125 year Grafton celebration sign is still standing
in the empty lot on the corner of Hill Ave and highway 17. That
property was once believed to be the new home for a brand new Subway.
Instead those lots will be sold and Subway has decided to stay in the
Western Plaza operating 24 hours a day.
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Speaking of eateries. I understand that the management of Reds Sports
and Family Dinning has decided to close. So far I haven't heard of any
future plans for that facility.
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ALSO
I was more than a little surprised yesterday by the lack of occupants
in "our" Leistikow Park Campgrounds. When I drove by yesterday, there
was only one camper in the entire campground. I find that sad, to say
the least.
There is no rational reason, short of total and complete lack of
interest by the local business community and those responsible for the
overall operation of the campground, that that facility isn't operating
at near capacity levels all summer long.
It's unfortunate, in my opinion, that "our" Leistikow Park campgrounds
are looked upon as an economic resource, solely for the benefit of the
park system, rather than benefit to the entire community.
I have been told, by some, that it was "necessary" to raise to cost of
camping to cover the costs of the campground. One need only look at the
empty campground and ask. What that's costing the community?
I've even been told, by some, "there's really no reason for anyone to
come to Leistikow", to which I can only reply,.... bull excrement. It's
time "our" community leadership, city, park and business community pull
together. It's time to quit trying to protect each others individual
turf and allow the facilities tax payers have already provided this
community the opportunity to prove their worth.
Or so it seems to me.
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AND THE BAND PLAYED ON
I received the following note from Ryan awhile back so I'm guessing
the number of requests are even higher now.
He wrote: >>>
Subject: Community Band note
Hey there Gary it's me again. Last count over 100 Grafton Community
Band CD's have been sent out or picked up. I realized I forgot to
mention in the last letter who to make the checks out to, that of course
would be Ryan Johnston. These things are going like hot cakes, but as
long as there are orders we will keep on producing them, just allow a
couple days for shipping. Thanks again Gary, this Gazette is a great
way for all of us Graftonites past and present to keep in touch. Ryan
<<< Thanks a million for caring and sharing Ryan.
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I always enjoy hearing from Gazette family members. When I returned
yesterday, my mailbox was full. As a matter of fact it had been full for
several days before I got home. I'm not sure how other folks look at
that, but for me, I always wonder, when that happens, what notes were
returned unopened. Pictures gobble the most space and for some reason
last weeks mail was full of them.
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I received the following note from Joanne, and, along with welcoming
her to the Gazette family, I would like to share her note with everyone.
She wrote: >>>
Subject: The Grafton Milk Company
Hi, Gary,
Recently, my son who lives in Seattle located on the Internet a vintage
milk bottle from the Grafton Milk
Company. We think this came from Grafton, ND, but are uncertain as to
the name of the milk company
prior to Williamson's. Can you help us out?
Thanks,
Joanne Pederson Sheridan <<< Thanks a million for caring and sharing
Joanne. Luther Williamson started delivering milk in 1924, shortly after
finishing high school. To the best of my knowledge, his "company" began
as The Grafton Milk Company and continued to be so until it discontinued
operations in 1979.
However, I'm sure we have other Gazette members better able to address
your question.
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GOTTA - GO - WORK - ON - MY - DASH
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It is harvest time and more often than not, I can be found operating my
walleye combine.


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