March 26, 2009 - Thursday

Todays Gazette comes to you chilled by the gentle breezes blowing over
several inches of a early spring snowstorm.
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The current temperature is 15 degrees.
We can expect "winter like weather" until it warms up. Then,.... we can
expect a "change". I'm not sure but I think someone else has promised a
"change" too.
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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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Even though the river reading in Grafton has fallen approximately a
foot since Tuesday evening. We must not become complacent. I believe
much, if not all, of the drop can be attributed to cold the temperature
that, in turn, slowed down normal runoff.
Assuming we don't receive a lot more moisture I must believe the
earlier crest prediction may well be reduced. Obviously I certainly hope
my rational is correct. Unfortunately, it may just be wishful thinking.
One thing is for certain. When the sun returns to the Red River Valley
and the temperature returns to more normal levels. Time and Mother
Nature will dictate the outcome.
Anyway,.. for the next day or two, Mother Nature has given local flood
volunteers a well earned break. To that, Mayor Burianek has added the
following thoughts. Todd said. >>>>>
That doesn't mean we are relaxing or letting our guard down as we know
Mother Nature has a way of changing her mind but it does mean that after
a week of this battle I finally feel that I can exhale.
The next issue will be water collecting in the streets from the snow
melt. As you know, we've closed storm sewer valves in order to prevent
overflow onto the streets, but now the melting snow will collect because
it won't be carried to the river. We will be judiciously pumping the
water off of all streets.
Again, I offer a big thank you to all who helped so far in this
effort. It is greatly appreciated.
TB <<< Thanks a million for caring and sharing Todd. It is true
that the recent inclement weather has given most of our flood volunteers
a short reprieve. It has significantly increased the level of stress and
placed a heightened physical demand on the members of our community that
rely on our city for a living.
The old adage, "damned if you do, and damned if you don't" certainly
comes to mind at times like these. Fortunately, our communities
employees have been working their butts off to build a dam that will
minimize our loss to the ravages of flood waters.
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The ongoing story of Grafton's encounter with with the ravages of
flood is nationwide. Recent comments from Rick Kettells, Missouri,
Marjie from Florida, Kathee from Parkers Prairie shared their thoughts.
Today Keith Mohagen, California and Bill Shininger, one of our Ohio Fox
Hunting Friends shared the following.
Subject: FLOOD
Hi Gary
We are tracking the progress of the spring thaw and flood in the gazette
and in the national news. Wanted to let you know that our thoughts and
prayers go out to everyone threatened by the flood waters. We
have extra concern for the citizens and business in the Grafton
community with whom we've built a special friendship over the past
several winters.
Regards,
William Shininger <<<<<<
Thanks a million Bill. We have plenty of snow, and it sure is cold
enough for you guys to come down and do a little fox hunting,.......
after all the sand bags are filled.
+++++
Gary -
I read with interest and pride, about Graftons pending
flood, and the peoples attitude in handling it by helping each other.
Kudos to Mayor Todd Burianek and his staff. I remembered the
past floods back to the 1950's - the National Guard rescuing people
with "Ducks", Gordy Stark taking a canoe to work and tying it
up in front of "Fishes 5 & 10"; and myself delivering the Grand
Forks Herald in hip boots. And no FEMA in sight! I can only hope that
the people of Louisiana see this!
keep up the good work - Keith <<<<<
Thanks a million Keith. I honestly can't speak about the folks in
Louisiana. I can however, assure you of one thing. The folks around here
are really working their heart out and they are doing it with one
thought in mind. They simply want to help their neighbors. Or so it
seems to me.
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A sign on the lawn at a drug rehab center said: 'Keep off the Grass.'
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~~~ Our Saviours Potato Feed ~~~
Our Saviours Lutheran, Grafton, will host a Potato feed with all the
topping, bars and a few other surprises.
Saturday, March 28, 2009 from 5-7pm.
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~~ MINTO COMMUNITY CENTER ~~
The Polish National Alliance Dancers 4th Annual Polish Food Fest
Saturday, March 28, 2009, Poish meal from 3:00 - 7:00, performances by
the P.N.A. Dancers at 4:00, 5:00 & 6:00, and from 7:00 - 11:00 enjoy the
music of Matt Hodek & the Dakota Dutchmen all at the Community Center in
Minto, ND.