January 16, 2009 - Friday

Todays Gazette is coming to you from the 23rd annual Bologna Contest at
the Harvey Avenue Saloon in Minto, ND.
The contest starts at 6:00 pm.
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The current temperature is -17 degrees
The "feels like" temperature is -40
Yesterdays H/L temperature was -6/-27
Normal H/L temp for this date is 14/-5
It was 43 degrees on this date in 1942
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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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I received the following comments and concerns regarding Yesterdays
mention of the AmericInn. >>>>
Hi Gary,
I'm getting a little tired of all the "bad" remarks targeted at the
AmericInn, especially when we're trying to figure out how to "better"
our community, not dig one of the nicest buildings in the ground! It
also frustrates me that some of the comments come from a friend of a
friend of a family friend someone knows. Most of the comments have been
either blown out of proportion in frustration or the facts haven't been
straight (regular room rates versus suite rates.) Also, take into
account the thousands that have stayed there and enjoyed their stay
versus the few people that didn't. We've all had bad experiences with
various situations but somehow the good ones don't get published. A nice
hotel with a swimming pool was on the top of the list of priorities for
the city when the hotel was built. This business was not built as a
community service project, but to provide a return for the investors.
Nobody has offered to pay the bills when there are very few occupants
that don't come close to covering the costs to keep the place open.
However, the few crabapples seem to have a lot to say when they get
charged a little more when Grafton has events going on that benefit the
city as a whole from restaurants to gas stations to retail. Thanks for
your time. <<<<
Thanks a million for caring and sharing. I should add that I am
withholding the name upon request. It certainly is true that most folks
neglect to mention the positive aspects of a business. On the other
hand, however, most businesses ask "how was everything?" when you stand
at the cash register to pay. The assumption, then, must be that they
really do want to know and if something is wrong, they would make every
effort to correct it. Obviously, when that doesn't happen, very often,
something else does. Enuff said.
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Speaking of positive comments. Bill, a member of "our" Ohio Fox
Hunters sent the following. >>>> Gary,
Wanted to let you know we arrived home safe Tuesday evening approx. 5
P.M. EST.That was after some challenges from mother nature and a detour
to a friendly GM Service Center.
With a handshake and a smile, we went our separate ways to return to
the comfort and security of our families, homes and daily routines. We
are rich with stories, experiences and friendships reinstated. I must
admit that breakfast and our evening at Marketplace on 8th, are some of
the highlights of the trip. I really enjoy the time we spend visiting
with you and some of your friends caring and sharing. The Gazette is
great, but not nearly as personal as sitting across the table and
visiting over a meal.
Thank you to everyone in the Grafton community who helped to make our
stay all it can be. Again the Leonard Motel was a great home away from
home. We are already making plans for next years trip and look forward
to the cold temps, snow and hospitality, all of which we had plenty
this year.
Regards,
William Shininger <<<< Thanks a million for caring and sharing
Bill. We too, are looking forward to your return next winter. Maybe we
can put together a power point presentation of your adventures across
the country, invite a few more folks, and make a "truly special" evening
of it.
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I mentioned Yellowstone the other day and received the following note
from Scott. He wrote. >>> Gary,
I've heard that Yellowstone has "ole Al" perplexed. He desperately
want's to plug all the geysers to prevent them from expelling so much
gas in the air (thought it is minimal compared to the gas he expels)
thus slowing global warming, but is afraid the whole region will blow. I
suspect he will plug the geysers, as what is losing 1/3 of the United
States vs. saving the world. <<< Thanks a million for caring and
sharing Scott. I'm guessing one thing is absolutely certain, we have
only just begun realizing what the term being "Pro-Active" really means.
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I am saddened to report the passing of a friend and one of Grafton's
finest citizens, Paul C. Benjaminson. I have known Paul for more than
fifty years. I doubt that our world has ever harbored anyone more honest
and sincere than Paul. He always seemed to have time, or, he would make
time, to help anyone out whenever he could. I've seem Paul whisper when
others would shout, yet he would come up with the answers, when others
had doubt.
I will miss seeing Paul, but I will never forget him. Nor do I believe
will anyone else that ever knew him. ~~~~~~~~~~
Paul Benjaminson, age 82 of Grafton, ND passed away on Thursday,
January 15, 2009 at the Unity Medical Center of Grafton. Paul C.
Benjaminson was born September 8, 1926 in Gardar, ND the son of the late
Gudmundur and Gudrun (Halldorson) Bemjaminson. He graduated from
Edinburg H S in 1944. In December of 1944 he enlisted in the United
States Army, serving until August of 1947. Following his discharge he
returned to Edinburg where he was united in marriage to Aldys Nygard on
September 21, 1947. The couple lived in Edinburg for two years when they
moved to Grafton. He worked for Glenn Mohagen for a short time then went
to work at Nygard's Auto as an automobile mechanic. In 1967 Paul and
Harris Nygard purchased the business and they owned and operated the
business until 1983 when they closed the business. He then worked as a
power plant operator at the Grafton Developmental Center until retiring.
Aldys passed away on Feb. 13, 1991.
Paul was a member of the Grafton Lutheran Church, the American Legion
Post #41, V.F.W. Post #9367, the Eagle's Club, the Icelandic Community
Association, the Northeast ND Pioneer Machinery Association, the Rollag
Steam Threshers Association and the Walsh County Historical Society.
Paul is survived by his daughters: Dawn (Wally) Johnson, Grafton; Jane
(Clayton) Mohagen, Grafton; four grandchildren, four great grandchildren
and brother George (Hedda) Benjaminson, Bothell, WA. He was preceded in
death by his parents, wife and sisters: Marjorie Mohagen and Bernice
Ivers.
Funeral services will be Monday, January 19, 2009 at 10:30 A.M. at the
Grafton Lutheran Church. Visitation will be Sunday from 5-7 P.M. with a
prayer service at 7:00 P.M. at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton.
Friends may also call at the church on Monday for one hour prior to the
service. Interment will be at the Grafton Lutheran Cemetery. Military
rites will be provided by the Grafton American Legion Post #41.
The Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton is in charge of the arrangements.
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GOTTA GO WORK ON MY DASH
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"Be who you are and say what you feel... Because those who mind don't
matter.... and those who matter don't mind."
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.