September 30, 2009 - Wednesday

We have absolutely no reason to believe a national health system
formulated by or operated under our federal bureaucracy will not be, at
the very least, every bit as effective is the Social Security program.
Or so it seems to me.
-----------------------------
It's flu season,... Wash your hands!
------------------------------
The current temperature is 55° (above).
The weather forecast for the next week gives us every indication
that the areas full scale stockpile sugarbeet harvest begins today. The
readers digest version of the next two weeks weather is,..... to windy,
to wet, to cold OR to hot, (sometimes on the same day) AND,... no matter
what, it is always best to remember, "please keep the harvester as close
to the roto-beater as possible".
=========================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
=========================
L O C A L news & stuff,.. mostly stuff
---------------------------------
The small remaining percentage of acres to harvest, of
beans, potatoes and to a lesser extent small grains, will hold startup
of the full long term storage sugarbeet to a level somewhat less than
optimum.
Realistically, a slow sugarbeet harvest startup isn't always a
negative thing. It certainly does give everyone involved time to "get
used" to the equipment. Even with the less than desirable forecast for
the next few days, each factory district should have no problem getting
enough beets on hand to guarantee continuos operation through adverse
weather conditions.
In some way shape or form, when taken to it's fullest
extent, the Red River Valley sugarbeet harvest will touch the lives of
literally 10's of thousands of people. Sugarbeet harvest is a 24 hour a
day, 7 day a week process that continues (weather permitting) until the
entire crop has been harvested and put in long term storage piles.
Sugar is not only pure, proud and sweet, it also increases
the shelf life of many consumer food products. Especially when compared
to artificial sweeteners.
---------------------------------
I am always impressed with the response I get when I send
out the Goose Story. I found the following comment from Keith Mohagen
especially interesting. I particularly enjoyed his quote.
Keith wrote: >>>>
Gary - Congratulations on your Walleyes, good
health, and welcome back to the Gazette. I enjoyed your quote
"Profanity makes ignorance audible" it is similar to one of my favorites
"Egotism is the anesthetic that dulls the pain of stupidity." Both
quotes sometimes fit the same person!! Also your article on
Goose sense was apparently adopted by our military sometime ago, as
they have applied the same flying techniques to airplane
formations; as well as the "downed member" technique.
Keep up the good work, I always enjoy the Gazette and the people in it.
It's kind of like that country-western song that says "It's the only
place they call me one of their own.. Take care........Keith M. <<<<
Thanks a million for caring and sharing Keith
----------------------------
It's funny how sometimes somethings just seem to "come together".
Yesterday while Pat and I were driving through our beautiful Leistikow
Park. I mentioned how wonderful it was to see the campground almost full
of campers. Of course, several occupants are pipeliners and I suppose a
couple are folks just passing through. I am also sure several of the
camp grounds residents are staying there while they work in the harvest.
Anyway, I mentioned to Pat that I really wished everyone in the
community could see, and appreciate the business generated by the
Leistikow Park Camp Ground. Then,... when I returned home and turn on my
little computer I discovered Gloria Charlton from the Leonard Motel was
thinking about "almost" the same thing. Gloria wrote: >>
Gary, I wonder if the government
can really run anything with a profit.... so far we know that the Post
Office is in the hole, Soc. Sec. is running out of money, Medicare
isn't doing much better... is there any governmental run agency that is
in the black ???? I don't want them running my Health Insurance...
it will only make more bureaucrats richer....
(Gloria continues) -------
Need to thank all the pipeliners in town for helping out our
community... they are spending lots of dollars in our town...
Gloria Charlton <<<<<
Thanks a million for caring and sharing Gloria. Your point
about the ability of the federal government running anything efficiently
is well taken,.... as well. Sometimes I think way to many people, know
far to little of the values and benefits Leistikow Park and the entire
park system affords our community.
==========================
GOTTA GO WORK ON MY DASH
==========================
"Life is to short for long answers.


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

September 29, 2009 - Tuesday

It's "almost" impossible for me to believe that the folks we send to
Washington actually vote to spend billions of dollars without having any
idea at all where, or for what purpose, the money is going.
-----------------------------
The current temperature is 57 degrees under a beautifully clear blue
sky.
=======================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
=======================
L O C A L news stuff,.. mostly stuff.
------------------------------------
Rumor has it Shenanigans is hoping to open their new restaurant in the
former Nelson Drug building by Thanksgiving. So far,... no rumor on
which Thanksgiving.
One thing is for certain, the "old" drug store building certainly does
improve the appearance of downtown Grafton.
---------------------------------
Wash your hands often
---------------------------------
Speaking of downtown Grafton buildings taking on an improved
appearance.
The former Northwestern Bell telephone building (the Tower Building) is
getting a brand new paint job and just down the alley to the north the
Grafton residence are footing the bill to rebuild the back wall of
former Fish's Variety store building. A building that the former owners
so graciously "donated" to our city for taxes, I might add.
The former LaBerge & Stenso Dodge, Case Equipment dealership building
in the 800 block of Hill ave. just received a brand new corrugated steel
front which significantly improved the building and that area of Hill
Ave.
Then, of course, not to be outdone by a mere paint job, or corrugated
steel sheeting, or even a brand new cement wall like the fish's
building, is the multitude of murals sponsored by the management team of
the Walsh County Record and Morgan Printing operation. Their bequest to
the latest Grafton downtown beautification program includes numerous
murals that adorn their facilities walls. The paintings almost cover the
gambit of ones imagination. Paintings such as elaborate floral gardens,
dragons, transformer characters and even an abbreviated obituary covers
the exterior facade. And, by the looks of it, there is still lots of
room for even more "exhibits".
Who says nothing ever happens in small town America?
And,... I haven't even mentioned, much less congratulated, Jason Nelson
for taking over the helm of D & E Auto Repair in Grafton. Paul and
Bonnie Mohagen have done a "bang up job" (pardon the pun) at D & E for a
good number of years. Evidently they have decided to spend a little less
time painting vehicles and a lot more time appreciating sunsets.
To Jason, congratulations and welcome to the Grafton business
community. I wish you and your staff the very best.
To Bonnie and Paul. Thank You.... You have represented and served our
community very well. I can only hope that your many years of hard work
has afforded you the knowledge, and the ability, to enjoy the fruits of
your labor.
---------------------------------
Don't forget to wash your hands
---------------------------------
Thanks to everyone that has extended their concerns regarding the
status of my health and well being. While I did mention my sincere
gratitude to my family and friends both here at home and at Rocky Point
and my appreciation to the very professional staff at Grafton's Unity
Medical Center. I must admit, I neglected to mention another very
significant part of our areas health care system. That being the
wonderful folks at the Warroad Clinic and the emergency room at the
Roseau Hospital. Both of which, I believe, are affiliated with the Altru
Health System based in Grand Forks.
We are fortunate indeed to live in an area served so well by so many
excellent professional health care providers.
I sincerely hope that the direction our Federal Government is heading,
does not adversely change the level of health care we already enjoy in
what I can only describe as "very rural America".
////////////////////////////
-------- CONGRATULATIONS ---------
--- Merlyn and Delores Grabanski ---
Today (Sept 29) Merlyn and Delores will celebrate their 50 wedding
anniversary. That's a full half century together. Just the other day I
watched Merlyn and Delores walk into the dinning room of Marketplace on
8th. I'll admit that Merlyn "might" have appeared as though he has been
married 50 years. Delores, on the other hand, looked as though she could
easily have been coming in to celebrate her birthday of that many years.
Or so it seemed to me.
=========================
GOTTA GO WORK ON MY DASH
=========================
"Life is to short for long answers."


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

September 28, 2009 - Monday

The world truly would be a better place if only our politicians
would spend as much time doing whats best for their constituents as they
do worrying about what's best for themselves.
------- Or so it seems to me -------
-------------------------
The current temperature is 53 degrees. It's not nearly as warm as
it has been. Unfortunately,.... it's a whole lot warmer than it's going
to be.
========================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
It amazes me how some folks can make one simple little four letter
word take on so many different meanings.
========================
L O C A L News & Stuff,.. mostly stuff.
--------------------------
Full scale sugarbeet harvest is scheduled to begin Thursday
October 1 (weather permitting). As always the areas hiways and biways
will be very busy, especially this year as many of the areas other crops
are still be harvested as well.
Sugar Facts:
Sugar (sucrose) is a carbohydrate that occurs naturally in
every fruit and vegetable. It is the major product of photosynthesis,
the process by which plants transform the sun's energy into food. Sugar
occurs in greatest quantities in sugar cane and sugarbeets from which it
is separated for commercial use.
Refined sugar is 99.9 percent pure. It contains purified sugar --
pure
sucrose. It contains no preservatives or additives of any kind.
Refined white sugar is pure sucrose, a carbohydrate. Carbohydrates
provide energy, contain no fat, and like protein contribute 4 calories
per gram in your diet (as opposed to the 9 calories per gram contributed
by fat).
Your body treats sucrose in the same way regardless of its source. In
fact, your body uses all sugars in the same way, so eating refined
sugar, or honey, or sugars from any other source has the same effect on
your body -- it is converted into glucose and used by the cells for
energy.
--- How much sugar do Americans really eat? Not as much as
reported. Using information from a 2001 report as
illustration, a general statement like "Americans consume more than 150
pounds of sugar in a year" is not only thoroughly misleading, it is
completely wrong. Such false assertions perpetuate the myth that
"Americans eat too much sugar." The fact is the average American
consumes no more than 1.6 ounces of sugar per day or less than 40 lbs.
annually.
The source of this 1999 report information is the Economic Research
Service [ERS] of the United States Department of Agriculture. ERS
statistics are purely economic numbers. By convention, economists use
the term consumption to describe the total supply of any product
available for all commercial uses during a specific period of time.
Economic consumption simply indicates the total weight of a product that
is used throughout a year. No matter the goods, economic consumption is
calculated by subtracting year-end inventory from the sum of the amount
of merchandise produced during the year + the stock-on-hand at the
beginning of the same year.
Ignoring the descriptive term "economic" and misrepresenting supply
numbers as human consumption is not only deceptive, it is dishonest. A
news release like "According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture
(USDA) data, sugar consumption in 1999 was 158 pounds per person - 30%
higher than in 1983." misleads the American consumer. Reporting economic
supply numbers as nutrition fact is as fictitious as equating gross
salary [total available supply] and take-home pay [human consumption].
Besides misrepresenting economic supply numbers as human intake, there
is a second factual error in this news release. This error is using the
word sugar to represent all sweeteners.
Sugar is only one component of the total sweetener supply. When
tabulated by ERS, total caloric sweeteners include all the corn syrups +
honey products + miscellaneous edible syrups, like sorghum, as well as
sugar. Total caloric sweeteners is cumbersome to say or write
repeatedly, thus the term sugars was adopted for convenience [note the s
on sugars]. Although the term sugars was coined to represent all caloric
sweeteners, some continue to write and talk about sugar [pure sucrose
from sugar cane and sugar beets] instead of sugars. This is more than
semantics. Continued misrepresentation of total caloric sweeteners
[sugars] as sugar [no s] is not only flawed but damages America's
hardworking farmers and the stability they bring to their local
economies.
ANYWAY,.... for those of you that may not have already guessed.
Sugar and the Sugar Industry, most specifically the Red River Valley
(American Crystal Sugar) sugar industry has been a significant part of
my life for a good many years.
American Crystal Sugar, along with the cooperatives grower owners
has added significantly to the areas economy.
Sugar truly is "Pure, Proud and Sweet".
------- Or so it seems to me. -------
==========================
GOTTA GO WORK ON MY DASH
==========================
"Life is to short for long answers."
Write if you can, call if you can't, and, tell your loved ones they
are,..... before it's too late.


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

September 27, 2009 - Sunday

Todays Gazette goes out without the benefit of one red cent of
stimulus money. -------------------------
Sunday's cooler temperatures, driven by high winds, was this falls
first indication that Mother Nature is still in charge.
=======================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
=======================
L O C A L News & Stuff,.. mostly stuff.
-------------------------------------
Much has happened since the last Gazette went out on June 25.
Fishing out of Arnesen's Rocky Point Resort this past summer was
fantastic, as usual. The weather, although cooler than normal earlier,
turned out to be incredible the last several weeks of the summer. I not
only managed to catch several walleye's in the 28 to 30 inch range, I
also manage to contract a significant infection in my right leg.
I would like to take the credit for not only recognizing the
seriousness of the issue and for dealing with it immediately. However,
having perfected the art of procrastination, it is entirely possible
that the reason I still have a fully functioning leg is because of the
insistence and persistence of several of our "Rocky Point Resort friends
and family" to seek professional health care.
I am please to report that the wonderful folks at Graftons Unity
Medical Center dealt with my infection issues directly and I might add,
with very satisfactory results. I am very grateful to all those who
continued to remain persistent enough to wear down my resistance
(stubberness).
------------------------------
I must admit, upon my last return home, I did notice that several
things in my little community were somewhat different than when I left.
Some of which I hope to share in the next few editions.
-------------------------------
This is the time of the year when many, if not most, of our fine
feathered friends not to be confused with the Standard Northern Snowbird
variety) head south for the winter. For more years than I can remember I
have sent out an interesting little story regarding migration. I'm sure
many of you have seen it before. However I always seem to be able to
find solace in it's message each time I read it. I hope you will as
well.
------ ----- -------
======= THE GOOSE STORY =======
Next fall, when you see geese heading south for the winter ---
flying along in a V formation --- consider what science has discovered
as to why they fly that way.
As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for
the bird immediately following. By flying in a V formation, the whole
flock adds at least 71 percent greater flying range than if each bird
flew on its own.
People who share a common direction and sense of community
can get where they are going more quickly and easily because they are
traveling on the thrust of one another.
When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the
drag and resistance of trying to go it alone,... and quickly gets back
into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in
front.
If we have as much sense as a goose we will stay in
formation with those who are headed the same way we are.
When the Head Goose gets tired, it rotates back in the wind
and another goose flies to the point.
It is sensible to take turns doing demanding jobs for people
or for geese flying south.
Geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep
up their speed.
What do we say when we honk from behind? Finally,
and this is important, when a goose gets sick or is wounded by gunshots
and falls out of formation, two other geese fall out with that goose and
follow it down to lend and protection. To stay with the
fallen goose until it is able to fly, or until it dies; and only then do
they launch out on their own, or with another formation to catch up with
their group. If we have the sense of a goose, we will
stand by each other like that.
~~~~ Or, so it seems to me ~~~~
----------------------------
If,.... I were to have a question of my government. It would
probably be. Why..... why in Gods Green Earth does "my" government send
me mail from the United States Department of Commerce in a heavy
cardboard paper envelope....... BY WAY OF FEDEX?????? That's right!!
----- Federal Express!!!!!
It is a well established fact that the United States Postal
Service is struggling to function within it's currant budget. It also
seems to be a fact that "many" politicians actually believe the Federal
Government can run a more efficient health care system than private
industry.
Why then, doesn't our Federal Government use a Federal Government
agency to deliver their message????
That,.... would be my question.....
If I were to ask it.
=======================
GOTTA GO WORK ON MY DASH
=======================
"Life is to short for long answers."


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

June 25, 2009 - Thursday

Today is the first day of the annual Celebration of SummerFest in
Grafton.
----------------------
The current temperature is 81 degrees.
==========================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
==========================
L O C A L news & stuff,.. mostly stuff.
-----------------------
If someone were to ask me how the fishing has been, I would have to
say. "The fishing has been absolutely fantastic, AND, the catching has
been wonderful as well." Of course, I have only been fishing out of
Arnesen's Rocky Point Resort on the south shore of Minnesota's beautiful
Lake of the Woods.
It's a fabulous place to spend a day, a week, a summer, or the rest of
your life. So far,... I've covered the first three and now I'm working
on the forth.
--------------------------
Those that say nothing ever happens in a small town almost certainly
couldn't have been thinking of Grafton, North Dakota.
The folks from Storage Pro's have given the building the Hvidsten
family constructed to house their Implement Dealership a well deserved
face lift.
Mike DeSautel's Storage Pro's organization should be commended for
resurrecting and significantly improving two of our "innercity" eye
sores. Thanks to Storage Pro's the former Robertson Lumber Company
property and the former Hvidsten Implement facilities have been returned
to aesthetically pleasing and beneficial components of Grafton's
downtown business district.
Speaking of changing the downtown facade, and adding value to
Grafton's downtown business district. The former Nelson Drug Store
building may well earn the distinction of one of downtowns more stately
buildings.
The folks who operated the former Shananigan's Pizza Place will become
the old drug stores anchor business establishment. The building also has
lots of additional space available for private offices as well, and, all
behind beautiful new windows, doors and a wonderful brand new paint job.
Contractors are also in the process of resurfacing a significant amount
of our communities streets making the drive around town much more
enjoyable..
Speaking of streets. A drive thru Leistikow Park is more enjoyable than
ever. The Frisbee Golf course that runs throughout the park is becoming
more and more popular by the day. It is not unusual to see three or four
groups "golfing" at the same time.
The crew at the park has also opened up, or cleaned, the river bank
from the area that the old dock was to a point just past the former
dressing facilities to the north. That project makes for another
beautiful scenic addition to the park this year.
Rock Twetens Photography facility is also getting a new face lift, (of
sorts) for this years SummerFest Festivities. A painter high up in the
giant SOS Tree Service boom truck is painting the original skyline of
Grafton's oldest Brick Structure. The building was constructed in 1893
to house the Bank of Grafton and was later used by the Walsh County
Record, Wilfred Sevigny's Grafton Appliance, Marvel Argue's Fashion
Shoppe which was later sold to Jay Seeger and then to the Herbel's for a
shoe store and finally to Rock Tweten for his Photography business.
It sure is great to see so many of Grafton's business establishments
investing in the future of Grafton. It would be absolutely fantastic to
have the residents of the area reciprocate by supporting the local
business community as well. Or so it seems to me.
----------------------------
Please plan to attend the 2009 Grafton area SummerFest Celebration.
It'll be fun for everyone.
-----------------------------
The folks at Heritage Village would like to share the following
information.
Summerfest at Heritage Village Sat, June 27th, serving lunch after
the parade 11am til1pm
Treasure Hunt for ages 3-6—7-9—10-12 year olds starting at 12:30pm
with drawing for prizes at 1pm.
"Free Merry-Go-Round rides, open tour of buildings.
Lunch menu is Roast Turkey on a bun, macaroni salad, baked beans, chips,
lemonade, coffee for $8.00 per plate. For the kids—BBQ, chips,
lemonade $3.00.
-----------------------------
It been several years since I shared the following thoughts in the
Gazette. However, they are just as important to me now, as they were so
long ago and I would like to share them with everyone again today.
--------------
"I know my Fathers with me each time I see a tree. You see my Father
taught me, the value they could be. He said if planted properly, with
care and love I'd see. That tree would grow and help me, and always be
with me. That tree would give me shelter and protect me from the Sun. It
would calm the winds and clean the air, and, climbing it is fun.
I remember my Father with me, when I planted my first tree, and
now I know he's with me, every time I see a tree.
Happy Fathers Day Dad, you mean the world to me, and, thanks a
million also, for helping me plant that tree.
I'm proud to say my dad, had one of the longest dashes
around and every time I see a tree, I believe it's planted in my Dad's
hallowed ground.
===========================
GOTTA GO WORK ON MY DASH
===========================
"Life is to short for long answers."


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

June 10, 2009 - Wednesday

Todays Gazette is brought to you by all of the wonderful people
that work very hard to support their local business community.
---------------------------
The current temperature is 61 degrees.
Yesterdays H/L temperature was 58/41
Normal H/L temp on this date is 77/52
It was 99 degrees on this date in 1999
If you think global warming is an issue. What do you think
about all the hot air coming out of Washington, D.C.? AND,.. would a 98
million dollar increase in your net worth help you think differently?
One thing is for certain, it wasn't global cooling that started
melting the glaciers on the north American continent 12,000 years ago.
===========================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
===========================
L O C A L news & stuff,.. mostly stuff.
-------------------------------
Simonson's are at it again. This time they are tearing up the
concrete around the gas pumps in front of the Simonson Gas Station and
Convenience Store just across the "former" alley from their new Subway
Sandwich, Gasoline and Convenience Store.
I could hardly believe my eyes Tuesday when I passed by and saw
all of the activity going on in front of Simonson's Station Store. Not
only a large assortment of equipment was evident on site, a whole covey
of people could be seen scurrying around the new job site as well. It
appears the folks at Simonson's didn't think the cement on the south
side of the stations pumps would pass the "good enough" test.
Yup,.... Simonson's are doing it again,.... they are spending
another very significant amount of money upgrading and improving another
one of their Grafton facilities. I'm not sure what the new facade will
look like, I haven't seen the drawings. However, one thing is almost
absolutely certain. Whatever the Simonson's are planning to do, the end
result will be a wonderful improvement to the overall appearance of the
Grafton Business Community.
Unfortunately,...... once again, as was the case with the
Simonson's Subway project just across the "former" alley. The absence of
any local contractors is painfully evident as one drives by their latest
project.
Evidently the management or driving force behind Simonson's latest
project has found a way to garner our areas monetary assets while
circumventing the old adage, what goes around comes around,... you
scratch my back and I'll scratch yours,... what's good for the goose is
good for the gander,...
AND,... perhaps the old adage I like best of all. If you don't buy
local, there soon won't be a local to buy from you.
Or so it seems to me.
-----------------------------------
Have you noticed how many things a fellow named OBO is
offering for sale lately?
-----------------------------------
Rumor has it the giant boom truck hoisting junk up and down from
the roof of the former Grafton National Bank building is part of the
Skinner Roofing operation. Evidently, some of the light coming
thru the roof of that building wasn't coming thru skylights.
------------------------------------
Speaking of sales, and all things that are. I noticed another SOLD
sign on the top of one of Country Realty's House for sale signs. (It's
buying local and selling local, that keeps local,....... local.
-------------------------------------
==== SPRING / SUMMER SALE ====
=- SAMPLING SUMMER GRILLING -=
This Thursday, June 11th with Extended Hours 9:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Mary's Ladies' Fashions & Gifts and the Country Smokehouse will join
forces offering Grafton area residents super spring and summer savings
in every department of Mary's Ladies' Fashions and Gifts. AND, between
the hours of 4 to 6 pm residents will have the opportunity to sample a
wide variety of the taste tantalizing tidbits the Country Smokehouse has
available for your summer grilling enjoyment. Prepared on site by David
Moe, one of Grafton's very finest Bar-B-Que chefs from the Country
Smokehouse in Grafton. (One would almost think we were related.)
Speaking of summer grilling, don't forget to pick up plenty of
PaPa Lou's Bar-B-Que sauce. "Use Lou on your Bar-B-Que."
-------------------------------
Grafton a fortunate to have two (2) absolutely fantastic clothing
stores. Mary's Ladies Fashion and Gifts and The Squire Shop. Both stores
are located on Hill Avenue (main street in downtown Grafton) Both stores
offer top brand, large town selections without the large town traffic.
---------------------------------
=== MARK YOUR CALENDAR ===
On Sunday, June 14th, 2009, Pastor Deborah Troester and her
husband Joseph will make a presentation at Our Saviours Lutheran Church
in Grafton. The Troesters are currently serving as Missionaries in
the Central African Republic. They work with the Evangelical Lutheran
Church of Central African Republic to develop appropriate and practical
ways to provide safe water sources in rural villages. Coffee and bars
will be served following the presentation.
=========================
GOTTA GO WORK ON MY DASH
=========================
"Life is to short for long answers."


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

June 9, 2009 - Tuesday

Todays Gazette comes to you in memory and respect for, Wenzl J. ( Wen)
Kennedy
-----------------------
The current temperature is 49 degrees.
Yesterdays H/L temperature was 55/43
Normal H/L temp for this date is 76/51
It was 96 degrees on this date in 1956.
So much for Al's global warming warning.
======================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
======================
L O C A L news & stuff,.. mostly stuff.
--------------------------------
It's been several days since the last Gazette and I don't even have a
real good excuse. I have spent a few days at the lake and that was
great. The "Walleye Combine" is still sitting on the trailer on shore so
I am unable to provide a true and "factual" fishing report.
I can tell you that the people and the food at Arnesen's Rocky Point
Resort are still fantastic and I am looking forward to spending as much
of this summer there as I can. I'm not sure if it's the people, the
water, or simply just the resort surroundings in general, however, what
ever it is I always seem to feel a whole lot better when I'm at
Arnesen's Rocky Point.
The other day a fellow asked me how I felt and I told him "like I was
driving 55 on the interstate" to which he replied, "not feeling the best
ah?" to which I replied, "what do you mean, I'm not THAT bad, after all,
55 is the speed limit on most roads in Minnesota anyway,...... Right."
---- Or so it seems to mean. ----
It is the time of the year when those that are able spend time
harvesting Walleye's.
From time to time I will share the adventures of this summers Walleye
harvest, or probably more accurately, of my fish feeding trips out of
Arnesen's Rocky Point Resort on the south shore of Minnesota's beautiful
Lake of the Woods.
==== I pray that I may live to fish
Until my dying day.
And when it comes to my last cast,
I then most humbly pray,
When in the Lord's great landing net
I'm peacefully asleep
That in His mercy I be judged
Good enough to keep.
--------------------------------
I have borrowed the following information from KXPO Radio's Walsh
County Daily News.com site.
++++++++
The Grafton City Council has a new council member.
Don Hutson was appointed last night to serve in Ward Four.
Hutson replaces Mary Stark, who resigned because she moved out of
her ward.
The Grafton City Council also approved three storefront improvement
projects for Grafton Curlers, Golden Harvest Jewelers, and Storage Pros.
It also approved a Renaissance Zone Project for Golden Harvest Jewelers.
The contractors have removed dikes that protected the town from this
spring's flood.
Mayor Todd Burianek appointed Denise Moe to the Grafton Planning and
Zoning Commission to replace Judi Evens.
The Grafton City Council also approved two federal stimulus projects.
One,... to mill and overlay Fifth Street from McHugh Avenue to Burgamott
Avenue.
Mayo Construction of Cavalier will do the
work very soon. The other project is to
sealcoat about 54-blocks in town, Morris Seal Coat of Morris, Minnesota
will do the work.
Grafton Mayor Todd Burianek also handed out the Volunteer Awards.
The short term volunteer awards went to Don and Laura Manney for
coordinating
the volunteer program for this spring's flood. The long-term volunteer
of the year
award was given to Melinda Severson. She works at the State
Developmental
Center. Congratulations to her and the Manneys.
-----------------------------------
On Sunday, June 14th, 2009, Pastor Deborah Troester and her husband
Joseph will make a presentation at Our Saviours Lutheran Church in
Grafton. The Troesters are currently serving as Missionaries in the
Central African Republic. They work with the Evangelical Lutheran
Church of Central African Republic to develop appropriate and practical
ways to provide safe water sources in rural villages.
Coffee and bars will be served following the presentation.
--------------------------------------
I am saddened to report the passing of my friend and former area Beta
Beet Seed representative, Wenzl J. Kennedy. Wen once told me that he
never gave away a cap or jacket that couldn't tear the patch off of. He
was the most aggressive beet seed salesman I have ever known. His word
was his bond, and, his bond was as solid as a rock. Much of what I
learned about "handling" beet seed I learned from Wen Kennedy.
Pat and I extend our deepest and most sincere sympathies to the
Kennedy family. The loss of one we've walked with, often hurts more than
we know. Just knowing others feels the same, can sometimes soften as we
go.
----
Wen, 78, died on June 2, 2009 in Sun City West, Arizona.
He was born in Voss, North Dakota to John Alexander Kennedy and
Elizabeth (Paur) Kennedy on August 17, 1930. He married Mary Ebertowski
on September 20, 1930. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War
and was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 201 in Minto,
North Dakota.
Wen lived and worked most of his life in the Minto area where he grew
up, attended area schools and worked in farming and agriculture related
businesses.
==========================
GOTTA GO WORK ON MY DASH
==========================
"Life is to short for long answers."


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

May 27, 2009 - Wednesday

Todays Gazette is dedicated to all of the Truly Lucky People In The
World.
------------------------
The current temperature is 40 degrees.
Yesterdays H/L temperature was 64/44
Normal H/L temp for this date is 74/48
It was 99 degrees on this date in 1934
We've gone a full 24 hours without rain and today will be sunny and
warm.
==========================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
==========================
L O C A L news & stuff,.. mostly stuff.
-------------------------------
Carpenters are working on the front doors and entrance of the former
Nelson Drug Store building. Yesterday, while some of the drug store crew
worked on the front door, others were tearing out walls and sheetrock
from Adie & Marie's former dress shop. Although I'm sure they won't
have a problem removing walls and woodwork from Adie's and Marie's. They
couldn't possibly remove the memories we have of those two wonderful
ladies.
-----------------------------------
Except for the recent rain, the ongoing work in the former Nelson Drug
Store building AND that Stan Pastorek's crew is working in the "former"
Subway Store in the Western Plaza complex, a couple of notes threatening
bad luck if I do not forward them ASAP to a group of my friends. It has
been a relatively slow news day in Skeeterville.
Ironically,.. just as I was contemplating what I might write about
today. I received the following note from my daughter Kelly. As I
re-read the two notes threatening the status of my luck and after
reading the note from Kelly, I decided that even though the attachment
Kelly included was sent out in the Gazette several years ago (Monday,
October 29, 2001 1:35 PM) and, that at the time it went out to 75
people. Today, however, it could be read by 10 times 10 times that many,
and, I am guessing there will be at least one person in that group that
will agree with me.
Kelly wrote: >>>>
"Message from Dad's Heart"
Hi Dad. I have been at home working on bookwork and had to go into my
saved files. I thought I would share it with you again just for old
time sake. It was dated Oct. 29, 2001, as you can see. It
certainly jerked a few tears again today.
Love you, Kelly
~~~~~~~~~~~~
(I sent our the following message in the Oct. 29, 2001 Gazette after
receiving a significant number of notes threatening bad luck to me)
I would like this note to go to everyone I know, or, knows me. It is
not intended for one, two or three, but rather for the WHOLE WORLD TO
SEE.
If up above there's a name you don't see
please do me a favor and forward them from me.
The note that accompanies this memo says (in part) "don't be afraid to
express yourself" OKEE DOKEE!! It says, I MUST send it to 10 people OR I
will face DREADFULLY bad luck.
WHO, IN GOD'S GREEN EARTH dreams up such dribble!!!
WHY, on earth, if it had any value at all, would you only send it to
10 of your family, and/or friends.
LUCK, if there is such a thing (in my opinion) is man made, created by
actions and deeds with a specific end result in mind. If one aims for
good results, often one will experience "good luck". On the other hand,
if one's intentions are negative, "bad luck" will almost aways be the
end result.
Life is full of both good and bad luck.
If, I were only to look at bad luck.
I would see Mother, dying 50 years too soon.
I would see Dad going before we could have one last talk. I would see
Peggy leaving before her children were grown. My Uncles Leonard, Norman,
Adrian, Harold, and George all left before I
could return the favors they gave me. Uncle Woodrow passed on before I
could even get to see him.
My Aunts, Theresa, Winnie, Fabiola left me/us before I could properly
thank them for helping raise me.
My FATHER in-law Ray could have stayed around for another 90 years and
we would still have things to talk about.
Are you starting to get a picture?
If I were to only look at BAD LUCK.
LOOSING CHUCK would be right up there at the top of the list. As I see
it, we can ALL say we've had our share of bad luck.
H O W E V E R ! ! !
From Mom and Dad I learned how to live, and, love to live.
From Peggy I learned of compassion, and to deal with issues I didn't
always understand.
From my Uncles I've learned most of what's gotten me where I am today.
My Aunts, to love and respect people, to stick together and tell the
world to "go to hell" when it needs it.
From Ray I was lucky enough to spend over a third of a century learning
everything from sweeping streets to taking care of his daughter.
From Chuck I learned life isn't always what we want it to be, but
rather what you make it be. I worked in one form or another with Chuck
for over 40. He spent his entire life making "luck" for others. If, he
had a fault, it would be working overtime so others could be lucky.
M E L U C K Y ? Y O U B E T !!!!
The list of names at the top of this "memo" is only a fraction of the
luck I have known in my life.
I have all of that, my family and most important of all, I have my wife.
I'm working very hard trying to be positive. Letters written by insecure
individuals, threatening "dreadfully bad luck" does not strike me as
positive.
Or so it seems to me.
==========================
GOTTA GO WORK ON MY DASH
==========================
"Life is to short for long answers."


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

May 26, 2009 - Tuesday

Todays Gazette is dedicated to the memory of Duane "Farmer" Findring.
--------------------------
The current temperature is 46 degrees.
Yesterdays H/L temperature was 62/48
Normal H/L temp on this date is 74/47
It was 92 degrees on this date in 1937.
The Gazette rain gauge recorded 1.68 inches of moisture in the last
rain event.
========================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
========================
L O C A L news & stuff,.. mostly stuff. -----------------------------
After a relatively short conversation, with a relatively close friend,
I left our discussion feeling somewhat more secure,....... relatively
speaking.
My friend assured me that the rumor about the North Koreans exploding a
nuclear bomb, probably, was not true. Because, he assured me, that he is
confident that the current administration will talk to the North Koreans
and ask them to behave themselves.
I was also, relatively relieved, once again according to my friend,
that the colder than normal temperatures and greater than normal
moisture we've been receiving lately, will be taken care of when "the
Peoples Friend" Al Gore gets his global warming rules and regulations
masterfully manipulated down the gullet of the American public.
And it goes without saying (according to my friend) that I should be
relieved, relatively speaking, that the major corporations that stand to
make billions of dollars by acquiring and hoarding carbon credits will
be more than willing to help us little folks pay for the significantly
higher living costs. All because the glaciers started melting, more than
10,000 years ago and "the Peoples Friend" decided folks like Henry Ford
and Thomas Edison invented the tools that are manufacturing the demise
of a world once ruled by the dinosaurs. Or so it seems to me.
----------------------------------
Don Johnson shared the following thoughts. >>>>>
Subject: A National Moment of Remembrance On Memorial Day
Gary,
Our mother used to take Gary & I to the Memorial day event at the
courthouse every year. We'd wait to hear our Dad's name read. It was
always a sad day but a proud one too. Then sometime during the day, a
group of men would stop at the Wakeman bridge and toss a wreath in
remembrance. The bugle and the guns salute, made for an exciting time.
A National Moment of Remembrance On Memorial Day
That poem about where "poppies blow"
And, "the crosses, row on row"
Still rings true, these ninety years
After written, still brings tears.
We still have Dead, "amid the guns"
And lose our young and our loved ones
Those who lived, "short days ago"
Who, "felt dawn, saw sunset glow".
In Flanders Fields, "the poppy red"
Still grow near where the blood was bled They, "Take up our quarrel with
the foe" And still die for Freedoms that we know.
They pass, "The torch" to, "hold it high" And not, "break the faith with
us who die" For they, "shall not sleep, though poppies grow" Beneath all
those, "crosses, row on row" In Flanders Fields.
Del "Abe" Jones
4-25-2005 <<<<
Thanks a million for caring and sharing Don. Del "Abe" Jones is often
referred to as The Poor Man's Poet. His words are especially appropriate
at a time our nation has set aside to honor those who have given up so
much of their freedom so that we may enjoy so much more.
---------------------------------------
---------------------------------------
I have known Duane "Farmer" Findring for more years than I can
remember. Over the years, and a million or more cups of coffee, we have
discussed everything from agriculture, and how things grow, to the
government and how much politicians really know.
I will always remember Farmer as a caring and sharing man. It is with
sincere sorrow and regret that I share the passing of my friend Farmer.
Duane G. "Farmer" Findring, age 79 of Grafton, ND passed away on
Saturday, May 23, 2009 at the Lutheran Sunset Home of Grafton. Farmer
Findring was born February 3, 1930 in Grafton, ND the son of the late
Halvor and Emma (Baanrud) Findring. He attended rural school near
Grafton. Following his education he worked at the Williamson Dairy Farm,
several potato farms in the area including the Earl Anderson farm. He
also worked for Ole Aasand for many years. He worked at the Grafton
Curling Club for ten years. Farmer was united in marriage to Josephine
Weigal Dawson on November 2, 1967. The couple made their home in Grafton
where Farmer worked for the City of Grafton Street Department.
Josephine died July 4, 2008 and Farmer moved to the Lutheran Sunset Home
in March of 2009.
He was a member of the South Trinity Lutheran Church and the Grafton
American Legion and AMVETS.
Farmer is survived by his step-son Rick (Linda) Dawson, Minneapolis, MN;
five grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and several nieces and
nephews. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He
was preceded in death by his parents, wife, twin brother Donald, and
three sisters: Ruth, Helen and Vi and two step-children: Bob Dawson and
Janet Dawson.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at 10:30 A.M. at the
South Trinity Lutheran Church of rural Grafton. Visitation will be
Tuesday from 5-7 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at the Tollefson
Funeral Home of Grafton. Friends may also call at the church on
Wednesday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the
South Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. Military rites will be conducted by the
Grafton American Legion Post #41.
The Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton is in charge of the arrangements.
==========================
GOTTA GO WORK ON MY DASH
==========================
"Life is to short for long answers."


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

May 21, 2009 -Thursday

Todays Gazette is dedicated to the men and women who caring for the
Mentally and Physically Challenged individuals.
---------------------------
The current temperature is 53 degrees.
Yesterdays H/L temperature was 69/46
Normal H/L temp for this date is 72/45
It was 101 degrees on this date in 1964
==========================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
==========================
L O C A L news & stuff,.. mostly stuff.
-----------------------------
If you happen to run across a farmer that looks like he just lost the
winning ticket to a multi-million dollar lottery. It might be because
much of his land is still to wet to plant, exacerbated by the fact that
our areas growing degree days, to date, are approximately 25 percent of
normal.
------------------------------
It is somewhat ironic that when wet, cool and cloudy weather delays
planting causing a shorter than normal growing season, one option some
farmers still have,... is to plant "SUNFLOWERS".
--------------------------------
Rumor has it Shananigan's new eatery is hoping to open sometime in
June. The new location, in the old drug store, will feature most of the
items from their previous menu with the possibility a few new items as
well.
-------------------------------
Hotwheels and Matchbox stocks are trading higher than GM.
-------------------------------
Subject: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Gary;
Would you mind putting some info in the Gazette concerning a couple of
public meetings that the Developmental Center and Friendship Inc are
conducting in early June.
Thanks; Kevin Frederickson
Program Coordinator
CARES & Cedar Grove 2
Developmental Center
The Community Life Assessment for the Northeast Region of North
Dakota including Park River, Cavalier, Grafton and surrounding
communities will be held June 4, 2009. The meetings will be held at 2
PM or 7 PM in the Park River Community Room at the City Offices of Park
River located at 514 Briggs Ave South.
The LENS Community Life Assessment Project was a process that brought
together a group of community leaders from the region to assist in
exploring quality of life issues within our community. Issues studied
included housing, employment, healthcare, social capital, transportation
and recreation & leisure. The project was jointly sponsored by
Friendship Inc and the North Dakota Developmental Center in Grafton.
These two agencies provide services to individuals with developmental
disabilities in the state of North Dakota.
LENS is an acronym that stands for Learning, Experiencing, Exploring,
Networking, Strategizing and Sharing. This project is part of the
ongoing accreditation that Friendship Inc and the Developmental Center
participate in on a regular basis that is conducted by The Council on
Quality and Leadership (CQL). The Council's Albert Van Kleek will be
conducting the meetings to guide the participants through the LENS
process.
For more information please contact JoAnn Lizakowski at 352-4262 or
Mona Sticha at 352-0060.
---------------------------------
Not long ago I shared the following thoughts with my good friend Lloyd
Hanson. With memorial day only a few days away, I hope Lloyd won't mind
that I share them once again today. And, that others might find solace
in it's message.
~~~~~~~~~
To understand volumes from a few chosen words, leaves ample evidence
our Lord has given us the ability to communicate directly from the
heart, without voice or sounds to be heard.
Though sometimes, thru word, we don't always agree. When our
hearts speak together, aggressions are set free. True friendship is
understanding we don't always need to agree. As long as our hearts speak
together, our worlds will always be free.
Though our loved ones and friends may not always be here. Through
our hearts and our memories they will always be near. Gary
-----------------------------------
Good Morning Gary and Pat.
I just wanted to pass some information along to you to put in your news
letter.
Rita Lessard is moving to Woodland Washington to be close to her son
Art. She is moving into a assisted living place and it is beautiful. She
is really excited to be making the move. I will send along the address
and phone number when we get it. She has been staying with Jerry and I
for a week and it has been a lot of fun having her with us. She is doing
really well and is so happy to be close to family and friends out
here.
I printed every Gazette and sent them to her in Mesa, now I can just
deliver them in person, and that will be so nice. Art has been just
wonderful getting every thing set up for her. So until I get the
address this is what is happening in her life and she is a very happy
lady.
I also want to say that Gary and Rosemary Fisher have been a great
help getting her place cleaned out in Mesa they are a wonderful couple.
You will soon see them on the streets of Oakwood and Grafton as they are
heading back for the summer.
Dianne Molde Urbauer <<<<<
Thanks a million Dianne, for caring and sharing. I am pleased to here
that Rita will find comfort near her son Art. Please say Hi to her from
me. Whenever I see a picture with lights behind it, I think of my Mother
and Rita Lessard.
==========================
GOTTA GO WORK ON MY DASH
==========================
"Life is to short for long answers."


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

May 20, 2009 - Wednesday

Todays Gazette comes to you in memory of Gordon (Snowball) Olson. A
lifelong Agriculturist for American Crystal Sugar.
-----------------------
The current temperature is 47 degrees.
Yesterdays H/L temperature was 68/31
Normal H/L temp for this date is 72/45
It was 91 degrees on this date in 1980
Some forecasters continue to suggest that we will experience
summer,.... sometime before the fall.
=========================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
=========================
L O C A L news & stuff,.. mostly stuff.
----------------------
We are almost two thirds of the way thru May, and, so far not one
single Skeeter Bite. I can't be absolutely certain but I may have gotten
a bit of a Frost Bite Tuesday morning.
------------------------
If you enjoy fantastic fishing, fun, relaxation and unbelievable
sunsets. Check out the Arnesens.com website.
-------------------------
Those of us that knew and worked with Gordon Olson while he was a
Agricultural Sugar Tramp in Crookston Mn. would agree, Gordy was cut
from a very unique log to say the least. I doubt that Gordy ever met a
lady anywhere, that he didn't ask if she had had her heavenly hug yet.
If Gordy walked into a room full of strangers he would leave with a
room full of friends. To my knowledge, especially in his later years,
about the only thing that could really upset Gordy was when someone
would call him "Snowball".
Gordy always referred to me as one of his "hometown kids" so the first
time I called him Snowball, he said he would forgive me,.... one time,
and with a voice leaving zero tolerance he said, "but don't you ever
call me that again!". And,... so I didn't.
++++++
Glenn shared some of his thoughts on Gordy and the Olson family, among
other things. Glenn wrote: >>>>>
Hi Gary...
I enjoy reading Bert Overland's recollections because it brings me
back to my childhood days in Grafton.
I never really knew Bert because he was younger then me but I did know
his older brother Arvid very well.
The Olson family Ma, Morris, Glenn, Snowball and Elaine lived
across the street from us on Kittson Ave before moving to the eastside
by the creamery.
Ma, Snowball and Elaine were all very outgoing and fun loving
individuals. Snowball was a very close friend of mine. Mrs Olson's
hearty laughter will always be remembered. In the 5th grade Elaine sat
across from me. I guess she thought I needed some pepping up so when our
eyes met she would raise her skirt over her knees and give me that
mischievous smile. She was a part of our neighbor hood group. Snowball
and I went into the navy about the same time in 1943. In 1944 my ship
was in Pearl Harbor for a couple of months and Snowball was a boat
dispatcher at the Admiral's barge boat deck on Ford Island.One day he
came up and picked me up in one of their speed boats for liberty. Our
captain was shoving off about the same time in our slow motor launch.
Snowball opened up the throttle and we made a couple of circles around
the motor launch and created some waves while Snowball was yelling at
our boat crew and captain causing some embarrassment for me. During
his last years he had cancer . I took him to Rochester a couple of
times as did Vernon Useldinger another former Granftonite. He also made
many friends down there with his kidding and outgoing personality.
Morris and Glen were more reserved but both nice guys. Gordon of
course as you know worked for the Sugar Beet Company but also farmed
with his brother Glen at Crookston. Poor Elaine ended up in the a
Nursing Home at a fairly young age.
You mentioned Hank Newgard. He was also a good friend and we
spent a lot of time together here in Fargo. He played in the Legion Band
as I did and sold a lake lot to me next to his where we spent time
together. He is also gone.
I also remember when Bernie Desautel's nephew was killed by Red
Johnson's bat. I also had the same opinion as Bert. It ruined
poor Red's life and I think he ended up as a street person in Seattle.
Thanks for putting out the Gazette... Glenn Paulson. <<<<
Thank you Glenn, for caring and sharing your wonderful memories.
It's the exchange of memories such as yours that continues to allow us
to appreciate our past and enhance our enjoyment of the future.
Or so it seems to me.
---------------------------------
"If the house your living in doesn't have room for one more person. The
problem isn't with the size of the house."
----------------------------------
~~~~~~~~ TEAM - PHIL ~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~ RELAY for LIFE ~~~~~~~
Friday, May 29th Barbecue Fund raiser.
Hanson's Collision Center on the corner of Griggs Ave. and Fifth
Street in Grafton
Between the hours of 11:30 and 1:30.
========== MENU ===========
Brats - Hotdogs - Chips - Drinks - Cookies
All proceeds will go to benefit The American Cancer Society.
=========================
GOTTA GO WORK ON MY DASH
=========================
"Life is to short for long answers."


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

May 19, 2009 - Tuesday

It's hard to believe that fifty years from now, this will be The Good
Old Days.
--------------------------
The current temperature is 31 degrees.
Yesterdays H/L temperature was 68/37
Normal H/L temp for this date is 72/45
It was 95 degrees on this date in 1948
It's hard to believe that a mere month from now the days will be
getting shorter, and I don't have a single carbon credit.
==========================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
==========================
L O C A L new & stuff,.. mostly stuff.
----------------------------
I must preface the following message in defence of Grafton's Honorable
Mayor Todd Burianek. In all likelihood, Mayor Burianek penned (typed)
his message of appreciation even before the last few pieces of discarded
litter was stuffed into garbage bags. The fact that it did not go out in
the Gazette until today is solely my responsibility,.. or lack thereof.
Anyway,.. Mayor Burianek wrote: >>>>
On May 14th Grafton held it's third annual City Clean-Up and I
write to thank the following for their help in this effort.
I thank all City employees who participated especially the
organizers of this event, Kenny Miskavige and Brent McMillan. The
Grafton High School Senior Class, High School Principal Darren Albrecht,
Activities Director Matt Fetsch, High School Educators Linda Paulson
and Sandy Irmen and Mark Buck. The Developmental Center Beautification
Committee. All of these people spent the morning cleaning the entrances
to Grafton and deserve the thanks of all citizens for making Grafton a
cleaner, more welcoming place for all.
We thank Schwan's for the ice cream bars; Associated Potato for
the potato chips; Embroidery Plus for the vests; the Walsh County
Highway Dept. for the vests; Ag Country for the napkins; Wally's for the
ice and Mac's Bottle Shop for the ice. Special thanks goes to newly
appointed City Council member, Don Hutson for manning the grill for our
lunch.
The workers collected over two truckloads of garbage along the
roads and ditches leading to Grafton. Plus, volunteers picked up the
remaining sandbags from Grafton's flood fight last month.
All of their effort is greatly appreciated and I am very
thankful that we have this event every year as we continue to strive to
make Grafton a better place for all.
Todd Burianek <<<<<
Thanks a million Mayor Burianek, for caring and sharing. I have always
believed volunteers, almost always, dedicate their time and efforts
without the requirement of, or need for special recognition. However, I
have also always believed that volunteers will always appreciate being
recognized.
Mayor Burianek's message mimics his dedication to facts and detail. I
regret that I was not able to get his message out in a more timely
manner.
Gary
-------------------------------------
Whenever I mention the Grafton Illustrated ------- A 100 Years Look At
Grafton, North Dakota, I received comments. Yesterdays mention being no
exception. Sue Votava shared the following: >>>> Hi, Gary,
I was interested to read your thoughts on "Grafton
Illustrated". This book is fascinating and is frequently accessed at the
library since I do some genealogy research from time to time. It's also
amazing how much has changed in the little more than a quarter century
that has passed since the book was printed. Some of us were wondering
just the other day if it was time for an update or maybe Volume 2?
Sue at Carnegie Regional Library <<<<
Thanks a million Sue, for caring and sharing. You may well have
planted "the seed" from which a newer edition of the Grafton Illustrated
will evolve.
--------------------------------------
While I was in the library yesterday I got to thinking about how some
things, some times, suggest things, that simply aren't exactly what they
seem to be.
Take Country Realty for instance. They're not "really" in the country
at all. Oh, they sell stuff in the country alright, but their office is
located at 7 west 5th street right here in Grafton. As a matter of fact,
they (the Country Realty folks) sell lots of stuff right here in town as
well as out in the country. The fact is, just yesterday I noticed the
Country Realty sign just a few doors down from our house had a giant
SOLD sign above it, and I noticed their sign on the end of Manvel Avenue
said SOLD too.
I decided two things for certain, during yesterday's visit to the
Gazette Library. The first thing I decided is, if Country Realty can't
sell your house, it isn't because their not working hard trying. It's
simply because nobody wants it at the price your asking. And, If we ever
decide to sell our home, we will ask the folks at Country if they would
be willing to sell our house in town.
---------------------------------------
With Minnesota's opening fishing weekend already set to history and
the long Memorial Day Holiday weekend approaching faster than an average
politician can back pedal. And, with the possibility that I might not be
able to participate in this years Memorial Day fish harvest. The best I
can offer, is the fisherman's prayer that "says it" much better than I
could ever hope to.
~~~~~ Fisherman's Prayer ~~~~~
I pray that I may live to fish
Until my dying day.
And when it comes to my last cast,
I then most humbly pray,
When in the Lord's great landing net
I'm peacefully asleep
That in His mercy I be judged
Good enough to keep.
===========================
GOTTA GO WORK ON MY DASH
===========================
"Life is to short for long answers."


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

May 18, 2009 - Monday

Never underestimate the power of prayer and the Magic of Modern
Medicine.
-------------------------
The current temperature is 54 degrees.
Yesterdays H/L temperature was 68/34
Normal H/L temp for this date is 71/44
It was 95 degrees on this date in 1988
=========================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
=========================
L O C A L news & stuff,.. mostly stuff.
---------------------------
Saturday was a fantastic day in this valley that was formed from
prehistoric Glaciers. In fact, the sunshine, warm temperatures and a
brisk breeze throughout the day Saturday was just what the doctor
ordered.
Or so it seems to me.
---------------------------
Speaking of Saturday, wonderful weather and doctors orders. After Pat
and I had a thorough discussion with Dr Kotnik regarding Pat's medical
condition. Dr. Kotnik signed my sweetheart's discharge from Unity
Medical Center.
As always, I was impressed with how much patience Dr. Kotnik has with
his patients. Folks in the Grafton area are fortunate to have such
wonderful medical facilities so close. And, when a really serious major
surgery and/or medical issue arises, we are also fortunate to have the
Altru Health Services facility in Grand Forks, just forty miles away.
---------------------------------
Speaking of health and the medical profession. I am pleased to share
the following message from George Cox
George wrote: >>>>
Subject: clean bill of health;
Thanks to all of you who have kept me in your thoughts and prayers –
I really appreciate all the phone calls, cards, and emails that you have
provided me with during this time of dealing with my cancer.
I went to the Mayo clinic this past week and was told that the
transplant was very successful and that I should go on with my life.
I really can't add any to that other than to thank each of you for you
part in my healing process,
God Bless,
George Cox
----------------------------------
I doubt there is anyone that reads, and uses the publication titled
Grafton Illustrated, A 100 Year Look At Grafton, North Dakota more than
I do.
Although I sent out the following "thoughts" in the Gazette several
years ago. I find it's content has even more meaning to me today than
the first time I shared it. On Nov. 11, 2002 I wrote. >>>>
For the past several weeks, or months. A local publication
entitled Grafton Illustrated, a 100 year look at Grafton North Dakota,
1882---1982, has taken a prominent position in my Library.
It doesn't seem to matter how often I look through it, I always
"discover" something new in it. As I view the picture of the Centennial
Book Committee. I am saddened by the fact that two of it's four members
are no longer with us.
Virginia (Mrs Les) Anderson. A lady I always felt displayed
dignity and intelligence to the envy of all.
Jean (Mrs Bob) Dahl. Jean could easily have be considered one of
the nicest, most mild mannered, ladies in the country.
Both of these women were true Ladies, in every sense of the word.
They both left this world a much better place to live, and, with a void
that can never quite be filled. I am pleased to have made their
acquaintance.
Gloria (Mrs. Lynn, Jim) Thompson. Started her community work in
Grafton as a Teacher. She has worked countless hours on as many projects
making our small town a much better place to live. People like Gloria,
with her profound determination, and winning smile, should be cloned for
future generations to enjoy.
Ina (Mrs. Jerry) Raumin. A strong willed, energetic, do it because
someone has too, individual, that is always willing to go out and tackle
the tough ones. I know the gene pool Ina comes from and I can attest,
there's none better,... anywhere.
Thank you ladies for all of your wonderful, very hard work. In the
afore mentioned book. I found a picture of the class of 1930. In the
upper right hand corner stands a man that could easily pass for Barry
Kingsbury. Of course, the photo is of Barry's Grandfather Harley
R. Kingsbury.
On the very next page is the class of 1946. Jack DeSautel, Robert
Boone, Marlin Torkelson and Marvin Lykken among others. I found my aunt
Isabel (Tootsy) Sevigny, as beautiful as ever, and Gordon (Snowball)
Olson an individual I worked with for several years at American Crystal.
I found a picture of Grafton Floral when it was located in the 400
block of Hill Avenue.
The 1956 Spoilers basketball team picture brings back memories
accompanied with a little pain. People like Ed Claussen and Assistant
coach Duane (Grut) Anderson. Does anyone know what "Grut" is short for?
Of that entire team only Morris Evan, who was student manager and Gary
Bjerke remain in town today. Ray Misialek, passed away just a short time
ago.
The picture on page 413 of The Red River Shrine Clubs nine man
bike, brought back memories of terrific Graftonites, no longer with us.
Men Like Alvin Mattson, Darn I miss Alvin. He along with his son Allan
built the bike. The last seat on the bike as I remember it. Often was
occupied by Graftons finest Chiropractor. Dr. Harold B. Blanchard. Dr.
Blanchard did for my family, what no other medical facility in the
country, including Rochester could do. He cured our three year old
daughter Kelly.
Ray Brown also spent his time on "the bike". Ray Brown and
Associates. done most of the bookwork for our family business for many
years.
A picture of one of Graftons early hockey teams. Number 56 Trueman
Mattson, Bob Kingsbury, Red Johnson, Art Oihus, Mason Fisher, Sid Foy,
Coach H.B. Ensrud, Ward Gravlin, Frank Miller, Jim Jackson, Hank
Newgard, Alan Nelson, Al Johnson, Bob Rassmussen and James Hagrenes.
Thats enough for now. From time to time I'll share some of the
contents of that wonderful walk through history in book form.
Thanks again Ladies for helping me help myself. Your work, and the
work of others like you, make this country second to none.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Grafton Illustrated was printed in 1982 by Associated
Printers, of Grafton.
========================
GOTTA GO WORK ON MY DASH
========================
"Life is to short for long answer."


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

May 14, 2009 - Thursday

A heartfelt congratulations and our best wishes to the graduating class
of 2009.
Graftons Class Motto:
"We all take different paths, but no matter where we go, we take a
little of each other with us."
-----------------------------
The current temperature is 42 degree.
Yesterdays H/L temperature was 65/34
Normal H/L temp for this date is 70/43
It was 91 degrees on this date in 1976
My front lawn has received .24 inches of rain in the past 24 hours.
=========================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
=========================
L O C A L news & stuff,.. mostly stuff.
----------------------------
The parking lot around Simonsons new Subway Sandwich, Gasoline and
Neighborhood Store was packed full all day long on their first day open.
The new facility looks impressive during the day, and it's even more so
under the lights in the evening.
------------------------------
I have always had faith in the power of prayer. The following message
from Ryan is proof positive, that there is a power in prayer. It can
sometimes even get folks to write to the Gazette. Ryan wrote: >>>>>
-- Kudos! Couldn't have said it better! Amen from Brother Ryan Fischer
from First Lutheran in Hoople! A Different Type of Prayer is just what I
needed!!!
Looking forward to Grafton Days (SummerFest) and my old man's 50th
reunion! Love and best wishes from Ryan Fischer. <<<<
Thanks a million for caring and sharing Ryan. For those who haven't met
Ryan, he is the son of Carl (Gary) & Ann Fischer. We can thank God Ryan
takes after his mother. Gary is a member of the class of 59 and I might
add, a class act when I worked for him in the 60's in the American
Crystal Sugar Lab in Drayton.
------------------------------------
Speaking of sugar, and the things it goes in. Awhile back we mentioned
in the Gazette that the Pepsi Corporation was putting pure natural and
sweet sugar in a product called Pepsi Throwback and in Mountain Dew
Throwback. It should go without saying that having worked for American
Crystal Sugar Company for 36 years, having several relatives, family
members and many many friends that rely on sugar for a major portion of
their income. Hearing that Pepsi is putting "naturally pure and
wonderfully sweet" sugar in a couple of their products is great news.
Obviously Ben thought so too because he wrote the Pepsi folks a note. I
have copied the response he received from Pepsi.
Subject: A Message from Consumer Relations 011981550A
Dear Ben,
Thank you for contacting Pepsi-Cola about Mountain Dew Throwback.
I'm happy to hear how much you're enjoying this refreshingly retro
beverage sweetened with natural sugar. We're thrilled that consumers
have been so excited about this nostalgic trip back in time! As you may
know, Throwback will be available for a limited time, but I'll be sure
to pass on your nice comments to the brand team.
Thanks again for writing and for sharing your thoughts.
Dee Dee Ward
Consumer Relations Representative
dolores.ward@pepsi.com
011981550A
DID YOU KNOW ... *** All of Pepsi-Cola's plastic soft-drink bottles
contain an average of 10% recycled plastic, and the average aluminum can
contains 40% to 50% recycled aluminum. *** <<<< Thanks a million for
caring and sharing Ben. If more people would share their thoughts with
folks like Dee Dee it would be a lot nicer world for sure.
Or so it seems to me.
------------------------------------
"If 10 percent is good enough for Jesus, well it ought to be good
enough for Uncle Sam." -- Ray Stevens sang that --
------------------------------------
For the past couple of weeks Pat and I planned on attending the Unity
Medical Centers Celebration of Hospital Week Tonight (Thursday) May 14
from 5-7 pm for a picnic under the new hospital canopy. We even
planned to take one of the walk through tours to see the new
addition. It sounded like it would be a fantastic evening,.... this
Thursday evening did. Unity's picnic, the Chamber Wine Walk and the
Squire Shop Spring Fling. It sounded like it would certainly be a fun
night to be in Grafton!
AND,... it definitely will be..... With one small exception. Pat
received her tour of the Unity Medical Center shortly after noon. First
we toured the clinic where Pat was diagnosed with pneumonia. Then, Kris
Dusek (new hairdo and all) helped Pat get into a wheelchair and took Pat
and me on a somewhat abbreviated tour of the hospital.
They gave Pat something that is supposed to help reduce most of her
pain, I'm not sure if Kris mention it would actually reduce me or not.
However, Pat is resting in room 103 of Grafton's Unity Medical Center
and she is being taken care of by the best professional medical staff
and facility one could ever hope for in a small town just forty miles
south of the Canadian Border..... And that's a fact.
==========================
GOTTA GO WORK ON MY DASH
==========================
"Life is to short for long answers."


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

May 13, 2009 - Wednesday

Todays Gazette is being brought to you by Suzanne Nelson's Daily Grind,
just a half block east of Hill Avenue on 5th St.
---------------------------
The current temperature is 60 degrees.
Yesterdays H/L temperature was 65/48
Normal H/L temp for this date is 69/43
It was 93 degrees on this date in 1977
The "unofficial" Gazette rain gauge recorded .20 of rain overnight.
We were told we can expect high winds this afternoon. They didn't
mention if the cause was political or Mother Nature.
========================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
========================
L O C A L news & stuff,.. mostly stuff.
-----------------------------
It's another case of rumor turning into fact. The neatest little Coffee
Shop in North Dakota does have a new owner.
John shared Susie's first congratulations, in the Gazette. "Gary,
The Daily Grind is now under new ownership. Susie Nelson (formerly of
Wayne's) bought it from Janelle and Doug Davis.
Good luck Susie!!!!! " John Maxwell. <<
Susie has been helping folks at Waynes Heating & Cooling in Grafton
with television, appliances and cell phones for a good many years.
Susie's warm personality, friendly smile combined with her thorough
understanding of the products she was responsible for representing at
Waynes will most certainly be missed.
We wish Susie the very best in her new venture, and we hope everyone
will stop by The Daily Grind and do the same.
-----------------------------------
Please plan to spend Thursday afternoon and evening in Grafton.
We invite everyone to join in celebration of National Hospital Week,
this Thursday, May 14 from 5-7 pm for a picnic under the new hospital
canopy. Walk through tours will be available to those who are
interested. I am sure you will be impressed how the project has come
together. Thursday evening will be a interesting and busy evening
with Unity's picnic, the Chamber Wine Walk and the Squire Shop Spring
Fling. I hope you make time to take in all three events. What a
fun night to be in Grafton!
------------------------------------
Most folks are praying for some dryer, warmer weather conditions. And,
I suspect, all of the area farmers are doing the same.
------------------------------------
Speaking of prayer..... for some at least, or even the suggestion of
it, seems to have fallen out of political favor. My good friend Lee
shared the following prayer with our Gazette family almost 7 years ago.
I read it every once in awhile because I believe that the better I can
understand the message it conveys, the better the person I hope I can
be.
Lee wrote: >>>
Here's a little something for you to ponder the rest of the day.
I wish there was a way to share this with everyone, especially the
"judgers" in the world!!
A Different Type of Prayer
Heavenly Father, Help us remember that the jerk who cut us off in
traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and
was rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and
spend a few precious moments with her children. Help us to remember
that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can't make
change correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student, balancing his
apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student
loans for next semester. Remind us, Lord, that the scary looking
bum, begging for money in the same spot every day (who really ought to
get a job!) is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our
worst nightmares. Help us to remember that the old couple walking
annoyingly slow through the store aisles and blocking our shopping
progress are savoring this moment, knowing that, based on the biopsy
report she got back last week, this will be the last year that they go
shopping together.
Heavenly Father, remind us each day that, of all the gifts you give
us, the greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with
those we hold dear. Open our hearts not just to those who are close to
us but to all humanity.
Let us be slow to judgment and quick to forgiveness and patience and
empathy and love. AMEN!!!
Be Nice; Nice Is Good!!! <<<<<
Thanks a million Lee, for caring and sharing your wonderful prayer with
me.
The really great person is the person who makes every person feel
great.
"It's not as important to be really great, as it is to be, as good as
you can possibly be." Or so it seems to me.
==========================
GOTTA GO WORK ON MY DASH
==========================
"Life is to short for long answers."


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

May 11, 2009 - Monday

Todays Gazette is being brought to you buy the professional folks from
the Grafton Unity Medical Community.
---------------------------
The current temperature is 51 degrees.
Yesterdays H/L temperature was 59/29
Normal H/L temp for this date is 68/42
It was 95 degrees on this date in 1906
=========================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
=========================
L O C A L news & stuff,.. mostly stuff.
-------------------------------
Wednesday is the big day for Grafton's new Simonson Neighborhood Store.
The corner of hiway's 17 & 81 is one of the most prominent corners in
town. Simonson's beautiful new Subway Sandwich, gasoline and convenience
store is evidence, once again, that Grafton's growing is showing.
--------------------------------
For some reason this spring, about the time the dust would start
blowing, it would rain. The end result, was a layer of mud on my jeep
that was thick enough to plant a crop of Red River Valley Potatoes in.
It was evident that no-one was going to volunteer to wash my jeep,
making it frightfully apparent I would get stuck with the dastardly
deed.
So,... I changed into my car washing clothes, grabbed my car washing
hat and gloves and headed to the west edge of town to the "Touchless Car
Wash". I really like the Touchless Car Wash because you don't "have" to
have a whole pocket full of quarters to wash the car.
Actually, I simply put a $10 bill in the slot, pushed the appropriate
button, and I even got a bunch of quarters back in change. Then the door
opened and I drove in until the sign said "stop". After a vigorous
"water jet scrubbing" the sign said drive forward and then some giant
fans blew my squeaky clean jeep nice and dry.
I must admit, I was very impressed with the fantastic wash job. My jeep
is dark blue, which normally is difficult to get spotlessly clean
without actually hand wiping it. So,.... the next time I need to wash my
jeep, I'll be doing it at the "Touchless Car Wash" car wash on the west
edge of Grafton. I really doubt that I will be wearing a suit and tie
the next time I wash my jeep,...... but I could.
--------------------------------------
Christl Durand would like to share the following information regarding
the status of Grafton's "Unity Community".
Christl wrote: >>>>
Hi Gary,
Wanted to fill you in on the Unity Hospital renovation. It
was a year ago this month that construction began.
Surprisingly, we can report that progress has remained pretty
steady through the months.
The newly added features of the Radiology suite, Laboratory
and Hospital Admissions areas are currently occupied. The Unity
staff is thrilled with the spacious areas and advanced technologies the
in-house CT scanner offers.
The rest of the new area has been completed with new wall
coverings, lighting, flooring and is waiting for the furniture, which
should arrive next week.
We would love to say it's completed But... work has now
begun on updating the flooring in the existing Emergency room area and
will continue through the inpatient hallway. It is definitely a
work in progress with total completion due midsummer.
We invite everyone to join us in celebration of National
Hospital Week, this Thursday, May 14 from 5-7 pm for a picnic under the
new hospital canopy. We are thrilled to be able to offer walk through
tours to those who are interested. We hope you will be as impressed
as we are proud of how the project has come together. Sounds like a
busy evening with Unity's picnic, the Chamber Wine Walk and the Squire
Shop Spring Fling. I hope you make time to take in all three
events. What a fun night to be in Grafton!
Community support has enabled this project to become a
reality. We can't say thank you enough to those that have taken the
project to heart and answered the request for contributions.
The "Uniting for a Healthier Tomorrow" capital campaign has reached
$1,131,000 of it's $1.7M goal. We ask if anyone should have
questions regarding the campaign to please contact me at 352-9372.
It's my favorite thing to do these days, to talk about and show off this
project!
It's definitely true...Unity is Community, Treating Our
Friends and Neighbors. Growing. Caring for Your Health!
Thanks and Hope to see you on Thursday!
Christl Durand
Unity Medical Center Foundation
Executive Director
164 West 13th Street
Grafton ND 58237
701-352-9372
umcchristld@unitymedcenter.com
<<<<<<<<
Thanks a million for "caring" (no pun intended) and sharing Christl. I
had a chance to view some of the new facilities and improvements at
Unity a couple weeks ago. Although the project isn't totally completed,
already it is evident to me that our community can be proud to have such
a medical facility for our area residents.
----------------------------------------
Subject: SKEETERVILLE GAZETTE
from Connie Desautel
http://my2.tupperware.com/lighthousetwins
lighthousetwins@my2.tupperware.com
Gary
Is there any way you can post my web site for tupperware? With
summer almost here it is always busy and some people don't like to do
home parties. I thought if you could post my web site anyone could order
off that. There are also more specials on the web site people can
order. So here goes
my.tupperware.com/ConnieDesautel
<<<<<
Thanks a million Connie. The answer to your first question is yes there
is. I did it in exactly the same way you sent it to me. The next
question is. Will folks see it, read it, and most importantly give you a
order from it. That my good friend Connie,... will be up to you. {;->)
Gary
------------------------------------------
"You ain't living in the sticks if your playing games on a marble
floor" GLM
==========================
GOTTA GO WORK ON MY DASH
==========================
"Life is to short for long answers."


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

May 7, 2009 - Thursday

Do something special for Mom Sunday
--- MOTHER'S ~ DAY ~ BUFFET ---
~~ MarketPlace on 8th in Grafton ~~
(10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.)
Turkey, Dressing, Ham & Shrimp with all the trimmings plus full salad
and dessert.
-- A FREE CARNATION FOR MOM --
((((( Mother's Day Night Special )))))
Delightfully Delicious -- Chicken Breast ~ Stuffed Shrimp ~ Walleye ~
Prawns, Serving from 4 to 8 p.m.
Happy Mother's Day from Susie and the entire staff at MarketPlace on
8th.
--------------------------------
The current temperature is 48 degrees.
Yesterdays H/L temperature was 72/39
Normal H/L temp for this date is 67/40
It was 88 degrees on this date in 1953.
Spring is just around the corner. All we have to do now,.. is find the
right corner.
=========================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
=========================
L O C A L news & stuff,.. mostly stuff.
------------------------------------
It's official, if the marquee in front of Simonsons Station Store is
correct. The new Simonsons Neighborhood Subway, Gasoline and Convenience
Store will open May 13th.
------------------------------------
The large dumpster in front of the former Peoples Bakery building on
Hill Avenue really wasn't put there to foster rumors of a change in
business activity. It seems that some of the "inventory" belonging to
the present owner of the former bakery building was "spilling over" into
the property now occupied by the Grafton's Greatest Deals (formerly
Fish's Variety Store). I also understand, present rules and regulations
being what they are, and the fact the "enough really is enough". Hence,
it was suggested, with the kind of finite persuasion that only a
municiple authority could inject, that the "inventory" consuming space
without proper authority be removed "post haste". And, as I understand,
it was..... plus one day.
Aren't small towns wonderful?
---------------------------------------
Speaking of wonderful small towns. Bert shares some memories from the
days when Grafton was still using artesian well water. Bert wrote. >>>
Subject: Gordon "Snowball" Olson
Snowball (for those who don't know, got that name from his White,
White hair) Olson, brothers Glen, Morris and sister Elaine all had
neighborhood kids their same ages. Elaine, a real beauty, married a
Cuban plantation owner and when she came to visit they brought all us
neighborhood kids treats from Cuba.
Morris was with the National Guard Company "C" 164th and went all
through the pacific. He came home, became a State patrolman and shortly
died of a real quick cancer. I know Glen died but have no knowledge of
what happened to Snowball or his best buddy Hank Newgard.
A tragedy happened in the neighborhood one day that still causes the
hair to stand up on the back of my neck when I see little league
baseball kids swinging a bat with others close. Bernie DeSautel was
catching in a neighborhood game, Red Johnson was up to bat. Bernie's 5
year old nephew Bert (Named after me) Callum came to tell Bernie
supper was ready. My brother Arvid threw the pitch and Red swung just
grazing little Bert's head, they did not notice him running in from
the side. Bernie picked a crying Bert up and carried him home. The
DeSautels lived in the house just south of the DeSoto Creamery later
bought by the LeQuires. The next day all the neighborhood kids were kept
at home.
Before supper the next day we kids all were dressed in our "church
"suits and were walked over to DeSautels where little Bert was
lying in his little yellow casket on the front walk. 70 years later
I still think of that happening every time I see a baseball game.
Red Johnson never did recover from it. When Red came home after the
service his life was a ruin and I believe it stemmed from that event.
Kids with careless baseball bats scare me.
How many remember that there was a curfew in Grafton when we were
kids? Hank Newgards Mother was the curfew matron for the northeast
quadrant of Grafton. The 2nd time she brought me home,.... was by the
hair.
Bert A. Overland <<<< Thanks a million for caring and sharing Bert.
-------------------------------------
Rummage at the Grafton Armory and Rose Wendelbo's "alley garage" at
1485 Griggs Ave. in Grafton. Sat. May 9th between the hours of 9-4
Grafton Armory and 1485 Griggs in alley
~~~ Fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis ~~~
---------- "Miles for Maria" ----------- ====== Free will
donation ======
BRAND NAME infant, toddler, teen, women & mens clothing, toys, trike,
antique dresser, Americona decor, household, movies, crib/twin
bedding/blankets, mattress pads, shelfs, maternity, boppie/PG pillow,
baby gates, fishing equip, decorative pillows, patio table & chairs,
file cabinet, memory mat and much,.. much more. <<<<<
Thanks a million Kim, Let's hope the "Miles for Maria"
fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis is a huge success.
--------------------------------------
Don't miss the Rummage sale at Heritage Village. All proceeds go toward
maintaining the Village.
There will be an antique chrome table, with 6 chairs that belonged
to "Uncle Sig" along with some of his other treasurers. Other items,
couch, apartment size fridge, antique sewing cabinet, vanity with
mirror, lots of clothes, bedding, luggage, ironing boards, tv stand,
curtains, lamps, books, magazines, video movies, tapes, xmas
decorations, grass seeder and lots and lots of misc items. Something
for everyone. Also, serving BBQ, Hot dogs, chips and lemonade for
$3.00.
========================
GOTTA GO WORK ON MY DASH
========================
"Life is to short for long answers."


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

May 6, 2009 - Wednesday

=== FREE ~ MOVIE ~ TONIGHT ===
Join Tom and Tammy Henriksen at the Strand Theater tonight at 6:30 and
enjoy the movie, "Facing The Giants".
The movie is free, the delicious popcorn and snacks are a little extra.
~~~~ FREE Family Movie Night ~~~~
Parents and children are encouraged to attend together.
After the movie, the EDGE Youth Center will be dedicated. Hope to see
you there!
----------------------------
The current temperature is 55 degrees.
Yesterdays H/L temperature was 65/48
Normal H/L temp on this date is 66/40
It was 86 degrees on this date in 1992
=========================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
=========================
L O C A L news & stuff,.. mostly stuff.
--------------------------------
The mention of Grafton's Bottle Works gave Doug reason to share the
following.
Subject: Grafton Bottling Works
Gary, Pop production in Grafton actually started in 1895 by Thomas
Schell, then Schell & Schumann, George Garbutt, and M.J.Sitzer... Herb
Edwards became sole owner in 1901, with his wife Maude taking over (due
to bad health and subsequent death) til 1919 with Wilde Brothers and
O'Brien & Arman until Henry Sieg took over, operating til 1938.
While one varient of bottle did have lines or ribs, most of them did
not and varied between aqua and clear in color... For a more complete
story see "Grafton Bottling Works A Local History" by Grafton resident
Bob Vaudrin (copy in local library)...
Retired Social Studies Teacher <<<<
Thanks a for caring and sharing Doug.
++++++++++++
Bert accepted Wallys invitation to share his thoughts on The Bottle
Works story.
Bert wrote: >>>>
Gary, The Seig Bottling company never was on the corner where the city
hall/police station now stand. It was on the north east corner of 2nd
and Hill Avenue, one block north, across the street from the old city
hall. The photo in the "100 year look at Grafton" Book (with the
incorrect location) shows the original Seig Botteling Bldg right on
the corner.
In the late 1930's Henry Seig sold it to Jerry Usseldinger
and Jerry converted it to a bar/resturant which he ran through
early 1940. Usseldingers (there were two children, Vernon and
Shirley) rented from my folks the house we owned (and later moved
into) at North144 wakeman Ave. across the street north from the
Desoto Creamery. My folks bought the house on 144 Wakeman from a big
time railroad man "Wilcox" for $500.00 when he moved to
California. Until that time we lived across the street west in the
house my folks bought and moved in by horse team from 10 miles east on
Hiway #17 around the year 1909/10. At that time my folks owned all
the land from 1st ave north and Wakeman all the way west to
the N.P. railroad tracks. Dad sold parcels in later years to Hugo
Kutz for his fuel storrage facility and the rest to the Huffmans for
pasture and their home buildings. It all bordered on the river to the
north. After we moved across the street in 1938 Dad rented the house
to Leif Moe's, then to Nels Hansen and it was finally sold to Carl
Torkelson. The entire house was made of Oak and drove Carl Torkelson
crazy during a remodel, you couldn't drive a nail in the old oak, you
had to drill first.
Seig needed a larger building and built a new facility between the
original building and the N.P. railroad tracks. Seig built it right
close to the street and people griped that the loading ramp, next to
2nd ave. blocked the traffic with the trucks on 2nd ave. loading and
unloading.
Note, I wonder how many know that the house by the tracks east on
1st ave was the first permanent hotel in the Dakota Territory. It was
much larger but two house fires caused it to be cut down. The last I
knew the dual staircase was still in the front living room, once the
lobby.
For years it was occupied by two families, the Johnsons and the
Zellers, then the LeBlancs who moved in from Oakwood with 21 children.
So the Overlands, LeQuires, LeBlancs and the Nels Hansen kids had
plenty of playmates.
Bert A. Overland <<<
Thanks a million for caring and sharing Bert. Aren't memories
wonderful? I am wondering, by chance, if Gordy "Snowball" Olson wouldn't
have been running up and down the river bank with you guys about that
time? Some will remember Gordy (Snowball) as a Agriculturist for
American Crystal Sugar Company in Crookston for a good many years.
-----------------------------------
Hi Gary,
Would you mind putting this in the Gazette? Two locations, Grafton
Armory and at Rose Wendelbo's "alley garage". Rose said Brad & Denise
were having a sale the same day... should be good for business right
across the street from each other [;-)> Thank you very much... Kim
LeClerc
HUGE RUMMAGE SALE, at TWO (2) LOCATIONS in Grafton.
Sat. May 9th between the hours of 9-4
Grafton Armory and 1485 Griggs in alley
~~~ Fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis ~~~
---------- "Miles for Maria" -----------
====== Free will donation ======
BRAND NAME infant, toddler, teen, women & mens clothing, toys, trike,
antique dresser, Americona decor, household, movies, crib/twin
bedding/blankets, mattress pads, shelfs, maternity, boppie/PG pillow,
baby gates, fishing equip, decorative pillows, patio table & chairs,
file cabinet, memory mat and much,.. much more. <<<<<
Thanks a million Kim, Let's hope the "Miles for Maria" fundraiser for
Cystic Fibrosis is a huge success.
-------------------------------------
"I hear subway isn't opening until may 13th." from a local Gazette
member is
the latest word oI have heard regarding Simonsons Subway, Gasoline &
Neighborhood Convenience Store.
--------------------------------------
It sounds like this Saturday will be a great day to come to Grafton and
shop the Rummage Sales. Don't miss the one at Heritage Village. All
proceeds go toward maintaining the Village.
There will be an antique chrome table, with 6 chairs that belonged to
"Uncle Sig" along with some of his other treasurers. Other items,
couch, apartment size fridge, antique sewing cabinet, vanity with
mirror, lots of clothes, bedding, luggage, ironing boards, tv stand,
curtains, lamps, books, magazines, video movies, tapes, xmas
decorations, grass seeder and lots and lots of misc items. Something
for everyone. Also, serving BBQ, Hot dogs, chips and lemonade for
$3.00.
==========================
GOTTA GO WORK ON MY DASH
==========================
"Life is to short for long answers."


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