Winners named in art show
New face at Guardian Angels
Chaska painter is Best in Show
Priest had prior career as pilot
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THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2011
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installation if it remains. According to city estimates, t he cit y wou ld pay ab out $110,000 for installation of the levee or FEMA would pay roughly 75 percent, or $110,000, toward the installation and demolition of the levee. The situation elicited some spirited response from Carver councilors at their June 20 meeting. “It seems crazy to tear it down,” said Mayor Greg Osterdyk. “It’s incong ruous,” said Councilor Mike Webb.
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arver may not keep its raised levee after all. This spring, the National Weather Service predicted a flood echoing the 1965 disaster that engulfed downtown Carver. To ward off the rising Minnesota River, Carver added about 2-1/2 feet to its levee. Cold and dry temps tempered the flood, and the river never climbed to challenge the newly elevated levee. However, with an eye to the
future, the council wants to keep two large portions of the levee intact to protect against future flooding. Not so fast, say Federal E m e r g e n c y M a n a g e m e nt Agency officials. The city built the levee using its own funds, with the belief that it would be reimbursed three-quarters of the cost by FEMA. However, FEMA will only reimburse the city if the project is temporary. So, FEMA will pay for 75 percent of the installation and demolition of the temporary levee if it comes down. Or, the city will pay the entire cost of
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BY MARK W. OLSON editor@chaskaherald.com
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FEMA rule throws a wrench in cities’ flood defense plans
Elevated levee Original levee Gates Bridge closed during high water
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Graphic by Traci Zellmann
PHOTO BY MARK W. OLSON
Pictured are the levees along Spring Creek.
This spring, Carver added about 2-1/2 feet to the height of its levee system. It would like to keep portions of this elevated levee intact along Spring Creek, and the railroad track.
“We’ve got problems, but we live in a country with some of the most freedoms in the world.” Erv Brinkhous
PHOTO BY MOLLEE FRANCISCO
Erv Brinkhous has a collection of more than 50 American flags – each with its own unique story to tell.
Born on the Fourth of July Chaska man draws patriotism from special birthday
VIDEO ONLINE CHECK OUT A VIDEO OF ERV BRINKHOUS TALKING ABOUT SOME OF HIS FLAGS
www.chaskaherald.com
BY MOLLEE FRANCISCO mfrancisco@swpub.com
Nestled in his tan rocker recliner in the cozy confi nes of his “history room,” Erv Brinkhous gazes contentedly at the collection of things he has accumulated over his seven decades of life. There are black powder pistols
artfully displayed, gilded goblets that will never see another drop of wine, and miniature stagecoaches so detailed they are missing little more
SUBMITTED PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF EDEN PRAIRIE
Fireworks light up Round Lake Park every Fourth of July in Eden Prairie.
He’s gonna let it shine Local resident is expert in pyrotechnics BY KARLA WENNERSTROM editor@edenprairienews.com
Kent Orwoll, of Chaska, is seeing a pattern this year, and area residents can expect to see it too. Fireworks viewers will see a variety of “the ones that make the shapes in the sky,” he said of pattern shells that are gaining in
popularity. Orwoll is a partner at R ES Specialty Pyrotechnics in Belle Plaine, with Steve Coman and Ed Vanasek of Belle Plaine. Fireworks displays change every year, to keep it interesting, he said. And, of Eden Prairie’s fireworks display at 10 p.m. Monday, July 4, he said: “There’s a really big fi nale planned.” According to the business website, “Fireworks are a truly exciting art form, requiring creativity, skill and safety. RES Specialty Pyrotechnics creates that excitement by combining our talents and
experience while keeping safety in the forefront.” The business has produced shows for local cities – including Eden Prairie, Minnetonka and Savage. It also has done work for the Minnesota Twins and Vikings – as well as shows around the world. In addition, they make theatrical pyrotechnics for indoor use. “Chances are, if you’ve been to a concert, sporting event or theme park recently, you’ve seen our product in action,” they say.
Fireworks to page 13 ®
Brinkhous to page 2 ®
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TO FIND LOCAL FIREWORK DISPLAYS, READ PAGE 3.