PINE CITY
THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2019 VOL. 134 NO. 1 www.pinecitymn.com $1.00
YEAR IN REVIEW: Look back on the biggest local stories of 2018. P2
Fatal crash reported on Hwy. 70 STAFF REPORT NEWS@PINECITYMN.COM
MIKE GAINOR | THE PIONEER
Come on in, the wa-wa-water’s f-f-f-ďŹ ne!
A woman is dead after a single-vehicle crash on Wednesday, Dec. 26 on Highway 70. The Minnesota State Patrol reports that Jacqueline Ann Marie Duke, 32, of Oak Grove was driving a Chevy Impala eastbound on Hwy. 70 on Dec. 26. She was in Royalton Township, west of Interstate 35 near the intersection with Raspberry Road just before 5 a.m. when her vehicle went straight into a ditch, hit a driveway approach, and rolled. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, although the airbag on the Impala deployed, Duke was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. There were no other occupants of the vehicle when the crash occurred. The Pine County Sheriff’s Office and Pine City firefighters also responded to the scene.
Kelly Osterdyk, Jeff Espeseth and Micah Overtoom braved the frigid waters of the Snake River on Dec. 30 for the annual Boy Scout Polar Plunge, and wished all of Pine City a Happy New Year while they were at it.
SARA ANDERSON | TIMES
The Christmas Light display at the home of Josh Loria and Mike Bruce at 1027 Quail Street, Braham, utilizes over 76,000 lights. The display is synchronized to music. Visitors can view the display from 5-11 p.m. each night and turn their car radio to 99.3 to hear the music.
Spectacular Braham Christmas light display revived BY KIRSTEN FAURIE EDITOR@MORAMINN.COM
It has taken over 600 hours, 76,000 lights and a utility bill they hardly like to admit, but husbands Joshua Loria
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and Mike Bruce have revived a stunning Christmas light display at their home at 1027 Quail Street, Braham. Loria said despite the challenges putting up such a display can create — from mice chewing wires to wind damage,
the car, going around the neighborhood and looking at Christmas lights,� Loria said. “They are some of our best memories. We created some great, quality,
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they love putting up the display as a way to give back to their community and hopefully give families a chance to build happy memories. “We remember, when we were kids, our fondest memories were loading in
Life is too short to worry about your CDs. Come to Northwoods today! NEWS 320-629-6771 editor@pinecitymn.com
SEE LIGHTS, PAGE 12
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YEAR IN REVIEW
PINE CITY PIONEER
JANUARY 3, 2019
Take a look back at 2018 in Pine City... JANUARY
SERGEANT DAN KUNZ RETIRES On the morning of Dec. 28, 2018, Pine County Sergeant Dan Kunz had little time to think about his upcoming retirement as he was driving through an inch and a half of snow and slick roadways, his squad car radio reporting accidents clogging traffic on Interstate 35. Sunday would be Navy veteran Kunz’s last day. He had spent the past 16 years working for the Pine County Sheriff’s Department.
DRAGONS COMPETE FOR SCHWAN’S CUP Over the holiday break, the Dragon hockey team participated in the Schwan’s Cup, an invitation-only tournament that had the team play three games in three days. The Dragons came out with a 2-1 record while playing at the Blaine Sports Center Dec. 26-28. Although the week didn’t start off on the best note, Pine City Area would earn a pair of victories to close the week as Consolation Champs and is now 9-5 on the season. “The varsity team was not only playing for some hardware,” said Dragon head coach Grant Nicoll, “but this is also a section team so the game was very important. The boys capitalized on their opportunities and scored a few goals early. We put the pressure on and Princeton pulled their goalie when it was 3-0. Their back-up goalie did not fare well either. For those that have been around the program awhile this is going to sound odd, but we beat Princeton in running time. That feels great to say.” The Dragons took home the Consolation Championship trophy.
MURALIST BRIGHTENS ROYALTON TOWNSHIP HALL This past summer, Royalton Town Hall was transformed into a window in to the past, through the talents of award-winning local artist Peg Skalicky. The mural was conceived as a way to celebrate the history of Royalton Township. Skalicky said the Royalton Township board gave her photos of the old township hall and the old rural school to incorporate into the work. Skalicky said that she had done wall-sized murals on interior walls before, but had never taken on an outdoor mural or a job of this size. But that wasn’t about to stop her. “If you put your mind to it you can tackle anything,” Skalicky said.
AILENE CROUP | THE PIONEER
Pine County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Dan Kunz (right) takes a baby to safety following an accident he responded to on Interstate 35 on Dec. 28, 2018. Essentia Ambulance personnel also aided victims at the scene.
ACT ON ALZHEIMER’S WORKS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN PINE CITY Two years ago a group of social workers, county workers, caregivers, nurses, as well as other interested community members met at Pine Technical College to talk about the Act on Alzheimer’s initiative and the quest to make Pine City a Dementia Friendly Community. The ACT on Alzheimer’s Committee are proud of what they have offered, proud of the response of the community, and proud that this small town has started and hopefully will continue to make Pine City a dementia friendly community. MOTHER, SON FORM POWERLIFTING PAIR Joslyn Solomon, a Brook Park resident, is a competitive powerlifter who has placed second at the Women’s State Championship in USA Powerlifting in January 2017 as well as third at the Central Regional Championships in 2017. Oliver Solomon, Joslyn’s nine-year-old son, also competes in powerlifting events. His workout includes stretching, rope climbing and hitting a tractor tire with a mallet. When asked who he looks up to most for powerlifting, Oliver said he looks up to, “My mom because she is taller than me. Just kidding, she is one of the main reasons that I started powerlifting in the first place. She inspires me to work harder, set harder goals, and when I do something wrong, to break it apart and keep going.” Oliver recently set a youth bench pressing state record for his age group. ODEGARD RESIGNS FROM SCHOOL BOARD With the resignation of longtime school board member Steven Odegard, Pine City School District officials are asking interested members of the public to come forward and apply for the open seat. Odegard first joined the school board on July 1, 1996. He said that his thriving Boondoggle Winery business and new deacon responsibilities at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Hinckley and St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Sandstone meant that he no longer had time to give the school board position the attention it deserved. “Just too much stuff on an old man’s plate for now,” Odegard joked. At the Jan. 8, 2018, meeting, Odegard gave an emotional speech about the important role schools have in helping to bring up future generations. His fellow school board members and Pine City School Superintendent Annette Freiheit thanked him for his more than 20 years of service.
PHOTO PROVIDED
(Above) Dragon varsity hockey players welcomed and honored young skaters from the Youth Hockey Girls Program, part of the effort to bring a varsity girls hockey program to Pine City.
HUNTING, ART COME TOGETHER The East Central Spurs Chapter of Pheasants Forever has long been a supporter of youth hunting and habitat conservation, and now they can add another line to their resume: patrons of the arts. The Spurs are hosting an art show at Pine Center for the Arts through the month of January, and all the artworks are connected to or inspired by pheasant hunting. The Spurs offered $500 in cash prizes, with the caveat that winning and donated works will be auctioned off at the 19th Annual East Central Spurs Banquet.
(Left) Jade Berglund was all smiles as he took to the ice during the Beau Berglund Memorial Hockey Tournament on Jan. 20, 2018 at the outdoor rink at the Pine City Civic Center.
LANGMADE MAKES HISTORY WITH 1,000 CAREER POINTS With two more victories this past week, the Dragons girls basketball team improved to 12-3 on the season. In the process, the squad saw senior Grace Langmade become just the fifth girls player in school history to score 1,000 career points. “It is a great accomplishment,” Hasz said of Langmade making the 1,000-point club. “We are very proud of Grace. She is having, and has had, a very nice high school career.”
SEE YEAR IN REVIEW, PAGE 5
LANCE FURBER | THE PIONEER
& JANUARY 3, 2019
Submit community events to editor@pinecitymn.com or online at www.pinecitymn.com
THURSDAY JAN. 3
MONDAY JAN. 7
Caregiver Club
Pine City Blue Star Moms meeting
On the first Thursday of every month the public is invited to a professionally facilitated “Caregiver Club” from 12:30 - 2 p.m. at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Pine City. The confidential service enables caregivers to exchange ideas and information, share struggles and the demands of caregiving and learn about available resources. For more information or to reserve a spot, call Anita Sparks at 320-364-1115.
The Blue Star Moms Chapter 16 is a local chapter out of Pine City (Blue Star Mothers of America organization), which are the proud mothers of U.S. Armed Forces troops. They meet the first Monday of each month at the Pine City VFW at 6:30 p.m., supporting each other and their children while promoting patriotism. For more information contact President Tish Carlson at 763-244-0450. Email to: pinecitybluestarmoms@gmail.com or follow on facebook: PineCityBlueStarMoms.
Pheasants Forever meeting Pheasants Forever’s Pine County chapter - East Central Spurs - will meet on Thursday, Jan. 3 at 7 p.m. at Wings North, Pine City. New members and committee volunteers are always welcome. Email kreed6634@comcast.net with any questions.
NAMI support groups A National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Connection peer support group for adults recovering from mental illness meets weekly on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. at Cambridge Medical Center, 701 S. Dellwood Street, in Cambridge in the Harbor Room. Trained facilitators who are also in recovery lead NAMI Connection groups. For more information, contact Danie at 763-219-6236 or 651-645-2948.
FRIDAY JAN. 4
Celebrate Recovery at Journey North Church Celebrate Recovery is a Christ centered 12-step recovery program available to anyone with hurts, hang-ups and habits. This ministry is free at Journey North Church in Pine City on Mondays beginning at 6 p.m. with a supper, followed by praise and worship, large group teaching or testimony, small open share groups, and ends with coffee and treats. There is free childcare, as well as “Celebration Place,” a children’s ministry for grades K-5, Celebration Place- Minis for ages 3-5 years and The Landing for grades 6-12. Celebrate Recovery is for the entire family at Journey North Church. No preregistration is necessary. For more information, visit JourneyNorthChurch.com or cr@journeynorthchurch.com.
Crex morning snowshoe hike On Friday, Jan. 4, from 1011 a.m. at Crex Meadows in Grantsburg, Wisconsin, walk or snowshoe on the 1.25 mile trail behind the visitor center. For more information, call 715-463-2739 or visit www.crexmeadows.org.
SATURDAY JAN. 5 Lions Christmas tree pick-up The annual Pine City Lions Club Christmas tree pick-up will take place on Saturday, Jan. 5. Christmas trees must be curbside by 9 a.m. for free pickup. Call Kenny at 763-242-3086 or email kvh4312@msn.com with any questions.
SUNDAY & WEDNESDAY JAN. 6 & 9 Adult open hockey On Sunday, Jan. 6 and Wednesday, Jan. 9 there is adult open hockey at 8:15 p.m. at the Pine City Civic Center. Call 320-629-6995 for cost or more information, or visit www.pinecityciviccenter.weebly.com.
Pine 11B DFL monthly meeting On Thursday, Jan. 8 the Pine 11B DFL will hold its monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Grand Hinckley Inn, 777 Lady Luck Drive, Hinckley. Social and coffee begins at 5:30 p.m. For more information, call 225397-1325.
TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY JAN. 8 & 9 Children are encouraged to join Miss Kari for early literacy fun and learning at preschool and lapsit storytimes Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 8 and 9 at the Rush City Public Library. Preschool storytime will be held at 10:30 a.m. both days, recommended for ages 3-5. Lapsit storytime, for little ones up to 24 months, is at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 9. Children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver and siblings are welcome. For more information, ask for the library at 320-358-3948 or visit ecrlib.org.
Young adult bible study
‘Seeds of the Future’ Seed catalogs will be coming out soon. Find out more about seeds and pollinators and watch the documentary “Seeds of the Future.” The free class will be held in the media room of Pine City High School on Tuesday, Jan. 8 at 6 p.m. For more information contact Jane at 612-250-1282.
A young adult and college-aged Bible study is being held at the Pine City Evangelical Free Church on Wednesday evenings at 8:30 p.m. The study is free and is held at the south campus of the church at 625 Golf Ave. SW, Pine City, in the church library. Call 320-4384309 for more information.
Winter Wildlifers
A woodcarving club meets at the Pine County Historical Museum in Askov every Wednesday from 9 a.m. until noon. Woodcarvers of any skill level are welcome to work on projects, learn, teach, share or just hang out and chat. Meetings are free and open to anyone interested. For more information contact Dave Nichols at 612-799-1382.
THURSDAY JAN. 10
Family Law Clinic The Refuge Network is sponsoring a free, open to the public, Family Law Clinic on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 6 p.m., at Family Path-
WINDOW abuse support group A support group for domestic abuse survivors meets at Journey North Church – 840 Main St., Pine City, every other Thursday from 6-7 p.m. The next meeting is Thursday, Jan. 10. Call 320-384-7113 for more information.
Magnificent Red Hatters On Thursday, Jan. 10, 11 a.m., the Magnificent Red Hatters will share memories of the past year and lunch at Mom’s Parkside Cafe, downtown Pine City. To RSVP, or for questions, call Darlene at 320-629-4684.
FRIDAY JAN. 11 Creative Canvas at PCftA Create a winter landscape painting at Pine Center for the Arts, 265 5th St. SE, Pine City, on Friday, Jan. 11, 7 p.m., with local artist Peg Skalicky. Attendees will enjoy wine, appetizers and a friendly atmosphere for a relaxing night out with friends. Space is limited; call 320-629-4924 or visit www. pinecenter.org for cost, information or to register.
Coffee with the editor On Thursday, Jan. 10 have a cup of coffee with Pine City Pioneer editor Mike Gainor, 10
Red Cross blood drive An American Red Cross blood drive will be held on Monday, Jan. 14 at St. John Lutheran Church, 980 West Fourth Street, Rush City, from 1-7 p.m. For an appointment call the American Red Cross at 800-7332767 or visit redcrossblood.org.
WEDNESDAY JAN. 16 Senior dancing, featuring music by Ed Pangerl, will take place at the Pine City American Legion on Wednesday, Jan. 16 from 1 - 4 p.m. Emailrockcreekworks@gmail.com with any questions.
Focus on Ability We R Able, Adults with Disabilities, sponsors a support group, Focus on Ability, on the first and third Wednesday of each month from 1 - 3:30 p.m. at the Chisago County Senior Center in North Branch. This is an opportunity for persons with a variety of health challenges to share stories, listen, meet new friends and offer encouragement. For information, call 320-358-1211.
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SATURDAY 1/5 Model RR club: Askov, 10 a.m., Pine County History Museum SUNDAY 1/6 AA (Big Book study): Evangelical Free Church, 7 p.m. MONDAY 1/7 Celebrate Recovery: Pine City, Journey North Church, 6 p.m. Pine City Blue Star Moms: Pine City VFW Post, 6:30 p.m. AA: 7:30 p.m., Our Redeemer Lutheran Church TUESDAY 1/8 American Legion & Auxiliary: Pine City American Legion, 7 p.m. Pine County Republicans: 7:30 p.m., Tobies, Hinckley WEDNESDAY 1/9 Woodcarving club: Askov, 9 a.m. Pine Co. History Museum Al-Anon: 725 2nd Ave. SW, Pine City, 12 p.m., 612-387-6094, David Pine City Toastmasters: 7 p.m., Pine Center for the Arts, Pine City AA: 8 p.m., Rock Creek Community Center
Jan. 7 - 11 Jan Monday: Cranberry orange chicken, baked potato with sour cream, carrots, Italian lettuce salad, wheat bread, spiced apricots Tuesday: Italian marinated pork loin, parslied potatoes, country trio vegetables, wheat bread, chocolate brownie Wednesday: Bacon wrapped pork fillet, butternut squash, steamed cabbage, wheat bread, pie Thursday: Chicken quesadilla, Spanish rice, three bean salad, lettuce with dressing, pumpkin bar Friday: Meatloaf, scalloped potatoes, green beans, wheat bread, lemon chiffon Cost is $4.00 for people over 60 and $7.50 for under 60. No preregistration needed, except for special events. Call the Pine City Senior Center at 320-629-3024 between 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
The Pine City Pioneer does not guarantee publication of community events. Space limits the size and number of articles. Out & About deadline is 3 p.m. Monday. If your information must be published, consider placing an ad.
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THURSDAY 1/3 TOPS-Take Off Pounds Sensibly: Pine City Library Community Room, 4:30-5:30 p.m. NAMI peer support: Cambridge Medical Ctr., 6:30 p.m. Teen AA/NA: 6:30 p.m., Teen Focus Center, Rush City Pine City Music Boosters: Pine City Pizza Pub, 6:30 p.m.
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SENIOR DINING
MONDAY JAN. 14
Senior dancing Woodcarving club
On Tuesday, Jan. 8, from 2-3 p.m. at Crex Meadows in Grantsburg, Wisconsin, families of children 2 to 8 years old are offered a chance to discover wildlife through stories, songs, hands-on activities, games, crafts and snacks. Winter Wildlifers is a free, no-registration, no-obligation program that encourages families to get out and enjoy nature. For more information, call 715-463-2739 or visit www.crexmeadows.org.
a.m., at Mom’s Parkside Cafe in downtown Pine City (223 5th St. SE). Stop by with questions or comments about the newspaper, things going on in town, ideas, issues, or just to say hello. Call 320-629-6771 with questions.
Winter storytimes
WEDNESDAY JAN. 9
TUESDAY JAN. 8
Downtown Pine City • 320-629-9917
Thur., Jan 3 Fri., Jan 4 Sat., Jan 5 Sun., Jan 6 Mon., Jan 7 Tues., Jan 8 Wed., Jan 9
ways (1575 E First Ave. Cambridge MN 55008). Attendees will learn the basics on dissolutions and custody, receive helpful materials and have questions answered by an attorney. There may be an opportunity for two individuals to meet with an attorney individually after the main presentation. Visit www.familypathways.org or call Bethany at 763-689-3532 with any questions.
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PINE CITY PIONEER
www.pinecitymn.com
JANUARY 3, 2019
Let’s get coffee A visitor stopped by the Pioneer office the other day, and she had a question – a very good question. She was carrying a couple of issues of another area newspaper, and she was wondering about two of their stories. Why, she asked, had she seen those two stories in that newspaper but not in the Pioneer? Again, this is an excellent question. And I had, I hope, a reasonable answer. In the first case she mentioned, we had run a story similar to Editor’s already the story she pointed out in the Soapbox other newspaper. In the second case, we have a story coming – Mike but it is still a work in progress. It’s not strictly a time-senGainor sitive issue, and it’s tricky subject matter, so I wanted to take a little extra time to make sure that we did it right. I let her know I was genuinely grateful to her for coming in. No one who knows me would tell you I’m perfect, but we all take our work seriously here at the Pioneer and try to put out the best newspaper we can every week. So when a reader calls or stops by with a question or critique I’m happy to hear from them – it’s good to know that people care enough about their town newspaper to ask about it and offer ideas on how it can get better. And then I was reading an article that referred to an editor at a newspaper who makes a point of having regular “coffee with the editor” appointments. He just posts the time, sits down at a local cafe, and people come in with questions or ideas and they have a conversation about the newspaper, about things that are happening in town and whatever else came to mind. This struck me as a pretty great idea. I think we don’t talk to each other enough in this country these days. There’s a lot of people talking at each other – you see that all the time. But talking to each other, boy ... sometimes that seems like a lost art. So let’s get a cup of coffee and talk. On Thursday, Jan. 10 at 10 a.m. I’ll be at Mom’s Parkside Cafe (223 5th Street SE), just a short walk over from the Pioneer office. Stop by if you have a question about the newspaper or something going on in Pine City, an issue, an idea, or if you just want to come over and say hello. The coffee is on us. See you then. MIKE GAINOR is the editor of the Pine City Pioneer. Contact him at 320-629-6771 or editor@pinecitymn.com.
‘Coffee is a way of stealing time that should by rights belong to your older self.’ Terry Pratchett
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR A question To the Editor: Will the “Great American Wall” be visible from space? Larry McGuinn Pine City
Thinking about January To the Editor: As I sit in my recliner, cup in hand, I tend to reflect on the past year and contemplate the future. The past year was very memorable, especially with good thoughts of my family and friends. January can be extremely cold and dark. It forces me to be more of a recluse. Why would I want to venture out in these extremes? But I do.
Below are last week’s most read stories on the Pine City Pioneer website at: www.pinecitymn.com 1. Old Milk House makes way for the next phase on Pine City’s Main Street: On Friday, Dec. 21, Bob Jones carefully took down the canopy of the former Main Street Milk House gas station and convenience store at the corner of Main Street and 5th Avenue E. The building’s new owner, Luke Hegge, plans to relocate his Carpet Unlimited business to that location in the coming months, filling in one of the few remaining empty storefronts on Main Street. 2. Pine County Sheriff’s Blotter - Dec. 27, 2018 3. Cammilleri out as city administrator: Pine City is once again searching for a new city administrator. On Nov. 27, the Pine City Council voted in closed session to place former Pine City Administrator Ken Cammilleri on non-disciplinary leave with pay and benefits. Cammilleri served as Pine City administrator since June 2015.
Wade Weber • Publisher Mike Gainor • Editor Annette Krist, Misti Hamlin • Advertising Managers
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With all this time to think, the old New Year’s resolution is a good thing to analyze. First, what do I think that I need to improve on? When nothing comes to mind, I must use my friends’ suggestions. I am sure they can provide many suggestions. What are friends for? With that accomplished, it is time to have them over for coffee and conversation. Thinking smart, having them over allows me to stay in the warm house. Nothing wrong with that. January can be a very good month, for the right reasons. Have a good 2019.
The Pine City Pioneer (USPS 433-160) is published for $34 per year and delivered weekly by Northstar Media, LLC., 405 2nd Ave. SE, Pine City MN 55063-1504. Periodicals postage paid at Pine City, MN 55063. Outside Pine County add $9 yearly to subscription cost.
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Pine City Mayor Carl Pederson said that the severance package for Cammilleri was for five months salary and benefits. City officials affirm that the estimated severance for Cammilleri is approximately $39,350. This would encompass both salary and benefits and applicable tax contributions. “That’s the agreement we came to,” Pederson said. “Ken did a lot of good work while he was here. We left on good terms. It was time for a change.” Are you a current print subscriber? Your subscription includes complimentary access to all of the Pine City Pioneer digital content. To access it, go to www.pinecitymn.com. Sign in or create an account. Select “Subscribe” in the top left corner. Choose “Online access for current print subscribers - Get Started” and follow the on screen instructions.
The Pioneer will Attempt to publish the news as fairly and impartially as possible. Editorial comments will be restricted to this page, or when positioned elsewhere, be clearly identified. All sides of controversial issues will be published within the capabilities of the newspaper. Letters to the Editor will be 500 words or less. All letters are subject to editing for grammar and clarity and must contain the undersigned’s full name and their address. As a rule, letter writers should live, work or have another connection to The Pine City Pioneer’s coverage area. Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues
are not guaranteed publication. Staff reserves the right to refrain from printing a letter. Anonymous letters will not be printed. Letters may be emailed to: editor@pinecitymn.com no later than 5 p.m. Monday the week of publication. The Pioneer welcomes readers’ suggestions for news stories as well as their comments on stories that have been printed. News releases should be typed and include appropriate contact information. They will be printed as space permits in the first issue possible. There are no guarantees that news releases will run.
JANUARY 3, 2019
YEAR IN REVIEW
PINE CITY PIONEER
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FEBRUARY POWERFUL DRAMA TAKES ONE-ACT STUDENTS TO NEXT STAGE One Jan. 27, Pine City’s One-Act performers took the stage in competition for the first time, delivering a powerful performance of “First Person Shooter” that earned them a second-place trophy and a trip to the Section Tournament on Feb. 3 in St. Cloud. PINE CITY GOES FOR NEW BANNER, ‘HOOK, PINE AND SINKER’ Local artist Missy Smetana’s design piece “Hook, Pine and Sinker” was selected out of five submissions through a streetlight banner design competition open to local artists in the Pine City area this past summer. The goal of the competition was to improve Pine City’s streetscapes by using the talents of the local artistic community. This project arose from the need to replace 10-year old deteriorated decorative banners. The winning design depicts a pine cone, a compass (pointing north), a fishing line, fishing hook, bobber and sinker. This new installation will be placed on streetlight poles on Main Street South and Hillside Drive Southwest. DRAGONS PUT CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP ON ICE With another Two Rivers Conference win this past week, the Pine City Area Dragons hockey team has put their third-straight conference championship on ice. The Dragons are kings of the conference once again and continue to trend in the right direction as post season approaches. Owners of a nine-game winning streak, the Dragons are playing great hockey. NEW LIONS FISHING CONTEST A BATTLE ON ICE The Pine City Lions are looking to take local area ice fishing contests to the next level on Feb. 10, with a $100 entry fee, a four-hour, two-person team tournament and a big cash prize for the winners. “There’s a history of organized ice fishing tournaments with two-person teams,” said Pine City Lion Brad Buys. “It brings a little more professionalism to it, a little more camaraderie and a little more drama.” PARENTS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUTH PARTIES Thirty-one states have social host ordinances (SHO) and Pine County Attorney Reese Frederickson will be drafting one to present to the county board. The ordinance is meant to make parents responsible for underage drinking in their homes. The ordinance would close a loophole if someone else brings liquor into a party. Hosting includes allowing, controlling, aiding and procuring others to host. There would be criminal sanctions for “hosting” an event where underage persons intend to consume or possess alcohol. It would be a misdemeanor and come with a sentence of 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. BOYS CLAIM HOME HARDWOOD WITH 2 BIG WINS The Pine City boys basketball team enjoyed the comforts of home with wins over Braham and Milaca. Pine City is now 15-5 overall with six games to play. FAMILY SURVIVES CO2 POISONING “Mommy, my legs won’t work.” Julie Teich woke up to those words in the early morning of Thursday, Jan. 11, 2018. She had a splitting headache, and soon realized she and her children were suffering from potentially fatal carbon monoxide poisoning. RESIDENTS BATTLE TO KEEP RUSH CITY CLINIC OPEN Residents of the Rush City area learned, two weeks ago, Fairview Lakes Area Clinic/Pharmacy will be closing, with little warning and no reason other than it is a financial decision. The vitality and growth of Rush City – population 3,100 – hangs in the balance according to resident Jason Oare, who said the news
SCOTT JEANSON
Fun in the sun at the 52nd Fish Derby With a brand new fishing pole in hand, young angler Maddie prepared to try her luck at the Snake River Conservation Club Fish Derby on Jan. 28, 2018, on Pokegama Lake. Though few fish were biting, the sunshine kept everyone smiling through the event.
comes after the recent closing of the city’s grocery store. Oare is part of the Save the Rush City Clinic Committee. He and Mayor Dan Dahlberg, Mike Carroll and Joanne Ploetz spoke to residents of the community at a public meeting held last week. “Seniors want to live closer to clinics and families want to relocate where there are good schools and medical services,” Oare explained. “A lot of people moved to town because there was a real good clinic and school.” ROCKSTROH, UTECHT NAMED CONFERENCE CHAMPS Dragon wrestlers competed in the Great River Conference Tournament on Friday, Feb. 9 in Ogilvie. The team saw several solid individual performances from its members, and others that head coach Milo Allen has high hopes for moving forward. Gavin Rockstroh (106 lbs.) and Carter Utecht (195 lbs.) came away as Conference Champions. SEE YEAR IN REVIEW, PAGE 6
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YEAR IN REVIEW
PINE CITY PIONEER
MARCH CONCERNS RAISED OVER BRIDGE PROJECT At a recent public meeting Pine City residents raised concerns about MnDOT’s plan for a replacement County Road 7/Hillside Avenue bridge over Interstate 35, noting that the proposed replacement bridge would be a replica of the current bridge, originally built in 1962. The estimated $30 million construction project also includes replacement of the Highway 70 overpass, replacement of the I-35 Snake River bridges, and resurfacing seven miles of I-35 in 2018 and 2019. SURVEY: KEEP CITY HALL PUT Pine City carried out a survey in 2017 intended to capture the public’s thoughts on what should be done about city hall – whether it should stay in its current location in Pine Government Center or find new offices elsewhere. More than half of respondents said the city should remain in the Pine Government Center, pay rent and make improvements to the rented space. If a new city hall were to be built, more than half of respondents said it should be built in downtown Pine City. JUDGE FLANAGAN SWORN IN FOR PINE COUNTY Pine County’s newest judge was sworn in recently. In a courtroom ceremony at the Pine County Courthouse, Judge Patrick W. Flanagan was honored by friends and peers before taking the oath of office.
RALLY AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Twenty-four Minnesotans – the youngest 17, the oldest 65 – were killed because of domestic violence in 2017, and those victims were remem-
CONFERENCE CHAMPS CUT DOWN THE NETS The Pine City Dragons boys basketball team cut down the nets on their first Conference Championship in a decade. Playing to a jam-packed house against a rival on Friday, March 2, the Dragons played their best game to date and blew out Hinckley-Finlayson 94-61. DRIVER AIRLIFTED AFTER CRASH ON MAIN STREET A crash on Pine City’s Main Street on March 1 quickly became both a lifesaving effort for the driver involved and a community safety crisis due to a power line dipping low over Main Street. Witnesses report that the vehicle was heading at a high rate of speed northbound on Old Highway 61/Main Street, when it swerved near Gail Motel. The driver lost control of the vehicle, which struck a power and light pole on the east side of the road, then traveled nearly 100 feet through a fence outside the Gail Motel, rolled over, then slid to a stop upside down in the front yard of a house opposite of Chris’ Food Center. There were no passengers in the vehicle. CONNAKER NAMED TO STATE HALL OF FAME Longtime Pine City coach, teacher and activities director Wally Connaker has been named to the Minnesota Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (MnIAAA) Hall of Fame. He will accept the award at an event in St. Cloud in April, though will first be recognized at the Pine City Country Club on March 27. ATTEMPTED COURTROOM ESCAPE A man charged with arson, bribery and theft of a Pine County squad car
bered across the state and at a rally at Pine County Courthouse. TEEMAN HONORED A longtime dedicated volunteer got an early
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is now being accused of attempting to escape from police custody during a courtroom hearing. Steven Douglas Nelson, 37, of Rush City was in the custody of the Pine County Jail because he had not posted bail on a pending court case. He had been brought in and out of the courtroom through the secure holding cell within the courtroom and had never been allowed in the hallway outside the courtroom. Court documents report that shortly before 3 p.m., while the jurors were repositioning themselves into appropriate seats in the jury box, Nelson turned and began to walk out of the courtroom. His attorney told him to stop, and this alerted the court security officer on duty. When Nelson reached the hallway outside the courtroom he allegedly began to run toward the exit, but was apprehended by two court security officers and a deputy. Nelson is now charged with felony escape from custody. DONOR GIVES $100K TO HIGH SCHOOL A major donation from a Pine City High School alumni will help support college-bound Dragons for decades to come. Dr. John Barry, Pine City High School class of 1958, has donated $100,000 to create a scholarship fund for graduating Pine City High School students. Barry is a kidney transplant surgeon and professor of urology at Oregon Health & Science University, where he has worked since joining the school faculty in 1973. PINE CITY YOUTH JOIN NATIONWIDE WALKOUT Pine City High School students joined
family for a celebration of his 95th birthday. MAYOR DESCRIBES GOALS Pine City Mayor Carl Pederson has firm ideas about what makes good city government and how city hall can help chart the future of Pine City. Pederson described the city council’s goals for the next one to three years as including street overlays, minor park improvements, recreation programs, and determining the future of city hall – whether to stay in Pine Government Center or build new elsewhere. COMEDY, MURDER MAKE SWEET MIX IN ‘ARSENIC & OLD LACE’ A classic 1940s comedy is coming to life again on the stage of the Pine City High School Auditorium this weekend. Director Laura Michels said she is delighted by the cast, and is particularly fond of MaryEllen Sauser and Paula Schluck’s portraits of the sisters Abby and Martha. “They each bring their own unique way of presenting the character,” Michels said. “So they
high school students in more than 3,000 schools across the country in a 17-minute walkout to protest school violence. Around 200 Pine City High School students took part in the walkout, which started at 10 a.m. on March 14. It was one month earlier, on Feb. 14, that the Parkland, Florida school shooting took 17 lives. PINE CITY’S PETERSEN LEADS SENATOR’S CAMPAIGN U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s new campaign manager is a familiar face in Pine City. Alana Petersen, her husband Thom and their family have long called this area home. PROPOSED PINE CITY TRAIL TAKES NEXT STEP A proposed walking, biking and snowmobile trail through Pine City took another step forward when the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) released a master plan for the project. The James L. Oberstar State Trail is authorized to extend from the Chisago County line through Pine City to Hinckley. It will be the final link in a state trail system that will then run from the Twin Cities to Duluth. This section of trail, once complete, would make the Twin Cities to Twin Ports trail one of the longest biking and hiking trails in the world. FAIRVIEW EXPLORING OPTIONS IN RUSH CITY Fairview Health Services reported that it is exploring ways to continue providing the Rush City community with convenient, high-quality care close to home, including virtual care options and on-site medical support staff.
aren’t exactly alike, but you can tell they mesh together and are really great at being sisterly with each other. And it’s just hilarious to watch them.” BRUBAKEN RETIRES There’s been more than a few days in Kim Brubaken’s 20 year career as guidance counselor for Pine City High School when it gets too much, when she walks out of the building feeling like she is carrying the pain and burdens of the students with her. But two things help a lot: classic rock and roll, and the open road. “I have a 20 minute drive home, and believe me, that has been my saving grace,” Brubaken said. “I crank the music on and I try to let it go. I think the older I get the more I’m having a hard time letting it go – which led me to believe that retiring is the right thing to do. Because it does get heavy.” NO RETIREMENT HEALTH INSURANCE FOR COMMISSIONERS Members of the Pine
APRIL County Board of Commissioners are not seeking health insurance benefits for themselves. A story in the April 19 edition of the Pine City Pioneer stated that commissioners could be eligible to receive health insurance benefits if a new plan for county retirees was put in place. This assertion was based on a misinterpretation of a county document, and was not correct. INTERNATIONAL FILMMAKER MAKES VIDEO VISIT TO PINE CITY Audience members at the Highway 61 Film Festival had the chance to greet an international filmmaker on April 7. Hiroki Ohsawa, the director of the award-winning comedy “Princess Beard,” recorded a special video greeting for the Pine City audience about to take in this film at Pizza Pub. SEE YEAR IN REVIEW, PAGE 7
‘I have only one New Year’s resolution for us. It is ... to rediscover the difference between wants and needs. May we have all we need and want all we have. Happy New Year!’
YEAR IN REVIEW
JANUARY 3, 2019
MAY
NEW HEART BRINGS HOPE A Pine City man is sharing his true life story of faith and survival in the hopes that he will inspire others to give the gift of life as organ donors. After years of battling heart disease, John Vosberg received a call that a new heart was waiting for him. The heart that is now beating in John Vosberg’s chest came from a 44-year-old man who died suddenly. Vosberg wrote to the donor family and he received a letter from the donor’s mother talking about her son. Vosberg wrote back promising to be a good steward of her son’s heart. Eight months after his surgery, Vosberg said he now feels better, with more energy, than he has in years. “One donor can make a difference in 75 lives,” Vosberg said. “That is just truly amazing. For me, I’ve been through hell, but I feel blessed.”
STUDY: PINE COUNTY FAIR BRINGS IN $927K In 2017 the University of Minnesota Extension was contracted to estimate the Pine County Fair’s economic value to the community and county. According to the survey results the estimated total spending in Pine County, due to the Fair, was $926,610. The majority (72 percent) was on the fairgrounds. The Pine County Fair Board spent $312,200 to put on the Fair. Therefore, for every dollar invested by the Fair Board, $3 of additional spending was generated in the county.
SQUIRREL SHUTS DOWN POWER IN PINE CITY Two area power outages this past week caused disruption to homes and businesses, and East Central Energy (ECE) officials said that in each case an animal was the reason the lights went out. An outage on May 9 was caused by an osprey attempting
PINE CITY PIONEER
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to build a nest on top of a breaker pole on Tigua Road and created an outage for 1,200 ECE members. The May 11 power outage was caused by a squirrel which made its way through the protective materials ECE has installed at the substation on 2nd Street SE. The resulting “boom” as the substation lost power at 6:23 p.m. sounding like a crack of thunder and could be heard blocks away. The outage affected 2,552 ECE members. Crews were able to restore power at 7:39 p.m. to all but 547 members. FRIENDS FIGHT BIG, FISHY PROBLEM Every angler has a fish story. But few can say they hauled in 4,800 pounds of fish off Pokegama Lake in just three days. Unfortunately, those fish were inedible, to say the least. In the first week of May, Ron Williams, Rick Waldemar and friends found those tons of fish washed up, dead, on the shores of their properties and that of four other neighbors. PINE CITY HOCKEY STAR HELPS TEAM EARN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP A Pine City 14-year-old helped her team win a national championship this past April. Rilee Winters was part of the Minnesota Green Giants squad. On April 9, in Marlborough, Massachusetts, they earned a 3-0 win and gold medals for the team. TRACK TEAMS NAMED CONFERENCE CHAMPS Pine City dominated the action at the Great River Conference Championship track and field meet on, May 15, and for the fourth straight year, both the Dragons girls and boys came away as conference champions. BERGSTROM BROTHERS MAKE STATE A Dragons doubles pairing made State in tennis for the first time in 15 years with brothers Jonah and Dusty Bergstrom. SEE YEAR IN REVIEW, PAGE 8
PHOTO PROVIDED
Seven years old, already talking turkey While hunting with his dad Josh, Collin Spinler, age 7, of Pine City shot his first turkey with a 9 inch beard and 3/4 inch spurs west of Rock Creek this past spring.
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YEAR IN REVIEW
PINE CITY PIONEER
JANUARY 3, 2019
MIKE GAINOR | THE PIONEER LANCE FURBER | THE PIONEER
Summer nights of food, fun, music Pine City Girl Scouts offered visitors a tasty meal at the June 1 Art in the Park before the Church of Cash took the stage to perform the tunes made famous by the legendary Man in Black.
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Getting into the swing of Summer Rec A young tennis player gets a few tips on his swing from one of the coaches at the 2018 Pine City Summer Rec program in June.
COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER FOR ART CENTER A year ago, they thought their organization was going to be out on the streets. But now, with the support of the community behind them, Pine Center for the Arts has a permanent home in downtown Pine City. Today, just a few months into their “Brick by Brick” campaign, more than half of the building price has been pledged. The nine-year-old arts nonprofit offers a gallery space, music lessons, classes, a free Summer Arts program for kids and other events. NEW HOTEL PLANNED IN PINE CITY Plans are underway to build a 51-room hotel with a pool behind the McDonald’s restaurant at 1450 8th Street NW in Pine City. The proposed three-story hotel would be part of the Grandstay Hotels chain, and has received site plan approval by the Pine City Council. Jerry Buseman of Pine City Hotel Investors, LLC/Turner Properties, LLC said that the developers hoped to start construction in 2018. CROPS LOOK GOOD DESPITE LATE SPRING The long winter and late April snowstorm made for a late start to spring planting for area farmers. “In the beginning, I was terribly nervous with the late spring. The late April snow looked ugly,” said John Swanson, Federated Coop Agronomist based out of Ogilvie. Fortunately, in May it finally warmed up and there was a dry spell that allowed farmers to plant small grains and corn quickly without cold or wet weather delays. They were able to then move right into soybean planting and get it done in a timely manner. HIGH WATER STOPS TRAFFIC Heavy rains brought high water across the area in June, and resulted in road closures in Pine County and a road washout in Carlton County. In Pine City, the waters will likely continue rising this week as heavy rainfall upstream on the Snake River makes its way toward Pokegama Lake and Cross Lake. On Wednesday morning, the river was at 5.11 feet in Pine City. Action stage is eight feet, and flood stage is nine feet. A flash flood warning was issued for western Wisconsin and northeastern Pine County after the Radigan Flowage Dam on the Tamarac River failed. The Pine County Sheriff’s Office reported that there was no major damage or flooding impact in the Markville and Danbury areas of Pine County. However, Highway 48 west of Hinckley was closed at the St. Croix River crossing into Wisconsin. SOLID ROCK IN THE PARK CELEBRATES 12 YEARS Solid Rock in the Park is celebrating a dozen years of bringing uplifting music to Pine City in a free Sunday afternoon concert for the whole family. Mike
JUNE Palmer, the leader of Solid Rock in the Park, said he started organizing concerts as part of his own musical career as a singer, songwriter and musician. “I kind of wanted to help the people who were in a similar mode as me,” he said. After 12 years, Palmer said he sometimes gets worn down, but he finds new energy with the support of friends and family. “If you can’t do it all yourself you’ve got to engage some friends,” Palmer said. Palmer said the music is positive, uplifting and welcoming to everyone. “This is a family thing,” he said. “You can bring your kids. Your teens are welcome. We’re not just trying to appeal to believers already. The music is good quality, so people enjoy it.” RURAL SCHOOL BACK IN SESSION IN PINE CITY The One-Room School Museum of Pine City is again hosting area school children for one week sessions where they get to share in the rural school experience. Dorothy Pixley and Erna Pangerl, members of the schoolhouse committee of the Pine City Area History Association, explained that the school house was moved to its current location on Aug. 4, 1971. The rural one room schoolhouses had been used in the area until 1967. Students would transfer to an area high school at the end of their eight years. The idea to host a summer session at the schoolhouse began in the 1980s. Currently Felicia Madsen, a teacher in Pine City, teaches the rural school summer session. The students are asked to wear traditional clothes and avoid bringing prepackaged lunch items. They do many projects in addition to “reading, writing and ‘rithmetic.” They learn about food, games and life from when the rural schools were in session. DON JULIO COMING TO TOWN Pine City Community Development Director Lezlie Sauter said that Don Julio Mexican Restaurant has signed a lease agreement with the owner of the former Pump & Munch gas station/ convenience store at 1120 Hillside Ave., SW in Pine City, and plan to turn the building into their newest restaurant. Sauter also said the restaurant has applied for a liquor license from the city, and though the city council will make the final decision, she has heard no objections to letting the new restaurant receive that liquor license. “We have plenty of liquor licenses to give out,” Sauter said. “But once you serve food you don’t count toward our limit.” Don Julio plans to open in the spring of 2019. SEE YEAR IN REVIEW, PAGE 10
SPORTS AND OUTDOORS
JANUARY 3, 2019
PINE CITY PIONEER
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www.pinecitymn.com
Dragon girls go 2-0 in St. Cloud Tech Holiday Tournament BY LANCELOT E. FURBER SPORTS@PINECITYMN.COM
LANCE FURBER | THE PIONEER
LANCE FURBER | THE PIONEER
PCYH takes to the ice Pine City youth hockey programs Bantam, Mite B, PeeWee 1 and U12 all took to the ice Sunday, Dec. 30 for an afternoon of hockey.
Pine City faced AAA Sauk Rapids/ Rice, on Thursday, Dec. 27, in the opening game of the St. Cloud Tech Holiday Tournament. The Dragons excelled in the first half by turning great defense into great opportunities on offense. Their intensity on defense in the first half was the key. The Dragons went to the locker room at half time with a 42-20 lead over Sauk Rapids/Rice. Dragon coach Ted Hasz said Lily Wilson was tremendous with 19 points, eight assists and six steals and one block. Ellie Hasz had 18 points, two assists, two steals and one block. Ashley Faur continues to raise her level of play as she had nine points, nine rebounds and three steals. Emily Carpenter had eight points, three rebounds and two assists. Alaina Steele had seven points, four assists and three steals. Chloe Alleman and Sophie Lahti both had four points and four rebounds. Hannah Lorsung had three points, four steals and three rebounds. Jolie Wicktor had one point, four rebounds, one assist and one block. The final score was Pine City 72 Sauk Rapids/Rice 50. On Friday, Dec. 28 Pine City faced another AAA opponent, Sartell/St. Stephen. The Dragons showed patience on offense, waiting for a good shot, and backed it up with a solid
defensive effort. Pine City led at the half 32 – 23. Ellie Hasz continued to be a major match up problem for teams scoring 34 points. The Dragons were able to get her the ball in good spots and she could complete their effort with a good shot. Alaina Steele played great shut down defense, holding down the top guards on the other teams to very little production. Not only was she great defensively, she scored 12 points, three rebounds and four assists. Hannah Lorsung had eight points and three rebounds. Ashley Faur was very solid once again with seven points and 10 rebounds. Lily Wilson had six points and nine assists. Chloe Alleman had six rebounds and one steal. Sophie Lahti had two points and Jolie Wicktor had one point. The final score was Pine City 70, Sartel/St. Stephen 52. “The kids responded well to the holiday break and came out ready to play,” said coach Ted Hasz. “Ellie Hasz and Lily Wilson were selected to the all-tournament team.” Pine City girls basketball next home game is Tuesday, Jan. 8, when they will be hosting Isle. The Dragons will also be hosting Rush City on Friday, Jan. 11.
Dragon hockey comes up short in Blaine BY LANCELOT E. FURBER SPORTS@PINECITYMN.COM
Winter break brings the annual hockey tournament at Schwan’s Arena in Blaine. The Dragons’ varsity team took the ice against Southwest Christian, and the JV team faced Osseo on Saturday, Dec. 29. Unfortunately, both JV and varsity teams had problems burying the puck in the net and came away with losses. The size of this arena allowed for both JV and varsity teams to play at the
same time. Unfortunately, this caused the JV team to play shorthanded due to players being bumped up to varsity to cover for the five missing Dragons because of suspension, injury, family vacation, and/or illness. Troy Schmidt scored for the Dragons with an assist from Chase Bjorklund. Mason Olson was in net for the Dragons and saved 30 of 36 shots on net. The JV Dragons fell to Osseo 1 – 6. According to coach Grant Nicoll, the varsity Dragons did not show up ready to play and couldn’t put together the
effort needed to beat an inferior team. He said their opponent, Southwest Christian, was a team the Dragons should have easily beaten by a number of goals, but the Dragons didn’t play hard enough to be lucky this game. “I do not know if it was sickness or kids not making smart choices over break, but the boys looked and played tired,” Nicoll said. “One positive to take away from tonight’s loss is that Chisago Lakes also lost so now we get another chance to redeem ourselves from our 4-3 OT loss to them right before break.”
Luke Fabini and Joey Mikyska both had one goal and one assist. George Miller also found the net for the Dragons with one goal. Dusty Bergstrom and Howie Hodena both had an assist. Alex Laven worked hard protecting the net with 28 saves on 32 shots. Pine City hosts the Legacy Christian Academy on Thursday, Jan. 3 and Northern Lakes Lightning on Tuesday, Jan. 8.
Boys basketball goes 0-2 at Wood City Classic BY LANCELOT E. FURBER SPORTS@PINECITYMN.COM
Pine City coaches see Cloquet’s annual Wood City Classic basketball tournament as a great opportunity for the Dragons, giving the Dragons the opportunity to play two very good 3AAA teams. The tournament didn’t end the way they had hoped. However, they got some great experience out of it and are able to use it as a measuring stick moving forward. Pine City just came up a little short against Cloquet, on Friday, Dec. 28, losing 52 - 58. The Dragons were right there the whole game, but were just unable to put that final nail in the coffin. Coming off of break, the Dragons struggled with some concentration and being on the road and having their schedule thrown off by the weather could not have helped. Being a bit off in their focus was enough for Cloquet to take advantage, and Pine City did not come out victorious. The effort was there, however, they failed to execute plays and the Dragons also found themselves in early foul trouble.
“When you play bigger schools, the margin for error is less and less,” said coach Kyle Allen. “We unfortunately had about a six point margin of error too much. We also did not have our best shooting performance on the year, something that we knew was likely coming out of the break.” Seth Logan led the way for Pine City on the boards with 15 rebounds. Very impressive for a high school player to be able to go into a game and dominate like that. As a team, Pine City only had nine assists. When the Dragons play as a team and don’t care who scores, they are a very dangerous team on the offensive end of the court. When they do care, and don’t pass the ball, it shows on the score board. Saturday, Dec. 29, brought a lot of the same problems as the day before, as Pine City was defeated by Duluth Denfeld 72 - 80. The Dragons found themselves in early foul trouble, but did a nice job of fighting through that adversity. Shots went in at a better rate and the assist numbers were greater than the day before, but still not up to Dragon standards. Seth Logan again had a monster day on the boards with 12
rebounds. The pace was picked up from the day before, which shows in the final score: however Pine City was unable to play defense to their expectations. Pine City purposely schedules to play bigger schools. They now have some great examples, on film, of what they need to fix and work on. Pine City has some big goals this year and they need to have these experiences to push and mold their athletes into the best possible Dragon team. “While I was not happy with the outcome of the game, I am more concerned and interested to see what our reaction to the adversity will be. These are the first two losses for this group, we will see how they respond after having some setback over break,” Allen said. “I fully expect this group to regroup and get back to their roots and come out ready to reestablish themselves moving forward.” The Pine City boys basketball next home game is Saturday, Jan. 5, at 2:30 p.m. The Dragons will be hosting The Blake School.
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YEAR IN REVIEW
PINE CITY PIONEER
JANUARY 3, 2019
JULY
FLASH FLOOD, HIGH WATERS On Thursday, July 12, Pine City residents woke to torrents of rain, flash flooding and road closings. The most recent rains brought flash flooding, high waters, damage to roads and private property, and a visit from Governor Mark Dayton. At approximately 4 a.m. the morning of July 12, the skies opened over Pine County dropping between 5-8 inches of rain in less than four hours. The downpour filled Pine City streets with water, making many of them impassable. While most streets drained quickly, several roadways – including County Road 11 west of County Road 13 – remained closed. As water drained from the streets, Pine City area residents turned to the rising Snake River. According to the National Weather Service, in the Mora area the Snake River rose over 12 feet in a 30-hour period from when the rain began. All that water would soon be heading down the already-high Snake River in Pine City. On Monday, July 16, Governor Mark Dayton toured Kanabec and Carlton counties to assess storm damage and meet with Pine County officials, residents and staff from Kanabec and Pine counties to discuss flooding and disaster relief.
WCMP TURNS STATION TOWARD COMMUNITY Something’s changed at WCMP. The Pine City radio station held an open house on June 21 to show off the changes made to the inside of the building, but the difference has been obvious for a while. “There’s a huge focus now on local only,” WCMP News Director Daniel Appel said. “Things like that just bring the station a lot closer to the community, and it serves the community a lot better than it did when it was just a corporate … type deal.” Alan and Linda Quarnstrom had owned the station from 2001-06 and re-purchased the station in 2016. At that time they made a commitment to turn the station away from pre-packaged formatting toward local and regional news and events. “It’s our belief that the only path to success of our radio station is via local community involvement,” Alan Quarnstrom said. “We intend to be an integral part of the communities we serve and to be the best provider of local information that we possibly can be.”
COUNTY PREPS FOR FUTURE EMERGENCIES When a flood, tornado or other disaster strikes Pine County, survivors are going to need more than support and prayers – they’re going to need a place to stay. Pine City and Pine County officials, volunteers and the American Red Cross came together on June 20 at the Pine City Fire Hall to train in how to shelter and care for survivors.
LANCE FURBER | THE PIONEER
‘Sssh. Don’t worry, Spirit. You’ve got this.’ Kassedy Olson, 12, spent a few moments whispering words of encouragement to her horse Spirit before equine competition began at the Pine County Fair.
LANCE FURBER | THE PIONEER
Pine City’s Main Street turned into an enormous pond near the intersection of 5th Ave. on the morning of July 12.
LANCE FURBER | THE PIONEER
Neighbors come together to rescue a floating dock on the Snake River, torn loose by the rising water on July 15.
Jacklin Steege, disaster program manager for American Red Cross, said there are four major areas in sheltering disaster victims: dormitory, feeding, health services and registration. She and other officials were working to make sure each person at the training understood the basics in each of those areas. “We’re going over each of those functions with everyone so they have a general idea of how each of those goes,” Steege said. “Because any of them could be called to help.”
LOCAL PERFORMERS EXCITED TO SHARE ‘SHREK: THE MUSICAL’ A very large, very green and very famous ogre made his way toward the stage of the Pine City High School Auditorium, and brought a host of other fairytale creatures in tow. The Pine City Heritage Players will be presenting “Shrek: The Musical” from July 19-July 22 and members of the talented cast wowed audiences with their performance of the Broadway musical version of the family-favorite film.
COOPERATION HELPS RAISE FLAG OVER MAIN STREET After two years with a bare, broken flagpole standing over Pine City’s Main Street, the American flag flies from it once again. The steel cable used to fly the last flag ground down a pulley at the top of the flagpole. Eventually the cable became stuck, and when an attempt was made to repair it, it snapped. Pine City Mayor Carl Pederson said that the new 20 by 30 foot flag is made of a lighter nylon compared to the fabric used in the previous flag, and between that and an improved rope system for raising and lowering the flag, the red, white and blue should be flying here for years to come. “The city council dedicated $1,000 to repair the flagpole,” Pederson explained. “The American Legion and VFW are partners with the [cost of the] flag.”
AUGUST
DISH SOAP HELPS SAVE TRAPPED CLIMBER A young woman who became trapped while rock climbing in Sandstone’s Robinson Park on Aug. 1 was rescued with the help of scores of rescuers, hydraulic equipment and a liberal helping of liquid dish soap. The Pine County Sheriff’s Office reports that the 13-year-old was climbing with an experienced group on an established route, but her knee had become wedged between two pieces of rock and they were unable to free her. Trained rescue climbers from St. Louis County Rescue and Isanti Fire District tried a number of methods to rescue the teenager, including using a hammer and chisel and a hydraulic “jaws of life” tool to break away sections of rock. Liquid dish soap was used as a lubricant and the trapped leg was eventually pulled free. ‘YOU NEVER, EVER, EVER LET UP’ Jerry Laase isn’t slowing down much, but on Aug. 4, the 73-year-old ran in his last-ever heat at the Pine County Fair Demolition Derby. But his last run got sweeter as other drivers fell to the wayside in the Builders Class heat. And when the final car had sputtered to a stop, Laase and his 1967 Chrysler Imperial had taken fourth place.
THERAPEUTIC SERVICES AGENCY CELEBRATES 40 YEARS Therapeutic Services Agency, Inc. (TSA) has been serving families and youth in Pine City and the region for 40 years. On Aug. 17 the caregivers gave themselves a break, and took a moment to look back on where the organization has been and how it became what it is today. “The history of TSA started with Chris (McHugh) wanting to help some kids and their families,” said TSA Executive Director Cheryl Smetana McHugh. “He started off with four boys. Now we’re serving a whole lot more.” Chris McHugh said he was able to get TSA off the ground in 1978 because of the spirit of innovation found in this area and other rural communities. He started TSA with the idea of offering weekly individual, family and group therapy, but the responsibilities of the organization soon became a full time job. TSA continues to develop new services and programs, most recently a deaf/hard of hearing program in 2016. They now have 1,280 active clients. PCHS GRAD SPENDS SUMMER WITH NASA Some people spend their summer vacation in the sunshine. Kim Whaley spent hers among the stars. Whaley, a 2017 Pine City High School graduate and current North Dakota State University undergraduate, spent 10 weeks this summer as an intern at the NASA Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. 4 CARS, THEN 6 CARS CRASH ON I-35 Two multi-vehicle pileups caused injuries on Interstate 35 in late August – both times after a semi struck the vehicle in front of it, causing a domino effect on the vehicles ahead. SEE YEAR IN REVIEW, PAGE 11
YEAR IN REVIEW
JANUARY 3, 2019
PINE CITY PIONEER
11
SEPTEMBER
PINE CITY HALL STAYING PUT: SMALLER SPACE, LOWER RENT Negotiations between Pine City and Pine County continue, but it appears that city hall will remain on the first floor of Pine Government Center in a smaller space and with significantly reduced rent. Pine City currently rents the entire first floor of Pine Government Center from Pine County, which owns the building. Mayor Carl Pederson said that the city has proposed a redesigned city hall space that would take up only 64 percent of the first floor, leaving the rest for the county to use. In this plan, the city would occupy the north end of the floor, while the garage, former law library and current council chambers at the southern end of the floor would revert to the county. Rent is currently at $50,000 per year, with the lease set to expire on Dec. 31, 2019. With the smaller space, Pine County has tentatively agreed to charge Pine City rent of only $32,000 per year, which would go up at a pace tied to the rate of inflation. Pine County has offered a 20 year lease, and has committed to upgrading the heating and air conditioning systems, replacing the windows and remodeling the restrooms on the first floor.
JUDY WOLF | THE PIONEER
A future farmer waves from an antique tractor at the annual tractor parade held at Andersons Rock Creek Relics. Around 100 visitors showed up to view the parade, with parade participants showing off many makes and models from the history of farming in the area.
DRAGON ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME The Pine City High School Athletic Hall of Fame Committee announced their inductees for 2018: Dr. John Barry, Dan Berglund and Dennis Howard.
to 1st Avenue NW, and on 1st Avenue NW from 10th Street NW to Main Street.
REPAVING PROJECT PUT ON HOLD UNTIL 2019 Three residential streets around the Pine County Fairgrounds will have to wait for repaving until 2019 – but the city is hoping to save money by doing so. Pine City originally planned to get the work done this fall, but will wait to submit the project for bids again in the spring after a request for bids this summer received only one bid, which came in at $46,000 over the city engineer’s estimate. The project would involve repaving a horseshoe-shaped section of city streets around the fairgrounds: on 5th Avenue NW from Main Street to 10th Street NW, on 10th Street NW from 5th Avenue NW
PINE CITY’S LAST MILL COMES DOWN Once there were three feed mills in Pine City, but one by one they disappeared. On the morning of Sept. 24, a demolition crew went to work tearing down the city’s last feed mill at the corner of 3rd Street SE and 4th Avenue SE. The mill had fallen into disrepair and was considered a fire and safety hazard. Pine City Fire Marshal Dave Hill said the construction material from the mill demolition will go to a construction landfill, while the contaminated soil under the mill will be removed and sent to the dump in Mora. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency plans to dig a monitoring well on the site to measure and track further solid contamination. Hill said the city, which
OCTOBER
VOLLEYBALL, EAST CENTRAL EAGLES RAISE FUNDS Pine City hosted the third annual Pink Out for a Cure event with the East Central Eagles, on Thursday, Oct. 4. The teams sold “Pine Out for a Cure” T-shirts and raised over $600 that will be donated to the Circle of Hope Foundation.
SURVIVING BREAST CANCER TEACHES LIFE LESSONS In 1985, October was designated National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. One of the primary purposes for the month long series of events is to encourage women to go in for annual screenings and mammograms. Kim David of Pine City couldn’t agree more. It was a routine mammogram eight years ago that picked up the lump growing in her breast. Thanks to this early detection, she is still here, celebrating life, cherishing every moment and sharing her story. In March 2010, David was diagnosed with a ductal carcinoma. Fortunately, the mammogram caught it when it was still Stage 1, which means the abnormal cells had not spread outside the breast milk duct. At the time she was diagnosed, treatment for this type of cancer was a choice between a lumpectomy to remove the cancer followed by six weeks of radiation, or a mastectomy to remove the entire breast. Losing her mother to pancreatic cancer just months earlier impacted her decision. “When you get hit with the “C” word, you’re terrified,” she shared, “especially when you’ve lost someone from cancer. You know this disease can kill you. I was under so much stress already from having lost my mom. I didn’t want to put my body through that much trauma. I thought the less radical approach was best.” Unfortunately, when David went back for her six month checkup after the lumpectomy, her doctors found that she still had cancerous cells. “I was devas-
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tated. My worst fear had come true.” In 2011, she underwent a nine-hour surgery for a double mastectomy that she describes as one hundred percent successful. “I decided to have both breasts removed because I just wanted it done. I didn’t want it to come back. I’m very happy with the results. I wish I would have known more about my options, because I would have done a mastectomy from the start. Other than the scars, you can’t tell any difference. And, I’m cancer free.” CITY TAKES STAND AGAINST EXPANDING LIQUOR SALES The members of the Pine City Council have approved a resolution opposing the sale of beer, wine and liquor in retail businesses. At the Oct. 6 meeting of the city council, Lara Smetana, manager of the city’s Voyageur Bottle Shop, said that legislation has been proposed to open up statewide alcohol sales to all grocery and convenience stores. The Minnesota Municipal Beverage Association believes the issue will be pushed hard in the next legislative session. “We want to be able to go to our legislators and say, ‘This is not a good idea,’” Smetana said. The resolution states that opening up alcohol sales, “could potentially subject our community’s youth and at risk adults to uncontrolled access to alcoholic beverages, which could subsequently lead to underage consumption and/or excessive drinking leading to increased policing and public health costs.” “That’s one of the reasons why municipal liquor stores got in the business to start out with – to control the sale of alcohol,” Smetana said. “We’re not like a mom and pop store that needs to make every single buck. If somebody comes in that’s questionable, we’re not going to sell to them.”
now owns the site, will offer it to developers once it is fully cleaned up. Several developers have reportedly expressed interest in the site for senior housing and other uses. VIDEEN NAMED CITIZEN OF THE YEAR Barb Videen was, not surprisingly, involved in one of her volunteer jobs when she got the call from Pine City Area Chamber of Commerce Director Becky Schueller that she had been named Pine City’s Outstanding Citizen of the Year. “I’m certainly very honored,” Barb said. “I’ve seen all the people that have gotten it before and I admire them so much... I think, how can I possibly be getting an award for doing stuff that I love to do with people that I love to be with? You get an award for that?”
auctions and socializing. The Giving Gala is the organization’s largest fundraiser and helps raise a significant portion of the funds needed for operational expenses. While grants help provide funding for the shelter, nearly half of the annual budget is met through donations and special events. Projected total funds raised was $32,500. BOYS CLINCH 6TH STRAIGHT GRC CHAMPIONSHIP The Dragons ran in the Great River Conference meet, which was held at the Pine City Country Club, and clinched their sixth straight championship on Tuesday, Oct. 16. The Pine City boys won with a total of 35 points. They beat second place Hinckley-Finlayson by 19 points. Tommy Ryan repeated as conference champion. Ryan is looking to qualify for the State meet for the second year in a row. Nate Webster also has a chance to be among the top finishers at Sections. RUSH CITY’S GRANT HOUSE CLOSING Rush City’s Grant House Hotel and Eatery has closed its doors. The original Grant House Hotel was built in 1880 by Colonel Russell H. Grant, second cousin to President Ulysses S. Grant, and was rebuilt in 1896 after a fire. It is listed in the National Registry of Historic Places. In a Facebook post, management of The Grant House wrote, “Devastating illness and lack of business has forced us to close the doors of The Grant House Hotel and Eatery. We are heartbroken. We want to thank our employees, friends and patrons. You will be in our hearts forever. Goodbye Rush City.” SEE YEAR IN REVIEW, PAGE 16
9th
SUPPORTERS GATHER TO HELP HOMELESS AT A PLACE FOR YOU GALA A Place For You, the transitional shelter located in Pine City, recently held their fifth annual Giving Gala at the Grand Casino, Hinckley. Over 150 supporters attended the evening of fine dining, entertainment,
Jasie Lee Hulbert Love, Mom andd Dad
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FROM PAGE ONE
PINE CITY PIONEER
LIGHTS: Donations divided between three charities FROM PAGE 1
family time and that is what we wanted to re-create.”
INSPIRED BEGINNINGS “This started with two guys in their first house who wanted to put up some Christmas lights,” said Loria. It sounds simple enough, but that was 16 years ago, and each year the display grew. As the display grew, so did its complexity. Bruce began to synchronize the display to music and broadcast it via radio so visiting cars could hear it. Not satisfied with what could be purchased at a store, the couple began creating custom pieces — like a giant train set carrying a load of snow globes. “Luckily I married Bob the Builder,” joked Loria, crediting Bruce for crafting much of display. At its peak, Loria said they would see as many as 2,000 cars to view the display in a season. Loria and Bruce began using the opportunity to fundraise for some of their favorite charities by leaving a donation box at the end of the driveway. Donations do not go to supporting the light display. This year, donations will be divided among three charities: 1) Lil Farm Children’s Home, Cambridge 2) Isanti County Humane Society
3) Hope 4 Youth MN Loria said throughout the years he was inspired by the kindness of strangers who commented on the display and made donations. The display continued to build until some health issues led the couple to take a break from putting up the display for a few years. This year Loria and Bruce revived the display. Strong winds in early December delayed their start time, but they were able to begin showing their lights on Dec. 12, making tweaks all the way through Dec 21. GIVING BACK Loria and Bruce are not originally from Braham. They aren’t even originally from Minnesota. Loria grew up in New York, while Bruce traveled a lot in his childhood as the child of a military family, but spent much of his life in San Antonio. The two met in New Orleans, but Loria missed feeling the full four seasons he once had in New York. After hearing about the famous “Minnesota nice” they decided to move to Minnesota. “We want to say, hey, we’re not from around here but we want to be Minnesota nice,” he said. Loria and Bruce have set up a GoFundMe page to help gather donations to the charities at www.gofundme.com/braham-lights-chari-
LIGHT STORAGE TIPS Each year Joshua Loria and Mike Bruce’s Christmas light display utilizes over 76,000 lights and dozens of figures. Over the years the couple has experimented with a variety of storage techniques including using wire garden hose reels to wind stings of lights. Loria’s favorite storage technique is also the simplest and he offered these tips for others to store lights: Put each set of lights in a plastic bag, then store bags of lights in a plastic bin. Loria said it is essential to keep rodents like mice, chipmunks or squirrels away which can damage lights. Rodents intentionally chew wires to wear down their teeth. Their teeth are constantly growing, much like fingernails, and chewing wires is a way rodents keep teeth trimmed.
ties-2018. Loria just hoped visitors would be inspired to help their own communities and their less fortunate neighbors. “Here’s why we do it, and this is something I really want people to get: ... This is our gift to the community ... This is our way of giving back. All that we ask, is please, pay it forward.”
Employees: Guard against online threats BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU
Based on an increasing risk to area businesses and the customers and stakeholders whose sensitive information they’re charged with protecting, Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota (BBB) encourages all businesses to have training and procedures in place to thwart online threats. Recently, scammers have turned their focus to businesses large and small – exacting heavy tolls in terms of dollars lost and an overall decrease in consumer confidence. “For many of us with a limited understanding of technical issues and cyber threats, I think there’s a tendency to think our IT specialists have us covered on the security front,” said Susan Adams Loyd, President and CEO of BBB of Minnesota and North Dakota. “However, we are all on the front lines when it comes to online security. And just one weak link in the chain can open the door to major issues.” It’s not just businesses at risk. In recent years, government agencies have also found themselves targets – and victims of – cyberattacks. Scammers have an online toolkit filled with technical weapons, but often employ social engineering, utilizing deceptive tactics to manipulate individuals into divulging confidential or personal information, to identify and exploit weak spots in organizations’ defenses. According to BBB’s recent Scams and Your Small Business Research Report, nearly 70 percent of small business owners believe they are more at risk of scams than they were three years ago. An especially dangerous form of cyberattack includes impostor scams, where fraudsters will send employees emails that look to be coming from the CEO or a person in upper level management requesting large wire transfers or employee W-2 records. This form of online fraud is called spear phishing, and it can be devastating to the health of any business. To steer clear of this kind of fraud, have procedures in place wherein requests of this nature go through multiple verification processes. Once scammers obtain sensitive personal information – such as passwords or login information – they can access the contact list of the employee affected or even explore and collect sensitive information contained within the business’s database. The best defense is to take all necessary steps to keep scammers at arm’s length outside your firewall. Businesses and government agencies can firm up their online security by protecting their hardware. All computers should have the most recent updates installed for spam filters, anti-virus and anti-spyware software – and a secure firewall. Employees should also be trained to:
‘An especially dangerous form of cyberattack includes impostor scams, where fraudsters will send employees emails that look to be coming from the CEO or a person in upper level management requesting large wire transfers or employee W-2 records. This form of online fraud is called spear phishing, and it can be devastating to the health of any business. ’ • Avoid suspicious links and attachments – Scammers often seek to spread malware and viruses via email, sometimes sending emails from friends or relatives whose accounts have been hacked. Don’t click on any suspicious links or attachments – especially ZIP files. • Stick to trustworthy websites – Check on the seller’s reputation and record for customer satisfaction at bbb.org. • Utilize IT specialists – Many companies have IT specialists on staff. Train your employees to refer any strange or unusual requests to IT staffers. When it comes to online security, it’s better to be safe than sorry. • Safeguard laptops and company phones – Ensure that they are password protected and established checkout and return procedures are in place. BBB offers these additional tips: • Take inventory of the types of data you collect - Data that can be reasonably linked to a specific customer, computer or device (e.g., cookie data) is considered personal data. Classify information according to privacy risk, paying close attention to sensitive categories such as Social Security numbers, credit card or other financial information, and location data. • Scale down - Collect and store only the data you need to run your business and to meet legal requirements. You may be able to eliminate data elements you don’t need by changing default settings in your online forms or database software. Remember, you have a responsibility to protect all personal data you collect, so limit your burden and your risk. • Lock it up - Review your data security practices to ensure you’re protecting customer data from identity theft and cyber threats.
JANUARY 3, 2019
Can I use studded tires?
will be traveling to Minnesota in a few Q: Iweeks, can I use studded tires in your state? According to Minnesota A: State Statute 169.72, “Every solid rubber tire on a vehicle
must have rubber on its entire traction surface at least one inch thick above the edge of the flange of the entire periphery. No person shall operate or move on any highway any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer, having Ask a any metal tire in contact with Trooper the roadway, except in case of emergency.” Sgt. Neil An exemption includes the occasional use of studded tires by Dickenson nonresidents under the following conditions: • A person operating a motor vehicle licensed and registered in another state or province of a foreign country that authorizes the use of metal studs or wire embedded tires on its highways may use such on our state highways while occasionally within the state. Use of a vehicle in MN for less than 30 days in any consecutive six-month period would be considered occasional. • The metal studs shall not exceed 5/16 of an inch in diameter including the stud casing with an average protrusion beyond the tread surface of not more than 7/64 of an inch. The number of studs in a tire shall not exceed two percent of the total net contact area. A person whose regular place of employment is within the state or who is a student at an educational institution located within the state shall not operate a vehicle, regardless of its place of registration, upon any highway within the state if such vehicle is equipped with tires which would be unauthorized were the vehicle registered in this state. You can avoid a ticket — and a crash — if you simply buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and always drive sober.
was arrested for DWI, Where do I find inQ: Iformation about ignition interlock? First-time DWI offenders arrested at 0.16 A: alcohol-concentration level or above and second-time offenders can voluntarily enroll in
the ignition interlock program to regain legal driving privileges. If they don’t enroll, they face at least one year without a driver’s license. Offenders with three or more offenses are required to use interlock for three to six years, or they will never regain driving privileges. The law gives DWI offenders a chance to regain driving privileges by ensuring safe and legal driving through the use of the interlock device. Interlock users will regain full driving privileges immediately after the offense and enrollment into the program. This ensures they are driving with a valid license and are not a threat on the road. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services Division administers the ignition interlock program, and you can contact them at dvs.ii@state.mn.us or 651-296-2948 to enroll in the program. Information is also available at dps.mn.gov. Interlock devices are installed near the steering wheel and connect to the engine. They require a driver to blow into a tube and provide a breath sample in order for the vehicle to start. The vehicle will not start if the device detects an alcohol-concentration level of 0.02 or above. Interlocks require rolling re-tests after the initial test, but a failed test will not disable the vehicle while in motion for safety reasons. The device also has features to deter others from starting the vehicle for the intended user. The ignition interlock program protects Minnesotans from the dangers of impaired driving by: • Creating safer roads. • Providing a way for offenders to obtain a valid driver’s license, addressing the problem of people driving without a valid license. • Encouraging behavior modification and rehabilitation. • Diminishing the possibility of a repeat DWI.
Send questions to Sgt. Neil Dickenson – Minnesota State Patrol at 1131 Mesaba Ave., Duluth, MN 55811 or neil.dickenson@state.mn.us.
PEOPLE
JANUARY 3, 2019
PINE CITY PIONEER
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www.pinecitymn.com
OBITUARIES
BIRTHS
Wade R. Hanson
Donald P. Weissman
Wade Richard Hanson of Pine City died Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018, at his home at the age of 63. Wade is survived by his wife Joanne Hanson; c children Dillon Hanson and S Stacy Hanson; six grandchild dren; sisters Shelly Pattersson, Lori Hanson and Sheila M Miller; many other relatives a and friends. He is preceded in death b by his parents Roland and B Bernice Hanson. A memorial visitation for W Wade was held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, Dec. 28, 22018, at Swanson Funeral C Chapel in Pine City. Milittary h id d by Heath-Perkins Amerhonors were provided ican Legion Post # 51, Novak-Milliren VFW Post # 4258 and the Minnesota National Guard. A luncheon followed at the Chengwatana Town Hall. Funeral arrangements for Wade Hanson are entrusted to: Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City, Swanson Chapel. www.FuneralAndCremationService.com.
Donald P. Weissman, age 83, currently of St. Cloud, passed away on Dec. 19, 2018. He was p preceded in death by his parents Peter and Hele Helen (Beierlein) Weissman and three brothers. H He will be deeply missed by h his family and friends. He is su survived by his daughters She Sheree Hammond and Lori (Kyl (Kyle) O’Dowd; grandchildren Angie Johnson, Tim (No (Nora) Hammond, Chris Ham Hammond and Sara (Cody Puc Puchalla) O’Dowd; five grea great-grandsons and longtim time companion Carole Aus Austing and family. A funeral mass will be hel held at the Church of St. P l 1740 Bunker B k L k Bl d NE, Ham Lake, MN Paul, Lake Blvd 55304 on Saturday, Jan. 12, 10 a.m. visitation and 11 a.m. mass with a luncheon to immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, any memorials collected will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Pine City Lions Club.
THANK YOU
WEATHER Date 12/24 12/25 12/26 12/27 12/28 12/29 12/30
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The Salvation Army wants to thank all the participants of the Red Kettle Campaign. Walmart, Chris’ Food Center (Pine City and Sandstone) and Daggett’s (Hinckley) gave us the opportunity to serve at their locations. Over 100 Bell Ringers greeted holiday shoppers and rang bells for over 260 hours! A special thank you to the Lions Clubs who rang 180 hours! Residents’ and businesses’ generosity will support Pine County programs throughout the year. We appreciate all your support!
Precip./Snow 0 0 .06"/0.4" .71"/3.6" .05"/1.0" .13"/0 .01"/0
Farnum Iris Faith Farnum was born on Dec. 4, 2018, at FirstLight Health System. She weighed seven pounds, three ounces and was 21 inches long. Her parents are Mary and Adam Farnum of Mora. Iris is welcomed home by siblings Isaac, 10, Isabella, 9, and Ivory, 7. Her grandparents are Arliss and Michael Noble and Amy Jo Farnum.
Bugar Winsome Marie Bugar was born on Dec. 4, 2018, at FirstLight Health System. She weighed eight pounds, three ounces and was 19-3/4 inches long. Her parents are Kalli Gilbertson Bugar and Seth Bugar of Mora. Winsome is welcomed by grandparents Petey and Kim Gilbertson of Mora, Scott and Karen Bugar of River Falls, Wisconsin.
Endicott Braxton Michael Endicott was born on Dec. 7, 2018, at FirstLight Health System. He weighed nine pounds, oneand-a-half ounces and was 22 inches long. His parents are Melinda Moonen and Monty Endicott of Mora. Braxton is welcomed home by siblings Anya, 12, and Payton, 6. His grandparents are Mike Moonen and Rilee Moonen of Mora.
Benson Henry Robert Benson was born on Dec. 10, 2018, at FirstLight Health System. He weighed six pounds, 12 ounces and was 20 inches long. His parents are Jake and Chelsea Benson of Ogilvie. Henry is welcomed home by big brother Anthony, 6. His grandparents are Todd and Sharon Steffen of Ogilvie, Kelly Lyon, Gary and Debi Benson of Alabama.
WORSHIP GUIDE Church of Christ 815 7th St. SW, Pine City 10 a.m. Bible Study 11 a.m. Worship Service 4 p.m. Evening Service Wednesday, 7 p.m. Bible Study. Contact: Greg Douvier 320-336-8978
Grasston Baptist Church 402 N. Oak St. Grasston, MN 55030 wwåw.grasstonbaptist.org info@grasstonbaptisit.org 320.396.2645 Worship Service 9:30am Sunday School 10:45am
Hope Lutheran Church Grasston Dean Oelfke, Pastor 320-396-3925 hopelutherangrasston.org Sunday Worship Service 11am Holy Communion first and third Sundays and festival days.
Living Hope Christian Center Assembly of God Pastor Andrew Shaw 11914 Fairway Rd SW, Pine City 320-629-6136 www.livinghopepinecity.org livinghopepinecity@gmail.com Sunday Service 10:00 a.m.
Dale Evangelical Free Church 45268 Brunswick Rd, Harris, MN 763-689-5817 Pastor/Teacher Dr. Harvey Martin Sunday School, all ages 9:00 am Sunday Service 10:25 am www.daleefc.com Awana, Wed. 6:30-8:00pm Youth, Wed. 6:30-8:00pm
Hands for Pine City Outreach Church Meeting in Pine City Library Community Room Sunday NIGHTS 5-6PM Pastors Julie & Brad Samuelson P.O. Box 164 PC 320-496-3009 Hands4PC@gmail.com Facebook fan page: Hands for Pine City Existing to be the hands of Jesus to Pine City
Hustletown Community Church Non-denominational 1010 3rd Ave SW Pine City Pastor Bruce Thompson 651-983-8130 Sunday School, 10:15 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m.
Living Water Fellowship 915 W. 8th St. Rush City, MN Sunday Service 10:00 a.m. Call 320-358-3818 for weekly Bible studies and youth activities.
First Presbyterian Church 405 Main St. S., Pine City 320-629-3592 Rev. Rob Spahr www.firstprespinecity.org 10:00 a.m. Sunday School-all ages, No Sunday School-June-August 10:30 a.m. Worship Celebration Wednesday @ 6:15 p.m. Youth Group Grace Baptist Church 1 mile Southwest of Pine City on Fairway Road (next to I-35) 320-629-1374 Pastor Tim W. Stratton 10:00 a.m. Sunday School for all ages. 11:00 a.m. Preaching Service, 6:00 p.m. Evening Service. 7:30 p.m. Wed. Bible study, 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Master Clubs for children ages 4 to 6th grade.
Henriette Community Church (Free Methodist) One mile North of Henriette on HWY 107 • 320-679-4875 Pastor Marvin Miller Sunday School, 9:00a.m.; Sunday morning Worship, 10:15 a.m. Hinckley Seventh Day Adventist 550 1st St. NE, Hinckley 320-384-6167 Pastor: Carlos Rodriguez Services, Saturday, 11 a.m. Fellowship lunch 1st and 3rd Saturday following services.
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church 535 8th St. SW, Pine City 320-629-2935 Monsignor Alek Suchan www.icchurchpinecitymn.org office@icchurcpinecitymn.org Mass: Saturday 5 pm, Sunday 10 am, Confession: Saturday 4-4:30p.m., Sunday 9:15-9:45a.m. Journey North Church Current location: 840 Main St S, behind A&W. Pastor Tim Adams 320-629-6111 Sunday Services: 9 & 10:30 a.m. Nursery, toddlers and KidVenture programs during both services. www.JourneyNorthChurch.com
Open Arms Church of God 406 Pine St., Grasston, MN 320-396-3373 Pastor Gene Sherrod Spirit Filled Worship Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Children’s ministry Our Redeemer Lutheran Church 825 Golf Ave SW Pine City 320-629-2985 Pastor Fred Hanson Sunday Worship at 8 and 9:30 a.m. Wednesday church--begins Jan.16 Thursday worship at 5:30 p.m. MnTC Jan. 20 at 9:30 a.m. worship
Pine City Evangelical Free Church 625 Golf Ave SW Pastor Joel Preston Sunday Service 10:00 a.m. Sunday School (all ages) 9:15 a.m. Nursery (infant-3yrs) all morning Wednesdays: AWANA (Sept-Apr) 6 p.m.; Frontline (Youth Group), Jr & Sr High 6:00 p.m. Phone: 320-629-2584 Email: office@pcefc.com, www.pcefc. com St. Joseph’s Catholic Church 320-629-2935 19390 Ave, Beroun, MN Monsignor Alek Suchan Sunday Mass 8:00 a.m. South Pine Baptist Church Meeting at Pine City Library Community Room 300 5th St SE, Pine City, MN Pastor Dennis Eng 320-336-9292 Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Sunday Service 10:30 a.m. Wednesday Bible study at 7p.m. (Call for location) www.southpinebaptist.org Zion Lutheran Church 410 Main St. S, Pine City Worship 9 a.m. Wednesday Service 7 p.m. Growing in Grace Preschool Mon-Wed- Fri a.m. Pastor Glen Kleppe 320-629-3683
The businesses below invite you to attend the house of worship of your choice. To be included in the Worship Guide or to make changes to your listing please contact Mel at 320-322-5243 or email mel@countystar.com
Where You Get the Most Out of Life www.ElderwoodofHinckley.com
(320) 384-7373 • 710 Spring Lane, Hinckley
320-629-2561 Serving the Pine City Area Since 1896
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14
PUBLIC NOTICES
PINE CITY PIONEER
JANUARY 3, 2019
www.pinecitymn.com
PINE COUNTY ORDINANCE 201855 SUMMARY An ordinance adopted pursuant to amend Sections IV, V, VII, and XIV of the Pine Soo Line Trail Rules and Safety Regulations Ordinance as follows: • Updates the definition of Vehicles in Section IV to Motorized Recreational Vehicles including Off-highway motorcycles (OHM), snowmobiles, and all-terrain vehicles (ATV) as defined by Minnesota Statutes. • Updates the Authorized uses of the trail to include horse drawn vehicles and motorized recreational vehicles without a permit in Section V. • Updates the unauthorized uses listed in Section VII to reflect that OHMs and ATVS as defined by Minnesota Statutes are allowed. • Removes snowmobile races from allowable special events in Section XIV. Passed and approved this 18th day of December, 2018, by the Pine County Board of Commissioners. Stephen M. Hallan, Chair, Board of Commissioners David J. Minke, Administrator, Clerk to the County Board A full text document of the ordinance is available at www.co.pine. mn.us Published in the Pine City Pioneer on January 3, 2019
MUNCH TOWNSHIP NOTICE OF MEETING SCHEDULE 2019 The Munch Board of Supervisors will meet at Munch Town Hall at 32387 Cedar Creek Rd, Hinckley at 7 pm on the following Tuesday dates: January 22, February 26, March 19, April 16, May 28, June 25, July 23, August 20, September 24, October 15, & November 26. The Organizational Meeting will be held on March 19 after the Board Meeting. The Annual Town Meeting shall occur also at Munch Town Hall on Tuesday, March 12, 2018, following town elections and the Board of Canvass meeting, at 8 pm. (In case of inclement weather, the elections and these meetings shall be rescheduled to March 19.) There is no meeting in December. The meetings are open to the public. Changes shall be posted on the Town Hall bulletin board. Charm Dreier, Clerk Published in the Pine City Pioneer on December 27, 2018, and January 3, 2019
MUNCH TOWNSHIP NOTICE OF ELECTION FILING Notice is hereby given that affidavits shall be filed with Clerk for candidates of the following open Munch Township offices: Supervisor (3 year term), and Treasurer (2 year term). Please file with Clerk at Clerk’s residence of 30797 Birch Dr, Pine City, between Tuesday, January 1, 2019 and 5 pm on Tuesday, January 15,
2019. Please call Clerk at 320-5910665 to make appointment or come to the Munch Town Hall at 32387 Cedar Creek Rd, Hinckley, between 1 pm and 5 pm on last day of filing, January 15, 2019. $2 filing fee. Charm Dreier, Clerk Published in the Pine City Pioneer on December 27, 2018, and January 3, 2019 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE THE RIGHT TO VERIFICATION OF THE DEBT AND IDENTITY OF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR WITHIN THE TIME PROVIDED BY LAW IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS ACTION. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that default has occurred in conditions of the following described mortgage: DATE OF MORTGAGE: May 22, 2013 MORTGAGOR: Heather R. McVey, unmarried woman. MORTGAGEE: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. DATE AND PLACE OF RECORDING: Recorded June 4, 2013 Pine County Recorder, Document No. A508323. ASSIGNMENTS OF MORTGAGE: Assigned to: JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association. Dated January 5, 2016 Recorded January 11, 2016, as Document No. A524719. TRANSACTION AGENT: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. TRANSACTION AGENT’S MORTGAGE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ON MORTGAGE: 1006919-1000011387-0 LENDER OR BROKER AND MORTGAGE ORIGINATOR STATED ON MORTGAGE: Lend Smart Mortgage, LLC RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE SERVICER: JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association MORTGAGED PROPERTY ADDRESS: 24981 Blue Spruce Street, Pine City, MN 55063 TAX PARCEL I.D. #: 185042000 LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY: Lots 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, Block 10, Chalupsky’s Addition to Beroun, according to the map or plat thereof on file and or of record in the Office of the County Recorder in and for Pine County, Minnesota. APN #: 18.5042.000 COUNTY IN WHICH PROPERTY IS LOCATED: Pine ORIGINAL PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE: $128,212.00 AMOUNT DUE AND CLAIMED TO BE DUE AS OF DATE OF NOTICE, INCLUDING TAXES, IF ANY, PAID BY MORTGAGEE: $141,963.29 That prior to the commencement of this mortgage foreclosure proceeding Mortgagee/Assignee of Mortgagee complied with all notice requirements as required by statute;
That no action or proceeding has been instituted at law or otherwise to recover the debt secured by said mortgage, or any part thereof; PURSUANT to the power of sale contained in said mortgage, the above described property will be sold by the Sheriff of said county as follows: DATE AND TIME OF SALE: February 7, 2019 at 10:00 AM PLACE OF SALE: D e t e n t i o n Center, 635 Northridge Drive NW, Pine City MN 55063 to pay the debt then secured by said Mortgage, and taxes, if any, on said premises, and the costs and disbursements, including attorneys’ fees allowed by law subject to redemption within six (6) months from the date of said sale by the mortgagor(s), their personal representatives or assigns unless reduced to Five (5) weeks under MN Stat. §580.07. TIME AND DATE TO VACATE PROPERTY: If the real estate is an owner-occupied, single-family dwelling, unless otherwise provided by law, the date on or before which the mortgagor(s) must vacate the property if the mortgage is not reinstated under section 580.30 or the property is not redeemed under section 580.23 is 11:59 p.m. on August 7, 2019, unless that date falls on a weekend or legal holiday, in which case it is the next weekday, and unless the redemption period is reduced to 5 weeks under MN Stat. Secs. 580.07 or 582.032. MORTGAGOR(S) RELEASED FROM FINANCIAL OBLIGATION ON MORTGAGE: None “THE TIME ALLOWED BY LAW FOR REDEMPTION BY THE MORTGAGOR, THE MORTGAGOR’S PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OR ASSIGNS, MAY BE REDUCED TO FIVE WEEKS IF A JUDICIAL ORDER IS ENTERED UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 582.032, DETERMINING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE MORTGAGED PREMISES ARE IMPROVED WITH A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING OF LESS THAN FIVE UNITS, ARE NOT PROPERTY USED IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AND ARE ABANDONED.” Dated: December 3, 2018 JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association Mortgagee/Assignee of Mortgagee USSET, WEINGARDEN AND LIEBO, P.L.L.P. Attorneys for Mortgagee/Assignee of Mortgagee 4500 Park Glen Road #300 Minneapolis, MN 55416 (952) 925-6888 30 - 18-006566 FC THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. Published in the Pine City Pioneer on December 13, 20, 27, 2018, January 3, 10 and 17, 2019
STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF PINE DISTRICT COURT TENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court File No. 58-CV-18-595 Case Type: Harassment Daniel David Scott on behalf of minor child, Petitioner(s), vs. Karen Lynn Eaton, Respondent(s) Notice of Issuance of Harassment Order For Relief by Publication To Respondent named above: YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a Harassment Order For Relief has been issued in the above matter. X A hearing is scheduled for January 11, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. at Pine County Courthouse 635 Northridge Dr. NW, Pine City, MN 55063. Failure to appear at a scheduled hearing or to obtain a copy of the Harassment Order For Relief will not be a defense to prosecution for violation of the Court’s order. Dated: December 27, 2018 /s/ Kim Nelson Deputy Dec 27 2018 9:10 AM Published in the Pine City Pioneer on January 3, 2019 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE DATE: December 28, 2018 THE RIGHT TO VERIFICATION OF THE DEBT AND IDENTITY OF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR WITHIN THE TIME PROVIDED BY LAW IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS ACTION YOU ARE NOTIFIED that default has occurred in the conditions of the following described Mortgage: INFORMATION REGARDING MORTGAGE TO BE FORECLOSED 1. Date of Mortgage: November 8, 2005 2. Mortgagors: Eric Paul Blaiser and Christina M. Blaiser, husband and wife *The original Mortgagor, Eric Paul Blaiser, was unmarried at the time, so he executed the original Mortgage as a single person, but he was subsequently married and the Mortgage was modified via a Modification of Mortgage recorded on June 6, 2008 as Document Number 473027 to include his spouse, Christina M. Blaiser. 3. Mortgagee: Horizon Bank f/k/a Pine City State Bank Assigned to Stearns Bank, NA (see #5 below) 4. Recording Information: Recorded on November 9, 2005 as Document Number 449581, in the Office of the County Recorder Registrar of Titles of Pine County, Minnesota 5. Assignments of Mortgage, if any: Assigned to Stearns Bank, NA, a National Banking Association by written assignment recorded
on April 15, 2010, as Document Number 486962 in the recording office stated in paragraph 4. INFORMATION REGARDING MORTGAGED PREMISES 6. Tax parcel identification number of the mortgaged premises: 43.0113.002 7. County in which mortgaged premises is located: Pine 8. Legal description of the mortgaged premises: The north 300 feet of the Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter (NE ¼ of SW ¼) of Section Twenty-three (23), Township Thirty-eight (38), Range Twenty (20), Pine County, Minnesota; And the south 360 feet of the north 660 feet of the Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter (NE ¼ of SW ¼) of Section Twentythree (23), Township Thirty-eight (38), Range Twenty (20), Pine County, Minnesota. Subject to the public road along the west line thereof on both parcels. Check here if all or part of the described real property is Registered (Torrens) 9. The physical street address, city, and zip code of the mortgaged premises: 56451 Nature Ave, Pine City, MN 55063 OTHER FORECLOSURE DATA 10. The person holding the Mortgage: [check one] is a transaction agent, as defined by Minn. Stat. 58.02, subd. 30. The name(s) of the transaction agent, residential mortgage servicer, and the lender or broker, as defined in Minn. Stat. 58.02, is/are […]. The transaction agent’s mortgage identification number, if stated on the Mortgage, is N/A is not a transaction agent, as defined by Minn. Stat. 58.02, subd. 30. The name(s) of the residential mortgage servicer and the lender or broker, as defined in Minn. Stat. 58.02, is/are Stearns Bank, NA as assignee from Horizon Bank f/k/a Pine City State Bank. 11. If stated on the Mortgage, the name of the mortgage originator, as defined in Minn. Stat. 58.02, is Horizon Bank f/k/a Pine City State Bank. INFORMATION REGARDING FORECLOSURE 12. The requisites of Minn. Stat. 580.02 have been satisfied. That prior to the commencement of this mortgage foreclosure proceeding Mortgagee complied with all of the notice requirements as required by statute; that no action or proceeding has been instituted at law or otherwise to recover the debt secured by the mortgage, or any part thereof. 13. The original principal amount secured by the Mortgage was $150,000.00. 14. At the date of this notice the
amount due on the Mortgage, including taxes, if any, paid by the holder of the Mortgage, is: $116,225.46. (Mortgagor Christina M. Blasier is not financially obligated under the Promissory Note related to the Mortgage herein.) 15. Pursuant to the power of sale in the Mortgage, the Mortgage will be foreclosed, and the mortgaged premises will be sold by the Sheriff of Pine County, Minnesota, at public auction on February 21, 2019, 10:00 a.m., at Pine County Sheriff’s Department, 635 Northridge Drive NW, Suite 100, Pine City, MN 55063, to pay the debt then secured by said Mortgage, and taxes, if any, on said premises, and the costs and disbursements, including attorney’s fees, allowed by law. 16. The time allowed by law for redemption by Mortgagor or Mortgagor’s personal representatives or assigns is six (6) months after the date of sale. 17. Minn. Stat. 580.04(b) provides, “If the real estate is an owner-occupied, single-family dwelling, the notice must also specify the date on or before which the mortgagor must vacate the property if the mortgage is not reinstated under section 580.30 or the property redeemed under section 580.23.” If this statute applies, the time to vacate the property is 11:59 p.m. on August 21, 2019, unless that date falls on a weekend or legal holiday, in which case it is the next weekday, and unless the redemption period is reduced to 5 weeks under Minn. Stat. §580.07 or §582.032. THE TIME ALLOWED BY LAW FOR REDEMPTION BY THE MORTGAGOR, THE MORTGAGOR’S PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OR ASSIGNS, MAY BE REDUCED TO FIVE WEEKS IF A JUDICIAL ORDER IS ENTERED UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 582.032, DETERMINING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE MORTGAGED PREMISES ARE IMPROVED WITH A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING OF LESS THAN FIVE UNITS, ARE NOT PROPERTY USED IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AND ARE ABANDONED. Name and address of Attorney for Mortgagee or Mortgage Assignee: John M. Cabak CABAK LAW, LLC 243 Main Street S Pine City, MN 55063 (320) 629-2529 john@cabaklaw.com Attny Reg. No. 0388929 Name of Mortgagee or Mortgage Assignee: Stearns Bank NA THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR Published in the Pine City Pioneer on January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 and February 7, 2019
PINE COUNTY SHERIFF’S BLOTTER Dec. 23 - 30 Theft, burglary, vandalism
Dec. 23, 11:59 a.m., report of damage to property, 9th St. SW, Pine City. Dec. 23, 1:09 p.m., report of theft, Sunset View Ln., Pine City. Dec. 23, 5:48 p.m., report of MVA property damage, Henriette Rd., Pine City. Dec. 24, 11:27 a.m., report of burglary, Crystal Dr., Pine City. Dec. 24, 4:21 p.m., report of vehicle theft, Nature Ave., Pine City. Dec. 26, 5:35 p.m., report of damage to property, Evergreen Sq. SW, Pine City. Dec. 26, 11:29 p.m., report of MVA property damage, 13th St. SW, Pine City. Dec. 27, 3:47 p.m., report of theft, 5th St. SE, Pine City. Dec. 29, 9:29 a.m., report of MVA property damage, Homestead Rd., Pine City. Dec. 29, 11:07 a.m., report of MVA property damage, Hillside Rd., Pine City. Dec. 29, 4:23 p.m., report of shoplifting, Evergreen Sq. SW, Pine City.
Miscellaneous Dec. 23, 11:11 a.m., report of suspicious activity, 5th Ave. NW, Pine City. Dec. 24, 3:51 p.m., report of drug incident, Northridge Dr. NW, Pine City. Dec. 25, 4:36 p.m., report of person lost/found, Forest Rd., Pine City. Dec. 25, 6:50 p.m., report of domestic disturbance, Main St. S, Pine City. Dec. 26, 2:59 a.m., report of suicide threat, State Hwy. 70, Pine City.
Dec. 26, 4:07 p.m., report of threats, Liberty Rd. SE, Pine City. Dec. 26, 8:39 p.m., report of suicide threat, Main St. S, Pine City. Dec. 28, 12:57 p.m., report of threats, Cherry Rd., Pine City. Dec. 29, 5:00 p.m., report of missing person, White Oak Rd., Pine City.
Fires and accidents Dec. 26, 4:49 a.m., report of personal injury accident, State Hwy. 70, Pine City. Dec. 27, 8:49 a.m., report of personal injury accident, Henriette Rd., Pine City. Dec. 27, 10:01 p.m., report of vehicle in ditch, Forest Blvd., Pine City. Dec. 28, 7:18 p.m., report of vehicle in ditch, Pokegama Lake Rd., Pine City.
Jail roster Dec. 24, Jerome Thomas Clepper, warrant, financial transaction card fraud- use- no consent. Dec. 24, Amber Lee Day, probable cause, introduce contraband- drug/ liquor into jail/lockup/prison, warrant drugs- 5th degree- possess schedule 1,2,3,4- not small amount marijuana. Dec. 24, Salena Marie Long, under sentence, finance trans card fraudvalue $251-$2,500. Dec. 26, Lisa Marie Krey, warrant, drugs- 5th degree- possess schedule 1,2,3,4- not small amount marijuana. Dec. 26, Brandon Endicott, warrant, obstruct legal process- interfere w/ peace officer, giving peace officer false name- of another person;
receiving stolen property. Dec. 26, Chadwick Steven Golly, warrant, damage to property- 3rd degree- reduce value $501-$1000, receiving stolen property; probable cause, fleeing a peace officer by a means other than a motor vehicle, traffic- drivers license- driving after cancellation- inimical to public safety, county jails- contraband articles. Dec. 26, Denise Renae Ervin, hold for other agency: apprehension detention warrant. Released Dec. 28. Dec. 26, Kong Kun Hensley, summons, assault- 5th degree- inflict or attempt bodily harm. Released Dec. 28. Dec. 26, Erin Christine Rogge, probable cause, obstructing legal process, arrest or firefighting; damage to property- 3rd degree- reduce value $501-$1000. Released Dec. 28. Dec. 26, Javon Earl Boone, hold for other agency: bench felony warrant. Released Dec. 26. Dec. 26, Michael Robert Peterson, hold for other agency: bench- gross misdemeanor warrant. Released Dec. 26. Dec. 27, Corrin Tara Locke, warrant, drugs- 5th degree- possess schedule 1,2,3,4- not small amount marijuana, receiving stolen property. Dec. 27, Sarah Beth Ziwicki, warrant, traffic- drivers license- driving after revocation; drugs- store meth paraphernalia in the presence of child or vulnerable adult, drugs- 5th degree- possess schedule 1,2,3,4- not small amount marijuana; give peace officer false name/birthdate/ID card. Dec. 27, Joel Christopher Coyer, probable cause, disorderly conduct- brawl-
ing or fighting. Released Dec. 28. Dec. 27, Michaela Marie Syverson, warrant: bench- misdemeanor, thefttake/use/transfer movable propertyno consent. Released Dec. 28. Dec. 28, Wade Lance Erickson, probable cause, traffic- DWI- operate motor vehicle under influence of alcohol, drivers license- driving after cancellation- inimical to public safety, DWI- 2nd degree driving while impaired, 2 or more aggravating factors, DWI- operate motor vehicle- alcohol concentration .08 within 2 hours. Dec. 28, Arthur Eugene Garrett, warrant, drugs- 5th degree- possess schedule 1,2,3,4- not small amount marijuana. Dec. 28, Joseph Eugene Dufeck, under sentence, traffic- DWI- operate motor vehicle under influence of alcohol. Dec. 28, Emma Marie Bosin, warrant, assault- 5th degree- misdemeanor. Dec. 28, Shawn Samuel St John, probable cause, traffic- drivers license- driving after revocation; drugs- 5th degree controlled substance- possession, drugs- possession or use of drug paraphernalia. Dec. 28, Dale Lee Tobin, probable cause, terroristic threats- cause or attempt cause terror, domestic assault- felony. Dec. 28, Terry Lee Simon Jr, warrant, predatory offender- knowingly violates registration req. or intentionally provides false information. Released Dec. 29. Dec. 28, Bonnie Lou Hickey, probable cause, traffic- DWI- operate motor vehicle under influence of alcohol,
alcohol concentration .08 within 2 hours. Released Dec. 28. Dec. 29, Kenyan Andrew Curtis, probable cause, traffic- open bottle law; drinking and consumption, DWI- 3rd degree described. Dec. 29, Jeffrey Ryan Butler, warrant, traffic- speeding- exceed limit 55 mph where appropriate, regulationdriver must carry proof of insurance when operating vehicle, drivers license- driving without a valid license or vehicle class/type; multiple licenses prohibited. Dec. 29, Charles Edward Higgins, hold for other agency, probable cause, fugitive from justice from other state. Dec. 29, Patrick John Jackson, probable cause, obstructing legal process, arrest or firefighting; domestic. Dec. 29, Amanda Lyndsey Knopik, hold for other agency, assault- 2nd degree. Dec. 29, Andreas Aaron Olson, probable cause, drugs-5th degree- possess schedule 1,2,3,4- not small amount marijuana, introduce contrabanddrug/liquor into jail/lockup/prison, hold for other agency fugitive from justice from other state. Dec. 30, Corduroy Lee Lyman, hold for other agency, probation violation; warrant, fleeing a peace officer by a means other than a motor vehicle. Dec. 30, Lawrence Jackson, probable cause, motor vehicle registrationintent to escape tax; traffic- drivers license- driving after revocation; traffic regulation- driver must carry proof of insurance when operating vehicle.
JANUARY 3, 2019
PINE CITY PIONEER
15
www.pinecitymn.com
Reach potential customers easily with a display ad. TO PLACE AN AD CALL OR STOP IN! Pine City Pioneer 320-322-5243 OR GO TO www.pinecitymn.com
154 EMPLOYMENT
NOW HIRING: Food Service Team Members Apply in person at Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pine City, MN Kentucky Fried Chicken 1280 Hillside Ave SW, Pine City, MN
The smart way to sell your stuff! Call 320-322-5243 or go to www.pinecitymn.com - click on Classifieds place an ad!
Get paid to read to kids! The Foster Grandparent Program is looking for volunteers to serve in child care centers, Head Starts and K-12 classrooms. Small stipend of $2.65/hour to those who qualify, as well as paid orientation, training, and mileage reimbursement. If you are 55+, call Sharon Olson at 320-279-2599 today!
TIRED OF SEARCHING FOR BUYERS?
Placing a classified ad is an easy and affordable way to make your wares the focus of attention among potential buyers. What are you waiting for? Contact us today!
Advertiser
320-322-5243 www.pinecitymn.com
Diesel Problems? Call the experts: East Central Diesel 763-689-9470 eastcentraldiesel.net
Since 1974
1
WALLPAPERING & REMOVAL
C
102 SERVICES
R TE D
DRYWALL• PAINTING e Pin
NOTICED.
Own a piece of history. 1950s awardwinning wooden rowing shell. Restored. 26 1/2' long. 30#. Needs a very good home. Let's talk. Call Randy (612) 520-1861
102 SERVICES
-6 64
GET
We can help! Place a LOST & FOUND line ad FREE for 1 week! Call us today: Kanabce County Times 320-679-2661 Pine City Pioneer 320-629-6771 Isanti-Chisago County Star 763-689-1181 ext 101
60 BOATS & MOTORS
YK
Farm Fresh Beef for sale, grass/grain fed. 1/4's-$375, ground beef-$3.25. Call: 763-443-1531
16 LOST & FOUND
OS
12 LIVESTOCK
it 29 ys 320-6
Place an ad today! y
Call 320-322-5243 or go to l k www.pinecitymn.com - click on Classifieds, place an ad!
151 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Looking for Contractors to get certified to install Commercial Roof Coatings. Call 715-418-3810
305 PETS/ SUPPLIES Dog Training Classes and Behavioral Consults. Rogues and Rascals. (763) 689-8940
EMAIL CLASSIFIEDS TO ads@pinecitymn.com
305 PETS/ SUPPLIES
451 RENTALS COMMERCIAL
Pet Sitting, Dog Walking & Hobby Farm Care. (763) 689-8940
2 bedroom apartment with detached garage in the City of Pine City. $850.00 per month. Available January 1, 2019. For more information please call 320-629-7537 or 320-336-8978.
358 FIREWOOD 20 ft. pole-length basswood, 5 cord load, $450 delivered. Outdoor stove wood 320-679-1815 5 cord loads. 20 foot pole length firewood. $575 delivered within 25 miles radius of Mora. 320-679-1815
Now Hiring Now Hiring Now Hiring
For rent in Pine City. Nice 1 bedroom apartment $675 heat included. Call 612-390-8776.
Progressive Living Solutions is a local North Branch residential adult foster care provider supporting high functioning adults with mental illness and other disabilities.
DISPATCHER
We have an immediate opening for a Dispatcher at our ACE Solid Waste hauling facility in Ramsey We want dispatchers with a minimum of two years experience in a dispatcher role, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment managing multiple priorities and demands.
Apply online at www.WasteConnections.com
Looking for kind and caring staff to assist us in our fun and laid-back social environment. No physical cares or restraining actions required. Offering a competitive hourly wage, paid training, annual bonus, and a $500.00 new hire bonus. Now hiring for part time 3:00pm – 10:15pm Direct Care positions with rotating weekends.
Waste Connections is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer (Minority/Female/Disabled/Veterans)
Please call to discuss this opportunity! (651) 277 - 7777
Must be proficient with computers, including MS Word, Excel, and database software, with excellent organizational and administrative skills. This is a full-time position working between the hours of 7am and 6pm, including Saturdays. Successful candidates are those who seek to thrive in an environment of operational excellence and accountability. We offer excellent benefits including: medical, dental, vision, flexible spending account, long term disability, life insurance, 401(k) retirement and unlimited opportunities to “Connect with Your Future.”
Scandia House Assisted Living of Mora & Pine City
REGISTERED NURSE Scandia House Assisted Living is seeking RN to oversee our three 12-bed Assisted Living Homes located in Isle, Mora & Pine City Flexible Hours Include: • Weekly Routine Site Visits • Management of Client Care & Medications • Admission & Quarterly Assessments • Training & Supervision of Home Health Aides Skilled Nursing Facility or Assisted Living experience preferred
CONTACT KEN 320-360-1223 • scandiaseniorcare@gmail.com
Full Time & Part Time Openings
What Motivates You?
Why get just a part when you can get it all? You wouldn’t want half a flower, would you? It just wouldn’t be right. When you get your news from other sources, it’s only part of the whole picture. We know you want it all in one convenient place and we’ve committed ourselves to serving as your complete guide to local news, weather, sports, entertainment and more.
No one else can give you what you want–all of the news!
405 2nd Ave. SE, Pine City, MN 55063
320-629-6771
Meadowbrook 1 & 2 BDRM apartments- Mora, starting at $670 + electric. Available immediately. No smoking, no pets. Contact Denny, 507-269-7639. EXCESS BAGGAGE WEIGHING YOU DOWN? Placing a classified ad is an easy and affordable way to advertise your unwanted items to hundreds of potential buyers. Contact us today and start turning the stuff you don’t want into something you do want: CASH! Advertiser 320-322-5243 or www.pinecitymn.com
Where those in the know go Sell your stuff quickly in the Classifieds. It’s simply the best way! TO PLACE AN AD, STOP IN AT THE PINE CITY PIONEER OR CALL 320-322-5243 OR GO TO
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AA/EOE/Vets/Disabled
If you answered yes to any of these, this position is for you! Outgoing, responsible and well-spoken person needed to work in advertising with Kanabec Publications and North Star Media which publishes the Isanti-Chisago County Star, Advertiser, Pine City Pioneer, Kanabec County Times and Braham Journal. If you love working with people and like selling, please contact us. Sales experience preferred but will train the right person. Must have current driver’s license and reliable transportation. Base plus attractive commission = GREAT OPPORTUNITY. Benefits include: Paid time off, insurance and flexibility.
PINE P INE CITY
451 RENTALS COMMERCIAL
Send your resume to Misti Hamlin misti@moraminn.com BRAHAM
KANABEC COUNTY PINE P INE CITY
Now Hiring Direct Support Professionals Homes in Hugo, Dellwood, White Bear, Wyoming, North Branch, Harris, Stanchfield, Pine City, Brook Park $250 Sign on Bonus Starting wages range $12.00 to $17.00/hr. Weekend differentials, Overnight differentials Year-end bonus Paid training Medical, Dental, 401(k), Paid Personal Leave We have full-time, part-time, and relief positions available Community Living Options provides 24-hour residential care and supervision to adults and children with intellectual developmental disabilities, mental health and medical challenges. For interview call Polly @ 651-237-1087 or email: Trainer@clomail.com Apply online at CLO-MN.com
PLACE A CLASSIFIED TODAY.
320-322-5243
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To advertise online or in the Pioneer, call today! 320-629-6771 Pioneer Ad & News Deadlines: Monday at 4pm PPINE INE CITY
16
PINE CITY PIONEER
YEAR IN REVIEW
JANUARY 3, 2019
NOVEMBER
PTCC TRAP TEAM TARGETS FUN IN 1ST SEASON The Pine Technical and Community College Trap Team has started off with a bang. In their very first season they’ve already shown teams around the state that they’re a force to be reckoned with. Chris Peeler, coach of the PTCC Trap Team, said trap has been growing as a sport in Minnesota high schools for the past few years, and that this naturally spurred interest at the state’s two-year colleges. The PTCC team found they had taken third in the state – only eight targets out of first. “One of our shooters, Zane Focher also took third place overall in a shootoff,” Peeler said. “It’s pretty exciting.” SCHOOLS TAKE STEP TOWARD EDUCATIONAL REDESIGN The Pine City School District is looking for community volunteers to help them get tomorrow’s students ready for the careers of the future. “We are looking at a redesign of our high school,” said Pine City Schools Superintendent Annette Freiheit. “Not physical structure change, but what would be best for a 21st century learning environment.” Freiheit said that Pine City schools are looking at the innovations made by the Alexandria school system, and considering it as a model. In this academy-system approach to education, a student might spend much of ninth grade doing career investigation, and figuring out what they want for their own future. In grades 10-12, students could choose between business, manufacturing or health and human services. The coursework in the academy dedicated to that subject would help them prepare for a career in that field.
CANDIDATES SPEAK THEIR MINDS Todd Cummings of the Pine City Area Chamber of Commerce moderated three candidate forums on Oct. 24 at the Pine City High School Auditorium. Participating city council/mayor candidates included Gina Pettie, Mary Kay Sloan, Amanda McLain, Kyle Palmer, Carl Pederson and Luke Hegge. District 11B State House of Representatives candidates Jason Rarick and Tim Burkhardt shared their views. Seven Pine City School Board candidates took part: Stacy Lancaster, Jim Biernat, Lisa Nos-Tollefson, Candice Ames, Scott Milliman, Sandra Holcomb and Brett Westbrook.
VANDALISM PROMPTS SHUTDOWN OF SHOOTING RANGE The south fork of the Chengwatana State Forest will close from Jan. 1 to Sept. 1 in an effort to stop vandalism at the shooting pit. Vandals have plagued the Chengwatana Pit for years. Local conservation groups and ATV clubs tried to discourage this by beautifying the pit, including installing benches and a vault toilet. But vandals attacked those, too – defacing the benches and forcing the removal of the vault toilet. Over the years, vandals have lugged in appliances and TVs, shot them up, and left them to secrete chemicals into the ground. Last spring, the use of tannerite caused a wildfire that damaged a portion of the adjacent pine forest. DNR officials are closing this portion of the state forest road for most of the year. It will be open only to foot traffic, off-road motorcycles, and small ATVs – no highway licensed vehicles or 4x4s. The goal is to make it harder for vandals to drag in refrigerators and other items for more shootouts at the appliance corral.
PHOTO PROVIDED
The Pine City Senior High choir and band were practicing hard through the month of November while preparing for their annual holiday concert – always a highlight of the season in Pine City.
INCUMBENTS HOLD ON IN LOCAL RACES Incumbent candidates retained control of their seats in the 2018 races for Pine City Mayor and City Council, Pine City School Board and District 11B State Representative, according to the unofficial election results posted by the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office on Nov. 7, the morning after the 2018 general election. Mayor Carl Pederson was re-elected to a third twoyear term with 848 votes – nearly 82 percent of the total. Incumbent Pine City Council Members Mary Kay Sloan and Gena Pettie were picked by the voters to serve on the council for the next four years. Eleven candidates (two of them incumbents) sought the three four-year seats on the board of Minnesota School District 578. Challenger JacLynn Hutchins Cavallin proved to be the top vote-getter in the race, garnering 1,664 votes or nearly 18 percent of the total, easily earning her the open seat on the school board. Incumbent School Board Members Candice Ames and Lisa Nos-Tollefson took the other two seats. In the race for District 11B State Representative, incumbent Republican Jason Rarick won a third twoyear term, besting DFL challenger Tim Burkhardt. In Pine County, the incumbent sheriff, county attorney and local county commissioners ran unopposed. COMMUNITY GATHERS TO GIVE AT THANKSGIVING Putting on a Thanksgiving dinner for 300 is, well, no picnic. But it is, according to Trudy Wood, a lot of fun. Wood is coordinating the 26th annual Commu-
nity Thanksgiving Day Dinner. Though the dinner is hosted by Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Wood noted that it takes a coalition of area churches to make the meal come together. She said watching community members working together for the Thanksgiving meal effort, and being part of it, is a reward in itself. “I just can’t believe how many people come out of the woodwork and ask to help,” Wood said. “It’s great. I like to be busy. This just makes me feel like I can make a difference, and that’s what I like.” BRIDGE PLAN INCLUDES LIGHTS, LOGO Pine City officials are making plans to add visual elements to the Hillside Avenue/County Road 7 bridge across Interstate 35 to bring travelers’ attention to Pine City. The overpass is scheduled to be torn down and rebuilt next year. Plans include a decorative railing across the north side of the bridge next to a pedestrian sidewalk, and LED lighting set in a channel along the bridge parapet. Pine City Engineer Greg Anderson (of SEH) said that the estimated cost to the city would be about $1,700 for the bridge railing decorations, and about $17,000 for the additional lighting. The city will also be responsible for the additional cost of providing a service line to the bridge and meter, these costs are still being determined.
DECEMBER ESCAPED INMATE CAPTURED A female inmate escaped from Pine County Jail on Dec. 3 after claiming to be on work release. Jailers quickly determined that she was not on work release, and deputies tracked the woman down roughly 40 minutes later while walking down Henriette Road. BRIDGE CLUB SAYS FAREWELL Pine City’s longest-running bridge game is going bust, but doing so in style after 39 years. Since 1979, members of the bridge club have been visiting each others’ homes to play cards, have fun and build friendships. One bridge club remains in Pine City. HOCKEY LEGEND VISITS Native American Olympian and member of the Pro Hockey Hall of Fame Henry Boucha visited Pine City High School recently to deliver the lessons from his experience to the younger generation.
JUDY WOLF | THE PIONEER
Eyewitnesses report that Grandma narrowly escaped being run over by a reindeer during the Dec. 1 Holiday Madness parade.
BLUE STAR MOMS Pine City Blue Star Moms meet monthly to help deployed members of the military and their families back home. Recently, the group boxed up 145 care packages for service personnel who will be away from their families during the holidays.
BEWARE OF THIN ICE An ATV ended up underwater in Cross Lake on Dec. 13 – just one of several vehicles falling prey to the dangers of thin ice after the recent thaw.
NEW CONSTRUCTION IN PINE CITY Pine City Community Development reports that there were over 150 building permits issued in 2018 in Pine City, with overall construction of $5.2 million, and including 17 new single-family housing starts.