E-edition March 30, 2017 by Pine City Pioneer

Pioneer PINE CITY

thursday, March 30, 2017

vol. 132 No. 13 www.pinecitymn.com $1.00

April Fools! Enjoy this ‘left-handed’ edition of your Pine City Pioneer.

Water rates could head up City council considers 2% hike to water, 3% to sewer By Mike Gainor editor@pinecitymn.com

Photo Provided

Pine City High School seniors read on the road After a fun-filled class trip to Florida, the Class of 2017 caught up on the local news on their bus ride home. Check out more ‘Where in the world’ adventures with the Pine City Pioneer on Page 19.

Young Pine City publisher creates his own newspaper By Shirley Schmidt news@pinecitymn.com

Ezekiel Stratton is a very talented young man. At age 10, he writes, designs and publishes a newsletter that he distributes by subscription. Better known as Zeke by family and friends, he is the son of Pastor Tim and Lesli Stratton, Pine City residents. They have been serving at Grace Baptist Church for almost 16 years. As a pastor’s son and with a mother who home schools their eight children, Zeke grew up with a rich academic background and received encouragement to pursue his many interests. Zeke thought about writing a newsletter for a long time. He browsed through many publications for ideas and Biblical sources for inspiration. Then he put together a prototype. Zeke ran it by his father and received his blessings to continue. The Christian Warrior is the name of Zeke’s newsletter. It was

officially launched on Aug. 3, 2016. Each newsletter consists of one page, printed front and back then folded. He includes a mix of articles – Biblical commentary, inspirational thoughts, quotes, humor, church news and announcements. Occasionally, he receives input from others and articles from a guest columnist. “I like how it’s going,” Zeke said. “Response has been positive.” He got five subscriptions right away. One Sunday, his newsletter was announced at church and it really caught on. Now, he has 14 yearly subscriptions. Zeke makes sure he has copies available for those who want a sample. The cost of each issue is 15 cents, a one-month subscription is 50 cents and a yearly subscription is $5. Zeke plans each issue, writes the articles, designs the layout on his computer using PrintMaster and prints the newsletter on the SEE stratton, PAGE 14

Members of the Pine City Council are considering raising water and sewer rates in Pine City this year, bringing water rates up by two percent and sewer rates up by three percent. If approved, the new water rate per gallon for up to 5,000 gallons would be set at $0.0102 ($10.02 per 1,000 gallons). The new water rate per gallon for 5,001 to 10,000 gallons would be set at $0.0112 ($11.12 per 1,000 gallons). And the new water rate per gallon for over 10,000 gallons would be set at $0.0117 ($11.70 per 1,000 gallons). The new sewer rate per gallon would stand at 0.0079 ($7.90 per 1,000 gallons). The city council will take comments from members of the public at a public hearing at the 6:30 p.m. council meeting at City Hall on April 5. After the public hearing, council members will consider whether to vote in favor of the increase.

Water/sewer rate study The proposal to raise water and sewer fees comes after an analysis of the city’s water and sewer needs by Ehlers, Inc. The study notes that several major updates to the city’s water system are coming due, including street projects, the Snake River crossing, and a reconditioning of the downtown water tank – an estimated $3.6 million in projects between 2017 and 2026. The city’s sewer system has its own set of impending projects and updates, including the Snake River SEE Rates, PAGE 14

image Provided Shirley Schmidt | The Pioneer

Zeke Stratton is the proud publisher of The Christian Warrior.

An Ehlers, Inc. study shows that Pine City’s current combined water and sewer rates come in second highest among regional cities.

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‘Velveteen Rabbit’ visits Pine City this weekend STAFF REPORT NEWS@PINECITYMN.COM

Grant Witter knew he had to audition for “The Velveteen Rabbit” when he heard they would be performing in Pine City. He is the son of Lance and Jody (Jacobson) Witter and plays the part of “Army Man.” The Velveteen Rabbit is Grant’s debut performance with Stages Theatre Company. Grant enjoys spending time in area with his grandparents. He is the grandson of June Jacobson of Pine City and Richard and Karen Revak of Grasston. The show is coming to the Pine City High School Auditorium on Friday, March 31 at 1 p.m. and Saturday, April 1 at 10 a.m. Tickets are available at The Flower Box, Cabin Coffees, the Community Ed office and at the door. The Pine City Arts Council and Stages Theatre Company (STC) presents The Velveteen Rabbit, directed by Stages Theatre Company Artistic Director Sandy Boren Barrett, and Escalate Dance Company Artistic Director Ann Marie Omeish. Stages Theatre Company brings the classic tale by Margery Williams to life on the Pine City High School Auditorium stage for two shows. Set in the golden age of radio, this original dance-inspired musical about the transformational magic of love, will leave you hopping for joy. This treasured story of a stuffed rabbit’s desire to become real is told through original music and dance. As the story puts it: “Real isn’t how you are made, it’s a thing that happens to you when a child loves you for a long, long time.” The complete regional cast is as follows: Ellen Anderson (Maple Grove),

Kolton Ascheman (Blaine), Halle Audette (Brooklyn Park), Azariyah Barnes (Hopkins), Faith Barrett (Maple Plain), Anika Benz (Apple Valley), Georgia Blando (Inver Grove Heights), Grace Blando (Inver Grove Heights), Lily Blando (Inver Grove Heights), Sara Bowman (Maple Grove), Morgan Burkum (Maple Grove), Natalie Dekker (Prior Lake), Sophie Farrell (Hopkins), Athan Fischer (Minneapolis), Emma Highfield (Plymouth), Ryder T. James (Woodbury), Anastasia Johnson (Maple Grove), Chase Kozak (St. Paul), Sara Magnuson (Minneapolis), Marilee Mahler (Minnetonka), Bridget Miller (Hopkins), Sara Moreau (Plymouth), Kyla Ashlee Plair (Brooklyn Center), Abby Reynolds (New Hope), Anna Stenerson (Maple Grove), Brent Teclaw (St. Paul), Julia Foster Warder (Richfield), Huxley Westemeier (Minneapolis) and Grant Witter (Plymouth). The creative team consists of Artistic Director Sandy Boren-Barrett, Co-Directors and Choreographers Sandy Boren-Barrett and Ann Marie Omeish, Music Director Sarah Hohenstein Burk, Stage Manager Emilia Allen, Lighting Designer Grant Merges, Foley sound effects by Peter Morrow, Resident Costumer Josette Elstad, Set Designer Joe Stanley, Costume and Make-Up Designer Lisa Jones, Props Designer – Merritt Rodriguez, Technical Director Alan Pagel, and Production Manager Melanie Salmon-Peterson. Stages Theatre Company was founded in 1984 and since then has grown to become one of the largest professional theatres for young audiences in the country. They engage young artists with themes relevant to their lives and involve them in creating magical works featuring young people in meaningful

PHOTO PROVIDED

Grant Witter as Army Man (left) and Huxley Westemeier as Lion (right) are two of the non-mechanical toys that come to life in the Stages Theatre Company’s adaptation of Margery Williams’ The Velveteen Rabbit through storytelling involving acting, song, Foley artistry, dance and ballet in collaboration with Escalate Dance Studio.

roles. Through theatrical productions, workshops, conservatory classes and other outreach programs, Stages Theatre Company annually serves more than 145,000 young people and their families.

Stages Theatre Company is committed to the enrichment and education of children and youth in a professional theatre environment that stimulates artistic excellence and personal growth.

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The last sunset of winter The setting sun over County Road 7 west of Pine City lit the sky into patterns and shades of oranges, purples and pinks on Sunday, March 19 – the last full day of winter.

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& MARCH 30, 2017

Submit community events to editor@pinecitymn.com or online at www.pinecitymn.com

MARCH 30 Dino Dig with ECFE Early Childhood Family Education invites families with children between ages 2-7 to the Dino Dig on Thursday, March 30 from 6 - 7:30 p.m. in the Pine City Elementary School multi-purpose room. Enjoy dino activities, crafts and games and a snack. Children must attend with an adult. For more information or cost, contact ECFE at 320-629-4030.

‘Teachable Safety Skills’ How do you talk to children about personal safety without scaring them? Join Alison Feigh, Program Manager for the Jacob Wetterling Resource Center, as she presents “Teachable Safety Skills: Replacing Myths with Facts” at the Mora Public Library on Thursday, March 30 from 6:30-8 p.m. Her presentation will provide current information about various safety concerns children and teens are facing today, both in person and online, and how to educate youth on those concerns in a positive way. For more information about this free presentation, call the Mora Public Library at 320-679-2642.

APRIL 1

ceremonial shields of American Indian tribes of the southwest. For cost or more information, call 320-532-3632.

North Chisago History Museum re-opens The North Chisago History Museum will open its doors on Saturday, April 1, after a short winter break. A new display honoring the family of Orpha Carlson will feature several items that have been donated by her family. The museum, located in Rush City at 350 South Eliot Ave., is open on Saturdays, from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. and on Wednesdays Carl Heinrich spearheads discussions of local history from 1 - 4 p.m. Anyone interested is invited to visit, free of charge. For more information call 320-358-4561.

APRIL 2 Legion Auxiliary Spring Bingo Play Auxiliary spring cash bingo on Sunday, April 2, 2 p.m., at the American Legion in Pine City. All ages welcome, there will be cash door prizes and a ham raffle. Proceeds will be used for youth programs and scholarships and veterans projects. For more information call Linda at 651-334-8789.

The Velveteen Rabbit Stages Theatre’s presentation of The Velveteen Rabbit is coming to the Pine City High School Auditorium on Saturday, April 1. This treasured story of a stuffed rabbit’s desire to become real is told through original music and dance. The Pine City Arts Council and Pine City Public Schools invite the public to the Saturday performance at 10 a.m. Tickets can be purchased at the Flower Box, Cabin Coffee’s and Pine City Community Ed. Call 320-629-2045 for more information.

Finn Hall at the History Museum East Central Regional Library and the Pine County Historical Society invite people of all generations and dance levels to check out a free three-part series of folk dance instruction and live performance. The second part in the series will feature an award-winning group from Minneapolis called Finn Hall at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 1 at the Pine County History Museum in Askov. These musicians recreate the feel and sounds of the historic Finnish-American dance halls, offering waltz, polka, schottische, mazurka, tango, humppa and more. Call 320629-6403 or visit www.ecrlib.org for more information.

Kids’ crafts at Mille Lacs Kids ages 8 and up are invited to the Mille Lacs Indian Museum on Saturday, April 1 between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to learn how to weave a “God’s Eye,” a vibrant emblem used on

APRIL 4 Firearms safety training Firearms safety training classes will begin on Tuesday, April 4 at 6:30 p.m. at the 7th grade commons at Pine City High School. Arrive the first night no later than 6:20 p.m. Students must be at least 11 years old and turn 12 before Dec. 31, 2017 to attend. Adults are welcome and encouraged to attend. Classes will be held April 4, 11, 18, 25 and a field trip (date TBD.) Call Steve Hallan at 320-6292465 or email shallan52@gmail. com for cost or additional information.

NCHS ﬁre engine manufacturing presentation The North Chisago Historical Society will host Dick Scheele, 40 year office manager of General Safety Equipment in North Branch, who will be the guest speaker on Tuesday, April 4, 7 p.m. Fire trucks were the primary focus of this company as it opened in the 1940s. About 20 years ago it moved to its present location in Wyoming and is now named Rosenbauer America. Dick will share memories of early years in manufacturing. This meeting is at the Rushseba Town Hall, 1/2 mile north of Rush City, on Old 61, the public is invited to attend. For information call 320-358-4561.

six-week course designed for nonprofessional caregivers. Beginning on April 5, the class will meet every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. through May 10 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Pine City. The course will teach tools to reduce stress, improve self-confidence, better communicate, balance life, make tough decisions and locate helpful resources. To sign up, or for more information, contact Maria at 320-245-6865 or email marialb@familypathways.org.

APRIL 8 Beneﬁt for Jamie Gerlach A spaghetti dinner benefit for Jamie Gerlach, wife and mother of two young children, will take place on Saturday, April 8 beginning with dinner at 5 p.m. at the Finlayson Sportsman’s Club. Jamie was diagnosed with breast cancer in December and learned in January the cancer has spread to her bones. In addition to dinner, there will be a silent auction from 5-7 p.m., a meat raffle at 7 p.m., raffles and music by 3Blondes from 8 p.m. to midnight.

PINE CITY PIONEER

Friends and Families of Lesbians and Gays will be held Sunday, April 9, at 4:30 p.m. at Common Ground, the Cambridge United Methodist Church, at 404 North Cypress St., Cambridge. Anyone in need of support or answers on LGBT issues is encouraged to attend. Call 320-3963128; 320-272-0069; or 763-5520084 with any questions; or visit ecmnpflag.org.

Palm Sunday pancakes The Lions’ annual Palm Sunday Pancake Breakfast will take place on Sunday, April 9, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Pine City American Legion. All proceeds support local Lions Club projects. Tickets may be purchased at the door.

APRIL 10 Red Cross blood drive at VFW An American Red Cross blood drive will be held on Monday, April 10, at the Pine City VFW, 600 First Ave. NW, Pine City, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. For an appointment to donate call the American Red Cross at 1-800733-2767 or visit redcrossblood. org.

55+ driver improvement course A 55+ driver improvement course (first time course) will take place on Saturday, April 8 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a second session from 5:30-9:30 p.m., at Hinckley High School, 201 Main St., Hinckley. Preregistration is required. For information or to register call 888-234-1294 or visit www.mnsafetycenter.org. Those age 55 and older who complete the course qualify for a 10 percent discount on their auto insurance premiums. First time participants must complete the initial eight hours of training and a four hour refresher class every three years to maintain the discount.

APRIL 11 Community Garden sign-up Anyone who would like to rent a plot(s) in the Pine City Community Garden this spring and summer should attend the registration/orientation meeting on Tuesday, April 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the Pine County Courthouse Board Room in Pine City. The garden is located at Challeen Park at 10 SE 3rd St. Master Gardeners are available to mentor community gardeners with garden planning and answering questions throughout the growing season. For more information contact the Pine County Extension office at 800-657-3813 Ext. #3.

Henriette ham and turkey bingo Easter ham and turkey bingo will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2 p.m., at Ryder’s Bar & Grill in Henriette. Sponsored by the Henriette Improvement Association, all proceeds go toward community projects.

Create with ‘Library Legos’ Kids age 6 and up are invited to build something unique for all to see with Library Legos at Rush City Public Library. Join Mr. Tim at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 8. Legos will be supplied by the library, so leave personal Legos at home. For more information, call the library at 320358-3948 (ask for the Rush City branch), drop by the library at 240 W. 4th St. or visit www. ecrlib.org.

APRIL 5

APRIL 9

‘Powerful Tools for Caregivers’

PFLAG Meeting

Family Pathways invites caregivers of older adults to a

The next meeting of the East Central Minnesota Parents,

Parenting Plus support group All grandparents/kinship caregivers raising grandchildren/relatives’ children are invited to a Parenting Plus support group meeting on Tuesday, April 11 at 6:30 p.m. in the Pine City Elementary Community room #110 (entrance at door #5 by Dragonwood playground). Call 612-310-0618 320-629-3013 with any questions.

APRIL 13 The Magniﬁcent Red Hatters annual Spring Style Show It’s spring! Time for the annual Red Hat Style Show. Clothing provided by Christopher & Banks from North Branch. The date is Thursday, April 13 at 11:30 a.m. at the Pine City Country Club. For more information, contact Darlene Collins at 320-629-4684 or email ddcollinsmn@yahoo.com.

MEETINGS THURSDAY 3/30 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 County LGBT: 7 p.m. Hinckley City Hall Comm. Room SATURDAY 4/1 Model RR club: Askov, 10 a.m., Pine County History Museum SUNDAY 4/2 AA (Big Book study): Evangelical Free Church, 7 p.m. MONDAY 4/3 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 4/4 Pine County Board: 10 a.m., Pine Co. History Museum, Askov WEDNESDAY 4/5 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 Focus on Ability: 1:30 p.m., Chisago Co. Snr. Ctr., North Branch Pine City Council: 6:30 p.m., Pine Government Ctr., Pine City Pine City Toastmasters: 7 p.m., Pine City VFW Hall AA: 8 p.m., Rock Creek Community Center

SENIOR DINING April 3 - 7 Monday: Hearty stew, garden salad, French bread Tuesday: Seafood pasta salad with vegetables, chunky tomato soup, angel food cake Wednesday: Pork roast, scalloped potatoes, peas and carrots, wheat bread, pie Thursday: Liver & onions or hamburger patty with gravy, whipped potatoes with gravy, wax beans, wheat bread, frosty delight dessert Friday: Breaded ﬁsh wedge, rosemary roasted potatoes, broccoli Normandy, wheat bread, peanut butter bar 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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MARCH 30, 2017

Rep. Rarick offers budget update

To the Editor: Budget targets for the next two year budget cycle have been unveiled by Minnesota House Republicans, and the state government budget setting process has now begun. Our projected $1.6 billion surplus means we’ve been overtaxing Minnesotans, so I’m glad to see we’re focused on tax relief. We’ve also been talking about new road and bridge money for the past three years and we always need to provide financial assistance to our schools, so I’m pleased they also made the priority list. Roughly $1.35 billion has been proposed for tax relief by House Republicans, targeting middle class Minnesotans in all age groups: from the family with a newborn attending daycare to senior citizens trying to enjoy their retirement. In all, more than half of this proposal would benefit the middle class. In transportation, $450 million in new revenue would be allocated to roads and bridges without raising taxes. This would occur by redirecting current transportation-related funding streams into the Transportation Priorities Fund, like existing taxes on auto repairs and auto rentals. The plan, including transportation-related bonding, totals $6 billion over 10 years. Local school districts would also benefit from new K-12 Education revenue. Following last year’s historic investments in our students and schools, the House proposal would invest another $1.1 billion in new funding over last biennium, putting more money into Minnesota classrooms. I expect that all of the spending and tax relief proposals will be debated on the House floor in the coming weeks. State Rep. Jason Rarick District 11B - Pine City

Support the Beginning Farmer Land Access Bill Hannah Bernhardt is a beginning livestock farmer with her young family at Medicine Creek Farm near Finlayson in Pine County. They sell grass fed and pastured beef, lamb, and pork direct to consumers at www.medicinecreekfarm.com. Perhaps despite my better judgment, I made the decision several years ago to alter my career trajectory and become a farmer. As a former farm kid from the plains of southwestern Minnesota, it shouldn’t have been that crazy a notion, and I thought I’d have a leg up getting my farm started. Despite rural connections and family farm land, I was disappointed to find myself facing the same problem most beginning farmers report: access to land. A bill currently making its way through the Minnesota legislature proposes to help by giving landowners an incentive to sell or rent land to a beginning farmer. Minnesotans see farmland just about every way they look, but too close to an urban area and you’re competing with the price of development; get out a ways into those rich, black soils, and you’re looking at some of the most expensive agricultural land in America. Then there’s the problem of where to rest your head at night – after an extensive search, my husband and I grew increasingly frustrated that any good farmland seems to have become disconnected from the farmhouse on it. You can get the farmhouse and a few surrounding acres if you want to dabble at farming, but if you want to graze livestock and bring in a decent income like we hope

Hannah Bernhardt

to, a few acres won’t cut it. But any larger parcels of land don’t come with a house, and you’re usually competing with the landowner’s long-time neighbor who has a history of having coffee with the seller and the added benefit of already having a house. The average age of the American farmer is 58 years old and trending older each year. As more and more farmers reach retirement and either decide to sell their land but stay living on the farm or, alternatively, sell their house

while continuing to make some income renting out the land, this problem is only getting worse. Most older farmers we’ve talked to want to see more young and beginning farmers on the land, but no one can blame a landowner for making the best financial decision for their own family after investing their entire lives in their farm. The beginning farmer land access bill might ease this situation. The Land Stewardship Project first proposed this bill in 2006 based on a program initially adopted in Nebraska. Iowa and Wisconsin have since created similar programs. This legislative session, Sen. Michael Goggin (R-Red Wing) and Rep. Nels Pierson (R-Rochester) have taken the initiative to get it passed and reintroduced the bill. It would provide landowners a state income tax credit when they sell or rent land or equipment to a beginning farmer. The credit would be equal to 5 percent of the sale price, 10 percent of the cash rent fee, or 15 percent of the crop share value. To qualify for the tax incentive, the beginning farmer must take a farm management course like the Land Stewardship Project’s Farm Beginnings Course which my husband and I graduated from last spring and found monumentally helpful in developing a business plan (which ultimately led to obtaining an FSA microloan). The beginning farmer would be eligible for a tax credit that would cover the full cost of that training. In our case, after finding some beautiful – and affordable – hay fields in the

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sandy soils of northeastern Minnesota, we spent about six months befriending the landowner, convincing him at least one of us had some idea what we were getting ourselves into, and ultimately talking him into selling a 160 acre parcel of his farm to us on a 7-year contract for deed. My husband somewhat begrudgingly agreed to build us a house on the land, for which I’m eternally grateful he has the skills and experience to do but has definitely sidetracked us from hitting the ground running with our farm business. Had these tax credits been available at the time, we’re certain it would have given our new neighbor fewer reservations about deciding to sell to us and would have been a huge help to our own budget. At the Land Stewardship Project’s Family Farm Breakfast at the Capitol on March 9, I and other beginning farmers met with over 50 legislators to advocate for this policy and others that help rural Minnesota. Farmer-members of both the Land Stewardship Project and the National Young Farmers’ Coalition then testified before the House and Senate Taxes committees on behalf of the bill. The House has since included the legislation in their overall omnibus tax bill and is being considered for inclusion in the Senate’s. It is this type of grassroots support from farmers – young and old – that will get the beginning farmer land access bill passed, and I urge you to contact your legislators to ask them to support it.

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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.

OPINION

MARCH 30, 2017

PINE CITY PIONEER

www.pinecitymn.com

Superintendents urge property tax relief, increased funding School districts across the state will be putting property tax relief and increased funding as top priorities for the upcoming legislative session. The high cost of school levies and the inadequate increase to the basic education formula has created an educational opportunity gap for too many students, Currently, when voters approve a school levy, the cost they will pay through property taxes is based on the property wealth of the school district. Without commercial or industrial development to expand the tax base and lower the cost for all, the tax burden falls quite heavily on the home or small business owners. The state established an equalization program decades ago where the state paid a portion of voter-approved levies in low property wealth districts. However, equalization funding has not kept up with inflation. Now, taxpayers in low property wealth districts pay significantly more to provide the same funding for their students than similar taxpayers in high property wealth districts. The chart demonstrates the differences for local taxpayers when paying for school district levies. This inequity in funding creates disparities in educational opportunities. Students in many low property wealth districts are at a distinct disadvantage when they compete for college and career op-

portunities with students from schools that are better funded. Therefore, the Legislature and Governor need to increase the funding for equalization, which will reduce property taxes in low property wealth school districts. Although increased equalization does not provide any new funding for school districts, it may make it easier for taxpayers to support future school levies. We urge our residents to get informed and to contact your local legislators and the governor’s office to once and for all address the inequities in the funding formulas across the State of Minnesota. Much like our families experience, the cost of products and services continue to increase. In schools, this is no different. While investing in taxpayer fairness is one strategy to help schools and school districts to keep local investments affordable, the need for increased funding on the basic educational formula is also a necessity. Many districts have or will be facing budget cuts over the next two years. While it is politically appealing to the state that school districts live within their means, the cost to students and families is great when trying to balance budgets without increased funding. It is well documented that state funding for education has increased over time, it is also well documented that funding has

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American Legion Auxiliary

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not kept up with inflation. As superintendents, we are charged with delivering high quality programs and services for our students and communities. Without inflationary increases in funding, the challenge becomes trying to do more and more with less and less over time. While recent increases to education funding are greatly appreciated, we advocate for growth on the basic education formula for the next biennium to maintain the essential programs and services for our students.

When the legislature and governor are looking for ways to reduce taxes, equalizing the property tax system is good place to start. Increased funding for equalization would provide immediate property tax relief and, in the process, make the education funding system more equitable for all students in Minnesota. In addition, it is also necessary to increase the basic educational formula with an inflationary increase to avoid going backwards in supporting our students. Please note that passage

dent Braham Area Schools Mrs. Kathy Belsheim, Superintendent Ogilvie Public Schools, ISD 333 Mr. Craig Schultz, Superintendent Mora Public Schools, ISD 332 Dr. Deb Henton, Superintendent North Branch Area Public Schools Mr. Joe Thimm, Superintendent Chisago Lakes Dr. Julia Espe, Superintendent Princeton Public Schools #477 Dr. Ray Queener, Superintendent Cambridge-Isanti Mr. Paul Durand, Superintendent Rockford Area Schools Mr. Troy Ferguson, Superintendent Independent School District #15 St. Francis

of H. F. 1381/SF 1381 (McDonald/Senjem) would assist our property taxpayers with debt service and other items beneficial to school districts. Our goal is equitable funding to support high quality schools for all children no matter the zip code. Mrs. Annette K. Freiheit, Superintendent Pine City Public Schools #578 Mr. Rob Prater, Superintendent Hinckley-Finlayson Schools #2165 Mr. Andrew Almos, Superintendent East Central School District #2580 Mr. Ken Gagner, Superinten-

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YEARS AGO

PINE CITY PIONEER

MARCH 30, 2017

www.pinecitymn.com

100 years ago, ‘thirst’ parlors raided in 1917 10 Years Ago, 2007

25 Years Ago, 1992

Chances are looking better that Pine County will offer a public transit system. Chisago and Isanti counties operate the Heartland Express, a public bus and volunteer driver service. Mille Lacs C County also provides p public transit options ffor its senior citizens. Pine County has g gone on record as supp porting proposed passsenger rail service bettween Duluth and the T Twin Cities but it has n not committed any m money to the effort. Junior Master G Gardeners built a tottal of 18 bat houses a and four wood-duck h houses that will be p placed around the P Pine City community. T Those who particip pated in the program a are Bradley Toman, Anne Beth Bjerke, Tammy Dedic, Kailey Keeney, Abigail Hanson, Gunnar Bontjes, Shayne Bontjes, Kyle Robinson, Elijah Johnson, Nick Mosher, Nina Mosher, Austin Cavallin, Weston Berens, Trinity Seals and Cody Miller. Vicki Foss of Pine City, traveling with women from the United States, Malaysia, Japan and Singapore during a recent study tour in India, learned firsthand about the roles and status of women in Indian churches and society. The beautiful artwork of Leone Ledin is on display in the First National Bank as part of the Pine City Arts Council’s Art in the Bank series. Open burning restrictions for this spring will start April 2, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources announced. Tony Wall of Bernick Companies presented a check for $2,500 to Pine Technical College President Robert Musgrove. The funds are to be added to the endowment and will generate scholarships for PTC students. Army Reserve Specialist Carl J. Nobles was honored at a Welcome Home Warrior Citizen Award ceremony in recognition of the soldier’s personal sacrifice, exceptional duty performance and honorable service in support operation Iraqi and/or Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Nearly 150 attended the 5th annual Garden Expo at Pine City High School sponsored by the Pine County Extension Master Gardeners. Keynote speaker was Dr. Dave Wildung, soon to be retired Horticulturist at the University of Minnesota Research and Outreach Center at Grand Rapids.

Harold Taylor, manager of the Super Valu store in Pine City, is in the process of hiring personnel to work in the new grocery store set to open this spring. The new store will be expanded in size and will employ about 55 people. A five-year-old boy, Hassan Merrick, grandson of Vincent and Marietta Merrick, drowned when he got into a liquid manure pit. When he became separated from his playmates the Sheriff’’s department sent in a tracking dog to find him and his foot prints led to the site of the tragic accident. The body of a man missing since the Halloween snowstorm was found March 23 in a ditch near Cloverton. Michael Shelton Cramm was last seen about 5 p.m. Oct. 31 at Chippewa Corners in Wisconsin. His body was found one-quarter of a mile from where his pickup was found in a ditch. Johanna Cox, who is named Citizen of the Year, was described as “Our Mother Teresa and Florence Nightingale all rolled into one,” by a friend. Cox was chosen from among seven nominees for this year’s honor. The highest rank in scouting is Eagle and Tom Miller, a member of Pine City Troop 188, recently attained that status. The Eagle Court of Honor ceremony was held Saturday at the community room. Jonathan Woll, Pine City is participating in Bemidji State University’s Eurospring program. Woll is a sophomore majoring in mathematics at Bemidji State. Eurospring participants will earn 16 credits by taking lecture courses and classes conducted by the Centre for Medieval and Renaisance Studies in Oxford England.

50 Years Ago, 1967

Ben Boo Jr., former Pine Citian, was elected mayor of the city of Duluth. A testimonial dinner was held honoring Robert Pierce, commander of the Department of Minnesota Veterans of Foreign Wars. BROOK PARK NEWS: Pine City has a resident who might well be a street or road commissioner. Coming to Brook Park last week, he found a vast lake on the approach to two homes in the village to drive through. Upon arrival at destination he lost no time getting a shovel and slipping into hip boots and went into action to lower the lake. With a bit of help, snow flew in all directions and a wide path was cut through the ditch and water gushed with great force and soon the high water went down and believe it or not, uphill. Lillian Swee, photographer, was on the job with camera when the Pine City-ite and helper were ditching.

THE PIONEER

Field Day still a tradition, coming May 19 Third grader Robin Kagley gave it her all in the softball throw at the annual Bill Harter Field Day at Pine City Elementary ten years ago. The Pioneer reported that field day, “survived clouds and intermittent showers last Friday, much to the delight of the kids, who look forward to field day all year. Grade levels compete for points and ribbons in track and field events while parents turn out by the hundreds to root for their young athletes.”

75 Years Ago, 1942

Capt. Jess Ingram, commanding officer of Co. D, Minnesota Defense Force, has been called to active duty as a member of the new Emergency Battalion that is being formed for guard duty in this state. Pine City Cooperative Association has recently equipped the creamery for pasteurizing milk and cream for the local market. Old coins have been making the exchanges of late and George Blake, an employee of the Pine Poker, comes to the front with a real old one, a Danish coin dated 1710. Lettering on the coin indicates that it is a 12 shilling piece. He got it in a poker game down at Madelia in 1918 when one of the boys around the table took four bits for it in order to stay in the game.

100 Years Ago, 1917

Sheriff Hawley and several deputies under the direction of County Attorney Ervin raided a number of “thirst” parlors in the villages of Sturgeon Lake and Finlayson and found both beer and liquor, which was confiscated. Contractor Joslin has begun the construction of the swimming pier on the location decided upon just east of the Armory building. A 12 x 12 platform will be stationed about 70 feet from shore where the water has a depth of over ten feet. This will be constructed of concrete supports upon which a plank floor will be laid with a tower in front from which the swimmer will make their high dives. The completion of this work will make another improvement well worthwhile and undoubtedly many more than last summer will seek the lake for healthful recreation during the coming summer.

Businesses, school districts and nonproﬁts targets of W-2 scam BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU

A newer and insidious scam whose targets were once exclusively private-sector businesses is now being used against nonprofit organizations and school districts, according to Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota (BBB). The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) says the “W2” scam is carried out by criminals who disguise an email to make it look like it came from a top executive or business colleague. The IRS says the phony email is sent to the company or organization’s accounting or human resources department, typically asking for a list of all of the company’s W-2 tax forms, employees’ dates of birth and Social Security numbers. “Criminals are now focusing on consumers’ personal information because it has a potentially much larger payout than run-of-the-mill credit card fraud,” said Susan Adams Loyd, President and CEO of Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota. This W-2 scheme came to light in 2016. It is believed this type of phishing scheme is perpetrated by individuals or organizations looking to use the pilfered

personal information to file fraudulent tax returns. This scam has since developed a new twist in which the cybercriminal subsequently sends an additional email, asking that a wire transfer be made to a specific account outside of the company. Newer targets of the W-2 scam include, school districts, healthcare providers, chain restaurants, temporary staffing agencies, tribal casinos and delivery companies. This scheme has already successfully targeted a Twin Cities school district in recent days. Published reports indicate the fake emails may include wording such as: “Can you send me the updated list of employees with full details (Name, Social Security Number, date of birth, home address and salary),” or “Kindly send me the individual 2016 W-2 (PDF) and earnings summary of all W-2s of our company staff for a quick review.” HOW TO PREVENT W-2 THEFT • Re-evaluate workplace procedures – The simplest way for criminals to run these operations is if a business lacks the checks and balances necessary to pro-

tect employees’ and clients’ information and requests for money transfers by untraceable means. • Meet with all employees – In the past, this type of activity was not something companies or non-profits gave much thought to. Make sure all employees understand how these schemes work. • Review written policies – Implement organizational policies to prevent the W-2 and similar office scams from succeeding. This will not only help existing employees, but others who join your organization so that they too will be on their guard. You can learn more about these and other scams at the Internal Revenue Service’s website, irs.gov/. The mission of Better Business Bureau is to be the leader in building marketplace trust by promoting, through self-regulation, the highest standards of business ethics and conduct, and to instill confidence in responsible businesses through programs of education and action that inform, assist and protect the general public. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Contact BBB at bbb.org or 651-699-1111, toll-free at 1-800-646-6222.

MARCH 30, 2017

PINE CITY PIONEER

www.pinecitymn.com

Horticulture Day crowd learns Ask a Trooper how lawns can help bees BY TERRY SALMELA • PART 1 OF 2 UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION

Nearly 200 people interested in gardening topics learned all about lawns, native bees, vegetables, strawberries and much more at the 15th Annual University of Minnesota Extension Pine County Master Gardener Horticulture Day on Saturday, March 25 at Pine City High School. Participants attended from among four breakout sessions, visited 18 exhibitors and enjoyed lunch, door prizes and refreshments. Keynote speaker on “Low Input and Bee Friendly Lawns” Sam Bauer, University of Minnesota Extension Educator and turf grass specialist, encouraged everyone who wants a low maintenance lawn to plant Fine Fescue grass species. He said that they are not only shade tolerant, but do fantastic in full sun. They are also slow growing, need less mowing and are more salt tolerant. He added that Fine Fescues do not tolerate heavy traffic in the summer. For a location with heavy summer traffic he recommended Tall Fescue which has more wear tolerance, tolerates shade, but has a courser texture and should not be planted in areas that will be ice covered. He added, “Kentucky Bluegrass is the worst weed in a Fine Fescue lawn because it requires high maintenance, watering and mowing like it usually receives on a golf course or in a ball park.” He warned Horticulture Day attendees to avoid the following grass species in their grass seed mixture. Annual Ryegrass competes like a weed with desired species and dies after one year. Rough Bluegrass will not tolerate full sun. Park Kentucky Bluegrass is a 1950s species that is cheap and is not stress tolerant. Kentucky 31 and VNS (Variety Not Stated) should also be avoid-

BY SGT. NEIL DICKENSON MINNESOTA STATE PATROL

I was wonderQ: ing if I needed to cover my spot light/ light bar on top of my pickup before I hit the highway. Let me know what the rules are regarding a cover or no cover. The research I did before purchasing was only KC style or round lights needed a cover in the state of Minnesota. If a vehicle with A: auxiliary lamps is driven on a public

TERRY SALMELA

Master Gardener Lauren Meister checks out a few of the succulents on display at the Hort Show on March 25.

ed. He said that native grass species don’t do well in a lawn. They are slow growing, not aggressive and are often warm season species that don’t look good in spring and fall. Native grass species should be planted in natural areas where they can flower and provide nectar and pollen for pollinators. He encouraged homeowners to read the label on the bag of lawn grass seed to make sure that the seed species add up to 90 to 100 percent seed and do not have almost half inert material. “Your soil is the foundation for your lawn,” said Bauer. Putting in a new lawn between Aug. 10 and Sept. 10 is an ideal time to do things right. Ideally, 6-8 inches of top soil should be added and tilled in. A soil test should be taken and a starter fertilizer applied according to it.

If grass clippings are left on an established lawn they can provide about one pound of nitrogen/1,000 sq. ft. Once established, gardeners can get by with one additional application of fertilizer around Labor Day at one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft. A Kentucky Bluegrass lawn (which requires higher maintenance) will likely require an additional application around Memorial Day. He encouraged mowing at a three inch or higher height. The higher that grass is mowed the deeper the roots will grow because of more leaf surface area for photosynthesis. Lawn aeration should be done on established lawns in the fall to break up compaction, increase water infiltration and grass growth. He said that the weed species growing in a lawn are indicators of poor conditions or poor man-

agement. He shared the following list: Annual Bluegrass, Prostrate Knotweed, Broadleaf Plantain or Pineapple Weed can indicate compacted soil; White Clover, Black Medic or Trefoil indicate low nitrogen; Sedges and Annual Bluegrass, poor drainage; Moss and Algae, surface moisture; Chickweed and Annual Bluegrass, too low mowing; Ground Ivy (Creeping Charlie), Violets or Chickweed indicate shade; Prostrate Spurge, Yarrow, Black Medic or Yellow Wood Sorrel, dry areas; Pigweed, Lambsquarters or Shepherd’s Purse, new seeding; and Plantains, high soil pH. More information on lawn care and bee-friendly lawns can be found online at www.extension. umn.edu and click onto garden and lawns and on bee-friendly lawns at www.beelab.umn.edu/ bees.

PINE CITY CITYWIDE GARAGE SALES

highway, the lamps do not need to be covered if they are within the height requirements of not less than 16 inches or more than 42 inches above the road. Only four auxiliary lamps can be on at one time. Those outside of the height requirements (including yours) must be completely covered with an opaque material (not allowing light to pass through.) The light bar you are talking about is designed for off-road use only. Having these type of auxiliary lights on while driving can make it very unsafe for approaching drivers. Send questions to Sgt. Neil Dickenson – Minnesota State Patrol at 1131 Mesaba Ave., Duluth, MN 55811 or neil.dickenson@state.mn.us.

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KAITLYN BALLOU, GRACE GEROLD This senior and junior combination has really started the season on the right foot. Kaitlyn and Grace both set up and ran captain’s practices before the start of softball season on March 13. They have been great assets in teaching the young group of girls coming through the softball program through the ﬁrst week of practice. Grace also went above and beyond over spring break, she organized a group of softball players to head down to volunteer at Feed My Starving Children in Coon Rapids. This group of eight girls and coach Dennis packed up 48 boxes serving a total of 1,728 rice packs to feed children in Haiti.

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New county building cost up to $4.25 million BY AILENE CROUP NEWS@PINECITYMN.COM

The amount of the bond for the proposed new Health and Human Services building in Sandstone has already gone up six percent from $4 million to $4.25 million. At the March 21, 2017, regular meeting, Pine County Board approved a resolution calling for a public hearing which is scheduled for April 18, 2017. The resolution also authorizes the county to sell bonds to finance the building if approved by the board following the public hearing. Plans are to demolish the building in Sandstone which houses Veteran’s Services, the north district Sheriff’s Office,

Land Department and Soil and Water Conservation District. A 12,000 square foot facility would be built in its place which would be the home of Health and Human Services. Auditor/ Treasurer Cathy Clemmer said the bond must be paid over a minimum of five years. The county has a bond retiring this year making that money available. She said they could “piecemeal” the funds to pay for the building but bonding is favorable because interest rates are still low. Clemmer said if there isn’t a lot of bond competition from other public bodies looking for loans, the county may get a better interest rate on the bonds. Chairman Matt Ludwig asked, “At

what point do we have to move forward [with the project?]” “When you call for the sale of the bonds,” Clemmer said. She recommended selling the bonds in July or August. County Engineer Mark LeBrun said if the board wanted to start building next year, they would have to line up a construction manager and an engineer. Commissioner Steve Hallan said repairs can be put off from year to year if there’s no money for them but payments on a bond have to be made each year. The board approved 4-0 the public hearing and plan for the sale of bonds to finance the proposed Health and Human Services building. Commissioner Josh Mohr was not present.

Residents are invited to attend the public hearing at 10 a.m. on April 18 at the courthouse and comment on the proposed facility or provide written comments to the board. If there are questions regarding the building, contact County Administrator David Minke at 320-591-1621. If a petition for a vote is requested and signed by five percent of county residents who cast votes in the last general election, the county can only issue the bonds if it’s approved by voters. The petition must be received no later than 30 days following the hearing.

Be aware of bears this spring DNR offers list of tips for avoiding conﬂicts

matures. Locate gardens away from forests and shrubs that bears may use for cover. • Use native plants in landscaping whenever possible. Clover and dandelions will attract bears. • Elevate bee hives on bearproof platforms or erect properly designed electric fences. • Do not put out feed for wildlife (like corn, oats, pellets or molasses blocks).

MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Anyone living near bear habitat is reminded to be aware of bears this spring and check their property for food sources that could attract bears. “Leaving food out in yards that can be eaten by bears can lead to property damage and presents dangers to bears,” said Eric Nelson, wildlife animal damage program supervisor for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. “Pet food, livestock feed, birdseed, compost or garbage can attract bears.” As bears emerge from hibernation, their metabolism gradually ramps up and they will begin looking for food at a time when berries and green vegetation can be scarce. Only black bears live in the wild in Minnesota. They usually are shy and flee when encountered. Never approach or try to pet a bear. Injury to people is rare, but bears are potentially dangerous because of their size, strength and speed. The DNR does not relocate problem bears. Relocated bears seldom remain where they are released. They may return to where they were caught or become a problem somewhere else. The DNR offers some tips for avoiding bear conflicts. AROUND THE YARD • Do not leave food from barbe-

PHOTO PROVIDED

This curious young bear stopped by the Richard Hopkins residence in rural Pine City in 2015.

ques and picnics outdoors, especially overnight. Coolers are not bear-proof. • Replace hummingbird feeders with hanging flower baskets, which are also attractive to hummingbirds. • Eliminate birdfeeders or hang them 10 feet up and 4 feet out from the nearest trees. • Use a rope and pulley system to refill birdfeeders, and clean up spilled seeds. Where bears are a nuisance, birdfeeders should be taken down between now and Dec. 1.

• Store pet food inside and feed pets inside. If pets must be fed outdoors, feed them only as much as they will eat. • Clean and store barbeque grills after each use. Store them in a secure shed or garage away from windows and doors. • Pick fruit from trees as soon as it’s ripe, and collect fallen fruit immediately. • Limit compost piles to grass, leaves and garden clippings, and turn piles regularly. Do not add food scraps. • Harvest garden produce as it

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How will I know a spring when I see one, and how can I report the location?

A spring is a foA: cused natural discharge of flowing ground-

water. Some telltale clues are: they usually remain unfrozen in winter, they can seem unusually cold in summer and they are often associated with plants such as watercress and willows. Some springs appear to “boil” the surface of lakes and streams. Historically, springs were important sources of drinking water. They also provide critical habitat for trout streams by regulating water temperature and providing base flows to streams throughout the year. An inventory of Minnesota’s springs is being prepared by combing through old records, and more will be added by searching likely areas of the state. To learn more about springs, or to share the location of a spring near you, visit the DNR website at www.mndnr.gov/waters/ groundwater_section/pilot/springshed.html.

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GARBAGE • Store garbage in bear-resistant garbage cans or dumpsters. Rubber or plastic garbage cans are not bear-proof. • Keep garbage inside a secure building until the morning of pickup. • Properly rinse all recyclable containers with hot water to remove all remaining product. • Store recyclable containers, such as pop cans, inside. • Store garbage that can become smelly, such as meat or fish scraps, in a freezer until it can be taken to a refuse site or picked up by refuse collector. • Take especially smelly or rotting garbage as soon as possible to your local refuse facility so it can be buried. People should always be cautious around bears. If they have persistent bear problems after cleaning up the food sources, they should contact a DNR area wildlife office for assistance. For the name of the local wildlife manager, contact the DNR Information Center at 651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367, or visit mndnr. gov/contact/locator.html.

I heard the DNR is Q: gathering a list of springs across the state.

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AND OUTDOORS MARCH 30, 2017

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PINE CITY PIONEER

Hockey looks back on championship season BY JESSE LOGAN SPORTS@PINECITYMN.COM

It was a banner year for the Pine City Area Dragons boys hockey team. The squad won back-toback Two Rivers Conference Championships for the first time in school history, and recorded 18 wins, the most in more than a decade. The team also had some incredible individual performances and had several players that were ranked inside the top-10 in the state at various times in several statistical categories. “Obviously on the positive end,” said head coach Grant Nicoll, “going backto-back as conference champions is big. It’s the first time hockey has ever done that no matter what conference we’ve been in; and 18 wins, we keep pushing that win total in the right direction and we played a lot harder schedule as well. That helped get the boys ready. We’ve also got a lot of individuals that are breaking school records or are en route to break school records.” It’s clear that the Dragons have come a long way in Nicoll’s four years atop the program. The squad was decorated with four players who earned All Conference awards including Jonah Bergstrom, Brendan Westbrook, Jake Lindblom and Luke Murphy. All Conference Honorable Mention went to Dusty Bergstrom and Ethan White. Academic All Conference award winners were Lindblom, Beau Steele, Logan Belau and Dusty Bergstrom. The team had its awards

MIKE GAINOR | THE PIONEER

It was a banner year for the Pine City Area Dragons boys hockey team. The squad won back-to-back Two Rivers Conference Championships for the ﬁrst time in school history, and recorded 18 wins, the most in more than a decade.

banquet on March 13, and gave Team MVP honors to Brendan Westbrook, a senior captain who finished sixth in the state in goals and ninth in points. The team also gave its Most Important Player award to goalie Murphy, who tied for sixth in the state for wins. The Hardest Worker award went to Jonah Bergstrom, who finished ninth in the state in assists and is currently on pace to set Pine City’s all time scoring record next year as a senior. Rookie Of the Year went to Dusty Bergstrom. The squad will lose four very valuable seniors in Westbrook, Lindblom, Jake Dahl and Skylar Rasinski. These kids that graduated were kind of my babies,” said Nicoll. “I pulled them up as freshmen and they’ve singlehandedly changed that program around; they brought it back to what

Dragon hockey should be. It will hurt to lose them.” Nicoll said that the stinging overtime loss at Princeton in the playoffs was one that was both unexpected and hard to deal with, especially because of his respect for this senior class. “That was a tough one,” said Nicoll. “Obviously it’s tough every year, but the weird thing is usually I have letters to give to my seniors, and I didn’t bring letters to that game. I just knew we were going to win. It wasn’t cockiness, it was confidence. Nobody on our team thought we would lose that game. A lot of the kids were in shock. Obviously tears from everyone, coaches and players, just a lot of dead air in that room. Even at the banquet, it was tough.” Nicoll added some perspective though as he reflected back to four years ago when his team was

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beaten 16-0 by those same Princeton Tigers, and he can see the progress. The future looks bright despite losing a valuable senior class. “We will bring a lot of talented guys back,” Nicoll added. “We will return 16-17 letter winners, which is pretty unheard of. Losing two of the top three scorers will hurt, but we’ve got talent. We’ve already accomplished a lot, most wins in over a decade this year. A lot of firsts the last two years. First playoff win in how many years, first time in section semis, first time in so many things. We’ve come a long way.” Nicoll said that Westbrook may elect to play hockey at the next level and has several colleges interested in him. Westbrook will be playing in the upcoming Great 8 hockey tournament, an all star event of sorts, with the top 20 seniors

from Sections 4A, 4AA, 5A and 5AA. It is an excellent chance to be seen by scouts. Out of all of the moments in the year, Nicoll said the one that stood out the most was clinching the Conference Championship at St. Paul Highland Park with a 3-1 victory on Friday, Feb. 3. “It couldn’t have ended up any better than us playing at Highland,” Nicoll said in reflection. “They had a great crowd, but I think we traveled better than they who had a home crowd. Kids were into it and fans were too. That game was a lot of fun.” Another highlight was the early season trip to Marshall where the team got to play in the brand new Red Barons facility. “Big screens, replays, slow motion, that was also fun playing out there,” said Nicoll. “We’ll be back out there next year. We also got invited to the

Schwans Cup in Blaine over Christmas at the super rink. Its invite-only, and it’s a great gig to get invited to. It’s progressive year after year. It’s a big deal; they broadcast them on TV in the cities.” With the successes of his team, Nicoll also wanted to thank a large staff of assistant coaches, volunteer coaches and training staff. “It’s kind of a thankless job for those other coaches,” said Nicoll. “They make me look good but those assistant coaches put in a ton of time and effort. We wouldn’t have had the 18-win season without those people. Between our staff coaches and our volunteers, and our trainers, they put in as many hours as I did. They gave everything they had.” The Dragons finished the year with an 18-8 record.

PINE CITY PIONEER

MARCH 30, 2017

PINE CITY PIONEER

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MnDOT planning road projects in Pine County BY AILENE CROUP NEWS@PINECITYMN.COM

PHOTO PROVIDED

Pine County Dairy Princesses ready to serve in 2017 Pine County’s senior and junior dairy princesses have stepped forward to serve the Pine County Dairy Association in 2017: college freshman Alli Peterson (Mike and Shelly), Birch Creek Dairy; 11th grader Ellen Harth (Harold), Birchﬂat Dairy; 11th grader Leah Nelson (Nathan and Suzanna), Home Place Dairy; Ninth grader Paige Sigurdsen (Steve and Tori), Pine Grove; 10th grader Katelyn Robelia (Kyle and Deb); 8th grader Kylie Robelia (Kyle and Deb); 6th grader Esther Nelson (Nathan and Suzanna), Home Place Dairy; Little Miss Dairy Ruth Nelson (Nathan and Suzanna), Home Place Dairy; 1st grader Jessica Klejeski, (Alan and Jennifer), Northstar Dairy; 1st grader Eli Beth Sigurdsen (Steve and Tori), Pine Grove Dairy.

Salute

TO VETERANS Past & Present SHOW YOUR PRIDE

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has two projects scheduled for Pine County for 2017. Bryan Anderson, MnDOT District One planning director, updated commissioners on plans for projects through 2020 at last week’s regular board meeting. MnDOT District One is the largest geographically of the eight in Minnesota, encompassing eight counties, eight cities with populations over 5,000, 19,466 square miles and 1,561 miles of roads. Thirty-one projects will take place districtwide in 2017. Construction begins on Pine County’s first project in May. It involves resurfacing pavement, new guardrails and drainage improvements on a 9.3 mile stretch of I-35. The rehab runs from .9 miles north of County Road 33 in Pine County to 1.8 miles south of Carlton County. Completion of the I-35 project is expected to be September 2017. There will be head-tohead, week-long closures at County Road 43 and 46 ramp and two-lane, twoway bypasses. Total cost: $11,856, 210. The next project is the long-awaited I-35 approach repairs on Highway 48, at Hinckley. Repairs will begin at I-35 to .11 miles east of the Morris Avenue junction. Anderson described the stretch of highway as “in horrible condition.” MnDOT began patching and filling holes several years ago after having many complaints from

i about b h road’s d’ motorists the condition. It was moved ahead on the rehabilitation list. Along with resurfacing, new signals and sidewalks will be installed, according to Anderson. The city of Hinckley has been working to schedule some of its infrastructure projects to avoid digging up the road again and replacing pavement. The county will participate by including remote traffic signaling technology to aid emergency vehicles. The project is expected to be ready to bid June 24, 2017, with construction beginning in the fall. There will be single lane traffic during the construction. The estimated cost is $1,575,000. Commissioner Steve Hallan asked Anderson whether the I-35 bridge over the Snake River west of Pine City was on the four-year list of MnDOT

j projects. Anderson said there had been a lot of investment in I-35 repairs over the last five years. The bridge over the Snake River is on the schedule for 2020. It is estimated at $8,562,500 and includes replacement of the northbound and southbound bridges over the river. This year there are also districtwide projects. There will be some intermittent lane closures as MnDOT replaces signs on Highways 48, 70 and 123. This project began in 2016 and is expected to be finished May 26, 2017, at a cost of $199,910. The 2017 District One repair program also lists districtwide resurfacing and rehabilitation, crack sealing and culvert replacement. The total projected cost of all District One’s 2017 highway projects is $83,680,585.

SSend the ADVERTISER a photo of your veteran, past or present along with $3 by May 11. Photos will be published in a full color special section May 21. Please Include: Veteran’s Name (please print)

Rank (please print)

Branch of Military (please print) V.S. ARROWSMITH

CHECK ONE

KOREAN

IRAQI FREEDOM

WWI

VIETNAM

Other_______

WWII

GULF WAR

Mail or Drop off form, photo and $3 by MAY 11, 2017 to the Mora or Pine City office. 107 Park St. S., Mora, MN 55051 320-679-2661

405 2nd Ave. E., Pine City, MN 55063 320-629-6771

De-stressing through coloring with We R Able in Rush City We R Able offered folks an evening to de-stress through coloring, when it premiered its ﬁrst “Color with Deb” at the Grant House in Rush City in late March. Even though spring was officially marked on the calendar, the days leading up to this event had been gray. The conversation around the tables focused on how some folks are content to sit in front of their televisions and not get out much, but individuals in this group were not going to be counted among them. In fact, these guests demonstrated a formula for getting through the seasons and for removing stress: Take the initiative to get out to meet with friends, enjoy a meal or a beverage at the Grant House and spend some time winding down. The results were visible on each person’s shoulders, which changed from being hunched up around one’s ears, to a more relaxed position at least ﬁve inches lower. The next event is slated for Monday, April 17.

MARCH 30, 2017

PINE CITY PIONEER

www.pinecitymn.com

Pine County unemployment hits highest rate in four years BY MIKE GAINOR EDITOR@PINECITYMN.COM

Unemployment in Pine County in January rose to its highest level in four years. According to information released last week by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), the January 2017 unemployment rate rose to 9.3 percent, up from 6.9 percent in December 2016 and up more than five points after hitting a low of 4.1 percent in October 2016. Overall, DEED data shows that unemployment in Pine County traditionally rises in winter and ear-

ly spring, then heads back downwards. The years 2015-17 have continued that trend so far, with the unemployment rate hitting a low of 3.8 percent in October 2015, then climbing to 8.0 percent in March 2016, and falling from there to a low of 4.1 percent in October 2016 before rising again. However, the January 2017 unemployment rate is the highest unemployment rate for Pine County in the past four years. The last time unemployment was higher was in January 2013, when the unemployment rate stood at 10.1 percent. The highest recorded Pine County unemployment rate was 16.4 per-

cent in February 1991. The lowest was 3.3 percent in October 2000. In January 2017, Pine County had a labor force of 15,048 with 13,652 employed and 1,396 unemployed. Pine County’s October unemployment rate of 9.3 percent was higher than the Minnesota rate of 4.0 percent and the United States unemployment rate of 4.8 percent. DEED officials report that Minnesota employers eliminated 8,300 jobs in January. Over the past year, the state has gained 35,136 jobs, an increase of 1.2 percent. U.S. job growth over the past year was 1.5 percent.

Pine City’s Community Garden gives local gardeners a chance to grow BY TERRY SALMELA UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION

“I experienced a very welcoming feeling by the community and the gardeners,” said Brittany Hancock. Hancock was one of the gardeners who has had a plot at the Pine City Community Garden. The community garden was a great opportunity for her to have a plot when she did not have her own space for a garden. “I received a lot of support and learned a lot from the Pine County Master Gardeners and the other community gardeners,” she added. Anyone who would like to rent a plot at the Pine City Community Garden for this spring and summer is encouraged to attend the Pine City Community Garden Kickoff meeting. It will be on Tuesday, April 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the Pine County Courthouse Board Room at 635 Northridge Dr. NW in Pine City. Refreshments will be served. Community garden plots are 20 ft. x 10 ft. and can be pre-tilled. Water, hoses and a storage shed are available on the site. Each plot is $15 for the season. Pine County Master

Gardeners are available to mentor community gardeners with garden planning and answering questions throughout the season. A reference library of gardening books and handouts is also available. Steve Schmidt and his family have had a plot in the garden for over five years. “It is a great opportunity to grow some fresh vegetables, plentiful enough, so we freeze and can them so they last all winter,” Schmidt said. “We’ve grown potatoes and tomatoes all of which we’ve eaten or given away to family or friends. Getting out into the garden in the morning, near the river, is a pleasant break. The Community Gardens provide tools, tilling, water

and expertise to help make the experience a success. I highly recommend that you test your skills this spring and give it a try. “The garden is a great way for new gardeners to learn and get gardening experience,” Hancock said. “You can get great help from the other gardeners and the Master Gardeners. It’s also a great location.” The Pine City Master Gardener program is in its ninth year and began as a part of the Pine City Horizons Program. It is a partnership between the University of Minnesota Extension Pine County Master Gardeners and the city of Pine City. It is located at Challeen Park at 10 SE 3rd St. in Pine City.

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NEWSLINE Firearms safety training offered

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will hold a firearms safety class for youth. Classes will begin on Tuesday, April 4 at 6:30 p.m. and be held at the 7th grade wing at Pine City High School. Students should arrive on the first night no later than 6:20 p.m. The cost is $7.50 per student. Students will be given instructions on how to pay online to the DNR website. This must be done immediately at the end of the course. Students must be at least 11 years old and turn 12 before Dec. 31, 2017, to attend these classes. Adults are welcome and encouraged to attend. Classes will be held April 4, 11, 18, 25 and on April 22 (field trip). These classes are made possible by the generous support of the Snake River Valley Conservation club, Pine City VFW, Minnesota Deer Hunters (Jim Jordan Chapter), Pheasants Forever (Pine City chapter), Thunderin’ Toms (Local Turkey Federation Chapter), and the family of Harold Kick.

Financially distressed farmers can get help

The University of Minnesota Extension will begin offering one-to-one financial counseling to farmers in serious financial stress. “We know that due to a variety of factors, including on-going low prices, some farmers find themselves facing difficult circumstances,” said Bev Durgan, Extension dean. “With our new program, Extension offers distressed farmers help in understanding their financial situation and exploring options to keep their farms functioning as a viable enterprise.” To set up a confidential appointment with an Extension farm financial analyst, farmers can call the Farm Information Line at 1-800-232-9077. Financial analysts include retired agricultural business professionals from Extension and other organizations. The program is set up to provide analysts at geographically diverse locations in Minnesota. “Compared to the 1980s, the magnitude of the financial stress on Minnesota farms is not as widespread. That’s good news, but it may also keep the many farmers in difficult circumstances from seeking the kind of help that they need,” said Extension agricultural economist Kevin Klair, who leads Extension’s Agricultural Business Management program. “That’s why we’re working with a variety of agriculture interests in Minnesota, including the banking industry, to reach out and let farmers know we can help them explore their options.”

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FROM PAGE ONE

PINE CITY PIONEER

MARCH 30, 2017

www.pinecitymn.com

PHOTO PROVIDED

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family printer. He distributes his newsletters after their Wednesday evening service at church. Besides his current endeavor as a publicist, Zeke is a voracious reader. He has a keen interest in antique books. His eyes gleamed as he described the 1850 1st edition, threebook set of “The American Baptist History” for $300 each, that he found on eBay. Then he ex-

claimed, “Oooooh!” Zeke also loves music. He plays the piano and the recorder. He wrote a song and has many more rolling around in his head. He also collects stamps, coins and seashells. Zeke constructed a museum in his room and charged for tours. One Christmas, he gave gift cards to his family for tours of his museum. But as his interest in books flourished, the museum was dismantled and replaced with book-

shelves. Also, some day, Zeke would like to travel around the United States in an RV. Zeke is blessed with a vigorous imagination and awe-inspiring abilities that are focused on productive and creative endeavors. He is learning invaluable life lessons by being faithful in honoring his commitment to his subscribers by delivering lively and informative newsletters weekly. Zeke has a bright future.

RATES: Study shows need for funds FROM PAGE 1

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March is developmental disabilities month. At a recent Pine County Board meeting, Adult and Disabilities Supervisor Barbara Schmidt with Health and Human Services introduced staff from PHASE, which employs workers with developmental disabilities, and presented the Pine County Commissioners with a bench and planter for the Pine County Courthouse.

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FROM PAGE 1

B U SI NE

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Sheila Hughes and Kathy Thiry of Pine City schools accept a check for $704.56 from Roger Theuninck, Chris’ Food Center store manager and Marvin Berghammer of the Viking Coca-Cola Bottling Company representative. Viking Coca-Cola Bottling Company is directing a portion of its sales of the products Powerade and Powerade Zero back to participating area high schools under a program called “Powerade 4 Schools.”

crossing, street projects, and rehab work on the waste water treatment plant pond. The price tag for work between 20172026 is estimated at $4 million. According to the study, the city will not have enough operating revenue to pay for this work without rate increases. Ehlers recommended that the city make small annual rate increases to

maintain fund levels, increasing both water and sewer rates by three percent each year from 2018 until 2026, except for a rate cut of four percent in 2022. OTHER CITIES The Ehlers study also compared Pine City’s water and sewer rates to the water and sewer rates of four other cities in the region: Cambridge, Mora, North Branch and Sandstone.

The study found that Pine City had the highest water rates among the four cities – but Pine City also had the lowest sewer rates of the four. When water and sewer were added together, Pine City’s rates were the second highest of the four cities, with North Branch having the highest combined rates and Cambridge and Sandstone tied for the lowest combined rates.

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CHART PROVIDED

The above chart, provided in the Ehlers, Inc. study of Pine City water/sewer needs, shows the impact proposed future rate adjustments would have on residents and businesses.

OBITUARIES

MARCH 30, 2017

PINE CITY PIONEER

www.pinecitymn.com

Belva ‘Jean’ Ott

Church in Pine City. Interment took place in Birchwood Cemetery, Pine City. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to: Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City – Swanson Chapel. www.FuneralAndCremationService.com.

Belva “Jean” Ott of Pine City passed away Sunday, March 19, 2017, at Golden Horizons at the age of 87. Belva Jean Most was born May 11, 1929, to Phillip and Mary (Morrison) Most in Atlantic, Iowa. Jean attended school in Iowa and North Dakota; she truly loved school and learning. Jean also loved the field of medicine and chose a career as a dental assistant/hygienist. She worked many years for the State of Minnesota at the State School and Hospital in Cambridge, Minnesota. Jean enjoyed gardening and was especially fond of flowers such as iris, roses and peonies. She also loved to read, complete a challenging puzzle, play cards with family and friends, create new recipes and sewing projects. After retirement she and her husband Mel traveled and loved camping. However, Mel’s health quickly declined; Jean cared for him at their home until his death. The next chapter in Jean’s life brought her and special friend Ray Ovick together to travel and enjoy each other’s company. Jean is survived by her sons Dennis (Pamela) Ott of Pennsylvania and Duane (Geri W.) Ott of Rice; daughter Julie (Bradley) Peterson of Oakdale; grandchildren: Shawna-Cie (Mike) Nigro, Shane (Tish) Ott, Bradley Ott, Brian Ott, Erica (Matt) Rokus and Jared (Renae) Peterson; siblings Frederick (Yvonne) Bebensee and Linda Carlson; brother-in-law Donald Behsman; many other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents Phillip and Mary Most; husband Melvin Ott; granddaughters Jessica and Amanda; sister Marjorie (Vern) Schusted and Louise Behsman; special friend Ray Ovick; brother-inlaw Bruce Carlson. Pastor Glen Kleppe officiated funeral services for Jean Tuesday, March 28, 2017, at Zion Lutheran

Vicki J. Trevillian Vicki JoAnne Norris Trevillian passed away suddenly at age 64 on March 15, 2017, in Newport, Oregon. Vicki was born on Sept. 23, 1952, to Verna Mae (Hinze) and Bob Norris in Rush City. The family moved to Oregon in 1960, and settled in Newport, Oregon where she graduated from high school and spent most of her life. Vicki met and married the love of her life, Ron Trevillian, on Oct. 9, 1971. She is survived by her husband Ron, her son Jim (Nora Heckard) and daughters Tania (Rich) Halligan and Robin Trevillian, her father Bob Norris and grandchildren Jayce and Jared Trevillian, Casey Lavoie, also her nephews Joe (Brittaney) Norris, all of Oregon, Aaron Almquist of Cambridge, nieces Jessy and Allison Norris of Washington state and Tiffany Norris of Cambridge, and several great nieces and nephews; sister-in-law Debra Norris of Cambridge, special friend Janis Kerr of Albany, Oregon; and many cousins in Oregon and Minnesota. Vicki is preceded in death by her mother Verna Mae, brothers Randy and Lynn, grandparents Leonora and Erick Hinze and Fred and Elsie Norris. We will miss her bigger-than-life presence. But we know we will meet again. Until then, we plan to celebrate her life on a sunny day in May.

James T. Bender James Timothy Bender of Pine City passed away at his home on Thursday, March 23, 2017, at the age of 54. James is survived by his mother Myrna Wanous of Pine City; father James Bender of North Dakota; children Brittani (Horace) Williams of St. Paul and Cameron Bender of Red Wing; granddaughters Kaleya and Kali Williams; sister Averal (David) Tebbe of Colorado; brother Otto (Lynn) Bender of River Falls, Wisconsin; many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents. Pastor Rennie Frazer will officiate funeral services for James at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, April 1, 2017, at Swanson Funeral Chapel in Pine City. A time of visitation and viewing will be one hour prior to the service at the chapel. Interment will be in Birchwood Cemetery in Pine City. Funeral arrangements for James Timothy Bender are entrusted to: Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City – Swanson Chapel. www.FuneralAndCremationService.com.

Donald Schwarz Donald Schwarz of Pine City passed away on Sunday, March 26, 2017, at the age of 89. Memorial service is planned for Thursday, March 30, 11 a.m., at the Zion Lutheran Church, Pine City. A time of visitation was planned for Wednesday evening. See full obituary in next week’s Pine City Pioneer. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City – Swanson Chapel. www.funeralandcremationservice.com. SEE OBITUARIES, PAGE 16

WORSHIP GUIDE www.grasstonbaptist.org info@grasstonbaptisit.org 320.396.2645 Worship Service 9:30am Sunday School 10:45am

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 320-420-1302

Hands for Pine City Outreach Church Meeting at Pine City Library Community Room, 300 5th St. SE Sunday NIGHTS 5-6PM Pastors Julie & Brad Samuelson 320-496-3009 Hands4PC@gmail.com Facebook fan page: Hands for Pine City Existing to be the hands of Jesus to Pine City

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

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.

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

Hinckley Seventh Day Adventist

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.

Grasston Baptist Church 402 N. Oak St. Grasston, MN 55030

550 1st St. NE, Hinckley 320-384-6167 Pastor: Carlos Rodriguez Services, Saturday, 11 a.m. Fellowship lunch 1st and 3rd Saturday following services.

Hope Lutheran Church Grasston Jim Sodergren, Pastor 320-396-3925 hopelutherangrasston.org Sunday: 9:30 a.m. Worship Service; 10:30 a.m. Sunday School; Holy Communion first and third Sundays and festival days.

Hustletown Community Church Non-denominational 17945 Blue Jay Ln. Pastor Bruce Thompson 320-225-9231 Sunday School, 10:15 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m.

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 4-4:30pm, Sunday 9:15-9:45am

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

Living Hope Christian Center Pastor Jeremy Langmade Assembly of God 11914 Fairway Rd. SW, Pine City ¾ mile West of I-35 on Pokegama Lake Road 320-629-6136 Livinghopepinecity@gmail.com Sunday Mornings: Life Class 9 a.m., Worship Service 10 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.

10:00 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Fellowship following Worship

Open Arms Church of God

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church

406 Pine St., Grasston, MN 320-396-3373 Pastor Gene Sherrod Spirit Filled Worship Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Children’s ministry

320-629-2935 19390 Ave, Beroun, MN Monsignor Alek Suchan Sunday Mass 8:00 a.m.

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church 825 Golf Ave SW, Pine City 320-629-2985 Pastor Fred Hanson Sunday Services: 8 & 9:30 a.m. Sunday School preK-6th grade at 9:30 a.m. Coffee and fellowship between services Wednesday Lenten Services begin March 1 at 4:30 & 6:30 p.m. Soup and sandwich suppers served Wednesdays from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

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

Pomroy Chapel

South Pine Baptist Church formerly Trinity Baptist Fellowship 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.com

Trinity Episcopal Church 305 First St. NE, Box 204 Hinckley, MN 55037 320-245-0537 All Sunday services at 10:00 a.m. No services on any 5th Sunday

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

2700 320th Ave., Brook Park A NON-DENOMINATIONAL CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP For Special events &/or group studies call: 320-679-3925 Sunday Services: 9:30 a.m. Prayer

The businesses below invite you to attend the house of worship of your choice.

www.ElderwoodofHinckley.com

(320) 384-7373 • 710 Spring Lane, Hinckley

PIONEER PINE CITY

Where You Get the Most Out of Life

ROGER & DEB LARSON

An Experienced Team You Can Trust!

320-629-2561 Serving the Pine City Area Since 1896

MEMBER

612.750.8587 or 612.750.0202

FREE MARKET EVALUATIONS

30 years experience, Pine Cty. residents rogeranddeblarson@edinarealty.com

320-629-6771 www.pinecitymn.com

PINE CITY PIONEER

MARCH 30, 2017 www.pinecitymn.com

OBITUARIES

Minnesota Starwatch FROM PAGE 15

Robert M. Brotten Robert M. “Bob” Brotten of Pine City passed away on Sunday, March 26 at Lakeside Health and Rehab Center in Pine City at the age of 80. Memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 1 at the Swanson Funeral Chapel, Pine City. A time of visitation is planned for one hour prior to the service at the chapel. See full obituary in next week’s Pine City Pioneer. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City – Swanson Chapel. www. funeralandcremationservice.com.

Margaret ‘Marge’ Hughes Margaret “Marge” Hughes, age 82, of Columbus, Minnesota, died Thursday, March 23, 2017. Marge worked as a RN for over 50 years throughout the Metro and culminating her career at District Memorial Hospital, Forest Lake, and Fairview Lakes Regional Medical Center, Wyoming. She was an avid gardener and lover of all animals. She was an active member of The Church of Saint Peter, Forest Lake, and selflessly gave of her time and talents where needed. She is preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Barbara (Pirkl) Quiding; cousin, Margaret Kluk. She is survived by her son, George (Chris) Hughes Jr., beloved pets, many dear family and friends. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 29, 2017, at The Church of Saint Peter, 1250 South Shore Drive, Forest Lake. Visitation was held from 5-8 p.m., Tuesday, and 9:30-10:30 a.m., Wednesday, at Mattson Funeral Home, 343 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake. Rosary was led at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, at the funeral home. Private interment will be held at Brook Park Catholic Cemetery, Brook Park. Memorials may be directed to The Church of Saint Peter and/or the Guillian-Barre Society.

April brings renewal to skies BY DEANE MORRISON

April brings renewal to the stars and planets of the morning and evening skies. Jupiter, long a morning planet, comes into its own in the evening sky. On the 7th, Earth glides between the giant planet and the sun, an event called opposition because it places Jupiter opposite the sun. On that day Jupiter rises in the east at sunset and sets in the west around sunrise. In between, it travels the night sky in company with Spica, the brightest star in Virgo. Spica, however, is no match for the beacon that is Jupiter. On the 10th, the full moon follows Jupiter on its nighttime journey. The moment of fullness comes at 1:08 a.m. on the 11th, when the moon, Jupiter and Spica will be near their highest point in the south. Many Algonquin Indians knew this moon as the full pink moon, for the flowering of grass pink or wild ground phlox at this time of year. Other names included the sprouting grass moon and the egg moon. Venus, a fixture above the sunset horizon all winter, fell into the sunset in March and is reborn this month as a morning star. As it climbs steadily in the east, our sister planet moves farther away from Earth, gearing up for its next trip behind the sun. Look for it late in the month, around 40 minutes before sunrise. On the 23rd, an old crescent moon appears with the planet. Saturn also shines in the predawn hour, low in the south, just to the left of the red star Antares in Scorpius. The real star of April is Leo, the lion, which reaches its highest point during the prime evening viewing hours this month. You’ll find it in the south, prancing westward with the night. The lion’s head is outlined by the famous Sickle of stars, anchored by Regulus, Leo’s brightest star. Just to the east is a triangle of stars marking the hindquarters and tail. At the eastern point of that triangle is Denebola, from the Arabic for “tail of the lion.” But there’s a bigger triangle to be formed using stars of Leo. To see the “spring triangle,” first find

the Big Dipper; in April it hangs upside down, high in the north, in the mid-evening hours. Next, follow the curve of its handle and “arc to Arcturus,” the brilliant star in the east. Then “speed on to Spica” by extending the curve again, being careful not to confuse Spica with Jupiter. As for the third star, you can make a nearly isosceles triangle by adding Regulus, or a more equilateral one by adding Denebola instead. Take your pick. The Lyrid meteor shower is expected to peak in the predawn hours of the 22nd or 23rd, bringing 10 to 20 meteors per hour. Comet Thatcher left behind the dust that burns up in Earth’s atmosphere to generate these meteors. It last visited our part of the solar system in 1861, and it’s not expected back with a new shipment of meteoric dust until 2276. The University of Minnesota offers public viewings of the night sky at its Duluth and Twin Cities campuses. For more information and viewing schedules, see: Duluth, Marshall W. Alworth Planetarium: www.d.umn.edu/planet Twin Cities, Minnesota Institute for Astrophysics: www.astro.umn.edu/outreach/pubnight

PINE COUNTY SHERIFF’S BLOTTER March 20 - 26 Theft, burglary, vandalism March 20, 8:40 a.m., report of burglary, 9th St., Pine City south. March 20, 1:45 p.m., report of theft, Forest Blvd., Rock Creek west. March 21, 8:34 a.m., report of vehicle exterior damage, Pokegama Lake Rd./ Mystic Dove Dr., Pokegama Twp. west. March 21, 2:05 p.m., report of burglary, Island Resort Rd., Pokegama Twp. west. March 22, 7:38 a.m., report of vehicle exterior damage, 2nd St., Pine City north. March 22, 11:58 a.m., report of vehicle prowl/entry, Hillside Ave., Pine City south. March 23, 10:22 a.m., report of theft, Hillside Ave., Pine City south. March 24, 1:44 p.m., report of fraud, Maple Ave., Rock Creek east. March 25, 12:05 p.m., report of fraud, Par Cir., Pine City Twp. west. March 25, 7:22 p.m., report of shoplifter, Hillside Ave., Pine City south.

Miscellaneous March 20, 8:11 p.m., report of disturbance, White Oak Rd., Pokegama Twp. east. March 21, 12:46 p.m., report of domestic, Northridge Dr., Pine City north. March 22, 2:18 p.m., report of drug incident, Northern Rd., Pine City Twp. east. March 22, 10:12 p.m., report of tenant trouble, Fairfax Cir., Rock Creek west. March 23, 12:19 p.m., report of suspicious activity, State Hwy.

70, Royalton Twp. March 23, 7:07 p.m., report of customer trouble, Deer Valley Rd., Pine City Twp. east. March 24, 5:33 p.m., report of jumper, Henriette Rd./I-35, Pokegama Twp. east. March 25, 2:49 p.m., report of unwanted person, 5th St., Pine City south. March 25, 4:48 p.m., report of trespass, St. Croix Rd., Pine City Twp. east. March 25, 5:30 p.m., report of neighbor trouble, Tigua Rd., Pokegama Twp. east. March 26, 7:03 p.m., report of crank 911 calls, Raspberry Rd., Royalton Twp.

Fires and accidents March 24, 3:09 p.m., report of vehicle ﬁre, Everready Rd., Pokegama Twp. east. March 25, 1:05 p.m., report of vehicle ﬁre, Canalville Ln., Pokegama Twp. west.

Jail roster March 20, Marie Ann Fekete, warrant, under sentence, drugs- 5th degreepossess schedule 1... March 20, Richard Alan Huhta, warrant, under sentence, burglary- 3rd degree- enters bldg- intent steal... March 20, Melissa Shelene Larsen, under sentence, trafﬁc- driver’s license- driving after cancellation- inimical to public safety. March 20, Michael Lee Merry, probation violation, under sentence, domestic assaultmisdemeanor- commit... March 20, Christian James Benjamin, warrant, Pine County writ, thefttake/use/ transfer movable... Released March 22.

March 20, Shayne Carl Nelson, warrant, Pine County writ, remand-other authority, drugs3rd degreepossess 3 gr...; trafficdriver’s license- driving after cancellation- inimical to public safety. Released March 22. March 20, Sean Bradley Johnston, Pine County warrant, remand-RPR, ﬁnancial exploitation- vuln adult. Released March 21. March 20, Joshua James Solots, Pine County warrant, no days - sent com, drugsposs/ sale hypo syringe/need... Released March 21. March 20, Robin Marie Welle, Pine County warrant, drugsposs/sale hypo syringe/ need...; govt- evading MV taxGM. Released March 20. March 21, Timothy Cary Hughes, warrant, remandbail, thefttake/drive motor vehicle- no...; robbery- streetknife... March 21, Cory Alan Trampe, under sentence, trafficdriver’s license- driving after cancellation- inimical to public safety; drugs- 5th degreepossess schedule 1... 5th degreeposs/procure/control su... March 21, Karen Lynn Eaton, awaiting trial/court, remand-RPR, probable cause, govtobstruct legal processforce; disturbdisorderly conduct. Released March 23. March 21, Gary Melvin Mathson, under sentence, thefta l te r/p o s s e s s /s e l l / b u yprop... Released March 23. March 21, Hannah Maria Johnston, Pine County warrant, remand-bail, robbery- streetknife...; thefttake/drive motor vehicle- no... Released March 22. March 22, Brian Keith Rose-

land, warrant, remand-hold, fleeing police officer in motor veh... March 22, Adam Scott Spar, awaiting trial/court, hold for other agency, probation violation-Fe; remand-bail, trafficdriver’s license- driving after cancellation- inimical to public safety. March 22, Misty Lynn Helm, awaiting trial/court, probable cause, fugitive from justice from other...; hold for other agency, govt- false name to police officer; drugs- 5th degreeposs... Released March 26. March 22, Micheal Thomas Bothum, warrant, under sentence, disorderly conduct- disturb an assem...; Pine County warrant, assault- domestic assault- misd., disturbdisorderly conduct. Released March 23. March 22, Daniel Joseph Kenney, hold for other agency, fleeing police officer, traffic- driving after revocation; drugs- 5th degreeposs/ procure/control...; govt- false name to police officer. Released March 23. March 23, Jolisa Marie Goodman, warrant, remand-other authority, trespass- return to property within... drugs- 5th degree- sale- schedule IV...; Pine County writ, stolen property- poss- unknown prop$250... March 23, Kevin Andrew Mangan, awaiting trial/court, remand-RPR, probable cause, domestic abuse no contact order... Released March 24. March 23, Drew James Bartz, awaiting trial/court, probable cause, traffic- insurance- uninsured vehicle, MV reg- hit and run failure to not... Released March 23.

March 24, Karyena Marye Alken, awaiting trial/court, probable cause, drugs- 5th degreepossess schedu... March 24, Julie Ann Amundson, awaiting trial/court, probable cause, burglary- 3rd degree- enters bldg- intent steal...; drugs- 5th degreeposs... possession of drug paraphernalia. March 24, Charles Richard Brock, Pine County warrant, assault- terrorist threats reckless dis... March 24, Gerald Otto Darkow Jr., awaiting trial/court, burglary- 3rd degree- non res- forced- day; drugs-4th degree- sale- schedul... 5th degree- procure/possess/co... March 24, Karac James Erickson, warrant, hold for other agency, contempt of courtconstructive...; Pine County warrant, drugs- 5th degreepossess schedu... March 24, Kyle Dean Lindus, Pine County warrant, govtobstruct legal process- interfe... March 24, Patricia Lynn Logan, awaiting trial/court, probable cause, drugs- possess over 1.4 grams marijuana, hold for other agency, 5th degreepossess schedu... March 24, James Edward Nelson, under sentence, theftalter/possess/sell/buy- proper... March 24, Joel Matthew Philippi, Pine County warrant, traffic- DUI-1st degreerefusal to submit to... March 24, Wah bin mi gi si pe Robertson, awaiting trial/ court, pre-trial violation, drugs- 5th degreepossess schedu... March 24, Chris James Buirge, Pine County warrant, theftobtain services- no payment.

Released March 24. March 24, Jacob Allen Lindman, awaiting trial/court, probable cause, govt- evading MV tax-GM; traffic- driving after suspension, open bottlepossess... Released March 24. March 24, Jessica Jo Pigeon, Pine County warrant, theft$500 or less- M... Released March 24. March 25, David Alan Carr, Pine County warrant, theft$500 or less-M... March 25, Donald David Pepworth, Pine County warrant, traffic- DUI- 2nd degree- alcohol conc over... March 25, Kevin Matthew Robinson, hold for other agency, drugs- 5th degreeposs... March 25, Olivia Rae Tollefson, awaiting trial/court, probable cause, drugs- possession of drug paraphernali, 5th degreeposs... March 26, Sampson Philip Gagne, awaiting trial/court, probable cause, domestic assault- by strangulation; assault- domestic assault- Fe. March 26, Carrie Jean Major, Pine County warrant, disturbdisorderly conduct. March 26, Daniel Ruben Reyes, awaiting trial/court, hold for other agency, thefttake/use/transfer movable pro...; probable cause, trafficdriver’s license- driving restrictions- alc/co... open bottle law drinking an...driving after cancellation- inimical to public safety, DWI-4th degree drive while impaired; drugsparaphernalia- possess...

There have been 510 admissions to the Pine County Jail in 2017.

MARCH 30, 2017 NOTICE OF VOLUNTARY 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. Date: March 20, 2017 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT: Default has occurred in the conditions of the following described mortgage: DATE OF MORTGAGE: November 1, 2007 ORIGINAL PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE: $248,000.00 MORTGAGOR(S): Mark A. Henkel and Rachael L. Henkel, husband and wife MORTGAGEE: Northview Bank DATE AND PLACE OF FILING: November 5, 2007, as Document No. A468644, as modified by a Note and Mortgage Modification Agreement dated January 25, 2012, recorded on January 26, 2012, as Document No. A-498833, both in the office of the County Recorder of Pine County, Minnesota. ASSIGNMENTS OF MORTGAGE: None LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY: A tract of land in Lot Seven (7) of Auditor’s Subdivision of Section Eighteen (18), Township Forty-three (43), Range Twenty (20), more particularly described as follows, to-wit: Commencing at the South Quarter corner of said Section 18, thence North on the Quarter line a distance of 33 feet to the point of beginning of the tract to be herein described, thence continuing on this same straight line a distance of 149 feet, thence East parallel to the South line of said Lot 7 a distance of 207.5 feet, thence South parallel to the West line of said Lot 7 a distance of 149 feet, thence West a distance of 207.5 feet to the point of beginning. Pine County, Minnesota. COUNTY IN WHICH PROPERTY IS LOCATED: Pine County, Minnesota THE AMOUNT CLAIMED TO BE DUE ON THE MORTGAGE ON THE DATE OF THE NOTICE: $176,916.72 THAT no action or proceeding has been instituted at law to recover the debt secured by said mortgage, or any part thereof; that there has been compliance with all pre-foreclosure notice and acceleration requirements of said mortgage, and/ or applicable statutes; PURSUANT, to the power of sale contained in said mortgage, the above described real property will be sold by the Sheriff of Pine County as follows: DATE AND TIME OF SALE: May 11, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. PLACE OF SALE: Pine County Sheriff’s Office, Pine County Courthouse, Room 100, 635 Northridge Drive NW, Pine City, MN 55063 To pay the debt then secured by said mortgage and taxes, if any actually paid by the mortgagee, on the premises and the costs and disbursements allowed by law. The time allowed by law for redemption by said mortgagors, their personal representatives or assigns is two (2) months after the date of sale, except in the case where the real estate is subject to a federal tax lien and then the mortgagor and the United States are entitled to a 120-day redemption period pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 582.32, subd. 5(d). Pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 582.32, Mortgagor and Mortgagee have entered into a Voluntary Foreclosure Agreement dated February 23, 2017, and recorded on February 27, 2017, as Document No. A-532021, with the Pine County Recorder. Junior lienholders may redeem in the order and manner provided in Minnesota Statutes § 582.32, subdivision 9, beginning after the expiration of the mortgagors’ redemption period. NORTHVIEW BANK By Robert R. Kanuit Attorney Registration #0252530 Fryberger, Buchanan, Smith & Frederick, P.A. 302 West Superior Street, Suite 700 Duluth, Minnesota 55802-1863 (218) 722-0861 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE FORECLOSURE DATA (1) Street Address, city and zip code of mortgaged premises: 6501 School Street North, Finlayson, MN 55735 (2) Transaction agent; residential mortgage servicer; and lender or broker: Northview Bank (3) Tax parcel identification numbers: 38.0026.000 (4) Transaction Agent’s mortgage ID number (MERS number): None (5) Name or mortgage originator: Northview Bank

www.pinecitymn.com Published in the Pine City Pioneer on March 23, 30, April 6 and 13, 2017 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: July 1, 2003 MORTGAGOR: Robert C Andermann, a single person. MORTGAGEE: National City Mortgage Co dba Commonwealth United Mortgage Company. DATE AND PLACE OF RECORDING: Recorded July 23, 2003 Pine County Recorder, Document No. 423097. ASSIGNMENTS OF MORTGAGE: Assigned to: PNC Bank, National Association. Dated February 15, 2017 Recorded February 27, 2017, as Document No. A532058. TRANSACTION AGENT: NONE TRANSACTION AGENT’S MORTGAGE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ON MORTGAGE: NONE LENDER OR BROKER AND MORTGAGE ORIGINATOR STATED ON MORTGAGE: National City Mortgage Co dba Commonwealth United Mortgage Company RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE SERVICER: PNC Bank, National Association MORTGAGED PROPERTY ADDRESS: 49941 Log Cabin Road, Hinckley, MN 55037 TAX PARCEL I.D. #: 09.0081.000 LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY: East 1/2 of East 1/2 of SE 1/4 of SW 1/4 in Section 9, Township 41, Range 18 COUNTY IN WHICH PROPERTY IS LOCATED: Pine ORIGINAL PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE: $92,000.00 AMOUNT DUE AND CLAIMED TO BE DUE AS OF DATE OF NOTICE, INCLUDING TAXES, IF ANY, PAID BY MORTGAGEE: $70,504.37 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: May 18, 2017 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 November 20, 2017 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: March 14, 2017 PNC 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 4 - 17-001662 FC THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. Published in the Pine City Pioneer on March 30, April 6, 13, 20, 27 and May 4, 2017 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: October 20, 2006 MORTGAGOR: Cheryl L. Carter, a single person. MORTGAGEE: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. DATE AND PLACE OF RECORDING: Recorded November 6, 2006 Pine County Recorder, Document No. A459728. ASSIGNMENTS OF MORTGAGE: Assigned to: Nationstar Mortgage LLC. Dated February 10, 2010 Recorded February 23, 2010, as Document No. A485902 and by Document Dated November 19, 2015 Recorded December 9, 2015 by Document No. A-524197. TRANSACTION AGENT: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. TRANSACTION AGENT’S MORTGAGE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ON MORTGAGE: 1002823-0100001782-1 LENDER OR BROKER AND MORTGAGE ORIGINATOR STATED ON MORTGAGE: General Mortgage Finance Corp RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE SERVICER: Nationstar Mortgage LLC MORTGAGED PROPERTY ADDRESS: 285 Pokegama Avenue West, Henriette, MN 55036 TAX PARCEL I.D. #: 390003001 LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY: Part of the Northwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter (NW 1/4 of NW 1/4) of Section Seventeen (17), Township Thirty-nine (39), Range Twenty-two (22), described as follows: Commencing at a point 494 feet East and 33 feet North of the Southwest corner of the NW 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section 17, Township 39, Range 22, thence running north and parallel with the West line of the above described forty a distance of 208 feet; thence West and parallel with the South line of the above described forty a distance of 45 feet; thence South and parallel with the West line of the above described forty a distance of 208 feet; thence East and parallel with the South line of the above described forty a distance of 45 feet to the point of commencement and thereto terminate. COUNTY IN WHICH PROPERTY IS LOCATED: Pine ORIGINAL PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE: $54,400.00 AMOUNT DUE AND CLAIMED TO BE DUE AS OF DATE OF NOTICE, INCLUDING TAXES, IF ANY, PAID BY MORTGAGEE: $49,068.34 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: May 25, 2017 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 November 27, 2017 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: March 21, 2017 Nationstar Mortgage LLC 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 21 - 17-002276 FC THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. Published in the Pine City Pioneer on March 30, April 6, 13, 20, 27 and May 4, 2017 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE NOTICE IS hereby given that default has occurred in the conditions of that certain mortgage dated_ July 24, 2007, given to secure an original principal amount of $154,000.00 executed by Jennifer Haavisto, a single person, as mortgagor(s), to the United States of America, acting through the Rural Housing Service, formerly known as Farmers Home Administration, United States Department of Agriculture, Mortgagee, and duly recorded with the Office of the County Recorder of PINE County, Minnesota on August 15, 2007, as Document Number A 466744. Notice is also given, that the undersigned Government agency intends to and is foreclosing by advertisement under a power of sale contained therein, a certain warranty deed conveyed and warranted to Jennifer Haavisto, Grantee, dated June 2, 2008, recorded June 6, 2008, with the PINE County Recorder as document number A 473034 No action or proceeding has been instituted at law or otherwise to recover the debt secured by said mortgage or any part thereof: all pre-foreclosure notice requirements have been complied with. There is due and claimed to be due on the mortgage and the note secured thereby, including interest, taxes, and fees to the date of this notice, the sum of One Hundred Ninety Seven Thousand Nine Hundred Seventy and 12/100 $(197,970.12). Pursuant to the power of sale therein contained, said mortgage will be foreclosed and the tract of land lying and being located in the County of PINE, Minnesota, described as follows: Legal description: That part of the Southeast Quarter of Section 33, Township 39, Range 21, Pine County, Minnesota, described as follows: Commencing at the southeast corner of said Section 33, thence South 89 degrees 50 minutes 44 seconds West, assumed bearing, along the south line of said Section 33, a distance of 527.97 feet; thence North 00 degrees 19 minutes 31 seconds West a distance of 1006.11 feet to the point of beginning of the land to be described; thence South 87 degrees 17 minutes 37 seconds West a distance of 7.56 feet; thence North 02 degrees 51 minutes 21 seconds West a distance of 75.00 feet; thence North 89 degrees 54 minutes 29 seconds East a distance of 159.62 feet, more or less, to the westerly right of way of Seventh Street; thence South 00 degrees 04 minutes 05 seconds West, along said westerly right of way, a distance of 75.01, feet, more or less, to a line that bears South 89 degrees 55 minutes 23 seconds East from the point of beginning; thence North 89 degrees 55 minutes 23 seconds a distance Of 148.24 feet to the point of beginning and there terminating. That part of the Southwest Quarter of Section 33, Township 39, Range 21, Pine County Minnesota, described as follows: Commencing at the southeast corner of said Southwest Quarter; thence South 89 degrees 50 minutes 44 seconds West, assumed bearing, along the south line of said Southwest Quarter, a distance of 527.97 feet; thence North 00 degrees 19 minutes 31 seconds West, a distance of 1006.11

PINE CITY PIONEER feet to the point of beginning of the property to be described; thence South 87 degrees 17 minutes 37 seconds West, a distance of 7.56 feet; thence North 02 degrees 51 minutes 21 seconds West, a distance of 75.00 feet; thence North 89 degrees 54 minutes 29 seconds East, a distance of 159.62 feet, more or less, to the westerly right of way of Seventh Street; thence South 00 degrees 04 minutes 05 seconds West, along said westerly right of way, a distance of 75.01 feet, more or less, to a line that bears South 89 degrees 55 minutes 23 seconds East from said point of beginning; thence North 89 degrees 55 minutes 23 seconds West, a distance of 148.24 feet to the point of beginning and there terminating. Said parcel being a part of Lot 20, Auditor’s Subdivision of Section 33, Township 39, Range 21. Property address: 825 7th Street SW, Pine City, MN 550632036 Parcel ID: 42.0285.000 will be sold by the Sheriff of Pine County at public auction on the 22nd day of June, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. o’clock in the County Sheriff’s Office in Pine City MN, to pay the debt then secured by said mortgage, taxes, if any on said premises, and the costs and disbursements allowed by law, subject to redemption within Six (6) months from said date of sale. At the time of the commencement of said mortgage foreclosure proceedings said lands were not agricultural lands as defined by the Minnesota Omnibus Farm Act, Laws of 1986, Chapter 398. The date on or before which the mortgagor must vacate the property if the mortgage is not reinstated or the property redeemed, the time is 11:59 p.m. on (December 22, 2017). Dated: March 22, 2017 By: Thomas B. Herron Director, Default Management Branch Acting on behalf of The Rural Housing Service (Successor in interest to the Farmers Home Administration) U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Published in the Pine City Pioneer on March 30, April 6, 14, 20, 27 and May 4, 2017 Organizational Meeting Brook Park Township NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, That the Brook Park Township will be holding their Organizational Meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 11th, 2017 at the Brook Park Town Hall (formerly Lions Den), Brook Park, MN. The regular meeting of the township will immediately follow the Organizational Meeting. Kelly Johnson, Clerk of Brook Park Township Published in the Pine City Pioneer on March 30, 2017 NOTICE OF ABANDONED PERSONAL PROPERTY The following Pine County, Minnesota, Tax-Forfeited property has abandoned personal property on them: 124 Pathfinder Village, Unit F8; Hinckley (formerly owned by Carl and Barbara Harrer) To claim any personal property, former owners must call the Pine County Land Department at (320) 216-4225. Unclaimed property will become property of Pine County and will be disposed or sold. Published in the Pine City Pioneer on March 23 and 30, 2017 ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS 2nd Street SE Utility Improvements City of Pine City, Minnesota SEH No. PINE0 113189 Notice is hereby given that sealed Bids will be received by the City of Pine City until 2:00 p.m., Thursday, April 13, 2017, at the Pine City, City Hall located at 315 Main St. S., Suite 100, Pine City, MN 55063, at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud, for the furnishing of all labor and material for the construction of 2nd Street SE Utility Improvements. Major quantities for the Work include: 8,800 SY Reclaim Bituminous Pavement 2,200 LF 8-Inch PVC Sanitary Sewer 2,000 LF 8-Inch PVC Water

Main 2,480 LF CIPP 8-Inch Sanitary Sewer Lining 780 LF CIPP 4-Inch Sanitary Service Lining 5 Each Sanitary Sewer Manholes Bids shall be on the form provided for that purpose and according to the Bidding Requirements prepared by Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc. (SEH®) dated February 28, 2107. The Issuing Office for the Bidding Documents is: Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc. located at 3535 Vadnais Center Drive, St. Paul, MN 55110-5196, Greg Anderson 651.490.2000. The Bidding Documents may be viewed for no cost at http://www. sehinc.com by selecting the Project Bid Information link at the bottom of the page and the View Plans option from the menu at the top of the selected project page. Digital image copies of the Bidding Documents are available at http:// www.sehinc.com for a fee of $30. These documents may be downloaded by selecting this project from the PROJECT BID INFORMATION link and by entering eBidDocTM Number 4889116 on the SEARCH PROJECTS page. For assistance and free membership registration, contact QuestCDN at 952.233.1632 or info@questcdn.com. Paper copies of the Bidding Documents may be obtained from Docunet Corp. located at 2435 Xenium Lane North, Plymouth, MN 55441 (763.475.9600) for a fee of $100. Bid security in the amount of 5 percent of the Bid must accompany each Bid in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders. Bids shall be directed to the City Administrator, securely sealed and endorsed upon the outside wrapper, “BID FOR 2ND STREET SE UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS.” The City reserves the right to reject any and all Bids, to waive irregularities and informalities therein and to award the Contract in the best interests of the City. Ken Cammilleri City Administrator City of Pine City, Minnesota Published in the Pine City Pioneer on March 16, 23 and 30, 2017 ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Kraus-Anderson Construction will be soliciting prime bids for the Mora Campus Additions & Renovations Project on behalf of FirstLight Health System as CMa. The project is approximately 115,000 SF of additions and renovations to the existing hospital in Mora, MN, consisting of (2) 2-story additions, and includes associated sitework, parking lot and helipad reconfiguration, new canopy and feature stair additions, and extensive renovation to the existing interior of the hospital. Separate sealed Bids will be taken on May 4, 2017 at 2:00 PM (CST) onsite at the Kraus-Anderson Job Office (Located at the intersection of Forest Ave East & Clark St., Mora, MN)”. All bid requirements and insurance will need to be followed per the Instruction to Bidders. All contracts will be assigned to FirstLight Health System. To be included on the bidders list and obtain access to the plans and specifications on iSqFt, please contact debbie.johnson@ krausanderson.com. Kraus-Anderson Construction Company 3433 Broadway Street NE Minneapolis, MN 55413 612-332-7281 Contact for plans and bidder info: Debbie Johnson debbie.johnson@ krausanderson.com Senior Project Manager: Matt Johnson matt.johnson@krausanderson.com Project Manager: Jessica Masterson jessica.masterson@ krausanderson.com Assistant Project Manager: Mike Stark mike.stark@krausanderson. com Bid documents will be available by April 6, 2017 through KrausAnderson, ISQFT (including AGC of MN Planroom), Builders Exchange of St. Cloud, Mid-Minnesota Builders Exchange, Duluth Builders Exchange, and Minneapolis Builders Exchange. Published in the Pine City Pioneer on March 30, April 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2017

WEATHER Date 3/20 3/21 3/22 3/23 3/24 3/25

High 54° 36° 39° 40° 42° 46°

Low 34° 20° 15° 29° 33° 34°

Precip./Snow 0 0 0 .04"/0.9" 0 0

PINE CITY PIONEER

www.pinecitymn.com

MARCH 30, 2017

PHONE: 320-629-6771 | PHONE: 763-689-1181 ext 101 | ads@pinecitymn.com| Deadline: Monday by 4:30pm

Broken Hearted! Lost my heart pendant necklace in Pine City Walmart 02/23. Reward for return. 320-629-8045

R TE D

102 SERVICES

DRYWALL• PAINTING

-6 64

e Pin

Since 1974

WALLPAPERING & REMOVAL

it 29 ys 320-6

106 HOME IMPROVEMENT

Do you like tinkering and are mechanically inclined? Cambridge - 1st shift part time starter position as a Press Helper. Most Fridays off. No evenings or weekends. Apply in person or send resume to: North Star Media 930 S. Cleveland St. NW Cambridge, MN 55008 or via email at: printing@northstarmedia.net

Handy women of East Central MN. Painting, tiling, organizing and cleaning. Great prices. 320-703-9014

154 EMPLOYMENT Exciting Opportunity at Golden Horizons, Hiring PT & FT Care Attendants. Experience preferred but not necessary. Call Kim or Sue 320-629-7272. Looking for a General Construction Laborer for a variety of work. Must have a vaild drivers license and great work ethic. Cantact C&A Campbell Construction 320-629-4674 or stop in at 635 14th St Sw Pine City to pick up an application.

APPLY IN PERSON Ruddy’s Rental 21380 Forest Blvd Forest Lake, MN 55025

NOW HIRING: Join our Growing Team!

Food Service Team Members

Must be experienced, compassionate, dependable, HHA/CNA Flexible short/long shifts and overnight shifts available. PTO available

Apply in person at Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pine City, MN

*Ask about beneﬁts you can receive at 90 days employment Cambridge, Pine City, North Branch, Mora and surrounding areas.

Call M-F 10am-4pm for details 763-552-4043 The smart way to sell your stuff! Call 320-629-6771 or go to www.pinecitymn.com - click on Classiﬁeds place an ad!

Kentucky Fried Chicken 1280 Hillside Ave SW, Pine City, MN

reach 18,000 homes each week To place an ad call 320-629-6771 or go to www.pinecitymn.com

157 EMPLOYMENT PART TIME

CASH FOR CARS. Wanted junk or repairable vehicles. Call Dave at 612-963-4621

NOW HIRING!

Part-time Substitute and Part-time Casual Bus Drivers $13.06/hour Cloquet, Two Harbors and Sandstone Garage is in Sandstone

404 GARAGE SALES

Cabins & Garages

The Classifieds The Classifieds The Classifieds Call 320-679-2661 or 320-629-6771

CLASSIFIED ADS GET RESULTS Call 320-679-2661 Mora or 320-629-6771 Pine City

to place your ad.

Call Shirley at

PINE CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS HAS THE FOLLOWING OPENING:

Substitute Custodians

320-629-7161 for apt.

Weekly • Bi-Weekly Monthly • One Time

l Cleans It All! One Cal

For complete posting, visit our county website @ www.co.pine.mn.us under Quick Links – Employment Opportunities

Qualifications: Qualiﬁed applicants should be able to frequently lift or move 50 pounds. Occasionally they may be required to lift or move up to 90 pounds. General cleaning and maintenance duties as assigned. Needed Immediately • Apply Online: http://www.applitrack.com/pinecity/onlineapp/

Now Hiring:

CARIBOU COFFEE BARISTA Experience Preferred Year round – Variable Hours Weekends & Evenings Required Competitive Wages Plus Tips Beneﬁts may include vacation pay, employee discounts, proﬁt sharing, medical, dental, vision, life & Flex Plans. References required with our application.

We are Looking for Energetic, Positive, Outgoing, Self-motivated Individuals! Applications available at Tobies To Station & Tobies Restaurant Hinckley, MN 3320-384-6174 or www.tobies.com

Residential & Commercial • New Construction Clean-up

BARB

612-425-5839

ALSO ONLINE ON THE NORTHSTAR MEDIA CLASSIFIED NETWORK COVERING EAST CENTRAL MINNESOTA pinecitymn.com - moraminn.com - isanti-chisagocountystar.com

CLASSIFIED FORM

❑ Pay by Cash ❑ Pay by Check ❑ Pay by Credit Card

Name

Address

Credit card number:

City, State, Zip Phone (

Expiration Date: ____ /____

)

629-6771 679-2661 405 SECOND AVE SE, PINE CITY, MN 55063

107 S. PARK ST., MORA, MN 55051-0239

Fax 320-629-6772 Fax 320-679-2663 Place your classified online www.moraminn.com • www.pinecitymn.com No refunds on cancelled classiﬁeds

3 digit security code

TOTAL 1 WEEK COST

Amount from form

20% DISCOUNT Run 2 weeks

PRINT YOUR AD BELOW. PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY

First week cost $_________ X 2 weeks= $________ X .80 10 WORDS/ $10.00 15 WORDS $15.00

16 WORDS $16.00

17 WORDS $17.00

18 WORDS $18.00

19 WORDS $19.00

20 WORDS $20.00

Looking for

21 WORDS $21.00

22 WORDS $22.00

23 WORDS $23.00

24 WORDS $24.00

25 WORDS $25.00

Full Time and Part Time Stylist

26 WORDS $26.00

27 WORDS $27.00

28 WORDS $28.00

29 WORDS $29.00

30 WORDS $30.00

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 320-629-6771 or www.pinecitymn.com

Wanting to rent in Pine City/Rock Creek area. 5-20 acres, farm ground must be well drained. Long term 12 years. Please call Bork Evergreens 320-384-7406 or 612-390-1873

Disabled or Handicap housing age 62+.

Call 320-629-6771 or go to www.pinecitymn.com - click on Classiﬁeds, place an ad!

14 WORDS $14.00

Apply online at regiscorp.com

Westchester Village, Section 8, Senior Bldg.

The smart way to sell your stuff!

13 WORDS $13.00

* Sign on Bonus, Work some nights & weekends.

503 LOTS & ACREAGE

1998 Nissan 200SX, 5 speed. 105,000 miles, minimal rusting, excellent interior $1,500/OBO. Serious Inquiries Only 320-629-1100

NOW AVAILABLE.

Buy & Sell Old Records Vinyl, LPs 45s,Cassettes,stereos CDs Go Johnny Go 4775 Banning Av White Bear Lake M-F 1-8 Sat 10-4 612-735-1643

Must be 21 years old Apply online at: aeoaess.aeoa.org/careers If your application is accepted, Arrowhead Transit will provide & pay for the training you need to obtain your professional commercial driver’s license (CDL).

502 4 SALE BY OWNER

PINE CITY 1-BR APT

406 SALES

12 WORDS $12.00

Smart Style in Pine City

1 Bedroom efficiency apartment. Utilities paid, Satellite T.V., $450/mo. Rock Creek. 320-629-6578

April Fools' Rummage Sale April 1, 7:30-2 Pine Town Hall, Pine City. Several Families.

11 WORDS $11.00

HELP WANTED

452 RENTALS RESIDENTIAL

369 WANTED

Paper applications are available in the District Oﬃce in the high school.

Essential Duties: Ability to comprehend complex screening criteria, assess situations based on the criteria, assimilate and process information which is not presented in a concurrent fashion, and to make recommendations for disposition of this information. Prepare various reports, summaries, findings, etc on cases. Consult with psychiatrists, attorneys and others regarding cases. Minimum Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in social work, psychology, sociology or closely related field or A bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in any field and one year of experience as a social worker in a public or private social services agency. Also, valid driver’s license and appropriate certification and licensure. Salary: $21.36/hr. - $29.35/hr. Closing Date: Friday, April 14, 2017 @ 12:00 pm

wants you to be a part of our family business in both Forest Lake and North Branch locations.

Lot/Yard Person Looking for a summer job and want to learn about engines and equipment? This is perfect for you! Mechanically inclined is helpful. We will train. Must have an interest to learn and grow. Fast pace 10-30 hours per week. Saturdays a must.

154 EMPLOYMENT

COUNTY AGENCY SOCIAL WORKER ADULT SERVICES

RUDDY’S RENTAL

Counter Person Must have great phone skills, friendly and a team player. 10-25 hrs per week and 2 Saturdays per month.

154 EMPLOYMENT

Join The Tobies Team!

154 EMPLOYMENT

16 LOST & FOUND

TOTAL COST

First week cost $_________ X 3 weeks= $________ X .70 TOTAL COST

0351 0059 0401 0052 0113 0060 0353 0151 0403 0201 0154 0301

Antiques/Collectibles ATVs Auction Calendar Automobiles Black Dirt Boats & Accessories Building Supplies Business Opportunity Crafts/Boutiques Daycare Employment Farm Misc.

0302 Feed/Seed/Hay 0358 Firewood 0366 Guns 0159 Health Care 0115 Home Heating 0106 Home Improvement 0355 Household 0108 Landscaping 0109 Lawn Care 0361 Lawn & Garden 0012 Livestock 0016 Lost & Found

0503 Lots & Acreage 0362 Misc. 0504 Manufactured Homes 0055 Motorcycles/Bikes 0363 Music 0020 Notices 0305 Pets/Supplies 0506 Real Estate 0451 Rentals/Commercial & Residential 0453 Roommates 0056 RVs/Campers

0404 0102 0357 0057 0101 0050 0112 0058 0369 0502

40% DISCOUNT Run 4 weeks

First week cost $_________ X 4 weeks= $________ X .60 TOTAL COST

SELECT CATEGORY

30% DISCOUNT Run 3 weeks

ADVERTISING POLICIES:

The publisher is not liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not diminish the value of the Sales advertisement. Services The publisher's liability for any Snow Blower/ other error is limited to crediting the Equipment advertiser for the space occupied by Snowmobiles the advertisement materially affected by the error. For example, if there is a word Snow Removal missing from a classiﬁed ad (garage sale Trailers item or descriptive word), no credit will be Tree Service issued. Trucks/Vans/SUVs Credit will not be given for more Wanted than one incorrect insertion unless the For Sale By Owner publisher is notiﬁed the same week the error occurs. All claims for adjustment

must be communicated to the publisher within 7 days of the first insertion. Failure to do so will result in forfeit of credit. Requests to place ads after the deadline nullifies all potential credit requests. Please check to make sure your advertisement is correct. If you made a change in your ad - in text and/or scheduling, please check to make sure it is corrected. If you have cancelled an ad, please check to make sure that the advertisement has been cancelled. We cannot guarantee placement of where your ad will be within your classification.

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS THE PIONEER?

MARCH 30, 2017

PINE CITY PIONEER

www.pinecitymn.com

PHOTO PROVIDED

Even camouﬂage can’t hide Johnsons’ Pine City pride PHOTO PROVIDED

Pioneer poses at home of great American inventors

Despite an attempt to hide between a ﬂowering royal poinciana tree, Eldon and Sandra Johnson were spotted on a getaway to warmer climes this winter. The couple brought their Pine City Pioneer along to the Six Mile Cypress Preserve near Fort Myers, Florida. Readers can show their Pine City pride by submitting pictures of themselves in exotic locations throughout the world. Send all photos to editor@pinecitymn.com.

Jess Gottschalk and Jenny Schlichting spent a few lovely days in Fort Myers, Florida, and brought the Pine City Pioneer along on a tour of Thomas Edison’s and Henry Ford’s winter estate and museum.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Off to the islands Luke and Leslie Hegge were married in Los Angeles, then headed to Tahiti and Moorea for a romantic island honeymoon with the Pine City Pioneer.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Pioneer parties on Padre Island Austin Hansmann, Skylar Rasinski, Dan Showalter and Drew Steele brought their Pine City Pioneer on Spring Break at South Padre Island, Texas.

PINE CITY PIONEER

CELEBRATING OUR

MARCH 30, 2017

MATT G. ALLEN, MD Family Medicine

DANIELLE M. BERGMAN, MD Family Medicine

RANDALL BOSTROM, MD Emergency Medicine

MICHAEL T. CADY, MD Gynecology/ Women’s Health

RACHEL S. CADY, MD Gynecology/ Women’s Health

RALPH CHU, MD Ophthalmology

DONALD DAHLEN, MD Family Medicine

THOMAS D. DAVIN, MD Nephrology; Internal Med.

PETER J. DONNER, MD Family Medicine

MARK W. DOYSCHER, MD Diagnostic Radiology

RYAN J. GAALSWYK, MD Family Medicine

DR. SHELBY B. HYLLENGREN, DPM Podiatry

TERRY A. JOHNSON, MD Emergency Medicine

INGRID KAIJAGE, MD Family Medicine

JOHN KAMPA, MD Orthopedics

RANDY KARGER, MD Ophthalmology

KURT W. KEOGH, MD Emergency Medicine

DR. KATHLEEN KROSCHEL, MD Family Medicine

RYAN KROSCHEL, MD Family Medicine

SCOTT W. LAGAARD, MD Orthopedics

DENISE LARSON, MD Wound Care

JOSEPH B. LIND, MD Family Medicine

TROY G. MORK, OD Optometry

THOMAS M. MULLIN, MD Sports Medicine

DANA L. NELSON, MD Pathology

TOM NELSON, MD General Surgery

MATTHEW D. SCHULTZ, MD Family Medicine

JACK D. SCHWINGHAMER, MD Family Medicine

SAM VILLELLA, OD Optometry

KURTIS WATERS, MD ENT, Otolaryngology

BRIAN D. MATTHEW NISKANEN, MD PATTERSON, MD Family Allergy/Immunology; Medicine Sleep Medicine

ROBERT WEEKS, MD Emergency Medicine

TIMOTHY S. YEH, MD Oncology

Our deepest appreciation also to the many other wonderful physicians and physician groups who partner with us and offer their specialties in our clinics. THANK YOU!

Doctors’ Day 2017: March 30th is National Doctors’ Day, established in 1991 to recognize physicians and the important work they do. At FirstLight Health System, we are proud of the ﬁrst-rate care that our physicians provide. Please join us in thanking them for their hard work, their concern for every patient, and their endless contributions to FirstLight and to our communities.

Thank You to All of Our Wonderful Doctors, and HAPPY DOCTORS’ DAY!

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