Pioneer e-edition Dec. 31, 2015 by Pine City Pioneer

PINE CITY

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015 VOL. 130 NO. 53 www.pinecitymn.com $1.00

TRAIN TALK: NLX backers propose cheaper, slower train through Pine County. P12

Daytime burglars hit homes around Pine City area Burglary suspects busted in Rock Creek, Hinckley: Page 11 BY MIKE GAINOR EDITOR@PINECITYMN.COM

PHOTO PROVIDED

Little helpers make big contribution to food shelf On Dec. 22, Mrs. Allen’s and Ms. Stull’s classes walked all the food that the entire Pine City Elementary first grade collected during the month of December to the Pine Community Food Shelf. The 57 bags filled with over 370 pounds of food will be offered to those who need it in the Pine City area this holiday season, and the first graders had a good walk outside and learned that there are easy ways to contribute and make a difference in the community.

The Pine County Sheriff’s Office is investigating daytime robberies of homes in the rural Pine City area. Pine County Sheriff Nelson said there have been two confirmed daytime burglaries in the area within a week, one with a Grasston address, and the other between Grasston and Pine City. Nelson also noted that daytime burglaries are, unfortunately, not a new trend for the area. “It’s two more than we should have, but it’s not necessarily an epidemic,” Nelson said. He said there have been recent reports of similar burglaries in Hinckley. “It’s one of the things that we commonly face around here is the daytime burglaries,” Nelson said. Nelson said that the thieves seem to be after SEE BURGLARS, PAGE 11

Looking back at 2015

Musgrove moves on from PTCC BY MIKE GAINOR EDITOR@PINECITYMN.COM

When Robert Musgrove took over as president of Pine Technical College in 1998, he had a simple but profoundly ambitious goal. “I wanted us to be the best small town community college in the world,” Musgrove said. “I wanted us to be advanced in both what we taught in the classroom and in the infrastructure.” Musgrove retired in 2015 from what is now Pine Technical and Community College, but can look back on how far the institution has come in the past 17 years, and look forward to a future still connected to the Pine City area. SON OF SWEETWATER Musgrove traveled to Pine City by a roundabout route. The Sweetwater, Texas native had married his high school sweetheart Janet (the couple recently

celebrated their 45th anniversary together), and raised two children while changing careers several times. He switched from teaching to running a hardware store, then sold that business and worked in the newspaper business for a time before moving back to teaching – and then into school administration. “Working with students was great and I miss it yet,” Musgrove said “[But administrative work] was a good fit for my skill set. I like to be a problem-solver.” Musgrove earned his doctorate degree in educational administration and continued to work in Sweetwater – first as dean of instruction for Texas State Technical College – West Texas, then as assistant dean at the school for over a decade. Though the work was satisfying, he was eager for new challenges. “At the time I felt like I was ready,” Musgrove said. “The current president showed no signs of ever leaving. So, I

cast a net.” He was recommended for the Pine Technical College position as then-president Gene Biever was stepping down. The fact that he had never been to Minnesota before didn’t give him much pause. What he had heard, he liked. And his family was ready for a big step into a new place. “Minnesota has a national reputation for being an education state,” Musgrove said. “Janet was ready for a new opportunity too. Our oldest was off at college, our youngest was in his senior year. She saw this as an opportunity for us both.” STYLE AND SUBSTANCE Musgrove understood that he had a lot to learn coming to Pine City, but he was sure about the kind of leader the college needed. “I knew the CEO had to be a handsSEE MUSGROVE, PAGE 6

MIKE GAINOR | THE PIONEER

Robert Musgrove stepped away from Pine Tech, but has moved on to a new part-time position with Pine County.

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Two charged in Braham armed robbery STAFF REPORT NEWS@MORAMINN.COM

Two men have been arrested and charged in the Dec. 21 armed robbery of the Kline Oil (BP) gas station on Main Street Braham. Kenneth Blake Poole, 19, of Mora and Reed Alan BrownGmahl, 19, of Stanchfield were each charged Dec. 23 with one felony count of first degree aggravated robbery. The circumstances surrounding the robbery and the actions that took place afterward are odd in such a way that Braham Police Chief Robert Knowles described them as “a comedy of errors.” WHITE TRUCK, WRONG TIME According to the criminal complaint filed by the Isanti County Attor-

Reed Alan Brown-Gmahl

Kenneth Blake Poole

ney’s Office, Kline Oil employees reported Poole had allegedly entered the store, asked where the bathrooms were, entered then exited the men’s room and approached the cash registers. At the registers, Poole allegedly removed what appeared to be a black handgun from his coat and demanded

cash. As Poole allegedly took $440 in cash, an employee mouthed to a nearby customer, Erin Fuller, they were being robbed and to call the police. Instead, Fuller followed Poole out of the store and began to chase him east of the gas station through residential yards

to Beechwood Avenue. Fuller saw a white truck driving on the street and flagged it down. Unknown to Fuller, the truck was allegedly the intended get-away vehicle driven by BrownGmahl. Fuller explained to Brown-Gmahl that he was chasing a suspected robber, hopped on the tailgate and together they continued to travel north on Beechwood. Fuller lost sight of Poole so asked the driver to stop. They went to look for Poole but were unable to find him. During this time, Police Chief Knowles was in the area and observed the white truck in the middle of the street with the engine running and no one in the vehicle. Knowles saw Fuller and BrownGmahl walking around the homes. Fuller told

Knowles they were looking for the robber and described where he had last seen him. Officers and a K-9 unit searched the area but were unable to find the suspect. An officer ran the license plate for the truck and learned BrownGmahl and Poole were both associated with the truck. SEARCH WARRANTS The next day, Knowles reviewed video surveillance from the nearby Home Town Liquor Store which showed the truck parked to the north of Braham Lanes. Just before the time of the robbery, an individual matching the description of the Kline Oil robber exited the passenger side and crossed the street to Kline Oil.

Fire chief: Cooking #1 cause of house ﬁres BY MIKE GAINOR • PART 2 OF 3 EDITOR@PINECITYMN.COM

Winter in Minnesota brings cold weather, holiday cooking – and more structure fires. Pine City Fire Chief Tom Miller is asking for area residents to be careful of the added fire dangers as the temperature falls. Miller said that, more than anything else, structure fires get their start in the kitchen. “As odd as people think that sounds, cooking fires are historically the number one cause of structure fires in the state of Minnesota,” Miller said. “People leave stuff unattended on the stove. Combustibles too close to proximity is another one. When they’re getting supper ready they’ve got something on the stove, something in the oven, maybe something in the microwave all at the same time. Something came out of a box and it’s too close to a burner, and it starts on fire.” Certain kinds of holiday cooking can offer extra dangers. “A frozen turkey can rapidly boil over and start on

fire,” Miller said. “If any part of that turkey is frozen when it goes into a turkey fryer, they just, ‘whoof,’ and the moisture in the frozen meat explosively boils over and goes right down on that open flame. There are videos on YouTube and you’d be amazed.” Miller also pointed out that if a grease fire starts in the kitchen, the worst thing to do is to throw water on it – the burning grease floats on top of the water, and ends up splashing fire around the kitchen. “Use a fire extinguisher, put a cover on it - but don’t use water,” Miller said. He said that kitchen fires can happen any time of year, and often arise from a simple, innocent mistake. “The stoves and ovens that get accidentally turned on – that could be from a child, that could be bumping into them or accidentally turning the wrong burner on,” he explained. “Or accidentally turning the broiler on, and you had something stored in the broiler that was plastic. That all plays a big role. It involves a lot of dollars, a lot of injuries.”

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‘A frozen turkey can rapidly boil over and start on ﬁre. If any part of that turkey is frozen when it goes into a turkey fryer, they just, ‘whoof.’’ Tom Miller Pine City Fire Chief

HEATING FIRES Miller said that the number two cause of structure fires is heating, especially from burning wood. “Burning green wood, not keeping their chimneys maintained properly to reduce the creosote buildup,” he said. “Not inspecting their chimney to make sure the clay tile liner doesn’t have a crack in it. If it has a crack, eventually ... it’s going to have space for heat to get out to start a structure fire. “Portable electric heaters start a lot of fires this time of year,” he continued. “Fires in chicken coops, in barns, in basements of a house. Some people have them under a desk and they end up overheating the computer cords. They can’t be used within three

feet of anything, and that’s why.” And though burning candles are part of the winter celebration for many, they can also create their own issues. “Open flame is a big [cause of fire] this time of year,” Miller said. “Everyone is trying to have candles going. And the pet walks by, knocks it over. It was on a window ledge, catches the curtains on fire. They just forget about it, and eventually it catches the coffee table on fire.” Though the mild weather this winter may have helped prevent some heating fires, Miller noted that the lack of snow cover created the potential for an increase in the number of grass fires.

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That night the Braham Police Department served two search warrants with the assistance of the Kanabec County Sheriff’s Office and Isanti County Sheriff’s Office. Both Poole and Brown-Gmahl were taken into custody. During police interviews Brown-Gmahl denied knowing Poole had a gun or what Poole had intended. Brown-Gmahl claimed Poole had walked to Kline Oil to “scare” the girls who were working there. Regarding the customer’s actions to chase the robbery suspect, Knowles said his office does not recommend people ever put their lives in danger to apprehend suspects. Still, Knowles commended Fuller for his diligence which greatly helped track down the suspects.

NEWSLINE East Central Energy reports scam

An East Central Energy business account member reported they received a call and a text message from a person who claimed to represent “ECE Company.” The caller threatened to shut off electricity unless the business make immediate payment on their account. The business member was instructed to go to another local business, fill out an application and then call back for further instruction. The member called the phone number that they were instructed to call back. It was answered “ECE Company.” This is a scam. Be cautious if anyone insists on an immediate payment. Hang up and contact East Central Energy at 1-800-254-7944 to verify account status and report the scam. ECE asks everyone to contact law enforcement should they receive one of these calls.

Sheriff rebooting K9 program

The Pine County Sheriff’s Office is in the process of starting up the K9 program again. They have begun the process to select the dog handler, and are seeking donations to help offset the cost associated with the purchase of the dog, training and equipment. The previous K-9s were initially purchased with the help of donations from private citizens, businesses and civic organizations. Any person or group willing to help is asked to contact Chief Deputy Widenstrom at the Pine County Sheriff’s Office at 320-629-8380.

Fight the ﬂu this season

Fight the flu this season with these tips: • Get the flu vaccine. • Stay home from school or work if sick. • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue away. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your sleeve. • Clean surfaces you touch frequently, such as doorknobs, water faucets, refrigerator handles and telephones. • Wash hands often with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

& DECEMBER 31, 2015

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

DEC. 31 Senior New Year’s Eve luncheon

The public is invited to enjoy a time of celebration and fellowship to ring in the New Year during daylight hours beginning at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 31 at Open Arms Church in Grasston. Valet parking is available and seating tables for lunch begins at 11:50 a.m. at this free event. Live entertainment begins at 11 a.m. Call 320-3963373 for (required) reservations.

JAN. 1

Center in North Branch. This is an opportunity for persons with a variety of health challenges to share stories, listen, meet new friends and offer encouragement to one another. For information, call 320-358-1220.

JAN. 6

dy, and then throw the tree out the door. Refreshments follow. Arrive early, (2 p.m.) for language instruction in beginning Swedish through songs, games and Total Physical Response (TPR), a language instruction strategy. For more information call 320-358-1211.

Open hockey On Wednesday, Jan. 6 there is open hockey at 9:15 p.m. at the Pine City Civic Center. Call 320629-6995 for cost or more information, or visit www.pinecityciviccenter.weebly.com.

JAN. 6

JAN. 9 Meet the new Pine City librarian Stop by the Pine City Public Library on Saturday, Jan. 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., have a cookie and meet the new librarian, Heidi Anderson-Ferdinand. For more information email jscholin@gmail.com.

‘Winter storytime’ at the library

JAN. 3

Encourage children ages 3-5 to become lifelong library users by attending Pine City Public Library’s free winter storytime on Wednesdays at 10:15 a.m. beginning Jan. 6. Storytime includes stories, songs and finger plays, while teaching preschoolers that the library is a fun place to be. Call the library at 320-6296403 for more information.

Open skating/open hockey On Sunday, Jan. 3 there is open skating at 6 p.m., followed by youth open hockey at 7:15 p.m. and adult open hockey at 8:30 p.m. at the Pine City Civic Center. Call 320-629-6995 for cost or more information, or visit www.pinecityciviccenter. weebly.com.

JAN. 4 Mystery Mondays with We R Able “Mystery Mondays” will feature the band Wink the Other Eye on Monday, Jan. 4 at the Grant House in Rush City. The songs and tunes will feature stringed instruments and vocals, and the audience is invited to sing along. The Grant House has mysteries of its own, and this evening offers riddles, knock knock jokes, and door prize drawings. Order off the menu at 5:11 p.m. Music and mystery starts at 5:49 p.m. Preregistration is needed and there is a modest fee; call We R Able at 320-358-1211.

JAN. 4 Red Cross blood drive An American Red Cross blood drive will be held on Monday, Jan. 4 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 980 W. Fourth Street, Rush City, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. For an appointment to donate call the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org.

JAN. 6 Focus on Ability We R Able, Adults with Disabilities, sponsors a support group, Focus on Ability, on the first and third Wednesday of each month from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. at the Chisago County Senior

JAN. 8 & 9 ECRAC grant information sessions East Central Regional Arts Council will provide a free grant information session about opportunities for individual artists and organizations on Friday, Jan. 8 from 1-2:30 p.m. at 112 Main Ave. S., Braham. A session specific to individual artists will also take place the following day, Saturday, Jan. 9, 9-10:30 a.m. To register, or for more information, call the Regional Arts Council office at 320-396-2337, or email matt@ ecrac.org.

JAN. 9 Snowshoe and snowmobile at Crex Meadows Sign up for a Snowshoe Trek at Crex Meadows in Grantsburg, Wisconsin from 8-10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 9. Begin in the Visitor Center for basic instructions, then join the guide for a gentle hike with a focus on winter birds. Snowshoes may be rented on a first come, first serve basis. For a little faster pace, try some local snowmobile trails and see what the surrounding wildlife areas have to offer. Open to adults only, riders will meet at 10 a.m. at the Visitor Center to cover safety and trail etiquette before heading out. Snowmobiles must be registered and rider must have an annual trail pass as well as proof of Snowmobile Safety Certification Course. Rides may be canceled depending on trail conditions. Call 715-463-2739 or visit www.crexmeadows.org for details or reservations.

JAN. 9

Lions Christmas tree pick-up

Stories and crafts at Mille Lacs Kids ages 8 and up are invited to the Mille Lacs Indian Museum on Saturday, Jan. 9 for stories and snacks from noon to 1 p.m., followed by learning how to make a corn husk doll from 1-3 p.m. For cost or more information, call 320-532-3632.

The annual Pine City Lions Club Christmas tree pick-up will take place on Saturday, Jan. 9. Christmas trees must be curbside by 10 a.m. for free pickup. Call Burt at 320-232-7824 with any questions.

JAN. 10 ‘History Found Out Back’

JAN. 9 Beginning Swedish and Christmas tree “plundering” We R Able invites area residents to come and plunder the Christmas tree at the SCRED building on Saturday, Jan. 9 from 3:30 - 5 p.m. The location is 425 S. Dana Ave. in downtown Rush City. Valorie Arrowsmith, a licensed Swedish language teacher, is the instructor. The activity will begin with making a traditional Swedish Christmas tree ornament, then participants will dress the tree, and finally do the song games around it that many people do in Sweden to complete the holiday season. They’ll eat the can-

Individuals interested in the study and preservation of local history are encouraged to attend the next meeting of the Pine City Area History Association on Sunday, Jan. 10, 2 p.m., at the Pine City Public Library. The main focus will be a program on local history. The topic will be “History Found Out Back” with special guest, privy digger, Mark Youngblood. Take a look at items found in Pine City and find out if your yard may be hiding some local history. The public is invited to bring items related to the topic to share. For more information call 320-322-9208 or email pcahistory@gmail.com.

JAN. 12 The Heath Perkins American Legion Post 51 annual membership meeting will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 7 p.m., at the Pine City American Legion. Regular meetings are held every second Tuesday of the month. For more information call Scott Jeanson at 651-3412103, or email: ssjeans@comcast.net.

Magniﬁcent Red Hatters On Thursday, Jan. 14, the Magnificent Red Hatters will celebrate the beginning of their 12th year and enjoy lunch at Scottie’s Parkside Cafe on 5th St. in Pine City at 11:30 a.m. Call Darlene Collins at 320-629-4684 with any questions. Guests are always welcome.

JAN. 15

SUNDAY 1/3 AA (Big Book study): Evangelical Free Church, 7 p.m. MONDAY 1/4 Celebrate Recovery: Pine City, Journey North Church, 6 p.m. Pine City Blue Star Moms: 6:30 p.m., Pine City VFW Hall AA: 7:30 p.m., Our Redeemer Lutheran Church

Corner Cabaret Pine Center for the Arts and the Pine City Heritage Players will present a Corner Cabaret event, “Songs of the Stage,” on Friday, Jan. 15, 7 p.m., at 265 5th St. SE, downtown Pine City. There is limited seating; advance sale tickets are available at PCftA, 320-629-4924 or www. pinecenter.org, Cabin Coffee’s and the Pine City Chamber of Commerce office.

TUESDAY 1/5 Pine County Board: 10 a.m., Public Health Bldg., Sandstone WEDNESDAY 1/6 Woodcarving club: Askov, 9 a.m. Pine Co. History Museum Pine City Council: 6:30 p.m., Pine Government Ctr., Pine City AA: 8 p.m., Rock Creek Community Center

SENIOR DINING

JAN. 15 MN Master Naturalist Training Anoka Ramsey Community College in Cambridge is hosting a Minnesota Master Naturalist Volunteer Training beginning Friday, Jan. 15. Master Naturalist volunteers complete a 40-hour class studying natural history, environmental interpretation and conservation stewardship. Final certification comes with the completion of 40 hours of volunteer service. The program offers three classes that correspond to Minnesota’s three major ecosystems; this session will cover the “Prairies and Potholes” region. Classes meet most Fridays (9 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.) through May 6. For cost or information contact Peggy Guiney (Margaret.Guiney@ anokaramsey.edu). Register at www.MinnesotaMasterNaturalist.org, call 1.888.241.4532, or email info@minnesotamasternaturalist.org.

JAN. 16

Jan. 4 - 8 Monday: Mushroom and onion pork chop, baked potato with sour cream, squash, wheat bread, pineapple tidbits Tuesday: Parmesan chicken breast, wild rice pilaf, steamed carrots, lettuce salad, gelatin Wednesday: Spaghetti noodles, tomato meat sauce, mixed vegetables, garlic bread, millionaire pie Thursday: Roast beef with horseradish, whipped potatoes with gravy, green bean casserole, dinner roll, peaches Friday: Breaded ﬁsh wedge, roasted potatoes, broccoli normandy, wheat bread, frosted pumpkin 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.

ECRAC grant information session East Central Regional Arts Council will provide a free grant information session about opportunities for schools on Saturday, Jan. 16 from 9-10:30 a.m. at 112 Main Ave. S., Braham. To register, call the Regional Arts Council office at 320-396-2337, or email matt@ecrac.org.

Where life begins ... again.

Golden Horizons Assisted Living 1305 8th Street SW, Pine City, MN 55063 GoldenHorizons.org

THURSDAY 12/31 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 Al-Anon: 7:30 p.m., Pine City, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church SATURDAY 1/2 Model RR club: Askov, 10 a.m., Pine County History Museum

JAN. 14

Edmund Thiede 3-5 Yrs Macie Babolik 6-8 Yrs.

ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE

MEETINGS

Pine City American Legion annual membership meeting

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS OF THE CHRISTMAS COLORING CONTEST!

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DECEMBER 31, 2015

A note from the editor, December 1903.

The rains of December

‘I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes. Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You’re doing things you’ve never done before, and more importantly, you’re doing something.’ Neil Gaiman Author

What a difference a few degrees make. It didn’t take much for our muddy brown landscape to turn into scenery out of a Minnesota winter postcard. But before then, we sure had a lot of rainy December days that would have been snowy ones if there was just a bit more of a chill in the air. I started thinking about this the other Editor’s day, and finally had pull out my calcuSoapbox to lator to figure it all out. Mike If weather.com is Gainor to be believed, then up through Dec. 23 we’ve had only five days this month where the high temperatures haven’t been above freezing. But it hasn’t been all that warm either. Though we had six days of 40+ temps, the average temperature for those first 23 days was only about 35 degrees. Just a few degrees colder, and it would actually have felt like winter

rather than a chilly October. And in that time we got plenty of precipitation of the liquid variety – about 0.79 inches according to the website. So, if you figure that an inch of rain averages about 13 inches of snow, and if we’d been just below freezing every day, then there would be right around 10 inches of snow on the ground even before the 3-4 inches we got on Dec. 26. Isn’t that something? Personally, I’m not complaining. I liked being able to go outside without having my face go numb, and I liked driving home from work without wondering if this was the night I was going to take the icy turn at Main Street and Henriette Road and end up in the FirstLight parking lot. So that December heat wave was just fine for me, but it’s been pretty rough on quite a few folks around town. For companies that depend on an old fashioned Minnesota winter, no ice and no snow means no business. Of course, on the other hand, I know local contractors who have been able to work on outdoor construction projects that freezing tools and frozen ground would have made

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impossible in any normal winter. I suppose that’s how it usually goes – a crisis for some means an opportunity for others. And I’m sure there are a lot of anglers out there who would love to be out on the ice, and who gaze longingly at that ice house by the garage wondering when they’ll be able to get that out where it belongs. And now that the new year is upon us, I’m hoping that by the time February comes around we have a couple of feet of white on the ground. The Hinckley/Pine City Flames are planning the 2016 Winter Rendezvous for Feb. 11-14, and snowmobilers from all over the state are going to be heading to our area to see what we have to offer. It’s a big deal, and the Flames put a ton of work into it – but without a good base of snow what should be an epic week of snowmobiling will be a lot less fun. Well, we’ll get there, and we’ll make it work, one way or another. We always do. Whether you love the snow or hate it, here’s hoping that the winter ahead is a safe and happy one for you, and that the spring is even better. Happy New Year!

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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.

DECEMBER 31, 2015

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Blaufuss celebrates 50 years at Lakeside Medical Center BY MIKE GAINOR EDITOR@PINECITYMN.COM

On Dec. 18, staff and residents gathered to congratulate Max Blaufuss on 50 years as administrator of Lakeside Medical Center. The property at 129 6th Ave SE has long been used for medical services. The original home on Cross Lake was built by Theodore Buselmeier in 1887, and in 1937 Dr. E.G. Nethercott bought the property and opened the Lakeside Memorial Hospital. Dr. Erich and Hope Blaufuss came down from Aitkin and purchased the hospital in 1958, then converted it into a nursing home. After Max Blaufuss got out of the Army, he started work at his parents’ nursing home. “I took over the family business on the death of my mother and my father,” Blaufuss said. “And that was in 1966. And I’ve been here ever since. It has been a fun ride.” As the business grew, Blaufuss also became involved in community projects in Pine City, such as the construction of the water tower, city hall, the library renovation and the new fire hall. For his community work, Blaufuss was honored as Pine City’s Citizen of the Year in 2011. Lakeside Medical Center now offers nursing and residential health care services, and is beginning to move into new areas as the philosophy of care changes. “Long term care, as far as that section of it, is being replaced by assisted living,” Blaufuss explained. “That’s what we’re going to go into

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Max Blaufuss has now been running Lakeside Medical Center since 1966.

now. We have one floor we’re remodeling to meet that demand.” Blaufuss also opened up Lake Superior Laundry in Pine City in 2007. Though running two businesses is demanding, he said he can’t imagine giving it up. “I’ll work until I can’t work,” he

said. “I have no desire to retire.” Even after 50 years, he still enjoys what he does. “It’s very interesting and very rewarding,” Blaufuss said. “Helping people. That’s what it’s about. Helping people.”

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Ask a Trooper BY SGT. NEIL DICKENSON MINNESOTA STATE PATROL

Q: Can you talk about winter driving safety? This is a great time to talk about it and remind A: drivers about the dangers of driving on slippery roads and reducing your chances of being in-

volved in a crash. • Avoid unnecessary travel if conditions are poor. • Buckle up, be sure child restraints are secured. • Drive at safe speeds, with plenty of travel time. • Increase safe stopping distance. • Use extra precautions around snowplows by keeping at least five car-lengths behind plows. • If skidding, remain calm, ease foot off the gas, and turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go. • If vehicle has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), apply a steady firm pressure to the brake pedal. Never pump ABS brakes. • Clear snow and ice from vehicle windows, hood, headlights, brake lights and directional signals. • Turn headlights on when it is snowing/sleeting. • Do not use cruise control on snow/icy/wet roads. Conditions can change around every curve. Be very aware of bridge decks and overpasses. • Equip vehicles with a scraper/brush, small shovel, jumper cables, tow chain, and a bag of sand or cat litter for tire traction. Blanket(s), heavy boots, warm clothing and flashlights are also important, as is storing high-energy foods such as chocolate or energy bars. • Be sure cell phones are charged, and inform family of destination plans and schedule. • If stranded, stay in the vehicle. • Parents of teen drivers should make sure new motorists experience snow and ice driving in a safe environment, such as an empty parking lot. • Slow down, move over for emergency vehicles. • Have good winter type tires on your vehicle. • Have good windshield wipers on your vehicle. • For road condition information, call 5-1-1 or visit www.511mn.org. • You can reduce your chances of being involved in a crash if you follow the basic winter driving safety tips. Send questions to Sgt. Neil Dickenson – Minnesota State Patrol at 1131 Mesaba Ave., Duluth, MN 55811 or neil.dickenson@state.mn.us. t

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DECEMBER 31, 2015 www.pinecitymn.com

Pine County unemployment hits historic low in November BY MIKE GAINOR EDITOR@PINECITYMN.COM

Pine County unemployment rose to 4.4 percent in November after reaching a low for the year of 3.8 percent in October. While the October 2015 rate was up from 3.7 percent in October 2014, the November 2015 rate was significantly down from the 5 percent rate in 2014. In fact, records from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) show that the November 2015 rate of 4.4 percent is the lowest Pine County November unemployment rate on record since tallies of county unemployment rates began being kept in 1990. The next closest came in November 1999, when the unemployment rate in Pine County was 4.9 percent. Overall, DEED data shows that unemployment in Pine County traditionally rises in winter and early spring, then drops in late spring, summer and fall. In November 2015, Pine Coun-

ty had a labor force of 14,771 with 14,122 employed and 649 unemployed. The highest recorded Pine County unemployment rate was 16.4 percent in February 1991. The lowest was 3.3 percent in October 2000. Pine County’s November unemployment rate of 4.4 percent was higher than the Minnesota rate of 3.5 percent – but lower than the United States unemployment rate of 5 percent. MINNESOTA GAINS JOBS DEED officials report that Minnesota employers added 7,200 jobs in November. Those figures, combined with October figures that were revised from 1,700 jobs lost to 200 jobs gained, brought total job gains in the state to 32,130 over the past 12 months. Jobs have grown 1.1 percent in the past year in Minnesota, compared with a 1.9 percent growth rate nationally. “The state unemployment rate is now at its lowest level since March 2001,” said DEED

Commissioner Katie Clark Sieben. “While the labor market is tightening, healthy job growth in November and recent wage gains are positive signs of an expanding economy.” Nine of the state’s 11 industrial sectors gained jobs in November: construction (up 3,300), government (up 1,000),

professional and business services (up 900), leisure and hospitality (up 900), trade, transportation and utilities (up 800), education and health services (up 600), financial activities (up 400), information (up 100), and logging and mining (steady). The sectors that lost jobs were manufacturing (down 500) and

other services (down 300). Professional and business services led all sectors over the past year with 12,839 new jobs. The following sectors lost jobs: government (down 3,398), manufacturing (down 1,393), information (down 909), logging and mining (down 894), and other services (down 556).

MUSGROVE: Former PTCC president admires Pine City’s ‘can-do’ attitude FROM PAGE 1

on manager, not just someone who sits back and barks orders out the door,” he said. “I wanted to get really familiar and intimate with the programs.” Those programs, he felt, should match up with real-world job opportunities and careers needed in the area. “I wanted to get us into the economic mainstream of what we were teaching,” Musgrove explained. “We had a lot of what you might call niche programs like taxidermy, and we didn’t have some we really needed to have, like nursing, or IT. That was another goal - to grow other programs, computer programming and more, just give us a broader menu of things to offer to students as far as viable career opportunities.” Besides helping initiate a foundation for the college, one of his proudest achievements was expanding the nursing program. “First we brought nursing under our own roof, and that was major for us,” he said. “Then growing that up to LPN and RN, medical assistant. That was a long term project and not always easy.” Many of the new college projects involved grant funding, and though applying for grants is a long and arduous process, Musgrove felt it had to become a priority for the whole institution. “One thing I knew was if we just sat around and complained that we were small and didn’t have any money, we would always be small and not have any money,” he said chuckling. “So we developed an ... entrepreneurial attitude. We need to really cultivate the ability to bring in additional sources of revenue to do what needs to be done.” Happily, the staff at Pine Technical College was on board. “The college already had a can-do attitude,” Musgrove said. “We had people who really believed in what they were doing, and they wanted to do more and better. So together we were able to do quite a few things.” BUILDING UP Grant funding was also a key to bringing the actual college building up to date. Musgrove knew the college had to upgrade its infrastructure in order to stay relevant. “There were a lot of dark corners, a lot of homemade remedies,” he said. “I wanted to be able to bring in funds to raise the ... quality of the environment. There

‘Breaking the walls between the college and the community was important. I really wanted the community to take the college in its arms and value it and hold it in esteem.’ Robert Musgrove was a lot to it. There still is. The first project involved re-imagining the machine shop. “It was sort of dark and dingy and loud and hot,” he said. “And then we needed something at the middle of the building that would be the heart, the core, that would show who we are and what we want to be.” College officials used bonding money from the state to draw in federal funds, and remodeled the machine shop over the course of two and a half years. The college also rebuilt the library, the manufacturing lab, and installed the Johnson Center for Simulation, which put the Pine City college on the map for technology. They expanded in robotics, plastics and printing, and recently built the Pine Innovation Center as a home for startup businesses in the area. CONNECTING WITH COMMUNITY Musgrove also understood the necessity of building up the relationship between Pine Tech and the people of Pine City “Breaking the walls between the college and the community was important,” he said. “I really wanted the community to take the college in its arms and value it and hold it in esteem.” One major project in this area was to create a fiber-optic backbone that would bring high-speed internet to the college – and to businesses and residents in Pine City. “Over the years we built that capability up,” Musgrove said. “We’re a major node now for broadband across east central Minnesota for the sheriff’s office, county courthouse, public library.” He also spent time helping to bring the skills and abilities of college staff and students to bear on community and regional problems like broadband access

and job creation. “We got involved in regional economic development thinking and planning at about the same time,” he said. The college helped promote the multi-county economic development program “GPS 45:93” and other efforts, including cultural outreach collaborations. Musgrove said that he has found that the citizens of Pine City have been eager to get involved in efforts that will make their community a better place. “I admire Pine City,” he said. “It has a really positive ethos about it. As a community it has a can-do mental attitude. When people decide, ‘We need a homeless shelter; we need a film festival,’ they make it happen. They’re very willing to see the greater good and then come together around it.” For his efforts, Musgrove was recognized as Pine City’s 2007 Outstanding Citizen of the Year. “If we hadn’t had those strong relationships we wouldn’t have been successful,” he said.

PRESENT AND FUTURE After passing the torch to new Pine Technical and Community College President Joe Mulford, Musgrove has taken on a new job himself as part-time economic coordinator for Pine County. Besides that work, he said that he and Janet have decided to spend this first year of his retirement traveling to see family and friends, but mostly just relaxing and thinking about what their next goals will be. “The first year, the plan is to have no plan,” he said. “Sweetwater is home. That’s where my family is. But whatever life looks like when we solidify stuff a year from now, Pine City will be part of it.” He said he’s learned a lot during his time in Pine City: patience, the importance of listening and being authentic – and even how to make maple syrup, after a rough start the first time out. “Out of the seven trees I had tapped, not one of them was maple,” he said, chuckling. “[Now] we do a couple of gallons a year. When we go back to Texas, the Texans just love it.” With memories of accomplishment and collaboration to look back on, gratitude for those they’ve worked with and hopes for many good years ahead, Robert and Janet are excited for this next chapter. “We’ve made a lot of friends here over the 17 years, a lot of relationships,” Musgrove said. “We feel part of [Pine City], and this will always be part of our lives.”

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YEARS AGO

DECEMBER 31, 2015

PINE CITY PIONEER

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Reward of $25 offered to report someone selling liquor in Pine County 10 Years Ago, 2005 A second Pine County Truth in taxation public hearing, resulted in a cut in the proposed levy increase from the original 22 to 18 percent. The New Year will really bring a fresh outlook to Matthew Colby, the Braham teenager and his mom, Pam. They shared their story of how new laser Years treatments Ago are successfully erasing Donna the port wine birthmark Heath which covered much of Matthew’s face. DNA tests last week show that a boy in Tulsa, Oklahoma is not Aaron Anderson, the missing son of Steve and Paulette Anderson, Pine City. Pine City native Laurie Rydberg won the Wilderness Woman contest in Talkeetna, Alaska this year. For her prowess in a variety of rugged outdoor events, Rydberg received tickets to England and the coveted hat of the Wilderness Woman. Pine City graduates Mark Mikulich and Jay Woll recently completed their second season of football at Mesabi Community College in Virginia, Minnesota. Woll was named to the Minnesota Community College All State Team as offensive tackle. Mikulich earned honorable mention All State at linebacker. As Mesabi’s defensive captain, he was named to the All Region 13 Team by the National Junior College Athletic Association. Region 13 includes Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. Pictured with a load of items collected by Pine City fifth and sixth graders for the Food Shelf were Steve Peterson, Krissi Koffler, Miranda Brackenbury and Mandy Munkberg.

25 Years Ago, 1990 Third and fifth graders delivered homemade Christmas greetings to Lakeside residents.

Jack Long and Kyle Juhl were pictured reading the Christmas cards they made to Avis Chaffee. The Pine City American Legion Post brought wishes for a joyful Christmas to veterans or spouses of veterans living at Lakeside Medical Center. Commander Louis (Hoppy) Hopkins and Chaplain Bob Foster delivered the gifts. Two Pine City Scout leaders earned their wood badges recently. Sue Walz and Ken Kangas celebrated their achievement with a decorated cake following the winter Court of Honor. Country rabbits were the grand prizes in the Pizza Pub grand opening drawing. New owners Rick and Kathy Herzog, who took over Nov. 15, celebrated their grand opening during the week of Dec. 13. Jeff and Theresa Arnott won the rabbits. Antique clock replicas keep time moving swiftly for Cal Sass. He learned to make the lovely wood encased timepieces as a way to stay busy during his retirement years. Jolenne Pangerl, Pine City received an Alliss Scholarship from St. Cloud Sate University. One of 322 recipients of the scholarship, she will receive it for the 1990-91 year. Two 1990 graduates of Pine City High School received $500 scholarships from the Pine City Knights of Columbus. Tony Bacigalupi and Dave Erhart accepted checks from Knights member Wally Connaker. Bacigalupi studies electrical engineering and computer science at MIT and Erhart is a chemical engineering major at the University of Minnesota, Duluth. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Dewey H. James, a 1979 graduate of Pine City High School, is deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Desert Shield while serving aboard the amphibious assault ship USS New Orleans, home ported in San Diego. He joined the Navy in June 1979.

50 Years Ago, 1965 Announcement was made this week of the sale of the Pine City Lanes bowling establishment by William Ed to William

Witte, effective Jan. 1. Commissioner Ervin L. Nelson was elected chairman of the county board and Commissioner Joe Darcy vice chairman at the annual commissioners’ meeting. Candy Anderson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Larry Anderson, was recently selected as first place winner in the Voice of Democracy speaking contest sponsored by the National Broadcasting company and locally by the VFW and its auxiliary. Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Bailey, Pine City, on the birth of their son, Douglas Frederick on Dec. 22. Best wishes go to Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Pavek, Pine City, on the birth of their daughter, Jo Ann, Dec. 30.

75 Years Ago, 1940 The Pine City Cooperative has purchased the Gopher State oil station from Wm. Podvin which they have had under lease for this past year or more. Miss Lorraine Hagstrom, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Victor Hagstrom, and Reynold Holmberg, son of Mr. and Mrs. Erick Holmberg, were united in marriage Jan. l at the Pine Grove Lutheran Church.

100 Years Ago, 1915 Pine City has seen two important business deals take place this week by which two of the best known firms, the Smith Hardware Co. passed into the hands of John Boyum who will conduct business under the name of Boyum Hardware Co. The retail lumber business of the Pine City Sawmill will now conduct business under the corporate name of Parrish-Boo Lumber Company and will continue their lath and planing mill on a larger scale. A reward of $25 will be offered for evidence leading to the conviction of anyone illegally selling intoxicating liquors in Pine County during the year 1916 (Posted by the Pine County Citizen’s League.) A boy was born at the Chas. Teich home north of town Tuesday and a boy also at the home of John Reynold at Henriette on Sunday.

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congratulations to the Week 16 Football Contest Winner JOE MIKYSKA Thank you to all the businesses and football contest players for your participation.

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DECEMBER 31, 2015

Dragon girls play hard, stay competitive win, Pine City improved to 3-2.

BY JESSE LOGAN SPORTS@PINECITYMN.COM

In three road games before the Christmas break, the Dragons girls basketball team went 1-2. The squad is playing an entertaining brand of ball and has a 3-4 overall record. The Dragons offensive output continues to be impressive as the team is averaging 54.4 points per game. PINE CITY 62, HINCKLEY/FINLAYSON 37 Played in Hinckley on Tuesday, Dec. 15, the Dragons were able to use some good teamwork on offense and some good pressure on defense to wear down the Jaguars. Pine City had a hot shooting first half, which included eight made 3-pointers in the first half. During the first 18 minutes, Grace Langmade hit four threes while Lily Wilson and Jolie Wicktor each hit two. “Those were big shots for us as the game was very much in doubt in the first half,” said head coach Ted Hasz. Langmade would add one more from downtown in the second half and led the Dragons with 17 points. Also in double figures were Wilson and McKenzie Kloeckl. The Dragons were also 9-10 at the free throw line with Kloeckl and Alaina Steele each making all of their tries. Hasz also praised the team defense his squad played on Jaguars star player Dana Tekavec, who finished with 16 points. Ali Brown, Allison Gusk, Langmade and Katherine Rike each took turns guarding the senior. With the

HOLDINGFORD 48, PINE CITY 43 The first half of this game saw the Huskers build a 30-20 lead. Pine City went on a run in the second half and actually took a four point lead at one point, although the Huskers would answer and earn the victory. “We did many things well in this game but could not cash in from the free throw line enough times to earn a victory,” said Hasz. “We had all of the momentum, but Holdingford hit enough big shots down the stretch and we continued to struggle from the free throw line.” Langmade again led the Dragons with 15 points. She was followed by Kloeckl with nine and Wilson and Gusk with eight apiece. The Dragons were down 30 to 20 at half only to go on a big run and take a four point lead. The Huskers did just enough to escape with their second victory in a row. MILACA 60, PINE CITY 55 It was another close loss for the Dragons on Monday, Dec. 21. The Wolves entered having won two of their last three games and were playing good basketball. Pine City again shot the ball well and was competitive in the game, but couldn’t come away with the win. The Dragons were scheduled to travel to Pelican Rapids over the break to play in a holiday tournament. The team’s next home game will be against Two Harbors on Saturday, Jan. 2.

GINA GUSK

Alison Gusk leaps for the ball under the basket as the Dragons take on the Jaguars Dec. 15.

Boys hockey battles hard in OT loss BY JESSE LOGAN SPORTS@PINECITYMN.COM

Another game by the Dragon varsity hockey squad went into overtime this past week, and despite the loss, the team feels good as it heads into the final phase of the season.

MELISSA HERMANSON

Rink Rats rule the ice

Young skaters and future Dragon hockey players headed to Pine City’s Korbel Arena for a fun afternoon on the ice. For more information on upcoming open skating and open hockey events, call the Pine City Civic Center at 320-629-6995 or visit www. pinecityciviccenter.weebly.com.

PROCTOR 3, PINE CITY/RUSH CITY 2 (OT) Played on Monday, Dec. 21, the Dragons and the Rails were tied 2-2 at the conclusion of the second period. After skating through the entire third period with the score all tied up, the Rails scored on a power play goal just :54 seconds into OT to win it. “We battled for the entire game and through much adversity with injuries, skate problems, line juggling due to a multitude of penalties, and many other things,” said Nicoll. “We are really turning some heads with the play that the boys are putting out on a nightly basis. I don’t know how many coaches have came up to me after games and were extremely surprised at how much our boys have improved. I just smile and tell them that ‘Yes, these boys are working hard, but we are not quite there yet.’ Then I think in my head, ‘Just wait until playoffs’.” Jonah Bergstrom and Luke Steele tallied goals for the Dragons and goalie Luke Murphy stopped 25 of 28 shots he faced. Pine City/Rush City had a busy schedule over the holiday break with three games in Waseca. December 29-31 the Dragons were scheduled to play three times in three days against opponents Waconia, St. Paul Highland Park and the host Bluejays.

DECEMBER 31, 2015

PINE CITY PIONEER

www.pinecitymn.com

Performing for parents at Early Childhood The preschoolers of the Pine City Early Childhood program performed holiday songs and skits for visiting parents and relatives, and though the young performers were not always perfectly on-script, they were always thoroughly entertaining.

BRENDA FORE | THE PIONEER

Varsity boys edged by Jaguars, slam Huskies BY JESSE LOGAN SPORTS@PINECITYMN.COM

The Dragons boys basketball team went 1-1 in two home games the week prior to Christmas. The Dragons have a 4-4 record but have lost three games by four points apiece, and are still learning how to close out tight contests. HINCKLEY-FINLAYSON 81, PINE CITY 77 Against a much taller, more physical team, the Dragons were dominated in the paint in this contest. Pine City had a chance to force overtime with a pair of free throws with six seconds left, but missed the first and then attempted to miss the second intentionally. In the end, it was a missed opportunity. “Very physical game where they were more physical than we were,” said head coach Kyle Allen. “We got pushed around some in the paint on the defensive end and on the boards. We did not execute the game plan the way we had planned prior to the game. We allowed them to stay in the game, and instead of us executing our plan, we allowed them to execute theirs. We ended up trying to beat them and their strengths instead of making them play our game, and it did not work out for us.” Noah Adams led the Dragons with 26 points and six assists while Kole Jus-

cak had 13 points and a team-high 14 rebounds. Clay Logan was the other Dragons player in double digits with 10 points on three made threes. The game was played at home on Tuesday, Dec. 15. PINE CITY 92, ISLE 38 Played in a raucous home gym on Friday, Dec. 18, the Dragons blew out the Huskies and saw Jusczak reach a career milestone in the game. With 14 points on the night, the senior has now gone over 1,000 points in his varsity career. “I am so happy for Kole, very proud of him,” said Allen. “One thing people don’t realize is the amount we have put on his shoulders over the four years. We have asked him to play all five positions on the floor, meaning he has to know the assignment of all five guys for all of our sets, plays and concepts. I have said it before and I continue to stand by it, Kole’s potential is the sky.” As the score would indicate, this game was a blowout early. Responding well in his first career varsity start, junior Austin Hansmann had four threes in the first half and five in the game for 15 points. Nathan Kleppe ran the point very successfully with great passes and finished with six points, 11 assists and eight rebounds. Jake Rademacher had 13 points while Adams and Logan had 11 apiece.

“We executed well on the offensive end,” said Allen, “but we still are a long way away from where we need to be on the defensive end. We are still missing assignments, not doing the small things

that our system asks for.” Pine City had two games over the break with opponents St. Paul Central and Blake in games played at Cloquet Dec. 29-30.

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DECEMBER 31, 2015

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Gymnasts earn wins over Wildcats, Tigers BY JESSE LOGAN SPORTS@PINECITYMN.COM

The Rush City/Pine City/Hinckley-Finlayson Tigers gymnastics teams had two different competitions in the days leading up to the Christmas break. The Tigers again showed themselves well, earning victories over Chisago Lakes and Little Falls.

RC/PC/H-F 131.65, CHISAGO LAKES AREA 118.15 On Saturday, Dec. 12, the Tigers hosted the Wildcats of Chisago Lakes Area and performed admirably. The Tigers had a clean sweep in All Around, winning the top five spots. Christeva Perrotti came away with first place and a score of 33.15. Perrotti rocked her vault, a handspring full scoring a 8.9 and taking first place in the event. She also took second in bars and second in beam. Following Perrotti in All Around was Elsie Lundquist, who came in second with a combined score of 33.075. Lundquist stood out on floor with a first place finish in the event and a score of 8.875. She also scored 8.65 on a new vault she performed, good enough for third place in the event. Placing third in All Around was Livia Isackson-Rod with a 32.65. She placed first on beam, fourth in vault, and fourth on Bars. Nevaeh Isackson-Rod finished fourth in All Around with a 32.5 and Keyara Berube came in fifth in All Around with a 31.7. “Way to go girls,” said head coach Jessica Miller. “The girls are getting

more comfortable. On beam we had only one fall between the five girls. Now we are just working on perfecting the skills we have.” In junior varsity action, the Tigers fell to the Wildcats by a narrow margin of 116.4-112.95. The score was the best of the year for the JV. The Tigers would earn another victory on Friday, Dec. 18 with a win over the Flyers. RC/PC/H-F 130.45, LITTLE FALLS 100.225 The Tigers again came away with the top five spots in All Around. Perrotti came in first, Berube was second, Livia Isackson-Rod earned third and was followed by Lundquist in fourth and Nevaeh Isackson-Rod in fifth. Highlights included the vault of Perrotti, who took first with an 8.5. Lundquist also took second in vault while scoring 8.45. On bars it was Berube shining with an outstanding routine and a personal best for the year of 8.525. Perrotti also hit all of her skills beautifully on beam and posted an 8.4. Lundquist had a great performance on floor and scored an 8.7. The junior varsity earned a victory this time out, winning 108.8-66.4. Highlights in the JV win included the performance of Ava Tallarico, who took first in both beam and floor. Sierra Bauer earned first on vault while Melanie Fleming took first on bars. The Tigers will next face North Branch on Tuesday, Jan. 5.

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Dance line competes at regional invitationals BY JESSE LOGAN SPORTS@PINECITYMN.COM

Pine City’s dance line has put their first competition of the winter season in the books, competing at the Holy Angels 12th Annual Winter Jam Invitational on Saturday, Dec. 19. “This is always a favorite Invite for our team because the school and their volunteers are just amazing,” said head coach Danielle Allen. “The gym is smaller so it’s a great way to start the competitive season off; not as nerve wracking.” Pine City’s squad hosted a family potluck on the Friday evening prior and invited family and friends to come out to watch the team on Saturday. Allen said she was happy to see a good group of fans in attendance wearing Pine City Dance Team apparel. “I am very proud of their performance in high kick,” Allen said of her team. “While not placing high in the ranking order against teams like Totino-Grace, Sartell and Austin (all of those teams

have gone to State and won in previous seasons), they scored well and finished out the routine strong.” Allen was also happy to report no significant injuries so far this season for her girls. Another highlight has been the opportunity to practice twice a week at the SPARX Dance Studio on Main in Pine City. “The owner, Jennifer, opened her doors to us and it has helped the team improve their skills so much,” said Allen. “Having those mirrors for them to utilize is just fantastic!” In non-competition developments, Allen said the team’s home performances have been short and sweet as the team has focused on preparing for the competitions. She also extended a thank you to several volunteers from the student body and the community, and said the help has ensured that practice, home performances and competitions have gone smoothly. Up next for the dance team is the LakeFest Invite at Lakeville South High School on Saturday, Jan. 9.

DNR QUESTION OF THE WEEK types of products come from Q: What Minnesota forests? Paper, lumber and engineered wood A: panel products are the most familiar. Today’s lumber mills produce many different sizes and grades of lumber – along with paneling, millwork, pallets, beams, squares, cants and more. Products not so well known include the production of larch arabinogalactan, an ingredient used in food, dietary supplements and personal care products. The

emerging bio-chemical industry produces tree-based solvents. Commercial timber and paper processing also generate wood waste which can then be used as a fuel source to produce heat, steam and power. One of Minnesota’s paper mills produces a special cellulose pulp used to manufacture clothing. The list includes much more when we consider the benefits the forest ecology provides. – Kent Jacobson, DNR timber business program consultant

DECEMBER 31, 2015

PINE CITY PIONEER

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Burglary suspects arrested in Rock Creek, Hinckley STAFF REPORT NEWS@PINECITYMN.COM

The Pine County Sheriff’s Office is reporting the arrest of burglary suspects who were allegedly caught in the act at properties in Rock Creek and Hinckley. ROCK CREEK MINI STORAGE According to law enforcement, a Pine County deputy was conducting a business check on Dec. 25 at 1:30 a.m. at the Rock Creek Mini Storage located behind the Rock Creek Café. The deputy noticed a vehicle parked in a suspicious location with a male standing outside of the car. During the investigation, the deputy was able to identify the male as Jeffery Hanson, 34, of Cambridge. The deputy reports that Hanson gave inconsistent stories about why he was parked at the storage facility. When a second deputy arrived the officers found that the fence to the mini storage had been cut, and that tracks in the fresh snow led between Hanson’s car and

the hole cut in the fence. The officers discovered that several of the storage units had been broken into, and the suspect’s car was packed so full of property from the storage units that there was only room enough left for the driver. Hanson was arrested and jailed on pending burglary charges as well as possession of a controlled substance located during the arrest. Formal charges were pending at press time. BURGLARY IN PROGRESS On Dec. 27 at 12:16 p.m., dispatchers at the Pine County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a possible burglary in progress at a home on Wildlife Road east of Hinckley. A young teenage girl was hiding in the house and reported a suspicious male driving a van was pounding on the door. Deputies responding to the call located a vehicle matching the description in the area, with a driver – Albert Dunkley, 56 – matching the description of the

man pounding on the door. Deputies discovered the vehicle Dunkley was driving had been reported stolen on Dec. 23 in Hinckley. It was determined that entry to the home had been made and the suspect was arrested. During the investigation deputies found evidence indicating that Dunkley and vehicle were involved in other burglaries in the area. The vehicle contained property linked to the other burglaries, including one reported on Dec. 26 near Sandstone in which hundreds of dollars of custom horse equipment had been stolen. Dunkley, who lists his address as “homeless,” has been charged on 19 counts, including burglary, theft, theft of a motor vehicle, possession of stolen property and driving offenses. Dunkley remains in the Pine County jail at this time. This sheriff’s blotter shows that there were 12 reports of burglary and seven reports of theft across Pine County this past week.

BURGLARS: Doors forced FROM PAGE 1

electronics and guns. He also noted that one neighbor had reported seeing a 1998 dark-colored Ford truck near one of the burgled homes, but the neighbor couldn’t remember if he saw it there during the timeframe of the burglary. Nelson pointed out that the burglars also used the same method to break into the homes. “Entry was consistent,” he said. “The thieves forced the door open. I don’t think there were tool marks or footprints on either one as far as kicking the doors.”

PHOTO PROVIDED

Toms offer veterans holiday feast Warren Dufresne of the Pine County chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation Thundering Toms brings in turkeys which were then donated to Pine County veterans at the Pine City American Legion for the holidays. Pictured (l-r) are Dufresne, Legion Member Jerry Trickle, Legion Board Member Jon Wissler, Legion Board Member Charlie Hirsch and Legion Member Bill Yost. For more information on the Thundering Toms contact Dufresne at 320-492-7774.

STEPS TOWARD SAFETY Nelson said that there are steps homeowners can take to help protect against burglars. The first is to defend the entry points. “Anything people can do to reinforce their doors, whether it be deadbolts or some other additional locks, always helps,” Nelson said. The second step won’t protect property, but it will help with investigation and recovery – and will also help with insurance, and in the case of a house fire. “What we find a lot is that people don’t have records of what actual property they have,” Nelson said. “Just take some time, especially with new stuff coming over Christmas. Write down serial numbers from the back of the TV, from the stereo, from the guns. Anything that has a serial number, we can do a lot more with as far as recovery and tracking down suspects. People think they know what they have until it’s gone, then they’re like, ‘Oh, wait.’” He pointed out that a photo of the serial number might be even better than writing it down. “Now with phones it’s so easy to just snap a picture of the back of your TV, make sure you can read the serial number, throw it on a thumb drive and store it at your friend’s house,” Nelson said. “If we get those individual characteristics such as serial numbers we can get them entered into the computer. That way if one item hits, then it gives us a place to start investigating. It takes a little effort, but we’re kind of dead in the water if we don’t have better information.” Anyone with information on the burglaries, or any other crime in Pine County, is asked to contact the Pine County Sheriff’s Office at 320-629-8380.

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Plan for Northern Lights Express cuts costs, speed BY MIKE GAINOR EDITOR@PINECITYMN.COM

SSIO

the train project, over 40 years, would approach $500 million. Loetterle said that though much planning needs to be done, and though other rail projects nationwide are also in line for federal funding, he believes that the train could be in operation as early as 2020. According to Loetterle, ridership for 2020 is 700,000 to 750,000 trips and increasing up to one million trips in 2040. For more information: www.dot.state.mn.us/ nlx/index.html.

$130 000 in dues. dues In 2013, 2013 2007 and paid over $130,000 Pine County board members stopped paying dues, but Pine County was allowed to remain a non-voting member of the NLX Alliance. Will there be a stop in Pine City? No. The closest proposed station is in Hinckley or Grand Casino Hinckley, 15 miles north. Will there be a stop in Sandstone? No regular station stop is planned for Sandstone. The City of Sandstone has asked for a train cleaning station to be built in the city, but other sites are being considered for a possible train cleaning station, and no decision has been made. How much would NLX cost to build? Who would pay? With the reduced speed proposal made public in December 2015, the cost estimates to build the train have come down from $1 billion to $500-$600 million. NLX officials say the federal government would cover up to 80 percent of the cost, while state and local funds would cover the remainder. How much would tickets cost? The cost for a single ticket from Duluth to Minneapolis is estimated at $32. Would there be ongoing costs for taxpayers? NLX officials have gone on the record saying the train would likely require an ongoing taxpayer subsidy of $5 million per year to operate. NLX supporters claim the train would create economic beneﬁts to offset these costs. – Staff report

another cost-saving measure is to cut the number of round trips per day from as many as eight to four. Even with these cost savings, the operating costs of the train are projected to average $17.5 million per year, and since ticket sales (estimated at $32 per ticket for a oneway trip between Minneapolis and Duluth) would not cover costs, taxpayers would be expected to contribute around $5 million per year to keep the train in operation. NLX officials claim that economic benefits from

MIKE GAINOR | THE PIONEER

NLX Project Manager Frank Loetterle describes a possible schedule for the NLX, with an average speed of 60 mph.

What is the NLX? The Northern Lights Express is a proposed passenger rail train from the Twin Cities to Duluth. Current plans are for a 152 mile line with stops in Minneapolis, Coon Rapids, Cambridge, Grand Casino Hinckley OR the city of Hinckley, and Duluth/Superior. How fast will it go? The top possible speed for the NLX is 90 mph, but the average speed for the total route is 60 mph. Would it be faster than traveling by car? Travel time is now estimated at 2 hours 30 minutes for a trip from Duluth to Minneapolis. According to Google Maps, a trip from Duluth to Minneapolis by car down I-35 takes 2 hours 17 minutes. What is the ‘Hinckley Loop’? The Hinckley Loop is proposed new-built track off the existing Burlington Northern-Santa Fe (BNSF) line which would take NLX directly to Grand Casino Hinckley. Ridership studies show that the train would be used by many more people if it were routed directly to the casino rather than stopping in the City of Hinckley. Who is running the NLX? Several groups are involved. MnDOT took charge of NLX project planning in 2013. The NLX Alliance is a group which lobbies for the project and makes recommendations to MnDOT. BNSF owns the rail line. The Federal Rail Authority has authorized the project. Is Pine County involved in NLX? Pine County has been a member of the NLX Alliance since

Costs – and speed – have been cut from the proposed Northern Lights Express (NLX) passenger rail project. Previous plans for the 152 mile rail project between Minneapolis and Duluth (with stops in Coon Rapids, Cambridge, Hinckley or Grand Casino Hinckley and Superior, Wisconsin) included speeds of up to 110 miles per hour, and would have involved construction of new track which pushed the cost of the project past the $1 billion dollar mark. Current plans reduce the top speed of the train to 90 mph, which would allow the train to run on current Burlington Northern-Santa Fe track, and reduce the price tag for construction to between $500-$600 million. The reduced top speed means that the average speed for the train would be 60 mph, and that a trip from Minneapolis to Duluth on the NLX would now take roughly two and a half hours. At a Dec. 16 meeting of the Minneapolis-Duluth Superior Passenger Rail Alliance (NLX Alliance), NLX Project Manager Frank Loetterle of the Minnesota Department of Transportation said that

WHAT IS NLX? Q & A

B U SI NE

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PEOPLE

DECEMBER 31, 2015

PINE CITY PIONEER

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ANNIVERSARY

OBITUARIES

Foster 50th Congratulations to Jim and Rici (Norstrom) Foster on the 50th anniversary of their wedded life together. The couple was married on New Year’s Eve, 1965 at the old Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Pine City. The Fosters attribute their long-lasting marriage to honesty and perseverance: they say what they think, but never go to bed mad.

THANK YOU The Rural School on 7th Street in Pine City is now sporting a new roof and newly painted bell tower. Our thanks to Campbell Construction for a job well done, to the Hartford Insurance Co. and to Mary Andersen, former country schoolgirl and committee member, for her generous donations. Thank you, as well, to Joe Hobson and John Skluzacek for the nice, shiny finish on the deck. Rural School is open Sundays, noon to 3 p.m., June through August. We also offer a week of school for grades one through eight during the month of June, taught in a similar fashion to what Grandma and Grandpa experienced at the country schools they attended. Rural School Committee, Pine City

Darlene A. Anderson Darlene Anderson of Beroun passed away at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis on Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2015 at the age of 78. Darlene Avis Anderson was born to Otto and Lydia (Pavek) Anderson on Aug. 4, 1937 in Pine City. She worked at the Forum Cafeteria in downtown Minneapolis for 20 years and then came home to help take care of her father. Darlene then worked at Pine City Laundry and the Red Shed in Pine City. She enjoyed playing Sudoku and Scrabble and also liked to collect stamps. Darlene enjoyed her nieces and nephews and hoped to see the great-nieces and great-nephews grow up. Darlene served as Treasurer for her beloved Hustletown Church for many years. She loved her church family. She is survived by her brother Robert (Lee) Anderson of Sartell; sister Kathleen Petersen of Fergus Falls; nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews; sister-in-law Beverly Anderson of Cheyenne, Wyoming. Darlene is preceded in death by her parents Otto and Lydia (Pavek) Anderson; brother LeRoy Anderson; brother-in-law Fredrick Petersen. Pastor Bruce Thompson officiated a funeral service for Darlene Anderson on Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2015 at the Hustletown Community Church. Music was provided by Pastor Bruce and Lori Thompson. Casket bearers included Robert Anderson Jr., Perry Aasness, Terry Stemper, Kevin Keup, Dustin Christopherson and Chad Brenny, with the interment in the Hustletown Union Cemetery. Funeral arrangements for Darlene Anderson are entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City – Swanson Chapel.

David Yost David Yost of Brooklyn Park passed away Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015 at the age of 49. David is survived by his parents Gerald and Joy Yost of Brooklyn Center, son Jared Yost, daughter Kyla Yost, grandson Leo Yost, many other relatives and friends. Funeral services for David will take place on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016, 11 a.m., with a time of visitation one hour prior to the service, all at the Swanson Funeral Chapel in Pine City. Funeral arrangements for David Yost are entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City – Swanson Chapel; www.funeralandcremationservices.com.

WEATHER Date 12/21 12/22 12/23 12/24 12/25 12/26 12/27

High 31° 34° 35° 26° 31° 31° 25°

Low 27° 26° 26° 19° 20° 25° 7°

Precip./Snow 0 .02" .08" 0 0 .15" 0

www.pinecitymn.com

WORSHIP GUIDE Church of Christ

Grasston Baptist Church

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

402 N. Oak St. Grasston, MN 55030 www.grasstonbaptist.org info@grasstonbaptisit.org 320.396.2645 Worship Service 9:30am Sunday School 10:45am

Dale Evangelical Free Church

Hands for Pine City

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

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

First Presbyterian Church Henriette Community Church

405 Main St. S., Pine City 320-629-3592 Rev. Rob Spahr www.firstprespinecity.org 9:15 a.m. Sunday School-all ages, 10:30 a.m. Worship Celebration

(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.

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.

hopelutherangrasston.org Sunday: 9:30 a.m. Worship Service; 10:30 a.m. Sunday School; Holy Communion first and third Sundays and festival days.

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.

Hustletown Community Church

Living Water Fellowship

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

915 W. 8th St. Rush City, MN Sunday Service 10:00 a.m. Call 320-358-3818 for weekly Bible studies and youth activities.

Open Arms Church of God

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

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

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

Hope Lutheran Church

Living Hope Christian Center

Grasston Jim Sodergren, Pastor 320-396-3925

Jeremy Langmade, Pastor Assembly of God 11914 Fairway Rd. SW, Pine City

Hinckley Seventh Day Adventist

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

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church 825 Golf Ave SW, Pine City 320-629-2985, www.orlcpc.com Worship Schedule Sunday Worship: 8:00 & 9:30 a.m. Coffee time at 9 a.m. Sunday School Pre-6th grade at 9:30 a.m. Thursday Worship 5:30 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

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church 320-629-2935 19390 Praha Ave, Beroun, MN Monsignor Alek Suchan Sunday Mass 8:00 a.m.

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

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

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PINE CITY PIONEER

DECEMBER 31, 2015 www.pinecitymn.com

PINE COUNTY SHERIFF’S BLOTTER Dec. 21 - 27 Theft, burglary, vandalism

Dec. 21, 8:16 a.m., report of burglary, 13th St., Pine City south. Dec. 21, 10:17 a.m., report of burglary, Sherwood St., Brook Park Twp. Dec. 21, 1:20 p.m., report of vehicle prowl/entry, Main St., Pine City south. Dec. 23, 4:42 p.m., report of theft, Hillside Ave., Pine City south. Dec. 25, 1:25 a.m., report of burglary, State Hwy. 70, Rock Creek west. Dec. 25, 8:38 a.m., report of driveoffs, 8th St., Pine City north. Dec. 26, 9:52 a.m., report of property damage, Main St., Pine City south. Dec. 27, 10:21 a.m., report of damage to property, Beroun Crossing Rd., Mission Creek Twp.

Miscellaneous

Dec. 21, 7:01 p.m., report of assault, Meadow Creek Ln., Pokegama Twp. east. Dec. 22, 11:32 a.m., report of animal disturbance, Valley View Dr., Rock Creek west. Dec. 22, 1:48 p.m., report of neighbor trouble, Rice Rd., Brook Park Twp. Dec. 22, 4:58 p.m., report of domestic, Sherwood St., Brook Park Twp. Dec. 23, 10:54 a.m., report of suspicious activity, 1st Ave., Pine City south. Dec. 24, 1:24 p.m., report of disturbance, Johnson Ave., Pine City south. Dec. 24, 4:28 p.m., report of vehicle in ditch, Red Oak Rd./540th St., Royalton Twp. Dec. 25, 6:55 p.m., report of disturbance, 11th St., Pine City south. Dec. 26, 2:02 p.m., report of vehicle in ditch, 6th Ave., Pine City south. Dec. 26, 5:06 p.m., report of trespass, Evergreen Sq., Pine City south. Dec. 27, 11:21 p.m., report of security alarm, 8th Ave., Pine City south.

Jail roster

Dec. 21, Erin Patrick Fuller, warrant, remand-bail, drugs- 5th degreepossess schedule 1. Dec. 21, Brandon Lee Rasmusson, warrant, Pine County warrant, remand-RPR, drugs- 1st degreeposses 25 gr... 1st degree- sell... Released Dec. 22. Dec. 21, Todd Thomas Malley, hold for other agency, possess ammo/ any ﬁrearm- convic... Released Dec. 21. Dec. 21, Kendall Wayne Taylor, hold for other agency, theft- $501-1000GM. Released Dec. 21.

Dec. 21, Chad Elmer Fiebing, awaiting trial/court, remand-bail, probable cause, stolen property- possother property- $501...; drugs- 5th degreeposs...; criminal damage to property- 1st degree- $1001 and gre...; vehicle- theft- $1001 or greater- F; burglary- 3rd degree- non resforced- unknown... Released Dec. 26. Dec. 21, Emily Boyd Moore, awaiting trial/court, probable cause, remand-bail, drugs- 5th degreeposs/procure/control... Released Dec. 23. Dec. 21, Cory Lynn Fiebing, awaiting trial/court, probable cause, remand-bail, drugs- 5th degreeposs... Released Dec. 23. Dec. 22, Thomas Edwin Anderson, awaiting trial/court, remand-bail, probable cause, assault- domestic assault- misd. Released Dec. 25. Dec. 22, Richard David Anderson, book and release, probable cause, traffic- driving after suspension. Released Dec. 23. Dec. 22, Jesse James Allen Coyle, warrant, Pine County writ, forgeryuse false writing- identif... Released Dec. 23. Dec. 23, Joshua Lee Lewandowski, warrant, Pine County writ, under sentence, theft- take/use/transfer movable property. Released Dec. 24. Dec. 23, Christopher Ray Nelson, warrant, Pine County writ, assault5th degree- inflict or attempt bod...; disorderly conduct- offensive/ abus... brawling or fi... Released Dec. 24. Dec. 23, Jacob John Krajewski, awaiting trial/court, probable cause, remand-bail, assault- domestic assault- misd. Released Dec. 23. Dec. 23, Grace Kathleen Smith, awaiting trial/court, probable cause, stolen property- receiveother property- $2...; hold for other agency, govt- false name or DOBfictitious. Released Dec. 23. Dec. 24, Justin Peter Downwind, hold for other agency, assault- 5th degree- fear of bodily... Released Dec. 27. Dec. 24, Karen Lynn Eaton, under sentence, assault- 1st degree- great bodily harm- family. Dec. 24, George Martin Neiss, awaiting trial/court, probable cause, domestic assault- misdemeanorcommit... Dec. 24, Jason Allen Rainey, Pine County warrant, harassment- repeatedly make telephon... Dec. 24, Darion Michael Scanlon, Pine County warrant, drugs- 5th de-

gree- possess schedule 1. Dec. 24, Daphne Jayne Shabaiash, awaiting trial/court, probable cause, drugs- 5th degreeposs... Dec. 24, Terrance Patrick Flaherty, awaiting trial/court, probable cause, traffic- driver’s license- driving after cancellation- inimical to public safety. Released Dec. 24. Dec. 25, Jeffrey Robert Hanson, awaiting trial/court, probable cause, drugs- 5th degreeposs/ procure/control su...; burglary- 3rd degree- enters bldg- intent steal; weapon- possess switchblade/ metal kn...; theft- take/use/transfer movable pro... Dec. 25, Skylar James Lee Premo, awaiting trial/court, probable cause, trespassing- business; liquor- underage consumption 18-21. Dec. 25, Angela Marie Russ, awaiting trial/court, probable cause, drugs- 5th degreeposs/procure/ control su... Dec. 25, Paul Randy Husom, awaiting trial/court, probable cause, traffic- driver’s license- driving after cancellation- inimical to public safety. Released Dec. 25. Dec. 26, Jon Derek Gorman, awaiting trial/court, probable cause, trafficDUI- 3rd degree driving. Released Dec. 27. Dec. 26, Adrian Hernandez-Amador, awaiting trial/court, probable cause, criminal sexual conduct- 3rd degree- female- strong arm. Dec. 26, Clarence John Herron Jr., awaiting trial/court, probable cause, domestic abuse no contact order- V... Dec. 26, Jonathan Henry Rojas, awaiting trial/court, probable cause, traffic- insurance- no proof, driving after revocation. Dec. 26, Amy Lee Winter, Pine County warrant, domestic assault- misdemeanor- commit... Dec. 27, Jamie Scott Olson, hold for other agency, drugs- 5th degreepossess schedule... Released Dec. 27. Dec. 27, Albert James Dunkley, awaiting trial/court, probable cause, burglary- 1st degree- occ resforced- day...; vehicle- theft- $1001 or greater- F. Dec. 27, Christopher Gerald Johnson, awaiting trial/court, probable cause, hold for other agency, stolen property- poss- other property$501-$2... Dec. 27, Tony Allen Nowling, awaiting trial/court, probable cause, drugs- 5th degreeposs...

There have been 1,886 admissions to the Pine County Jail in 2015.

Minnesota Starwatch It’s a hungry, howling wolf moon BY DEANE MORRISON

The new year opens with four of the five bright planets in the morning sky. By the end of January, all five will be strung across the predawn firmament. The month starts with Venus blazing away in the southeast an hour before dawn. Dimmer Saturn is to the lower left, and Antares, the bright red heart of Scorpius, smolders to the lower right of the ringed planet. Both quickly climb past Venus. Look on the 6th and 7th for a lovely lineup of Venus, Saturn, and a waning moon, and also on the 9th, when Saturn appears less than a moon’s width from the brilliant planet. High in the southwest, Jupiter also shines brightly. About midway between Jupiter and Venus is a pair of objects: reddish Mars on the left and Spica, the brightest star in Virgo, on the right. These two move apart as the days go by. Also, by the 25th you may be able to spot Mercury just above the horizon, below and left of Venus. That gives us a planetary string in the order (southeast to southwest) of Mercury, Venus, Saturn, Mars and Jupiter. The lineup will continue into the early days of February. In the evening sky, the lovely winter stars are in full glory. Sirius, the brightest of all, shines from Canis Major, at the base of the dazzling array. Grab a star chart and pick out the other beacons: Procyon in Canis Minor, Pollux and Castor in Gemini, Capella in Auri-

ga, Aldebaran in Taurus, and Rigel and Betelgeuse in Orion. At 4:49 p.m. on the 2nd, Earth reaches perihelion, its closest approach to the sun in its orbit. We’ll be 91.4 million miles from our parent star—unfortunately, not nearly close enough for us to feel any extra warmth. It’s perhaps lucky that perihelion falls during the northern winter. As it orbits the sun, Earth’s speed averages about 30 kilometers per second. But that figure varies by plus or minus one percent, with the highest speed at perihelion in January and the lowest at aphelion, our farthest point from the sun, in July. Thanks to our greater speed during the northern winter, we spend less time in that part of our orbit and more time in the part where the Northern Hemisphere is tipped toward the sun. You can verify this by counting the days from the March equinox to the September equinox, and then again from the September equinox to the March equinox. You’ll find we get several more days of spring and summer than of fall and winter. January’s moon reaches fullness at 7:46 p.m. on the 23rd. That’s less than three hours after moonrise, so this one will be another almost perfectly round beauty. Algonquin Indians called January’s full moon the wolf moon, for the hungry howling outside their villages. This year it follows the knot of bright winter constellations across the night sky.

PUBLIC NOTICES Notice of Filing for Chengwatana Township office The following township offices will be voted on at the annual March Township Election to be held on March 8, 2016. The filing period for the following offices begins at 8:00 a.m., Tuesday December 29, 2015 and ends at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday January 12, 2016. The place of filing for candidates who reside in Chengwatana Township is with the Town Clerk, (320-629-2208) or by appointment at the Chengwatana Town Hall. The filing fee is $2.00. One Supervisor (3 year term) One Clerk (2 year term) Candidates may file in person or by mail. Candidates who will be absent from the state during the filing period may arrange to file prior to departure. This notice is provided pursuant to M.S. 204B.33. Katy Overtoom, Clerk Chengwatana Township Pine County, Minnesota Published in the Pine City Pioneer on December 24 and 31, 2015 SUMMARY OF MINUTES OF THE PINE COUNTY BOARD MEETING Regular Meeting - Tuesday, December 1, 2015, 10:00 a.m. Public Health Building, Sandstone, Minnesota Chair Hallan called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. Present were

Commissioners Josh Mohr, Steve Chaffee, Curt Rossow and Matt Ludwig. Also present was County Administrator David Minke. County Attorney Reese Frederickson arrived at 10:04 a.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was said. Chair Hallan called for public comment. There was no public comment. Commissioner Rossow moved to approve the amended Agenda. Second by Commissioner Ludwig. Motion carried 5-0. Commissioner Chaffee moved to approve the Minutes of the November 17, 2015 County Board Meeting and Summary for publication. Second by Commissioner Mohr. Motion carried 5-0. Minutes of Boards, Committees and Correspondence Pine County Land Surveyor Monthly Report – November 2015 Pine County HRA Senior Housing Regular Minutes – October 28, 2015 Pine County HRA Senior Housing Annual Minutes – October 28, 2015 Commissioner Ludwig moved to acknowledge the Minutes of Boards, Committees and Correspondence. Second by Commissioner Chaffee. Motion carried 5-0. Commissioner Rossow moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Second by Commissioner Mohr.

Motion carried 5-0. Approve Disbursements Journal Report, November 1, 2015 – November 30, 2015. Approve the Application for Abatement for Greg Waldhalm, 3263 Laketown Road, Sturgeon Lake. Approve HHS Director Becky Foss to submit a grant request to the Great Area Endowment in the amount of $15,000 for Restorative Justice training. Approve promotion of part-time Corrections Officers Samantha Miller and Jeremiah Friday to full-time corrections officer, effective December 6, 2015. Classification to remain as B23 and wage to remain as $16.69, step 3. Authorize the hiring of part-time Deputy Sheriff Bradley Peters, effective December 7, 2015, $21.10 per hour, grade C42, step 1. Public Hearing – Barry Township Septic Ordinance Land Services Director Kelly Schroeder stated Barry Township has made written request to have the Barry Township Sewage and Wastewater Treatment Ordinance, adopted December 3, 1998, repealed and requests Pine County regulate the sewage treatment systems within Barry Township. Chair Hallan opened the public hearing at 10:05 a.m. to consider adoption of an ordinance repealing Barry Township Sewage and Wastewater Treatment Ordinance

and replacing with Pine County Ordinance 2015-05. There being no public comment, Chair Hallan closed the meeting at 10:06 a.m. Motion by Commissioner Ludwig to adopt Pine County Ordinance 2015-05 an ordinance on behalf of Barry Township, Minnesota, in which Pine County will regulate the sewage treatment systems within Barry Township in accordance with the Pine County Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems Ordinance adopted February 4, 2014. Second by Commissioner Chaffee. Motion carried 5-0. Kanabec-Pine Community Health Board: Chair Hallan requested a Committee of the Whole be scheduled to commence after the December 15, 2015 county board meeting to discuss Pine County’s future participation with the Kanabec-Pine Community Health Board. With no further business, Chair Hallan adjourned the county board meeting at 10:46 a.m. The next regular meeting of the county board is scheduled for December 15, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at the Board Room, Pine County Courthouse, Pine City, Minnesota. Stephen M. Hallan, Chair, Board of Commissioners David J. Minke, Administrator, Clerk to County Board The full text of the board’s Minutes are available at the County Administrator’s Office and the coun-

ty’s website (www.co.pine.mn.us). Copies may also be requested from the administrator’s office. Published in the Pine City Pioneer on December 31, 2015 Minutes of Truth in Taxation Hearing Thursday, December 3, 2015, 7:00 p.m., Board Room, Pine County Courthouse, Pine City, Minnesota Chair Hallan called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present were Commissioners Josh Mohr, Steve Chaffee and Matt Ludwig. Also present were County Administrator David Minke, County Attorney Reese Frederickson and Land Services Director Kelly Schroeder. Chair Rossow was absent (excused). The Pledge of Allegiance was said. Commissioner Chaffee moved to approve the Agenda. Second by Commissioner Ludwig. Motion carried 4-0. Administrator Minke gave a slide presentation discussing the 2016 Pine County budget and property tax levy; the slide presentation will be placed on the Pine County website for the public to view. Administrator Minke stated the total proposed tax levy is $15,942,799, which is an increase of 4.89% over the 2015 property tax levy. Chair Hallan called for public comment. Pine County residents Mark Nisley, Joseph Bonniwell Dawn

Bohn and others commented on the continued increase in the property tax levy. Mr. Nisley requested the board to reduce the budget prior to finalization. Resident Richard Cobb and Mercury Technologies owner Kelly Gribauval-Hite inquired of the Household Hazardous Waste facility, SCORE Recycling and Solid Waste budget. Land Services Director Kelly Schroeder provided an explanation of the services provided and budget. Commissioner Hallan left the meeting at 7:56 p.m. Suggestions were made by the public for future Truth in Taxation meetings to include more information relating to personnel costs (wages and benefits) as well to hold budget meetings in the evening such that it is more convenient for the public to attend. The budget and levy will be presented at the December 15, 2015 county board meeting for approval. With no further discussion, Vice Chair Chaffee adjourned the meeting at 8:07 p.m. Stephen M. Hallan, Chair, Pine County Board of Commissioners David J. Minke, County Administrator, Clerk to County Board Published in the Pine City Pioneer on December 31, 2015

DECEMBER 31, 2015

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ESSENTIAL DUTIES: Under general supervision: coordinates, monitors, and is responsible for all payroll activities within the County. Conducts all aspects of payroll processing; prepares checks and related records and reports, including reports requested by the County for the negotiations process; receives, reviews, enters, audits and processes payroll data; maintains payroll files and records and ensures adherence to established payroll policies, procedures, rules and regulations. Monitors salary step changes, longevity changes and benefit changes to assure compliance with the different union contracts and personnel policies. Work is of a highly confidential nature, and employee has access to highly confidential personnel, financial, and labor negotiations information. Duties require considerable independent work judgment and discretion in the processing of payroll and preparation of reports. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Associate degree or two-year technical certificate and five years experience in running government payroll & reporting, computer and accounting or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above APPLICANT INFORMATION:

All applicants must complete a Pine County application, cover letter and resume. Contact the Pine County Administrator’s Office for application or download the application on the website at www.co.pine.mn.us. LOCATION: Courthouse, Pine City CLASSIFICATION: PAYROLL CLERK PAY GRADE: 2016 - B23 $14.37 - $20.74/hour. STARTING SALARY: Dependent on qualifications. CLOSING DATE: January 4, 2016 at 4:30 p.m. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Beautifully decorated & landscaped year round 3br log home on a nice fishing & swimming lake. 128’ of shoreline & 2 acres of land in Cushing, WI, less than an hour from the Twin Cities. Includes fireplace, washer/dryer, dishwasher, large shed/garage. This is a turn- key sale with a pontoon boat & motor, canoe, aluminum dock & all the furniture in the house. It has a full basement and nice screened in porch. It was built in 2001. Just bring your fishing pole! $254,900. Please call 612-670-6261.

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

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154 EMPLOYMENT

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Food & Nutrition Director

WALLPAPERING & REMOVAL

Pine City Public Schools has the following opening:

PAYROLL CLERK

11 WORDS $8.80

12 WORDS $9.60

13 WORDS $10.40

14 WORDS $11.20

15 WORDS $12.00

16 WORDS $12.80

17 WORDS $13.60

18 WORDS $14.40

19 WORDS $15.20

20 WORDS $16.00

21 WORDS $16.80

22 WORDS $17.60

23 WORDS $18.40

24 WORDS $19.20

25 WORDS $20.00

26 WORDS $20.80

27 WORDS $21.60

28 WORDS $22.40

29 WORDS $23.20

30 WORDS $24.00

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SELECT CATEGORY 351 368 59 401 52 51 113 60 100 353 505 151

Antiques/Art Appliances ATVs Auction Calendar Automobiles Auto Parts/Service Black Dirt Boats & Motors Brick Work Building Supplies Business For Sale Business Opportunity

111 Cement 54 Classic & Antique 107 Cleaning Homes/ Businesses 22 Clothing 350 Computers 356 Computer/Office Equipment 99 Construction 403 Crafts/Boutiques 55 Cycles 201 Daycare 155 Education

154 Employment 157 Employment Part Time 152 Employment/ Seasonal 153 Employment Services 13 Entertainment 407 Estate Sales 116 Excavation 349 Exercise Equipment 301 Farm Misc. 302 Feed/Seed/Hay 94 Financial

358 404 103 366 104 21 159 160 500 365 115 352

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106 303 355 91 92 360 457 108 109 361 251 012 14

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203 102 15 357 57 101 158 204 367 454 18 120

Senior Care Services Sewing Snowblowers Snowmobiles Snow Removal/ Equipment Social Services Special Needs Sporting Goods Storage Thank You Tools

50 112 58 456 53 156 369 502

Trailers & Campers Tree Service Trucks/Vans/SUVs Vacation Rentals Vehicles Wanted Volunteers Wanted 4 Sale by Owner

PINE CITY PIONEER

DECEMBER 31, 2015