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FOR WINTER 2010 COMMUNITY EDUCATION CLASS INFORMATION CLICK HERE

RiverView Health Foundation will be participating in Giving Hearts Day on February 11, to learn more click above

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TUESDAY - FEBRUARY 9,  2010

RIVERVIEW FOUNDATION TO PARTICIPATE IN 3RD ANNUAL GIVING HEARTS DAY

On February 11th, RiverView Foundation will participate in the third annual Dakota Medical Foundation (DMF) Giving Hearts Day match program.  DMF will match, dollar for dollar, online contributions to the RiverView Foundation of $10 or more up to $4,000.  The match funding through the Giving Hearts Day program is only available on February 11th  (12:00 a.m. - 11:59 p.m.).  Donations must be made online by following the link on the riverviewhealth.org homepage or by clicking on the Giving Hearts logo above.
In addition to the match grant, the five organizations that receive the most online contributions on Giving Hearts Day will be awarded additional grant funds up to $20,000.  "If you were planning on making a donation, it's a great day to double your contribution," said Kent Bruun, RiverView Foundation Director.  Donors may contribute to the radiology renovation project, inpatient bed or television replacement project, priority medical equipment, educational scholarships, or any other projects of interest.

In 2009, the RiverView Foundation secured over $54,000 in online contributions and matching grant support on Giving Hearts Day.
For more information about the Giving Hearts Day program, contact Bruun at 218-281-9249 or kbruun@riverviewhealth.org.

UMC WESTERN EQUESTRIAN TEAM CLOSES OUT THE REGULAR SEASON WITH A IHSA CHAMPIONSHIP

The University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC) Western Equestrian team closed out a stellar regular season in style this past weekend at North Dakota State University (NDSU). The Golden Eagles captured the High Point Team Award on Saturday and the Reserve High Point Team Award on Saturday to claim the Zone 9, Region 3 Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) Championship. The win qualifies UMC’s Western squad for the IHSA Semi-finals hosted by Cal-Poly Pomona in Pomona, Calif. on March 27-28.
Amanda Peterson, (Sr, Rochester, Minn.) finished the year as High Point Rider of the Region and will advance to the IHSA National Competition to compete for the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) High Point Rider Cup. On Sunday, she finished her final year showing as the Reserve High Point Rider of the Day winning the Open Horsemanship and taking second in the Reining.
Three more riders qualified for the Regional Championship show with Tandra Klein (Jr, Hazen) qualifying in the Reining and Amy VanTreeck (Fr, Sheboygan Falls, Wis.) and Amanda Flint (Fr, Aberdeen, S.D.) qualifying in the Intermediate.
The UMC Western team individuals that have qualified for Regional Championships are as follows: Amanda Peterson in Open Horsemanship; Tandra Klein in Reining and Advanced Horsemanship; Kayla Klein (Jr, Hazen, N.D.), Becky Rhodus (Jr, Kansas City, Missouri) and Kaitlyn Tollefsrud (So, Hawley) in Novice Horsemanship; Jackie Nikkel (So, Lundar, Manitoba), Megan Kramer (So, Owatonna), VanTreeck and Flint in the Intermediate and Anna Steen (So, Hanover) in the Walk/Trot. U of M, Crookston is hosting the Western Regional Competition on Sunday March 7 at 10 a.m. at the University Teaching and Outreach Center (UTOC) on the UMC campus. Riders from Region 3 that have qualified in their respective divisions will compete for the top two spots to move on to individual competition at the IHSA Western Semi-finals horse show March 27-28.
“I am thrilled that the ladies have ridden so consistent all year,” says Golden Eagle Western Coach Nicky Overgaard.  “It really paid off as we were able to win the region by a substantial margin over NDSU.  We are looking forward to preparing the team riders and qualified individuals for the championship competitions with our sights set on IHSA Nationals in May.”

MONDAY - FEBRUARY 8,  2010

CROOKSTON SCHOOL BOARD HAS REGULAR BOARD MEETING ON  MONDAY

The Crookston School Board meets on Monday, February 8th  at 5 p.m. in the Choir-Orchestra room at Crookston High School.
Personnel items on the agenda include reducing special education teacher Jeremy Lubinski from full time to .4 FTE and employing him to a half time physical education teacher position. Tim Moe has submitted his resignation as junior high softball coach for action.
The main agenda includes course offering changes at the high school, discussion of former Lincoln School property appraisal from Boetcher Appraisal, Salary Lane advancement requests, and a letter from Mike Pufall who will be discontinuing management of the concession stand at Crookston High School and the football field.
Tim Moe, 8th grade social studies teacher will present the feature program on team planning. Superintendent Wayne Gilman will report on activities to the board.
The meeting is open to the public and begins at 5 p.m. on Monday.  For the full board agenda, click here.

CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERS REALLOCATION OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR  TO FLOOD FUND

The Crookston City Council will hold its regular meeting Monday night at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers in the lower level of City Hall.    One item on the agenda tonight is a resolution authorizing reallocation of the expenses of the Community Development Director position from the General Fund to the Special Service District Flood Fund. The meeting is open to the public.  For the full council agenda, click here.

UMC ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT TO HOLD TWO FAMILY FUN NIGHTS AT FRIDAY AND SATURDAYS BASKETBALL GAMES 

The University of Minnesota, Crookston athletic department announced today they will hold two family fun events during the women’s and men’s basketball games on Friday, February 12 and Saturday, February 13 against Minnesota Duluth and Bemidji State. On February 12, “Pink Zone” Hawaiian Night will be the theme against the Bulldogs. Champions Forever will amaze the crowd on February 13 when they perform their Spin-tacular Basketball Show.

“Pink Zone Hawaiian Night”- Golden Eagle Fans are invited to wear their favorite pink Hawaiian apparel and fill Lysaker Gymnasium. Participants will be eligible for great prizes throughout the evening’s basketball games. WBCA “Pink Zone” is an initiative to raise breast cancer awareness in women's basketball, on campuses and in communities. Game times are scheduled for 6:00 p.m. for the women and 8:00 p.m. for them men against Minnesota Duluth. For more information on WBCA “Pink Zone” visit the WBCA website at http://www.wbca.org/pinkzone.asp.

Champions Forever- UMC-FCA and FCA Plus are excited to sponsor the Crevier family and the Spin-tacular Basketball Show on Saturday, February 13 at Lysaker Gymnasium. The performances will take place at halftime of the women’s and men’s basketball games against Bemidji State University. Game times are set for 6:00 pm and 8:00 p.m.
Are you ready to be inspired? Bruce Crevier is a "Four Time Guinness World Record Holder" for basketball spinning and has traveled all over the world performing and sharing a message of hope to this generation! You will be motivated and inspired!! Bruce and Diane and their family of 12 children use Basketballs, Unicycles, Music and Fun!! Bruce's programs are fit to audiences in any age range in any setting! They invite you to be a part of this Spin-tacular event! (Excerpt from the Champions-Forever website) For more information on the Crevier family and the Spin-tacular Basketball Show, visit the Champions-Forever website at http://www.champions-forever.com/.  “Bruce and his family are truly amazing performers. They have incredible basketball skills and unbelievable talent,” says Natasha Kuhle, Assistant Athletic Director/Senior Woman Administrator (SWA). “This will be one of the most entertaining and inspirational nights of the year at the UMC Sports Center. Bring the whole family out for a fun-filled night of basketball excitement and fun.”

RSVP READER'S THEATRE GROUP VISIT OUR SAVIORS LUTHERAN SCHOOL IN CROOKSTON

The RSVP Reader's Theater group shared their fun stories with classes at Our Savior's Lutheran School last week. While reading the story "Runny babbit" by Shel Silverstein, they donned bunny ears as you can see below.

 The RSVP Reader's Theatre with the Our Savior's students
             (Picture submitted by Sandra Trittin)

AREA HEALTH EDUCATION CENTER IN CROOKSTON LOOKING FOR MORE HEALTH FIELD WORKERS

There is a need for people to work in the health career field.  Sandy Henneberg of the Area Health Education Center located at RiverView Health is recruiting residents interested in a health career.   "We are housed at RiverView but we cover a fourteen county region. Our purpose is to promote a health care work force for the designated areas in the region,  most of Minnesota falls into that category."  said Henneberg, "We promote health careers for students in schools and are starting an adult program in the area of Detroit Lakes, Cass Lake, Walker and all the way up to the Canadian border. We keep looking for people interested in a health career. We also work with medical students and place them into rural areas for internships and their rotation to meet medical school requirements.  We work with professionals, trying to bring them programs that are needed to help them get clock hours, so our program is very broad." 
If you are interested in pursuing a health field career contact Sandy Henneberg by calling 281-9200.

BRANDIN SOLIE, A SENIOR AT FERTILE BELTRAMI, WINS AGARAMA CROP SWEEPSTAKES

Nearly 300 students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community residents attended the 35th Annual Ag Arama. Several contests are held and a variety of awards are given out to honor both current and graduated students.
Included in the variety of contests held are contests in agronomy, animal science, horticulture, and natural resources that highlight Ag Arama weekend. These contests serve as an opportunity for students in agriculture and natural resources degree programs to showcase their knowledge and skills and have a chance to interact with alumni and faculty members.
Brandin Solie, (pictured left) a senior from Fertile, was Crops Sweepstakes winner for the day. Solie had the most combined points from both the Agronomy Practicum contest as well as the Crop Show contest. The Agronomy Practicum presents contestants with problems to solve that they might face as a farm manager, such as problems with the application of herbicides, fertilizer, and insecticides. They were also asked to identify seedling crops and seeds, and to answer other questions relating to agronomic practice. The Crops Show tested contestants in their ability to judge seeds based on a number of factors, including plumpness, seed color, bushel weight, and the absence of foreign material.

Isaiah Ulmer, (pictured right) a junior from Fullerton, N.D., was the Round Robin Showmanship Winner for the day. The Round Robin Showmanship competition takes the first place winner from each showmanship contest, including horse, dairy, sheep, beef, and swine, and brings them together in the same ring. It was a challenging contest as each contestant must know something about every animal. Ulmer took home the Animal Science Sweepstakes Trophy as part of winning the Round Robin Showmanship competition.

DEER HUNTERS ASSOCIATION HOSTING AN INFORMATIONAL PROGRAM ON WOLVES, COYOTES AND MORE ON FEB. 13     

The Pine-to-Prairie Chapter of the Minnesota Dear Hunters Association (MDHA) is hosting an informational program about how Wolves, Coyotes, Bobcats/Lynx, Mountain Lions and Deer interact in the wild on February 13th, 11:00am until 4:00pm.  Admission and lunch are free for the entire family! The event will be held at the Mentor Fire Hall, in Mentor, MN.  The presenters are John Erb, Minnesota DNR Furbearer and Wolf Biologist, from 1:00 to 2:00 and John Hart USDA Wildlife Services District Supervisor from 2:00 to 3:00.  Both Presenters have extensive experience with furbearers and Deer research in Minnesota.
The 3rd Annual Pine-to-Prairie Banquet was held this past January and went phenomenally well.  With all the support from the local members and gracious sponsors, we’d like to provide this event to the community.  This event is free for both members and non-members, and it will also serve as the MDHA February meeting where information will be given to everyone regarding our banquet as well as the community and habitat work that the Pine-to-Prairie chapter of the MDHA is working toward.             

MDHA invites you to bring in the biggest trophy antlers you have to be measured by an official trophy antler measurer in a biggest, broadest and most unique antler contest. Cash prizes will be given along with a gun raffle throughout the afternoon. Even life-long and experienced hunters will take away new knowledge from this extraordinary event. MDHA welcomes all for an afternoon of fun and information for the entire family.          
The MDHA Pine to Prairie Chapter’s mission is "To promote hunting education, to provide and maintain wildlife habitat, and to improve relationships with landowners, law enforcement, and wildlife agencies."  For questions, or to join the Pine-to-prairie Chapter, please call Juancarlos Giese at 651-269-9289, or Bruce Roed at 218-686-7233.  We look forward to seeing everyone there.

SUNDAY-  FEBRUARY 7, 2010

CROOKSTON HIGH SCHOOL FINISHES 3RD IN REGIONAL ONE ACT PLAY

Here are the results of the Section 8A One Act Play Finals held on February 6, 2010 at Warren/Alvarado/Oslo High School.

1. Freak: Bagley High School (Advancing to the State Festival)
2. Hush Little Celia, Don't Say a Word: Roseau High School
3. Crisis, Inc.: Warren/Alvarado/Oslo High School
4. Hairball: Crookston High School
5. Fourteen Lines: Ada-Borup High School
6. The Biggest Little Love Story: East Grand Forks High School
     Poe, Poe, Poe: Badger-Greenbush-Middle River High School
     Pals: Win-E-Mac High School

 

NORTHWEST MINNESOTA FOUNDATION OFFERS FREE PAINT FOR COMMUNITY FIX UP PROJECTS

A fresh coat of paint can make a remarkable difference in the appearance of community structures, neighborhood facilities and parks.  While adding to a sense of civic pride, this agreeable task is again being made very affordable. For the 13^th consecutive year, the Northwest Minnesota Foundation (NMF) announces the availability of free paint for community fix-up and restoration projects.  In partnership with the Valspar Corporation and the Minnesota Beautiful Picture-It-Painted Program, help will be given to towns and organizations to obtain the paint and other coating materials required for selected projects.  “The Picture-It-Painted Program has made thousands of gallons of paint available over the years, which has resulted in visual improvements all around the region,” said Nancy Vyskocil, NMF president.  “We’re pleased to be working again with Valspar to help bring the Minnesota Beautiful project to our communities.”
Free paint will be made available by NMF and Valspar in support of projects that best meet certain eligibility criteria.  Selection will be based on the visual impact of the proposed projects, potential advantages to the public, volunteer participation and support, current and/or intended use of the structure to be refurbished, and benefits to those in need.  Qualifying projects might include, but are not limited to, those involving historic structures, senior citizen and community centers, facilities for the disabled, publicly owned buildings, and murals or other visual-impact designs.  Projects that would not qualify include those involving denominational churches, city maintenance, private properties, or school projects (except for murals).
Picture-It-Painted applications are due by March 5^th , with awards announced on March 29^th. Applications are available for downloading at www.nwmf.org, or by calling NMF at 218-759-2057 or 800-659-7859.  “Many towns and organizations will compete for this chance to renew or preserve a community asset,” said Vyskocil.  “We encourage all applications and appreciate the spirit shown for the projects.”  The Northwest Minnesota Foundation invests resources, creates opportunities and promotes philanthropy to make the region a better place to live and work.

MINOR LEAGUE AND PARENT COMMUNITY NETWORK WORKS ON REDUCING MARIJUANA USE/ABUSE

During the last week of February, The minor League and Parent Community Networks across Polk County worked on reducing and preventing marijuana use/abuse among area high school students. 
Did you know that marijuana is the most commonly abused illegal drug in the U.S.?  According to the annual Chemical Free Polk County student survey, completed by all public school 6-12^th grade students, student had an opportunity to self report their marijuana use from the past 30 days.  In the spring of 2009, students in grades 6-8, 96.8% reported that they had not used and students in grades 9-12,  87.5% reported that they had not used marijuana.  This makes marijuana the third highest used drug among students in Polk County, with alcohol and tobacco taking the top two spots.
What is marijuana?  It is a dry, shredded green and brown mix of flower, stems, seeds, and leaves derived from the hemp plant Cannabis Sativa.  The main active chemical in marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol – or THC for short.  Since 1960, the level of THC in marijuana has increased at least 25 times.  Law enforcement in Polk County has shared a concern about the potency of marijuana that they have seized locally.
What’s the big deal?  Does marijuana affect your brain?  Marijuana, which is usually smoked as a cigarette (joint) or a pipe, is absorbed by the lungs and then absorbed rapidly into the blood stream which carries it to your brain and other organs in the body.  Once it gets in your brain it is “picked up” by receptors which cause a chain of chemical reactions that cause the “high” that marijuana users feel. 
Due to the area of the brain that absorbs the chemicals, this causes distorted perceptions, impaired coordination, difficulty in thinking and problem solving, and problems with learning and memory.  Research has shown that this problem with learning and memory can last for days or weeks.  This means that young people can have difficulty in school, with a drop in academic performance and grades.  This also means that young people who are of driving age, should choose not to get behind the wheel after ingesting marijuana, as their reflexes and coordination are greatly impaired and can cause traffic crashes.
Does marijuana affect your lungs?  Marijuana contains the same 400+ harmful chemical that are found in regular tobacco products.  It has also been shown that marijuana smoke has 50-70% more cancer causing hydrocarbons than regular tobacco smoke.  Marijuana users typically inhale more deeply and hold their breath longer than tobacco smokers do, which further increases the lungs’ exposure to cancer causing smoke. 
Does marijuana use affect a person’s mental health?  Several studies have been conducted to determine if there is a link between marijuana use / abuse with mental health disorders.  Some studies have linked chronic marijuana use with an increased rate of anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and schizophrenia.  Some of these studies have also identified the age of the first marijuana use to be a factor in this increased risk.  It is not clear from these studies whether marijuana use causes mental health concerns, makes them worse, or if the marijuana use is an attempt to self-medicate for those that already have mental health concerns.  Currently the strongest link between mental health and marijuana use is schizophrenia and other related disorders. 
Can you become addicted to marijuana?  Yes, long term marijuana abuse can lead to addiction.  Long term abusers that are trying to quit report irritability, sleeplessness, decreased appetite, anxiety and drug craving.  Chronic marijuana users also display the same behaviors as other addicts; compulsive drug seeking and abuse despite its known harmful effects on their social functioning and family relationships.

Much of the data/statistics shared above was provided by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) at www.drugabuse.gov/infofacts /marijuana.html.

Would you like more information about marijuana use/abuse?  Would you like to assist with prevention efforts within the county?  Parents and other community members can assist us in promoting healthy lifestyles among our youth by having a conversation with them about your family values regarding substance use / abuse.  Parents and other adults are also encouraged to get involved in their local Parent Network or by supporting their school’s team of TmL by serving as a chaperone, helping with an event or just encouraging their son/daughter to participate.  Any questions about the program or to find your school’s TmL Advisor, please contact D’Anne Johnson at Polk County Public Health 218-281-3385 or djohnson@pcphealth.org.

SATURDAY -  FEBRUARY 6, 2010

RIVERVIEW FOUNDATION PARTICIPATES IN THE 3RD ANNUAL GIVING HEARTS DAY MATCHING PROGRAM

Thursday, February 11^th, RiverView Foundation in Crookston is participating in the Dakota Medical Foundation (DMF) 3rd Annual Giving Hearts Day Donor Match Program.  DMF will match, dollar for dollar, online contributions to the RiverView Health Foundation up to the initial $4,000. 
The Foundation Board has committed raising $200,000 to the Radiology CT/MRI Project. The community benefit of having the highest level of healthcare diagnostic radiology services available here at home will be the outcome of your time and talents directed towards this fundraiser.
Giving Hearts Day coincides with Random Acts of Kindness week. This is a powerful movement that RiverView wants to spread throughout the community; calling them to lives of caring and compassion. This event will motivate and inspire you to create kindness all around. The results of this initiative will be a stronger, healthier and friendlier place to live.
They need a dedicated team leader that is committed to developing their own 10-member or larger team. These teams are referred to as Helping Heart Teams.

Each team should select a name relating to acts of kindness, giving, or caring. An example is Home Health’s Team motto may be “Home is where the heart is”. Infection Control’s might be “Giving is infectious”.  Each team member is asked to secure pledges from ten people that agree to make a  ten dollar or more online contribution to RiverView Foundation on February 11^th , 2010 Giving Hearts Day.  Once you receive the pledge the volunteer is asked to secure an e-mail address from the donor so the Foundation can e-mail the information and icon for making their contribution electronically. The online giving icons will be located on the RiverView, KROX and Dakota Medical Foundation/Impact Foundation websites.
Everyone is encouraged to wear red on Giving hearts Day in observance of this event. This will be promoted throughout the community
You will be receiving e-mails supporting the Giving Hearts Day initiative. The Foundation would appreciate it if you would forward these e-mails to people on your contact list.  Encourage other departments, organizations or individuals to develop a Helping Hearts Team.  Giving Heart’s Day occurs on Valentine’s week.  Donors are encouraged to make contributions in honor or memory of someone they care about.  It might be a parent, a child, a patient, a co-worker, a physician, or just someone who you admire or appreciate. Donors can send an e-Valentine/e-card to their designated person to let them know a donation has been made in their honor.
The RiverView Foundation needs your help in raising financial support for our Hospital. They are competing for incentive grants exceeding $20,000 that we can reinvest into growing their services!!
The nonprofit that receives donations from the most donors will receive an additional $500 grant.
The nonprofit that receives donations from the most U.S. states will receive an additional $500 grant!!
A $500 incentive grant will be awarded to the nonprofit that receives a donation from the furthest donor (within the United States-including Alaska and Hawaii).
The GHD nonprofit that uses the most creative and effective marketing strategy will receive an additional $500 grant

FRIDAY - FEBRUARY 5,  2010

CITY CALLS FOR DESIGN OF WATER MAIN RELOCATION

The City of Crookston has a water main along the Highway 2 East that goes to the city's wells east of Crookston. With the reconstruction of Highway 2 East of Crookston this summer a decision on moving the water line needs to be made. "We will have a meeting with Minnesota Department of Transportation and go over utility locations and meet again in March. The street committee authorized Widseth Smith Nolting to design the relocation of the main water line." said Crookston Public Works Director Pat Kelly, "We want a design in place if we have to move it, but we have some options and we might not have to move it. It might work best if we have to relocate the line, it could be rolled into the contract with the highway relocation, so we need to discuss this with MNDOT. We have no idea of the cost, so, that is the reason for creating a design. It will give us costs and we will find out if we can afford the change." MNDOT expects to call for bids in the spring on the highway project and complete the work by fall.

FORMER CROOKSTON MAYOR HAS LETTER TO THE EDITOR ON THE FLOOD FUND AND THE CITY'S BUDGET

On the Flood Fund, the City Budget and Less Help from the State and Federal Government:

I have been asked often in the past several weeks about the proposed change in the use of the Crookston flood fund to pay for administration costs. Since it was formed in 1998, following the great flood of 1997, the money paid into that special service district has been exclusively used for flood control projects to protect the City's flood prone areas. Yes, much has been done since that time, and yet a lot remains to be done. The job is far from finished. As we have learned the ground near the river is prone to slumps and instability, so costly surprises can be expected and even the newest dikes and systems must continually be maintained and repaired.

The flood fund has served us well and should continue to do so for the next few years. Those of us who live outside the flood plains joined with our neighbors in the flood plain to build a better, safer community.  As one who led the effort to start this fund, I can attest that it succeeded because residents were confident that the money was going to build flood protection projects, with City general funds used to pay administration costs. The fact that local residents ponied up has been a big plus in our efforts to lobby for the state and federal help that has paid for most of the cost of Crookston's flood protection. Now Federal and State budgets for such projects are facing big cuts and it would be smart to assume that our local share may have to rise going forward.

Our City officials have been dealt a very difficult hand by cut after cut by State Government in the Local Government Aid program.  The 2009 cut of $500,000 for Crookston is almost certain to be followed by more, perhaps even bigger cuts in 2010 and in the next biennium.  The Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities (Crookston is a member) was warning last spring and summer that property taxes would have to go up by up to 40% to maintain local budgets. Crookston did not raise taxes, in fact local property taxes actually went down for many residents.  Obviously that road is rarely popular, but in fact many cities comparable to Crookston did act to at least partially offset state aid cuts. The only remaining choices are dramatically raising City fees for all sorts of things, and/or making big cuts in City services and staff, and/or short term tapping of dedicated funds, like the flood fund, to pay operating costs.  We can all see how well this strategy works - it looks like what the State of Minnesota has been doing for seven years.

Taking $90,000 or so from the flood fund this year for administration costs is just the beginning not the end. What happens in future years when State Aid is cut further, will the fund be saddled with more and more administrative costs?  What happens when the dikes have to be repaired, will there be money to do the work?

This is not a good solution to the real budget problems the City faces. These problems are going to require good long-term solutions that recognize the reality of shrinking State aid and the fact that more of the burden falls on the local residents and businesses.  That will take hard work and lots more discussion.

Sincerely,

Don Osborne

MINNESOTA MAN, WITH LOCAL TIES, BREAKS WORLD SNOWMOBILING RECORD

Nick Keller, brother of Crookston resident Walt (and Margee) Keller, has been an avid snowmobiler for 37 years. March 2009 marked the 20th anniversary of their mother, Mary Jane Keller’s death. Mary Jane died of breast cancer at the young age of 56.

The Keller Family Community Foundation, whose purpose is to raise awareness, resources, and money to help people with cancer and their families, is supporting and promoting the Snowball Cancer Challenge. During this snowmobiling event, Nick Keller attempted to set a new world record by snowmobiling over 12,200 miles within 60 consecutive days. Because of snow conditions, Nick Keller, Richmond, MN completed most of his snowmobiling miles in Michigan and Wisconsin. The Snowball Cancer Challenge is one way that Nick has been honoring his mother and celebrating his own life as he himself will be turning 56 in 2010.
 
This 60 day event started Saturday, December 26, 2009 and will end Tuesday, February 23, 2010. Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010 marked the 40th day of his venture and also the day Keller officially broke the current record with 12,315 miles. Keller will continue to ride for the remaining twenty days to build on his already impressive mileage.
 
For more details about the Snowball Cancer Challenge, visit  www.snowballcancer.org.

NATURE CONSERVANCY DECLARES RESTORATION 'NEARLY COMPLETE'.

Peggy Ladner, Director of the Nature Conservancy for Minnesota and the Dakotas, each year meets with Polk County Commissioners to update them on the activities of the Conservancy. This year she reported that they are near the end of the restoration of the land.  "I think that is what is significant this year is that we have transferred over 5,000 acres to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and we are anticipating transferring another 8,000 acres in the upcoming year." said project manager Kieth Mykleseth, "We are getting very close to completing the wetland and prairie restoration.  We may be back in the fall with another ditch abandonment. We have done over 70 to 80 miles of ditch taken out, so this is ultimately the National Wildlife Refuge." The Nature Conservancy will not be the owner of the land as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will own the land. 

"The time put into restoration with over 30 partners, like the commissioners and the City of Crookston, will be a wonderful resource for the entire area." said Ladner, "We already see people from many, many states coming to bird watch, hunt and see the wildlife in the natural area of the Refuge."

SARAH COOLEY BACK FROM HER TRIP "DOWN UNDER"

Sarah Cooley is a sophomore at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and has recently returned home after a month of study in Australia. "I had always wanted to travel to Australia as it is an intriguing country so this was a great opportunity, because we have what is called the "J-term", which is the month of January." said Cooley, "You take one class and focus on it for the entire month and with my major the class was called Australia and the global economy, we focused on the wine industry, education and tourism aspect as we traveled around the country." The class had 14 students from Augustana and then another group of 21students joined them from all over the country. "They are very laid back as the month of January is like a holiday,  people roam around and have no plan." said Cooley, "They like America and thanked us for what we do for them.  We traveled to four different cities staying in apartments and hostels, and got to go to the great barrier reef.  Some went snorkeling to see sharks, octopus and sting rays. They have surf clubs instead of golf clubs. The swimming pools at these clubs are in the ocean so they do not have to worry about sharks. You can volunteer to be a life guard for a while and then can use the facility." Cooley will be back at Augustana for Spring Semester classes.   Sarah's parents are Dan and Connie Cooley of Crookston.

THURSDAY - FEBRUARY 4,  2010

WOMEN OF TODAY TO HAVE A FUN NIGHT MONDAY 

The Crookston Women of Today will hold a membership fun night on Monday, February 8th at 7:00 p.m. in the back room at Happy Joe's. Women interested in joining the group are encouraged to attend. The Crookston chapter of the Minnesota Women of Today is a community service group that is open to those 18 years of age and over. The group meets on the second Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the back room of Happy Joe's. If you would like more information about the Crookston Women of Today, please contact Melanie Lessard at 281-2133.

CATHEDRAL SCHOOL STUDENTS CELEBRATE THE MILITARY DURING CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

Cathedral School celebrated the military for Catholic Schools Week on Wednesday. A prayer service was held honoring all military men and women. The students prayed, especially for Cathedral School graduates and relatives of Cathedral School students, who are currently in the military. The students then wrote letters to thank and show support to them.

The Cathedral School students with their thank you letters.  (Pictures submitted by Teresa Cymbaluk)

OUR SAVIORS SCHOOL STUDENTS SKATING IN THE NEW ARENA

Our Savior's Lutheran School's skating unit for the physical education class coincided perfectly with the opening of the Crookston Sports Center. The students are enjoying two weeks of ice time in the new facility.  (Picture submitted by Sandra Tritten)

WEDNESDAY - FEBRUARY 3,  2010