Country Courier - 09/06/2013
Country Courier - 09/06/2013
Country Courier - 09/06/2013
Country Courier
S e r v i n g To d d C o u n t y , M N
VOLUME 22; NUMBER 11 - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013 CIRCULATION 6,000
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By Rin Porter One of the tasks Minnesotas counties face every summer is preparing a budget for the following year. All 87 Minnesota counties have to do this as part of the groundwork for deciding where to set their property tax preliminary levies by Sept. 15 of each year. Todd Countys five commissioners and auditor/treasurer are the officials charged with preparing the annual budget and levy figures. They are in the midst of the process now. In some counties, the county administrator, county coordinator, or finance officer either assist with or personally carry out the budgeting process, subject to county board approval. To give Todd County residents some perspective on what neighboring counties are dong, we contacted the four small counties that surround Todd and asked them about their budget processes. We did not include Otter Tail or Stearns County, because they have populations and acreage more than twice the size of Todd County, and we did not consider them fair comparisons. Here are the results of our comparisons of county budget processes. TODD COUNTY According to 2011 estimates from the Minnesota Legislature, Todd County has a population of 24,823 people. Todd County currently has neither a county administrator nor a county coordinator. Todd County has five commissioners and an auditor/treasurer who are preparing the 2014 budget and levy. This is the first time in five years these officials will carry out this work. From 2009 to 2012, a county administrator prepared the budget and the county board approved it. The administrator resigned at the end of December 2012. This summer, commissioners asked all county department and division heads to appear before the county board and present their requests for 2014 budget
cations. During this process, commissioners learned of serious needs for road construction and maintenance funds, building repair funds, and Sheriff s Department wage reserves to cover part-time deputies and jailer/dispatchers when full-time employees are on sick leave, vacation, or family medical leave. These funding needs, if met, would increase the countys expenditures by about a million dollars in 2014. However, county revenues will not increase enough to cover the increased expenditures. County roads in Todd County have not received any maintenance in more than five years. The County Engineer requested a large appropriation of county funds for the next several years to allow him to carry out road maintenance on county roads. Several county buildings need new roofs. Annex I and Annex II need new rooftop air conditioning units, the jail has plumbing leaks and needs a new water softener, the Main Street Government Center needs a new boiler, and employees have requested that lights be installed in the county parking lot. Todd County faces labor negotiations with its bargaining units this fall. The current labor contracts end on Dec. 31, 2013. Some neighboring counties are also scheduled for labor negotiations, and others have settled with their bargaining units for wage increases of 2% to 3% per year for the next two to three years. All counties face health insurance cost increases of about 5% in 2014. The county has outstanding bond debt that will cost $647,900 in 2014. The 2011 budget contained expenditures of $29,515,590, 2012s were $35,807,565, 2013s were $26,845,815, and projected 2014 expenditures are $27,686,928. CASS COUNTY According to 2011 Minnesota Legislature estimates, Cass
Browerville has one Grandma, Shari Tapp, who lives in Long Prairie.
In Long Prairie there are seven Foster Grandparent volunteers: Margaret Becker, Neva Pesta, Ann Burger, Sandy Devens, Wanda Thompson, Mary Lu Smith (not pictured) and Beverly Heinze.
cant animal in the DNR research project. During a 32-year study period, she and her many offspring provided an almost uninterrupted record of reproduction, survival, movements and, eventually, senescence (aging), within a single matriarchal lineage. Data from this bear and her off-
spring have contributed significantly to the scientific literature on black bear biology. From 1981-1995, Bear No. 56 produced eight litters of cubs and successfully reared a remarkable 21 of the 22 cubs to 1 1/2 years of age. In 1997, at age 23, she uncharacteristically lost two of her three cubs before weaning. In 1999, at age 25, she bore and raised her last cub. In 2001, when she was next expected to give birth, researchers found her healthy in her den and
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producing milk but without cubs. Bear No. 56 outlived by 19 years all of the 360 other radiocollared black bears that DNR researchers have followed since 1981. She also outlived any radio-collared bear of any species in the world. Only a very few individual study bears have been reported to reach age 30. The second-oldest was a brown bear that lived to 34. Researchers suspect Bear No. 56s longevity probably is best attributed to a combination of factors, including the location of her home range in a forested area with few people or major roads; a more reticent nature than that of many bears, in terms of her avoidance of people; and luck. Getting this information about this bear has taken a lot of effort. This really attests to the value of a long-term study with a large sample of bears, said Dave Garshelis, DNR bear project leader. Had we not studied so many bears, we likely would not have encountered this intriguing outlier. It was not just documenting that she lived to be so old, but understanding how she was able to live to be so much older than other bears that made this incredibly interesting and useful. In the last few years of her life, Bear No. 56 began to visit some hunters baits, but hunters passed up shooting her, abiding by a DNR request that hunters not shoot collared bears. When last handled in March 2010, Bear No. 56 was a healthy weight but her teeth showed excessive wear and her eyes were clouding. Since then, her hearing and eyesight continued to deteriorate. Rarely observed through most of her life, Bear No. 56 had been observed by people during the past two summers with increasing frequency, foraging along trails and traveling dirt roads, likely because of the greater ease of travel than in the woods. Sometime in July, Bear No. 56 left her normal home range, as bears often do in late summer, to explore other areas for rich food sources on which to fatten for winter. After locating her radio signal several miles from her typical home area, DNR bear researcher Karen Noyce found her decomposed body in a secluded wooded location. From all indications, she died a quiet death, with no sign of struggle at the site and no evidence of broken bones or traumatic injury. This is the first bear in our study to die of old age, and there is something satisfying in that, said Noyce, who, along with Ken Soring, DNRs current enforcement director, conducted the first capture of Bear No. 56 as a rookie biologist in 1981. We knew she was getting feeble, Noyce said. It would have been sad to find her on the side of the road somewhere, hit by a car. After following her all these years, Im glad to know she died peacefully. It was a fitting death for a fine old bear.
MDH and local community suicide prevention efforts. "Everyone in Minnesota has a role to play in preventing suicides," said SAVE Executive Director Dr. Dan Reidenberg. "By knowing the warning signs and what to do if you are concerned about someone, you can save a life." 11 Warning Signs of Suicide (the more a person exhibits, the greater the risk): 1. Talking about wanting to die. 2. Looking for a way to kill oneself.
3. Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose. 4. Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain. 5. Talking about being a burden to others. 6. Increasing the use of alcohol or other drugs. 7. Acting anxious, agitated or recklessly. 8. Sleeping too little or too much. 9. Withdrawing or feeling isolated. 10. Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.
11. Displaying extreme mood swings. Tips for those concerned about a friend or loved one: Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273TALK (8255). Do not leave the person alone. Remove firearms, alcohol, drugs or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt. Take the person to an emergency room or seek help from a medical or mental health professional.
St. Gabriels Hospital recognized nationally for medical excellence in joint replacement and major orthopedic surgery
St. Gabriels Hospital has received national quality awards for medical excellence in Joint Replacement and Major Orthopedic Surgery from Comparion, a leading health care information services and consulting company. Comparion recognized St. Gabriels in its CareChex 2013 release of the Top Quality Hospitals in the U.S. St. Gabriels ranked in the Top 10% of all hospitals across the country for medical excellence in both Joint Replacement and Major Orthopedic Surgery. In Minnesota, St. Gabriels was rated 5th among hospitals for the two categories and, according to Comparion, thats quite an achievement for a small critical access hospital in Central Minnesota. Jessica Bentley, Regional Director at Comparion said, "CareChex allows the public to make informed decisions regarding the quality of medical care provided by hospitals. We are pleased to acknowledge that St. Gabriels is the top ranked of all eligible Critical Access Hospitals in Major Orthopedic Surgery and Joint Replacement in the United States and ranked 187 and 166 respectively out of all hospitals (including both general acute care and critical access hospitals). By achieving exceptionally high levels of performance across all relevant components of medical quality within Major Orthopedic Surgery and Joint Replacement, St. Gabriels sets a benchmark that other hospitals should seek to emulate." Relying on both public and proprietary measures of performance, CareChex compares the quality of hospital and physician care to national, state and local standards using a variety of process, outcome, and patient satisfaction measures to assign a composite quality score and rating. Unlike other rating systems, CareChex is an innovative medical quality rating system designed to assist hospitals in improving the quality of inpatient care and promote medical excellence to consumers, payers and employers. Chad Cooper, St. Gabriels Hospital president said, Our organization, including Little Falls Orthopedics (LFO), has long been committed to quality. It is one of the pillars of our organization. We are told that this is unique for a critical access hospital to be a recipient of this honor and, of course, we already know that an orthopedic practice the caliber of LFO in a community our size is quite rare. We are very proud of our ratings, which are based on an independent analysis of data from all the surveyed hospitals. He continued, They (the ratings) confirm that our entire surgical services team is providing outstanding service, from the staff in the operating rooms to our five orthopedic surgeonsDrs. Virgil Meyer, Philip Prosapio, David Jorgensen, Paul Johnson, and David Edgertonto our rehab and primary care providers, we are doing the right things at the right time and that excellence shows. Dr. Meyer added, We are extremely fortunate to have an exceptional staff at Little Falls Orthopedics, an outstanding OR (operating room) team and nursing staff at St. Gabriels Hospital, and very compassionate and skilled providers at Family Medical Center, all of which play essential roles in delivering high quality care to the patients we serve. I am very pleased that St. Gabriels Hospital has received this recognition and the part Little Falls Orthopedics has played in this achievement. St. Gabriels ratings are higher than 94.3% percent of early 3,500 surveyed hospitals across the country for major orthopedic surgery and higher than 95.1% of hospitals for joint replacement surgery. To learn more about the CareChex ratings for St. Gabriels Hospital, visit: HYPERLINK
"http://www.comparionanalytics.co m" www.comparionanalytics.com. About Comparion Comparion is a leading health care information services and consulting company dedicated to providing an extensive array of products and services designed to measure, manage, and monitor the clinical, financial, and market performance of healthcare organizations. Our vision is simple: to see health care organizations achieve and maintain superior performance. Our mission is as broad as necessary and as narrow as possible to assist clients in the interpretation, application, and implementation of findings which are catalysts for effecting meaningful change. This approach has proven to be the key to successful change management; whether in reducing clinical costs, improving quality, or redefining market strategy. For more information, go to ComparionAnalytics.com
insurance. Minnesota Health Care Programs (Medical Assistance and Minnesota Care) accepted (card must be presented at time service is provided). No one will be refused because of inability to pay. Call for an appointment 320-533-4652. Tue. Sept. 10, Assemblies of God, Eagle Bend, By appointment Tue. Sept. 17, Wed. Sept. 18, Thur. Sept. 19 & Tue. Sept. 24, Courthouse Annex, By appointment Call Debra 320-533-4652 FAMILY PLANNING & HEALTH SERVICES Confidential services available: Complete physical exam, birth control methods, pregnancy testing, STI & HIV testing, pap smears, education and counseling. Clinic locations: Long Prairie, Menahga, Walker, Pine River and Wadena. Charges based on income and family size. No one will be refused services due to inability to pay. Medical Assistance and all other insurances accepted. For more information or an appointment call 1-877-275-6123. Thur. Sept. 26, Family Planning Clinic, CentraCare Clinic, Long Prairie, By appointment only, Call 1-877-275-6123 WIC - WOMAN, INFANTS AND CHILDREN WIC is a nutrition education and supplemental food program for pregnant or post partum women and infant and children ages birth to 5 years. The WIC Program must treat everyone the same. You can't be treated unfairly because of your race, color, national origin, age, sex or handicap. If you think you have been treated unfairly you should write to: Administrator, Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22303.
Tue. Sept. 10, Eagle Bend WIC, Assemblies of God, 9 - 12 Noon Mon. Sept. 16, Wed. Sept. 18, Long Prairie WIC, Main Street Government Center, 9 - 4 pm Call 1-800-953-4440 or 320-7324456 to see if you are eligible for WIC. PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING CLINICS Services available: Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar (Glucose), Cholesterol, Hearing, Hemoglobin, Oxygen Saturation Level, Weight/Body Fat Analysis, Health Education for medication or disease management, and Foot Care. Services are billable to Medical Assistance. Donations accepted. No one will be refused services because of inability to pay. Partially funded under contract with the Central MN Council on Aging as part of the Older Americans Act Program. Wed. Sept. 11, Village View Apartments, By appointment, Grey Eagle, Call Nona Walker 320-2852667 Thur. Sept. 12, Sunrose Courts, Browerville, By appointment, call Theresa Zirbes 320-594-0078 Fri. Sept. 13, Hillside Apartments, Browerville, By appointment, call Florence Rickbeil 320-594-6391 Tue. Sept. 17, Senior Center, By appointment, Bertha, Call Jo Fern 218-639-2080 Wed. Sept. 18, Heritage Place, By appointment, Clarissa, Call Irene Kotula 218-756-2212 Thur. Sept. 19, Greenleaf Apartments, By appointment, Eagle Bend, Call Lois Klucas 218738-5180 Thur. Sept. 12 & Sept. 26, Senior Center, By appointment, Long Prairie, Call Myrna Golnitz 320732-2282
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SEPTEMBER IS.......
Self Improvement Month, Be Kind To Editors and Writers Month, International Square Dance Month, Cable TV Month, National Bed Check Month, National Chicken Month, National Courtesy Month, National Honey Month, National Mind Mapping Month, National Piano Month, National Rice Month, National Papaya Month, and Classical Music Month 1 Emma M. Nutt Day, the first woman telephone operator 2 Labor Day First Monday of month; National Beheading Day 3 Skyscraper Day 4 Newspaper Carrier Day 5 Be Late for Something Day; Cheese Pizza Day 6 Fight Procrastination; Read a Book Day 7 Neither Rain nor Snow Day 8 Grandparent's Day; Pardon Day; International Literacy Day; National Date Nut Bread Day; National Pet Memorial Day 9 Teddy Bear Day 10 Sewing Machine Day; Swap Ideas Day 11 9/11 Remembrance; Make Your Bed Day; No News is Good News Day 12 Chocolate Milk Shake Day; National Video Games Day 13 Blame Someone Else Day; Defy Superstition Day; Fortune Cookie Day; National Peanut Day; Positive Thinking Day; Uncle Sam Day - his image was first used in 1813 14 National Cream-Filled Donut Day 15 Make a Hat Day; Felt Hat Day - On this day, men traditionally put away their felt hats. 15 National Women's Friendship Day 16 Collect Rocks Day; Step Family Day; Mayflower Day; Mexican Independence Day; National Play Doh Day; Working Parents Day 17 National Apple Dumpling Day; Citizenship Day; Constitution Day 18 National Cheeseburger Day 19 International Talk Like A Pirate Day; National Butterscotch Pudding Day 20 National Punch Day; POW/MIA Recognition Day 21 International Peace Day; International Rabbit Day; Miniature Golf Day; World Gratitude Day 22 Business Women's Day; Elephant Appreciation Day 23 Checkers Day; Dog in Politics Day 24 National Cherries Jubilee Day; National Comic Book Day 26 Johnny Appleseed Day 27 Crush a Can Day; Native American Day 28 Ask a Stupid Question Day; National Good Neighbor Day 29 Confucius Day - Try your luck. Get a Fortune Cookie. 30 National Mud Pack Day
320-732-3516
Pete Berscheit, Veteran Service Officer 347 Central Ave Suite 3, Long Prairie, MN 56347 [email protected] 320-732-4419
Markstrom said. After hearing that, most simply roll up their sleeves. The St. Cloud VAs pertussis program began in March, when a screening and vaccination program for all patients was put into effect. Veterans can find out if they need vaccination at their next provider visit, or they can call their health care team. Flu and pertussis vaccination clinics for Veterans are planned for Oct. 2 and 3, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, in Bldg. 96 on the St. Cloud VA campus. Additional clinics are planned for Oct. 8, from 4 to 7 p.m., and Oct. 12, from 8 a.m. to noon, in the west lobby of the main entrance (Bldg. 1). Spouses, significant others, and caregivers of Veterans can also receive a seasonal flu shot at the St. Cloud VA Medical Center from 9 to 11 a.m., on Oct. 2 and 3. A fee of $29 is required, and may be paid in cash or billed to the individual s health insurance. Spouses, significant others, and caregivers should bring their health insurance card to the clinic. Additional flu and pertussis clinics are planned at the VA outpatient clinics in Alexandria, Brainerd, and Montevideo. At the Brainerd VA Clinic, flu and pertussis vaccinations will be given on Oct. 22, Oct. 25, from 10 a. m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. each day, and on Nov. 5, from 1 to 3 p.m. At the Montevideo VA Clinic, flu and pertussis vaccinations will be given on Sept. 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. At the Max J. Beilke VA Clinic in Alexandria, flu and pertussis vaccinations will be given on Oct. 10 and Oct. 23, from 12:30 to 4 p.m. each day All Veterans are encouraged to enroll in the VA health care system. For information on enrolling for VA health care, contact the St. Cloud VA HCS Eligibility Office at (320) 255-6340. Further updates to the flu shot program at the St. Cloud VA will be announced on the flu shot information line at (320) 2556444.
to apply for the position, visit the website at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/enforcement/jobs/hiring.html. A link near the bottom of the page will take applicants to the job posting. To ensure consideration for this position, both new and returning applicants need to apply directly to posting number 131743000001 by checking the apply for this job box at the bottom of the job announcement.
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The Todd County Country Courier, Page 8, Friday, September 6, 2013 employing everyone else he says. percent; since thats lower than the The more you can save the better, rate of inflation, theyre losing deserve the freedom to make choic- but that will vary at different money. In some cases, people transes about how theyll spend their stages of your life. At the mini- fer risk to someone else, for last 20 or 30 years, especially if mum, 10 percent is a good rule of instance, when they buy homeowners insurance. Finally, they choose theyve spent 45 years going to thumb. "Take advantage of tax-free savto manage their risk emotionally, work every day. Thats part of the ings. Taxes are the biggest expense psychologically and technically American dream, Garuda says. And you dont have to earn a for- anyone has. Besides federal, state, through asset allocation rebalanccity and death taxes there are 59 ing and other tools that allow you tune to save a fortune. Garuda shares four things other different ways your money is the amount of risk you re willing to everyone should know about taxed, Garuda says. If you save $1, assume while still providing opporUncle Sam will help you by waiting tunities for growth. preparing for retirement: "Create tax-free income. My "Save first, then spend. Most for his cut of that $1. With planpeople spend first, then try to save ning, you can put him on hold for favorite question to ask people is, whats left, Garuda says. The secret about two generations, he says. What have you done to create taxis to make saving first your priori- With tax-free compounding, a rela- free income? Garuda says. There ty. The people who save first will tively small amount of money are many ways to do this - Roth always be the people who are saved can yield huge returns years IRAs, life insurance, tax-free from now. bonds, annuities -- but most involve "Decide how youll manage risk. working with a knowledgeable There is risk in everything, and financial planner. An indexed life Garuda warns that those who sim- insurance policy is a great one; it ply choose to ignore it do so at their protects your money while offering own peril. Others choose to go a lot of benefits. But its like a broke safely - they avoid risk to Swiss army knife - there are a lot of such an extent, they lose money. A ways to use it, and most people good example is people putting all dont know how to use it properly, their savings in CDs that pay just 1 Garuda says.
~320-594-2248 ~
The Todd County Country Courier, Page 9, Friday, September 6, 2013
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lots may or may not exist at individual sites. Some sites have interpretive kiosks to help visitors identify key features and processes. These areas dont have restrooms or other facilities and most dont have maintained trails. To learn more about Minnesota's SNAs, visit: mndnr.gov/snas. - Kelly Randall, DNR SNA outreach coordinator
The Browerville Blade Is Looking For A Student Photographer For The 2013-14 Browerville School Year!
Sporting Events School Events Activities Play Offs Some Light Writing
BE A PART OF YOUR LOCAL NEWSPAPER TEAM! Wirte a little bit about yourself and leave it in our box up at the school or email us at: [email protected]
The Todd County Country Courier, Page 10, Friday, September 6, 2013
$22 In Todd County $27 In Minnesota $32 Out Of State $15 College Rate (9 month)
KEEP UP TO DATE ON ALL THE LOCAL HAPPENINGS & EVENTS FOLLOW THE ENTIRE SEASON OF TIGER SPORTS GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE
The Todd County Country Courier, Page 11, Friday, September 6, 2013
Budgets, continued
DOUGLAS COUNTY According to Minnesota Legislature 2011 estimates, Douglas County has a population of 36,240. Douglas County has a county coordinator. The auditor/treasurer prepares the countys proposed budget by requesting budget submissions from department heads and compiling the requests into a document. Douglas County has seven bargaining units. All contracts end on Dec. 31, 2013, but negotiations for new contracts have not yet begun. Douglas County has a courthouse remodeling project underway (Alexandria Echo, Aug. 1, 2013), and will levy a small sum to complete the project. The county has just completed remodeling of law enforcement, public health, and social service offices. Douglas County has a process by which the county stockpiles money to pay for maintenance projects. Auditor/Treasurer Char Rosenow wrote in a personal communication, We levy a certain dollar amount each year for those types of items. We started that a few years ago when I became Auditor/Treasurer. Currently we put $50,000 away for carpet, paint and any indoor issues each year and another $50,000 for outside issues such as roof repairs, sidewalk and parking lot repairs etc. The county implemented the new Wheelage Tax effective in January 2014 to help with road construction and maintenance needs. The 2011 budget contained expenditures of $47,310,676. The 2012 revised budget had expenditures of $42,782,945, and the 2013 budget listed expenditures at $44,307,217. The 2014 budget is in the process of being created. Douglas County has $4 million in bond debt. No new bonds are planned at this time. MORRISON COUNTY According to 2011 Minnesota Legislature estimates, Morrison County has a population of 33,312 people. Morrison County has a county administrator, and also has a finance officer (Steve Messerschmidt) who prepares the countys budget. The process began in May. Morrison County will provide a COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) increase of 2% for employees in 2014. There is a 5% cafeteria (benefits package) increase due in 2014 as well. The countys goal is a 0% levy increase for 2014, even with these scheduled wage and benefit increases. Department heads complete a Budget Analysis Summary Form, a Staffing Request Form if they wish to add staff, a Capital Outlay Request Detail form for large purchases, a Five-Year Capital Outlay Plan form, a PTO and Sick Bank Payout form, and a Budget Preparation Checklist. The county will hold budget hearings on four days at the end of August and beginning of September.
Morrison County has four bargaining units, three of which have settled contracts for 2013-2015 with a 2% wage
increase scheduled for 2014, and the fourth is the last year of a contract with a 2% wage increase due in 2014. Morrison Countys buildings are in good shape, according to Messerschmidt, with minimal ongoing maintenance needed. No building remodeling or new construction projects are scheduled for 2014. The road system in Morrison County is in good shape, according to Messerschmidt. The county board voted to implement the new County Wheelage Tax of $10 beginning Jan. 1, 2014, with the funds going toward drainage improvements on local roads. Morrison County has $4 million in bonding debt, and will not add any additional debt in 2014. The 2011 budget contained expenditures of $41,827,496. The revised 2012 budget listed expenditures of $34,817,130, and the 2013 budget had expenditures at $37,832,431. WADENA COUNTY According to 2011 Minnesota Legislature estimates, Wadena County has a population of 13,709 people. Wadena County has neither a county coordinator nor a county administrator. Wadena County has five commissioners and an auditor/treasurer who are preparing the 2014 budget. The auditor/treasurer and two of the commissioners are new employees, and the 2014 budget is the first one that they will help prepare. Department heads appeared before the county board in August and presented their budget requests for 2014. The board directed department heads to present budgets with 0 to 3% expense increases for 2014, or, if that was not possible, to explain the circumstances and provide documentation. Wadena County will have a 5% increase in health insurance costs. Wadena County had provisionally approved an insurance committee recommendation for a 10% decrease in health insurance premiums. Three of the four bargaining units have signed labor agreements for 2013-2015, and they will receive a 2% wage increase at the beginning of 2014. The fourth bargaining unit has not settled on its next contract, and will operate using the expired 2012 agreement until a new one is agreed upon. Binding arbitration is scheduled for September. Wadena County has just begun a major exterior repair and renovation of the courthouse including replacement of the roof and all the windows. The project is expected to be completed by the end of Dec. 2013. No new projects have been approved for 2014. Wadena County has been engaged in the replacement of its buildings at the county fair-
grounds that were destroyed by the June 16, 2010 tornado, and has had to pay construction costs and then be reimbursed by FEMA and the Minnesota Dept of Homeland Security. Some of the reimbursements have taken three to six months, which has put the countys cashflow in a less than optimal situation.
However, those projects are nearly completed. Wadena County needs money to repair its aging county road system. Commissioners took no votes on whether to implement the Wheelage Tax or the local sales tax. Wadena County has no bonding debt, but is consider-
ing bonding for road construction and maintenance. The 2011 budget contained expenditures of $18,766,898. In 2012, expenditures were $18,277,813. In 2013, projected expenditures are $20,964,507. The 2014 planned expenditures were incomplete as of Aug. 16.
Huck Holst, Staples, plays with granddaughter Jaida weeks after his hip replacement surgery. Soreness you can deal with, pain is something completely different. Huck Holst of Staples had been dealing with hip soreness and pain for nearly two years when he decided to do something about it. I couldnt even stand or walk without it hurting, so I went to the VA to see what they could do because the pain was getting worse. Joint pain and damage can be caused by arthritis and other diseases, injury or normal wear and tear. All of these can cause joints to wear away, bone-onbone rubbing, stiffness and swelling. To help with this pain, your medical provider may recommend over the counter medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen or aspirin, or things like physical therapy, exercise, braces or lifestyle changes. Prescription medications like Celebrex, as well as injections of corticosteroids have also been proven to decrease joint pain. If these treatment options dont work and your pain continues or worsens, the next alternative may be a joint replacement. I was in a lot of pain, and even after a cortisone shot, the pain was still there. Thats when we knew Id probably have to have something done, said Holst. I couldnt do any of the things I wanted or liked to do because it was just unbearable. Thats no way to go through life. The main reasons patients consider a joint replacement surgery are a decrease in their joint pain, improved mobility and in daily activities and an overall improvement in their quality of life. For people who choose to have a joint replacement surgery, the Joint Connection program at Lakewood Health System provides a complete medical history and physical, laboratory tests and diagnostics and comprehensive educational program prior to the surgery. The surgery is performed at Lakewood by board-certified orthopedic surgeons, who round back with the patient and their coach post-surgery to answer any questions and check on their progress. The surgery itself may take up to two hours, and recovery usually involves a three day in-patient stay and several weeks of outpatient exercises and therapies. Following the surgery, each patient is evaluated for physical and occupation therapies and receives both in-patient and outpatient physical therapy services. All this is overseen by a team in specialized joint replacement care. The team includes surgeons, physicians, physician assistants, nurses and physical and occupational therapists. I was feeling better almost immediately after my surgery, said Holst. Now I can do everything I wasnt able to do before, like swimming, riding the lawn mower, and playing with my grandkids, without any pain. I cant tell you how great a feeling that is. And its things like that you take for granted, but I never will again. To learn more about the Joint Connection program at Lakewood, contact Jennifer at 218-894-8578, or visit www.lakewoodhealthsystem.com.
DNR urges boaters to stop power loading when loading and unloading boats at public water accesses
As summer progresses and lake water levels drop, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds boaters using public accesses to check ramp conditions before launching any boat and to refrain from power loading. Power loading is a phrase that describes using the motor thrust to load and unload a boat onto and off a trailer. The method is dangerous and can damage boats. Instead of power loading, boaters are encouraged to use a winch to load and unload a boat. Power loading creates blow holes and prop mounds when sediment, gravel and sometimes large rocks are blown beyond the ramp. Power loading can also cause damage to launch ramps that may not be visible from the surface of the water. Erosion under the concrete ramps and dock wheels can cause them to become uneven and, in some cases, fall into the blow holes. The practice can also lead to expensive boat motor and trailer repairs. Motors can incur damage if the boat or lower unit runs aground on the mound. At shallow accesses, boat trailer frames can get hung up when trailers are backed off the end of the concrete ramp into the blow outs. Smaller vehicles may be unable to get the trailer out. We recommend that before launching, boaters look beyond the ramp for shallow water caused by prop mounds and ensure the water is deep enough for the boat and motor, said Dave Schotzko, DNR northwest region Parks and Trails Division supervisor. This is especially important for those with larger boats and pontoons. The DNR Parks and Trails Division manages about 3,000 public boat accesses statewide. DNR crews stay busy in the summer maintaining public water accesses. The added tasks of removing prop mounds and repairing docks and ramps become expensive and time consuming, making it impossible to level every boat landing to accommodate all sizes of boats at every lake. These repairs also take funding and time away from efforts that could be spent on other improvements.
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THE STAFF AT TODD COUNTY TRANSFER THANKS THE PUBLIC FOR THEIR SUPPORT IN HELPING KEEP TODD COUNTY CLEAN AND OUR OPERATION Sooner or later RUNNING SMOOTHLY it all comes to us
Todd County Transfer Station 2013 Product Price List
Lg. quantity (10 yds or more/landfill) per yard Demolition (Transfer Station) per yard Concrete (separate load/landfill) per yard Concrete (Transfer Station) per yard Demolition landfill gate fee
Garbage
(Assorted material that is not specifically identified on this list) All garbage must be weighed with a minimum charge of $3.00 .05 $84 + 17% tax* $5.00 $5.00 $10.00 $5.00 $1.00 $5.00
Garbage price per lb. Large quantity (must be weighed before unloading) price per ton
Demolition Containers
Rent per day Mileage per mile Todd Co. min. charge per trip Todd Co. max. charge per trip $5.00 $2.50 $50.00 $150.00
Furniture
(Including couches, chairs, mattress, box springs)
Free Items
White Goods
(Large appliances including microwaves) $7.00 $2.00 $3.00 $5.00 $150.00 $250.00
Tires
- FREE -
(Prices double if tires are on the rim) Passenger Pickup (large 4 ply) Truck (20 or larger diameter) Large quantity (car, pickup) per ton Large quantity (tractor & industrial) per ton *17% State Solid Waste
Were not just the dump anymore! Your 1 Stop Shop for All Your Disposal Needs!
Farm Supply
Healthcare
Pr o Ag Ser vice
Clarissa (218) 756-2112 Eagle Bend (218) 738 2552
Drapery Design
The latest window fashions Ardis Ebnet, Designer/Consultant
Veterinary
Todd County Veterinary Clinic
Large & Small Animals
Browerville & Clarissa 218-756-2226 Long Prairie 320-732-6922 Eagle Bend 218-738-3462
(320) 732-3739
24901 325th Ave. Long Prairie, MN 56347
WANTED TO BUY
Standing timber, all species. Specialize in selective harvesting. We also do clear cuts. Baums Custom Logging & Firewood Sales, Burtrum, MN. Office: 320-285-3565 cell: 320-815-1863
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Technology
COUNTRY COMPUTERS The Solutions People
SALES - PARTS - SERVICE
Business Computer Systems
33681 Co. 1 218-738-2842
Grant Noska
27476 County 26
Browerville, MN 56438
320-630-3638
Jump On Over To The Thread Shed For Deals So Good Its Playful!
FOR SALE
Central Todd County Care Center - Clarissa, MN Job Opening Dietary Part time Evening Aide Hours 4:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Application available at Care Center Business Office If you have questions (218)-756-3636 Ext. 17 leave voice mail and we will get back to you. Central Todd County Care Center is an equal opportunity employer.
ag29-s5c
Central Todd County Care Center - Clarissa, MN Job Opening Dietary Part time Evening Cook Hours 11 am to 7:30 pm
Application available at Care Center Business Office If you have questions (218)-756-3636 Ext. 17 leave voice mail and we will get back to you. Central Todd County Care Center is an equal opportunity employer.
ag29-s5c
For Sale at Lovens Gifts - Crafts - Glassware - Tools - Furniture - Fishing Flys - Purses - Gloves - Bedding - Dolls - Etc. Behind Post Office in Browerville. Call 1-320-594-2464 Look for tf Open sign.
GIZA
PLUMBING & HEATING
EST. 1934
Heating & Cooling Systems Sheetmetal Work Water Pumps Plumbing Supplies & Fixtures For The Do-it-Yourselfer MARV GIZA GREG GIZA 061803PM 062674PM 218-894-2284 after hours: 218-894-1127
Statema
THREAD SHEDS
Browerville
Thread Shed I 320-594-6456
Staples
Thread Shed II 218-895-5023
Sauk Centre
Thread Shed III 320-352-2829
Chad Twardowski
Long Prairie Cell: 320-760-1127
Home: 320-732-3809
Licensed Bonded Insured FREE Estimates 24 Hour Emergency Service
S YSTEMS
*Tune-Ups *Custom Exhaust *A/C Service *Brakes *Coolant Flush *Computer *Diagnostics *Alignment
218-738-2913
CALL STACEY 320-594-2911 TO PLACE YOUR AD IN THE TODD COUNTY COUNTRY COURIER
Less than 1 percent of drunk drivers reoffend after using ignition interlock
MORE THAN 400 ARRESTED FOR DWI DURING FIRST WEEKEND OF STATEWIDE DWI CRACKDOWN Less than 1 percent of the 10,664 DWI offenders in Minnesota who have used or are currently using ignition interlock have reoffended since the programs statewide inception in July 2011, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety. To date, 3,283 people have graduated from the interlock programmeaning, they used the device for the required period without reoffending. There are currently 7,381 people using ignition interlock in Minnesota. Ignition interlock devices are connected to a vehicles starter. The only way a driver can start the vehicle is by blowing into the device and measuring an alcohol content under 0.02. If the alcohol content is at 0.02 or above, the car will not start and the information will be recorded and later transmitted to the monitoring authority. Interlock devices are proving to be effective tools that are keeping the vast majority of past DWI offenders from repeating their mistakes, says Donna Berger, Office of Traffic Safety director. In turn, this technology is cutting down on impaired driving and creating a safer driving environment for the traveling public. As the interlock program continues to limit the amount of DWI reoffenders on Minnesota roads, law enforcement around the state continue a nationwide DWI enforcement crackdown scheduled to run through Labor Day. Law enforcement statewide arrested 425 for DWI during the first weekend of activity (Aug. 16-18), including several at or above an alcoholconcentration level of 0.16, making them eligible for interlock. WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR INTERLOCK Repeat DWI offenders, as well as first-time offenders arrested at 0.16 and above alcohol-concentration level must use interlock in order to regain legal driving privileges, or face at least one year without a drivers license. Offenders with three or more offenses are required to install interlock and use for three to six years, or they will never regain driving privileges. Based on historical data, officials expect around 21,000 DWI offenders to be eligible for interlock sanctions during a given year. Cost of an interlock is $3$4 per day. There are 32 statesincluding Minnesotathat use ignition interlock for first-time DWI offenders. INTERLOCK FEATURES Rolling re-tests require driver to provide a breath sample three to five minutes after starting the vehicle, and randomly thereafter. In-car cameras record all breath tests. Video and test results are available for DPS to monitor. Specific hum or suck back patterns required when providing breath sample. Users are required to have the interlock calibrated monthly by a service provider. Service providers will run reports that indicate how many times the vehicle started, number of rolling re-tests, and any test fails (an alcohol-concentration limit of 0.02 or above). Service providers will send reports to DPS for review and to take appropriate action or extend sanctions. For more information on the ignition interlock program, visit www.MinnesotaIgnitionInterloc k.org.
218-894-2871 - or 218-820-8227
Bucket Truck
Dentist
218-894-2755
Emergency and new patients welcome.
320-547-2408 320-760-0907
Free Estimates Experienced Reasonable Rates Insured
If youre looking to buy, stop in and see one of our sales agents. We have many listings... Ones sure to have your name on it!
Arlen Muenzhuber ~ Jamie Flan ~ Mona LaDue ~ Brandon Kelly
A place to live... A place to share... A place to call home... Call today so we can send you more information, or arrange a tour!
320-732-3516 1-888-563-2700 www.valleyviewassistedliving.com
Homemade Happiness
Sunday, Sept. 8th
Public Invited 1-3pm Featuring Displays Of Residents Handiwork Homemade Pie Social Concertina Music by Tony Borghijenck
320-859-5159
Mon-Thurs, 8AM-6 PM, Fri 8AM-8PM, Sat 8AM-6PM, Sun 8AM-2PM
Primary Office - Long Prairie 229 Central Ave. Long Prairie T: 320-732-1919 TOLL FREE - 877-297-1125 Staples Office 133 N 4th St Staples T: 218-894-4618
320-732-3516
HORSESHOE
SEPTIC SERVICE
Por tab le Toilet Rentals
Out-Patient Rehab Services Home Care Skilled Nursing Facility Assisted Living
Hwy 71 Clarissa, MN 218-756-3636
320-352-6961
Karl Larson, 320-808-8012 Jason Marthaler, 320-249-6062 Howard Marthaler, 320-250-2984
Browerville, MN
Mediation Estate Planning/Probate Real Estate/Township Law Divorce/Child Support Custody/Adoption 25 3rd Street South Long Prairie, MN 56347 Office: 320-732-2918 Fax: 320-732-2586
www.goldsmithlf.com
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