The City of Crookston will spray for mosquitoes tonight, Wednesday, August 26, beginning at 6 p.m. The entire town will be sprayed weather permitting.
CITY OF CROOKSTON TO SPRAY FOR MOSQUITOES TONIGHT
Arrest/Fire Report – Wednesday, August 26, 2020
The Northwest Regional Corrections Center announced the arrests of the following individuals:
Mitch Randal Tykwinski, 36, homeless, for misdemeanor theft by altering identification numbers or symbols.
Shaun Ross Luers, 26, homeless, for felony 3rd-degree possession of amphetamines in a school, park, or public housing zone.
Tina Lea Olson, 48 of Crookston, for felony 5th-degree possession of drugs by false title or representation as authorized with a prior conviction.
Paul Michael Hlucny, 23 of Wannaska, for misdemeanor contempt of court for disorderly interruption of proceedings. Released on personal recognizance.
Arrest/Fire Report – Wednesday, August 26, 2020
The Northwest Regional Corrections Center announced the arrests of the following individuals:
Mitch Randal Tykwinski, 36, homeless, for misdemeanor theft by altering identification numbers or symbols.
Shaun Ross Luers, 26, homeless, for felony 3rd-degree possession of amphetamines in a school, park, or public housing zone.
Tina Lea Olson, 48 of Crookston, for felony 5th-degree possession of drugs by false title or representation as authorized with a prior conviction.
Paul Michael Hlucny, 23 of Wannaska, for misdemeanor contempt of court for disorderly interruption of proceedings. Released on personal recognizance.
On August 25th, at 7:20 pm, the Crookston Fire Department reported to the 500 block of Cedar Lane for a detector activation. It was determined that the detector had been malfunctioning. Removed faulty detector and cleared the scene.
New York Attorney General Files Lawsuit Protecting U.S. Postal Service
New York Attorney General Letitia James filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against the Trump administration aimed at stopping the disruption of operations at the U.S. Postal Service. The lawsuit names President Donald Trump, the postal service and Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, and asks to vacate recent changes made to the U.S. Postal Service and to stop it from implementing additional service reductions. A planned overhaul of the post office has worried Democrats concerned that voters will be prevented from casting ballots by mail because of potential delays in receiving voting materials or returning them.
U.S. Postmaster Louis DeJoy said in a statement: “This USPS slowdown is nothing more than a voter suppression tactic. These authoritarian actions are not only jeopardizing our democracy and fundamental right to vote, but the immediate health and financial well-being of Americans across the nation.”
The lawsuit was filed by New York, New Jersey, Hawaii, New York City and San Francisco. Six states, led by Pennsylvania, sued the U.S. Postal Service and the new postmaster general on Aug. 21, saying service changes in recent weeks have harmed the ability of states to conduct free and fair elections.
Editorial credit: JL IMAGES / Shutterstock.com
Night Two Of Republican National Convention Features First Lady Melania Trump
The second day of the Republican National Convention featured Melania Trump, who delivered the final speech of the night from the historic and freshly-renovated White House Rose Garden. Tuesday’s theme was “Land of Opportunity,” and in addition to Melania Trump, his children, Tiffany Trump and Eric Trump, as well as daughter-in-law Lara Trump, all spoke.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made an appearance from the Middle East, and defended President Donald Trump’s foreign policy. “Delivering on this duty to keep us safe and our freedoms intact, this president has led bold initiatives in nearly every corner of the world,” Pompeo said. The four-minute address was taped Monday in Jerusalem, Pompeo’s first stop on a four-day tour of the region.
Trump also pardoned Jon Ponder, a convicted bank robber who founded a non-profit organization that helps former inmates. In a video, the President said “Jon’s life is a beautiful testament to the power of redemption.” Ponder said, “Today, praise God, I am filled with hope. A proud American citizen who has been given a second chance.”
Editorial credit: Evan El-Amin / Shutterstock.com
Dorinda Medley Exiting ‘Real Housewives of New York’ After 6 Seasons
Real Housewives of New York City star Dorinda Medley announced Tuesday that she will not be returning for another season after six seasons on the show. The Bravo star broke the news on Instagram just weeks after filming the RHONY Season 12 reunion.
“What a journey this has been. I have laughed and cried and tried to Make it Nice… But all things must come to an end. This was a great outlet for me to heal when my late husband Richard passed away. I have met so many interesting people and learned so much about myself, about life and about women along the way.”
Medley joined the RHONY cast in 2015, and quickly became s a fan-favorite Housewife. She is the second member of the New York City cast to exit in recent months, following Tinsley Mortimer’s departure in June. As of press time, the remaining cast members of RHONY are Ramona Singer, Luann de Lesseps, Sonja Morgan and Leah McSweeney.
Editorial credit: Ron Adar / Shutterstock.com
Kevin Hart Reveals He Secretly Battled COVID-19 Back In March
Kevin Hart is revealing that he battled COVID-19 back in March, making a full recovery months later. Hart told guests at Dave Chappelle’s An Intimate Socially Distanced Affair show in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Chappelle reportedly spent $100,000 on coronavirus rapid testing for the outdoor shows he held over the summer. Other performers included Questlove, Bill Burr and Michelle Wolf.
Said Hart of his diagnosis, “The problem is that I had it around the same time as Tom Hanks, and I couldn’t say anything because he’s more famous than I am.” Hanks and wife Rita Wilson announced on Instagram in March that they’d both tested positive for COVID-19, after arriving in Australia to work on Hank’s latest movie.
Hart has been spending most of his time during quarantine at home in Los Angeles. His wife, Eniko Hart, is pregnant with their second child, due this month.
Editorial credit: JNAM / Shutterstock.com
JASMIN HANSON RECEIVES MARY ANN SIMMONS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
A scholarship has been created and given in honor of the late MaryAnn Simmons. Mary Ann leaves behind her passion for athletics, education, and service to her community. She valued working hard and was dedicated to her faith, family, and friends. The scholarship will continue to be given each year. The plaque will be displayed with recipients at Choice Therapy.
The 2020 recipient of the MaryAnn Simmons Memorial Scholarship is Jasmin Hanson. Jasmin graduated from Crookston High School last Spring. She is attending the University of Minnesota Crookston this fall.
REPRESENTATIVE DEB KIEL COMMENDS LIEDER’S LIFE OF SERVICE
Former House Representative Bernie Lieder, World War II veteran and 25-year Representative of portions of Red Lake, Pennington, Polk, and Marshall counties, passed away August 22, 2020. Representative Deb Kiel, R-Crookston, released the following statement.
“Former Representative Lieder’s passing is a huge loss for our community, and I know many in our area will remember him fondly for his service and activism throughout his life,” said Kiel. “First as a soldier who bravely fought in World War II and then as an elected Representative for our community, Rep. Lieder dedicated his life to service. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.”
Lieder was the last World War II veteran to serve in the Minnesota House of Representatives, serving from 1985-2010.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS APPROVE PLAN TO DISPERSE $2 MILLION IN CARES ACT AID THROUGHOUT COUNTY
The Polk County Commissioners on Tuesday voted to approve a plan constructed by Polk County Administration Chuck Whiting to disperse $2 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds to organizations and businesses across Polk County.
Polk County Commissioner Gary Willhite said the County wanted to get that money out as soon as possible. “Our concern was to get those dollars that were allocated out to the public as quickly as possible,” said Willhite. “Our administrator, Chuck Whiting, spent a lot of time working on how we could make that happen. We’re going to get that $2 million out into the County divided between cities, schools, and different agencies. It will be good.”
The $2 million is split into three categories – Public Health Partnerships, Polk County Partnerships, and Small Business Relief – with another $2 million used to recover Polk County expenses related to COVID-19.
SMALL BUSINESS RELIEF
Just under $800,000 will be used for small business relief with the County’s three largest cities helping to get those funds to small businesses explained Whiting. “We’re putting aside a good chunk, about $775,000, for small business relief,” said Whiting. “Working with the Cities of East Grand Forks, Crookston, and Fosston that have staff that deals with their own business communities and leaving some money for businesses outside of those communities. They’ve been great to be talking to. They understand the urgency in this, and hopefully, we can get some relief out to our business community.”
| City of Crookston | $250,000 |
| City of East Grand Forks | $250,000 |
| City of Fosston | $150,000 |
| Rest of County’s cities & townships | $125,000 |
PUBLIC HEALTH PARTNERSHIPS
Another $775,000 will be used to assist agencies that work with Public Health to provide services in Polk County. Those partners could also distribute money to other organizations within the County they work with to meet their mission. Whiting said the agencies receiving money are partners with Public Health is serving people that have a higher level of impact from COVID-19. “A good chunk is going to the community partners that we have through Public Health,” said Whiting. “Kind of these quasi-non-governmental agencies that assist the county in our Public Health needs serving people that probably have a higher level of impact from the COVID.”
| School Districts & Private Schools | $250,000 |
| Northwestern Mental Health | $75,000 |
| New American Integration Center | $10,000 |
| North Country Food Bank | $100,000 |
| Tri-Valley Opportunity Council | $100,000 |
| Inter-County Nursing | $70,000 |
| Migrant Health Servies | $10,000 |
| Crookston Care and Share | $10,000 |
| Long-term care facilities in the County (12) | $120,000 |
| University of Minnesota-Crookston | $15,000 |
| Northland Community & Technical College | $15,000 |
Both Public and Private schools received funding through the CARES Act. However, Whiting said Public Health would work with the schools to cover COVID-19 expenses their funding didn’t include. “Public Health works a lot with the schools, nursing, and so forth,” said Whiting. “They will be the ones in contact with the schools. We’re viewing it as these are the expenses not covered by the CARES monies the schools are receiving directly. Working out those details to make sure we’re not doubling up, and those dollars go as far as they can.”
POLK COUNTY PARTNERSHIPS
The final category receiving money from the County is Polk County Partnerships. These are partners with Social Services or multi-government organizations such as Tri-County Corrections that didn’t receive direct CARES Act funds explained Whiting. “We have a number of partners we deal with that don’t go through Public Health but might be more through Social Services including the DACs, the ODCs,” said Whiting. “And we’ve got a couple of governmental type units. We’ve got the Tri-County Corrections, which has had to make several adjustments. That’s a Joint Powers with Polk, Red Lake, and Norman Counties. They don’t get any CARES money, so each of the counties will be getting something to them.”
| Tri-County Community Corrections | $100,000 |
| East Polk Soil Water Conservation District | $10,000 |
| West Polk Soil Water Conservation District | $10,000 |
| Polk County HRA | $140,000 |
| Polk County Development Achievement Center (DAC) | $100,000 |
| Fosston DAC | $25,000 |
| Occupational Development Center (ODC) | $25,000 |
| Social Services Elderly Home Care (2 vendors) | $40,000 |
POLK COUNTY COVID-19 EXPENSES
The remaining $2 million received by Polk County will be used to cover expenses withing county operations. Whiting said those expenses would quickly exceed the $2 million left for the County. “What I’ve just outlined is about half of what the county is getting,” said Whiting. “The other half will go toward the County’s own COVID-19 related expenses. With the criteria we’ve been given as to how to be able to use it, we’ll easily exceed internal expenses of $2 million. I think the board felt pretty good about it last week, and the resolution today gets us moving. In the next two-to-three weeks, we’ll work on getting the funds out and used.”