Month: January 2022

The Crookston High School Leo Club had another busy year in 2021, serving and participating in various projects. In 2021, the Leo Club helped with the Crookston Home Delivered Meals, went to the Highland classrooms each day, brought treats to the Summit residents, and helped a few Crookston residents with various projects.

Crookston High School Leo Club Advisor Linda Morgan is in her 11th year as the Leo Club Advisor. She has already turned her attention to 2022 and different projects that the Leo Club will be performing in January and February. “We have a big blood drive for the Crookston Lions coming up here in January where the Leo Club students will help,” said Morgan. “The event will be on January 25-26 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Crookston, and I’ll just have the kids help with that if spots need to be filled.”

The Crookston High School Leo Club received the Excellence Award in 2021 for the 30th straight year after helping with projects and community involvement. They are the only Leo Club in the world ever to accomplish this feature.

Morgan also talked about an annual event put on every year by the Leo Club that will be getting started in January and February. “Every year, we’ve had this annual fundraiser called “Pennies for Patients,” said Morgan. “Hopefully, we can get that going again this year. It’s through the state of Minnesota, and what we do is try and raise money for kids who have cancer in the state of Minnesota. We get a different amount every year, but we use it as an opportunity to have a competition between the grade levels to see how much money we can raise.”

In February, the Leo Club will also be holding their annual Valentine Cookie sale. Another event held every year. According to Morgan, there are currently 108 members in Leo Club. Anyone is welcome to join the Leo Club at any time, as you can be involved in Leo Club while earning a letter or participate in Leo Club when you have the time available. “You can sign up any day at any time,” said Morgan. “I’m usually at the High School, and if I’m not there, I will leave a note on the door. There is a simple application process that I have the students fill out, and then after they get their parents’ signatures, they are in Leo Club. Once you’re in Leo Club, you’re always in Leo Club. If a student feels they’re too busy, they can just let me know, and we can take you out of the club.”

If students have any questions about participating in Leo Club or how to sign up, they can visit Morgan’s office in the High School commons. Morgan is confident that the Leo Club will receive the Excellence Award for the 31st year in a row at the end of 2022.

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Polk County Commissioner Warren Strandell released a County Line Column last week. It highlights what the county is currently dealing with, such as the 2022 budget, and a few items with Tri-County Community Corrections. The column can be found down below –

 

Local government units are pretty much ready to start a new year… the past year with the COVID issues and a few other things, too, wasn’t the greatest. The same goes for people. For me, the old year ended with a few things that went upside down. One, which I hope will get fixed yet this week, had to do with the technology part of my life. For some reason, probably its age, I couldn’t get my computer to talk to my printer to get things to print… not to either one of my printers. My favorite IT guy determined that the “driver” wasn’t doing its thing. I have no real idea what a driver does except that it probably drives some bit of information, say from the computer to the printer. That makes sense but when I was told that the printer has a driver, too, I was lost. Age a problem??

Okay, forget having to understand that part of the problem, which likely has something to do with that age issue mentioned earlier… both the 17 years of the LaserJet printer and my age. I came from a different era, one that understands an engine and how valves open and close as the cylinder moves up and down. But not today’s technology. I never really had any formal education on how computers perform. My OJT (on the job training) began in an office setting where I could just holler out “Hey, how do you do this?” The answer was quick and I could get on with what I was doing. That office setting went away years ago and despite with my years of stumbling along in the technology world I’m still on the No. 1 turn when others have no problem crossing the finish line.

Okay, so that was problem No. 1. Another age thing?? Problem No. 2 is that the ice maker on my refrigerator has quit working. Probably another age thing. The Maytag unit looks a lot like the refrigerators of today but it has passed the quarter century mark in its lifetime. I can probably get along without ice this winter but not next summer, especially not if we have a repeat of last year.

Problem No. 3 has involved trying to make my checking account balance. I think I might have gotten that issue solved, or at least close to it. After deducting a check that wasn’t in my book but was in the bank’s accountings, I was only off three cents this month. We’ll know better when the next statement comes out in a couple weeks. So, that’s some of what has been on my plate the last few weeks.

On the county workplan For Polk County, things seem to be in place for the coming year. The levy — that’s what funds the county’s share of operations — will be increased 3.5 percent for 2022. While no one likes taxes, costs go up. The county has a really good employees and, especially in today’s climate, they have to be taken care of financially. If county salaries aren’t competitive there are big problems. With all of the opportunities that are out there today, more pay and better benefits don’t always help. For a bit of history on levies, the county’s average annual levy increase over the past 14 years has been 2.76 percent. I think that’s something that commissioners and county administration can be pretty proud of, especially when we have been able to both construct (the Northwest Regional Corrections Center jail and Justice Center) and maintain other county buildings, roads, equipment and keep a really good staff.

The $17.5 million in bonds that were sold to pay for the jail portion of the Justice Center will be paid off in four years… in February 2026. The other part of the $25.5 million Justice Center project — the part that houses the Polk County Court system, the Tri-County Community Corrections Administration and Probation Department, the Polk County Attorney’s Office, and Polk County Public Health — was paid for in cash when the center was built. Knowing that there were buildings and space issues that would have to be dealt with, commissioners and administration had over several years stashed away some $8 million to help address that problem.

Per diems paid debt The $1.3 million a year that has been needed for debt service on those bonds has been more than paid for by the income from per diems that other jurisdictions have been paying to house their inmates when they have space issues. So, the jail hasn’t been costing county taxpayers anything. It has been a very good investment. Not all is roses, however. The Red River Valley Juvenile Center, a part of Tri-Valley Community Corrections, is in the process of having to be extensively remodeled. What will probably be a $1.3 million rebuilding job was brought on when a pop-up rainstorm occurred last May at the same time that the roof was being replaced.

While the structure of the building wasn’t really affected, the Residential Living unit portion of the Center and the electrical equipment room, which contained all of the electronic security equipment, were destroyed. Heating, ventilating and other upgrades will now be a part of the work. Bidding will be done in mid-January. Litigation is underway to see who pays for what.

Jail population reduced A staffing shortage that was at least partly brought on by COVID but had gone on for some time before that too has forced the closure of one 60-bed general population unit of the Regional Corrections Center jail. That has reduced the occupancy of the jail from a maximum of 200 inmates down to 140 and will reduce significantly the income that has been derived from housing prisoners from other jurisdictions. Tri-County Corrections is in the process of trying to recruit and to train new corrections officers, who when ready to work shifts by themselves work 12-hour days. Pay and benefits are good.

While emotionally draining in the training period, the job provides lots of time off for other endeavors. The Juvenile Center building and corrections officer shortage are the big issues, but there will always be issues that have to be addressed. Polk County accounts for 87 percent of Tri-County Corrections operations and is the owner of the buildings. That puts the county right at the front of everything.

That’s some of what is on the county plate. There will always be something that needs to be done and we could certainly get along without COVID.

Thoughts for the day:

When everything has been said and done, much more will have been said than done. — Gerald Hamerlik Complaining about a problem without proposing a solution is called whining. — Teddy Roosevelt

Disclaimer:

Thoughts expressed in this column are those of the author and are not necessarily a reflection of the opinions of the other members of the Polk County Board.

The post POLK COUNTY LINE COLUMN – POLK COUNTY COMMISSIONER WARREN STRANDELL appeared first on KROX.

The following American Legion Auxiliary scholarship applications are now available at the Crookston High School Guidance Office or Margee Keller, local Scholarship Chairperson. Area school students are eligible for some also. See the scholarships and deadlines below:

• Local Auxiliary Scholarship
• Dept of MN Scholarship
• Scholarship for Non-Traditional Student
• Children of Warriors National President Scholarship
• Spirit of Youth Scholarship for Juniors

All scholarships are due by March 1 to obtain the necessary local signatures needed to meet the deadlines for the department and national. These scholarships are being offered by the national, state, and local level of the Crookston American Legion Auxiliary. Should you have any questions, please contact Margee Keller at 218-349-4566 or margeekeller@hotmail.com.

The post CROOKSTON AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE appeared first on KROX.

On Sunday, January 2, at approximately 11:19 a.m., a vehicle driven by Wyatt J. Gerlofs, age 23 of Clearbrook, MN, drove into the east side of the Loaf-n-Jug building in Grand Forks at 4326 Gateway Drive.

Initial investigation of the crash indicates that the driver was driving in the parking lot and was attempting to pull into a parking spot on the east side but did not stop in time and struck the building. There was significant damage to the east side of the Loaf-n-Jug building and minor damage to the vehicle.

Gerlofs was not injured, but an employee of Loaf-n-Jug who was inside the business received minor injuries from flying debris. The employee was treated on the scene but was not transported. Gerlofs was issued citations for Driving under Revocation and Care Required.

The Grand Forks Fire Department assisted with the incident. If anybody has any further information regarding this incident, they are encouraged to contact the Grand Forks Police Department at 701-787-8000. The Grand Forks Police Department would like to remind all drivers to always operate their vehicles in a safe manner.

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This morning, the Polk County Salvation Army released a letter stating their thanks to everyone who supported and donated to their Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign. The campaign accounts for nearly 75% of its annual fund-raising totals. The letter can be found down below –

 

On behalf of the Polk County Salvation Army, we would like to thank our friends and supporters who have given donations and their time to the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign. The Christmas Kettle Campaign is the county’s Salvation Army’s most vital fundraiser accounting for nearly 75% of its annual fund-raising totals. It is vital because we depend on this support to fund year-round programs. Also, we would like to put out a SPECIAL THANKS to our local United Way in Crookston for their financial support assistance. Also, to Walmart, Hugo’s, M and H Gas, Ampride, REM, Crookston LEO Club, Crookston Lions, Pat, and Roger Larson, Brad Jenkins, Greg Burgoz, Firemen Eli Sullivan, and Garrett Bengtson for assisting with our annual Kettle Program. Also, to those who have sent financial contributions via mail.

It is only with generous support from the community such as ours, during these trying Covid19 times, that the Salvation Army can continue to help with food certificates for the needy, utilities, the homeless, school supplies, fire victims, visitations to the nursing homes, gas for emergency travel, toys to less fortunate children, and back-to-school supplies to name a few.

More than quick fixes, those solutions reflect the Salvation Army’s ability to make a difference in millions of lives. Through immediate response, long-term planning, and compassion, we will continue to strive for excellence in our ability to assist others. Be assured that our goal is to make a difference continually. From volunteerism to contributions, we appreciate the kindness, compassion, and generosity that our community shows and continues to show. Your support has helped us make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

Sincerely,

Margee Keller, Polk County Salvation Army Service Unit Chairperson Salvation Army Field Rep Cody Kill Unit Board Members: Polk County Sheriff Jim Tadman, Crookston Police Chief Paul Biermaier, Crookston Fire Dept Bob Magsam, Polk County Social Service Amy Solie, Care and Share Director Brian Halos, Polk County Public Health Terri Oliver, Erskine area David Hinkley, Fertile area Ray Nelson, and Fosston area Luke Nelson

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