Month: August 2023

The County Line
By Warren Strandell
Polk County Commissioner District 2

There have been more than a few times when someone has asked, “What do you really do as a county commissioner? How often do you meet? What is your job? What does that involve?”

In the simplist of terms, the answer is that the job of commissioners is to watch the county checkbook.

Whoa. Whoa, I know what you are thinking, that we commissioners are to blame for property taxes, that we can be cut county spending, that we can cut your taxes.

Good idea. If it were that simple and could be done without some real consequences. In reality, most efforts to cut county spending amount to nothing more than pushing things down the road.

Sooner or later almost all of the issues that come before the county board have to be addressed. It is best if we try to look down the road to determine what is going to be needed and when. And then find a way to pay for them with the least effect on the tax bill.

There are, of course, things that don’t really have to be done, that go over the top but as commissioners, with a lot of help from the county administrator, we try very hard not to let them ever materialize.

To just delay things just makes them more expensive when they have to be addressed at a later time.

County government amounts to an extension of state government. Counties are given the duty to carry out many of the things that state law says have to be done.

About the county services:
The basic county offices, those of the auditor, the assessor, and recorder, have to be maintained. There isn’t any room for cutting. It is the same for the zoning and building permits. Public Health and Social Services don’t have options for services to be cut or eliminated. State law protects and regulates them.

Then there’s law enforcement. That’s not an area to be shortchanged. When you need a deputy, you expect one to be there in short order, not hours later. The Highway Department maintains the roads. You don’t want to have to wait another day for your road to get plowed.

And you need ways to get rid of your trash and to do it ways that meet state law.

Certainly not to be forgotten are the veterans. That group deserves the very best of treatment. They have earned it.

The county needs to provide and maintain it buildings and its equipment… everything from the structures to the computer network to the cop cars and the road graders. With the exception of some recent roof problems, Polk County has its buildings in good shape.  And it has good equipment. If a financial disaster were to hit, the county would be in good position to work through the time needed for recovery.

About the county work staff? We have really good county employees. They deserve a good and fair salary. That is especially so in this period of worker shortages.

About the levy-
“Levy,” meaning the amount of property tax dollars that need to be collected to operate the county increases: Since 2009, the average increase has been 2.84 percent. That average includes the last two years when the levy increases of 3.5 percent and 3.95 percent were greater but were still only about half of the inflation rate.

Nobody likes to pay taxes. So, if you want to manage spending, even to cut it, where do you start? Things need to be done, services need to be provided, employees deserve fair treatment. Commissioners have the job of getting those things done and how to best pay for them.  

That all centers on taking care of the checkbook, if you will. It is like running a business, the farm, or the household. The cost will be more if things are just pushed down the road to save a few bucks for the sake of cutting the tax bill today.

Thoughts for the day:

• No society ever thrived because it had a large and growing class of parasites living off those who produce. Thomas Sowell
• Socialism is the philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy. Its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery. Winston Churchill

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 COMMISSIONER WARREN STRANDELL RELEASES COUNTY LINE COLUMN appeared first on KROX.

On Friday, August 4, at approximately 7:17 p.m., the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to US Highway 2 and County Road 10 East of Mentor for a two-vehicle crash with unknown injuries. 

Upon arrival, Deputies learned that a Toyota Tacoma was traveling northbound on County Road 10 driven by Thomas Hoke (23) of Red Lake Falls. Hoke crossed the intersection of US Highway 2. He failed to yield to oncoming traffic and struck a white Cadillac Escalade that was traveling westbound on US Highway 2, driven by Gretchen Rogers (49) of Breezy Point, MN. Both vehicles entered the ditch and sustained heavy damage. All occupants were wearing their seatbelts. Gretchen Rogers was taken by County EMS to Riverview Hospital in Crookston to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Hoke was cited for failing to yield at an intersection. No further information will be released at this time. Assisting agencies include Mentor Fire Department and County EMS.

The post POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPUTIES RESPOND TO 2 VEHICLE ACCIDENT appeared first on KROX.

The Crookston Community Pool is now open Monday through Friday. Lap swim from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., Aqua Exercise from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., and open swimming from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

The Crookston Lions and Minakwa Golf Course Annual Youth Golf Tournament will be on August 7. Registration will be at 8:00 am, with a Shot Gun Start at 9:00 am. Ages 8 and under will golf four holes, and receive a participation medal. 9-10 years old golf 9 holes. 11-12 years old golf 9 holes. 13-14 years old golf 18 holes. 15-17 years old golf 18 holes. Prizes are awarded for Boys and Girls medalists, along with trophies and door prizes. The entry fee is $20 (lunch included). Park and Rec golfers aged eight and under are $10 (lunch included).

Highland School PTO will hold a School Supply Drive to help students start the school year with the supplies they need. If you are able to donate, drop off supplies at Back-to-School Registration Day on Thursday, August 17, at the Crookston High School; at Meet-the-Teacher Days on August 30 and September 5 at Highland School, or at Highland School before classes start on Wednesday, September 6. Collection boxes are located at the school office. Supplies needed are dry-erase markers, glue, pencils, highlighters, rulers, scissors, markers, crayons, post-it notes, index cards, folders, notebooks (wide-ruled), binders, filler paper, hand sanitizer, kleenex, and ziplock bags. Monetary donations can be sent to: Highland PTO, 801 Central Ave North, Crookston. If you have any questions call the Highland School Office at 281-5600.

As the summer season draws to a close wild fruit ripens in abundance. Agassiz Environmental Learning Center will feature the identification and harvest of wild fruits in the center circle at the Mentor Farmers Market on Saturday, August 5th, from 8:00 am to noon. Explore the benefit of wild fruits for wildlife and those used to make juices, jams, and jellies.

There will be a Ride for Elliot fundraiser on Saturday, August 5, starting at IC Muggs in Crookston. Registration will begin at 10:00 a.m., and kick stands up at 11:00 a.m. Stops include Gentilly, Fertile, and will end in Lengby with a free-will offering meal by Fozzies. The cost is $20 per bike, and they will have a 50/50 raffle. For more information, call 605-770-5191. The proceeds from the ride go to Elliot Thompson, the daughter of Jordan and Kayse Thompson. Elliot is two years old and was born with myelocytocele, a type of spina bifida, and they will have to make a trip to Philadelphia to see a specialist every six months to a year for treatment.

The Crookston Eagles Club will have Bar Bingo on Saturday starting at 2:00 pm. This is a $400 must-go jackpot.

The City of Crookston will conduct downtown painting of crosswalks, parking lots, and yellow-painted curbs on Sunday night/Monday beginning at 12:01 a.m. and continue on Monday night/Tuesday beginning at 12:01 a.m. barring any unforeseen emergency.

Minnesota Northern Railroad will be replacing the track on Polk County 9, just west of Highway 75 (the crossing by American Crystal Sugar). The road will be closed and detoured for three days starting August 7.

The Crookston Ways and Means committee will hold a special meeting on Monday, August 7 at 5:30 p.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers.

The Crookston Eagles Club will have $8 burger baskets from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Monday.

The Fisher American Legion will have a Legion and SAL meeting on Tuesday, August 8, at 7:00 pm.

The Fisher American Legion will have Wednesday Night Burger Night on Wednesday, August 9.

The Crookston Eagles Club will have Bar Bingo Thursday starting at 6:30 pm.

Crookston High School FFA will be having an alumni and supporter charter chapter informational meeting on August 10 in the Crookston High School commons at 6:00 pm. If your time in the blue jacket was memorable and you want to give back, or you have seen the benefits that FFA provides students, you’re invited to an information meeting. You do NOT have to be a past FFA member. FFA alumni and supporters lend education and financial assistance to their local FFA chapter.

The Crookston Eagles Club will have Bar Bingo on Friday starting at 6:30 pm. This is a $500 must-go jackpot.

The Crookston Eagles Club will have Bar Bingo at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 12. $400 must go.

Trinity Lutheran Church invites everyone to Sunday Funday on Sunday, August 13 at Trinity Point (15577 North Trinity Point Road) on Maple Lake. Worship at 11:00 a.m. and lunch, games, bingo, swimming, and pontoon rides from Noon to 3:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome and bring a lawn chair.

LSS Meals will have a 60 and over meal distribution on August 14 at 9:00 a.m. at the Golden Link Senior Center and the Care and Share. Interested Seniors need to call to register at 218-773-3017. Donations and SNAP are accepted.

The Fisher American Legion will have Wednesday Night Burger Night on Wednesday, August 16.

The Crookston Public Library will have a free Summer Concert featuring Kissing Company Thursday, August 17, from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket for seating. Admission is free, thanks to Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Seri funding.

Summer Arts Safari and Crookston Community Theatre will present Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka Kids on Friday, August 18, at 5:30 pm. and Saturday, August 19, at 11:00 am. at Highland Elementary School. Adults 13 years and older are $5, children 6 to 12 are $3, and kids under 5 are free. Grades 3 through 9 can register to take part in the play on Monday, August 14, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at Highland Elementary School. The cost is $25 and includes a T-Shirt. Practice will be Monday through Friday, August 14-18, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Bring your own lunch and water bottle.

The 19th Annual Crookston Blue Line Club 5-Person Golf Scramble will be on August 18. 8:00 am registration, 9:00 am. Shotgun Start. Team Sponsorship is $400; Individual Entry is $80.00. For more information and to register, contact Katie Fee at 218-470-0423 or crookstonhockey@gmail.cm.

The Central High School Class of 1963 will be celebrating their 60th reunion on Saturday, August 19, from 12:30 to 5:00 at the Irishman’s Shanty.

Agassiz Environmental Learning Center is excited to welcome Minnesota Mycological Society educators John and Claudette Lamprecht for Magnificent Mushrooms, a free public nature education, on Sunday, August 20, at 1:00 at the Nature Center. Having more than 100 combined years as mushroom foragers, John and Claudette will share the basics of mushroom identification, some favorite Minnesota edible mushrooms and highlight four of our most dangerous mushrooms.

The Agassiz Environmental Learning Center will hold three events for families on Tuesday, August 22.  At 10:00 a.m. families with children ages 3-7 are invited for the Nature Sprouts; Mushroom Fan Club. Spend approximately one-hour exploring fascinating fungi through hands-on nature activities, inspiring little kids to discover the FUN in fungi. At 1:00-3:00 pm, everyone is welcome to join Nature Wanders to enjoy making wild fruit into delicious jam. Discover how to identify the variety of fruit that grows naturally in our region. Nature Explorers invites youth ages 8-12 and their families for wilderness camping from 4:00-5:30 pm.

The Fisher American Legion will have Wednesday Night Burger Night on Wednesday, August 23.

The Wesley United Methodist Church will have Summer Salad Lunches on August 24, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. They offer a variety of salads, homemade desserts, and beverages. Dine-in or take-out is available for $12.00 per meal.

The Fisher American Legion will have Wednesday Night Burger Night on Wednesday, August 30.

DNR Hunter Safety Training for youth aged 11 and older will be on August 29 and 31, September 1, 5, 7, and 8. Field Day and Test will be Saturday, September 9. Classes are held at the Crookston Gun Club, 26251 240th St. S.W. in Crookston. To register, call Steve Videen at 218-289-2115 or email him at stevevideen@yahoo.com.

CONTINUING ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Grand Theatre will have a Classic Family Matinee and Video Club gaming every Wednesday at 1:00 pm Admission is free with a concession purchase or pay just $1.

A fundraising account has been established for David Meine, a Crookston native who suffers from Stage 3 Huntington’s disease. He recently became a double amputee and is confined to a wheelchair. Funds will be used to remodel their home to make it handicapped accessible. Stop by or mail a donation to American Federal Bank, 304 North Broadway, Crookston, MN. 56716 or call 218-281-3305. Reference “Benefit Account for David Meine.”

Twig and Branch Collection will be held on the second and fourth Mondays from June through October. Place the materials on your curbside. Branches must be cut into four-foot lengths and bundled by the crew to take them away. Annuities or tree trunks not cut to this length and bundled will be left for the owner to haul away. Twigs may be in boxes or bags. Individuals removing their diseased elm trees should call City Hall to schedule a pickup. Please note that leaves, grass, and other compostable material must be in the clear City of Crookston bags and will be collected on your regular garbage collection day.

The Crookston Care and Share are now accepting donations of Women’s, Men’s, and children’s clothing, toiletries, and other everyday items. Donations may be dropped off at the Care and Share Center at 220 East Third Street.

The Crookston Public Library’s Books & Brews Book Club meet on the fourth Tuesday of every other month at 6:30 pm at Drafts Sports Bar and Grill. They will discuss books and enjoy beverages. Appetizers are provided by the Friends of the Crookston Public Library; participants are responsible for the cost of thein food and drinks. All are welcome.

The Crookston Public Library’s Reading by the Red Book Club meets on the fourth Tuesday of every other month at 6:30 pm. They will discuss books and enjoy beverages.

The Golden Link is serving noon lunch Monday through Friday. The cost is $8. Veterans’ meals are half-price on the first Monday of the month. Call 281-3072 by 10:00 the day you plan to have lunch.

The Crookston Friends of the Library meet on the third Monday of each month at 7:00 pm.

The Crookston Library Board meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 5:15 pm.

The Grand Theatre will have free gaming or family movie Wednesdays from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. It’s free with a concession stand purchase per person or just $1 without a concession stand purchase.

The Cove Youth Center in Crookston is open Monday through Friday from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm. Students and parents should call ahead to check the availability of the youth center at 218-470-0149.

The Crookston Care and Share Center’s Donation and New Hope Food Shelf will be open every Monday and Wednesday from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, and every Friday from 3:00 to 6:00 pm click here for information on the Care and Share New Hope Food Shelf website. For more information or to donate, call 218-277-0000.

The post BULLETIN BOARD-August 5, 2023 appeared first on KROX.

The Crookston Area Chamber Ambassadors gathered to recognize, honor, and congratulate an innovative business in Crookston, Sunrich Products, LLC, formally SunOpta.

The Sunrich Products C-suite and integral staff congregated with the Crookston Area Chamber, in addition to other business members of the Crookston community, to give a little history in addition to current events in their Crookston location, which is the headquarters of the leading sunflower producer.

Sunrich Products’ staff took turns speaking to the global corporation about the magnitude of details in which they specialize. The organization, which was once Dahlgren’s over a decade ago, followed by SunOpta, and now Sunrich Products, started out as predominantly bird food producers. Since then, they’ve added a premier roasting facility where they produce edible snacks such as sunflower in-shells, kernels, roasted snacks, and chickpeas. They highlighted that although the name and ownership have changed, the 114 tenured staff were retained, 80 of which are in Crookston. They went on to describe how they utilize local growers, in addition to the Sunflower Belt, which can be found in central North and South Dakota. The benefit of local growers is that they know what they are getting with the products. The Sunrich Products crew proudly talked about the quality of the products they produce, which can be considered the farm-to-table company.

The Sunrich Products crew also proudly talked through the development of the naturally non-GMO wide-range product that is ideal for school products and snacking. They prohibit the use of certain fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, and other harmful chemicals and processes. By ensuring a nut-free facility, their products prove safe for those who are concerned with allergens.

The post CROOKSTON CHAMBER AMBASSADORS VISIT SUNRICH PRODUCTS (FORMERLY SUNOPTA) appeared first on KROX.

The Polk County Family Resource Center and Alluma hosted a Safety Planning workshop on Monday at the Crookston Public Library.

Amy Bartz from Alluma discussed the Safety Tool. It’s a simple, easy-to-complete tool that can be used with youth or adults. Everyone has stressful moments in life, and sometimes they can turn into mental health emergencies. The Safety Tool is used to help guide you or a loved one on how to help you navigate that situation. “We had a group of youth, a couple of professionals, and a couple of adults that wanted to know more about this topic,” said Victoria Ramirez of Polk County Social Services. “It was a nice surprise to see our new Crookston Superintendent, Randal Berquist, there and engaging with our youth and community.”

Pictures from the workshop and the safety tool worksheet are pictured below-

#td_uid_1_64cd656e19658 .td-doubleSlider-2 .td-item1 {
background: url(https://kroxam.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/image001-5-80×60.jpg) 0 0 no-repeat;
}
#td_uid_1_64cd656e19658 .td-doubleSlider-2 .td-item2 {
background: url(https://kroxam.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/image002-80×60.jpg) 0 0 no-repeat;
}
#td_uid_1_64cd656e19658 .td-doubleSlider-2 .td-item3 {
background: url(https://kroxam.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/image003-80×60.jpg) 0 0 no-repeat;
}

1 of 3

Loading…

Taking too long?

Reload document

|

Open in new tab

The post POLK COUNTY FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER AND ALLUMA HOST SAFETY PLANNING WORKSHOP appeared first on KROX.

Here are the Itasca State Park Nature Program events listed for August 8 to August 13.

Historic Buildings Walking Tour
Tuesday, August 8, 2023, from 10:30-11:15 a.m. Meet outside of Forest Inn (Across from Douglas Lodge) The historic buildings of Itasca tell stories of the people who had enjoyed the park before us and contributed to how we currently experience it. Explore the history of Itasca’s oldest buildings, the people who constructed them, and how they have changed.

Circle Time Under the Pines, B is for Birds, Preschool Program
Tuesday, August 8, 2023, from 11-11:30 a.m.
Meet at the council ring outside the Lakeside Museum on the picnic grounds (near the picnic shelter)
Children 2-5 years old, join a naturalist volunteer and have fun at Itasca as we learn about nature through stories, songs, crafts, and outdoor discovery. NOTES: Adults must accompany children. Consider bringing a picnic lunch and enjoying lunch at the park after the program.

Itasca’s Mysteries in History: The Itasca Biological Station
Tuesday, August 8, 2023, from 1:30-2:30 p.m
Meet at the new Welcome Center at the Itasca Biological Station (along Main Park Drive, watch for signs).
1907 the University of Minnesota (U of M) held its first field classes in Itasca State Park. Join us at the Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories to tour this historic location. Discover the old and the new! Tour the new Itasca Campus Center before we head out to locate the site of the State Park House, where Mary Gibbs lived in 1903. Learn about current research projects and classes as we visit one of the few 1930s National Youth Administration or NYA constructed buildings in the state. We follow the 1920s-era Jefferson Highway route through the field station.

Wildflower Walk
Wednesday, August 9, 2023, from 10:30-11:15 a.m. Meet outside Douglas Lodge. Join us for a walk along the shore of the stunning Lake Itasca as we discover the beautiful August blooms and the uses of these plants for both wildlife and people.

Jr. Naturalist: Geocaching
Wednesday, August 9, 2023, from 2-2:45 p.m. Meet in front of the Lakeside Museum on the picnic grounds and learn about geocaching as we practice using a GPS correctly. Your newfound skill will then be tested by navigating through waypoints until you find the final cache. Kids will be able to take home a tiny prize afterward.

Five Facts in Five Minutes: Turtles of Itasca
Thursday, August 10, 2023, from 10:30-Noon Near the Mississippi Headwaters (under the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center porch if it rains.) Only have a minute to learn about Itasca State Park? Check out a unique feature at the naturalist station as you visit the Headwaters of the Mississippi River.

Archery in the Park
Thursday, August 10, 2023, from 6-7:30 p.m. Meet in the back lot of the Indian Mounds/North Picnic Grounds Parking Area Archery in the Parks is hands-on instruction shooting a bow and arrow from certified instructors in a safe and supportive environment. Aim for a family adventure with kid-friendly equipment for eight and older beginners. Children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult. All equipment is provided. Personal archery equipment is not allowed. Participants will be outside for the program. Be prepared for standing in the sun. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellant, and water. The program is canceled if raining.

Jr. Naturalist: Loons by the Lake
Friday, August 11, 2023, from 2-2:30 p.m.
Meet at the council ring outside the Lakeside Museum on the picnic grounds (near the picnic shelter). What makes the Common Loon (Minnesota’s State Bird) so unique? Kids are welcome to join a naturalist to learn about this fantastic animal and how it has adapted to life on the water.

Old Timer’s Cabin and the Civilian Conservation Corps
Saturday, August 12, 2023, from 12:30-2 p.m. (come and go at your leisure). Held at the Old Timer’s Cabin, located along the boardwalk of Dr. Roberts Trail, below Douglas Lodge, Only 4 (massive) logs tall, learn more about this Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) constructed building and what life was like in the CCC. Feel free to stop by at your leisure.

Jr. Naturalist: Map Masters
Saturday, August 12, 2023, from 2-2:45 p.m. Meet at the council ring outside the Lakeside Museum on the picnic grounds (near the picnic shelter). Kids, come and gain some exploration skills as you begin creating maps and learning how to use a compass. Navigation and finding your way without a phone or GPS could be difficult, but not after learning these helpful skills!

Fruits and Seeds of the Forest, Evening Walk
Saturday, August 12, 2023, from 7-8 p.m. Meet in front of Douglas Lodge. Join us as we explore the outdoors while learning about the fruits and seeds of plants in the forest.

Five Facts in Five Minutes: The Weasel Family
Sunday, August 13, 2023, from 10:30-12 Noon Near the Mississippi Headwaters (under the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center porch if it rains.) Only have a minute to learn about Itasca State Park? As you visit the Headwaters of the Mississippi River, stop by the nature cart and learn about some animals in the weasel family.

Outdoor Kids, Butterflies
Sunday, August 13, 2023, from 2-3:30 p.m. (come and go at your leisure). Meet by the Swim Beach/ Playground (at the south end of the picnic grounds on Lake Itasca). Kids of all ages come out and explore nature at their leisure. This program series allows kids to connect with nature through hands-on activities that focus on life around the lake. Have fun discovering Itasca while hanging out at the swimming beach or playground.

The post ITASCA STATE PARK NATURE PROGRAM-EVENTS AUGUST 8 TO AUGUST 13 appeared first on KROX.