Month: April 2024

The Severe Weather Awareness Week Topic for Thursday is Tornados and Tornado Drill Day with Crookston Firefighter Garrett Bengston. Tornados are nature’s most intense violent storms. Minnesota averages about 40 tornadoes per year.

Bengston began by giving safety tips to those experiencing tornados. “In a house with a basement, avoid the windows, and get to the basement,” said Bengston, “Get under any kind of sturdy protection. You can get under a heavy table or workbench or cover yourself with a mattress or sleeping bag. In a house with no basement, avoid the windows and go to the lowest floor, a small center room like a bathroom or closet, under a stairwell or interior hallway with no windows.”

Those who live in an apartment, dorm, or condo are advised to quickly get to the lowest level of the building. This could include an underground parking garage or a neighbor’s first-floor apartment. You can then move the interior area as quickly as possible. You are advised to exit immediately if you live in a mobile home. “If your home is tied down, you are probably safer outside,” said Bengston, “We do have City Hall downstairs basement available during strong weather. Whether it’s straight-line winds or tornado warnings available at that time.”

Tornado drill day will occur on Thursday, April 1, at 1:45 p.m. By this time, the drill will be activated, and sirens will sound off. However, there is no such thing as an all-clear- siren. The siren will go entirely through all jurisdictions throughout Minnesota, sounding their outdoor warning sirens. Schools, businesses, and other facilities are encouraged to conduct a tornado drill at this time and practice their tornado shelter plans. Bengston also commented that if you have children at home, he highly recommends parents practice tornado drills with them.

There will be another tornado drill at 6:45 p.m. to allow second-shift workers and families at home to practice their sheltering plans. All participation in these drills is voluntary. Bengston would also like to remind people that there is no “All Clear” siren or signal, so he reminds everyone to stay alert and to stay safe.

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The Crookston High School Drama Department held its final rehearsal on Wednesday night in the Crookston High School Auditorium in preparation for the upcoming production of Mean Girls Jr.

The play is based on the 2004 cult classic titled Mean Girls. The story is about a teenage student who moves from Kenya to the United States and experiences High School for the first time after being home-schooled. The story shows all of the highs and lows high school students face and some comical scenes that many high school kids can relate to. “The reason we chose this story is because it’s very current right now,” said Play Director Beth Carlson. “Phyllis (Hagen) and I spoke talked about how every year you have to look at who you have, and the people you think may be coming back. With seniors that graduate and getting new kids, and you never know who’s going to try out.”

Although this play is based on the original film, the Crookston Drama Department has put its own spin on it. Mean Girls Jr. is a musical that causes even more preparation than an outright play. “It’s been a good fit but a little crazy. It’s been a challenge, but I think they’re up for the challenge,” said Carlson. “All of the scene changes and the new costumes (that’s been a bit of a challenge), but we still have a couple of days.”

The showings will be presented this weekend at the CHS auditorium on April 12-14, with each curtain call beginning at 7:30 p.m. The cost to attend for adults is $8, and the cost for students is $5. Tickets will be available from cast members at the door.

19 students are participating in the production of Mean Girls Jr. Below is a list of the cast and crew.

CAST (CHARACTER/STUDENT)
Cady Heron, played by Jaden Newquist
Janis Sarkisian, played by Meliyah Durham Moore
Regina George, played by Rylee Anderson
Damian, played by Zac Plante
Gretchen Weiners, played by Maya Aguilar
Karen Smith, played by Haley Voss
Aaron Samuels, played by Elle Pierson
Ms. Norbury/Mrs. Heron, played by Shayla Azure

ENSEMBLE (CHARACTER/STUDENT)
Mr. Duvall/Shane Oman, played by Ciaran Mulvey
French teacher/Taylor, played by May Cuno
Rachel/Mrs. George/Marymount Contestant, played by Leah Johanneck
Assistant to the Director/Kevin G./Mathlete, played by Aspen Mendez
Glen Coco/Mathlete, played by Harrison Cameron
Sonya Acquino/Marymount Contestant, played by Sophia Fee
Mathlete, played by Emmy Johnson

SOUND AND LIGHTS – Grace Meiners and Nashelle Tellez Vazquez
SET DESIGN/PROPS – Trey Everett and Gary Stegman
DIRECTOR – Beth Carlson
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR – Phyliss Hagen

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Explore the wonders of poetry and the natural world by joining your library for a nature-themed poetry writing workshop. The workshop will be facilitated by Minnesota State University Moorhead professor Kevin Zepper. Attendees will learn the basics of poetry writing, get started on their own pieces, and receive feedback to continue writing

Lake Agassiz Regional Library sponsors Zepper’s tour and will include visits to the following locations:

Detroit Lakes Public Library, 1000 Washington Ave., on Monday, April 15 at 6:30 p.m. Hawley Public Library, 422 Hartford St., on Tuesday, April 16, 5:30 p.m. Bagley Public Library, 79 Spencer Ave., on Friday, April 19 at 5:30 p.m. Climax Public Library, 104 W. Broadway, on Monday, April 22 at 5:30 p.m.
Moorhead Public Library, 118 5th St. S., on Tuesday, April 23, 6:30 p.m.

These programs are offered free of charge, thanks in part to funding from the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund. Learn more at larl.org/legacy.

About Lake Agassiz Regional Library

Lake Agassiz Regional Library is a consolidated public library system comprised of 13 branch libraries and nine LINK sites serving the residents of seven counties in northwest Minnesota. For more information on this and other LARL events and services, contact the Lake Agassiz Regional Library office at 218-233-3757 or online at www.larl.org.

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